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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-18 - Minutes-Citizens' Oversight Committee Mtg MINUTES Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee Meeting July 11, 2018 Downey City Hall – 2nd Floor Training Room 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241 I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Gafin Members Present: David R. Gafin Chair Dorothy Pemberton Committee Member Claudia Marroquin-Frometa Committee Member Donald LaPlante Committee Member Members Absent: Mario A. Guerra Vice Chair City Staff: John Oskoui Assistant City Manager Anil Gandhy Director of Finance Juddy Montenegro Management Analyst II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 11, 2018 MEETING: It was moved by Member Marroquin-Frometa, seconded by Member Pemberton to approve the minutes from the April 11, 2018 meeting. The motion passed 4-0-1, with Vice Chair Guerra absent. III. BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018-19: Finance Director Anil Gandhy provided an overview of Measure S funds highlighting that $9.2 million is expected in sales tax revenue. Out of that revenue, $4.6 million will be spent for operations, which includes $4.1 million for Public Safety and $450,000 for General Operations. Additionally, $4.6 million will be spent on Capital & Public Safety Equipment, $3.5 million for debt service, $650,000 on police consoles, and $450,000 for capital reserve. Mr. Gandhy mentioned the Downey Police Department would be getting seven (7) new Ford Explorers. Member Marroquin-Frometa asked if these vehicles would be replacing existing vehicles. Mr. Gandhy confirmed that yes, the Ford Explorers would be replacing existing vehicle fleet. Assistant City Manager John Oskoui mentioned the City would be working on an evaluation/management plan for the Police Department’s vehicle fleet to determine cost savings strategies. Member Pemberton asked if the City had a mechanic for vehicles. Mr. Oskoui confirmed that yes, there is a mechanic that takes care of police vehicles. INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - MINUTES, JULY 11, 2018 Member LaPlante suggested that instead of using the term “Debt Service,” we could use “Debt Services for Parks & Facilities.” Also, instead of “Police Consoles,” we can say “Police Radio.” Mr. Oskoui stated staff would revise terms per Member LaPlante’s suggestions. Mr. Gandhy reviewed Measure S expenditure and revenue reports provided to the committee members and answered all of their questions pertaining to the reports. Mr. Gandhy went over every single line item for each Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and their associated costs. Member Marroquin-Frometa asked how funding for each park project was determined. Mr. Oskoui confirmed the City developed a Parks Master Plan a few years ago and this provided a guideline for costs. Member Pemberton asked if there is a list of specific need requests for each park. Mr. Oskoui stated yes, this is also included in the Parks Master Plan. Member LaPlante asked what residents will see first as far as construction. Mr. Oskoui stated the City Library and Fire Stations will be the first projects. He also mentioned the City is being very selective in deciding which parks will go first because the City wants to limit as much disruption as possible for residents. Chair Gafin asked if the committee is supposed to monitor and review each line item of the reports provided. Mr. Gandhy stated the committee should review the amounts that the City Council approves for Measure S projects. Chair Gafin then asked that the committee receive copies of staff reports with this information. Member LaPlante asked if there was an independent auditor for Measure S. Mr. Gandhy stated there is an external auditor that audits the City’s financial records, including Measure S records. IV. UPDATE ON MEASURE S PROJECTS: Mr. Oskoui provided committee members with an update on Measure S improvement projects, which include city parks and facilities. Some projects he highlighted included the Police Department facility, which will receive interior finishing updates, security fencing and ADA improvements. Downey City Hall will receive improvements in elevators and conference rooms, and permanent shade structures in the breeze way area. The Downey City Library will receive major interior and exterior improvements. The Theatre will see improvements in ADA accessibility, elevator, and throughout venue. All four (4) fire stations will also undergo major improvements. INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - MINUTES, JULY 11, 2018 V. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Bryan Heyman, local resident, commented on the increase of pension costs for the City, as well as the costs for maintaining police vehicles. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: Member Marroquin-Frometa provided positive feedback on the Measure S information flyer the City published. She asked how this flyer was shared with the community. Management Analyst Montenegro stated the flyer was posted on the city website, city’s social media platforms, distributed at all city facilities and emailed to the Downey Patriot. Member Marroquin-Frometa mentioned the flyer was missing her last name “Frometa.” Management Analyst Montenegro stated she would correct flyer. Chair Gafin suggested this flyer also be distributed in water bills to reach all residents. VII. STAFF COMMENTS: None. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.