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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07. Minutes - 05-26-20 - Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING MAY 26, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on May 26, 2020, at 6:35 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 (excused) Sean Ashton Council Member (teleconference) Rick Rodriguez Council Member (excused) 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 City Attorney Abich Garcia. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Livas. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. He thanked staff for continuing to conduct City business during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned receiving calls inquiring about the County of Los Angeles Public Health’s Safer at W ork Order and how it would impact the reopening of their business. He reported participating in the TLC’s meeting and mentioned the Downey Elks Lodge generously made donations to TLC and to the City’s Congregate Meal Program during the meeting. He asked staff to provide an update regarding the unsightly southwest corner of Paramount Blvd. and Firestone Ave. He requested staff research ways to allow restaurants to utilize their outdoor area for additional seating space and to assist businesses with expediting the permit process. He asked staff to contact the Downtown Business District and Downey Chamber of Commerce regarding a temporary closure of Downey Ave. to allow businesses to utilize their outdoor space. City Manager Livas concurred the three items requested by Council Member Saab has are important to staff as well; and, staff is currently working on the Paramount Blvd. and Firestone Ave. intersection project. He stated staff is researching options to allow for outdoor dining and is working expeditiously with businesses to facilitate their reopening. Council Member Ashton requested staff research and prepare for the 4th of July holiday to discourage the use of illegal fireworks and the possibility to utilize unmarked vehicles to enforce the use of fireworks prior to the 4th of July. City Manager Livas stated the fireworks issue was a point of discussion at the last executive staff meeting and staff will provide a report to the City Council regarding preventative measures that have changed since the previous year. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 2 Mayor Pacheco inquired if additional patrols can be conducted to discourage the use of illegal fireworks. City Manager Livas confirmed additional patrolling will be conducted. Mayor Pacheco welcomed the audience participating in the virtual meeting and thanked the audience for being involved in the community. She congratulated the graduating Class of 2020 and she commended the graduates for their discipline to further their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reported participating in a graduation parade for Enrique Martinez. She thanked Chief of Police Milligan for the Police Department’s participation in the birthday and graduation parades. She reported participating in the Downey First Christian Church’s food collection drive and thanked the residents for their donations to help the families affected by COVID-19. She reported attending the Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony in honor of Veterans. She thanked the Downey Elks Lodge for their donations to TLC and the City’s Congregate Meal Program. She announced the City of Downey abides by the County of Los Angeles Public Health’s Safe at Work order to reopen local businesses. She reminded the audience of the importance of reopening cautiously to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She asked the business owners for their continued patience. City Manager Livas announced there were technical issues occurring with the City’s YouTube livestream of the City Council meeting but the video recording would be uploaded to the City’s website after the meeting. PRESENTATIONS 1. City of Downey Emergency Manager Rakdy Khlok presented an update regarding COVID-19. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on non-agenda items. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were submitted regarding non-agenda items. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding technical issues with the City’s YouTube livestream of the Council meeting, the number of COVID-19 cases in the City of Downey, the need to reopen the City, and in support of the creation of a Housing Authority for the City. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Measure S projects, public officials, convalescent residents affected by COVID-19, and the reopening of businesses including churches. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding the technical issues with the City’s YouTube livestream of the Council meeting, Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors and in objection of the City entering into litigation against the Central Basin Municipal Water District. Brian Heyman, resident, commented in support of reopening Downey City Hall on June 1, 2020 and in opposition of abiding with the County of Los Angeles Public Health Orders. Alex Contreras, resident, commented regarding a moratorium for rent and mortgage forgiveness to protect residential and business tenants. Leticia Vasquez Wilson, Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board Member, commented regarding pending litigation and her position at the Central Basin Municipal Water District. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 3 Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding prioritizing the reopening the City of Downey by public health needs versus the economy’s instability, providing rental assistance for residents, and executing the City’s emergency powers to enact a policy for rent and mortgage forgiveness during the COVID-19 emergency. Rosario Sandoval, resident, commented regarding Downey hospitals’ treatment of COVID-19 patients and financial assistance for residents affected by the COVID -19 pandemic. Karen Osorio, non- resident, submitted written comments regarding legalizing cannabis in the City of Downey. Kika Renella, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding the adoption process for rescued animals at Southeast Area Animal Control Authority. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed non-agenda public comment. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items. Brian Heyman, resident, commented in opposition of Item No. 11; and, the City’s imminent financial instability due to COVID-19. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item No. 11 and political leaders. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Council Member Saab abstained from Item No. 3, due to the close proximity to his business; and, Item No. 9, due to the close proximity to his residence. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pacheco and carried 3-0-2 to approve the Consent Calendar with Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa excused; and, Council Member Saab abstaining from Item Nos. 3 and 9. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special and Regular Meetings of May 12, 2020: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 343333 – 343679; Payroll Wire Nos. 30003991 – 30003995; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2003 – 2006 in the total amount of $5,264,273.91: Finance. 3. ACCEPTED WORK FOR PARAMOUNT BLVD. MEDIAN ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN FIRESTONE BLVD. AND FLORENCE AVE. (PHASE 2); APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,618,276.85; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-19): Public Works. 4. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FCG CONSULTANTS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $147,204.63 FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES FOR THE STEWART & GRAY RD. FIBER-OPTIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND UPGRADES; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17 -10): Public Works. 5. AWARDED A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $308,000 TO ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC. FOR THE TWEEDY LN. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 4 ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-05): Public Works. 6. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,033,136 TO KDC INC. DBA DYNALECTRIC FOR IMPERIAL HWY. TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS; TRANSFERED $167,844 IN MEASURE R FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 54 - 17825 TO ACCOUNT NO 54-16722; 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 PROJEC T BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-07): Public Works. 7. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PACRIM ENGINEERING IN THE AMOUNT OF $354,963.82 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE LAKEWOOD BLVD. AND IMPERIAL HWY. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 19-08): Public Works. 8. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,925 TO RUIZ CONCRETE & PAVING, INC. FOR FY 2019/20 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS (COUNCIL DISTRICT 1) AND ADA IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE); 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 (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20 -01): Public Works. 9. ACCEPTED WORK FOR FY 2019/20 SLURRY SEAL PROJECT (DISTRICT 4); APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $322,559.59; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-02): Public Works. 10. ACCEPTED WORK FOR BROOKSHIRE AVE. AT EVEREST ST. TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $60,207.66; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-29): Public Works. 11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7940, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (JULY 1, 2020 – DECEMBER 31, 2022): Human Resources. 12. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 20-1443, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE GROUND LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND HOLDINGS DOWNEY, LLC AND IRG DOWNEY, LLC, THEREBY CHANGING THE SCOPE OF THE PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE LEASE AND THE RELATED AMOUNT OF BASE RENT, ESTABLISHING A REVISED TERMINATION DATE AND MAKING OTHER CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS: Community Development. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 13. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING URGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS OF COMMERCIAL TENANTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Council Member Ashton. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 5 Mayor Pacheco announced Item No. 13 would be continued to the next Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. due to Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem being absent from today’s meeting. Council Member Ashton inquired if there would be discussion for this item. Council Member Saab suggested the item be discussed when all Council Members are present. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 13. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written public comments submitted regarding Item No. 13. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding protection of the First Amendment and political leaders. Priscilla Higgins, business owner, submitted written comments in support of Item No. 13. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pacheco, and carried 3-0-2 to continue Item No. 13 to the next Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., with Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa excused. 14. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING URGENCY ORDINANCE PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL RENTERS IMPACTED BY COVID -19 THREE (3) MONTHS TO REPAY UNPAID RENT AFTER TERMINATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY: Council Member Ashton. Mayor Pacheco announced Item No. 14 would be continued to the next Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. due to Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco being absent from today’s meeting. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 14. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written public comments submitted regarding Item No. 14. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding political leaders and in opposition to Item No. 14. Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding financial assistance for those affected by COVID-19 and political leaders. RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:47 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:49 p.m. with Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa excused. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act and the Central Basin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding rent increases in violation of the Los Angeles County’s Temporary Eviction Moratorium and Rent Freeze; and, in support of the City of Downey extending the moratorium for residential renters. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 6 Danielle Leidner-Peretz, Director, Government Affairs & External Relations Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, submitted written comments in opposition of extending the moratorium on repayment of rent for those impacted by COVID-19. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. City Attorney Abich Garcia addressed statements made regarding the violation of the Brown Act due to the City’s inability to livestream tonight’s City Council meeting via YouTube. She clarified this is not a violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act. She stated the Governor issued an Executive Order to temporarily waive some of the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. The City is only required to provide, at a minimum, audio for members of the public to be able to listen to the meeting and the opportunity for members of the public to comment during the meeting. She announced the City has met both requirements during tonight’s City Council meeting. She explained the fact that the City does not have the YouTube livestream element due to technical difficulties does not make this meeting illegal. The YouTube video livestream is in addition to the minimum requirements having been met pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order, thus complying with the Ralph M. Brown Act. City Manager Livas concurred with City Attorney Abich Garcia. He stated the City strives to livestream the City Council meetings via YouTube, however, Downey is not the first entity to have issues with livestreaming, issues have transpired in many cities across the country. He stated staff routinely conducts testing of the visual and audio equipment in advance and immediately prior to every meeting. He continued and said it is unfortunate that technical issues arise no matter how much preparation is conducted prior to each meeting. He stated the City is not intentionally trying to keep the public from participating in the City Council meeting and this situation is beyond staffs’ control. He stated the City Council meeting is being recorded and the video recording will be uploaded to the City’s website for public viewing after the meeting. He is aware that it does not help the audience now in terms of visually seeing the meeting live however the public is able to listen to the meeting. He apologized for the technical difficulties and announced these are some of the challenges that we are currently living with during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pacheco, and carried 3-0-2 to continue Administrative Item No. 14 to the next Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., with Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa excused. 15. DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING AN EMERGENCY RESIDENTIAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR LOW-TO-MODERATE INCOME DOWNEY RESIDENTS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED COVID-19 RELATED ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: Community Development. City Manager Livas stated at the request of Council Member Ashton staff researched alternative options to provide emergency residential rental assistance to households directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic either through job loss, furlough or reduction in pay. Director Schindler presented the staff report for Item No. 15. He provided a brief overview of the economic instability amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He discussed emergency residential rental assistance grants for households directly impacted by COVID-19, and provided grant options to structure the rental payments, on behalf of an eligible household, to be paid directly to the landlord or property management agent for a maximum time period to be determined by the City Council. He continued and said the City Council would determine the time period for the grants and when the payments would start. The start date could be retroactive to align with the Los Angeles County’s Order that went into effect on March 16, 2020, therefore the program could start as of April. Staff recommends using the funding from the former Redevelopment Housing set-aside program. The set- aside program is thought to be more applicable for the program as it is less restrictive and will allow the City to serve more households. He provided an outline of the recommended application process and the requirements to allow the grants be awarded to income eligible households within the community. He stated the recommended option is to provide the grants on a first-come first-serve basis. He City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 7 provided a few examples for the program income qualifications as: $83,500 for a family of three, $92,750 for a family of four, and $100,150 for a family of five; the applicant must provide proof of economic challenge due to the COVID-19; and, the documentation should include a residential lease agreement, show a current rental balance and a completed program participation agreement. He stated staff will build the income eligibility criteria as the program is developed. He continued and said the City Council would provide staff direction regarding the amount of funding they chose to allocate towards the program. He provided the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program as an example and a point of reference. The City allocates $700,000 annually toward the program to allow the City to serve 20 households at $35,000 per household. He stated staff conducted research and found the average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Downey is $1,893 if the Council were to allocate $500,000 to the program and provide rental assistance of $1,800, the City could then serve 277 households; or, if the allocation were increased to $700,000 with the subsidy of $1,800 then 383 households could be served. He recommended the program funding amount stay within the range. Based on the Council’s direction tonight, staff will return at the next City Council meeting with program guidelines and a program application. Staff plans to market the program via social media platforms and reach out to various property management firms and apartment associations. Council Member Ashton thanked Director Schindler for his report. He asked how the City could maximize the funding to provide assistance to the greatest amount of people. City Manager Livas stated in order to maximize the funding the Council should direct staff to provide a one-time subsidy payment based upon the unit size and average amount of rent rather than providing assistance to one family for three months. He stated the challenge for the City is the significant amount of need within the community and the City not having an endless budget to allocate towards the program. The City’s top priority is to assists those that require the most assistance. He stated that there is some flexibility but he does not want to provide the impression that the guidelines will not need to be adhered to. He reiterated the program’s income limits and documentation requirements would need to be established tonight. He stated the program’s goal is to assist property owners who’s tenants are in arrears and to assist both the tenant repay debt and the property owner to receive payment. Staff’s recommendation to the Council is to provide a one-time subsidy payment similar to the one-time stimulus payment in order to maximize the funding. Council Member Saab inquired how quickly the program could be implemented and requested confirmation that the program would be on a first-come first-serve basis. Director Schindler confirmed the first-come first-serve basis for the program and based on Council’s direction tonight staff would return on June 9 with the program guidelines and an application to start the program at the earliest on June 19 or the very latest June 26 which is based upon no changes or subtle changes after the June 9 City Council meeting. Council Member Saab asked how staff is planning to inform the community about the program. Director Schindler stated staff plans to utilize social media platforms; and, inform the property management firms and the apartment associations of the program. He said he has spoken with some of the property management firms and it was clear that they have a large grasp over a tremendous amount of units within the community. He is confident that they would be the best resource to identify residents with back owed rents. City Manager Livas stated staff expects to receive an unbelievable response and does not foresee marketing to be a challenge. He believes the main challenge will be managing resident’s expectations because not every resident is guaranteed a subsidy payment. Discussion ensued amongst the City Council and staff regarding the appropriate amount the subsidy should be, and whether to provide the maximum payment amount or maximize the funding by providing a percentage of rent to each applicant. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 8 Mayor Pacheco inquired whether the payment would be given to the tenant or directly to the landlord or property owner. Director Schindler confirmed the payment would go directly to the landlord. City Manager Livas stated the goal is to create a system that benefits both the tenant and the landlord or property owner to allow the tenant relief and the landlords receive a payment. Council Member Ashton stated his concern should staff receive approximately 300 applications and their ability to facilitate the processing of the exuberant amount of documentation. City Manager Livas assured the City Council of staff’s familiarity with the application and intake process including the documentation requirements for this type of program. He confirmed staff will make every attempt to streamline the process for the applicants and create a checklist to provide assistance to the applicant in gathering the required documents prior to submitting their application to prevent any delays. He stated the City currently has the funds and will not have to wait to receive payment from another agency. Staff will be able to readily facilitate payments upon approval. He commended Director Schindler and his staff for expeditiously preparing to launch the program. Council Member Ashton requested confirmation as to where the funding for the program is coming from, the amount available to allocate towards the program and if there are any additional sources of funding available. Director Schindler replied the funding is coming from the former Redevelopment Housing set-aside program, and the $700,000 example is based on a similar program the City funds out of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME program. City Manager Livas stated the Housing set-aside funds is money left over after the end of the Redevelopment Agency. This particular funding was set-aside for programs such as Habitat for Humanity’s permanent housing solutions, the Veteran’s housing project, and the affordable housing project for extremely low income families. There is approximately 1.8 million dollars and after subtracting the funding set-aside for the aforementioned programs the available balance is $700,000 and can be allocated to the Residential Rental Assistance Program. He stated the City has allocated approximately $400,000 for the Housing Rehabilitation Program from the CDBG Program ; however, the longer it taked to reallocate the funding and the income guidelines the reallocation of funds becomes more stringent. Should the funding be reallocated then the Housing Rehabilitation Program would be required to suspend the program and the very low income residents that utilize this funding to repair Code Enforcement and Health and Safety issues would be gravely affected. City Manager Livas asked the Council for direction to set the payment amounts for potential recipients to be based on family size and the average rental amounts for one, two, and three bedroom units; payment will be equivalent to one month’s rent; and, to allocate $700,000 for the program’s budget. He said staff would then construct a program based on these parameters and would return to the City Council for approval at the June 9 City Council meeting. He stated once the funding is exhausted the item can be brought back for further discussion and direction. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Item No. 15. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments on Item No. 15. Having none, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Mayor Pacheco thanked Council Member Ashton for requesting this item. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried 3-0- 2 with Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tem Frometa excused to approve the City Council’s direction given to staff to research the program and set the parameters based on the average rental amounts and on family and unit size, with payments equivalent to one month’s rent and allocate $700,000 as the program’s budget. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting – May 26, 2020 9 STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas stated it has certainly been an interesting meeting. He said the City Council is in a tough position. The City Council is criticized for opening the City too quickly and criticized if they don’t. In terms of the incredible actions the City Council has taken over the last couple of months, Council has had food distributed to over 5,000 individuals, thousands of meals distributed and wellness checks conducted for seniors, distributed thousands of face masks to members of the public, and conducted food collection and food drives for the community. He stated the City Council cannot be accused of not caring about the community as they have ensured the essential items continue by providing services that the community needs. In terms of opening City Hall, he stated staff is ready at a moment’s notice. He stated that at one point the City was conducting bi-weekly Emergency Operations Center meetings to ensure the first responders had the essential equipment they required; and, the employees had the equipment necessary to continue to perform their daily duties. Over the past several months there has been a lot happening and staff has made it a priority to keep the community informed as events occur via all social media platforms. He thanked staff for going above and beyond to ensure programs and services are instantaneously available for the community. He said the County is in the process of reopening and staff is committed to keeping the community apprised as the new County Orders are brought forward. He thanked the City Council for their support. Mayor Pacheco thanked City Manager Livas and staff for continuing services and disseminating information to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:29 p.m. in memory of Luis Jose Noy, father-in-law of Council Member Rodriguez; and, the lives affected by COVID-19. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO City Clerk Mayor