HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-27-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 27, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:36 p.m., May 27, 2014, in the
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor
Vasquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez
Luis H. Marquez
Roger C. Brossmer
Mario A. Guerra
Alex Saab
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
(arrived at 8:32 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
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Assistant Fire Chief
Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director
Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director
Arnold Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Gladys Chavez, Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Brenda Lacovelli of Desert Reign Church. The Flag Salute
was led by Downey Boy Scout Troop 351.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported attending the Memorial
Day Ceremony and thanked staff for a great event; the Veteran's Memorial event at Bastard's BBQ;
and, the 55'" Annual California Contract Cities Association Municipal Seminar and reported on the
workshops he attended: Sacramento Report, Drought and Transportation — What Does the Future Hold.
Council Member Saab reported attending: the Memorial Day Ceremony and thanked staff and the
Lyons Club for a great event; the Public Works Week Breakfast event; the 55t" Annual California
Contract Cities Association Municipal Seminar and reported on the workshop he attended: Networking.
He stated he attended the 2014 Soroptimist Woman of Distinction Breakfast. He thanked staff for the
Muller Street meeting that addressed resident concerns. He invited everyone to: the Chamber of
Commerce Business of the Year Award Celebration, June 11; and, Make Music Downey and Tour de
Downey event, June 14. He welcomed Downey Boy Scout Troop 351 who were in the audience. He
congratulated Mayor Vasquez on his nuptials. He requested staff provide an update regarding bus
shelter designs, and work with the Green Task Force in an effort to address water conservation efforts.
Council Member Guerra reported attending: the 55`h Annual California Contract Cities Association
Municipal Seminar and reported on the workshops he attended: AB1234 Ethics Training and Finding
your City's Place in the Global and Metropolitan Economy. He reported on the Memorial Day Ceremony
and thanked staff for a great event; Green Olive's two year anniversary event; and, the 2014 Soroptimist
Woman of Distinction Breakfast. He stated he welcomed the Mayor of Areal Israel, Mr. Shabiro to the
City. He encouraged everyone to continue educating themselves on the upcoming election.
City Council Minutes — May 27, 2014
Mayor Vasquez welcomed Downey Kiwanis President Wetzstein who was in the audience. He
invited everyone to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. He thanked staff for the Muller
Street meeting that addressed resident concerns. He reported attending the 55th Annual California
Contract Cities Association Municipal Seminar and reported on the workshop he attended: Networking.
He invited everyone to the Make Music Downey Bike Day event, June 14. He reminded everyone of the
upcoming election, June 3.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vasquez presented the Healthy Heart Award to Dr. Omar Magana of the Santa Fe Medical
Clinic.
Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Guerra presented a Certificate of Recognition to Angel
Rodriguez for his scholarship to Harvard University.
Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mckenzie Jackson, Miss Teen Southern
California 2013, for her service to the community.
Mayor Vasquez and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Aidan and Audrey
Tully for displaying honesty, trustworthiness and respect for others.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Vasquez opened Non - Agenda Public Comment. Having no one come forward, Mayor
Vasquez closed Non - Agenda Public Comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Guerra pulled Item No.4. Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 6. The items are
listed under Other Business.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, and carried 4 -0 -1,
with Council Member Brossmer excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of May 13, 2014: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 284805- 285124; Wire Nos. 30003175-30003176,30003179,
30003181 - 30003182 & 30003185, in the total amount of $2,565,266.84: Finance.
3. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH S &S LABARGE GOLF INC., FOR GOLF PROFESSIONAL -
MANAGER SERVICES AT RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE: Parks & Recreation.
5. AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST FOR THE EDWARD BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM 2014 LOCAL SOLICITATION:
Police.
OTHER BUSINESS
4. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 14- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REPEALING ARTICLE III, CHAPTER 2 OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING BICYCLES IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY: Parks & Recreation.
Council Member Guerra stated the Municipal Code needs updating as it relates to bicycles in order
to continue promoting wellness and healthy living in the City.
City Council Minutes — May 27, 2014
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and carried 4 -0 -1
with Council Member Brossmer excused, to introduce the Ordinance.
6. APPROVED THE DOWNEY KIWANIS FOUNDATION PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT
AT FURMAN PARK: Parks & Recreation.
Council Member Saab stated having pulled the item to highlight it and to thank the Kiwanis
Foundation for all it has done for the community.
Council Member Guerra thanked the Kiwanis Foundation for everything they do for the community.
Mayor Vasquez thanked the Kiwanis Foundation for making such an impact on the children of the
community.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez, and passed 4 -0 -1, with
Council Member Brossmer excused, to authorize the City Manager to execute a reimbursement
agreement with Downey Kiwanis Foundation for $230,000 for replacement of two playground areas.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez, and passed 4 -0 -1, with
Council Member Brossmer excused, to authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with PlayPower
LT Farmington, Inc.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez, and passed 4 -0 -1, with
Council Member Brossmer excused, to appropriate $173,239 from the General Fund reserve for the
installation and purchase of playground equipment from PlayPower LT Farming, Inc.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14-7487, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE DESIGNATIONS OF VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S)
FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 3 -5, IN LOS
ANGELES: City Clerk.
City Clerk Jimenez stated the Council needs to designate a voting delegate and alternate for the
League of California Cities annual conference.
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item. Having no one come forward, he closed
public comment.
Council Member Saab nominated Council Member Guerra.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Guerra, and passed 4 -0 -1,
with Council Member Brossmer excused, to adopt the Resolution and appoint Council Member Guerra
as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Marquez as the alternate.
8. REVIEWED CITY COUNCIL POLICY FOR MAYOR ROTATION: Council Member Guerra.
Council Member Guerra stated future Council Members should have a clear policy for the orderly
rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. He suggested wording be revised on the current policy to include
changing Item No.1 from, "the Mayor Pro Tem shall rotate to Mayor", to "the Mayor Pro Tem may rotate
to Mayor." Also for consideration is adding an item 5 to read, `It is the City Council's discretion to discuss
and decide whether a Council member shall serve as Mayor during their second term of office. Serving
as Mayor during a second term of office shall not be based on automatic rotation."
Council Member Saab stated he agreed with the recommendations but requested item 5 remove the
words shall and replace with the words may.
City Council Minutes — May 27, 2014 3
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item. Having no one come forward, he closed
public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and passed 3 -1 -1,
with Mayor Pro Tern Marquez voting no and Council Member Brossmer excused, to reword Item 1 to
read, "the Mayor Pro Tern may rotate to Mayo" and Item 5 to read, "It is the City Council's discretion to
discuss and decide whether a Council Member shall serve as Mayor during their second term of office.
Serving as Mayor during a second term of office shall not be based on automatic rotation."
9. BRANDING UPDATE - RECEIVED AND FILED: Community Development.
Community Development Director Schindler stated the new branding will be rolled out and will
include: the City Council stationery and business cards followed by City staff stationery as current stock
is depleted, the City's website, street signs, streetscape, and current street improvement projects. Staff
will identify future opportunities to infuse the branding such as power box art, mural on parking structure
on Downey Avenue, printed materials such as pamphlets, banners, brochures and public information
pieces.
Council Member Guerra stated it is the Council's direction to move forward with implementing the
new branding and requested a deadline for the transition.
City Manager Lives stated a transition deadline will be addressed.
Council Member Saab asked if all current street signs will be phased out and which department will
be in charge to make sure the look remains uniform.
City Manager Livas stated the first phase will include the current Firestone Boulevard Improvement
Project. Next, the City will identity street segments in order to keep everything uniform. Future Capital
Improvement Projects will incorporate the new branding.
Community Development Director Schindler stated his department will be the point of contact and
will collaborate with the administrative staff, Directors, and Stay Gallery in order to capture the intent of
the new branding.
City Manager Livas stated he has given all Department Directors direction to begin incorporating the
new branding.
Council Member Guerra stated it was more than new branding it was Discovery Downey and Future
Unlimited. He stated being excited about moving forward and implementing the new branding.
Council Member Saab clarified the branding does not replace the City Seal but rather incorporates it.
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item.
Geraldine Kyles, resident, requested an update on affordable housing.
Mayor Vasquez invited her to speak during Non - Agenda Public Comment.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Marquez, and passed 4 -0 -1
with Council Member Brossmer excused, to receive and file.
10. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SITE: Administration.
Administrative Aide Montenegro stated in an effort to facilitate volunteering opportunities, the City
has added to its website a centralized volunteer web page to include an application, City calendar of
City Council Minutes — May 27, 2014 4
events, and general guidelines that provide information on volunteer organizations and opportunities.
She stated she would be the main contact person.
Council Member Saab asked if the City could purchase a separate link specifically for volunteer
opportunities to make it easier to access.
Administrative Aide Montenegro stated it can be further simplified and staff can look into that
process.
Council Member Guerra stated he would like to incorporate more volunteer opportunities to include
seniors and interns. He stated people are willing to serve and we can look into other opportunities.
Mayor Vasquez invited the public to speak on this item. Having no one come forward he closed
public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, and passed 4 -0 -1,
with Council Member Brossmer excused, to receive and file.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas had no comments.
RECESSED /RECONVENED
The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 9:19 p.m. with all Council
Members present.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m. to Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in Memory of the
servicemen who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Chief Warrant Officer
Deric Rasmussen, Oceanside, CA; Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Barreras, Tuscon, AZ; Spec. Adrian
Perkins, Pine Valley, CA.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes — May 27, 2014
LUIS MARQUEZ
Mayor Pro Tem