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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-24-19 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNE 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. Council Members: Rick Rodriguez Blanca Pacheco Sean Ashton Claudia Frometa Alex Saab Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member 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 (excused) The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Ashton. COUNCIL MEMBER • FOR FUTUREiREPORTS 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 Mayor Pro Tern 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. 1. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco presented the Mayor Servant Heart Award to Aaron Lomas. 2. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco with assistance from Alvin Lam, Information Technology Division Manager, presented the Downey's Finest Award to Steve Randar. 0 1 pIllill I MITONTSITI 15!71111111110128offill; 1P 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 2 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 3 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. 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 4 13. DISCUSSED AND APPROVED THE UPDATEDOF •WNEY 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 meetings, 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. RECEIVED14. AND FILED THE REPORTON ADO•Community Ltevelopment. 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 6 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 7 City Manager Livas thanked Director Passow and staff; and, all City Departments involved for a zuccessful International Food and Music Festival event. He announced the Youth Commission will now 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 Mayor Pro Tern 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. Mayor Pro Terr. Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Freedom's Sentinel. AM WIM540W.W.43 ''J, City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 24, 2019 _ `-; -1 -- - - Mayor Pro Tern n.