HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-23-16 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
COUNCIL CITY OF OF DOWNEA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2016
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 23,
2016, at 6:31 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, California, Mayor Saab presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Alex Saab Mayor
Fernando Vasquez Mayor Pro Tern
Sean Ashton Council Member
Roger C. Brossmer Council Member
Luis Marquez 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 Flossie Carter of Love, Peace & Happiness Family
Christian Fellowship. The Flag Salute was led by Madison Roberson.
COUNCIL • UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Ashton reported attending the Downey Ponytail Opening Ceremony and the
Downey Keep Downey Beautiful Cleanup Event. He invited the audience to attend his scheduled Town
Hall Meeting.
Council Member Marquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He provided an update on
the Eco Rapid Transit Project and the allocation of funds. He requested tonight's Council Meeting be
adjourned in memory of his one year old niece, Sofia Castro.
Council Member Brossmer recognized Tod Corrin, Downey Unified School District Board
Member and former Mayor David Gafin in the audience.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez recognized former Mayor Gafin who was in the audience. He reported
attending an 1 -5_ Freeway meeting with Supervisor Knabe to request additional funding for the 1 -5
Freeway Environmental Impact Report and to discuss the Rancho Los Amigos facility and the multi
sports complex. He stated his concern about the homelessness issue in his neighborhood and the City
and asked staff to address these concerns. City Manager Livas stated staff is working on a proactive
plan of action and City Ordinances are being reviewed to address these concerns.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 1
Mayor Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He requested and update on the Firestone
Boulevard construction work. In regards to the Firestone Boulevard and Paramount Avenue project
Director Mostahkami stated the concrete for the median would be poured this week and the traffic lanes
would be reduced to one lane for one day. Paving is scheduled for March. In regards to the Firestone
east project, work has been delayed due to unforeseen issues but they are working on a recovery
schedule and paving is scheduled for April He hopes to have the project completed by mid - April
Mayor Saab reported attending the Website and Budget Subcommittee meetings. He attended a mural
dedication at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall He commented on the facilities education and recreation
programs. He thanked all teachers for medicating their careers to education. He announced upcoming
events: TLC 5K Run; Keep Downey Beautiful Smart Gardening Workshop; 201h Anniversary of the
Cosmetica; Chamber of Commerce Let's Do Lunch; MADE a Career Initiative event at the Columbia
Space Center; CareMore Health and wellness workshop; Gangs Out of Downey Luncheon recognizing
Officer Ricardo Galvez; Arc Walk at Stonewood Center; Downey Federal Credit Union Cook Off
Fundraiser; and, PTA HELPS at BJR Senior Center. He asked staff to assess traffic in the area of
Florence Avenue and Mattock Avenue due to congestion.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Saab presented the Mayor's Distinguished Citizen /Business Award presented to Steve
Roberson — Century 21 My Real Estate.
2. Presentation by Guy Navarro, Executive Director, The Roxanna Todd Hodges (RTH) Stroke
Foundation.
3. 2016 Annual Relay for Life Community Event
Presentation by Rita Rodarte -Myers inviting the Mayor and City Council to participate in the Annual
Relay for Life Community Event in May and requested the use of the City's show mobile for the
event, as well as permission to tie purple ribbons throughout the Civic Center area and Downtown
Downey Avenue.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 16- 7612, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7568 AMENDING THE CITY'S UNIFORM
SCHEDULE OF FEES BY ADOPTING NEW FEES FOR DIAL -A -RIDE AND DIAL -A -RIDE
TAXI SERVICES: Parks & Recreation.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7 :24 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern
Vasquez 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 Director Salazar. The City of Downey operates the Dial -A -Ride
Program for seniors 65 and older and those community members with disabilities. Established in the
early 1970's, eligible riders have paid $0.25 per each boarding with free boarding privileges for their
personal care attendant. The City Council at a Special Meeting held on February 5, 2015, directed staff
to make certain adjustments to the City DowneyLink and _Dial -A -Ride transit operations through the
implementation of taxicab services and reduction of mid -day DowneyLink service. As part of the
changes to the transit operations, the existing Fee Schedule required an amendment to include the
establishment of a general boarding fare and taxi voucher fare in addition to the change to the existing
Dial -A -Ride senior /disabled fare. A Request for Proposals prepared by staff for Dial -A -Ride Taxi is
expected to be released by March 21, 2016, with service beginning by mid-May 2016. The new fees
would be effective Monday, May 2, 2016 and would consist of $0.50 for Downey Dial -A -Ride per trip;
$2.00 for Downey Dial -A Taxi Voucher per trip, and, $2.00 for Downey Dial -A -Ride General Boarding
Fee.
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Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 2
Council Member Vasquez asked how long notices were posted on Dial -A =Ride vehicles.
Director Salazar stated notices were posted for 10 consecutive days. Council Member Brossmer asked
for the actual increase in rate. Director Salazar stated Dial -A -Ride would increase from $0.25 to $0.50
and taxi service would cost $2.00 per trip. Council Member Marquez asked how the proposed $2.00 fee
was calculated. He suggested lowering the fee to $1.00 per trip with limited trips per month. Director
Salazar explained the consultant reviewed the cost of Dial -A -Ride revenue per hour and the cost of the
operating system and presented the average cost for taxi service based on cities in the surrounding
area. City Council discussed a tier system option and reducing the proposed fee for the taxi service and
setting up a schedule to increase the fee in one year.
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 7:37 p.m.
Resident, no name provided, commented on unequal treatment of the disabled. He requested
City Council table this item.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 7:42 p.m.
Council Member Brossmer commented in support of the proposed taxi service option and the
Dial -A -Ride fare increase. He suggested revisiting this item in three to six months.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez commented in favor of proposed staff recommendation and agreed
the item should be revisited in six months.
Mayor Saab asked for clarification of the proposed Downey Dial -A -Ride General Boarding Fare.
Director Salazar explained this is $2.00 fare to ride the Dial -A -Ride for those not qualified for the
discount between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the DowneyLink is not available.
Council Member Ashton commented in favor of a tier system and asked if there is a limit to
transport someone outside City limits using the taxi service. Director Salazar explained the taxi service
would only take a customer up to 2 miles outside the City limits and only for medical purposes.
Council Member Marquez acknowledged his colleagues and City staff for reaching this point in
the process of enhancing transportation for the senior and disabled community members. He
suggested establishing a tier system and gradually increasing the rate as well as setting a monthly limit
on the number of rides.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez and
approved 4 -1 -0, with Council Member Ashton voting no, to adopt Resolution No. 16 -7612, amending
Resolution No. 15 -7568, amending the City's Uniform Schedule of Fees by adopting new fees for Dial
-
A-Ride and Dial -A -Ride Taxi Services.
2 FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM 2016 -17: Community Development.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor _Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and so
ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was one anonymous letter
received regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Birchdale Avenue and Orange Avenue.
City Manager Livas stated this item is to inform the City Council of two scheduled community
meetings to obtain public comment on the Community Development Block Grant and HOME
Investment Partnership Program for Fiscal Year 2016 -17. The City of Downey is an entitlement grantee
eligible to receive federal grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and
HOME investment Partnership Program ( HOME). These grants are allocated to the City annually by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grants are available for a variety of
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 3
activities which address the City's needs in areas of affordable housing, neighborhood improvement,
economic development, public services, and community facilities.
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 7:57 p.m.
Resident, no name provided, commented on American Disability Act, Golden Park, poor
lighting in his neighborhood, and homelessness issues. He asked City Council to use the grant money
for improvements in the City.
Resident, no name provided, asked City Council what type of public outreach was done to
engage the community in the scheduled community meetings. She suggested coordinating with the
school district to disseminate this information.
City Manager Livas stated information was made available on the City's website; by publication
in the local newspaper; the City's posting locations; and, social media_
Council Member Marquez invited the public to attend City Council meeting when funding
allocation for the program is discussed in order to provide their input.
Council Member Ashton requested one additional community meeting for public input. City
Manager Livas'said staff will hold one additional meeting and will increase their efforts on advertising.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, and
approved unanimously to receive and file the report.
3. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 16 = , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 9126 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
AND SECTION 9314.04 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL
RECREATION USES IN THE -1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) AND M -2 (GENERAL
MANUFACTURING) ZONES: Community Development.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 8:07 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, 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 November 24 2015, the City
Council initiated a zoning text amendment to Section 9318 of the Downey Municipal Code to allow
commercial recreation uses, such as dance studios, in the City's M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and M -2
(General Manufacturing) zones. On February 3, 2016, the Planning Commission conducted a duly
noticed public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code. Staff surveyed 17
cities and seven allow dance studios in the M -1 or M -2 Zone. Five of the cities surveyed require the
approval of a conditional use permit to operate a dance studio in its manufacturing zones.
City Council discussed the benefits and downfalls of allowing the Commercial Recreation uses
in Light Manufacturing and General Manufacturing Zones, and the requirement of a Conditional Use
Permit for the process.
Resident, no name provided, commented against the zone amendment.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 8:24 p.m.
Council Member Ashton commented in favor of the proposed ordinance and would ensure there
are no safety issues involved.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 4
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Ashton and
approved unanimously to introduce an Ordinance amending Section 9126 of the Downey Municipal
Code and Section 9314.04 of the Downey Municipal Code, to allow Commercial Recreation Uses in the
M -1 (Light Manufacturing) and M -2 (General Manufacturing) Zones.
CONSENT CALENDAR: This item was taken out of order;.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Saab, and carried unanimously,
with Council Member Brossmer and Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 16 and Council
Member Marquez pulling Item No. 15, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
4. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meetings of February 5, 2015 and February 9, 2016, and, Regular
Meeting of February 9, 2016: City Clerk.
5. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 301205- 301558, the Payroll Wire numbers are 30003428
30003433 and the Manual Wire numbers are 1407 -1415, in the total amount of $ $3,606,317.01:
Finance.
6. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE CITY OF
DOWNEY LIBRARY FOR INTERNSHIP CREDIT: Administration.
8. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH EDENCO, INC. AND JG BAUTISTA CONSULTING FOR
• AND ARCHITECTUAL CONSULTING AUTHORIZED THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS; r AUTHORIZED TO
EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS: • •
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16-7613, A RESOLUTION OF • OF
OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING FUNDING REQUESTS • THE METROPOLITA
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, r REQUESTING THE METROPOLITA
TRANSPORTATION • • LOCAL
MEASURE R RENEWALS: Administration.
1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO 1
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 5
14. APPROVED RESPONSES TO THE 2015 -16 CIVIL GRAND JURY INTERIM REPORT ENTITLED
"INADEQUATE EL NINO PLANNING- FOR COUNTY HOMELESS POPULATION, AND THE
TRANSMITTAL OF RESPONSES TO THE CIVIL GRAND JURY: Administration.
16. APPROVED A FEE WAIVER FOR USE OF THE SNOWMOBILE BY THE 2016 ANNUAL RELAY
FOR LIFE COMMUNITY EVENT SPONSORED BY THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT:
Administration.
Resident, no name provided, commented against Item No. 17, an increase in salary for the City
Manager.
15. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL INTER - GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR
2016: City Council.
Council Member Marquez requested to continue serving on the Gateway Cities Council of
Governments Executive Committee as the Primary delegate and Council Member Ashton as the
Alternate Delegate for the remainder of his term as Council Member. Council Member Ashton
requested to continue serving as the Alternate Delegate on the Eco -Rapid Orange Line Development
Authority. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez suggested Mayor Saab and Council Member Ashton serve on the
Gateway Cities Council of Governments Executive Committee and Council Member Ashton serve as
the Delegate and himself as the Alternate on the Eco -Rapid Orange Line Development Authority.
Resident, no name provided, commented on City Council assignments.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Ashton and
approved unanimously to approve the City Council Inter- Government Committee Assignments for 2016
with the following changes: Council Member Marquez will serve as the Primary Delegate and Council
Member Ashton will serve as the Alternate for the Eco -Rapid Orange Line Development Authority and
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez will serve as the Primary Delegate and Council Member Marquez will serve
as the Alternate for the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Executive Committee.
s �� • �
Andrea Hardwick, Hardwick Combustion Technologies, commented on her concern about the
type of work activity being performed at 11911 Woodruff Avenue. Mayor Saab asked Ms. Hardwick to
please meet with Director Schindler.
Resident, no name provided, commented on First Amendment rights; increase in salaries; City
streets and sidewalk repairs; the City's Budget; corruption; his claim against the City; and, the
performance of City contractors.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 6
Peter Hardwick, Hardwick Combustion Technologies, commented on his concern with his new
business neighbor at 11911 Woodruff Avenue and the environmental impacts due to the work being
performed at the location.
Clint Mick, Chemical Engineer, commented in support of Hardwick Combustion Technologies.
He submitted a letter of concern from his father Mr. Seng Pha in regards to the business property
located at 11911 Woodruff Avenue and the work being performed.
Robert Maniaci, Property Owner, 11921
concern with the work activity taking place at 11911
comments.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Woodruff Avenue, commented in regards to his
Woodruff Avenue and in support of the Hardwick's
21. PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF ON A POTENTIAL 2016 "60TH ANNIVERSARY FREEDOM
FESTIVAL" FIREWORKS EVENT, AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AN
AGREEMENT WITH PYRO SPECTACULAR, INC., AND APPROVED ANY AMENDMENTS AS
NEEDED, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE BY THE CITY ATTORNEY: Administration.
Mayor Saab tabled Item No. 21 and requested staff return with options of sponsorship and
volunteers for an event on July 4.
The City Council discussed event and staffing costs for a fireworks event on July 4. City Council
provided direction to staff to secure a 20 minute fireworks show and to research other firework
companies for cost options as well as research options to save on personnel costs.
City Manager Livas stated staff would return with options for City Council consideration. In
regards to the location, City Manager Livas said it will be at Downey High School. Director Salazar
stated the option would be stadium seating at the high school.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None;
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 23, 2016 7