HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-09-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 9, 2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 9, 2017, at
6:36 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 Tern
Blanca Pacheco Council Member
Rick Rodriguez Council Member
Alex Saab 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
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 Glenn Garvin, Desert Reign Church. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Valeria Navarro, Downey Resident.
COUNCIL«FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He announced upcoming events:
Coordinating Council Awards Dinner and Ground Water Festival_ hosted by the Water Replenishment
District. He thanked City staff and volunteers for their work coordinating the Ride and Stride. He wished
William Davis, City Planner a happy retirement and acknowledged former Mayor Gafin and his wife in
the audience.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting._ She acknowledged Michael
Calvert in the audience. She reported attending the "Define Gravity" Play at the CMSC, Carnival of
Champions, Soroptomist Casino Night and Ride and Stride. She announced upcoming events: Used
Oil Recycling event, Summer Camp registration, Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up, and Health Faire at
Vallarta Market.
Council Member Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the
Maude Price Aspire "Wizard of Oz" Play, Annual National Day of Prayer event, and Downey Assistance
League Volunteer Luncheon. He announced upcoming events: Coffee with the Council Memberat
Vazza Cafe and Ricky Galvez Scholarship Gala. He acknowledged Pastor Glenn Garvin in the
audience.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 9; 2017
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton reported attending the Ride and Stride. He thanked City staff for
coordinating the event. He reported attending the Ribbon Cutting for the Library Laptop Kiosks and the
Lower L.A. River Working Group meeting where Dan Mueller, Principal Engineer conducted a
presentation on current water projects in the City and Sonya Meacham, Recreation Manager provided
information about the Ride and Stride. He stated the Working Group is developing a Master Plan to
help revitalize the Lower L.A. River from Long Beach to the L.A. city limits. He announced upcoming
events: Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up, Keep Downey Beautiful Beautification Awards and his Town
Hall Meeting scheduled June 21.
Mayor Vasquez commented on the Home Field Advantage soccer pilot program at Unsworth
Elementary. He reported meeting with Supervisor Hahn and discussing her continued support for
Downey with the 1-5 Public Private Partnerships, Eco -Rapid Transit, Downey Rose Float Association
and homelessness issues. He congratulated City staff for a successful Ride and Stride. He announced
his upcoming television appearance on "Latina Shark Tank".
1. Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Sergio Bautista, CFO/COO,
Community Health Alliance of Pasadena CHAPCARE.
2. Mayor Vasquez with the Assistance of Director Schindler presented a Certificate of Recognition to
Retiring City Planner, William Davis.
3.- Mayor Vasquez with the assistance of Michael Calvart and Council Member Pacheco presented a
Certificate of Recognition to Ralph's Barber Shop for their 50th Anniversary.
4. Council Member Pacheco presented a Certificate of Appointment to David Gafin to the Independent
Citizens' Oversight Committee, District 1.
5. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation to the City Clerkandstaff in recognition of International
Municipal Clerks Week, May 7 — 13, 2017.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order,
Mayor Vasquez announced Item Nos. 5 and 6 would be continued to a future meeting and
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 9.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in opposition of Item No. 10
Ignacio Gonzalez, Southern California Resource Services, commented regarding service
animals.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
Council Member Saab clarified the Municipal Code does not discriminate against service dogs
and this item is to ensure proper decorum during City Council Meetings.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 9, 2017 2
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, with Item No. 9 being pulled by
Council Member Saab and Item Nos. 5 and 6 being continued to a future meeting.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of March 28, 2017; Special & Regular Meetings of April
25, 2017: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 312949-313604; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003600, 30003603 and
30003605-30003607; Manual Wire Nos. 1544-1551, in the total amount of $4,438,538.58:
Finance.
4. APPROVED APPROPRIATION OF rS IN THE AMOUNT OF Nr FOR
ENFORCEMENTBSCC CITY LAW Police.
6. APPROVE RENEWAL OF -• •NAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DIGITAL
SOLUTIONS,FOR ELECTRONIC PATIENT CARE REPORTING• r DATA
STORAGE:Fire.
i A •' 1 • • •I •
•- • r • •
7. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH STANTEC CONSULTING
SERVICES, INC., WILLDAN ENGINEERING, ALBERT GROVERASSOCIATES,
HARTZOG & CRABILL, INC. AND, TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR ON -
AUTHORIZED THE MAYORTO EXECUTE THE
AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS:
Public•
APPROVED GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN GABRIEL r LOWER LOS ANGELES
RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY• AND
WILDERNESS •- • -• AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER ' EXECUTE ANY
AMENDMENTS: • •
I •r•. •I'r + • 1 •.r 1 • 0• •:
r• r r r• • r' •' I
9. APPROVED A MASTER LICENSE AND SERVICE AGREEMENT, AND ORDER FORM
_ ii �' • -
Council Member Saab commended Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Rodriguez for bringing
this item forward and stated the residents will benefit from this service.
Mayor Vasquez requested Chief G llaspie provide a report to City Council in form of a memo
three months after the services are implemented.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez and carried unanimously
to approve a Master License and Service Agreement, and Order Form with Rave Mobile Safety for
Rave911 Suite Services.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 9,-2017 3
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order:;
1. REQUESTED TO CHANGE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION OF -•
LOCATED AT 10361• -r FROM LOWDENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL r TO CHANGE THE ZONEOF r PROPERTY FROM
RESIDENTIAL TO MULTIPLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL: Community Development.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO'
17-7717, A RESOLUTIONs • OF
CITY • r• r • CHANGE THE LAND USE
CATEGORYOF -•-ERTY AT 10361 FOSTER -r FROM • DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL • MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIALAND ADOPT A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
INTRODUCEB. ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE OF • OF
SINGLE -
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:43 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Duarte affirmed
receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton, seconded by Council
Member Saab and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. Deputy City Clerk Duarte noted there
was no correspondence received.
The staff report was provided by David Blumenthal, Principal Planner. This item is to change the
General Plan and zoning designations for a new 14 -unit townhouse development. He clarified the
request is only to rezone the subject site and will not affect the zoning of the neighborhood to the west
of the property. The General Plan Amendment proposes to change the land use designation of the
subject property from LDR (Low Density Residential) to MDR (Medium Density Residential). The
Applicant made the request to amend the General Plan on the basis that the subject site, which
comprises 104,960 square feet of land, is better suited for multiple dwellings but is LDR classification
-
and its corresponding R-1 zone designation prevents that type of development from occurring. The
Applicant is requesting a tone change in association with the General Plan Amendment. The request is
to change the zoning of the property from R-1 (Single -Family Residential) to R-3 (Multiple -Family
Residential) and thereby allow multiple units on the property. The reasons for requesting the zone
change are that the 104,960 squarefootis too large for only one single-family dwelling and because
the R-1 zone development standards coupled with the site's characteristics (137 foot width and existing
easements along the easterly side of the property) are not conductive for developing the property with
more than two single family lots. Staff prepared an Initial Study in accordance with the provision of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), to assess the potential consequences of implementing
the development proposal. The Initial Study indicated that there will be no significant impact on the
environment as a result of the proposed project. Accordingly, staff prepared a Negative Declaration. Mr.
Blumenthal provided information about the development_ standards of the 14 units, including unit size,
building height, parking spaces, useable open space and lot area. He discussed some of the concerns
brought forth by the residents in the area of the proposed development.
Council Member Pacheco inquired regarding traffic impacts along Foster Road, issues with the
homeless living in the riverbed area, security gates and guards, and, homeowners' association. Mr.
Blumenthal stated no additional traffic impacts were determined by Public Works and said no issues
are anticipated with the homeless but the City will address any reports of issues with the necessary
resources. He said the development will be gated and deferred to the property owner regarding security
guard services. In regards to a homeowners' association, Mr. Blumenthal said there will be a one in
place.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 9, 2017 4
Council Member Saab inquired regarding availability of visitor parking at the development. Mr;
Blumenthal stated there are five spaces on the street and driveway parking for visitors.
Council Member Pacheco asked how construction noise will be managed to avoid impacting
residents in the area. Mr. Blumenthal stated construction hours have been restricted for the project to
avoid noise impact and dust mitigation will be addressed by watering during grading operations.
Council Member Ashton inquired in regards to additional parking spaces at the development.
Mr. Blumenthal explained nine units will allow for driveway parking.
Council Member Saab asked if these type of developments increase or decrease the value of
single-family homes in the area. Director Schindler stated there is not much variation. Staff researched
home sales of other cities that run along the riverbed and concluded home sale prices are at the
median or above the sale price.
Council Member Saab asked how delinquency and homeless issues in blighted areas such as
this one are affected by these type of housing developments. Chief Charles stated there is a decrease
in crime and homeless issues with new developments.
Council Member Pacheco asked if the market value of the proposed units will be affected by the
proximity of the power lines in the area. Director Schindler stated it is subjective to the buyer and staff
has communicated with Edison regarding safety issues.
Council Member Saab inquired regarding additional development on the property and asked if
other uses were considered for this site. Director Schindler stated the conditions for the site plan only
allows the development of the 14 units and any additional requests for development would need to
come before the Planning Commission for consideration. Mr. Blumenthal stated the site has never been
improved and the applicant also considered self -storage but this housing development project met staff
standards.
Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment at8:08p.m.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in opposition of the new development.
Sharon Johnson, resident, commented regarding safety issues, traffic, health issues and Fire
Department accessibility.
Donna Simms, resident, commented regarding the location of the new development, electrical
towers, homeless issues, traffic conditions in the area and safety issues.
Robert Aguilar, resident, commented regarding street improvements and homeless issues in the
area of the new development.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed the Public Hearing at 8:25 p.m.
Council Member Pacheco inquired about Fire Department access to the proposed development
Fire Chief Gillaspie stated the Fire Department participates in the Design Review Committee on all
projects submitted to the City and Fire personnel evaluates the proposed project. This development
requires the installation of residential fire sprinklers and must meet dimension requirements for gate,
street and turn around access as well as water supply for fire hydrants.
Council Member Pacheco asked Chief Charles if there is a large volume of speeding calls for
this area of Foster Road. Chief Charles said he will verify and provide her a response.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May `9,-2017 5
Council Member Saab asked how the Police Department handles speeding issues in this area.
Chief Charles said speeding issues are addressed periodically.
Council Member Saab inquired about health risks due to the proximity of the electrical power
Tines to the building. Mr. Blumenthal stated the separation between the power lines and the building are
regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission and the Commission sees no health effects if all
distance requirements are met.
Mayor Vasquez reopened the Public Hearingfor public comment at 8:30 p.m.
Council Member Pacheco asked which units in the development are closest to the electrical
power lines. Mr. Emilio Gutierrez, authorized representative for the Applicant stated the two closest
Units to the electrical tower are 15 feet away from the building and the distance between the powerlines
and the closest units is 35 feet, therefore meeting State standards.
Council Member Rodriguez asked Mr. Gutierrez if there has been any health related risk issues
found during their research for this type of housing developments scenario. Mr. Gutierrez stated no and
said this issue was reviewed by three levels of authority at Edison and there was written confirmation
from Edison provided to the City stating there are no risks.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed Public Hearing at 8:35 p.m.
Council Member Saab commented regarding the concerns brought forth regarding the new
development and said he is confident the development will help deter many of those issues.
Council Member Pacheco thanked the residents who attended the meeting tonight and
expressed their_ concerns. She assured the residents she reviewed the development proposal and
asked many questions and is confident many of the concerns brought forth will improve. She offered to
assist residents in the area with the creation of a Neighborhood Watch Group
Council Member Rodriguez commented regarding the homeless issues in the area. He
commented about the importance of collaborating as neighbors and working together to address the
various concerns discussed.
Council Member Ashton commented regarding the residents' concerns about the new
development and said the development will bring a positive outcome in the long run and many of the
concerns will improve.
Mayor Vasquez thanked the residents for contacting him with their concerns. He commented
about the importance of starting a Neighborhood Watch Group in the area and encouraged residents to
call the Police Department and report any suspicious activity.
Mayor Vasquez reopened the Public Hearing at for public comment at 8:52 p.m.
Sharon Johnson, resident, commentedinregards to a petition circulated in opposition of the
new development.
Having no one else come forward Mayor Vasquez closed Public Hearing at 8:54 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez and carried unanimously
to adopt Resolution No. 17-7717, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey amending the
General Plan to Change the Land Use Category of the Property at 10361 Foster Rd. from Low Density
Residential to Medium Density Residential and Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 9, 2017 6
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Vasquez and carried unanimously
to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey Rezoning the Property at 10361
Foster Rd. from Single -Family Residential to Multiple -Family Residential.
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order;
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding ADA,- sanctuary cities and the U.S.
President.
Mr. Allen, resident, commented regarding the homeless and abortion.
City Manager Livas thanked Director Passow for her leadership with the Ride and Stride. He
thanked all City staff who worked coordinating the event. He commented regarding grant funding
received by the City for various projects and acknowledged the Department Heads and City staff for
their efforts and success applying and receiving grants.
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:39 p.m. in memory in memory
of 1 st Lt. Weston C. Lee, 25, of Bluffton, Georgia who wassupporttng Brat on Inherent Resolve.
e� "At�=2
MAMA ALICIA DUAR E CMC FERNAWRO VASQUEZ
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - May 9, 2017 7