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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-28-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF COUNCIL CITY OF OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JULY 28, 2015 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meetings on July 28, 2015, at 6 :35 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 Alex Saab Sean Ashton Roger C. Brossmer Fernando Vasquez Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Adria M. Jimenez, CMG, 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 (Excused) The Invocation was delivered by Police Chief Charles. The Flag Salute was led by Boy Scout Troop 441. COUNCIL c - • FOR O► ; ► REPORTS Council Member Ashton recognized Pat Owens, Planning Commissioner and Diana Owens, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, whom in the audience. He acknowledged Parks & Recreation Director Salazar and City staff for the incredible job with the Special Olympics Host Town Event. He reported attending the Good Governance Sub - Committee meeting and presenting a few items to staff. He reminded the audience of the upcoming Downey Comic -Con Event at the Library, and National Night Out, August 4 in the Civic Center. Mayor Pro Tern Saab thanked City staff and volunteers for their hard work and contributions in making the Special Olympics Host Town Event a wonderful and memorable event. He recognized members of the audience: Jonathan Fonte, Downey Association of Realtors; Karina Madariaga, Board Members, Downey Chamber of Commerce; Sue England and Kelley Roberts, Downey Rose Float Association. He announced two upcoming fundraising events for the Downey Float Association, the Harbor Cruise, August 21 and Pechanga turnaround,_ September 19. He reminded the audience of the Concerts in the Park and the free Rocket Fever event at the Space Center, August 15. Council Member Vasquez recognized members of the audience` Downey Kiwanis President Blanca Pacheco and President -Elect Mariana Pacheco, and Jennifer Dekay, Downey Patriot. He acknowledged Director Salazar and City staff for their work on the Special Olympics Host Town Event. He reported attending the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics. He commented on the news broadcasts about Downey on ESPN. He acknowledged Director Salazar for her fundraising efforts and City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 coordinating the event. He acknowledged City Manager Livas and his Team and is proud of what the City organized last week. Mayor Marquez welcomed everyone to the meeting and acknowledged City staff, volunteers and residents for coming together for the Special Olympics Host Town event. He commented on the many compliments the Council received. He acknowledged Director Salazar, the Department of Public Works, Police and Fire Departments, City staff, Kaiser, Coca -Cola, the Space Center and all the Sponsors' contributions in coordinating the event. He mentioned how proud he is to be serving as Downey Mayor during this historical time. He recognized Embassy Suites for the accommodations and amazing welcome to the athletes. He commented on the many news media broadcasts and newspaper publications mentioning Downey. He reported attending the Opening Ceremonies at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum along with the volunteers, community members and his Council colleagues. PRESENTATIONS 1. The Downey Rose Float Association presented the Downey City Council with a framed replica of the 2016 entry for the Rose Parade Float "Exploring the Everglades ". 2.- Director Salazar assisted the Mayor and Council in presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the Downey Adult School for their sponsorship of the Special Olympics. 3.- Director Salazar assisted the Mayor and Council in presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the Embassy Suites for providing housing accommodations to the Special Olympics Athletes. PUBLIC HEARING 1. ADOPTED THE CITY OF DOWNEY BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: Public Works. 1. RECEIVED AND FILED A PRESENTATION BY FEHR & PEERS; AND, 2. CONDUCTED A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE THAT THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN IS STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) 3 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7578, A- RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FINDING THAT THE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN IS STATUTORILY EXEMPT PER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 21080.20 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE AND ADOPT THE CITY OF DOWNEY BICYCLE MASTER PLAN. Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Miguel Nunez, Consultant, Fehr & Peers provided the staff report. In his presentation he provided a project schedule and achievement of the Bicycle Master Plan that has taking place over the past 16 months, the reason for a Bicycle Master Plan, a summary and details of the plan, funding and implementation and general plan consistency and alignment with City goals. The project was kicked off in May 2014 and was presented at the Tour of Downey in June 2014 and the Summer Concert Series, July 2014. Four Community Workshops were held in July, August, September and December 2014. The Public Works Committee Meeting met in January 2015 and the project was presented to the Planning Commission in February 2015- and was approved at the July 2015 Planning Commission meeting. Reasons fora Bicycle Master Plan consist of local and regional requirements, roadways built out; desired by constituents, grand funding competitive and general plan goals and policies. Public City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 2 Outreach- Surveys demonstrated the top places to ride would be river bike paths, parks side streets and downtown. Challenges to biking consist of: no bike lanes, speeding, and no bike parking. Improving conditions include: bike lanes on busy streets, off- street bike paths completely separated from traffic, on- street bike paths separated by curbs or parked cars, and _mapping the City with bike routes. The potential options the City has in regards to the Bicycle Master Plan consists of: doing nothing, implementing bike routes, bike lanes and bike paths, and modifying streets to include bike lanes. An easy quick -win of the plan would be adding bike lanes on Woodruff Ave., Brookshire St., Downey Ave., Old River School Rd., Gallatin, and Gardendale /Foster. Total Mileage would be 37 miles consisting of 16 miles of bike lanes and 21 miles of bike routes. The projected summary costs is $5.7 million, with $2.3 million funding coming from the 2015 Call for Projects to implement the plan and a local match of $520,000. Implementation would consist of Gardendale resurfacing, bicycle parking, and way- finding (signage). Goals and benefits of the plan are to improve safety, accessibility and mobility options, balance local and regional needs, enhance economic vitality and connect community assets. Council Member Ashton asked how the implementation of bike lanes will work on Old River School Road with the school traffic between the months of September through June should one lane of traffic be eliminated. Mr. Nunez explained three time periods were analyzed: the morning peak hours 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; afternoon peak hours 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and school dismissal, 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. The analysis proved that the removal of one lane will increase delay but will not affect the level of service. There is enough capacity for this to function acceptably during all peak hours and the remainder of the day. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked how much of a level of service of traffic will be affected if all recommendations are approved. Mr. Nunez explained that it would depend on the intersection and time period but generally speaking it would be ten seconds of delay added to an intersection. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked what kind of sampling there was with the surveys. Mr. Nunez stated 250 surveys were received and the most input was received at the Tour de Downey event. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked which changes could be implemented quickly without much impact and economically. Mr. Nunez replied way- finding (signage) and parking. Signage directing people where to go and bike parking for when people get there. Another would be a bike route and installing signage for the route. However, these options do not make people feel anymore safe or comfortable than they are now, as well as it would not qualify for grant funding and would not be appealing to those interested in bike riding. Council Member Vasquez asked if funding has been secured or identified. Mr. Nunez replied funding has been secured. A grant application was submitted to the Metro Call for Projects and there is approximately $2.3 million secured which covers the implementation of 100 way- finding signs, 87 bicycle parking racks, thirteen bicycle corrals and all of the bicycle lanes in the plan. Council Member Vasquez asked when the funding would be available. Mr. Nunez replied funding would be available in 2019. Council Member Vasquez asked City Manager Livas if there is any other type of funding available for the local match portion, rather than utilizing general fund monies. City Manager Livas replied he would need to look into this depending on what the matching components would be. Director Mostahkami explained the grant_ application submitted by the consultant was accepted by Metro and is subject to the terms of Metro. Metro will sent out approval notifications in September. Depending on the local funds, Cities can request advancements and implement the project earlier depending on the request and accommodations by Metro. Council member Vasquez asked if the Council can direct staff to implement the plan now and upfront the money and get reimbursed later by Metro. Director Mostahkami explained once Metro approves the plan, the City has to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Metro, which takes approximately six to nine months and once the MOU is approved the design of the project can begin but nothing is reimbursable until the MOU is approved. Metro would then approve advancement of money and reimburse the City later. Mayor Marquez opened this item for Public Comment. Lars Clutterham, resident, commented in support of the Bicycle Master Plan and his experience bicycling in the City. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 3 Roger Pardo, resident, commented in support of the Bicycle Master Plan. He expressed the need to bring the Bicycle Master Plan to the community to make it a safer, more active, and a healthier city. Eric Bruins, Planning and Policy Director for Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, spoke in favor of the Bicycle Master Plan. He asked for Council's support to implement the plan. Jennifer Malone, resident, spoke in favor of implementing the Bicycle Master Plan. Mayor Marquez said the Bicycle Master Plan has been one of the City's top priorities. He spoke about the steps taken to make Downey a bicycle- friendly community. He commented on the Park Master Plan and the Downtown Specific Plan that have already been implemented. He expressed his support in implementing the plan. Mayor Pro Ter Saab said he will also support the Bicycle Master Plan. He thanked Mr. Nunez, Roger Pardo, and Lars Clutterham for being the face of the biking community. He agreed it is a matter of education and changing the culture. He believes this is a big step in the right direction. He mentioned watching a bicycle documentary on the Netherlands not being a_bike culture and now they have a problem because they do not have enough places to park bicycles. He asked everyone to support the plan, to have structure in place to impose protection and safety. Council Member Vasquez thanked the City Manager, Director of Public Works, Director of Parks and Recreation, the Planning Department and Community Development for bringing this item forward. He said he had the opportunity to sit in the Master Bicycle Plan Committee Meeting and saw the alarming rate in childhood obesity. He talked about the outreach to obtain input from the younger members of the community. He spoke about the concerns he received regarding impact to traffic. He stated he is in support of implementing the plan and moving forward immediately. Council Member Ashton expressed his concern about students bicycling to school on Old River School Road and is in support of the plan for safety reasons. City Manager Livas_ explained once implemented the designated areas can be modified and improved on the roads. He suggested using Gardendale as a pilot opportunity and changes will be made if necessary. It was moved by Mayor - Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and approved unanimously, with Council Member_ Brossmer excused, to adopt Resolution No. 15 -7578, finding that the bicycle master plan is statutorily exempt per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with Section 21080.20 of the California Public Resources Code and adopt the City of Downey Bicycle Master Plan. e i Dr. Jack Kennis, Downey Community Emergency Group, spoke about the termination of the emergency room physician contract with his firm by PIH Health Hospital - Downey. Sandra Orozco, political activist, spoke regarding her concern about the termination of emergency room physician contracts with doctors at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH). Resident, no name, spoke of non - compliance of American Disability Act and discrimination against those with disabilities. Jennie Wood, thanked the City for the opportunity to allow her to be a volunteer during the Host Town Special Olympics Event. She thanked Director Salazar and Recreation Manager Meacham for their exceptional work with the athletes and thanked City staff for their assistance to the volunteers. Mayor Pro Tern Saab thanked Jennie for taking a week off work to volunteer for the Special Olympics Host Town event. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 4 Vanessa Troughtman, member of the public, spoke regarding her concern with the termination of the emergency room physician contracts at PIH Hospital Downey and the shortage in nursing staff. Dr. Mark Rafter, member of the public, commented on his concern for the patients of PIH and regarding the cancellation of the emergency room physicians' contracts. He also commended the City Council, City, and staff for a great job with the Special Olympics Host Town event. Tony Tinero, resident, suggested the use of City Library computers to be extended to two hours. He also requested prayers for his friend Tammy Fike, CERT member, suffering from breast cancer. 7907 ► PTA ► L ►'I M., It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried unanimously, with Council Member Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 4, due to the proximity of his home, and Mayor Pro Tern Saab abstaining from Item No.- 2- as he was absent from the Special Meeting of July 14, 2015, and Council Member Brossmer excused, to approve the Consent Calendar. 2._ _APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of April 14, 2015 and Special Meeting of July 14, 2015; City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 295701 295963; Wire Nos. 30003344 — 30003349; Manual Wire Nos. 1354 — 1355, in the total amount of $3,242,751.27: Finance. 4. ACCEPTED THE PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT TEMPLE AND RIO SAN GABRIEL PARKS AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $99,189.61; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE: Public Works. 5. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT FOR EVALUATION UNIT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF BELL GARDENS, VERNON, • PARK, • r DOWNEY, COMMENCING i r AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY EXTENSIONS OR r 9 ►i ► Police. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 5 City Manager Livas, acknowledged, the various City Departments for their work on the Special Olympics Host Town event. He thanked Mayor Pro Tern Saab for his vision and bringing the idea forward. He thanked the entire City Council for supporting this community pride event. ►_1 oil City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2015 6