HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04-28-09 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 28, 2009
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:31 p.m., ApHI 28, 2009, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City
Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor/Chairperson Mario A. Guerra presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members/Commissioners:
Mario A. Guerra
Anne M. Bayer
Luis H. Marquez
Roger C. Brossmer
David R. Gafin
Mayor/Chairperson
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chairperson
ALSO PRESENT:Gerald M. Caton, City Manager/Executive Director
Edward W. Lee, City Attorney/Agency Counsel
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk/Secretary
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
Other City Staff
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ADJOURNED MEETING AGENDA ITEMS: None.
APPROVED CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: March 24, 2009.
It was moved by Council Member/Cornrnissioner Gafin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-
Chairperson Bayer, and carried noting the abstention of Council Member Brossmer, to approve.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor/Chairperson Guerra announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed
Session (6:32 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following section of the
Government Code:
1. Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1 ) – Conference with legal counsel – anticipated
litigation. SignifIcant exposure to litigation – three potential cases.
RECONVENED:
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:32 p.m. dth all Council
Members/Commissioners present. There were no actions to report.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 04/28/09 -1 -
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary MKRIO A. GUERRA, Mbyor/Chairperson
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 04/28/09 -2-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 28, 2009
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:34 p.m., April 28, 2009,
in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, 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
Edward W. Lee, City Attorney
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Kathleen L. Midstokke, City Clerk
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
Thad Phillips, Community Services Director
Brian Ragland, Public Works Director
Jeff Turner, Fire Chief
Susan Domen, Deputy City Clerk
Other Staff
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS:
Council Member Brossmer reported that he went to Washington D.C. with Fire Chief Turner,
Deputy City Manager Alvarez, Mayor Guerra and Council Member Marquez and met with our
Federal representatives and lobbyists to discuss: Lakewood Boulevard Phase 3 Improvement
Project, Downey Regional Water Reclamation and Groundwater Augmentation project, Apollo Park
improvements and expansion, Downey Theatre energy efficiency renovation, Columbia Memorial
Exhibition Center and Telegraph Road median improvements; attended the Gangs Out of Downey
(GOOD) annual luncheon last week; announced that on May 16tF' the Foundation for Healthy
Children will host a Children's Reading program at the Downey Memorial Church; noted he has
received a lot of correspondence regarding the cancellation of the Travel Series at the Downey
Theatre and requested staff to provide a report on the reasoning for the cancellation and the
utilization of the Theatre.
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Council Member Gafin noted his attendance at the GOOD luncheon; the Coca-Cola Earth
Day celebration; announced the Kids Day awards ceremony will be held at the Civic Theatre
tomorrow evening; on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. the Business Watch meeting will be held in the
Council Chamber; Saturday is the Street Faire on Brookshire Avenue; on Saturday, May 9th Kids
Day will be held at Furman Park; and requested an update on the Traffic Calming program be
placed on a future agenda
Mayor Pro Tem Bayer mentioned that she read to children at the Library for National Library
Week; and urged everyone to buy tacos from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
booth at the Street Faire.
Council Member Marquez thanked everyone for being here tonight; mentioned he went to
Washington D.C. with Mayor Guerra and Council Member Brossmer and noted that there are a lot of
people in Washington excited about the opening of the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning
Center
Mayor Guerra explained that next year is the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo Missions and that
Downey’s tag line before “Future Unlimited” was “Home of the Apollo” and perhaps it is time to
change it again; noted that on his Washington trip he received some seeds from NASA that had
been flown into space; stated he attended the Coca-Cola Earth Day event, the GOOD luncheon, and
the Downey PTA Volunteer Awards dinner; suggested putting up more signs on Paramount and
Firestone Boulevards promoting the Farmer’s Market; requested that staff review the Boards and
Commissions for possible combining; and reminded everyone about the Dine in Downey program.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Guerra presented Certificates of Recognition to the Downey Family YMCA Youth and
Government Delegation.
Presentation by Muscular Dystrophy Association to Downey Fire Department for its
upcoming participation in their annual Fill the Boot Fundraising Campaign, May 2;
Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation declaring April 27- May 1 , 2009 as Safety Seat Checkup
Week,
Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2009 as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month.
Mayor Guerra read a Proclamation declaring the week of April 26 – May 2, 2009 as National
Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Mayor Guerra presented a Proclamation declaring May 9th as Kids Day.
Council Member Brossmer presented a Certificate of Appointment to Octavio Silva, Water
Board, Council District 3.
Mayor Guerra presented a Proclamation regarding the 2010 Census. Representatives from
the U.S. Census thanked the City and presented a short video on the upcoming count.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
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NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: No one came forward to speak.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED:
3.RECEIVE AND FILE CITY FINANCIAL UPDATE: Administration. This item was removed
at the request of Council Member Brossmer and is listed under Other Business below.
6.LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121. FISCAL YEAR
2009-10: Public Works. This item was removed at the request of Mayor Guerra and is listedunder Other Business below.
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 09- . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-10;
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 09- . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-10; AND
C. SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 9, 2009, TO CONSIDER SEl-riNG
ASSESSMENTS FOR STREET LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Gafin, and
unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as recommended:
1.
2.
APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting April 14, 2009: City Clerk.
APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 240076 – 240387: Wire Nos. 443 – 445
and 30001889-30001897; in the total amount of $3,505,153.29: Finance.
4.APPROVED SUBMiTrAL OF APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS
GRANT (AFG) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,511 FOR PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF “NO SMOKE DIESEL FILTERS” TO EQUIP 9 FIRE DEPARTMENT
APPARATUS: Fire.
5.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 09-7127, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GENERAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES: Public Works.
7.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 09-1241, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A RESTRICTIVE USE AGREEMENT WITH FRESH &
EASY NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET. INC. FOR THE CITY-OWNED PARKING LOT AT 8356
FIRESTONE BOULEVARD: Community Development.
8.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 09-1242. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3130.1 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF ONE-WAY STREETS: Public Works.
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9.ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 09-1243, 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 ROSECRANS AVENUE: Public Works.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
10.RECEIVED AND FILED UPDATE ON DINE-IN-DOWNEY MAY 1, 2009 – MAY 17, 2009
PROMOTION: Economic Development and Community Services.
Economic Development Director Perfitt presented a Power Point presentation explaining that
the program will be from May 1 – 17, 2009. The City is sponsoring the program and the restaurants
voluntarily participate. The City collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce to contact all the
restaurants and 40 will be participating. Customers will receive 10% off of their bill and the
restaurants will have an electronic survey follow-up. The program has been promoted online, in
print media, with street banners, posters, coupons, giveaways, at the Street Faire, at City facilities,
and participating restaurants.
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and
unanimously carried to receive and file the report.
11. APPROVED SELECTION OF GREEN TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Administration.
Deputy City Manager Alvarez noted that the Green Task Force is for a one year period. The
City received 12 applications which are attached to the staff report.
Mayor Guerra noted that Coca-Cola has offered two employees to be on the committee and
the use of their facilities for the first meeting .
Council Member Brossmer nominated Nancy Swenson from the Downey Unified School
District Board of Directors.
Council Member Gafin nominated Bob Ciatti, owner of Efficient Lighting.
Mayor Pro Tem Bayer nominated Robert Rubio, Director of the Boys & Girls Club.
Council Member Marquez nominated Janet Molinaro, resident.
Mayor Guerra nominated Lars Clutterham, resident.
Deputy City Manager Alvarez noted that if two of the three experts were going to be from
Coca-Cola, instead of one, then they would need to consider dropping one of the others, such as the
School Board member since Council Member Brossmer’s appointee is on the School Board.
City Manager Caton explained that the names of the 3 experts need to be known and can be
included in one motion with the 5 Council appointees or they can be brought back at another time.
Deputy City Manager Alvarez clarified that the Task Force can have as many experts at
every meeting that they want, however the 3 positions designated for the Task Force need to be
filled. Mayor Guerra noted that he did not know all of the names of the experts at this time.
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, second by Council Member Brossmer and
unanimously carried to approve the appointment of Nancy Swenson, Bob Ciatti, Robert Rubio,
Janet Molinaro, Lars Clutterham and Tom Davidson (Coca-Cola) to the Green Task Force.
City Council Minutes 04/28/09 -4-
OTHER BUSINESS:
12.IMPLEMENTED MILITARY BANNER PROGRAM TO SHOW PRIDE IN RECOGNIZING
THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN THE ARMED
FORCES: Council Member Brossmer.
Council Member Brossmer explained that he has seen these programs in other cities and
believes that it is time for Downey to honor their residents serving in the military. He explained that
the details of the program have not been worked out, but that the process should be started.
Mayor Guerra and Mayor Pro Tem Bayer noted their approval of the program.
Council Member Marquez stated his agreement and suggested that a section of City Hall be
set aside for family members to place photos of residents serving overseas.
Council Member Gafin noted that this is long overdue.
It was moved by Council Member Brossmer, seconded by Council Member Gafin and
unanimously carried to implement a military banner program.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED:
3.RECEIVE AND FILE CITY FINANCIAL UPDATE: Administration.
Council Member Brossmer requested the dollar amount of the current budget deficit and was
told approximately $2.4 million. He then asked if this would come out of reserves and if there is an
estimate for next year as well. Assistant City Manager Powell explained that the shortfall would
come out of reserves and next year would have an approximately $2 – 4 million deficit, which would
also have to come from reserves.
Mayor Guerra asked if there are any plans to lessen this shortfall before the new budget is
presented. City Manager Caton explained that there are many ways the Council can balance the
budget, but it will mean a significant cut to services for the citizens. He continued that in the past,
Council and staff have put away funds in the profitable years so that in the recession years these
services will not have to be eliminated.
No action was taken on this item.
6.LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FISCAL YEAR
2009-10: Public Works.
A. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 09-7128, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-10;
B. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 09-7129, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEW AND COLLECT
LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-10; AND
C. SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 9, 2009, TO CONSIDER SETrING
ASSESSMENTS FOR STREET LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE.
City Council Minutes 04/28/09 -5-
Mayor Guerra asked for clarification on how a neighborhood could request lighting and was
told that they need to contact the Director of Public Works who will assist them in the process. He
then asked if he could get some kind of estimates that he could give to citizens when asked.
It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Marquez and unanimously
carried to adopt the Resolutions and set the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS:
Council Member Brossmer requested staff to investigate expanding the Memorial Day
ceremonies for next year, in addition to the Cemetery District function.
Council Member Marquez noted he had recently met with the middle management group and
had received the financial report on the City, and noted that due to the economy he would not be
able to support their raises at this time.
STAFF COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., May 12, 2009.
qMZ'i)<?/l„&@&
KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor
City Council Minutes 04/28/09