HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-27-16 Regular MeetingL •
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on September 27,
2016, at 6:30 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, 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
Monica Ortiz, Interim Recreation Manager
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Martha Sodetani, DUSD Board Member. The Flag Salute was
led by Luis Rodriguez, U.S._ Marine, Downey Resident.
COUNCIL FOR
REPORTS
Council Member Ashton thanked City staff for the great work in coordinating the International
Food & Music Festival.
Council Member Marquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked City staff for the
International Food & Music Festival.
Council Member Brossmer acknowledged members of the audience DUSD Board Member
Martha Sodetani and former Mayor Diane Boggs. He thanked City staff for coordinating the
International Food &Music Festival and the excellent music selection.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez reported attending the monthly meeting for the 1 -5 Joint Powers
Authority. He commented regarding Measure °M" the proposed L.A. Metro half -cent county sales tax
initiative and explained the Downey region will not benefit from this sales tax if passed by the voters in
the November election. He announced the upcoming Rooftop Concert: Greek Night Out. He asked staff
for an update regarding the striping on Firestone Blvd. Director Mostahkami explained paving was
completed and staff has identified defective pavement work that requires repaving portions of the
project. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of October.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 1
Mayor Saab acknowledged members of the audience: Bev Mathis; Martha Sodetani; Art
Montoya; Rick Rodriguez; Laurie Tyler; Joanna Peterson; Michael Calvert; Jose Hernandez;
Soroptomist Members; Mrs. Saab; and, Eric Pierce. Mayor Saab_ reported attending the Downtown
Parking Study meeting and the U.S. Service Academy Workshop. He thanked the St. George Greek
Church for allowing the meeting at their facility. Mayor Saab congratulated the ARC for their 60th
Anniversary. He thanked those who attended the Coffee with the Mayor. He attended the Olson
Company "Village Walk" Community Groundbreaking. He announced upcoming events: Chamber of
Commerce City Affairs meeting; Annual Art of Rancho Exhibition; Johnnie's Appliance & Sleep Center
Ribbon Cutting; Downey Relay for Life Fundraiser; Chamber of Commerce Let's Do Lunch; Downey
Symphony "Stardust" event; State of the Schools Breakfast; Gangs Out of Downey Golf Tournament;
Council Candidates' Forum; Downey Rotary/YMCA Pancake Breakfast; Fall Skate Competition;
International Observe the Moon Night and showing of Apollo 13 movie; Southern California Resource
Services Disability Pride Parade; and, the Downey Symphony Guild Fundraiser. Mayor Saab asked
staff to research a Parking Lot safe space for child custody exchange or internet sales. He announced
the Police Department will be selling Pink Patch Project t- shirts to raise funds for a cancer organization.
He invited the audience to participate in the time capsule commemorating the City's past 60th Year
Anniversary. He announced the City is a finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development
Commission's Most Business - Friendly -City Award. He thanked Community Development staff for
submitting an application. City Manager Livas commented regarding the award and the growth of
business in the City in recent years. Mayor Saab asked staff to implement the hiring of Fire Department
lateral hires such as the recent recruitment incentive for the Police Department on tonight's agenda.
•�,,
1. Mayor Saab presented the Mayor's Distinguished Citizen Award to Dorothy Pemberton.
2. Mayor Saab, with the assistance of Chief Charles, presented a plaque to Daniel J. Samano, Police
Sergeant, in recognition of his retirement with 26 years of service.
3. Mayor Saab with the assistance of Chief Charles, presented a plaque to Garth C. Boggs, Police
Officer, in Recognition of his retirement with 30 years of service.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding a newspaper article persons with
disabilities; streets; and, infrastructure.
John Lacey, resident, suggested the donation of a foursome for the Downey Rotary Club and
ARC Golf Tournament.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
Mayor Saab asked if there was anyone who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented on Item No. 10, regarding saving the earth; Item No.
13, regarding parking availability for the Disability Pride Parade; and, Item No. 16, regarding the Youth
Commission.
Ignacio Gonzalez, Southern California Resource Services, commented on Item No. 13. He
thanked the Mayor, Council, and City staff for support of their agency and event. He invited everyone to
attend the Disability Parade.
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Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 2
Mario Galdamez, Southern California Resource Services, commented on Item No. 13. He
explained what the Disability Parade means to him and others with disabilities. He thanked the City
Council for their support of the event.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and carried
unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special and Regular Meetings of September 13, 2016: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 307000 307400; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003511, 30003516 &
30003518 - 30003520; Manual Wire Nos. 1477 - 1478; in the total amount of $2,534,398.35:
Finance.
4.- APPROVED ANNUAL DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGREEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2016 -17: Community Development.
5. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16-7668, A RESOLUTION OF • OF
• r• '• • LAKEWOOD BLVD, r
AGREEMENT WITH FURST ENTERPRISES GROUP J, LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
SUBDIVISION I• VEMENTS: Public Works.
6. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16-76691 A RESOLUTION OF • OF
OF DOWNEY AMENDING • OF • r
INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE THE FAIR POLITICAL •' •
STANDARD MODEL CONFLICT OF •r Clerk
7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 16-76709 A RESOLUTION OF • OF
OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO OFFER RECRUITMENT
INCENTIVES AIMED AT ATTRACTING QUALITY OFFICERS FROM • THE
OFFICER AGENCIES ("LATERAL .• _
`; ADOPTED 1 • • • 16-7671, A RESOLUTION OF • OF
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION AND ESTABLISHING
COMPENSATION FOR • • OF POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR r ASPIRE
PROGRAM LEADER: - • -
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 27, "2016 3
15. RECEIVED AND FILED THE 2015 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL. PROGRESS REPORT:-
Community Development.
16. APPROVED THE _APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE DOWNEY YOUTH
COMMISSION: Parks & Recreation.
r -i-
17. APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF THIRTEEN (13) APPLE IPAD AIR 2, SEVEN (7) COUNTER
KIOSK STANDS AND SIX (6) PORTABLE KIOSK STANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,363.98
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEWLY CREATED CUSTOMER QUEUE /SURVEY KIOSK
SYSTEM: Administration.
The staff report for this item was provided by City Manager Livas and GIS Manager Husain. City
Manager Livas explained as part of the Council's goals and priorities staff is finding ways to become
more efficient and streamline processes at City Hall The GIS Division has designed software to
facilitate how staff assists customers at the public counters. Customers visiting City Hall or the Parks
Department will have the ability to sign in for service using a kiosk system. The software installed on
the kiosks will provide staff the ability to collect and manage customer data; check -in customers for
service; and, obtain customer feedback via a system generated Customer Satisfaction Survey which
will assess the performance of service; assist in improving processes and standards for delivery; assist
in understanding customers' needs; and, offer a better overall experience. Customer check -in kiosks
will be placed at the public counters in City Hall and the Parks & Recreation Administration Office.
Kiosks with the Customer Satisfaction Survey will be placed at City Hall (3d Floor), Columbia Memorial
Space Center, Police Department, Library, and Parks & Recreation sites (ASPIRE, Barbara J. Riley
Senior Center) and GIS Manager Husain provided a live demonstration of the check -in service using a
kiosk system, the Customer Satisfaction Survey and how the surveys received are accumulated and
measured.
Mayor Saab asked if customers can sign -in for service at the public counters should they not
want to use the kiosk. City Manager Livas said customers will have the option to self - check in at the
kiosk, staff can check them 'in, or they can use the traditional sign in sheet.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked who will receive the surveys once submitted by the customer.
City Manager Livas explained each survey will go to the department providing the survey. Once
received, surveys will be accumulated and reviewed.
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Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 4
Mayor Saab asked if the survey feature is cell phone friendly. Mr. Husain said the survey can
completed and submitted via cellphone. Mayor Saab asked if the customer is able to submit comments
with the survey. Mr. Husain said that option is available.
Council Member Ashton asked if customers are able to report service requests at the kiosks
similar to the Downey App. City Manager Livas said staff will research the possibility of incorporating
this feature in the future.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked if there is enough bandwidth with this new system for a large
group of customers checking in at the same time. City Manager Livas said there is enough bandwidth.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked if the City's current software has the ability to email customers notifying
them when their plan checks are reviewed. City Manager Livas explained the particular software he is
referring to is Accela and it is currently being reviewed for upgrades that will allow customers to request
services online without having to come to the counter. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked if there is a
budget in place this year for the Accela upgrade. Director Schindler confirmed there are no funds in this
year's budget for the upgrade. Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez requested staff present the budget for the
upgrade to the Budget Subcommittee.
Mayor Saab- asked if the data collected will be released or sold. City Manager Livas said the
only information collected is an email address and it will not be released. Mayor Saab asked if there
was an option in the software to obtain a text rather than an email. City Manager Livas said they will
look into incorporating text messaging.
Mayor Saab said he is pleased with this idea and thanked City Manager Livas, Mr. Husain and
Mrs. Rivas for bringing this forward.
Mayor Saab asked if there was anyone who would like to comment on this item.
John Lacey, resident, asked how will the City know what employee is doing an excellent job::
Mayor Saab said the name of the employee servicing the customer will be provided with the survey.
Hector Ochoa, Southern California Resources, inquired regarding accessibility of the kiosks for
members of the public with disabilities. City Manager Livas said accessibility for the disabled has been
taken into consideration.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez and carried unanimously
to approve the purchase of thirteen (13) Apple iPad Air 2, seven (7) counter kiosk stands and six (6)
portable kiosk stands in the amount of $14,363.98 for the implementation of a newly created customer
queue /survey kiosk system.
AUTHORIZED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BEGIN IMPLEMENTING A CIVILIAN
VOLUNTEER -• APPROPRIATED $66,000 TowARDS START-UP COSTS AND
$27,300 IN SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEARS FOR YEARLY MAINTENANCE FROM THE
GENERAL FUND; AND, AUTHORIZED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HIRE A CIVILIAN
POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR: Police,
The staff report for this item was provided by Captain Garza. At Council's direction the Police
Department researched the feasibility of implementing 'a Civilian Volunteer Program for the City.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 5
The Police Department reached out to various police departments in Los Angeles and Orange
counties to obtain feedback. That feedback resulted to be very positive, therefore, Downey Police
Department is requesting Council's approval to implement such a program. This would consist of
recruiting ten adult volunteers who would be unarmed, non - sworn, and non - compensated. Their duties
would consist of being citizens on patrol. Volunteers would serve as extra eyes and ears for the
Department and patrol neighborhoods; report suspicious activity; and, provide extra patrol in areas with
crime problems. The volunteers would be prohibited from taking any type of action and should only
observe and report. Other activities they could assist the Police Department with would be traffic and
crowd control during accidents and City events and can assist with monitoring homes of vacationing
residents. The cost to implement the volunteer program using ten volunteers as a starting point is
approximately $66,000. This cost would include two equipped vehicles, uniforms and equipment,
criminal history background check, pre - employment medical exam, and worker's compensation
coverage. Recurring yearly costs would be approximately $27,300. This cost does not include the cost
of adding a civilian Records Unit Supervisor, which is being evaluated by Human Resources.
Council Member Brossmer asked if this volunteer program could eventually evolve into a
reserve program. Captain Garza explained a reserve program is much different because those
individuals carry guns.
Mayor Pro Tern Vasquez asked if the volunteers would have an impact on the City's Workers
Compensation. Director Gandhy said it will be a negligible cost.
Council Member Ashton asked if new vehicles will be purchased for the program and suggested
environmental friendly vehicles. Chief Charles explained the intent is to purchase two new police
vehicles and use the oldest vehicles in the fleet for the volunteers.
Council Member Marquez said he was pleased with this program and commented on his desire
to explore a reserve program as an option in the City.
Mayor Saab thanked Captain Garza and said this program will not be used to replace Police
Officers but only to have these volunteers assist and be the eyes and ears for the Police Department.
He asked if the patrol cars will read Citizen on Patrol. Chief Charles said they will make it very clear
these are volunteers and not police officers. City Manager Livas said they will look to other programs in
other cities that have been successful for ideas. He thanked the Police Department and City Manager
for their support of this idea.
Mayor Saab asked if there was anyone who would like to comment on this item.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Neighborhood Watch and hiring of Police
Officers.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment.
Mayor Saab asked what type of screening will take place for the volunteers. Captain Garza
explained, the screenings are not as intense as with a Police Office hiring and will include Livescan,
Department of Motor Vehicles check, criminal history check, and a reference check.
Council Member Marquez commented on the- proactiveness of the City Council and Police
Department with implementing the park ranger program last year and now the volunteer on patrol
program.
Mayor Saab said in the future residents my want to start a support program for this volunteer
program.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 6
It was moved by Mayor Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried unanimously to
authorize the Police Department to begin implementing a Civilian Volunteer Program; appropriate
$66,000 towards start -up costs and $27,300 in subsequent fiscal years for yearly maintenance from the
general fund; and, authorize the Police Department to hire a Civilian Police Records Supervisor:
19. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 16 -7673, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY OPPOSING THE 2016 CALIFORNIA STATE PROPOSITION 57, "CRIMINAL
SENTENCES, JUVENILE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AND SENTENCING, INITIATIVE
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE ": Council Member Ashton.
Council Member Ashton explained Proposition 57 is being proposed by Governor Brown
because he is being pressured to reduce the population in the prisons due to overcrowding. He
encouraged everyone to oppose Proposition 57 in the upcoming election.
Mayor Saab asked if there was anyone who would like to comment on this item.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Saab closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Saab and carried unanimously to
adopt Resolution No. 16 -7673, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey opposing the
2016 California State Proposition 57, "Criminal Sentences, Juvenile Criminal Proceedings and
Sentencing, Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Mayor Saab thanked his Council colleagues for their support of the Civilian Volunteer Program
and said this is a huge step for the community.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Saab adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8 :35 p.m. in memory of Joe Hosteen
Kellwood, 95, United States Marine World War II Veteran and Navajo code talker; Jeffrey D. Cooper,
Army 1st Lt., 25, of Mill Creek, Washington; Travis R. Tamayo, Army Warrant Officer, 32, of
Brownsville, Texas; Carlos Segovia Lopez, 19, Marine Lance Cpl.; Ryan Osler, Ventura County
Firefighter died in the line of duty while working in the Canyon Fire; Jack Garman, 72, American
Computer Engineer and NASA Official and a key figure in the Apollo 11 Mission; Brian Dylan, Keep
Downey Beautiful volunteer; and, Jose Fernandez, 24, Marlins Pitcher who passed away in a boating
accident.
A NA M. JIM014Z, , M C
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 27, 2016 7
ALEX SAAB
Mayor