HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12-10-13 Regular Meeting (Revised)MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2013
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:50 p.m., December 10, 2013, in
the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor
Guerra presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario A. Guerra
Fernando Vasquez
Roger C. Brossmer
Luis H. Marquez
Alex Saab
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
(arrived at 8:12 p.m.)
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
Gladys Chavez, Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Father Mark Warnstedt, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. The
Flag Salute was led by Captain Victor Shen, of the United States Army.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed everyone in attendance and his wife who was in the audience.
Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance.
Mayor Guerra recognized former Mayors Gafin, Cartozian, and Perkins who were in the audience.
He recognized all Board Members, City Representatives, and Commissioners who were in the
audience.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Guerra's Final Healthy Downey Weight was 241.
Mayor Guerra presented the Mayor's Diakonia Award to Pastor Christie Melby- Gibbons of the
Moravian Church of Downey for her service to the community.
WELCOME AND FINAL ADDRESS
Mayor Guerra recognized representatives from local Legislative Offices and the community that
were in the audience. He thanked City Manager Livas, Department Heads, Public Information Officer
Montenegro, and staff for their support in accomplishing many goals during the past year. He provided a
presentation highlighting events and accomplishments from the past year, He reported on the City's top
City Council Minutes — December 10, 2013
five priorities: fiscal responsibility, efficiency and adaptability, economic vibrancy, quality of life, and
public engagement. He stated that although the year began with a few personal challenges he was able
to create a lot of change in the community with the Healthy Downey Initiative and the Mayor's Walking
Wednesdays. He thanked Healthy Downey Partners True Lasting Connections, Coca -Cola Company,
Apple Care, Downey Bicycle Coalition, Downey Unified School District, U.S. Army, Rancho Los Amigos,
Kaiser Permanente, The YMCA, Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles, Downey Chamber
of Commerce, and the County of Los Angeles Public Health for all of their support. He reported on some
of the programs the Healthy Downey Partners collaborated in: Healthy Downey/TLC 5k, Walk to School
Day, Bike to School Day, Shop with a Nutritionist, National Night Out/Walk Against Crime, Wilderness
Park Walking Track, and the Turkey Trot Bike Ride. He reported on new events the City was a part of:
Dia de los Muertos, Make Music Downey, Golden Park Concert & Movie Night, Red Team, and the Bus
Tour with the City Team. He reported on Dedication Ceremonies: The View Housing Development,
Downey Gateway, Treasure Island Park, Telegraph Road Street Project, David R. Gafin Dog Park, and
the Promenade at Downey. He stated the City was proud and honored of having won the All- America
City Award and of the new Sister City relationship with Roscommon County, Ireland. He mentioned
being honored to have been elected President of the Independent Cities Association. He reported on
goals and accomplishments: balancing the City's budget, having achieved an excellent credit rating, the
addition of nine new Firefighters, the addition of a Paramedic Squad on every fire engine, the addition of
new Police Officers, the Ground Breaking Event of the Promenade at Downey, and stated the crime rate
has decreased and property values have increased. He thanked his family for all of their love and
support.
ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO MAYOR FERNANDO VASQUEZ
Donna Noushkam administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Vasquez.
MAYOR VASQUEZ'S INCOMING MAYORAL ADDRESS
Mayor Vasquez welcomed his family Refugio, Maria, Stephanie, Carmen, and Aunt who were in the
audience. He welcomed and thanked his Kiwanis Club members, Commissioners, former Mayors Gafin,
Perkins, and Cartozian who were in the audience. He thanked his colleagues for their support and his
fiance Donna Noushkam for being understanding of his responsibilities as Mayor. He presented a
presentation highlighting future goals. He stated his top priorities as Mayor will include: managing City
funds responsibly, a strong focus on business and economic growth, and running City operations
smoothly while maintaining a high quality of life and engaging the citizens. He stated the City continues
to remain fiscally stable with a balanced budget and an excellent credit rating. He thanked the
Bargaining Units and Associations. He reported on his priority of public safety and stated he will
continue to support programs such as the Neighborhood Watch Program. He stated being in support of
our Downey Fire Department and he will continue to work on the quality of service that comes from
having local control of public safety. He stated the City was a business friendly City and is looking
forward to up and coming new businesses and developments such as La Barca, The Promenade at
Downey, and the Rives Mansion renovation. He stated he will be in support of a healthy Downey adding
new partners and he introduced the Stay Fit 2014 Campaign to include a Tour de Downey and a bike
sharing program to encourage activity and socialization in the Downtown area. He mentioned upcoming
events such as an International Food Festival, Make Music Downey, FIFA World Cup Viewing Event,
and Summer Sunset Rooftop Events. He mentioned upcoming advances in technology such as, on -line
business registration, on -line water bill payment center, an expansion of the a -book reader program at
the Library, the addition of license readers in police vehicles, engaging residents through social media,
and the City's new branding. He stated he will continue to work towards strengthening art and culture in
the City by improving relationships with local artists, musicians, and culture entrepreneurs. He will focus
on upgrading our City parks, residential streets, 1 -5 Freeway Expansion Project and will introduce the
Mayor's Healthy Heart Award recognizing citizens that make a difference in the community.
City Council Minutes — December 10, 2013
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR GUERRA
The following government representatives presented a certificate of appreciation: Congresswoman
Roybal- Allard's office, Assemblymember Garcia's office, Los Angeles County Supervisor Knabe's office,
City of Cerritos, City of Huntington Park, City of Manhattan Beach, Downey Unified School District,
Sister City Association, Downey Chamber of Commerce, Downey Rose Float Association, Stay
Gallery/Downey Art Vibe, and California Contract Cities Association.
The following cities delivered a certificate of appreciation: City of Alhambra and the City of
Commerce.
The following cities delivered a plaque of appreciation; City of Manhattan Beach, City of Culver City,
Independent Cities Association, and City of Norwalk.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vasquez presented former Mayor Guerra a City of Downey Former -Mayor Pin; a plaque in
honor of his service to the City, and a scrap book highlighting his accomplishments as Mayor.
RECESSED /RECONVENED
The meeting recessed at 8:48 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m. with all Council Members
present.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Guerra thanked everyone for attending tonight and stated he was looking forward
to a great year.
Council Member Saab congratulated Mayor Vasquez and stated he was looking forward to a
productive year.
Mayor Pro Tern Marquez congratulated Mayor Vasquez and stated he was looking forward to a great
year.
Council Member Brossmer thanked Council Member Guerra for having served the City as Mayor
and stated Mayor Vasquez will also have his full support.
Mayor Vasquez thanked Council Member Guerra for having served the City well and setting a high
standard. He stated looking forward to a successful year and appreciates everyone's support.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Harold Tseklenis, resident, congratulated Mayor Vasquez.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED: This item was taken out of order.
Mayor Vasquez pulled Item No. 7; City Manager Livas pulled Item No. 16. Both items will be
discussed during the Special Meeting of December 12, 2013.
City Council Minutes — December 10, 2013
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14 -01, INSPIRATION NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER:
APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public
Works.
16. APPROVE THE FORMATION OF A JOB CREATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BETWEEN THE
CITIES OF DOWNEY, COMPTON, NORWALK, SOUTH GATE, AND THE LOS ANGELES
REGIONAL SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC), AND APPROPRIATE $20,000
FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR DOWNEY'S FAIR SHARE CONTRIBUTION TO THE
PROGRAM: Community Development.
CONSENT CALENDAR: This item was taken out of order.
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez abstained from Item Nos. 6, 8, and 15. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated
Item No. 2 is amended to reflect the correct total of $2,113,845.62.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab, and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar including the amendment to Item No. 2
with Mayor Pro Tem Marquez abstaining from Item Nos. 6, 8, and 15.
1. APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned Meeting of November 26, 2013: City Clerk.
2. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. are 281036- 281239; Wire Nos. 30003062,
30003069, & 30003074 — 30003081; Manual Wire Nos. 1210 — 1213, in the total amount of
$2,113,845.62 Finance.
3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488C — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD (ELECTRICAL AND STREET
LIGHTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS) BETWEEN OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD AND
BROOKSHIRE AVENUE: APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED
SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works.
4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488D — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
(CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS) (OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE):
APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS:
Public Works.
5. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 606A — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT #22, PHASE 1
(BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD BETWEEN DALEN STREET AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY
900 FEET NORTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY) AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $697,498.45 TO ARIZONA PIPELINE COMPANY: Public Works.
6. CASH CONTRACT NO, S.S. 628 — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
PROJECT (IMPERIAL HIGHWAY — DAVIS STREET): ACCEPTED THE IMPROVEMENTS
CONSTRUCTED, APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$1,446,784.44, AND DIRECTED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF
COMPLETION: Public Works.
8. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14 -02, ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE
CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR AREA C: REJECTED THE BID SUBMITTED BY FS
CONSTRUCTION AND AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO KALBAN
INCORPORATED: Public Works.
9. APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEYAND ALL CITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES:
Police.
City Council Minutes — December 10, 2013
10. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO AMEND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
MV TRANSPORTATION INC. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE PART -TIME DRIVERS FOR THE DIAL -A-
RIDE (DAR) BUSES ON AN AS- NEEDED BASIS: Parks & Recreation.
11. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO AMEND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
MV TRANSPORTATION INC. IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE DOWNEYLINK FIXED ROUTE
TRANSIT SERVICE: Parks & Recreation.
12. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
UNITED MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE
(3) YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO ADMINISTRATIVELY EXTEND THE TERM FOR UP TO FIVE
(5) ADDITIONAL ONE -YEAR PERIODS: Public Works.
13. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
JOHN L. HUNTER AND ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR NPDES MS4 PERMIT COMPLIANCE
SERVICES, FOR AN AMOUNT OF $190,765: Public Works.
14. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH MOORE, IACOFANO,
GOLTSMAN, INC (MIG) FOR DESIGN OF THE MONUMENT AND GATEWAY SIGNAGE: Public
Works.
15. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR THE
IMPERIAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND UPGRADES
PROJECT, AND APPROPRIATE $162,419 IN ADDITIONAL PROPOSITION "C" LOCAL RETURN
FUNDS TO THIS PROJECT (ACCOUNT NO. 54- 16700): Public Works.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas stated on behalf of the staff he congratulated outgoing Mayor Guerra for all of
his accomplishments and staff looks forward to an exciting year working with Mayor Vasquez and the
City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m. in Memory of Victoria Ramirez, longtime Downey resident.
ADRIA M. JIMENE , C C
City Clerk
City Council Minutes — December 10, 2013
FERNANDO- VASQUEZ _ __-
Mayor