HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-12-16 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
COUNCIL CITY OF OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 12, 2016
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 12, 2016,
at 6 :33 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 (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
-Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, City Clerk
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director
Sonya Meacham, Interim Parks& Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Alicia Duarte, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Gabriel Lopez, Ritual Chairman, and Cantor Kenneth Gaffe`
Temple Ner Tamid. The Flag Salute was led by Bob Arthur, Cerritos College Board of Trustees.
COUNCIL FOR r
CONFERENCE/MEETING • O
Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the City Council Meeting. He reported
attending the Keep Downey Beautiful monthly meeting and said they reviewed the results of the litter
survey to identify the location of future clean ups. He announced upcoming events: Keep Downey
Beautiful Clean Up and CalMet's mulch giveaway. He reported attending the Southern California
Association of Governments Regional Council meeting, where they approved the Regional
Transportation Plan and Sustainable Community Strategy. He invited the audience to participate in the
upcoming Ride and Stride event.
Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Passport Renewal event and the Downey
Symphony event. He acknowledged the Downey Chamber of Commerce for a great Street Faire.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez reported attending two meetings with the Public Works Department.
He commented on the construction on Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard which will include
lane closures. He encouraged the public to take alternative routes and said signage will be posted to
alert drivers about the lane closures and delays. The Downey Alert system sent out notifications to
those registered. In regards to the construction on Firestone Boulevard east of Lakewood Boulevard,
landscape is being installed and paving will take place during the next couple of weeks. The project is
scheduled to be completed in the next 30 days. Construction on Lakewood Boulevard and Brookshire
Avenue will begin the early part of July and will be completed the first week of October. Brookshire
Avenue bike lane installation will be completed in the next couple of months and repaving of Brookshire
Avenue north of Firestone Boulevard will follow. He reported attending the Stay Healthy Downey
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 1
collaborate meeting and said the schools' PTA groups are now becoming involved. He attended the 1 -5
freeway monthly meeting and commented on the major construction taking place on the J -5 freeway
south of Downey. He said the City was advised there is no funding available for construction on the 1 -5
north of Downey until 2034 contrary to the promises made of funding available through Measure R. He
encouraged residents to contact Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe's office in regards to this
issue which will cause traffic congestion in the Downey area. He congratulated Downey Chamber of
Commerce for a great Street Faire.
Mayor Saab acknowledged members of the Downey Chamber of Commerce in the audience,
Cindy Kovach, President and Michael Calvart, Executive Director.
City Manager Livas introduced and welcomed new Interim Park and Recreation Director Sonya
Meacham.
Mayor Saab acknowledged the Youth Commissioners in the audience. He reported attending
the City of Stem event at the Columbia Memorial Space Center with close to 4,000 people attending
throughout the Spring Break week. He also attended a Homeless Summit for Mayors hosted by the City
of South Gate and Los Angeles County, where cities discussed how they are addressing homelessness
issues in their community. He said the City is currently looking at options on how to address issues and
will continue to work with the County, the State, and neighboring cities on a solution. He welcomes
suggestions from the public on the matter. He commented on a successful passport agency event and
= said over 100 people were served and a successful Street Faire. He thanked the volunteers who made
the Street Faire possible. He reported attending the Downey Symphony Concert and said the
Symphony was celebrating their 59 years as an organization. He acknowledged the Downey Symphony
volunteers for their efforts in raising funds to make the events throughout the year possible. He
announced upcoming events: Ribbon cutting for Downey Promenade Dental Group; Children's Story
Time at the Downey Library; Library _Major Donor Volunteer Recognition; Downey Rose Float
Association Outgoing Court Ceremony and Miss Downey Pageant; Downey Police and Fire Foundation
Officer of the Year Luncheon with a recognition for Officer Ricardo Galvez; Coffee with a Cop; ribbon
cutting ceremony for Fresh Griller at the Promenade; Chamber of Commerce State of the City;
Downey Federal Credit Union food packing event; and, Downey Police Prescription Drug Take Back
event. He asked the Police Department staff to research and return with a proposal for a volunteer
citizens patrol program.
PRESENTATIONS
1 Mayor Saab presented a Proclamation for National Library Week, April 10 -16, 2016 to Downey
Library Advisory Board Members Beverly Mathis and Theresa Ford, and, Dan Martin, Senior
Librarian.
2. To City Council by Dr. Jose Fierro, President of Cerritos College: "Cerritos Complete Scholarship
Program."
Resident, no name, commented on the homelessness issue, requested more lighting on his
street, and commented on fair housing for the disabled, elderly, and homeless.
Ignacio Gonzales, Southern California Resource Services, provided information about services
rendered by his organization to disabled members of the community.
Emory Sippos, business owner, commented on vandalism issues outside his downtown Downey
business property. He requested additional security patrolling in the area.
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 2
John Lacey, resident, commented on an article in the Los Angeles Times where the City of
Downey was mentioned.
Jailene Lemus, Youth Commissioner, commented on the upcoming Primary Election and
providing voter registration information to residents.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. and announced the Public Hearing would
be continued to the City Council "meeting of April 26, 2016.
Resident, no name, commented in opposition of a Jack in the Box at Pangborn Avenue and
Firestone Boulevard.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and
approved unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, to continue the Public Hearing to the
City Council Meeting of April 26, 2016.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and carried
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, and Mayor Saab abstaining from Item No. 5, and
pulling Item Nos. 11 and 12, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special and Regular Meeting of March 22, 2016: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 302421 -- 302996; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003445 — 30003455
( #30003451 for CALPERS will not post until 4/8/16); Manual Wire Nos. 1423 — 1433; in the total
amount of $5,171,475.11: Finance.
5. FURMAN PARK BUILDING -• FOR APPROPRIATION 0
000 OF ADDITIONAL r- UPGRADE OF THE HVAC SYSTEM AT r
NUMBER 3 O. THE FURMAN PARK FACILITY: Administration.
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 3
7. APPROVED THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON COMPANY (SCE), AND SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE
AMENDMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY FUTURE
AMEND1MENTS TO THE AGREEMr-114 1 Q FOR GATEWAY 'CITIES ENERGY LEADER
PARTNERSHIP: Public Works.
10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16 -7626, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE
CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT: City Clerk.
11. APPROVED STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR OPEN STREETS "RIDE & STRIDE" EVENT:
Parks and Recreation.
Mayor Saab asked Interim Director Meacham to identify the accommodations made for those
residents affected by the street closures during the event. Ms. Meacham stated park and ride locations
have been designated at Apollo Park and Warren High School which will provide shuttle service for
those residents affected by the street closures. A letter will be mailed to all addresses affected
providing the necessary information on the park and ride availability and _how to gain access to and
from their homes. Alameda Elementary has been designated as a direct shuttle site for residents with
limited mobility and special health concerns.
It was moved by Mayor Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and approved
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, to approve the street closure request for open
streets "Ride & Stride" event.
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 4
12. APPROVED FREE ADMISSION TO THE COLUMBIA SPACE CENTER FOR ALL SCHOOL
CHILDREN IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY: Columbia Memorial Space Center.
Mayor Saab stated he proposed this item during his Mayoral installation. He asked staff if
students residing in Downey but attending private and public schools outside the City would be included
in the free admission program. Mr. Dickow, Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center,
said students residing in Downey and attending schools outside the City will be able to receive the free
admission and staff is currently working on the details of how to identify a student resides in Downey.
Mayor Saab asked how the information about free admission for students will be disseminated. Mr.
Dickow stated the information will distributed to all schools in Downey and surrounding school districts
administrators. Mayor Saab asked how they Space Center will offset the revenue from the proposed
free admission. Mr. Dickow explained a small amount of revenue would be affected and funding, can be
offset by purchases at the gift shop and other fees. He added the first visit will allow the students entire
family in for free and any following visits will only allow the student with the membership card entrance
for free.
It was moved by Mayor Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and approved`,
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, to approve free admission to the Columbia
Space Center for all school children in the City Of Downey.
13. RECEIVE AND FILE REPORT REGARDING UPDATE ON YARD SALES: Community
Development.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Saab and approved
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, to continue the item to receive and file a report
regarding update on yard sales to the next scheduled City Council Meeting of April 26, 2016.
14. RECEIVED AND FILED A PRESENTATION ON THE BRANDING EFFORTS BY THE CRAWFORD
GROUP: Community Development.
City Manager Livas said this presentation would be given by Valentin Flores, Managing Partner of
the Crawford Group.
Council Brossmer stated this was a product of the City Council goal setting session and he asked
Mr. Flores to provide an update on the City branding initiative, what the Crawford Group has provided for
the City, and a glimpse of what could be provided in the future.
Valentin Flores, Managing Partner, Crawford Group, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the
Discover Downey branding initiative. His presentation included_ a timeline of the how the branding initiative
came to be. The Crawford Group has worked with Downey Unified School District, The Downey Patriot,
and Gaucho Grill amongst others. In 2013, the Branding Subcommittee reached out to the Crawford Group
and collaboration began with the subcommittee and City staff to create a brand identity that properly
reflected Downey. The Crawford Group used five symbols which now make up the Discover Downey brand
identity. The Discover Downey Initiative is a community development initiative meant to increase civic
awareness and participation by unrolling a cohesive brand that promotes community events through
meaningful campaigns. Discover Downey streamlines local businesses, events and attractions through a
centralized landing page that keeps community members informed. In the first year the Crawford Group
created the Discover Downey video, this was followed by the rebranding of all City stationary, PowerPoint
presentations, to City marketing materials. The Group has worked with Public Works in designing the
infrastructure found on Firestone Boulevard and the branded and painted power boxes, including the bike
banner program. During the beginning portion of 2015, the Crawford Group worked with City staff to
complete all business cards, letterheads, envelopes and forms for City Hall, the Police Department, and
other City Departments. Other work includes the visual elements of the Water Bill, the brand to identify
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Regular Meeting - April 12, 2016 5
Downey Alerts and a pamphlet highlighting points of entertainment for visitors to the City. This year, the
Crawford Group began to work on the 60 Years anniversary campaign, which includes a visual identity
through street banners and a full page ad published in The Downey Patriot. The Group also redesigned the
Downey Ride &_Stride materials, and web advertising. They have created the Freedom Firework Festival
artwork and are currently working with the Community Development Department to create an interactive,
outdoor gallery that will showcase public art installations, and will house events and workshops in the
alleyway on Downey Avenue and Firestone Boulevard. The Crawford Group plans on building strategic
marketing plans for the City including a the launching of a landing page where the public can learn more
about City events, watch videos, see photographs and share events with their family and friends.
Council Member Brossmer explained the Discover Downey landing page would be linked through
the City website and would be a continuously updated with event information. He commented on the
importance of marketing City events to build attendance. He suggested selecting four to ten big events for
the year to advertise on the landing page which the Crawford Group or another agency could market to
incr ea°�c puuli� par ticipatioi i.
Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked what other cities are doing to have "successful events. City
Manager Livas explained it varies from city to city and some cities have a fully staffed communication
department but it depends on the budget _available. When there is no - budget available cities hire a
marketing group. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked Director Schindler if city events help attract new
businesses to the City. Director Schindler said the events help provide an economic stimulus to the area
and an attraction to downtowns.
Mayor Saab asked why the Discover Downey landing page is not active. Mr. Flores stated it is
pending approval.
Council Member Brossmer said currently there is no contract with the Crawford Group and they
have been preparing marketing campaigns for the City on a case by case basis. He suggested identifying a
series of events to focus on marketing.
Council Member Ashton thanked Mr. Flores for the presentation and the information;;
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 8:20 p.m.
Resident, no name, commented in regards to marketing city events and would like to see the
marketing group's fees.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 8:23 p.m.
Council Member Brossmer stated tonight's presentation was to receive an update, answer some
inquiries and to discuss what the strategy will be in marketing events. He clarified it could be with the
Crawford Group or any other marketing firm the City Council decided on and there has been a positive
record with the Crawford Group who has shown proven success.
Mayor Saab said summer is approaching quickly and the City has some large events planned.
City Manager Livas stated there is no current particular marketing budget per event and fundes
spend on the event are dependent on the size of the event.
The City Council discussed moving forward with preparing a marketing strategy for City events and
allowing City staff to coordinate the event but working with the Crawford Group for the marketing
campaigns.
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 6
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez commented on a previous discussion held by City Council about
supporting local businesses and said a request for proposal had previously been issued and the City
Council had decided to work with the Crawford Group.
City Manager Livas said staff will work with Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and
the Crawford Group and return to City Council with a list of events and a budget.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, with Council
Member Marquez excused to receive and file the presentation on the branding efforts by the Crawford
Group.
Public 15. ESTABLISAMEAT OF RIBLIG-4,11ORKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS S11BCO1WMTT&F.—!!
•
City Manager Livas asked the City Council to designate two Council Members to establish a
Public Works Capital Improvement Projects Subcommittee to keep Council informed about large
projects and changes to the design of projects.
City Council discussed having a subcommittee for Public Works Capital Improvement Projects
or having subcommittees which are project specific.
Council Member Brossmer agreed with a having a subcommittee to keep City Council informed
of any changes to projects. He said he receives updates about the downtown area because he is part
of that subcommittee, but is not aware of what is taking place in other areas. He suggested having
Council Member Ashton on that subcommittee since his term will be ending.
Mayor Saab said in the past the subcommittees have been project specific and the Council
Member representing that area of the project is the one to sit on the subcommittee.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez said a Council Member can also ask staff about a specific project and
be provided an update. City Manager Livas stated staff is always available to provide an update to any
Council Member whenever they have questions.
City Manager Livas suggested having a subcommittee for the Firestone Boulevard Project and
additional streets can be included if City Council believes they would like additional streets included.
Council Member Brossmer suggested having a Firestone Corridor Subcommittee and additional
subcommittees by project.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez said he prefers to be informed of any projects taking place in his
district because he receives phone calls asking for information and wants to be prepared to respond.
Council Member Brossmer suggested Council Member Ashton and Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez
serve on the subcommittee.
Mayor Saab said he thought City Council would be discussing a policy on when to establish
subcommittees.
Council Member Ashton said there are other large projects that will be taking place in his district
such as Gardendale Street and Old River School Road.
Council Member Brossmer suggested establishing a dollar amount threshold on projects which
should have a subcommittee.
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Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016 7
Mayor Saab asked how many projects this year were over a million dollars.
Director Mostahkami said there are several projects this year some are Brookshire Avenue, Old
River School Road, Firestone Boulevard between Brookshire Avenue, and Lakewood Boulevard and
Paramount Boulevard.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui suggested City Council be involved in projects that have a high
level of complexity, affects aesthetics, includes removal or addition of trees, includes furnishings and
median island design. He commented on the importance of Council Members being informed and
having details about specific projects in their district in order to be able to respond to residents who
approach them. He said staff will provide City Council with a monthly update and description of all
Capital Improvement Projects and City Council can then select the projects they want to establish a
subcommittee.
Mayor Saab is happy with the way they have been informed of projects but would like staff to
bring it to their attention when there are notable changes.
City Manager Livas said it was understood City Council would Tike to have better and increased
communication on a monthly basis and they will select which projects to form a subcommittee for.
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 8:42 p.m.
Resident, no name, commented on the construction of Gardendale Street, repair of City streets,
and American Disability Act included in City street projects. He talked about construction on
Gardendale Street and Deming Avenue.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 8:47 p.m.
City Council agreed to allow staff to increase communication on projects and return to establish
any subcommittees when necessary.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None,
Mayor Saab adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:48 p.m. in memory of Police
Officers kille in the line of duty.
ADRIA M. JIMEN , MMC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — April 12, 2016
A
ALEX SAAB
Mayor