HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-24-16 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 24, 2016
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 24, 2016, at
6:35 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 Tem
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 Pastor Alva Galaviz, Casa de Dios Downey Church. The Flag
Salute was led by Jeanie Wood, Downey Chamber of Commerce.
COUNCIL •, UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Ashton reported attending the Eco Rapid Transit Authority meeting and
reported the board is working with Metro to obtain project approval in one phase. He reported
attending the California Contract Cities Association Conference and reported on the session regarding
bollards. He requested additional information from staff on the installation of bollards in the high -risk
areas of the City. He reported attending the Relay for Life and Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up. He
announced upcoming events: Student Government Day; Memorial Day Ceremonies; Greek Festival;
Steam Event; Starbucks Ribbon Cutting; and, his next Town Hall Meeting.
Council Member Brossmer reported attending the Relay for Life event and commended the
Relay for Life Committee. He acknowledged City staff for their participation.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez reported attending the California Contract Cities Association
Conference and talked about the session he attended on AB109. He commented on the early release
of prisoners which has caused an increase in crime and has left local governments facing issues
without any funding from the State. He reported attending the 1 -5 Consortium meeting and provided
information about the expansion of the 1 -5 freeway between Downey and East Los Angeles. He said the
expansion project being funded through Measure R was scheduled to begin 2021 but the Metro Board
has decided to reschedule the project until 2041. The 1 -5 Consortium is working on sending a
communication to the Metro Board asking them to continue the expansion. He requested staff return
with a resolution for adoption in support of maintaining SELACO WIB authority in the southeast area.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 24, 2016
He commented on the SEIU's position to place a measure on their ballot to decrease the salary of
hospital CEO's in non - profit and private hospitals to $290,000 annually.
Mayor Saab recognized members of the audience Chamber of Commerce Representatives
Michael Calvart, Laurie Tyler, Jeanie Wood and Michael Chirco; and, a member of the Youth
Commission. He reported_ attending the Contract Cities Association Conference and the AB109 and
Prop 47 session. He reported attending the Elm Vista Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking; the KB
Homes Groundbreaking; and, participated in serving breakfast to the Public Works employees in
appreciation of their work. He reported attending the Chamber of Commerce Anniversary and Awards
luncheon and congratulated Financial Partners and Mariscos Choix for their business of the year
recognitions. He congratulated the Downey Relay for Life representatives and all those involved in
volunteering. He thanked the City Manager and City Department Heads for the employee picnic. He
announced upcoming events: Ceviche del Rey Ribbon Cutting: Memorial Day events; Greek Festival;
Steam Event; Jimmy John's Ribbon Cutting; and, Grocery Outlet Grand Opening. Mayor Saab
requested staff consolidate the Memorial Day events into one location. He thanked Senator Mendoza
for approving naming a portion of the 1 -5 freeway in honor of fallen Officer Ricardo Galvez. He
announced the City received a grant in the amount of $15,000 from Kaiser Foundation for installation of
fitness equipment at Golden Park.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez requested staff provide Council with an action plan for the proposed '/2
cent sales tax for the first five years.
John Lostetter, resident, commented on deceased Downey Fire Fighter Brian Wolf and asked
the City to consider a memorial for fallen firefighters.
Council Member Ashton asked staff to look into a memorial for fallen fire fighters. Mayor Saab
said the Memorial Ad Hoc Subcommittee will discuss this matter.
Armando Herman, resident, asked the Council to look at the area of Laurendale and Golden
which has no sidewalks. He commented on homelessness issues.
John, resident, asked the Council to look at the condition of the empty Cadillac dealership. He
acknowledged the City's Fire Department for saving his life. He thanked the City Council and said he is
grateful the City has their own Fire and Police Departments.
Council Member Brossmer asked staff to address the vacant Cadillac dealership issue.
Rita Rodarte- Myers and Martha Machado of Relay for Life thanked the City for their support and
participation in the Relay for Life event. She presented the City with a plaque and certificate of
appreciation. She announced "Team Downey for Life" raised $1,937 to date and said fundraising will
continue through August 31. She asked for the City's support in continuing the fundraising efforts by
assisting them with a venue to hold additional events.
Art Gonzalez, resident, commented regarding trash on City streets; trash not being collected in
a timely manner; neighbors not calling to schedule bulky item pick -ups; the trash rate increase; the size
of the black trash container; and, the trash container for green waste.
Resident, no name provided, thanked the Council for the Relay for Life event and their support
of the Rose Float. He said he is pleased with what the City is doing.
Jailene Lemus, Youth Commissioner, commented on her excitement with the upcoming Student
Government Day. Sheds happy with City Council and said they are doing a great job.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 24, 2016 2
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez abstained from Item Nos. 4 and 11, due to a potential financial conflict;
Mayor Saab abstained from Item No. 9, due to the proximity to his place of business, and pulled Item
No. 12.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Saab and carried unanimously
with Council Member Marquez excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of May 10, 2016: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 303834 — 304153; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003461 & 30003466
— 30003471; Manual Wire Nos. 1437— 1442; in the total amount of $2,943,569.15: Finance.
VAPOR 3. 9255 IMPERIAL HWY. EXTRACTION PROJECT PROJECT COMPLETE; CONSTRUCTION •
THE AMOUNT • $384,200.96; AUTHORIZED PUBLIC WORKS t •
i FIL
CONTRACT THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LA COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE (CAS
i . ' • Works.
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Resident, no name provided, commented on sidewalk accessibility for the disabled.
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7. ADOPTED • i • 16-7637, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE
CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE WITH i t OF •" i 1
Resources. Human
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16-7638, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING TRACT • 67602 i r
APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER FOR • • OF
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS: . •
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 16-76399 A RESOLUTION OF • OF
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING • 73340 — 10734 PARAMOUNT BLVD. AND
APPROVED AN ` EEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER F• R CONSTRUCTION OF
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS: . •
1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION Na 641 A RESOLUTION OF • OF
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING DOWNEY RESILIENCY PROJECT • r MISSIO
AREAS OF i! AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Fire,
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 24, 2016 3
ADOPTED ORDINANCE i ,, ORDINANCE OF •
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING • i I 223), THEREBY REZONING
PROPERTY LOCATED DOWNEY AVE. AND 8307 IOWA
(GENERAL MANUFACTURING) TO H-M (HOSPITAL MEDICAL
Development.
APPROVED THE DOWNEY FEDERAL r • CLOSURE
APPLICATION FOR NEW ST., BETWEEN 3RD ST. AND 4TH ST., FOR THE STEAJ
FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON
Mayor Saab stated he received an email from the Greek Orthodox Church Council opposing the
closure of 3rd Street as requested for the Steam Festival.
Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez asked if Police and Fire reviewed the request for street closures for
the event.
City Manager Livas stated due to the Greek Festival and Farmers Market taking place at the
same time as the Steam Festival is was recommended by Police and Fire to keep 3rd Street open for
accessibility.
Joe, Stay Gallery, commented on their request to close 3rd Street due to the concern of children
crossing the street on 3rd Street during the Steam Festival.
City Manager Livas clarified the reason for keeping 3rd Street open was for public safety and
accessibility.
Resident, no name provided, commented in favor the Steam Festival.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Mayor Saab and approved
unanimously with Council Member Marquez excused, to approve the Downey Federal Credit Union
Street closure permit application for New St. between 3rd St. and 4th St., for the Steam Festival to be
held on June 4, 2016.
City Manager Livas thanked City staff for participating in the Relay for Life event by creating a
team and raising funds. He thanked Council Member Brossmer for spearheading the event many years
ago. He thanked the employees for the Employee Picnic and for their hard work. He thanked the City
Council for their support and leadership and a supportive working environment.
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 24, 2016 4