HomeMy WebLinkAbout03b. Minutes - 03-27-18 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
March 27, 2018
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on March 27, 2018,
at 6:36 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 7:06 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 Downey Police Department Chaplain Greg Welch. The Pledge
of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 2715.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Michael
Calvert, Joanna Peterson and Members of Courage Forward in the audience. She reported attending
the Gangs Out of Downey Luncheon, the Arc Walk and the State of the City Address. She
congratulated Mayor Ashton for his presentation. She announced upcoming events: MADE Mock
Interview Day, Easter Event at the Promenade. She requested staff inspect the street lights on Imperial
Hwy. between Bellflower Blvd. and Ardis Ave.
Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the 1-5
Joint Power's Authority meeting. He commented regarding a grant awarded to the JPA consisting of
7,000 trees to be used in the public right of way and for members of the community. He announced he
will participate in the MADE Mock Interview Day. He wished everyone a Happy Easter. He reported
participating in a meeting of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders where they discussed the role of
ethical leadership among Latino leaders. He reported participating in a delegation to Guadalajara where
they discussed career opportunities in the biotech industry and healthcare. He commented regarding
career opportunities in stem technology and healthcare. He requested staff inspect the traffic light
located at the southwest corner of Florence Ave. and Lesterford Ave.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Ms.
Rodriguez, his granddaughter and Claudia Gomez in the audience. He reported participating as a guest
speaker at the What Works City Workshop Event held at the CMSC. He reported attending the Gangs
Out of Downey Annual Luncheon and the Neighborhood Watch Block Captain's Meeting where they
discussed homelessness issues. He reported attending a Gateway Cities Liaison meeting with Ms.
DeLong and the ribbon cutting for Burlington Coat Factory, as well as the Walk for Jesus and the active
shooter training exercise at Downey High School. He thanked the Downey Police and Fire Departments
for their leadership and dedication. He reported attending the State of the City Address and
congratulated Mayor Ashton for his presentation. He invited the audience to attend a Salute to the
Armed Services Breakfast to be held at the Downey First Baptist Church.
Mayor Ashton reported attending the West Santa Ana Branch scoping meeting for Metro where
they discussed a light rail line from Artesia to Union Station. He encouraged anyone interested to
submit their comments regarding the project. He also attended a scoping meeting for the 1-105 Express
lanes where they discussed transitioning the HOV lanes to express lanes. He commented regarding the
State of the City Address and thanked the Chamber of Commerce and City staff for coordinating the
event. He announced a second State of the City Address to be held at the Barbara J. Riley Center on
Monday, April 9 in the evening. He announced upcoming events: Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks; Local
Heroes Night at Chick-fil-A; Telegraph Rd. Safety Enhancements Public Outreach meeting; Animaniacs
at the Downey Theater; and, the final show for the Downey Symphony Orchestra.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez introduced Greg Welch, new Chaplain at the Downey Police
Department.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor's Hero of the Meeting Award to Angelica Zamora, U.S. Navy
Veteran.
2. Mayor Ashton presented a Proclamation in honor of April 2018 "City of STEM" Month to CMSC
Director Ben Dickow.
3. Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Appointment to Vijay J. Patel, Personnel
Advisory Board, District 3.
4. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Council Member Saab presented Certificates of Congratulations
to Downey AYSO Leagues for their 2017-2018 Western States Championship.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Ashton recessed the City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Ashton reconvened the
City Council meeting at 7:42 p.m.
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ashton opened non agenda public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding homelessness.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez announced he would be abstaining from Item No. 5.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented against Item Nos. 10 and 9.
Having no one else 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 Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez
abstaining from Item No. 5.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting and Regular Meeting of March 13, 2018: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 322033 — 322460; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003724, 30003730 —
30003734 (Payroll Wire number 30003733 is a Payroll Credit Adjustment); Manual Wire Nos. 1677
— 1680; and, Cashier's Check numbers are 111 — 112 in the total amount of $2,517,947.55:
Finance.
3. APPROVED THE APPROPRIATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL LITERACY GRANT FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $20,996 FROM THE CALIFORNIA LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES GRANT:
Library.
4. APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NINYO & MOORE
GEOTECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CONSULTANTS FOR THE
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES AT 9255 IMPERIAL HWY.; APPROVED THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH STEARNS, CONRAD AND SCHMIDT
CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
SERVICES AT 9255 IMPERIAL HWY.; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS TO
THE AGREEMENTS; AND, APPROPRIATED $175,000 FROM THE WATER FUND TO COVER
THE ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES AT 9255 IMPERIAL HWY. IN THE FY
2017/18 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-
01): Public Works.
5. APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS
FOR RESIDENTIAL STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-02): Public Works.
6. APPROVED FIVE-YEAR LICENSE AGREEMENTS WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
COMPANY (SCE) FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF THEIR RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PARK
PURPOSES AT WILDERNESS PARK AND CRAWFORD PARK; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENTS; APPROPRIATED $12,494.88 FROM GENERAL FUNDS
BALANCE TO COVER THE TOTAL COST; AUTHORIZED PAYMENT OF SAID AMOUNT TO
SCE TO COVER THE FEES; AND, AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE FUTURE
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENTS: Public Works.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018 3
7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7790, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY DECLARING THE DAMAGE TO A FIBER-OPTIC HUB CABINET RESULTING
FROM A VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 13, 2017 AN EMERGENCY FOR THE
PRESERVATION OF LIFE, HEALTH AND PROPERTY PURSUANT TO DOWNEY CITY
CHARTER SECTION 1211 AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR THE REQUIRED REPAIRS:
Public Works.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7791, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY GRANTING ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR THE APPROVAL OF CHANGE
ORDERS FOR PROJECTS AWARDED UNDER THE INFORMAL BIDDING PROCEDURE: Public
Works.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7792, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING THE NOVEMBER 2018 VETERANS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
BOND ACT: Administration.
�[I�_1171���►�i1=1��it�>r�:1�7A_1r•Ir•IIr•[�d�7►�il►�il�'�'1[�]�A7�'���[�i•�[ .. � • �►�Caii1.'�'tEi .�F1:>A
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7793, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF NOLVERIS FROMETA TO
REPLACE THE EXISTING MEMBER ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL
DISTRICT 5
11. APPROVED THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE CURRENT FOUR 457(B) DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN RECORD -KEEPERS TO A SINGLE RECORD-KEEPING PLATFORM
WITH VOYA EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2018; APPROVED THE CONVERSION OF THE RETIREE
MEDICAL PLAN FROM ICMA-RC TO VOYA EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2018; APPROVED THE
ENGAGEMENT OF SFG RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING, LLC AS THE PLAN
CONSULTANT, INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND CO -FIDUCIARY TO CITY'S 457(B) AND
RETIREE MEDICAL PLANS EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2018; AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF
FINANCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AS THE CITY'S PLAN ADMINISTRATOR TO
EXECUTE THE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS: Finance.
12. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNEY ADULT SCHOOL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Council
Member Pacheco.
13. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE ST. PIUS/ST. MATHIAS ACADEMY FIRST ANNUAL WARRIOR
CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
14. CONSIDERED PROPOSAL TO RESEARCH NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITIES: Community
Development.
Mayor Ashton commented regarding his request to staff to research a proposal to identify
neighborhood identities similar to the Orange Estates. He mentioned Director Schindler has talked to
the Downey Conservancy and Downey Historical Society and Mr. Latimer has submitted a proposal in
the amount of $3,500 to research different neighborhoods in the City. Mayor Ashton is requesting the
Council's approval to move forward with identifying historical areas within the City.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018 4
Council Member Vasquez asked Director Schindler if the cost of the proposal was reasonable
and if Mr. Latimer was qualified to perform the research. Mr. Schindler stated the cost is low and Mr.
Latimer is local in the community and would present an intricate project.
Council Member Saab asked if Council would receive a list of the different areas with historical
significance in the community and then determine how they want to move forward. Director Schindler
stated that was correct.
Council Member Saab agreed Mr. Latimer was qualified and said he would like to move forward
with receiving the information and making a decision.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the discrimination and naming streets in
honor of police officers or teachers.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
Council Member Pacheco agreed to the proposal of identifying neighborhoods and learning
about the City's history.
Council Member Saab inquired if the research would only identify the names and if a map would
be provided.
Director Schindler advised a series of documents, research, maps and graphics would be
provided and presented to council upon completion of the research.
City Mayor Livas stated the goal is to identify areas and obtain community consensus that there
is historical significance.
Council Member Vasquez asked the City Attorney if this proposal would qualify for public art
fund. City Attorney advised it would not.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved
unanimously to consider proposal to research neighborhood identities.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas informed the Council they each received a memo regarding City Council
priorities. He announced the launching of the Council's Homeless Action Plan and said Assistant to the
City Manager Delong is working with service providers and will be bringing the results of the Homeless
Action Plan to the subcommittee and City Council once completed. He reported the City was successful
in a couple of projects from the 1-10 Technical Advisory Committee and thanked Director Mostahkami
and staff for garnering 6.8 million dollars that will be going to Metro Board for approval next month and
will be used for improvements at the intersections of Lakewood Blvd. and Florence Ave. and
Paramount Blvd. and Imperial Hwy. He thanked City Council and staff for their leadership and being
present at the meetings.
Council Member Saab requested an update from Director Mostahkami regarding the expansion
of the 1-5 Freeway. Council Member Vasquez stated the project has not started and it is projected for
2044. He explained funds have not been secured to begin the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez mentioned any future questions regarding assistance to Veterans
they can be referred to Courage Forward.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018 5
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ashton adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:10 p.m. in memory of Sgt.
Christina Marie Schoenecker, 26, of Arlington, Kansas who was supporting Operation Inherent
Resolve; Officer Christopher Ryan Morton, Missouri State Highway Patrol, killed in the line of duty; and,
Terrie Sundarakumara former Downey resident and Mother -in -Law of Mayor Sean Ashton; and, Sandra
Pope, Mother of Mike Pope, Downey Police Corporal.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 27, 2018 6