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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-PWC-01-19-12 MINUTES CITY OF DOWNEY - PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 19, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT: Martin Susnir, Dist. 1 - Vice-Chair John Oskoui, Director of PW Bill Minasian, Dist. 1 Ed Norris, Deputy Director of PW Patricia Kotze, Dist. 2 - Chair Louis Atwell, Deputy Director of PW Kent Halbmaier, Dist. 2 Lea Sharp, Maintenance Superintendent Joan Frey, Dist. 3 Dan Mueller, Pr. Civil Engineer Stephen Chu, Dist. 3 Gigi Rodriguez, Engineering Div. Secretary Carmen Vasquez, Dist. 4 Agustin Duran, Dist. 4 OTHERS PRESENT Ernie Garcia, Dist. 5 Gerry Andrews MEMBERS ABSENT Brian Andrews Marybeth Vergara, Dist. 5 - Excused Lars Clutterham I. CALL TO ORDER: The Chairperson, Patricia Kotze, called the meeting to order at 4:03 P.M. It was suggested that a round of self-introductions be made on behalf of the new Committee member, Mr. Stephen Chu, representing Council District 3. II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mr. John Oskoui opened the nomination and election of Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson based on the Robert’s Rules of Order. Ms. Patricia Kotze was nominated and unanimously re-elected as Chairperson. Chairperson Kotze opened the nomination for Vice-Chair. Committee Member Martin Susnir was nominated and voted unanimously as Vice Chair. Mr. Oskoui, on behalf of City staff, thanked Chairperson Kotze and Committee Member Ernie Garcia for their services during the past year. III. CONSENT CALENDAR: Vice-Chair Martin Susnir made a motion to approve the Minutes of the October 20, 2012 meeting. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Joan Frey. The Minutes were approved as written. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 19, 2012 Page 2 IV.OLD BUSINESS: Vice-Chair Susnir suggested that staff provide the committee with information regarding water rates and production. Mr. Oskoui responded that Vice-Chair Susnir can email Chairperson Kotze as to the format and frequency the information is to be presented subject to the committee’s approval. V. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Legislative Update Mr. Ed Norris gave updates on the following: a. Abolishment of redevelopment agencies in the local and county governments as of February 1, 2012. b. Senate Bill No. 293 - restriction of retention amounts to 5% for Public Works contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2012. c. Assembly Bill No. 529 - passed on October 7, 2011, modifies the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices on the setting of speed limits. 2. Updates on various projects Mr. Ed Norris gave updates on the following projects: a. Preferrential parking - Dunrobin Avenue south of Imperial Highway - City sent a letter with an attached notice to apartment managers to pass on to tenants to refrain from parking on Dunrobin Avenue and other residential streets south of Imperial Highway. Staff will continue to monitor and give updates periodically on how this measure is working. b. Closure of the Manzanar Tunnel - City to post notices on both sides of the tunnel. In the next three weeks, the gates will be installed. c. Left-turn signals on Imperial Highway at Downey Avenue - Staff has completed the investigation and concluded that left-turn signals are justified and will be included in the next year’s Capital Improvement Program. d. Request to conduct an investigation on the removal of the permit parking spaces within the parking lot east of Downey Avenue between Second and Third Streets. Discussion followed. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE January 19, 2012 Page 3 VI. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Lars Clutterham offered his services to develop a bicycle master plan and locate funding for the City of Downey. Discussion followed. VII. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS Committee Member Frey inquired about a tree that may or may have not been planted by the City at an unspecified address on Gallatin Road at Tweedy Lane. Also, Committee Member Frey indicated that a vehicle frequently parks on the north side of Gallatin Road immediately east of Tweedy Lane (where the street has a more narrow width) which partially blocks the street, making it difficult at times for two-way traffic circulation and suggested the installation of red curb one property to the east to preclude vehicles from parking at this location. Chairperson Kotze reported that traffic backs up on Paramount Boulevard at 2nd Street in the northbound direction during peak periods and, consequently, blocks nd traffic from exiting 2 Street onto Paramount Boulevard. Staff will investigate these issues. VIII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS - None. IX. NEXT MEETING: February 16, 2012 The Public Works Committee meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M.