Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-12-19 Regular MeetingMWAMi 01; OF • U• NOVEMBERREGULAR MEETING 1 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on November 12, 2019, at 6:31 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, with Mayor Rodriguez presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Rick Rodriguez Mayor Blanca Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem Sean Ashton Council Member Claudia Frometa Council Member Alex Saab Council Member (excused) 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 E. Schindler, Community Development Director Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director Anil Gandhy, Finance Director James McQueen, Human Resources Director Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Dale and Brenda Warner. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alex Bernard. COUNCILiUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR CONFERENCE/MEETINGREPORTS Mayor Rodriguez thanked everyone for their prayers and concerns. He stated that he was glad to return to preside over tonight's City Council meeting. Council Member Frometa welcomed Mayor Rodriguez back to the dais. She welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the Veteran's Day Ceremony and acknowledged all the Veterans in the audience. She acknowledged Michael Calvert, Carrie Uva, Joanna Peterson, Chad Oberly, Commissioner Frometa and Roy Beard in the audience. She announced upcoming events: 5K for 5 King Benefit Run, 32"d Annual Downey Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Elf Run 5K, and the Downey Christmas Parade. She reported attending Downey's Pumpkin Patch and thanked Director Passow and staff for the successful event. She requested for the upcoming year some additional safeguards to ensure public safety on Halloween night. Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He mentioned the Housing Resource Fair held at the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center and inquired when another event would be conducted. He also asked how the information provided at the event is being disseminated to the public. Director Schindler confirmed the information is being disbursed via social media; the public can contact the Community Development Department; and, staff will add a link to the City's website. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 Council Member Ashton reported attending the Southern California Association of Governments meeting and reported on the regional housing needs assessment. He commented regarding the lack of available land which is required to achieve the level of housing units recommended by the State. He announced the upcoming Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up event. He requested staff conduct a study to identify all the historical buildings in the City. He inquired about the installation of the signs in the center medians along Paramount Blvd. Director Consunji confirmed the signs are being installed this Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco welcomed and stated it was a pleasure to have Mayor Rodriguez back. She welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Kim Tachiki-Chin of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard's office in the audience. She reported attending the Cerritos College's State of the College 2019 and commented regarding the increase in graduation rates. She attended the Downey High School vs. Warren High School Football game; and, the Pumpkin Patch event and thanked Director Passow and staff for a great event. She announced upcoming events: Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up and 32 d Annual Downey Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Mayor Rodriguez presented the Mayor's Servant Heart Award to Alex Vargas. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Carol Rowland presented the Mayor's Servant Heart Award to the Frase Family. Mayor Rodriguez presented the Mayor's Servant Heart Award to Alex Bernard, and Samuel 2. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Chief Gillaspie presented the Downey's Finest Award Carlos Guerra. i 3. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Chief Gillaspie and Emergency Manager Khlok present Certificates of Recognition to CERT Program Graduates. I Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco presented a Proclamation Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Soroptimist International of Downey. 5. Mayor Rodriguez with assistance from Council Member Frometa presented a Proclamation Recognition of Domestic Violence Month to Soroptimist International of Downey. PUBLIC HEARING: None. I ITJayor Rodriguez recessed the City Council meeting at 7:41 p.m. Mayor Rodriguez reconveneg the City Council meeting at 7:52 p.m. with all Council Members present and Council Member Sa excused. I City Council Minutes Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Freedom of Speech; homelessness; Veteran housing; discrimination; development of new housing; and, political leaders. Cesar Flores commented regarding electioneering, rent control, corporate landlords, political leaders, and mental health awareness. Edna lbarra, resident, commented regarding street maintenance and repairs; naming convention of events; Police Department's equestrian units and tactical armored vehicles; and, the median islands installed on Paramount Blvd. Resident, no named provided, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding social media; and, in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition of rent control; and, in support of efficient transportation and the construction of new housing. Dr. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan commented regarding Veteran housing, healthcare, City of Nowney Demographics, political leaders, and rent control. Christopher Rowland, resident, commented regarding restricted parking process, public irination, drinking in public, debris, loud patrons and code violations at two businesses near his "esidence. Rosario Sandoval, resident, commented in support of rent control. Alvaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding communism, a Veteran's ultimate sacrifice, discrimination, homelessness, political leaders, and in support of rent control. John Velasco, resident, commented in support of Downey's Elected Officials and public setia-its. Hector Schmidt, resident, welcomed Mayor Rodriguez back. He thanked the Fire Department for the quick response to retrieve asbestos material. Adrian Alvarez, non-resident, commented regarding the separation of Church and State, Freedom of Speech and political leaders. Alex Vargas, resident, commented regarding his support of Mayor Rodriguez for his commitment to assist the homeless; and, he implored the Council to continue doing a great job. I"! I"111 I !�� I I! I :179F�SMII Joseph Moreno, non-resident, commented in support of rent control and street maintenance, in opposition to public urination and code enforcement violations and political leaders. Jeff McCaughan, resident, commented regarding the installation of shelters at Furman Park. Isaac Garcia, resident, commented in support of rent control City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 3 Sam Jehoratnam, resident, commented regarding beneficial programs offered by the City of Downey; and, invited the audience to visit Desert Reign Church for assistance. Mayor Rodriguez asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consen) Calendar Armando i 'commented regarding Item Nos.' • •: Disability compliance; public school funding; and, the median islands on Par ,amount Boulevard. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Rodriguez closed the Consent Calendar publi* comment, Mayor•• • abstained • • 1 Special• Minutes of October• Regular Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2019. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and approved unanimously with Mayor Rodriguez abstaining from Item No. 1, and Council Member Saab excused, to approve the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVED •- • of Octoberi •; Regular Meeting of October2019: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos...,i ,+ Payroll Wire Nos. 3000 3927 30003929 iii • Manual Wire Nos.• the total amount• '.• • ` • • ' P oil r •- r • is r # i # City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 4 Armando Herman, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions; affordable housing; and, Freedom of Speech. Beatrice Sandoval, Everyone In - United Way Representative, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions; and, offered information regarding services provided by Everyone In - United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Mayra Cruz, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Guillermina Flores, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Alex Contreras, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Abel Dominguez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Rosa Sandoval, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Mia Martinez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Raul Navarez, resident, commented regarding Assembly Bill 1482; and, urged the City Council to take no action on Item No. 19. Maria Villagomez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions; and, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support regarding this item. Carmen Rojas, resident, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support regarding this item; and, she commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Maria Vera, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Veronica Vera, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Soledad Hernandez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Mireya Lizarraga, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Velma Baltazar, resident, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support regarding this item; and, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Angeles Campos, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Jorge Rivera, Regional Coordinator of Tenants Together, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions; a retroactive freeze on rent increases; and, homeless shelters. Faraz, resident, commented in support of an emergency moratorium for no-fault evictions. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 7 Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 10:45 p.m. Mayor Pro Tern "lacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 10:56 p.m. with Council Members Ashton ant r-rometa present. Carlos Rojas, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Rodrigo Sanchez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Juan Francisco Vera, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. Resident, no name provided, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no -fall �tvictions; and, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support regarding this item. E PIT - ,T T4 M, Mireya Guzman, resident, commented in support of an emergency moratorium for I-fali zvictions; and, thanked Council Member Ashton for his support. E Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fadTi evictions. i Anthony Felix, resident, commented regarding homeless services and solutions; and, the City protocol for voting to approve the urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions. I Adrian Alvarez, non-resident, commented in support of an urgency ordinance for no-fault evictions: - City Clerk Duarte announced correspondence was received from Elsa N. Arce and Elizabe Romero in favor of a moratorium to stop no-fault evictions. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco commented regarding homelessness and inquired what the Ed Roc Apartment tenants can do regarding habitability issues. Director Schindler recommended t tenants contact Code Enforcement to report code issues. He reported there are currently 32 op cases at the Eden Roc Apartments. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco mentioned there are agencies providing tenant's right's protecti and recommended the tenants consult with tenant right's attorneys to protect their legal rights. Director Schindler mentioned counseling, legal assistance, and tenant mediation resourc were provided at the Housing Rights Resource Fair by County services and the City's partne including The Whole Child. He recommended the audience contact the Housing Division for addition. information. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 8 Council Member Frometa commented regarding immigrants, homelessness, civil engagement and advised the residents that their comments have not fallen upon deaf ears and she comprehends their plight. She stated housing is a complicated issue and currently grappling all cities throughout the State of California. She reiterated the City of Downey's Housing Division has held a Housing Rights Resource Fair and are providing information and assistance to the community. She supported Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco's recommendation to carry the item to the next City Council meeting. Council Member Ashton thanked the audience for attending the meeting. He commented regarding the First Amendment, lack of housing, lack of adequate transportation, and education costs. He stated his decision to request the item be placed on the agenda was based on the approval of Assembly Bill 1482. The Bill was meant to protect tenants however the Bill left a gap which provided landlords the opportunity to evict tenants. He stated Code Enforcement has been addressing the reported code violations. He expressed the urgency for the City Council to take action to resolve the gap left in Assembly Bill 1482 to provide a sense of stability. He proposed staff create an urgency ordinance based on the language in Assembly Bill 1482 which would become effective upon the passing of the urgency ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco confirmed the action would be to continue the item to next week and direct staff to draft an ordinance for an emergency moratorium to prohibit no-fault evictions to protect tenants until January 1, 2020. Council Member Ashton proposed the ordinance include prohibiting no-fault evictions and the entire language of Assembly Bill 1482. City Attorney Abich Garcia confirmed Council Member Ashton's proposal and direction to draft an urgency ordinance which would be more than prohibiting no-fault evictions and implement Assembly Bill 1482 as of the adoption of the urgency ordinance on November 20, 2019. Council Member Frometa recommended the urgency ordinance only include prohibiting no- fault evictions. City Attorney Abich Garcia reiterated the options available before the City Council which include the option to continue discussion of the item until the next City Council meeting; second option would be to direct staff to draft a no-fault eviction ordinance; third option to draft an ordinance implementing Assembly Bill 1482 effective November 20, 2019; and, final option to take no action. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco suggested drafting an ordinance to prohibit no-fault evictions to protect tenants until January 1, 2020 when Assembly Bill 1482 becomes effective. She recommended the audience speak with an attorney should they receive an unlawful detainer to better understand their rights. She requested staff provide the Council with the number of calls received up to November 11, 2019 regarding evictions to see if the number of calls has increased for the entire City. City Manager Livas announced the City will host another Housing Rights Resource Fair inviting non-profit agencies and Housing Rights attorneys to attend and Housing Division will continue to provide information to residents. City Attorney Abich Garcia recommended a formal action be taken by the Council. She stated the motion is to direct staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting no-fault evictions; provide Council with the number of calls received City-wide related to evictions prior to November 12, 2019; and, return with a proposed urgency ordinance on November 20, 2019 at the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and approved unanimously with Mayor Rodriguez abstaining, and Council Member Saab excused, to direct staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting no-fault evictions; provide Council with the number of calls City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 9 received City-wide related to evictions prior to November 12, 2019; and, return on November 20, 201 at the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting. I City Attorney Abich Garcia reiterated when the item returns before City Council on November 20, 2019, the urgency ordinance will require four affirmative votes, to be adopted. 18. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 19-7911, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE Cl OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR THE POSITION OF FIRE CHIEF: Hum Resources. 11 9-TWOMMi Director McQueen provided a brief history regarding salary range adjustments for the Fire Chief position. In accordance with Senate Bill 1436 local agencies must report out certain information before changing the compensation or benefits of their Executives. Under this law, legislative bodies for agencies must orally report a summary of a recommendation for changes in salaries or benefits before voting for the changes. The votes must be taken in open session portions of the meeting. The proposed monthly salary increase includes a 5% increase to establish a 10% tot compensation differential between the Fire Chief and his highest paid subordinate, the new propos monthly salary range for the position of Fire Chief is $16,062.11 to $19,595.78 per month effective t - pay period that includes November 12, 2019; and, sufficient funding is included in the Fiscal Year 201 20 Buget. I d It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Council Member Frometa arwe approved unanimously with Council Member Saab excused, to adopt Resolution No. 19-7911, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey establishing compensation for the position of Chief. City Manager Livas stated the City Council has taken the difficult process regarding rent control very deliberately. He stated Assembly Bill 1482 is a rent control Bill. The Bill controls the amount that a landlord can increase in rents; it does not allow a landlord to increase rents as he deems appropriate. He stated the number one production of affordable housing was done through Redevelopment affordable housing units due to lack of funding. He commented on Council Member Ashton's report regarding the Southern California Association of Government seeking to increase the total number of housing units. He said, while it is true that the City is well under the number of units required, the City is also faced with a quality of life issues. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 10 Courage Forward which was held in a different venue; therefore, it was not a City event and the City has no control over the naming convention. He stated the Downey Mounted Police Force's horse training, feeding and boarding is paid for by the two Police Officers, the City is not responsible for any fees associated with the Downey Mounted Police Force. He stated that the purchase of the tactical armored vehicle was necessary in light of the active shooter incident that took place in EI Paso, Texas. Had the Police Department owned a tactical armored vehicle the Officers would have been able to enter the mall and end the incident sooner. He added in active shooter cases it is very important for the City to ensure public safety and the safety of the Officers. City Manager Livas announced the City Council spent $16.9 million in Fiscal Year 2017-18 on street maintenance; and, in Fiscal Year 2019-20 the City Council budgeted $27.6 million for street maintenance which is quite a dramatic increase and it is one of the reasons why people want to move to the City of Downey. He welcomed Mayor Rodriguez back. UIMSIUR ►Ii Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the Regular City Council meeting of November 12, 2019, on November 13, 2019 at 12:30 a.m. to Wednesday, November 20, 2019, in memory of EI Dorado County, Nevada Sheriff Deputy Brian Ishmael, killed in the line of duty; Sgt. Nathaneil G. Irish, 23, of Billings, Montana who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; Retired Downey Fire Department Captain Ralph Friend; and, longtime friend of the Downey Fire Department, Jay Bressler. 4ALaAALIC-J&A�DUA��T, C _.. A CO City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — November 12, 2019 11