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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 06-10-97 - Regular Meeting 4 I I MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY JUNE 10, 1997 The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:37 p.m., June 10, 1997, in { the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Joyce L. Lawrence presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Joyce L. Lawrence Mayor Barbara J. Riley Mayor ProTem Gary P. McCaughan, M.D. Robert S. Brazelton Keith McCarthy ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Tim McOsker, City Attorney Judith McDonnell, City Clerk - Treasurer Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Greg Caldwell, Police Chief Ron Irwin, Fire Chief James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel, Director of Economic & Community Development Richard Redmayne, Director of Public Works Lowell Williams, Director of Finance Bob Brace, City Engineer Mark Sauter, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Ron Yoshiki, Asst. Director of Community Dev. /City Planner June Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager Shirley Conte, Executive Secretary PRESENTATIONS Council Member Brazelton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Alda Sichting on her appointment to the Emergency Preparedness Committee, District 4. (Nikki Utermohlen was not present to receive her Certificate of Appointment to the Personnel Advisory Board, District 1). Mayor Lawrence presented a Certificate of Recognition to Nicki Rusnick, Principal of Unsworth Elementary School, in honor of the California Distinguished Elementary School Award given to the school last week. Mayor Lawrence presented to Coaches Jeff Halley and Jerry Santillan and team members present a Certificate of Recognition in honor of the American Youth Soccer Organization, Division 3, Girls Region 24, Cultural Exchange Team of Downey becoming the Area Z champions. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -1- HEARINGS: None CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS FOR REMOVAL At the request of Mayor Lawrence, Agenda Item VI -E -4, RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH SATSUMA FOR MAINTENANCE OF RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE; Item VI -E -7 APPROPRIATION FOR STREET TREE TRIMMING PROGRAM; Item VI -E -8 AGREEMENT APPOINTING CITY PROSECUTOR; Item VI -F -2, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, FISCAL YEAR 1997 -98, - RESOLUTION ORDERING ENGINEER'S REPORT, RESOLUTION APPROVING ENGINEER'S REPORT AND RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS; and Item VI -F -3 APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 were removed from the Consent Calendar. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Lawrence and Council Member Brazelton indicated they were absent from the meeting of May 27, 1997, and would abstain from voting on the Minutes. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as recommended (with Mayor Lawrence and Council Member Brazelton abstaining on the Minutes): COUNCIL MINUTES: ADJOURNED AND REGULAR MEETINGS, MAY 27, 1997: Approve. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 456 - PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD: PAVEMENT REHABILITATION (ACCOUNT NO. 54-16456 AND 3646449): Declare the proposal of J. H. Rental, Inc., the apparent low bidder, to be nonresponsive and reject the bid, as required by Section 7028.15 of the California Business and Professions Code; and award a unit p rice Contract, totaling $178,556.75, to the second lowest bidder, PALP, Inc. d.b.a. EXCEL Paving Company: Approve CASH CONTRACT NO. 601 - WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS: Approve extra work improvements pp and accept the mprovements completed for the construction of 12" water distribution mains: Approve. WARRANTS ISSUED: NO. 132585 - 132970, $838,892.48: Approve. APPOINTMENT TO THE BUSINESS RETENTION ATTRACTION IN DOWNEY (BRAID) COMMITTEE - MIKE MURRAY: Approve. AMENDMENT TO JOINT FIRE DISPATCH AGREEMENT: Authorize the Mayor to sign the amendment for a term of six (6) months and an automatic 6 month renewal p eriod thereafter: Approve. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -2- APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FERGUSON GROUP AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY, LEAD AGENCY FOR THE LACDA ALLIANCE: Approve the amendment to the agreement for consulting services: Approve. WATER YARD MASTER PLAN NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Bookman Edmonston Engineering to prepare a Master Plan and Needs Assessment for the refurbishment of the Water Yard: Approve. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIAL MOBILE RELAY SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL: Authorize the City Manager to execute: Approve. RESOLUTION NO. 6061 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING ADMINISTERING AGENCY -STATE MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07 -5334 FOR FEDERAL -AID PROJECTS WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY RESOLUTION NO. 6062 (ADOPT) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. M001 TO ADMINISTERING AGENCY -STATE MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07 -5334 COVERING THE FUNDING AND CONSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD /GALLATIN ROAD, PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD /STEWART & GRAY ROAD AND BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD /STEWART & GRAY ROAD ORDINANCES: None RESOLUTIONS: None ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS UPGRADE - JOINT POWERS COMMUNICATIONS CENTER - RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Assistant Fire Chief Mark Sauter advised the Joint Communications Center for the five member fire departments has been housed at Downey Fire Station No. 1 since 1974. He noted the Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) system has been nearly flawless but has had records management problems and is now approaching its storage capacity. He reviewed the pros and cons of several options considered and advised they are requesting to maintain the existing C.A.D. system and network all pc's to take care of the record management system problems. He discussed the advantages of networking the pc's to allow mass storage and the usage of off- the -shelf software and would allow partner cities to upgrade now or delay upgrading depending on budgetary needs. The Council Minutes 6/10/97 -3- _ . G system proposed is similar to the one used in City Hall and would utilize support from existing computer staff. It would allow for inter -City Hall e-mail as well as e-mail with partner cities. The projected cost is $65- $70,000, which would be reduced by about $20,000 a year in maintenance savings as the servers and pc's would be maintained in -house using mainstream parts and existing g P g staff' Funds requested have already been set aside by the five partner cities. He responded to questions from the Council. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member McCaughan, and unanimously carried to approve expenditures for the design, conversion, required software and a computer server system to replace the existing records management system in the Joint Communications Center. The cities of Downey, Compton, Lynwood, Montebello, and Santa Fe Springs will be equally funding the project utilizing existing set aside funds. OTHER BUSINESS - Consent Calendar - Items removed by Council Approval RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH SATSUMA LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE FOR MAINTENANCE OF RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE Mr. Jarrett advised Satsuma has been the contract provider for turf, landscaped area, irrigation and drainage systems and cart path maintenance services at the golf course. Satsuma provides a high level of service and many compliments have been received from golfers and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The contract expires on June 30th, the proposed five -year agreement has been reviewed, and approval is recommended. Mayor Lawrence referred to Exhibit C, Courtesy Play, where it lists Satsuma partners and employees eligible for courtesy play and asked if this was the same amount of people as in the past contract and the response was it has been expanded by two people. It was noted the reason for courtesy play by maintenance service staff is to have them inspect the course, become familiar with playing conditions, and respond to situations or conditions that need attention. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, commented that many residents have requested free golf play and been turned down. He suggested the Council take this into consideration when allowing the service contractor's employees free play. It was moved by Council Member Riley, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve a five (5) year agreement with Satsuma Landscape and Maintenance for services performed at Downey Rio Hondo Golf Club. APPROPRIATION FOR STREET TREE TRIMMING PROGRAM Mr. Powell noted the Council approved an increase in the contract for tree trimming at the beginning of the fiscal year and it is now being presented for Council's approval to amend the budget in the amount of $121,941. Mayor Lawrence mentioned there have been many positive comments from the public on the tree trimming service. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -4- It was moved by Mayor Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to appropriate $122,000 to the Street Tree Trimming Program that is within the Street Lighting and Landscaping Fund. AGREEMENT APPOINTING THE LAW FIRM OF BURKE, WILLIAMS AND SORENSEN AS CITY PROSECUTOR Mr. Powell explained that with the resignation of the previous City Prosecutor, staff has been in the process of selecting a new City Prosecutor. Proposals were reviewed from ten law firms and two firms were interviewed. Based upon interviews and staff's review of qualifications, it is recommended the firm of Burke, Williams and Sorensen be selected as City Prosecutor. He noted the agreement lists the specific duties, hourly rate, and provides for a four -year agreement with a 30 -day cancellation clause. Mayor Lawrence read the scope of services listed on Exhibit "A ". It was moved by Mayor Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Brazelton, and unanimously carried to approve the agreement appointing the law firm of Burke, Williams and Sorensen as City Prosecutor. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121, 1997 -98 FISCAL YEAR ASSESSMENT LEVY RESOLUTION NO. 6063 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT ON ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997 -98 _._. RESOLUTION NO. 6064 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1997 -98 RESOLUTION NO. 6065 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997 -98 The Resolutions were read by title only. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -5- -' r� Mr. Redmayne advised the City is required under the Lighting and Landscaping Act to set the rates and noted the rates will remain the same or lower. It was moved by Mayor Lawrence, seconded by Council Member Riley, and unanimously carried to waive further reading of the Resolutions and adopt, and set the public hearing for July 8, 1997, at 7 :30 p.m., in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, mentioned because rates have remained the same or lower, this will not require a vote of the people. RESOLUTION NO. 6066 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 -97 AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 (S.B. 821) The Resolution was read by title only. Mr. Redmayne noted star requests Council's authorization every year to expend funds for pedestrian improvements throughout the City. It was moved by Mayor Lawrence, seconded by Council Member McCarthy, and unanimously carried to waive further reading and adopt. Prior to the vote, Council Member McCarthy mentioned a previous request for a sidewalk on the west side of Lakewood Boulevard immediately north of Gardendale Street. He was informed this area is on a project that will go out to bid shortly. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Anita Van Der Linden requested the City install signal sound systems at certain City intersections to assist the blind in crossing the street. She mentioned sending letters to Traffic Engineering and letters sent by various organizations, such as the California Council of the Blind, the Braille Institute, and Guide Dogs of America. Mayor Lawrence requested that copies of the correspondence mentioned by Ms. Van Der Linden be supplied to all Council Members and advised Ms. Van Der Linden that she can expect a response on this matter. Richard B. Pridham, 10402 Bellman Avenue, cited efforts to bring attention to problems he feels need correcting and indicated he would come forward in the future to further discuss these areas and to determine the progress being made. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -6- 4 Bill Ralph, 9239 Raviller Drive, former City employee, addressed a recent letter sent to the City in his effort to solve issues relating to collection of retirement benefits from the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), to which he did not receive a response. He also referenced his consulting agreement with the Central and West Basin. Water District, a copy of which was obtained by the City and a local resident. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee Street, acknowledged he was the citizen that Mr. Ralph mentioned, who had requested a copy of his contract with the Central and West Basin Water District, which is a public document anyone can obtain. He also asked the Council to consider taking public input at future budget study sessions. Mayor Lawrence noted that members of the public were in attendance at the budget study session and did come forward with questions related to the business license tax along with other items. OTHER BUSINESS - Council Members Council Member McCarthy asked if the City's next fee resolution would include an amount to cover the City's removal of temporary signs and the response was yes. Council Member McCarthy mentioned that Downey citizen Andrew Pasmant was recently installed as the City Manager in the City of South Gate. Council Member McCaughan commented on his attendance at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting to discuss the possible privatization of Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and g p subsequent action to seek another independent auditor to report to the board in closed session prior to making their final decision. He asked the citizens and newspapers to keep a close watch on this. Council Member McCaughan mentioned his attendance at the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) meeting where all the cities in the area (about 25) get together to discuss common problems or political initiatives. He mentioned the COG has received critical feedback from other areas of the country stating it is being too aggressive. He felt the organization has great potential. Mayor Lawrence mentioned a letter of thanks from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works regarding the hazardous waste roundup held at the Boeing -North American facility on May 31st. Mayor Lawrence advised she received a letter from a resident complaining about a private residence on her street that appears to be operating as a church without appropriate permits. She requested that staff check into this. Mayor Lawrence mentioned the anticipated opening of the new movie theatre and expressed a desire to work with the City Manager and staff between now and the next Council Meeting to present a plan to spruce up Downey Avenue. There being no objections, it was so ordered. Council Minutes 6/10/97 -7.- OTHER BUSINESS - Staff Members Mr. Caton pointed out that Senator Tom Hayden has a bill, SB 1188, that makes it more difficult to complete the flood control project, which should be completely designed by the end of the year from the ocean to the Whittier Narrows Dam. He hoped that Congress would be increasing the President's allocation to $40 million, noting the sooner the project is completed, the sooner the possible impact of mandatory flood insurance would be eliminated. Mr. Caton congratulated Andy Pasmant on becoming the City Manager of South Gate noting Mr. Pasmant lives in the City of Downey along with the City Managers of Maywood, Covina, Vernon, Huntington Park and Commerce, who also make Downey their home. Mr. Caton noted, of the sidewalk improvements approved this evening, one is located in Council Member Brazelton's district. Mr. Caton stated the scheduling of bus bench removal and installation, mentioned by Council Member McCarthy at the last Council Meeting, will be on the next Agenda. It is hoped this project is completed by the end of summer. The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:59 p.m. (see Minutes of June 10, 1997, Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council /Community Development Commission Meetin g) , at which time Mayor Lawrence indicated she would abstain from participating and left the dais. The meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m. with Council Members McCaughan, Riley, Brazelton, McCarthy present, and Mayor Lawrence absent. ADJOURNMENT: 9:45 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., June 24, 1997, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall. Judith E. McDonnell, City Clerk J6yc L. Lawrence, Mayor H:\CCLERK\SCONTE\MjNUT S\CCMIN6lO.WPD Council Minutes 6/10/97 -8-