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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03e. Minutes - 04-11-17 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 11, 2017 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2017 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 11, 2017, at 6:30 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 Adria M. Jimenez, MMC, City Clerk John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Carl Charles, Chief of Police Jay Ibey, Assistant Fire Chief Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director The Invocation was delivered by Meredith Perkins, Former Downey Mayor. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jordan Guerra, Gallatin Elementary Student. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Pacheco acknowledged Martha Sodetani, Dr. John Garcia, and Michael Calvert in the audience. She reported attending the ARC Walk and travelling to Sacramento to advocate for Downey Adult School. She attended Downey PTA 1st Color-A-thon, Brunch with the Bunny and Downey Library Donors and Volunteers recognition brunch. She announced upcoming events: Bilingual story time at Downey Library, Cops and Kids Event, Downey Rose Float Association Outgoing Court Ceremony, and the City of Stem event at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He recognized Beth Mathis and Karina Madariaga in the audience. He reported attending the Downey Police and Fire Foundation Luncheon and thanked the Chief of Police and Fire Chief for their service. He announced upcoming events: City of Stem, Downey Rose Float Association Outgoing Ceremony and Pageant, and the State of the City event. He mentioned there will be a second community event that will provide community members an opportunity to provide input regarding center medians on Paramount Blvd. between Firestone Blvd. and Florence Ave. He requested staff bring an item to Council to create a Measure S oversight committee. He asked staff to implement a section on the City’s website that will allow community members to sign-up for updates on upcoming City meetings. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 11, 2017 2 Council Member Rodriguez acknowledged Marie Yusem in the audience. He reported attending Career Day at the neighboring schools, visiting Culver City’s Police Department to shadow their city’s Coyote Management Plan, visiting the Downtown Los Angeles Foodbank and ASPIRE Program school sites. He announced upcoming events: Volunteer Round-up Assessment and the Pets for Veterans Program. He requested staff research adding a prohibition to the Municipal Code to prohibit vaping in City parks. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton recognized Kimberly Hayes, Betty Monroy and his wife Mrs. Ashton in the audience. He reported attending the Central Basin Water District Tour of the California Aqueduct and ribbon cutting for the fitness equipment at Apollo and Golden Parks. He thanked Director Passow and city staff for their efforts in mak ing the fitness equipment possible. He reported attending the SCAG Regional Council meeting and the Lower L.A. River Working Group meeting where they discussed developing a master plan to revitalize the L.A. River from the City of Vernon to the City of Long Beach. In addition, he reported attending: the Library and Donor Awards, PTA Color-A-Thon and Brunch with the Bunny event. He also thanked the Lion’s Club and city staff for helping organize the event. He mentioned attending the Story Time event at the Downey Library and the Police and Fire Foundation Awards Luncheon. He thanked the Chief of Police and Fire Chief for their service. He announced upcoming events: Keep Downey Beautiful Clean-up, Electronic-Waste and Document Shredding event at the Stonewood Shopping Center, City of Stem event; Student Government Day and his Town Hall Meeting at the Barbara Riley Center. Mayor Vasquez acknowledged Emily Lopez and Carol Morrison in the audience. He reported attending the Bilingual Story Time at the Downey Library. He mentioned April is Financial Literacy month and said part of his initiative as Mayor is to launch a financial literacy program for the city. He stated one of his goals this year is to launch a campaign with a responsible corporate partner located within the City of Downey who will be able to share useful financial management information with graduating high school seniors. He hopes that the knowledge acquired will enable youth to make smarter financial decisions. PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Martha Sodetani, DUSD Board Member. 2. Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Gordon Sodetani for receiving the Humanitarian Scholarship from Downey Sister Cities Association and US/Mexico Sister Cities Association. 3. Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Veronica Kircher for her 100th Birthday. 4. Mayor Vasquez presented a Proclamation to Betty Monroy in Recognition of National Library Week. 5. Mayor Vasquez presented Certificates of Recognition to Downey AYSO U12 Boys Extra Flex Program Team in recognition of winning the Western State Champions 2017. 6. Presentation to the Council from the Downey Relay for Life Team. PUBLIC HEARING: None. NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding sidewalks, ADA compliance and homelessness. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 11, 2017 3 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Vasquez announced Item No. 13 includes an adoption of a resolution approving the rate adjustments. Mayor Vasquez abstained from Item No. 3 due to the proximity to his property; he abstained from Item No. 15 due to conflict of interest related to a source of income. Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item Nos. 3 and 15 due to conflict of interest related to sources of income; he abstained from Item No. 12 due to proximity to his property. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton pulled Item No. 6. Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item No. 5 allowing service pets in council chambers. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item Nos. 3 and 15; Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item No. 12; and Mayor Pro Tem Ashton pulling Item No. 6. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of March 14, 2017; Regular Meeting of March 28, 2017: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 312173 – 312522; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003587, 30003593 – 30003596; Manual Wire Nos. 1540 – 1543, in the total amount of $2,789,024.84: Finance. 3. ACCEPTED THE ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR PROJECT, DISTRICT 4, AND SCHOOL CAMPUS FRONTAGES AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $299,677.50; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-03): Public Works. 4. AWARDED TRUE AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BETWEEN BLANDWOOD RD AND METRO ST., IN THE AMOUNT OF $134,325 TO WILLIAMS PIPELINE CONTRACTORS, INC., AND AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK UP TO THE APPROVED BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-16): Public Works. 5. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE SOUTHEAST AREA ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY (SEAACA) FOR THE “PETS FOR TROOPS” PROGRAM: Administration. 7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7707, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY CITY OF DOWNEY FOR FUNDING FROM THE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM AS PROVIDED THROUGH THE GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND: Public Works. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 11, 2017 4 8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7708, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF KARINA MADARIAGA TO THE GREEN TASK FORCE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: Council Member Saab. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7709, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE IN COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5: Human Resources. 10. ADOPTED THE 2017 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN POLICY AND POSITION LETTERS WITHIN THE GUIDELINES OF THE PLATFORM: Administration. 11. WAIVE D ADMISSION FEES TO THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER (CMSC) DURING THE DOWNEY RIDE AND STRIDE OPEN STREETS EVENT ON MAY 7, 2017 FROM 10AM-3PM: Parks & Rec/CMSC 12. AUTHORIZED STREET CLOSURES ALONG APPROXIMATELY 4 MILES OF DOWNEY STREETS, FOR THE OPEN STREETS “RIDE & STRIDE” EVENT ON SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2017: Parks & Rec. 13. APPROVED CALMET SERVICES, INC. ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING SERVICES: Administration. 14. AUTHORIZED THE ADDITION OF TEN (10) FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER POSITIONS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Human Resources. 15. APPROVED THE DONATION OF TWO FOURSOMES OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNEY ADULT SCHOOL FUNDRAISER GOLF TOURNAMENT: Council Member Pacheco. 16. AUTHORIZED A $5,000 PAYMENT TO GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR MEASURE M EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN: Administration. OTHER BUSINESS 6. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH CONSERVATION CORPS OF LONG BEACH FOR LITTER ABATEMENT SERVICES: Public Works. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton sought clarification on whether the City has the authority to direct Conservation Corps to send them to different sites that need to be cleaned. Director of Public Works Mohammad Mostahkami replied yes. Mayor Pro tem also requested that specialized attention be directed to areas involving railroad tracks. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton, seconded by Council Member Saab and carried unanimously to approve the agreement with Conservation Corps of Long Beach for Litter Abatement Services. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 11, 2017 5 STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas informed the Council that Wi-Fi is now available at the Rio Hondo Pro Shop and Banquet Facilities. He stated that Phase 2 also involved providing Wi-Fi in the driving range area and that is completed. Lastly, he mentioned that staff is working on adding signage at the facility to inform patrons of Wi-Fi availability. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:43 p.m. in memory of Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mae Morrow, 25, of Dansville, NY; and, Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren, 25, of Umatilla, Oregon, who were supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; Officer Justin Terney, 22, Tecumseh Oklahoma Police Department, killed in the line of duty; Officer Nick Rodman, Louisville Kentucky Metro Police Department killed in the line of duty; and, Robert J. Miller, Downey High School and Downey YMCA coach and personal trainer. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC SEAN ASHTON City Clerk Mayor