HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05-26-09 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 26, 2009
The City Council/Community Development Commission of the City of Downey held an
Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Why 26, 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
Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager
Edward W. Lee, City Attorney/Agency Counsel
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: April 28, 2009.
It was moved by Council Member/Commissioner Brossmer seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem/Vice-Chairperson Bayer, and carried unanimously to approve.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION:
Mayor/Chairperson Guerra announced the Council/Commission is recessing to Closed
Session (6:31 p.m.) to discuss matters under the authority of the following section of the
Government Code:
1. Government Code Section 54956.8 – Conference with real property negotiator Edward Lee
re: property at 1 1500 Brookshire Avenue; negotiating party: Downey Regional Medical
Center; under negotiation: amendment to Lease.
RECONVENED:
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Wth all Council
Members/Commissioners present.
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/26/09 -1 -
City Attorney Lee announced that there are no reportable items and noted that the Mbyor did
not participate in Closed Session due to a conflict of interest, his firm provides insurance for the
hospital
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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W\RIO A. GUERRA, Mbyor/Chairperson
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KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk/Secretary
City Council/Community Dev. Comm. Minutes (adj.) 05/26/09 -2-
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 26, 2009
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m., May 26, 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 Marquez mentioned he attended the Contract Cities conference in Indian
Wells and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Las Vegas along with
Mayor Guerra, Council Member Brossmer and staff, and the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at
Downey Cemetery and requested an agenda item on amending the Zoning Code regarding small
lots with minor additions required to have two car garages.
Mayor Pro Tem Bayer recognized her commissioner Lee Ann Sears in the audience; noted
she had a report from Robert Rubio on the first Green Task Force meeting and inquired as to the
amount of tonnage of paper being recycled at City Hall and the Police Department.
Council Member Brossmer noted he also attended the Contract Cities and ICSC
conferences, the Public Works breakfast, the Older American event in downtown Los Angeles & the
Older American event at Caf6 Quill, the Coordinating Council banquet, the Columbia Memorial
Space Science Learning Center/Discovery Sports Park subcommittee meeting, the Memorial Day
Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery and congratulated Community Services Department for their
efforts, the Arc/Rotary Fishing Derby at Wilderness Park; recognized Richard Pridham in the
audience and stated that the dead oleanders he had previously mentioned were scheduled to be
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -1 -
removed by June 5th and everything to be replaced by July 4th; announced that Thursday will be
Downey High School’s annual Family Fun Night and Rotary’s annual $10,000 night; reminded
everyone the Relay for Life Cancer Walk will be on June 6th & 7th; thanked staff for the veterans
recognition in the paper; reminded everyone the True Lasting Connections (TLC) softball
tournament will be this Saturday at 9:30 a.m.; thanked staff for the Dine in Downey program and
stated he would like this to become an annual event; requested an update on the Treasure Island
lighting status by the next Council meeting; requested staff to address pick up soccer games at the
park fields; and requested a report on the status of the Conroy’s Flower’s property at Lakewood and
Imperial Boulevards.
Council Member Gafin congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Bayer on the Coordinating Council
Banquet (she is the current president); noted he attended the Public Works breakfast, and the
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery; announced the Downey Civic Light Opera play
will be opening Friday; the Greek Festival will be on June 6th & 7th; and requested an update on the
Traffic Calming program.
Mayor Guerra noted he attended the Contract Cities and the ICSC conferences; attended
two Neighborhood Watch meetings last week, the Older Americans recognition and the Coordinating
Council banquet, the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery; and noted that he had
been give pictures from Zacatecas, Mexico, of Downey firemen training their Fire Department;
requested that staff look into putting solar lights at Treasure Island Park; and announced that the 2-d
Green Task Force meeting will be held next week at Coca-Cola.
PRESENTATIONS:
California Highway Patrol Captain Dan Minor presented CHP 10851 Awards (recovery of
stolen vehicles) to Corporal Kevin Kendall, Corporal Jason Klevos, Officer Todd Lockwood, and
Officer Noah Nagel.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT:
Christopher Espinoza, junior at Downey High School, requested assistance in raising funding
to attend Princeton’s Jr. Statesman’s program this summer.
Lee Ann Sears, resident of Downey, reminded everyone that the Relay for Life Cancer Walk
is on June 6th and 7th at Downey Adult School. The Survivor Breakfast will be at 8:00 a.m. and the
Luminaria Ceremony at 9:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided at the walk with Supervision by the
Police Explorers and face painting by the Miss Downey & Miss Teen Downey courts.
Daughter of Joanna Vovos, submitted a letter that she read requested the removal of debris
and site clean-up as a result of a fire at 9951 Brookshire Avenue as it is effecting her use of her
property. Mayor Guerra asked Deputy City Manager Livas to speak to her after the meeting.
The following people spoke in favor of turning the Avenue Theatre property into a mixed use
facility that would preserve the bottom floor as a venue for the arts programs in Downey:
George Redfox
Kathleen Perez
Stacey Reyes
Elijah Martinez
Gary Head
Albert Roman
Brittany Thomas
Felicia ?
Wade Wilson
David Allhands
Lorine Parks
Pamela Jones
Harold Tseklenis
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -2-
Louann Parker, resident of Downey, President of Unity in the Community, requested an
update on when the lighting will be installed at Treasure Island Park and invited everyone to attend
the annual Block Barbecue on June 27th
Manuel lbarra, resident of Maywood, explained that he is the Activities Director at the
Country Inn Retirement Home and requested assistance in locating a place to display some artwork
from the residents. Mayor Guerra asked Director Phillips to speak with him after the meeting.
Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, thanked the Police Chief for providing great leadership
to his department; and noted that he attended the PAC meeting regarding the Avenue Theatre
where conceptual ideas were discussed and reminded everyone that the building would need a lot of
work to be brought up to building and safety codes.
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED;
3.APPROVE USE OF THE SHOW MOBILE BY THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR THE RELAY FOR LIFE COMMUNITY EVENT ON JUNE 6TH AND 7TH. 2009 AT
COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Administration. This item was removed at the request of
Council Member Brossmer and is listed under Other Business below.
4.RECEIVE AND FILE SIGN ORDINANCE REPORT: Police. This item was removed at the
request of Council Member Gafin and is listed under Other Business below.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Bayer, seconded by Council Member Brossmer, and
unanimously carried to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar items as recommended:
1.
2.
APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Regular Meeting May 12, 2009: City Clerk.
APPROVED WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 240729 – 241137; Wire Nos. 450 – 454
and 30001907-30001915; in the total amount of $ 3,775,089.75: Finance.
5.APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF A NEW JAIL DOOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND
APPROPRIATED $60,000 FROM THE ASSET FORFEITURE FUND: Police.
6.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH GLOBAL LEARNING, INC. FOR TRAINING SERVICES
FOR THE ASPIRE AND KID SMART PROGRAMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,725:
Community Services.
7.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE)
PROGRAM: Public Works.
8.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH KFM ENGINEERING, INC. FOR CERTAIN SERVICES
INCLUDING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND BID DOCUMENTS FOR THE BELLFLOWER
BOULEVARD AT IMPERIAL HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $143,950; AND APPROPRIATED $60,000 1N GAS TAX FUNDS: Public
Works
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -3-
9.APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF BELLFLOWER FOR THE REHABILITATION
OF FOSTER ROAD BETWEEN LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND REGENTVIEW AVENUE.
APPROPRIATED $415,000 1N GAS TAX AND $350,000 1N PROPOSITION C FUNDS;
AND AUTHORIZED PAYMENT OF $76,500 TO THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER: Public
Works
10.APPROVED AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH BLACK & VEATCH CORP. FOR THE
WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN, INCREASING THE CITY’S FUNDING OBLIGATION BY
$93,530 TO COMPLETE ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: Public Works.
11.APPROVED LETTER AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PERMANENT
MEDICAL GROUP (KAISER) TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EMPLOYEES ANNUAL
PHYSICALS: Administration.
12.APPROVED suBMii-rAL OF APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT RECOVERY FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,180: Community Development.
13.APPROVED ADDENDUM TO AGREEMENT WITH DATA TICKET, INC. /REVENUE
EXPERTS FOR PARKING AND ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION SERVICES: Police.
14.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 09-7132, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS
OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police.
15.ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 09-7133, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE SUBMil-rAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE
TO SIGN AND FILE APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS UNDER THE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM: Administration.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
16.SCHEDULED STUDY SESSION FOR JUNE 2, 2009 AT 6:00 P.M. AND A SECOND DATE
OF JUNE 16, 2009 AT 6:00 P.M., IF NEEDED, TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED 2009-10
BUDGET: Administration.
Finance Director Michicoff suggested that the Council meet on Tuesday, June 2-d to review
the budget and on Tuesday, June 16th if another session is needed. He noted that the budget books
were distributed to the Council this evening and the Public Hearing is scheduled for June 23'd.
Mayor Guerra asked if the Budget subcommittee was meeting on Friday, May 29th at 1 1 :00
a.m. still and it was confirmed.
After a brief discussion it was decided by unanimous consent to hold a Budget Workshop
on Tuesday, June 2"d at 6 pm in the Council Chambers.
17.APPROVED GRAND OPENING CEREMONY FOR DISCOVERY SPORTS COMPLEX
WITH FIREWORKS DISPLAY AND APPROPRIATED $50,000: Administration.
Deputy City Manager Sauter presented a report stating that park completion will be done in 5
weeks and per the request of the Mayor there will be a 4th of July celebration. The full day event will
included team sports; ribbon cutting ceremony; food and game booths hosted by Downey volunteer
groups; family entertainment and music; and conclude with a 25 minute fireworks display at
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -4-
9:00 p.m. This budget does not include costs for live entertainment and he noted that the City is
seeking sponsorships for the event. The Optomists have already committed to a $1,000 donation.
Mayor Guerra noted his excitement about the possibilities for this event and feels that it will
improve the safety for citizens on this day.
Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, questioned if a fireworks show was being green
responsible and due to the State taking local funds if it is responsible to be spending this kind of
money on such an event, especially in this economy.
Chuck Anna, resident of Downey, noted his fond memories of the carnival and fireworks
show that used to be held at Warren High School, but pointed out to spend this kind of money is
extravagant and suggested having one next year, allowing for time to raise the funds to completely
pay for the event.
Jan Scott, resident of Downey, spoke in favor of having the event.
John Lacey, resident of Downey, questioned spending $50,000 on this event and suggested
to have it when it is fully sponsored.
Council Member Marquez noted his pleasure at having this type of celebration and
suggested staff aggressively pursue sponsorships.
Mayor Pro Tem Bayer noted her concerns about spending this amount of money at this time
and questioned how well the event can be planned in such a short period of time.
Council Member Brossmer noted that while the economy is in a poor place the City did a
great job of saving to weather us through the bad times and since this is a one time expense he
feels it is worthy of the expenditure.
Council Member Gafin inquired if there is an estimate on the amount of sponsorships and
was told the Kiwanis and other businesses were approached but at this time there is no estimate.
He stated that if this was not such a special occasion he would not be in favor of this.
Mayor Guerra stated that he feels a lot of the funds can be raised through sponsorship and
that the citizens have been asking for a fireworks show for a long time. He concluded that due to the
economy having such an event will help citizens to not have to buy fireworks.
It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Brossmer and carried noting
the dissent of Mayor Pro Tem Bayer, to approve the Grand Opening event and appropriate
$50,000.
OTHER BUSINESS:
CONSENT ITEMS REMOVED:
3.APPROVED USE OF THE SHOW MOBILE BY THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR THE RELAY FOR LIFE COMMUNITY EVENT ON JUNE 6TH AND 7TH. 2009
AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Administration.
Council Member Brossmer noted he will be abstaining due to his connections with the School
District and Relay event.
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -5-
Mayor Pro Tem Bayer asked if the show mobile is loaned out to other entities or if they are
charged and was told it is loaned to the Chamber of Commerce for Street Faire and to the School
District. She suggested charging a rental fee in the future.
It was moved by Mayor Guerra, seconded by Council Member Gafin and noting the
abstention of Council Member Brossmer carried to approve loaning the show mobile to the
School District.
4.RECEIVED AND FILED SIGN ORDINANCE REPORT: Police.
Council Member Gafin stated that the City is inundated with illegal signs and requested that
Code Enforcement work towards getting compliance before citations are issued.
Richard Pridham, resident of Downey, noted his agreement that there are illegal sign issues
and the laws should be enforced.
Mayor Guerra mentioned that he saw 15 violations today and there are only 6 Code
Enforcement officers that are very busy.
It was moved by Council Member Gafin, seconded by Mayor Guerra and unanimously
carried to receive and file.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS:
Mayor Guerra mentioned that the Downtown subcommittee toured the cities of Fullerton and
Brea with the City Manager for ideas. He explained that housing money was used for the purchase
of the Verizon building and the Avenue Theatre and some housing will have to be included,
however, he looks forward to the discussion on the properties to determine the best long term use
for them
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager Caton noted that it is great when citizens voice their opinions on issues and
that there will be Public Hearings on the Verizon building and Avenue Theatre. He noted that the
theatre in Fullerton is not a great example of revitalizing an old theatre. He welcomed ideas and
suggestions from the public but asked that they give specifics on how to attain them and concluded
that the building would need to go through extensive seismic retrofitting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., June 2, 2009.
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MARIO A. GUERRA, Mayor
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KATHLEEN L. MIDSTOKKE, City Clerk
City Council Minutes 05/26/09 -6-