HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-26-08 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2008
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:37 p.m., February 26,
2008, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor David R. Gafin presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
David R. Gafin
Mario A. Guerra
Anne M. Bayer
Rick Trejo
Kirk O. Cartozian
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
absent (excused)
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Edward W. Lee, City Attorney
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager/Special Projects
Gilbert Livas, Deputy City Manager/Community Development
Roy Campos, Police Chief
Linda Haines, Building and Housing Director
John Michicoff. Finance Director
John Perfitt, Economic Development Director
Thad Phillips, Community Services Director
Brian Ragland, Public Works Director
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk
Other Staff
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS:
Council Member Bayer announced the Police Department will be starting a new Citizens
Academy group on Wednesday, March 5.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra reflected on the large turnout for Johnie’s Broiler; announced he will
be going to Washington D.C. next week along with Deputy City Manager Alvarez to meet with
Senators Feinstein and Boxer; and NASA to lobby for more funds for the Learning Center; noted he
attended the 4th anniversary of Unity in the Community last week; attended a Neighborhood Watch
meeting at Gauldin Elementary School; requested staff to look into installing lights at Independence
Park; stated he had received tons of emails regarding Johnie’s Broiler becoming Bob's Big Boy; will
be attending the Cerritos Mayor transition next week; and announced that Community Services has
received 7 new buses for the DowneyLINK which are propane fueled.
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Council Member Cartozian thanked the Fire Department for their recent work on updating the
Fire Code to require registration of vacant buildings; requested the Police Department work with the
proper authorities on making the parking lot for the Green Line safer; stated he looks forward to
Bob’s Big Boy coming to Downey; announced the Chamber mixer at Eclipse Coffee House next
week; stated he will be attending Assembly Member De La Torre’s Bond meeting on Friday ; and the
Downey Council PTA awards on Monday.
Mayor Gafin congratulated the Police Department, Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn
and Public Information Officer, Juddy Ceniceros on a well attended Neighborhood Watch meeting;
and noted that he is on the Budget Subcommittee and already has requested that lighting for
Independence Park be put into next year’s proposed budget.
PRESENTATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1.COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME PARTNERSHIP
INVESTMENT PROGRAMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-09: RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT:
Building and Housing.
Mayor Gafin opened the Public Hearing at 7:52 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt
of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council
Member Bayer and so ordered to receive and file.
Housing Manager Velasco presented a staff report explaining that the City is required to hold
two Public Hearings to allow for public comment on the programs. He stated that the City is
expecting to receive $2.2 Million dollars next year in entitlement funds and the application must be
submitted by May 15th. He noted that Federal funds come with several restrictions and must be
used on activities and programs that benefit low and moderate income residents.
Council Member Cartozian asked what the focus is for these funds and was told the
continuance of improving the housing stock, Code Enforcement support and to pay off the City’s
loan to finance the new park.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra noted the Council receives letters from satisfied people who have
utilized the City programs.
Gwynn Gustafson, resident of Downey, complimented the Senior Fix-up program and
suggested that the chiropractic program Share be considered for funding.
Ramona Dominguez, resident of Downey, noted that she is a registered nurse in the home
health care field and has seen a great need for assistance to seniors in the form of electricity, food
and prescription coverage.
David Littlehals (sp?), director of Rio Hondo Temporary Home, noted the center’s
appreciation for the relationship they have had with Downey and noted that there are currently 4
families from Downey receiving assistance there. He requested a 10% increase in funding from the
City due to rising costs.
Marisol Sanchez, current Rio Hondo Temporary Home resident, complimented the work they
have done to assist her in regaining her life.
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Council Member Cartozian asked staff to look into any possib Se uses of the funding in the
Downtown overlay area, particularly south of Firestone for Senior housing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and so
ordered to close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:08 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra encouraged everyone to forward their comments and ideas to
Housing Manager Velasco.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
The following people spoke from the LaRuche Political Action Committee encouraging the
Council to proactively pass a Resolution calling for action by the Federal government on the
mortgage and banking crisis:
Jeremy Colin Wes Vanderskaf
Alexander Dominguez, Warren High School Band member, invited the Council and everyone
to attend Pasta and Presto, a fundraising event for the band, on Saturday evening.
Abel Rojas, Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested that a parent/child camp be
established to help parents and children learn to interact better.
Nick Holcom, Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested a sports training facility for
kids where adults and kids can teach sports.
The following people spoke in regards to Johnie’s Broiler and supporting a Bob’s Big Boy on
the site
Ana Lisa Ridenous
George Redfox
John English
Kevin Preciato
Christy Wold
Adrienne Mellna (sp?)
Kathleen Perez
Allen Leeb
Chris Nichols
John Vincent
Mike Buehler
Eric Linkswiler
Mark Kneehouse
Steven Wilson
Grace Bower, Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested that the helmet laws are
enforced with the skateboarders around the Hi-Ho Market and the Krikorian Theatre before
someone gets hurt.
Christen Lahueva (sp?), Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested that the Police
Department increase their efforts in enforcing vehicles parked illegally in red zones and too close to
curbs
Mckenzie Jackson, Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested that more be done to
assist homeless dogs with finding homes prior to being put to sleep.
Chyenne (sp?), Rio Hondo Elementary School student, requested that some sort of kids
choir and band be started.
John McAlister, resident of Downey, thanked Mayor Gafin for attending the toastmasters
meeting.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, requested chairs be put in the lobby before the
Council Chambers are unlocked.
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John Lacey, resident of Downey, suggested Council look into what can legally be done to
prevent the housing of numerous registered sex offenders at the same location; and requested
prohibition of the use of plastic grocery bags.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
6.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FRANCHISE FEES, PUBLIC ACCESS
SUPPORT FEES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE PENALTIES FOR STATE FRANCHISE
HOLDERS PROVIDING VIDEO SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY:
Administration. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Guerra and is listed
under Other Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Noting the absence of Council Member Bayer from the dais from 8:51 p.m. to 8:52 p.m., it
was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, and unanimously
carried (3/0) to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as recommended:
2.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular and Adjourned Meetings February 12,
2008: City Clerk.
3.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 229323 – 229655; Wire Nos. 354-355,
30001619 – 30001627; in the total amount of $3,209,152.72: Finance.
4.APPROPRIATED $24,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR EMERGENCY ROOF
REPLACEMENT FOR FURMAN PARK BUILDING NO. 1: Public Works.
5.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 08-7046, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMiTrAL OF FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR
THE “TELEGRAPH ROAD TRAFFIC THROUGHPUT AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENT”,
“FLORENCE AVENUE TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS” AND “WOODRUFF
AVENUE AT WASHBURN ROAD INTERSECTION TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENT“
PROJECTS UNDER THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP): Public
Works
7.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 08-1226, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY RENEWING THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR A TEN YEAR TERM:
Administration.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
8.APPROVED LOAN AGREEMENT WITH SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NATIONAL AIR
AND SPACE MUSEUM FOR APOLLO 19A BOILERPLATE COMMAND MODULE:
Administration.
Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn presented a staff report stating that tonight’s action
represents a historic milestone of being the first loan agreement with the Smithsonian Institute
culminating years worth of negotiations to foster future agreements allowing for loans of even
greater historical value artifacts. He noted the Aerospace Legacy Foundation has been instrumental
in tracking artifacts around the country that might be used in the future. He stated that the Council
previously approved the funding for the moving of the capsule to the Downey Studios where it will be
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refurbished and then displayed inside the Learning Center. He then introduced the new Executive
Director of the Learning Center, Jon Betthauser, who will be starting with the City on March 3'd.
Director Betthauser explained that he had been working with the City for the last few years
on the exhibits and design of the Learning Center as a consultant and he is excited about receiving
Boilerplate 19A and continuing the work already started on acquiring other artifacts for the museum.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra asked what the chances are of extending the loan agreement since it
expires in 2010, where the money is coming from for the restoration and where will the item be used.
Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn responded that the money for moving and restoring the
module is budgeted out of the NASA grant funds previously received and that the moduie will be on
display in the Learning Center. He noted that this first agreement helps to establish a partnership
with the Smithsonian for future artifacts of more significance to the space history.
Jerry Blackburn, Aerospace Legacy Foundation, noted that he spent 40 years working at
Boeing and that the foundation is focusing on publicizing the heritage of the space industry within
Downey and locating artifacts around the country for future exhibits.
Charlene Nichols, Los Angeles Conservancy, offered her assistance making the museum
part of the tour stop program that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, seconded by Council Member Bayer and
unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the agreement.
OTHER BUSINESS:
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL;
6.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FRANCHISE FEES, PUBLIC ACCESS
SUPPORT FEES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE PENALTIES FOR STATE FRANCHISE
HOLDERS PROVIDING VIDEO SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY:
Administration.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerra asked when the City would start receiving these franchise fees and if
they could be used to pay for the video streaming of the Council meetings. Assistant to the City
Manager Pomrehn responded that the City can start collecting fees once the Ordinance has been
adopted and goes in effect and that while the funds are restricted Federally on certain uses, they
can be used to pay for the cost of broadcasting the meetings.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guerra, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and
unanimously carried (4/0) to introduce the Ordinance.
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager Caton stated that the City of Downey is one of the founding members of
Gateway Council of Governments and Council Member Bayer was elected to MTA Governance
Council; he recognized former Council Member Perkins in the audience; and encouraged everyone
to attend the State of City Address given by Mayor Gafin on March 7th at Sambi’s Restaurant, is
sponsored by the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourn March 11 2008ed at 9:10 p.m to 6:30 p.m
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KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk DAVID R. WN, Mayor
City Council Minutes 02/26/08