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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-10-14 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2014 Mayor Vasquez called to order a Special Meeting at 5:33 p.m., November 10, 2014, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey. PRESENT: Council Members: Fernando Vasquez Mayor Luis H. Marquez Mayor Pro Tem Roger C. Brossmer Mario A. Guerra Alex Saab ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager /City Treasurer PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Vasquez opened the meeting for Public Comment. Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed Public Comment. PRESENTATION Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Maria Larkin for 14 years as Chairman of the Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. APPROVED CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: October 28, 2014: Administration. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and unanimously carried to approve the Closed Session Minutes. RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION The Council recessed to Closed Session (5:34 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code: 1. Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Conference with Legal Counsel Pending Litigation — City of Cerritos et al. vs. WRD, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BS 128136 RECONVENED The meeting reconvened in open session at 6:30 p.m. with all Council Members present. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated that for Item No. 1, the City Council received a status report but took no formal action. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 The Invocation was delivered by Stake President Larry J. Larsen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Flag Salute was led by Miss Downey. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Brossmer welcomed everyone in attendance. He reported attending the Southern California Water Summit & Fall Conference and reported on the seminar, "New Ground Water Legislation." He participated in the 2nd Annual Downey Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook -Off event. He invited everyone to the Veterans Day Ceremony event, November 11. Council Member Marquez welcomed everyone in attendance. He recognized Green Task Force Committee Member Molinaro, Public Works Commissioner Owens, Councilman elect Ashton and Orangeline Development Authority Eco -Rapid Transit Executive Director Kodama, who were in the audience. He stated the Orangeline Development Authority Eco -Rapid Transit board recommended a transit development grant for the City in the amount of $425,000. He invited everyone to the Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11. Council Member Saab reported attending the Southern California Water Summit & Fall Conference and reported on the seminar, "New Ground Water Legislation." He attended the employee recognition event and thanked the employees fortheir many years of service. He attended the dedication ceremony of the walking /jogging trails at Furman Park and the groundbreaking event for walking /jogging trails at Apollo Park and thanked Los Angeles County Supervisor Knabe for providing grant funding for the trails. He stated the first phase of the Firestone Boulevard pavement project will begin in the next few weeks and he thanked the Public Works Department for securing a $5 million grant for the Lakewood Boulevard Street Improvement Project. He reported attending a Neighborhood Watch meeting that included CPR training. He invited everyone to the Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, the Downey Association of Realtors installation of their new President, Family Night at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, the Tree Lighting event, December 8, the Holiday Home Decorating Contest, the 63rd Annual Christmas Parade, December 7, and the Water Conservation Symposium, November 19. He requested staff revisit the current policy on tree removals and tree replacements. He welcomed Christmas parade Grand Marshal Jennifer DeKay who was in the audience. Council Member Guerra reported attending the dedication ceremony of the walking /jogging trails at Furman Park and the groundbreaking event for walking /jogging trails at Apollo Park. He participated in the Dia de los Muertos Art Festival and attended the employee recognition event. He stated the new street signs are starting to go up and include the new City branding. He stated the Council priorities status report shows the City is moving in the right direction to include new recruits, street improvement projects, grant funding, community events and international events. He requested staff provide an update on overflow parking for Nance Street, an update on the Promenade project and an update from the new Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center regarding "Inspiration." He requested staff move forward with the Wall of Fame project. He stated crime rates are down and thanked the Fire and Police Department. He stated running for Senate was a joyous occasion because it fulfilled his personal cause of helping people and he was able to highlight the good things that have been accomplished. He thanked the voters for their support. City Manager Livas stated the City has installed new street signs for overflow parking on Nance Street as requested by the Council. Mayor Vasquez reported attending a Healthy Downey meeting,) -5 Freeway expansion meeting and the Dia de los Muertos Art Festival. He stated that the Lakewood Boulevard street improvement project is scheduled to be completed in December. He stated the recent Downtown events have been very successful. He recognized Miss Downey and her Court who were in the audience. He City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 stated the View Housing Project will be completed in December. He invited everyone to the Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11. He congratulated Councilmember -elect Ashton and Dr. Garcia, Downey Unified School District, for his win on Measure O, both where in the audience. He stated he will visit Downey's Sister City of Jalisco to discuss growth economic opportunities. Public Works Director Mostahkami announced the Gallatin Road Street Improvement Project will begin on Sunday and will include complete closure of Lakewood Boulevard and Gallatin Road. Businesses and residents will be notified in writing of this temporary closure. City Attorney Abich Garcia introduced new employee Katrina Julian who has joined her department. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Guerra presented a Proclamation to Ryan Guerra and declared November as National Diabetes Awareness Month Mayor Vasquez presented City pins to the new Miss Downey, Miss Teen Downey, Jr. Miss Downey and Little Miss Downey and their Courts. Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey resident Laureen Alexandria Perri, Machinist Mate 2ntl Class Petty Officer Rank of E5, for her service to our country and retirement from military service. Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Dr. Robert Jagielski, Downey Unified School District, and Sacha van der Most van Spijk , Chivas Major League Soccer. PUBLIC HEARING: None. NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Vasquez opened up Public Comment. Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed Public Comment. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Guerra pulled Item Nos. 1b, 5, 9 and 11. These items are listed under Other Business. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Saab, and unanimously carried, 5 -0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 1a. APPROVED MINUTES: Adjourned Meeting of October 28, 2014: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 289136- 289551; Wire Nos. 30003241 & 30003244 and 30003246 — 30003250, and are 1296 — 1298, in the total amount of $3,730,100.12: Finance. 3. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -18 - CIVIC CENTER AND UTILITIES YARD ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT: APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS: Public Works. 4. APPROPRIATED $58,200 FOR DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY DECORAND SEASONAL BANNER PROGRAM AND AWARDED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR HOLIDAY TREE DECORATING SERVICES TO DEKRA -LITE: Parks & Recreation. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 3 6. APPROVED A CONTRACT WITH GEO GROUP, INC. TO PROVIDE PRIVATE JAILER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Department. 7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7523, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING H.R. 5101 (CA -HAHN) PASSING THE NATIONAL FREIGHT NETWORK TRUST ACT OF 2014: Administration. 8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 14 -7524, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF STATE STANDARD AGREEMENT FOR HOUSING RELATED PARKS PROGRAM GRANT: Administration 10. AUTHORIZED A STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS 1b. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of October 28, 2014: City Clerk. Council Member Guerra requested additional information be included in the Minutes under the portion of Administrative Reports, Orangeline /Eco -Rapid Transit Authority to include the City will have a station, the City will bring back a Resolution at the following meeting and the City was in favor of this item as long as the City would have a station. City Manager Livas stated that Orangeline /Eco -Rapid Transit Authority Executive Director Kodama suggested at the City Council meeting of October 28 the board could provide the City of Downey a Resolution, as they have with other cities, stating the City would have a station. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and unanimously carried, 5 -0, to approve the Minutes as amended. 5. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DON LAMKIN FOR $16,000 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE DOWNEY DOODLE- ICIOUS MURAL ON PORTO'S BAKERY PARKING STRUCTURE WALL AND APPROVE $16,000 FROM THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM TO FUND THE INSTALLATION: Community Development. Council Member Guerra stated this item was the beginning of the vision for the Downtown Specific Plan. He stated the mural will bring history and icons of the City and would be reflective of our community. He thanked Mr. Lamkin for his vision. Council Member Saab stated the value of the mural is not reflective in the price and he thanked Mr. Lamkin for the love he has for the community and stated he was very proud of this piece of art. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Mayor Pro Tern Marquez and unanimously carried to approve staffs recommendation. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 4 9. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 14- .AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING ARTICLE II, CHAPTER 10ATO THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF PREVAILING WAGES ON ALL CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS: Public Works. Council Member Guerra asked if this item would impact all projects to include those that are not State funded. This could have a significant financial impact on the City. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the Ordinance would apply to local projects funded by the General Fund because the State is making an effort to have cities pay prevailing wages on local projects. Currently, the City pays prevailing wages only on State funded projects. This Ordinance would extend the requirement to local projects. She stated not all local projects would be impacted, only specific job descriptions for laborers listed on the Department of Industrial Relations list. The Department of Industrial Relations has erroneously taken the positon that if Charter Cities do not adopt the prevailing wage Ordinance, Cities will not be included on the eligibility list for State funding. The City will reluctantly comply even though it does not need the Ordinance, in order to not miss out on State funding. If in the future the Department of Industrial Relations states they did not intend for this Ordinance to include Charter Cities then the City can repeal the Ordinance in the future. City Manager Lives stated the City is currently enforcing prevailing wages on local projects Council Member Guerra stated there is no way of knowing what the financial impact of complying will be and he cannot vote blindly without having more information on how the City would be financially impacted. City Manager Livas stated If there was a project that 100% funded by the General Fund then there would be a direct impact to the City, but currently most project are funded by both the State and the General Fund. Public Works Director Mostahkami stated all Public Work projects would be impacted; therefore, not complying would impact future projects. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Marquez and carried 4 -0 -1 with Council Member Guerra abstaining, to introduce the ordinance. 11. APPROVED AN APPROPRIATION OF $15,000 TO FUND ADDITIONAL POWER BOX ART, APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND HARTZOG & CRABILL, INC., AND ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE POWER BOX ART PROGRAM TO INCLUDE AN "ADOPT -A -BOX" COMPONENT: Community Development. Council Member Guerra stated this was a great program but seemed restricted. He stated if a member of the public wanted to purchase a box and have it painted they should be allowed. The program should not be open only to a business or organization. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the City wanted to create a situation where businesses, charitable organizations, and the Downey Unified School District could add their logo to a small defined location. If the City opened this up to include individuals it has to be regulated because some messages may not be appropriate. She stated a possible option would be to allow individuals to adopt a box without including a personal message. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 5 Council Member Guerra emphasized the City would have the final approval of the art work and his only request was that in the defined area where a business would add their logo or business name, the City allow individuals to add their family name. Council Member Brossmer clarified that the box would not include a message but rather a sponsored family name. Council Member Saab stated it would get difficult if the City allowed for a statement on the box because some may be cross the line. Council Member Guerra clarified that he is requesting the program be expanded to allow for a sponsored family or individual name. He requested the two power boxes located across the street from Warren High School be painted by the school's Art Department. Council Member Brossmer requested the painting of power boxes be left up to the professional who know how to treat the paint used for the art work but agreed to allow the Warren High School Art Department come up with a concept design. Council Member Guerra requested clarification on how this program will be rolled out. Community Development Director Schindler stated the Citywill use multiple outlets to include the City's website and social media. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and unanimously carried 5 -0, as amended, to approve staffs recommendation. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Lives thanked staff, Police Sergeant Rosario and his Boy Scout Troop for their participation in the canned food drive to benefit PTA Helps. He thanked Public Works Director Mostahkami for securing a $5 million Metro grant for the City. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. in Memory of Ella A. Bretz, longtime Downey resident and mother of Downey resident and community volunteer Dorothy Pemberton and Tom Blackman, President of CalMet Services, Inc. RIA M. JIMENE , CIVIC City Clerk City Council Special Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2014 6