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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 07-22-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JULY 22, 2014 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 6:37 p.m., July 22, 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 Dean Milligan, Police Captain 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 Chaplain Steve Mitchell of the Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. The Flag Salute was led by City Clerk Jimenez. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference and reported attending the workshop: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology in Your Neighborhood. He requested staff look at implementing this technology in the City. Mayor Pro Tern Marquez reported attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference and reported attending the workshop: Cyber Security in Your-City. He reported attending the grand opening of Brookshire Park and thanked First 5 LA and LA Conservation Corps. He stated the City is looking into establishing a Neighborhood Watch Program near Brookshire Park. Council Member Saab welcomed everyone in attendance and recognized Green Task Force Commissioner Chirco, Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Molinaro and the Youth Commissioners who were in the audience. He stated the City is aware of the concerns from residents regarding the DB Lounge and the Council will address those concerns at the appropriate time. Council Member Guerra reported attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference and reported attending the workshop: Water — Drought, Delivery, Supply and Recycling. He stated speaking to various Water Districts and some farmers in the San Joaquin Valley regarding the seriousness of the water drought. He requested staff provide a report outlining what the City is currently doing in regards to water conservation. He reported attending the FIFA World Cup Viewing City Council Minutes — July 22, 2014 Event and the grand opening of Brookshire Park. He requested that any future park walking trail improvement projects establish an irrigation system that will not create mud on the trails. He requested the Green Task Force continue to follow up on Council recommendations. Mayor Vasquez invited everyone to the Twilight Summer Concert Series. He thanked staff for a wonderful FIFA World Cup Viewing Event and the grand opening of Brookshire Park. He stated looking forward to the upcoming completion of the Furman Park playground improvement project. He recognized the Downey Youth Commissioners that were in the audience. He stated he will tour the construction site of the 1 -5 freeway improvement project, Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard street improvement projects. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) conference and reported attending the workshop: Human Trafficking and Commercial Exploitation. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated that on July 16 the Planning Commission heard an application from DB Lounge to introduce go -go dancers into their night club operation. Contrary to what has been reported in the newspaper, there has been no final decision by the Planning Commission on the go -go dancers. She stated that on July 16 the Planning Commission directed staff to bring back a Resolution at their August 20th hearing at 6:30 p.m. to further discuss approval of go -go dancers. The Planning Commission has not made a final decision. It is still possible that at the August 20th hearing the Commission decides contrary to the approval that they originally directed staff to bring back. She encouraged anyone with a concern to attend the August 201h meeting and voice that concern to the Planning Commission. She stated a member of the public that cannot attend the meeting can send an email to the Community Development Department or the City Clerk's office and it will be made part of the record. She stated that in the absence of a final decision, the Council does not currently have jurisdiction over the matter. If the Planning Commission decides at the August 20th meeting to move forward with the Resolution any member of the public will have an opportunity to appeal the decision 15 days after the Planning Commission's final decision. There will be a fee of $1,000 for the appeal. If appealed, the Council as the appeal body, will hear the appeal and make a decision. She stated State law requires the City Council, as the hearing body, to remain neutral which includes not commenting on their desirability of the application until the hearing. During the hearing the City Council can express their opinion, give direction, and vote on the appeal. During the appeal the Council will take under consideration the comments and correspondence received from the residents. She clarified that there has been no final action on go -go dancers and there is still one more public hearing that will allow residents to express their views on the application. She stated the $1,000 appeal fee can be waived by the City Council. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Coach Robert Couso and the Downey Junior Athletic Association team, Pioneer Division, for their "Triple Crown Champions," in flag football, basketball and baseball. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation to Tami Shilling and Anthony Zegarra declaring July 27 as National Parents Day and recognized Parents of the Year winners Donald and Jackie Ellingson, from Downey High School. Mayor Vasquez recognized newly promoted Fire Department personnel: Assistant Fire Chief Bruce English, Battalion Chief Scott Devereux, Battalion Chief Dan Hurlock, Fire Captain Ivan Orloff, and Fire Engineer David Blades Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Dr. Paul Mercer of CareMore. PUBLIC HEARING: None. City Council Minutes — July 22, 2014 NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Valentine Flores, Downey Art Vibe, requested an item be added to the agenda regarding a proposal for additional funding for the Stay Gallery. John Lacey, resident, requested the City consider introducing an Ordinance regarding water conservation. Mike Chirco, business owner, expressed his disappointment with the Planning Commission due to a recent decision regarding go -go dancers. CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, seconded by Council Member Guerra and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings of July 8, 2014: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 286173 — 286520; Wire Nos. 30003197 & 300032000, 30003202 — 32003203 & 30003207, and Manual Wire No. 1274 -1279, in the total amount of $3,372,340.81: Finance. 3. APPROVED AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,000 FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY BUDGET (FISCAL YEAR 2013 -14) FOR LEGAL FEES INCURRED IN THE LITIGATION MATTER, PAUTSCH V. CITY OF DOWNEY, LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT, CASE NO. BS147244: Administration. 4. CASH CONTRACT NO. S.S. 488F — FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PAVEMENT REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS) FROM OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD TO BROOKSHIRE AVENUE: AWARDED CASH CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,048,903 TO R.J. NOBLE COMPANY; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT, DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET: Public Works. 5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -02 — FURMAN PARK WALKING /JOGGING TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 1: APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 6. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -07 - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIOVISUAL IMPROVEMENTS: APPROVED AMENDMENT NO.1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH STUDIO SPECTRUM, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO THE DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEM, EXTENDING THE TERM THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2014, MODIFYING THE SCOPE OF WORK, AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY CITY ATTORNEY; AND, APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 7. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND IT CONSULTANT MICHAEL ALBELO TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY WHICH INCLUDES THE LIBRARY, COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR A THREE YEAR TERM: Finance. City Council Minutes — July 22, 2014 APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CARL WARREN & COMPANY AND THE INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY: Finance. 9. APPROVED AN ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR REFERENCE DATABASE SERVICES FOR THE DOWNEY CITY LIBRARY WITH GALE CENGAGE LEARNING FOR $13,825.85: Administration. 10. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) REGARDING THE RULE 20B PROJECT ON BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD BETWEEN DALEN STREET AND A POINT LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 900 FEET NORTH OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY (UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 22) IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY THE CITY ATTORNEY: Public Works. 11. APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH STAY GREEN, INC. (STAY GREEN) FOR PARKS AND FACILITIES LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, EXTENDING THE TERM THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2014, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY CITY ATTORNEY: Public Works. 12. APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 10 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH WEST COASTARBORISTS, INC. (WCA) FOR TREE TRIMMING /MAINTENANCE SERVICES, EXTENDING THE TERM THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2014, AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY CITY ATTORNEY: Public Works. 13. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7504, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APOLLO PARK (CIP NO. 16-03) AND FURMAN PARK (CIP NO. 15 -02) WALKING /JOGGING TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN: Public Works. 14. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7505, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PROHIBITING THE USE OF FOOD SERVICE ITEMS COMPRISED OF EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (STYROFOAM) WITHIN CITY FACILITIES AND AT CITY SPONSORED EVENTS: Green Task Force. 15. AUTHORIZED A STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014: Police. 16. RECEIVED AND FILED THE 2013 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT: Community Development. 17. AUTHORIZED STAFF TO COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF A HOST TOWN FROM JULY 21 —JULY 24, 2015, AS PART OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES 2015: Parks & Recreation. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS Council Member Guerra stated for agenda Item No. 5 he would like staff to review: the sprinkler system layout because the decomposed granite turns into mud when wet; the lighting because the park gets very dark at night; and, make sure it includes way finder signs. Item No. 13 he requested staff work with LA Conservation Corp because of previous success with them. City Council Minutes — July 22, 2014 City Manager Livas thanked all departments involved in the FIFA World Cup Viewing Event. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. to Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. in remembrance of Fire Battalion Chief Brian Wolf, who passed away one year ago on July 21, 2013. ADRIA M. JIMEN , CMC FE�RNAN O VASQUEZ, City Clerk City Council Minutes — July 22, 2014 Mayor