HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-09-21 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
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REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2021
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on March 9, 20211
at 6:40 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
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Claudia M. Frometa
Mayor
Blanca Pacheco
Mayor Pro Tern
Catherine Alvarez
Council Member (teleconference)
Sean Ashton
Council Member (teleconference)
Mario Truo
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
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Aldo E. Schindler, Community Development Director
Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fire
Chief Dan Hurlock.
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1. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Phil Cokkinos, Public Works employee
retiring after 25 years.
2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Champion Award to Marco Silva.
3. Presentation to the City Council by The Whole Child.
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. Ha
mentioned he received emails from residents regarding street maintenance and he is looking forward tit,
the Downey Pavement Management Program 2020 Update. He requested staff identify means ti
improve plan check technology.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting.
She reported attending the Cal Cities Los Angeles Division workshop on effective communication in a
virtual world. She stated the workshop was informative and they discussed the importance of
presenting yourself in a virtual world by focusing on proper lighting and positioning the camera
correctly. She reported participating in the Read Across America by reading to students at two
elementary schools and was asked to participate in the upcoming Read Across America event at Rio
Hondo Elementary School. She thanked Chief Milligan and staff for installing the equipment to monitor
speeding on Brookshire Ave. between Imperial Hwy. and Gardenclale St.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 9, 2021
That the City Council introduce.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND A ZONE CHANGE DESIGNATION FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12021 WOODRUFF AVENUE, THEREBY CONVERTING THE
EAST PORTION OF THE PROPERTY FROM P-B (PARKING BUFFER) TO M-2 (GENERAL
Mark, resident, commented regarding the quality of the documents posted on the City's website
for the proposed project construction.
City Council Minutes
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding
Non -Agenda items. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference
line who would like to comment regarding Non -Agenda items.
Devangi Stratman, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding the defamation
character and investigation of Council Member, District 3. 1
Tijay Patel, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Council Member,
District 3.
Vimal Patel, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding defamation of character by
Council Member, District 3.
Anthony Jones, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Council
Member, District 3; and, cyber bullying.
fflargarita Jimenez, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Council
Members in Districts 3 a
Joseph Bartolo, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Council
Member, District 3.
Troy P. Busher, resident, submitted written comments regarding importance of communi
volunteers and the investigation of Council Member, Ili 3.
Christine Dimas, resident, submitted written comments regarding defamation of character a
integrity of Council Member, District 3, and in support of Council Member Alvarez.
Lucy Villalobos, resident, submitted written comments regarding public officials and to reque
no parking signs due to illegal activities on Vista Del Rio Ave.
Jesus Meillon, resident, submitted written comments regarding public officials, in support of
progressive City Council and to welcome Council Member Alvarez.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, submitted written comments regarding defamation of character, t
COVI D-1 9 pandemic, and freedom of speech.
Robert P. Cabrera, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Coun
Member, District 3.
Fernando Castillo, resident, submitted written comments regarding articles in the Down
Patriot, public officials' ethics, and financial assistance for low income families. I
Samuel Jebananthan, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Counci!
Member, District 3.
Resident, no name provided, submitted written comments regarding defamation of character,
integrity of public officials, and investigation of Council Members in District 3 and 5.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding public officials, harassment and the video
recordings of the Public Comment period during City Council Meetings.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - March 9, 2021 4
Lisa Rivera, resident, commented regarding domestic violence, defamation of character, and
public officials.
Juan Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding public officials, trash on City streets from the
distribution of the Downey Patriot, and disseminating information to residents regarding COVID-19
related City resources and programs.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding the First Amendment, public comments,
bullying, protection for underrepresented youth, and public officials.
Veronica Del Cid, resident, thanked Council Member Alvarez for her dedication and continued
efforts to represent the community. She commented regarding the need for change and encouraged
residents to express their opinions to the City Council.
Mr. Castillo, resident, commented regarding investigation of public officials, and the publications
in The Downey Patriot.
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Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who
would like to comment regarding Consent Calendar items. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if
there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items.
Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments regarding Item No. 12 thanking the City
Council for considering the item regarding the formation of a Downey Veterans Council; attacks on
freedom of religion, speech, and peaceful assembly.
Franklin Dean, resident, submitted written comments regarding Item No. 12 thanking the City
Council for considering the item regarding the formation of a Downey Veterans Council.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented in opposition of CalMet's rate increase; in support of
Item Nos. 4, 5 and 12; and, political officials.
Ms. Sandoval, resident, commented regarding Item No. 6 and inquired if Downey residents
were invited to bid on this project.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12;
and, political officials.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
City Manager Livas pulled Item No. 6 for separate discussion.
Council Member Alvarez abstained from Item No. 2, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of
October 27 2020, as she was not a Council Member at that time; and, pulled Item No. 12 for separate
discussion.
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 2, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of
October 27 2020, as he was not a Council Member at that time.
It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Frometa and carried 5-0, to
approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Members Alvarez and Trujillo abstaining
from Item No. 2, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2020.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 9, 2021 5
BIDS FOR INSTALLATION OF THE NEW OCCUPANCY SIGNAGE FOR THE CITY'S
DOWNTOWN PARKING STRUCTURE: Administration.
Council- i-Trujillo abstained from ItemNo. . due to owning property ` Downtown
Downey area and leftdais.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui provided a brief overview of staff's recommendation to award
the contract to Parking Logix and approve the End Users Acknowledgement and Agreement as is with
the exception to Section 6.3, Page 4 of said Agreement. He stated City Attorney Abich Garcia would
provide the appropriate language for Section 6.3 and staff will amend Section 6.3 prior to submitting thz
final agreement for execution.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 4-
1, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining to award a contract to Parking Logix in the amount of
$45,078.19 for the purchase of new occupancy signage and related equipment for the City's Downtown
Downey Parking Structure; authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement with Parking Logix with the
amendment toSection•:authorized staff tosolicit informalbids for • isthe newoccupancy
Council Member Alvarez requested Item No. 12 be pulled to read into the reco
correspondence received from Lee Squire. i
It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 4
1, with Council Member Ashton absent from the vote due to technical issues to approve the formation
of a Downey Veterans Council.
City Manager Livas announced Item Nos.13 and 14 would be tabled and continued to the next
Regular City Council Meeting of March 23, 2021.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 21- , A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CITY'S URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN AND
STREET TREE MASTER PLAN
UPDATE:
City Manager Livas provided the presentation for Item No. 15. He provided a general review of
the City Council Meeting of February 9, 2021 where the City Council recognized the need to establish
an Affordable Housing Subcommittee. He stated the purpose of the Subcommittee is to review a myriad
of choices for the Council and work to identify alternatives to create affordable housing in the City. He
stated staff is asking the Council to select two Council Members to sit on the Subcommittee.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - March 9, 2021 7
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 9:28 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the
City Council meeting at 9.35 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who
would like to comment regarding Item No. 15. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any
written correspondence received regarding Item No. 15.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented in support of appointing Council Member Alvarez
and Council Member Trujillo to the Subcommittee.
Manuel Hurtado, resident, commented in support of the creation of the Affordable Housing
Subcommittee and the need to create additional affordable housing to reduce the long-standing
inequalities and prevent homelessness.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding the shortage of affordable housing for
Americans with Disabilities, COVID-19 effects on the housing market, and homeless prevention.
Alex Contreras, non-resident, submitted written comments thanking the City Council for
addressing the urgency to create new affordable housing and for the establishment of an Affordable
Housing Subcommittee.
Mayor Frometa concurred with the written comments submitted. She stated the State has
mandated the City of Downey create 6,000 units within the next seven years. She stated cities
statewide are struggling with this particular issue due to density challenges. She confirmed Downey has
begun to take the necessary steps to comply with the State's mandate.
Council Member Trujillo motioned to nominate Mayor Frometa and himself to serve on the
Subcommittee.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco and carried 5-
#, to nominate Mayor Frometa and Council Member Trujillo to sit on the Affordable Housing
Subcommittee.
Council Member Trujillo requested the Subcommittee meet within 30 days and staff create an
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
City Manager Livas provided a brief overview of the City Council Meeting Agenda process f
adding items to the Agenda. The City Council addresses their requests for items to either the City Cle
Duarte or the City Manager for discussion or direction to staff then action takes place at the meeting
the City Council. He clarified the City Manager does not control the City's $2,000,000 budget. T
budget is presented to the City Council and the Council takes action. He added the budget is n
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approved by categories to prevent any undue chaos throughout the year. He addressed the criticis
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the City Council has received regarding the Council not taking action for the overall good of t
community. The City Council has spent over $67,000,000 on Public Safety, Parks, City Library a
Downey Theatre. He stated tonight the City Council approved and certified over $2.3 million I
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - March 9, 2021 8
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:57 p.m. on February 10, 2021,
in memory of retired Downey Police Department Detectives John Lynch and Ed Walker; Los Angeles
Police Department personnel who lost their battle with COVID-19: Sgt. Fred Cueto; Police Service
Representative Raymond L. Guerrero; Police Officer Valentin Martinez; Senior Detention Officer Erica
McAdoo; Police Officer Philip Sudario; Sgt. Patricia Guillen; and, the lives lost due to Q D-19.
k.-
AAMA ALICIA MARV, CLAUDIA M. FROMETA
City Clerk Mayor
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 9, 2021 9