Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-18-14 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 18, 2014 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special Meeting at 2:13 p.m., June 18, 2014, in the Downey Council Chambers, City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. Mayor Vasquez presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Fernando Vasquez Mayor Luis H. Marquez Mayor Pro Tern (arriv. 2:20 p.m.) Roger C. Brossmer Mario A. Guerra Alex Saab STAFF: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Mark Gillaspie, Interim Fire Chief Carl Charles, Police Chief Aldo E. Schindler, Community Development Director Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director Maurina Lee, Finance Manager PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Vasquez opened up Public Comment. Having no one come forward, Public Comment was closed. BUDGET STUDY SESSION 1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2014 -2015 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET: Finance. City Manager Livas stated that Finance Director Gandhy was going to provide a presentation on the proposed FY 2014 -2015 Budget. Mr. Livas thanked the City Council for their direction and guidance to staff, noting everything requested by City Council during the goal setting priority workshop is included in this budget. He further stated that he is pleased to present a balance budget for the third year and thanked staff, department heads, support staff, and the Council Subcommittee of Council Members Guerra and Saab. Finance Director Gandhy stated he is pleased to present the City's Budget for FY 2014- 2015. Mr. Gandhy reviewed the fund balance, noting a surplus of $12,823. Mr. Gandhy stated that Mr. Mostahkami will review the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) later in the presentation. Mr. Gandhy reviewed the Proposed Capital Budget and noted ending reserves is approximately $30 million dollars or 41.4% of operating expenses; General Fund Revenue is projected to be higher by 5% compared to the prior year at $67.5 million; and, appropriations are projected to be 4.83% higher than the prior year at $67.5 million. Mr. Gandhy reviewed the General Fund Revenue charts that included Property Tax, Sales Tax, Utility Users Tax (UUT), City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 Franchise Fees, etc. The General Fund Revenue is $70.4 million. Mr. Gandhy reviewed General Revenue Fund type by Fiscal Year. In property tax the City is projecting a $766,000 increase from the prior year; sales tax approximately $1.1 million increase from prior year; UUT $352,000; Franchise Fees, $38,000; JPCC and Ambulance Fees, adding six additional drivers in the upcoming year and will see an increase in our reimbursements for ambulance services. Mayor Vasquez asked what the cut off month for revenues is. Mr. Gandhy stated it would be in May. Mr. Gandhy stated charges to other funds are up by $299,000 and transfers to other funds are $699,000. Other revenues combined are showing a decrease of $365,000. Council Member Saab asked if the difference is due to revenue from the hospital sale. Mr. Gandhy stated he is comparing the FY 2013 -2014 budget to proposed FY 2014 -2015. Between the two budget years there is an increase in revenue of $3.4 million dollars. Mr. Gandhy reviewed comparisons of Property Tax and UUT of FY 2013 -2014 to FY 2014 -2015. Mr. Gandhy noted Fire and Police comprise 65% of General Fund expenditures and the total employee payroll expense with benefits is 75% of the General Fund. Mayor Vasquez asked Mr. Gandhy in his experience what is a reasonable amount spent on employee payroll expenses. Mr. Gandhy stated it can be anywhere from 75% to 85 %. It depends on the City, the City's culture, and the City's service needs. Council Member Guerra stated the Reserves are above City average of 39 %. In the past, Reserves have been as low as 15 %. The upscale to 41% is a positive number. Mr. Gandhy reviewed General Fund Expenditures by type, noting the difference between the two budget years is a $3.3 million increase this year. That increase includes employee costs, which went up by $4 million. $1.1 million was due to different Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Police Department; 4.25% or approximately $700,000 was for the Fire Department, adding six ambulance drivers at $120,000; and, adding three additional positions (Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, Forensics Specialist, and Emergency Operations Coordinator). Temporary help was up at $486,000; overtime increased by $280,000; there was an increase in PERS costs of $1.1 million; and, Miscellaneous and Safety was up by 3 %. The City is also paying the employer rate of 24.16% for the upcoming FY 2014 -2015 compared to FY 2010 -2011, the City paid 12.5 %. With Police and Fire, in FY 2010 -2011 it was 21.8; for FY 2014 -2015 it is 32.6 %. We project the increase going up 3% every year at low end for the next three to five years. For the City of Downey for 2012, there were 378 retired employees, no longer employed. Of the 378, PERS paid approximately $19 million in retirement; approximately $50,000 per retired employee. Mr. Gandhy reviewed the increases by department. The base of all the increases are employee benefits. The Police and Fire Departments have the biggest increases. In Police, it is the increase in COLA and PERS. The same with the Fire Department, plus the one Emergency Preparedness Coordinator position and the six ambulance operators. In Parks & Recreation it is part- timers. That is the $3.3 million increase in the proposed budget. Council Member Guerra noted the overall budget includes three new positions: the CMSC Executive Director, the Forensics Specialist, Emergency Operations Coordinator, and the six ambulance drivers. Mr. Gandhy reviewed the employees per Department for a total of 399 in total. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 2 Council Member Brossmer noted the decline in the Police Department is significant from 167 to 150. He asked how many are patrol officers. Chief Charles stated approximately 14 patrol officers. At the highest the Police Department was at 124 and now is at 111. Council Member Brossmer asked if it is projected to remain at 150 for next year. Chief Charles responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Saab asked how many of those officers are sworn. Chief Charles stated 111. Mayor Vasquez asked what the "rule of thumb" is for how many officers per number of residents. Chief Charles stated in Los Angeles County, Downey is at the low end; out of 42 Cities, Downey is 38. Council Member Guerra stated Downey has been low for 10 -15 years. He stated the City has also been at that ratio. Chief Charles stated it is measured 1 Officer for every 1,000 residents. He stated there are currently 109 Patrol Officers, and the City is processing for the remaining two positions. Council Member Brossmer stated that is something the Council is going to need to address moving forward. Ms. Maurina Lee, Finance Manager presented the Finance Department Budget. Ms. Lee stated the Finance Department focused on increasing productivity and evaluated external and internal customer services. Staffing was stabilized and two accountant positions were upgraded; the department implemented check scanners and virtual merchants for processing credit card payments; modified bank fees and the daily cash deposit process; try to improve efficiency in cash disbursement cycles; increased the use of electronic fund transfer methods to pay recurring vendors; the Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for online utility billing solutions and began vendor selection last month; changed external financial auditors to be in compliance with the best practices in processes. Council Member Brossmer asked what other bills still need to be paid at City Hall. Ms. Lee stated dog licenses will be handled by SEAACA, business license, permits, booking fees and other miscellaneous bills. Council Member Guerra confirmed those noted above have to be paid in City Hall. Ms. Lee responded in the affirmative. Mr. Livas stated the City is working with SEAACA to pay dog license fees at SEAACA and will be bringing an agreement to the City Council shortly. The City is looking at expanding the permit process including yard sale permits and building permits. Ms. Lee stated the Finance Department goals include conducting a city -wide fee study and review of financial policies such as the fixed asset and purchasing policy; conduct a pilot program to deliver city employee paychecks via email; review the purchasing order approval process; and, implement an accelerated month -end and year -end close process which improves the timeliness and accuracy of Management Financial Information and facilitate the external audit process. Alvin Lam, Computer Systems Manager, reviewed the accomplishments for IT this past FY 2013 -2014, which included: City Wide Windows XP computer replacement /upgrade- completed on time and on budget; City Email server Exchange 2003 — migration and upgrade to Exchange City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 3 2010; Offered New Office suite hands -on Training to core City Staff; Laptop Replacement from XP to Windows 7; Implemented HDL Business License System; Conversion of Utility Billing system XML reporting features in preparation for Bill print and Online Bill Pay; Upgraded Fire Dept. JPCC Core Router; Assisted with deployment of Downey Fire EMS iPad (paperless) and mobile printing at various Hospitals; Replace all JPCC Fire Dept. Incident Report Printers; Space Center Renovated Robotic Lab upgrades; Free Public WiFi Pilot program for City Hall and Library facilities; and, Consolidation of Fire Dept. /JPCC I.T. contract services under one umbrella overseen by City I.T. Division. Council Member Brossmer asked what the replacement cycle is for remainder of the City's Computers. Mr. Lam advised next two years and every five years moving forward. Council Member Guerra asked what the cost is for WiFi at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Mr. Lam stated there are many factors that need to be considered such as equipment and hardware. The highest cost associated with WiFi is the bandwidth connection. Council Member Guerra requested this item be included in the cell tower negotiations. Council Member Guerra asked about the WiFi at City Hall and why there is limited access. He also asked about making WiFi more innovative and high -tech in the Civic Center and what is the cost. Mr. Lam stated that most likely access issues are due to the brick City Hall building. Access points were installed on every floor as well as the Chambers. In terms of Downtown, staff did research that option and invited an independent vendor to provide an estimate. The estimate was approximately $20,000 for the hardware only. Mayor Vasquez asked if there were alternatives to having two free hours of WiFi with Time Warner and can there be an alternative of four or six hours and the City pay into it. Mr. Lam stated that the two free hours was the best offer the City received. Time Warner can provide additional free hours and the City pay for the service. The City does have a small amount of unlimited access accounts available. Mr. Lam then reviewed the Goals for the IT Division for FY 2014 -2015, which included: Water Bill Online Bill Pay Project; Water Bill Print and Mail Services Project; Replace Space Center Firewall (reduce cost and streamline Network interface); Maintenance Yard - Vehicle Diagnostic utilizing Wireless Technology (WiFi); Replace /upgrade Downey Fire Stations Alerting System; Upgrade Fire Dept. 911 Software and Hardware System (FDM CAD /RMS); Upgrade /Replace Fire Dept -JPCC Mobile Server Network System (Radio -IP); City Wide Phone System Project (RFP) & Sub - Projects associated to the Phone System. Mayor Vasquez asked about providing WiFi at the Rio Hondo Event Center, Arlene Salazar, Director of Parks & Recreation staff is reviewing that project as part of the CIP driving -range improvement. Council Member Saab requested the Barbara J. Riley Center also be considered for WiFi. Mohammed Mostahkami, Public Works Director, reviewed the CIPs for FY 2014 -2015, noting it contains over $46 million dollars in projects which includes $23,695,000 for Streets; $1,550,000 for Residential Streets; $5,997,000 for Traffic Safety; $4,591,000 for Public Facilities; $7,953,000 for Water; and, $2,260,000 for Sewer and Stormwater replacements and repairs. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 4 Mr. Livas stated there is not a PowerPoint slide for the work the Budget Subcommittee did for on the proposed Capital Improvements and referred Council Members to the budget binder they received. Mr. Livas reviewed the following projects: 11'" Tee Netting Barrier; Carpet/Tile Replacement at Rio Hondo Event Center; Final Phase Irrigation Controls; Furman Park Walking Trail Project, which is a matching grant; Apollo Park walking trail; City -Wide safety structure repair and replacement of City Facilities; City Hall Council Chambers Audio/Visual Project; and, Civic Center Building Roof Replacements at City Hall, Police Department and Library; Library HVAC Replacement; Furman Park Building Improvement; Golf Course Building and Patio Improvement; Golf Course Walkways and adjacent sidewalk improvements; Golf Course Pump System Driving Range Improvements including outdoor sound and music. Mayor Vasquez asked for items involving water is there a reason why the City is not using water funds. Mr. Oskoui stated those are not eligible costs because the benefit does not go to all the residents who are using the utility. Council Member Guerra asked if we could use the Water Fund for Parks or the Golf Course. Mr. Oskoui stated no, it is generally used for the infrastructure to deliver water service. Mr. Livas continued reviewing the CIPs: Wilderness Park Improvement, which is a matching portion of the grants. Council Member Brossmer confirmed Wilderness Park is the only park the City charges for parking. Ms. Salazar stated the City charges for parking because parking is a premium. Only non - residents are charged for parking. Mr. Livas continued: Rio San Gabriel Park, related to handicap accessibility issues, replacing picnic tables and trash receptacles; City Hall, Library, and Theatre improvements; Apollo Park Gym and floor improvements; Civic Center improvements. He noted these are recommendations from the Budget subcommittee for the remainder of the City Council to consider. He stated these are one -time costs, protecting the City's assets, and making sure the City's liability is reduced in the future. Council Member Brossmer stated the Theatre had a long list of improvements and was the subcommittee presented with those needs, and asked how they were determined. Mr. Livas stated the subcommittee reviewed the projects on how to reduce the City's risk liability. Council Member Brossmer stated that he was aware there are a lot of needs for the Theatre and commented that the City will need to make some investments to the sound system, if not this fiscal year, next. Council Member Saab stated the items discussed here were necessary versus nice to have. Council Member Guerra stated the City has a balance budget and these expenses are one- time expenditures coming out of reserves to protect the City's assets. Council Member Brossmer thanked the subcommittee for their work reviewing the projects. He stated at this point if the Council were going to add to this CIP list, he would like to take away from other projects. He stated he agrees with the subcommittees prioritizing of the CIP projects, and would not like to add additional projects moving forward. Council Member Brossmer left the City Council Meeting at 3:19 p.m. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 Mayor Vasquez asked what is "Downtown Street Lighting Conversion," on page 2 of 4 of the CIP list. Director Mostahkami stated the City has old lighting in the Downtown area that needs to convert to LED as the City is paying a lot for electricity of those. This is only an estimate, and is the first phase of lighting improvements. Council Member Saab confirmed that project is being funded from Gas Tax. Director Mostahkami responded in the affirmative. Mayor Vasquez stated he would like to consider installing hydraulic barricades or lifts that go up in the evening after rush hour to encourage pedestrian traffic to help create an ambiance with outdoor dining, etc. He would like his colleagues to consider this option on Downey Avenue, between Second and Third Streets, on the weekends during the evenings. Council Member Guerra stated he would love to see that accessibility for Downtown; it goes with the Downtown Specific Plan and he is open to looking at that. At 3:22 p.m., Mayor Vasquez recessed the City Council. Mayor Vasquez reconvened the City Council Meeting at 3:28 p.m., with Council Members Guerra, Saab, and Mayor Pro Tern Marquez present; Council Member Brossmer excused. City Clerk Jimenez presented the Accomplishments for the FY 2013 -2014, which included: Charter Amendment Petition, Lawsuit & Special Election of June 3, 2014; Implemented Digital Agenda Packets for Council; All City Council Minutes available on the City's Website (1956- 2014); Prepared Ordinances regarding Change in Council Meetings Times and Use of City Seal & Logos; City Clerk's Department Processed 300+ Public Records Requests, 400+ City Documents and approximately 40 Subpoenas. City Clerk Jimenez reviewed the Goals for the City Clerk's Office for FY 2014 -2015, which included: Managing Two City Elections in one Calendar Year (June & November); Implementation of Digital FPPC 700 Form Filing; Upgrade Audio/Video Concerns in the Council Chambers with a Target Date of Completion of September 15, 2014; Create "Transparency' Website Page to increase Public Trust; and, Assist with Branding Roll -Out. Council Member Saab commended the City Clerk for the outstanding job of handling the recent election and changing the face of the City Clerk's Office. City Attorney Abich Garcia reviewed the Accomplishments for FY 2013 -14, which included: Provide quarterly reports on litigation status, costs and representation; Centralize legal communications process; Reduction in numbers of active City litigation matters; and, Cost recovery for City litigation expenses in several cases. The City Attorney also reviewed the goals for FY 2014 -2014: Continue reducing legal fees and recovering legal costs; Law student summer internship program; Development of legal billing guidelines for all outside law firms doing work for the City; Review and amend, if necessary, all City Committee and Commission By -Laws for conformity and obtain City Council ratification; and, Continue to meet regularly with the City Council on legal matters. Council Member Saab stated the City Attorney has done a great job this year, and in particular providing reports on litigation status and assisting in the reduction of litigation fees. Council Member Guerra stated he echoes the comments about the City Clerk. Bringing our attorney in -house continues to pay dividends for the City; overall a great decision and great to get legal advice when needed. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 6 Juddy Montenegro, Administrative Aide, reviewed the accomplishments for the City Manager's Office which consisted of the following: Assisted with reorganizing the budget as a user - friendly document; Continued to work collaboratively with collective bargaining units; Provided support to the City Council on various projects /events; Completed progress reports, produced Goals & Priorities and City Accomplishments handbooks; Conducted Goal Setting Workshop; Monitored and managed grant applications ; and, Developed a Volunteer Clearinghouse. Goals for FY 2014 -15 include: Continue to work closely with City departments to implement goals /priorities set by the City Council; Continue to assist and provide support to the City Council; Focus on leadership development and organizational succession planning; Foster strategic development plan and implementation at Space Center; Utilize Crowd - funding sites to fund projects and engage community; and, Expand use of social media sites and reorganize the City website to make it more user friendly. Ms. Montenegro reviewed the accomplishments for the CMSC, which included: Hosted about 26,000 visitors; Held over 100 special events; Completed 270 field trips; Conducted 115 Challenger Learning Center missions; and, clocked approximately 900 volunteer hours. Goals for FY 2014 -2015 include: Hiring an Executive Director; Development of a strategic development plan; Increase in outreach /marketing; Implement member only events throughout the year; and, implement CYBERPATRIOT- the National Youth Cyber Education program. Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Director, reviewed the accomplishments and goals for FY 2014 -2015, which included: Continue to work collaboratively with all bargaining units; Completion of Phase I of an online performance evaluation system; Strengthened Human Resources staffing with the hiring of a full -time Senior Human Resources Analyst and upgraded Technician to Administrative Aide; Completed classification and recruitment work for strengthening the Accountant job series in the Finance Department and for conversion of contract Ambulance Operators to full -time employment for the Fire Department; Affordable Care Act initial compliance requirements met; Incorporation of Fire Department Infection Control Program screening protocols with City -wide occupational health program through Downey - Kaiser Permanente for cost savings consideration; Completed 57 recruitment and selection processes to meet City staffing needs; Processed 705 personnel status reports involving payroll /authorized personnel changes; and, Relocation of Human Resources offices for increased operational efficiency. The Goals for Human Resources include: Complete Phase II (department training and implementation) — online performance evaluation system; Implement a comprehensive new employee orientation process; Enhance supervisory and customer service skills training; Improve new hire background process with the implementation of Live Scan; Complete labor negotiations with sworn Fire and Fire Management bargaining units; Continue to monitor Affordable Care Act regulations and audit; and, Continue to evaluate technology for improved efficiency. Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director, provided the accomplishments for the Library for FY 2014 -2015: 365,418 patron visits to the Library; 400,000 books and other items checked out; 58,910 library card holders (increase of +34 %); 8,379 hours of service donated by volunteers, which includes 3,717 hours donated by Adult Literacy Program volunteers; 3,380 children attended Library children's programs; 232 attendees to monthly Adult Book Club (increase of +36 %); 4,262 adults, teens & children participating in our Summer Reading Program; 38,520 computer lab users; 3600 hours of basic computer classes taught; 2,713 e- books checked out; and adopted a new mission statement: "Downey City Library: Dedicated to growing with our community by bringing people and ideas together." City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 Police Chief Charles reviewed the increases in the Police Department budget of $1.4 million due to a deferred raise, benefits and PERS costs. The Chief highlighted accomplishments for each division: Administration hired 9 new officers, coordinated over 9,100 hours of professional training; processed 224 police permits; and, conducted 30 business checks for liquor law license and secured over $290,000 in grant funding. The Neighborhood Watch Coordinator added 15 new Neighborhood Watch groups; Conducted a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain meeting with over 100 citizens in attendance; and conducted the first annual National Night Out Event. Field Operations Division responded to over 83,000 calls for service this year; made approximately 3300 arrests, and issued about 13,000 citations; and, conducted 4 sobriety checkpoints resulting in the screening of 4, 500 vehicles, 18 DUI arrests and 500 citations for unlicensed or suspended driver's licenses. Council Member Guerra asked if the Police Department generates revenue on the K -9 program. Chief Charles stated yes, the program was implemented as a tool that allows the department to have fewer officers in the street because the department can search a location with a K -9 versus officers. The added benefit is when an outside agency or our department does a search for drugs and drugs or money is found from drug proceeds, the department does receive a percentage. Council Member Saab asked if the K -9 goes outside of the City's district and if so, does the City receive funds. Chief Charles responded in the affirmative and confirmed the department receives a portion if it is outside the jurisdiction. Chief Charles stated the Detective Division conducted 4,158 criminal investigations; Conducted 5 child internet safety presentations with the schools; provided over 2,700 hours of training for Detective personnel; and the Narcotics unit investigated over 180 narcotics usage and possession cases. The Forensics Bureau processed 1,490 crime scenes; lifted 284 fingerprints; positively identified 85 suspects through fingerprint analysis; collected and processed 354 DNA samples; identified 48 suspects through DNA identifications; conducted 56 forensic examinations of computers and cellular phones. The entire Department completed construction of the state -of- the -art police Force Options Training Room; conducted 52 AB 109 compliance sweeps; collaborated with DUSD for assignment of Narcotic detection K -9 to conduct school narcotic sweeps; expanded Crime Impact Bicycle Deployment program; Further promoted and developed the following outreach programs: Next -Door Program; Return Home Registry; Facebook page. Implemented online Crime Mapping and other programs to increase public access to information; and, secured the following Grant funds: $6,300 Department of Homeland Security grant; $31,100 JAG grant to fund Neighborhood Preservation and Crime Impact operations; $180,000 S.L.E.S.F. grant to partially fund jail contract; and, $20,000 ABC grant funds for alcohol compliance checks. Chief Charles noted the Department's Goals and Challenges include: continue aggressive recruitment efforts in order to maintain staffing levels and ensure no decreases in services; maintain public safety through proactive approaches to crime suppression, such as conducting weekly AB 109 compliance checks and tracking AB 109 recidivism rates; and, expand on -line accessibility adding a Crime Mapping component to the Downey Police Department Website. Council Member Saab requested information on the Police Station remodel in the proposed budget. Chief Charles stated the Police Station has not been upgraded in approximately 20 years; and a plan was secured to update the locker rooms, the bathrooms, and breakroom throughout the station from asset forfeiture funds. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 8 Council Member Guerra confirmed the cost was $810,000. Chief Charles stated the plan is extensive as far as the locker rooms and upgrades to the bathrooms and is consistent with other police departments with similar upgrades. The project has not been put out to bid, and could be much lower. Mayor Vasquez asked what the time frame is to complete project. Chief Charles responded six months from start to finish. Interim Fire Chief Mark Gillaspie presented the accomplishments for FY 2013 -2014: returned Engine 61 back into service; placed a second Ambulance 646 into service; responded to 9,345 emergency incidents:7,367 medical- related incidents and 994 fire - related incidents; Reduced emergency response time by 6 seconds (4:55 average); hired two new firefighters; hired twelve ambulance operators as city employees; purchased two ambulances; purchased one command vehicle; Purchased one utility pick -up truck; Began dispatch services with La Habra Heights Fire Department; Adopted 2013 California Fire Code /Amended Municipal Fire Code; Began California Electronic Reporting System (CERS) of hazardous materials; implemented Electronic Patient Care Reporting (EPCR) system; Facilitated citywide Emergency Operations Center (EOC) disaster exercise; Managed 2012 SAFER Grant; Managed 2011 & 2012 State Homeland Security Grants; and, addressed increased arson investigations. Interim Chief Gillaspie stated the Goals include: hiring an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; placing Two Fire Communications Operators; hiring Five Firefighter /Paramedics; Replace /Develop Command Staff; Replace two Fire Engines; Replace four support vehicles; Design plans for Fire Station #2 relocation; Update Department policies and procedures; and, Develop City Pre - Disaster Mitigation Plan. Interim Fire Chief Gillaspie reviewed the future needs of the Department which included: Fire Prevention Capabilities; Administrative Support; Community Outreach; Facility Improvements; Long -Term Strategic Plan; Employee Development; Grant Opportunities; Operational Efficiency; and seeking any Technology that can improve efficiencies. Community Development Director Aldo Schindler reviewed the goals and accomplishments for the department which included: Successfully administered oversight of the real property and loan assets of the Housing Successor post ABX1 26 and AB1484 Submitted the Long -Range Property Management Plan for the Successor Agency to the California Department of Finance (DOF); continue to roll -out the Branding Initiative; Building permits were issued for three major residential projects: 46 -unit townhomes on Gallatin /Lakewood, 17 -unit townhomes on Florence, and 9 -unit townhomes on Stewart and Gray; Assisted 18,917 visitors at the Planning and Building counters; Site improvement permits issued for The Promenade at Downey project; Restaurant slated to be opened include La Barca Jalisco, Chick- fil -A, The Habit, Dunkin' Donuts, and Penske Toyota submitted plans for an exterior remodel. Continue to support Downtown Businesses such as Joseph's Bar and Grill and Lock & Key Social Drinkery. Continue to roll -out public art highlighting the utility boxes. Staff has met with the muralist and Porto's and a draft agreement is being reviewed by all parties. The Workplan for FY 2014 -2015 include: Complete the construction and full lease of The View housing project; work with the Downtown Subcommittee on a Property Business Improvement District Proposal; continue to work with the County on the Rancho south campus sight. Arlene Salazar, Parks & Recreation Director, acknowledged some of the accomplishments from this FY 2013 -2014: Downey Youth Commission hosted 4th Annual Student Government Day and participated in Teen Forums for high school students in February and March 2014; received a grant to prepare a strategic plan; Downey Theatre hosted first Dia De Los Muertos event; Received 5 grants totaling approximately $1.2 dollars to fund playground renovations at Brookshire and Furman Parks, Wilderness Park pond restoration, and walking trail installations City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 9 at Apollo and Furman Parks; ASPIRE created "Get Fit ASPIRE" to focus on implementing health and nutrition activities with students & their families. Council Member Guerra stated the Tour De Downey was a great day and was safe and family- oriented and stated it was a well- executed day. Ms. Salazar, stated the Department hosted: the first Bunny Breakfast & Spring Extravaganza at Golden Park; the Memorial Day event at City Hall and the Cemetery; and, two Teen Forums. At Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center the carpet and tile in the facility was replaced, and new trash receptacles for all parks were purchased. The Department instituted a non - resident and free - resident parking fee at Wilderness Park. In Transportation, Transit study of Dial -A -Ride program operations initiated. Goals for next year include the Parks Master Plan and the Bike Master Plan; expand use of the on -line registration system through the Active Network; replace aging park benches and picnic tables at parks as needed; propose a sponsorship program for all events "Campaign of Giving" once a year for community wide events; and, hosting of the International Food Festival in September. City Manager Livas thanked the staff for their hard work. Things are better and the City is holding steady and providing the high quality of service that the residents deserve. He thanked the subcommittee for their hard work on this issue and stated he looks forward to a productive next Fiscal Year. Council Member Saab thanked the City Manager and the Department Heads and stated the budget looks promising and grateful for the hard work and the City continues to be an example for other cities. Council Member Guerra thanked the Department Heads for bringing a balanced budget forward and working together with staff. Council Member Guerra thanked Finance Director Gandhy for a job well done. The City is serving the community, the revenues are good, the indicators are good, and the city is always keeping our eye on the financial number and I know a couple years ago things were really tight and now we can continue to improve services to the community. Public safety numbers increased to 63% of the General Fund Budget, and thinks that is good. He thanked the staff and city management; adds nine new positions; keeps balanced budget; 41% of general funds budget is now in reserves. He stated he is happy. Mayor Vasquez thanked the Department Heads for their work on the budget. He thanked the budget subcommittee of Council Members Saab and Guerra, noting this budget makes it really easy for our Council to know we have two great leaders asking the right questions. Mayor Vasquez thanked City Manager Livas for another balanced budget. He stated to be able to highlight and say the City has another balanced budget is not easy in this economic climate. The City is thinking big and bold with creative ideas on how to use technology to become more efficient and we have seen it in all the departments and it says a lot about the direction of our City Manager. This budget reflects that public safety, both police and fire, is most important and the resident want to keep our own police and fire and we will continue to do that. The City's future depends on how we continue to build our way out of this economic climate. He thanked City staff and bargaining units for working with the City when times were tough. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Saab, and carried 3 -0 -2, with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Pro Tern Marquez excused, to receive and file. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 10 CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Abich Garcia announced that the closed session items are canceled and are being removed from the Agenda. 1. Government Code 54956.9(e)(3) -Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated /Exposure to Litigation - Receipt of Claim pursuant to the Government Claims Act by Nannina Angioni, Esq. on behalf of the Downey Firemen's Association threatening litigation (copy available for public inspection in City Clerk's Office). 9 Government Code Section 54956.9(e) - Conference with legal counsel re: Receipt of written communication from Resident Sheila Sue Pautsch threatening litigation (copy available for public inspection in City Clerk's office). ADJOURNED at 4:24 p.m. LaLzu- CLU ) &w_, ADRIA M. JIMENE , CIVIC City Clerk City Council Special Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2014 11 Mayor