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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-09-21 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF • • • �• REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 2021 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 9, 2021, at 6:38 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding. Council Members: Claudia M. Frometa Blanca Pacheco Catherine Alvarez Sean Ashton Mario Trujillo Mayor Mayor Pro Tern (teleconference) (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 Aldo E. Schindler, Community Development Director Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Alex Vargas, New Season LA Downey. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Trujillo. PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Julie Garcia. 2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Champion Award to Timothy and Alicia Taylor, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Council Member Trujillo welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. He commented regarding the effects of COVID-19 on the community and the mental health of Veterans. He requested the Veteran's Subcommittee meet to consider creating a Veteran's Consortium, similar to the Clergy Council, to bring the groups together to assess and discuss Veteran's needs and available resources. He would like to discuss displaying Veteran memorial pieces; and, continue to honor and engage the Veteran community. He thanked Lee Squire for reminding him of this issue. He also requested staff discuss the Concerts in the Park series. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. She reported participating in St. Raymond Catholic School's virtual Career Day event. She reported attending the League of California Cities Annual Conference and welcomed newly elected officials to the Los Angeles Division. She announced the upcoming Healthy Downey 5K for TLC virtual event. She encouraged the public to visit the TLC's website to register for the event and for additional information regarding their services. She stated TLC is part of the Downey Unified School District and provides health, counseling and homeless services to families. Council Member Ashton welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. He requested staff research opportunities to provide temporary housing for the homeless by utilizing City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 1 pallet shelters similar to Redondo Beach's Program or the County's Project Room Key. He requested staff provide a temporary extension for items being brought before the Planning Commission for consideration due to COVID-19. He encouraged members of the public to continue to wear masks, follow social distancing protocols and welcome the opportunity to receive the COVI D-1 9 vaccine. Council Member Alvarez welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. She statea residents have expressed their concerns to her regarding the COVID-19 virus, vaccine availability, and the impact the virus has had on their lives. She requested no time limit on public comments for tonight's meeting. Mayor Frometa welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. he reported attending the League of California Cities Annual Conference. She stated one of the sessions she attended was to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on municipalities and how municipalities are navigating through the pandemic. She reported attending Leaders in the Fight against Human Trafficking. She thanked Assistant to the City Manager Vaniah De Rojas, Management Analyst Juddy Montenegro and the Youth Commission for creating the Bennett Campaign video. She commented on the various issues the City continues to address such as trash, illegal dumping, financial and health issues affecting residents during the pandemic, Veterans, mental health issues; and, identifying financial resources offered by the Federal Government. She thanked Chief Milligan for the Police Department's decisive actions regarding street racing and speeding. ITDRZ��� �4, ,�L I mpfiayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments Were received regardi Non -Agenda items. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconferen line who would like to comment regarding Non -Agenda items. Jeff Bell, resident, submitted written comments regarding enforcement of illegal parking lawns and trash cans left in the street. Jonathan Hawes, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding use of El Monte Promise Foundation Scholarship Fund and public officials. Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments requesting recognition for CurtisCARE Child Development and Clinical Service Programs. Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding public officials and protection of the First Amendment. Adrian Alvarez, non-resident, commented regarding campaign contributions, public officials, Downey being a business friendly city, economic inequality and the how the City disseminates information to the community regarding City programs and services. David Bowers, resident, commented regarding upholding the Constitution of the United States and public officials. Barbaro Rodriguez, resident commented regarding Fourth Amendment protections, freedom of expression, City programs and grants to assist small businesses, and exorbitant salaries and expenditures to install and maintain new art pieces. Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding the reopening of outdoor dining and City Hall to allow for in person public participation, the First Amendment, and public officials. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - February 9, 2021 2 Ronald Kolar, resident, commented regarding public participation in community organizations, and facade improvements. He praised the Council for tolerating certain language used during the public comment periods of the City Council meetings. Veronica Del Cid, resident, congratulated Council Member Alvarez for her continued work on behalf of Downey residents and extended her support. She commented regarding the need for change and encouraged residents to express their opinions to the City Council. Maria Arango, resident, commented regarding public safety, street and alley lighting on Comolette St. between Downey Ave. and Paramount Blvd., and financial assistance for homeowners and tenants to pay mortgages and rent. Alexandra, resident, commented regarding public officials and practicing safety protocols during City Council meetings. Mayor Frometa stated the City of Downey, through the C.A.R.E.S. Act, has allocated $950,000 for the Downey Emergency Rental Assistance Program and received a total of 923 applications. She stated the information regarding the Rental Assistance Program was disseminated through various methods including social media platforms. She also reiterated that the City has a COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program and 34 applicants have benefited from the program. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Consent Calendar items. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 1 through 7, Minutes of the Special Meeting of June 2, 2020 and Regular Meeting of January 12, 2021. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding Item No. 4, Downey's water quality and in support of hiring additional staff to ensure the City's water continues to remain healthy and safe. He asked that the City make information available to the community regarding the quality of Downey's water. Joseph Bartolo, resident, commented regarding the Water Systems Operator I position. Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment. City Clerk Duarte announced corrections to the title of Item No. 1 as: Regular Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2021 and Special Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2020. Council Member Ashton pulled Item No. 7 for separate discussion: Council Member Alvarez abstained from Item No. 1, Special City Council Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2020, as she was not a Council Member at that time; and, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2021, as she was absent. Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 1, Special City Council Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2020, as he was not a Council Member at that time. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco, seconded by Mayor Frometa and carried 5-0 to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Alvarez abstaining from Item No. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 3 staff will research and identify partial funding to subsidize the costs associated with the installation of new poles. Council Member Ashton requested clarification as to who is currently responsible to pay for the installation of new street light poles and asked if the responsibility falls on the property owners or the Lighting Assessment District. Director Consunji confirmed the property owners are responsible for the costs of installing a new pole and the annual operations and maintenance are paid by the residents through the Lighting Assessment District's Assessment on their property tax bill. Council Member Ashton thanked Director Consunji for his report. He requested staff research identifying funding to assist in subsidizing the costs for the installation of new street lights, light poles and upgrade existing lighting to LED throughout the City. It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and carried 5- 0, to adopt Ordinance No. 21-1459, approving Municipal Facility License Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for installation of wireless communications facilities in the public right-of-way. r-IT81T,lTir1&31: • •7 �i,`7 01010 11 am I LVA M-111 Awl VIR I M -"M - Mayor Frometa announced to balance the amount of written correspondence received and the large volume of callers wishing to provide public comment regarding Item No. 8 the public comment time will be reduced to one minute per call and written comment. City Attorney Abich Garcia stated the Spanish speaking callers requiring interpretation will receive two minutes to comment on this item. Council Member Alvarez thanked the City Council for the opportunity to discuss the issue. She stated her reason for requesting this discussion is to address the financial hardships the community has endured due to COVID-19. She stated the City of Downey has provided some rental assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. She stated according to the 2020 Census information pertaining to Downey the majority of residents are renters and in 2019, 53.5% of the residences were rented which was higher than the statewide average of 45.1%. She provided a brief overview regarding limited income for senior citizens, Veterans and Americans with Disabilities; and, 30% of a family's income is being paid towards housing. She stated rent control is the City's ability to limit rent increases after the start of the tenancy and to create a City Rent Board. A Rent Board would provide tenants the opportunity to challenge illegal increases and petition for decreases in services, as well as, allow a landlord to petition for a "fair return" increase. She stated AB1482 is a rent cap limiting annual rent increases to 3.3% Consumer Price Index plus 5% and allows for exclusion of single family residences, "mom and pop" owned properties, and units built after 1995. She added AB 1482 does not apply to cities that have established rent control. She provided a comparison between Municipal Rent Control Laws versus Statewide Rent Caps and an example of cumulative rent increases over a ten year period in the City of Downey compared to cities with rent control. She stated if a rent control ordinance were to be adopted it would provide protection to tenants and alleviate undue financial stress. City Manager Livas stated Director Schindler would provide the presentation for this item. He stated staff's position is to present the facts of a particular matter and not the merits of the matter's effectiveness, pursuant to a Council's Policy decision. He stated the issue of rent control has been brought before the City Council on several occasions in light of other housing affordability issues throughout the years not solely due to the pandemic. Director Schindler provided the presentation for Item No. 8. He provided a brief overview regarding the City's housing configuration identifying 57% as single family residences with 50.8% City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 5 Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 8. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any written correspondence received regarding Item No. 8. Julio Flores, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, additional community outreach regarding Downey's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Jimmy Spathos, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, regarding the adverse effects rent control will have on the market. Gab Gabriel, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, existing programs to assist tenants enduring a financial hardship. Jackie Zaneri, non-resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance and additional protections to tenants from inflated rents. Terry Saikali, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. He stated the City is in need of new housing. Vijay Patel, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance and exposing the City to undue litigation. He commented in support of property owner's rights. Alfredo Banuelos, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; programs for residents enduring financial hardships; and, City Departments. Brian Heyman, resident, congratulated Council Member Alvarez. He commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, thanked Director Schindler for an excellent presentation. Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance. He commented regarding rents in the city being inflated; COVID-19 pandemic; rise in crime; and, public officials. Resident, no name provided, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance. Timothy Padilla, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; rent comparison to other cities with similar median income; and, in support of protections for property owner's rights. Kyle Jenkins, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Joey Martinez, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, programs for residents enduring financial hardships due to COVID-19. Veronica Del Cid, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; programs for residents enduring financial hardships due to loss of employment; and, unjust rent increases. Javier Munoz, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in; support of protections for property owners. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, political officials. Mr. Hubert, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of protections for property owners. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 7 Edna Baltazar, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, programs for residents enduring financial hardships. Guillermina Flores, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, programs for residents enduring financial hardships. Mireya Guzman, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, programs for residents enduring financial hardships. Renzo Lazaro, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of the construction of new housing. Laura, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, programs for residents enduring financial hardships. Hector Sosa, resident, comment regarding the vulgar language during public comments,and, opposition of a local rent control ordinance. I Armando Martinez, resident, commented in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of new construction for affordable housing units. Resident, no name provided, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, code enforcement of health and safety issues. Anibal de Leon, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance and programs to prevent homelessness. Trinidad Ruiz, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance and programs to prevent homelessness. James, resident, thanked Mayor Frometa for her leadership. He thanked the City Council, Cia Manager Livas and Directors for making the City of Downey a great city. He commented in oppositiol of a • rent control ordinance. Jasmine Liberatore, resident, commented in support of a local rent control ordinance and programs to provide assistance to seniors. Teresa Puliclo, Century 21 Jervis & Associates, submitted written in opposition of a local re control ordinance. I Q Jackie Jervis Funk, Jervis & Associates, submitted written correspondence in opposition of local rent control ordinance. I City • Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 Stephanie Rodriguez, Dakota Apartments and L'Abri Management Inc., submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Melissa Jimenez, Stonewood Village Apartments, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Geliann Kitzigianis, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Nick Estrada, Arizonian Apartments, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Fifi Elseby, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Nathan Razo, Cornerstone Apartments, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Linda Coronado, Kimberly Thor Apartments, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Albertha Rodriguez, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Sam Elseby, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. James Nelson, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. MJ Morrissy, property management partner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, property maintenance expenses. Dave Kelly, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Sylvija Hoag, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on the property owner. Alexandria Razo, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Terri Gallegos, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the need to construct new housing units. Raul Lopez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Art Nevarez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Michael Berdelis, Greater Downey Association of Realtors, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 9 Bruno Ekk, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance; and, in support of the construction of new housing units. Kandy Grzebyk, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance; and, in support of the development of affordable housing units. Jeff Worthy, Worthy Properties, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local re control ordinance; and, in support of new housing development. Juan Garcia, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr I orinance. d Jim DeKay, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance. I Grace Hernandez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local re control ordinance. I Angelica Arceo, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Carrie Rodgers, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contro'. ordinance. Rene Contreras, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contro-. ordinance. George Sanabria, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a is re control ordinance and subsidized housing. I Mel Berdelis, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control trdinance. Marie Picarelli, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control tirdinance. W-1-01 **IIjV ZiT617 NEFL5 Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 10:30 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconven the City Council meeting at 10.41 p.m. with all Council Members present. I Maria Elena Aguirre, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Angelo Picarelli, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Mari Gomez, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. 11 IVIR H 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 C. Christian Hendershot, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 10 Angeline Deo, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Vicky Broker, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Zina Pepaj, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Marquis Management, Management Company, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Darlene Roberson, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance and the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Guillermo Galvan, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Teena Garcia, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Samuel and Amanda Kim, Rancho La Paz Apartments, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Don Kozhaya, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Dora Basurto, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Epifanio Hernandez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Edith Ban, resident and property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance and the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Ivania Navarrete, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Don Keller,_ Don Keller Collision Center, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Villas at Downey, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Lupita Davis, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance and the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Anthony Jones, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Elvira M., resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 11 Marin Kim, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contro, William Austin, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent cont"I Stephan Estephan, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordi-ia-tce. Robert Cabrera, resident, submitted written correspondences in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance; and, public officials. i Carla Ramirez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control Robert &j property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control Frank and Melissa Jimenez, residents, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Paulina Ramirez-Martignon, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ord4awce. Trish Morris, Century 21 Peak, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local re control ordinance. I Sarah Estephan, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance and the possible negative impact it would have on the quality of life residents have come Raquel Avila, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Stephanie Anda, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. John Lacey, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr Ron Minekime, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent contr George Abouakl, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a rent cont", Steve Roberson, Century 21 Peak, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a loc- rent control ordinance. .1 Luis Gallegos, Keller Williams Pacific Estates, submitted written correspondence in oppositi of a local rent control ordinance. I City Council Minutes George Redfox, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Tracie Melton, L'Abri Management Inc., submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Jessie Estrada, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, public officials. Kevin Wilkinson, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. J.T. Jackson, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Alejandro Blanco, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Jeff Bell, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of the construction of new affordable housing development. Rick Murga, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of the construction of City sponsored affordable housing developments and mix use units. Lissette Rivera, resident, submitted written correspondences in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; heroes pay; homeless assistance; and, new businesses in the City. Louie A. Lujan, Greater Downey Association of REALTORS, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Dorothy Pemberton, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Jim Wilkinson, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of City sponsored low income housing. Gayla Rudolph, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Irene Perez, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Joseph Bartolo, resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, in support of identifying solutions to the housing crisis. Jon Fujimoto, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance; and, the undue financial hardship rent control would impose on property owners. Jason B. and Maritza Malone, residents, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. David and Maria C. Alvarez, residents, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 13 Danielle Leidner-Peretz, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local rent control ordinance. Fred Sutton, California Apartment Association, submitted written correspondence in oppositi of a local rent control ordinance. I Danielle Barraza, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local re control ordinance. I Jim Rodriguez, property owner, submitted written correspondence in opposition of a local re control ordinance. I Jeremy Fitzl, L'Abri Management Inc., submitted written correspondence in opposition of a loca' rent control ordinance. Jose De Leon, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent contro'. ordinance; and, public officials. Miguel Villarreal, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent contro'. ordinance. Victor Frias non-resident submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent contris ordinance; and, a&ocate for affor'dable housing in surrounding cities to prevent homelessne i Gabriel Ramirez, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local re control ordinance; and, congratulated Council Member Alvarez. I Daniella L. Figueroa, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rel control ordinance. Diana Sanchez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, homelessness due to inequality. Cindy Macias, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, rise in unemployment. Alexandria Contreras, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, dislocated residents. Magaly Esparza, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, unemployment due to the pandemic. Kevin Ezeh, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance; and, financial impact on residents due to COVID-19. Resident, no name provided, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Ana Lucia Vilches, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance and financial assistance programs for first time homebuyers. Mario Cortez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 14 Dr. Anthony Feliz, Jr., non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Ms. Maria, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Jewell Karinen, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of alocal rent control ordinance. Hava Buchanan, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Jose Garcia, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Mary -Ann Sanfelippo, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. She commented on the financial constraint on Americans with Disabilities. Fernando Ramirez, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Mia Martinez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance and the development of new affordable housing units. Lilli Jackson, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Luis Martinez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent Control ordinance. Tevina Quintana, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Ernesto Gomez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Melissa Michelson, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of the local rent control ordinance; and, congratulated Council Member submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance Alvarez. Elisa Martinez, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Xaviere Murillo, non-resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Carlos Aranibar, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Elsa Cardenas, resident, submitted written correspondence in support of a local rent control ordinance. Having no One else, Mayor Pacheco closed public Comment. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 15 to protect tenants from abusive landlords; and, ensure renters continue to feel welcome, protected and respected in the City of Downey. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco concurred with Council Member Trujillo when he said the Council represents all the residents in the City of Downey. She stated every Council Member is elected by the residents either at large or by district to serve all the residents in Downey. The rent control measure has come before the voters in the City of Downey twice and the voters both times have voted against any rent control statewide but most importantly in the City of Downey. As was demonstrated last year, Downey is not a city that doesn't care about both residential and commercial tenants the Council enacted moratoriums, rental assistance programs and conducted numerous workshops so that tenants are aware of their rights. The voters of Downey have voiced their opinion and she is here to represent all residents, she commended Council Member Alvarez for bringing this item before the Council for discussion, but she does not feel comfortable proceeding forward with directing staff research a rent control ordinance in the City of Downey. Council Member Ashton stated he appreciates the time to review the issue, listen to everyone's comments, pull his own statistics and come to a conclusion on the subject. In hearing how the item is going now he feels there is something the Council can do. He is unclear if rent control would be the successful thing to do to assist residents but he feels there is something more the City can do to help residents during the pandemic. He thanked Council Member Trujillo for bring up the comments he was going to make regarding the need for affordable housing. While affordable housing will not provide immediately assistance it is something that is needed long term to provide more housing which will affect the rates of the housing market to keep them in line with the average rate. He finds that the average rate is $2,000 is so high considering his mortgage is less than that. He stated the City is in a housing crunch and is supposed to plan to build 666,650 new homes over the next eight years yet it is unclear where the City is to identify areas to build that many homes. That will be something the City will need to focus on to find other resources in other ways to help residents. He stated he appreciates the opportunity to have this discussion. Council Member Alvarez thanked Council Member Trujillo for his comments. She commented on Proposition 21's campaign contributions by landlords to vote no were over $6 million 6 hundred and that is an example as to why Proposition 21 did not pass. She commented regarding the 2018 moratorium not approved by Council and stated many residents were in need of protection from rent increases of more than 100%. She stated the just cause does provide more protection to the community. She agreed with Council Members Trujillo and Ashton that additional housing is needed and identifying locations to build new housing will be challenging. She mentioned rents in the community are extremely high. She appreciated the opportunity to discuss this matter she pointed out the not all of the 100 calls received are Downey residents. She reiterated AB 1482 is not rent control it is a rent cap and rents can still be increased 3.8% each year yet families do not receive a 3.8% wage increase. She stated she is looking forward in working together to assist future tenants. Mayor Frometa thanked her Council Colleagues for their comments and she is in agreement that the Council is elected to serve the constituents as a whole without discriminating one versus the other and to ensure everyone is treated fairly. She stated in reviewing the numbers provided, vacancy rate of 3.7% versus the vacancy rate of rent control cities of San Francisco and Santa Monica of 13% and 15% accordingly leads her to believe that the City of Downey's numbers are different. The City cannot be persuaded by a different narrative that is occurring in other cities and continue to focus in the City of Downey as this is where we were elected to serve. She stated the voters of California, whether the campaign contributions made on the Proposition 21 came from one side or the other, overwhelming struck down both Proposition 10 and 21. She stated the economic research consistently shows that rent control is not the answer to cities as it does not address the underlying causes contributing to California's housing problem. She recommends looking in the direction and focusing their collaborative efforts on representing our constituents to identify affordable housing opportunities to ensure that we begin to moving in that direction. She mentioned the need to look at the biomedical overlay with three hospitals in the City that provide great opportunities of good paying jobs that will afford people the City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — February 9, 2021 17