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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10-23-12 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 23, 2012 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m., October 23, 2012, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Brossmer presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Roger C. Brossmer Mayor David R. Gafin Mayor Pro Tem Mario A. Guerra Luis H. Marquez Fernando Vasquez ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager /City Treasurer Yvette M. Abich- Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, City Clerk Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief Rick Esteves, Chief of Police Arlene Salazar, Interim Parks & Recreation Director John Michicoff, Finance Director Gladys Chavez, Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Chris Stewart, Trinity Baptist Church. The Flag Salute was led by Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Vasquez recognized Emergency Preparedness Commissioner LeaAnn Sears and members of the Soroptimist Club who were in the audience; reported attending the Grand Opening of the Downey Art Vibe Stay Gallery; and, mentioned the upcoming "Dia de Los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" event that will be hosted by the Downey Art Vibe Stay Gallery on October 31, 2012. Council Member Marquez reported on the re- dedication of the Downey Skate Park to the Meredith H. Perkins Skate Park in honor of former Mayor Meredith Perkins; and, mentioned the upcoming Annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch Event at the Barbara J. Riley Community Center on October 31, 2012. Council Member Guerra mentioned the upcoming Annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch Event at the Barbara J. Riley Community Center on October 31, 2012. The event is co- sponsored by the City of Downey, Optimist Club and Soroptimist International of Downey; reported attending two budget sub- committee meetings and advised that it was the subcommittee's recommendation to reduce the number of required furlough days from eight to six days and reported that revenue was upl 0% from the amount budgeted. He recognized Chamber of Commerce President Elect Alex Saab who was in the audience; thanked all of the residents who attended the City's Annual Town Hall Meeting; requested staff review the following items: need for crosswalks on the corner of Rives Drive and Quill Avenue and graffiti on inoperative telephone booths. He reported attending a neighborhood watch meeting where street lighting concerns on Leeds Street was reported. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 1 Mayor Pro Tem Gafin recognized President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce Patricia Kotze- Ramos who was in the audience; and, mentioned the upcoming Election and encouraged residents to vote. Mayor Brossmer thanked the Downey Chamber of Commerce for hosting the candidate forum; g , thanked Council Member Guerra for his participation in the City's Annual Town Hall Meeting; and, introduced Representative Cory Allen of Assemblymember Ricardo Lara's Office. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Brossmer presented a Proclamation to Gigi Saab, Soroptimist President, and proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and, November as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. N ON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Corey Allen, representative of the 50th Assembly District of Assemblymember Ricardo Lara's Office, provided legislative updates. He reported that 23 of 24 legislative bills sent to the Governor by Assemblymember Lara had been approved. Sean Moore, resident on Priscilla Street, spoke about the need for street pavement improvements and street parking concerns. He requested more police and code enforcement presence. Mayor Brossmer requested Mr. Moore speak to Public Work Director Oskoui and Police Chief Esteves to have his concerns addressed. Council Member Guerra suggested a neighborhood watch program be formed. Shawna Thomas, resident of Dolan Avenue, reported on recent incidents of crime on her street and requested more police presence especially in the morning when children are walking to and from school. Mayor Brossmer directed Ms. Thomas to Police Chief Esteves for assistance. Council Member Guerra suggested a neighborhood watch program be formed. Council Member Vasquez requested the City's Crime Suppression Team also get involved to address some of Ms. Thomas' concerns. Enriquez Esparsa, resident of Belcher Street, requested the City invest in technology and consider installing FIOS. Mayor Brossmer requested Assistant to the City Manager DeLong speak with Mr. Esparsa. Elsa, resident, spoke about the request of the Downey Fire Department to contract with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. She expressed disagreement with the decision. Juanita Morales, resident, spoke about the Razorbacks a Youth Football Organization in Downey. She expressed concern for the treatment of the children in the program and requested that the Parks & �--� Recreation Department address all concerns. Mayor Brossmer requested Parks & Recreation Director Salazar continue addressing concerns regarding the youth football program. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 2 Neil Mongan, resident, spoke about his disagreement with the Downey Fire Department wanting to contract with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He stated the Downey Fire Department belongs to the residents, not the Fire Union. The following people spoke regarding the officer - involved shooting: Tim Jean Thaxton Damien Ramirez Mariah Terry Susan Thaxton Michael Nida Debbie Mayor Brossmer recessed the City Council Meeting and called to order the Regular Successor Agency to the Former Community Development Commission Meeting. Chair Brossmer adjourned the Regular Successor Agency to the Former Community Development Commission Meeting at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened the City Council Meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED 6. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH S & S LABARGE, INC. FOR GOLF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Community Services. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business. 12. AMEND SPEED LIMITS ON ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET: Public Works. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business. A. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 12- , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON ARDIS AVENUE; B. APPROVED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET; AND, C. APPROPRIATED $7,800 IN GAS TAX FUNDS TO FUND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEENFOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, with Mayor Brossmer abstaining from Item No. 7, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, including Item No. 3 as amended. 3. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of October 9, 2012: City Clerk. 4. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 271406 — 271871; Wire Nos. 30002762 — 30002771 and, 960 — 965; Cashier Check No.14, in the total amount of $ 3,074,137.46: Finance. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 3 5. CASH CONTRACT NO. 692/693 - COLUMBIA WAY /BROOKSHIRE AVENUE WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $688,263.50 TO CEDRO CONSTRUCTION, INC.: Public Works. P•-■ 7. APPROVED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM: Police. 8. APPROVED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE LOS ANGELES (MOU) COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) FOR PAYMENT FOR REPORTING FY 2009 NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE INFORMATION: Community Services. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 12-7378, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING AND RESTATING THE CITY OF DOWNEY FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Human Resources. 10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 12-7379, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTNG MIKE HEMSATH TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3: Mayor Brossmer. 11. APPROVED THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER (OR DESIGNEE) TO SIGN APPLICATIONS AND SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM GRANT: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS f § 6. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH S & S LABARGE, INC. FOR GOLF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Community Services. Council Member Guerra stated that the golf course is well run but he would like to add some basic guidelines to the agreement before voting in favor of it. He requested the City's Parks and Recreation Commission along with the City Attorney work on adding a dress code policy and playing rules. He also suggested the ability to promote the City's golf course and support local non - profit organizations by offering door prizes or raffle prizes in the form of tickets for free golf games. City Attorney Abich- Garcia read allowed Exhibit D, "additional courtesy play and pre -use of carts maybe authorized by the City Manager and City Council for other purposes that will benefit the City." Council Member Guerra emphasized that he did not want that privilege abused and perhaps adding a limit to how many golf games can be raffled per year would be a good idea. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and unanimously carried to approve the recommendation as amended. 12. AMEND SPEED LIMITS ON ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET: Public Works. A. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 12- . AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON ARDIS AVENUE; City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 4 B. APPROVED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEEN FOSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET; AND, C. APPROPRIATED $7,800 IN GAS TAX FUNDS TO FUND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPEED HUMP DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ALONG ARDIS AVENUE BETWEENFCSTER ROAD AND ANGELL STREET. Council Member Guerra stated that the residents on Ardis Avenue volunteered to participate in a trial speed hump study program. The funding for two speed humps would not come from the General Funds but rather a Gas Tax Fund. He along with Assistant City Manager Oskoui and Mayor Pro Tem Gafin canvassed the street to get the right type of speed humps, they spoke to the residents living directly in front of where the speed hump would be located; and, he also mentioned that some of the residents of Ardis Avenue were in attendance. Mayor Brossmer invited the public to speak on this item. Chris Branuellas, resident, spoke about a safety concern on the 13200 block of Ardis Avenue. He stated that traffic from the Hospital causes unsafe conditions when patients or staff exit southbound onto Ardis Street. Mayor Brossmer asked resident Branuellas and all of the residents of Ardis Avenue that were in attendance if they understood both the positive and negative effects of living near a speed hump. Resident Branuellas stated he was well aware of the negatives and positives of having a speed hump on a residential street. All of the residents in attendance, by a nod of their head motioned that they understood both the negatives and the positives of living near a speed hump. Council Member Vasquez asked for a show of hands of the homeowners that would have a speed hump installed directly in front of their home. He wanted to confirm those homeowners were present and understood the positives and negatives of speed humps. Council Member Marquez thanked the residents for working with the City in coming up with a solution to their concern. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin thanked the residents for bringing this traffic safety concern to the City's attention and for their patience during the testing process. He stated that after the twelve month period is over another traffic study will be conducted and input from the residents will be solicited. Council Member Guerra gave the dimensions of the speed humps, which will be 3.5" high and 7' long and he thanked the residents for being part of this test. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Marquez and unanimously carried to introduce the Ordinance, and approve staffs recommendations. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas congratulated Police Chief Esteves on his upcoming retirement and thanked • • him for his 29 years of dedicated service to the City. Police Chief Esteves thanked his staff for their dignity and heroic service to the City and stated it had been a privilege to serve the City of Downey. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 5 City Manager Livas announced that the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Captain Carl Charles as the next Downey Chief of Police effective upon Police Chief Esteves' retirement on December 2012. Captain Carl Charles stated he was honored by his appointment and he looks forward to serving g the citizens of Downey. ADJOURNMENT The regular City Council Meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. to 6:30 .m., November 13 2012. / — ciA4 A, • ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, CMC RO t =R C. BROSSMER, Mayor City Clerk 1 j City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2012 6