HomeMy WebLinkAbout01b. Minutes - 09-08-20 - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on September 8,
2020, at 6:41 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 (excused)
Claudia M. Frometa Mayor Pro Tern
Sean Ashton Council Member
Rick Rodriguez Council Member
Alex Saab Council Member
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
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager
Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Nolveris Frometa, Downey Planning Commissioner. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Michael Calvert, Director, Downey Chamber of Commerce.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa presented Certificates of Recognition to essential workers from Kaiser
Permanente, PIH Health Downey Hospital, and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
2. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa presented a Certificate of Recognition to PI for their 100th Anniversary.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Saab welcomed the audience to the meeting. He mentioned school is now in
session and the distance learning transition has gone well. He encouraged the audience to continue to
follow safe health practices. He requested staff address the aesthetics and locking mechanisms on the
trash receptacles city wide including the bus stops located on the main corridors. He also requested
staff address large gatherings and noise at Raising Cane's.
Council Member Ashton welcomed the audience to the meeting. He encouraged the audience
to continue to follow safe health practices. He requested staff provide a status report on the Park
Ranger Program.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She acknowledged the
healthcare members in the audience and reminded the audience to continue to follow safe health
practices. She invited the audience to visit the City's website and social media platforms for updates on
the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Street Improvement Projects. She inquired about the order in which the
residential streets would be repaved. Director Consunji stated the streets are listed in alpha order and
not in the order that the work will be completed. The sequence of construction will be in order of
proximity to where the work is currently being rehabbed moving from one end of the City to the next.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa thanked Director Consunji for the clarification. She reiterated the
importance of the project and encouraged the audience to contact the Public Works Department to
address any concerns they may have. She mentioned the record breaking heat over the weekend and
thanked Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas, Recreation Manager Chacon, Emergency Manager
Khlok, and staff for disseminating information about the cooling centers at the Barbara J. Riley
Community Senior Center. She requested staff enforce candidates to adhere to the City's Political Sign
Ordinance. She also requested staff address commercial vehicles parking in residential areas.
111=3A[ON CIA_1711!
1. REQUEST TO AMEND SECTION 9520.08 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ALLOW FOR ELECTRIFIED SECURITY FENCING IN C-M, M-1, AND M-2 ZONED
PROPERTIES: Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7962, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY DENYING A ZONE CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW FOR ELECTRIFIED
SECURITY FENCING IN C-M, M-1, AND M-2 ZONED PROPERTIES.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa opened the Public Hearing at 7:12 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member
Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez, and so ordered by Mayor Pro Tern Frometa to receive
and file. City Clerk Duarte announced no correspondence was received.
City Planner Crystal Landavazo presented the staff report for the Public Hearing Item. She
provided the proposal to amend Section 9520.08 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code allowing
for a 10 foot tall electrified security fencing within M-1, M-2 and C-M zoned properties. In 2015, SIB 582
was approved to establish standard installation criteria but did not remove local jurisdiction's ability to
prohibit electrified security fencing. She stated the Planning Commission and staff's concern over the
unappealing image that electrical fencing would portray along the City's major arterial corridor and the
City's major and primary arterial streets. Additionally, the Planning Commission expressed serious
concern that not enough information was provided to show the proposal would not result in potential
health or medical impacts. She stated in the last five years most businesses had only one or two calls
for larceny which does not exhibit a need for the electrified security fencing. She added the applicant's
client had one larceny call in 2015; one in 2016; no calls in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and, seven calls in
2020. The recent increase in calls in 2020 is concerning and she stated the available alternatives in the
existing Municipal Code do not require a code amendment and preserve the aesthetics throughout the
City. She noted in the last 10 years no applications for electrified security fencing have been received to
seek this type of exception and given no applications received. Staff does not feel the need for a more
aggressive approach to security fencing for businesses in the City.
Council Member Saab inquired if this was the first proposal of this type. City Planner Landavazo
stated the last variance request received was in 2018 for the Giant RV site and in that instance they
were able to utilize an alternative within the existing Municipal Code that met that site's specific needs.
City Planner Landavazo continued her presentation regarding the safety element of the
proposal compliant with the City's General Plan and the Land Use element which is directly inconsistent
with the City's General Plan program of portraying a positive image of the community and discouraging
security devices that portray an image that the community is unfriendly and uninviting. She provided
examples of proposed developments in Manufacturing Zones that maintain a positive aesthetic and
image of the community while meeting the needs of the developer. She emphasized the Planning
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
Commission's concerns as the negative image along major streets; potential health concerns; Police
Officer safety; and, potential fire concerns resulting in a denial of the Zone Code amendment. Staff
researched surrounding cities that allow for electrified fencing and found the major common
denominator was the manufacturing areas are in a completely separate and isolated area away from
the major thoroughfares within the cities or have regulations prohibiting installation of electrified fencing
in the front setbacks or along a street facing fence.
Council Member Saab inquired if the applicant requested the fencing be installed surrounding
the entire property. City Planner Landavazo stated the code amendment presented tonight does allow
fencing installed surrounding the entire property.
City Planner Landavazo stated staff's recommendation is to uphold the Planning Commission's
decision to deny the requested amendment.
Council Member Ashton inquired if the Council votes to approve the code amendment, would
that allow all future applicants to install electrified fencing or would the applications return before the
City Council for approval. City Planner Landavazo confirmed the proposed amendment automatically
allows for applications for properties in the M-1, M-2 and C-M zones be reviewed and approved by staff
no longer requiring Council's approval. She stated the properties on the main thoroughfares.
Council Member Rodriguez inquired if the Police Department had concerns regarding an
increase in calls in 2020 at the location identified by the applicant, and if the Police Officer's safety is a
concern. City Planner Landavazo stated staff's concern is Police Officer's safety and the visibility of the
fencing, including signs. Captain Murray confirmed the Police Department's concern is when a Police
Officer responds to a call, especially at night, may have difficulty identifying the electrified security
fencing if the size of the signage are not large enough.
Council Member Rodriguez inquired about alternative options available in the existing code to
secure the property. City Planner Landavazo mentioned the Giant RV site was allowed to install a
higher fence in front of the property. She stated another code amendment allows the installation of a
second fence with barbed wire behind a decorative fence or block wall.
Council Member Saab asked if the applicant applied for an alternative method of fencing. City
Planner Landavazo replied the request tonight is unique as the application came from a vendor not the
property owner.
Council Member Saab inquired if staff would be able to identify alternative fencing and if the
code amendment were to be approved whom would be held liable. City Planner Landavazo confirmed
staff would appreciate the opportunity to work with the property owner to explore and identify alternative
solutions. City Attorney Abich Garcia confirmed the City has several immunities from liability and the
City does not consider liability to be an issue. Liability would solely be upon the property owner.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line
who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk
Duarte if there were any written comments received on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pro Tern
Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item.
City Attorney Abich Garcia announced this is the time for Council Members to report any pre -
hearing discussions with the applicant or any members of the public regarding this matter. There were
no Council Member reports.
Keith Kaneko, Director, Government Relations, Amarok, provided a brief company history and
reasoning for requesting a code amendment. He discussed the challenges the property owners face
deterring theft and/or vandalism, aesthetics, product safety, and proposed the draft code amendment
language presented tonight. He stated the main purpose is to request the City Council's direction to
draft an appropriate code amendment that would meet the City's requirements to allow the installation
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
of electrified security fencing. He presented a Power Point presentation highlighting 4,000 installations
across the country which included 1,200 jurisdictions where their product is utilized, the benefits of their
products including motion activated video surveillance to dispatch the police department if necessary,
specific businesses that benefit from the installations, alternate options currently being utilized by
customers and various aesthetic options.
Council Member Saab stated auto dealerships have their inventory in the public's view and
inquired if the dealerships would benefit from the electrified fencing. Mr. Kaneko stated the dealerships
were not included due to fencing restrictions on auto dealerships imposed by most Cities.
Mr. Kaneko provided examples of local crime case studies.
Council Member Saab asked if night time security guards had been utilized as an alternative
option. Mr. Kaneko stated that his customers have used night security guards. His customers are
exposed 24 hours a day, for various reasons the security guards have failed to protect the product.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa inquired as to what studies have been conducted for electrified
security fencing. Mr. Kaneko stated Dr. John Webster, Biomedical Engineer, College of Engineering,
University of Wisconson-Madison conducted the first study on the safety of the electrified security
fencing resulting to be safe to children, pets, and people with pacemakers. The second study was
conducted by Mar Kroll, Biomedical Engineer, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, on why electrified security
fencing is not dangerous based on the International Electrotechnical Industry Safety Standard.
Council Member Saab asked what would be the most effective type of fencing to deter theft. Mr.
Kaneko stated aside from their system possibly a 30 foot wall, something the thieves could not scale.
Mr. Kaneko continued his presentation on the perimeter protection and minimum height
requirements; signage requirements and options; pulse electricity used in security fencing vs.
continuous voltage to prevent thieves from cutting through the fencing; audible, and monitored alarm
system; safety and effectiveness; and, emergency shut-off with knox master key.
Council Member Saab inquired how the Police Department would enter the property when
contacted to deploy a unit. Mr. Kaneko stated the Police and Fire Departments utilized the knox master
key system. Captain Murray confirmed the Police Department has a key at the station.
Mr. Kaneko stated their system runs on a standalone solar powered, so if the power is turned off
at the main their security system is not compromised. He thanked the City Council for allowing him to
provide his presentation.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa, at 8:15 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pro Tern
Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to
comment on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were
any written comments received on the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked if there was
anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item.
David Cochran, Business Owner, submitted written comments in support of the zone code
amendment to allow the installation of electrified security fences. He commented regarding crime
impacting his business, public safety, and unsuccessful alternative security methods.
Armando Herman, resident, commented in favor of denying the zone code amendment, crime,
potential health risks to the public and Police Officers, and political figures,
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in opposition to the denial of the zone code
amendment, political leaders, and defunding the police,
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020 4
Mr. Kaneko responded to the comments made about the public health risks of an electrified
security fencing. He stated the fencing receives pulsating waves every 1.3 seconds and should not be
compared to Lasers which operate up towards 40,000 to 50,000 volts of continuous shock per second.
He stated the fencing is not designed to debilitate.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tern closed the Public Hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa reopened the Public Hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Council Member Ashton asked if the secondary entry gate doors are electrified how do they
open and what prevents someone from cutting through the gates. Mr. Kaneko stated the secondary
gate has insulated brackets connected to the front entry gate, when the doors open the gates moves
simultaneously and the signage clearly identifies the presences of electrified security fencing. However,
if someone is brazen enough to cut through the gate they would encounter the shock and an alarm
would be sounded.
Mayor Pro Tern closed the Public Hearing at 8:34 p.m.
Council Member Saab stated he is empathetic to the business owner. He expressed concerns
over the precedence the electrified security fencing would create along the main thoroughfares and the
negative image on the community. He stated car dealerships' assets are exposed and they have not
requested this method of fencing. He elaborated on the Police Officers' safety, and the issues with the
knox master key. He requested staff work with the business to identify alternative methods that would
meet their security needs.
Council Member Rodriguez stated that car dealerships prefer a more inviting environment so
they would not benefit from the security fencing. He agreed with his colleague to have staff work with
the business owner to identify alternative methods or products that are more aesthetically pleasing.
Council Member Ashton stated he is not opposed to the electrified security fencing with a
revision to the Municipal Code requiring a Conditional Use Permit which the Planning Commission and
staff review the applications. He agreed with his colleagues to request staff work with the business
owner to identify an alternative solution to their issue.
Council Member Saab stated he would have a different opinion on the matter if the City had a
designated industrial area; however, the electrified security fencings would be allowed on the City's
main thoroughfares and would create an uninviting image if the zone amendment was approved.
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa thanked staff and Mr. Kaneko for the presentation. She agreed with
her colleagues that the image of the community is extremely important and asked staff to work with the
business owner.
City Manager Livas stated staff will work with the business to identify alternatives.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez, and carried
4-0-1, with Mayor Pacheco absent to deny a Zone Code Amendment to allow for electrified security
fencing in C-M, M-1, and M-2 zoned properties and directed staff to work with the business owner.
NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line
who would like to comment on Non -Agenda items. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if
any written public comments were received regarding Non -Agenda items. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa
asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Non -Agenda items.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
Hava Buchanan, resident, submitted written comments regarding the foul language used during
public comments by some individuals.
Kevin Ezeh, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding the Hope Housing for
Students program being launched at East Los Angeles College for students experiencing
homelessness. He asked the Council to share the program information with the community.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding outdoor dining during COVID-19.
Emergency Manager Khlok announced September is National Preparedness Month and the
City is conducting a campaign to encourage the community to be prepared for any type of emergency.
She asked the audience to visit the City's social media platforms to participate in the weekly contest to
win first aid kits and emergency blankets.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding the turnkey project, homelessness,
additional funding for low income housing and social distancing.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding the First Amendment, political leaders,
funding for displaced low income families; and, new development for low income housing projects.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the Veterans Day tribute at the Veteran's Memorial.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tern Frometa closed Non -Agenda public
comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line
who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Mayor Pro Tern Frometa asked City Clerk
Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items. Mayor Pro Tern
Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Consent Calendar
items.
Armando Herman, resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 5 and 6, Measure S Projects, and
COVID-19 prevention.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item Nos. 5 and 6.
Having no one else come forward, Mayor Pro Tern Frometa closed public comment.
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 6 for separate discussion.
Council Member Ashton pulled Item No. 15 for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 4-0-1
with Mayor Pacheco excused to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member
Saab pulled Item No. 6 and Council Member Ashton pulled Item No. 15 for separate discussion.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of August 25, 2020; Regular Meetings of July 14, 2020
and August 25, 2020: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 345795 — 346109; EFT numbers 10100 — 10024; Payroll Wire
Nos. 30004024, 30004028 — 30004029 & 30004031; and, Manual Wire numbers 2053 — 2055, total
amount of $3,820,299.49: Finance.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
4. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
SAFETY LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ADJACENT TO THE 1-5 FREEWAY, PHASE 2;
AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION OF CITY -FURNISHED MATERIALS FOR
THIS PROJECT; AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT
AGREEMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK AS DEEMED
NECESSARY UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 15-13): Public Works.
5. ACCEPTED WORK FOR PARAMOUNT BLVD. AND FIRESTONE BLVD. MEDIAN LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF
$677,488.53; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE
THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 20-07 AND 20-08):
Public Works.
7. APPROVED THE MEDICAL POINT OF DISPENSING (MPOD) MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING TO ENABLE THE CITY TO ESTABLISH A MPOD SITE DURING A PUBLIC
HEALTH EMERGENCY; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL AMENDMENTS: Fire.
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7963, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2018-2021
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY PUBLIC SAFETY AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
9. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7964, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2018-2021
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION — MAINTENANCE UNIT: Human Resources.
10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7965, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2018-2021
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION — MISCELLANEOUS UNIT: Human Resources.
11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7966, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2020-2022
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
12. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7967, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2020-2022
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
13. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 20-7968, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING THE SALARY AND BENEFITS PAYABLE TO EMPLOYEES IN
CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT, MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT; AND REPEALING PRIOR RESOLUTIONS: Human Resources.
14. ACCEPTED $338,000 IN SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY:
Police.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
OTHER BUSINESS:
6. APPROVED AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH DATA TICKET INC. FOR PARKING
AND ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION SERVICES; AND, AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
THE AGREEMENT: Police.
Council Member Saab pulled Item No. 6 for separate discussion and clarification. He inquired if
the agreement is a new five year contract or an amendment. Captain Murray confirmed a Request for
Proposal was conducted combined with Community Development's Code Enforcement Administrative
Citations process and the agreement tonight is for a new five year contract.
Council Member Saab addressed concerns raised by residents regarding the citation appeals
process. Captain Murray stated the process is three part, initially the appeal goes before the Police
Department's Traffic Sergeant for review including the body worn camera videos. If the matter is not
resolved then they would go through Data Ticket to request a hearing that is held at City Hall. The final
option goes through the Los Angeles Superior Court system.
Director Schindler confirmed the administrative hearings are held at City Hall on the second
floor.
Council Member Saab requested the location of the administrative hearings be held within City
limits and stipulated in the contract.
City Attorney Abich Garcia recommended Council approve the contract and staff would request
a Side Letter indicating the second level of review would be held at City Hall.
Council Member Saab motioned to approve the agreement with Data Ticket subject to the
modification requiring the in person appeal hearing be held at Downey City Hall.
City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the modification of the secondary appeal hearing would be
listed as 13.4 of the agreement.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 4-0-
1, with Mayor Pacheco excused to approve the agreement with Data Ticket Inc. for parking and
administrative citation services with the modification requiring the secondary process of an in person
Administrative Appeal Hearing be held at Downey City Hall.
15. APPROVED THE DESIGN FOR MEASURE S PLAQUES: Administration.
Council Member Ashton requested Item No. 15 be pulled for separate discussion. He asked City
Manager Livas if he recalled any changes to a City plaque format during his time as City Manager. City
Manager Livas stated in the City's history the standard format has been to list Council Members and
staff. Staff had identified instances prior to his tenor where the Parks & Community Services
Commissioners and others that were involved in a specific project were also included. He stated during
his tenor the plaques have solely included the Council Members and staff names.
Council Member Ashton stated regardless of the good intensions of his colleagues he does not
support changing from the standard plaque format used in the past.
Council Member Rodriguez stated he requested the item. He mentioned in the City's history
there has not been a construction project as large as the Measure S Projects and there may not be
other projects similar in size for quite some time. He would like to recognize and pay tribute to former
Mayor David Gafin's unlimited service to the community. He stated the City Council, Independent
Citizens' Oversight Committee, and the Parks & Community Services Commission need to be
recognized for their many hours of service.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa stated when speaking of a community continually evolving with the
tremendous milestone projects of Measure S. The projects required dedication to see the projects to
completion by the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee, and the Parks & Community Services
Commission. She stated the plaques appropriately represent the City's appreciation for their
engagement.
Council Member Saab inquired if the plaques would be identical on all Measure S Projects. City
Manager Livas stated the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee would be on all Measure S
Projects; however, the Parks & Community Services Commission would only be included on the
Measure S Projects related to City Parks.
It was moved by Council Member Saab, seconded by Council Member Rodriguez and carried 3-
1-1, with Council Member Ashton voting no and Mayor Pacheco excused to approve the design for
Measure S Plaques.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas mentioned the new fiscal year started in July and staff is continually
monitoring the budget. He thanked the Budget Subcommittee Member and Director Gandhy for their
continued efforts. He stated staff is working towards delivering another balanced budget in the
upcoming year and will keep Council updated on a regular basis.
/_1911L0111Ni•IT,1:40 11
Mayor Pro Tern Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 9:15 p.m. in memory of
Tamarris L. Bohannon, 29, St. Louis Police Department, killed in the line of duty; Troy Morris, 58,
Mississippi Highway Patrol Lieutenant, killed in the line of duty; Brian Smith, Firefighter, St. George
Island Volunteer Fire Department, killed in the line of duty; victims of September 11th; and, the lives lost
due to COVID-19.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA
Mayor Pro Tern
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 8, 2020