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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 04-11-06 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2006 The City Council of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting for the purposes of a Study Session at 6:31 p.m., April 11, 2006, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners: Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo Mayor Mayor Pro Tem (arrived 6:45 p.m.) David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer 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 Thad Phillips, Acting Community Services Director Angie Avery, Recreation & Social Services Manager Loren Behr, Executive Director Space Science Learning Center John Godlewski, City Planner Erik Sund, Purchasing Manager Ed Velasco, Housing Manager Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk 1.PRESENTATION REGARDING COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER AND NASA PARK; Economic Development. City Attorney/Economic Development Director Vose explained that it is important for communication between the Council and staff on projects and that he is asking for the Council’s direction on whether to continue planning on a project oriented basis or driven by budgetary concerns. The first estimates have come in at 60% over budget and staff has been diligently working to reduce those amounts. He noted that no numbers are final until they receive actual bids which they hope to receive within 60 days. Acting Director of Community Services Phillips stated that the landscape architect Nuvis cost estimate is $4.8 million, Mich is $1.8 million more than the funds set aside for the park. Several meetings with the architect have resulted in the removal of some of the original amenities resulting in a reduced cost estimate of $2.9 million. As currently proposed the park will include 2 baseball fields and 2 soccer fields with five add alternates: field lighting, concession stand, picnic area with concrete paving, play area, and 10’ high chain link fence next to the soccer field on easterly and southerly sides of the field totaling $536,470. Executive Director Space Science Learning Center Behr explained that the Learning Center had exhausted the original NASA grant of $3.6 million last December. The following was accomplished with those funds: all museum exhibits have been planned and designed; City Council Minutes/Study Session (adj.) 04/11/06 -1 - approximately 1/3 of those exhibits have been fabricated and are in storage; Challenger Learning Center simulation sets, equipment and programs have been purchased and are in storage; the Robotics Lab equipment and furniture is purchased and in storage; the Learning Center Website and Downey Aviation History Archive are on-line; curricula and programs have been written and published, including the LACOE multimedia curriculum which is in distribution throughout Los Angeles County; and construction documents for the new facility have been developed by the architects. He noted that the building projected cost is $6.1 million at this time. $5.9 million was set aside for the building but only $4.9 million remains due to the cost of the soil remediation. There is also a need for $1 million for the completion of fabrication of the remaining exhibits, signage, equipment and other costs. Council Member Gafin verified that the $1.075 million listed underdonations is the target goal for the foundation. Council Member Cartozian requested that the park drawings to be distributed to the Council for review and discussion. City Clerk Midstokke distributed supplements “C” and “D” showing park as initially proposed and the revised proposal. Acting Director of Community Services Phillips reviewed the two documents, comparing the original proposal to the revised proposal outlining items that are removed: basketball courts, amphitheater, concessions stand, enhanced concrete work, fitness stations, fencing around the outside of the park, outfield fencing on the ball fields, shade structures, green screen, foul poles, scoreboards, control tower. He stated that some items can be phased in at a laterdate. City Attorney/Economic Development Director Vose reiterated that staff is looking for direction from the Council on how they would like the project to proceed so it may come back within 60 days and then go out to bid. Council Member Cartozian noted that in regards to the park, there is a $1.8 million gap from the original proposal to the $3 million currently set aside and there will be an unexpected profit from the sale of the retail center that could cover these costs. He noted in regards to the learning center there is a $1.2 million gap. He heIs the Council should decide if they would like to allocate any of the funds from the sale of the retail center to cover the $4.1 million in shortfalls on both projects. Council Member Bayer mentioned her disappointment in the different proposals but feels that the City should stay within the current budgets and get the projects completed. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo stated his agreement with previous comments that the project needs to get going as'the facilities could be used, however, he feels the lighting on the fields is a high priority and should not be removed. Council Member Gafin explained that constraints need to be held, however he feels that the play area and picnic area are fundamental to a park and need to be included instead of lights and if the fence is for security issues then it should be included. Mayor Perkins asked where $300,000 received from the sale of property to a church that was to be used for lighting is and was informed that it is included in the $3 million set aside br the park. He then asked why there was no contingency set aside in these projects and was told that it is included in the prices provided as they are just a summary of the details of the project. Mayor Perkins then asked what is meant by amenities and was told that the enhanced concrete at the entry point and between the two ball fields have been scaled down. He then asked Mat the specifications are on the exhibits in regards to lighting, security and temperatures, and was informed that they are working on these issues on a case by case basis, however security is not included at this time. City Council Minutes/Study Session (adj.) 04/1 1/06 -2- Harold Tsklenis, resident of Downey, asked if solar energy panels were being included for the learning center and suggested that it could be used in the park also. He mentioned that solarenergy companies should be contacted to see if they would reduce pricing for Downey and added that the AQMD should be contacted to install a air monitoring station. Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, inquired if the jogging track and amphitheater are still included and was informed that they would be phased in later. Bob Goldstein, resident of Downey, noted his concerns for the budgets of these projects and where the shortfall of money would come from. Lois Buchannon, resident of Downey, mentioned that the groups belonging to the Coordinating Council were ready to assist in raising funds for the Learning Center. Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, stated that the City should work within the current budget. Mayor Perkins noted that he had requested the study session to bring all Council Members up to date on the projects and would like it brought back in a couple of weeks. Council Member Cartozian requested that staff look into a cost compaHson of solar vs. non- solar lighting. Mayor Perkins instructed staff to include the cost of all five add alternates in the bidding process . The meeting recessed at 7:38 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:06 p.m., noting the absence of Council Member Cartozian. ADJOURNMENT: 9:06 p.m. d„u~-gx,~,.,u.R„\„, MHKK=, City Clerk/Secretary MEREDITH H. PERKINS, Mayor/Chairman City Council Minutes/Study Session (adj.) 04/1 1/06 -3- MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2006 TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS SUBJECT ACTION PAGE NO. 1 1 2 2 2 2 Presentations Non-Agenda Public Comment Council Member Announcements/Request for Future Agenda Items Staff Comments Council Minutes: Reg. & Adj. Mtg. 03/28/06 Warrants: # 212008-212363; Wire Nos. 30001199-30001206; $2,927,767.03 Inter-Fund Transfer, $205,214, Learning Ctr. - CDBG Soil Remediation, NASA Park Approved Approved Approved 2 2 3 DCEA Miscellaneous – Agency Shop Election Agreement CDBG 2006-07 Action Plan Approved Pub. Hrg. 05/09/06 SE Water Coalition JPA Amendment Approved 3 3 3 4 Digital Aerial Photographs Acquisition from LA County Natural Mrktg. Contract, $48,000, PR for City’s 50th Celebration Approved Approved Adjournment MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2006 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:48 p.m., April 11, 2006, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer Mayor Mayor Pro Tem 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, Police Chief Thad Phillips, Acting Community Services Director Mark Sauter, Fire Chief John Godlewski, City Planner Erik Sund, Purchasing Manager Ed Velasco, Housing Manager Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager. The Flag Salute was led by Miss Downey, Kim Scott and Miss Teen Downey, Denise Antillon. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Perkins presented a Proclamation for Cerritos College 50th anniversary. Mayor Perkins Introduced and presented City pins to Miss Downey/Miss Teen Downey and their courts; Mr. Downey/Little Mr. Downey and the runners up. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: Ramon De La Cruz, Vice-President of Washington Mutual Home Loans, invited the Council to the grand opening of the new offices on Firestone Boulevard, on Thursday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m. David Williams, resident of Downey, praised the graffiti abatement program, but requested additional funding so that graffiti is removed more timely. City Council Minutes 04/1 1/06 -1- Lennie Whittington, resident of Downey, thanked the Council Members that had looked at the new residential construction on Manatee Street which is a large two-story home which looks like it will be used as two homes with two double car garages and a unit above the garages. OTHER BUSINESS – Council Member Announcements or Requests for Future Agenda Items: CONFERENCE AND MEETING REPORTS: Mayor Perkins reported that he recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with City Attorney Vose and Public Works Director Alvarez to secure additional funding for the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center. They had several meetings with various lawmakers which were very productive. Council Member Bayer recognized in the audience Lee Ann Sears, Emergency Preparedness Committee member and announced that Citizens for Downey will be meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. at Rio Hondo Clubhouse. Council Member Cartozian announced the Gangs Out of Downey luncheon tomorrow at 11 :30 a.m. at Rio Hondo Clubhouse with guest speaker Police Chief Campos; mentioned for clarification, due to a recent article in the Downey Patriot, that the City has not owned the Downey Landing retail center for some time now and that the recent action taken by the Council was to approve new owners due to an existing participation agreement; indicated that he would like budget consideration of lighting for Treasure Island Park; and requested that the City look into a new GIS tracking system for graffiti violators and graffiti activities. Council Member Gafin reminded everyone of the City's annual Easter Egg Hunts this Saturday, April 15th at Apollo, Dennis the Menace, Furman and Golden Parks. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo requested an update on the operations at the Rio Hondo Golf Course and Clubhouse. STAFF COMMENTS: City Manager Caton announced that a new Assistant to the City Manager has been selected and introduced Scott Pomrehn, who will be starting on April 24. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Cartozian and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar items as recommended: 1. 2. APPROVED COUNCIL MINUTES: Adjourned and Regular Meetings March 28, 2006: City Clerk. APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Nos. 212008-212363; Wire Nos. 30001 199-30001206; in the total amount of $2,927,767.03: Finance. 3.APPROVED INTER-FUND TRANSFER OF $205,214 FROM THE LEARNING CENTER FUND TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND FOR THE SOIL REMEDIATION PROJECT AT THE NASA CITY PARK SITE AT 12400 CLARK AVENUE: Administration. 4.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION MISCELLANEOUS GROUP TO HOLD AN AGENCY SHOP ELECTION: Administration City Council Minutes 04/1 1/06 -2- 5.SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 9, 2006 TO APPROVE THE 2006-07 ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS: Development Services. 6.APPROVED AMENDMENT TO SOUTHEAST WATER COALITION JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT: Public Works. 7.AUTHORIZED THE ACQUISITION OF DIGITAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Public Works. Council Member Cartozian left the dais at 8:19 p.m. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: 8.APPROVED CONTRACT WITH NATURAL MARKETING IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,000 FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK RELATED TO THE CITY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY: Administration. Assistant City Manager Powell stated that staff is recommending using Natural Marketing to do the public relations for the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations. Nadene Bristow, an associate from Natural Marketing, presented a Power Point presentation, outlining the key areas of media they propose to use to promote the City and its 50th Anniversary; along with highlighting key historical, current and future aspects of the City. Mayor Perkins stated that Council Member Bayer has been assigned as the Council liaison and would be the point person for Natural Marketing to work with; and introduced Lois Buchannon, President of Downey Second Century Foundation, noting that they would like to assist on this project and should be included. Mayor Pro Tem Trejo suggested that Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and the Rio Hondo Golf Course be included in the marketing tools. Lois Buchannon, President Downey Second Century Foundation, explained that in the past the planning and marketing were done by the foundation and questioned the need for hiring this firm; however, she would be happy to work with this company. David Williams, resident of Downey, suggested including the Historical Society and the Downey Rose Float Association when marketing aspects of the City. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trejo, seconded by Council Member Bayer and unanimously (4/0) carried to approve the contract with Natural Marketing. The meeting recessed at 8:34 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:06 p.m., noting the absence of Council Member Cartozian. City Council Minutes 04/1 1 /06 -3- ADJOURNMENT 9:06 p.m The meeting adjourned to 6:30 p.m. April 25, 2006, in memory of Faith Temple, w ife of former Council Member Scott Temple. %g&&b)& : Wu,JI LI{ f:-\;L KATHLEEN L. MiDSTOKKE, City Clerk MEREDITH H. PERKINS, Mayor City Council Minutes 04/1 1/06 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2006 The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an Adjourned Regular Meeting at 8:35 p.m., Aphl 11, 2006, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor/Chairman Meredith H. Perkins presiding. PRESENT:Council Members/Commissioners: Meredith H. Perkins Rick Trejo David R. Gafin Kirk O. Cartozian Anne M. Bayer Mayor/Chairman Mayor Pro 'Fem/Vice-Chairman (absent) ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director Charles S. Vose, City Attorney/Economic Development Director Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary Thad Phillips, Acting Director of Community Services Erik Sund, Purchasing Manager Susan Domen, Secretary to the City Clerk NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: No one came forward to speak. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Gafin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem/Vice- Chairman Trejo and unanimously carried (4/0) to approve the Closed Session Minutes of March 28, 2006. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Mayor/Chairman Perkins announced the Council/Commission is ncessing to Closed Session (8:35 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code: 1.Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Charles Vose re: property located at 8300 Firestone Boulevard; negotiating party: Hoag Property Management; under negotiations: price and terms of payment. 2 Government Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Appointment. Position: Director of Community Services . City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 04/1 1/06 -1 - RECONVENED The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 9:05 p.m. noting the absence ofCouncil Member/Commissioner Cartozian. City Manager Caton announced that the City Council unanimously (4/0) concurred on the appointment ofThad Phillips to the position of Director of Community Services . ADJOURNMENT: 9:05 p.m. lad/da„? (#./M+B ;k,/J. ewS„& MEREDITH H. PERKINS, Mayor/ChairmanKATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 04/1 1/06 -2-