HomeMy WebLinkAbout02. Minutes - 09-24-19 - Regular MeetingCity Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on September 24,
2019, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, California, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Rick Rodriguez Mayor (excused)
Blanca Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem
Sean Ashton Council Member
Claudia Frometa Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant to the City Manager
Dean Milligan, Chief of Police
Mark Gillaspie, Fire Chief
Aldo Schindler, Community Development Director
Anil Gandhy, Finance Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Council Member Ashton.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He acknowledged Michael
Calvert in the audience. He announced upcoming events: United States Service Academy Workshop,
Emergency Preparedness Fair, and Downey Rose Float Association Outgoing Court Ceremony.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She encouraged the
audience to attend the upcoming Emergency Preparedness Fair at Calvary Chapel. She commented
regarding the ongoing Measure S Improvement Projects and thanked the residents for their patience
during the construction. She invited the audience to visit the City’s newly reconfigured website for
project updates. She thanked the Police Department for their daily service to the community. She
requested staff enforce code violations pertaining to the unsightly home facades and vehicles parked
on lawns.
Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the
Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up event at the Rio San Gabriel riverbed; and, thanked the volunteers
and staff for their participation. He also reported attending the International Food & Music Festival and
thanked Director Passow; City staff; and, Police and Fire Departments for a successful event. He
announced upcoming events: Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up event on October 19; United States
Service Academy Workshop; and, Emergency Preparedness Fair.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 2
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Gonzalo
and Marianna Pacheco in the audience. She reported attending the September 11 Remembrance
Ceremony and International Food & Music Festival. She announced upcoming events: Rickey Galvez
Golf Tournament and Keep Downey Beautiful Free Used Oil Filter Exchange event.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco presented the Mayor Servant Heart Award to Aaron Lomas.
2. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco with assistance from Alvin Lam, Information Technology Division
Manager, presented the Downey’s Finest Award to Steve Rahdar.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco opened non-agenda public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding freedom of speech and political leaders.
Romeo Rubalcava, resident, commented regarding neighborhood watch, public safety, property
damage, netting and tree trimming near Rio Hondo Golf Club.
Leticia Gonzalez, Resident, commented regarding main sewer pipe repairs; installation of stop
signs to reduce speeding; and, street repaving and maintenance near Salmoline Ave. and Kingbee St.
Lupe Aguilar, resident, commented regarding tree trimming, street sweeping, and property
damage to homes and vehicles surrounding the Rio Hondo Golf Course.
Edna Ibarra, resident, commented regarding Freedom of Speech, preservation of tennis courts
at Furman Park, diversity in sports, the hiring of the Measure S public relations firm, in support of rent
control, and maintenance of homes.
Joe Serrano, resident, commented regarding the hiring of the Measure S public relations
consultant firm, preservation of tennis courts at Furman Park, variety of sporting programs offered at
City Parks, and in support of rent control.
Able Dominguez, resident, commented in support of rent control; and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
Speaker, no name provided, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019; and, homelessness prevention.
Bartolo Ortiz, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, Americans with Disabilities.
Veronica Del Cid, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Maria Gomez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Emiliano Carrera, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, homelessness prevention.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 3
Rosario Sandoval, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
Irwin, resident, commented regarding in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Mireya Guzman, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Lilly Hernandez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, homeless prevention.
Margaret Villa, Cerritos resident, commented in support of rent control; preservation of tennis
courts in parks; homelessness; and, electioneering.
Noe Euyoke, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, homeless prevention.
Gabriel Cochran, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Alejandro Arrellena, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 8:15 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem
Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:26 p.m. with all Council Members present and
Mayor Rodriguez excused.
Elizabeth Jaime Rios, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019; Americans with Disabilities; and, civic engagement.
Omeda, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, Americans with Disabilities.
Maria Gomez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Isabel Valdez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Velma Baltazar, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; Americans with Disabilities; and, building code violations.
Veronica Carrera, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
Blanca Ortiz, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, Americans with Disabilities.
Maria Vera, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; and, community engagement.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 4
Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019; new business development programs; and, thanked the City Council
and staff for keeping Downey free from gangs and graffiti.
Adrian Alvarez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019; interpreting services; and, thanked the Police Department for ensuring the
safety of the public.
Carmen Barajas, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Leticia Torres, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Maria Rosario Gomez, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482
Tenant Protection Act of 2019; and, homelessness prevention.
Angel Campos, resident, commented in support of rent control and Assembly Bill 1482 Tenant
Protection Act of 2019.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco closed non-agenda public
comment.
City Manager Livas provided a brief overview of Assembly Bill 1482 and stated Governor
Newsom has announced his plan to sign the rent cap bill by October 13, 2019. He explained once
signed by Governor Newsom the law would be retroactive to March 2019. He commented on the
complexity of the current housing issues and the main challenge being the lack of new development of
affordable housing units since the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agencies. He thanked the
residents for attending the meeting. He explained discussion could not be conducted on non-agenda
public comments; however, he ensured the speakers that the City Council listens and understands the
issues brought before them.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on
Consent Calendar items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8; and, the use of
Measure S Funds.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco closed public comment.
Council Member Frometa abstained from Item No. 1, meeting minutes of September 10, 2019.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
unanimously with Mayor Rodriguez excused and Council Member Frometa abstaining from Item No. 1,
the meeting minutes of September 10, 2019, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2019 and September 10, 2019:
City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 336935 – 337259; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003911 – 30003912 &
30003917 – 30003919; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1911 – 1912 in the total amount of $ $8,590,381.42:
Finance.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 5
3. AWARDED A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,510 TO SEQUEL
CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR THE FIRESTONE BLVD. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; AND,
AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO
THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CIP NO. 19-09): Public Works.
4. ACCEPTED WORK FOR THE MAINTENANCE PAD FOR FIRE TRUCKS PROJECT;
APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNTS OF $39,432.60 FOR THE
REINFORCED CONCRETE PAD, $31,112.37 FOR NEW ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND $12,141.20
FOR RELOCATION OF CANOPY COVER; AND, AUTHORIZED PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CIP NOS. 19-37-01A, B AND
C): Public Works.
5. APPROVED AN INCREASE FROM 10% TO 17% IN THE AMOUNT OF CHANGE ORDERS AS
RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND
PCN3 CONSTRUCTION FOR THE FIRE STATION NO. 1 AND FIRE STATION NO. 3
MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION PROJECTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS (CIP NO. 19-37-01 AND CIP
NO. 19-37-03): Administration.
6. APPROVED A SERVICES CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH NATIONWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES, A DIVISION OF JOE’S SWEEPING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,693.59 FOR
CITYWIDE BUS SHELTER CLEANING SERVICES; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT: Public Works.
7. AWARDED A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,700 TO BRAVO SIGNS &
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATION OF SIGNAGE FOR CITY’S FIRE
STATIONS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT:
Administration.
8. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH SMITH, DAWSON & ANDREWS, INC. FOR FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT: Administration.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 19-7902, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF JAMIE BRAY TO THE GREEN TASK
FORCE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4: Council Member Frometa.
10. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 19-1417, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF ARTICLE VI AND ARTICLE IX OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING REGULATIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND
OPERATION OF MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS: Community Development.
11. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 19-1418, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE DESIGNATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT
7224 FLORENCE AVENUE, THEREBY CONVERTING THE SOUTH 46 FEET OF THE
PROPERTY FROM P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TO R-3 (MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL):
Community Development.
12. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 19-1419, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13034
DOWNEY AVENUE FROM C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) AND P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TO
C-1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL): Community Development.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 6
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13. DISCUSSED AND APPROVED THE UPDATED CITY OF DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION
GUIDELINES: Administration.
Assistant to the City Manager Vaniah De Rojas presented the staff report for this item. She
provided the background regarding the formation of the Downey Youth Commission; and, the goals and
guidelines. She presented for discussion staff’s recommended updates to modify the Youth
Commission Guidelines which removed non-substantive items, such as date of meeting s, word
changes and formatting. She addressed key changes to include clarification pertaining to eligibility
requirements by maintaining applicants must reside in the City; language regarding the number of
appointees to be consistent with the City’s Charter; and, the selection process.
Council Member Saab requested clarification regarding the Number of Appointees section
which states at least one appointee must reside in the Council Member’s District. Assistant to the City
Manager De Rojas confirmed at a minimum one applicant must be from the Council Member’s District.
Council Member Ashton stated the language under the selection process contains specific
verbiage stating all three applicants to the Youth Commission must be from the appointing Council
Member’s District. He requested staff allow current students already serving on the Commission to
continue to serve until their term is over. Therefore, the guideline would be applied to new
appointments only. Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas confirmed the guideline would only be
applied to the new appointees. She clarified that this year’s applications were distributed to the Council
Members based upon the districts in which the applicant resides.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco opened this item for public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding regular meetings, Americans with
Disabilities, the appointment process, and usage of personal devices during meetings.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco closed public comment.
Council Member Saab thanked Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas for the report. He
expressed his concerns regarding providing meaningful responsibilities to motivate the Commissioners.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco stated she is currently in discussions with the Assistant to the City
Manager De Rojas to engage the Youth Commissioners in meaningful civic activities.
Council Member Ashton moved with amendment to grandfather in the current Youth
Commissioners appointed outside of the Council Member’s District and allow them to continue to serve.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Saab and approved
unanimously with Mayor Rodriguez excused to approve to the updated City of Downey Youth
Guidelines.
14. RECEIVED AND FILED THE REPORT ON WINDOW SIGNAGE STANDARDS: Community
Development.
City Planner Crystal Landavaso, presented the staff report for this item. She provided an
overview of the City’s current window decal standards pursuant to the Downey Municipal Code;
percentage of window decals or signage allowed based on window size; and, information regarding
window signage allowed by other cities. She discussed a survey taken of other jurisdictions.
Council Member Ashton requested clarification regarding rotating signs. City Planner
Landavaso, confirmed rotating signs are not ADA compliant and are prohibited in the City of Downey.
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Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 7
City Planner Landavazo, presented examples of all prohibited signage. She provided
information regarding the area of the store fronts allowed to be covered by signage and presented
examples of the various distances between windows and decals. She identified the City’s flexibility
regarding window coverage without exceeding the overall 15 % allotted and explained how the 15% is
calculated.
Council Member Saab inquired about the permit requirements. City Planner Landavazo
confirmed permits are not required for window signage and she explained the process addressing
violations.
Council Member Frometa inquired how the window standards are being communicated to new
business owners. City Planner Landavazo explained the process as the business owners initially
applies for a business license, they are referred to the Planning Department to confirm land use
compliance and at that time the signage regulations and process is explained.
Council Member Frometa asked how the City can be proactive in disseminating regulations
about window signage to prevent violations. City Planner Landavazo replied many of times the
business owner has not had the forethought related to signage and window decals; nevertheless, the
Department does provide handouts at the public counter to assist the business owners when the time
arises to install window signs. She added that Code Enforcement also distributes handouts when they
are in the field visiting businesses.
Director Schindler provided a brief overview of the process a new business owner must comply
with and the various approvals required by City Departments. He stated during the licensing process
Planning staff provides handouts and communicates the requirements to prevent violations and
unnecessary expense on the business owners. In addition, the Mayor sends letters to new businesses
which includes information. He stated it is unfortunate that many businesses operate without licenses
and do not receive the information regarding window signage.
Council Member Saab stated the responsibility falls on the business owner. He commended
staff for providing the information during the initial contact. He inquired if the City has a pamphlet of
frequently asked questions to provide to the business owners. Director Schindler replied that the
Department does have a flyer of frequently asked questions but they will partner with the Downey
Chamber of Commerce; and, utilize social media venues, including the City’s website to connect with
new businesses and disseminate this.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco opened this item for public comment.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding advertisement, enforcement of violations of
the Downey Municipal Code, and unattractive posters in windows.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco closed public comment.
Council Member Saab stated that this item was requested in order to address concerns over
unsightly neon and flashing signs in store fronts. He said he has noticed this type of signage has
diminished throughout the City and attributes it to staffs’ vigilance.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and approved
unanimously with Mayor Rodriguez excused to receive and file the report on window signage
standards.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas thanked Director Passow and staff; and, all City Departments involved for a
successful International Food and Music Festival event. He announced the Youth Commission will now
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 24, 2019 8
be administered under the City Manager’s Office. He commented on the challenges of affordable
housing and homelessness; and, commended Council’s awareness and their handling of housing
issues. He stated City staff will continue to monitor and work on the housing issues; and, staff will
provide an update regarding Assembly Bill 1482 after October 13.
Council Member Saab inquired about the noticing process to business owners when the City will
host an event. Director Passow replied the businesses are notified by door hangers and/or
correspondence.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco thanked City Clerk Duarte for her assistance and a great job on the
difficult task of translating. She also thanked her City Council colleagues for their professional conduct
during the public comment period.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 10:13 p.m. in memory of
Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, 34, from Morovis, Puerto Rico who was supporting Operation
Freedom's Sentinel.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO
City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem