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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-14-20 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF COUNCILCITY OF OF DOWNE REGULAR MEETING 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, CIVIC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa. CONFERENCE/MEETINGCITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; REPORTS Mayor Pro Tern 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. 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. 1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SECTION 108 LOAN AMENDMENT: Community 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. 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 Boa[-U-' of Directors. He comr-nented In suppor-L of Mr. Oskoul's work ethICS, professionalism, and always having the Water District's best interest in mind. Mark Grajecla, 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 s�id water tax increase. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors and rental assistance for those affected by COVI D-1 9 virus. 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. Daniel Rabikashi, property owner, submitted written comments regarding a temporary moratorium on evictions and financial assistance for property owners. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 14.2O2O 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. i r+ 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 Tern 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 = a UMN111111 i 13' i --- 0 0 ..6 ..*.* 0 1 1 .0 14. RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR RENEWAL OF LANDSCAPING AND STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 121 FOR FISCAL YEAT 2020-2021: Public Ufor�& 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. 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. 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 affected by the Coronavirus. AAAWA-ALICIA DUA-RTE—,CMC BLANCA� PACHECO City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 14, 2020