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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 03-26-13 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2013 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:31 p.m., March 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 Chaplain Steve Mitchell of the Downey Regional Medical Center. The Flag Salute was led by Mark Echmalian, longtime Downey resident. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported that Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) has been canvassing the City educating residents on City Ordinances as they relate to pets and licensing. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez stated he attended a tour of construction improvements at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center; attended a neighborhood watch meeting; attended a meeting with the 1 -5 Freeway Joint Authority Expansion Project team and stated a community outreach meeting will be scheduled in the near future for residents to attend. He stated that the Bicycle Coalition of Downey will be meeting at Furman Park March 30; the Kiwanis One Day event will be held April 6 at Downey High School and stated various media outlets will attend. He welcomed Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Sears, the Downey Youth Commission and the Miss Downey Court who were in the audience. Council Member Saab welcomed interim Director of the Chamber of Commerce Leigh Clausen, President Patricia Kotze- Ramos, and Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia who were in the audience. He invited everyone to attend the "Ricky Nelson Remembered" Concert on April 12 at the Downey Civic Theater, the State of the City luncheon at the Rio Hondo Event Center April 24 where Mayor Guerra will City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2013 1 be the guest speaker; Saturday Science Exoplanets on March 30 and a free teacher workshop on April 20 at the Columbia Memorial Space Center and, a blood drive that will be held at City Hall on April 4. He reported attending a luncheon sponsored by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia where the "Distinguished Woman of the 58 District" were honored. He invited everyone to watch a news segment filmed by Channel 7 Vista L.A that featured L.A Buns and Stay Gallery located in the City's downtown area. He reported attending the Downey Masonic United Lodge No. 220 "Public Safety Employees of the Year" event where Fire personnel Tracy Gonzales and Renick Sampson and Police personnel Lee Cole, Rolando Renteria, and Mark Caswell were honored. He wished everyone a happy Persian New Year. He requested staff review procedures for removing or replacing faded military banners primarily along Firestone Boulevard, and requested staff address the increase of abandoned shopping carts and other discarded furniture items in the City. Mayor Guerra reported participating in the Arc Walk for Independence event held at Stonewood Mall. He requested staff look into an increase of business advertisement flyers posted on City street light poles and trees. He reported being honored to deliver the invocation at Rancho Los Amigos "Celebration of Life" event honoring Dr. Jacquelyn Perry. He mentioned that Dr. Wendy Doty held a Character Counts Coalition meeting where Michael Josephson's acknowledged the progress the City has made with character counts and stated that Michael Josephson's Institution of Ethics along with staff will meet to discuss two role model schools to represent the country: Warren High and Maude Price Elementary. He stated being very proud of Saint Pius X -St. Matthias Catholics Girls High School and mentioned that in the fall they will become a co -ed Academy. He requested staff review the street engineering of Burns Avenue to possibly allow for a walk /bike lane; requested staff provide information as it relates to the recent increase in the PERS retirement fund for public safety that became effective March 1; requested the Police Chief provide information regarding the impact of Assembly Bill 109 Prison Realignment as it relates to crime within the City; requested staff provide more information about the Utility User Tax (UUT) consultant contract to see if it is cost effective for the City. He invited Fire __._ Chief Croom to speak on the upcoming free water barrel event by the Emergency Preparedness Committee that will be held at Stonewood Mall. He reported attending a fundraising event at Saint Raymond's where "A Tour with the Mayor" of City Hall and the Police Department were auctioned in support of the event. He wished everyone a Happy Easter. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Guerra's Healthy Downey weight was 275 pounds. Mayor Guerra presented a City Plaque to Assembly Member Cristina Garcia of the 58 Assembly District in support of her legislative issues that impact the City. Mayor Guerra presented a City Pin for outstanding service and support to the outgoing Miss Downey, Miss Teen Downey, Jr. Miss Downey, Little Miss Downey and their Courts. Mayor Guerra presented a proclamation to Police Chief Charles and proclaimed the week of March 31 — April 6 as Safety Seat Checkup Week. Mayor Guerra presented the Humanitarian Award to the Sister Cities Committee President, Robert Rubio. PUBLIC HEARING 1. 2013 -2014 FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: Community Development. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2013 2 Mayor Guerra opened the Public Hearing at 8:19 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 reported on the Annual Action Plan stating that tonight's public hearing was to provide the community an opportunity to contribute suggestions or comments on the perceived or actual needs of the City as they relate to the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) and the Home Allocation programs. This coming fiscal year the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will make a 5% cut in funds to the City. He outlined how the current funds were spent and how future funds could be distributed: eligible housing activities, general administration, public service, eligible housing activities, and community housing development organizations. Mayor Guerra asked if Council could suggest which services or activities to reduce funding for in order to meet the 5% cut and requested staff provide a dollar amount currently spent on each fund in order to be able to provide informed suggestions. Community Development Director Saeki stated that Council can make suggestions and a more detailed expense spreadsheet would be provided to Council at a later date. 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 Saab and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:24 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, and unanimously carried to receive and file. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar with Mayor Guerra thanking Fire Chief Croom for his effort on Item No. 7. 2. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meeting of March 12, 2013: City Clerk. 3. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 274894 — 275284; Wire Nos. 30002871 — 30002881, 1077 — 1084, in the total amount of $ $4,289,579.53: Finance. 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S. S. 488 — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE) REJECTED ALL BIDS RECEIVED ON FEBRUARY 28, 2013: Public Works. 5. APPROVED THE USE OF THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER BY THE DOWNEY SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION: Administration. 6. APPROVED A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE 2009 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY (SHSGP) GRANT: Fire. 7. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE 2011 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY (SHSGP) GRANT: Fire. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2013 3 I 8. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE 2012 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY (SHSGP) GRANT: Fire. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7404, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF BEVERLY MATHIS TO THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: Council Member Saab. 10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7405, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CALMET SERVICES TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 11. CONSIDER REQUESTING THE QUARTER -SCALE MODEL OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE ORBITER COLUMBIA BEING RECALLED BY NASA FROM THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Administration. City Manager stated that staff was seeking direction on whether or not staff should dedicate time in trying to acquire a replica of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Mayor Guerra stated this was an excellent idea and he was in support of staff dedicating time on investigating potential costs. Council Member Brossmer expressed his support of staff exploring options in possibly acquiring the shuttle model. Council Member Marquez expressed his support of staff dedicating time to explore the cost associated with acquiring the shuttle model. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and, unanimously carried to approve staff's recommendations. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT The following people spoke regarding the officer - involved shooting: Jean Thaxton Damien Ramirez Terry (no last name provided) Terry Ramirez No name provided (City of Fullerton resident) No name provided STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. RECESSED /RECONVENED The meeting recessed to Closed Session at 9:09 p.m. and reconvened at 9:11 p.m. with all Council Members present. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2013 4 ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., April 9, 2013 in memory of Dr. Jacquelyn Per g J p� p� rY Perry, world renowned physician and researcher with Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and longtime Downey resident. („( t i ' ), . t , ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, CMC MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2013 5