HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-29-07 - Adjourned Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 29, 2007
The City Council of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:31 p.m.,
,
May 29 2007, in the Council Chamber of Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA,
Rick Trejo Mayor presiding.
PRESENT:
Council Members:
Rick Trejo Mayor
David R. Gafin Mayor Pro Tem
Kirk O. Cartozian
Anne M. Bayer
Mario A. Guerra
ALSO PRESENT:
Gerald M. Caton, City Manager
Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Desi Alvarez, Director of Public Works
Roy Campos, Chief of Police
Linda Haines, Director of Development Services
John Michicoff, Director of Finance
Thad Phillips, Director of Community Services
Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant to the City Manager
Mark Sauter, Fire Chief
John Godlewski, City Planner
Noreen Kimura, Theatre Supervisor
Alvin Lam, Computer Systems Manager
Mike Lanard, Acting Building Official
Maurina Lee, Finance Manager
Nancy Messineo, City Librarian
Sheila Pautsch, Recreation Supervisor
Arlene Salazar, Social Services Manager
Erik Sund, Purchasing Manager
Ed Velasco, Housing Manager
Steven Yee, Principal Planner
Irma Youssefieh, Personnel Manager
Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk
The flag salute was led by Fire Chief Mark Sauter.
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 PROPOSED CITY
BUDGET.
City Manager Caton said this was an enjoyable budget to prepare as we are in good financial
condition and are proposing a modest surplus at the end of the fiscal year. He then outlined the
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procedures that will be followed tonight and stated that the budget is an important policy tool in the
City.
Assistant City Manager Powell presented a power point presentation stating that the budget
was prepared with a new budget system, however, the end document is very similar to previous
ones. He noted that this will become an online type document in the future making it more accessible
to more people. The proposed budget is $137,803,674 broken down into General Fund being 49%;
Special Revenue Fund 29%; and the Enterprise Funds 22%. The General Fund consists of General
Government $4,775,250; Police $28,919,766; Fire $17,096,203; Public Works $5,304,342;
Community Services $7,816,511; and Development Services $3,471,322. Revenues are received
from property taxes $19,730,586; sales taxes $17,357,404; other taxes $12,097,000; interest and rent
$3,909,084; intergovernmental $1,778,634; service fees $7,022,040; and other revenue $5,891,959.
Council Member Cartozian requested a 5 year trend report on property and sales taxes.
Assistant City Manager Powell continued with the highlights of the budget: financial outlook,
new initiatives, continuing initiatives and future challenges noting that the financial outlook is positive
with growing revenues. Downey Landing has been a success and Sales Tax revenue is up $1.7
million while we are maintaining stable expenditures.
Council Member Guerra asked what the forecast of surplus is for 06-07 and what it was in FY
05-06.
Assistant City Manager Powell stated that the new initiatives will be: Police will get 3 new
officer positions; Development Services will have 2 planning studies; Public Works will be adding 3
new positions; and General Administration will be adding 2 new positions. The continuing initiatives
will be the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center; the new community park; Lakewood
Boulevard street improvements and the Public Works yard consolidation. He stated that future
challenges will be: development of the movie studio property; Learning Center operations; Firestone
Boulevard/Lakewood Boulevard intersection; storm water drainage and the Rancho Los Amigos
property. Under General Government he outlined the City Council budget, noted the change to the
City Attorney budget reflecting the new City Attorney services; and a change to the City Clerk budget
due to the unscheduled special election.
Finance Director Michicoff covered General Services, stating that it comprises 4.8 % of the
budget, is over 70% labor based and consists of 21 full time and 1 part time staff members. Recent
accomplishments are: implementation of new budget preparation software; streamlined water billing
process; state & national recognition for outstanding financial reporting; evaluated worker’s
compensation insurance coverage saving $55,000; oversight of animal license canvassing netting an
additional $179,000, increasing licenses by 3,800; new Finance Manager, Accountant and 3
Administrative Clerks; early implementation of Governmental Accounting Standards Bulletin (GASB)
No. 44; Elected treasurer of Independent Cities Risk Management Association (ICRMA). He
continued that the goals for the year are to: implement new fixed assets software; implement new
central stores/inventory software package; evaluate worker’s compensation pools for cost savings;
evaluate cost effectiveness of water lock box process; continue to provide quality customer service;
effectively manage the City’s civil liability claims; implement GASB No. 45; study feasibility of on-line
billing and payments; maintenance of information technology infrastructure and systems.
Police Chief Campos covered the Police Department stating that it consists of Administration,
Field Operation and Detectives. The Administration Division consists of 8 full-time sworn officers, 15
full-time support staff and 10 part-time staff. The Code Enforcement division employs 1 full-time
supervisor, 6 full-time enforcement officers, 1 part-time enforcement officer and 1 full-time support
staff. The Field Operations Division consists of 87 full-time sworn officers, 22 full-time support and 9
part-time staff. The Detective Division consists of 27 full-time sworn officers, 8 full-time support and
2 part-time staff. He stated that the recent accomplishments are: recruitment efforts, training, police
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department website re-design, and celebrating the Police Department’s 50 anniversary. He
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concluded that the goals and challenges for the upcoming year will be recruitment, technology,
enhanced officer safety, and the citizens academy.
Council Member Guerra asked what the norm was on coverage and noted the increase in
arrests and citations. Chief Campos noted that there has been an increase in crime among the
juvenile population.
City Manager Caton noted that Code Enforcement moved 10 years ago from Community
Development to the Police Department and they have done a great job.
Council Member Cartozian asked where we are on open Code Enforcement cases at this
time.
Council Member Bayer congratulated Chief Campos on bringing the citizens academy back.
Council Member Cartozian concurred and asked how the department plans to be more
aggressive on recruitment. Chief Campos responded that there will be more internet advertising as
well as site visits in areas such as San Diego and San Francisco.
Fire Chief Sauter covered the Fire Department outlining the Administration, Fire Suppression,
Emergency Medical Services, Basic Life Support Transportation, Joint Powers Communications
Center, Fire Prevention Bureau and the Emergency Preparedness Divisions. The Administration
Division consists of 1 full-time sworn, 1 full-time support and 1 part-time intern staff which do
operational direction, personnel management and financial responsibility. Recent accomplishments
are grant successes and improved emergency procedures. Objectives are to hire new recruit
firefighter class, staff development, reduce injuries and radio system improvements. The Fire
Suppression Division consists of 54 full-time sworn and 2 part-time support staff and are responsible
for emergency response, fire prevention, training, and maintenance. Accomplishments are
implementation of map system, new equipment in-service, improved special ops training, fire station
alerting system, implemented staffing program, and improved area operation. Objectives are to
implement new breathing apparatus, mobile data computer’s, automatic external defibrillators, and
search equipment.
Chief Sauter continued with the Emergency Medical Services Division, stating that it consists
of 12 full-time sworn staff and covers emergency medical responses and advanced life support
transports. Accomplishments are new paramedics and specialized paramedic
training/procedures/equipment. Objectives are implementation of new paramedic squad and
implementation of new data analysis system. The Basic Life Support (BLS) Transportation consists
of 1 full-time sworn, 6 full-time ambulance drivers and 4 part-time ambulance drivers. Cover basic life
support transports and emergency medical system management. Accomplishments are
recruitment/hiring and training of new ambulance operators and implementation of a new BLS
ambulance. The Joint Powers Communications Center consists of 10 full-time positions and 3 part-
time positions. It covers 911 dispatching, Area “E” communications, Fire Department business
Communications. Accomplishments are the CAD System improvements, started work area
improvement project and radio and voice recording improvements. Objectives are radio frequency
transition, new communication center partner, and complete work area improvement project. The
Fire Prevention Bureau consists of 4 full-time sworn and 1 full-time support staff. They cover
specialized inspections, plan review, arson/fire investigations, and special events. He noted recent
accomplishments include: community development projects, tracking system for all inspections,
movie set oversight, re-organized FPB assignments and procedures. Objectives are to reorganize
Haz-Mat inspection procedures and work area. Emergency Preparedness Division is manned by
volunteer personnel. It covers fire safety school programs, fire safety events, Emergency
Preparedness Committee and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.
Accomplishments are Kids Day, Street Faire, Citywide CERT drill, purchased CERT bin, operation
prom night. Objectives are CERT class and complete stocking of CERT supply bin.
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Mayor Pro Tem Gaffin asked if the paramedic squad is new or replacement, and was told it
would be a replacement.
Mayor Trejo asked if the City is coordinating with the County on emergency drills Chief Sauter
responded that yes we are.
recessed
The meeting at 7:59 p.m.
reconvened
The meeting at 8:13 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Public Works Director Alvarez stated that the department’s total budget will be $62,455,049
consisting of administration, engineering, maintenance services and utilities. $39,180,125 of that
comes from capitol program funding i.e. taxes, grants and utility fees. The Administration Division
consists of 3.5 full-time employees. Accomplishments: conducted environmental fair at KidsDay,
produced the 2007 Used Oil Filter Collection events, Annual Holiday Toy Collection Program & Car
Show, landscaping and composting workshops, home and business beautification awards program,
and Keep Downey Beautiful monthly clean-ups. The objectives are public works yard consolidation
and Assembly Bill 939 compliance.
The Engineering Division consists of 14 full-time and 1 part-time employees.
Accomplishments are the new park and learning center, Imperial Highway traffic safety
enhancements project, Paramount Boulevard traffic safety enhancement project, Lakewood
Boulevard Improvement Project Phase 2, issued 400 permits for construction, and received $4.7
million in grant funding from Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Objectives are Lakewood
Boulevard. improvement project phase 2, enhance National Pollution Discharge Emission System
(NPDES) compliance, Firestone Boulevard/Old River School Road/Union Pacific Grade separation
preliminary engineering, pedestrian improvements on Old River School Road, and street
improvements on Paramount Boulevard, Downey Avenue, Brookshire Avenue and Fifth Street.
The Maintenance Services Division consists of 37 full-time and 8 part-time employees.
Accomplishments are graffiti abatement, Rio San Gabriel Park modular restroom installation, and
automotive parts inventory software. He noted they had received a $166,826 grant to purchase a
front end loader that the City will have to pay an additional $85,000 for and is not included in the
budget. He continued that the department is requesting an additional $45,000 for an asphalt patch
truck and $45,000 for the Quill Drive sewer main that are also not included in the proposed budget.
Stating the objectives are graffiti abatement, imperial Highway median landscaping and vehicle
acquisitions.
He noted the Utilities Division has 30.5 full-time employees and their accomplishments are:
Stewart & Gray Road recycled water line improvements, Lakewood Boulevard potable water and
recycled water system improvements, refurbished three wells and well pump houses, and repaved
five well sites and security upgrades at six well sites. He concluded that the objectives are to
complete water system master plan, complete sanitary sewer master plan and Quill Drive sewer
main.
Council Member Cartozian noticed he had witnessed an aggressive approach from the
department regarding streetscape and treescape and is pleased to see it continue.
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin asked if alternative fuel vehicles are being looked into and if there are
grants available and was told that there has not been a lot in the past but it is increasing. He then
asked for a total on how much will be added that is not included in the budget proposal and was told
the figure is $175,000 total.
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Mayor Trejo asked what the work load is on the sewer maintenance team and if it is caused
primarily in the residential areas or the commercial areas and if tree roots are a main cause of the
problems. Director Alvarez responded that restaurants are the biggest area of work and yes, some
trees do cause problems.
Council Member Guerra mentioned the recent Public Works Week and is pleased to see the
amount of employees that have continuing education.
Community Services Director Phillips stated there are 42 full-time and 280 part-time staff
members divided into 6 divisions in this department. The objectives are to open the new park and
sports fields, prepare for opening of the Space Science Learning Center, maintain the quality of the
Golf Course and Clubhouse, evaluate current programming, establish a Library Teen Advisory
Council, ASPIRE expansion, and part-time workers salary adjustment. Accomplishments are over
500,000 park visitors, summer programs with 44,000 attendees, golf course had 70,000 rounds
played, Dial-a-Ride had 36,227 riders, DowneyLINK had 259,338 riders, Barbara J. Riley Community
Center had 47,474 visitors, ASPIRE expansion, Civic Light Opera, Symphony and Travelogue
attendees of 15,543, 8 summer concerts with 8,000 attendees, 16 Downey Unified School District
events with 10,000 attendees, new theatre carpet installed, items checked out at library totaling
418,500, and library computer lab internet sessions at 43,990.
Mayor Pro Tem Gafin asked what the Teen Advisory Council is and was told it is a group of
teens to advise the library on interests for their age group and to help market programs.
Council Member Bayer asked how many schools still need the ASPIRE program and was told
that only East Middle School does not have it and they do not meet the required criteria.
Mayor Trejo asked what the revenue of the Golf Course is and was told it is approximately
$2.9 million.
Council Member Guerra thanked the department for the Memorial Day Service at the
Cemetery.
Development Services Director Haines stated that the plan check and counter activity for this
year was up 1 % at the planning counter, 3% at the building counter, and .5% new plan checks.
Building and Safety Division is projecting serving 18,757 persons and issuing 6,529 permits. The
Planning Division served 45 people per day, 174 planning applications were received and 60 design
review cases for new large single family homes were filed. The Housing Division completed 78 home
improvement projects, financed $800,000 in Home Improvement Loans, provided transition housing
for five homeless families, provided $231,000 for Code Enforcement, and added 4 affordable housing
units. Objectives for the Department are to: provide high level of professional service; obtain
computerized permitting system with web access; continue update zoning code; update housing
element by 2008; create historic preservation ordinance; prepare site plan review process for all new
commercial and industrial structures; use federal grant funds to finance 78 home improvement
projects.; utilize the CDBG fund to provide supportive public services for a minimum of 4,850
residents and to complete the exterior painting of the Barbara J. Riley Community Center.
Mayor Trejo asked how many hours of continuing education has to be completed by staff and
was told it varies between 34 and 52 hours every 2 years.
Council Member Cartozian stated he feels there is a need to bring in more resources in this
department and asked where it would be needed. Director Haines stated that along with the use of
consultants, they would maintain their current staffing.
Council Member Guerra asked how many independent inspectors we have and was told 2 on
a regular basis, sometimes 3.
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Mayor Trejo asked if staff is reimbursed for their continuing education and was told yes.
City Manager Caton noted one major change is the City Attorney/Economic Development
Department being split as the City is contracting with a law firm for attorney services and will be hiring
a new full-time Economic Development Director. The new person will evaluate the department and
possibly ask for future resources. He continued that if the studio property development starts, he
does not want to take major resources from current staff and would need to hire future employees
and contract services.
Council Member Guerra clarified that the splitting of the department is included in the budget.
Council Member Cartozian noted that the Downey Museum of Art has submitted a letter
requesting help in moving to a new facility.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
9:15 p.m.
.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 12, 2007.
___________________________________ ____________________________
KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk RICK TREJO, Mayor
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