HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-23-14 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 23, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting at 6:37 p.m.,
September 23, 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
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, 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 Reverend Sharon Sheffield of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The
Flag Salute was led by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Guerra reported attending ribbon cutting events at: Urgent Care, St. John Bosco
Hi1gh School for their Solar Power Systems, Chick fil -A, and Dunkin Donuts. He reported attending the
50" anniversary of Cofradia Nuestra Senora de la Caridad, 3rd Annual Catholic Association of Latino
Leaders (CALL) Angel Awards Gala, met with all of his Commissioners and attended a Green Task
Force meeting. He stated he was glad to see the committee's progress. He requested staff use social
media to publicize City meetings and requested Commission and Committee members be provided with
email accounts. He thanked the Police Department for handling a recent police incident with
professionalism. He stated that recently a Commissioner requested public information regarding him
and then publicized the information on the website, downeywatchdog.com. He stated the website does
not show misappropriation of funds but rather attacks his character and family. He expressed his
disapproval of the website.
Council Member Saab stated he does not support the website downeywatchdog.com. He welcomed
everyone in attendance and introduced Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Beard, Director of the
Chamber of Commerce Wood, and Downey Association of Realtors member Fonte who were in the
audience. He reported attending the International Food Festival event, Keep Downey Beautiful clean -up
event and the Blue Mass event. He invited everyone to: "Let's do Lunch" event at the Embassy Suites,
September 24; Living Tree Foundation at Downey High School, September 27; Rooftop event
September 24; YMCA Annual Volunteer Luncheon, September 28; and, State of the School District
event, October 3.
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September 23, 2014 1
Mayor Pro Tern Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He thanked staff for a great
International Food Festival event. He reported attending the grand opening of Dunkin Donuts and
thanked the Community Development Department for their continued success in moving the City
economically forward.
Council Member Brossmer stated that although he was unable to attend the grand opening of
Dunkin Donuts he stated having heard that the company appreciated working with a business friendly
City. He reported attending a Keep Downey Beautiful event and invited everyone to the grand opening
of Downey High School's new Administration Building, September 24. He stated he does not approve of
the website downeywatchdog.com.
Mayor Vasquez stated he was disappointed in the website downeywatchdog.com. He reported
participating in a conference call with organizations that are fighting childhood obesity. He reported
attending the International Food Festival event, Los Angeles County Mayors meeting, 3rd Annual
Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) Angel Awards Gala, and the unveiling of Coca Cola
Company's first electric vehicle charging station event. He stated the Lakewood Boulevard and
Firestone Boulevard street improvement projects are moving along as expected and he looks forward to
their completion. He stated that NBC News recently did a Hispanic Heritage Month piece in which the
City was featured. He thanked staff for all of the recent successful City events. He invited everyone to
the Rooftop event, September 24 and the Living Tree Foundation event at Downey High School,
September 27. He stated that during the second week of October the City will release a list of tenants
for the Promenade project and he will be attending the American Red Cross Home Town Heroes
luncheon, September 24.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Dr. John Shammas of AppleCare
Medical Group.
PUBLIC HEARING: None
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Liz Pool, resident, stated a recent burglary incident prompted her to start a Neighborhood Watch
Program in her neighborhood and requested more police presence on her street, in addition to the
program to help deter burglaries in her neighborhood.
City Manager Livas stated there are many proactive measures that can be taken to address her
concerns and directed Ms. Pool to speak to Police Chief Charles.
Roy Beard, Emergency Preparedness Commissioner, stated he was disappointed in the website
Council Member Guerra spoke of. He invited everyone to the upcoming water barrel distribution event,
September 27. He requested Commission vacancies be posted and available to the public.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 8 was moved to the City Council Meeting of October 14 at the request of Council Member
Guerra.
8. APPOINT COMMISSIONERS TO THE DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION: Parks & Recreation.
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September 23, 2014
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab, and unanimously
carried with Council Member Guerra abstaining from Item No. 6 due to a conflict of interest because he
serves on the YMCA Board, and Council Member Saab abstaining from Item No. 6 because his wife is a
YMCA employee, and Council Member Guerra abstaining from Item No. 10 because he serves on the
Board of the Living Tree Foundation, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of August 14,2014; Adjourned Regular Meeting of August
26, 2014; Regular Meetings of August 26, 2014 and September 9, 2014: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 287952 — 288248; Wire Nos. 30003224 — 30003229, in the
total amount of $3,226,885.03: Finance.
3. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -03 - APOLLO PARK WALKING /JOGGING TRAIL
IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 1: AWARDED PROJECT NO. 15 -03 IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,640
TO SOUTH BAY LANDSCAPING, INC.: Public Works.
4. BUS STOP MAINTENANCE - AWARDED A MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT TO
NATIONWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF BUS STOPS AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY CITY ATTORNEY: Public Works.
5. APPROVED TWO AGREEMENTS WITH NEW WORLD SYSTEMS FOR UPDATE TO THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT'S COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS: Police.
6. EXECUTED A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES,
DOWNEY FAMILY YMCA BRANCH, FOR THE USE OF THE CITY'S PORTABLE MODULAR
LOCATED IN FURMAN PARK FOR THE OPERATION OF A LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER:
Parks & Recreation.
7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14-7519, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police.
9. AUTHORIZED A STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF BROOKSHIRE AVENUE AND
2 "o STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 2 "o ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENT ON
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2014: Parks & Recreation.
10. DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE /LIVING TREE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER: Mayor
Vasquez.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
11. STATE MANDATED WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS: Public Works.
1. RECEIVED AND FILED REPORT PERTAINING TO CITY'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE
MANDATED WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS;
2. AUTHORIZED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED WATER
CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE PROGRAM:
A. EDUCATING CUSTOMERS ON THE CITY'S WATER USE RESTRICTIONS AND THE
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP ENSURE COMPLIANCE; and,
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September 23, 2014
B. EDUCATING, CONSULTING, AND PROVIDING TWO WARNINGS TO EACH CUSTOMER
FOUND VIOLATING THE CITY'S WATER USE RESTRICTIONS FOLLOWED BY
ENFORCEMENT OF THE APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE (DMC) VIA THE EXISTING CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROCESS WHEN
NECESSARY.
Public Works Director Mostahkami stated this item provides information regarding the States recent
water waste regulations and information about how staff has been proactive with regards to compliance
and community outreach efforts.
Principal Engineer Mueller stated that 2014 is projected to be one of the driest on record and
because of this the State Board has adopted emergency water conservation regulations to include: a
water use reduction goal of 20 %, placing restrictions on outdoor water use, establishing penalties for
violations and establishing reporting requirements for water utilities. He stated that State mandated
water prohibitions as it relates to outdoor water use prohibits: washing down driveways /sidewalks,
potable water runoff from landscape irrigation areas, washing vehicles with a hose that is not equipped
with a shut off nozzle and use of potable water in decorative fountains unless it includes a recirculating
system. He stated that existing City water use restrictions are included in the City's Municipal Code, are
active today and include: landscape irrigations, exterior washing, ornamental /recreations, and
leaks /other. He stated that currently some recommended water conservation compliance program
points include: water conservation rebates available, information about City water usage restrictions,
information about drought tolerant landscaping and educating the public on the City's two warnings and
violations.
Council Member Guerra asked what the protocol is for overwatering.
Principal Engineer Mueller stated that if staff is in the field and notices a resident overwatering they
will immediately address the issue by educating the resident on the City's water usage restrictions to
include providing a handout.
Mayor Vasquez stated that in the interest of technological advances if it was possible to include
reporting inoperative street lights on the City's app.
City Manager Lives stated that the app can be updated to include street lights but he does not
recommend adding water concerns. He stated the City will continue educating the public on water
conversation.
Council Member Brossmer stated he agrees with expanding the app and the details can be
discussed at a later date. He stated that the State cannot conserve their way out of this drought, but we
can all do better to conserve water.
Council Member Guerra asked where the City currently stood on its water usage.
Principal Engineer Mueller stated the City's water use showed a slight increase in a few months with
a significant decrease in other months.
Council Member Brossmer suggested focusing on water leaks as a conservation effort.
Principal Engineer Mueller stated the City has a low water loss due to leaks, where some Cities are
at 11 -12% Downey water loss is only 3 %. He stated that additionally, the City's water billing system will
alert a resident if there is water usage outside of the norm. If a resident has a water leak it can quickly
be addressed, conservation material will be available in Spanish and a workshop will soon be rolled out.
The Mayor invited the public to speak on this item.
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September 23, 2014
Roy Beard, resident, stated a neighboring City provided ultra -low flow toilets to their residents and
that would be a good City -wide initiative and educating the public on water conservation.
John Lacey, resident, stated he is interested in seeing what amount of water waste is attributed to
agriculture. He suggested the public receive a summary page of what was discussed tonight regarding
water conservation.
Council Member Guerra stated agricultural waste was very minimal because much of it is drought
tolerant.
Having no further speakers, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Guerra and unanimously
carried to receive and file the report pertaining to City's compliance with the state mandated waterwaste
prohibitions and authorize implementation of a water conservation program.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
City Manager Livas stated that staff and the City Council have worked together and have achieved a
business friendly City as is evident in the recent new business grand openings like Chick fil -A and
Dunkin Donuts.
Council Member Guerra stated feedback from Dunkin Donuts is that they have never worked with
such great staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. to Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., in Memory of the
serviceman who perished this past week during Operation Enduring Freedom: Spc. Brian Arsenault,
Northborough, Massachusetts.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, MC �-
City Clerk
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September 23, 2014
FERNANDO VASQUEZ
Mayor