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Special Meeting – October 2, 2017
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 2, 2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting on October 2, 2017,
at 4:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Vasquez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Fernando Vasquez Mayor
Sean Ashton Mayor Pro Tem
Blanca Pacheco Council Member
Rick Rodriguez Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Alicia Duarte, CMC, Interim City Clerk
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Irma Youssefieh, Human Resources Director
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM
1. ADOPTION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7748, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY
POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (JULY 1, 2017 – JUNE 30, 2020)
Irma Youssefieh, Director of Human Resources provided the staff report. The item before City
Council tonight is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Downey and the
Downey Police Officers’ Association (DPOA). The contract term is July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.
The Association represents the classification of Police Officer and Police Sergeant. The MOU includes
the following provisions: Across the board pay increases for all represented classifications: 2% effective
August 28, 2017; 2% effective June 18, 2018; and, 3% effective July 1, 2019. In addition, the City shall
make a one-time lump sum payment (non-PERSable) in the amount of $400 to each member of the
Association. The City will continue the 6% cost sharing of reportable earnings towards City pension
costs; and, city paid medical insurance to the highest Preferred Provider Option (PPO) offered by the
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) program. Other revised or added contract
language changes are included based on the need to clarify or update provisions in accordance with
practice or law. There are also two provisions to re-open discussion during the term of the MOU to
address CalPERS audit issues and the review of the City’s Cafeteria Plan to ensure compliance with
legal requirements.
City Manager Livas commented regarding the negation process and said this is the first time a
three year agreement is negotiated. He mentioned this will allow the City to know what their actual labor
costs are to plan accordingly. He mentioned it is a fair and modest agreement that ensures public
safety personnel is well compensated and ensures the City has the fiduciary responsibility to have a
budget that will sustain it.
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting – October 2, 2017
Mayor Vasquez opened the meeting for Public Comment. Having no one come forward Mayor
Vasquez closed Public Comment.
Council Member Saab commented regarding a strong relationship with the Downey Police
Officers’ Association. He mentioned this is a reasonable and fair agreement and it demonstrates the
City is fiscally responsible without compromising public safety.
Council Member Rodriguez agreed with the comments made by the Council and City Manager
regarding the three year agreement. He stated public safety should not be taken for granted.
Council Member Saab thanked the City Council, City Manager Livas, Assistant City Manager
Oskoui, Director Youssefieh and the DPOA for always demonstrating a commitment to the City.
Mayor Vasquez thanked City Manager Livas and his team for reaching this point in the
negotiation process. He mentioned the agreement demonstrates Measure S is working and said the
Police Department was able to add ten additional police officers in a fiscally responsible way in light of
the economic challenges nationwide.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried
unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 17-7748, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey
adopting the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Downey and the Downey Police
Officers’ Association (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2020).
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 4:39 p.m. in memory of all the
victims and fallen officers of the Las Vegas shooting.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor