HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07-08-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 8, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:33 p.m., July 8, 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 Tern
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
Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Interim 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 Glenn Kravig of Calvary Chapel of Downey. The Flag Salute
was led by Girl Scout Troop 2675.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Brossmer reported attending a Downtown subcommittee meeting and a Theatre
subcommittee meeting. He stated there were some theatre infrastructure concerns that will be further
addressed. He thanked Calvary Chapel for the Fourth of July event. He stated the City will continue to
work towards curtailing illegal fireworks and he thanked the Fire and Police Department for their
assistance on the Fourth of July.
Mayor Pro Tern Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He stated the City will continue working
towards a solution to eliminate illegal fireworks and he thanked the Fire and Police Department. He
reported attending the 31St Annual National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
Conference and reported on the workshop, Quench our Thirst: Water in the Western United States.
Council Member Saab recognized Downey Chamber of Commerce President Trombley and past
President Kotze who were in the audience. He reported attending the Theatre subcommittee meeting
and stated there are some infrastructure concerns that will be addressed. He thanked Calvary Chapel
for a great Fourth of July event.
Council Member Guerra thanked Calvary Chapel for the Fourth of July event. He stated the City will
continue to work towards eliminating illegal fireworks. He reported attending a Downtown subcommittee
meeting and thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance. He stated the City is moving
forward with power box art in an effort to brighten the community. He reported attending a Healthy
Downey Partners meeting and the 31St Annual National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed
Officials Conference and reported on the workshop, Improving Latino Health Outcomes.
City Council Minutes — July 8, 2014
Mayor Vasquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He recognized the Youth Commission members
who were in the audience. He reported attending the 31't Annual National Association of Latino Elected
and Appointed Officials Conference and reported on the workshop, 50 Years after the Civil Right Act:
Where Are We Now? He invited everyone to the Twilight Summer Concert Series. He stated the Citywill
continue working towards eliminating illegal fireworks. He invited everyone to The Beautiful Game event,
July 13. He reported attending the American Red Cross Hometown Heroes meeting and a Healthy
Downey Partners meeting. He stated the 'Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard street
improvement projects will be completed mid - October and reminded the community that these two
projects are running almost concurrently due to Grant timeline requirements. He invited everyone to the
grand opening of Brookshire Park, July 19.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vasquez and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sarah Bischoff and
Giselle McAllister for their achievement of the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Mayor Vasquez and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Public Works
Employee George Delatorre for his military service to our Country:
Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Saab invited Joann Klonowski, Vice President of Host Town
Special Olympic World Games to present on, Special Olympics Host Town, Ms. Klonowksi stated the
World Games Host Town Program is a 3 -day event designed to provide the athletes an opportunity to
share cultural experiences in an effort to spread the message of acceptance to the community, allows
the athlete to rest and acclimate to the environment and will leave a lasting impression with everyone
involved. She stated some of the items will include a welcome celebration, accommodations, sports
training, healthy meals, transportation and cultural activities. She encouraged civic leader and
community involvement.
The Downey Chamber of Commerce presented a plaque to the City of Downey in appreciation of the
City's assistance with the Street Faire.
Mayor Vasquez and Community Development Director Schindler presented a Proclamation and
declared the summer as Pool Safety Summer 2014.
Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Dr. Ayman Ailadawi of AIISafe
Medical Group
PUBLIC HEARING: None:
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 5 and Council Member Guerra pulled Item No. 11. The items
are listed under Other Business.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, and unanimously
carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of June 24,2014: City Clerk,
2, WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 285876 — 288172; Wire Nos. 30003192 & 30003195,
30003198- 30003199 &30003201, and Manual Wire No. 1273 in the total amount of $3,436,940.52:
Finance.
City COUnCil Minutes — July 8, 2014 2
11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7503, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPOINTING CITY OF DOWNEY REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE
POSITIONS TO THE CENTRAL BASIN WATER RIGHTS PANEL: Public Works.
Council Member Guerra stated he recalled a member of the Council serving as a representative in a
similar situation in the past and requested clarification, He asked for term limits.
City Manager Livas stated the representative should have extensive water knowledge, He stated
Assistant City Manager Oskoui has been heavily involved and has extensive background knowledge
with this issue and would be the best candidate for this board. The goal is to have multiple employees
well versed in this issue to have a pool of candidates to select from in the future.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the term limits are staggered. The terms for the
representatives range from two to four years. The next election will be held in two years.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez and carried 4 -1,
with Council Member Guerra voting no, to adopt the Resolution:
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: This item was taken out of order.
Resident (no name provided), stated he had concerns regarding the misuse of water by some
residents.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None,
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. to Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in Memory of Susumu
" Peanuts" Sodetani, Uncle of Executive Secretary Kim Sodetani, Community Development, and brother -
in -law of Martha Sodetani, Downey Unified School District Board Member and the servicemen who
perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Staff Sgt. David Stewart, Stafford, VA,
Sgt. Thoma S itzer, New Braunfels; TX.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, CMC FER lANDO JASQU
City Clerk Mayor
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