HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10-08-13 Regular Meeting Successor AgencyMINUTES OF THE
JOINT MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND
DOWNEY SUCCESSOR AGENCY
OCTOBER 8, 2013
The City Council of the City of Downey and the Downey Successor Agency held a
Regular Meeting at 6:40 p.m., October 8, 2013, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Guerra presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario A.
Tern
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
Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief
Brian Saeki, Community Development Director
Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director
Shirley Conte, Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Glenn Kravig, Calvary Chapel of Downey. The
Flag Salute was led by Dr. Bill Kirkwood.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member /Board Member Brossmer welcomed Downey Unified School
District Superintendent Dr. John Garcia, School Board President LaPlante and School
Board Members Sodetani, Swenson and Samperi.
Council Member /Board Member Marquez welcomed everyone to the City Council
Meeting.
Mayor Pro TemNice -Chair Vasquez reported attending the 142 neighborhood
watch meeting; attended the Kiwanis Club installation dinner, noting Edward Schneeberger
will lead the club as president next year; attended 1 -5 Freeway expansion meeting, and
reminded everyone that the Florence Avenue off -ramp will undergo heavy construction for
the next 14 -17 months where the 1 -605 and 1 -5 Freeways meet; attended a Lakewood
Boulevard Subcommittee meeting with City Manager Livas to discuss street
improvements; and attended an Insurance Broker Subcommittee meeting earlier today.
Council Member /Board Member Saab introduced Chamber of Commerce Board
Member Jeannie Wood; reported that the Space Center Subcommittee met to explore ways
to maximize the Center; mentioned attending a Downey American Youth Soccer
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Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013 1
Organization game vs. Australia at the Columbia Sports Complex; noted the Chamber of
Commerce is having a Chili Cook -off on November 10 at the Elks Club; a Multi- Chamber
event October 29 at the Embassy Suites; noted attending the Downey Council PTA's
Principal's Breakfast at the Barbara J. Riley Community Senior Center where the speaker
was Downey Unified School District's Superintendent, Dr. Garcia; congratulated city staff,
City Manager Livas and the Department Heads regarding the A+ rating the City received
from Standard and Poors; noted the Walk to School Day event tomorrow, advising he will
participate at Downey High and thanked the School District for holding the event; and
reminded everyone of his weekly Council office hours, on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00
pm. He requested City Manager Livas explore the idea of putting neighborhood markers
designating the Orange Estates area.
r Guerra reported attending a new Neighborhood Watch meeting last
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requested staff bring a report back to Council regarding direction for funds received from
the hospital sale, noting he would like to see half of it put away in reserves and the rest
spent on upgrading parks, adding more Police Officers, etc.; mentioned speaking to 3" and
6`h graders last week; speaking to college youth at Loyola Marymount University's
Department of Public Policy; and recognized his youth commissioner Gordon Sodetani who
was in the audience. He advised that Council has an agendized meeting on Thursday,
October 10, with the National Air and Space Museum of San Diego at the Columbia
Memorial Space Science Learning Center to discuss the possibility of working together. He
also mentioned another agendized Council Meeting on Friday, October 11, where Council
and staff will board a bus to tour several areas of the City. He noted meeting with the
President of the University of Southern California, Dr. Max Makeas, last week along with
Mayor Tom Crosby from County Roscommon, Ireland. He advised that Mayor Crosby's
daughter had brain surgery this morning and that everything looks successful. He
requested staff bring back a report on the Master Parks Plan, with dollar figures. He also
requested an update at the next Council meeting on power boxes and reminded staff that
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez had requested an update on the new City entry points. He
requested a report on dilapidated utility poles. He recognized Dr. Mary Stauffer in the
audience. He mentioned the school each Council Member would be participating at for the
Walk to School Day tomorrow and thanked Director of Parks and Recreation Salazar for
spearheading the event.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor /Chair Guerra's Healthy Downey weight was 247 pounds.
Mayor /Chair Guerra presented a Proclamation to Downey Unified School District
(DUSD) School Board President LaPlante, DUSD Superintendent Dr. Garcia and School Board
Members Sodetani, Swenson and Samperi and proclaimed October as Character Counts
Month.
Mayor /Chair Guerra presented a Proclamation to Fire Chief Croom and proclaimed
October as Fire Prevention Month.
Mayor /Chair Guerra presented the Mayor's Diakonia Award for exceptional service to
the community to Dr. Bill and Connie Kirkland.
PUBLIC HEARING: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED. This item was taken out of order.
6. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 634- PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN HEADS PROJECT
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Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013 2
PHASE 2: Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. 035 -N TO
THE CITY OF DOWNEY - STATE MASTER AGREEMENT NO. 07- 5334R; and,
B. APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED
SOLICITATION FOR BIDS FOR CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 634 — PEDESTRIAN
COUNTDOWN HEADS PROJECT— PHASE 2.
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 /Board Member Brossmer, seconded by Council
Member /Board Member Saab, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the
Consent Calendar.
3. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Special Meeting of July 17, 2013; Adjourned
Meeting of September 24, 2013: City Clerk.
4. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 279594 — 279946; Wire Nos. 30002995 &
30003017 - 30003025, Manual Wire Nos. 1181 — 1189, and Cashiers Check No. 31, in the
total amount of $2,413,622.92: Finance.
5. FIRESTONE BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: AUTHORIZED
$114,900 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL
DISTRICT PROPERTY INTERESTS FOR THIS PROJECT; AND, APPROPRIATED
$34,900 ADDITIONAL GAS TAX FUNDS IN ACCOUNT NO. 26- 16713: Public Works.
7. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH MT.
SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE PARAMEDIC EDUCATION PROGRAM: Fire.
8. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROVIDER
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SERVICES
AGENCY: Fire.
9. FIRESTONE BOULEVARD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13 -7448, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN STOCKTON WEST LANE PARTNERS AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9778 AND 9788 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY; and,
B. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER AND ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY WITH
STOCKTON WEST LANE PARTNERS TO OBTAIN REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS
IN A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9778 AND 9788 FIRESTONE
BOULEVARD FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.
10. APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S CIVIC THEATRE
18T ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENT: Parks & Recreation.
City Council /Downey Successor Agency
Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Lars Clutterham presented each Council Member with a copy of the book City Cycling,
noting it is co- authored by transportation scholars and provides good thoughts on how
appropriate the City's plans are for bicycle infrastructure. He mentioned that tomorrow is
Council Member Saab's birthday and noted he will participate in Walk to School Day tomorrow.
City Attorney Abich- Garcia pointed out this is not a gift but is informational material.
CITY COUNCIL / DOWNEY SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT ITEMS FOR APPROVAL
1. APPROVED A BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $164,014 FOR
OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO BY THE DOWNEY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Community Development.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem/Vice -Chair Vasquez, seconded by Council
Member /Board Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve the budget
appropriation.
2. APPROVED THE LONG -RANGE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DIRECTED
STAFF TO SUBMIT THE PLAN TO THE DOWNEY OVERSIGHT BOARD AND
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE: Community Development.
It was moved by Council Member /Board Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem/Vice -Chair Vasquez, and unanimously carried to approve the Long -Range Property
Management Plan and Submit to the Downey Oversight Board and Department of Finance.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor /Chair Guerra adourned the Downey Successor Agency meeting at 7:18 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
11. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MEMORANDAS
OF UNDERSTANDING (MOUS) WITH THE GATEWAY WATER MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITY (GWMA) TO DEVELOP WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS AND
COORDINATED INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAMS FOR THE LOWER LOS
ANGELES RIVER, LOS CERRITOS CHANNEL, AND LOWER SAN GABRIEL RIVER
WATERSHEDS: Public Works.
Mr. John Hunter of John Hunter & Associates presented the report noting the new Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit issued by the California Regional Water Quality
Control Board (RWQCB) in October is a complex document of over 500 pages. He mentioned
that the previous permit was very prescriptive, stating if you did things in a certain schedule, you
were in compliance, but pointed out that the new permit requires monitoring of the pollutant
levels in the storm drains as they leave the City and enter the rivers and gives several
compliance options, which are all costly. He noted 83 out of 84 cities are going for the Water
Management Program (WMP) or Enhanced Water Management Program (EWMP), which
establishes Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's), which are numerical limits. The WMP
identifies efficient source reduction, requires computer modeling and going out to bid for best
price on a regional basis. He noted the WMP has an advantage over the previous permit in that
if you are implementing the measures you are deemed compliant. It requires a Green Street
Policy and a Low Impact Ordinance (LID). He noted Downey is a leader on the LID Ordinance.
City Council /Downey Successor Agency
Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013
Mr. Hunter explained that in February, cities were required to start the development of a
Green Street Policy for major transportation corridors to incorporate infiltration or vegetative
swales into new construction street designs with trees and grass used somewhere. He
explained that the WMP has to be done by June and cities have to submit a monitoring plan.
The Green Street Policy has to be adopted before the WMP is submitted.
He noted Downey is in 3 watersheds, the Lower L.A., Lower San Gabriel and Los Cerritos
Channel and pointed out participants in each. He stated Downey's estimated costs in each
watershed, noting Downey's cost could be less than others as it is in the lead. He said there will
be monitoring costs and development costs which may go down in 2014 and 2015 and then
may go up again. He noted it will be a difficult and costly permit to implement.
Council Member Saab asked which neighboring cities are not participating and was advised
that the City of Compton is not. It was also noted that the City of Long Beach is not covered but
will participate even though not required to at this time; and, the City of La Habra Heights has
not committed and may do an individual plan.
Bill Minasian, resident, asked who is requiring this permit. Mr. Hunter advised it is the result
of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency has allowed
the State to enforce the Act and the State mandated it to his firm.
Mr. Minasian asked it if was in conjunction with Los Angeles County's property tax increase.
Mr. Hunter replied it is directly related. He noted the real costs will come when the treatment
districts come up and he did not know where that funding will come for.
There being no further comments, it was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by
Council Member Brossmer and unanimously carried to:
1. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an MOU with the GWMA to
develop a Watershed Management Program and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring
Program for the Lower Los Angeles River Watershed (Attachment "A:').
2. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an MOU with the GWMA to
develop a Watershed Management Program and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring
Program for the Los Cerritos Channel Watershed (Attachment "B ").
Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an MOU with the GWMA to
develop a Watershed Management Program and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring
Program for the Lower San Gabriel River Watershed (Attachment "C ").
12. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 13 -7449, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY OPPOSING ANY BILLS OR BALLOT MEASURES THAT
WOULD WEAKEN THE MEDICAL INJURY COMPENSATION REFORM ACT (MICRA),
INCREASE HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND
LIMIT PATIENT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES: Mayor Guerra.
Mayor Guerra stated he placed this non - binding Resolution on the Agenda to join other
MICRA supporters in an effort to keep MICRA. He pointed out that MICRA was adopted in
California in 1975 and stated Downey is a medical hub with 3 hospitals.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez stated MICRA provides protection to health care access for the
most vulnerable.
City Council /Downey Successor Agency
Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013
Council Member Saab noted he will vote no on this Resolution, stating he does not feel it
falls within the pervue of the City Council; does not feel the Council should join others without
having a list of who they are; and, requests the Council join as an official member of an
organization and to oppose uncertain oppositions.
Mayor Guerra noted there is a list of 800 supporters that includes Downey Regional Medical
Center, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Health, and Kaiser Permanente.
Council Member Brossmer asked if other municipalities were onboard and was advised by
Mayor Guerra that the Mayor of Carson and the Association of County Governments is onboard.
Mayor Guerra also noted it basically states we would like MICRA to remain the same.
It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez and carried 3 -2, with
Council Members Saab and Marquez voting No, to adopt the Resolution.
13. BIKE DOWNEY AD -HOC COMMITTEE: Mayor Guerra and Council Member Saab.
Mayor Guerra noted the City received a grant for its Master Bike Plan and referred to a
meeting last week with Lars Clutterham, Council Member Alex Saab, former Downey Mayor Kirk
Cartozian and Mark Howard from the Long Beach Bike Coalition to discuss what can be done in
the meantime, such as adding more bike racks. He noted it is legal to ride a bike on the right
side of the vehicle lanes on the street and said we need to educate people and make this
known. He felt an Ad Hoc subcommittee could do so.
Council Member Saab agreed, stating safety is the number one concern and said he would
like to be on the committee.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez commended Mayor Guerra and Council Member Saab for bringing
this forward and felt it was a step in the right direction to get kids active. He noted he looked
forward to working on this next year.
Lars Clutterham, resident, stated he felt it was a commendable idea to move bicycling
forward in Downey. He pointed out the pros of bicycling; is good for business; has no noise
pollution; is the least polluting of all transportation modes; is exercise; and, improves mental
health.
Roger Pardo thanked staff for securing funding for a bike plan and efforts to make the city a
healthier place. He noted that last night Assembly Bill 417 was signed by the Governor,
eliminating the cost for Environmental Impact Reports and exempts bike transportation plans
from the requirements set by CEQA and frees up funds to educate the community. He felt
Downey must seize the opportunity to make its streets safe for all users.
Dr. Mary Stauffer made a plea to the City and the School District to educate the bicyclers on
safety rules and to enforce them.
Jennifer Ungalo encouraged educating bicyclists and drivers and having a healthier
infrastructure. She pointed out she is a teacher at Sussman Middle School and rides a bike
about 3 miles to work. She said she joined the bike coalition because she wants to ride safely
to work and said if there is no infrastructure, we will miss out on an opportunity to fight childhood
obesity. She asked that the bike coalition be included when the City is devising the bike master
plan.
City Council /Downey Successor Agency
Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013
City Manager Livas noted there is a public outreach component in the grant received for the
Bike Master Plan.
Allen Rangel said he always rode a bike to school and said it comes down to safety both
ways, as a rider and as a driver, and felt education is needed and for the public to be involved in
the Bike Master plan.
It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and unanimously
carried to appoint Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez and Council Member Saab to serve on the Bike
Downey Ad -Hoc committee.
OTHER BUSINESS
6. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 634: PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN HEADS PROJECT
PHASE 2 - APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED
SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works.
Council Member Marquez abstained from this item and left the dais at 8:08 pm due to the
proximity of this project to his residence.
Mayor Guerra asked how the particular streets were chosen.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui explained that during past 4 or 5 years the City has been
systematically replacing the old pedestrian head funding mechanisms with new Pedestrian
Countdown Heads. He noted staff has been utilizing grant opportunities to provide additional
safety to pedestrians and has already replaced these heads at 20 locations. Through additional
grant funds, the City will now retrofit 30 additional signalized intersections with the pedestrian
countdown heads. The intersections were prioritized by the highest volume of pedestrian
activity or where pedestrian safety could be enhanced the most. He mentioned two locations
not on the list, Bellflower Boulevard and Foster Road and Columbia Way and Foster Road,
which are being done as independent projects.
Mayor Guerra requested using LED lights and Assistant City Manager Oskoui advised that
the funding received only covers pedestrian ped heads. Mayor Guerra requested we look at
LED lights for future projects.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Guerra, and unanimously
carried, with Council Member Marquez abstaining, to approve the plans and specifications and
authorize solicitation for bids for Cash Contract No. S.S. 634 — Pedestrian Countdown Heads
Project — Phase 2.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab, and
unanimously carried, with Council Member Marquez abstaining, to adopt the Resolution
approving Program Supplement No. 035 -N to the City of Downey — State Master Agreement No.
07- 5334R.
Council Member Marquez returned to the dais at 8:15 pm.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas noted the new meeting time is giving citizens time to attend the
Council Meeting and to get home eatlier.
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Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013
ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., October 22, 2013, in Memory of the
servicemen who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Staff Sgt.
Randall Lane, 43, Indianapolis, IN; Sgt. William Brown, III, 44, Franklin, NC; Spc. James
Wickliffchacin, 22, Edmond, OK; Staff Sgt. Liam Nevins, 32, Denver CO; Staff Sgt. Timothy
McGill, 30, Ramsey, NJ; Spc. Joshua Strickland, 23, Woodstock, GA; Lt. Cmdr. Landon Jones,
35, Lompoc, CA; Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Gibson, 32, Aurora, OR; Staff Sgt. Thomas
Baysore, Jr., 31, Milton, PA.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ,
City Clerk
City Council /Downey Successor Agency
Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2013 8
MARIO A. GUERRA
Mayor
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
OCTOBER 8, 2013
Mayor /Chair Guerra called to order an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m., October 8,
2013, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario A. Guerra Mayor
Fernando Vasquez Mayor Pro Tern
Luis H. Marquez (arrived at 5:35 p.m.)
Alex Saab
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Lives, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager /City Treasurer
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk
Brian Saeki, Community Development Director
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor /Chair Guerra opened the meeting for Public Comment. Having no one come forward,
Mayor /Chair Guerra closed Public Comment.
APPROVED CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: September 24, 2013: Administration.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
The Council recessed to Closed Session (5:33 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of
the following sections of the Government Code:
1. Government Code Section 54956.8 — Conference with Successor Agency real property
negotiator: Brian Saeki re: Property at 9066 Firestone Boulevard: Negotiating Parties: Tim
Hutcherson, Rodney Singh, Yanki Greenspan, and Dan Almquist. Under Negotiation: Price
and Terms.
2. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Conference with legal counsel — Initiation of
Litigation: one (1) potential case.
RECONVENED
The meeting reconvened in open session at 6:36 p.m. with all Council Members present. City
Attorney Abich Garcia announced that for Item Nos. 1 and 2. there was no reportable action.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting
Downey Successor Agency Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, t MC
City Clerk
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting
Downey Successor Agency Regular Meeting
Minutes of October 8, 2013
2
MARIO A. GUER(R�AA,, Mayor