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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-14-09 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 14, 2009 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 9:03 a.m., February 14, 2009, in the John Downey Room of the Barbara J. Riley Center, 7810 Quill Drive, Downey, California, Mayor Mario A. Guerra presiding. PRESENT:Council Members: Mario A. Guerra Anne M. Bayer Luis H. Marquez Roger C. Brossmer David R. Gafin Mayor Mayor Pro Tem ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager/Special Projects Gilbert Livas, Deputy City Manager/Community Development Mark Sauter, Deputy City Manager/Emergency Services Scott K. Pomrehn, Assistant Deputy City Manager Roy Campos, Police Chief John Michicoff, Finance Director Susan Domen, Deputy City Clerk Other Staff Mayor Guerra thanked everyone for attending and mentioned that at the Independent Cities Association meeting last week he noticed that Downey is more financially stable than other municipalities . 1.DEPARTMENTAL PRESENTATIONS AND CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION OF DEPARTMENTAL PRIORITIES: Administration. City Manager Caton explained that the Department Heads will give a presentation on their goals and priorities with time after for Council discussion. Assistant City Manager Powell noted that staffing levels have remained even since 1983 for all departments except Police and Fire. He noted there are 461 full time positions in the City with the largest salary increases going to the Police and Fire Departments. He then reviewed the General Fund and Employee Benefit Fund, noting that the negative amounts reflect the State taking funds from the cities. Since 1984, the City’s cumulative balance in the two funds has risen from $9 Million to $50 Million. He concluded by stating that the economy for the entire country will be challenging for the next several years, however, Downey is in a better position than most other municipalities. Council Member Brossmer asked what the increase in population was since 1984 and was told that it increased from 95,000 to 1 17,000. He then asked what the minimum balance should be in the reserve account and was told $20 Million is recommended. City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09 -1 - Mayor Guerra requested that the graphs presented be updated every year; how such significant increases to the General and Employee Benefit funds were obtained in the last 8 years; and how the minimum recommended fund balances are decided. Staff responded that the utility users, sales, and property taxes have all increased and keeping expenditures down to necessities have allowed the City to put more in reserves. It was also explained that 10 years ago when proposing a budget the direction was to not run a deficit; however, now there are quality of life programs and staff would suggest running a controlled deficit until the economy turns around. Police Chief Campos gave an overview of the Police Department noting that since 2005 they have hired 57 police officers and are continuing to recruit qualified candidates to reach the goal of 124 sworn officers. He listed other goals as including: continuing professional training; continue promoting and perpetuating a philosophy of professional, respectful service; deter crime with diligent patrol saturation; continued aggressive enforcement of graffiti eradication; conducting audits; implementing the new Cadet program; technology upgrades such as: global positioning systems (GPS) in mobile computers, digitization of records, Coban hardware (police car camera system), online crime reporting and electronic speed feedback signs; continuing cooperative efforts with allied agencies; infrastructure upgrades such as the secured parking lot, property room upgrades and a new roof on the station; continued Neighborhood Watch coordination; and the Citizen’s Academy. Mayor Guerra asked what the average number of officers is in comparable cities and for an explanation as to why there were less arrests made last year than the previous year. The Chief responded that Downey has always run a lean department and by utilizing report dictation and contracted jail services thus allowing more officers in the field; and that mitigating factors such as the economy have had an effect on arrests, such as there are less people shopping in the maII so there are less arrests occurring there. Council Member Brossmer asked when the GPS systems would be installed and if there would be an impact to the budget for increased technology staff. He was informed that the GPS systems would be installed within 6 weeks and due to a reduction in overtime from Officers there would be minimal impact to the budget. He noted there has been an increase in crimes with guns and asked what the department is doing to be effective in combating this problem. Police Chief Campos responded that there are simply more guns on the street. Council Member Brossmer concluded that he had recently seen a demonstration on “plate scanners" and would like to see it implemented eventually. Mayor Pro Tem Bayer asked if cadets receive training on the radio and it was explained that they work in every area of operation. She requested that the number of people arrested be included on the Monday morning reports and asked how many claims for damaged cars had been turned in as a result of the unsecured police parking lot. It was explained that there were only two claims turned in as most officers would handle damages through their private insurance. Council Member Gafin questioned who does the Police Department lab testing and was told the Los Angeles County Lab. The meeting recessed at 10:28 a.m. and reconvened at 10:39 a.m. with all Counci Members present. Finance Director John Michicoff presented an overview of the Finance Department and stated that the departmental goals are: to evaluate and implement required trust account for Other Post Employment Benefits; absorb duties of retiring staff; implement an on-line payment system; replace 350 computers; upgrade reprographics equipment; replace 8 of 12 computer servers; federally mandated Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act compliance; and implement state-of- the-art security software to maintain the integrity of the City’s computer system. City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09 -2- Mayor Pro Tem Bayer left the dais at 1 1 :06 a.m. and returned at 1 1: 10 a.m. Mayor Guerra left the dais at 1 1 :06 a.m. and returned at 1 1 :15 a.m. Mayor Guerra asked how many employees were in this department and how many claims were filed last year. Director Michicoff responded that there are 21 full time and 1 part time employees and there were 75 claims filed against the City, 18 of them resulting from the Water Boil incident Council Member Brossmer asked what the minimum balance should be in the reserve fund and Director Michicoff responded 15 to 20% of the operating budget. Deputy City Manager Livas explained that the Community Development Department, which includes Building, Economic Development, Housing and Planning, has been focusing on creating a more professional and customer friendly environment. He noted that there are 5 areas in the City they are focusing on for redevelopment and determining the best plan for their future use. He indicated that other staff members will be presenting their divisions within this department. Council Member Gafin left the dais at 1 1 :44 a.m. and returned at 1 1 :49 a.m. Council Member Brossmer asked about the Cummins project and was told that it is a company that services most of the buses for MTA and they recently refurbished a building at Stewart & Gray Road and Firestone Boulevard. Economic Development Director Perfitt discussed the functions of the Economic Development Department and the process flow of a redevelopment project. He continued by discussing the Housing Division; and noted their recent accomplishments and goals. He stated that the Economic Development Division has been working on the Downey Studios redevelopment project wIth Tierra Luna which is currently on hold due to the economy. The City is looking for a long term solution that will benefit the City in the future. Mayor Guerra asked to be kept updated on development projects on a regular basis. The meeting recessed at 1 1 :51 a.m. and reconvened at 12:04 p.m. with all Counci Members present. Council Member Brossmer left the dais at 12:28 p.m. and returned at 12:31 p.m. Council Member Brossmer asked for more information on the Tierra Luna project and was told that it is being scaled back with lower level tenants and commercial retail is being proposed on the back 20 acres instead of the mixed use originally proposed. City Manager Caton noted that the existing plan on the property allows for an 80 acre business park and that is why staff is working on developing a new Specific Plan by late summer. Council Member Gafin questioned if the new plan will have to go through resident review and was told that the City reserves the right to make changes to the adopted plan; however, they always want the opportunity for residential approval. Council Member Gafin then asked what the status was on the County relocating all facilities to the Rancho Los Amigos property and was told that the project has been halted at this time. Council Member Marquez suggested that the Beach’s Market property be reviewed for redevelopment purposes. City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09 -3- Business Development Manager Davis presented the overview of the Planning Division noting the application process for site plan review and variances as well as recent accomplishments. He explained that the upcoming priorities are mixed use developments; implementing the goals and policies of the Downey General Plan; the Rancho Los Amigos property; revitalization of the Demonstration Project site; Porto’s Bakery; Tierra Luna Specific Plan; Downtown Downey Specific Plan; Verizon building and the Avenue Theatre; the housing element; implement a digital filing system; Census 2010; Zoning Map Updates, and many other projects. Council Member Gafin left the dais at 12:49 p.m. and returned at 12:55 p.m. Council Member Marquez asked for clarification on the types of changes occurring in the department and was told that professional attire and attitude are being fostered as well as improving the timeliness of assignment completion. They will also be conducting a customer feedback survey. Council Member Brossmer asked what the opening dates for Kaiser, Bob’s Big Boy and BJ’s Restaurant will be and was told September 9, June 9 and July 9 respectively. Building and Safety Director Haines reviewed the Building Department functions, processes, accomplishments. She noted that the priorities for the division are: implementing the Accela building permit program which will allow for online building permit information and digital building plans; continued staff training; improving customer service by placing updated handout information on the website and conducting a satisfaction survey; and implementing a “Green Building Code”. Mayor Guerra asked if the Green Building Code can be adopted before the 2010 requirement and was told it would be looked into. Council Member Gafin stated that a lot of citizens are unsure when a building permit is required and requested that some public relations efforts be implemented to get the information out to the citizens. Council Member Marquez asked when the Codes would be updated and was told that currently the Zoning Code is being reviewed for minor adjustments. Deputy City Manager/Emergency Services Sauter noted that this department was created to address the issues that the City may face due to potential emergencies and implement procedures for the accurate and expedient handling. He stated that his upcoming priorities are: the adoption of Emergency Plans, updating City policies and procedures, provide training, creating a City Emergency Management Team, preparing City staff for emergencies, offering emergency preparedness for citizens, community groups and local businesses; implementing the Reverse 911 System, and working with the Emergency Preparedness Committee. Council Member Marquez asked if emergency incidents would now go through this department and was told that the department would act as the coordinator to disseminate the information to the departments involved. Council Member Brossmer asked if this would ever fall underneath the Fire Department's responsibilities in the future and was told that it is felt that there is less of a proprietary feeling having it removed from either Police or Fire, which fosters better communication. The meeting recessed at 1 :47 p.m. and reconvened at 1 :53 p.m. with all Council Members present City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09 -4- 2.CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION OF CITY GOALS AND INTEGRATION OF GOALS WITH DEPARTMENTAL PRIORITIES. Mayor Guerra noted that when he started this process he looked for short term items that weren’t a large cost. He listed his goals as public information – improvements to website, emails to residents, and links to other community groups; promote business/building friendly City – new redevelopment zones, program to acquire and retain businesses in the City, and streamlining the permitting process; youth friendly – youth oriented businesses; green City – promote green and recycling throughout City; enhance public art program – beautification of City areas; citizen patrol/volunteering – opportunities within City government for volunteering, and expanded safety visibility and community involvement; City-wide branding program – incorporate design elements with a unifying theme; promote building completions – fast track uncompleted structures, and aggressive promotion of programs to banks and developers; Firestone Boulevard corridor – facelift, attract development and business, change direction and promote rear of building/close street for parking; and use of cameras – explore placing cameras in public areas to deter crime. Mayor Pro Tem Bayer listed her goals as being: continue tradition of salary/benefit adjustment for Executive/Middle Management same as the Miscellaneous Employees; obtaining an emergency power back-up system for the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center; water issues such as quality of water and emergencies covered; the completion of the City Yard consolidation; undergrounding utilities and beautify Florence Avenue and Telegraph Road; bring high end retail to Downey and improve the marketing of Downey including website; create more field space as well as improve irrigation, turf and lighting at Apollo and Independence parks; identify all possible commercial development sites; identify and implement ways to relieve the blight of continuous Code Enforcement sites. Council Member Gafin discussed his goals noting that he would like to see a dog park, preferably at Independence Park; create additional parking at the Civic Center; restructure the Downey Theater usage and marketing; complete Public Works Yard consolidation and park expansion; review and revamp road maintenance schedule; emphasize “green” technology within City projects; re-emphasize ongoing projects of traffic calming and Neighborhood Watch; prepare a smooth, organized transition plan for key personnel retirements and replacements; increase the parking at the Lakewood Boulevard Green Line Station. Council Member Marquez discussed his goals noting that he would like to work on continued Economic Development/Redevelopment including expanding project areas, identify blighted neighborhoods and address needs, and having an upgrade program for strip malls; in regards to parks he would like each one to be evaluated, expanding space and installing lighting as well as a dog park, security lights and locking gate for Treasure Island park, yard consolidation, and review of all sports and senior programs; in Public Safety he would like police vacancies to be filled, security cameras throughout the City and promote Neighborhood/Business Watch programs; promote going Green Citywide by establishing a recycling program at City Hall and other City facilities, Green building program, prepare for implementation of AB 32; establishing a Downtown Specific Plan; creating a WiFI City and updating the website; aggressively pursue grants, establish a Grant Team, identify and establish list for Citywide infrastructure projects; more business and residential friendly City, permit process streamlined; continue and strengthen the beautification programs by enhancing anti-graffiti programs including youth, and establishing greening/landscaping program; establishing annual review for each department. Council Member Brossmer discussed his goals stating that he would like to work on aggressive funding seeking through grants, Federal bailout money and a financial goal; create a Downtown Specific Plan with entertainment, relocate mortuary, parking and theatre, install WiFI and security cameras; improve traffic flow; upgrade, expand and install security cameras at parks; get the Science Center open and review utilization, plans for sponsorship, and future expansion at the City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09 -5- site; expand and identify redevelopment sites; receive regular updates on the repossessed/vacant homes, ensuring maintenance of properties; upgrade existing strip malls and moratorium; increase communication at City Hall, website update, blogs, e-blasts, WiFI with cameras; and establish a City Manager evaluation plan. He thanked staff for putting together this goal setting session and requested that all repetitive Council goals be consolidated before the next meeting. City Manager Caton explained that staff will consolidate and prioritize the Council goals. Mayor Guerra requested that the goals be separated by the top 5 and then the next 10. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: Chuck Anna, resident of Downey, thanked staff and the Council for having this informative meeting . ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:49 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., February 24, 2009. /7 $a' IE/(g/&\ M. DOMEN,CDeputy City Clerk MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor City Council Adj. Minutes 02/14/09