HomeMy WebLinkAbout01b. Minutes - 02-27-18 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 27,
2018, at 6:34 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
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 Father John Higgins, St. Raymond’s Catholic Church. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 2543.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Mrs. Saab,
Jennifer DeKay, Martha Sodetani, Donald La Plante, Dr. Garcia and Michael Calvert in the audience.
He reported participating in Read Across America week at the local elementary schools. He thanked
TLC for organizing the 5K walk/run fundraiser. He commented in regards to Senator Mendoza’s
resignation. He assured the audience business will continue as usual in Downey. He requested staff
review zoning designations for martial arts studios and fitness gyms. He asked staff to examine the
traffic light at the southwest corner of Firestone Blvd. and Old River School Road. He requested staff
research the possibility of an electronic billboard sign in the area of Dennis the Menace Park and the I-5
freeway.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged her
parents in the audience. She reported participating in the TLC 5K walk/run and the Downey Ponytail
Softball League opening day. She participated in Read Across America week at the local elementary
schools. She announced upcoming events: Chamber of Commerce Annual Anniversary Luncheon;
Chamber of Commerce Let’s Do Lunch event at Rock & Brews; and, the annual G.O.O.D. Luncheon at
the Rio Hondo Golf Club.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 2
Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the I-5
freeway COG meeting and commented regarding alternative funding options to continue freeway
construction between Downey and East Los Angeles. He mentioned voicing his opposition for a
proposed supplemental tax to continue funding freeway construction. He mentioned participating in the
Read Across America week at the local elementary schools. He congratulated and thanked Dr. Garcia
and the School Board Members for their work with the students and acknowledged their good behavior.
He mentioned his participation as a guest speaker at a health conference and an economic
development event as well as at a small business seminar. He requested staff examine the street light
at the southwest corner of Florence Ave. and Lesterford Ave.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the
ribbon cutting for Cocina de Cinco and the military career service day. He attended the TLC 5K
run/walk fundraiser and the Ponytail League Softball opening day. He participated in the Read Across
America week at the local elementary schools. He met with Dr. Zegarra at Columbus High School and
mentioned students at the high school scored high in military tests. He met with representatives of
Studio Movie Grill and said the movie theatre will soon offer VIP service. He commented regarding
improvements at Furman Park possible with Measure S funding.
Mayor Ashton reported attending the Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up and the Downey Police
Department Citizens’ Academy. He mentioned representatives from Downey Sister City Fresnillo,
Zacatecas visited Fire Station 1 last weekend to meet with Downey Fire personnel and receive training
on how to operate the fire truck donation to Fresnillo. He reported participating in the 5K run/walk and
thanked the TLC Board and DUSD for their involvement. He announced upcoming events: Westside
Little League opening day, the ARC Walk at Stonewood Mall; Keep Downey Beautiful Clean-Up;
Brunch with the Bunny; and, Mayor’s State of City Address hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor’s Downey DNA Award to Beth Gendreau.
2. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor’s Hero of the Meeting Award to Roberto Recillas.
3. Mayor Ashton presented Certificates of Recognition to the Downey Rose Float Association for
winning the Queen Trophy at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
4. Mayor Aston presented a Certificate of Appointment to Donald LaPlante to the Independent
Citizens’ Oversight Committee, District 2.
5. Council Member Vasquez presented a Certificate of Appointment to Claudia Marroquin-Frometa,
Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, District 4.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. ADOPTED THE CITY’S 2015 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7780, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S 2015 URBAN WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mayor Ashton opened the Public Hearing at 7:36 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.
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Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 3
The staff report was provided by Mohammed Mostahkami, Public Works Director. The Urban
Water Management Planning Act of the California Water Code requires all urban water suppliers
providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers, or supplying more than 3,000
acre-ft. of water annually, to file an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) with the California
Department of Water Resources every five years. The UWMP must be in compliance with the Act, the
Water Conservation Bill of 2009, and the Department of Water Resources requirements while serving
as a basis for the City to continue meeting its demands of its current and future customers. The Plan
includes population and housing trends, a description and evaluation of current and projected potable
and recycled water supplies and demands, water conservation activities, an analysis of water supply
reliability, and planning for potential water shortages. The Act requires that a public hearing be
conducted to gather public input to the UWMP prior to its adoption.
Mayor Ashton opened public comment at 7:37 p.m.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment at 7:37 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and carried
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 18-7780, adopting the City of Downey’s 2015 Urban Water
Management Plan.
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ashton opened non agenda public comment.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ashton announced a correction to Item No. 16 of the Consent Calendar. The
recommendation is to ratify the donation of one foursome of golf at the Rio Hondo Golf Course in
support of the Little Lake Educational Advancement Foundation (LLEAF) Invitational Golf Tournament.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Saab pulling Item
Nos. 5 and 9; and, Mayor Ashton pulling Item No. 13.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of February 13, 2018: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 321312 – 321681; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003713 & 30003719 –
30003722; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1662 – 1671, in the total amount of $2,356,560.77: Finance.
4. ACCEPTED THE FURMAN PARK AND APOLLO PARK WALKING/JOGGING TRAIL LIGHTING
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $180,244.86; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 15-02B
AND 15-03C): Public Works.
6. ALLOCATED $30,500 FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF HAND-HELD
CITATION ISSUANCE DEVICES USED FOR CITY-WIDE PARKING ENFORCEMENT: Police.
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Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 4
7. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,480.50 TO MUSCO LIGHTING FOR THE
INDEPENDENCE PARK SOFTBALL FIELDS LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT; AUTHORIZED THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AGREEMENT; AND AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF
WORK FOR THIS PROJECT, DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED
BUDGET: Public Works.
8. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE 2016 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY (SHSGP)
GRANT FUNDS AND ACCEPTED AND APPROPRIATED $124,032 OF 2016 SHSGP FUNDS:
Fire.
10. APPROVED THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE 2017 MOBILE SOURCE AIR
POLLUTION REDUCTION REVIEW COMMITTEE (MSRC) LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO FUND THE INSTALLATION OF SIX ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATIONS AT VARIOUS CITY LOCATIONS: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7781, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT, AMENDMENTS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
PERTAINING TO THE RECEIPT AND USE OF 2017 MSRC LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDS.
11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7782, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AND THE DOWNEY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION (JANUARY 1, 2015 – DECEMBER 31, 2016):
Human Resources.
12. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7783, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ORDERING PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ARTICLE 4 OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE “LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972”,
BEING DIVISION 15, PART 2 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND SERVICING OF STREET AND
PUBLIC FACILITY LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND APPURTENANT
WORK IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2018 AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2019: Public Works.
14. ADOP TED ORDINANCE NO. 18-1390, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Community Development.
15. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 18-1391, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A LICENSING AND ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT WITH CROWN
CASTLE NG WEST, LLC.: Public Works.
16. RATIFIED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE LITTLE LAKE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION
(LLEAF) INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Council Member Saab.
OTHER BUSINESS:
5. APPROPRIATED $1,200,000 FROM MEASURE S FUNDS TO PURCHASE AND UPGRADE
RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND CODE
ENFORCEMENT DIVISION AND AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF THE NECESSARY
EQUIPMENT THROUGH AN INFORMAL, SOLE SOURCE BID PROCESS: Police.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 5
Council Member Saab commented on the importance of upgrading the radio communication
equipment for the Police Department and said this is a result of Measure S funding. He asked Police
Chief Charles if the equipment met the requirements of the department.
Chief Charles said the equipment met their needs and thanked the City Council and the
community.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Ignacio Gonzalez, resident, commented regarding sole source policies and procedures.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated he worked with the Police Department to find a vendor
that could supply the service and equipment which met their needs. Only one vendor was identified that
could provide the needed equipment and services.
City Manager Livas stated there is a bidding process in place and staff is cautious when
selecting a sole source vendor. He confirmed there are checks and balances in place.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez commented regarding the radio communication issues the Police
Department was experiencing.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved
unanimously to appropriate $1,200,00 from Measure S to purchase and upgrade radio communication
equipment for the Police Department and Code enforcement division and authorized procurement of
the necessary equipment through an informal, sole source bid process.
9. APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOORE, IACOFONO AND
GOLTSMAN, INC. (MIG) FOR THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER AND WILDERNESS PARK
RESTORATION PROJECT ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES;
AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT: Public Works.
Council Member Saab asked when the project will be completed and if the lake at Wilderness
Park would be fenced during construction.
Director Mostahkami said the design phase would be completed by September 2018 and the
construction phase would be completed by September 2019. He said the lake would be fenced for
construction.
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 to approve the
Professional Services Agreement with MOORE, IACOFONO and GOLTSMAN, INC. (MIG) for the San
Gabriel River and Wilderness Park Restoration Project Architectural and Engineering Design Services;
authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement; and, authorize the City Manager to execute any
amendments to the Agreement.
13. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7784, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR THE POSITION OF FIRE CHIEF: Human
Resources.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 6
The staff report for Item No. 13 was provided by Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Director.
City management representatives recently completed labor negotiations for successor Memoranda of
Understanding covering wages, benefits and other mandatory subjects of bargaining with the Downey
Fire Management Association. Per City Council Resolution No. 5290, the Management Performance
Compensation Plan, provides that cost-of-living increases granted to management employees will be
no less than that granted to the rank and file employees in their respective departments. Senate Bill
1436 signed by Governor Brown, mandates that effective January 1, 2017, local agencies report out
certain information before changing the compensation or benefits of their “executives”. Under this law,
legislative bodies for agencies must orally report a summary of a recommendation for changes in
salaries or benefits before voting for the changes. The votes must be taken in the open session
portions of the meetings. The negotiated MOU with the DFMA provides for three across-the-board
range adjustments during the term of the agreement (January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019) as
follows: a 2% increase in year one; a 2% increase in year two; and, a 3% increase in year three. The
current monthly salary range for the position of Fire Chief is $13,725.97 to $16,745.67. The new
monthly salary ranges proposed for the position of Fire Chief to correspond with the range increases
provided to the DFMA are as follows: $14,274.99 to $17,415.49, effective the pay period that included
February 27, 2018 and $14,703.24 to $17,937.95, effective the pay period that includes January 1,
2019. All other benefits payable to the position of Fire Chief are in accordance with Resolution No. 16-
7633.
Mayor Ashton asked if this item would need to return to Council every year during the next three
years to approve the salary increase.
Director Youssefieh stated the resolution included the salary increase for the next three years.
Mayor Ashton opened this item for public comment.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and approved
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 18-7784, establishing compensation for the position of Fire Chief.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas announced the City received the Government Finance Officers Association
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. He said this is a great
achievement for the City of Downey and it reflects the commitment of the City Council and City staff
and the principals of government budgeting. He thanked the City Council, the Budget Subcommittee,
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director, James Fructuoso, Assistant Finance Director, Shannon DeLong,
Assistant to the City Manager, Juddy Montenegro, Management Analyst, and Maria Rivas
Administrative Aide Maria Rivas and the department for their role in producing the quality product.
Council Member Saab thanked City Manager Livas, Assistant City Manager Oskoui and Director
of Finance Gandhy for their good work, ethics and transparency.
Council Member Saab requested a Rio Hondo Golf Club Subcommittee meeting.
Council Member Vasquez requested a Lakewood Blvd. Subcommittee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez requested a Downtown Subcommittee meeting.
Mayor Ashton congratulated Finance Director Gandhy for receiving the award from GFOA.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – February 27, 2018 7
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ashton adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 7:59 p.m. in memory of the tragedy
in Parkland, Florida.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor