HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-28-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 28,
2017, at 6:34 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, -
Downey, California, Mayor Vasquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez Mayor
Sean Ashton Mayor Pro Tem
Blanca Pacheco Council Member
Rick Rodriguez Council Member
Alex Saab -Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: GilbertLivas, 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
Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor David Sarinana, Action Faith Ministries. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Downey Police Department Retired Officer Richard W. Tuttle
COUNCIL- _ • FOR
CONFERENCE/MEETING
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked the Police
Department for assisting Whittier P.D. during the officer involved shooting. Funeral services are
scheduled at Downey Calvary Chapel. He acknowledged Michael Calvert in the audience. He
congratulated the Porto's Family for their upcoming grand opening in the City of Buena Park. He
announced upcoming events: the Downey Rose Float Association fundraiser dinner, Gangs Out of
Downey annual luncheon, Downey Police and Fire Foundation fundraiser, and, Day of the Reader
Week.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged her
parents in the audience and Downey Adult School staff and Principal Blanca Rochin. She thanked the
Police Department for assisting with coverage in Whittier. She invited all to visit Mi Cielo Restaurant in
the Downtown Downey. She reported attending TLC 5K. She announced the Downey Rose Float
Association fundraiser dinner, and the local heroes fundraiser at Chick-Fil-A.
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 1
Council Member Rodriguez commented regarding his tourofCity Hall with 13 third grade
students. He reported attending the 100th Birthday Celebration of resident Ken Thompson and working
on the homeless initiative with Assistant to the City Manager DeLong by visiting various cities to learn
how they manage homeless issues. He announced the upcoming roundtable discussion with non-
profits to discuss volunteerism in the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton thanked staff and the Downey Unified School District for coordinating
the TLC 5K. He announced the upcoming West Downey Little League Opening Day and 601h
Anniversary event.
Mayor Vasquez reported attending the monthly 1-5 Joint Powers Authority meeting. Currently
due to Measure M the completion of the 1-5 freeway date has been set back to 2045. He commented
regarding a concept called public-private partnership which would allow accelerating the completion
process of the freeway. He reminded the audience traffic will be affected by Caltrans' construction
taking place on the 1-5 freeway and the Florence Avenue bridge overpass. He mentioned the work on
the bridge is 30% complete. He reported attending the Downey Rose Float Association Board
Installation and visited the Emergency Operation Center with Council Member Rodriguez. He
commented regarding the coordinated efforts between the Police Department, Fire Department, and
Public Works Department during the recent storm and said he is very proud of having a great team. He
announced Ash Wednesday and Day of the Reader at Rio San Gabriel He provided information
regarding the rumored ICE raids taking place in the City.
City Manager Livas acknowledged the work of the Finance Department and the City Council in
achieving the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the third year in a row. He
commented on the importance of the award and said it is important for residents to know the City
Council and staff have their best interest at -hand. He thanked Director Gandhy, Assistant to the City
Manager Delong, Maria Rivas and Juddy Montenegro for their work on the budget.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Blanca Rochin, Principal, Downey
Adult School.
2. Mayor Vasquez, with the assistance of Captain Milligan presented a Certificate of Recognition to
Alex Trujillo, Downey resident, for his assistance with a Police arrest.
3. Council Member Pacheco presented a Certificate of Appointment to Carrie Uva, Public Works
Committee, District One.
4. Council Member Pacheco presented a Certificate of Appointment to Mariana Pacheco, Public
Works Committee, District One.
5. Mayor Vasquez, with the assistance of Captain Milligan, presented Certificates of Appreciation to
local businesses who donated their time, materials, and expertise toward Officer Ricardo Galvez's
memorial.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Vasquez announced the public hearing item was being pulled from the agenda and
continued to the next City Council Meeting.
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 2
Cristina Castellanos, resident, commented regarding school traffic and pedestrian crossing
issues at Gallatin Elementary.
Carlos Renobar, resident, requested support for immigrant families in the community.
Gela Kype, resident, commented regarding her concern for public safety and the loss of her two
dogs attacked by a coyote.
City Manager Livas commented regarding the situation with coyotes in various cities including
Downey due to the drought. He said the City has contacted and met with Fish and Game to discuss this
issue. The City will increase its efforts to address this issue, but is limited on what can be done.
Jailene- Lemus, resident, thanked Council Members Saab and Rodriguez for attending the
Downey South Gate Delegation Bill Hearing Night.
Rita Rodarte-Meyers, commented regarding poor air quality in the City of Paramount areas and
asked the City Council to address this issue proactively.
Armando Herman,- resident, commented regarding sidewalks, streets, ramps,- curbs,- and the
Planning Commission meeting.
Scott Rhame, resident, commented regarding traffic and parking conditions on Florence Ave.
Council Member Pacheco abstained from Item Nos. 4 and 5, due to the proximity to her
property and Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item No. 7.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried
unanimously, with Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item No. 7, and Council Member
Pacheco abstaining from Item Nos. 4 and 5, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special & Regular Meetings of January 10, 2017: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 311014-311403; Payroll Wire Nos. are 30003571, 30003576-
30003577 and 30003579-30003580;_ Manual Wire -Nos. 1524-1530, in the total amount of
$3,735,547.32: Finance.
4. ACCEPTED THE GARDENDALE•PROJECT AS
COMPLETE,• r THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION• • OF
AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKSDIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE
OF • •N WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY• r OFFICE
CONTRACT•+ S.S. 636): Public Works.
AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT:-••
IMPROVEMENT-• -• r rAi r •NJ
BLVD TO FLORENCE AVE (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT• r 14-12): Public Works.
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 201`7 3
• rA Ir i r •- r• • •- r,
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7. APPROVED • • 2017 OPEN STREETS GRANT PROGRAM•
COUNTYANGELES •'• TRANSPORTATION •'ITY IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1257528 FOR THE DOWNEY RIDE & STRIDE OPEN STREET EVENT; AUTHORIZED THE
CITY MANAGER O EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS:
- -. o-
8. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO AMEND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
MV TRANSPORTATION INC. IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE DOWNEYLINK
FIXED ROUTE TRANSIT SERVICE FOR AN ADDITIONAL NINE MONTHS STARTING APRIL 1,
117: Parks & Recreatio
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Is t• r I` • • • 1 • • •' i •
ADMINISTRATIVE •
11.APPROVED THE ACCELA SYSTEM UPGRADEr EXPANSION PROJECTis
AUTHORIZED THE MAYORTO SIGN ALL APPROPRIATE
Development.
City Manager Livas provided brief background information regarding this item. He mentioned it
is the result of a study conducted by a consultant to determine how the City can improve its efficiencies
in the permitting process. One of the recommendations was to purchase and upgrade technology.
The staff report was provided by David Blumenthal, Principal Planner. Accela is the City's
current computer database that is used by Community Development, Public Works, and the Fire
Department to track all properties in the City and issue permits for various development activities. In
November 2016, Matrix Consulting Group completed an analysis of the City's development permitting
process. Among various recommendations Matrix had several high priority findings which include: The
implementation of an on-line portal for permit applicants allowing applicants to apply, pay for and
receive permits electronically as well as look up the status of plan review and check inspection results;
implementation of electronic review and plan mark-up for all reviewers; implementation of the use of
mobile devices for all field inspections; and, track review times for development review applications and
permits and prepare monthly performance reports, which could be shared with thepublicand used by
managers to make decisions regarding resource deployment and workload management. Mr.
Blumenthal also indicated a portion of the current processing fee is set aside for records management
and these funds are used for the Accela System. As of June 30, 2016, there is $625,000 accrued from
fees to cover the cost of the upgrade.
Council Member Saab asked if online submittal will decrease the plan check time. Mr.
Blumenthal stated the time spent routing plans to departments and the plan check contractor will be
reduced significantly.
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 4
Council Member Saab -asked if the current system is capable of handling the software
updgrade. City Manager Livas stated there will need to be some upgrades by IT to the current system
to support the new software.
Council Member Rodriguez asked if the $625,000 funds available are sufficient to cover the cost
to upgrade the system. Mr. Blumenthal stated the proposed budget for the entire upgrade and
expansion is $337,150.
Council Member Saab asked how the plan check fee for customers would increase if submitted
electronically. Mr. Blumenthal stated there will be no fee increase to customers who submit their plans
electronically or in-person.
Council Member Saab asked how customers will learn how to submit their plans online or is
their standard practice in the industry. Mr. Blumenthal said there is standard practice in the
development community on how to submit plans electronically; however, staff will ensure the proper
education is provided for the public, and staff will be available to assist and answer questions.
Mr. Blumenthal said this online process saves money for the applicant because they will not
need to print the plans to submit them.
Mayor Vasquez asked if the applicant will have the ability to pay online for the application and
permit fees. Mr. Blumenthal stated the software and system upgrade will allow for online payments.
Mayor Vasquez asked if applicants will be able to access-mylars and as-builts online. Mr.
Blumenthal explained mylars are submitted to the Public Works Department and as-builts are submitted
prior to plans and can be submitted digitally once the updates are implemented.
Mayor Vasquez would like information provided to developers and applicants advising them of
the time and cost savings if they submit their plans electronically.
City Manager Livas suggested a robust public education tutorial. He said staff will reach out to
cities who have had a successful launch of this process to learn from them.
Mayor Vasquez asked what other cities have the online plan submittal process.- Director
Schindler stated cities who have implemented this process include: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank,
Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Claremont, and Glendora.
Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
Council Member Saab commented in favor of the time. He is pleased to see recommendations
from the audit are being implemented and this will make the current process more efficient.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried
unanimously to approve the Accela System Upgrade and Expansion Project and authorize the Mayor to
sign all appropriate agreements.
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 5
12. DOWNTOWN PARKING STUr r AND FILED THE ADMINISTRATIVE -•
REGARDING DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDYAND PROVIDE CITY STAFF DIRECTION ON
THE NEXT STEPS OF THE DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS: Community
Development.
Mayor Vasquez recussed himself from Item No. 12 and left the dais.
City Manager Livas announced Julie Dixon of Dixon Resources Unlimited would be providing
the staff report.
Ms. Dixon provided an overview of Dixon Resources Unlimited ("DIXON"). DIXON was retained
by the City of Downey to complete the development of a long-term 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 City
Council Downtown Subcommittee and stakeholders on numerous occasions to review the current and
future operating needs for the Downtown study area. The initial findings were presented to the City
Council on May 10, 2016 and are now being presented to the City Council as a whole. 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 long term 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.
While some of the outlined recommendations in the final; analysis may require an incremental
financial investment, the City must take a strategic approach towards these improvements, evaluating
and assessing the overall impact of these modifications as they are implemented. Downey's project
objectives for the Downtown Parking Study included three items: operational support including the
City's current wayfinding and enforcement operations; the City's Parking Management Plan revolving
around special event parking plans like the Farmer's Market; and, presenting possible technology
enhancements to make parking more efficient. The recommendations stemming from the project
objectives are: replace current time limit signs without exceptions with signage that includes Saturday,
Sunday and holiday exception; and, the City should alter the time limits in certain areas Downtown.
Reduce time limits on 11000 and 11100 blocks of Downey Avenue to one hour; increase time limits on
3rd Street and portions of La Reina Avenue and New Street; upgrade the Police Department's Parking
Enforcement Officers' citation equipment in the form of automated enforcement handhelds through the
City's current contract with Data Ticket; hire one additional temporary Parking Enforcement Officer,
however, if this is not feasible the City should introduce a Parking Ambassador program, especially
during busy seasons and special events; increase the, quantity of ADA vehicle spaces along Downey
Avenue or the immediate side streets; update its existing municipal ordinance language specific to
paid/metered parking; continue to pursue local businesses and churches for a shared -parking program
utilizing private off-street available parking; enhance the City's current wayfinding and branding in the
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 6
form of themed signage, directional wayfinding at the City's parking structure and updating the parking
webpage on Downey's city website; and, complete annual occupancy counts using similar methodology
to monitor average vehicle space occupancy around Downtown.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton opened this item for public comment.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Pro Tem Ashton closed public comment.
City Manager Livas recommended the City Council allow staff to return and present funding
sources and a list of recommendations. He said there are items that can be addressed immediately but
some of the bigger items will need to be addressed within the new budget for FY 17-18.
It was moved Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and approved 4-
0-1, with Mayor Vasquez abstaining to receive and file the report and allow staff to return to the City
Council with additional recommendations and funding sources.
City Manager Livas thanked Director Mostahkami and Public Works staff for securing $610,000
in Measure R grant funding for street improvements on Firestone Boulevard from Old River School
Road to the City limits.
oxel "t LfM:1kTi`i
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:39 p.m. in memory of Whittier
Police Department Officer Keith Boyer, 53, killed in the line of duty; Retired Downey Fire Department
Engineer, Charlie Ruhlen, and Dr. Don Brown, longtime Do e rest rpt;,
A IA m. JIMENEZ, MC TER - -DO VASQUEZ
City Clerk Mayor
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Regular Meeting — February 28, 2017 7