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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04-09-13 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 9, 2013 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:32 p.m., April 9, 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 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 Reverend Christie Melby- Gibbons of the Moravian Church of Downey. The Flag Salute was led by Youth Commissioners Carlos Valenzuela, Xitlalyc Cardenas, Diego Lucas, and Sophia Paik. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed Downey Chamber of Commerce Board of Director Madriaga who was in the audience. He reminded everyone of the upcoming "Ricky Nelson Remembered" Concert on April 12 at the Downey Civic Theater. He reported attending the Kiwanis One Day event at Downey High School. He invited everyone to the 26 Annual Kids Day event at Furman Park on May 11. He requested staff provide a six month evaluation on the Stay Gallery and a report on the attendance records of all Commission and Committee members. Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported attending the Downey Library Volunteer Recognition event at the Rio Hondo Golf Course and stated that over 8,500 hours had been volunteered at the library in the past year. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez welcomed everyone in attendance and especially thanked the Downey Youth Commission for their attendance. He reported participating in the Downey Bike Coalition event and attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting. He welcomed Downey High School Principle Harris who was in the audience. He reported meeting with Police Chief Charles and City Manager Livas to discuss neighborhoods that would benefit from establishing a neighborhood watch committee. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 1 Mayor Guerra reported on various City events: the Downey Library Volunteer recognition event at the Rio Hondo Golf Course, the Kiwanis One Day event at Downey High School, various grand openings of new businesses at the Downey Gateway, and the Downey Symphony Orchestra event at the Downey Civic Theater. He reported attending the Downey Sister Cities fundraising event at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. He invited everyone to the upcoming Healthy Downey 5K Run/Walk event at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. He mentioned the upcoming Rancho Los Amigos Foundation's 2013 Amistad Gala and 125 Hospital Anniversary event on April 13 where the hospital's Chief Executive Officer Jorge Orozco will be recognized. He invited everyone to attend the upcoming Mayor's Walking Wednesday's at Downey High School. He reported attending a Healthy Downey Partners meeting at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. He mentioned the upcoming Rancho /Las Floristas Basketball Wheelchair Tournament in which he will participate on the Healthy Downey Team on April 27 and invited everyone to attend and participate in friendly competition. He reported attending a Gangs Out Of Downey (G.O.O.D) meeting where a recent increase in burglaries was addressed. He assured residents that the Police Department will continue to monitor the impact of Assembly Bill 109, Prison Realignment, as it relates to crime within the City. He reported meeting with City Manager Livas, Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center DeLong, and Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Space and Air Museum James Kidrick to share ideas and concepts as it relates to space and science. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Guerra's Healthy Downey weight was 271 pounds. Mayor Guerra presented a Proclamation to Donate Life Ambassador Diane Linares and proclaimed the month of April as DMV /Donate Life California Month. Mayor Guerra presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey's American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Girls Under 10, Firecracker Team for their State Championship win. Mayor Guerra presented a Certificate of Recognition to Warren High School's 2013 CIF Southern Section, Division 2 Boys Soccer Championship Team. Mayor Guerra presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey High School's 2013 CIF Southern Section, Division 4 Girls Soccer Championship Team. Mayor Guerra presented a Proclamation to Downey Youth Commissioners Carlos Valenzuela, Xitlalyc Cardenas, Diego Lucas, and Sophia Paik and proclaimed April 23, 2013 as Student Government Day. Mayor Guerra and Council Member Saab presented a Certificate of Appointment to Beverly Mathis for her appointment to the Library Advisory Board for Council District 5. Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation and declared April 9, 2013 as Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. Mario Beltran, representative of State Senator Ron Calderon, reminded the residents that Senator Calderon's office is available to address any State related concerns and reported on current State bills up for review. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 2 PUBLIC HEARING 1. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 13- . AN AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN (PLN- 13- 00052) TO REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR HOOKAH /CIGAR LOUNGES: Community Development. Council Member Saab stepped down from the dais and left the Council Chambers at 8:34 p.m. after advising that although he is not related to any business owner he does share the same last name of one of the business owners, therefore; out of an abundance of caution he will leave the Council Chambers during consideration of this item. Mayor Guerra opened the Public Hearing at 8:35 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 action taken tonight by Council will only affect the two hookah bar businesses in Downtown Downey. He reported that due to recent issues with the two businesses located on Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue the City is requesting Council amend the current Ordinance and require any future hookah or cigar lounges to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in order to do business in Downtown Downey. He stated that on March 20, 2013 the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously voted in favor of recommending that the City Council approve the amendment to the Ordinance. 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 the Public Hearing at 8:37 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Marquez, and passed 4 -1, with Council Member Saab abstaining from consideration, to introduce the Ordinance. Council Member Saab returned to the dais at 8:38 p.m. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR: This item was taken out of order. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED 9. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A RIGHT -OF -WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) TO OBTAIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11190 FLORENCE AVENUE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $805,000: Community Development. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Guerra and is listed under Other Business. 10. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF DOWNEY AT THE UPCOMING MEETING WITH DOWNEY'S NEWEST SISTER CITY, ROSCOMMON COUNTY, IRELAND: Administration. This item was removed at the request of Council Member Marquez 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. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 3 2. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meeting of March 26, 2013: City Clerk. 3. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 275285 — 275575; Wire Nos. 30002882 — 30002892, 1085 — 1088, in the total amount of $3,003,911.73: Finance. 4. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SHOBER CONSULTING, INC. FOR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR THE LA CHIVA LOCA RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 7966 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,000: Public Works. 5. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A RIGHT -OF -WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH WILLIAM BRETT VAN MATRE, KIRK ALLEN VAN MATRE, MARY ELLEN BACILE AND EVADINE DOTSON TO OBTAIN THE FEE INTEREST IN A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11205 PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,560: Public Works. 6. AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO RENEW AN AGREEMENT WITH THE RIO HONOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT FOR THE USE OF THEIR WEAPONS FIRING RANGE FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT WEAPONS TRAINING: Police. 7. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED STATE LEGISLATION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR CITIES (AB750): Administration. 8. ACCEPTED THE DONATION OF TWO ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARDS INSTALLED AT FURMAN PARK FROM NORTHWEST DOWNEY LITTLE LEAGUE: Parks and Recreation. 11. CONSIDERED THE DONATION OF A FOURSOME OF GOLF AT RIO HONDO AND FOUR FREE PASSES TO THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER TO THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IN SUPPORT OF RANCHO LOS AMIGOS HOSPITAL: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS 9. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A RIGHT -OF -WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) TO OBTAIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11190 FLORENCE AVENUE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $805,000: Community Development. Mayor Guerra clarified that the State of California will be widening the 5 freeway, therefore; will require this section of City property. He stated the City has negotiated with the State and agreed upon $805,000.00 and asked into which account the funds would be deposited, the date of when the funds would be received, and if the City had any plans for the property prior to agreeing to this sale. City Manager Livas stated that the funds received would be deposited into the City's General Fund account; the funds would be received and deposited once escrow has closed in about 60 days, and it was in the best of interest of the City to proceed with negotiations and settle on an amount to avoid costly legal fees. Council Member Brossmer asked how much of City owned property was sold. Community Development Director Saeki stated that the State would be acquiring all 21,000 square feet of the land. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 4 It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve staff's recommendation. 10. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF DOWNEY AT THE UPCOMING MEETING WITH DOWNEY'S NEWEST SISTER CITY, ROSCOMMON COUNTY, IRELAND: Administration. Council Member Brossmer stated that although he was very excited and in favor of a Sister City in Ireland due to the economy, recent concessions, furloughs, and layoffs of City employees it would not be prudent to spend $5,000.00 on the trip. He requested clarification on what specific expenses the money was earmarked for. City Manager Livas stated that the money would cover travel expenses such as airline fees, hotel accommodations, and various Sister City events held in Ireland in which the Mayor would be attending. Mayor Guerra stated that the opportunity to attend this event should be open to all members of the City Council, not only the Mayor. Council Member Brossmer stated he appreciated Mayor Guerra opening this event to any member of the Council to attend but said the Mayor should be the one to attend. He stated that the Sister Cities Association should continue to fundraise and it is his hope they are able to raise the funds necessary to fund the trip for any citizen to attend but he is not in support of this item during this tough fiscal time. Council Member Saab stated he understood Council Member Brossmer's comment but this is a unique opportunity given the upcoming anniversary and Roscommon County Ireland being the birth place of John Gately Downey. He stated he was concerned that the Sister Cities Association may not be able to raise the necessary funds for this trip, but the opportunity to travel to Ireland to meet with the President and the Mayor of Roscommon County is important and a City official should be present. He stated he was not entirely opposed to this item. Council Member Marquez stated he pulled this item because during a recent agendized Goal Setting meeting this item was discussed and policy was agreed upon with 4 of 5 Council Members voting in favor of not spending any City funds on this event. He stated he understood the importance of having a City official delegate, but it was made clear during the Goal Setting meeting that the Mayor would attend the event without any City funds being used and with the understanding that this item would return to Council for further discussion. He stated what the point was of setting policy during the Goal Setting meeting if today that policy would be changed. He stated he is not in support of going against set policy and spending City funds for this trip when the City is having layoffs and furloughs. Council Member Saab asked if in the future there was an event that called upon a City official to be present but the official could not afford the expense of the trip or event, would the City continue to follow this policy of not utilizing City funds. Council Member Marquez stated that the same process would be followed if such a circumstance arose. The item would be placed on the Agenda, discussed, and voted upon. Council Member Brossmer stated that any future items could be brought back to Council for discussion, but more importantly the Sister Cities Association is a 501(c)(3) non - profit organization and has the ability to generate the necessary funds. For any future events the Council would discuss the item and if necessary, approve expenditures, but it is his hope that fundraising would be able to cover the costs. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 5 Mayor Guerra stated that the City Council did not vote or take any action on this item during the Goal Setting meeting because the item was not on the Agenda. Second, economic times have changed and although the Sister Cities Association is suppose to fundraise and raise the funds that may not be the case. He again reminded Council that it did not have to be the Mayor attending the event and he would be very pleased if any other member of the Council attended because it was very important for a City official to be present. He stated that a recent budget sub - committee meeting showed that the City had brought in 5% more in revenue than it budgeted; it spent 5% less in expenditures, with a total figure of 10 %. The City was also able to reduce employee furlough days from 8 to 6 days, and gave $250,000 in merit raises to staff. There have been many positive financial changes since the Goal Setting meeting, therefore; spending $5,000 of City funds is a small amount in relative terms for a once in a lifetime historic event. He stated that some of the planned events would include meeting the Mayor of Dublin in his hometown. On May 24 the Roscommon City Council would be voting to accept the City of Downey as a Sister City, and May 25 is the unveiling of a statue. Spending $5,000 of a $148 million dollar budget and having done 10% financially better than budgeted is a minor expense. He emphasized and clarified that the City delegate does not have to be the Mayor. It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and carried 3 -2 with Council Member Marquez and Council Member Brossmer voting no, to approve staffs recommendations. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 12. REVIEW COUNCIL POLICIES REGARDING MAYOR ROTATION AND SELECTION OF EVENT DATES FOR ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF MAYOR: Mayor Guerra. City Clerk Jimenez stated that it was suggested that the policies regarding the Mayoral rotation and selection of event dates for election and installation of Mayor were incorrectly followed during this most recent selection process, therefore; it is requested that the City Council clarify this for future events. Council Member Brossmer requested that voting for a new Mayor not be included at the same meeting of the new Council Member installation. He stated that discussing whom to select for the new Mayor is a conversation that needs to happen, but certainly not during a ceremonial event where family and friends are in attendance. Mayor Guerra stated that during the Council Meeting held October 26, 2010, it was made clear to . hold separate meetings for the selection of Mayor and the ceremonial event. In odd numbered years the selection of Mayor would be held during the second meeting in November with the ceremonial meeting being the first meeting in December. In even numbered years the ceremonial meeting will be the first meeting in December with the selection of Mayor being the second meeting in December and the third meeting to conduct regular City business. He stated that this past year the second meeting in December was not held and Council Member Saab was not yet on the Council, therefore; did not vote for Mayor. Council Member Brossmer asked what adjustments need to be made to the policy. Mayor Guerra stated that the policy needs to be followed. City Attorney Abich- Garcia stated that the staff report proposed a solution if everyone agreed to a modification of the current policy. Council Member Brossmer clarified that the first Council meeting in December would include the vote for Mayor and a second meeting would be held for the ceremonial swearing in of Mayor. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 6 Mayor Guerra stated under page two of the staff report the section Even Numbered Years, the last portion of the sentence reading "...and holds a ceremony event," should be removed. Council Member Brossmer agreed that the ceremonial event portion should be removed from the statement and asked if the City Clerk was clear on the change. City Clerk Jimenez stated yes. Council Member Marquez asked for clarification on when the second meeting in December would occur. Mayor Guerra stated that the second meeting would take place on a date that the Council agreed upon during even numbered years. Council Member Saab asked if the second meeting would be a regular meeting or a special meeting. City Attorney Abich- Garcia stated that it could be either. Council Member Marquez agreed that the newly elected Council Member should have the opportunity to vote for Mayor and stated that it would be a tough first night. Council Member Brossmer agreed that voting for a new Mayor on the same night as the new Council Member installation was a difficult process especially when family is in attendance for the ceremonial event. Mayor Guerra stated that the policy as it relates to odd numbered years should have been followed but instead the Council voted for a new Mayor in November and not the first week of December, during the newly elected Council Member installation. During even numbered years there would be a second meeting in December. He stated that this policy was not followed this year. He stated that the proposed policy is the same as the current policy. It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve removing "holding the ceremonial event" from even numbered years and adopt the policy for selection of event dates for election and installation of Mayor: Even Numbered Years: At the first meeting in December, the outgoing City Council Member(s) are recognized, the new City Council Member(s) are sworn -in, the City Council elects the new Mayor for the following year, and conducts regular City business. At a second meeting in December (a Special Meeting since generally the second meeting in December is cancelled), the City Council recognizes the outgoing Mayor, holds the ceremonial event to swear -in the new Mayor, and hears Mayoral goals. Odd Numbered Years: At the second meeting in November, the City Council votes to elect the new Mayor for the following year. At the first meeting in December, the City Council holds the ceremonial event to recognize the outgoing Mayor, swear -in the new Mayor, hear Mayoral goals, and conducts regular City business. Mayor Guerra stated that in 2008 the goal was for every Council Member to have the opportunity of being Mayor during their first term. If there was a second term then the longest tenured Council Member would become Mayor and that policy was not followed during this rotation. He stated Council Member Vasquez should have had the opportunity to be Mayor this year since he had not yet served in that capacity. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 7 Council Member Marquez stated that he will be Mayor before his 4 year term is over based on the current policy. Council Member Brossmer asked if Council Member Vasquez was Mayor this year could he have been Mayor Pro Tem last year because you can hold that position if you are on your second year of your first 4 year term. Council Member Marquez clarified that Mayor Guerra's first year as Mayor came one year earlier because Council Member Cartozian elected not to be Mayor Pro Tem causing a possible domino effect that led to Mayor Guerra's second year as Mayor before Council Member Vasquez had the opportunity to serve. He requested that policy be followed moving forward. Mayor Guerra stated that the longest tenured Council Member should not have been placed in the rotation sequence ahead of someone that has not been Mayor and the policy should be followed. City Attorney Abich- Garcia asked for clarification if the newly elected Council Member should receive priority over the longest tenured Council Member when it comes time to select a new Mayor. Council Member Marquez stated that the newly elected Council Member have the opportunity to be Mayor during his first 4 year term. Mayor Guerra stated that he does not think that the intent of the policy is being followed and that out of policy and principle the new Council Member should have the opportunity to be Mayor before a Council Member gets a second opportunity. Council Member Marquez stated that it appeared Mayor Guerra was trying to change the policy. Mayor Guerra stated that he was not changing policy because it was clearly define it was a matter of how it is interpreted and the policy should be clarified before 2014. City Council agreed to postpone this item for further discussion in July 2014. 13. 2013 ALL - AMERICA CITY COMPETITION DELEGATION: APPROVE SENDING A CITY OF DOWNEY DELEGATION TO COMPETE IN THE 2013 ALL - AMERICA CITY COMPETITION IN DENVER, COLORADO: Community Development. Community Development Director Saeki stated the City was successful in the first step of the 2013 All- America City competition. The competition recognizes exemplary cities in their efforts in overcoming challenges and who are able to build strong and healthy communities through innovation, inclusiveness, and collaboration. In 2011, Downey was able to make it to the finals of the competition. This year the City is confident they have a strong application. The event will be held June 14 -17 in Denver, Colorado and staff is recommending the City have an 8 -10 member delegation attend. A sub- committee would be formed in order to address fundraising to cover the cost associated with attending the event. Council Member Brossmer asked for clarification on the fee of $15,000 and if that amount would be fundraised and not be the responsibility of the City to pay. Community Development Director Saeki stated the goal was to fundraise all of the costs associated with this event. Council Member Brossmer stated he needed more certainty that the City would not have to allocate $15,000 in light of the City's current fiscal situation. He asked for a dollar amount of the initial application fee and stated he is in support of the item if the amount is fundraised. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 8 Community Development Director Saeki stated the application fee was under $1,000. Also, the City is on a tight timeline as it prepares presentations and arranges for travel therefore if all of the funds were not fundraised by the deadline staff would return to Council and request monetary assistance. In an effort to avoid this, staff is recommending a sub - committee be established to start working on addressing event expenses and fundraising. Council Member Saab asked what the benefits were to be named an AII- America City. Community Development Director Saeki stated it could have a positive effect on economic development and could further brand the City as All American City which is a small group of elite cities. Council Member Brossmer asked which surrounding cities have earned the award. Community Development Director Saeki stated that Sierra Madre, Torrance, Monrovia, and Lynwood to name a few. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked how many cities submitted applications. Community Development Director Saeki stated that the total number of applicants is not made public, but 20 cities were in the finals this year and 26 made the finals in 2011. Mayor Guerra stated that a few years ago 95 cities submitted applications and this year there are approximately 100 applicants. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked for specifics on how winning this event would benefit the City. Community Development Director Saeki stated there being no negative effects of winning but could not say for certain what the exact benefits would be for the City to win. Council Member Saab asked that given the fee associated with participating in this event is it in the best interest of the City to participate. Community Development Director Saeki stated yes. Council Member Marquez asked if the sum of $15,000 included staff time consumed in preparation of this event. Community Development Director Saeki stated that staff time was not included and currently staff has devoted approximately 40 hours of the 200 anticipated hours, in preparation for this event. Council Member Marquez asked if the $15,000 included staff time spent on this project. If not, what is the additional amount. Finance Director Ghandy stated that he would use the figure of $75 per hour for staff time, which includes salary and benefits. Council Member Brossmer stated it is roughly $30,000 if you include travel expense and staff time. Mayor Guerra clarified that $15,000 for travel expenses would be fundraised and in the event that goal was not met staff will bring back the item for Council to further discuss. Council Member Marquez stated that he did not recall Council giving direction to staff to apply for the AII- America City competition reminding staff that the decision to submit an application without having a discussion of the item defeated the purpose of the Goal Setting meeting held in January. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 9 Community Development Director Saeki stated that staff made the decision to apply again this year utilizing much of the information gathered from the 2011 application, with the assumption that the City would be successful in submitting a strong application for the competition. He stated that preparation of the application started before January's Goal Setting meeting. Council Member Saab asked if it was being suggested that anytime staff is working on an item with a fiscal component they need to inform Council before starting the work. Council Member Brossmer stated yes, if the item is about applying for an award that will impact the future of the City and will consume staff time, Council should be notified prior to proceeding. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez stated that he entrusted City Manager Livas to do what is in the best interest of the City and this is an example of him instructing his team to do just that. He stated this was an investment well spent on the City and is in favor of this item. Mayor Guerra stated that staff had indeed followed instructions and policy by bringing forth this item for discussion. He mentioned it was not necessary to micro - manage staff. Council Member Brossmer clarified that in the event staff was not able to raise $15,000 to send delegates to Denver, Colorado, the fee would be paid using General Funds. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Saab, and passed 3 -2 with Council Member Marquez and Council Member Brossmer voting no, to direct staff to fundraise for this event and if the funds are not raised the balance come out of the General Fund. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT : This item was taken out of order. City Manager Livas responded to a letter the City received from resident Terri Terramura requesting information on street cameras located on the corner of Paramount Boulevard and Imperial Highway. He stated the street cameras were installed in the summer of 2010 and that location was one of six different locations in the City that had cameras installed. They were not installed in response to any particular event at that intersection and they do not have the ability to record data. Mayor Guerra read a statement to the audience. Mayor Guerra stated that the cameras do not record but rather feed traffic flow to a computer located in City Hall on the second floor in the Street Engineering Department. He also clarified a separate concern stating that law requires the City Council to remain neutral and not take sides during Non - Agenda Public Comments. The section that falls under Presentations is more of a celebratory part of the meeting where staff and the audience can express themselves. Francisco Moreno, resident, expressed concern over the traffic congestion caused by the construction of a median on Telegraph Road and also stated the road was in much need of rehabilitation. The following people spoke regarding the officer - involved shooting: Terry (no last name provided) Jean Thaxton Teresa (no last name provided) Genevieve Huizar Terry Ramirez 7 i Damien Ramirez Susan Thaxton Laura Cosentino City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 10 Mark Gonzales, resident, is requesting a drop -off and loading zone for East Middle School in order to keep the students and the surrounding community safe. Margy Gutierrez, resident, thanked the Police Department for responding quickly to a recent incident. Gustavo Hernandez, resident, spoke about his concerns of Agenda 21, a United Nation led program and he requested the City Council not support. He provided reading material for Council regarding this item. Roy Beard, Emergency Preparedness Commissioner, reported on the water barrel distribution event stating over 900 barrels were distributed. He thanked the Fire Department for their support and assistance to the Emergency Preparedness Committee. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. RECESSED /RECONVENED The meeting recessed to Closed Session at 10:18 p.m. and reconvened at 10:55 p.m. with all Council Members present. ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 10:58 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., April 23, 2013. LA% --- ADRIA M. JIMEN Z, CMC MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2013 11