HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-26-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
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REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on September 26,
2017, at 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
Sean Ashton
Blanca Pacheco
Rick Rodriguez
Alex Saab
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, Interim City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led
by Girl Scouts Troop #5605 and Miss Downey Court Queen 2017.
COUNCIL•;UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FORAGENDA
•MREPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged the Police
Officers in the audience and thanked them for their work. He acknowledgedmembers of the audience
Robert Keifer, Joanna Peterson and Karina Madariaga. He reported attending the ribbon cutting event
for unlimited Wi-Fi access at the Downey Library and thanked City staff involved. He commented
regarding the safe exchange parking spaces located by the Library. He reported participating in the
field trip for Gauldin Elementary students at City Hall He acknowledged David_ Zimmerman, who
volunteers for the Police Department. He announced upcoming events: Downey Chamber of
Commerce Annual Golf Tournament and Soroptimist International Paint Night at Bar Louie. Council
Member Saab extended his condolences to Council Member Rodriguez and his family on the passing
of Mrs. Rodriguez's mother.
Council Member Pacheco welcomed everyone to the meeting and acknowledged her parents in
the audience. She reported attending the League of California Cities Conference and commented on
the session regarding policies for police body worn cameras; and, the session regarding homeless
issues. She announced the City received two Beacon Spotlight Awards at the conference for Energy
Savings and Sustainability Best Practices. She thanked Public Works staff for their work in making this
possible. She reported attending the International Food Festival and participating in the field trip for
Gauldin Elementary students at City Hall. She announced upcoming events: Soroptimist Paint Night at
Bar Louie and Chamber of Commerce Multi -Chamber event.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 1
Council Member Rodriguez mentioned participating in the Gauldin Elementary field trip at City
Hall. He reported attending the U.S. Service Academy presentation at City Hall and commented about
the benefits and educational opportunities when serving in the military. He mentioned participating in
the Employee Disaster Cook -Off event and attending the 109th Birthday Celebration of Downey resident
Lilly Alexander.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton reported attending the League of California Conference. He commented
on the Spotlight Beacon Awards awarded to the City and thanked the Public Works staff for this
accomplishment. He commented on the session regarding homeless issues and said he has discussed
some ideas with Council Member Rodriguez that can be implemented to address this issue in the City.
He reported attending the International Food Festival and U.S Service Academy event and said he
hopes more Downey students will consider attending military academies. He reported participating in
the Keep Downey Beautiful Clean -Up at Rio San Gabriel and thanked those who participated. He
announced upcoming events: October Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up and Coffee with your Council
Member on October 14 at Vazza Cafe.
Mayor Vasquez reported participating as a speaker at the Economic Development Forum at
Cerritos College, where he talked about the biotech industry and stem technology. He emphasized the
importance of exposing students in the areas of science, technology and healthcare. He encouraged
parents to take their children and visit the CMSC. He announced he will be participating as a speaker in
the Downey Economic Forum on September 28, at the Downey Theatre. He reported attending the
InternationalFoodFestival;_ 1-5 Joint Powers Authority meeting and said the Florence Ave. bridge is
scheduled to be completed by September 2018. He acknowledged City Manager Livas and staff for the
City's nomination to be a finalist for Most Business Friendly City in L.A. County.
City Manager Livas talked about the City's Annual Accomplishments report which outlines the
City Council's priorities. He thanked the Department Heads and City Council Members for making this
possible.
Mayor Vasquez acknowledged Robert Kiefer in the audience.
Council Member Rodriguez invited the audience to attend Downey's First Baptist Church Car
Show event.
1. Mayor Vazquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to South Central Family Health Center;
2. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton presented a Certificate of Appointment to Robert Kiefer, Board of "Building
Appeals, District 2.
3. Mayor Vasquez and the City Council presented City pins to the 2017 MissDowney Court.
4. Chief Charles introduced new Downey Police Officers and Police Department staff:
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Vasquez recessed the Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Vasquez reconvened the
Council Meeting at 7:37 p.m.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 2
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Allen Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion.
Resident, no name provided, -commented in regards to her concerns about the possible
installation of a Verizon cell tower in the area of Guatemala St.
City Manager Livas addressed the resident's concerns and said two Council Members recently
protested and lobbied in Sacramento for different options regarding the placement of cell towers. He
advised the resident to write a letter to the Governor in regards to this issue and talk to Director
Schindler for more information.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Closed Session Item No. 2.
Wayne Spindler, commented regarding Closed Session Item No. 2.
John Lacey, resident, thanked Mayor Vasquez for requesting the donation of a foursome for the
Rotary Club Golf Tournament. He invited everyone to the Downey Rotary Club and Downey YMCA 881h"
Pancake Breakfast at Warren High.
Mark Wachowski, resident, commented regarding his concerns about a group home coming to
the area of Hondo St. and Richeon Ave.
City Manager Livas said there are certain requirements for a group home that are outside the
City's jurisdiction. He asked Mr. Wachowski to talk to Director Schindler for more information regarding
this matter.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vasquez announced he would be abstaining from Item No. 11, due to the proximity to his
property.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Interim City Clerk Duarte announced correspondence was received from Constance Turner of
Southern California Edison in regards Item No. 8.
Constance Turner, Government Relations Representative for SCE, commented regarding Item
No. 8, and Edison's rate increases.
Mayor Vasquez asked Ms. Turner for information regarding Edison's operating reserves and
PUC mandates. Ms. Turner stated she did not have the information available this evening and will
forward it to the City.- She stated there is an internal policy for a reserve should an unexpected event
take place.
Mayor Vasquez commented regarding the concerns about the amount of power outages
scheduled by Edison with inadequate notice to residents.
Ms. Turner said Edison is happy to work with all cities to increase reliability and better
communication with the City and residents.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in favor of Item Nos. 8 and 11:
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Regular Meeting —September 26, 2017 3
Wayne Spindler, commented in favor of Item No. 8.
Mr. Faraz, resident, commented in regards to power outages in his neighborhood and Edison's
rate increase and service.
Having no one 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 abstaining from
Item No. 11 due to the proximity of his property.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of September 12, 2017; Regular Meeting of July 25, 2017:;
City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 317206 — 317471; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003658 - 30003659 &
30003661 — 30003662; Manual Wire No. 1611, in the total amount of $1,519,729.56: Finance.
IMPROVEMENT4. TRUE AVENUE WATER SYSTEM -• , r ••r -r,
AND METRO ST.: ACCEPTED THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $146,960; AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION: (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
• 17-16): Public Works.
-• • f •;•r is r
5. FIRESTONE BLVD. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FROM OLD RIVER SCHOOL
RD. TO WEST CITY LIMITS: APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND
AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-12):
Public Works.
6. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH CLUB CAR, INC. FOR THE SERVICE, MAINTENANCE,
AND PARTS FOR THE GOLF CARTS AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF CLUB: Parks and Recreation.
i• - ■ - • • • ■• •,' • • • •
T. ADOPTED • • • RESOLUTION OF • OF
OF DOWNEY OPPOSING THE RATE INCREASE PROPOSED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNI
r •N: Mayor Vasquez.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 4
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17=7746, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY OPPOSING STATE SENATE BILL 649, AN INFRINGEMENT OF PUBLIC
PROPERTY RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PUBLIC INPUT: Mayor Pro Tem Ashton.
10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7747, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE 2017 CITY OF DOWNEY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN: Fire.
11. AUTHORIZED STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF BROOKSHIRE AVE. AND 2ND
ST. AND CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD ST. FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 5T" ANNUAL DIA
DE LOS MUERTOS ART FESTIVALSCHEDULEDFOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2017: Parks
and Recreation.
12. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
CLUB IN SUPPORT OF THE GANGS OUT OF DOWNEY ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Council Member Pacheco.
13. APPROVED THE 'DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
CLUB IN SUPPORT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF DOWNEY CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
FOR THE ARC: Mayor Vasquez.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
City Manager Livas announced the Administrative Reports would be presented by the
Innovation and Technology Team. The team is formed by members of different departments who have
come together to find ways to improve processes, technology and delivery service to the City.
14. DOWNEY INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TEAM PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE GIS DATA:
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE NECESSARY, UP TO $11,000, TO PROVIDE
PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE GIS INFORMATION:Administration.
Monica Esparza; Associate Planner, presented the item regarding publicly accessible GIS Data.
The Innovation Team investigated options that could enhance public service and streamline operations.
They discussed the potential for public access to GIS information such as center tie lines, survey
records, sanitary sewer connections, and much more. The team found that more than 200 staff hours
per year are spent retrieving GIS data that can be made accessible to the public online from the
convenience of their own computers. Upgrading GIS hardware and software to allow public access
would redeploy staff time more efficiently and provide an enhanced service to the public, increasing
convenience and transparency at the same time. The hardware and software upgrades are estimated
at $11,000 for the first year and licensing and hardware renewals are expected to average $10,000
every five years, while it is estimated that more than $60,000 in staff hours can be redeployed to other
public services.
Mayor Vasquez asked if the public could access information about fire hydrant location with the
proposed system. Ms. Esparza stated that layer can be added to the system.
Council Member Saab asked what the cost savings for the City is based on implementing the
system. Ms. Esparza explained the system would alleviate staff time spent on providing information that
can easily be obtained online. The team proposed adding a link to the Public Works and Community
Development home page on the City website that can be easily accessed by the public.
Mayor Vasquez asked what the cost would be for the sixth year. Ms. Esparza explained the cost
is $10,000 every five years.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 5
Council Member Saab inquired how property information will be updated. City Manager Livas
explained that there are some layers that can be updated internally, while others will be obtained from
L.A. County. Mr. Husain, GIS Manager, explained what layers of the system will be updated internally.
Council Member Saab asked if the system can be accessed by mobile phone. Mr. Husain said
currently it will not be mobile friendly due to the amount of data.
Council Member Saab asked how the program will be advertised. City Manager Livas stated the
program will be rolled -out on the City's social media sites, recreation guide and mailers.
Council Member Ashton asked if the systemwillgenerate the amount of tickets issued on a
certain street. Mr. Husain said it can be expanded to other departments but currently it will used to
access Public Works information.
City Manager Livas explained this system will be used to provide basic information to reduce
staff time spent answering questions in person or over the telephone.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Wayne Spindler, suggested testing the system before officially implementing it.: He commented
about recurring costs.
Armando Herman, resident, suggested trying the system for six months.
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 authorize the City Manager to approve the purchase and installation of computer
hardware and software necessary, up to $11,000, to provide publicly accessible GIS information.
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Administration.
City Manager Livas announced the staff report would be provided by Monica Esparza,
Associate Planner. The Innovation Team investigated options that could enhance public service and
streamline operations. One option is to introduce an online reporting tool for use by the community
when reporting non -emergency, non -suspect crimes to the Downey Police Department. The solutions
allows resident to file police reports from their own computers or mobile devises and allows officers to
remain available for patrol and emergency response. The team found that there were more than 3,700
non -emergencies, non -suspect calls for service last fiscal year, ranging from bunco schemes; fraud;
annoying phone calls; and, lost property. An online reporting tool would not only allow the redeployment
of Police Department personnel, but would also provide convenience and substantially reduce wait time
for residents wanting to file a report for insurance or other non -emergency purposes. The reporting
system has an annual subscription fee of $18,750. Start-up costs including programming the interface
between the police dispatch system and the online reports would be $24,100 the first year only. These
costs would be more than offset by freeing up 3,700 hours of police timetoreallocate to emergency
response and crime prevention efforts. Tracy Gonzalez, Dispatch Supervisor, provided information
about user experience and end reviewer.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 6
Council Member Pacheco asked what the time frame will be to obtain a report once it is
submitted online. Ms. Gonzalez said it will take one week to obtain a report if no follow up is required.
Chief Charles stated for a lost phone report number would be available immediately.
Council Member Rodriguez asked if the system allows the tracking of crime reports in order to
collect data and if the system is analytical and allows adding to a particular report. Ms. Gonzalez said
the system also tracks commonality in reports. Council Member Rodriguez said this will be helpful in
finding out where to increase patrol.
Council Member Saab asked if the reports submitted online are submitted under penalty of
perjury, due to the concern for false reports. Chief Charles said it can be configured to include under
penalty of perjury.
Council Member Saab asked if the system will be able to verify the user's identification. Ms.
Gonzalez said it asks for personal information but does not verify the identity.
Council Member Saab questioned how a user would make a correction on a report they have
submittedandwhat cities are currently using this system. Ms. Gonzalez said there is a supplemental
report that can be submitted to include additional information or make a correction. She said the cities
currently using the system are Alhambra, Monrovia, West Covina, and Glendora.
City Manager Livas said he has talked to other City Managers that use the system and some of
the complaints received from the public are that services are not available online. He said it is a matter
of training individuals to use the system for non -emergency matters. He reminded the Council about the
current technological progress in place.
Chief Charles mentioned the Police Department deals with a limited amount of reports such as
petty theft and annoying phone calls. The types of reports are normally received but there is no follow
up. Reports submitted online will be reviewed by a detective that will determine whether it requires
follow-up.
Mayor Vasquez asked whether these reports will be available for people and whether the 10
day timeframe will still apply. Chief Charles advised that the 10 day turnaround will apply but if they
need a report number that information would be disclosed immediately.
Ms. Gonzalez advised reports cannot be downloaded with this system but there is an option to
implement this feature through Lexis Nexis.
Council Member Saab inquired on the reporting of traffic accidents. Chief Charles stated traffic
collisions would not be added to this reporting system. Ms. Gonzalez stated the City decides which
reports to implement and they can be added or removed from the website.
Council Member Saab asked if this can be done in-house and if "so would there be a cost
savings.
City Manager Livas advised it would not be cost efficient to create a program in-house and it
would be cheaper to purchase.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Ashton asked whether he would be able to obtain information related to the
number of street sweeping citations issued on his street with this system. Ms. Gonzalez advised that
information would not be included for this system. Chief Charles clarified that particular type of
information is collected by a different company.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 7
City Manager Livas stated that the program can be devised depending on what the Council
would like to implement and spent on this system.
Armando Herman, resident, commented against Item No. 15.
Resident, no name provided, commented against Item No. 15.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
unanimously to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the purchase of an online
reporting system for the Police Department.
16. DOWNEY INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TEAM - A TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH TO
VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY CARDIAC RESPONSE: AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH PULSE POINT TO ENABLE AUTOMATED ALERTS FOR
CPR -CERTIFIED COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS: Administration.
City Manager Livas announced the staff report would be provided by Tracy Gonzalez. Studies
show cardiac arrests are the leading cause of death in the United States. Hopeful news is that many
deaths may be prevented if a person performs CPR on the victim. PulsePoint is a mobile application
that aims to bring CPR trained people to victims of cardiac arrests in an effort to assist these victims
using CPR practices. Through the application, equipped with location services, CPR trained citizens
who have signed up through the application can become notified when someone in close proximity has
suffered cardiac arrest. The application is currently employed in over 2,000 U.S. communities.
Ms. Gonzalez provided a scenario of when the application is used. She described a scenario in
which someone who is CPR trained has downloaded the free application, and becomes notified that a
person next door to their location is suffering a cardiac arrest. She explained that before a first aid
responder arrives to the scene the trained person has an opportunity to help the victim. The application
will display a map on the bystander's cell phone. The application also provides an opportunity for the
volunteer to add Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) locations, thus helping make the database
strong.
Council Member Saab asked whether there have been instances where AED's have been
stolen from their location. Ms. Gonzales responded that the AEDs have alarms on them.
Council Member Saab inquired about the cost of an AED. Chief Charles stated that each AED
costs $15,000.
Ms. Gonzales displayed the existing community AED map.
Mayor Vasquez asked whether the displayed map will indicate the business hours where the
AED are located. Ms. Gonzales responded that the map will display business hours.
Ms. Gonzalez mentioned the software cost for year one will be $20,500 and the annual
subscription is $8,000.
Council Member Saab asked whether PulsePoint is the only application that is used for this type
of situation. Ms. Gonzales stated that it is.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton asked if the City would be held liable if a bystander volunteer assists
and the victim dies due to negligence.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - September 26, 2017 8
Ms. Gonzalez advised that these types of incidents would be covered under the Good
Samaritan law.
Council Member Saab asked if the $8,000 covers the City.
City Attorney Garcia stated Civil Code 1714.21 provides that as long as a person using an
acts in good faith and an injury occurs, there is immunity granted to that person. She also stated that
there is no immunity granted if the person acts with gross negligence or intent to do harm.
Council Member Pacheco asked if the volunteer is required to input their personal information
on the application. Ms. Gonzales stated that the volunteers are only asked to input identifying
information such as user and log -in information. In addition, Ms. Gonzalez stated users information is
secured.
Fire Chief Gillaspie advised that any type of help by received by first-aid responders will improve
people's odds of living. He also advised that all cardiac complaints are one of the top five complaints
the Fire Department receives.
In her closing comments, Ms. Gonzales mentioned five months ago people from different
departments within the City came together on a mission to implement creative solutions using
technological advancements within the City. Since then the Team has identified three projects that are
aimed to make the City more efficient, adaptable and improve the quality of life for the residents.
Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Resident, no name provided, commented against Item No. 16.
Armando Herman, resident, commented against Item No. 16.
Mr. Feraz,-resident, commented in favor Item No. 16.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed public comment.
City Manager Livas thanked the Downey Innovation and Technology Team for having the
public's interest at heart. He emphasized that City Council has asked for ways of saving money through
the use of technology. He stated the application aims to use technology to solve issues within the City
by allowing willing CPR trained volunteers to contribute to the community.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and approved
unanimously to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with PulsePoint to enable
automated alerts for CPR -certified community volunteers.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas mentioned the mission and values of the City have been demonstrated by
the Downey Innovation and Technology Team.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017 9
Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:56 p'm. in memory of Staff
Sgt. Emil Rivera -Lopez who was supporting U.S. Central Command operations; and, victims of the
recent earthquakes in Mexico. E
12AL-A
MAMA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 26, 2017
N ASHTON
Mayor
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