Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-25-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25, 2015 The City Council of the City of Downey held a- Regular City Council Meeting on August 25, 2015, at 6:36 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 (Arrived at 7 :11 p.m.) Alex Saab Mayor Pro Tern Sean Ashton Council Member Roger C. Brossmer Council Member (Excused) 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 Alicia Duarte, Deputy City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Benny Lopez, Iglesia Bautista Cristo Salva. The Flag Salute was led by Dorian Cardona of the South East County Young Marines. COUNCIL - • FOR D• ITEM CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Ashton reported attending the Rocket Fever event at the Columbia Space Center which was very well attended. He thanked Mr. Dickow, Columbia Space Center Executive Director and Financial Partners Credit Union for their assistance with the event. He announced his next Town Hall is scheduled for September 24 at the Barbara Riley Senior Center. He invited the audience to attend Mayor Pro Tern Saab's Town Hall meeting as well. He mentioned the Town Hall meetings are held to show transparency and keep residents informed. Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the l =5 Consortium Cities Policy Board meeting and commented on secured funding for the construction on Firestone Blvd. He reported attending a meeting with City of Norwalk elected officials to discuss challenges on how to deal with the homeless issues in the area of Firestone Blvd._ and 605 Freeway. He said he will be attending a grand re- opening ceremony at the Embassy Suites and the Neighborhood Watch meeting later this week. He recognized Beth Gendreau, community advocate, Paula Mejia, Mario Trujillo and Kevin Chin who were in the audience. He requested staff begin preparing plans on what can be incorporated on the - easement recently acquired from Edison at Wilderness Park to include in the Park Master Plan. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 Mayor Pro Tern Saab announced the Water Conservation Symposium scheduled tomorrow night. He commented on the great job the City has done conserving water and the importance on keeping everyone educated. He invited everyone to attend his Town Hall at the Columbia Memorial Space Center on Thursday. He announced the upcoming events, Chamber of Commerce Ribbon cutting for Sushi Loco and Farmers Insurance; Gangs Out of Downey Golf Tournament on September 11 at the Rio Hondo Golf Course; International Food and Music Festival on September 12; and, Downey Lions Club fundraiser event on September 8 at Chick- Fil -A. Lastly, he announced the prescription drug take -back event at the Downey Police Department on Saturday. He recognized Jonathan Fonte, Downey Association of Realtors and Jennie Wood, Downey Chamber of Commerce who were in the audience. 'PRESENTATIONS The City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the City of Downey Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments in appreciation for their hard work and dedication during the City's 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program. The City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the City's 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town Program Volunteers in appreciation for their dedication. RECESS /RECONVENE Mayor Pro Tern Saab recessed the City Council meeting at 7 :11 p.m. Mayor Marquez reconvened the meeting at 7:16 p.m. with Mayor Pro Tern Saab and Council Members Ashton and Vasquez present;_ Council Member Brossmer was excused. City Ventures presented the Golden Nugget Award to the City Council for the Downey Collection residential development at 8601 Gallatin Road. Levy Sun, Public Information Officer from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District regarding West Nile Virus provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the West Nile Virus. RECESS /RECONVENE Chair Marquez recessed the City Council meeting and opened the Community Development Commission Housing Successor meeting at 7:36 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:38 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 2 Director Schindler provided the staff report for this item. The Annual Metropolitan Transportation Authority has _a requirement that all local jurisdictions are conforming to METRO's Congestion Management Program (CMP) by adopting a CMP self - certification resolution. The CMP is designed to address the impact of local growth on the regional transportation network. The Local Development Report provides coordination between local land use decisions and the traffic impacts of those decisions on the regional transportation network. The report provides a summary adjustment between new development activity and demolition permits. Conformance assures the continued allocations of Proposition 111 State of California gas tax monies to the City of Downey. The estimated allocation for Fiscal Year 2015 -16 is $649,680. Mayor Marquez opened this item for Public Comment. Resident, no name provided, talked about overcrowding in the community. He asked to have an actual dollar amount breakdown in the future in order for residents to understand how the money is being spent. Mayor Pro Tern Saab asked what is required from the City if the item is approved. Director Schindler stated the City need only conform with the Transportation Management Plan by building and improving the roads in a rate and capacity that - satisfies any development taking place in the community. Mayor Marquez closed the Public Hearing. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tenn Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and approved 4- 0 =1, with Council Member Brossmer excused, to adopt Resolution No. 15 -7585, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey, California, finding the City to be in conformance with the Congestion Management Program (CMP) and adopting the CMP Local Development Report, in accordance with California Government Code Section 65089. 3. AMENDED THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW OFF -SITE PARKING; Community Development. Council Member Vasquez announced he would be recusing himself from this item due to a conflict of interest. He stepped down from the dais. Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7`45 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Ashton and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. Director Schindler provided the staff report for the item. On June 23, City Council discussed the use of off -site parking agreements for non - residential uses in the downtown area to meet the growing parking demands. Council directed staff to analyze the concepts and prepare and amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan. On August 5, the Planning Commission recommended Council's consideration amending the Downtown Downey Specific Plan to facilitate off -site parking. Section 9726, Off -Site Parking Facilities generally allows for the city -wide use of off -site parking facilities with Planning Commission approval of a CUP provided: The -off -site parking facility is not a distance exceeding 660 feet; the agreement is recorded on the property title and held in perpetuity of the site providing the additional parking spaces; and, the parking needs of both sites are not compromised. The Off -site Parking Amendment for non - residential, uses would expand the off- street parking facility distance from the subject site from 660 feet (1/8 mile) to 1,320 (1/4 mile), remove the requirement of recording the off- site parking facility agreement_ between the two parties, but require a business or owner /operator to purchase parking waivers upon the dissolution of an off -site parking agreement or cease operations. Amendments to off - street parking facilities is restricted to the Downtown Specific Plan Area.- City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 3 Mayor Marquez opened this item for Public Comment. Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition of the amendment of the Downtown Downey Specific Plan to allow off -site parking. Mayor Marquez closed the Public Hearing. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and approved 3 -0 -2; with Council Member Vasquez abstaining and Council Member Brossmer excused, to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey amending Section 5.4.2 of the Downtown Downey Specific Plan to allow off -site parking. 9 ► 1` : f City Clerk Jimenez announced abstentions from Council Members for Consent Calendar items: Mayor Marquez abstaining from Item No. 4, Mayor Pro Tern Saab abstaining from Item No. 11, Council Member Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 10, Council Member Brossmer excused from the entire Consent Calendar and Item No. 12 is being tables due to required abstentions from present Council Members and an excused absence resulting in the lack of a majority to discuss and vote on the item. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and carried unanimously, with Council Member Brossmer excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 4. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of August 11, 2015: City Clerk. 5. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 296348 - 296781; Wire Nos. 30003355 30003360; Manual Wire Nos. 1361 1367, in the total amount of $ $5,860,292.80: Finance. 6. APPROPRIATED $27,028.00 IN EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 -2016: Police. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 4 15. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15-24 - COMMUNICATION UPGRADES TO VARIOUS r THE PROJECT • APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $245,329.73; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER'S i FFICE: Public Works. ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 15.7586P A RESOLUTION OF •' OF OF DOWNEY APPOINTING ADVISORY BOARD FOR DISTRICT . Member Ashton. 18. PRE PAID WIRELESS UTILITY USER TAX: finance. Im"• r r • i r - • r A - I i I :• M • • _ • • • • P- ADOPTED • r • ORDINANCE OF • s OF OF DOWNEY ADDING TO ARTICLE Vill OF •i REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS: Community Development, 21. RECEIVED AND FILED THE 2014 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT: Community Development. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 5 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS TABLED TO NEXT MEETING 12. 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 REPORT 22. ENTERED INTO AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH KAMLA HOTELS, INC., -A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION AND SHARAD R. PATEL TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF _A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT OF CITY OWNED LAND, FOR THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A HOTEL AT 9066 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD: Community Development. Director Schindler advised on December 1, 2014, staff issued a Request for Proposal soliciting development proposals for a hotel development on City -owned land at 9066 Firestone Blvd. On February 20, 2015, staff received three development proposals. Kamla Hotels provided detailed information and offered a SpringHill Suites by Marriot. Staff spent the subsequent months analyzing the development and financial information provided by Kamla Hotels. The purpose of the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement is to provide the City and Kamla Hotels the security that each will negotiate in good faith, exclusively with each other, towards the execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the property. The sale price of the site will be $2,252,000. The Exclusive Negotiating Agreement consists of 180 -day negotiating period, Kamla Hotels will make a $30,000 non- refundable deposit, which shall be credited towards the purchase price if a Purchase and Sale Agreement is executed. This deposit will be used to pay for the City's_predevelopment costs. End product of the ENA will be the creation and approval of a Purchase and Sale agreement by City Council. Resident, no name provided, stated productivity would be restored if the project moves forward. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and approved 4 0 =1 with Council Member Brossmer excused to enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Kamla Hotels, Inc., a California Corporation and Sharad R. Patel to negotiate in good faith pursuant to the terms of a Purchase and sale Agreement of City owned land, for the Disposition and Development of a hotels at 9066 Firestone Boulevard. • r • ► 11 Resident, no name provided, suggested cleaning tree debris from roof tops to avoid fires. He commented on the Brown Act, individuals with mental disabilities and the elderly and requested street and sidewalk improvements. Resident, no name provided, asked for street maintenance in his district, District 4. He mentioned Lakewood Blvd. between Gallatin and Telegraph needs patching and he suggested using C3 to patch. City Manager Livas stated the City will be redoing Lakewood Blvd. between Gallatin and Telegraph. John Lacey, resident, stated attending a meeting where he received information indicating the City of Downey did exceed the reduction of water usage by its residents. He suggested providing this information on a monthly basis. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 6 City Manager Livas thanked staff for a successful Rocket Fever event, which was very well attended. Mayor Marquez apologized for arriving late and thanked City staff for all the work they have done this summer. He announced the start of school tomorrow. He wished Council Member Vasquez a happy birthday and mentioned his twins were celebrating their gth birthday today. Mayor Marquez adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:16 p.m. in memory of the Serviceman who perished this week during Operation Enduring Freedom, Master Sgt. Peter A. McKenna Jr., 35, of Bristol, Rho Island. C�JIMENEf, CM Cit y Clerk City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 25, 2015 7