HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-14-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 14,2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on March 14, 2017,
of 6:33 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
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director
Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Dn. Mario A. Guerra, CPIA. The Pledge of Allegiance was led
by Emily Gutierrez.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Pachecowelcomedthe audience to the meeting. She reported attending
funeral services for Whittier Police Officer Boyer. She thanked Downey Police for protecting and
serving the community. She reported attending West Downey Little League's opening day, the Rose
Float Association Murder -Mystery Dinner and, the Neighborhood Watch Annual Block Watch Captain
meeting. She commented on the discussion held at the Neighborhood Watch meeting related to coyote
issues and said the City is working on a plan to address this matter. She participated in the Day of the
Reader at Gallatin Elementary and the Local Heroes Fundraiser event at Chick-Fil- A. She mentioned
participating at a legal fair organized by the Southeast Bar Association. She announced upcoming
events: Friends of the Downey Library fundraiser, Gangs Out of Downey Annual Luncheon, Chamber of
Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon, and Cops and Kids event.
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reminded the audience they
can scan the QR Code on the Council Agenda to access the agenda reports on their smart phone. He
acknowledged members of the audience, former Mayor Mario Guerra, Ignacio Gonzalez, Michael
Calvert and Laurie Tyler. He reported attending the Day of the Reader events at Gallatin and Rio San
Gabriel Elementary Schools and a Budget Subcommittee meeting. He announced upcoming events:
Gangs Out of Downey Annual Luncheon, Community Health Clinic event, Rancho Los Amigos
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2017
Foundation Gala, El Sexto Paintings Exhibit at Stay Gallery, ARC Annual Walk for Independence, and
Brunch with the Bunny at Golden Park.
Council Member Rodriguez reported attending West Downey Little League's opening day and
visiting ASPIRE program sites. He announced he would like to recognize City staff that operates the
ASPIRE sites in a subsequent Council meeting. He mentioned the military subcommittee met with the
American Legion and discussed implementing Operation Rebooth, a project toassistformer Veterans
in the community. He announced there will be a volunteer roundtable meeting to discuss issues related
to homelessness and coyotes. He requested staff research providing cover shades at Vazza Cafe.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton reported attending West Downey Little League's opening day and a
SCAG meeting. He announced he will be travelling to Sacramento to lobby for local roads funding. He
commented regarding a scholarship program available from SLAG that is aimed at providing
scholarships to high school and junior college students to assist them in pursuing urban planning or
public policy studies. He reported attending the ECO Rapid meeting where they discussed a proposed
light rail. He announced the upcoming Keep Downey Beautiful Clean -Up.
Mayor Vasquez reported participating in Day of the Reader at Rio San Gabriel Elementary. He
reiterated the City's efforts to address the coyote issue. He reported attending the Annual Health Care
Symposium, the Healthy Downey and County Sanitation District meetings. He acknowledged Ashley
Rossatti in the audience. He commented regarding construction on the 1-5 freeway and the decrease in
the time expectancy of its completion.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Al Ballesteros, CEO of JWCH
Institute, Inc.
2. Council Member Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Appointment to Haley Guerra, Green Task
Force, District #3.
3. Council Member Pacheco presented a Certificate of Appointment to Manuel Salas, Green Task
Force, District #1.
4. Mayor Vasquez presented a Certificate of Recognition to American Red Cross Hometown Hero
Police Officer Ed Hano.
5. Recognition of Persian New Year.
6. Mayor Vasquez presented a Military Banner to Luis Manuel Rodriguez, United States Marines.
7. John Hunter, Environmental Consultant, presented an NPDES MS4 Stormwater update to the City
Council.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND AMENDING THE
LAKEWOOD/FIRESTONE SPECIFIC PLAN TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS FROM 38 -FEET TO 60 -FEET, ALLOW ANCILLARY SALES OF
ALCOHOL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OPERATION OF A HOTEL ON THE SUBJECT SITE,
NEW HOTEL PARKING REQUIREMENTS, AND REDUCE THE STREET LANDSCAPING FROM
TEN -FEET TO TWO -FEET FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9066 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD:
Community Development.
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2017 2
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:39 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed the receipt
of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Ashton and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no
correspondence received.
The staff report was provided by William Davis, City Planner. Mr. Davin presented to the council
a development proposal brought by Marriot Springhill Suites. The proposal involves the construction of
a new four-story, 140 -room hotel on a vacant 2.58 -acre parcel located on the south side of Firestone
Boulevard, between Lakewood Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue. Specifically, the application seeks
adoption of a mitigated negative declaration and amendment of the Specific Plan to allow ancillary
sales of alcohol in conjunction with a hotel; increase the maximum allowable height; reduce the street
landscaping requirement; and create new hotel parking standards.
Council Member Saab inquired about the location of signage._ Mr. Davis responded that at this
time the location of the signage has not been determined.
Council Member Ashton asked if light and sound issues have been addressed so as to not
affect surrounding neighbors. Mr. Davis responded that there will be mitigated measures that will be
designed to take care of those concerns.
Council Member Ashton asked Chief Gillaspie whether the property layout will allow for fire truck
clearance through the back part of the building in case of a fire. Chief Gillaspie responded that the set
back is appropriate for fire trucks.
Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in favor of the hotel project.
Dai Patel, property owner, commented in favor of the hotel project and mentioned positive
impacts it will bring to the City of Downey.
Mayor Vasquez asked Mr. Patel what the total investment was for this project. Mr. 'Patel
responded that the total investment was over $20 million dollars.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
Council Member Saab thanked city staff for working on this project. He stated being pleased
with the design and believes the hotel will be a great addition to the City of Downey.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton, thanked city staff for their presentation and the property owner for
considering this site for the project.
Mayor VasquezaskedCity Attorney Abich Garcia if there was any legal nexus to request the
applicant to repave the parking lot area of the neighboring business, Fallas Paredes. City Attorney
Abich Garcia responded there is not.
Mayor Vasquez commented in favor of the hotel project.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ashton and carried
unanimously to introduce an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey adopting a mitigated
negative declaration and amending the Lakewood/Firestone Specific Plan to increase the maximum
allowable height of buildings from 38 -feet to 60 -feet, allow ancillary sales of alcohol in conjunction with
the operation of a hotel on the subject site, new hotel parking requirements, and reduce the street
landscaping from ten -feet to two -feet for property located at 9066 Firestone Boulevard.
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Regular Meeting - March 14; 2017 3
2. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE, THEREBY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9041
IMPERIAL HIGHWAY FROM C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) AND P -B (PARKING BUFFER) TO
C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL): Community Development.
Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing at 8:10 p.m. City Clerk Jimenez affirmed receipt of
the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton
and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Jimenez noted there was no
correspondence received.
The staff report was provided by David Blumenthal, Principal Planner. Mr. Blumenthal presented
to the Council a request for zone change that will allow for the construction of a medical office building
that will encompass modern design. The project site, 9041 Imperial Hwy., is located on the north side of
Imperial Hwy., east of Lakewood Blvd. and west of Rose Ave. It has an area of 36,805 square feet. The
current zoning of the property is C-2 (General Commercial) for 211 feet of the southern portion of the lot
along Imperial Hwy. and P-B;(Parking Buffer) for 66 feet along the rear lot line. The site has a General
Plan designation of GC (General Commercial). In 1979 a Conditional Use Permit was obtained to
develop the site with two, one-story commercial and office buildings, totaling 13,405 square feet, and
59 parking spaces. On December 7, 2017, the applicant submitted two entitlement requests (Zone
Change and Site Plan Review) to the Planning Division to rezone the P -B portion of the property to C-2
and rot eh construction of a two-story medical office building on the subject site. The applicant is
proposing to construct a two-story, 11,797 -square -foot medical office building which is proposed to be
used as a dialysis treatment center. The proposed project features a Modern architectural design.
Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding ADA compliance.
Neil Wachsberger, Market Street Development, thanked city staff for their collaborative work
and asked if City Council Members had any questions for him regarding the site.
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 introduce the ordinance approving a zone change, thereby rezoning property located at
9041 Imperial Highway from C-2 (General Commercial) and P -B (Parking Buffer) to C-2 (General
Commercial).
NON AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Angie Bongusti, resident, commented` regarding coyotes asked the City Council to address this
issue promptly.
Brian Hayman, resident, commented regarding public safety issues with coyote attacks. He
thanked Council Members Pacheco and Rodriguez for attending the Neighborhood Watch meeting
along with officials from Fish and Game.
Emily Gedalf, a representative from Conscious Period, commented about the opening of her
business in Downey.
Dela Kipe,-resident, commented regarding the coyote issue in the city.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding a response claim letter he received and
coyote issues.
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Regular Meeting — March 14; 2017 4
Julie Haro, resident, commented regarding the coyote issue in the city.;
Eric Haro, resident, commented regarding the coyote issue in the city.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item No. 7, and the American Disability Act;
and Item No. 14, regarding more lighting in District 1.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
3. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of January 24, 2017: City Clerk.
4. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 391404-311795; Payroll Wire Nos. are 30003578, 30003581,
30003583-30003586; Manual Wire Nos. 1531-1532, in the total amount of $3,497,326.89: Finance.
5. AUTHORIZED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CIVIC CENTER PARKING LOTS LIGHTING
RETROFIT TO LED ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTS; AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF
PROJECT MATERIAL; AND, APPROPRIATED $50,000 IN REIMBURSABLE FUNDS FROM
GENERAL FUND TO COVER THE TOTAL PROJECT COST: Public Works.
6. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
BEST, BEST AND KRIEGER, LLP TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THE
COMPLETION OF AGREEMENTS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
FOR FUTURE AND CURRENT BUSINESSES: Community Development.
7. APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
DISABILITY ACCESS CONSULTANTS: City Attorney.
8.- AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH INDEPENDENT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC, TO ASSIST IN FURTHER DEVELOPING THE BOARD OF
THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER FOUNDATION, AND
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO AMENDMENTS: Administration.
9. ADOPTED • • • 17-7703, A RESOLUTION• I THE CITY COUNCILOF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING`• OF • THE LIBRARY
ADVISORY BOARD FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3: Council Member Rodriguez.
1 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO'
1 RESOLUTION • • OF THE CITY
• ri •-r • OF •-ACCORDANCE
WITH ARTICLE 4 OF OF AND LIGHTING ACT OF
BEING DIVISIONOF r HIGHWAYS CODEOF OF
LANDSCAPING,CALIFORNIA, FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND SERVICIN F
PUBLIC FACILITY - AND APPURTENANT
WORK IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING6 r
ENDING 1 / Public Works.
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2017 5
91. APPROVED THE DONATION OF TWO FOURSOMES OF GOLF AT RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF DOWNEY: Mayor Vasquez.
12. APPROVED A PROPOSAL FORSERVICESWITH EXPO SHOWS INC., TO PROVIDE A
FIREWORKS SHOW ON JULY 4T", 2017 FOR THE COMMUNITY; AUTHORIZED THE CITY
MANAGER TO SIGN A SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENT WITH EXPO SHOWS; AND, APPROVED
ANY NECESSARY CONTRACT AMENDMENTS: Parks & Recreation.
13. APPROVED THE DONATION OF $3,000 TO PURCHASE SOCCER EQUIPMENT IN SUPPORT
OF THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE (HFA) SOCCER PROGRAM IN DOWNEY: Parks &
Recreation
14. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 16-10: LAKEWOOD BLVD (FLORENCE AVE —
GARDENDALE ST) STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: AUTHORIZED THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAKEWOOD BLVD. (FLORENCE AVE.-GARDENDALE ST)
STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS; AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF $140,000 IN MEASURE R FUNDS FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 56-16628, $25,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 56-17829, $30,000 IN GAS TAX
FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 30-16697, AND $5,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 30-16454 TO
ACCOUNT NO. 30-17828 FOR TOTAL OF $200,000, TO COVER THE COST OF THE INITIAL
PHASE OF THE PROJECT: Public Works.
15. APPROVED_ FREE ADMISSION TO THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER DURING
THE WEEK OF APRIL 17-22 FOR THE CITY OF STEM FESTIVAL: Administration.
16. AUTHORIZED THE DONATION OF ONE DECOMMISSIONED FIRE ENGINE TO FRESNILLO,
MEXICO, AND ANOTHER DECOMMISSIONED FIRE ENGINE TO GUADALAJARA, MEXICO,
SISTER CITIES WITH THE CITY OF DOWNEY: Fire.
17. RATIFIED THE DONATION OF TWO FOURSOMES OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE LITTLE LAKE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION
(LLEAF) INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Mayor Vasquez.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
18. BIOMEDICAL OVERLAY ZONE STUDY -RECEIVED AND FILED THE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
DRAFT REPORT: Community Development.
The presentation was provided by Mary Wright, Vice -President of Civic Solutions, Inca Ms.
Wright stated that the purpose of the presentation was to inform the City Council on the preliminary
results and findings of their initial study for biomedical research for the city. The goal is to help maintain
and attract biomedical uses in the city. Some of their main findings were that Downey has basic
attributes needed to attract biomedical uses. Downey's greatest biomedical potential appears to be
rehabilitation services and research. Downey's biomedical growth potential is limited by lack of vacant
land.
Jeff Hook, Principal Project Manager of Civic Solutions, Inc., provided information regarding his
findings after conducting interviews with 4 hospitals, 6 medical schools and universities and a trade
association. His findings were that the city has a good foundation to become a biomedical hub for
rehabilitation research, services and manufacturing. In addition, he relayed that it was important for the
city to undertake a leadership position in coordinating and developing strategies to attract biomedical
uses and jobseekers.
Richard Gollis, Principal, The Concord Group, LLC., provided information regarding the
strengths and weaknesses that the city has in attracting biomedical uses and investment. Some of the
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2017 6
strengths include: increased venture capital spending in the region, highly skilled regional workforce
and proximity to 3 major medical research universities, and having utilities and high tech infrastructure
in place. Some of Downey's weaknesses include: limited vacant land or existing commercial/industrial
buildings to convert to `vet laboratory" uses, lower average education levels in local workforce and
limited existing relationships with top research institutions.
Mr. Hook described the next steps will include an evaluation of the city's zoning ordinance,
identifying potential zoning and land use changes to promote biomedical uses, prioritizing key
economic development strategies and intended results for Downey, and preparing a written report of
their findings to the council.
Council Member Saab thanked the speakers for their presentation, findings and
recommendations.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton thanked the speakers for their work and time spent doing the research.
Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in favor of the consultants' recommendations and
findings.
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 approved
unanimously to receive and file the Biomedical Research Draft Report.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas thanked the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments for their prompt
work and attention in addressing the damage to the library building. He announced the Council
Members will receive a quarterly update of the Council's goals and priorities. He said the city will
continue to work diligently on the coyote issue. He commented on the accomplishments of tonight's
meeting and mentioned the hotel development site that has been vacant for 16 years.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9`33 p.m. In memory of Pfc.
Brian P. Odiorne, 21, of Ware, Massachusetts, who was su rung Operation Inherent Resolve.
4At42A2L11`C`iADUA4T, MCN'ASHTON
City Clerk Mayor
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2017 7