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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-13-21 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2021 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 13, 20 at 6:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Down California, Mayor Frometa presiding. I 9007A roff L 92-1 M 0 =_ Claudia M. Frometa Mayor Blanca Pacheco Mayor Pro Tern I - Catherine Alvarez Council Member (teleconference) Sean Ashton Council Member (teleconference) Mario Trujillo Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney Dean Milligan, Chief of Police Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief Aldo E. Schindler, Community Development Director Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant to the City Manager Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by former Mayor Rick Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Blake Calvert. 1. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Community Family Guidance Center. 2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Champion Award to Michael Calvert. 3. Mayor Frometa presented a Proclamation in honor of Arbor Day to Director of Public Works Delfino Consunji. 4. Presentation to the City Council regarding Measure S Projects by Assistant City Manager John Oskoui. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. She thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui for the informative Measure S Projects presentation. She reported attending the National Vietnam Veterans Day celebration, virtual Coffee with a Cop and the reopening of Wilderness Park. She announced all City parks are open as of today and residents are able to enjoy the parks' amenities. She thanked City Manager Livas and Assistant City Manager Oskoui for their hard work and dedication to the Measure S Projects. She announced upcoming events: Community Meeting hosted by Supervisor Hahn regarding updates for the Restorative Care Village at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital; and, a drive -through food distribution in partnership with Assembly Member Garcia. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - April 13, 2021 Jeremy Shedd, resident, submitted written comments in opposition of travel expenses to Ensencla, Mexico paid for by taxpayer dollars. Rachel Bruhnke, resident, submitted written comments in support of Council Member Alvarez and Commissioner Aranibar, services for single parents and the homeless, and freedom of speech. Scarlett Giries, resident submitted written comments regarding the vulgar language used during public comments, and drag racing on Florence Ave. between Lakewood Ave. and the 605 freeway. Carlos Gomez, resident, submitted written comments regarding excessive speed, installation of cipeed bumps and public safety issues on Glencliff Dr. and Dos Rios Rd. Trish Morris, resident, submitted written comments regarding vacating of City Council seat, District 3. Melissa Michelson, resident, submitted written comments regarding freedom of speec retaliatory behavior of public officials, and communications regarding libel. I Joseph Bartolo, resident, submitted written comments regarding investigation of Council Member, District 3. Sandra Isla, resident, submitted written comments regarding the impact the Restorative Care Village will have on the community's safety. Margaret Villa, non-resident, submitted written comments in support of Council Member Alvarez. Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments regarding Vietnam War Veterans Day. He thanked the City Council and Downey Latino Newspaper for the wreaths placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Fatima D. Abdullah-Baqi, resident, submitted written comments in support of a LGBTQ picnilt and other events. John Lee, resident, submitted written comments in opposition of LGBTQ events including the LGBTQ Pride Month. rAr Maria Maciel-Arencibia, resident, submitted written comments thanking Mayor Frometa for her ongoing support of Food Help and thanked former Mayor Rodriguez for volunteering the use of his truck to collect food donations. She also thanked Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco for the food drive held to feed the community. IFSTOTOTOT4 [ wome City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 3 Laura Dean, resident, submitted written comments in opposition of a LGBTQ Pride Monim resolution. She commented regarding COVID-19 restrictions and in support of a June Family Heal and Wellness Month resolution. I Joey Martinez, resident, commented in support of a City sponsored LGBTQ Family Picnic. also commented regarding defamation of character. Bruce Crow, resident, commented regarding the Declaration of Independence, life, liberty a the pursuit of property for all. Alex Vargas, resident, commented in support of Mayor Frometa for protecting the entire Cil from chaos and division. He announced an upcoming food drive for families affected by COVID-1 9. Edward Nava, resident, commented regarding the reduction of public comment time, Downey water quality and public officials. 60,11111111 =_$ 3741176 i Resident, no name provided, thanked Mayor Frometa for engaging the audience in the meeti and her passion for the City. I Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the use of public funds for leg — actions against citizens and defamation of character. i Hector, resident, applauded Mayor Frometa for her strength, leadership and professionalis He commented regarding the vulgar language and insults towards Mayor Frometa and Mayor Pro Te Pacheco during public comment period. 11 Rosette Rivera, resident, commented regarding the shameful, disrespect and vulgar comments made towards Mayor Frometa and Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco during public comment p jeriod. She thanked Mayor Frometa, Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco and Council Member Trujillo for representing Downey with courage and professionalism. She commented in support of an investigation of Council Member, District 3. I or-] I RN blm — DID101 I a I I a M I I 11I �Elle' 00 0 0 Ma -0 Christy Vargas, resident, commented in support of Mayor Frometa for the sacrifices and the wonderful job she has done for the City. [Yiarcus, resident, congratulated Mayor Frometa for her support of the community; lives lost duc to COVID-19 and in opposition to a City funded LGBTQ Picnic. Rudy Morales, non-resident, commented regarding a united City Council; food drives and distributions for districts; and, in support of Council Member Alvarez. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 4 Andy, resident, commented regarding language used by individuals during the meetings and ir. r,upport of the LGBTQ community. Janet Minnig, resident, commented regarding community engagement and commended the City Council for tolerating the vulgar language used during the public comment period. She thanked the Fire and Police Departments, City Council and Downey Unified School District for the great job they do. Brian Heyman, resident, commended the City Council for their service and commented in support of Mayor Frometa for her leadership, honesty and transparency. He thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui for the fantastic job managing the Measure S Projects. James, non-resident, commented regarding his discontent with public officials and the need for additional programs to assist residents during the pandemic. City Manager Livas clarified the allegations of staff not responding to business owners that have called for assistance is inaccurate. He stated staff has been working diligently with the business community to streamline the permit approval process. He requested Director Schindler provide additional comments regarding staff's response to local businesses and measures staff has implemented to streamline processes. Director Schindler stated approximately a year ago City sMW began assisting businesses with outdoor dining permits prior to receiving any Federal or State funding. Staff has kept in constant communication with local businesses to ensure they have the ability to open and continue to provide services in an outdoor environment due to COVID-19 restrictions. Staff is aware that businesses are in need of immediate assistance and in addition to the restaurants, the City has allowed outdoor service for other establishments including nail salons, barber shops and gyms regardless of funding or timing. He stated as soon as funding was released the City through the guidance of the City Council immediately began providing grant programs for the business community. The City created the $10,000 Outdoor Parklettes Grant program to allow businesses to sustain themselves. He stated the outdoor parklettes are visible throughout the Downtown area and were funded through the grant program. In addition to the parklefte grants, the City Council authorized the allocation of funds in the amount of $750,000 to provide $25,000 grants to businesses. Staff received 50 applications and some have already been funded, three are in the process of being funded, six additional are ready to be processed for funding, and 49 applicants are on the waiting list. He stated staff has done and will continue to do their best to respond to the calls within 24 hours to keep applicants abreast of status. He stated businesses in need of assistance may also access the City's website and the City's social media platforms to obtain applications. He also stated the City continues to support the local shopping centers through the global pandernic in terms of how the shopping centers plan out their operation and logistics. He added through the guidance of the City Council, the City was able to close Downey Ave. by installing K-rails with at the City's expense. He mentioned staff is in constant communication with the Downtown Business Association to ensure their concerns are also being addressed and to provide direct access to City Hall. City Manager Livas stated in addition to all the aforementioned, staff is continuing 4xv communicate all funding sources and programs available to businesses at the Federal, State and County levels. He stated not all applicants have been able to maneuver through the Federal guidelines and meet the requirements affixed to the City's grant programs funded by Federal government. Mayor Frometa thanked City Manager Livas and Director Schindler for their reports. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13.2O21 5 Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regardi Consent Calendar items. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on t teleconference line who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. I It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco and carried 0 to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Ite No. ,. 1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of March 23, 2021; Regular Meeting of February 23, 2021: City Clerk. $5,915,646.43: Finance. -r r • • • r - +- .• r •` • ACCEPTED rERNESS PARK PONDS RESTORATION PR DEMOLITION, GRADING r r CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS;• r i • r ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS;AND LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS (CIP NO. - NO. r AND CIP NO. COMPLETE. • • =IBM• • • • • 1 • - - -• r - •- • 1'-• r - r AUTHORIZED THE NOTICESOF • • TO BE FILED FOR THE REFERENCED PROJECTS. 4. AUTHORIZED 1 1 1 IN MEASURE M LOCAL RETURN FUNDS. • ACCOUNT NO. 57-17806 TO ACCOUNT NO. 57-17831 FOR STEWART & GRAY RD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS Ar, UPGRADES..• PROJECT NO. 1 Public Works. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 6 City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 I ELVA rMEM11 '02 TkYRIZZ-FAMM. OWN =_:11; 10 City Manager Livas asked what the LAP percentage is for Spanish speakers. Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas stated the LAP is 17%. Mayor Frometa thanked Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas for the informativt presentation. Nie�;��;I�! 11131111 iiiii�ii� IIII 1 1 Ing 1103111 :1 1 1 , Tiuff-r_��NXVM. ME 5yIUIeu,TMzFIrIL;Ii 01MInutir Xi r tasks during the City Council Meetings, she has been burdened with the task of translation. He stated if funding wasn't an issue the City would automatically provide translation services. He suggested it would be more cost effective to designate a Spanish speaking employee to attend the City Council Meetings for interpreter services and be compensated. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco asked how difficult it is for a non-English speaker to call in advance and request an interpreter. City Manager Livas stated when the City receives an advance notice request for a language interpreter staff will contact the interpreter to be present at the City Council Meeting. He stated during a regular City Council Meeting typically there has been a need to translate one person's public comments City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 9 and City Clerk Duarte is capable of providing the translation for the individual. He stated this subject may be mute due to the legislation currently being proposed. He added the legislation was proposed by Assembly Member Garcia and it will dictate to cities the kind of language interpretation that should be available and the thresholds. The proposed Assembly Bill is currently with the legislature and the State will vote as to what mandates cities will be required to implement regarding this issue. He stated many cities are waiting to see what the outcome is prior to taking any action and staff will act according to the Council's direct4q. Council Member Ashton inquired if there is another cost saving solution. He asked if it would be City Manager Livas reminded • any staff attending the meeting to provide interpreter services would be paid the overtime rate. He stated based on the length of time for the recent meetings two interpreters would be required. Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas stated even though the City does have staff that has been tested in Spanish they are mainly used for over the counter and phone services. She explained when requesting an interpreter at the meeting, the Agenda is sent to the interpreter in advance to allow time to prepare for the meeting. City Manager Livas stated even when the City has provided • those individuals have also been criticized • members of the public. Council Member Alvarez inquired if City Clerk Duarte was asked how she feels about providing the translation and the bullying that she has received during the City Council Meetings. City Manager Livas confirmed he has had conversations with City Clerk Duarte and she has conveyed that she is comfortable interpreting for the public. He asked City Clerk Duarte how she felt. City Clerk Duarte stated she does not have an issue translating. She did acknowledge there have been instances when members of the public are very passionate and speak without pause no�l allowing her time to gather her thoughts to express exactly what they are saying. It is her belief that this issue has only occurred with one individual. Mayor Frometa recommended the City wait for the outcome •' the proposed legislation. ShZ stated the plan the City currently has in place based on the public's need is more than adequate. Council Member Trujillo made a motion the item be tabled pending State legislation. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any written correspondence received regarding Item No. 12. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 12. Hava Cannon, resident, submitted written comments in support of hiring a language interpreter to attend all City Council Meetings and thanked City Clerk Duarte for the incredible job she has done. Joey Martinez, resident, commented in support of the City hiring a language interpreter to attend all City Council Meetings. He stated this issue should • :• placed • the City Clerk Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding Downey being comprised of 75% Latinos. He stated City Clerk Duarte does not know how to translate and suggested the City Manager's salary be reallocated to provide interpreter services. Brian Heyman, resident, commented in opposition • hiring an interpreter, he mentioned City Clerk Duarte is doing an excellent job. He stated the City Council should wait for the outcome of the City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - April 13, 2021 10 proposed legislation. Me commented regarding the City's on -demand translation services and the previous caller's affixation to the City Manager's salary. Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding employees providing translation services, the State's proposed legislation, and in support of providing a professional interpreter. at elely Ulty U! IFILAI 111CCUr e e ^11raleZ 'IL pay for the services or ask her to translate for the non-English speakers. He thanked City Clerk Duarte for providing the translations and enduring the bullying from the speakers. Matthew McCunningham, resident, commented in opposition of hiring a language interpreter and misspending public funds for an interpreter. Resident, no name provided, commented in support of hiring a language interpreter to comply with Article 131 of the Civil Rights Act. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - April 13, 2021 11 Armando—Aerman, non-resident, commented in support of hiring a language interpreter it ensure the speaker's message is conveyed accurately. I Resident, no name provided, commented in support of hiring a language interpreter to preve translation issues. I Aldo Elizalde, resident, commented in support of hiring a language interpreter for more publ engagement in the meetings from the Latino community. i WIT102 r, TM in City Attorney Abich Garcia stated Council Member Trujillo made a motion to table the item pending the outcome of the State's legislation. Council Member Ashton inquired if staff could publicize the interpreter services information in larger font on the agendas. City Manager Livas confirmed staff will ensure the information can be located easily on the agendas. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco and carried 4-1, with Council Member Alvarez voting no to table the item pending the outcome of the State's legislation. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 12 - . - 0 - 0 - 6 6 ILYA P95114-11 � m kh Fyn$ Ani WITEx4fimi me Mijffr�'ffr-4 0 CLAUDIA M. FROWTA V Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — April 13, 2021 13