HomeMy WebLinkAbout01B. Minutes - 06-04-19 - Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 4, 2019
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting on June 4, 2019, at
6:34 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Rodriguez presiding.
N:
Council Members:
Rick Rodriguez
Blanca Pacheco
Sean Ashton
Claudia Frometa
Alex Saab
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
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
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 PROPOSED CITY BUDGET:
Finance.
City Manager Livas presented a brief overview of the Proposed Annual City Budget. He stated
the City is currently experiencing market stability and economic well-being. However, staff is mindful
that recessions are inevitable. He mentioned the challenge of the increasing PERS costs; importance of
succession planning; and, the anticipated labor negotiations with all bargaining units. He mentioned the
City is fortunate to have a good relationship with the bargaining units. He stated public safety is of the
upmost importance and a critical component for the City regardless of the high costs; and, mentioned
public safety consists of approximately 65% of the City's Budget. He stated the City is fortunate to not
receive bad publicity which he attributes to the City Council's leadership; and, staff strives to ensure
ethics being as the core value in their daily work. He thanked the Budget Subcommittee, Mayor
Rodriguez and Council Member Saab, for monitoring the City's expenditures throughout the year. He
thanked Director Gandhy, Juddy Montenegro, Maria Rivas, and Vaniah De Rojas for preparing for the
presentation.
Director Gandhy provided the presentation regarding the Proposed Annual City Budget. He
stated the City's budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 reflects $36,013,447 in reserves, $6,000,000
transferred to the Measure S Fund, $93,927,579 for proposed operating expenditures, $93,932.898 for
proposed operating revenue, leaving a surplus of $5,319; and, a final ending reserves of $30,018,766.
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019
Director Gandhy presented the various sources of the General Fund Revenue. He addressed
the major sources of revenue being derived from property tax, Utility User's Tax and sales tax for a total
of 68% revenue. Director Gandhy presented the sources of revenue by category and compared fiscal
year 2018-19 to 2019-20 by category and noted the increase in property tax being due to the sale of the
Stewart and Grey Street property. The projected total revenue from Measure S is $10.2 million of which
$5.1 million is recorded in Measure S Public safety operations and $5.1 million in Measure S Fund for
the capital projects and safety equipment.
Director Gandhy commented regarding the Utility User's Tax sources including electric and
telephone. He mentioned telephone tax has declined since the trend shows residential landlines are
being replaced by cellphones. He stated gas and electric tax are continuing to reveal a slight increase
as anticipated.
Council Member Saab inquired about the anticipated revenue increase for JPCC and
Ambulance and if staff is attributing the increase to the strong collection practice. Chief Gillaspie replied
the projected revenue is based on the combination of increased call volume and community payers
which include insurance, medical and medicare. Director Gandhy mentioned the subscription fee
increase as an attributing factor.
Council Member Saab stated the property tax and sales tax are projected by Hinderliter de
Llamas & Associates, Consultants. He inquired as to how accurate are the Consultant's projections.
Director Gandhy confirmed the Consultants monitor the property and sales tax on a monthly basis and
he confirmed the past years projections have been on point. Director Gandhy stated he calculates his
own projections and conducts a comparison.
Council Member Saab questioned who is the top 5% sales tax generator in the City. Director
Gandhy mentioned car dealerships as the general category of sales tax generators.
Director Gandhy provided a general overview of the City's projected total expenses as
$99,927,579 less the $6.9 million transfer to Measure S for a balance of $93,927,579. He stated $70
million is designated to salaries and benefits which is 75% of the budget. He mentioned a $3.9 million
increase in salaries and benefits compared to last year; with a $2.9 million increase in PERS costs;
and, the balance as miscellaneous to be paid from the General Fund. He announced a reduction from
the initial budget of $1.6 million which is attributed to the combined efforts of all the Directors over the
past three months.
Council Member Saab requested an explanation for the 19% increase in Community
Development's budget. Director Gandhy explained the two main items that resulted in the increase as
$1.2 million for General Plan which was not budgeted for in last year's budget and $75,000 for
maintenance of the parking structure which was being paid for by Community Development
Commission.
Director Gandhy provided an explanation for the increase of $234,250 for proposed new
positions and re -classifications. He reviewed Public Works Department's request of two new positions
and the City Clerk's Office, Human Resources, Public Works, and Library request of eight proposed re-
classifications of existing positions. If explained, the additional expense of $22,110 would come from
the General Fund and $212,140 from other funds.
Director Gandhy provided an economic overview of the revenue and expenditures for FY 2018-
19; and, explained how it aligns with the current fiscal year's budget. He reported the Measure S sales
tax revenues align with projections and projects scheduled; continued growth of the City's economy;
unemployment rate at historical low levels; and, the City's income levels continued to be higher than the
County and National values.
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 2
Council Member Saab inquired if any areas of the economic overview presentation that the City
should be concerned about. City Manager Livas responded should the economy have a downturn the
areas of concern for the City are trade, manufacturing, hospitality and medical.
Director Gandhy provided an overview of the challenges ahead as the ongoing increase in
pension costs; slowing of sales and property tax growth; growth in expenditures out -pacing growth in
revenues; continuing to adjust the budget to ensure reflection of programs and services the City is able
to fund; and, the possibility of an eventual U.S. recession.
City Manager Livas announced the City has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation
Award for seven years in a row. He stated the award is presented based on the City's financial health
and well-being. He accredited receipt of the award to the hard work of Director Gandhy, all the
Directors and staff involved in the budget preparation process. He thanked Director Gandhy for all his
efforts.
Director Gandhy mentioned by adopting the budget on June 24, the City Council is not bound to
the budget. The budget is a moving document and amendments can continue to be made through July
23, 2019. He thanked Mayor Rodriguez and Council Member Saab for their leadership on the Budget
Subcommittee.
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
2018-19. He stated some of the Finance Department's accomplishments as: Present a balanced
budget; provided frequent financial updates to Budget Subcommittee and Independent Citizens'
Oversight Committee; received California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Excellence Award and
Government Finance Officers Association Budget Award; completed Purchasing Policy; in conjunction
with City Manager's Office, implemented online time, attendance and scheduling software City-wide;
online utility billing customer account registration increased by 33%; conducted long-range financial
planning & cash flow projection; completed City-wide fixed -asset inventory; and, held Crystal Reports
staff training to increase reporting efficiency.
Director Gandhy mentioned some of the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: Maintain a
balanced budget; review and update City financial policies; explore using the State Franchise Tax
Board Intercept Program to recover unpaid utility bills, ambulance transport charges, parking citations,
business license fees, and other bad debt; increase amount of online billing payments; continue
reporting timely and accurate management financial information and facilitate the external audit
process; evaluate revenue enhancements; perform at the highest professional standard all aspects of
fiscal administration for the City; update 5 year financial projections and increase to 10 year projection
with PERS actuarial analysis incorporated; continue with short and long term financial strategic
sustainability plans (updated on an annual basis); update City's cost allocation plan; and, continued
maintenance of the City's AA Bond Rating.
Council Member Saab inquired if any goal for FY 2018-19 that was not met. Director Gandhy
stated the goals are ongoing and referred to the Purchasing Policy that was created; however, the
policy requires to be submitted to the Budget Subcommittee for review prior to implementation.
Council Member Saab asked if the sole bidder procedures were implemented. Director Gandhy
confirmed the procedures are included in the Purchasing Policy.
Director Gandhy introduced Alvin Lam, Information Technology Division Manager, to provide the
presentation for the Information Technology Division's accomplishments for FY 2018-19. Mr. Lam
reported the accomplishments as: LaserFiche accounts payable check workflow; City Hall Chamber
Audio System upgrade Phase I; City Hall Chamber Video Stream replacement; extended Fire Network
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 3
Services to Fire Drill Tower Facility; assisted Fire Department with Pulse Point deployment; established
Redundant Firewall; convert 50% of City's physical server to virtual servers; established Wireless Fuel
Monitoring for Maintenance Yard; and, design, deploy, and maintain Virtual Library network throughout
designed City facilities.
Information Technology Division Manager Lam mentioned the Information Technology Division's
goals for FY 2019-20 as: reach 80% server virtualization in all data centers; convert City fax machine to
e -fax services; establish High Availability (Redundancy) for City-wide internet services; establish
Redundant Local Area Network Connectivity to various City facilities; increase I.T. staffing resources to
maintain a high level of support to City departments; upgrade Fire department Mobile Data Computer
System; upgrade Fire department Records Management System; implement and deploy mobile
devices for City Inspectors; and, establish regular and frequent Cyber Security awareness training.
Council Member Saab mentioned the recent cyber security attack on the city in Massachusetts.
Mr. Lam stated that he is aware of the attacks that have occurred in recent months on municipalities.
He mentioned one of the goals at the top of his list is is cyber security staff training because he believes
that it is first line in defense. He is confident that the City's intrigued layers of cyber defense are
sufficient to ward off most attackers.
City Manager Livas added the Information Technology Manager has recently attended various
Cyber Security training and reported, as a result of the trainings, Mr. Lam has also implemented various
items to increase cyber security. Staff is aware that there are far more levels of security which still
require implementation and will do so as a costs benefit.
City Attorney Abich Garcia provided a brief overview of the accomplishments for the City
Attorney's Office for FY 2018-19 as: continue to assist City staff from all departments within the City by
providing legal advice and review of contracts, ordinances, resolutions and staff memo; assist with the
City's American's with Disability Act compliance program, including responses to grievances and
requests for accommodations, resolved legal claims, made recommendations regarding staff training
and American's with Disability Act risk management issues; continued to reduce the number of city
litigation matters, and amount of legal fees by taking a proactive approach to seek early resolution of
matters and indemnification from third parties; continued to assist the City's Risk Manager in reducing
the City's risk and advising staff of resources available from the City's risk pool Independent Cities Risk
Management Authority; and, provided Ralph M. Brown Act training to various City Boards and
Commissions.
City Attorney Abich Garcia mentioned some Department goals for FY 2019-20 as: continue to
manage and reduce the number of lawsuits and reduce City's legal fees; provide information and
resources to the City Council on Conflicts of Interests, Ralph M. Brown Act and financial disclosure
rules; continue to assist the City's Risk Manager in reducing the City's risk (i.e., American's with
Disability Act), and advising on loss prevention and control; and, remain active with the City's Risk Pool
Independent Cities Risk Management Authority and continue to share Independent Cities Risk
Management Authority resources and information with the City.
City Attorney Abich Garcia shared the department's workflow is based upon the daily needs of
the City. She provided the example of the upcoming 2020 Municipal Election which may require legal
advice; various projects being conducted by other departments; and, managing to keep attorneys' costs
low.
Council Member Saab inquired if the City Attorney foresees any challenges in the upcoming
year. City Attorney Abich Garcia anticipates a huge spike in public records requests due to recent
legislation and litigation which resulted in an increase of disclosable records to include video, audio,
social media, text messages and emails of personal accounts which will require additional review and
assisting the City Clerk with determining whether a document is disclosable, attorney-client privilege,
legal issues and required redactions for greater transparency.
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 4
Assistant to the City Manager Vaniah De Rojas provided the presentation for the City Manager's
Office accomplishments for FY 2018-19 as: implemented Organizational Mission and Values; created a
Volunteer Service Day — Downey One Day of Service; created the Coyotes Out of Downey (C.O.O.D.)
volunteer group; increased social media followers by 27%; continue to oversee and implement Measure
S Projects; adopted a Homelessness Action Plan and furthered homeless outreach efforts;
implemented new On-call ADA and Language Access Plan services Citywide; updated the City's and
Transit Language Access Plans; and, project management of Kronos Workforce Ready, Advanced
Scheduler and Telestaff, a Timekeeping, Attendance, Leave Management & Scheduling software
solution to be implemented Citywide.
Council Member Saab asked if the implementation of Kronos has been completed. City
Manager Livas stated Kronos is currently in the testing phase and is close to completion.
Assistant to the City Manager Vaniah De Rojas presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-
20 as: obtain Independent Cities Management Authority Performance Measures Certification Award;
increase social media followers by 5 %; assess and implement a new satisfaction survey system for all
departments; continue to oversee and enhance education of the City's Coyote Management Plan;
create a City Merchandise Store; enhance ongoing public communication regarding City awards,
achievements; continue to oversee and implement Measure S Projects; continue to enhance
communications regarding Measure S projects through the use of Public Relations Consultant and
various City platforms; and, coordinate and implement items of the Homelessness Action Plan.
Council Member Ashton asked how the City plans on increasing the social media outreach by
5%. Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas stated an increase is the combination of the number and
type of postings to social media by the newly hired permanent part-time Social Media Intern.
Council Member Ashton stated he is happy to see the intern is a permanent position. He added
since the position has been filled the City has already seen an increase.
Mayor Rodriguez stated the Social Media Intern is knowledgeable about the City's branding and
is doing a wonderful job.
Director McQueen provided the presentation for the Human Resources Department's
accomplishments for FY 2018-19 as: conducted recruitment and selection processes establishing 138
eligibility/hiring lists to meet City staffing needs resulting in the hiring of 72 full-time and 237 part-time
employees, including six Police Officers; processed 1425 Personnel Status Reports (PSR's) for
authorized payroll actions; updated part-time hourly pay schedules to address the State minimum wage
to support hiring and retention; and, conducted 17 training sessions, included seven harassment
prevention training sessions.
Director McQueen presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: continue to evaluate
professional staffing levels and operational efficiencies; implement City-wide employee training and
learning management software; continue to update employee performance evaluation forms; and, meet
and conferred with the seven employee labor associations.
City Clerk Duarte provided a brief overview of the City Clerk's Department for FY 2018-19. She
mentioned the Department has conducted city-wide staff training on document management and
destruction in accordance with City's Records Retention Schedule; hired experienced Deputy City
Clerk; successfully managed and assisted four candidates in the November 6, City Election, in
accordance with the California Election Code; conducted city-wide staff training on Agenda Deadline
and Preparation Procedures; and, Contract and Agreement Routing; attended the City Clerk's
Association Annual Conference and Public Records Act Compliance training in order to stay updated
on new laws and changes to common practices; Processed and Responded to 600 Public Information
Requests; processed and responded to 60 Subpoenas; transcribed 53 City Council Meeting minutes;
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 5
processed 19 in-house L.A. County Document Recordings; organized Voter Registration Outreach
Booths at a City event and City Hall Lobby; and, provided Election and Voter Registration information to
residents via City's Social Media Platforms.
City Clerk Duarte presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: identify and implement
an Agenda Management System to streamline the agenda preparation process which will provide cost
savings by reducing staff time and paper reduction; train and update departmental staff on Public
Records Requests processes and procedures to stay in compliance; and, further department staff
training and education with the goal of obtaining additional City Clerk certifications.
Council Member Saab asked how the Agenda Management System differs from the City's
current system. City Clerk Duarte stated the software will streamline the preparation and submission of
Agenda Memos for approval through an electronic process to save staff time and ensure accuracy.
Currently, staff submits the Agenda Memos and exhibits in hard copy for review and approval. Through
the current process, once the Agenda packet is approved, copies are made and scanned into the
system for distribution.
City Manager Livas added that the new software will be more centralized for efficiency and
makes the process easier to ensure all changes are made.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Library's accomplishments for FY 2018-19 as: begin
the redevelopment of the Library under the Measure S guidelines; implement debit/credit card/online
payments in the Library; and, new Veteran's online resource through the Library.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Library's goals for FY 2019-20 as: implement an
integrated staffing model for both the Space Center and Library; maintain visibility of Library during
renovations; and, complete Measure S Library renovations.
Executive Director Dickow presented the Columbia Memorial Space Center's accomplishments
for FY 2018-19 as: began refurbishment of the 2nd Floor exhibits and expansion of the Early Childhood
area; implemented a successful Temporary Exhibit Program, including the Shelby Jacobs and Women
of Apollo exhibits, both garnering increased media attention; grew the Space Center event portfolio,
including an expanded City of STEM and first-ever drone conference; and, increased attendance and
strategic partnerships
Executive Director Dickow presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: complete
renovations of key Columbia Memorial Space Center exhibits; implement activities related to the
Columbia Memorial Space Center's 10th Anniversary in October 2019; meet or exceed FY18-19
fundraising goals; and, implement an integrated staffing model for both the Space Center and Library.
Director Schindler provided the presentation for the Community Development Department
accomplishments for FY 2018-19 as: issued 1,745 building permits with a total valuation of over 112
million dollars; performed 10,860 Building and Safety Inspections; issued building permits and
continued vertical construction of numerous residential projects including: a 4 -Unit condominium
complex on Imperial Highway, Stewart and Gray Road 7 -Unit Condominium Development, and Downey
Oasis 24 -Unit condominium project; entitled multiple commercial developments including: Chick-Fil-A,
Randy's Donuts, Black Bear Diner, 7 Leaves Cafe, EI Pescador, and a Restaurant at 11100 Downey
Avenue; formed the Downtown Downey Improvement Association; implemented a new bike share
program throughout the City; assisted 20 homeless families and individuals access housing; completed
the rehabilitation of 20 owner -occupied homes; secured a $3 Million HUD 108 Loan for the Sport Fields;
inspected 3,321 new Code Enforcement cases and closed over 1,631 cases; facilitated the
redevelopment of the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and Lakewood Boulevard through the sale
of the City's right-of-way property; and, continued the Economic Development Program by partnering -
up with Giant RV and entering into a Sales Tax Sharing Agreement to create 55 new full-time jobs.
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 6
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco asked if there has been an increase in the utilization of the bike share
program. Director Schindler confirmed an increase in April and May which he accredits to the change
in weather.
Director Schindler presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 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 County to start the
construction of new sport fields at Rancho South Campus; assist at least 10 families and/or individuals
who are homeless or on the verge, with locating permanent housing; complete the rehabilitation of 20
owner -occupied homes; work with LA County and American Legion to develop affordable housing for
veterans at 11269 Garfield Avenue; begin construction of Marriott Hotel and Avenue Theater; complete
the mansionization and residential design study; begin procurement and development of the Housing
Element; complete and implement the results of Imperial Highway Economic Development Strategy;
work with internal departments to combat illegal dumping; and, complete the specific plan for Rancho
Los Amigos South Campus and Light Rail Station.
Chief Milligan announced the Department is celebrating its 63rd year of service to the Downey
community. He stated the department continues to raise its level of service to the community with the
development of the "Mental Evaluation Team" and the dedication of two officers in the Downtown area
on weekends. Community engagements efforts continued through programs such as Coffee with a
Cop, Neighborhood Watch, the School Resource Program, and the on-going expansion of PD's social
media footprint.
Chief Milligan presented the Police Department's accomplishments for FY 2018-19. The
department hired 28 new full and part-time employees, including 7 new Police Officers; expanded the
City's Neighborhood Watch groups to a total of 219; established a dedicated "foot beat" in the
downtown area on weekends; replaced the department's outdated radio system with a new
interoperable system which provides greater coverage; continued homeless outreach efforts with
assistance from various City resources and non-profit organizations; dedicated two officers to work with
County mental health professionals as part of the department's "Mental Evaluation Team"; created a
specialized unit to investigate crimes related to "Human Trafficking"; implemented a new Record's
Management and Computer Automated Dispatch system, including online reporting for residents; and,
continued school safety efforts with the deployment of specially equipped golf carts assigned to the
department's School Resource Officer Program; implemented the "Citizens on Patrol" phase of our
Volunteer Program.
Chief Milligan presented the Police Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: facilitate the
department's 20th Citizen's Academy; expand the Neighborhood Watch Program by adding additional
groups; conduct "Active Shooter" training for various city departments and local businesses; provide
outreach for those in need of assistance, through efforts of the Mental Evaluation and Homeless
Outreach Teams; continue to investigate criminal activity related to "Human Trafficking"; maintain
community outreach efforts through such programs as Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out,
Neighborhood Watch, and various forms of social media; seek grant opportunities to fund essential
enforcement and educational programs; promote school safety through ongoing collaborative efforts
between the department and the school district; and, maintain the department's recruitment efforts to
sustain maximum staffing levels.
Chief Gillaspie provided the presentation for the Fire Department's accomplishments for FY
2018-19 as: responded to 10,850 emergency incidents; transported 4,672 sick and injured patients to
local emergency rooms; provided mutual aid assistance to 7 major wildland fires; replaced two
ambulances and four support vehicles; generated $3.2 million from Emergency Medical Transportation
Program; developed and relocated the Fire Communications Center; replaced Dispatch Radio
Consoles and Area Radio Infrastructure; replaced All First Responder Portable and Mobile Radios;
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 7
developed and relocated to Temporary Fire Station (17 first responders); began Capitol Improvements
to Fire Stations 1 & 3; relocated Fire Mechanic to Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard; conducted
Captains and Engineers promotional exams; hired 29 Ambulance Operators; replaced Technical
Search Camera, Fire Hose, Air Bottles; developed the City's Emergency Operations Plan; revitalized
the City's Mass Notification System Program; developed the City's Building Emergency Plan Program;
restock the Community Emergency Preparedness Bins (Year 1/4); conducted city-wide building
evacuations for the California Great ShakeOut; conducted Medical Point of Distribution exercise;
instituted Teen Emergency Preparedness Training Class; implemented PulsePoint App Services;
revised Department Policies and Procedures; and, updated Automatic Aid & Mutual Aid Agreements.
Chief Gillaspie presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: complete Major Fire
Station Capitol Improvements; improve Mandated Fire Prevention Inspection Compliance; improve
Mandated Firefighter Training Compliance; upgrade Records Management System Software; improve
GIS Mapping Capabilities; pursue New Technologies and Services; restock the Community Emergency
Preparedness Bins (Year 2/4); replace Five Thermal Imaging Cameras, Two Gurneys, Two Heart
Monitors; new Mobile Data Computers with Automatic Vehicle Location; improve Public Transparency
With An Online Incident Statistics Dashboard; pursue All Grant & Alternative Revenue Opportunities;
implement New Automated Daily Roster and Timecard System; replace Six Support Vehicles; and,
update Hazardous Materials Area Plan.
Director Passow provided the presentation for the Parks and Recreation Department's
accomplishments for FY 2018-19 as: continue to coordinate, plan, and implement Measure S Park
Improvements at eight parks; Grand Opening of new Futsal Courts at Independence Park; establish
Downey as a health hub and increased health and wellness programs offered; develop customer
surveys for programs, facility rentals, and events to provide better customer service; coordinate with
other departments on city-wide sponsorship program with Parks & Recreation Special Events, Downey
Theatre, Space Center and Library; implement new Special Olympic Sport into existing program; hired
new Management Analyst for Transit; replaced Downey Link Buses; initiated an Request for Proposals
to expand marketing of theatre performance and golf course concessions; and, installed new gates and
improvements to cemetery.
Director Passow presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 as: enhance existing
programs utilizing the newly renovated amenities improved with Measure S funds in the parks; research
program efficiencies, including data collected from customer service surveys, to provide better
programming and services to residents; research expanded opportunities for online registration and
forms; collaborate with Public Safety to ensure emergency plans are in effect for special events,
programs, and facilities; collaborate with Human Resources on the impact of minimum wage increases
for the next few years as it pertains to part time staffing and programming; and, improve transit user
interface via improved schedules and enhanced online presence.
Director Consunji provided the presentation for the Public Works Department accomplishments
for FY 2018-19 for the completed 21 projects with total cost of $10 million: Lakewood Boulevard Phase
3C Improvements; Residential Streets Pavement Rehabilitation; Slurry Seal Project (District 2);
Miscellaneous Concrete Improvements for Districts 1 and 3, and Americans with Disabilities Act
Improvements; Firestone Boulevard Water Improvements; Paramount Boulevard Water Improvements;
Stewart & Gray Road Water Improvements; Well No. 23 Rehabilitation; replacement of valves on
Downey Avenue and Mitla Avenue; and, Florence Avenue Bridge over San Gabriel River Repairs. He
reported on the completed design and started construction of following projects: Paramount Boulevard
Median Improvements from Imperial Highway to Firestone Boulevard; Firestone Boulevard Median
Improvements from Old River School Road to West City Limit; Civic Center Drive and Hall Road Water
Improvements; Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street Pavement Rehabilitation; Woodruff Avenue Fiber -
Optic Communication System Improvements; Telegraph Road Water Improvements; Well No. 16
Rehabilitation; installation of six new Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. He stated other completed
improvements as: replaced 1,300 neighborhood street name signs Citywide; completed LED retrofit of
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Regular Meeting — June 4, 2019 8
645 streetlights city-wide; cleaned 70 miles of sewer mains; received Beacon Platinum Award for
Energy Savings; and, celebrated Arbor Day.
Director Consunji presented the Department's goals for FY 2019-20 to complete construction of
40 projects with a total budget of $37 million: Paramount Boulevard Median Improvements from
Firestone Boulevard to Florence Avenue; Telegraph Road Pavement Rehabilitation & Safety
Enhancements; Old River School Road Pavement Rehabilitation; Tweedy Lane Pavement
Rehabilitation; Drilling and Equipping of Well Nos. 27 & 28; Residential Streets Pavement Rehabilitation
(north part of City); Slurry Seal District 4; Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs (District 1) and Americans
with Disability Act Improvements; Traffic Management Center Upgrades; Paramount Boulevard TS
Upgrades and Safety Enhancements; Stewart & Gray Road TS Upgrades; Woodruff Avenue Water
Improvements from Firestone Boulevard to Imperial Highway; Bellflower Boulevard Water
Improvements from Lakewood Boulevard to Foster Road; Well No. 5 Rehabilitation. He reported the
complete design of following projects as: Lakewood Boulevard at Florence Avenue Intersection
Improvements; Lakewood Boulevard at Firestone Boulevard Intersection Improvements; Paramount
Boulevard at Imperial Highway Intersection Improvements; Lakewood Boulevard at Imperial Highway
Intersection Improvements; Imperial Highway Traffic Safety Upgrades & Safety Enhancements; and,
Florence Avenue Bridge over Rio Hondo River Rehabilitation.
Council Member Frometa inquired if the budget was increased for street re -pavement and
repairs since the rain season was greater than normal. Director Consunji stated staff is currently
conducting an assessment of the condition of City streets to create a Pavement Management Program
to determine which street requires immediate attention. He confirmed the budget was increased and
stated the budget is $22 million for FY 2019-20.
City Manager Livas stated street maintenance and repairs has been one of the City Council's
priorities and staff has ensured, for the past seven years, a budget increase on a yearly basis.
Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Budget
Study Session item. Having no one come forward Mayor Rodriguez closed Public Comment.
Mayor Rodriguez thanked all Department Heads for their hard work throughout the year.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 5:50 p.m.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC RICK RODRIGUEZ
City Clerk Mayor
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