HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-20 - Minutes-Citizens' Oversight Committee Mtg
MINUTES
Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee Meeting August 5, 2020 Downey City Hall – Council Chambers 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Vice Chair Guerra.
Members Participating by Teleconference: Mario A. Guerra Vice Chair Dorothy Pemberton Committee Member Donald LaPlante Committee Member
Carrie Uva Committee Member Member Absent: None City Staff Present: John Oskoui Assistant City Manager
Anil Gandhy Director of Finance Juddy Montenegro Management Analyst II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 30, 2020 MEETING:
It was moved by Member Pemberton, seconded by Member Uva to approve the minutes from the April 30, 2020 meeting. The motion passed 4-0. III. MEASURE S UPDATE:
Director of Finance, Anil Gandhy, provided committee members with an update on Measure S funds. Specifically, Mr. Gandhy reviewed budget and expenditures for each of the various projects, as well as Measure S sales tax revenue received.
Vice Chair Guerra asked for clarification on line item #28 (Add Service & Reconcile) under Fund 33. Mr. Gandhy stated this was money set aside for contingency. Assistant City Manager, John Oskoui, provided an update on the status of all Measure S projects and shared a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted some of the most recent
accomplishments. Mr. Oskoui mentioned the Library would be complete by November of this year and staff would move in shortly after that. The Downey Theatre Plaza is expected to be complete by November, as well.
Member Pemberton stated there was training held for fire personnel at fire station 2 and asked when construction would begin. Mr. Oskoui stated construction will begin in August 2020 for stations 2 and 4.
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE - MINUTES, AUGUST 5, 2020
In response to Vice Chair Guerra’s question regarding the Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, Mr.
Gandhy responded that the budget for next year was $4.7 million, with Debt Service being approximately $3.6 million and transfer to General Fund of $ 1 million for Public Safety IT Equipment. Vice Chair Guerra asked if there was a list of public safety expenditures for 2021. Mr. Gandhy
stated he would provide the committee with a detailed chart that highlights all costs. Vice Chair Guerra mentioned that at Fire Station 1 there is a large area in the front that can be used for something such as landscaping.
Mr. Guerra also asked about the status of the coffee cart and if contact had been made with the owner about reopening. Mr. Oskoui stated yes, it is the City’s intention to reach out to the owner and re-open the coffee shop area. Member Pemberton expressed she was very pleased with the improvements at Furman Park
and is happy to see it active and heavily used by the public. Vice Chair Guerra asked when the ponds at Wilderness Park would be completed. Mr. Oskoui stated hopefully by November of this year.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Resident Brian Heyman expressed he was very pleased with all of the improvements made so far and thanked staff for all of their hard work.
V. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: Committee Members took a moment to remember former Downey Mayor and Chair of the
Oversight Committee, Mr. David Gafin, who recently passed away. Vice Chair Guerra asked if the City could consider naming a location/project in honor of David Gafin. Mr. Oskoui stated the City is currently looking into this.
Member Uva thanked City Staff for their hard work and stated she was pleased with all of the videos that have been produced to highlight the various projects. VI. STAFF COMMENTS:
Mr. Oskoui took a moment to remember Mr. David Gafin and said he will be missed deeply by all who knew him. VII. ADJOURNMENT:
The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee meeting was adjourned at 5:34 p.m. in honor of Mr. David Gafin.