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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02c. Minutes - 11-10-15 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes Regular Meeting – November 10, 2015 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2015 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on November 10, 2015, at 6:33 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 Tem Sean Ashton Council Member Roger C. Brossmer Council Member 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 Ed Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works 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 Jason Neville, Praise Chapel of Downey. The Flag Salute was led by Downey Police Explorers. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Ashton reported attending the Halloween Pumpkin Patch and Rock and Ride for Veterans events and thanked staff for their work in coordinating both events. He announced the upcoming free Flu Shot and Small Gardening workshop events. Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Theatre subcommittee meeting and advised there will be construction at the theatre for the installation of the new air conditioner and restrooms. He reported attending the Columbia Memorial Space Center Foundation, and Commercial Waste and Recycling subcommittee meetings. He attended a site tour of the Promenade and said the development is looking great. He reported attending the Pancake Breakfast and Rock and Ride for Veterans events. He suggested combining the Rock and Ride and the Veterans Day Memorial events next year. Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the Council meeting. He reported attending the Downey Adult School community meeting. He commended the Downey School District and Downey Adult School for the great job they are doing in the community. He acknowledged the Public Works Department for their partnership with the City of Norwalk and the completion of the Firestone Blvd. Bridge. He asked the residents to be patient as construction of several City streets takes place. He requested staff return to Council with an amendment to the Municipal Code to allow gyms and dance studios to operate in industrial zones with a CUP. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – November 10, 2015 2 Mayor Pro Tem Saab welcomed the audience to the Council meeting. He thanked the Police Department for patrolling during Halloween and said no incidents were reported. He concurred with Council Member Brossmer’s comments regarding the Theatre and said staff has done a great job in overseeing the work by the contractor and the contractor is on schedule for the completion of the project. He reported attending the Meals on Wheels annual luncheon to acknowledge the thousands of hours of volunteer work by members of the community and thanked all those involved. He announced upcoming events: Ribbon Cutting event at Allure Brow and Makeup Bar and a volunteer orientation for those interested in coaching a new Special Olympics Basketball Team, which will begin next spring. Mayor Marquez welcomed the audience to the Council meeting. He thanked Arlene Salazar, Public Works and the Police Department for their work in the Rock and Ride for Veterans event. He acknowledged Council Member Ashton for completing the 32 mile bike ride and concurred with Council Member Brossmer on combining the Veterans events. He announced upcoming events: Coffee with the Mayor to discuss projects in the City or any concerns. He asked the residents for their patience with the construction work on various City streets. He acknowledged Public Works staff for the esthetic look on the Firestone Bridge. He reported attending the Gateway Cities I-710 Subcommittee Meeting and said the project is finally moving forward. He acknowledged the Columbia Memorial Space Center staff for the great work during the Spook Night event. PRESENTATIONS 1. The Mayor and Council with the assistance of City Manager Livas presented certificates of appreciation to the Active and Former Military Service Members of City Staff. 2. The Mayor and Council with the assistance of Director Salazar presented a certificate of recognition to Adam Christin for his contribution towards the City’s Special Olympic World Games Host Town Program Officer. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 15-____, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, ARTICLE IX, TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPING USING DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS AND NATIVE PLANTS AND STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SYNTHETIC TURF: Community Development. Mayor Marquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:01 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no correspondence received. The staff report was provided by City Planner William Davis. On September 22, 2015, the City Council opened a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance. While recognizing the intent of the proposed ordinance is to comply with the goal of 25% reduction in potable water usage, to provide standards for drought-tolerant landscapes, and the use of synthetic turf, the Council expressed concerns about the impacts several aspects of the proposed ordinance could have on residents. Consequently, the Council continued the public hearing to an uncertain date and directed staff to consider those issues. Factoring all the issues associated with attaining the State’s goals for water conservation, developing standards for drought-tolerant landscaping, and how those standards may ultimately burden Downey residents, the best alternative is not to amend the Code to provide new standards for drought-tolerant landscaping, but to follow the drought-tolerant landscaping measures currently found in Section 9520 of the Zoning Code. The City Council expressed satisfaction with the standards for synthetic turf outlined in the proposed ordinance; only questioning the use of this material on City parkways. As such, staff revised the proposed ordinance to allow synthetic turf on parkways. Mr. Davis provided a PowerPoint presentation with before and after pictures of natural turf being replaced with drought-tolerant plants as well examples of desert scape. Synthetic Turf Standards being City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – November 10, 2015 3 implemented are: Synthetic turf may be used in lieu of natural turf in front, side and rear yards, and on City parkways, for up to 100% coverage or in combination with groundcover, shrubs, vines, flowers, or trees, for properties in any land use zone. Synthetic turf shall be of a type known as cut pile infill and shall be manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene, or a blend of polypropylene or polyurethane meshed or hole-punched permeable backing. Backings shall have holes paced in a uniform grid pattern with spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on center. The synthetic turf shall have a minimum 8-year “No Fade” warranty. Synthetic turf must consist of pile fibers a minimum height of 1-34”, a face weight of not less than 65 oz. Synthetic Turf Installations: Synthetic turf shall be installed over a compacted and porous road base material and shall be anchored at all edges and seams. The synthetic turf installation process shall consist of the following: exiting grass or weeds shall be removed; excavate soil to a depth of at least two inches; install a border (bender board, a concrete mow strip, or other barrier with a minimum 3/8” thickness) along the perimeter of the synthetic turf area to prevent the intrusion of living plant material into the synthetic turf area; cap any existing irrigation lines; add quarter- inch self-compacting gravel as the base material, about a quarter inch above the project area border and higher in the middle of the project area; rake and compact the base material; add a wee mat over the compacted base material; install the synthetic turf over the compacted base material and anchor the synthetic turf at all edges and seams. Seams shall be glued and not sewn; and, an infill medium consisting of silica sand or acrylic coated sand or other environmentally safe infill product designed specifically for artificial turf, shall be brushed into the fibers to insure that the fibers remain in an upright position and to provide ballast that will help hold the turf in place and provide cushioning effect. City staff shall review plans for synthetic turf installations over the counter at no charge. In lieu of City inspections, the installer shall sign a self-certification. Staff will have landscaping guides available at the counter and on the City’s website for those interested. Mayor Marquez opened up this item for public commented. Resident, no name, commented on the installation of synthetic turf and desert scape lawns. Resident, no name, commented in favor of the proposed ordinance and artificial turf in lawns. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Marquez closed the Public Hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Saab asked if there would be any issues arising from parkway tree roots damaging artificial turf. City Attorney Abich stated she does not foresee any spike in claims or litigation and said if a problem occurs staff can easily be sent to address the problem. Mayor Pro Tem Saab asked if verbiage can be added to protect the City. City Attorney Abich said the City can add a disclaimer. Mayor Pro Tem Saab asked if a resident can complete the application and disclaimer process online. Mr. Davis said they can take his suggestion into consideration as they are still working on the self-certification process. Council Member Brossmer said he is in support of the ordinance and agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Saab’s recommendation. Council Member Ashton asked if residents can apply for a grant or loan to incorporate the synthetic turf into their home rehabilitation. Director Schindler said there is a program for home rehabilitation for low income property owners and staff can incorporate drought tolerant landscaping. City Manager Livas clarified home funds will go to priority life and safety issues first. Mayor Marquez thanked staff for coming back and addressing Council’s concerns. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded Mayor Pro Tem Saab and approved unanimously, to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey amending the Downey Municipal Code, Article IX, to establish minimum standards for the design and installation of landscaping using drought-tolerant plants and native plants and standards for the installation of synthetic turf. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – November 10, 2015 4 NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Danny Ortiz, artificial turf installer, thanked Council for moving forward on the public hearing item. Resident, no name, commented on the Brown Act, streets, sidewalks, on disabled veterans with physical and mental disabilities and the Americans with Disability Act. John Lacey, resident, acknowledged all the men and women who have served in the Armed Services. He acknowledged Council Member Brossmer for highlighting Veterans. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pro Tem Saab pulled Item Nos. 4 and 13. Council Member Ashton commented on Item No. 8. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, and carried unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of June 10, 2015; Regular Meeting of September 22, 2015; Regular and Special Meetings of October 27, 2015: City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 298548 – 298959; Wire Nos. 30003388 – 30003392; Manual Wire Nos. 1383, in the total amount of $2,767,584.09: Finance. 5. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA FOR THE TELEGRAPH RD. TRAFFIC THROUGHPUT AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT, PHASE 2, BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BLVD/ROSEMEAD BLVD AND THE WEST CITY LIMIT, AND, BETWEEN PASSONS BLVD AND THE EAST CITY LIMIT; AND; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS; AND, TRANSFER $272,000 IN PROPOSITION C LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 54-16695 TO COVER THE ENVIRONMENTAL, PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AND DESIGN PHASES OF THE PROJECT: Public Works. 6. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) FOR THE LAKEWOOD BLVD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (BETWEEN GALLATIN RD/TELEGRAPH RD) PHASE 3C; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENTS: Public Works. 7. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION TO EXECUTE A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT (LACPRD) IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500 FOR HOSTING A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING AS PART OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY’S COUNTY-WIDE PARK NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS: Parks & Recreation. 8. APPROVED A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) FOR A GRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,655 FOR DOWNEY RIDE & STRIDE OPEN STREET EVENT; AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS: Parks & Recreation. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – November 10, 2015 5 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15-7600, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECORDS: Parks & Recreation. 10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 15-7601, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE IN COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5: Human Resources. 11. EXERCISED THE CITY’S OPTION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE LA-RICS JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A NOTICE OF SUCH OPTION TO THE LA-RICS BOARD: Police. 12. APPROVED THE PARADE PERMIT/STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS: 4. APPROPRIATED $55,900 FROM AQMD FUND TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE FOR USE BY THE FIRE CHIEF: Administration. Mayor Pro Tem Saab clarified the funding for this item does not come from the general fund reserves and there is a benefit to emissions in replacing the vehicle. City Manager Livas stated the Fire Chief’s current vehicle is 15 years old and the funding is coming from an AQMD grant specifically for this purpose. It is also an objective of the Green Task Force to replace regular vehicles with green vehicles. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved unanimously, to appropriate $55,900 from AQMD fund to purchase a new vehicle for use by the Fire Chief. 13. APPROVED THE ALLOCATION OF $30,000 FROM THE CITY’S EQUIPMENT FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING FOUR MOBILE RADIOS AND TWO MOBILE DATA COMPUTERS AND APPROVED PIERCE MANUFACTURING TO INSTALL IN THE NEW FIRE ENGINES: Fire. Mayor Pro Tem Saab commented in favor of this item and stated Council attempts to provide the best equipment to benefit the City’s residents. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved unanimously to approve the allocation of $30,000 from the City’s equipment fund for the purpose of purchasing four mobile radios and two mobile date computers and approved Pierce Manufacturing to install the new fire engines. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas thanked the employees who have made the sacrifice to protect our country. He thanked all the departments involved in Rock and Ride for Veterans event. He reminded the audience to attend Veterans Day Ceremony. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Marquez adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. in memory of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, Oklahoma, and Retired Downey Fire Department Engineer Gary Culbertson.