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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-13-18 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF COUNCILCITY OF OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2018 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 13, 2018, at 6:33 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Ashton presiding. Z Council Members Sean Ashton Rick Rodriguez Blanca Pacheco Alex Saab Fernando Vasquez Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong, Assistant to the City Manager Carl Charles, Chief of Police Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief Mohammad Mostahkami, Public Works Director Pamela Passow, Parks & Recreation Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Larry Jameson, Lifegate Foursquare Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 7975. CONFERENCE/MEETINGCOUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMI REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Downey Police Officers in the audience. He reported participating with Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez, City staff, Downey Police and local community groups in a homeless outreach effort at the Rio San Gabriel Riverbed. He commented on the challenges with homelessness and assured the audience that the City is working on addressing this issue. He acknowledged members of the Rose Float Association in the audience. He announced upcoming events: TLC 5K Run/Walk at Apollo Park; Concert in memory of Whittier Police Officer Keith Boyer and the Downey Police Citizens' Academy. He commented regarding the recent issues with the City's Senate and Assembly Representatives in Sacramento and said the City is closely monitoring this issue. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and reported on the session regarding police worn body cameras. Council Member Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Kenneth Thompson in the audience. She mentioned participating in the Homeless Count and mentioned Supervisor Hahn and Congresswoman Roybal-Allard were in attendance. She participated in the Lions Club Student Speaker Contest and thanked Joanna Peterson for the invitation. She reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and commented regarding the session regarding police worn body cameras. She attended a breakfast at St. Raymond's Church in celebration of their 60`h Anniversary. She announced upcoming events: Keep Downey Beautiful Clean -Up; TLC 5K Walk/Run; American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Raymond's Church; and Downey Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 Council Member Vasquez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the 1-5 Consortium Policy Board meeting and mentioned three lanes are now open on the Florence Ave. overpass bridge. The bridge construction is scheduled to be completed in October. He stated there is construction taking place on the 1-5 freeway between Norwalk and Downey due to the addition of an HOV lane in both directions which should be completed by fall of 2020. He commented regarding public private partnership which is an alternative option to State and Federal funding for projects. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and commented on the session regarding mental health and substance abuse. He reported participating in the Homeless Count and mentioned Supervisor Hahn and Congresswoman Roybal-Allard were in attendance along with Netflix who was filming a documentary. He commented regarding the Montecito mud slides and Santa Barbara Fires and said the Santa Barbara Mayor is grateful for the assistance provided by the Downey Fire Department. Lastly, he announced he will be a guest speaker at Career Day. Council Member Saab acknowledged Police Corporal Kevin Kendall in the audience and 441 ke-1 L-: C-- L-:- L ----i Ulaink U 111M lo, his haid work- and volunteer work- 11-1 thte UHILY. rlt�a e_ L;U111111U11Lt:U 1UYd1U111Y LIC responsibility police officers have to undertake. Mayor Pro Tern Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked all those who participated in the homeless outreach efforts at the Rio San Gabriel Riverbed. He reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and commented regarding the session related to legalization of marijuana and the issues being faced in Colorado. He commented on the passing of former U.S. Marine and Bastards Co -Founder Calvin Spencer. He announced participating with Rakdy Khlok, Emergency Manager in the inspection of the City's emergency bins and said he wants to ensure the City is prepared in case of a disaster. He announced an upcoming military career day scheduled at St. Pius X — St. Matthias Academy for students. He acknowledged former Mayor Perkins in the audience. Mayor Ashton reported attending the Independent Cities Association Conference and commented on the session related to cyber -security. He advised everyone to be cautious about their online activity. He participated as a judge at the Lions Club Student Speaker Contest and thanked Joanna Peterson for inviting him. He reported attending the last meeting of the Lower L.A. River Working Group where he was appointed by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon to work on a revitalization plan. He announced upcoming events: Keep Downey Beautiful, TLC 5K Run/Walk; and, the Mayor's State of the City Address hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. He commented regarding an incident with a teacher in Pico Rivera and said he hopes this does not reflect on all teachers. He asked staff to provide an update regarding his request for research of historical areas in the City. Community Development Director Aldo Schindler provided a brief report and said staff has met with the Downey Historical Society to discuss and were advised the Historical Society has no existing designations of historical sites in the City; however, they can assist the City with the study and there is a monetary fee involved that would go to the Downey Historical Society. Mayor Ashton requested staff bring this item for Council consideration at the next Council meeting. 1. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor's Downey DNA Award to Thomas Giese, Eagle Scout, Venturing Crew 181. 2. Mayor Ashton presented the Mayor's Hero of the Meeting Award to Kenneth Thompson, 3. CHP Captain David Moeller presented Certificates of Recognition to Downey Police Officers for receiving the Department of Highway Patrol 10851 Awards. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 2 4. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Chief Charles presented a City the and Certificate of Recognition to Retiring Employee with 32 Years of Service — Kevin L. Kendall, Police Corporal. 5. Mayor Ashton with assistance from Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez presented Certificates of Recognition to recipients of the National Act of Kindness Week. Mayor Ashton presented a Proclamation in honor of City of Downey "National Random Acts of Kindness Week". 1. AMENDMENT TO THE 2017-18 CDBG/HOME ANNUAL ACTIONALLOWING MODIFICATION OFCITY'S EXISTING RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATIONASSISTANC COMMENTPROGRAM AND ADDING A HOUSING RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; AND, OPEN TH PUBLIC • • ' THE 2018-19•Communi1�j Development. Mayor Ashton opened the Public Hearing at 8:07 p.m. City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and so ordered by the Mayor to receive and file. City Clerk Duarte noted no correspondence was received. The staff report was provided by Aldo Schindler, Director of Community Development. The City of Downey is an entitlement community that receives both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These federal grants are available for affordable housing activities, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public facilities and support for needed public services for low- and moderate -income households within eligible census tracts. Staff is proposing to replace the First-time Homebuyer Program with a Homeless Rental Voucher Program; modify the existing Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program guidelines; and, initiate public comment period for the CDBG and HOME Programs for Fiscal Year 2018-19. In 2016, the City administered its First -Time Homebuyer Program with a goal to assist low- to moderate - income households in purchasing their home. Due to Downey home prices increasing since 2016, and the average purchase price for a home in the City exceeding HUD established HOME value limits, the First-time Homebuyer Program has become unfeasible. Staff requested HUD increase home value limits in Downey, but HUD notified staff that HUD home value increases are only considered in July of each year. In July 2017, staff submitted an application requesting the increase but HUD did not respond. As a result, and in order to continue to address the need for affordable housing in the City, staff is proposing to allocate $352,998 in HOME funds to the Housing Rental Assistance Program, to assist people who are on the verge of becoming homeless and are currently experiencing homelessness in Downey. Staff discussed this proposed program with the Homeless Subcommittee. The program would consist of rapid rehousing to assist individuals and families in obtaining emergency housing; preventative subsidies to assist individuals and families in paying late rent; and, shallow subsidies to assist individuals and families by paying a portion of their rent over a set period of time. Staff identified three agencies that provide homeless services some already partnering with the City. Council Member Vasquez asked Director Schindler how rapid rehousing can assist families that are living with three or four more families under one household. Director Schindler explained as homeless providers begin to do case management they identify these families through referrals and they begin an assessment and identify what services they can provide to get them into permanent housing. Council Member Saab commented in regards to the difficulty identifying families that are living in that type of situation which are not accounted for during the Homeless Count. He mentioned organizations such as TLC will be tasked with referring families in this type of situations. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 3 Director Schindler continued and said there are three organizations that can provide assistance to the community. One of these is The Whole Child which focuses on assisting homeless families through rapid rehousing, preventative subsidies, and shallow subsidies; the second is Jovenes, which focuses on assisting homeless youth through rapid rehousing; and, last is PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) which focuses on assisting individuals through rapid rehousing, preventive subsidies, and shallow subsidies. Staff discussed with the Homeless Subcommittee who requested to see tangibles. The Subcommittee and City staff visited the three organizations to learn how they operate and determine if they had capacity to spend the funds and also what type of services they were already providing in the City of Downey. Staff is proposing tonight to provide the allocation of funds to The Whole Child in the amount of $302,998; Jovenes $50,000; and, no funding to PATH who declined funding not because there was no interest but because they were overwhelmed with the County funding they are already receiving. Council Member Vasquez asked if there will be safeguards in place to ensure the funding that will be given to the two organizations will go to Downey families and not to administrative costs or F.. :I: - .8..:.J .. .0 rl.rl:___i__ e%_I_:_JI_ _e _e 101inIIC.S UULDIUG UI vuwney. vllClaUl OU11IIIUICI bLdICU yeti df]U SaIU the H®melesS SUDCOfT MIllee ensured the agencies would spend the allocated funds assisting Downey families. He also clarified of the funding being provided to the two organizations only 10 percent can be used towards administrative services. Council Member Saab commented on the site visits with the proposed providers and how the Subcommittee determined distribution of funds based on the services that could be provided to families in Downey. Council Member Vasquez inquired about the organization based in Fullerton. Council Member Saab stated Coast to Coast would be discussed at the next meeting and they would provide more direct contact and feed to the other two organizations. He mentioned funding has already been allocated from last year's budget for Coast to Coast. City Manager Livas said he would like the City Council to take separate actions on these allocations if they agree and concur with the funding. He mentioned that the Homeless Subcommittee spent several hours visiting these sites as well as holding meetings which lasted several hours to discuss and address the homeless issue.. He said Council has always talked about wanting to address this issue in the community and what better way than to provide direct funding. He commented on the good partnership the City has with the Downey Unified School District and said the school district refers three to four families a day to The Whole Child however, the biggest problem they have is there isn't sufficient funding or resources available but with this allocation of funds it will certainly ensure Downey families receive the necessary services. He commented on the school districts stats which indicate there are approximately two thousand homeless families in the community. He further talked about the resources provided by The Whole Child and said they are familiar with working with Federal funding and understand regulations and accountability. Tonight if Council agrees, staff is requesting the City Council approve the allocation of the funds and the proposed plan in order to spend the funds by July 1. Council Member Vasquez asked if the entire funding will be used for housing vouchers. City Manager LivaS stated yes. Council Member e1Ue1 vasgiez requested sU_ the HIutu_C the Homeless Subcommittee also consider programs or funding that assist people with finding jobs and obtaining healthcare. Council Member Saab explained The Whole Child also provides mental health and job training services which are provided through other funding sources to The Whole Child. He said this will also not solve the homelessness issue but will certainly make a dent. He commented on other issues such as people being affected with homelessness not wanting to accept the help and the availability of the housing for those who do. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 4 Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez commented on the homelessness issues being faced by approximately two thousand children in the school district. He said the Subcommittee also requested The Whole Child keep them apprised of what is happening with each child that is referred by the school district. The Council further discussed the issue of those affected by homelessness and how only nine percent of one hundred individuals accept assistance. Council Member Pacheco asked if The Whole Child helps individuals that do not have children. Constanza Pachon, Chief Executive Officer of The Whole Child, thanked the Council for considering them for funding. She stated they work with individuals that are somehow associated with a child, such as families that are currently separated and are trying to reunite. Their main focus is children. Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez explained Jovenes and PATH assist individuals that do not have children. City Manager Livas stated per the Subcommittee's direction the target was to address three areas of concern: the family unit, young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 years old, and adults that can be referred to PATH who declined funding because they currently receive funding through the COG therefore that area is already being addressed. The biggest needs for assistance were with children and young adults. The funding can only be used for housing related activities. He commented many of the families facing housing issues are working families that are being affected by the increase in housing in the City of Downey. Director Schindler went on to talk about staff's second request which is related to the Home Rehabilitation Program. The core of the program is to serve low-income individuals who are in substandard living conditions, such as faulty electrical, plumbing and roofing. Currently the City provides a $15,000 grant to individuals who qualify but require a $15,000 in matching funds. The matching requirement has come to be difficult for someone who is low-income. The City generally serves about 20 homeowners each fiscal year. There is a large interest in the community for the program. The City has collected significant income from loan repayments and staff is requesting to increase the loan amount from $15,000 to $35,000 per homeowner and to remove the matching fund requirement which would increase the participation rate from 20 loans to 40 loans per fiscal year. The allocation request is for $690,696, and the money would come from the Home budget not General Fund. Council Member Vasquez asked if this would compromise in any way the City's local matching dollars contribution for the project being considered for Veterans. City Manager Livas replied it would not. Council Member Vasquez asked how the City ensures reasonable market or industry rates are being charged for improvements per square footage. Director Schindler stated staff carefully assesses the bids and are present at the initial walk through. The property must meet substandard conditions to qualify for the loan. Council Member Vasquez asked if the permits are obtained by the property owner or general contractor. Director Schindler responded it must be a general contractor. Director Schindler presented his final item, the CDBG Home Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The purpose is to inform the community that the City will begin to solicit input on the various programs and services the City funds. He mentioned this is the first Public Hearing, the second Public Hearing will be held in May 2018, and staff will present the budgets to fund the various service providers at that time. The service providers list has not changed over the years. In addition, staff will City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 5 schedule three community meetings prior to May 2018 to solicit input. These community meetings will be advertised via the City's social media sites. Mayor Ashton opened for public comment at 8:37 p.m. Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment at 8:37 p.m. Council Member Vasquez thanked the Homeless Subcommittee for their work putting this plan together to address homelessness issues in the community. He commented that the riverbed clean ups cause a spike in visits to the emergency room. He suggested in the future support services are discussed for those that visit the emergency room and are released back into the City. Council Member Pacheco thanked the Homeless Subcommittee for their work and recommendations. Council Member Saab thanked Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez, Assistant to the City Manager DeLong, City Manager Livas, Director Schindler and his Department Staff who worked on this project. He requested this be rolled out with a press release. It was moved by Council Member Vasquez, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved unanimously to approve an amendment to the 2017-2018 Action Plan which allows the addition of a Rental Assistance Program; the allocation of $352,998 HOME funds to the Housing Rental Assistance Program; and, the commitment of $690,696 in HOME funds to the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Vasquez and approved unanimously to approve the modification of the Rehabilitation Assistance Program Guidelines. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and approved unanimously to allow the City Manager to enter into Subrecipient Agreements committee $352,998 in HOME funds to two (2) Subrecipients for the administration of the Rental Assistance Program; and, receive public comments on the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investments Partnership Programs for Fiscal Year 2018-19. Ii i Mayor Ashton opened non agenda public comment. Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment. Council Member Saab abstained from Item Nos. 13 and 23. Council Member Vasquez abstained from Item No. 5, due to the proximity to his property. Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez abstained from Item Nos. 5 and 6, due the proximity to this property. Mayor Ashton asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Having no one come forward, Mayor Ashton closed public comment. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 13, 2018 6 r•. IRS] No • •-i • • • • of -• • • ••- • - i • . 1 0 1 • . 1 i A • ` i A • - • - - 23. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE • " • OF • • HONDO GOLF CLUB FOR •UTH IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMDOWNEY FAMILY YMCA: Mayor Ashton. -11 91 J1 110 16119i' `•' • ManagerCity r -• the Homeless• • -- and City stafffor -ir work on Housing item.He thanked Director M• r • the completion of ro - Ave. sI • Mayor Asthon adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:46 p.m. in memory of Spc. Javion Shavonte Sullivan, 24, of •rt Mill, South Carolinawho was supporting Operation Inherent- • e; South Carolina• • - Michael R. Doty who • -• in the line of duty; Christopher David Hill, 45, who died in the line of duty; Noel Dale Devereux, father of Scott Devereux, Battalion Chief of the Downey Fire Department; Robert Egan, father of Janet Benavides and grandfather of Kathleen van Raay, Downey City employee; Alison H. Stafford, longtime Downey resident; • • Joseph !- • • 102,grandfather of • D- •: • Downey • • -- and, Calvin Spencer, t US Marine Veteran and co-founder of •Restaurant. 4MA ALICIA DUART CMC C RGDRIGUEZ City Clerk yor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - February 13, 2018 9