HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-10-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 10, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:36 p.m., June 10, 2014, in the
Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pro
Tern Marquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez
Luis H. Marquez
Roger C. Brossmer
Mario A. Guerra
Alex Saab
Mayor (excused)
Mayor Pro Tern
(arrived at 8:40 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 Gillespie, Assistant Fire Chief
Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director
Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Gladys Chavez, Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Brad Reed of Redeemer Covenant Church. The Flag Salute
was led by Downey Youth Commissioners.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported attending the Soroptimist
International Installation of its new President De Leon. He invited everyone to the Chamber of
Commerce Business of the Year Award Celebration, June 11; Make Music Downey and Tour de
Downey event, June 14; CareMore Flag Day Celebration event, June 13; and, Rancho Los Amigos
Annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, June 21. He stated the City is now able to move forward
because Measure B did not pass. He welcomed Lourdes Cotaya who was in the audience.
Council Member Guerra stated the residents spoke by defeating Measure B. He invited everyone to
the CareMore Flag Day Celebration event, June 13. He reported that Gangs Out Of Downey (G.O.O.D.)
has a new President, Mr. Pierce and he thanked past President Sodetani for her service. He thanked
everyone for the Relay for Life event and True Lasting Connections (TLC) for the work they do for the
community. He reported attending Sister Catherine O'Connell's retirement event at St. Raymond's
Catholic School. He requested staff work with contractors to clean up street markings after street
improvement projects are completed; provide a follow -up on the progress made toward finding an
Executive Director for the Columbia Memorial Space Center; and, report on the progress made towards
bringing the Inspiration shuttle out of storage.
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked residents for defeating
Measure B.
City Council Minutes — June 10, 2014
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jim Acosta,
Downey Fire Dispatcher, for 38 years of service to the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, the City Council, and Assistant Fire Chief Gillespie welcomed new
Downey Firefighters Raul Ramirez and Sean Sowersby.
Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, the City Council, and Parks & Recreation Director Salazar presented a
Certificate of Recognition to Downey Youth Commissioners for their service to the City. The Youth
Commission presented on their accomplishments and thanked City staff for their support.
Rosa Rowan presented on, Californians for Affordable and Reliable Energy. She stated California is
approaching an energy crisis as it relates to electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel stating that a
comprehensive policy needs to be established in order to address the issue.
John Hunter, Stormwater Consultant, provided an update on the Watershed Management Programs
and Watershed Management Plan Update. He stated the storm water permit adopted in 2012 has new
requirements. Cities were given two options: comply with the numerical affluent limits immediately or
develop a Watershed Management Program in which affluent limits are phased in. He stated all three
watershed groups have selected the Watershed Management Program and includes dividing the cities
into sub watersheds, a Watershed Modeling, predicts the most efficient locations for reducing pollutants
and the City may collaborate with other cities for regional projects. He stated the City needs to continue
reducing sediment runoff, reduce dry weather water discharges, continue street sweeping efforts, and
inspect commercial and industrial business sides. Downey is ahead of the curve because of some mid-
size regional projects, local projects, and green street efforts that currently have treatment systems in
place. He stated that compliance will be measured by the new monitoring program that is paid for by
cities and can reach up to $100,000 annually. He stated that compliance is not based on the number of
projects but rather the quality of the runoff leaving the City. He stated that municipal funding options are
limited by Proposition 218 and special studies my help reduce costs. The Watershed Management
Program must be submitted by June 30, 2014.
City Manager Lives stated the City is looking into funding sources for this State mandate.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
John Paul Drayer, Cerritos College Board Member of Trustees, invited everyone to the grand
opening of the new Liberal Arts building, July 16.
Art Gonzales, resident, requested staff look into the brightness and configuration of the new street
beacon located on the corner of Woodruff Avenue and Via Amorita.
Public Works Director Mostahkami stated the concerns of resident Gonzalez will be addressed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Guerra pulled Item Nos. 3 and 4. The items are listed under Other Business.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Guerra, and carried 3 -0 -2,
with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Vasquez excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent
Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of May 27, 2014: City Clerk.
City Council Minutes — June 10, 2014
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 285125 — 285487; Wire Nos. 30003183 - 30003184,
30003187 — 30003188 and 30003190, and Manual Wire Nos. 1269 — 1271 in the total amount of
$2,249,483.95: Finance.
5. CASH CONTRACT NO. 632 -313 - AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) AND ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS AS
NECESSARY WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (METRO) FOR THE LAKEWOOD)BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD AT
TELEGRAPH ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Public Works.
6. APPROVED AN AMENDMENT FOR TITAN TRANSPORTATION INC. AND UNITED TOWING
SERVICE, INC. EXTENDING AGREEMENTS FOR ONE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,2015: Police.
7. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY PATRIOT FOR THE PUBLICATION OF
LEGAL NOTICES: City Clerk.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7488, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPOINTING A REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ALTERNATE AND SUBSTITUTE
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INDEPENDENT CITIES
RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (ICRMA): Finance.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON NOVEMBER 4,2014: City Clerk.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7489, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN
OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY.
B. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7490, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
NOVEMBER 4, 2014, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE
DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE.
C. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7491, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEYADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE
PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014.
10. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FISCAL YEAR
2014/2015: Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7492, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEYAPPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN
THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2014 -2015; and
B. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7493, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICT,
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 -2015; AND SET A PUBLIC
HEARING FOR JUNE 24, 2014, ON THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENT.
City Council Minutes — June 10, 2014
11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 14 -1332, 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.
OTHER BUSINESS
3. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S 488A — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
(STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS) (OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD — BROOKSHIRE AVENUE):
ACCEPTED THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED, APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $88,735.64; AND, DIRECTED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO
FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION: Public Works.
Council Member Guerra stated he would like contractors to clean up the work site once projects are
completed to include any street markings made during the construction phase of the projects.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and passed 3 -0 -2,
with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Vasquez excused, to approve.
4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 632 -IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AT COLUMBIA WAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL
UPGRADE PROJECT: ACCEPTED THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED, APPROVED THE
FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $189,356.13, AND DIRECTED THE PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION: Public Works.
Council Member Guerra stated being disappointed that contractors do not remove street markings
after completion of construction projects and requested this be added as a term on all future contracts.
Council Member Saab asked if the paint used for street markings is removable and if the City should
establish an Ordinance to ensure contractors remove street markings after completion of street
improvement projects.
Public Works Director Mostahkami stated the markings can be removed with a high pressure water
wash and is a term in the contracts.
City Manager Livas stated staff can look into this matter further to ensure removal is being
completed not only by City hired contractors but all contractors that do work in the City.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and passed 3 -0 -2,
with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Vasquez excused, to approve.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14-7494, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE FORM AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CERTAIN
LEASE FINANCING DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE REFUNDING OF THE CITY'S
OUTSTANDING 2002 CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION ( DOWNEY GOLF COURSE
FINANCING), AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CERTAIN ACTIONS WITH RESPECT
THERETO: Administration.
City Manager Lives stated in May 2013 the City looked into the possibility of refinancing existing
bonds. The City was unable to achieve desired savings and did not pursue this opportunity again until
now. He invited Ms. Harrell to further explain.
Susan Harrell of Harrell & Company Fiscal Advisors stated they are pursuing the refinancing of the
2002 Certificates of Participation in order to save the City approximately $90,000 annually during the
next four years and $40,000 annually for the remaining 9 years. She stated this financing will be
purchased by a banking institution. She requested the action be approved in order to pursue this option.
City Council Minutes — June 10, 2014
Council Member Guerra emphasized that this was the only long term debt the City had because the
City has been fiscally prudent.
Council Member Saab requested clarification as to which bank would purchase the bonds and if it
was offered to all the banking institutions.
Ms. Harrell stated her office had been in communication with various lenders for over a year.
Western Alliance Bank decided to move forward with the purchase of the loan upon reviewing the City's
finances and its ability to balance their budget.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Guerra and passed 3 -0 -2,
with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Vasquez excused, to adopt the Resolution.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas stated Public Works Director Mostahkami has informed him that from June 11
thru mid - September traffic will be reduced to one lane each direction at the site of the bridge
improvement project on Firestone Boulevard, therefore, please exercise caution and plan for alternate
routes.
RECESSED /RECONVENED
The meeting recessed to Closed Session at 8:01 p.m. and reconvened at 9:06 p.m. with all Council
Members present.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. to Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in Memory of the
servicemen who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Pfc. Jacob Wykstra of
Thornton, Colorado, who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom and Garrett Vos
son of Fire Engineer Rich Vos.
AD IA M. JIMENEZ, dMC L Z
City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem
or Pro Tem
City Council Minutes — June 10, 2014