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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 06-12-07 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 2007 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:35 p.m., June 12, 2007, in the Council Chamberof the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor/Chairperson Rick Trejo presiding. PRESENT:Council Members/Commissioners: Rick Trejo David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer Mario A. Guerra Mayor/Chairperson Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairperson (arrived 6:45p.m.) ALSO PRESENT:Gerald Caton, City Manager/Executive Director Casey Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary Scott K. Pomehn, Assistant to the City Manager Steven Yee, Economic Development Manager PUBLIC COMMENT ON ADJOURNED MEETING AGENDA ITEMS: None It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem GaIn, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the Closed Session Minutes. RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION Mayor/Chairperson Trejo announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed Session (6: 37 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. Added an item by unanimous vote (4/0) that the need arose subsequent to the posting of the agenda and that there is a need to take immediate action: 2. Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Charles Vose re: property at 9715 Firestone Boulevard, negotiating party Scott Bell, president ICI Development; under negotiations: price and terms of payment. RECONVENED The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:31 p.m. Wth all Council Members/Commissioners present. There were no Closed Session actions to report. City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 06/12/07 -1 - ADJOURNMENT: 7:31 p.m. laMM>g.'whaMav KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary RIC}mm/e City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 06/12/07 -2- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JUNE 12, 2007 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m., June 12, 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 ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk Scott 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 Ed Norris, Deputy Public Works Director Sheila Pautsch, Recreation Manager Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Bayer announced that Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn will be the speaker at the Citizens for Downey Meeting Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.; that Stonewood Center is hosting a celebration “Star Spangled Spirit” Thursday at 9:30 a.m.; and Keep Downey Beautiful will be hosting their last spring clean-up on June 16th from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. on the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard. Council Member Cartozian reported that he attended the Relay for Life Walk at Columbus High School on Saturday and thanked Assistant to the City Manager Pornrehn for his assistance with providing City support at the site. Council Member Guerra thanked the Community Services Department for the Memorial Day celebration at the cemetery; announced that he had attended West Middle School’s Career Day along with Council Member Gafin; attended Downey High School’s Senior awards dinner at Cerritos College; mentioned a report he saw on CBS last week regarding ethics that used Character Counts and interviewed kids from Maude Price Elementary; noted there was a lot of activity last week in Sacramento regarding Assembly Bill 940 explaining that it had passed in a watered down version and is now in the Senate; and congratulated graduates at all levels here in Downey. City Council Minutes 06/12/07 -1- Mayor Pro Tem Gafin announced that this Thursday is the Sister Cities installation dinner; on Saturday Unity in the Community will be holding their annual Treasure Island picnic from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., on Friday the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their installation luncheon and the Soroptimist will be having their installation dinner; he encouraged everyone to join a local organization; he provided an update on the expansion project at Lakewood Boulevard and Borson Street noting that the survey sent out regarding the opening at Borson is being compiled and so far is leaning towards not opening the intersection. Mayor Trejo noted he attended the Relay for Life luminary ceremony; on Saturday presented Certificates of Achievement to local Boy Scouts for earning their Eagle Scout; thanked the Police Chief for setting up the luncheon with the judges; congratulated the Police Department on their open house; and wished everyone a Happy Fathers Day. PUBLIC HEARING: 1.SETTING ASSESSMENTS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08. Public Works. A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-6990, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THE 2007-08 FISCAL YEAR ASSESSMENT FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT A.D. 121. Mayor Trejo opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and so ordered to receive and file. Public Works Director Alvarez presented a staff report explaining that these funds are used to finance the street lighting system and landscaping in the public right of ways. He stated there are seven zones in this area, six for lighting and one for landscaping. Director Alvarez noted that the proposed rates are the same as or lower than the previous year. He concluded that several of the zones are at the maximum rate while others are less than the maximum allowed. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin noted that in Table 5, Zone L there is a deficit and asked what is being done to reverse the situation. Director Alvarez explained that Zone L is at the maximum rate allowed for that zone and the difference is made up from General Fund revenue resources. He noted that this will need to be evaluated in the future to reassess the zone maximum. Council Member Cartozian asked what determines the assessment being at the maximum or less and was told that it is based on the revenue need. Some zones have the addition of general property tax dedicated to zone, and where that occurs there is no additional assessment. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Bayer and so ordered to close the Public Hearing, the time being 7:55 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: The following persons spoke opposing the opening of Borson Street onto Lakewood Boulevard : Andrew Garcia Erik Blanco -2- Umberto Rodriguez City Council Minutes 06/1 2/07 Frank Sanchez Dorothy Van Zuen Jose Jaime Rodriquez Carla Rodriguez Godia, Unknown Speaker The following persons spoke in regards to the Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking along Haledon Avenue: George Katanjian Pam Lee Roger Maycock Betty Katanjian Arleen Lamb Lee Ann Sears, representative for the Relay for Life Walk, stated they had raised over $107,000 and are still counting. She noted that 183 survivors signed in and 40 teams. She thanked the City and the Community for the support. Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, spoke in regards to incidents and Police Calls at the Public Parking structure on 2-d Street. Richard Pridharn, resident of Downey, expressed that the problems conveyed tonight were from good citizens seeking help and they should be addressed in a meaningful way. City Manager Caton explained that the Council is not allowed to discuss items not on the agenda, however, the City Clerk records everything said and the next morning gives a list to staff and the Council who review and determine how best to handle each item. He continued that the survey was sent out to find out how all residents that will be affected by the opening of Borson Street feel about the project. In regards to the situation on Haledon Avenue, he stated that we are a City of laws and the Police Department has spoken to the owners, however, special rules cannot be initiated for one street in the City. Staff will discuss to see if there are any other legal ways they can help the situation CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: 7.APPROVE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH MV TRANSPORTATION FOR OPERATION OF DOWNEYLINK FIXED ROUTE TRANSIT SERVICE: Community Services. This item was removed at the request of Harold Tseklenis and is listed under Other Business below. 9.APPROVE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH EDINGTON, PEEL AND ASSOCIATES FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES: Administration. This item was removed at the request of Council Member Bayer and is listed under Other Business below. 14.ACCEPT 2006 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FOR $435,000 AND APPROPRIATE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENTS: Fire This item was removed at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Council Member Bayer, and unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as recommended: 2.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings May 22, 2007; Adjourned Meeting May 29, 2007: City Clerk. City Council Minutes 06/1 2/07 -3- 3.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 222895 – 223405; Wire Nos. 314-317, 30001448 – 30001456; in the total amount of $ 3,974,170.06: Finance. 4.CASH CONTRACT NO. SS 576: PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD REHABILITATION: APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN FOR PREPARATION OF PLANS. SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,683: Public Works 5.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH GRAFFITI TRACKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING GRAFFITI VANDALISM: Police. 6.APPROVED RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT FOR USE OF THEIR WEAPONS FIRING RANGE: Police. 8.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH MV TRANSPORTATION TO PROVIDE PART-TIME DRIVERS FOR DIAL-A-RIDE BUSES: Community Services. 10.APPROVED IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR MAJOR CORRIDOR STUDY FOR STATE ROUTE 91 (SR-91) AND INTERSTATE 605 (1-605): Administration. 11.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF WATER QUALITY RELATED SPECIAL STUDIES TO ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER METALS TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,200: Public Works. 12.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH PICO RIVERA FOR UPGRADE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL LOCATED AT PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AND TELEGRAPH ROAD: Public Works. 13.APPROVED SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER TO ROADLINE PRODUCTS FOR OVERHAUL OF THE CITY’S HIGHWAY LINE STRIPER TRUCK AND APPROPRIATE $42,000 FROM THE EQUIPMENT FUND: Public Works. 15.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA REGARDING THE SPEED LIMITS ON TELEGRAPH ROAD: Public Works. 16.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH KPN NETWORKS FOR NETWORK AND FIREWALL SECURITY MAINTENANCE FOR CITY HALL, LIBRARY AND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR $45,000: Finance. 17.APPROPRIATED $49,734 1N GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 FROM EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT: Police. 18.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-6991, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE FOURTH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT EXCESS FUNDING FOR CONCESSION AND STORAGE ADDITION: Community Services. 19.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 5230(d) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE SERVICES: Administration. City Council Minutes 06/12/07 -4- ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS : 20.FEASIBILITY STUDY ON VIDEO BROADCASTING OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Administration. Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn presented a Power Point presentation explaining that he discovered in his research that the process and budget varies for every city. The project is feasible and the major questions are: should it be live or replayed; and do we want to include webcast streaming. These options will determine if full time staff is needed, what type of equipment is needed and whether or not a control room needs to be added. He continued to explain the cost for doing a live broadcast with webcasting would cost approximately $75,000 for video equipment such as cameras and lighting, $30,000 for a control room, $70,000-$85,000 for a full-time technician, $31,500 for back-up staff, $42,000 for webcasting hardware/software/training and $24,000 for annual maintenance services. He noted that the majority of cities surveyed do live broadcasts. Assistant Pornrehn concluded that with the State taking over the cable franchise agreements the negotiating power is somewhat diminished. Council Member Cartozian asked if the figures provided were the total budget of the City or for broadcasting; and what is the percentage of homes having cable in the future foreseen as. Assistant Pornrehn explained that these are estimated budgets for broadcasting as accurate figures are hard to obtain as it can be split in several portions of city budgets; and stated he feels that with Verizon bringing cable to town and the new State law requiring local access channels, this will create competition and lower cable fees. Council Member Guerra asked how many homes have internet service and if there is a way to tell how many hits there are to a site and was told that the number of homes is unknown and yes, we can tell how many viewers there are. He then asked if the $500,000 we receive in franchise fees now will drop and was told that it is not expected to. He then stated that he has visited Warren High School’s new state of the art video room. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin asked what the useful life on the equipment and software would be and was told that the equipment could last ten years while the software will receive regular updates through the monthly service fees. Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, noted his concern of letting students use the expensive equipment and stated that he isn’t happy with what he has seen from other cities. Council Member Bayer stated that she feels this is a very expensive undertaking to reach only 30% of the community. Council Member Guerra responded that 34% of households have cable in addition to those with internet capabilities and feels this is a great tool to reach more of the public. He stated that we should move forward with this on a trial basis and get cameras to do delayed broadcasting. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin noted his concerns if it is a good use of the public funds to possibly reach only 18,000 people. If it does move forward that it should be done at a very minimal amount, as the purpose is only to get information out, not produce a show. Mayor Trejo stated that while he respects the intentions of the idea, he feels that the funds would be better spent on youth, senior and safety programs. City Council Minutes 06/12/07 -5- Council Member Cartozian noted that he is undecided at this time, knowing Council Member Guerra’s intention is to provide public information. He still has concerns about the negative side to having cameras as people may have different objectives when cameras are rolling. He also stated that the costs are a concern and while providing information is important, he would like to have more time to review the item and to have the options laid out more clearly along with getting some input from the public. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded with Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and was later withdrawn, to bring the item back with further information. Prior to vote, Council Member Guerra stated he was unsure what additional information is necessary. Council Member Cartozian stated that the idea has a lot of merit, however, he would like more time to review and get more precise pricing on the options. Council Member Cartozian and Mayor Pro Tem Gafin withdrew the motion. Assistant Pomrehn stated that he could bring back number breakdowns and the whole system could be simplified. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and carried by the following vote to bring the item back in two meetings and requested the newspapers to put out a plea to the public to give their input. AYES: NOES: Cartozian, Gafin, Mayor Trejo Bayer, Guerra The meeting recessed at 9:56 p.m. and reconvened at 10:04 p.m. with all Council Members present. 21 .SELECTION OF NAME FOR THE NEW PARK AT 12400 CLARK AVENUE: Community Services Community Services Director Phillips stated that the Recreation and Community Services Commission reviewed the names submitted for the new park and from over 400 entries selected: Challenger, Downey and Vultee to present for Council consideration. He pointed out that the entire list of names was given to the Council as well. Council Member Cartozian mentioned that it was great to have the naming contest, however, he was not happy with three choices from the Commission. He stated that he liked a lot of others that were submitted better and suggested Moonwalker Park, Lift Off Park and the use of Sports Complex in the name. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin agreed that Vultee and Downey should not be used and stated that he likes Challenger Memorial Park or Sports Center to honor the shuttle Challenger. Council Member Bayer noted that she likes Vultee because it is part of the history of the site and thanked Community Services staff for working on the contest and everyone who submitted an entry. She stated that she hoped the entire list was put in the newspaper for all to see. Council Member Guerra mentioned there is already a street named after Vultee in that area and that he also likes Challenger and the use of Sports Complex instead of Park. He stated that he likes Discovery as well. City Council Minutes 06/12/07 -6- Mayor Trejo stated that he felt it was important to have a name that relates to the history of the site and that he likes Discovery as well. Council Member Bayer noted she also likes Discovery. Council Member Cartozian stated that he likes both Challenger and Discovery but reiterated that it should include Sports Complex. Council Member Guerra said that he likes Discovery Sports Complex. Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, asked if there was anything in rules of the naming contest about not using a name from those submitted and was informed that actually two people had submitted the name. Harold Tseklenis, resident of Downey, stated he felt Discovery was more fitting to be next to the Learning Center. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously carried to name the new park “Discovery Sports Complex”. OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDER – ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL: 7.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH MV TRANSPORTATION FOR OPERATION OF DOWNEYLINK FIXED ROUTE TRANSIT SERVICE: Community Services Harold Tseklenis, resident of Downey, voiced concerns that the vehicles used for transportation use the cleanest fuel and have the best fuel efficiency and that on all future vehicles purchased they have the latest technology in clean fuel. Director Phillips responded the Air Resources Board determines that the vehicles should be fueled by alternate choices and MV Transportation has proposed going to propane. City Manager Caton explained that by purchasing these vehicles the City will be meeting the requirements from the State to convert to cleaner fuel burning vehicles. Council Member Cartozian confirmed that in the contract the entire fleet would be changed out by May 2008 and asked what type of fuel system they currently have. Director Phillips responded that diesel is currently used and propane is one of the suggested alternatives presented by the Air Resources Board. City Manager Caton noted that due to the age of the vehicles, it is the time to replace them. Mayor Trejo asked if any collaboration could be done with the School District to allow the sports teams to use for transportation to games. It was moved by Council Member Bayer, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to approve the renewal of the agreement. City Council Minutes 06/12/07 -7- 9.APPROVED RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH EDINGTON, PEEL AND ASSOCIATES FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES: Administration. Council Member Bayer noted that Mr. Dykstra is the lobbyist in Washington that works for the City and stated that for the job he does, this is money well spent. It was moved by Council Member Bayer, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to approve the renewal of the agreement. Prior to the vote, Council Member Guerra questioned why Ed Lee had signed as the Assistant City Attorney and it was explained that is his current position until July 1 ;t 14.ACCEPTED 2006 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FOR $435,000 AND APPROPRIATED FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENTS: Fire. Council Member Guerra congratulated Fire Chief Sauter on obtaining the grant. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and unanimously carried to accept the grant funds. COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: A. CONFERENCE AND MEETING REPORTS. Council Member Cartozian announced he had attended the League of California Cities meeting last week for Mayor Trejo; the California Contract Cities conference in Indian Wells as a moderator for a panel where they discussed graffiti abatement; and the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas along with staff and developers. Council Member Guerra stated he had attended the coalition meeting with the Downey Unified School District regarding the Character Counts program and asked if banners relaying the six pillars could be displayed in City facilities; he also requested to have the purchase of new furniture for the Third Floor be brought back at the budget meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin requested that the dog license discounts for senior citizens be reviewed; encouraged staff to find solutions for the parking problem on Lakewood Boulevard by the Metro lot and requested that they contact our State representative about the problems; asked the Police Department to patrol the area on Borson Street for traffic violations; and asked staff to get the survey results for the Borson Street/Lakewood Boulevard project out to the community. Council Member Bayer requested staff to see how other cities handle RV parking and possibly putting it on the ballot. Council Member Cartozian asked that along with the RV issues, staff review all unregulated intersections around schools and in the area of East Middle School; and that the City Council and all staff that drive City vehicles should be required to carry a log book for noting graffiti in the City to be turned into the graffiti removal crew. Mayor Trejo stated that shopping cart retrieval needs to be addressed again; and requested a meeting be set up for the Museum and Learning Center subcommittee. City Council Minutes 06/1 2/07 -8- STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: City Manager Caton noted that Public Works Director Alvarez’s father passed away and requested that be added to the adjournment; noted that after 10 years of service to the City, this would be City Attorney Vose’s last meeting. He stated that he had been very instrumental in big projects in the last 10 years such as Downey Studios, Downey Landing, and the Kaiser Hospital; and that in his career had attended more than 1,750 City Council meetings and 1,000 Planning Commission meetings. ADJOURNMENT: 10:53 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 10:53 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 26, 2007 in memory of Desiderio Alvarez, Sr., father of Public Works Director Desi Alvarez and Francessca Rosa Conte, mother-in-law of Secretary to the City Council, Shirley Conte. ££g:*_-%aMX %MaMa =====n -9- KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk City Council Minutes 06/12/07