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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01. Minutes - 07-28-20 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING JULY 28, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on July 28, 2020, at 6:34 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 Tern (teleconference) Sean Ashton Council Member (teleconference) Rick Rodriguez Council Member Alex Saab Council Member 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 Council Member Saab. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He encouraged the audience to continue to follow safe health practices. He stated the City continues to working diligently to function and provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged Steve Roberson and Ron Collier in the audience; and, thanked them for their service to the community. He reported visiting Furman Park over the weekend. He stated Furman Park is a prime example of the Measure S Parks Improvement Project funds put to good use. He invited the audience to visit the newly renovated park. He requested staff return with an item establishing a policy for contracts with a total time frame over 10 years. He requested staff install fencing to enclose the toddler jungle gym at Furman Park. City Manager Livas stated there is a Section of the City Charter that establishes a 10 year provision for City contracts. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She asked the public to continue to remain vigilant and follow safe health practices. She mentioned there are food banks and mental health organizations within the City to help the community. She asked the audience to share information to those residents continuing to remain socially distant which may cause them to fell secluded or lonely. She requested staff include mental health information on the City's social media sites. She requested staff review and update the City's Noise Ordinance. She also requested additional patrols on the main thoroughfares to deter street racing. Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He requested staff research temporarily waiving the 72 hour parking restrictions in driveways during the COVID-19 pandemic. He requested staff research options to install bollards during the temporary street closures on Downey Ave. between 2nd and 3rd Street. He reminded the audience to continue to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing protocols. Council Member Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He stated this is a difficult time for non -profits and other community organizations. He reported attending Living Help's Fundraiser at Bob's Big Boy and participating in the Department of Children and Family Services drive by graduation for children in foster care from Downey and surrounding cities. He reported attending a Zoom meeting with Operation Jump Start to help mentor Junior and Senior High School students that are struggling to graduate. He requested staff research dedicating the Downey Chamber of Commerce Office in honor of former Mayor David Gafin. Mayor Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending a Neighborhood Watch Meeting via Zoom and encouraged the audience to attend their Neighborhood Watch Meeting virtually. She announced Furman and Golden Parks are now open and encouraged the audience to visit the newly renovated parks. She stated she will continue to produce the weekly videos to provide updates to the community. She announced the Census 2020 will be conducting a caravan to promote the Census and reminded the audience to complete their Census. She reminded the audience of the increase in COVID-19 cases and urged the audience to do their part to prevent the spread of the virus. She requested staff install a flag pole at Fire Station No. 3. PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Pacheco presented the Mayor's Impact Award to Kandy Grzebyk. 2. Mayor Pacheco presented the Mayor's Impact Award to The Olive RestoBar. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:05 p.m. with all Council Members present. 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. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Non -Agenda items. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding racism and political leaders. Ron Collier, resident, commented regarding his appreciation and love for the City of Downey and thanked the City Council for a tremendous job. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the tremendous job performed by the Downey Police Department. He commented in opposition of abolishing local Police. Steve Roberson, resident, thanked the City Council and staff for their hard work and efforts to continue to providing services to the community. He provided an example of the Council Members and staff's assistance in facilitating the new YMCA facility being built at Sussman Middle School. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors, Senate Bill 625, Civil Rights violations and the increase of COVID-19 cases in Downey. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding bilingual residents and the limited seating at the City Council Meeting due to COVID-19. Josephine Garcia, non-resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors; and, domestic and foreign political leaders. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 2 Chris Enriquez, resident, commented regarding the City's General Fund budget and implored for an amendment to increase the Community Development's budget for the community projects. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the limited seating at the City Council meeting, presentations, caravans to support rent cancellation and political leaders. Cesar, non-resident, commented regarding Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors, political leaders and racism. Bryan Medina, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding the benefits of planting new trees in the community, the TreePeople's commitment to plant and maintain 2,000 trees in the City; and, invited the City Council and members of the public to participate in the Annual Tree Summit via Zoom. Regan Cameron, resident, submitted written comments regarding reducing the Downey Police Department's budget, appropriating funds to social programs focused on education, community upkeep and social welfare, and the Country's political and humanitarian crisis. Rocio Quinones, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to an increase of the Downey Police Department's budget amidst social injustice and reallocating funding to programs to assist children, women in domestic violence situations, and arts as therapy or other social programs. Josie Quinones, resident, submitted written comments regarding reducing the Police Department's budget and redirecting funding towards school supplies and text books. Josephine Flores Garcia, non-resident, commented regarding boycotting Goya Foods, incarceration camps and the ancestry of the Downey population. 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. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Consent Calendar items. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding salary increases for the Chief of Police and Fire Chief; in opposition to Item Nos. 11 and 16; and in support of Item Nos. 18, 20, 21 and 22; and, the increased COVID-19 cases. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at Fire Station No. 3 and the timeline for the installation of a flagpole. Catherine Alvarez, commented in support of Item Nos. 20 and 21. She read the bible scripture from Isaiah Chapter 10; and, commented regarding Downey residents living in poverty according to Census which is the reason for the need to provide financial rental assistance to Downey residents. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, commented in support of Item Nos. 20 and 21, financial rental assistance for low income resident and homeless families; the implementation of a Statewide Moratorium on Evictions for Residential Tenants; increase of taxes on major stores; and, salaries not rising at the same rate as inflation. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding the rapid reopening of businesses affecting the increase of COVID-19 cases, increase of unemployment rates, residential tenants unable to pay rents, and in support of the Moratorium on Evictions for residential tenants. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 3 Alex Contreras, resident, commented in support of the Item Nos. 20 and 21; extending the Moratorium on Evictions for residential and commercial tenants; and, the implementing Item No. 22 permanently. Jamie, resident, commented in support of Item Nos. 20 and 21 and extending the moratoriums for an additional period of time. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item Nos. 5, 10, and 21, due to the close proximity to his rental properties. Council Member Saab abstained from Item No. 8, due to the close proximity to his residence; and, pulled Item No. 22 for separate discussion. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa abstained from Item No. 8, due to the close proximity to her residence. Mayor Pacheco abstained from Item Nos. 22, due to the close proximity to her business. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and carried unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item Nos. 5, 10 and 21; Council Member Saab and Mayor Pro Tern Frometa abstaining from Item No. 8; and, Mayor Pacheco abstaining from Item No. 22. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of July 14, 2020: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 344935 — 345112; EFT numbers 10028 — 10048; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004010 & 30004015 — 30004017; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2020 — 2022 in the total amount of $3,647,613.27: Finance. 3. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR OLD RIVER SCHOOL RD. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT; AND, AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THIS PROJECT FOR ADJUSTMENT OF UTILITY COVERS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 16-20): Public Works. 4. ACCEPTED WORK FOR WOODRUFF AVE. TRAFFIC SIGNAL FIBER-OPTIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND UPGRADES; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $833,036.22; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-06): Public Works. 5. APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $494,285 FOR THE STEWART & GRAY RD. FIBER-OPTIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND UPGRADES; APPROPRIATED AN ADDITIONAL $200,000 IN FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP) GRANT FUNDS IN ACCOUNT NO. 26-17831; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $230,000 IN PROPOSITION C LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 54-17825 TO ACCOUNT NO. 54-17831; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $98,000 IN MEASURE R LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 56-17825 TO ACCOUNT NO. 56-17831; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $100,000 IN PROPOSITION C LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 54-16722 TO ACCOUNT NO. 54-17831; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $111,000 IN MEASURE R LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 56-16789 TO ACCOUNT NO. 56-17831; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE -OF -WORK FOR THIS PROJECT DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-10): Public Works. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 4 6. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FCG CONSULTANTS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $143,905.63 FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES FOR IMPERIAL HWY. TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THIS PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 18-07): Public Works. 7. ACCEPTED THE DISCOVERY PARK AND FURMAN PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $6,955,436.76; AUTHORIZED A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR THE DISCOVERY PARK IMPROVEMENTS FROM PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AMOUNT OF $2,600,000 TO $2,639,046; AND, AUTHORIZED THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE AND FILE THE PROJECT'S NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 19-30 AND 19-31): Administration. 8. REJECTED ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE FIRE STATION 2 AND FIRE STATION 4 MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT; AND, AUTHORIZED RE -SOLICITATION OF BIDS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 19-37-02 AND CIP NO. 19-37-04): Administration. 9. AWARDED A CONTRACT TO VISUAL SOUND INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $132,953.63 FOR PHASE II OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF THE AUDIO AND VIDEO SYSTEMS IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-21): Public Works. 10. AWARDED A CONTRACT TO TORO ENTERPRISES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,067,860 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 3RD ST. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-23): Public Works. 11. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO RENEW A MULTI -YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH FOUR CONTRACTORS: ARTNET, ATSNET, MICHAEL ALBELO, AND ML STAFFING, LLC. TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR CITYWIDE COMPUTER AND NETWORK SERVICES: Finance. 12. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BARTEL AND ASSOCIATES, LLC. TO CONDUCT ACTUARIAL CONSULTING SERVICES: Finance. 13. APPROVED SCHEDULE LS-1 OPTION E, ENERGY EFFICIENCY -LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) FIXTURE REPLACEMENT RATE AGREEMENT WITH SCE; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT: Public Works. 14. APPROVED A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF $30,000 TO PROVIDE A MOBILE LIBRARY PROGRAM TO THE CITY; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT: Library. 15. APPROVED A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE MAYORS FUND OF LOS ANGELES TO ACCEPT A FUNDING AWARD OF $25,000 TO ENABLE THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER TO PROVIDE ONLINE SUMMER STEM LEARNING PROGRAMMING TO STUDENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 5 THE AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND/OR ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT: Library. 16. APPROVED RENEWAL OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH NETFILE INC., FOR E-FILING AND ADMINISTRATION OF FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS FORMS: City Clerk. 17. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND PARTICIPATING ENTITIES FOR THE LOS ANGELES REGION IMAGERY ACQUISITION CONSORTIUM — 6 ("LARIAC6) PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,368; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT: Public Works. 18. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7953, A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF THE DOWNEY FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE ANNUAL INSPECTIONS OF CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE: Fire. 19. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 20-1447, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE DESIGNATION (PLN-19-00162) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9432 TELEGRAPH ROAD, THEREBY CONVERTING THE NORTH 42 FEET OF THE PROPERTY FROM P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TO C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL): Community Development. 20. EXTENSION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS OF COMMERCIAL TENANTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RENT REPAYMENT PERIOD: Mayor Pacheco. ADOPTED URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 20-1448, AN UNCODIFIED URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 8634 AND DOWNEY CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 511 AND 514 EXTENDING THE TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS OF COMMERCIAL TENANTS FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT RESULTING FROM LOSS OF INCOME DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RENT REPAYMENT PERIOD; AND SETTING FORTH THE FACTS CONSTITUTING SUCH URGENCY 21. EXTENSION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL TENANTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RENT REPAYMENT PERIOD: Mayor Pacheco. ADOPTED URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 20-1449, AN UNCODIFIED URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 8634 AND DOWNEY CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 511 AND 514 EXTENDING THE TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL TENANTS FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT RESULTING FROM LOSS OF INCOME DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RENT REPAYMENT PERIOD; AND SETTING FORTH THE FACTS CONSTITUTING SUCH URGENCY OTHER BUSINESS: 22. COVID-19 CLOSURE OF DOWNEY AVE. BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREETS FOR TEMPORARY OUTDOOR BUSINESS USE: Community Development. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7954, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RATIFYING EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 3 ISSUED BY THE CITY City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 6 MANAGER ACTING AS THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREETS FOR TEMPORARY OUTDOOR BUSINESS USE IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND AUTHORIZING CLOSURE PURSUANT TO VEHICLE CODE SECTION 21101(e) Mayor Pacheco abstained from Item Nos. 22, due to the close proximity to her business. Council Member Saab requested the item be pulled to discuss his concerns regarding the 180 day plan to access whether or not the temporary street closure is beneficial, and the possibility of reassessment being conducted in two or three weeks. City Manager Livas agreed whenever a project is implemented it should be monitored to ensure success. He stated staff has worked with the Downtown Community Benefit District and at the District's behest, the street closure will be implemented with the condition that the closure be monitored for its success. He stated currently only one business is utilizing the outdoor area and it is the City's goal to see additional businesses participate. He stated if additional businesses do not utilize the outdoor area then the project would be considered unsuccessful. He stated an alternative option could be to utilize parklets and reopen the street to allow for traffic. Council Member Saab requested clarification of a parklet's purpose. City Manager Livas stated the parklet would be a deck with fencing installed in front of an establishment taking a couple of parking stalls to allow for outdoor dining. City Manager Livas stated currently Downey Ave. is completely closed between 2nd and 3rd Streets. He stated surrounding cities that have implemented similar options have reported that the idea of the outdoor set up took a few weeks before businesses embraced the idea. He said staff will continue communication with the Downtown Community Benefit District and if the businesses prefer not to continue with the closure staff will reopen the street prior to the 180 days. Council Member Saab stated the temporary street closure is a great concept and he would appreciate close monitoring to confirm the closure is beneficial to all businesses. He inquired what the reasoning was to move the Farmer's Market. City Manager Livas stated staff reached out to the Farmer's Market and they made decision to temporarily move to another location that would allow for adequate social distancing. He confirmed staff will monitor the temporary street closure and report back to the City Council. Council Member Rodriguez stated that many businesses find themselves with the predicament of whether or not to invest to bring patrons back for the lunch since they have not had any patrons for such a long period of time. He inquired if staff could encourage outdoor dining by getting the word out through social media platforms. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa stated the decision to close Downey Ave. was made because of the minimal amount of traffic. She recommends a minimum of one month for staff's reassessment to ensure an accurate determination that is beneficial to the small businesses. She asked whether or not the COVID-19 Disaster Funds could be used to assist the business owners with any additional out of pocket expenses that they may incur with the outdoor set up. She stated the premise of the closure of the street was to ensure the survival of the small businesses and to provide additional safety in the area. Council Member Ashton agreed the k-rails are helpful to protect the pedestrians by preventing the traffic from driving through. He mentioned when the Farmer's Market was there they would park cars at the end of the streets to protect the resident. He asked if the Farmer's Market is expected to return to the area after the pandemic is over. He suggested the installation of removable bollards. He asked if the open area is primarily for restaurants or for all businesses. City Manager Livas stated the area is primarily intended for restaurants, however, he did notice that there are some businesses that City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 7 have set up outside. He stated that it is staff's intention to assist all the businesses to succeed. He said staff will encourage the businesses and work with them but at the same time he said they must be cognizant of the fact that these same businesses may not want the closure. He stated staff will research the installation of removable bollards and utilizing parklets however the installation does take some time and the k-rails are only temporary in nature. He continued and said staff hopes to have something that is inviting for this period and something that will continue after the pandemic so that residents can enjoy eating alfresco during the summer. Staff will work with the Downtown Community Benefit District to make this permanent. Council Member Saab mentioned a few years ago the Downtown Community Benefit District looked into the installation of bollards but found that the nice bollards were quite expensive. He recalls the City decided to wait until the Benefit District was well established but he agreed this may be a good time to see if the closure works. If the businesses are open to the idea then staff can work with the Benefit District to implement the bollards. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa recommended naming the area after the City Manager's suggestion, "Downtown Dining Alfresco." City Manager Livas stated after if has been determined whether or not the businesses agree to make the closure permanent staff will work with the Downtown Community Benefit District regarding signage and lighting. It was moved by Council Member Rodriguez, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 4-0-1 with Mayor Pacheco abstaining to adopt Resolution No. 20-7954, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey ratifying Emergency Order No. 3 issued by the City Manager acting as the Director of Emergency Services authorizing the Closure of Downey Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets for temporary outdoor business use in the City of Downey and authorizing closure pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 21101(E). ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS MEMBERS OF • TO SERVE ON AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE: A4iti-iistn9tiot City Manager Livas presented the staff report. He provided a brief history of the Measure S Tax Initiative, voter approval, bond rating and construction process. He stated the City's bond rating is at the highest rating ever which is a reflection of how the City manages its finances. He explained the bond rating is important because when the City requires a bond for construction projects the City receives the lowest possible rate. He stated there were many people involved the process to reopen the City parks; two fire stations; and, Wilderness Park which is well underway. The Library is approximately 75 percent completed. He stated the Measure S Projects is the largest construction project that the City has had in its history. He stated staff's recommendation is to establish an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to establish an appropriate way to recognize those people that were involved with the process and then return to the Council with a full program identifying how to recognize those individuals. He asked if the Council would like to appoint two Council Members to the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Council Member Saab requested to serve on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa requested to serve on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Mayor Pacheco confirmed Council Member Saab and Mayor Pro Tern Frometa would serve on the Measure S Plaque Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Council Member Ashton inquired if this process would be in addition to what the City has normally done in the past to recognize the individuals involved. He stated the past process is to create a plaque with the current Council Members, City Manager and date of the ribbon cutting. City Manager City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 28, 2020 8 Livas stated the purpose of establishing the Ad Hoc Subcommittee is to provide direction to the City Manager as to how City Council would like to proceed. He stated the Recreation and Community Services Commission and Oversight Board were highly involved and would the City Council like to recognize them; and, if so how would they be recognized. He stated rather than leaving this for staff to determine the Subcommittee would provide recommendations and the City Council would provide the City Manager concise direction as to how to proceed. Council Member Ashton suggested keeping the process uniform with past practice. Council Member Saab stated Council Member Rodriguez requested the item and inquired if he would prefer to serve on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Council Member Rodriguez confirmed he would serve on the Subcommittee. He mentioned the item was due to the passing of former Mayor David Gafin and he felt the importance to recognize those individuals involved in the projects. Mayor Pacheco confirmed Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tern Frometa would serve in lieu of Council Member Saab on the Measure s Plaque Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Item No. 23. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments on Item No. 23. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Item No. 23. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the timeline for completion of the Fire Stations and other Measure S Construction Projects, and the community living in poverty and increased taxes. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding creating subcommittees to address housing issues and the creation of a Housing Authority. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa and carried unanimously to establish the Measure S Plaque Ad Hoc Subcommittee and to appoint Council Member Rodriguez and Mayor Pro Tern Frometa to serve on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. r-IT011110-1UNIZE1 Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:36 p.m. in memory of the lives affected by COVID-19; Nancy Lopez, 29, Downey Rose Float Association Board of Directors and Chaperone for the Miss Downey Court; Jose Reynaldo Fernandez, Downey Resident; Valentin Martinez, Los Angeles Police Officer; Gaby Rodriguez, Mother of Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia; John Lewis, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives; and, Jose J. Perez, Firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department and past Ambulance Operator with the Downey Fire Department. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - July 28, 2020 9