HomeMy WebLinkAbout02b. Minutes - 01-23-18 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 23, 2018
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on January 23,
2018, at 6:31 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, California, Mayor Ashton presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Sean Ashton Mayor
Rick Rodriguez Mayor Pro Tem
Blanca Pacheco Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member (arrived at 6:46 p.m.)
Fernando Vasquez 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
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Jack Jimenez, Calvary Chapel Downey. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 2765.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged members
of the audience Michael Calvert, Chad Oberly, Wendy Mora and members of Courage Forward. She
reported attending an Emergency Preparedness event hosted at the Southern California Gas Company
Energy Resource Center and encouraged everyone to be prepared for a disaster. She attended a
meeting of the Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee for the League of
California Cities and discussed ordinances and policies for local control. She participated in a tour of
the Aspire after school program and visited Alameda Elementary and Sussman Middle School. She
announced upcoming events: Homeless Count; CMSC Astronaut Commemoration; and, Downey Parks
& Recreation Job Fair at BJR Center.
Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Denise
Juarez in the audience. He reported attending of the I-5 Consortium Cities Policy Board meeting and
discussing public private partnership funding to speed up construction of the I-5 Freeway. He
announced the Homeless Count scheduled tomorrow and talked about the issues in the community
related to homelessness. He thanked the Fire Department for their assistance in Santa Barbara and
Montecito. He mentioned receiving a call from the Mayor of Santa Barbara acknowledging the Downey
Fire Department for their training. He announced the upcoming City Council goals and priorities
workshop. He reported meeting with the Director of Small Businesses from the Governor’s Office and
discussing featuring Downey in a focus study group related to redevelopment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 2
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged members
of the audience Sally Hazard, Denise Woodside and Antonio Barajas of SEACCA; and, retired Downey
P.D. Officer Richard Tuttle. He mentioned presenting a certificate of recognition to Downey High Eagle
Scout Raymond Esparza and attending an Emergency Preparedness event hosted at the Southern
California Gas Company Energy Resource Center. He reported attending ribbon cuttings for Computer
Tech; Ruby’s Diner; and the I-5 Bloomfield Overpass. He represented the City at the Blue Ribbon
Commission meeting created by Supervisor Hahn along with the City of Whittier to share concerns
related to AB109 and Prop 47. He acknowledged Erin Kim and members of Courage Forward in the
audience and said he introduced members from Courage Forward to SELACO WIB to assist them with
finding employment. He commented regarding National Random Act of Kindness W eek. He invited all
community members and community service organizations to advise him of members of the community
that are known to perform random acts of kindness in order to recognize them at an upcoming City
Council meeting.
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged the young
students in attendance who contributed their time and talent to the Used Oil Recycle Artwork
competition. He reported attending a neighborhood watch meeting in District 4. He encouraged
members of the audience to form a Neighborhood Watch Group if they don’t have one in their area and
commented regarding the benefits of forming a group. He reported attending the Emergency
Preparedness event hosted at the Southern California Gas Company Energy Resource Center. He
announced the upcoming TLC 5K Run/W alk at Apollo Park. He requested staff contact Edsion
regarding their property located adjacent to Crawford Park between Dinwiddie and Pellet in regards to
overgrown vegetation and securing the location.
Mayor Ashton said he participated as guest speaker for Girl Scout Troop 7975, where he talked
to the girls about being involved citizens in the community. He also interviewed with Jack Zau, of Idia
Media, where he talked about the City’s values and the community. He reported attending the League
of California Cities New Mayors and Council Members Academy and also attending the League of
California Cities Transportation Committee meeting where they discussed issues related to gas tax
funding. He reported attending the Keep Downey Beautiful Clean-Up. He thanked Helpful Honda and
Courage Forward for participating at he Clean-Up. He attended a performance by the Downey
Symphony Orchestra and display by Downey Arts Coalition at the Downey Theatre. He announced he
will be participating as a guest speaker for the Southern California Minority Supplier Development
Council Breakfast of Champions. He announced upcoming events: Homeless Count; Lion’s Club
Student Speaker event; Metro Community Meetings; and, the Mayor’s State of the City Address on
March 26 at Rio Hondo Event Center hosted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Lisa Fox presented the Certificates of Congratulations to 2018
Used Oil Recycle Artwork Winners.
2. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor’s Downey DNA Award to Blake Boyington.
3. Mayor Ashton and Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez presented the Mayor’s Hero of the Meeting Award to
Luis Cervantes, Marine Corps Veteran and Pets for Troops Recipient.
4. Presentation to the City Council by Downey Sister Cities Association.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 3
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Ashton announced a written request was received from the attorney representing the
Hookah Hub to continue the public hearing item scheduled tonight to the regular City Council Meeting
of February 27, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Pacheco and approved
unanimously to continue the review of an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to modify the
conditional use permit which allows Hookah Hub to operate with live entertainment and dancing at 8323
Firestone Blvd. to the regular City Council meeting of February 27, 2018.
1. REVIEW OF AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO MODIFY THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WHICH ALLOWS HOOKAH HUB TO OPERATE WITH LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING AT 8323 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD: Community
Development.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 18-______, A RESOLUTION OF THE DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL
DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO APPROVE
REVISION “A: TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PLN-17-00163), THEREBY MODIFYING
THE CONDITIIONS OF APPROVAL FOR AN EXISTING HOOKAH LOUNGE ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8323 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND ZONED DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
SPECIFIC PLAN-FIRESTONE BOULEVARD GATEWAY DISTRICT.
2. ZONE CHANGE TO REZONE A PORTION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12120-12132
WOODRUFF AVENUE FROM PARKING BUFFER TO LIGHT MANUFACTURING: Community
Development.
INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE, THEREBY REZONING A PORTION OF PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 12120-12132 WOODRUFF AVENUE FROM P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TO M-1
(LIGHT MANUFACTURING).
Mayor Ashton opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the
Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez
and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Duarte noted no correspondence was
received.
The staff report was provided by David Blumenthal, City Planner. The subject property is
located on the east side of Woodruff Ave., south of Washburn Rd. and north of Imperial Hwy. The site
has an area of 111,030 square feet and is currently developed with six, one-story buildings, no
landscaping and 92 parking spaces. The subject site has a General Plan Land Use Designation of
General Manufacturing. The applicant submitted applications for a zone change and a site plan review
requesting to change the zone for a portion of the property from Parking Buffer to Light Manufacturing,
and for the proposed development of a one-story industrial building and a façade modification for the
existing building located to the south-western portion of the property. The applicant is proposing to
construct a one-story 17,656 square-foot industrial building. Along with the construction of the new
building, the existing 1,067 square-foot, one story-building will undergo a façade modification to match
the architectural style of the new building.
Council Member Saab asked what type of signage will be at the site. Mr. Blumenthal stated that
applicant did not propose signage at this time and he will have to go before Planning Commission for
approval of any type of signage.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 4
Mr. Blumenthal stated no specific tenants have been identified but the proposed building will be
divided into nine spaces. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 6, 2017.
The Planning Commission approved the Site Plan Review and adopted a resolution recommending the
approval of the zone change to the City Council.
Council Member Saab asked if there were any deficiencies in parking. Mr. Blumenthal stated
there are no deficiencies in parking.
Mayor Ashton opened for public comment at 7:43 p.m.
Jonathan Mason, Architect for the proposed project said he was available for any questions.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the type of businesses in light manufacturing
zones.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment at 7:49 p.m.
Council Member Vasquez asked the City Attorney about eliminating the Parking Buffer Zone
from the Zoning Code.
City Attorney said options can be explored to eliminate the Parking Buffer Zone from existing
zoning maps.
City Manager Livas said there are areas that still have a Parking Buffer Zone and staff will be
address this during a review and update of the Zoning Code.
It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Saab and carried
unanimously to introduce and ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey approving a zone
change, thereby rezoning a portion of property located at 12120-12132 Woodruff Avenue from P-B
(Parking Buffer) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing).
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the retirement of Chief Charlie Beck, extra
patrolling by Golden Park and neighborhood watch.
David Lenstrum, resident, commented regarding trash throughout the strip malls in Downey.
Jane Rudderman, resident, commented on the subdivision of a property on her street.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ashton announced he would be abstaining from Item No. 5 due to the proximity to his
property.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding police incident reports, trash dumping and
graffiti.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 5
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and carried
unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar with Mayor Ashton abstaining from Item No. 5.
3. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of January 9, 2018; Regular Meeting of January 9, 2018:
City Clerk.
4. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 320386 – 320728; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003696 and
30003701 – 30003706; Manual Wire Nos. 1645 – 1649; and, Cashier’s Check numbers 108 – 110,
in the total amount of $3,844,949.31: Finance.
5. SLURRY SEAL PROJECT DISTRICT 2 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-03):
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR
BIDS: Public Works.
6. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE A MEDICAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VITAL MEDICAL SERVICES, LLC.: Police.
7. APPROVED THE AMENDMENT AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES AMENDING
THE 2002 STANDARD SOFTWARE LICENSE AND SERVICES AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZED
THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT AGREEMENT; AND, APPROVED
SUPPORT/MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES
AND AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT: Police.
8. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE LAW FIRM OF LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE
(LCW): Human Resources.
9. AUTHORIZED THE CITY TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT TO PROVIDE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR THE ASPIRE (AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION RECREATION AND EDUCATION) PROGRAM
("ASPIRE") AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING AND RELATED DOCUMENTS: Parks & Recreation.
10. AUTHORIZED THE CITY TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT TO PROVIDE AFTERSCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMMING FOR THE DISTRICT’S
“STEAM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND MATH) WORKS” SUMMER
PROGRAM AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING AND RELATED DOCUMENTS: Parks & Recreation.
11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7771, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY RESCINDING ITS RESOLUTION NO. 17-7757, WHICH HAD PROVIDED NOTICE
OF THE CITY’S INTENT TO WITHDRAW FROM THE INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY: Administration.
12. AUTHORIZED STREET CLOSURES AT QUILL DR. BETWEEN OLD RIVER SCHOOL RD. AND
MORNING AVE.; RICHEON AVE. FROM QUILL DR. TO HONDO ST.; AND, RIVES AVE.
BETWEEN HONDO ST. AND LEEDS ST. FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL HEALTHY DOWNEY 5K
FOR TLC EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018: Parks & Recreation.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 6
13. APPROVED OF THE CITY’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE “TAKING BACK OUR COMMUNITY”
COALITION AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY NECESSARY
AGREEMENTS: Administration.
14. RECEIVED AND FILED THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADA SELF-EVALUATION AND TRANSITION
PLAN AND DIRECT AN ANNUAL REVIEW AND UPDATE: City Attorney.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
15. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2018: Mayor Ashton.
Mayor Ashton commented regarding the City Council Subcommittees and said he did not have
many changes but would like to have the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem serve on the Budget
Subcommittee.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez stated he would like Council Member Saab to continue serving on
the Budget Subcommittee due his experience and knowledge.
Council Member Saab stated his desire to remain on the Budget Subcommittee. He also
suggested eliminating the Lakewood Blvd. and Stay Gallery Subcommittees and combining the Rancho
Los Amigos Property and Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Renovation Subcommittees.
Council Member Vasquez suggested keeping the Lakewood Boulevard for one additional year
based on the ongoing construction between Gallatin and Telegraph. He stated he is not familiar with
the Stay Gallery Subcommittee and said he is interested in continuing to serve on the Budget
Subcommittee.
Council Member Rodriguez suggested keeping the Stay Gallery Subcommittee due to the
quarterly reporting provided by the Stay Gallery.
City Council agreed to keeping the Stay Gallery Subcommitee.
Mayor Ashton agreed to merge the two Rancho Los Amigos Subcommittees.
Mayor Ashton said he would like to serve on the Rancho Los Amigos Property Subcommittee
along with Council Member Vasquez.
Council Member Vasquez asked City Manager Livas to ask the County to provide the City an
update on the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus renovation.
After further City Council discussion, Mayor Ashton agreed that Council Members Saab and
Vasquez continue to serve on the Budget Subcommittee.
Council Member Saab suggested combining the Branding and Downtown Subcommittees.
Mayor Ashton agreed to combine the two together.
Council Member Saab suggested eliminating the Good Governance Subcommittee and said he
does not recall the Subcommittee meeting.
City Manager Livas said the Subcommittee can be eliminated and meet as an Ad Hoc
Committee if necessary in the future.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 23, 2018 7
Mayor Ashton agreed to eliminate the Governance Subcommittee.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Armando Herman, resident, requested an ADA committee be established.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and
approved unanimously to approve the City Council Subcommittee Assignments for 2018.
16. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL INTER-GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR
2018: Mayor Ashton.
Mayor Ashton commented regarding the Inter-Government Committee Assignments for 2018
and said there weren’t significant changes. He announced Council Member Vasquez will be stepping
down from serving on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors and
Executive Committee and Council Member Saab has been assigned as the Primary and he will serve
as the Alternate. Mayor Aston will also serve as the Primary for the L.A. County Sanitation District Nos.
2 and 18, and Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez will serve as the Alternate. For the Los Angeles City Selection
Committee, Mayor Ashton will also serve as the Primary and Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez will serve as
the Alternate.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved
unanimously, to approve the City Council Inter-Government Committee Assignments for 2018.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas thanked Director Mostahkami and Public Works Staff their work in the
repaving of Brookshire Ave. and commented on the significant street improvements to the City. He
thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui and Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments for
their work with the improvements at the Rio Hondo Golf Club. He announced the City Council’s goal
setting workshop scheduled next week.
ADJO URNMENT
Mayor Asthon adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:35 p.m. in memory of Sargent 1st
Class Mihail Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, New Jersey and Specialist Avadon A. Chaves, 20, of Turlock, CA
who were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; Deputy Daniel Mccartney of Pierce County Sherriff’s
Department, Washington who died in the line of duty; Deputy Zack Parrish of Castle Rock Police
Department, Colorado who died in the line of duty; Lieutenant Matthew Letourneau of the Philadelphia
Fire Department Engine 45 who succumbed to injuries suffered from a structural collapse while
fighting a rowhouse fire; and, Apollo 1 Astronauts, the STS-51-L Challenger Space Shuttle Crew and
the STS-107 Columbia Space Shuttle Crew.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor