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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-27-17 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27, 2017 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 27, 2017, at 6:37 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Vasquez presiding. 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 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 Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director Alicia Duarte, CMC, Interim City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 1925. COUNCIL w iAGENDA i \ ► \ Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He announced City Hall will be closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday. He invited the audience to the Freedom Fireworks Show at Downey High School. He acknowledged Michael Chirco and Joanna Peterson in the audience. He invited the audience to visit the Chamber of Commerce website for information about upcoming events. He thanked the Chamber for their service and mentioned they operate the annual Christmas Parade and Street Fair. He reminded the audience of the upcoming Concert in the Park series. He thanked staff for addressing maintenance issues at the Rives Mansion. He stated the City took action as quickly as possible to remedy the situation regarding the maintenance condition of the property. He indicated the City will continue to ensure that current and future owners of the property maintain it up to City code. Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Conference. She met with elected officials throughout the U.S. which gave her an opportunity to see what other elected officials are doing within their states and communities. She reported on the session regarding education, where she learned that the U.S ranked below 18 countries in math and below 14 countries in tech problem solving skills. She commended the Downey School District for implementing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Program (STEM), which prepares students for the 21St Century. She announced upcoming events: Kiwanis Club's 1St Casino Night at St. George Greek Theater; 4th of July Freedom City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 1 Fireworks event at Downey High School; and, the Kabuki Sushi Kids Workshop at Benihana Restaurant. Council Member Rodriguez reported attending L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn's reception at Rose Hills. He also attended the Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and Neighborhood Watch Program meeting that focused on emergency preparedness and C.E.R.T. He encouraged the audience to learn about emergency preparedness and to volunteer during times of need. During the week, he had an opportunity to speak at Temple City's Women's Club. He attended the Fire Department Badge Pinning and Promotion. He announced the upcoming Courage Forward Fundraiser at Mi Cielo Restaurant that will raise funds for Veterans. He thanked Downey Police Department for confiscating illegal fireworks. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton thanked the audience and staff for attending his Town Hall Meeting. He thanked the community for sharing their concerns with him. He reported attending the ECO Rapid meeting in regards the light rail line plan running from Artesia to Union Station. The main focus and discussion was on a possible location for a maintenance yard. He announced the upcoming Freedom Fireworks event at Downey High. He recommended the community purchase safe and sane fireworks from the various nonprofit organizations approved by the City. He advised against the purchase of illegal fireworks and reminded the audience citations will be issued. Mayor Vasquez welcomed the audience the meeting. He reported attending the L.A. Business Federation Regional Collaborative Countywide reception which was held in Downey. He acknowledged Director Schindler and his department for keeping Downey on the map. He attended the Chamber Luncheon and thanked new Chamber President Joanna Peterson for her work. He participated in NALEO's Workforce Productivity Seminar where they discussed the difference between the baby boom generation and the millennial generation. He mentioned being sworn in as Chair for the 1-5 Freeway Joint Powers Authority. He announced the upcoming Concert in the Park series and announced he will be attending a Realtor region -wide seminar in Montebello where several Mayors will attend to discuss economic development. =7:6_1=1IIII If-A061M Mayor Vasquez presented the Mayor's Healthy Heart Award to Efrain Escobedo, Vice -President, Civic Engagement and Public Policy California Community Foundation. 2. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton presented a Certificate of Recognition to Kimberly Pena, Downey High School Student recipient of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard's 24t Annual Student Art Competition. 3. Council Member Rodriguez presented a Military Banner to Manuel A. Chacon, U.S. Air Force, received by his mother Sandra Chacon. 4. Council Member Rodriguez presented a Certificate of Recognition to University of Southern California students for their efforts to bring awareness of the dangers of vaping. 5. Mayor Vasquez with the assistance of Darlene Gomez -Correa presented Certificates of Recognition to Girls Scouts Downey Troop 1925. 6. Mayor Vasquez with the assistance of Director Pamela Passow presented a Certificate of Recognition to METRO for their sponsorship of the Downey Ride and Stride. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 2 1. LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018: Public Works. •> r • • rFr. r , DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:31 p.m. Interim City Clerk Duarte 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. Interim City Clerk Duarte noted there was no correspondence received. The staff report was presented by Mohammad Mostahkami, Director of Public Works. Director Mostahkami stated Item No.1 pertains to the Annual Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District previously known as Assessment District No. 121 which was established July 1978 to cover the maintenance cost of city trees, median landscaping, street lighting, traffic signals and flashing beckons. In the previous Council meeting the City Council adopted Resolution 17-7722 approving the Engineer's Report for Assessments within the Lighting and Landscape District and adopted Resolution 17-7723 declaring its intention to levy and collect lighting and landscaping assessments within the Lighting and Landscape District and scheduled a public hearing for tonight. Director Mostahkami stated that the report before the Council is complete as presented and staff recommends the Council, upon conducting a public hearing, to adopt the Resolution confirming the 2017-18 Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District. Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment. Armando Herman, resident, requested assessment of street lighting on Dempster Ave. 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 adopt Resolution No. 17-7726 confirming Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District 121 for Fiscal Year 2017/18. 2. PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2017-18 FISCAL YEAR: Finance. ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• 17-7727, A RESOLUTIONOF • OF CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-18 BUDGET AND THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS Mayor Vasquez opened the Public Hearing at 7:41 p.m. Interim City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Alex Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sean Aston and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. Interim City Clerk Duarte noted there was no correspondence received. City Manager Livas informed the audience the City's Budget Workshop was held last week. He stated the appropriations reflect a strategic budget that will allow the City to grow while being mindful of public dollars. He thanked the Budget Subcommittee members and Department Heads for their roles in in preparing the budget. He acknowledged the Finance Department for a balanced budget five years in a row. He mentioned the Finance Department has received several awards for budget preparation City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 3 which demonstrates the fiscal health under City Council direction. He stated the City is heading in the right direction. The staff report was provided by Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance. Director Gandhy stated that the budget began with $28.7 million and the projected revenue for the upcoming year is $85 million. Director Gandhy stated 70% of the General Fund Revenue is derived from the following revenue sources: property tax, sales tax and Utility User's Tax. Last year's property tax increased by $1.2 million which is conducive to normal growth. Sales tax remained the same at $1.2 million even with the development of the Promenade businesses. He predicts the sales tax revenue next FY2018-19 would decrease. Council Member Saab asked Director Gandhy why the City should expect a decrease in sales tax revenue. Director Gandhy explained the businesses are working at 100% capacity and normal growth is 2-3%, but clarified it would level off. Director Gandhy commented on Measure S which Downey residents approved in November 2016. Measure S was implemented to fund infrastructure improvements and enhanced public safety services. Measure S is projected to generate $4.3 million in General Fund revenues and another $4.3 million for Capital Fund Projects during Fiscal Year 2017-18. In addition, Director Gandhy mentioned a decline of $350,000 in Utility User Tax revenue. The Utility User Tax is composed of telephone, gas and electricity. Director Gandhy attributes the reduction less consumption of electricity and mild weather. The Finance Department projects that it will further decrease next year due to the implementation of LED and solar power. In comparison to last year, Director Gandhy stated the Franchise Fee revenue will not be a matter of concern for the upcoming year. JPCC & Ambulance revenue is expected to increase by $81,000. Revenue from charges to other funds is expected to increase by $111,969 which is due to the Water Fund. Revenue from transfers from other funds will comprise of $400,000 from vehicle impact franchise fees which will be transferred to general fund. Lastly, revenues categorized under "Other" are expected to decrease $1.5 million. Director Gandhy stated that the proposed safety general fund expenditure for FY 2017-18 allocates about 65% to public safety, 12% to general government positions, 6% to Community Development, 10% of Community Services, and 7% to Public Works. In comparison to the previous fiscal year; the General Government budget will increase by $56,577; the Police Department budget will increase by $2.7 million due to the hiring of ten new police officers; the Fire Department budget will increase by $800,000 due to the hiring of an Ambulance Coordinator and six Ambulance Operators; the Public Works budget will increase by $244,000; the Community Services budget will increase by $779,000 partly due to the increase of shows at the Downey Theatre; the Community Development budget will decrease by $689,000. Director Gandhy then commented on how Measure S Funds will be allocated. Measure S funds will fund the following Police Department positions: 10 Police Officers, 1 Systems Network Engineer, 2 Parking Enforcement Officers, and 1 Police Safety Dispatcher. Measure S will also fund the following Fire Department Positions: 1 Fire Captain, 1 Ambulance Operator Coordinator, and 6 Ambulance Operators. In total the public safety salaries will be $3,710,212. According to Director Gandhy, overall the City's revenue and expenditures for FY 2016-17 are aligning with the budget. The U.S. economy has been in steady but slow -growth mode for years and unemployment is lowest since September, 2008. In addition, taxable sales and property values continue to grow while the U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 4.3 percent. The month of May marked the 80`h consecutive month of job growth and Downey's unemployment is 3.6% and lower than City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 4 the State of California's rate of 4.2%. Director Gandhy also mentioned that the City's income levels are above County and National values. In respect to challenges the City will face, Director Gandhy mentioned that the City will have to catch up on deferred maintenance. Council Member Saab asked for further explanation on the maintenance work needed. City Manager Livas responded by stating that in regards to Measure S funds, there is a belief that those funds will solve all of the City's problems. However, the City's deferred maintenance needs outweigh the funds available. Some of the City's deferred maintenance projects include park maintenance and fire station upgrades, amongst other City facilities that still need to be addressed. In continuing with the list of challenges the City will face ahead, Director Gandhy mentioned that revenue growth will be needed to keep track with expenditure growth particularly because of retirement costs. In addition, the City will need to continue to realign the budget based on what the City can truly afford. Director Gandhy explained that the growth in expenditures has out -paced the growth in revenues, and adding to this is a significant backlog of unfunded needs that if not addressed will inevitably deteriorate the quality of infrastructure and services the Downey community has grown to expect. Director Gandhy stated there will be ongoing increases in pension costs as delineated by CalPERS. He also commented that we are currently in the eighth year post -recession growth mode. Director Gandhy commented that 2016's last quarter growth was 2.2% and this year's first quarter was 1.2%. He commented that in order for our economy to function we need a growth of 2.5% plus. Director Gandhy commented about a study done by a consulting firm that analyzed CalPERS and the implications it has on the City. One of the findings show a change in the discount rate from 7.5% to 7% that will start in FY 2017-18 and will apply over the next three years. According to Director Gandhy the numbers translate to the City paying $0.76 in retirement costs for every $1.00. He also mentioned that all of California cities are tasked with doing this. Council Member Saab commented that because of CalPERS we are starting at 1.5 million below and asked whether there was anything that could be done by the City to alleviate this. City Manager Livas commented that in 2012 the City renegotiated all of their contracts with all bargaining units. He commented that Downey has been judicious in hiring employees and much has been done in keeping labor costs within reason. In addition, City Manager Livas stated that the Finance Department has done a great job in forecasting the financial climate 5-10 years out and has placed focus on anticipating potential shortcomings from PERs or the economy. He stated that PERS is mandated by Sacramento and not the City. He added that many changes will not be seen immediately. Director Gandhy commented that the City does not offer lifetime medical and that cities that do are currently having difficulty with their budgets. Furthermore, Director Gandhy stated that 35% of the General Fund is in reserve, with 15% in Emergency Reserves and 20% in Stability Reserve. In conclusion, he stated that the proposed budget is based on City Council's adopted priorities: fiscal responsibility, economic vibrancy, efficiency and adaptability, quality of life, neighborhoods and infrastructure, and public information and engagement. City Manager Livas stated that Downey is in its fifth consecutive year of having a balanced budget. He mentioned that City Council has worked hard to make sure that changes made were strategic and targeted. A primary growth in the funding has been allocated to Public Safety which has repeatedly been a priority of City Council. Public Safety funds are used to purchase necessary equipment and man power to keep citizens safe. He stated that public safety which includes Police and Fire funding is not cheap but Downey has been prudent with this issue. He also advised to Council that City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 5 Downey is in a good place, with over 130 new businesses opening last year. He commented that while other cities are losing car dealerships, Downey is gaining car dealerships. He also commented positively in regards to Downey's investment made on the Nissan Dealership. He stated the Nissan Dealership is ranked 4th best dealership in the nation. He mentioned that a Hyundai Dealership is corning to Downey. Lastly, he thanked the subcommittee that worked on the proposed budget. Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment. Armando Herman, resident, commented that Measure S funds will only cover a fraction of the costs needed. He encouraged Council Members to communicate with legislators. Resident, no name, questioned the amount of money used to fund artwork on the intersection of Paramount and Florence; and, commented that City funds would be better spent on fixing potholes and planting trees after aging ones have been taken out. City Manager Livas advised that the artwork on Paramount Blvd. is funded by the Art in Public Places Fund were earmarked and may only be used to fund artworks. He also mentioned that the City has several funds that are earmarked for specific expenditures and cannot be commingled with other funds. In response to the Resident's tree comments, City Manager Livas explained that trees are only taken down if they are diseased or if they pose a potential threat or harm. He commented that the City has completed street repairs on several major roads including Firestone and Lakewood and mentioned that improvements have doubled this year in comparison to last year. Sergio Vasquez, resident, commented regarding the proposed budget for FY 2017-18. He asked whether the deteriorating financial situation that Illinois is facing is something that could potentially occur in California. City Manager Livas responded that the discount rate projections are State funds not City funds. He advised that the discount rates would be adjusted either way for better or worse. John Lacey, resident, commented about the unfunded pension liability. He stated that according to the State of California the latest unfunded liability is over $2 billion. He commented that the State's legislature's projections are dismal and not in tune with reality. He mentioned that he appreciates Downey's effort in trying to minimize the impact of future pension problems. Council Member Saab thanked City Manager Livas, Assistant City Manager Oskoui, Administrative Aide Maria Rivas, Department Heads, and staff for their hard work in developing the budget. He commented that the balanced budget is something citizens of Downey should be proud of. He also acknowledged Downey's lower unemployment rate in comparison to other regions. He stated that the low unemployment rate did not happen by circumstance but rather due to community efforts in planning with foresight. He mentioned that the City Attorney's Office will continue the ADA Transition Plan. In addition, he mentioned that there will be changes to Downey Library such as expanding Wi-Fi and modification to its interior. In an effort to combat homelessness issues, he mentioned that the City has implemented a program to combat these issues. Council Member Rodriguez commented in regards to Downey's economic vibrancy. He mentioned the importance of forecasting in business. He thanked City Management for looking for new ways to have alternative economic revenue streaming. Lastly, he thanked Mayor Vasquez and Council Member Saab for working on the budget with staff. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton thanked Mayor Vasquez, Council Member Saab and Department Heads for serving on the budget subcommittee. Mayor Vasquez stated that he is consciously optimistic about the proposed budget for FY 2017- 18. He mentioned the importance of the City being fiscally responsible. He also commented about his City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 6 wariness when it comes to adding employee positions which include salary and benefits. He stated that one of the reasons Downey has a low unemployment rate is due to the level of education Downey residents have. Lastly, he recalled the time where the City had to lay off employees due to budget constraints. However, he highlighted the fact that the City has taken steps in an effort to become more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to public safety. Through the passage of Measure S, the City has been able to hire more police officers. He concluded that he is optimistic for the future of Downey. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried unanimously to approve the Proposed Budget for FY 2017-18. 3. CITY FEE RESOLUTION: Finance. Mayor Vasquez stated this item will be continued to the next regular City Council Meeting on July 25, 2017 • • Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Non -Agenda Items. Armando Herman, resident, commented on the importance of constitutionally protected speech. He spoke about current sexual assault allegations that are on the news. Warren High School student, no name, commented in regards to her participation in a nonprofit organization that aims to assist people in improving their literacy. She commented that it has come to her attention that no similar outreach programs exist in Downey and she asked to have an outreach fair with all nonprofit organizations in the Downey Library in order to create awareness to people who might benefit from these resources. Resident, no name, praised City Council for approving the City budget. He commented that he has called the police several times in response to his noisy neighbors. He stated that his neighbors throw parties on weekdays and weekends. He asked City Council to impose regulations to deter excessive noise. Mayor Vasquez referred the resident to Director of Community Development Schindler to see if his matter rises to the level of public nuisance so that the City Prosecutor can pursue legal means. Alan D. Halstensgaard, resident, commented against abortion. Frank Dean, resident, thanked City Council, Police Chief Charles, Fire Chief Gillaspie and the Public Works Department for doing an excellent job for the City. Mr. Dean commented regarding a previous presentation given at a City Council meeting by Community Choice Aggregation Program. He commented that Downey already has a public utility commission that works towards directing the City to use renewable energy. He expressed his concern with Community Choice Aggregation Program. Lastly, Mr. Dean commented on the funding for the art project. He mentioned reading in a Downey newspaper that the art project was being funded by the Arts in Public Places Fund which was contributing $70,000 and other funds were contributing $100,000. He asked whether the other funds were coming from the City's General Fund. John Lacey, resident, acknowledged Assistant City Manager Oskoui for being appointed to the Central Basin Municipal Water Board. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 7 Ines, resident, acknowledged Jessica Torres who is an intern at Drumming for Your Life. She mentioned that Jessica Torres is a recipient of the TORCH scholarship which provides her with a full - ride scholarship to Northwestern. Mayor Vasquez referred Ines to speak to Director of Parks and Recreation Passow. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Vasquez closed non -agenda public comment. Mayor Vasquez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent Calendar Items. Armando Herman, Resident, commented in opposition of Item No. 11. He suggested homeless individuals be allowed to use public restrooms. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ashton and carried unanimously, to approve the Consent Calendar. 4. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of June 13, 2017; Regular Meeting of June 13, 2017: City Clerk. 5. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 314573 — 314939; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003619 — 30003624; Manual Wire Nos. 1564; in the total amount of $3,643,900.34: Finance. 6. AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO RENEW AN AGREEMENT WITH THE - •• r• • • r • • -• • POLICE r • Police. 7. APPROVED •'• • -EEMENT WITH ENGINEERING SOLUTIO SERVICES, INC. FOR • OF GREEN PROJECT RESERVE _ APPLICATIONS•' VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT"• AUTHORIZED TH MAYOR TO L AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO: EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS: •Works. N r • :a Ngr • • • • • • • • r r rs i • r •' •,, • 2 A1THORIZED THE MAYORTO RENEW A PROFESSIONAL MICHAEL • TO PROVIDE INFORMATION• • i FOR F' COMPUTERFinance. 9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 17-7729, A RESOLUTIONOF THE CITY COUNCILOF RECREATIONOF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DELORES JEAN BACUS TO TH r COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONFOR • DISTRICT Council- .- _ • City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 8 HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER: Human Resources. 11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. :i AN ORDINANCE OF • OF OF DOWNEY ADDING•N 4115 ("URINATION AND r • TO CHAPTER ("DISORDERLY CONDUCT, ETC.") OF ARTICLE IV ("PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS, AN]: POLICY") OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE: City Attorney. I SMOKING AREAS IN CITY PARKS: Parks & Recreation. •- r • A r •- • r • • r r 1 1 r `• • The staff report was presented by Assistant City Manager Oskoui. Assistant City Manager Oskoui mentioned Senate Bill 1436 passed by Congress in August 2016, requires cities to report recommendations for changes in salaries and benefits before voting for the changes. As the law is written, this applies to the executive level positions of the organizations. However, he mentioned, the definitions of executive level positions has not been expanded and explained by the legislature. Given this new law, Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that it is the staff's recommendation to report on their recommendations to adjust the salaries of two positions: Executive Director of Human Resources and Executive Director of Columbia Memorial Space Center. In addition, staff recommends establishing the salary of a new position of Human Resources Manager. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated that City Council has established a policy of periodically looking at the salaries of employees of the City and comparing them to a pool of ten cities in order to benchmark the salaries of Downey employees. He presented a study that staff conducted in which they found that two present positions are below the median of the market. As such, he stated, there is justification for adjusting those salaries to bring it to the median. He stated that the position of Human Resources Manager was factored into the City's budget because there was a lack of a mid - management position in that area. He further explained that if the position is established and approved by City Council, then the former position of Senior Analyst will take on the responsibility of primarily managing the worker's compensation program of the City. He stated that staff recommends the position of Human Resources Manager to have a 9.95% increase in salary adjustment. As to the Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, staff recommends a 5% increase in salary adjustment. Council Member Pacheco asked whether a salary study has been conducted for Department Heads and other mid -management positions. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 9 Council Member Saab commented that the Budget Subcommittee looked at the salary comparisons and felt comfortable with the adjustments. Council Member Pacheco asked for clarification on whether the salary comparisons that the Budget Subcommittee reviewed also included those of Department Heads. City Manager responded to Council Member Pacheco by stating that the City does periodically look at salary comparisons in regards to Department Heads as well. Assistant City Manager Oskoui mentioned that employee salaries are looked at on three occasions: 1) Periodically during budget preparations 2) Negotiations with bargaining units and 3) On an individual basis such as the one present here. Lastly, he mentioned that the proposed salary adjustment for Director of Human Resources is 4.4%. Mayor Pro Tem Ashton asked if his assumption was correct in that the adjusted salaries reflect median level salaries and not top -dollar salaries. Assistant City Manager Oskoui responded that City Council has adopted a policy of looking at the median to establish a guideline for salaries. The policy, he stated, has been to stay at or within the median range. Council Member Pacheco asked how they determined which cities to benchmark with. Assistant City Manager Oskoui responded that in establishing the benchmark, they looked at full-service cities with similar populations and characteristics. In addition, he mentioned that they look at other factors such as the length of commutes to work. Mayor Vasquez opened this item for public comment. 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 authorize the City Manager to adjust the salary range for the existing positions of Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center and Director of Human Resources, and establish the new position of Human Resources Manager and its compensation range as included in the City's Fiscal Year 2017-2018 budget. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas thanked Maria Rivas, Shannon Delong and Director Gandhy for their work on the City's budget. He thanked the City Council for their guidance during the budget process. Mayor Vasquez thanked City staff for their work on the City's budget. /_y�i17r7�Ii��I�►` Mayor Vasquez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:27p.m. in memory of Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland; Sgt. William M. Bays, 29, of Barstow, California; and, Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22, of Youngsville, North Carolina who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter Kelly Wong, 29. Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, of Palmyra, Virginia; Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, of San Diego; Sonar Technician 37 Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh, 25, of Oakville, Connecticut; Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas; Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California; Personnel Specialist 1St Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 10 Halethorpe, Maryland; Fire Controlman Vt Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio, U.S. Navy Officers who perished in last week's marine acci•- A A e AR4A I ALICIA ,CMC City Clerk City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 27, 2017 11 AN ASHTON Mayor