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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07-10-07 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JULY 10, 2007 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:38 p.m., July 10, 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 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, 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 Velasco, Housing Manager Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk I COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Cartozian thanked Police Chief Campos for his work with Supervisor Knabe's office on the Aware Teens Against Graffiti (ATAG) taskforce; he read a letter from Supervisor Knabe on the proposed juvenile diversion program; and encouraged everyone to be proactive in helping to abate graffiti. Council Member Guerra noted that all City Hall contact numbers are listed on the back of City business cards; thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their concerted efforts to keep City safe on the 4th of July; commended Public Works for doing a great job staying on top of keeping the sidewalks in good repair; recognized Recreation and Community Services Commissioner Carnal Anderson and Planning Commissioner Steve Allen in the audience; recognized his son Matt in the audience; noted that a lot of the illegal news racks have been removed; and announced that along with Fire Chief Sauter and Council Member Cartozian, he will be attending the Independent Cities Association Conference. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their 4th of July activities; recognized Steve Allen, representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Recreation and Community Services Commissioner Mark Vasquez in the audience; mentioned that he talked with the City Clerk regarding the availability of audio recordings of Council Meetings in the library and they will be available; and he requested staff to look into providing CD players at the library for citizens to listen to the audio recordings. City Council Minutes 07/10/07 -1- Mayor Trejo thank Police Chief Campos for arranging a meeting with local judges; and noted that it was an honor to be inducted as Man of the Year at the Elk's Lodge along with Chief Campos, Chief Sauter and Captain McCulloch. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Trejo presented a Proclamation declaring the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month Mayor Trejo presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Carmen Herrera for submitting the winning name suggestion, “Discovery”, for the new City park. PUBLIC HEARING: 1.WATER SYSTEM REPORT ON PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS: Public Works. A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-7000, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S 2007 WATER SYSTEM REPORT ON PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS. Mayor Trejo opened the Public Hearing at 7:57 p.m. City Clerk Midstokke affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Mayor Trejo and so ordered to receive and file. Public Works Director Alvarez presented a staff report stating that the City must submit a report to the State every three years on the contaminants found in the public water system. He noted that along with this report there is an annual report that is distributed to the citizens. Director Alvarez stated he was happy to report that the City’s water meets all of the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). He noted that the full report is available at City Hall and the Library for review. Council Member Guerra complimented the water quality report sent out to residents and asked why chloroform and arsenic show up in some wells and not others. Public Works Director Alvarez explained that these items are tested for and detected at the well site only. There being no further speakers, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Guerra and so ordered to close the Public Hearing, the time being 8:06 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Cartozian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: Steve Allen, resident of Downey, noted his concerns regarding the auto sales in front of the 99 Cents store on Paramount Boulevard. Christine Yay (sp?), a Kaiser employee, stated her concerns regarding the feral cat population at Independence Park and requested to be able to continue to care for them. Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, spoke regarding the traffic congestion on Florence Avenue and Studebaker Road during the evening commute. City Council Minutes 07/10/07 -2- CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEMS FOR REMOVAL: 2.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting June 26, 2007: City Clerk. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Guerra and is listed under Other Business below. 9.ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC WORKS PLAN CHECKER/INSPECTOR POSITION AND CHANGING THE PAY GRADE OF HOUSING SPECIALIST 1 : Administration. This item was withdrawn at the request of City Manager Caton. 14.INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SPEED LIMITS FOR SUVA STREET: Public Works. This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Bayer 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: 3.APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 223734 – 224122: Wire Nos. 320-321, 30001466 – 30001474; in the total amount of $4,799,875,04: Finance. 4.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH GLOBAL LEARNING FOR TRAINING SERVICES FOR THE ASPIRE AND KID SMART CHILD CARE PROGRAMS: Community Services. 5.APPROVED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) FOR PAYMENT FOR REPORTING FISCAL YEAR 2005 NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE INFORMATION: Community Services. 6.SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR JULY 24, 2007 FOR CITY INITIATED CODE AMENDMENT NO. 07-72, TO ADD SECTION 9166.05 TO THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR NEW STRUCTURES AND ADDITIONS TO EXISTING STRUCTURES: Development Services. 7.APPROVED FORM THAT ALL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING A GRANT FROM THE CITY MUST COMPLETE: Administration. 8.APPROVED CONTRACT WITH FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,600 TO PROVIDE FAIR HOUSING SERVICES DURING FISCAL YEAR 2007-08: Development Services. 10.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-7001, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING NEW PAY RANGES FOR CERTAIN PART-TIME CLASSIFICATIONS: Administration. 11.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-7002, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY SUPPORTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COORDINATED TRANSIT PLAN AND APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR FARE FREE SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE RIDERS: Community Services. City Council Minutes 07/1 0/07 -3- 12.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-7003, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF LUIS MARQUEZ TO THE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT ONE; Administration. 13.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 07-7004, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONSENTING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IMPERIAL HIGHWAY BRIDGE OVER THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AS PART OF THE COUNTY SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES: Public Works. 15.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SPEED LIMITS FOR RIVES AVENUE: public Works. 16.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 07-1213, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 1200 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO PARKING ENFORCEMENT: Administration. Item No. 14 was discussed at this time but is listed under Other Business below for the sake of clarity. The meeting recessed at 9:01 p.m. and reconvened at 9:12 p.m. with all Council Members present ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 17.ORDINANCES CONFIRMING THAT EMINENT DOMAIN DOES NOT EXIST FOR THE DOWNEY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA AND WOODRUFF INDUSTRIAL PROJECT AREAS: City Attorney. A. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THAT EMINENT DOMAIN DOES NOT EXIST FOR THE DOWNEY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. City Attorney Lee stated these items were brought back at the direction of the Council and he feels that the issues previously raised have been addressed. Ralph Dulac, resident of Downey, noted that he feels the wording is much easier to understand. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to introduce the Ordinance. B. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THAT EMINENT DOMAIN DOES NOT EXIST FOR THE WOODRUFF INDUSTRIAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to introduce the Ordinance. City Council Minutes 07/1 0/07 -4- 18.FEASIBILITY STUDY ON VIDEO BROADCASTING OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Administration. (Continued from June 12, 2007) City Clerk Midstokke noted that supplemental information from Western Audio and Visual and 10 e-mails in support had been received. Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn presented a staff report noting that the issues raised at the June 12th City Council meeting were “live” broadcasting, camera sophistication, costs, and the number of internet subscribers in Downey. He stated that with the reduction in cameras and the use of web streaming the costs have been reduced to an initial cost of $65,000 and an annual cost of $18,000. Assistant Pomrehn also mentioned that Verizon has approximately 15,000 DSL internet subscribers and that Time Warner Cable has not provided the number of internet subscribers that they have. He noted that the life expectancy of the cameras is 10 years. With the Granicus software the number of hits can be recorded, therefore allowing further study of the success of the broadcasting. Assistant Pomrehn noted that staff is recommending a one year contract with Granicus to provide the web streaming of the Council meetings and a DVD would be burned and provided to Time Warner for airing on cable. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin inquired if there would be additional costs to have it aired on Time Warner Cable and was informed no, that a DVD would be made and given to the cable company as well as a copy would be placed at the library for checkout. Council Member Guerra asked if Granicus will provide adequate bandwidth and storage of the video and if this proposal includes training and the response was yes. He then confirmed there would be two cameras and that the new position in the City Manager's office will be responsible for the handling of the videos. City Manager Caton noted that the video streaming and airing on cable television is meant to be part of a public information campaign and not part of the official record. Council Member Bayer asked if the meetings would be shown from start to finish with no editing and was told that no, only action items would be aired. Mayor Trejo questioned the type of equipment being proposed as he wanted to ensure that it is of quality since the costs were reduced and it was explained that the costs were lower for several reasons: going from 4 to 2 cameras and the elimination of other components such as a computer server and the agenda automation portion of the software. He then questioned if 3 days is sufficient training and what would happen if there was a problem with the system being that the company is located in San Francisco. Assistant Pomrehn responded that the training is more than sufficient and any problems that might occur could be handled remotely through the computers. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin asked what types of items might be edited out of the broadcasts and was told any intermissions, the flag salute and possibly presentations but it would be up to the Council to determine what should be aired. Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, stated his concerns regarding growing costs in the future and the possibility of editing out Public Comments. John Lacey, resident of Downey, complimented the Council for being leaders and providing the opportunities for the citizens to get more involved in the City's business. Harold Tseklenis, resident of Downey, stated his concerns on what would be edited out of the tapes. City Council Minutes 07/10/07 -5- Unidentified speaker indicated the money should be used on other important things. And noted if residents were interested, they would be here. Council Member Guerra added that this will be very beneficial to the citizens and youth and those who can not attend the meetings. He noted that he received more correspondence on this item than on any other item and that the equipment can be utilized for staff training as well. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin stated that the original costs were disconcerting to him; however, they have been reduced significantly and he impressed with the web streaming. He noted that there is always a cost to have open government. Council Member Cartozian concurred with previous comments and noted he had been concerned with the costs as well. He stated that it is a much needed resource. Council Member Bayer explained that she feels there is a better use for the money at the parks or in youth programs at this time. She also noted that the editing of the meetings is a concern and the audio tapes are available for those who cannot make the meetings. Mayor Trejo stated he feels it is a public information tool residents could benefit from and while the costs were prohibitive in beginning, they are now reasonable. He stated that he felt the funds could be used for other programs, however, he feels that it is time for this. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and carried by the following vote to approve the study and enter into a one-year contract with Granicus for internet replay broadcasts of actions taken at City Council/Community Development Commission meetings; and installation of a static video system in the Council Chambers. AYES: NOES: Cartozian, Gafin, Guerra, Mayor Trejo Bayer OTHER BUSINESS: CONSENT CALENDER – ITEMS REMOVED BY COUNCIL APPROVAL: 2.APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting June 26, 2007: City Clerk Council Member Guerra noted that his questions have been answered. It was moved by Council Member Guerra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gafin and unanimously carried to approve the minutes. 14.INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3186 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SPEED LIMITS FOR SUVA STREET: Public Works. This item was discussed at 8:18 p.m. prior to the recess but is listed here for clarity. The following residents spoke in opposition to the speed limit increase: Rubin Macias Francisco Ramirez Juan Stines Yvonne Savala Alberto Martinez Arnel Brill (sp?) Ursula Erwin Vivianne Ramirez Geraldine Valencia Alicia Rosco Alberto Saras (sp?) Robert Negel Diane Del Sol Stephanie Stines Max Galdon City Council Minutes 07/1 0/07 -6- City Manager Caton stated that it is obvious that the Public Works Department and the Police Department need to review the incidents on Suva Street and determine how to improve the traffic conditions. He noted that Engineering can take another survey as well and explained the State law that requires the surveys to ensure the City is not creating speed traps. Leo Spencer presented a letter from an elderly neighbor to City Clerk Midstokke who distributed it to the Council. Mayor Trejo withdrew the item from the agenda and directed staff to conduct another survey and to work with the residents on improving the traffic conditions. Ralph Dulac, resident of Downey, stated that the blocking of streets have worked in the past. Council Member Cartozian stated that there is no malicious intent on the part of the City but the speed surveys have to be done to stay compliant with State law. Brenda Bariones (sp?), resident of Downey, requested that the residents be notified by mail when the survey will be done and the item is back on the agenda. Public Works Director Alvarez explained that a meeting can be set up to discuss options of controlling the traffic with the citizens and they would be notified in advance. He continued to explain that the surveys are required by law and are based upon mathematical calculations. He noted that without doing them the Police Department would not be able to enforce speed limits throughout the City. Orlando Perez, resident of Downey, requested that the lighting on Suva Street be improved. COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: A. CONFERENCE AND MEETING REPORTS. Council Member Bayer announced the start of the Concerts in the Park series tomorrow night with the Wise Guys band; and requested consideration of a stop sign on Clancey Avenue. Mayor Pro Tem Gafin requested an analysis of the parking and traffic congestion issues and the effectiveness of speed bumps. Council Member Guerra requested that the problem of cars for sale from car dealers at the location of Paramount Boulevard and Stewart and Gray Road be addressed; requested a review of the parking allowed on Firestone Boulevard near Rite-Aid and the traffic backup it causes. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: City Manager Caton thank Community Services Director Phillips for his success in obtaining the grant funds approved in Item No. 5 for $113,000; and thanked Assistant to the City Manager Pomrehn for retaining a $250,000 grant from the Rio San Gabriel River Conservancy and obtaining an additional $250,000. City Council Minutes 07/1 0/07 -7- ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 24, 2007. {:{/h_‘kATHLEEN L e City Council Minutes 07/10/07