HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-14-16 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 14, 2016
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 14, 2016,
at 6:37 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: Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, 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
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 Steve Shangraw, First Baptist Church of Downey. The
Flag Salute was led by Downey Youth Commission Outgoing Members.
COUNCIL !UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR
REPORTS
Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting and announced his upcoming
Town Hall meeting.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez reported attending an 1 -5 JPA emergency meeting to discuss MTA's
decision to delay the expansion of the 1 -5 freeway in the Downey area. He said the 1 -5 JPA is taking a
strong position on the matter and MTA has offered to begin the expansion in 2031. The 1 -5 JPA will
oppose Measure R in the November election should MTA not keep its promise to fund the 1-5 freeway
expansion with Measure R funds as originally_ promised for 2020. He reported attending a Workforce
Investment Board meeting. He commented on the shortage of nurses in our region and the lack of
teachers to teach for the registered nurse programs. He said the Workforce Investment Board will work
closely with Downey Adult School, Cerritos College, Downey's Sister City Guadalajara and local
hospitals to bring nurses to fill in the gaps. He thanked staff for the budget presentation and the Police
Department for emphasizing the importance of additional officers and license plate readers at the City's
entry points. He requested staff add the improvements identified in the Master Park Plan in the amount
of $450,000 to this year's budget for needed improvements at Rio San Gabriel, Furman, Apollo and
Independence Parks.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 14,_2016
Mayor Saab mentioned the tragedy in Orlando and said thoughts and prayers are with the
victims. He recognized members of the audience former Mayor Mario Guerra, Michael Calvart,
Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, Rick Rodriguez, Gangs Out of Downey. He reported
attending the Keep Healthy Downey meeting and thanked all those- involved with this effort. He
announced his appointment as Chair of the S.E. Water Coalition Policy Board (SEWC) for the next two
years. He commented on a successful Student Government Day and thanked all City staff involved in
making it possible. He reported attending the Greek and Steam Festivals and thanked all the volunteers
involved. He announced upcoming events: Downey Chamber Ambassador Luncheon; Grocery Outlet
ribbon cutting; Rancho Los Amigos Wheelchair Tournament; Smart Gardening Workshop; Downey
Historical Society Annual Luncheon; Magic Show at Downey Library; Go Skate Day at Meredith Perkins
Park; Chamber of Commerce Installation; Chamber of Commerce Mixer; Assistance League Home
Open House; Puppet Show at Downey Library; and Gaucho Grill ribbon cutting. He invited the public to
attend a community meeting to discuss the proposed medians on Paramount Blvd. between Firestone
Blvd. and Florence Ave. and reminded everyone about the July 4th 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Servicemen of the U.S Army held a cake cutting presentation in honor of the Army's 214th
Anniversary._
2. Presentation to the City Council by the Downey Youth Commission "Year in Review ".
3. Presentation to the City Council by Marsha Mitchell and Maria Figueroa, South Central Los Angeles
Regional Center for Persons with Development Disabilities, Inc. of services provided by the agency.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding public speaking, the freedom of "speech,
and the Brown Act.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez abstained from Item No. 3, due to potential financial conflict of interest;
Mayor Saab abstained from Item No. 13, due to potential financial conflict of interest, and pulled Item
Nos. 6 and 7.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and carried
unanimously with Council Member Marquez excused, to approve the remainder of the Consent
Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meetings of May 10, 2016 and May 24, 2016; Regular Meeting of
May 24, 2016: City Clerk.
4. DOWNEY THEATRE AND PUBLIC LIBRARY HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR
CONDITIONING RETROFIT ..• ACCEPTED THE PROJECT
COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE
OF • • N (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT • 15-19): Public Works.
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Regular Meeting — June 14, 2016 2
AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST FOR
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM 2016 LOCAL SOLICITATION:
Police.
Mayor Saab asked what the construction timeline is for the project and if any work will be done
during the night hours to avoid traffic issues. Director Mostahkami stated the work is scheduled to begin
in July and end in September. He explained paving will be done during the night hours but the other
work will be done during the day time hours for quality and monitoring of the work. Traffic will be
reduced to two lanes.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding ADA compliance for the project.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and carried
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez, excused to award a construction contract in the amount
of $911,000 to Hardy & Harper, Inc.; authorize the procurement and installation of the city- furnished
side furnishings: and authorize the Public Works Director to execute any change orders or additional
scope of work for this project (Capital Improvement Project No. 14 -20).
7. AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF i,,' THE CIVIC THEAT
MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: Administration. `1
Mayor Saab asked Assistant City Manager Oskoui to elaborate on the materials and supplies for
the project. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated the Council had previously approved improvements
at the Theatre consisting of painting the building, resurfacing the patio area, lighting, and, air
conditioning. Due to the air conditioning work there is a need to replace ceiling tiles in the lobby area.
The timeframe for completion of the work is very tight because of the theatre's busy schedule. Staff is
asking Council's approval to acquire the material needed to complete the project within the next eight
days.
Resident, no name provided, commented in regards to the cost of the project.
It was moved by Mayor "Saab, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and approved
unanimously, with Council Member Marquez excused, to authorize procurement of material and
supplies for the Civic Theatre Miscellaneous Improvements Projects.
Mayor Saab clarified the expenditure for the project was previously approved by City Council
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.-
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Regular Meeting — June 14, 2016 4
Assistant City Manager Oskoui introduced Mr. James Fructuoso, the new Assistant Finance
Director and welcomed him to the City of Downey. Mr. Fructuoso comes with 15 years of experience in
municipal finance.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Saab adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7 :47 p.m. in memory of the soldiers
who perished at the United States Army Military Post Fort Hood, Texas: Staff Sergeant Miguel Angel
Colon Vasquez, 38; Specialist Yinming Su, 25; Private First Class Brandon Austin Banner, 22; Private
First Class Isaac Lee Deleon, 19; Private First Class Zachery Nathaniel Fuller, 23; Private Tysheena
Lynette James, 21; Private Christine Faith Armstrong, 27; Private Eddy Raelaurin Gates, 20; and,
Cadet Mitchell Alexander Winey, 21. Gunner's Mate Seaman Connor Alan McQuagge, 19, US Navy
Sailor, Operation Inherent Resolve; Jim Busby, Aerospace Historian and founding member of Downey's
Aerospace Legacy Foundation; Wilhelm "Bill" Bretz, 88, father of Dorothy Bretz Pemberton;
Muhammed Ali, 74, American Boxer, Olympic Gold Medalist and three -time world Heavyweight
Champion; Linda Kennedy, Retired Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Downey Unified School
District and Active Member of the Mary R. Stauffer Foundation; and, the victims of the attack in
Orlando, Florida.
ADRIA M. JIMEN „ M C
City Clerk
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Regular Meeting — June 14, 2016 5
(AL X SAAB
Mayor