HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-10-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 10, 2015,
at 6:32 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Marquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Luis H. Marquez Mayor
Alex Saab Mayor Pro Tern
Sean Ashton
Roger C. Brossmer
Fernando Vasquez
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Adria M. Jimenez, CMC, City Clerk
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
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
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Don, Desert Reign Church. The Flag Salute was led by
Police Chief Charles.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Vasquez welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reported his attendance at a
Healthy Downey Meeting, noting the Committee will be presenting a strategic plan to the City Council in
June. He reported attending a meeting with Stonewood Mall and Public Works staff in regards to traffic
conditions on Cecilia Street. Council Member Vasquez requested an update on wifi for Downtown
Downey and City Hall. Council Member Vasquez reported'on his attendance at the Independent Cities
Association Conference and attended the session regarding hospice living homes in residential areas.
Council Member Vasquez recognized former Mayor Gafin, Green Force Task Member Chirco, and
Caesar Sanchez, who were in the audience. Council Member Vasquez announced the Downey Fire
Department has hired one of the most diverse classes in the history of the City, including two women to
the Department.
Council Member Brossmer reported on his attendance at the Independent Cities Association
Conference and the workshop on Surveillance Cameras in Your Community. He announced he has a
couple of Green Task Force Member positions open and if someone is interested please email him.
Council Member Brossmer thanked staff for their help on the Mural Ribbon Cutting. He introduced
Principal Ruth Hesketh, Carpenter Elementary School; Principal Dolores Goble, Gauldin Elementary
School; and, Principal Lynn Ebora, Rio San Gabriel Elementary School.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015
Council Member Ashton reported attending the Independent Cities Conference and workshop
regarding the Glendora -Colby Fire. On February 4, he reported attending the Gateway Cities COG
dinner where the former Secretary of Transportation LaHood video conferenced -in and discussed
various topics regarding transportation. He advised Keep Downey Beautiful will be having a clean -up
on February 14; there is E -waste Recycling event at Downey High School; and, he advised he has an
opening for the Library Commission.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab thanked everyone for attending the Meeting. He recognized Beth Trombly,
Chamber of Commerce President, and Patty Kotze, Past - President, who were in the audience, and
welcomed other board members. He recognized Ms. Roberts from St. Marks. He invited the public to
attend the Friar Tux Ribbon Cutting on February 11; reported participating in the Homeless Count and
thanked the volunteers, Grissel Chavez, and Lisa Fox who helped organized and facilitate the count
with First Baptist Church. Mayor Pro Tern Saab reported attending the Independent City Association
Conference and reported attending the workshop on LA Impact and LA CLEAR, organizations
comprised of various cities working towards combating regional crime and sharing information and
intelligence. He announced Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD) is selling tickets to their Annual Luncheon,
March 18, Rio Hondo County Club. Mayor Pro Tern Saab stated Lakewood Blvd. is almost completed
and expressed concerns regarding the hedges on the eastside of Lakewood Blvd., between Gallatin
and Woodbriar Shopping Center. He reported on the Special Transit Meeting where the Council
received a report on the Dial -a -Ride and DowneyLink Services. Mayor Pro Tern Saab thanked
Soroptimist of Downey for their $1,000 contribution to the Special Olympics as it is quickly approaching
and the City will be hosting over 100 athletes. He invited residents to attend the Parks & Recreation
Master Plan meeting on February 28 at Golden Park. He thanked staff for their work on the Mural
Dedication and congratulated Don Lamkin. Mayor Pro Tern Saab requested the City Clerk participate
in the website subcommittee meeting; follow -up with complaints from businesses on Downey Avenue
regarding the Farmer's Market and asked staff to conduct a survey; staff review the City's shopping cart
ordinance requiring installation of a disabling device; staff provide an update on the RED Team; and,
staff review the possibility of incorporating an email alert system for receiving City news.
Mayor Marquez welcomed everyone to the City Council Meeting. Mayor Marquez reported on
attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and a workshop on the money laundering
bust in Downtown LA, and the law enforcement agencies working together to fight organized crime.
Mayor Marquez announced the City received a $425,000 grant to conduct a station study for the Eco-
Rapid Train line going by the southern part of Downey. Mayor Marquez positively commented on the
unveiling of the Doodle - icious Mural in Downtown Downey. Mayor Marquez wished everyone a Happy
Valentine's Day.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Marquez presented Certificates of Recognition to the 2015 Downey Calendar Contest
Winners: "Keep Downey Clean and Green! Recycle Used Motor Oil and Filters!"
Mayor Marquez presented Certificates of Recognition to Jason Cierpiszewski and Committee
Chairperson of the Downey Association of Realtors, Sandra Carnet - Gutierrez, for the $10,000
sponsorship towards the City's Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program.
Mayor Marquez and Council Member Ashton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Diana
Owens, Recreation and Community Services Commission, District 2.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015
PUBLIC HEARING
1. REVIEW OF AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF A VARIANCE:
Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7547, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF PLN -14-
00140 (VARIANCE) — A REQUEST TO ALLOW A NON - PERMITTED 497 SQUARE FOOT
ADDITION TO A SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENCE TO EXIST WITHIN THE REQUIRED REAR
YARD SETBACK ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13506 GUNDERSON AVENUE AND ZONED R-
15,000 (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL).
Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:27 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton,
and so ordered by Mayor Marquez to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no
correspondence received.
William Davis, City Planner, stated the item is a request for an appeal of a Planning Commission
decision by Mr. Alvarez regarding his variance request. Mr. Alvarez constructed a 497 square foot
addition to the rear of his property without building permits and Planning Department approval, required
by the City's Municipal Code. Mr. Davis advised the property is located in the single family residential
zone and referred to a map.
Council Member Brossmer asked what the rear setback rules are and asked if there are percent
coverage variations, noting the houses to the north and south have structures that come up to the
property line. Mr. Davis advised in residential areas there is supposed to be 20 feet away from the rear
property line. Mr. Davis said there are 14 properties on the east side of Gunderson Avenue that are
closer than the 20 foot standard; 12 of the 14 have building permits and City approval; they legal non-
conforming meaning at the time it was legal to construct the additions, but it is no longer legal. If the
structures are removed they will not be allowed to be replaced. Council Member Brossmer asked can a
homeowner go into the 20 feet, or is it a clean 20 feet setback. Mr. Davis stated it is a clean 20 feet
from the main dwelling. If it was an accessory structure such as a garage, patio cover or guest house,
there are standards in place that would allow you to protrude into the rear 20 foot setback; however, at
least one half of the rear 20 foot setback needs to be opened and not covered by structures.
Mr. Davis continued his presentation noting the proximity of the Food for Less store. He stated the
property came to the City's attention as a Code Enforcement case; however, the case did not involve
the structure. While inspecting the property the Code Enforcement Officer noticed how close the
structure was to the property line. This occurred in summer of 2013. The aerial photos shown are
dated April 16, 2013, and illustrates there is no structure in the rear property. The rear yard is concrete
but there is nothing added to the rear of the house. One year later, April 23, 2014, there is an entire
addition completed. In April 2013, there was not a structure, and a year later there was a structure.
During the Planning Commission's consideration and testimony provided by staff and the appellant,
there was conjecture of whether or not the structure was in place legally, and the owner stated he had
converted a patio cover into habitable space but the photographs illustrate that he knocked down the
previous structure, a patio at the back of the property, and replaced it with the room addition in
question.
Council Member Brossmer confirmed that the applicant stated as testimony that he enclosed the
existing patio structure. Mr. Davis responded in the affirmative, noting it is reflected in the Planning
Commission Minutes.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015
Mr. Davis continued to review the before and after photos and a map showing an illustration
highlighting the addition area, pointing out the standard for 20 foot rear yard setbacks. It depicts that
the 14 ft. 7 in. extension protrudes into the rear yard setback approximately 10 feet more than what is
allowed. In addition, a copy of the floor plan is provided showing the three bedroom house was
increased in size to add a new bedroom and new family room for the property.
Council Member Brossmer asked how close it is to the property line now. Mr. Davis stated 10 feet.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the roof was flat. Mr. Davis stated the roof is not flat, but it is not
consistent with the architecture of the existing house.
Mr. Davis stated the structure exists inconsistent with the development standards for properties in
rear yard areas and policies. The intent of the zoning code is to provide adequate light, ventilation, and
open space for properties in residential zones. Mr. Davis stated he would be remised to acknowledge
the other 14 properties that exist closer than 20 feet to the property, but also the Food for Less Store is
closer than what the Community Development's standard requirements are for commercial properties.
The City granted a variance to remove a nuisance and rezoned it from residential to commercial and
made findings for a store that allowing it to be closer with a 10 foot high block wall to separate it from
the residences. In 1992 a Planning Commission Resolution was adopted which established the ability
of the City Planner to make modifications to certain standards pertaining to setbacks and residential
zones allowing structures to protrude 2 ft. into the required rear yard setback, and 10 years later the
Municipal Code changed and added provisions for minor modifications and allowed structures to be 10
ft. into rear property lines. However, the current Development Standards do not give the City Planner
those type of approvals and do not give leeway for modifications to the rear yard setbacks. The
existing structure does not comply with the City Development Standards, and exists without the
approval of the Planning Department or Building Department inspection. As mentioned to the Planning
Commission and applicant, if the Council were to side with the appellant and overturn the Planning
Commission's decision and allow the structure to remain, because it exists without building inspections,
the building inspector would be required to open walls, foundation, and ceiling of the house, resulting in
the owner possibly having to knock it down. There are other means in place for him to have a larger
home to meet Development Standards. The Planning Commission determined he did not meet the
findings to grant a variance.
Council Member Brossmer asked what the Planning Commission's vote was. Mr. Davis stated it
was 5 -0.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab confirmed if the Council decides to reverse the decision, City staff would still
need to open walls, and the foundation to determine if the structure is safe. Mr. Davis stated yes, the
applicant would be the one to open up walls in order to allow the City to inspect the structure, electrical,
fire sprinklers, insulation, and plumbing to make sure it meets health and safety concerns stipulated in
the code.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the structure would trigger the requirement of fire sprinklers. Fire
Chief Croom stated the structure would not require fire sprinklers.
City Attorney Garcia stated the Council is reviewing this completely as the Planning Commission
did and the Council's job is to determine whether there are grounds to uphold the Planning
Commission's decision or determine, based on the evidence, that all the findings can be met, grant the
variance and overturn the Planning Commission's decision. The findings are contained in the
resolution attached to the staff report. Findings are the criteria that must be met in order to grant the
variance. One of the most important findings is there is something unique or different or unusual about
the property; it is a very high standard to meet. There are others standards as well. The criterion is
the Council's focus tonight to determine if Planning Commission was correct in determining none of the
findings can be met; or, in the alternative, all the findings can be met based on the evidence.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015 4
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked how many of the six criterion could be met. Mr. Davis stated five of the
six findings could not be met.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the finding criterion is based on the City's Zoning Codes and are
based on State's standards.
Mr. Alvarez thanked the City Council for the opportunity to speak. He stated he received a letter
from the City that stated 14 properties had a permit for the additions and he would like to be permitted
to have the addition. The addition was done professionally and constructed well. Mr. Alvarez
apologized for not having permits but would like to have the opportunity to keep the addition due to his
growing family which is why he decided to enlarge his home. He stated he would appreciate it if he
were allowed to have the permit to enlarge the home. Mr. Alvarez stated he is willing to do whatever it
takes to bring the addition up to code, if necessary.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the work was conducted by a licensed contractor. Mr. Alvarez stated
yes.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab stated there are certain set of rules in place in order to maintain the safety of
the family, and neighbors, it is unfortunate but the elements the Council has to meet are very difficult to
meet; the issue is even if the Council determined to meet the findings, you would have to go in and
open the structure to determine if it was done properly.
Mayor Marquez stated it is very difficult for the Council and we ask staff to work with the residents
on these issues, but like the City Attorney stated there are certain rules and codes in place, and for the
Council to make a decision we must meet certain findings and you do not meet the findings. We are all
sensitive to your issue and try to do what is best. The Council must base decisions on policies in place
on City and State Building Codes.
Mayor Marquez asked if there was anyone else wanting to speak on this Public Hearing item.
Tom Sangelson, neighbor to the appellant, stated he hopes there is some way it could work out so
Mr. Alvarez does not have to tear down the structure.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Marquez closed the Public Hearing at 7:49 p.m.
Council Member Vasquez thanked staff for the thorough report. He stated he sympathizes with Mr.
Alvarez, however; having served on the Planning Commission and in order to overturn their decision
there needs to be overwhelming evidence and with the information presented today the Council cannot
find evidence to do that. In this case, I look at the public health and safety of the community to ensure
the home is safe. I cannot find anything in the interest of health and safety to issue the variance and
we are faced with a legal responsibility. Council Member Vasquez stated he is unable to support the
variance.
Council Member Brossmer stated as a former Planning Commissioner there are two separate
issues: pulling no permits and the setting precedence. This is unfortunate and I feel bad for the family
but there is no way that I could foresee that the City Council would allow the structure to remain.
Council Member Ashton concurred with Council Member Brossmer's comments, noting the concern
he has is if the was constructed by a licensed contractor. The licensed contractor would have known to
pull permits. It the Council allows this structure to remain, we are precedent that the City does not want
to set.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015
Mayor Pro Tern Saab reiterated the other Council Members' comments, noting there is no way the
Council can meet any of the findings. It is a health and safety issue. The Council is not happy making
this decision but it is a tough decision that we have to do what is in the greater good. Mayor Pro Tern
Saab stated he will not be supporting this item.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and
unanimously carried to deny the appeal and adopt Resolution No. 15 -7547, a Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Downey Denying an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Denial of PLN -14-
00140 (variance) — a Request to Allow a Non - Permitted 497 Square Foot Addition to a Single - Family
Residence to Exist Within the Required Rear Yard Setback on Property Located at 13506 Gunderson
Avenue and Zoned R- 15,000 (Single - Family Residential).
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Marquez opened Non - Agenda Public Comment at 7:57 p.m.
Michael Chirco, resident, asked if the City of Downey allows concealed weapons.
City Manager Livas advised Mr. Chirco the Police Chief will provide the requested information.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Marquez closed Non - Agenda Public Comment at
7:58 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Ashton pulled Item No. 5.
It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and
unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of January 13, 2015; Special Meeting of January 27,
2015: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 291270 — 291633; Wire Nos. 30003274, 30003277, 30003279
— 30003283; Manual Wire Nos. 1308 — 1311; in the total amount of $4,278,566.58: Finance.
4. APPROVED THE ANNUAL DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGREEMENT FOR THE
REMAINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 2014 -15: Community Development.
6. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7543, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE ORANGELINE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOURTH
AMENDED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT: Administration.
7. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7544, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE2, SECTION 570.5: Human Resources.
8. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 121 - FISCAL YEAR 2015 -2016:
Public Works.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015 6
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7545, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY INITIATING THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972 PROCEEDINGS
AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ARTICLE 4 OF CHAPTER 1 OF DIVISION 15, PART 2 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND
SERVICING OF STREET AND PUBLIC FACILITY LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, TRAFFIC
SIGNALS AND APPURTENANT WORK IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING JULY 1, 2015 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016: Public Works.
10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7546, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY SUMMARILY VACATING AN EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC ROAD AND HIGHWAY
PURPOSES OVERLYING THE PROPERTY AT 10909 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD: Public Works.
11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 15 -1336, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT
TO SECTION 9806 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO APPEALS OF A
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION AND THE CALL FOR REVIEW PROCESS: Community
Development.
OTHER BUSINESS
5. APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT AMBULANCE AND OF A MASTER
EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Fire.
Council Member Ashton asked if there is a specific reason the recommendation is to lease the Fire
Ambulance versus purchasing it.
Gilbert Livas, stated it is a non - budgeted item and the City does not have the money to purchase.
The money is not currently allocated in the City's budget.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Saab and carried
unanimously to approve the offer and purchase agreement for the procurement of the replacement
ambulance.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and carried
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 15 -7542, Approval of a Purchase of a Replacement Ambulance
and Master Equipment Lease with Community First National Bank.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12. AD -HOC GOVERNANCE SUBCOMMITTEE: APPOINT TWO MEMBERS TO AN AD -HOC
SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DRAFTING GOOD GOVERNANCE POLICIES FOR
CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Marquez.
Mayor Marquez stated he placed this item on the agenda so Council may look into this
recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab stated he does not support this item because as Council Members there are
many rules and regulations they are already subject to, including the Penal Code, Brown Act, AB 1234,
the political process to name a few. What we are being asked is to spend staff time and taxpayer
money creating additional policies that will have no teeth. The proposal states: performance
expectations, ceremonial protocol, media relations, process for Council Members to initiate agenda
items, and credit card policy. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if it is the City Attorney's responsibility to
advise Council Members if they are violating policy.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015
City Attorney Garcia stated with these types of policies, it is usually the Council Members who
enforce and police themselves.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab stated he believes it is a waste of staff time and tax payer money. There are
many good government policies already written, and we are asking staff to spend hours and money to
resuscitate what is already in Codes, which include the Political Reform Act, the Penal Code, Voting
Trade Act, the City Charter, Downey Municipal Code, and Travel Policy Resolutions. He stated he
does not understand why we need to have additional regulations. Another risk is when the policy is
created it is going to be used for political purposes, for example when someone runs for election. He
stated he does not understand why the City Council would spend money and ask staff to do something
that has already been done.
Council Member Brossmer stated this is an offspring of the Council's last planning session and a
recommendation of the facilitator that other Councils have in place. He stated he believe it is worth
exploring, whether or not the Council comes up and adopts something. He stated he believes Council
Member Saab is correct: it is the City Council's responsibility to enforce it. The City would not have to
start from scratch to create the policies as there are a lot of other Cities that already have something
similar.
Mayor Marquez stated this was a recommendation from the facilitator of the Council's goal setting
workshop and believed it was a good idea. It is true there are a lot of other regulations that Council
Members must comply with, but this is about transparency, good government and reviewing the City's
current processes that may need updating. He stated he believed it is worth looking at. From the
simplest item of when an item can be place on the agenda to when one person can dictate what piece
of art is installed on Firestone Blvd. Whether we chose not to police ourselves is up to us. Two Council
Members will serve on the ad -hoc committee and recommend ideas that will benefit the City. It is good
to have a Good Governance policy manual in place that can address how Council Members should
conduct themselves. The recommendations will come out of the subcommittee and return to the City
Council for approval. It is not a waste of money.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked how this improves transparency. Performance expectations of the City
Council: a document that tells us how it expects us to perform; ceremonial protocols; media relations
protocols; process for city council members initiated agenda items.
Mayor Marquez stated those are a few examples of some of the items that may be addressed.
Council Member Vasquez stated he appreciated the Mayor Marquez's energy and efforts in
bringing this item forward. In looking at the five items there are already policies in place for those
items. He feels he knows what they are and states that it is wasting time and the focus energy of staff
on other items such as getting our roads fixed, and improving parks. He stated hates wasting time on
things that serve no interest to our residents.
Council Member Ashton stated he believes performance has everything to do with residents: they
elect us, entrust us to make sure the City runs as smoothly as possible. There is a lot of reading to do
and it would take a long time to look for some items in the Code. Even if it repeats what is in the
Codes, not necessarily for this City Council, but as a legacy it would be good to look into. He stated he
does not believe it would waste too much taxpayer money as all Council Members receive the same
stipend.
Mayor Marquez stated he does not believe it is a waste of time and is a positive thing for the City
Council to do.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015 8
Mayor Marquez opened the item for Public Comment.
Patrick Owens, resident, stated he is in support of this item.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Marquez closed this item for Public Comment.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab stated this is not about transparency. Transparency is the elected official
who decides whether or not to lie to the public or not provide information. Transparency is already
dictated by the rules and regulations already in place. It is a smokescreen. Do we want to boggle more
staff time, waste taxpayer money for something already in place to be used for political purposes.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and carried 3 -1
to approve the formation of the Council Subcommittee, with Council Member Vasquez and Mayor Pro
Tern Saab voting No.
Mayor Marquez nominated Council Member Brossmer and Council Member Ashton be appointed to
the subcommittee.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas had no comments.
ADJOURNED
Mayor Marquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:20 p.m.
ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, MC LUIS H. MARQUE , May
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 10, 2015