HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12-16-14 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2014
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting at 5:30 p.m.,
December 16, 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
Sean Ashton
Alex Saab
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk
Gladys Chavez, Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Vasquez opened the meeting for Public Comment. Having no one come forward, Mayor
Vasquez closed Public Comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Vasquez announced the Council is recessing to Closed Session (5:33 p.m.) to discuss matters
under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel- Pending Litigation:
Pautsch v. Logan et al, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BS147244.
RECONVENED AND ANNOUNCED CLOSED SESSION ACTION
The Special Meeting reconvened in Open Session at 6:40 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Abich Garcia announced that the City Council gave direction to legal counsel but took no
formal action.
The Invocation was delivered by Fire Chief Gillaspie. The Flag Salute was led by Council Member
Brossmer.
WELCOME AND FINAL ADDRESS
Mayor Vasquez welcomed his family and recognized representatives from local legislative offices and
the community that were in the audience. He thanked City Manager Livas, Department Heads and staff
for their support in accomplishing many goals during the past year. He provided a presentation
highlighting events and accomplishments from the past year. He reported on the change he was able to
create in the Downtown to include a strong focus on business and economic growth. He stated being
able to perform City operations smoothly while maintaining a high quality of life and engaging the citizens
to include with events such as: the Beautiful Game FIFA World Cup viewing event, the International
Food Festival, Rooftop Concerts, the Rock n' Ride /Tour de Downey Event and the new View Housing
City Council Special Meeting Minutes of
December 16, 2014
Development. He mentioned the City's new branding that is being used on all City publications and street
signs; recent upgrades to our City parks to include walking trails at Furman Park and Apollo Park; the
defeat of Measure B by voters and stated he has complete confidence in the City's Police and Fire
Department. He stated he is looking forward to the completion of new Capital Improvement Projects to
include Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard. He stated he will continue to work towards
strengthening art and culture in the City and thanked his wife Donna Vasquez for all of her support.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR VASQUEZ
The following government representatives presented a certificate of appreciation: Senator Tony
Mendoza, Congresswoman Roybal- Allard, Assemblymember Garcia, Los Angeles County Supervisor
Knabe, City of Cerritos, City of Bellflower, City of Huntington Park, City of Montebello, City of Pico Rivera,
Downey Unified School District, Sister City Association, Downey Chamber of Commerce, Downey Rose
Float Association, and California Contract Cities Association.
ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO MAYOR LUIS H. MARQUEZ
Senator Tony Mendoza administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Marquez.
MAYOR MARQUEZ'S INCOMING MAYORAL ADDRESS
Mayor Marquez welcomed his family, friends, City staff and elected officials who were in the
audience. He provided a presentation highlighting his top seven priorities: fiscal responsibility (balanced
budget), economic vibrancy (Promenade, development at 9066 Firestone Boulevard, development of the
Avenue Theatre, and Downtown Downey), public safety (predictive crime technology and reduce crime),
technology (launch online water bill pay and expand "my Downey" app), parks (complete the Park Master
Plan, Phase I of Neighborhood Park Project and Wilderness Park lake restoration project), infrastructure
(complete construction on Firestone Boulevard, continue rehabbing residential streets, and complete
reconstruction of Lakewood Boulevard) and civic engagement /events (expand the Public Art program,
and continue the Tour de Downey, Rooftop events, Downtown Art Walk, Food Festival, Healthy Downey,
host the Special Olympics, add the Memorial Day Bike n Run event and the Mayors Courage Award). He
stated looking forward to a great year.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. in Memory of the serviceman who perished this past week
during Operation Enduring Freedom: Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, Noblesville, Indiana.
ADRIA M. JIMENE CMC
City Clerk
City Council Special Meeting Minutes of 2
December 16, 2014
LUIS H. MAR E -'i yor