HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-13-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
COUNCILCITY OF OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 13, 2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 13, 2017,
at 6:41 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Vasquez presiding.
PRESENT`: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez
Sean Ashton
Blanca Pacheco
Rick Rodriguez
Alex Saab
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich-Garcia, City Attorney
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 Dn. Mario A. Guerra, CPIA. The Pledge of Allegiance was led
by Soldier Private Jeremy Tamala, U.S._Army.
ANNOUNCEMENTS;COUNCIL MEMBER AGENDA
OIREPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the
Independent Cities Association Seminar and reported on the session regarding Groundwater Reliability
Improvement Project, the project managed by the Water Replenishment District will allow the use of
recycled water instead of imported water to replenish ground water. He announced the CERT
Graduation and thanked the volunteers involved in the program. He announced upcoming events:'
Chamber of Commerce Installation, Summer Concert Series at Furman Park, 4th of July Fireworks
Show at Downey High and Assembly Member Garcia's-summer reading program. Heacknowledged
members of the audience Michael Calvart, Cindy Kovach, Maria Fernandez, Michael Chirco and Ivan
Sulic.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the
Gangs Out of Downey Ricky Galvez Scholarship Gala and the Independent Cities Association Seminar
and _reported on the Simulator Shoot Don't Shoot presentation where she experienced first-hand how
police officers have to think quickly anddeterminewhen to use their weapon. She reported attending
the Gangs Out of Downey meeting and said she would like to see more Neighborhood Watch Groups in
the City. She announced the upcoming Chamber of Commerce Installation and Summer Concert
Series at Furman Park. She acknowledged former Mayor Mario Guerra in the audience.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017 1
Council Member Rodriguez reported attending the Independent Cities Association Seminar and
reported on the session regarding Cyber Security and Smart Cities. He commented on the importance
of Cyber Security. He reported attending the ribbon cutting events for the new Art Center at Furman
Park and Downey Nissan. He mentioned participating with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton in a field trip for 107
5th grade students at City Hall. He also; participated in a roundtable discussion of homeless issues with
Mayor Vasquezandother stakeholders to discuss an action plan. He mentioned nominating Ken
Thompson, World War II Veteran and 100 year old _Downey Resident for the L.A. County Older
American Recognition Award. Mr. Thompson was selected as the recipient of the award. He reported
participating in the Memorial Day event at the Downey Cemetery.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton reported attending the follow-up community meeting regarding Coyotes.
He thanked Council Member Rodriguez, City staff and Fish and Game for assisting in formulating a
Coyote Management Plan. He reported attending the Lower L.A. River Working Group meeting to
discuss revitalization of the L.A. River and encouraged the audience to participate in a survey to
provide input on what they want to see along the L.A. River. He invited everyone to participate in the
L.A. River six -mile family bike ride. He reported attending the Greek Festival, 562 Fest at Stay Gallery,
ARC Board Installation and ribbon cuttings for Aldi Market and the Art Center at Furman Park. He
commented regarding the _5th grade field trip he hosted to City Hall, Downey PD and the Columbia
Memorial Space Center and thanked City staff, Council Member Rodriguez and Executive Director
Dickow for their assistance during the tour. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association
Seminar and reported on the session regarding Community Choice Aggregation which allows local
cities or counties to buy or generate, electricity for the residents and businesses within their area. He
reported attending the Keep Downey Beautiful Committee meeting and said the Home Beautification
Awards applications are now available. He announced his Town Hall Meeting scheduled for June 21,
Summer Concert Series at Furman Park and Smart Gardening Workshop. He requested staff research
the installation of temporary bollards in the Downtown area to install during the Farmer's Market. He
requested staff research posting local service group signage at City entrances.
Mayor Vasquez reminded everyone about the Summer Concert in the Parks Series. He
commented regarding hosting Green Space High School and providing their keynote address during
graduation. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association Seminar and reported on the
session regarding Workmans Compensation Side Affects in Your City which provided insightful
information about liability, crisis management, human resources issues and how to be proactive and
prevent issues from occurring before they become labor intensive and cost prohibited. He reported
meeting with the Homeless Task Force Group and assured the residents the City is listening to their
concerns and is working on a plan to address the issues with the collaboration of the local non -profits,
L.A. County Mental Health and local hospitals. He requested staff follow up on shopping carts in
neighborhoods and bulky trash items.
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Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Nancy Limon, Coca-Cola West
Group Director of Public Affairs and Communications.
2. Mayor Vasquez with the assistance of Council Member Rick Rodriguez presented a Certificate of
Appointment to Mario Guerra to the Oversight Committee Board.
3. Presentation to City Council by Kaiser Permanente, PIH Downey and Director Passow of the
"Healthy Downey Update".
4. Mayor Vasquez with the assistance of Council Member Rick Rodriguez presented a Military Banner
to Richard Shilling, U.S. Marine, received by his mother Tami Shilling.
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Regular Meeting — June 13, 201`7 2
5._ _Mayor Vasquez and the City Council presented a cake to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Hernandez,
Sergeant Calderon, Soldier Private Tamala, Ken Thompson, U.S. Army Veteran and Ryan Murray,
newly enlisted U.S. Army Soldier on the occasion of the U.S. Army's Birthday celebration.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order.
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City Manager Livas announced the presentation would be provided by Bill Carnahan, Interim
Executive Director of the L.A. Community Choice Energy Authority. On September 24, 2002, the
Governor signed into law Assembly Bill 117, which authorized any California city or county, whose
governing body so elects, to combine the electricity load of its residents and businesses in a -
community -wide electricity aggregation program known as Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). The
Assembly Bill authorizes participation in a CCA program through a joint powers. authority. The County
has been participating in the evaluation of a CCA program for the County and cities within the County
since 2015. Participants of the CCA program are required to individually adopt an ordinance electing to
implement the program within their jurisdiction by its participation in a joint powers authority with the
County. CCA allows local governments to purchase and sell electricity in their jurisdiction as alternative
to traditional investor owned utility power procurement. CCA allows cities to aggregate the buying
power of individual customers within a defined jurisdiction in order to secure alternative energy supply
contracts on a community -wide basis, but allowing customers not wishing to participate to opt out. In
either case SCE will continue to handle transmission and process billing. The L.A. Community Choice
Energy Authority has the potential to provide significant cost savings to residents, businesses and the
City by providing lower utility rates.
Council Member Saab asked if residents will need to make any physical changes to their
electrical systems if they decide to participate in the CCA program. Mr. Carnahan stated residents will
not need to make changes.
Mayor Pro Tem _Ashton asked if residents are able to elect the type of rate they want to be
enrolled in. Mr. Carnahan stated the residents can elect from the standard rate, 50% renewable rate
and 100% renewable rate and can adjust their rate or opt of the program at any time.
Mayor Vasquez asked what the financial impact would be if a large amount of consumers
decide to opt out of the CCA program and return to Edison. Mr. Carnahan said having a massive
amount of consumers opt out would mean there would not be enough customers to have a CCA. He
explained if the City opted out of the CCA, any obligations made by the joint powers authority on behalf
of the City would need to be met per provisions in the agreement.
Mayor Vasquez asked how Rule 15 and Rule 20 funding apply to the CCA program. Mr.
Carnahan said currently there is no change to underground funding or franchise fees. Edison would still
be responsible for franchise fees. He mentioned there would be an impact on revenue from the Utility
Users Tax because the tax is based on gross revenue and there would not be a five percent cost
savings.
Council Member Saab asked what cities have opted into the CCA. Mr. Carnahan said Rolling
Hills Estates is considering the item tonight, South Pasadena is scheduled next week, and Calabasas
joined in May.
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Regular Meeting — June 13,"2017 3
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton said he is aware the cities of Pico Rivera and Lancaster are working on
creating their own CCA. He requested staff research the benefits of joining the County CCA, Pico
Rivera's plan or creating the City's own CCA.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding utility rates.
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 approved
unanimously to receive and file the informational presentation.
SOCCER FIELD PROJECT: Community Development.
City Manager Livas announced the staff report would be provided by Director Schindler. City
staff has been working with County staff and former Supervisor Knabe's Office for several years
regarding the use of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus. At the November 22, 2016, Board of
Supervisor's meeting, Supervisor Knabe obtained approval from the Board of Supervisors allocating
$10,000,000 for the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sports Center Project. The Board approved
five acres to be used for recreational purposes within the southwestern portion of the Rancho Los
Amigos South Campus. They also directed the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute an
Option to Lease Agreement with the City for five acres, noting the City would be responsible for
maintenance, replacement_ and operational costs during the lease term, and any other project -related
costs exceeding the $10,000,000 total estimated project costs. City and County Staff have been
working on a design and layout of soccer fields for the five acres. One option for the development
includes three soccer fields, parking lot with an estimated 74 spaces, _a building that would house
restrooms, concessions, administrative offices, and storage and meeting space. City staff received a
second layout option from the County which consists of two high school size soccer fields. City staff has
not met with County staff regarding the second layout option.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton inquired if one of the buildings along the proposed Sports Center Project
site was historical and could be used as a support building for the Sports Center. Director Schindler
stated the County is conducting a feasibility analysis on the surrounding buildings to determine if they
are historical and protected. The response from County regarding using existing buildings as support
buildings was no.
City Manager Livas explained under CEQA requirements if the development is over five acres it
would require a full environmental impact report. Keeping the project at five acres has allowed the City
to secure the funding and move the process forward as expeditiously as possible. He said tonight's -
presentation is to review preliminary layouts and determine how to move forward. City Manager Livas
briefly reviewed feasibility of the two proposed options and said City staff is also discussing housing for
the Rose Float Association with County staff.
Council Member Pacheco asked if the support building is the same size in both layouts being
proposed. Director Schindler explained the support building is larger on the second layout which staff
has not fully studied.
Mayor Vasquez asked if the support building is one story; and if a parking structure was
feasible. Director Schindler said it is a one story building and a parking structure would be too costly.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017 4
Council Member Rodriguez asked if diagonal parking would allow more parking spaces. Director
Schindler stated staff reviewed other parking options including diagonal parking but it is not much of an
advantage.
Council Member Saab asked if the fields can also be used for other sports and if artificial turf will
be used. Director Schindler said it is possible but the configuration becomes more challenging and the
complex will begin to lose its primary use. He explained the multi -use includes soccer, football and
lacrosse. He suggested artificial turf be used because of maintenance and wear issues. City Manager
Livas explained artificial turf can be played on over and over again versus natural turf which requires
more maintenance. Directed Schindler commented regarding the various types of artificial turf.
Council Member Saab asked how this project falls within the City's Park Master Plan in regards
to meeting the demographic needs of the community. City Manager Livas stated based on the
demographic demand the U12 age group has the highest need, as well as youth football.
Council Member Rodriguez commented regarding the limited parking situation in residential
area of Griffiths Middle School during soccer season and his concern with the amount of parking
spaces being proposed. City Manager Livas said he hopes the City will be able to use Erickson Ave. for
additional parking and City staff will work with the County to utilize as much space as possible.
Mayor Pro Ashton asked if there is a possibility to acquire an additional five acres in the future
and if so, can this plan be transitioned for a larger project. City Manager Livas commented regarding
CEQA requirements fora complex larger than five acres.
Council Member Saab commented regarding his concern of housing for the Rose Float
Association. City Manager Livas said staff will review the second layout submitted by the County and
will continue to discuss housing of the Rose Float Association with the County.
Ivan-Sulic, explained Supervisor Hahn is committed to finding space to house the Rose Float
Association.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item:,
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding ADA accessibility.
Resident, no name, asked for clarification onthe correct "street name, Erickson Ave.
Resident, no name, commented regarding maintenance costs, the need for additional soccer
fields and handicap accessibility in restrooms.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
City Manager Livas said staff will review the three field option and will work with the County to
keep or relocate the Rose Float Association. City staff will ensure restroom facilities are compliant.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and approved
unanimously to receive and file the update regarding Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Soccer Field
Project.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017 5
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order.
Resident, no name, commented against the Coyote Management Plan.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding comfort and service dogs.
Resident, no names commented regarding coyotes and wildlife animals.
Resident, no name, commented regarding coyote awareness.
Frank Dean, resident, commented regarding trees and soccer space at Furman Park.
Resident, no name, commented regarding the Administrative Hearing process for citations
Mr. Allen, resident, commented regarding war Veterans.
Ms. Nancy, resident, commented regarding the coyotes and in support of the Downey Police
Officers in attendance at the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vasquez took this item out of order.
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 20 and Council Member Ashton pulled Item No. 24.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
1,. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of May 23, 2017: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 314002 314572; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003508, 30003614
30003618; Manual Wire Nos. 1557 - 1563; in the total amount of $6,278,268.35, includes voided
Check #314258: Finance.
3. APOLLO PARK WALKING/JOGGING TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 2 (CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 15-0313): ACCEPTED THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE;
APPROVED THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $69,979.05; AND, AUTHORIZED THE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION: Public Works.
4. RESIDENTIAL STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 17-04): AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,366,000, TO HARDY & HARPER, INC; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK: -Public
Works.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - June 13; 2017 6
15. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES _AGREEMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF LEASE
REVENUE BONDS FOR 2016 MEASURE S SALES TAX REVENUES; AND, AUTHORIZED THE
CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS AND ANY AMENDMENTS: AGREEMENT WITH
JONES HALL FOR LEGAL SERVICES AS BOND COUNSEL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$100,000 PLUS, DIRECT , EXPENSES, - ANn, AGREEMENT WITH FIELDMAN ROI APP FOR
FINANCIAL ADVISING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 PLUS DIRECT
EXPENSES: Finance.
16. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7720, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF MARGARITA ROGERS TO THE PUBLIC
WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3: Council Member Rodriguez.
17. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7721, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
FOR ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS: Police.
18. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR
2017-2018: Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7722, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018; AND,
B. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7723, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPE DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018;
AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 27, 2017, ON THE PROPOSED
ASSESSMENT.
19. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7724, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE CITY OF DOWNEY COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Administration.
21. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 17- , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING SECTION 4115 ("URINATION AND DEFECATION) TO CHAPTER 1
("DISORDERLY CONDUCT, ETC.") OF _ARTICLE IV ("PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS, AND
POLICY") OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE: City Attorney.
22. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE NO. 17- , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE _ARTICLE X, CHAPTER 1,
SECTION 10128 TO PROHIBIT THE SMOKING OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND
ELIMINATING SMOKING AREAS IN CITY PARKS: Parks & Recreation.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017
23. AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUESTFOR THE 2017r `r BYRNE
MEMORIAL •GRAM LOCAL SOLICITATION:Police
OTHER BUSINESS.
1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 17-7725, A RESOLUTIONOF i
OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE BILL 268 AMENDING THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF •S ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN'• •
AUTHORITY:•Vasquez.
Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item No. 20 and left the dais.
Council Member Saab commented against the resolution and said he said it is contrary to the
interests of the City and it takes away the City's ability to determine its own prerogative in regards to
local transportation.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton commented in favor of the resolution and said it will allow adequate
representation of cities that are served by the Metro Board.
Mayor Vasquez commented in favor of the resolution. He explained the Gateway COG
overwhelmingly voted in support of the resolution because 27 years of the creation of the Metro Board,
funding continues to be delivered to the west side of L.A. County and Downtown Los Angeles rather
than the southeast area. There has also been no attempt to expand voting representation to southeast
cities.
Council Member Pacheco commented in favor of the resolution and hopes that adopting the
resolution will bring more funding for the 1-5 and 710 freeway projects.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Mario Guerra, resident, commented against the adoption of the resolution.
Resident, no name, commented in favor of the resolution.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton, seconded Mayor Vasquez and approved 3-1-1, with
Council Member Rodriguez abstaining and Council Member Saab voting no to adopt the resolution
supporting California State Senate Bill 268 amending the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
• ' i; •] im 01JI 4 zteyjl • i • I
Public Works.
Council Member Ashton asked staff to notify residents of the closure of Lakewood Blvd. with
ample time. He asked that the closure times be the least disruptive.
Mayor Vasquez asked staff to notify local businesses in the area of the closure.
Council Member Saab asked that the hospitals be made aware of the closure.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017 9
Director Mostahkami said there will be advanced planning and noticing with signs being posted
at least eight weeks in advance of the street closure. Staff is reviewing a traffic management plan and
Coca-Cola has been a made aware and will use an alternate route for deliveries.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
unanimously to authorize the street closure of Lakewood Blvd. between Firestone Blvd. and Bellflower
Blvd. for railroad crossing repairs by Union Pacific Railroad.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
•r •
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:03 p.m. in memory of Spc.
Etienne J. Murphy, 22, of Loganville, Georgia who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; and,
Remington J. Peters, 27, NAVY Seal passed away during t ' g rise_
AR ALICIA DUARTE, C
Deputy City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2017 10