HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01-24-12 Regular MeetingALSO PRESENT:
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2012
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:36 p.m., January 24,
2012, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Roger C. Brossmer presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Roger C. Brossmer Mayor
David R. Gafin Mayor Pro Tem
Mario A. Guerra
Luis H. Marquez
Fernando Vasquez
Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Adria Jimenez, City Clerk
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager /City Treasurer
Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief
Rick Esteves, Police Chief
John Michicoff, Finance Director
Arlene Salazar, Interim Community Services Director
Brian Saeki, Community Development Director
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Shirley Conte, Secretary to the City Council
Other City Staff
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS:
Council Member Guerra mentioned attending the 102n and 103 Neighborhood Watch
Meetings; the Downey Chamber of Commerce mixer at The Daily Drip Cafe; a Branding
Subcommittee meeting; a Downtown Subcommittee meeting; noted Sunday begins Catholic
Schools' Week at St. Raymond's Catholic Church; and advised he and Mayor Brossmer hosted a
City Hall tour for approximately 40 students from south China, along with Warren High School
students and Downey Unified School District personnel. He asked staff to look into adding marked
parking lines on the east side of Downey Avenue in the Downtown area.
Council Member Vasquez advised he would attend an educational seminar this Saturday at
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center on geriatrics and Alzheimer's; the Council goal
setting meeting at the Columbia Space Center on Saturday; and attended a Southeast Los Angeles
County Workforce Investment Board (SELACO WIB) meeting last Tuesday. He requested staff
consider increasing the current three percent preferential opportunity given to local businesses
during the bid process.
Mayor Brossmer advised he attended the grand opening of Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in
Downey Landing. He noted speaking to Rio Hondo Elementary School's Associated Student Body
4 and 5 graders and thanked them for the opportunity.
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PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Brossmer and Fire Chief Croom presented the Fire Department's first Medals of Merit
Awards to citizens Judith Serna, Gregory Wells and Esther Brossmer. Chief Croom stated they
have shown true citizenship, humanity and courage in service to the Downey community and
described the incidents of merit in which each was involved.
Mayor Brossmer explained the City's Military Banner Program and noted one of his goals as
Mayor was to recognize the families of the veterans who have returned from serving our country.
He presented the banners that had been flown during the past year along with Certificates of
Recognition for Steven Jeffrey Mains, United States Army, 30 -year veteran, to his parents, Pete and
Ginie; for Angela Loya Ford, United States Army, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, to her
grandfather Gabriel Loya; for Marco Julio Barrera, United States Army, 24 -year veteran, to his
parents Julio and Julia; and for Steven Marcos Yniguez, Jr., United States Marine Corps, served in
Operation Iraqi Freedom, to his parents Steven Sr. and Darlene.
The meeting recessed at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:08 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
The following people spoke regarding the recent officer involved shooting.
Gene Thaxton
Deborah (no last name)
Lauren Bastivas
Coyt Bird
Nicki Otto
Doug Kauffman
Damien Ramirez
Ronald Bouris
Mariah (no last name)
Augustine Zavala
Kim Hunter
Terri Tamara
Laura Cozantino
Greta Campbell suggested the City adopt a living wage law similar to those adopted by the
cities of San Francisco and Santa Monica. She referred to previous comments and commended the
Downey Police Department, stating she has always been treated professionally and with respect.
Steve Stahavich, property owner on Elm Vista Drive, referred to an incident on his street last
night and requested cameras be installed. He suggested Mayor Pro Tem Gafin speak with residents
to see how they feel about the installation of cameras. He was referred to speak with Chief Esteves
after the meeting.
Emery Sipos, resident, stated he was born in a communist country and is glad to live in
America where he can speak his mind and is glad to live in Downey where he feels safe.
The meeting recessed at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:22 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
The meeting recessed at 9:23 p.m. and reconvened at 9:38 p.m., with all Council Members
present.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED: None.
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CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Guerra referred to the January 10, 2012 City Council Minutes and stated he
would like the comments on why he voted no on Item 12, Urgency Ordinance amending the contract
between the City Council and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees
Retirement System added into the record.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and
unanimously carried, to approve the Consent Calendar Items, with the amendment to the Regular
Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2012, as noted.
1. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of January 10,
2012: City Clerk.
2. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 264786 — 265136; Wire Nos. 30002574 —
30002582 and 832 — 840; in the total amount off $3,564,246.72: Finance.
3. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 12 -7320 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION AND ESTABLISHING
THE SALARY RANGE FOR THE POSITION OF REGIONAL FIRE COMMUNICATIONS
LEAD OPERATOR: Human Resources.
4. TIERRA LUNA MARKETPLACE PROJECT: Community Development.
A. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 12 -1299 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY LANDING SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE TIERRA
LUNA MARKETPLACE PROJECT.
B. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 12 -1300 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT PLN -11 -00136 FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE 77 -ACRE SITE AT 12214 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD BY
MANARINO REALTY LLC, ON PROPERTY ZONE AMENDED DOWNEY LANDING
SPECIFIC PLAN.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
5. DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FUNDING: Community Development.
Community Development Director Saeki advised staff is requesting direction from Council
regarding annual funding the City provides to the Downey Chamber of Commerce, previously
supplied from redevelopment funds which are now no longer available. He referred to events and
duties the Chamber provides to the City and its citizens and noted the Council has several options:
1. Fund the subsidy from the General Fund; 2. Fund a portion of the subsidy; and, 3. Not fund the
subsidy. He advised more than 70 percent of the City's subsidy pays for overtime costs for City
assistance during the Street Faire and Christmas Parade. He noted the parade has already taken
place and the Street Faire is currently in the planning process.
Mike Murray, President of the Chamber, stated an investment in the Chamber of Commerce
is a small investment for the services provided. He said the Chamber supports the City's
businesses, holds ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and needs support from the City to do so.
Sue Nordin, Executive Director, stated the Chamber promotes the City as well as the
Chamber. She noted the Street Faire brings 10,000 people and the Christmas Parade 5,000 people
to the City which supports local businesses. She said the Chamber keeps in contact with
businesses to keep them in the City.
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Mayor Brossmer asked what is the total Chamber budget.
Ms. Nordin advised it is approximately $311,000.
Maria Larkin, Parade Chairperson, stated it would be a shame if the City did not have the
annual Christmas Parade and noted last year was the biggest attendance ever. She said the
Chamber promotes businesses at the parade with name banners.
Patricia Kotze, resident, business owner and President -Elect of the Chamber for next year,
noted she serves as Chair for the Business Watch Committee, which distributes safety information
for businesses. She said Chamber staff are dedicated and work with new businesses. She asked
for consideration of continuing this funding.
John Quagliani, Board Member of the Chamber, stated the Board has to monitor what is
spent and judge what is the best utilization of funds to benefit the City. He asked the City to fund the
$33,000 to the Chamber and noted the City will be the true benefactor.
Joel Burg, Downey Integrated Welding Center, stated he receives a lot of benefits from the
Chamber and noted 40 percent of his business is from Chamber members. He requested
continuation of the funding.
Beth Trombley, Kaiser Permanente, stated she understands the position the City is in but did
not want the City to underestimate the value of the Chamber to large businesses. She noted she
serves on the Chamber Board of Directors and mentioned business and employee connections
Kaiser has received from its membership in the Chamber.
Harold Tseklenis, stated the Chamber provides two of the most significant events in the City,
the Christmas Parade and the Street Faire, which are a matter of pride for the citizens and is an
investment in the community.
John Lacey, supported the request to fund the full amount to the Chamber and felt the City
and Chamber should work hand -in -hand to achieve the goal of a strong economic business base.
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin advised he is the City's liaison to the Chamber and has been a
national member in standing of the Chamber for many years. He noted the City has supplemented
funding for the Chamber for the last 30+ years for the purpose of promoting business. He said there
is a cost associated in promoting the City in different projects. He noted some of the $33,000
supplement budgeted last June has already been expended and it would create a serious financial
issue for the Chamber if the funds were not received. He felt the City should fund the supplement
from the General Fund this year, noting future years can be discussed during the next budget.
Council Member Guerra stated we have a three million dollar deficit in our budget due to the
Governor eliminating redevelopment agencies, which will result in possible layoffs. He noted he is a
Chamber member and feels the Chamber is a good business partner and works well with the City.
He is in favor of funding the supplement but with the caveat that Mayor Pro Tem Gafin serve on the
Christmas Parade and Street Faire committees to provide a say in the events.
Council Member Vasquez asked what percentage of the Chamber's budget is for salaries
and commissions, and how much is spent on the Street Faire and Christmas Parade. He stated he
would support funding this year as the City has already committed funds, but stated the City is in a
tough position for future commitments.
Executive Director Nordin estimated 25 -30 percent of the Chamber's budget is allocated for
salaries and said approximately $18,000 is expended for the Street Faire, with City costs of about
$7,000, and another $18,000 for the Christmas parade, which includes City costs.
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Council Member Marquez echoed the other Council Members, noting this will be a very
tough year. He said the Chamber is a very important asset to the City. He suggested information
on the Chamber's budget would be helpful to give Council a detailed look at what is spent on
staffing, programs, etc., and noted the City's commitment this year is a one year commitment.
Mayor Brossmer shared the sentiments of the other Council Members regarding State
mandates causing this consideration. He said good cities have good Chambers and said one of his
goals for his first 100 days as Mayor was to speak with the Chamber on how to improve services.
He advised City Manager Livas will share some concepts. He noted his disappointment with the
lack of preparation regarding budget numbers, membership numbers, graphs and requested better
preparation for next year's budget consideration.
City Manager Livas stated the City would like to provide technical assistance on the
economic development side. He mentioned workforce development programs the City can help Zink
to some businesses. He said the City wants to partner with college business management
development departments to provide technical assistance and ways to outreach and foster the
Chamber's efforts. He advised Community Development Director Saeki will be contacting the
Chamber to work this out as we move forward to do as much as possible before the next budget.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and
unanimously carried to continue funding of $33,000 with the caviat that the City's Chamber liaison,
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, serve on the Street Faire and Christmas Parade committees.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., February 14, 2012, in memory of Stanley
Diller, longtime Downey business owner; and in memory of the anniversaries of the Apollo 1 Space
Shuttle Crew; Challenger Space Shuttle Crew; and, Columbia Space Shuttle Crew.
ADRIA M. JIMENJEZ, CMC
City Clerk
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ROGEFk C. BROSgMER, Mayor