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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01c. Minutes - 08-11-20 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on August 11, 2020, at 6:45 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, with Mayor Pacheco presiding. Council Members: Blanca Pacheco Claudia M. Frometa Sean Ashton Rick Rodriguez Alex Saab Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Council Member (teleconference) 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 Anil Gandhy, Finance Director James McQueen, Human Resources Director Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Martin Fehn, Director, FoodHelp. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Pacheco took this item out of order. 1. Mayor Pacheco presented the Mayor's Impact Award to FoodHelp. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked FoodHelp for their work in the community. He acknowledged Nolveris Frometa and Michael Calvert in the audience. He announced the installation of kiosks in the Downtown area which provide historical information pertinent to the City. He thanked City Manager Livas for the installation of the kiosks. He stated Downey Unified School District distributed devices in preparation of the start of the school year through distant learning. He requested staff research upgrading Wi-Fi city-wide for faster connectivity. He reported attending the tour of the completed Measure S Improvement Projects: Fire Station No. 3, Discovery Park, and the Fire Fighter's Memorial at City Hall. He stated Fire Station Nos. 2 and 4 have started construction and thanked Chief Gillaspie for his leadership during the transition. He thanked City Manager Livas and Assistant City Manager Oskoui for exceeding expectations with the Measure S Improvement Projects. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the tour of the completed Measure S Improvement Projects: Fire Station No. 3, Discovery Park, and the Fire Fighter's Memorial at City Hall. She thanked City Manager Livas and Assistant City Manager Oskoui for their diligence and hard work to ensure the community's requests for the Measure S Improvement Projects were delivered, especially during the pandemic. She stated the City's accomplishments were unveiled through social media platforms. She mentioned the City was able to complete 23 Capital Improvement Projects totaling $18,000,000 despite the pandemic and budget cuts. She stated the City will continue the street repaving projects according to the City's Street Management Plan to ensure that the quality of life is maintained for the community as expected and the City has been proactive in order to help its residents by creating a rental program with assistance from the Housing and Urban Development and CARES Act. The program will provide financial assistance to residential tenants and the City has received 457 applications. She said staff continues to work diligently to assist our residents and is in the process of completing the Measure S Library Project and the Wilderness Park Pond Project. She requested staff address maintenance at strip malls throughout the City. She thanked Chief Milligan and Downey Police Officers for continuing to monitor and enforce the speed limits in the City's major thoroughfares and residential areas. Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience. He reported attending the tour of the completed Measure S Improvement Projects: Fire Station No. 3, Discovery Park, and the Fire Fighter's Memorial at City Hall. He thanked his colleagues for their support of his request for the Fire Fighter's Memorial. Council Member Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the tour of the completed Measure S Improvement Projects: Fire Station No. 3, Discovery Park, and the Fire Fighter's Memorial at City Hall. He thanked staff for their diligence in seeing the projects through to completion. He reported meeting with Operation Jump Start regarding coordinating assistance with the Downey Clergy Council and Downey Care Collaborative on a program to assist students graduate high school. He also reported attending the Citizens Academy Graduation and thanked Chief Milligan and staff for a wonderful event. Chief Milligan confirmed the Citizens Academy has conducted 24 sessions for over 200 graduates. Council Member Rodriguez thanked City Manager Livas for his leadership in working with local churches to allow for outdoor meetings and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending the Citizens Academy Graduation, a 10 week program designed to expose residents to the various aspects of law enforcement and the day-to-day operations of the Police Department. She read an email received from a resident and recent graduate of the Academy expressing his gratitude to the City Council for their support of this wonderful program. She stated applications will be taken for the next Academy that is scheduled for January 2021. She reported participating in the Census Parade and encouraged the audience to partake in the Census prior to the September 30, 2020 deadline to ensure proper planning and funding for education, health care, infrastructure improvements, employment and training. She reported attending the tour of the completed Measure S Improvement Projects: Fire Station No. 3, Discovery Park, and the Fire Fighter's Memorial at City Hall. She stated the Downey Library and Theatre are currently under construction and the remodel is due to be completed within the next few months. She mentioned the City Council declared moratoriums on evictions of commercial and residential tenants and created a rental assistance program to assist residential tenants in need of financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. She requested staff research allowing residents to ride the DowneyLink for free during the pandemic. She announced the upcoming Rocket Fever and invited the audience to participate in the event virtually, 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. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 2 Morris Carr, resident, submitted written comments regarding a night club and gate proposal; and, in support of the installation of a brick wall. Raquel Mijangos, resident, submitted written comments regarding reducing the Downey Police Department's budget and appropriating the funds to the Residential Rental Assistance Program. Celine Ortega, resident, submitted written comments regarding reducing the Downey Police Department's budget and appropriating funds to programs focused on social welfare and financial assistance to residents. Isabella Praslin, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to an increase of the Downey Police Department's budget amidst social injustice; and, appropriating funds to programs focused on providing financial assistance to residents and supplies to schools and hospitals. Gabriel Perez, resident, submitted written comments regarding the City of Downey being a safe community; reducing the Downey Police Department's budget and appropriating the funds to programs focused on mortgage and rent relief, distance learning and day care. Julieta Perla, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to an increase of the Downey Police Department's budget amidst social injustice; and, appropriating funds to education and financial assistance to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yoko April Tamada, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to an increase of the Downey Police Department's budget and appropriating funds to social programs focused on educating the public to take care of their neighbors, mental health awareness, and providing financial assistance to residents to prevent homelessness. Mel Gutierrez, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to an increase of the Downey Police Department's budget and appropriating funds to programs focused on parks and recreation, housing, public health, and financial assistance for families in poverty. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the development of housing projects, political figures, and programs focused on mental health due to COVID-19. Non-resident, no name provided, commented regarding political figures and programs regarding alternatives to incarceration. Non-resident, no name provided, commended the City of Downey for its aesthetics and thanked the City Council for supporting law enforcement. She commented regarding political figures; and, in support of Police Officers and an increase to the Police Department's budget. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the installation of the flag pole and flag at Fire Station No. 3. He thanked Chief Gillaspie and Firefighters for allowing him to participate in the raising and lowering of the flag to half-staff in honor of the Marines' lives lost. He commented in support of the Downey Police Department, all lives matter and all children's lives matter. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding racism and Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors. Wendy, student, thanked the City Council for their support of past projects that she has been a part of. She commented regarding the Council's response to inquiries and direct communication with Downey's youth on topics pertinent to them as future voters. Mayor Pacheco reminded the audience of her open door policy and encouraged the audience to contact her or her colleagues to schedule an appointment to meet. She stated the Council cannot comment or respond to items that are not on the agenda. She emphasized how she would like the City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 3 City's youth and all residents to feel comfortable engaging with the Council, Police Department and in the community. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa stated the Council is supportive of school projects and the community. She concurred with Mayor Pacheco regarding the Council's open door policy and encouraged the audience to contact the Council to discuss any issues that are of concern to them and to dispel the myths and any misinformation. She stated it is unfortunate that in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning the Council has not had the opportunity to meet in person with community members. Catherine Alvarez, resident, commented regarding the Council's open door policy; political issues; and, rental increases and harassment residential tenants continue to receive during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the Council's open door policy, social media platforms, public participation, and reserved staff seating. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed Non -Agenda public comment. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. 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 Item Nos. 3, 4, and 5; Americans with Disabilities; and, political figures. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in support of Item No. 9. Non-resident, no name provided, commented regarding Item No. 3; criminal acts, homeless and poverty crisis in City Parks; and, political figures. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding Item No. 5, safe clean drinking water, COVID-19 safe health practices and political figures. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa and carried unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of July 28, 2020: City Clerk. 2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant 345113 — 345466; EFT numbers 10049 — 10068; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004014, 30004020 — 30004022; and, Manual Wire Manual Wire numbers are 2023 — 2039 in the total amount of $6,743,583.66: Finance. 3. ACCEPTED THE GOLDEN PARK, INDEPENDENCE PARK AND WILDERNESS PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE; APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $6,521,818.93 WHICH INCLUDES THE COST OF ALL ISSUED CHANGE ORDERS TO THE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT; AND, AUTHORIZED NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 4 RECORDER'S OFFICE (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 19-32, 19-33 AND 19-35): Administration. 4. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLAIS AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON -CALL GRANT WRITING SERVICES; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT: Administration. 5. APPROVED TRANSFER AGREEMENT NO. 202OMP23 WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THE SAFE CLEAN WATER PROGRAM — MUNICIPAL PROGRAM; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY: Public Works. 6. APPROVED THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY (SUBTENANT) AND PCCP IRG DOWNEY, LLC AND IRG DOWNEY, LLC (TOGETHER, SUBLANDLORD); AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT: Administration. 7. APPROVED THE SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO 1-5 CONSORTIUM CITIES JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT: Administration. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO 1-5 CONSORTIUM CITIES JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT 8. AUTHORIZED STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST FOR THE 2020 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM LOCAL SOLICITATION: Police. 9. APPROVED THE DONATION OF TWO FOURSOMES OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE FOR THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS FOUNDATION'S FUNDRAISER RAFFLE TO BENEFIT THE PATIENTS OF THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS NATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER: Mayor Pacheco. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10. DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 7-9, 2020, IN LONG BEACH: Administration. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7955, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DESIGNATING VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, OCTOBER 7- 9, 2020. City Manager Livas presented the staff report for Item No. 10. He provided a brief overview of the actions of the designated voting delegate and alternate(s) to ensure the City's interests are represented as the League of California Cities considers its platform and initiatives for the upcoming year. He recommended the Council to designate a voting delegate and alternate(s) to represent the City at the conference. Council Member Ashton inquired as to who the current voting delegates were. Mayor Pacheco stated she is the current delegate. Council Member Saab nominated Mayor Pacheco as the Voting Delegate, Mayor Pro Tern Frometa as 1 s` Alternate and Council Member Ashton as the 2nd Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 5 Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Item No. 10. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received on Item No. 10. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Item No. 10. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding designating voting delegates. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding conference travel, meal expenses, and political leaders. Non-resident, no name provided, commented regarding subsistent information discussed at the conference, protocols, policies and procedures implemented by voting delegates and political figures; and, public safety. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding the mechanisms established to designate voting delegates and public confidence in political figures. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 20-7955, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey Designating Mayor Pacheco as Voting Delegate, Mayor Pro Tern Frometa as 1st Alternate and Council Member Ashton as the 2nd Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, October 7-9, 2020. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Manager Livas thanked the Council for touring the Measure S Improvement Projects. He provided a brief overview of the Measure S Improvement Projects that began over three years ago. He commented regarding his recent tour of the Library project as it nears completion. He stated the City Council has invested heavily in programs which benefit the City's Youth and renovated all City Parks; and, in life saving projects which include a new paramedic engine system. He stated the City will break ground on a new park on Imperial Highway. He mentioned the Council has had a number of completed improvement projects; and, invested more money in street improvement projects in the last five years than the City has had in the previous 20 years combined. He stated the Council continues to conduct outreach to lobby for Federal and State funding to ensure the City is successful in addressing the needs of the community. He invited the audience to scan the QR code on the last page of the City Council Meeting Agenda to see the City's Accomplishments for the past fiscal year and the number of investments the City has completed according to the goals set by the Council yearly. He stated the accomplishments focus on public safety, children and education. He thanked the Department Heads and staff for ensuring the completion of the improvement projects while keeping labor costs the lowest in the County. He thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui for his guidance on the Measure S Improvement Projects. Mayor Pacheco apologized to the audience for the offensive language used by some speakers and explained the offensive language must be allowed due to the speaker's First Amendment Rights. Council Member Rodriguez addressed the members of the audience participating in the meeting for the first-time, to understand the City of Downey has respect, honor and dignity. He stated the Council tolerates the vulgar language and postings on social media out of respect for the First Amendment; however, it is not appreciated that it has influenced the City's youth to speak disrespectfully to the City Council. He stated the City is comprised of God-fearing, hard-working people, homeowners, family oriented, business owners, and 77 percent of Downey's population is Latino. He stated he wishes the person elected to replace him holds those same values. He thanked the audience for their understanding. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 6 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:37 p.m. in memory of Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello; Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside; Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 18, of Corona; Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin; U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton; Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon; Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas; Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Oregon; and, the lives affected by COVID-19. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 11, 2020 7