HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-11-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m., February 11, 2014, in
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor
Vasquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez Mayor
Luis H. Marquez Mayor Pro Tem
Roger C. Brossmer
Mario A. Guerra
Alex Saab
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk
Carl Charles, Police Chief
Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief
Brian Saeki, Community Development Director
Sonya Meacham, Recreation Manager
Gladys Chavez, Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Stake President Larry Larsen of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter -Day Saints. The Flag Salute was led by Fire Chief Croom.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference
and the workshop he attended, "How Public and Private Security Can Work Together For Cities." He
requested an update from the Theatre Subcommittee.
Mayor Pro Tern Marquez reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and
the workshop he attended, "Affordable Health Care Act and Pension Reform."
Council Member Saab welcomed everyone and introduced Downey Chamber of Commerce
Vice President Hoffman who was in the audience. He reported attending the mid -year budget review
meeting, Gangs Out Of Downey (G.O.O.D) meeting and the Independent Cities Association Conference
and reported on the workshop he attended, "How Public and Private Security Can Work Together for
Cities." He invited everyone to the Keep Downey Beautiful Event, February 15; Make Music Downey
Festival, June 14; Tip -A -Cop Fundraiser March 1; and the Kiwanis Event at Mt. Matthias St. Pius,
February 22. He congratulated Police Chief Charles whose daughter was accepted to the University of
California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Council Member Guerra recognized former Mayor Cartozian who was in the audience. He
reported attending a Neighborhood Watch Block Captains Meeting, Healthy Downey Partners Meeting,
Bicycle Subcommittee meeting, Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) meeting and
the Independent Cities Association Conference and reported on the workshop he attended, 'AB 109,
Affordable Health Care Act and Community Para - medicine, Transporting Patients." Reported speaking
at The Downey Historical Society's meeting regarding the City's history. He stated the State is
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014 1
experiencing a water drought and reminded everyone to be conscious of their water usage. He
requested staff provide information regarding the average water usage per household. He reported
attending the grand opening of Starfish Sushi and reported °that Hummus Factory and Lock and Keywill
be opening soon. He stated no military personnel perished during Operation Enduring Freedom this
past week.
Mayor Vasquez reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and reported
on the workshop he attended, "Affordable Health Care Act and Pension Reform ", the Gateway Cities
Council of Government Meeting where funding for energy charging stations was discussed, a
Neighborhood Watch Block Captains Meeting, Bicycle Subcommittee meeting, TLC Family Resource
Center Fundraiser Event and Stay Fit Campaign Event. He reported speaking at the Downey
Coordinating Council regarding the Stay Healthy Downey Campaign. He mentioned the upcoming Tour
de Downey and Make Music Downey Festival Event, June 14. He recognized Dr. Mary Staufferwho was
in the audience. He stated he will be speaking at the Downey Chamber of Commerce regarding the
State of the City and health and wellness programs, will be attending Heal a Heart Campaign at Griffith
Middle School and the City Council Priority Workshop.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Boy Scout William Townsend for his
service to the community.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: This item was taken out of order.
15. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY ART VIBE TO
PROVIDE BRANDING AND STRATEGIC MARKETING SERVICES AND APPROPRIATE $57,000
FROM THE GENERAL FUND: Community Development.
Community Development Director Saeki stated before the Council tonight is the rollout of the
branding initiative to include an agreement with the Downey Art Vibe. He stated after the gathering of
information the City has a brand platform that will be rolled out and explained by The Downey Art Vibe.
He stated after their presentation it will be clear why the City has selected them to help roll out the
brand. In addition, their fee was reasonable compared to other competitors.
The Downey Art Vibe Creative Director Enamorado stated that after reviewing information regarding
the community, they have created a brand identity to properly represent the City. They have designed a
simple, modern and clean brand identity that encompasses the City's foundation: public safety, the
community and the school system. The new design incorporates the City's pillars of character, the
roadways that lead into the City, the proximity to freeways and pays homage to the aerospace industry.
The font used for the logo and tag line, Discover Downey, is meant to work in conjunction with the City
Seal.
The Downey Art Vibe Executive Director Flores stated the brand identity, "Discover Downey" is a
new way to discover a City that is in transition, while preserving rich history and culture. Staff and the
Branding Subcommittee will work on a plan to rollout Discover Downey. He stated that although this is a
collaborative effort City staff will make any and all final decisions. The roll out can include stationary,
letterhead, envelopes, brochures, signage, billboards and website.
The Downey Art Vibe Production Director Grido presented a video called, "Discover My Downey,"
that highlighted the everyday lifestyle the City offers residents, visitors, business owners and investors.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated there was a slight change to the contract. In the contract section
3.5.3, first paragraph, the word non - exclusive will be replaced with exclusive. Also, strike -out the
sentence under 3.5.3.1 that reads, "Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has the legal
right to license any and all Documents & Data."
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014 2
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item.
Bill Manasian, resident, stated the City was moving in the right direction. He also expressed that the
sound system needs to be updated.
Ray Guard, resident, asked for clarification if the entire process was going to cost only $57,000, can
the contract be cancelled at any time, and was the contract up for bid.
Mayor Vasquez stated the contract can be cancelled at any time by either party.
City Manager Livas stated other vendors were notified and their fees exceeded The Downey Art
Vibes fee.
Seeing no further speakers, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
Council Member Saab clarified that the amount of $57,000 will not be a lump sum paid -out to the
Downey Art Vibe but rather will cover costs incurred up -to that amount and the fees will be pre -
authorized by the City and the City will retain sole use of the logo.
Community Development Director Saeki stated that their first order of business will be to work on the
Community Development website and brochures.
Council Member Brossmer stated as a Subcommittee member the process was longer than
anticipated but only because the City was not willing to settle on a lesser product. The Downey Art Vibe
is the right organization because they know Downey and their video presentation solidified that this
organization was the right one to use in the branding process.
Mayor Pro Tern Marquez stated he is satisfied with the information presented tonight and investing
in the community by utilizing The Downey Art Vibe makes the most sense.
Council Member Saab stated there have been many changes in the City and the City's new identity
is exciting. Having the Downey Art Vibe focus on this effort makes good business sense. He thanked
Subcommittee members Council Member Brossmer and Council Member Guerra for not settling on a
lessor product.
Council Member Guerra stated the City's seal remains unchanged the only change is the future of
the City's identity. He thanked The Downey Art Vibe for moving the City forward and allowing each
resident to Discover Their Downey.
Mayor Vasquez stated he is proud of the young talent displayed by The Downey Art Vibe. The new
branding will allow the City to thrive economically. He thanked staff, City Manager Livas, Community
Development Director Saeki and the Subcommittee.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and
unanimously carried to approve as amended.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Ron Parks, resident, stated there is an old non - operational Edison light pole in his front yard that he
would like removed, is in favor of the City moving forward with bicycle safety efforts; and, would like to
see the Space Shuttle be part of the new branding efforts.
James Hong, Downey business owner, stated he was representing many small business located on
Downey Avenue between 2nd street and Firestone Boulevard. He stated the lack of parking has
significantly impacted their profits.
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vasquez pulled Item No. 3, Council Member Guerra pulled Item Nos. 6 (discussed with
Administrative Report No. 14) and 13 and Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 10. These items are
listed under Other Business.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Guerra, and
unanimously carried, with Council Member Guerra voting no on Item No. 4, to approve the remainder of
the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned City Council /Successor Agency Meeting of January 14, 2014;
Regular City Council Meeting of January 14, 2014; Adjourned City Council Meeting of January 28,
2014: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. are 282316 — 282629; Wire Nos. 30003116 — 30003125;
Manual Wire Nos. 1233 — 1239; Manual Payroll Wire number is 0, in the total amount of
$2,981,322.29: Finance.
4. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF
SOUTH GATE FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF
PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AT GARDENDALE STREET: Public Works. Council Member Guerra
voted No on this item.
5. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
TTG ENGINEERS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE
FLORENCE AVENUE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT THE SAN GABRIEL RIVERAND
THE FLORENCE AVENUE BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT AT THE RIO HONDO
CHANNEL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000: Public Works.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-03 - FIRESTONE BOULEVARD WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FROM LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD TO EAST CITY LIMITS:
APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS:
Public Works.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14-7471, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION TO THE STATE HOUSING - RELATED PARKS
GRANT PROGRAM: Administration.
9. COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER SHADE STRUCTURE AND DECORATIVE FENCE
IMPROVEMENTS: YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN: Public Works.
1) APPROVED THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN FOR THE RECENTLY COMPLETED
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER; AND,
2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7472, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN FOR
IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED AT THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER.
11. SET A PUBLIC HEARING AT ITS REGULAR MEETING ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014 TO CONSIDER
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY TO ACQUIRE PORTIONS OF SIX
PROPERTIES FOR STREET WIDENING PURPOSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD AT IMPERIAL HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT: Public Works.
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014
12. APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL INTER- GOVERNMENT
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT LIST: Council Member Saab.
OTER BUSINESS
3. APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE GRANT WRITING CONTRACT WITH CALIFORNIA
CONSULTING, LLC.: Administration.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated this amended item needs to have the term of the extension on
the grant writer's contract inserted.
City Manager Lives stated the previous 6 month term was to allow the City to evaluate their
performance. This firm has done a good job and recommends a 12 month term with the option to
terminate the contract at any time.
Council Member Saab asked for clarification on a grant worth $250,000 from Cal Trans that was
submitted by California Consulting prior to their contract commencing.
Assistant to the City Manager DeLong stated the $250,000 grant from Cal Trans was written on
a previous agreement and was included in the staff report to demonstrate the success that
California Consulting has had in the past with grants. She stated it was very difficult to receive
feedback on how the grant writers are doing within a 6 month time period. Therefore, this grant
amount was included in order to understand the performance that should be expected of them.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated Section 1. A, under Term of Agreement will read 12 months
and cover the time period from February 1, 2014 thru February 2, 2015.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab and
unanimously carried to approve as amended.
10. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 121- FISCAL YEAR 2014— 2015:
Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 14 -7473, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ORDERING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO PREPARE A REPORT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 4 OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE "LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
ACT OF 1972 ", BEING DIVISION 15, PART 2 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND SERVICING OF
STREET AND PUBLIC FACILITY LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND
APPURTENANT WORK IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING
JULY 1, 2014 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015.
Council Member Saab stated a few residents have asked if the My Downey App can be utilized
to report street light issues.
City Manager Livas stated staff can look into addressing photos taken of light poles thru My
Downey App to be directed to Edison or the County.
Council Member Guerra suggested also including bulky item pick -ups to be included in My
Downey App.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and
unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution.
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014
13. APPROVED THE BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE 2014 -2015 BUDGET: Finance.
Council Member Guerra stated the budget time line of when the Budget Subcommittee receives
the information on May 201" thru the time the Council reviews the Preliminary Budget of May 23 is
not sufficient time.
Council Member Saab suggested the Budget Subcommittee review the progress at the end of
March, April and May.
Mayor Vasquez requested the Council Budget Workshop on May 28'" be changed and the Final
Budget Approval date be moved from June 10, 2014 to June 24, 2014.
City Manager Livas stated he will move the Final Budget Approval date as requested and will
provide an alternate date for the Council Budget Workshop at a later time.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab and
unanimously carried to approve as amended.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
6. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488C — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
(ELECTRICAL AND STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS) BETWEEN OLD RIVER
SCHOOL ROAD AND BROOKSHIRE AVENUE: AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$246,985 TO CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING, INCORPORATED: Public Works.
14. CASH CONTRACT NO S.S. 488E — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
(LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS) (OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD —
BROOKSHIRE AVENUE): APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE
SOLICITATION FOR BIDS AND AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF CITY- FURNISHED
LANDSCAPE AND SITE FURNISHING MATERIALS: Public Works.
Item No. 6 was discussed concurrently with Item No. 14.
MIG Project Manager Johnson presented some of the landscape and streetscape improvements
expected with this project: installation of new irrigation systems, landscape enhancements in median
islands and parkways, streetscape enhancement features through the Downtown area, ornamental
street/pedestrian lighting, Gateway monument, bus shelters, and bike racks. He explained the
proposed new seat wall texture that includes a wave pattern to signify continuity, seat and wall text
color options and hardwood seat materials. He stated the new City branding can be incorporated
into this project. He stated there will be two bus shelters at the corner of Firestone Boulevard and
Downey Avenue. The shade structure is meant to provide shelter from rain not the sun and is
standard in length.
Council Member Saab asked if the canopy could be built to provide more shade.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the shade structure is a prototype that is supposed to be
adaptable to any location. The depth of the canopy can be adjusted depending on the width of the
sidewalk. This conceptual design can be adjusted in the final phase of the project. The size of the
canopy cannot impede a bus from passing safely.
City Manager Livas stated the Subcommittee will be sure to get the maximum canopy size for
the bus shelters.
MIG Project Manager Johnson continued his presentation explaining the proposed bicycle racks
design is in the shape of a lock and key; planting pots that will include low maintenance trees and
drought tolerant plants; trash receptacles and metallic light posts.
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the project will also include lit palm trees, Christmas
lighting capabilities and a subterranean water - saving irrigation system.
MIG Project Manager Johnson explained the new proposed monument stating the signs that will
be located near the four corners of Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue will mark the
Downtown area. The signs can be stainless steel or tin core back panel with contrasting letters.
Lighting and the new branding can also be added to the monuments.
Council Member Guerra stated that MIG has done a goodjob. He stated he would like to discuss
incorporating a crisscross crosswalk on the corner of Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue. He
proposed a 6 month trial on Friday or Saturday night.
Council Member Brossmer stated he was not in favor of a crisscross walk because it would
increase traffic congestion. He stated during a recent traffic study, traffic was congested during peak
hours. In addition, this corner does not have heavy pedestrian traffic; therefore he is not in favor of
the proposed cross walk.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the 15 minute traffic study was done to determine if the
dated traffic controller would be able to accommodate such a crosswalk and during the test there
was significant traffic congestion. Future tests can be performed for the duration of a 32 second
traffic light time delay due to technological limitations. He suggested two weekdays for a 24 hour
cycle.
City Manager Livas stated another trial run can be performed and if it is not successful the City
will not move forward.
Chief of Police Charles stated he was not in favor if it created traffic congestion.
Fire Chief Croom stated he would only be concerned if there was an increase in automobile
accidents.
Council Member Guerra asked how the project will be prioritized in terms of funding.
City Manager Livas stated the Public Works Department has kept on top of the budget and is
confident the items selected by the Subcommittee will be included because the aesthetics items
have been priced out already.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated staff has been able to save the City significant money and
nearing the conclusion of the project the Subcommittee will be able to select which aesthetic
elements to move forward with.
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item.
Bill Manassian, resident, stated he is concerned because he would like more complete drawings
of the proposed bus depot before making decisions.
Council Member Guerra stated staff did a walk thru of the area and made recommendations.
Resident, no name provided, suggested ambient music.
City Manager Livas stated there will be some ambient music.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated there were two agenda items considered at the same time and
each one will require a separate action.
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab and
unanimously carried to approve Item No. 6.
Itwas moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab and unanimously
carried to approve Item No. 14 approving the conceptual design and to move forward with a traffic
study without compromising traffic safety.
16. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO WRITE A LETTER DEMANDING THE
RESIGNATION OF SENATOR ROD WRIGHT: Council Member Guerra.
Council Member Marquez left the dais during consideration of this item as his wife works for the
State Senate.
Council Member Guerra stated to remain consistent with a previous decision of the Council to
ask for the resignation of another Senator and due to recent felony convictions of Senator Wright he
is requesting support of this item.
Council Member Brossmer stated that he voted in favor of a previous resignation letter out of
obligation because that Senator was the City's representative; however, this is not the case this
time. Although, he is against Senator Wright's behavior, he is not in favor of this item.
Council Member Saab stated there were significant violations and the Senator plays an
important role in the State of California; therefore, is in favor of this item.
Mayor Vasquez stated although the Senator is not in the City's District the violations were
significant and because of his ability to influence the neighboring Cities, he is in favor of this item.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab and carried 3 -1 -0,
with Mayor Pro Tern Marquez abstaining and Council Member Brossmer voting no, to approve
writing a letter demanding the resignation of Senator Wright..
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez returned to the dais at 9:21 p.m.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS:
City Manager Livas thanked the City Council fortheir work on the Downtown subcommittee and
also thanked staff. He stated that the ICA Conference highlighted key issues that the City has
already put into practice: balance the budget, reduce work force, renegotiate labor contracts,
increased rating and build reserves.
ADJOURNMENT: at 9:25 p.m. to Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in memory of serviceman
Chief Warrant Officer Edward Belli, Monterey, CA, who perished this past week during Operation
Enduring Freedom.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, tMC F O VASQUEZ
City Clerk Mayor
City Council Minutes — February 11, 2014