HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-09-19 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF
CITY • • OF D•
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 9, 2019
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on July 9, 2019, at
6:42 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
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Yolanda Chavez, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Nolveris Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Giselle
Scott,
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Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Commissioner
Nolveris Frometa and former Mayor David Gafin in the audience. He congratulated Rebecca Guerrero
on her retirement and thanked her for her work. He announced upcoming events: Twilight Summer
Concerts at Furman Park, Summer Library Show "Kids Imagine Nation" at the Downey Theatre, and
Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. He requested the City
host a Council meeting in an alternate venue and suggested a venue in the Southern part of the City.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged
Commissioner Nolveris Frometa, former Mayor David Gafin and Martha Sodetani in the audience. She
thanked the Fire Chief and the Chief of Police for their work ensuring the residents' safety over the 4th
of July holiday and commented regarding the reduction of citations issued. She commented regarding
the recent earthquakes; reminded residents to be prepared and suggested they sign up for Downey
Alerts to receive updates in case of a major emergency. She thanked Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 for hosting
the Neighborhood Watch meetings and encouraged anyone interested in hosting a meeting to contact
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Jenny Aguirre. She announced the upcoming Neighborhood Watch
meeting on Cecilia Street. She recognized Director Dickow for the work he does at the Columbia
Memorial Space Center. She encouraged everyone to visit the Space Center during the week of July
16 through July 20 to celebrate the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019
Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked Council Member
Frometa for mentioning the earthquakes and providing the emergency preparedness information to the
audience. He thanked the Public Works Director Consunji for commencing construction on the
Paramount Boulevard medians in the South end of the City and the new Downey sign at the City's entry
point. He acknowledged Chad Overly in the audience. He asked the Chief of Police and Fire Chief to
report on the events that occurred over the 4th of July holiday.
Chief Milligan reported a decrease in the number of calls the Police Department responded to
on 4th of July and provided the statistics from 2016 to the present. He stated that the volume of
fireworks ignited and the timeframe had greatly reduced from previous years which he attributed to the
City's outreach. He stated that the Police Department issued 54 citations for the use of or possession of
illegal fireworks; and, the Department proactively deployed 20 additional Police Officers on the 4th of
July.
Chief Gillaspie reported the Fire Department responded to 32 calls on the 4th of July, eight of
which were fireworks related and assisted the City of Compton with two structure fires. He reported
one of the fires was a combustible wood roof and the others were vegetation or rubbish fires all without
injuries. The Fire Department's last call was received at 11:30 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Michael
Calvert, Blanca Rochin and Gisselle Scott in the audience. She thanked the Chief of Police and Fire
Chief for all their efforts over the 4th of July holiday. She announced upcoming events: Downey Lion's
Club Annual Awards and End of Year Banquet 2019, and the Girls on Fire Summer Program. She
commented regarding the two earthquakes that occurred over the holiday weekend; reminded the
audience about the necessity of being prepared for a major emergency; and, encouraged the residents
to partake in the Community Emergency Response Team training. She requested staff confirm that the
emergency preparedness information is updated and readily accessible to the public on the City's
website.
Mayor Rodriguez thanked the audience for allowing him to sit in his seat on the City Council.
He reported attending the Coyotes Town Hall meeting and thanked Vaniah De Rosas for a successful
event. He acknowledged Brian Heyman in the audience. He commented regarding the efforts of the
Downey Care Collaborative to work with foster children in the City. He reported that foster children are
50 percent more likely to become homeless, incarcerated, not graduate high school and have some
form of addiction. He recognized Martha Sodetani for her work with foster children. He announced the
upcoming Business Watch Quarterly Seminar. He commented regarding the earthquake that occurred
over the weekend and emphasized the necessity of being prepared for an emergency. He
congratulated Mario Camarena, Wesley Petersen, Jonathan Pettit, Freddy Salas, and Wilson Tsai for
completing the 18 month Firefighter probationary process. He thanked the Fire Department for allowing
seven year old Joshua, diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015, to fulfill his dream of becoming a fire
fighter by making him a honorary Downey Firefighter. He reported attending the United States
Conference of Mayors and commented on how fortunate the City is to have its own Fire and Police
Departments, Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, and a Cemetery Committee. He mentioned
speaking about the Pets for Vets Program at the Conference and said Petco will implement the
program with other Cities across America. He acknowledged Kim Tachiki-Chin in the audience.
1. Mayor Rodriguez presented the Mayor's Servant Heart Award to JoAnn Wintenburg,
2. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Director Consunji presented a City Tile in Recognition of
Retiring Employee with 15 Years of Service, Rebecca Guerrero, Public Works Department.
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Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 2
3. Mayor Rodriguez presented a Proclamation in Recognition of Parks Make Life Better to Director
Passow.
4. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas presented
Certificates of Recognition to the 2019 Innovation and Technology Team.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Rodriguez recessed the City Council meeting at 7:40 p.m. Mayor Rodriguez reconvened
the City Council meeting at 7:47 p.m. with all Council Members present.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
Mayor Rodriguez opened non -agenda public comment.
Michelle Fording, resident, commented in opposition to a proposed residential care facility in her
neighborhood.
Ralph Peck, resident, commented regarding prohibiting all fireworks in the City.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding political figures; homelessness; and, mental
health services.
Cory Carbajal, resident, commented regarding in opposition to all fireworks and the use of the
Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy for the Downey Police Department's training
program.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding fines for illegal fireworks; the City's drinking
in public ordinance; homelessness; and, alternative revenues to the Utility Users Tax.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
Council Member Frometa pulled Item No. 5 for separate discussion.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent
Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 5; homelessness; political
figures; and, in support of the Fire and Police Departments.
Emory Sippos, resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 5.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Frometa and approved
unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, with Council Member Frometa pulling Item No. 5 for
separate discussion.
1. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 334659 — 335064; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003885 & 30003889 —
30003892; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1863 — 1866 in the total amount of $5,272,002.13: Finance.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 3
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4. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ANITRA BISHOP FOR
ARCHIVAL AND ARTIFACT CATALOGING•MEMORIAL
Administration.SPACE CENTER; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT:
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7. ADOPTED r • i; 19-7892, A RESOLUTION• - OF THE FORMATION•
AND INCLUSION IN THE "LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVER RECREATION AND PAR
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5. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN GUARD
SERVICES, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $189,000 TO PROVIDE SECURITY GUARD
SERVICES IN DOWNTOWN DOWNEY AND CITY PARKS AND FACILITIES AS DETERMINED
BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Community Development.
Council Member Saab inquired as to when the costs for the security guard services were going
to be transferred to the Downtown Downey Improvement Association.
Director Schindler stated that the base level service is funded by the City and the Downtown
Downey Improvement Association would pay for additional services. The property owners are satisfied
with the current level of service being provided.
Council Member Saab asked if American Guard Services, Inc. was the current provider for the
security services in Downtown Downey and requested the reason for staff's recommendation.
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Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 4
Director Schindler confirmed American Guard Services, Inc. was not the current provider and
explained that the recommended company demonstrated to be the most qualified firm.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed service area and the provider's flexibility to change
the service area to fulfill the City's needs as required.
Council Member Frometa requested staff provide an analysis regarding the costs benefit of
utilizing security guards rather than Downey Police Officers to patrol the Downtown parking structure.
Director Schindler provided a brief history regarding the costs breakdown and explained the
budget for the security guard services.
City Manager Livas provided the history regarding the growth of the Downtown area. He
commented on the nightly complaints from patrons regarding breaking and entering into vehicles while
utilizing the parking structure which resulted in a decline of use of the structure. He stated that the City
hired an expert to conduct a study; the recommendation was to implement security guard services in
the parking structure; as a result of the implementation of service there was a dramatic decrease of
vehicle break-ins. He explained the significant cost savings of utilizing security guards rather than
Police Officers to patrol the parking structure due to the lower hourly wages.
Chief Milligan stated that the security guards are great partners to the Police Department and
make fantastic witnesses opposed to civilian witnesses. He commented on the reluctance of the civilian
witnesses to come forward and testify in court. He noted the presence of the uniformed security guards
provide to be great deterrents for thieves.
Council Member Ashton inquired as to the purpose of the City Council approving the Downtown
Downey Improvement Association.
City Manager Livas provided the background regarding the creation and purpose of the
Downtown Downey Improvement Association; and, mentioned the main attraction of an improvement
district is the flexibility allotted to a district which surpasses the authority of the City.
Council Member Ashton inquired as to the items the Association has paid for since their
inception.
Director Schindler stated that it has only been a year since the formation of the Association and
it takes time for the Association to generate funding. The County only distributes incremental payments
to the Association twice a year. He communicated the projects the Association is currently working on.
Council Member Saab inquired as to the Association's meeting schedule.
Director Schindler stated the Association meets on a monthly basis, the fourth Thursday of the
month. He offered to provide the information to the City Council and would ensure a link be placed on
the City's website for the members of the public to access.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco asked if the Police Department would continue to patrol the Downtown
Downey area.
Chief Milligan confirmed the Police Department has assigned Officers patrolling the Downtown
area, specifically the bars and restaurants in the area.
Discussion ensued by City Council and staff regarding hours of operations and the security
guard services ability to modify their hours. There was discussion regarding the City paying for baseline
services; the Downtown Downey Improvement Association's responsibility for any incremental growth;
and, the Association's process of notifying property owners of upcoming meetings.
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Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 5
Council Member Ashton inquired about utilizing the Police Department's Park Ranger's at the
park events rather than security guard services; and, he inquired if a cost savings analysis had been
conducted.
Chief Milligan stated that the Park Rangers are part-time individuals assigned to specific parks,
should the City utilize the Park Rangers for the special events the parks would be left unpatrolled.
City Manager Livas confirmed that there is a significant cost savings by utilizing the security
guard services for special events rather than hiring additional Park Rangers.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
4-1-0, with Council Member Ashton voting no, to approve a Professional Services Agreement with
American Guard Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $189,000 to provide Security Guard
Services in Downtown Downey and City Parks and Facilities as determined by the Parks and
Recreation Department; and, authorize the City Manager to execute any and all amendments.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
9. 2019 INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TEAM PROPOSALS: Administration.
1) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH
COLINE INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN EMERGENCY DISASTER REPEATER
SYSTE ; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A QUICK
RESPONSE CODE AND THE INSTALLATION OF A "MAINTENANCE CITY PARKS"
BUTTON OPTION TO THE CITY'S REDESIGNED MOBILE SERVICE REQUEST SYSTEM
FOR CITY PARKS.
City Manager Livas introduced the 2019 Innovation and Technology Team.
Forensic Specialist Pominville presented the staff report regarding the purchase of an
emergency disaster repeater system and provided a brief history of the currnt Legacy Radio System
and the challenges staff has encountered with the existing system. She commented regarding the
benefits of updating the system such as providing the ability to communicate with other agencies. She
reported on the other cities that utilize the recommended system; and, the costs associated with
purchasing the system.
Management Analyst Lovegren presented the staff report regarding creating and installing a
quick response code to the City's newly designed mobile request system. He mentioned the benefits of
a quick response code would enhance customer service and improve staff response time for basic
maintenance needs at City Parks. He reviewed the quick response code process and the cost
breakdown related to the purchase of the application.
Discussion ensued by City Council and staff regarding the verbiage and multiple languages
accompanying the quick response code; the possibility of implementing alternative technology for
maintenance requests; and, the process of routing the requests.
City Manager Livas stated the idea of the quick response code is to meet the expectations of
the public and disburse the request directly to Park staff for fulfillment. He confirmed, if approved, staff
would test the quick response code at a park to ensure it is working properly prior to launching
Citywide.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
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Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 6
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding customer service, the media, and the First
Amendment.
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to this item.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Frometa and approved
unanimously to authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with Commline, Inc. for the
purchase of an Emergency Disaster Repeater System; and, authorize the City Manager to approve the
creation of a Quick Response Code and the installation of a "Maintenance City Parks" button option to
the City's redesigned mobile service request system for City Parks.
10. CONSIDERED THE REVITALIZATION OF THE CITY/SCHOOL DISTRICT TASK FORCE; AND,
APPOINTED TWO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE TASK FORCE:
Administration.
Management Analyst Rivas provided a brief history regarding the City/School District Task
Force. She provided a presentation and staff's recommendations to the City Council regarding the
request to revitalize the City/School District Task Force and the recommended yearly meeting
schedule.
Mayor Rodriguez inquired about the possibility of the City/School District Task Force meeting on
a more frequent basis.
Management Analyst Rivas stated the City/School District Task Force would meet annually to
discuss various topics such as after-school programming, Community Policing Program/DARE
Program, traffic safety and parking around schools, securing grants, Downey Link stops/passenger
behavior, Parks & Recreation activities, City project updates, athletic field availability/improvements,
maintenance, improvement of pools, personnel changes, School's modernization projects, and District
improvement updates.
City Manager Livas inquired as to which two Council Members would be appointed to serve on
the Task Force.
Council Member Ashton motioned to nominate Mayor Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco
to serve.
Mayor Rodriguez declined and recommended Council Member Frometa serve on the Task
Force.
Council Member Ashton amended his motion to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council
Member Frometa to serve on the City/School District Task Force.
Council Member Frometa proposed meeting twice a year.
Further discussion ensued by City Council and staff regarding the purpose of the Task Force
and a proposed meeting schedule.
City Attorney Abich-Garcia stated the purpose of the Task Force when created was to provide a
forum for the exchange of information between the School District and the City on issues of mutual
interest or concern.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on this item.
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Regular Meeting - July 9, 2019 7
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Title I funding, the voting members of the
Task Force, and Charter Schools.
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to the item.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Frometa and approved
unanimously to approve the revitalization of the City/School District Task Force and to appoint Mayor
Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Frometa to serve on the City/School District Task Force.
City Manager Livas stated the City recently applied for the International City County
Management Award for Performance and announced the City of Downey was awarded a Certificate of
Achievement in Performance Management in recognition of the City's data driven management
reporting efforts. The City of Downey was amongst 17 jurisdictions selected nationally to receive the
certificate. He thanked the Directors and the City Council for this achievement.
Mayor Rodriguez congratulated Dennis Saab for his appointment to Judge of the California
State Bar Court of Los Angeles.
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 9:37 p.m. in memory of
Sacramento Police Department Officer Tara O'Sullivan.
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Regular Meeting — July 9, 2019 8
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