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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-26-13 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2013 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:42 p.m., February 26, 2013, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Guerra presiding. 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, Parks & Recreation Director Anil Ghandy, Interim Finance Director Gladys Chavez, Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Nancy Hamm of the Christ Lutheran Church. The Flag Salute was led by Lars Clutterham, Public Works Committee, District 5. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Clausen and Vice President Trombley who were in the audience. He reported attending The View ground breaking event. He mentioned the grand opening of Yogurtland and Subway at the Downey Gateway. He reported taking a tour of the Public Works Maintenance Yard, Utilities Yard, and several Well sites. He invited everyone to attend the upcoming Arc Walk for Independence at the Stonewood Mall on March 23. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the State of the City Luncheon on March 20 at the Rio Hondo Golf Club. Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. Council Member Brossmer welcomed Downey Unified School District Board Member Sodetani and former Downey Mayor Cartozian who were in the audience. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013 1 Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez reported attending the North West Downey Little League and the Downey Girls Ponytail League's Opening Day. He thanked those who attended the Parks and Recreation Master Plan meeting held at Wilderness Park; requested staff look into eliminating parking fees at Wilderness Park for Downey residents. He reported attending a meeting with the 1 -5 Freeway Joint Authority Expansion Project team. He welcomed Planning Commissioner Flores and Green Task Force Commissioner Gaytan who were in the audience. Mayor Guerra reported attending a meeting with the Healthy Downey Partners and noted Kaiser Permanente will look into various public service announcements to promote healthy living; he mentioned that the U.S. Army has joined the Healthy Downey initiative, and CVS Pharmacy may become a partner. He stated that Channel 7 News is interested in recording one of the Mayor's Walking Wednesdays and invited the community to participate in the next Walking Wednesday. He reported attending the Downey Girls Ponytail League's Opening Day and stated he was invited to throw the first pitch. He advised he attended a meeting with La Habra Children's Museum, Discovery Museum with Shannon DeLong where a possible joint collaboration was discussed. He stated he will tour the Space and Science Museum in San Diego. He reported on crime statistics emphasizing a decrease in crime and was very proud that the Police Department, led by Chief Charles, has done an exceptional job of keeping the community safe. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Guerra's Healthy Downey weight was 288 pounds. Mayor Guerra presented the Diakonia Award to Kelly Navarro, Downey Resident. Mayor Guerra and Council Member Marquez presented a Certificate of Appointment for Council — District 1 to Janet Molinaro and Steve Perez for their appointment to the Green Task Force; Patrick Owens and Marybeth Vergara (who was not in attendance) for their appointment to the Public Works Committee; Hector Lujan for his appointment to the Planning Commission; and Betty Monroy for her appointment to the Library Advisory Board. Mayor Guerra and Council Member Saab presented a Certificate of Appointment for Council District 5 to Dan Latham and Sally Nunez for their appointment to the Emergency Preparedness Committee; Ricardo Perez for his appointment to the Green Task Force; Lars Clutterham for his appointment to the Public Works Committee; and, Blanca Rochin for her appointment to the Recreation and Community Services Commission. Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation and declared February as American Heart Month. Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation celebrating Monday, March 4, 2013, as the Centennial Anniversary of the United States Department of Labor. PUBLIC HEARING 1. STATEMENT OF ABATEMENT — 8341 DEVENIR AVENUE: Community Development. Y p STAFF IS REQUESTING THAT UPON CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT PREPARED BY THE CITY'S BUILDING OFFICIAL AND ACCOMPANYING ABATEMENT COSTS REGARDING REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8341 DEVENIR AVENUE, DOWNEY, ALONG WITH ANY WRITTEN OBJECTIONS THERETO, THE CITY COUNCIL: A. CONFIRM THE ABATEMENT COSTS AS SET FORTH IN THE BUILDING OFFICIAL'S REPORT AND ATTACHMENTS THERETO; AND, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013 2 B. ORDER THE CONFIRMED CHARGE TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE PROPERTY AT 8341 DEVENIR AVENUE, DOWNEY; AND, C. ORDER THE ASSESSED CHARGE TO BE RECORDED ON THE ASSESSMENT ROLL AS A "SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ". Council Member Saab stepped down from the dias and left the Council Chambers at 8:25 p.m. after advising a conflict of interest as the lender on the subject property is a source of income. Mayor Guerra opened the Public Hearing at 8:23 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez and so ordered to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Community Development Director Saeki stated that the property located at 8341 Devenir Avenue was in serious disrepair lacking maintenance of the exterior and interior, creating a public nuisance. After several years of ignored code enforcement violations, the City issued a Notice of Substandard Building and Public Nuisance and an Order to Vacant on October 12, 2012. After several attempts to reach out to the property owner and the bank, the City proceeded with an abatement of the property from January 24 — 29, 2013. After an immense amount of staff time and legal fees were incurred pursuant to section 1501 of the Uniform Housing Code cost associated with these types of abatement can be confirmed by the City Council and made a special assessment against the property owner which is what staff is recommending tonight. He thanked City staff Scott Jensen, Bill Smith, the Police Department and all other staff involved in the abatement of this property. Mayor Guerra invited the public to speak on this item. There being no speakers, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:29 p.m. Mayor Guerra stated that properties that are in disrepair are not good for a community and he thanked staff for taking action on this matter and resolving the issue. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and passed 4 -1, with Council Member Saab abstaining from consideration, to approve staffs recommendation to confirm abatement costs. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and passed 4 -1, with Council Member Saab abstaining from consideration, to approve staffs recommendation to order the confirmed charges to be assessed. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and passed 4 -1, with Council Member Saab abstaining from consideration, to approve staffs recommendation to record the assessed charges. Council Member Saab returned to the dias at 8:32 p.m. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, and ---- unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar. 2. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of February 12, 2013: City Clerk. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013 3 3. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 274269 — 274616; Wire Nos. 30002852 — 30002860, 30002851 & 30002858, 1053 -1072, in the total amount of $5,997,324.35: Finance. 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 628 - BROOKSHIRE AVENUE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (IMPERIAL HIGHWAY — DAVIS STREET): APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED RE- SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 5. CASH CONTRACT NO. 691 — POLICE TRAINING ROOM — APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 6. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER AND ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AUTHORITY TO • NEGOTIATE WITH CHAMPION AUTOMOTIVE PROPERTIES LLC, STOCKTON WEST LANE PARTNERS AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THE APPROPRIATE EASEMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED FIRESTONE BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: Public Works. 7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7400 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF MARIA LOURDES COTAYA TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: Council Member Saab. 8. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 13-1308, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON FLORENCE AVENUE: Public Works. OTHER BUSINESS: None. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7401, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROCLAIMING ROSCOMMON COUNTY, IRELAND, AS A SISTER CITY TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Administration. Mayor Guerra stated that for the past year he has been meeting with the Senator and the Sister Cities Association about adding Roscommon County as a Sister City to the City of Downey and is very exciting for the City. City Manager Livas stated that the Resolution before Council tonight would establish a formal city affiliation between Roscommon County Ireland and Downey. He stated that Roscommon County is the birth place of the founder of the City of Downey, John Gately Downey. Currently, the City has several other Sister City affiliations with cities in Latin America; therefore, it would be fitting, that the City also have the opportunity to establish a Sister City affiliation with our founding father's hometown. The resolution does not provide travel expenses of any kind; therefore, the Sister Cities Association has agreed to raise the necessary funds for all travel expenses. Mayor Guerra stated in September 1960 the City of Downey and Cuidad Guadalajara were the first Sister Cities in the history of the United States. Sister Cities Association President Mr. Rubio stated he was very excited with the opportunity to represent Downey and mentioned that the Director of Services for Roscommon County Ireland Thomas — Ryan invited the Association to participate in the May 24 inaugural with Downey. He invited everyone to attend an upcoming fundraiser event that will be held at the Columbia Memorial Space Center on April 6 to raise funds for travel expenses. In addition, the Association will hold various monthly fundraisers at local restaurants. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013 4 Long time Downey resident and member of the Sister Cities Association Patrick Gurrola reported on the upcoming fundraiser event at the Columbia Memorial Space Center on April 6 and stated that not only will there be an association with Roscommon County but they will also be indirectly connected with the Euro. Sister Cities Association former President Alda Bob stated that when the opportunity for an affiliation with Roscommon County presented itself it was the perfect opportunity for Downey. Sister Cities Member Martha Sodetani expressed the importance of traveling to visit and experience other communities and have a cultural exchange. She invited everyone to attend the upcoming fundraiser at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Mayor Guerra requested staff look into waiving the fees associated with holding a fundraiser at the Columbia Memorial Space Center for the April 6 event stating it was a non - profit event. He stated he was very excited about a Sister City affiliation with Roscommon County Ireland and that it will be a historic event. It was moved by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Saab, and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT The following people spoke regarding the officer - involved shooting: Terry (no last name provided) Damien Ramirez Jean Thaxton Laura Consentino Mayor Guerra stepped down from the dias and left the Council Chambers at 9:01 p.m. Lars Clutterham, resident, thanked the City for introducing the Healthy Downey initiative; he thanked Council Member Saab for appointing him to the Emergency Preparedness Commission; and, stated he looked forward to the upcoming bicycle master plan. Elsa, resident, expressed opposition of the proposed utility tax increase, large Fire and Police Department pensions, and the upscale low income housing projects the City is working on as it may increase crime. Mayor Guerra returned to the Dias at 9:12 p.m. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Guerra stated that the Diakonia award was named after the first Deacon Saint Stephen and it encourages random acts of kindness. ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., March 12, 20 . I�.rt i" A .- IA M. — IME' EZ, CMC MARIO A. 1 ERRA, Mayor City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013 5