HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01-28-12 Special MeetingThe City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Meeting at 9:03 a.m., January 28,
2012, at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, 12400 Columbia Way, Downey California, Mayor
Roger C. Brossmer presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
ALSO PRESENT:
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 28, 2012
Roger C. Brossmer Mayor
David R. Gafin Mayor Pro Tem
Mario A. Guerra
Luis H. Marquez
Fernando Vasquez (arr. 9:44a.m.)
Gilbert Livas, City Manager
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Mayor Brossmer welcomed council members and staff and thanked them for setting up the goal
setting workshop; noted the presence of Facilitator Jan Perkins; and welcomed audience members
Henry Vernacion from the Downey Patriot and Dr. Mary Stauffer in the audience.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Brossmer opened Public Comment at 9:04 a.m. Having no one come forward, Mayor
Brossmer closed Public Comment.
1. City Council Priorities for 2012: Administration.
City Manager Gilbert Livas led a discussion of the 2009 City Council priorities and their status. It was
requested that staff return to Council with reports on the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the
Public Works Yard Consolidation. It was also requested that technology, facilities master planning,
code enforcement, branding and crime prevention be listed as potential 2012 priorities.
Councilmember Vasquez arrived at 9:44 a.m.
The meeting recessed at 10:06 a.m. and resumed at 10:11 a.m.
City Manager Livas briefed the Council on the financial context for setting the 2012 priorities,
including elimination of Redevelopment funds, continuing lagging property taxes, increased sales tax
returns, and very limited staffing.
Mayor Brossmer left at 10:50 a.m.
With Mayor Pro Tem Gafin presiding, the meeting recessed at 11:15 a.m. and resumed at 11:21
a.m.
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Facilitator Jan Perkins led the Council in a discussion of potential priorities, as follows:
1. Budget Health:
a. Balance the budget
b. Decide what services must be provided and what is discretionary; prioritize staffing
needed
c. Maintain existing reserves
d. Increase revenues from receivables for ambulance service fees, parking citations and
grants
2. Governmental Efficiency:
a. Streamline processes to be more effective to address reduced revenue and
teamwork; do things right the first time
b. Utilize technology to increase efficiency (e.g. paying water bills online, paying fines
online, voicemail)
3. Economic Development:
a. Implement Tierra Luna
b. Grow the medical industry
i. Promote the medical industry through health care events
ii. Participate in conferences to promote Downey as a hub of medical providers
c. Strategic plan — Continue to focus on attracting jobs and increased sales tax revenue
d. Local business incentive program
e. Encourage the County to move forward on the Rancho South Campus
f. Market other vacant sites in the city (inventory, promotion)
g. Move to full implementation of the Learning Center
h. Continue improving Downtown
i. "Roll out" the new branding program
j. Institute "one -stop shopping" for business (e.g., help new businesses through our
processes, someone to listen to complaints); Create a Business Advocate
k. Chamber of Commerce — assist in modernizing /encouraging change
4. Quality of Life /Neighborhoods /Infrastructure:
a. Implement improvements in streets, lighting, landscaping and parks
b. Implement 5 -year capital plan
c. Implement new branding program (e.g., new street signs)
d. Highlight the capital improvements being done (signs, ribbon cuttings)
e. Hire a new Parks Director
f. Seek funding for artificial turf soccer fields at Discovery Park
g. Provide for public safety
5. Public Communications /Events:
a. Increase information to residents (e.g. social media, online, newsletters, meetings)
b. Continue participation in community events (e.g., art walks, Taste of Downey)
The meeting recessed at 11:58 a.m. and resumed at 12:29 p.m. with Mayor Brossmer present and
presiding.
The Council requested staff return with a report on the discussed priorities and the resources
necessary as well as the timelines and milestones associated with accomplishment of the priorities.
Further discussion ensued regarding the additional decisions that would be required by the Council
to allocate resources, as well as the potential for department- specific operational reviews and goal
setting. Staff suggested these items be agendized with additional information to assist the Council in
making those decisions.
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STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS:
City Manager Livas thanked the Council for their time and effort in putting together a cohesive work
plan to guide the FY 2012/13 budget process.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 1:23 p.m.
SHANNON DELONG
Assistant to the City Manager
City Council Minutes 1/28/12 -
ROGE . BR SMER, Mayor