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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07-23-13 Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JULY 23, 2013 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:32 p.m., July 23, 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 Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Carl Charles, Police Chief Anil Ghandy, Interim Finance Director ,_ Brian Saeki, Community Development Director Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director Gladys Chavez, Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Don Metcalf of the Desert Reign Church. The Flag Salute was led by Eagle Scout John Wesley Wilcox. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Mayor Guerra congratulated John Wesley Wilcox on becoming an Eagle Scout. Council Member Saab welcomed everyone in attendance and recognized Downey Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Clausen who was in the audience. He reported on upcoming events hosted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce: a ribbon cutting event at Dave's Barbershop on July 31; the 110th Annual Chamber Installation Anniversary and Volunteers and Business of the Year August 1 at the Embassy Suites Hotel; and, Downey Chamber of Commerce and YMCA Inaugural Golf Tournament August 28. He thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui and staff for the informative workshop on the Pavement Management Information System. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and reported on the workshop,Assembly Bill(AB) 109 Realignment, and stated the Police Department has implemented a program to handle concerns arising from this Bill. He stated Mayor Guerra was elected President of the Independent Cities Association. He encouraged participation in the Youth Commission and stated applications are currently being accepted. He -- reported attending the Downey Adult School Advisory Committee meeting and thanked Principle Davis, Assistant Principle Rochin, and Clerical Assistant Madariaga for the workshop. He reported attending a Theatre sub-committee meeting and stated the committee will be making recommendations to the Council in the near future. He requested staff create a program working with the Federal Government that would assist and encourage local teachers, fire fighters, and police officers with home ownership City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 1 as it would benefit the community. He stated he was looking forward to information on a program the City Manager's Office has been working on addressing the condition of the City's light and sign poles. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Battalion Fire Chief Brian Wolf who was a committed and professional individual that will be dearly missed. Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Conference and reported on the workshop, Storm Water as Water Supply. He stated the City of Downey was highlighted in the conference as being a leader in capturing storm water. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Battalion Fire Chief Brian Wolf. Mayor Guerra recognized Kim Tachiki of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allards office who was in the audience. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He thanked staff, City Manager Livas, and Assistant City Manager Oskoui for the workshop on the Pavement Management Information System. He invited everyone to the 2013 Twilight Summer Concert Series at Furman Park. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association(ICA)Conference and reported on the workshop, How to Build a Healthy City and Economic Development-Post Redevelopment. He reported attending the 1-5 Freeway Joint Authority Expansion Project meeting and requested residents prepare for street closures and look for alternate routes. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Battalion Fire Chief Brian Wolf stating he was a great leader and will be dearly missed. Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Independent Cities Association(ICA)Conference where Mayor Guerra was named President of the Association. He reported on attending a workshop by Mayor Guerra on How to Build a Healthy City and a work shop by Assistant City Manager, Unfunded Storm Water Mandates. He reported attending a Theatre sub-committee meeting and stated the committee will be making recommendations to the Council in the near future. He stated as a Vector Control Committee member the issue on the forefront is West Nile virus and reported on ways to lessen exposure. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Battalion Fire Chief Brian Wolf stating he was happy to of been part of the respectful procession and stated he will be dearly missed. Mayor Guerra stated the City is mourning the loss of Battalion Fire Chief Wolf. He reported attending the Independent Sister Cities Association Conference (ICA) and reported on attending a workshop on Assembly Bill (AB) 109 Realignment and stated the City is being proactive in addressing the issues arising from this Bill and is making it a number one priority from a public safety standpoint. He invited everyone to the 2013 Twilight Summer Concerts, Mayor's Walking Wednesdays, and to the PIH Regional Medical Center blood mobile that will be a Furman Park. He reported attending the workshop on the Pavement Management Information System and stated the City is moving forward with prioritizing street improvements. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Guerra's Healthy Downey weight was 255 pounds. Mayor Guerra, Parent of the Year Coordinators Michaels and McCarthy, Kim Tachiki representative of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, and representative of Assemblywoman Garcia's office presented a proclamation to Tammy and Ted Schillin and proclaimed July 28 as National Parents Day 2013. Mayor Guerra and Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez presented a Certificate of Appointment to Blanca Pacheco for her appointment to the Public Works Committee for Council District 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 2 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT "- Resident (no name provided), spoke about a traffic control problem at Via Amorita, Florence Avenue, Eglise Avenue, Farm Street, and Bigby Street. He expressed not being in favor of the proposal presented to residents and requested the Downey Unified School District and the City continue discussion on this issue. Roy Beard, Emergency Preparedness Committee member stated the procession led by the Fire Department and the Police Department was very respectful to Battalion Fire Chief Wolf. He extended condolences to the Wolf family on behalf of the committee. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED 8. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CARL WARREN FOR LIABILITY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES: Finance. This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Guerra and is listed under Other Business. 17.ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13- .A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FIRESTONE BOULEVARD(OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD—WEST CITY LIMIT)RAISED MEDIAN ISLAND PROJECT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADE PROJECTS ON PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AT THE THIRD STREET, FIFTH STREET AND SEVENTH STREET INTERSECTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, CYCLE 6: Public Works. This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez and is listed under Other Business. 19.APPROVE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Police.This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Guerra and is listed under Other Business. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez,and unanimously carried with Council Member Marquez abstaining from Item No.4 because his residence is within 500 feet of the project and Council Member Saab abstaining from Item No. 17 because the project is within 500 feet of his place of business, to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. 1. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Special Meeting of June 5,2013;Adjourned and Regular Meetings of July 9, 2013: City Clerk. 2. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 277669 — 278005; Wire Nos. 30002965 — 30002973; 1139— 1146, in the total amount of$2,147,654: Finance. 3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488B — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (POTABLE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS)(OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD—BROOKSHIRE AVENUE)APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 4. CASH CONTRACT NO.S.S.640A-ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR AREAS "A" & "B": ACCEPTED THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED AND APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $376,562 AND DIRECT THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION: Public Works. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 3 5. APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FIRST 5 L.A. FOR TOT PARKS AND TRAILS PROJECT: Administration. 6. APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES, WHICH WOULD COMMIT AN ADDITIONAL$600,977 IN FEDERAL HOME FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTIVITIES: Community Development. 7. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEYAND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE 2010-2012 GATEWAY CITIES ENERGY LEADER PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO INCLUDE THE 2013-2014 PROGRAM: Public Works. 9. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FIRESTATS, LLC FOR PROFESSIONAL ANALYSIS AND CONSULTING RELATED TO FIRE SERVICE OPERATIONS: Fire. 10.APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA CONSULTANTS, LLC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES: Administration. 11. FIRESTONE BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER AND ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A RIGHT-OF-WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH PAUL ANTEPARA TO OBTAIN THE FEE INTEREST IN A PORTION OF THE CHAMPION AUTOMOTIVE PROPERTIES LLC LOCATED AT 9715 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,100: Public Works. 12. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH KJ SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S USED OIL PAYMENT PROGRAM: Public Works. 13. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7427,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE FINANCE DEPARTMENT RECORDS: Finance. 14.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7428,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES RELATED TO THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER: Administration. 15.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7429,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITIONS OF ACCOUNTANT, SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT AND ESTABLISHING PAY FOR THE POSITIONS OF SENIOR ACCOUNTANT AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT: Human Resources. 16.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7430,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF AN OIL PIPELINE FRANCHISE FROM BP WEST COAST PRODUCTS LLP TO TESORO REFINING AND MARKETING LLP: Public Works. 18. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 13- ,AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 2100 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COUNCIL MEETINGS: City Clerk. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 4 20.APPROVED STREET CLOSURE FOR DOWNEY AVENUE AND SECOND STREET FOR THE 2013 TASTE OF DOWNEY TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 19, 2013: Community Development. 21. APPROVED THE CO-HOSTING OF A THEATRICAL PRODUCTION, DEFYING GRAVITY, AT THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS 8. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CARL WARREN FOR LIABILITY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES: Finance. Mayor Guerra asked for clarification regarding the claims administration and the City's insurance risk pool: if all concerns had been resolved and if the City will be considering other alternatives. City Manager Livas stated this was a temporary solution and the City is currently working on a permanent solution. It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve staffs recommendation. 17.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7431,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FIRESTONE BOULEVARD(OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD—WEST CITY LIMIT)RAISED MEDIAN ISLAND PROJECT AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADE PROJECTS ON PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AT THE THIRD STREET, FIFTH STREET AND SEVENTH STREET -- INTERSECTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, CYCLE 6: Public Works. Council Member Saab left the dais during consideration of this item because the project is within 500 feet of his place of business. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked if this item was reviewed by both the Fire Department and the Police Department. Public Works Director Oskoui stated this was the same project that had been studied as part of the Firestone Boulevard reconstruction project that has been approve by Fire and Police. The City is only seeking additional funding opportunities to augment the funding of the project the City currently has under design. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Marquez,and carried 4-1, with Council Member Saab abstaining because the project is within 500 feet of his place of business,to adopt the Resolution. Council Member Saab returned to the dais at 8:23 p.m. 19.APPROVED STREET CLOSURE FOR THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Police. Mayor Guerra stated he wanted to highlight the City's first National Night Out event that will be held at the Civic Center August 6. He stated it will offer tours of the Civic Center and will include a Healthy Downey component. He encouraged residents to come out and share in conversation. He thanked the Police Department and Healthy Downey Partners. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 5 It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez, and unanimously carried to approve staffs recommendation. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 22. DISCUSSION REGARDING NAMING THE DOG PARK LOCATED AT RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK IN HONOR OF FORMER COUNCIL MEMBER DAVID R. GAFIN: Mayor Guerra. Mayor Guerra stated because Mayor Gafin was a champion of the dog park and made it his life passion, he deserves this honor. Council Member Brossmer stated he was in support of this item because former Mayor Gafin is a well respected man that has done a lot for the City. Council Member Marquez stated he was in favor of this item. Council Member Saab stated that under normal circumstances he would not be in agreement with naming a building or other City property after a recently outgoing official or employee but this is an exception because Mr. Gafin has served our City with distinction as a former Mayor, Council Member, Planning Commissioner, President of Kiwanis Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of G.O.O.D (Gangs out of Downey), current member of the Downey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and it is because of this the honor is well deserving and he is in support of it. It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve naming the dog park at Rio San Gabriel Park in honor of former Council Member David R. Gafin. 23. DISCUSSION REGARDING CENTRAL BASIN WATER ASSOCATION MEMBERSHIP: Mayor Guerra. Mayor Guerra stated the City received a letter from Central Basin Water Association (CBWA) signed by the Board of Directors putting the City in an unfavorable light. He stated that in response to this letter it is important to know that the City has won a lawsuit with CBWA in excess of what the City may owe the Association. He stated being unclear of the benefits that come along with being a member of this Association at a cost of $10,000 annually and it was unfair to the tax payers to continue this relationship. He stated the Association has held meetings that have not been agendized and have associated the City with many untruths. It is because of all these reasons he is requesting the City terminate their relationship with CBWA and join again in the future, if there was a mutual benefit. He stated this will apply to any association the City is a member of that chooses to deceive the public. Council Member Saab stated he is comfortable voting, if in the future,the City found value in being a member and can re-join. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez stated he is in favor of this item because the Association is unable to represent the interest of all of its members. It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and unanimously carried to terminate the City's membership with Central Basin Water Association with the option of rejoining the Association in the future if the Council desires. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23,2013 6 24.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13-7432 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY DOWNEY APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF ROGELIO PARDO TO THE GREEN TASK FORCE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 2: Mayor Guerra. Mayor Guerra stated he would like to appoint Rogelio Pardo to the Green Task Force for Council District 2. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer,and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: City Manager Livas stated the City is mourning the death of Battalion Fire Chief Wolf. He stated Fire Chief Groom is not in attendance today because he is taking care of matters concerning this and is also in mourning as they were very good friends. Council Member Marquez requested adding to tonight's adjournment the passing of Lillian Kawasaki, member of the Water Replenishment District and long time personal friend who recently lost her battle with cancer. Council Member Saab requested adding to tonight's adjournment the passing of Fay Campbell, Downey resident and community activist. ADJOURNED The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., August 13, 2013, in memory of the servicemen and servicewomen who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Spc. Hilda Clayton, 22, Augusta, GA; Sgt. Tracy Stapley, 44, Clearfield, UT; Pvt. Errol Milliard, 18, Birmingham, AL; Lance Spl. Benjamin Tuttle, 19, Gentry, AK; Staff Sgt. Sonny Zimmerman, 25, Waynesfield, OH, Downey Battalio Chief Wolf, Lillian Kawasaki, and Fay Campbell. r, ' ADRIA M. JIMENE , CMC / MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor City Clerk City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 23, 2013 7