HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-12-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF_DONEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 2015
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 12, 2015, of
6:37 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 Tern
Council Member
Council Member
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 Downey Seventh Day Adventist Church. The Flag Salute was
led by Downey Girl Scout Troop 17155.
COUNCIL • FOR r
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Saab welcomed everyone to the Council Meeting. He recognized Jeannie Wood,
Chamber of Commerce, and Emergency Preparedness Committee Members Dan Latham and Roy
Beard. He reported on the Downey Police Association's Tip -a -Cop event at Johnny Carinos benefiting
the Special Olympics. He reported attending the library volunteer breakfast luncheon and thanked the
volunteers for enriching the lives of community members. He commended Shannon DeLong for her
work as the Library Director, and noted the volunteers donated over 8,000 hours and thanked everyone
for their work. He reported on Kid's Day held on Saturday and thanked staff and volunteers for their
work. Upcoming events include the Chamber of Commerce Multi- Network Event, the Chamber of
Commerce Luncheon with Andrew Stevens; Aerospace Legacy Foundation is holding a `Brief History of
Martian," event at the Columbia Memorial Space Center; Annual Coordinating Council Recognition
event next Thursday. He advised of the Memorial Day Ceremony in front of the Veterans Fountain of
City Hall.
Council Member Ashton reported attending the Library Volunteer Awards Banquet and noted it is
truly inspiring to see how many people volunteer to help others. He advised of the Memorial Day
Ceremony at the Cemetery, 11:00 a.m., parking available at the Green Line parking lot with Shuttle
Service available.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 12, 2015
Council Member Brossmer reported attending a Downtown Subcommittee Meeting;
congratulated Director Salazar for her Special Olympics presentation at Rotary Club; apologized to
Mayor Pro Tern Saab and Director Salazar for missing the Theatre Subcommittee Meeting; and noted
he looks forward to seeing the public at the Memorial Day Services. Council Member Brossmer noted
the Stay Gallery in collaboration with the Columbia Memorial Space Center and Downey High School is
putting together a STEAM Festival at the Downey Federal Credit Union, May 23.
Council Member Vasquez welcomed everyone to the City Council Meeting. He reported on
attending Tip -a -Cop, noting it was a great cause for a great event; Mayor Pro Tern Saab and he
attended a Neighborhood Watch Meeting last week and highly successful meeting where neighbors
were able to meet and bring their neighborhood together. He reported on Kid's Day and thanked the
Parks and Recreation and Fire and Police Departments for making it a fun day for the thousands of kids
in attendance. He recognized Kiwanians whom were in the audience and thanked the members for
their work in the community. Council Member Vasquez requested staff invite to a future Council
Meeting the Greek Festival Coordinators and Relay for Life Coordinators to recognize them for their
work in the community.
Mayor Marquez welcomed everyone to the City Council Meeting. Mayor Marquez thanked
Director Salazar and Parks and Recreation Staff for coordinating Kid's Day on Saturday and making it a
great event for the thousands of children in attendance. He noted he was unable to attend the Library
Volunteer Luncheon this year, but thanked the volunteers helping with the literacy and other programs
and encouraged residents to visit the Library or the Library's website and consider volunteering for
library programs._ Mayor Marquez welcomed Christian Brown back to the community. Mayor Marquez
advised the public regarding Los Angeles County's Cal -Fresh Program; he reported on the decrease of
electricity consumption of City facilities of 102,611 kW, equivalent to $15,392 and commended City staff
for their work in reducing electricity. Mayor Marquez advised staff took training provided by the Fire
Department on the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). Mayor Marquez reminded the public
he is accepting nominations for the Mayor's Courage Award and forms are available on the City's
website and those chosen will be recognized at an upcoming City Council Meeting. Mayor Marquez can
return to City Council to review and amend Section 9726 of the Downey Municipal Code regarding
Downtown shared parking agreements.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Marquez with the assistance of Monica Ortiz presented a Proclamation in recognition of
Older American Month to Hilda Aguilar and Joan Frey.
2. Mayor Marquez and Director Salazar presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey Kiwanis for
their Contribution towards the City's Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program.
3; Mayor Marquez and Mayor Pro Tern Saab presented a Certificate of Recognition to Downey High
Cheer and Coaches for their Success in the National Cheerleading Championship Competition.
4. Mayor Marquez and Council Member Ashton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Beth
Gendreau for Appointment to the Public Works Committee.
5. Mayor Marquez and Director Mostahkami presented a Proclamation to Public Works staff in
recognition of National Public Works Week, May 17 — 23, 2015.
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Regular Meeting — May 12, 2015 2
PUBLIC HEARING
1. CASH CONTRACT NO. 632 -313 - LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD AT
TELEGRAPH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: ADOPT NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT: Public Works.
Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7`24 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of
the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member
Brossmer, and so ordered by Mayor Marquez to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was
no correspondence received.
Deputy Director of Public Works Norris provided the staff report noting the Lakewood Blvd.,
Rosemead Blvd. at Telegraph Rd. is a vital improvement to the circulation of infrastructure for both
Downey and Pico Rivera. Due to a projected 16% traffic volume increase the level of service at the
intersection is expected to further deteriorate to a deficient level over the next 20 years by 2035. In
order to sustain an adequate level of service at the intersection, capacity enhancements are needed at
which specifically include: double left -turn lanes in each direction; exclusive right -turn lanes in the
eastbound and northbound directions; and, additional through lane in the northbound direction. The
proposed right -turn lane on Lakewood Blvd., is contingent on securing the right away from the Mobil
Gas Station. The improvements will necessitate the partial acquisition of private property from four
properties along the eastside of Lakewood Blvd., immediately south of Telegraph Rd. and overhead
utility easements from six properties along the south side of Telegraph Rd. in order to widen both
streets for the additional turn lanes. Currently, the City is in negotiations with the property owners. The
goal is to acquire all right -of- way -and easements by June 30, 2015. The project will also involve the
following additional improvements: reconstruction of intersection and approach and departure legs as a
concrete intersection; construction of concrete decorative crosswalks; street lights and decorative
safety lights; construction of curb ramps, drive approaches and sidewalk; drought - tolerant landscaping
within the raised islands on the north side of Telegraph Rd. at Lexington - Gallatin Rd. and Manzanar
Ave.; upgrading the existing traffic signal; Potable water improvements, and, bus shelters. Construction
will occur in stages. A minimum of two lanes will be kept open at all times with the exception of
nighttime and /or weekend work. Jn addition, impacts to adjacent businesses will be minimized to the
extent practical. The Contractors will be required to keep driveways open and post signs that the
business will remain open during construction. Deputy Director Norris reviewed two maps: the existing
intersection and the proposed intersection. He noted the City is working with Southern California
Edison (SCE) to relocate the existing power poles along the south side of Telegraph Road from west of
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - May 12, 2015 3
Lakewood Blvd. to west of Arrington Avenue in order to physically widen Telegraph Road along the
south side to get in an additional left turn lane in the westbound direction.
Mayor Marquez confirmed staff is currently working with SCE. Mr. Norris responded in the
affirmative.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the utilities can be placed underground. Mr. Norris advised
relocating the poles transmission lines would render the project not cost effective and would increase-
the project schedule.
Mr. Norris advised in order to relocate the poles, SCE is requiring overhead utility easements
from the six properties along the south side of Telegraph Rd. and reviewed the overhead utility areas
on the map. The requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act_(CEQA), an environmental
document (Negative Declaration) has been prepared in order to assess the environmental impacts of
the project (i.e., air quality, noise, right -of -way, etc). Based on the environmental analysis, there are no
anticipated adverse impacts that are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the project.
The anticipated project schedule is: begin construction June 15, 2015; secure easements and right-of-
way, June 30, 2015; and, construction completion by December 31, 2015.
Council Member Vasquez asked if the underground storage tanks of the Mobil Gas Station have
been addressed by the negative declaration regarding soil contamination. Mr. Norris responded in the
affirmative, noting the Mobil Gas station was included in Phase 1 of the Environmental Document and
checked out negative for any contamination. Council Member Vasquez asked if the street lights will
match the color of the current street lights south of Gallatin, and how far apart will they be from each
other. _Mr. Norris advised the color of the street lights will be the same, however, they will not be every
30 feet apart. Council Member Vasquez asked if there are stringent provisions for delays by the
contractor. Mr. Norris stated yes, liquidated damages will be assessed for every day the project is
delayed as a result of contractor negligence. Council Member Vasquez asked what percentage of this
project will be conducted in the evening versus daytime. Mr. Norris stated approximately 30% to 35 %,
and the schedule will be determined at the pre- construction meeting with the contractor. The concrete
improvement at the intersection as well as the approaches will take place over four consecutive
weekends or at night. Council Member Vasquez asked if any water lines are being replaced. Mr.
Norris stated yes, there will be a series of potable water improvements. Council Member Vasquez
asked what the pavement moratorium is. Mr. Norris stated currently it is three years; however, there is
consideration to extending it to five years.
Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked if the bus shelters are consistent with the current shelters on
Firestone Blvd. Mr. _Norris stated yes. Mayor Pro Tem Saab asked if the intersection at
Gallatin /Lakewood would be completed by the time this project begins. Mr. Norris stated yes, it is
expected to be, however, it is driven by the Mc Donald's construction.
Mayor Marquez opened this item for Public Comment at 7:37 p.m. Having no one come
forward, Mayor Marquez closed Public Comment.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so ordered
by Mayor Marquez to close the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and "carried
unanimously, to: adopt Resolution No. 15 -7556, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey
Adopting the Negative Declaration for the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph
Road Intersection Improvement Project Consistent with the Requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act; Award Contract in the amount of $2,992,861.80 to Palp, Inc., dba Excel
Paving Company for the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road Intersection
Improvement Project; Authorize the Public Works Director to execute any change orders or additional
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Regular Meeting — May 12; 2015 -4
scope of work for this project deemed necessary or desirable up to the approved project budget; and,
authorize the purchase of city furnished materials for this project.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Rita Rodarte- Meyers and Dan Latham provided information on the upcoming Downey Relay for
Life and invited the City Council and community to participate. Mr. Latham requested permission for
the High School Key Clubs to decorate Downtown Downey between May 22 — May 30, 2015. City
Manager Livas approved Mr.- Latham's request.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Marquez closed Non- Agenda Public Comment at
7 :44 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Regular Meeting — May 12, 2015 5
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City Manager Livas did not have any comments.
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