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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 12-08-20 Regular MeetingIIIIA111TES OF TAE J � Ceffia;_ - - "#c -1 - il� �fwfw•-VaoAl REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2020 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on December 8, 2020, at 6:39 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, 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 Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Dean Milligan, Chief of Police Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk (teleconference) The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Saab. Mayor Pacheco welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. She acknowledged former Mayors and Council Members; Commission and Board Members; and, the Representatives from local Legislative Offices, Elected Officials from surrounding cities and community members. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to the results of the November 3, 2020 Statewide General Election, waiver requiring an identification of a voter. Ruben Sarinana, President, Greater Downey Association of Realtors, submitted written comments to extend congratulations to the newly elected members of the City Council and thanked them for their service to the residents of the City. Irma Zamorano, non-resident, submitted written comment congratulating newly elected Council Member Alvarez and thanked her for her public service and commitment to the community. Gabriel Ramirez, resident, submitted written comment congratulating newly elected Council Member Alvarez and he is looking forward to her leadership. Jashin Liberto, resident, submitted written comment congratulating Council Member Alvarez. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — December 8, 2020 Business Watch in collaboration with Downey Police Department and Downey Chamber of Commerce; Mayor's Downey's Finest Award; Mayor's Servant Heart Award; Mayor's Prayer Breakfast; Mayor's Choice Pet Adoption; Commissioner's Choice Pet Adoption; Pet 4 Troops; Mayor's Movie Night Under the Stars; Honoring our Veterans; We back the Badge supporting Downey's Police Department; Fire Memorial; and, Downey Homes for Patriots. Council Member Rodriguez thanked his parents for being an inspiration; and, his wife, Lupe; his seven children; and, grandchildren for their support. He thanked City Manager Livas and the Directors for making Downey a model city for the State of California. He thanked Executive Secretary Delgadillo, Management Analyst Montenegro, and Director Schindler for their dedication and support to ensuring his visions became a reality. He thanked Police Chief Milligan and Fire Chief Gillaspie for protecting the City. Former Mayor Roger Brossmer offered him advice and he shared the wisdom with the incoming Council Members. He thanked the residents of Downey for entrusting him to serve on the City Council Congresswoman Roybal-Allard acknowledged Council Member Rodriguez and presented Congressional Recognition to commemorate his four years of service. She thanked him for his suppo if the U.S. Service Academies Workshop. Supervisor Hahn acknowledged Council Member Rodriguez and presented a Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of his four years of service. Council Member Rodriguez received Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of his four years of service from: Assembly Member Garcia; Downey Chamber of Commerce; Downey Unified School District; Gangs Out of Downey; and, the Cities of Bellflower, Cerritos, La Mirada, Lakewood, and Whittier. Mayor Pacheco presented Council Member Rodriguez with a gavel plaque, a Downey strel name sign, and City Tile for his four years of service on the Downey City Council. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:47 p.m. with all Council Members present. [SION IL001141111 wid:01 01*" 9:4 111610111 OLIJ I wild=1171 1:1 Supervisor Hahn administered the Oath of Office to incoming Council Member Pacheco, District One, Mayor Pacheco thanked the residents of Downey for electing her to serve another four years on the City Council. She thanked the volunteers who worked on her campaign and she attributed her success to them. She thanked her Council colleagues, former Mayor Rick Rodriguez and Alex Saab for their support. She stated she is looking forward to working with incoming Council Members Alvarez and Trujillo for the betterment of the residents. She stated she is looking forward to working with the amazing staff. She thanked the Information and Technology Department for the smooth transition to virtual meetings; City Manager Livas, Assistant City Manager Oskoui, Police Chief Milligan and incoming Fire Chief Hurlock, and City Attorney Abich Garcia for making her position enjoyable. She thanked her father, mother, brother, and Sarah for all their love and support in making her successful. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — December 8, 2020 3 UAI Council Member Alvarez welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meetin( She provided a brief overview of her background and reflected on her inspiration in deciding to run f(i. office. She stated her goals and vision for the betterment of the City of Downey and its residents. Sh thanked the residents for their support and confidence in her by electing her to the Downey Cil Council. She is looking forward to working with her Council Colleagues to make positive changes witK the City. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard administered the Oath of Office to incoming Council Memb( Mario Trujillo, District Five. Council Member Trujillo thanked Congresswoman Roybal-Allard for administering his Oath 1 Office and for her years of service. He thanked the voters for electing him to be the Council Member f( District Five. He attributed his successful campaign to the efforts of his friends, family, donor! volunteers, and campaign team, Pedro Rosalio, former Mayor Fernando Vasquez and Campaig Manager Hans Fritz. He is looking forward to working with his Council colleagues and staff for tl' betterment of the community. He acknowledged former Mayors Alex Saab and Rick Rodriguez for thE outstanding service and leadership. He thanked former Mayor Saab and Schoolboard Member Pere; Saab for their friendship, support, and their service to the community. He commented on the challengE the residents have endured during the past months and how proud he is to see the residents supportir one another. He provided a brief overview of his background and provided a brief overview of his goa for the upcoming year. He thanked his children, Gabriel, Kaitlyn, and Corey for their support; and, h husband, Henry, for joining him in this journey and working hard to get him elected. , I Oki ii 1 [01 ki IF-11 I t , : Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regardir• Non -Agenda Items. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconferenc line who would like to comment on Non -Agenda Items. TJ, resident, submitted written comments regarding the frequency and low altitude of smc, aircraft traffic; and, requesting assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments in opposition to limiting religious freedom ar outdoor dining due to the COVID-1 9 pandemic. Elizabeth Castillo, resident, submitted written comments regarding the surge in COVID-1 cases, rent cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic and evictions. Reggie Wong, resident, submitted written comments regarding the increase of evictions ar COVID-19 cases; jobs being lost; and, rent cancellations during the pandemic. Joey Martinez, resident, congratulated Council Member Alvarez- He commented regardir political figures, city leadership and administration, assistance for Downey's residents during Pandemic; and, water contamination. Planning Commissioner Frometa, resident, thanked Council Member Rodriguez and Coun( Member Saab for their years of service. He congratulated Mayor Pacheco and Council Member Trujillc Cecilia Gonez, resident, thanked former Mayors Saab and Rodriguez for their years of servici She congratulated Council Member Trujillo and Mayor Pacheco. She is looking forward to work wii Mayor Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tern Frometa on the next Girls on Fire Summer Program. Sl� commented regarding anti -human trafficking. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - December 8, 2020 4 Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, congratulated Council Member Alvarez for her seat on the City Council and offered his continued support. He commented regarding the working class community members and the Latin vote counts. Veronica Del Cid, resident, congratulated Council Member Alvarez for her seat on the City Council. She commented regarding assistance for families under eviction, City processes and procedures to assist residents, and support for the community. Mayor Pacheco announced Council Member Ashton disconnected from the City Council Meeting at 8:50 p.m. Peter Lomeli, resident, congratulated Council Member Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Frometa and Mayor Pacheco. He commented regarding the City Council's continued support of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. U 0 J, I 10 16119 a-, T4 I kyj :a :4 4 Orslw City Clerk Duarte provided the report for Item No. 6. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment on Item No. 6. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received on Item No. 6. Martha Cordoba, resident, submitted written comments regarding the benefit of a Democratic majority and in support of a Democratic Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding the appointment process for Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, political figures, and renter protection from evictions. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Mayor Pacheco opened nominations for Mayor for 2021. Mayor Pacheco commented regarding the guidelines for selecting a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. It was moved by Mayor Pacheco, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 3-1-1, with Council Member Alvarez voting no and Council Member Ashton absent, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Frometa as Mayor for 2021. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Frometa and carried 4- 0-1, with Council Member Ashton absent, to appoint Mayor Pacheco as Mayor Pro Tem for 2021. City Manager Livas wished the new Council Members much success and said he is looking forward to working with the City Council in the coming year. He congratulated the newly appointed Mayor. He stated the staff strives to ensure the Mayor has a productive and successful year. He thanked Mayor Pacheco for a stellar job during the pandemic. He reiterated staff is dedicated to work with the City Council on the policies that the City Council sets, and is prepared to meet any challenges presented by the City Council. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - December 8, 2020 5 Mayor Pacheco congratulated the newly elected Council Members and stated she is looking forward to working with them to conduct the business of the residents. She stated staff is here to assist the City Council to be successful. She stated City Manager Livas, Assistant City Manager Oskoui, City Attorney Abich Garcia, Police Chief Milligan and Fire Chief Gillaspie do an amazing job and make certain the City's business is conducted legally. She thanked the residents for joining the meeting virtually. F-11 big MM" Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:58 p.m. in memory of Ancl Ornelas, 27, California Highway Patrol Officer assigned to the Antelope Vail Office; and, t lives lost due to COVID-1 9. — 7� I a� w 4 City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — December 8, 2020 6