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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01-08-13 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 8, 2013 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m., January 8, 2013, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Guerra. PRESENT: Council Members: Mario A. Guerra Mayor Fernando Vasquez Mayor Pro Tem Roger C. Brossmer Luis H. Marquez Alex Saab ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager /City Treasurer Yvette M. Abich- Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, CMC City Clerk Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief Carl Charles, Police Chief Brian Saeki, Community Development Director Arlene Salazar, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Anil Ghandy, Interim Finance Director Gladys Chavez, Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Larry J. Larsen, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints. The Flag Salute was led by Fire Chief Lonnie Croom. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab hoped everyone enjoyed the holidays. Council Member Brossmer wished everyone a Happy New Year. Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez reported attending a celebration at the United Methodist Church where they recognized four local Eagle Scout members; attended a Kiwanis Club of Downey event; he recognized former Mayor Cartozian and members of the Downey Youth Commission who were in the audience. Mayor Guerra thanked the community for all of their well wishes received after his eye surgery; requested staff look into a resolution giving preference to Downey businesses; reported on a possible Sister Cities affiliation with Roscommon County Ireland that would include a cultural event; requested - staff include in future street projects the ability to turn left on Columbia Way when traveling southbound; requested staff amend the City's garage sale Ordinance to allow non - profits the opportunity to hold City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 1 garage sales; requested staff contact NASA in Orlando, Florida to possibly obtain artifacts for the City's Space Center museum; he thanked Fire Chief Croom, the Fire Department, and the City Manager for securing a $1.9 FEMA grant that will allow the City to bring back a previously closed Fire Station; and, he reported that the first Mayor's Walking Wednesdays will start on January 16, 2013. PRESENTATIONS Mike Richie, Marine Force Protection Medic, presented Mayor Guerra with a flag flown over the compound of the 3 Marine Aircraft Wing Forward headquarters in Afghanistan. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. LOAN APPLICATION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3 MILLION TO DEVELOP A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER AT THE DISCOVERY PARK COMPLEX: Community Development. Mayor Guerra opened the Public Hearing at 7:33 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and so ordered to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Community Development Director Saeki requested authorization to submit an application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Section 108 Program for a $3,000,000 allocation to fund the construction of a Neighborhood Center at the Discovery Park Complex and to approve the change in the 2012/2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan that was approved by the City Council in May 2012. The new proposed facility would include a community meeting space and an activity space. He stated the City has used the Section 108 Program in the past to fund improvement projects to the Barbara J. Riley Center, to acquire property for economic development purposes, and to fund the Discover Park project. Staff is proposing to structure the loan in two parts with the entire note being for a period of 20 years. Years 1 -4 would be interest only with an annual payment of $100,000 and would allow the City to meet its existing Section 108 obligations. Years 5 -20 would include the principle and an interest payment totaling $300,000. Once the application is submitted to HUD there is a 3 -6 month processing period. If the project is approved by HUD the bonds would be issued in October or November. Tonight's public hearing is being held to amend the 2012/2013 CDBG Action Plan and to add the proposed project to this fiscal years list of projects the City will be pursuing. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked what the debt coverage ratio would be and what the square footage of the community space was. Community Development Director Saeki stated it would be a 50% debt coverage ratio. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that the square footage for the community space would be between 2,000-3,500 square feet. Mayor Guerra invited the public to speak on this item. There being no speakers, it was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, and so ordered by the Mayor to close Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, and - unanimously carried to approve the Resolution. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 2 NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT The following people spoke regarding the officer - involved shooting: Terry Ramirez Damien Ramirez Veronica Torres Jean Thaxton Rene (no last name provided) Terry (no last name provided) Susan Thaxton Joyce Luna Christie Melby- Gibbons, Reverend of the Moravian Church of Downey, spoke about upcoming volunteering efforts in the City to tackle homelessness. Diego, Warren High School student, invited the Mayor to view a project the school is currently working on. John Lacey, resident, wished everyone a happy and healthy new year and reported on a news article regarding cross training the police and fire department that resulted in cost saving and helped save lives. Bill Minasian, Public Works Committee Member, spoke about the calming traffic project that was recently completed and the cost savings to the City. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 595 PARAMOUNT REHABILITATION (FLORENCE AVENUE TO LUBEC STREET). AWARD CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $753,894.65 TO R.J. NOBLE COMPANY. Public Works. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez and is listed under Other Business. 5. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 613 — WOODRUFF AVENUE AT VIA AMORITA TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION PROJECT — APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION FOR BIDS; EXECUTE PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT; AND, A. ADOPT RESOLUTION 12- OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 033-N TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY — STATE MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07- 5334R. Public Works. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez and is listed under Other Business. 7. AUTHORIZE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH NORTHWEST DOWNEY LITTLE LEAGUE FOR INSTALLATION OF TWO ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARDS AT FURMAN PARK. Parks & Recreation. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez and is listed under Other Business. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar as amended. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 3 2. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned Meeting of December 6, 2012; Adjourned and Regular Meetings of December 11, 2012; Special Meeting of December 18, 2012: City Clerk. 3. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 273018 — 273531; Wire Nos. 30002805 & 30002808 & 30002811 — 30002830, 30002821 & 30002828, 1004 -1028, in the total amount of $7,768,372.46: Finance. 6. CASH CONTRACT NO. 638 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT AREA "C ", APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION, ACCEPTED COMPLETION OF, AND DIRECTED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION. Public Works. 8. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS NECESSSARY TO RECEIVE AND EXPEND AWARDED GRANT FUNDS FOR 2013 FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) CALL FOR PROJECTS; AND, A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION 13 -7389, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2013 LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) CALL FOR PROJECTS. Public Works. 9. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR STORMWATER PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND NPDES /MS4 PERMIT COMPLIANCE SERVICES WITH JOHN L. HUNTER AND ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR $99,570. Public Works. 10. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2013. City Council. OTHER BUSINESS 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 595 PARAMOUNT REHABILITATION (FLORENCE AVENUE TO LUBEC STREET). AWARD CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $753,894.65 TO R.J. NOBLE COMPANY. Public Works. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked what the hours of operation would be expressing concern with the section of the project located south of Florence Avenue and the negative impact it will have on traffic; if the funds were earmarked for Paramount Boulevard only or could they be used for other streets improvement projects; and, stressed the importance of street improvements on Lakewood Boulevard - north of Florence Avenue and requested it be included in the new fiscal budget. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that on a previous street rehabilitation project the contracted requested to work in the evening. For this current project, once the contract has been awarded the hours of operation can be negotiated with the contractor. He stated that the funds, once approved for a specific project in the fiscal budget, must be used solely for that purpose. City Manager Livas stated that the cash contract would be amended to include evening business hours prior to going out to bid. Mayor Guerra asked how this project was going to improve the flow of traffic heading north on _ Paramount Boulevard just south of Florence Avenue and if upgrades to the medians were included in this project. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 4 Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that this was a pavement rehabilitation project therefore, traffic concerns would not be directly improved however, the City is aware of the traffic congestion issues and they will be addressed separately. He mentioned that this project will not address the medians but the City is looking into grants in order to be able to modify the existing layout of the median islands. Council Member Brossmer stated he wanted to see the funds applied only to street rehabilitation projects. City Manager Livas stated that if budget allows, the City can look at upgrading the medians. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and unanimously carried to approve as amended. 5. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 613 — WOODRUFF AVENUE AT VIA AMORITA TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION PROJECT — APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION FOR BIDS; EXECUTE PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT; AND, A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13 -7388, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 033 -N TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY — STATE MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07 -5334R Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked if the crossing guard would remain after the installation of the new traffic signal and if the residents had been notified. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that the crossing guard would remain and residents had not been notified only the school. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. 7. AUTHORIZE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH NORTHWEST DOWNEY LITTLE LEAGUE FOR INSTALLATION OF TWO ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARDS AT FURMAN PARK. Parks & Recreation. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked if there were any anticipated delays that would impede the score board from being operational before opening day of the Little League on February 23, 2013. Interim Parks & Recreation Director Salazar stated that assuming all of the conditions are met there should be no problem in having the score board ready for opening day. Mayor Guerra asked if the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was written to include maintenance of the board being the responsibility of Northwest Downey Little League and if residents would be able to use it. Interim Parks & Recreation Director Salazar stated that maintenance would be done by Northwest Downey Little League and the score board is open to the public. If a resident wanted to utilize the score board the City would ask for a reimbursement for the use of electricity. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and _ unanimously carried to approve staff's recommendations. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 5 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS. None COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTED ITEM 11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7390, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY STATING SUPPORT OF THE TRANSFER OF ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ONT) TO LOCAL CONTROL: Mayor Guerra. Southern California Association of Government (SCAG) Member of the City of Ontario asked for support in endorsing local control of the Ontario Airport stating it is currently under the control of the City of Los Angeles. The Airport has suffered significantly due to the economy and as part of a recovery effort the City of Ontario is requesting the City of Downey's support in passing a Resolution in favor of this effort. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas introduced and welcomed Interim Director of Finance Anil Ghandy; congratulated Community Development Director Saeki on receiving approval for the commencement of The View Project; and, congratulated Fire Chief Croom on securing a $1.9 million grant to restore fire services to Fire Station 1. Mayor Guerra mentioned that Mayor's Walking Wednesdays will commence on January 16; requested staff set as future goals: installing 10 utility power boxes using public art funds; look into -- pocket parks; and, continue working on developing walking trails throughout the City. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez mentioned he would also like to set as a future goal for the installation of bike racks as seen in neighboring cities. ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., January 22, 2013, in memory of Lucille Beserra Roybal, mother of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal- Allard. --\ -') • I 4, ''' 11 r k---A., 64/LL-, 0 Ilk ‘f 1 /7//, i C'E 6 *--t.e‘ : ADRIA M. JIME EZ, CMC MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2013 6