HomeMy WebLinkAbout2b. Minutes - 04-24-18 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 24, 2018
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 24, 2018,
at 6:42 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 Alex Vargas, The Lord’s Grace Church. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 4835.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged former Mayor
Kirk Cartozian, Michael Chirco and Downey Police Officers in the audience. He thanked Captain Garza
and Director of Public Works Mostahkami for their service and wished them a prosperous retirement.
He reported attending the ribbon cutting event for Giant RV and the tree planting tribute for Mr. Ken
Thompson. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and staff for organizing the tribute to Mr. Thompson.
He congratulated the Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year. He announced upcoming events:
Furman and Apollo Park Lighting Project Dedication, Downey Federal Credit Union Annual Food
Packing event at Warren High School, Salute to the Armed Services Breakfast at First Baptist Church
of Downey, City of STEM Festival, Miss Downey Pageant, Rotary Fundraiser Gala, National Day of
Prayer, G.O.O.D Annual Gala Scholarship; and Downey Street Faire on May 5.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the
Downey Police and Fire Foundation Annual Luncheon. She congratulated the Police Officer and
Firefighter of the Year. She reported attending the League of California Cities Legislative Action Day in
Sacramento and talked about State Senate Bill SB827 which would override the local zoning near
transit to allow for denser housing. She reported attending the Library Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
and the C.E.R.T Graduation. She announced upcoming events: City of STEM Festival and the Police
Department Drug Take Back event. She requested staff address the overgrown vegetation and trash
behind the bus stop at Gardendale St. and Brookshire Ave.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 2
Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the I-5
JPA meeting where they discussed possible options for the I-5 expansion between Downey and East
Los Angeles. One option being considered is applying a sales tax rebate program in which the earnings
will go towards the I-5 expansion. He thanked Captain Garza and Director of Public Works Mostahkami
for their service. He announced the upcoming Youth in Government Day. He thanked members of
Courage Forward for their service. He acknowledged Alex Dominguez and Eric Pierce in the audience
and thanked them for their service and maintaining the residents informed.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez reported attending a SELACO WIB training where they discussed
how to create more jobs within L.A County. He brought members of Courage Forward and SELACO
WIB together to talk to current and former Columbus High School students about joining the military. He
thanked Courage Forward for helping these students. He reported attending a Neighborhood Watch
meeting at Via Amorita where they discussed key issues including homelessness in the City. He said
this resulted in a resident reporting a homeless encampment at the riverbed by Foster Bridge Rd. He
commented regarding the military banner program and said he assigned an Eagle Scout to assist with
locating soldiers and delivering their military banners to them at their residence. He announced
upcoming events: National Day of Prayer and Salute to the Armed Services Breakfast at First Baptist
Church of Downey. He announced RMI is being recognized as a U.S. Hiring Partner who employs
military Veterans. He thanked staff for their assistance in paying tribute to Mr. Ken Thompson.
Mayor Ashton reported attending the Library Volunteer Recognition Breakfast, the tree planting
for Mr. Ken Thompson and the C.E.R.T Graduation. He announced upcoming events: Furman and
Apollo Park Lighting Project Dedication, Youth in Government Day, Salute to the Armed Services
Breakfast, City of STEM Festival, Downey Rose Float Association Outgoing Ceremony and G.O.O.D
Ricky Galvez Scholarships Gala.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor’s Downey DNA Award to William Craig.
2. Mayor Ashton with assistance from City Manager Livas presented a Certificate of Recognition to
Retiring Employee with 4 Years of Service – Mohammed Mostahkami, Director of Public Works
Department.
3. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor’s Hero of the Meeting Award to Lloyd Vernis.
4. Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rio San Gabriel School
“Frogville”.
5. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Chief Charles presented a Certificate of Recognition of Retiring
Employee with 34 Years of Service – Steve Garza, Police Captain Downey Police Department.
6. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Director Parks & Recreation Passow presented a Proclamation
in honor of Student Government Day.
7. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez presented a Proclamation in honor
of National Volunteer Week.
8. Mayor Ashton presented a Proclamation in honor of Day of Remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide.
9. Presentation to the City Council by Eco-Rapid Transit/Orangeline Development Authority.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 3
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Rocky Pavone, Certified Financial Educator, invited the community to attend a financial literacy
workshop.
Gabriel Montoya, Healthcare Worker at Downey Kaiser Permanente, commented regarding lay-
offs at the Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
James Bell, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the Kaiser
Permanente warehouse.
Mary Alvarez, resident and Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-
offs at the Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Raymond Martinez, resident and Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding
lay-offs at the Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Winona Spears, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Ariana Barragan, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Edna Marie, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the Kaiser
Permanente warehouse.
Adriana Araiza, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
John Paul Drayer, suggested working with Cerritos College for career training and career
placement to assist the employees being affected by the Kaiser Permanente lay-offs.
Michael Calvert, resident, commented regarding the services he receives from Kaiser
Permanente employees.
Roy Beard, resident, congratulated Director Mostahkami on his retirement and congratulated
and commented on the C.E.R.T graduating class and future trainings.
Natasha Hemsley, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Brenda Tippins, retired Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Elvira Morillo, Downey Kaiser Permanente employee, commented regarding lay-offs at the
Kaiser Permanente warehouse.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Duarte announced an amendment to the attached Memorandum of Understanding
with the City of Downey Miscellaneous Unit (pages 46-49) for Item No. 9.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 4
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 3; Council Member Pacheco announced she would
abstain from Item No. 5, due to the proximity to her property.
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 Consent Calendar with Council Member Saab pulling Item No. 3, Council
Member Pacheco abstaining from Item No. 5; and, the amendment to pages 46-49 of the
Miscellaneous Unit MOU attached to Item No. 9.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of April 10, 2018: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 322844 – 323209; Payroll Wire Nos. 3733, 3738 and 3742 –
3745; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1685 – 1686 in the total amount of $ $3,108,210.83: Finance.
4. APPROVED THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA
(AMENDMENT) FOR THE LAKEWOOD BLVD./ROSEMEAD BLVD. AT TELEGRAPH RD.
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA (CASH
CONTRACT NO. 632-3D): Public Works.
5. ACCEPTED THE BROOKSHIRE AVE. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT FROM
GARDENDALE ST. TO IMPERIAL HWY. AND FIRESTONE BLVD. TO FLORENCE AVE. AS
COMPLETED; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$1,274,667.05; AND TRANSFERRED $89,324 FROM MEASURE R LOCAL RETURN FUNDS
BUDGETED IN THE FY 2017/18 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ACCOUNT NO. 56-1-
7828 TO ACCOUNT NO. 56-1-6715 TO COVER THE TOTAL PROJECT COST SHORTFALL;
AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF
COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-16): Public Works.
6. APPROVED THE ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CLIFTON
LARSON ALLEN LLP FOR FINANCIAL AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING SERVICES, AND
AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT: Administration.
7. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC COMPLIANCE
SERVICES FOR THE FUEL DISPENSERS REPLACEMENT AT MAINTENANCE YARD
PROJECT; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS
DEEMED NECESSARY: Public Works.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7797, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION – MAINTENANCE UNIT
(APRIL 1, 2018 – MARCH 31, 2021: Human Resources.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7798, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION – MISCELLANEOUS
UNIT (APRIL 1, 2018 – MARCH 31, 2021): Human Resources.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 5
10. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 18-1392, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE PLAZA DE
LA RAZA CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC.: Community Development.
11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 18-1393, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADDING SECTION 9620.05 TO CHAPTER 6 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING SIGNAGE FOR PRIVATE, PRIMARY EDUCATION (K-12)
SCHOOLS LOCATED WITHIN RESIDENTIAL ZONES: Community Development.
12. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNEY SYMPHONY: Mayor Ashton.
13. APPROVED THE DONATION OF TWO FOURSOMES OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNEY KIWANIS CLUB: Council Member Vasquez.
14. APPROVED THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET CLOSURE PERMIT
APPLICATION FOR BROOKSHIRE AVE. FROM FIRESTONE BLVD. TO CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
FOR THE CHAMBER’S ANNUAL STREET FAIRE TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2018: Administration.
OTHER BUSINESS:
3. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,981,400.00, TO SULLY-
MILLER CONTRACTING COMPANY FOR THE LAKEWOOD BLVD. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT,
PHASE 3C, FROM GALLATIN RD. TO TELEGRAPH RD.; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF
$70,000 FROM WATER FUNDS BUDGETED IN THE FY 2017/18 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM IN ACCOUNT NO. 51-1-8674 TO ACCOUNT NO. 51-1-7802 TO COVER THE
PROJECT COST SHORTFALL FOR WATER IMPROVEMENTS; APPROPRIATED $1,000,000 IN
REIMBURSABLE L.A. COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) I-
710 EARLY ACTION MEASURE R GRANT FUNDS TO COVER THE TOTAL PROJECT COSTS;
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 PROJECT BUDGET (CASH CONTRACT NO. 632-3C):
Public Works.
Council Member Saab inquired about the start and completion dates for the project. Director
Mostahkami stated the project is scheduled to begin the end of May and should be completed in
four months.
Council Member Saab inquired about traffic plans during construction. Director Mostahkami
stated the project requires lane closures therefore, work will be maximized at night and one to two
lanes will be kept open in each direction during daytime hours.
Council Member Saab asked what type of noticing will be sent to the affected business
owners and residents in the area. Director Mostahkami stated notifications will be posted on the
City website and social media outlets. Notices will be mailed two weeks prior to the start of
construction and they will work with Caltrans to post notices on billboards providing alternative
routes and construction dates.
Council Member Vasquez mentioned the construction project dates can be advertised on
the billboard located on the I-5 freeway. City Manager Livas said staff will contact the billboard
company in regards to advertising.
Council Member Saab inquired regarding bid pricing for this project. Director Mostahkami
stated staff selects the lowest responsible bidder and Sully-Miller Contracting Company is a
reputable company.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 6
Council Member Saab asked about the location and design of the entry monument sign.
Director Mostahkami stated the sign will be located at the center median, southbound direction of
Lakewood Blvd. The design of the sign is the same as the entry monument located on Firestone
Blvd. coming from Norwalk.
Council Member Saab asked what the color of the bus shelters will be. City Manager Livas
explained it will be consistent with the color scheme on Lakewood Blvd.
Council Member Vasquez asked if Police and Fire provided their input on the design of the
center medians for this project. Director Mostahkami advised they did and Fire Department
recommended a rolled curb for emergency access.
Council Member Vasquez commented regarding the installation of a license plate reader at
the southbound exit of the I-5 freeway on Lakewood Blvd. He inquired about the cost for installation
and asked about relocating the license plate reader on Telegraph Rd. and Lakewood Blvd. Police
Chief Charles stated a license plate reader on Lakewood Blvd. exiting the I-5 freeway would be
beneficial and the cost would be $30,000 to $40,000. He also suggested not relocating the
Telegraph Rd. and Lakewood Blvd. reader.
Council Member Pacheco suggested installing the new license plate reader in the area of
Gallatin Rd. and Lakewood Blvd. and keeping the existing reader at Telegraph Rd. and Lakewood
Blvd.
City Manager Livas stated staff will incorporate the installation of the license plate reader
with the construction project taking place and will identify a funding source for installation.
City Council agreed Police Chief Charles would determine the best location for the
installation of the license plate reader.
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 carried
unanimously to award the Construction Contract, in the amount of $2,981,400, to Sully-Miller
Contracting Company for the Lakewood Blvd. Improvement Project, Phase 3Cc, from Gallatin Rd.
to Telegraph Rd.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
15. ADOPTION OF SALARY AND BENEFITS RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT,
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT POSITIONS: Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7799, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING THE SALARY AND BENEFITS PAYABLE TO
EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT,
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT; AND REPEALING PRIOR
RESOLUTIONS.
City Manager Livas announced Human Resources Director Irma Youssefieh would
provide the staff report. Director Youssefieh stated the resolution before City Council establishes
salaries and benefits for employees designated as executive management, middle management
and confidential/exempt. Per City Council Resolution No. 5290, the Management Performance
Compensation Plan, includes that any cost-of-living (COLA) increase granted to management
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – April 24, 2018 7
employees will be no less than that granted to the rank and file employees in their respective
departments. The two Memorandums of Understanding adopted tonight for the Miscellaneous and
Maintenance Unit employees include range adjustments that will be consistent in this management
resolution. Based on Senate Bill (SB) 1436 local agencies are to report changes in regards to
compensation and benefits that pertain to executive employees. The resolution applies to
approximately 33 full-time employees in classifications designated as executive management and
includes the City Attorney and City Clerk who are listed in the pay schedules under Exhibit A. The
resolution includes two economic provisions that are consistent with the Memorandums of
Understanding that were adopted this evening. Director Youssefieh stated there are 3 salary
increases: 2% effective May 7, 2018, 2% effective March 25, 2019 and 3% effective March 23,
2020. Director Youssefieh mentioned an amendment under Exhibit A was specific to the second
adjustment date for the salary range and was due to a typographical error. The correct date should
read March 25 instead of March 23. Additionally, a one-time ad hoc lump sum payment in the
amount of $400 will be provided to each employee who is actively employed by the City as of April
24, 2018, which will not be reportable to the pension program. As additional information, the current
employment contracts for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk do afford the same fringe
benefits that are provided to non-sworn management employee groups. The increase of personnel
costs for the first year will be $111,000, second year $131,000 and third year $195,000.
Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this
item.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 18-7799, a resolution establishing the salary and benefits payable
to employees in classifications designated as Executive Management, Middle Management and
Confidential/Exempt; and repealing prior resolutions.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas announced as of today the City employs the authorized 121 sworn Police
Officers.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ashton adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 9:03 p.m. in memory of Master Sgt.
Jonathan J. Dunbar, 36, of Austin, Texas who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; Air Force
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno who died when his F-16 crashed in Nevada; Barbara Bush, first lady of the
United States and wife of the 41st Persident George H.W. Bush; and, victims of the tragedy in Toronto,
Canada.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor