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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-25-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING MARCH 25, 2014 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m., March 25, 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 John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk Carl Charles, Chief of Police Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director William Davis, City Planner Gladys Chavez, Secretary The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Moses Barrios of Crave Life Church. The Flag Salute was led by Cub Scout Pack 805. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Brossmer welcomed City Planner Davis. Mayor Pro Tern Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. Council Member Saab welcomed Chamber of Commerce Representatives: Director Cruz, President Coates, Vice President Elect Trombley, Director Bacus, Dr. Burk, past President Scott, Ms. Peterson, Ms. ViaTorro, Ms. Patton, Ms. Vasquez. He welcomed Youth Commissioner Hernandez; and, Green Task Force Commissioners Perez and Chirco who were in the audience. He invited everyone to the 2014 State of the City Address, April 17; 21 s` Annual Street Fair, May 10; Let's Do Lunch at La Barca Grill & Cantina, March 26; and, the Downey City Library and Friends of the Library 30th Annual Volunteer and Major Donor Recognition Brunch, April 5. He reported attending The ARC Walk for Independence; Miss Downey Pageant; and, the Assistance League Ball. He thanked the Police Officer Association and Police Management Association for taking a stance in the local newspaper regarding the upcoming election. Council Member Guerra reported attending a Budget Subcommittee meeting; City of Cerritos Mayoral Transition Ceremony; the 149th Neighborhood Watch Meeting; he was a guest speaker at St. Mathias St. Pius Career Day Event; spoke at the Property Appraiser Group of Los Angeles County Assessor Department; and, will speak at the USC School of Public Policy. He welcomed AppleCare founders Dr. Jivrajka and Dr. Jain who were in the audience. He requested staff look into acquiring the .downey domain and also look into introducing a kid's club program for children 6 -13 years of age. He invited everyone to the Healthy Downey 5k for TLC Event, April 5. He congratulated St. John Bosco's City Council Minutes — March 25, 2014 Basketball Team for making it to the State Championship Mayor Vasquez reported attending the G.O.O.D Luncheon Event; The ARC Walk for Independence Event; Lakewood Boulevard Subcommittee Meeting; I -5 Policy Meeting; and, the 149"' Neighborhood Watch meeting. He invited everyone to participate in the, "Your Park" Event at Macy's and the Healthy Downey 5k for TLC Event, April 5. He reported meeting with PIH's Chief Executive Officer West, Small Business Association Board Member Montez and General Sada of the Mexican Consul. He recognized members of the Youth Commission, Green Task Force Commissioner Chirco and Library Advisory Board Member Morrison, who were in the audience. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Vasquez presented the Healthy Heart Award to Dr. Jivrajka and Dr. Jain of AppleCare Medical Group. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation and proclaimed March 30 -April 5 as Safety Seat Checkup Week. Mayor Vasquez presented Certificates of Recognition to Cub Scouts Diego Buenrostro, Adrian Guardado and Gregory Guido for earning the Arrow of Light Award. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation to the Downey Symphony Board Members and proclaimed April 5 as Downey Symphony Orchestra's 56�h Anniversary Concert Day. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation and proclaimed April as DMV /Donate Life California Month. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Ricardo Perez, resident, requested the City revise its policy regarding the requirement of a bicycle license plate in an effort to promote cycling. Sue Spurrier, resident, requested assistance from the City regarding street and parking enforcement on Rivergrove Drive. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cruz, thanked the City Council for their support. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 4; Council Member Guerra pulled Item Nos. 10 and 11. The items are listed under Other Business. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of February 25, 2014; Adjourned Regular Meeting of March 11, 2014: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 283192- 283544; Wire Nos. 30003143 - 30003151; Manual Wire Nos. 1244 — 1252, in the total amount of $3,398,877.22: Finance. City Council Minutes — March 25, 2014 3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488E — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS) (OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE): AWARDED CASH CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $535,615 TO SOUTH BAY LANDSCAPING, INCORPORATED: Public Works. 5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-03 - FIRESTONE BOULEVARD WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FROM LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD TO EAST CITY LIMITS — AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,399,180 TO EAR ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION & SUPPORT SERVICES; AND, TRANSFERED $50,000 AND $565,000 FROM WATER FUND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ACCOUNT NOS. 51 -1- 8667 -0520 AND 51 -1- 8665 -0520 RESPECTIVELY TO WATER FUND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ACCOUNT NO. 51 -1- 8674 -0520 TO COVER THE TOTAL PROJECT COST: Public Works. 6. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROBERTS CONSULTING GROUP, INC. (RGG) FOR EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SERVICES: Human Resources. 7. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH KABBARA ENGINEERING, ANDERSONPENNA PARTNERS, INC. AND VA CONSULTING, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ON -CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE -YEAR PERIOD: Public Works. 8. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO GRANT A UTILITY EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 22 (BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD): Public Works. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14-7481,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES PROVIDED BY CALMET SERVICES TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. 632-313 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT— PHASE 3B (FLORENCE AVENUE TO GALLATIN ROAD): APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS; AND, AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF THE CITY - FURNISHED MATERIALS: Public Works. Council Member Saab asked if in an effort to minimize disruption to residents and businesses and taking into consideration that other street improvement projects will be taking place at the same time, can the majority of the work can be done during the evening. Public Works Director Mostahkami stated this project is scheduled to be completed by September, prior to the commencing of other street improvement projects. He stated heavy operation of this project will be completed during the evening. Council Member Guerra asked if the project included community outreach efforts and if additional cuts to the medians were part of the original bid process. Mayor Vasquez stated extensive community outreach will be done prior to starting the project and will include meeting with the Police Department and the Arco Gas Station. City Manager Livas stated the goal of the project is to minimize disruption to the residents and precautions will be taken to include not having the project started at the same time that children will be returning to school. Additional cuts to the medians can be added to the scope of work. City Council Minutes — March 25, 2014 Council Member Saab requested more information on the scope of work. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the pavement will be re -done, traffic signals and street lights will be upgraded and the landscaping improvements will include subterranean irrigation. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and unanimously carried to approve staff's recommendation. 11. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS FOR CELL TOWER SITE AT DISCOVERY PARK. Administration. A. APPROVE A LEASGE AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS FOR A CELL TOWER SITE AT DISCOVER PARK; and, B. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 14- ,AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS. Council Member Guerra stated parents are concerned with the safety of cellulartowers. Considering this one will be located at a park, why was an outfield not considered as a good location for the tower, and stated the proposed shared equipment storage facility location is heavily trafficked and would take away seating space from the spectators. City Manager Livas stated there is a Cingular Wireless representative here to answer questions. Cingular Wireless representative Grisenti stated cell towers are regulated by the Federal Communication Commission and all sites are operated well within federal guidelines. She stated the location of the tower and shared equipment storage facility space was selected with the assistance of City staff. Assistant to the City Manager DeLong stated the antenna tower and storage facility need to be located within close proximity of each other. Also, after reviewing multiple configurations, it was determined that in order to minimize disruption to the current light orientation on the field, a new taller light pole would be installed near the proposed storage facility. Park & Recreation Director Salazar stated that the location of the storage facility was determined after several walk - throughs of the park and taking into to consideration that there are many grates in which staff cannot build on top of. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the proposed light pole is a way to mask the tower and does not play a role in the current field light pattern. The Council directed staff to return with an alternate location for the antenna and the storage equipment facility. 10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7482, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PARCEL MAP NO. 69907; APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER; AND, ACCEPTING A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT LABOR AND MATERIAL PERFORMANCE BOND AS SURETY: Public Works. Council Member Saab left the dais during consideration of this item because the project is located within 500 ft. of his place of business. Council Member Guerra stated he visited the location and the houses are almost built. He asked for clarification as to why this zoning item is just now coming before the Council for approval. City Council Minutes — March 25, 2014 4 Public Works Director Mostahkami stated the parcel map needs to be approved in order for the property owner to be able to sell the two lots. City Attorney Abich Garcia clarified that in the beginning of the construction project the property owner received a Tentative in which he had to comply with various conditions. Each condition has been met. The final phase is to have the parcel map recorded in order to sell the properties. Before Council tonight is the final map for approval and it represents that all of the conditions of the Tentative have been met. Council Member Guerra stated he thinks the final parcel map should come before the Council earlier in the process and not as part of the final phase of a project. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, second by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez and carried 3 -1 -1 with Council Member Guerra voting no and Council Member Saab abstaining, to adopt the Resolution. Council Member Saab returned to the dais at 8:24 p.m. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: City Manager Lives stated staff is working on providing Council information on solar energy. ADJOURNMENT: at 8:25 p.m. to Tuesday 1) 1&1/' ADRIA M. JIMENE , CMC City Clerk City Council Minutes — March 25, 2014 April 8, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. FERNANDO VASQ Mayor