HomeMy WebLinkAbout01A. Minutes - 06-07-18 - Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 07, 2018
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting on June 7, 2018, at
4:02 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Ashton presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Sean Ashton Mayor
Rick Rodriguez Mayor Pro Tem
Blanca Pacheco Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member
Fernando Vasquez Council Member (arrived at 4:16 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Carl Charles, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
Ed Norris, Interim Public Works Director
Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Ashton opened the meeting for Public Comment. Having no one come forward Mayor
Ashton closed Public Comment.
RECESS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MEETING
Chairman Ashton recessed the Community Development Commission meeting at 4:04 p.m.
1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET:
Finance.
City Manager Livas presented a brief overview of the Proposed Annual City Budget. He stated
some challenges staff encountered which include the California Public Employees' Retirement System
costs; and, how staff cautiously prepared for the upcoming year's budget by forecasting revenue and
expenditures. He mentioned the City's upcoming largest construction project of $50 million dollar in
expenditures going towards various facilities throughout the City. He announced the construction
design process had commenced, construction schedule confirmed, and stated as a part of the bond
requirement the project must be completed within three years. He announced the increase of 50%
more work added to the workforce and the City judiciously made minor changes in staffing to meet the
City's needs. He provided a brief overview of the process involved in preparing the proposed budget
which began in February after the City Council's Goals and Priorities Workshop. He announced the City
receiving yearly awards for budgeting. He stated the Department Heads will provide their presentations
after the Finance Director Gandhy continues with the Proposed Annual City Budget presentation.
Director Gandhy provided the presentation regarding the Proposed Annual City Budget. He
stated the City's budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 reflects $29,994,634 in reserves, $89,425,536 for
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Special Meeting — June 7, 2018
operating costs, $89,406,693 for appropriation, leaving a surplus of $18,843; and, final ending reserves
of $30,013,447.
Director Gandhy presented the various sources of the General Fund Revenue. He stated that
the three major sources of revenue are derived from property tax and sales tax for a total of 60%
revenue; then, adding the Utility Users Tax the total revenue is 68%. Director Gandhy compared fiscal
year 2017-18 to 2018-19 by category and noted the increase to sales tax is due to Measure S. The
projected total revenue from Measure S is $9.2 million of which $4.6 million is recorded in Measure S
revenue and $4.6 million in Measure S Fund for the capital projects and debt service. He stated the
Budget Subcommittee will continue to work diligently to return with the balanced budget for City
Council's adoption on June 26, 2018.
Council Member Vasquez requested staff explanation Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates,
consultant, anticipated assumptions regarding the market increase for the property tax. Director
Gandhy responded the property tax increase of 6% is due to projections of a strong market and will
continue for the next few years.
City Manager Livas explained the property tax consultants review the market trends and
currently reflects a strong market which suggests an increase in property tax; however, next year's
forecast may differ.
Director Gandhy continued discussion regarding the Utility Users Tax of 4% sources including
electric and telephone. He mentioned this tax is unpredictable since the current trend has called for
many residents to no longer utilize landlines and are becoming more dependent upon cellphones.
Council Member Vasquez asked if the Utility Users Tax includes cellphones and if the sales tax
collected is based upon where the service was registered and not necessarily the residents current
address. Director Gandhy stated that his assumption was correct and the telephone franchise is
seeking to hire a firm to audit the telephone portion of the Utility Users tax.
Director Gandhy continued reviewing the general fund revenue of JPCC & Ambulance will
remain unchanged. He provided a breakdown of the multitude of revenue sources bundled within the
fund which are projected to have a slight increase.
Director Gandhy stated there was an underfunding of $2 million per year for the Fee Study
which staff will return in a future City Council meeting with this item to resolve the underfunding.
Council Member Vasquez questioned what the specific types of fee studies were being
underfunded. Director Gandhy explained the fee studies are Finance, Building & Safety, Planning, Fire
fees, and Police. Mr. Gandy mentioned from the $2 million, he calculated a 10% increase for the next
year. Council Member Vasquez questioned if the City is allowed to collect to recover costs for the litmus
test. Director Gandhy explained the City is undercharging is due to the fee study not being updated.
Council Member Vasquez asked if there was a possibility to adopt an Ordinance with an
automated Consumer Price Index adjustment factor for the fees collected by the City. City Manager
Livas stated a consultant was hired to review the actual City's cost for a specialized permit which are
not covered by the general tax. The general tax includes routine items such as a business license tax.
Council Member Vasquez questioned if an adjustments include items such as the 2% yearly
salary increase which would make the permit fee increase. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated fees are
reviewed yearly, adjusted accordingly to ensure accuracy and adopted by City Council.
Council Member Saab mentioned that it is common practice to have staff make yearly
adjustments to the fees and bring the item before City Council.
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Council Member Vasquez questioned the possibility of accurately offsetting staff costs on a
yearly basis and if other cities are being included in staffs' study. City Manager Livas explained some
permit cost would need to remain business friendly and confirmed staff is continuously researching
surrounding cities to ensure the City is within range.
Director Gandhy explained the general fund revenue from the sale of City property and
contributions from private sources which estimate a total of $89,425,536 for FY18-19. He explained the
general fund expenditures totals to $89,406,693, $18,000 less than the general fund revenue. He
provided a breakdown of general fund expenditures being that Fire and Police Departments account for
a total 64% of expenditures.
Director Gandhy provided a general overview of the City's expenses as being $3.2 million total.
He stated there was an increase in salaries for a total of $4 million compared to last year; the
breakdown is $2 million in PERS cost increase, $1 million for Police Department personnel which is no
longer being financed through asset forfeiture, and the balance is miscellaneous to be paid from the
General Fund.
Council Member Saab asked of the $4 million how much is attributed to the Police Department.
Director Gandhy stated that approximately $2.5 million is for Police Department personnel and
mentioned Community Development Department's saving is attributed to grant funding.
Director Gandhy provided an economic overview of the revenue and expenditures for FY 2017-
18 and explained how it aligned with the current fiscal year's budget; economy's continued growth;
unemployment rate being at its lowest in 10 years; and, City's income levels are above the County and
National values. He provided an overview of the challenges to catch up on deferred equipment
replacement; revenue growth not aligning with expenditures; ongoing increased of pension costs;
continual readjustments to the budget; and, the possibility of an eventual U.S. recession.
City Manager Livas provided the history regarding PERS by stating in 2012, the height of the
recession, the City renegotiated contracts with the bargaining units; and, the retirement system the City
instituted a second tier system for those employees with different retirement system. He stated every
year as costs escalate staff has been vigilant in identifying where expenditures can be reduced.
Director Gandhy stated the Department Heads would now present highlights and important
accomplishments for their individual departments.
Director Gandhy proceeded to present on the Finance Department's accomplishments for FY
2017-18. He stated some of the Finance Department's accomplishments as: completed a City-wide fee
study and cost allocation plan; City-wide equipment inventory; received the Government Finance
Officers Association and California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Budget Awards for FY 2017-
18 Annual Budget as well as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; secured an increase in
City's bond rating from AA to AA+; completed Library's WiFi Public Access Virtual Library network and
deployed WiFi access for City Hall, Library, Discovery Sport Complex, Apollo Gym, and Senior Center;
and, upgraded Fire Department Computer -Aided Dispatch 911 System, Community Development
Permitting — ACCELA and Transit Dispatch — Trapeze.
Director Gandhy mentioned some of the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: implementation
of a web -based scheduling and payroll system, in conjunction with the City Manager's Office; Long-
range financial planning and cash flow projection; complete scanning of accounts payable checks into
Laserfiche; continued review and update of City Financial Policies and Procedures; automate purchase
order approval process; increase Utility Billing online customer account registration; and, institute a pilot
program to deliver city employee check stubs via email.
Council Member Vasquez inquired about the delivery of check stubs and if it is part of the web -
based scheduling and payroll system. Director Gandhy responded that they are two separate systems.
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City Manager Livas provided detailed information regarding the implementation of the web -
based scheduling and payroll system and stated that the project is a massive undertaking. He
explained the various forms currently being utilized to manually process payroll; provided an overview
of the automated scheduling system that the Police and Fire Departments will use; discussed
implementation of technology the new system will allow for more efficiency; and, the costs savings in
staff time and paper. He explained the current method to delivery payroll checks is hardcopy utilizing
the U.S. Postal Service and the objective is to deliver via electronic mail to ensure efficiency and
provide costs savings.
City Attorney Abich Garcia provided a brief overview of the accomplishments for the City
Attorney's Office for FY 2017-18 as continued to reduce the number of active city lawsuits and reduced
legal fees by: shifting liability to responsible third parties; early evaluation and strategy of claims and
lawsuits; seek opportunities to settle cases at early mediation; and, completion of City's Americans with
Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
City Attorney Abich Garcia mentioned some Department goals for FY 2018-19 as: continue to
reduce the number of active lawsuits and the reduction of City's legal fees; continue next phase of the
City's Americans with Disabilities Act compliance program and employee training; and, continue to
assist the City's Risk Manager in reducing or eliminating the City's risk.
Council Member Saab inquired of City Attorney Abich Garcia what the biggest challenges she
foresees for the upcoming year. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the department's biggest challenges
are to continue to reduce the number of active city lawsuits and the reduction of legal expenses,
especially the Americans with Disabilities Act claims.
Discussion ensured amongst the City Council and staff regarding tree claims, tree trimming
schedules, possibility of changing tree trimming contracts, the amount of money paid on tree claims,
and an comprehensive study to create a Tree Master Plan.
Council Member Vasquez inquired about the request for Middle Level Management Training.
City Manager Livas responded that Human Resources Department has conducted the training
for Mid -Management training.
Management Analyst Juddy Montenegro provided the presentation for the City Manager's Office
accomplishments for FY 2017-18 as: worked closely with City Attorney to develop the City's Americans
with Disabilities Act Transition Plan; developed City-wide Title V Language Access Plan; awarded a
$50,000 Homeless Action Planning Grant; assisted Finance with budget process, including the
production of the annual budget document; developed City's Coyote Management Plan; continued to
increase citizen engagement through the use of City's social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter &
Instagram; and, instituted second inter -disciplinary Technology & Innovation Team.
Management Analyst Juddy Montenegro presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as:
develop an Americans with Disabilities Act clearinghouse and compliance strategy; enhance public
transparency through communications; implement Organizational Mission & Values; continue to
develop and expand the City's Volunteer Program, utilize the City's social media platforms to engage
the community, implement City-wide formal employee training and management system, oversee and
implement Measure S Projects; and, complete re -design of new City website.
Council Member Saab inquired if the kiosk and other technology which has recently been
implemented been utilized. City Manager Livas responded that the newly installed technology is being
utilized and providing a cost saving which staff will return with a report to provide an update to the City
Council at a future meeting.
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City Manager Livas introduced Director of Human Resources Youssefieh and announced her
upcoming retirement.
Director Youssefieh provided the presentation for the Human Resources Department. She
stated that the department completed labor negotiations with seven bargaining units; hired a Human
Resources Analyst and Human Resources Specialist; completed 75 recruitment and selection
processes to meet City staffing needs resulting in the hiring of 60 full-time and 200 part-time employees
which included 21 Police Officers and eight Firefighters; processed 1050 Personnel Status Reports for
authorized payroll actions; implemented Human Resources Information System for increased
technological efficiencies and data tracking; and, updated part-time hourly pay schedules to address
the State minimum wage and reinstituted merit increases for part-time personnel to support hiring and
retention.
Director Youssefieh presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: continue to evaluate
professional staffing levels and operational efficiencies; implement electronic performance evaluation
software; and, implement City-wide employee training and learning management software.
City Clerk Duarte provided a brief overview of the City Clerk's Department for FY 2017-18. She
mentioned the department has enhanced operational efficiency and eliminated more than 50% of in-
person staff visits to the County Registrar -Recording by conducting 25 in -housing recording; processed
and responded to over 400 Public Records Requests in coordination with various departments; and,
processed and responded to more than 60 Subpoenas and Summons served on the City.
City Clerk Duarte presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: updated and implement
the City-wide records retention policy and apply approximately the retention policy to 15% of Clerk files
in storage; recruit, train and retain qualified City Clerk's staff; and, maintain City compliance with
Election and Disclosure Law, for the upcoming November Election for City Council Districts 2 and 4.
Council Member Saab inquired about the Voter Outreach plan to increase voter turnout. City
Clerk Duarte responded that she is looking into implementing a Voter Outreach program to include a
permanent table in the lobby with voter information and work with Public Information to utilize the City's
website and social media to advertise Voter Registration deadlines and links to voter information on the
Registrar -Recorder's Office/County Clerk website.
City Manager Livas added the City will advertise voter outreach information in the City's
Recreation Guide, lobby and library kiosk, and provide workshops at the senior centers.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Library's accomplishments for FY 2017-18 as: doubled
number of computers available to the public (18 new laptops for use throughout the Library); free Wi-Fi
in the Library, Civic Center and at virtual Library sites within the City; established a partnership with
Downey High School for a One -Card pilot program; created a dedicated Virtual Reality room in
conjunction with Teen Zone activities; exceeded State attendance average for Virtual Reality in the
Library; and, doubled social media following.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: implement
debit/credit card/online payments in the Library; begin the redevelopment of the Library under the
Measure S guidelines; develop a new strategic direction and mission for the Library; develop a
framework for a homework help program; expand Downey One -Card to more Downey Unified School
District schools, beginning with Warren High School; create and implement a process for an ongoing
community listening program to engage with members of the community.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Columbia Memorial Space Center's accomplishments
for FY 2017-18 as: exceed previous year's attendance; developed a partner program with Caltech;
hosted community events attended by over 10,000 members of the public; implemented an expansion
of the science club network program with Housing Corporation of American, Boys and Girls Clubs and
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Boeing; successfully coordinated City of STEM with 65 events over 29 days throughout Greater Los
Angeles; held first Space Center Foundation strategic planning session; and, welcomed nearly 300 field
trips and over 125 Challenger Learning Center Missions.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: plan and
implement activities related to the 10th Anniversary of the Space Center and the 50th Anniversary of
the Apollo 11 first moon landing, both in 2019; begin refurbishing of the Robotics Lab and parts of 1 st &
2nd floor exhibits as part of the Columbia Memorial Space Center's 10th Anniversary celebration in 4th
Quarter of 2019; expand City of STEM and other programming; increase the professional development
opportunities for staff; meet or exceed FY16-17 and FY17-18 gifts to the Foundation; recruit three new
members to the Space Center Foundation Board of Directors; develop a long-term strategic plan for the
Foundation that includes feasibility of a capital campaign launch in the fourth quarter of 2019; and, host
a Gala fundraising event for the Space Center Foundation.
Director Schindler provided the presentation for the Community Development Department
accomplishments for FY 2017-18 as: issued 2,200 building permits with a total value of 150 million
dollars; performed 11,000 Building and Safety Inspections; issued building permits and continued
vertical construction of numerous residential projects including: Center Point Townhomes, Village Walk
Townhomes, High Point Townhomes, 6 -unit apartments on Second, and 4 -unit townhomes on Imperial
Boulevard; entitled multiple commercial developments including: Marriot Springfield Suites Hotel,
Starbucks on Paramount Boulevard and Florence Avenue, industrial building on Woodruff Avenue, a
new restaurant at the Southeast corner of Second Street and Downey Avenue, and Burlington at The
Promenade; Planning Commission approval of adaptive reuse of the Avenue Theater; completed the
Bio -Medical Overlay zone study; assisted 25 homeless families and individuals access housing;
assisted 2 low-income first-time homebuyers purchase a home; completed the rehabilitation of 16
owner -occupied homes; and, inspected 2,365 new Code Enforcement cases and closed over 1,635
cases.
Director Schindler presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: Foster Downtown
Downey growth and promotion by attracting retail, restaurant, and housing developments; continue
assisting in the economic growth of the city by facilitating the revitalization of all of commercial
corridors; continue to facilitate the development of quality residential and commercial projects; initiate
plans for the redevelopment of remaining 21 acres at The Promenade; work with Los Angeles County
to procure a company to design and build new soccer fields at Rancho South Campus; continue multi -
agency effort to revitalize the five -acre sports park at Rancho South Campus, West Santa Ana Branch
Light Rail Station, and new Specific Plan; assist 20 families and/or individuals who are homeless or on
the verge, with locating permanent housing; complete the rehabilitation of 20 owner -occupied homes;
complete the construction of Center Point, High Point, Downey Oasis and Village Walk townhomes;
work with Los Angeles County and American Legion to develop Veteran housing at 11269 Garfield
Avenue; begin construction of Marriott Hotel; begin the construction of parking structure at Kaiser
Permanente; maintain a high level of customer service through efficient and speedy service at the
public counter, accurate and timely plan review; and, work with departments to combat illegal dumping.
Council Member Vasquez inquired about the average square footage of the residential units.
Director Schindler stated the smaller units are 1,300 square feet and
Council Member Saab inquired as to any updates regarding the Giant RV's sales. Director
Schindler confirmed the Giant RV has reported exceeding the projected sales goal.
Council Member Saab inquired about the biggest challenges the Community Development
foresees for the upcoming year. Director Schindler stated the largest challenge is to keep up with the
commercial and residential financial real estate markets and the anticipated recession in those markets.
Chief Charles presented the Police Department's accomplishments for FY 2017-18. He
announced the Department is celebrating its 62nd year of service to the Downey community; hired 22
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new employees, including 14 new police officers; expanded the Department's internet presence on
social media to interact with the public; expanded Neighborhood Watch groups from 196 in FY 2015-16
to 214; Homeless Outreach Team conducted several operations to provide resources and alternatives
to living on the streets; completed the installation of 25 Automated License Plate Readers at 10
locations throughout the City.
Council Member Saab inquired if there was a need for additional Automated License Plate
Readers. Chief Charles confirmed at the present time no additional devices would be required.
Chief Charles presented the Police Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: completion training
for 121 Sworn Officers; establish a permanent "foot beat" deployment in the downtown area on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights; replace radio infrastructure with new interoperable
communication system; collaborate with various outreach programs to further assist with homeless
assistance efforts; promote school safety through continued collaborative efforts with the school district;
expand the Neighborhood Watch program; and, implement a new Record's Management and
Computer Automated Dispatch System, including "online reporting" to engage the community.
Council Member Saab asked what the department biggest challenges are for the upcoming
year; and, when the additional 10 Officers are expected to be fully trained. Chief Charles stated the
challenges would be to prepared for an active shooter scenario and continued training; and, the
transition to the interoperable communication system. Chief Charles stated the Officers would be fully
trained and actively deployed in the Fall.
Council Member Pacheco asked about the situation with the radios currently being utilized by
the Department. Chief Charles stated they system has certain areas in the City where the radio call
break up or communication is dropped. He stated changing to the regional system would prevent loss
of communication and is anticipated to be implemented in August.
Chief Gallespie provided the presentation for the Fire Department's accomplishments for FY
2017-18 as: 11,179 emergency incidents, including eight statewide mutual aid deployments; over 6,200
patients treated and transported to local hospitals; implemented two additional ambulances;
transitioned to Paramedic Engine Companies Citywide; creation of Training Coordinator and
Ambulance Coordinator positions; hired six firefighter/paramedics, two dispatchers, 19 ambulance
operators; replaced Prevention Technician and Emergency Preparedness Manager; completed
Conditions Assessment and Master Planning of the Fire Stations; secured $124,032 from 2016 State
Homeland Security Grant; ordered two new replacement ambulances; promoted one Captain and two
Engineers; and, conducted Active Shooter training.
Chief Gallespie presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: improve living/working
conditions at all four fire stations, including temporary relocation of personnel and equipment during fire
station remodeling; improve radio and data communications for dependability and interoperability;
implement annual department training program to ensure mandated compliance, employee safety and
performance of superior services; improve mandated fire prevention inspection compliance; and,
improve employee recruitment and retention, specifically relating to firefighter, paramedics and EMT
ambulance operators.
Mayor Ashton asked what the department's biggest challenge is for the upcoming year. Chief
Gallespie stated the challenge the department faces is the systemic problem of keeping the Paramedic
Engine Companies available by transporting to available local hospitals within the City. Chief Gallespie
addressed the challenges with the new SMART 911 program is getting the community to sign up; and,
the department is currently conducting a more aggressive community outreach to introduce the
program.
Director Passow provided the presentation for the Parks and Recreation Department's
accomplishments for FY 2017-18 as: developed a new Department Mission and Vision Statement;
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implemented a full season of eight shows at the Downey Theatre; installed new walking trails lighting at
Furman and Apollo Parks; improvements to the Apollo Dance Building, include new ceiling; new bulletin
boards at Furman, Wilderness and Denis the Menace Parks; created a Request for Proposal for the
Operation of the Transit Department; completed the Rio Hondo Golf Club improvements and held a
Sub -Committee meeting showcasing golf operations; created a bi-weekly Golf Club maintenance
checklist for the buildings and grounds.
Director Passow presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 as: coordinate, plan, and
implement elements of Measure S Park Improvement Projects at nine park locations; establish Downey
as a Healthy Hub by increasing health and wellness programs offered; develop a customer survey for
City programs, facility rentals, and events, to improve customer service; coordinate with other
departments on City-wide Sponsorship program with Parks and Recreation Special Events at the
Downey Theatre, Space Center and Library; and, implement new Special Olympic sport into existing
program.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez inquired how staff will be recruiting for the focus group. Director
Passow stated there were two separate focus groups one consisted of youth and started with the Youth
Commissioners then reached out to the local high schools for recruitment; and, the other was an adult
focus group included the commissions and Cemetery Board having a total of 20 participants.
Interim Director Norris provided the presentation for the Public Works Department
accomplishments for FY 2017-18 for the completed Street and Traffic Safety Improvements: Bellflower
Boulevard at Imperial Highway Intersection Improvement Project; Traffic Signal Upgrades at nine
intersections; Imperial Highway Traffic Signal Communications Project; Brookshire Avenue Pavement
Rehabilitation Project; designs for the Lakewood Boulevard Phase 3C, Old River School Road
Improvements, Firestone Boulevard Improvements and Paramount Boulevard Median Island Projects;
designs for Bellflower Boulevard between Foster Road and Hall Road; Lakewood Boulevard Phase 3C,
and Woodruff Avenue Water Improvement Projects. He reported on the completed Water, Sewer and
Storm Drain System Improvement Projects: construction of Advanced Water Meter Project converting
900 backyard meters to advanced water meters and establishing a radio antenna/collector system to
remotely collect water meter reads; construction of potable water improvements on Old River School
Road from Imperial Highway to Arnett Street and on Firestone Boulevard from Old River School Road
to West City Limits; and, obtained Southern California Edison rebates of $168,000 energy savings of
$83,000 per year through rehabilitation of five groundwater wells. He stated other completed
improvement projects as: LED retrofit of 611 street lights City-wide; LED retrofit of Civic Center Parking
lot, Parking Structure, Rio Hondo Gold Course and Barbara J. Riley Parking lot lighting; trail lighting at
Apollo and Furman Parks; upgrade of City's gas boy fueling system program; and, City achieved
Southern California Edison "Platinum" Level as of April, 2018 due to energy savings from implemented
energy-saving projects.
Interim Director Norris presented the Department's goals for FY 2018-19 to complete the
Street and Traffic Safety Improvement Projects: Lakewood Boulevard Phase 3C, Old River School
Road, and Firestone Boulevard from Old River School Road to West City Limit Projects; Paramount
Boulevard between Imperial Highway and Florence Avenue Median Island Improvement Project;
Woodruff Avenue Fiber -Optic Communication System Project; Telegraph Road Traffic Throughput and
Safety Enhancements, Phase 2 Project. He stated the Water, Sewer and Storm Drain System
Improvement Projects as: continue rehabilitation of critical water and sewer infrastructure including
wells, valve exercising and replacement, water services, water meter, hydrants, maintain 65-70 miles
per year of sewer main flushing, sewer manhole odor and insect control; complete construction of
potable water improvements on Bellflower Boulevard between Foster Road to Hall Road and on
Woodruff Avenue between Imperial Highway to Firestone Boulevard; complete potable water, recycled
water, and storm water infiltration improvements at Lakewood Boulevard, Phase 3C; complete
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition improvements for City's water, sewer, and storm water
systems; and, other improvements as: restripe pavement lane lines on half of the major streets;
complete planting of 550 trees per CalFire Grant; complete the City's Tree Master Plan; continue
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energy retrofit savings program; complete the design and begin construction on the San Gabriel River
and Wilderness Park Restoration Project; complete the design and begin construction on the
Paramount Boulevard Traffic Safety Improvements and Stewart & Gray Road Traffic Signal
Communications and Upgrades Projects; complete the design for the Florence Avenue Bridge at the
Rio Hondo Channel Rehabilitation Project.
Council Member Saab asked what the department biggest challenges are for the upcoming
year. Interim Director Norris stated the largest challenge foreseen is the ability to keep up with the
increasing demands on upgrading infrastructure including sidewalks, streets and the new Americans
with Disability Act Plan.
Mayor Ashton thanked all Department Heads for their hard work throughout the year.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so ordered
by Mayor Ashton to receive and file.
2. RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ESTABLISH THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY COMMUNITY
BENEFIT DISTRICT: Community Development.
1) Received and Filed the petition results for the Downtown Downey Community Benefit District;
2) Approved the Updated Community Benefit District Management District Plan; and,
3) That the City Council adopted the revised resolution:
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7808, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY STATING ITS INTENTION TO ESTABLISH THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT AND TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN
SUCH DISTRICT, PURSUANT TO LOCAL ENABLING ORDINANCE, UNDER SECTION 400
OF THE DOWNEY CITY CHARTER AND ARTICLE 2, CHAPTER 14 OF THE DOWNEY
MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT
DISTRICTS, AND APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS
THERETO.
Council Member Vasquez abstained from Item No. 2, due to the close proximity to his place of
business and left the dais.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and approved
unanimously with Council Member Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 2, to approve to receive and file
the petition results for the Downtown Downey Community Benefit District; approve the updated
Community Benefit District Management District Plan; and, Adopting the revised Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Downey stating Its Intention to establish The Downtown Downey Community
Benefit District and to Levy And Collect Assessments within such District, pursuant to local enabling
Ordinance, under Section 400 of the Downey City Charter and Article 2, Chapter 14 of the Downey
Municipal Code, relating to the Establishment of Community Benefit Districts, and Appointing a time
and place for hearing objections thereto.
3. CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER REGARDING FORTHCOMING VOTE ON
FORMATION OF THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT: Community
Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 18-7809, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AS PROPERTY OWNER WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER NOT TO CAST
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BALLOTS REGARDING THE FORTHCOMING VOTE ON THE FORMATION OF THE
DOWNTOWN DOWNEY COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT.
Council Member Vasquez abstained from Item No. 3, due to the close proximity to his place of
business and left the dais.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and approved
unanimously with Council Member Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 3, to adopt a Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Downey as Property Owner within The Downtown Downey Community
Benefit District, Authorizing the City Manager not to Cast Ballots regarding the forthcoming vote on the
formation of The Downtown Downey Community Benefit District.
RECONVENE THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — HOUSING SUCCESSOR
AGENCY MEETING
Chairman Ashton reconvened the Community Development Commission at 6:44 p.m.
4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY DIRECTION
TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN A BALLOT REGARDING THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT: Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. SA 18-0007, A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN A BALLOT IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT.
Commissioner Vasquez abstained from Item No. 4, due to the close proximity to his place of
business and left the dais.
It was moved by Commissioner Saab, seconded by Vice -Chair Rodriguez and approved
unanimously with Commissioner Vasquez abstaining from Item No. 4, to adopt a Resolution of the
Community Development Commission — Housing Successor Agency authorizing the Executive Director
to sign a ballot in support of The Downtown Downey Community Benefit District.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated for the record no member of the public wished to speak on
Item Nos. 2, 3, or 4.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ashton adjourned the Special City Council Meeting at 6:46 p.m.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC RICK RODRIGUEZ
City Clerk Mayor
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting — June 7, 2018