HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-10-15 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
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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 Tern
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 i FOR
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
Mayor Pro Tern 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 1 -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 Tern 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
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Regular Meeting — November 10; 2015 2
implemented are: Synthetic turf may 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 Tern 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 Tern 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
Ter 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 Tern 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.
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Regular Meeting — November 10, 2015 3
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 Tern 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.
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.
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.
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Regular Meeting — November 10, 2015 4
12. APPROVED THE PARADE PERMIT /STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE
DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE: Administration.
•- •�r -• , • ENTNIMMM
THE FIRE CHIEF: Administration.
Mayor Pro Tern 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 Tern 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 Tern 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.
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Regular Meeting — November 10, 2015 5
TSUI a UL 9 4 ► '1
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.
Acv
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City Clerk
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Regular Meeting — November 10, 2015 6