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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01c. Minutes - 04-14-20 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 14, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 14, 2020, at 6:39 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, with Mayor Pacheco presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Blanca Pacheco Mayor Claudia M. Frometa Mayor Pro Tem Sean Ashton Council Member (teleconference) Rick Rodriguez Council Member Alex Saab Council Member (teleconference) ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Aldo E. Schindler, Community Development Director Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Frometa. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Mayor Pro Tem Frometa welcomed the audience participating in the meeting via various methods of technology. She stated although the methods of communication have altered slightly she assures residents that the City is continuing to conduct the peoples’ business. She announced that she and Mayor Pacheco filmed a video at the Emergency Operations Center with the Police and Fire Chiefs informing residents of the various activities that the City is working on their behalf since the COVID-19 situation arose. She mentioned the senior meal distribution and wellness checks continue to be conducted and the City is taking the necessary precautions as ordered by L.A. County Department of Public Health to wear cloth facial coverings when conducting official business in the City. She reported participating with the Downey Fire and Police Departments in the “Heroes Saluting Heroes” drive-by event at PIH and Kaiser in Downey to express their gratitude to healthcare workers during the COVID- 19 pandemic. She reported visiting with Barb Sutton whom began a community pantry which inspired other community pantries throughout the City. She also visited with Dr. Carrie White, Warren High School Principal, during their canned goods collection to provide donations to the local school families that depend on TLC Family Resource Center and PTA H.E.L.P.S. for supplies. She encouraged residents to continue to practice safe hygiene and they wear facial coverings. She reminded the residents it is safe to seek medical attention and other serious health related issues. She added PIH and Kaiser’s emergency rooms are open to treat the public. She requested staff address debris and homeless encampment issue at Sunny’s on Bellflower Blvd. and Hall Rd. She thanked the Fire and Police Departments for the “Heroes Saluting Heroes” drive-by event for the healthcare workers. Council Member Rodriguez reported he has been sheltering in place. Council Member Saab thanked staff, City Manager Livas, the Fire and Police Departments for continuing to conduct the City’s business; and, thanked all the residents for following the Governor’s “Safe at Home” and L.A. County’s “Stay at Home” Orders to prevent the spread of the virus. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 14, 2020 2 Council Member Ashton thanked the staff and all the essential workers for their dedication during this unprecedented situation. He encouraged the residents to continue practicing social distancing and follow the “Stat at Home” guidelines. Mayor Pacheco welcomed the audience participating in the virtual meeting and for being involved in the community. She hoped the audience had a Happy Easter. She reported conducting wellness checks on the seniors in her neighborhood; and, assisting in the senior congregate program. She mentioned how grateful and appreciative the seniors are of staff; and, stated how great it was to witness the community unity during difficult times. She mentioned the Downey’s Elks Lodge donation of two thousand dollars to feed the seniors and to assist the TLC Family Resource Center. She reported attending the “Heroes Saluting Heroes” drive-by event at PIH and Kaiser in Downey to express appreciation to all the healthcare workers for assisting those battling the COVID-19 virus. She thanked the Police and Fire Departments for the event. She stated we are entering the fourth week of the “Stay at Home” Order and commended the residents for abiding by the order, practicing social distancing, safe health practices, and wearing facial coverings when entering essential businesses. PRESENTATIONS: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SECTION 108 LOAN AMENDMENT: Community Development. Mayor Pacheco announced the Public Hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant Section 108 Loan Amendment scheduled for this evening would not be heard since the proposed project will not be pursued. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Pacheco opened non-agenda public comment. Andrew Hamilton, Finance Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District, thanked the City Council for allowing the appointment of Assistant City Manager Oskoui to the Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors. He commented in support of Mr. Oskoui’s work ethics, professionalism, and always having the Water District’s best interest in mind. Mark Grajeda, President, Central Basin Water Association, commented in support of Assistant City Manager Oskoui’s position on the Central Basin Water District’s Board of Directors and reduction of the proposed water tax increase. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors and water tax increase. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors and rental assistance for those affected by COVID-19 virus. RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:10 p.m. with all Council Members present. Robert Masaya, resident, submitted written comments regarding COVID-19 testing to the residents of the City of Downey. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 14, 2020 3 Daniel Rabikashi, property owner, submitted written comments regarding a temporary moratorium on evictions and financial assistance for property owners. Oscar Cervantes, resident, commented in opposition of the reinstatement of issuing citations for street sweeping violations while the “Stay at Home” Orders are still in place. Herendira Tinajero, resident, commented in opposition of the reinstatement of issuing citations for street sweeping violations while the “Stay at Home” Orders are still in place. Jose Sanchez, resident, commented regarding concerns over the rate of increase for the trash services assessed by Cal Met. Gabriella Haro, resident, commented regarding support of a moratorium on small wireless cells. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pacheco closed non-agenda public comment. Director Consunji provided comments regarding the installation of small cell towers and trash collection increases. He stated the City has been working with a consultant on drafting an ordinance according to the Federal Communication Commissions’ guidelines. He stated a temporary moratorium can only be imposed in jurisdictions that are under staffed and unable to review the applications by the deadlines. He added that is not the case in Downey. He stated staff reviewed the guidelines that were issued by the Department of Homeland Security in response to COVID-19 regarding non-essential new construction which read the construction of new wireless communications infrastructure and facilities is considered essential. He reported Cal Met is allowed a yearly rate increase based upon the Consumer Price Index; for increased labor, equipment replacement, disposal elements; and, the increased cost to process recyclables. He stated one of the main increases, aside from the Consumer Price Index, is the largest importer of recycling products which is China imposed a National Foreign Policy to stop importing some recyclable products. Currently, instead of the recyclable products being sold to China the product is now being taken to Los Angeles County Sanitation District for a cost of the service. He stated the rate increase went from the 3% last year to 12% this year and equates to approximately $2.54 per single family residence per month, effective April 1, 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Mayor Pacheco asked if there were any written comments on the Consent Calendar items. Having none, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item No. 7 due to owning rental property within the vicinity of the project; and, Council Member Saab abstained from Item No. 8. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Frometa, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and carried unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item No. 7; and, Council Member Saab abstaining from Item No. 8. 2. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of March 24, 2020: City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant 341947 – 342398; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003974 & 30003978 – 30003981; and, Manual Wire Nos. 1983 – 1990 in the total amount of $8,854,786.50: Finance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 14, 2020 4 4. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE TWEEDY LN. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-05): Public Works. 5. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR IMPERIAL HWY. TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS; AND, APPROPRIATED $763,100 IN ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS IN ACCOUNT NO. 26-1-6722 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-07): Public Works. 6. ACCEPTED WORK FOR FIRESTONE BLVD. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $164,664.72; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 19-09): Public Works. 7. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE FY 2019/20 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS (COUNCIL DISTRICT 1) AND ADA IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE); AND, AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF BUDGETED GAS TAX FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 30-1-6761 TO ACCOUNT NO. 30-1-6779 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-01): Public Works. 8. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR PARAMOUNT BLVD. MEDIAN LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF BUDGETED MEASURE R LOCAL RETURN FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 56-1- 6789 AND BUDGETED GAS TAX FUNDS IN THE AMOUNTS OF $175,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 30-1-6628 AND $40,000 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 30-1-7708 TO ACCOUNT NO. 30-1-6742 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-24): Public Works. 9. ACCEPTED GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR WATER UTILITY FACILITIES NORTH OF FIRESTONE BLVD. BETWEEN OLD RIVER SCHOOL RD. AND WEST CITY LIMIT: Public Works. 1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7935, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR WATER UTILITY PURPOSES NORTH OF FIRESTONE BOULEVARD, WEST OF OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD, AT WEST CITY LIMIT; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR CITY-OWNED WATER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES. 10. AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE 2018 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY (SHSGP) GRANT FUNDS; ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $99,399 OF 2018 SHSGP FUNDS; AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY INCLUDING ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS FROM THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES IF THEY BECOME AVAILABLE DURING THE GRANT PERIOD: Police. 11. APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH MAJOR LEAGUE SOFTBALL, INC. FOR ADULT SOFTBALL PROGRAMMING City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 14, 2020 5 AND FIELD MAINTENANCE FOR PARKS & RECREATION; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT: Parks & Recreation. 12. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EDENCO, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $694,500: Administration. 13. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7936, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FY 2020/2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB1), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: Public Works. 14. RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR RENEWAL OF LANDSCAPING AND STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021: Public Works. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7937, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ORDERING PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 4 OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE “LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972”, BEING DIVISION 15, PART 2 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND SERVICING OF STREET AND PUBLIC FACILITY LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND APPURTENANT WORK IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2020 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. 15. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7938, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING SUPPORT PROGRAM FUNDS: Community Development. 16. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 20-1440, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A LAND LEASE AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF LEASE WITH SMSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP DOING BUSINESS AS VERIZON WIRELESS: Community Development. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas stated staff is continuing to conduct City business by keeping ensuring the quality of the drinking water; lights are operational, responding to the food insecurities of the seniors, the Police Department is keeping the businesses safe and the Fire Department is responding to the public. He announced this would be Director Passow’s last week with the City of Downey. He thanked Director Passow for her years of service and wished her the best of luck as she begins her new endeavor. Council Member Rodriguez thanked Mayor Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa for the incredible job they have been doing assuring the residents that the City of Downey is working to conduct the peoples’ business. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – April 14, 2020 6 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 7:33 p.m. in memory of Sergeant First Class John David Randolph Hilty, 44, from Bowie, MD, who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander Greg Carnicle, 56, of the Phoenix Police Department; and, the lives lost by the Coronavirus. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO City Clerk Mayor