HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-10-16 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
COUNCIL CITY OF OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 10, t
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 10, 2016, at
6:56 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Saab presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Alex Saab
Fernando Vasquez
Sean Ashton
Roger C. Brossmer
Luis Marquez
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
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 Denise Juarez of Downey Sister Cities Association. The Flag
Salute was led by Eric Ledet and Donald Earles, Members of ARC Southeast Los Angeles County.
COUNCIL • UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA
CONFERENCE/MEETING •;
Council Member Ashton reported attending the Ride & Stride event and acknowledged staff for
the great work. He reported attending the first Lower Los Angeles River Working Group meeting which
discusses issues about revitalizing the lower Los Angeles River. He attended a presentation by Metro
in regards to traffic issues for the 605, 91, 5 and 405 freeways. He reported attending the Keep Downey
Beautiful Committee meeting to discuss future cleanup sites. He announced the upcoming Keep
Downey Beautiful and Neighborhood Beautification Awards nomination period. He asked staff to
research the possibility of installing a crosswalk on Paramount Boulevard, south of Puritan Street.
Council Member Marquez welcomed the audience to the City Council Meeting. He
congratulated Council Member Ashton on his appointment to the Lower Los Angeles River Working
Group.
Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Theatre Subcommittee meeting and said he
was pleased with the physical progress of the project. He said he was excited for the upcoming 60th
Anniversary Celebration.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez reported meeting with the Downey Realtors Association and attending
the Ride & Stride._ He commented on the success of the event and acknowledged staff for their work
and efforts. He asked staff to address the homeless encampment along the 1 -5 freeway.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016
Mayor Saab reported attending the Downey Federal Credit Union Food Packing event and
thanked those who volunteered their time. He thanked all City staff for planning the Ride & Stride event
and said he has received positive feedback about the event. He announced Upcoming events: 24 Hour
Real Estate Ribbon Cutting; Downey Coordinating Council 62nd Annual Community Service Awards
Banquet; Grocery Outlet Bargain Market hiring event; Elm Vista Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking
Ceremony; Stay Gallery Stay Young Art Exhibit;- Panera Bread Ribbon Cutting; National Police Week at
Downey Library; Friends of the Library Fundraiser; Dickey's Barbecue Pit Ground Opening; Chamber of
Commerce Annual Anniversary and Awards Lunch; Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up; Relay for Life;
Meet the Author Kelly Gallagher; and, Volunteer Faire for Kids.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation in Recognition of Public Service Recognition Week, May 1 -7, 2016 presented to:
Alicia Duarte, City Clerk's Office; Chelsea Henderson, Human Resources; Ed Estrella, Public
Works; Felicia Manuel, Columbia Memorial Space Center; Gayati Sanathara, Downey Library;
Juddy Montenegro, City Manager's Office; Kaili Torres, Parks & Recreation; Lee Cole, Downey
Police Department; Mary Cavanaugh, Community Development; Sandy Wagner, Finance; and,
Scott Devereaux, Fire Department.
2. Recognition of Retired Employee presented to Ed Velasco, Community Development.
3. Proclamation in Recognition of Public Works Week, May 15 -21, 2016 received by Public Works
Director Mohammed Mostahkami.
4. Recognition of 2015 Public Works Employee of the Year presented to Ed Estrella, Assistant Civil
Engineer IL
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. APPROVED • • - PROPERTY LOCATED DOWNEY AVE ANX,
IOWA ST FROM `. • HOSPITAL MEDICAL
ARTS-
Community - •• -
••r r ••r • •-r • • •
- • • •: l
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez recused himself noting a conflict of interest as the applicant is a client
of his personal business.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed_ receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Brossmer
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 William Davis, City Planner. The subject site is located on the
northeast corner of Downey Avenue and Iowa Street. The site has a General Plan Land Use
Designation of Office and is within the M -2 (General Manufacturing) zone. The site is currently
improved with a 3,200 auto detailing business and a 420 square foot auto repair business. Both of
these are permitted in the M -2 zone; however, the applicant has requested a zone change to the H -M
(Hospital- Medical Arts) zone. On April 6, 2016, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution
recommending the City Council amend the Municipal Code and change the zone to H -M zone.
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Regular Meeting— May 10, 2016 2
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 7:39 p.m.
Resident, no name provided, commented in favor of the proposed zone change.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 7:41 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Ashton and
approved 4 -0 -1, with Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez abstaining, to introduce an ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Downey approving a zone change (PLN -15- 00223), thereby rezoning property located at
11434 -11444 Downey Ave. and 8307 Iowa St. from M -2 (General Manufacturing) to H -M (Hospital
Medical Arts).-
2: FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP GRANTS FY 2016 -17 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: Community Development.
Mayor Saab opened the Public Hearing at 7:42 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Brossmer
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 Community Development Director Schindler. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the City of Downey with its annual
entitlement of CDBG and HOME grants. These two federal grants are available to the City for a variety
of community development activities including affordable housing activities, neighborhood improvement
programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public facilities, and support for needed
public_ services for low and moderate - income households. The CDBG and HOME grants can be used
for wide range of eligible activities, which primarily benefit low and moderate - income. The City is
required to prepare an Annual Action Plan every year. The Action Plan also - serves as the City's
application for both the CDBG and HOME grants funds from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. The
recommended activities in the Action Plan will satisfy HUD's required eligibility criteria that the activities
primarily benefit low and moderate - income persons. This year the City received a three percent cut to
the CDBG program and a one percent cut to the HOME Program. The proposed uses of the CDBG
Funds for Fiscal Year 2016 -17 are: 29% for Housing /Other Activities, including Debt Obligation for
Section 108 Loans; 20% percent General Administration, including staff costs and project monitoring;
21% Economic Development — Job Creation; 15% Public Service, including ARC, Adult Literacy
Program and DUSD; and, 15% Code Enforcement. The proposed uses of the HOME funds for Fiscal
Year 2016 -17 are: 75% Eligible Housing Activities including Housing Rehabilitation Programs; 10%
General Administration including staff costs and project monitoring; and, 15% Community Housing
Development Organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. This year due to cost savings for utility
costs at the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center the City was able to keep the funding to social service
organizations whole.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked who can apply for the Home Investment Partnership Grant.
Director Schindler said the Joan assistance is for low to moderate - income families including seniors and
can also be used for interior accessibility improvements. The limit is $15,000 per loan and each year
the funding is exhausted.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 3
Mayor Saab opened this item for public comment at 7:48 p.m.
Resident, no name provided, commented in regards to services and resources for the elderly.
Vanessa Sedano, The Whole Child Housing Development Manager, thanked the City Council
for their funding support through CDBG which resulted in seven Downey homeless families being
assisted with housing.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment at 7:54 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Saab and approved
unanimously, with Council Member Brossmer abstaining from the vote for 10 -20" Club and True Lasting
Connections, to approve the proposed Annual Action Plan and authorize the City Manager to transmit
the document and the required certification to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
and authorize the City Manager to enter into and execute each agreement and contract related to the
implementation and administration of the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment
Partnership Grant Program, including the subrecipient grant agreements.
Resident, no name provided, commented in regards to the homeless population and
developers.
Jailene Lemus, Youth Commissioner, congratulated the City on the Ride & Stride and looks
forward to the next Coffee with the Mayor. She asked for the City's support of the Warren Band and
Color Guard fundraiser.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez pulled Item No. 6; Mayor Saab abstained from Item No. 7.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
3. APPROVED MINUTES: Special and Regular Meetings of April 26, 2016: City Clerk.
IMPROVEMENTS & APPROVED RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 WITH GRP
CONTRACTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,500 FOR ADDITIONAL WATER
1 66 FIRESTONE BLVD UNDER MISCELLANEOUS • • 1
Public Works.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 4
9. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM 0
UNDERSTANDING • U) WITH THE COUNTIES OF ANGELES, ORANGE, r
AND SAN DIEGO, FOR THE ELECTRONIC RECORDING OF DOCUMENTS THROUGH TH
STATEWIDE •i NIC COURIER UNIVERSAL RECORDING ENVIRONMENT
•-i Clerk.
•!r•• F r •-r i i ^. •'r' it •
Mayor Pro Ter Vasquez asked City staff if Police and Fire were comfortable with the proposed
medians on Firestone Boulevard; what portion of the project will be done in the evening hours; how
long it will take to complete the project; and, if there are any penalties for failing to complete the project
on time. Director Mostahkami said the paving will be done in the evening and all other work is
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 5
scheduled during -the -day. The estimated completion time is three months and there is a liquidated
damage clause in the contract.
Mayor Saab asked if the affected businesses were able to provide comment. Director
Mostahkami said there were two community meetings.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and
approved unanimously to approve plans and specifications and authorize solicitation of bids for Capital
Improvement Project No. 14 -20 — Firestone Boulevard Improvement Project from Lakewood Boulevard
to Brookshire Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez announced he would be abstaining from this item due to owning
property in the Downtown area.
RECEIVED AND FILED THE ADMINISTRATIVE O- -r DOWNTOW
• - r AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON
DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY DIXON RESOURCES UNLIMITE
Development.
The staff report was provided by Julie Dixon of Dixon Resources Unlimited ( DIXON). As the
Downtown continues to grow, the City Council has directed staff to assess parking strategies and
technologies to best utilize Downtown's existing parking inventory and aide in providing sufficient
parking for the Downtown. DIXON was retained by the City of Downey to complete the first phase in the
development of a longterm parking strategy that identifies the feasibility of different parking strategies,
technologies and tools that will maximize the utilization and effectiveness of both on and off street
parking throughout the Downtown area. DIXON met with the Downtown Subcommittee and
stakeholders on numerous occasions to review the current and future operating needs for the
Downtown study area. The first phase of the project was to assess the downtown parking utilization in
order to identify parking shortages and surpluses, along with analyzing the current inventory and
occupancy impacts. In general, a parking shortage in Downtown was not identified. DIXON'S initial
findings summary also incorporated field and operational observations of the current parking program
and provides an outline of preliminary improvements for the City's immediate consideration. Some
general findings are: Inconsistent Signage; consistent parking time limits needed; heavy parking and
driving congestions on Downey Avenue; minimal parking enforcement; and, utilization of the City
owned parking garage. The results of the data analysis will provide the information needed to solidify
policy recommendations including the potential change to the time limits and the need to increase
parking enforcement. Overall, there is a need to change the perception of parking in Downtown
Downey. Prior to the final data analysis there appears to be adequate parking availability, but better
marketing of where parking is available is recommended, in addition to proper and accurate signage.
The next steps of the Downtown Parking Study will focus on helping the City implement improvements
and also outline a Downey- specific parking technology roadmap. Staff recommends procuring the
services of DIXON to proceed with a "Parking Roadmap — Next Steps Proposal" including the optional
services of Parking Intercept Survey and Street Sign Audit. if approved by Council, staff will return to a
subsequent City Council meeting seeking authority to enter into a Professional Services Agreement
with Dixon Resources Unlimited to provide the Parking Roadmap — Next Steps Proposal, with Optional
Services at a "not to exceed" cost of $43,060. The funds for these activities are currently budgeted in
the Public Works Department's budget.
Mayor Saab asked Ms. Dixon what are her recommendations for the Downtown. Ms. Dixon said
all the items listed under her presentation as recommendations are simple things that can be done, but
she strongly recommends allocating resources dedicated specifically for parking enforcement.
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Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 6
Mayor Saab asked if there was parking enforcement now. Chief Charles said there is no
enforcement on the weekends.
City Manager Livas suggested the City Council direct staff to create` a budget to address these
issues. He clarified the idea is not to issue parking tickets but to educate the public and get them to
obey the current laws in the Downtown area in terms of parking; create an environment to absorb the
future growth of the Downtown area and make the Downtown area business friendly.
Council Member Brossmer agreed with the recommendation and the approach of not spending
money on infrastructure.
Council Member Ashton would like the issue of employee parking at the lower level of the
parking structure addressed. Director Schindler said the parking signs have been changed to address
that particular issue.
Council Member Marquez was pleased with bringing DIXON on -board to conduct the Parking
Study and to analyze the situation. He commented on patrons preferring parking closer to the business
they are visiting instead of using the parking structure. He commented on the need for enforcement on
the weekend and correcting signage.
Mayor Saab opened up this item for public comment at 8 :42 p.m.
Resident, no name provided, commented in regards to parking enforcement issues and parking
signage.
City Manager Livas stated the Next Steps Proposal is a Comprehensive_ Parking Study
consisting of an evaluation of Parking Policy and the Downey Parking Program; three
stakeholder /community outreach meetings; and, final recommendations report.
Council Member Brossmer said the Downtown Subcommittee's recommendation is to move
forward with Dixon.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Saab and approved 4 -0 =1,
with Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez abstaining, to continue with DIXONS's Next Steps Proposal.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas pointed out that tonight the City Council allocated $1.29 million to senior and
housing programs.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Saab asked if anyone present was waiting to comment on closed session items. Having
no one come forward Mayor Saab recessed to closed session.
Mayor Saab announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss
matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1' Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(3)- Conference With Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation`.
Receipt of Claim pursuant to the Government Claims Act filed and signed by Martha Aceves
threatening litigation (copy available for public inspection in City Clerk's office).
2. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Pending Litigation: Downey Firemen's Association, Local
3473, et al. v. City of Downey, et al., U.S. District Court (Central District of California) Case No. 14-
cv- 01213.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 7
i
The Closed Session reconvened in open session at 9:31 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Abich Garcia reported on the closed session report as follows: In regards to Item
No.1, Council received a report and provided direction to its legal counsel. In regards to Item No. 2,
Council received a report and provided direction to its legal counsel.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 10, 2016 8