HomeMy WebLinkAbout01b. Minutes - 01-08-19 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2019
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on January 19,
2019, at 6:32 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, California, Mayor Rodriguez presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Rick Rodriguez Mayor
Blanca Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem
Sean Ashton Council Member
Claudia Frometa Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant to the City Manager
Dean Milligan, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
Pam Passow, Parks and Recreation Director
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Michael Harary, Human Resources Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Alex Vargas, Lord’s Grace Church. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Shawn Michael Goodner, Boy Scout Troop 441.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He recognized former Mayor
David Gafin, Planning Commissioner Nolveris Frometa, Scott Collins, Michael Calvert, and the Downey
Rose Float Court in the audience. He provided an update regarding the Rio Hondo Golf Course
renovations which are expected to be completed by January 25, 2019. He reported attending several
Subcommittee meetings in the past weeks; he met with The W hole Child and Coast to Coast, who
provide assistance to families and individuals dealing with homelessness in the community. He
commented the City of Downey unfortunately is not immune to homelessness issues and the City has
provided significant resources to combat homelessness. He reported attending the Ricky Galvez trial;
and, welcomed Council Member Frometa.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting and wished them a Happy
New Year. She reported visiting the Downey Fire Stations and Police Department on Christmas Eve to
show her appreciation to the Fire and Police personnel for their service to the community. She
mentioned speaking with Officer Ed Hano who is ready to return to work as he is improving. She
announced visiting the Rose Float Association on New Year’s Eve. She elaborated on the Rose Float’s
Association’s continued efforts and dedicated work, as well as, all their fundraising efforts to ensure the
float’s reality. She thanked Jennifer DeKay for her hard work. She reported attending an event at the
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 2
Rio Hondo Golf Course on New Year’s Eve and the Clergy Council meeting. She recognized her
husband and daughter in the audience.
Council Member Ashton wished the audience a Happy New Year. He recognized
Commissioner Jeannie Wood in the audience. He reported attending the Southern California
Association of Government’s 9th Annual Economic Summit; and, the Quarterly Conference of Mayors.
He commented on the decrease in the unemployment rate since the recession and said the majority of
new jobs being created are in food service and not high quality jobs. He requested staff return with an
agenda item to discuss suspending Council pay if the budget is not approved on time.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She recognized Kelly Roberts
and Jennifer DeKay in the audience. She reported attending the League of California Cities’
Leadership Workshop and mentioned she is the Vice-Chair of the League’s Housing, Community &
Economic Development Policy Committee. She reported Senate Bill 50 addresses high density
housing surrounding transit stops which is crucial to our City’s Housing Planning and Zoning issues.
Lastly, she wished the audience a Happy New Year.
Mayor Rodriguez recited correspondence addressed to the State Legislature by Pedro Galvez,
brother of fallen Officer Ricky Galvez, addressing Senate Bill 1437, approved November 18, 2015,
which he believes causes a negative impact on our communities. He reported attending the Ricky
Galvez trial. He asked Council Member Saab for any recommendations for the City Council regarding
urging our State Legislators to reverse Senate Bill 1437.
Council Member Saab recommended that the City Council take a position regarding the issue;
and, requested an agenda item to urge Legislators to reverse Senate Bill 1437.
City Manager Livas commented on the City’s ability to place public pressure on the legislative
body to advocate, similar to Taking Back Our Community.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Rodriguez presented the Mayor’s Servant Heart Award to Yvonne Salgado.
2. Mayor Rodriguez presented the Downey’s Finest Award to Lisa Fox.
3. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Michael Calvert presented Certificates of Appreciation to the
67th Annual Downey Christmas Parade Volunteers.
4. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Pam Chambers presented City Pins to the Downey Rose
Float Association 2019 Court.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Rodriguez recessed the City Council meeting at 7:34 p.m. Mayor Rodriguez reconvened
the City Council meeting at 7:45 p.m. with all Council Members present.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding political leaders; law enforcement; public
engagement; and, people with disabilities.
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 3
Julie Jimenez, Valley Arts and Science Academy, requested support and participation at the
upcoming homeless count on January 23, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Downey.
Monisha Brown, resident, commented regarding Los Angeles County Sanitation District’s labor
management negotiations; personnel committee; and, as an AFSCME member requested a letter of
support from the City Council.
Field Deputy Scott Collins, State Senator Bob Archuleta, 32nd District, introduced himself in his
new capacity and stated he looks forward to working closely with the City of Downey. He provided
comments regarding the correspondence from Pedro Galvez.
Kimberly Barnette, Manager of Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, thanked the City
Council for their support; and, offered comments regarding the Los Angeles Homeless Services
Authority expansion of homeless engagement teams working with municipal police departments.
Isabel Kiefer, resident, commented regarding the coyote issues in the communityand, requested
the City’s assistance in addressing the issue.
Mayor Rodriguez responded to the speaker’s comments regarding the City’s plan; and, staff’s
process regarding the coyote population issue in the City.
John Keifer, resident, commented regarding community involvement in a Town Hall meeting for
Coyote awareness.
John Lacy, resident, commented regarding the correspondence read earlier this evening with
regards to changes to current legislation and how efforts from residents can pressure legislators to
ensure that unjust laws are repealed.
Lars Clutterham, composer, invited the City Council to attend three upcoming events at the
Downey Theatre.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Frometa abstained from Item No. 1, Regular Meeting Minutes of September
12, 2017; February 13, 2018; and, August 28, 2018.
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 5.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on
Consent Calendar items.
Having no one come forward Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried
unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Frometa
abstaining from Item 1, Regular Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2017; February 13, 2018; and,
August 28, 2018; and, Council Member Saab pulling Item No. 5.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of December 13, 2018; Regular Meetings of September
12, 2017; February 13, 2018; August 28, 2018; and, December 11, 2018: City Clerk.
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 4
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 329542 – 330229; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003826 – 30003830
and 30003832 – 30003834; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1780 – 1782; and, Cashier Check No. 124, in
the total amount of $ 6,941,491.67: Finance.
3. ACCEPTED DOWNEY AVE. AND MITLA AVE. VALVE REPAIR PROJECT AS COMPLETE;
APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $54,500; AND, AUTHORIZED
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION
(MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT NO. 334): Public Works.
4. AWARDED A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,000 TO J. MCLOUGHLIN ENGINEERING
COMPANY, INC. FOR THE FLORENCE AVE. BRIDGE AT SAN GABRIEL RIVER
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROJECT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF
WORK DEEMED NECESSARY UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 19-19): Public Works.
6. APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS; AND, AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION OF
BIDS FOR THE POLICE STATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – NORTH PARKING LOT
RECONSTRUCTION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 19-38): Administration.
7. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 19-7860, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF VIJAY J. PATEL TO REPLACE THE
EXISTING MEMBER ON THE BOARD OF BUILDING APPEALS FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3:
Mayor Rodriguez.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 19-7861, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DIMITRIOUS SPATHOPOULOS TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4: Council Member Frometa.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 19-7862, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF CARMELA UVA TO THE
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4: Council
Member Frometa.
10. APPROVED FREE ADMISSION TO THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER ON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019 FOR SOCAL MUSEUMS FREE DAY: CMSC.
11. AUTHORIZED STREET CLOSURES AT QUILL DR. BETWEEN OLD RIVER SCHOOL RD. AND
MORNING AVE.; RICHEON AVE. FROM QUILL DR. TO HONDO ST.; AND, RIVES AVE.
BETWEEN HONDO ST. AND LEEDS ST. FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL HEALTHY DOWNEY 5K FOR
TLC EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019: Parks & Recreation.
12. AUTHORIZED THE CITY TO HOLD AN AMERICAN LEGION CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ON
MARCH 14, 2019 AND ALLOCATE FUNDS: Council Member Ashton.
13. APPROVED FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SHOWMOBILE AT THE WALK FOR WATER
EVENT SPONSORED BY THE DOWNEY KIWIN’S AT DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL: Mayor Pro Tem
Pacheco.
14. APPROVED THE BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 BUDGET: Finance.
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 5
OTHER BUSINESS:
5. APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS; AND, AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION OF
BIDS FOR THE FIRE STATIONS MODERNIZATION PROJECT – TEMPORARY FIRE STATION
FACILITY (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.19-37): Administration.
Mayor Rodriguez abstained from Item No. 5 due to the proximity to his residence and left the
dais.
City Manager Livas provided the staff report for this item. He elaborated on the allocation of
funds for the project; cost benefits and financial constraints regarding the temporary housing requiring
identification of one centralized location for the entire duration of the project; and, response times from
all locations considered.
Council Member Saab inquired which other sites were considered. Assistant City Manager
Oskoui provided the locations of all the sites considered and provided explanation as to why the other
locations were not ideal sites.
Council Member Saab inquired if the level of service would be affected and if response times
would be delayed based on the location selected. Fire Chief Gillaspie reported that there are
established automatic aid agreements with adjacent fire departments and surrounding agencies to
subsidize service and support the City in case of an emergency. In terms of the designated location, he
stated it was a centralized location within the City to allow for adequate response times and
accommodate the resources required to meet staff’s objectives.
The City Council and staff discussed how the fire stations were selected for renovation.
Adjacent quadrants were selected to ensure public safety would not be affected and City staff
established a system to ensure dissemination of information to the public, as well as, continued
updates throughout the project.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui reported that the City is about to embark in a very robust
program, a $60 million dollar project to be completed within two years. He added that the program
funding is date sensitive; provisions have been established to provide incentives to the contractors in
order to ensure the project will be completed on time; and, possibly ahead of schedule. He stated
provisions have been identified for a website dedicated to provide real-time updates to the public, as
well as, social media links; and, Town Hall meetings will be held in order to ensure the publics’
awareness.
Council Member Pacheco posed the question of contamination issues at the proposed site. City
Manager Livas confirmed that there was no contamination at the site.
Council Member Saab asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this
item.
Brian Heyman, resident, commented in opposition to the item; automatic aid agreements;
delayed response time; and, requested the City Council reject the item.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the project construction and public safety.
Having no one else come forward Council Member Saab closed public comment.
Council Member Ashton expressed his concerns regarding the selection process of the fire
stations to be renovated and proposed Fire Stations 1 and 4 be renovated first, followed by Stations 2
and 3.
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 6
Fire Chief Gillaspie explained the various scenarios, discussions, and concerns which were
addressed by staff regarding Council Member Ashton’s concerns. He added that the fire stations were
partnered by amount of calls, where a busy station was partnered with a slow station to ensure
adequate coverage.
Discussion ensured regarding District 3 and the possibility of a roving paramedic unit during
peak traffic hours in the mornings and evenings.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and approved 4-
0-1, with Mayor Rodriguez abstaining to approve the Plans and Specifications; and, authorize
Solicitation of Bids for the Fire Stations Modernization Project – Temporary Fire Station Facility (Capital
Improvement Project No. 19-37).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
15. APPROVED A VEHICLE REPLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF
DOWNEY; MASTER EQUITY LEASE AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND ENTERPRISE FLEET MANAGEMENT INC.;
APPROVED THE LIST OF DESIGNATED SURPLUS VEHICLES AND AUTHORIZED
ENTERPRISE FLEET MANAGEMENT INC. TO LIQUIDATE DESIGNATED SURPLUS VEHICLES
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENTS AND ANY AMENDMENTS: Administration.
City Manager Livas provided a brief introduction of the staff report.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui presented the staff report and a brief presentation. He provided
the City Council a brief history regarding the current condition of the City’s fleet; how staff had identified
vehicles for the City’s direct purchase; the City’s five year fleet replacement program to empower the
City to replace a total of 150 vehicles; and, the cost savings to the City of one million dollars over the
next ten years.
Council Member Saab inquired if any of the vehicles being purchased will be electric or
alternative fuel vehicles; and, if the sticker seals would be updated with a modern decal.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui responded with the current market it would not be economically
feasible for any of the replacement vehicles to be electric or utilize alternative fuel. He added that
residents identify vehicles in their official capacity with the City seal; however, a more modern decal will
be identified to include the City seal with the City’s logo.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Rodriguez, and carried
unanimously to approve a Vehicle Replacement and Maintenance Program for the City of
Downey; Master Equity Lease and Vehicle Maintenance Agreements between the City of
Downey and Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.; approve the list of designated surplus
vehicles and authorize Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. to liquidate designated surplus
vehicles on behalf of the City; authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements and any
amendments.
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Regular Meeting – January 8, 2019 7
16. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2019: Mayor
Rodriguez.
The City Council ensued discussion regarding removing the Lakewood Boulevard
Subcommittee; Columbia Memorial Space Center Subcommittee; and, Good Governance
Subcommittee from the 2019 City Council City Subcommittees list.
Council Member Ashton offered to be a Secondary Alternate for any of the City Council Inter-
Government Committees and Standing Subcommittees.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried
unanimously to approve the City Council Subcommittee Assignments for 2019 with the removal of the
Lakewood Boulevard Subcommittee; Columbia Memorial Space Center Subcommittee; and, Good
Governance Subcommittee from the 2019 City Council City Subcommittees list.
17. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL CITY INTER-GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
FOR 2019: Mayor Rodriguez.
Council Member Ashton inquired about the appointment for the Greater Los Angeles Vector
Control District.
City Clerk Duarte confirmed Downey resident Robert Kiefer was appointed through 2020.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
Having no one come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Saab, and carried
unanimously to approve the City Council City Inter-Government Committee Assignments for 2019.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas thanked staff for a wonderful 2018, and said he is looking forward to an
exceptional 2019. He reminded the City Council of the upcoming Special Meeting regarding the City
Council Goals and Priorities Workshop on January 14, 2019. He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:25 p.m. in
memory of Officers Eduardo Marmolejo, 36, and Conrad Gary, 31, Chicago Police Department; Officer
Ronil Singh, 33, Newman Police Department; Firefighter Natalie Dempsey, 21, Mizpah Fire Company
Atlantic County, New Jersey; Detective Deidre Mengedoht, 32, Louisville Metro Police Department; Air
Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, 25, of Hookstown, Pennsylvania; Army Captain Andrew Patrick Ross,
29, of Lexington, Virginia; Army Sergeant 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, 39, of Brush Prairie,
Washington; Army Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, 19, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Sergeant Jason Mitchell
McClary, 24, of Export, Pennsylvania and Sergeant Leandro A.S. Jasso, 25, from Leavenworth,
Washington, all who were supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel; and, Denice Lizarraga, Downey
Police Department Record’s Specialist.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC RICK RODRIGUEZ
City Clerk Mayor