HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-22-07 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 22, 2007
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:39 p.m., Why 22, 2007 in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairperson David R.
Gafin presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners:
Rick Trejo Mayor/Chairperson
(arrived 6:45 p.m.)
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairperson
(absent/excused )
David R. Gafin
Kirk O. Cartozian
Anne M. Bayer
Mario A. Guerra
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Casey Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Joyce E. DoMe, Chief Deputy City Clerk/Acting Secretary
Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ADJOURNED MEETING AGENDA ITEMS: None
APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Mayor/Chairperson Trejo announced approval of the Closed Session Minutes of April 19,
2007 and May 8, 2007 was continued.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairperson Gafin announced the Council/Commission is ncessing to
Closed Session (6:40 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following section of the
Government Code:
1. Government Code Section 54957.6 – Conference with labor negotiator Lee Powell re:
direction for labor negotiations with Downey Fire Management Association.
RECONVENED
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:32 p.m. ath all Council
Members/Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report.
The meeting recessed at 7:33 p.m.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/22/07 -1 -
The meeting reconvened at 9:04 p.m Mth all Council Members/Commissioners present
ADJOURNMENT: 9:04 P rn
iIA- dIr
RICK TREJO, Mayar7ChairpeL
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/22/07 -2-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 22, 2007
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:36 p.m., May 22, 2007,
in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California,
Mayor Rick Trejo presiding.
PRESENT:Council Members:
Rick Trejo
David R. Gafin
Kirk O. Cartozian
Anne M. Bayer
Mario A. Guerra
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
(absent/excused)
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Joyce E. Doyle, Chief Deputy City Clerk
Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Public Works Director
Roy Campos, Police Chief
Linda Haines, Development Services Director
John Michicoff, Finance Director
Thad Phillips, Community Services Director
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council Member Guerra congratulated Community Services staff for a great Kids Day event;
commended the Police Department for their 50th Anniversary Open House; stated he went to a
Character Counts coalition meeting with the School District this morning where Rio Hondo
Elementary was named a School of Character; and noted that Senator Lowenthal received a
Certificate of Recognition from the Downey Museum of Art last Saturday.
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin noted that next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., May 29th, the budget study
session will be held in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Trejo encouraged the youth to sign up for YMCA Junior Lakers this month ages 5 -16;
commended the Fire Department for their support services given in the Griffith Park fire; and
requested staff to report on the utilization of utilities such as water and sewage projecting if we have
enough resources to accommodate the growth of the big houses.
PRESENTATIONS:
Council Member Bayer presented Certificates of Appointment to Council District Four
appointees: Fay Campbell, Water Facilities Corporation; Robert Goldstein, Art in Public Places
Committee; Terry Lambros, Planning Commission; and Lee Ann Sears, Emergency Preparedness
Committee.
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Mayor Trejo presented a City Plaque to Warren High School 2007 Girls Volleyball Team for
an outstanding season.
Mayor Trejo presented Certificates of Appreciation to the AYSO Girls under 14 Storm and All
Star Teams for their achievements at the State Championship games.
Mayor Trejo Proclaimed June 9-10th as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Event.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
Armando Enio, resident of Downey, noted that Imperial Highway and Downey Avenue is a
dangerous intersection for car accidents.
Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, noted benefits received by City Council Members.
Mary Freeland, resident of Downey, corrected previously mentioned curbs in the Downtown
area noting only one intersection at 3’d Street and Myrtle Avenue deficient; she also mentioned
concerns about deteriorating conditions along the sidewalks which were previously reported to the
Public Works Department but had not been taken care of yet.
Roger Noor, turned in papers to the Chief Deputy City Clerk for distribution to the Council
and spoke regarding an ongoing issue he had with the Courts and the Police.
Lee Ann Sears, resident of Downey, spoke on behalf of the 24 Hour Relay for Life Walk at
Columbus High School and invited everyone to attend the Opening Ceremonies at 9 a.m. on June
9th, noting that the Luminaries Ceremony would be at 9 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL:
4.APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH BEST, BEST & KRIEGER TO PROVIDE CITY ATTORNEY
LEGAL SERVICES: Administration. This item was removed by Council Member Guerra
and is listed under Other Business below.
9.APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTOPHER A. JOSEPH & ASSOCIATES TO
PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE DOWNEY STUDIOS
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT: Development Services. This item was removed by Council
Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below.
12.ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 07- . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT
ARTICLE III (SENATE BILL 821): Public Works. This item was removed by Mayor Pro Tem
Gafin and is listed under Other Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Bayer, and
unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as
recommended :
1.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings May 8, 2007:
City Clerk.
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2.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 222578 – 222894; Wire Nos. 311-313,
30001439 – 30001447; in the total amount of $3,895,434.34: Finance.
3.APPROVED LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES FEDERAL
CREDIT UNION: Administration.
5.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH KFM ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,695
TO PREPARE PLANS. SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES FOR OLD RIVER SCHOOL
ROAD PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS; AND APPROPRIATE $446,600: Public Works.
6.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS FOR
AUTOMATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT: Community Services.
7.APPROVED AMENDMENT TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 AMENDMENT TO SUBDIVISION
IMPROVEMENTS AGREEMENT, KAISER MEDICAL CENTER PROJECT: City Attorney.
8.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH SATSUMA LANDSCAPE AND
MAINTENANCE FOR MAINTENANCE OF RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE: Community
Services
10.APPROVED USE OF SHOW MOBILE BY DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT ON JUNE 9 AND 10,
2007: Administration.
11.AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
(HVAC) SYSTEM FOR THE FIRE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER COMPUTER ROOM;
AND APPROPRIATE $18,000 FOR THE PROJECT: Fire.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
13.REFERED TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR
REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION THE NORTHWEST DOWNEY LITrLE LEAGUE’S
REQUEST FOR MATCHING FUNDS TO MAKE STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
SNACK SHACK AT FURMAN PARK: Community Services.
Community Services Director Phillips presented a staff report outlining the snack shacks and
their usage at the other parks.
Anthony Guastella, President of Northwest Downey Little League, said they partner with the
City in the maintenance of the fields at Furman Park as well as with Rio Hondo Elementary School.
He stated that the snack shack has termite and ventilation issues in the existing facility and needs to
be expanded to meet the needs of the group.
Council Member Guerra stated that the group serves the community and kids well and that
he understands the need for the improvements; however, he has a problem with using City funds
when there is only one group that uses the snack shack. He would like the Recreation and
Community Services Commission to review this matter and hoped this item could be expedited
during the off season.
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin has the same concerns and feels that the Recreation and Community
Services Commission should review the item.
Mayor Trejo stated he would like to have staff look into adding more restroom facilities to the
park as well.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Mayor Trejo and unanimously carried
(4/0) to refer this item to the Recreation and Community Services Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
4.APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH BEST, BEST & KRIEGER TO PROVIDE CITY ATTORNEY
LEGAL SERVICES: Administration.
Council Member Guerra clarified that the new City Attorney would preside over both the City
Council Meetings as well as the Planning Commission Meetings and asked who had reviewed the
contract on behalf of the City. It was confirmed that the new City Attorney would cover both
meetings and that Assistant City Manager Powell as well as City Attorney Vose had reviewed the
contract
Ed Lee, Best, Best & Krieger representative, stated he is committing to attending both the
Council and Planning Commission Meetings until instructed otherwise and is pleased to be here on
behalf of Best, Best & Krieger.
Mr. Lee clarified for Mayor Trejo that there is sufficient personnel within the firm to allow him
to be able to meet the commitment he has made to the City of Downey.
Council Member Guerra noted that this is a very important position for the City and asked for
the City Manager to explain the process that went into the selection of a new City Attorney. City
Manager Caton explained that it had been 10 years since the City last looked for a City Attorney and
wanted to make sure they would be able to help with the large developments that will be occurring in
the City in the future and handle the myriad of problems that cities of this size encounter. He stated
that 3 firms were selected to give proposals and he then met with the candidates. After his
meetings, the Council interviewed the candidates from the 3 firms, the Council subcommittee met
with the attorneys and reported back to the Council who made the final selection.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Bayer and
unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the agreement.
9.APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTOPHER A. JOSEPH & ASSOCIATES TO
PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE DOWNEY STUDIOS
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT: Development Services.
Council Member Guerra asked if this includes the 20 acres that the City owns, if it matches
the proposals that have been presented previously, who is going to be working on this and how long
this is projected to take. Staff responded that it does include the 20 acres owned by the City, that is
does match the previous proposals with minor changes, that City Planner Godlewski will be working
on it and that an estimated 6 months will be needed. He then asked for clarification on the financing
of this and it was explained that the developer is depositing $381,695.00 in a trust account with the
City and 10% or $38,169.50, will be deposited to cover the City’s costs to prepare the document.
It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Bayer and
unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the agreement.
12.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-6989, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PEDESTRIAN FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 AUTHORIZED UNDER TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT
ARTICLE III (SENATE BILL 821): Public Works.
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Mayor Pro Tem Gafin asked for assurance that neighborhoods are impacted as little as
possible for the improvements and inquired if neighborhood beautification can be done at the same
time. Public Works Director Alvarez responded that the City does look for those opportunities and
coordinates these types of projects. Mr. Alvarez also clarified that non-invasive trees are selected
for the projects.
It was moved by Mayor Pro tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Bayer and
unanimously carried (4/0) to adopt the Resolution.
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
A. CONFERENCE AND MEETING REPORTS.
Council Member Guerra provided an update on Assembly Member De La Torre’s legislation,
Assembly Bill 640, noting that he went to Sacramento with Public Works Director Alvarez again and
testified last Wednesday.
Mayor Trejo attended a Contract Cities seminar in Palm Springs, where they discussed
graffiti abatement and water conservation programs.
Council Member Guerra mentioned the recent installation of Homes and Land newspaper
racks in the City, noting they do not have permits and do not meet the City Code, and requested that
the City Attorney give legal notification to them to remove the offending racks; and he stated it was
great to see the Imperial Highway beautification project started.
Mayor Trejo asked if the water usage on medians in the City is recyclable potable water and
if the lighting can be converted to solar. Public Works Director Alvarez responded that in the new
medians it is, if recycled water is available in the area, and that the lighting could be converted
theoretically, but is not realistic at this time.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:04p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. May 29, 2007 in memory of Juliana
“Julie“ Swender, former President of the Downey Rose Float Association and 40 year
resident.
maJO'Chief De-pe IICK TREJO, Ma'
City Council Minutes 05/22/07