HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-27-21 Regular MeetingMINUTES • THE
CITY •: OF THE CITY • •
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 27, 2021 1
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on April 27, 2021,
at 6:32 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Claudia M. Frometa
Blanca Pacheco
Catherine Alvarez
Sean Ashton
Mario Trujillo
ffiayor
Mayor Pro Tern
(teleconference)
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, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council
Member Trujillo.
Mayor Frometa presented a Proclamation in honor of Day of Remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide.
2. Presentation to the City Council regarding COVID-19 by City of Downey Emergency Manager
Rakdy Khlok.
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
reported attending Downey's Art and Culture Committee meeting and invited members of the public to
attend the meetings and provide their input. He reported attending the Affordable Housing Committee
meeting and reported one of the Subcommittee's goals is to increase the percentage of Downey
homeowners by 10%. The Subcommittee also discussed down payment assistance options. He
requested staff research WiFi options to increase internet access city-wide. He commented regarding
the plan he developed during his campaign called B.R.A.S.S. Roots and it represents Broadband,
Residential Streets, Alleys, Sidewalks and Street lights. He stated his goal is to make significant leeway
on these issues.
Council Member Ashton welcomed members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. He
announced he is fully vaccinated and is excited to attend the City Council meetings in person. He
encouraged members of the public to get vaccinated in order to return to some normalcy. He requested
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - April 27, 2021
to assist the homeless in the community. She thanked the Polic
She requested staff address debris in the area of Telegraph Rd.
and Firestone Blvd. near the railroad tracks.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
I L' NI L, F-1 TOM 2 1 k►11117-1 10 "1. R 16110161, q, I q, "L
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 on Non -Agenda items.
Marybeth Vergara, Conservancy Project Development Manager, submitted written comments in
support of the completion of the Wilderness Park Project. She thanked Assistant City Manager Oskoui
for seeing the project through to completion and for ensuring the health and sustainability of the
wetlands.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, submitted written comments advocating for a policy that respects the
nature of chaos, order and calibration within the City of Downey to perpetuate balance.
James Tobo, resident, submitted written comments in support of a no confidence vote against
District Attorney George Gasc6n.
Robert P. Cabrera, resident, submitted written comments regarding enforcement of code
violations, oversized vehicles parked on residential streets, vehicles illegally parked on lawns and
vehicles blocking driveways.
Cesilia Rojas, resident, submitted written comments in support of a no confidence vote against
District Attorney George Gasc6n and graffiti.
Mariela De Silva, resident, submitted written comments in support of a no confidence vote
against District Attorney George Gasc6n.
Trish Morris, resident, submitted written comments regarding vacating of City Council seat,
District 3's seat and the event held at Apollo Park that violated Public Health Orders.
Joseph Bartolo, resident, submitted written comments regarding an investigation of violations of
L.A. County Public Health Orders by Council Member, District 3; and, the retaliatory behavior of Public
Officials.
Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments regarding the Holocaust Remembrance Day,
anti-Semitism, and Veterans and Memorial Day celebrations.
Lissette Rivera, resident, submitted written comments regarding an investigation of violations of
L.A. County Public Health Orders, loud Music and hosting an event at Apollo Park without permits by
Council Member, District 3.
Elyse Ramirez, resident, submitted written comments regarding an investigation of violations of
L.A. County Public Health Orders, loud music and hosting an event at Apollo Park without permits by
Council Member, District 3.
Maria Maciel-Arencibia, resident, submitted written comments regarding bullying and
harassment on social media platforms and an investigation of Council Member, District 3.
Irma Suarez, CVS employee, commented in support of Hero Pay,
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - April 27, 2021 3
Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding COVID-19 vaccinations rates, reopening the City
Council Chambers to allow for in person attendance, public officials, food distribution event and
privatizing Downey's drinking water.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding freedom of speech, following social
distancing protocols during the City Council Meetings, and an event at Apollo Park violating L.A. County
Public Health Orders.
Bryan Medina, Community Organizer of the Tree People, commented regarding the Water Talks
project and the importance of public participation to provide input concerning the drought and water
depth. He invited the community to participate in a water survey regarding the disbursement of Prop 1
funding.
Bruce Crow, resident, commented regarding the American War of Independence and
Declaration of Independence.
Robin, Rite Aid employee, commented regarding essential workers daily exposure to COVID-19
by customers refusing to wear facial coverings, employees' mental health issues, and in support of
hazard pay for essential workers.
Melissa, CVS Pharmacy Technician, commented regarding customers refusing to follow
COVI D-1 9 protocols and in support of hazard pay for essential workers.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding mistaken identity.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed Non -Agenda public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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 on Consent Calendar items.
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, submitted written comments regarding the Code of Ethics and
Conduct for Commissioners, Committee and or Members and in support of Item No. 9, a Code of
Ethics and Conduct for the City Council.
Lee Squire, resident, submitted written comments in support of Item No. 9, Code of Ethics and
Conduct for the City Council. He commented in support of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for City staff.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding the Code of Ethics and Conduct for the
City Council.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5; and, in
support of Item No. 4, residential street pavement rehabilitation citywide and Item No. 9, Code of Ethics
and Conduct for City Council.
Non-resident, no name provided, commented in support of Item No. 9, Code of Ethics and
Conduct for the City Council and enforcement for violators. He commented regarding the City Council
providing a Language Translator for non-English speakers.
Non -Resident, no name provided, commented in support of It No. 9, Code of Ethics and
Conduct for the City Council. He commented regarding violations of the Constitution, First Amendment
and Brown Act.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - April 27, 2021 4
entities that are on the State of California's Housing and Community Development Database. If the 60-
day notice period expires without receiving any offers for the surplus land, staff will consult with the City
Council to request direction regarding the sale of land to the owner of the former Denny's site.
City Clerk Duarte announced the Exhibit A to the resolution had been inadvertently omitted from
the staff report but has been uploaded to the City's website and copies of the corrected staff report
have been provided to the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any written correspondence received
regarding Item No. 10. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the
teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 10. City Clerk Duarte confirmed
there was no written correspondence received.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding using the surplus land for parking or a
homeless shelter.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding using the surplus land for a homeless
shelter.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding repurposing the surplus land to
build tiny homes for the homeless.
Joey Martinez, resident, commented regarding using the surplus land to build affordable
housing units or a homeless shelter.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding using the surplus land to build tiny homes
or affordable housing units.
David Bowers, non-resident, commented in support of identifying the property as surplus land
and negotiating a sale to the owner of the former Denny's location due to the small lot size and its
location.
Alex Contreras, non-resident, commented in support of identifying the land as surplus land to
develop affordable housing units. She also commented regarding Downey's exceptionally high Reginal
Housing Needs Allocation numbers.
Ms. Villa, resident, commented regarding building a shelter for the homeless.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
Council Member Ashton stated he supports the building of tiny homes and asked staff if the
location is large enough to be developed. Director Schindler stated the lot size is 12,500 square feet
and would not be large enough to accommodate a tiny house project. He confirmed staff has been in
communication with a pallet home developer. He stated a challenge is the surrounding infrastructure
required to build pallet homes as it requires more land than what is available at this site.
City Manager Livas stated when businesses are adjacent to a potential residential building a
buffer is required between commercial property and the potential homes on the property. He reiterated
the challenges as infrastructure, the buffer and to allow sufficient access to the area. He stated if it
were 12,000 square feet of land adjacent to another residential area then the homes could be built up
to the property line.
Council Member Ashton stated one of the callers commented regarding the City trying to give
land away. He has read the report and understood that the City is making notice of the surplus land and
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - April 27, 2021 7
Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco concurred with her Council colleague regarding pushing the date later
in the summer to allow staff sufficient time to receive additional clarification from the L.A. County
Department of Public Health.
Mayor Frometa stated the Council supports events that bring inclusion as a community and
prides itself on being Downey Strong. She stated globally everyone has endured the most challenging
time of their lifetime. She shared her concerns with hosting an event. She stated the Council must be
thoughtful in budgeting and no taxpayer dollars are to fund the event. She reminded the Council that
they did not approve a $2,700 Sister City cultural trip because it was too expensive. She commented
regarding the City not fulfilling constituents' requests to open the Concerts in the Park events due to the
unknowns of COVID-1 9 restrictions.
City Manager Livas stated he understands the Council is in support of the picnic going forward
and the only concern is the date. He requested clarification from the Council.
Mayor Frometa stated she supports providing the space but will not support the City funding the
event with taxpayer money.
Council Member Ashton asked his colleagues if they are okay with waiving the permit and show
nobile fees.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — April 27, 2021 9
I,T,Iayor Pro Tern Pacheco made a subsequent motion to table or continue the discussl
pending the presentation from L.A. CADA.
i1t:: IVIIIISID: 11"1, 1 1121 1 !1111111•111!!! n1i -1 life
I,T,Iayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any written correspondence receiv-4
regarding Item No. 11. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on t
teleconference line who would like to comment regarding Item No. 11.
Greg Elsasser, Warren High teacher and resident, submitted written comments in support ofP
LGBTQ Family Picnic. I
Justin Muller, Warren High teacher and resident, submitted written comments in support of C
LGBTQ Family Picnic; and, the strong shift in student interest and perspectives in the push for LGBTV
equality. I
III�Jir:
1 1 1
Jaime--7'alladares, non-resident, submitted written comments in support of a LGBTQ Family
Pride Picnic.
Eddie Martinez, non-resident, submitted written comments in support of the Downey Family
Pride Picnic.
Fatima D. Baqi, non-resident, submitted written comments regarding the strong solidarity wiYA-
the LGBTQ neighbors and in support of any Downey Pride events.
TFINVOR11101 M111 i I : I l�! 11111 11111 i0mrsTs"A
Robert Bazz, resident, submitted written comments in support of June LGBTQ Pride of and
the community event.
Matt it, resident, submitted written comments in support of June Pride of and
recognizing the LGBT community in the City of Downey.
Alexandria Contreras, non-resident, submitted written comments in support of the LGBTQ
community and June Pride Month in Downey.
Nicole Martinez, resident, submitted written comments in support of Downey recognizing June
Pride Month and supports all LGBTQ events.
Zahra Hajee, resident, submitted written comments in support of recognizing June Pride Month
and the LGBTQ community.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented in support of the Downey Pride Family Picnic and
Juneteenth celebrations.
Resident, no name provided, thanked Council Members Alvarez, Ashton and Trujillo for bringing
the Downey Pride Family Picnic item and extended his support.
_43NU21111to 111111114-21(7-100 W F =. 1 11111�1 i ��!!! I a
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — April 27, 2021 10
Joey Martinez, resident, commented in support of the Downey Pride Family Picnic.
commented regarding public officials. I
Raymond Reyes, resident, commented in support of the Downey Pride Family Picnic provided it
will be held at a later date.
Ridol. fo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, thanked Council Members Alvarez, Ashton and Trujillo
for supporting the LGBTQ community. He commented in support of the Downey Pride Family Picnic.
�ilill 1XITTINE1111! 1135! 11111111 11 EEM=
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Alvarez and carried 4-
1 -0, with Mayor Frometa voting no to allow the use of the City park, waive the permit fees with a future
date to be decided for the Downey Family Picnic and L.A. CADA providing a presentation to the City
Council.
Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas presented the staff report to Item No. 12. She
summarized the background of the American Rescue Plan that became law on March 11, 2021 and
provides urgent funding to stabilize government operations, households and small businesses. It is the
first time all 19 municipal governments are entitled to a direct non-competitive Federal formula grant
from the U.S. Treasury Department which is different from the Consolidated Act from December and
the CARES Act from March. Ms. De Rojas reported how the allocation calculations were formulated.
She stated Downey is estimated to receive $27,290,000 from the U.S. Treasury and it will be disbursed
in two parts. The first will be received by May 10, 2021 and the second a year later. She stated the
spending deadline is December 31, 2024 and the money will remain available thru said date. She
provided an overview of the eligible expenditures and the other American Rescue Plan funding for
Rental Assistance, Homeowner Assistance, Emergency Housing Vouchers, HUD Homeless Assistance
and FEMA Emergency Food & Shelter, Small Businesses, Restaurant Direct Assistance, Business
Assistance, Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Disaster Loans and other resources. She
presented staff's recommendations for the uses of the allocations as water treatment facilities, Revenue
Loss COVID-19 Expenditures, Non -Profit organizations that provide COVID-19 resources and support
to the community, and Distance Learning for youth.
IrUsTelailair4mr. !I ...............• .............
City Manager Livas stated staff does not have any recommendations for the second
�isbursement since the City will not receive the funding until next year. He expected a significan!
portion of the funding allocations will to be for Water Treatment to stay ahead of the State Guidelines.
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.
City Clerk Duarte confirmed there was no written correspondence received.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding the allocation of funds, expenditure
infrastructure, and public officials. I
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — April 27, 2021 11
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, no name provided, commented regarding advocating for additional
funding speccally •'I housing projects.
R.T=-
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried
0, to approve the allocations for the first payment as recommended by City staff. i
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:35 p.m. in memory of t
victims of the Indianapolis FedEx shooting: Amarjeet K. Johal, Amarjit Sekhon, Jasvinder Ka
Jaswinder Singh, John Weisert, Karli Smith, Matthew R. Alexander, and Samaria Blackwell; and, t
lives • due to COVID-19. I
�ALICIA �DUA�RTE, C u
BLANCA PARNHECO
City Clerk Mayor Pro Tern
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — April 27, 2021 12