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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-14-20 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JULY 14, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on July 14, 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 Claudia M. Frometa Sean Ashton Rick Rodriguez Alex Saab Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member CowtcWnl,fember (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. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMI CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reminded the audience to continue to follow safe health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He reported attending the reopening of Furman Park and invited the audience to visit the park. He commented on all the park improvements including the new Rocket art piece and the history of the art piece as it relates to the park. He thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui, City Manager Livas and staff for their phenomenal job. He stated the City Council encouraged and previously voted to allow outdoor dining in the Downtown area to help the local businesses. He mentioned the outdoor seating areas are now opening and invited the audience to enjoy the outdoor dining experience. He requested staff research an app to reserve park facilities. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged Dorothy Pemberton and Michael Calvert in the audience. She stated the City continues to move forward despite the challenges of COVID-19. She thanked Mayor Pacheco for her weekly videos to keep residents informed and invited the audience to visit the City's social medial platforms for COVID-19 updates. She stated the City has been proactive in conducting wellness checks, providing free meals to seniors, partnering with the County of L.A. and L.A. Food Bank to conduct food distribution events, and providing personal protective equipment to first responders and frontline employees. She stated despite the civil unrest the City of Downey continues to be a united community and the residents organized a parade last week to thank Chief Milligan and Downey Police Officers for their hard work to ensure the residents' safety. She stated the Council has implemented a rental assistance program for residential tenants and a Moratorium on evictions for commercial and residential tenants. The City Council also approved a temporary outdoor dining program to help restaurants reopen their businesses in compliance with L.A. County Public Health Orders. She requested staff address homeless activity and debris at the dialysis center located at Florence and Downey Aves. She requested staff research the closure of Downey Ave. between 2 nd and 3rd Sts. to allow for safe pedestrian activity. Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He encouraged the audience to follow safe health practices. He requested staff research the issuance of citations to property owners whom allow the discharge of illegal fireworks on their property. He also requested staff research the the environment. Council Member Rodriguez welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported participating in the Clergy Council meeting to discuss moving forward with the affordable housing project for Veterans. He thanked the residents for participating in the community parade honoring the Downey Police Department. He thanked Chief Milligan and the Downey Police Department and stated that he values all police officers and how they willingly place their lives in danger every day to protect the community. He acknowledged Sam Chevanathan in the audience. He shared that on a weekly basis he dines with community members at a Downey restaurant to support local businesses and invited the audience to do the same. He mentioned during the week of 4 th of July the Council visited homes with patriotic decorations. He th thanked Recreation Manager Chacon and the Parks and Recreation staff for orgahizinq the 4 of July Hbme Decorating Contest. He requested staff address the street vebdors along Imperial Hwy. and Paramount Blvd. Mayor Pacheco welcomed the audience to the meeting. She mentioned the Council recognized individuals who decorated their homes for 4 th of July. She reported participating in the special ceremony with Courage Forward to honor those who served the Country and allow everyone to have the freedoms that everyone enjoys. She thanked Kandy Grzebyk of Positively Downey for organizing the community parade and The Olive for donating food to the Downey Police Department. She thanked Chief Milligan and Downey Police Officers for their hard work. She stated the number of Covid-19 cases have increased and reminded the audience to continue to follow safe health practices to prevent the rise in cases. She stated she will continue to post her weekly videos in an effort to keep the public informed of the resources available in Downey, She requested staff research the closure of Downey Ave. between 2 nd and 3 rd Sts. to allow for outdoor dining and pedestrian activity.. 1. Mayor Pacheco with assistance from Dorothy Pemberton presented a Proclamation in honor "Parks Make Life Better" month. I P. rfiayor Pacheco with assistance from Directors McQueen and Consunji received a Certificate ef Recognition for being a Patriotic Employer from the Office of the Secretary of National Defense. The nomination was submitted by city employee George Dela Torre. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line w would like to comment on Non -Agenda items. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any writt public comments were received regarding Non -Agenda items. Mayor Pacheco asked if there w anyone present who would like to comment on Non -Agenda items. Sage Calderon, non-resident, commented regarding the language used by the speakers duri public comment. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Brown Lives Matter, housing and financi'l assistance for Veterans, Americans with Disabilities and the homeless; and, political figures. Lee Squire, resident, thanked the City Council for the wreath placed on the Veteran's Memori He commented in support of the Downey Police Department and all local Police agencies; and, again the attacks on the Police which include the Military Police. He commented regarding the City Council's support of the Police Department, First Amendment, and freedom of peaceful protest and assembly. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pacheco closed Non -Agenda public comment. Mayor Pacheco took this item out of order. City Manager Livas reported on the parks and fire stations re -openings, and said all the construction projects that have been completed atribute to the City Council's leadership. He thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui for his management of the projects and the Department Heads for ensuring the projects are completed. Assistant City Manager Oskoui presented the staff report for Item No. 18. He provided a brief history regarding the Measure S Projects process in 2015-16: voters approved Measure S in November 2016; the Bond provisions required a constricted timeline to complete the projects; and, the planning phase included public surveys. He stated the community's overwhelming approval rate was 80 percent for City Government and almost a 90 percent approval rate for the Police and Fire Departments. City Manager Livas stated poll takers consider a community's trust in local government as 50 percent plus one. The City, including the Police and Fire Departments, received an approval rate over 80 percent. City Manager Livas accredits the high rate to the partnership between City Government and the residents. Assistant City Manager Oskoui stated despite the constraints caused by COVID-19 the projects are on schedule to be completed by the end of December 2020. He provided an overview of the Measure S Projects that have been completed. He stated the City Library, Civic Center, Firefighter Memorial and shade structure at the library are near completion; and, the construction at Fire Station Nos. 1 and 3 has begun. Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:28 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:43 p.m. with all Council Members present. Assistant City Manager Oskoui continued his presentation He presented before and after slides of the Measure S Projects. He thanked the Mayor, City Council and City Manager Livas for their support and leadership during the Measure S Projects. He thanked the Members of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee for working to ensure every dollar is maximized. Council Member Rodriguez mentioned the passing of former Mayor David Gafin and requested the Measure S plaques recognize the Members of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. Council Member Saab suggested the plaques be commemorative similar to the plaques at the parks with the Committee Member's names. City Manager Livas suggested the City Council create an ad hoc subcommittee to define what the parameters should be in order to appropriately address the requests of the City Council and provide staff direction. Mayor Pro Tem Frometa thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui for the presentation. She also thanked the Members of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee for volunteering their service. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - July 14, 2020 City Manager Livas confirmed the meeting was being recorded and the presentation would be shared on the City's website. MIN-WO-1i Kelm - Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the completion of the Measure S Projects and funding; First Amendment Rights; and, opposed additional taxes. _ it • • � � ,.. i = • _.. • _: :. • � _; - • • • • • - It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa, and so ordered by Mayor Pacheco, to receive and file the Measure S Projects review. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. REQUEST FOR A ZONE CHANGE TO REZONE A PORTION OF A PROPERTY LOCATED 9432 TELEGRAPH ROAD FROM P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TOCOMMERCIAL Community Development. INTRODUCEDORDINANCEOF • OF OF DOWNE APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE DESIGNATION (PLN-19-00162) FOR PROPERT LOCATED AT 9432 TELEGRAPH ROAD, THEREBY CONVERTING THE NORTH 42 FEE] OF _• FROM(PARKINGCOMMERCIAL) City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Memb(M Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and so ordered by Mayor Pacheco to receive and file. Cia Clerk Duarte announced no correspondence was received. � - •' . _ •, • - -. .. • ` _ '! - • is • : ` - • •' `. • •' at 9432 Telegraph Rd. where the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the zone change designating the entire property C-2 (General Commercial). She stated the reason the item is being brought forward tonight is due to the comprehensive update of the zoning code in 2008 that eliminated the P-B zone to reflect new development standards and development goals. However, the P-B Zone remained on the Zoning Map and is removed when new development is proposed on such a property. The proposed Zone Change will be consistent with the remaining 177.93 feet of the property which is zoned C-2 (General Commercial). The zone change action would amend the zoning map and make the property consistent with the Zoning Code and the General Plan, which designates the property to be zoned as entirely commercial. She presented the new medical office building development being proposed for the site. Staff recommends the City Council approve a zone change designation (PLN-19-00162) for the property located at 9432 Telegraph Rd., thereby converting the north 42 feet of the property from P-B (Parking Buffer) to C-2 • Council Member Saab inquired about alternative methods to remove the P-B zone from all t properties within the City or if it must be brought before the City Council project by project. City Plann Landavazo confirmed it must be brought before the City Council by project due to the varied notificati requirements. CouncilCity MinutesRegular Meeting2020 4 Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the zone change and designating the residential zone to commercial zone. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pacheco closed the Public Hearing at 8:16 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez, and approved unanimously to introduce 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). 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. Alexander Shirali, non-resident, commented in opposition of Item No. 6. Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 6, 7, additional funding for improvements to the city's infrastructure. Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Mayor Pacheco announced Item No. 6 was being continued to the Regular City Council Meeting of July 28, 2020. Council Member Rodriguez abstained from Item No. 7, due to the close proximity to his residence; and, Item No. 10, due to the close proximity to his rental property. KIWI] Council Member Saab abstained from Item No. 7, due to the close proximity to his residence. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa abstained from Item No. 2, the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 26, Mayor Pacheco abstained from Item No. 8, 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 Item No. 6 being continued to the City Council Meeting of July 28, 2020; Council Member Rodriguez abstaining from Item No. 7; Council Member Saab abstaining from Item No. 7; Mayor Pro Tern Frometa abstaining from Item No. 2, the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2020; and, Mayor Pacheco abstaining from Item No. 8. 2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meetings of June 9 and 23, 2020; Regular Meeting of May 26 and June 9, 2020: City Clerk. 3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 344425 - 344934; A/P EFT numbers 10001 - 10027; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004005 - 30004009 & 30004011 - 30004013; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2015 - 2019 in the total amount of $6,544,867.65: Finance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - July 14, 2020 r •- r • r • , - r r - f, f 13. APPROVED -VICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MOTOROLA• • r THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND SUPPORT OF • • INFRASTRUCTURE r EQUIPMENT FROM2020, TO JUNE 30, 1Fire. r �-• 1 r; • 1 1 APPROVED RESOLUTION N•' 1RESOLUTION OF COMMISSION OF OF DOWNEY UPDATING r REGULATIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION IN AC• rA•' 91 OF DOWNEY CITY CHARTER. :— • . — — f' —. — is ': • i ` .: — �. — — � ': • • • :i — s..- • i i i _ —. �a City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — July 14, 2020