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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-11-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 2015 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on August 11, 2015, at 6:35 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pro Tern Saab presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Luis H. Marquez Mayor (Excused) Alex Saab Mayor Pro Tern Sean Ashton Council Member Roger C. Brossmer Council Member (Arrived at 7:41 p.m.) Fernando Vasquez Council Member 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 Brian Miller, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. The Flag Salute was led by Alexis Givens, Gallatin Elementary School student. COUNCIL MEMBER _ANNOUNCEMENTS REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS Council Member Ashton reported attending the National Night Out event and thanked City staff for their work. He announced he will be joining Keep Downey Beautiful with the distribution of the home beautification awards this week. He invited everyone to attend the Rocket Fever event on Saturday at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Council Member Vasquez recognized members of the audience, Matias Flores, Planning Commissioner, and Tom Houts, Downey High School Principal. He invited the audience to attend the Roof Top Concert Series event on Wednesday at the Krikorian Theatre parking structure. Mayor Pro Tern Saab invited the audience to attend upcoming events: Summer Music and a Movie at Golden Park on Saturday; Ground Breaking Ceremony for the renovation project at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital on August 19; and, the Chamber of Commerce Mixer at the Embassy Suites on Wednesday. He recognized members of the audience Jennie Wood, Downey Chamber of Commerce; Roy Beard, CERT Member; and, Sue England, President of the Downey Rose Float Association. He reminded the audience of the upcoming Water Conservation Workshop, August 26 in the Council Chambers, and two scheduled fundraising events for the Downey Rose Float Association, Harbor Cruise on August 21, and Pechanga turn - around on September 19. He invited the audience to attend his Town Hall meeting, August 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Memorial Space Center where he will be listening to community members concerns and providing information on community developments and events. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2015 1 PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Downey Patriot for their support of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. 2. Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey High School for their support of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. 3. Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Certificate of Recognition to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Drum Corps for their support of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. 4. Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Certificate of Recognition to Therapy Bark for their support of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. 5. Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Proclamation in Recognition of 2015 National Parents of the Year to Barbara and Tim Hill. Anthony Zegarra, former Assistant Principal at Downey High School, Aldo Ramirez, Representative for Senator Tony Mendoza, and Erica Arellano, Representative for Assembly Member Cristina Garcia's Office presented Certificates of Recognition. 6. Council Member Vasquez introduced and presented a Certificate of Appointment to Enrique Huerta, to the Public Works Commission for District 4. 7. Presentation to the City Council by the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program regarding HLB Citrus Disease. Ken Pellman, Los Angeles County Agriculture Commissioner/Weights & Measures; Victoria Hornbaker, California Department of Food and Agriculture; and, Paul Worlie, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program provided a presentation regarding the citrus disease Huanglongbing. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked how one can identify the pest on citrus trees. Ms. Hornbaker explained there would be noticeable yellowing and green blotching on leaves, the veins the leaves will turn brown, fruit is grows misshaped and bitter and a large yellow branch can be growing from the center of the tree. She advised to contact any of the entities and an inspector will come out to assess the issue. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if there is anything residents can do to help. Ms. Hornbaker explained the best thing to do is to control the bug to prevent the disease. Council Member Ashton asked if there are other quarantine areas close to Downey. Ms. Hornbaker stated the only quarantine area now is from Alhambra to Pasadena. City Manager Livas said the City is working in conjunction with the organization. Staff has - already drafted an announcement for the website and will ensure it is on the City's media outlets and in City presentations. Council Members Saab asked if there are any fines for violating the quarantine. Ms. Hornbaker said there are no fines and they only want to get the information out to the public and educate on the disease and how to prevent it. PUBLIC HEARING 1. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 15- •-r • • • THE CITY • r• rr - TO ARTICLE OF MUNICIPAL •r REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS: Community Development. i City Council Minutes Regular Meeting —August 11, 2015 2 Dave Blumenthal,- Senior Planner, provided the staff report advising the item will amend the Building Code to address the address solar energy systems. In September 2014, the Governor signed AB 2188 Expedited Solar Permitting Act, which modifies the Solar Rights Act of 1978. The changes are intended to remove regulatory energy systems and achieve the State of California's "Million Solar Roofs" goal. Under the new regulations, the City is required to adopt an ordinance that creates -a streamlined and expedited permitting /inspection process for small residential rooftop energy systems. The deadline to establish the expedited process is September 30, 2015. The new expedited permitting /process will include acceptance of electronic plans for plan check; over- the - counter plan check for all plans submitted in person; plan checks to be completed within three business days for electronic submittals; and, provide that only one single inspection will be required. Staff will also be updating all solar energy system handouts and checklists to ensure the process is streamlined. With the introduction of the ordinance the City is on track to meet the September 30 deadline. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the solar energy systems only apply to single family homes and duplexes. Mr. Blumenthal responded they have tried to do some of the commercial or multi - family developments, but it requires more time for those inspections. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if there are any incentives from the City for the public who wish to add solar panels. Mr. Blumenthal clarified that there are no incentives from the City, but the City tries to expedite the process to assist the residents. He said any incentives come from the State and Federal Government. Mayor Pro Ter Saab asked if there are handouts available for the residents with information. Mr. Blumenthal said staff is in the process of creating informational handouts. Mayor Pro Tern Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7:43 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 Pro Tern to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Council Member Brossmer commented on the delay by Edison to approve and turn on the solar energy system and said the City and installer are quick in responding. Mayor Pro Tern Saab opened this item for Public Comment. Resident, no name, inquired what the permit fee is for the installation of the solar panel systems. Director Schindler said the fee is under $500. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 7:45 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and passed 3 -0 -2, with Council Member Brossmer abstaining, and Mayor Marquez excused, to introduce, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey Adding Chapter 2.5 to Article VIII of the Municipal Code regarding Solar Energy Systems." NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Resident, no name provided, asked what pedestrian improvements have been made since 2012 for the disabled and senior and suggested pedestrian improvements to City facilities,- sidewalks /curbs, pedestrian crossings and streets to comply with the American Disability Act. City Manager Livas advised the City has invested over $30 million in the past five years on streets, improving potholes and sidewalks in prime thoroughfares and residential areas. Over $15 million has been spent improving sidewalks and streets_ such as Brookshire, Firestone - Blvd., and Lakewood Blvd. An investment of $1.5 million is scheduled to repair local streets yearly. Downey received over $20 million to improve the bridge on Firestone Blvd. Last month the City received $5 million to finish improvements on Lakewood Blvd. between Firestone Blvd. and Gallatin Rd. He City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2015 3 acknowledged Council for the amazing job and commended City staff for keeping after the improvements. Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the limited parking availability at the Metro parking lot located at on Lakewood Blvd. and 105 Freeway. She suggested painting the curbs inside the lot red so commuters do not illegally park and get ticketed. CONSENT CALENDAR City Clerk Jimenez stated Items No. 4 and 5 were being tabled due to a lack of quorum, due to required abstentions by Council Members and an excused absence, and moved to the next City Council meeting. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and carried unanimously, with Mayor Pro Tenn Saab abstaining from Item No. 2, and Mayor Marquez excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 2. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of April 28, 2014 and July 14, 2015; Special and Regular Meetings of July 28, 2015: City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 295964 — 296347; Wire Nos. 30003350 — 30003354; Manual Wire Nos. 1356 — 1360, in the total amount of $4,815,774.86: Finance. 6. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH LA BELLE MARVIN, INC., GEO- ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. AND ASSOCIATED SOILS ENGINEERING, INC. FOR ON -CALL PAVEMENT EVALUATION AND TESTING SERVICES FOR THREE YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO YEARS AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Public Works. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2015 4 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS TABLED TO NEXT MEETING 4. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT _ ;• • RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION i JECT: APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION FOR r Public Works. 5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15 -11 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT AREA "A ": ACCEPT THE SLURRY SEAL PROJECT AREA "A" AS COMPLETE; APPROVE THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $242,447.04; AND, AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE: Public Works. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 13. STATE FUNDED UPGRADE TO POLICE DEPARTMENT CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ACCEPT $399,000.00 OF ALLOTTED FUNDS FROM OPERATION OF • FOR THE UPDATE AND COMPUTER REPLACEMENT OF THE 9-1-1 r TELEPHONE ANSWERING EQUIPMENT: Police. Captain Milligan provided the staff report regarding upgrades the California Operation of Emergency Services will fund to the 9 -1 -1 Dispatch Centers in California. The City of Downey has been authorized to upgrade up to $399,000. The upgrades are specifically for certain equipment at the dispatch center and may include recorders, servers, GIS mapping equipment and software, furniture, headsets, and items necessary to the staffing and maintenance of the call center. The last time the City received funding for upgrades was in 2008. City Manager Livas advised he requested the Police Department provide the presentation to notify the public the 9 -1 -1 Dispatch Center is receiving upgrades to ensure the demand of the public with the system. Captain Milligan indicated the current system was working perfectly; however, they want to modernize it and make it more efficient. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the transition will be seamless. Captain Milligan responded yes and explained most of the replacements would be at the five computer terminals. Mayor Pro Tern Saab opened this item for Public Comment at 8:04 p.m. Resident, no name provided, thanked the City Council for providing the residents with the upgrades which will improve the quality of life for the community. Michael Chirco, resident, asked what would occur if the internet goes down: is there a back -up system in place. Chief Charles stated dispatching would be handled manually as done prior to the internet. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried unanimously, with Mayor Marquez excused, to authorized the Chief of Police to accept $399,000 of allotted funds from California Operation of Emergency Services (CAL OES) for the - update and replacement of the 9 -1 -1 computer and telephone answering equipment. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting —August 11, 2015 5 City Manager Livas reported on a recent workshop held for mid - managers to discuss the City's goals and objectives in terms of how the City operates. Representatives from all departments were able to come together to discuss how to improve the quality of the organization. The City will continue to have these meetings with all staff members throughout the organization to build some consistency in terms of expectations from employees and that every employee understands the City's Mission Statement. Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Downtown Subcommittee Meeting today. He asked staff to provide an update on the branding initiative by having the consultants provide the update. He commended staff for their hard work on the Special Olympics Host event. e City Council meeting at 8:09 p.m. in me wring Operation Enduring Freedom: Private City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2015 6 v� --Affx SAA B, Mayor Pro Tern mory of the First Class