HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-12-22 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 12, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on July 12, 2022, at
6:35 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey,
California, Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members-,
M.0 n.
Mario Trujillo
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Scott, Interim City Manager
Vaniah de Rojas, Interim Assistant City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Leslie Murray, Chief of Police
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
Jason Chacon, Director of Parks & Recreation
Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance
Crystal Landavazo, Interim Community Development
Maria Rivas, Interim Assistant to the City Manager
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Tanya Lopez, Senior Pastor, Downey Memorial
Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jason Chacon, Director of Parks & Recreation.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council Meeting. He requested staff
research the addition of a dog park on the South side of the City. He reported attending the Chamber of
Commerce Installation event, the Stay Gallery Exhibit Opening, and an event with the Southern California
Association of Governments. He directed staff to organize Downey Day at the Dodger Stadium for next
season. He invited the public to attend the Summer Concerts at Furman Park. He reported touring the
City with Interim City Manager Scott. He congratulated Ferias Legales on the Empower Hour event
honoring Judge Rosa Fregoso. He announced renovations at Temple, Crawford, and Rio San Gabriel
Parks. He reported attending a Downtown Downey meeting regarding the possibility of building an
archway at the intersection of Firestone Blvd. and Downey Ave.
Council Member Frometa thanked the audience joining the meeting. She reported attending the
Rancho Los Amigos Foundation Scholarship event and the Stay Gallery Exhibit Opening. She directed
staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting overnight RV parking within the City, including residential
neighborhoods. She requested that staff coordinate with Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority
(LAHSA) and other agencies to clean up encampments along the riverbed and railroad tracks (Pico Vista
Rd., Brookshire Ave., and Woodruff Ave.). She requested an update on the historic preservation
ordinance and requested to increase efforts for the Bin It campaign. She asked staff to advertise the
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - July 12, 2022
CouncilSolar Panel Improvement Project, $40 million approved for street rehabilitation and improvements, a
new composting laws on the City's social media sites. She invited the public to attend the Summ
Concerts at Furman Park and to participate in the Girls on Fire Summer Camp. She thanked the Fi
Department for keeping the City safe on the Fourth of July and commented regarding illegal fireworks.
' •' Plante reported attendit the Chamberi • '...e Installation__
Interimretirement event for Carol Rowland, the Clean Power Alliance Board Meeting, a tour of the City wi
Manager • and the Ribbon i Ceremonies at Temple and Crawford Parks.
Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez reported attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies at Temple a
Crawford Parks and commented regarding opportunities for additional green spaces in Downey. Sh
shared that she was receiving reports of i evictions and harassment. She requested
Ceremoniespresentation on the Downtown Downey Specific Plan.
Mayor Pacheco welcomed the public to the City Council meeting. She reported attending t
Chamber of Commerce Installation event, the Citizens Academy Graduation, and the Ribbon Cutti
• and Crawford Parks.• • ` • Carmen Gonzalez,• Commerce President. She invited the public to attend the Rancho Los Amigos Sports Complex Ribb
Cutting Ceremony and announced that spacesavailable for
CeremonyCouncil Member Trujillo reported that he was unable to attend Sam Sarofeem's Eagle Scout
but ;:i to recognize the Youth• i
IT-layor Pacheco presented a Proclamation in honor of "Parks Make Life Better" Month to Parks
and Recreation Director CW,?coi. M
PUBLIC HEARING
IM
- ' ' i ■ i - • - ■ i
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE DOCUMENT AND THE REQUIRED
CERTIFICATIONDEPARTMENT OF • AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT; AND,
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Regular Meeting — July 12, 2022 2
City Clerk Duarte clarified that the item submitted for the City Council's approval is the proposed
FY 2O22-23Annual Action Plan.
Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing et7:12p.nn.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member
Fronneta.seconded byCouncil Member Trujillo, mndoarried5-O.tmrecaiveandfi|ethmpub|ioation.
Economic Development and Housing Manager Jessica F|onae presented the staff report. She
noted that she made e presentation before the City Council in January during a Public HeerinQ, which
started the Annual Action Plan process. She provided the Community Development Block Grant (C[]BG)
and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program Grant funding amounts and identified the changes
from the previous fiscal year. She provided the allocation ofthe grant funds for F`f2022-23and stated
that three community meetings were held via Zoom and all were announced through local newspapers,
the C|b/'evvebeite.social media, Faoebookgroups, the Neztdoorepp.and the Community Development
Department's email distribution list. She noted the lack ofattendees aieach community meeting.
Council Member Fnometa asked about attendance e1previous meetings and how the community
meetings were announced. Ms. Flores responded that approximately five people attended in person. She
stated that announcements were published in local newspapers, the Cib/'o vxebaite, social mmedig.
Faceboohgroupe. the Nextdoorepp. the Community Development Department's email distribution |igL
She added that the email distribution list includes more than 500 individuals. She concluded that this
public hearing would be the last hearing required, allowing Community Development staff to submit the
Action Plan tmthe U.G. Department ofHousing and Urban Development (HUD)for approval.
Council Member Frometa asked how many households the Housing Rehabilitation Program can
aee|*t ennua||y, the qualifications for the programn, and how many households are on the vvait|iet. KAa.
Flores responded the goal is to assist 20 households every fiscal year. She stated that there are currently
25active rehabilitation projects, vxith15Ohoueeho|daonthexvait|inLShedekai|edthaHUC)naquirennenta.
which include household income levels depending on the household size and single-family owner -
occupied homes.
Council Member Fromeda questioned the decrease in funding for the Housing Rehabilitation
Program. Ms. Flores explained the decreased amount is due to program incomes and rollover funds from
the previous year.
Council Member Trujillo quentionedthefundingo||ocatimntotheCodmEnforcennent[}ivieion.&8s.
Flores responded the funding is for staff time when servicing CDBG areas. Council Member Trujillo aoked
whether Code Enforcement was part of the C[}BG budget for the poet decade. K8e. Flores confirmed
Code Enforcement has been budgeted for more than adecade.
Council K8ennherFronnste asked about channeling additional funds to address the properties on
the waitlist. Interim City Manager Scott questioned the targeted goal of 20 households using the allocated
Housing Rehabilitation funds. yWe. F|mnee responded the funding e||oxve for potentially 40 or more
hmummhm|do to be ameiehod with sufficient staffing. Interim City Manager Scott said staff would research
providing additional resources to ensure the funding utilization is maximized.
Mayor Paoheoo, at7:23p.rn.. opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City
Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk
Duarte confirmed one written comment was received.
Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding desired businesses in the development plan
and campaign contributions from developers.
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Regular Meeting - July 12.2O22 3
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the
Public Hearing item.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding the importance of helping residents,
inflation, insufficient funding amounts, and transparency.
BC, resident, commented regarding the role of local government, inefficient use of funds, and the
inefficiency of social media.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding raising of taxes, inefficacy, and diverting
funds from other programs and projects toward housing.
Lee Squire, resident, questioned how many rehabilitated homes belonged to senior citizens as
opposed to low-income families and the purpose of the Section 108 loans.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the decrease in grant funding,
programs to assist students and nurses, wasteful spending, and corruption.
11 � ii I � � I ! ii I I I i � i I IN i I � � I I I i I I ! I =
It was moved by
0 to approve the proposed FY 2022-23 Annual Action Plan; authorize the City Manager to submit the
document and the required Certification to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
and, authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to modify and execute any and all appropriate
instruments, agreements, contracts, and implementing documents related to the implementation and
administration of the proposed FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan, Community Development Block Gran)
and Home Investment Partnership Grant Program, including Subrecipient Grant contracts and
agreements, based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's appropriation to the
City.
Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding
Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed nine written comments
were received.
Jill Boyd, resident, commented in opposition to the waiver of fees and in favor of regulation
street vendors I
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George Manzanilla, resident, commented in favor of regulation of street vendors, designated
areas for street vending, and requirements that street vending occur a specified distance from
commercial areas and not in residential neighborhoods
Ivon Garcia, resident, commented regarding the effect of the pandernic on healthcare workers,
mflation, and the high cost of living, and urged the City Council to pass the initiative measure as an
#rdinance.
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an ordinance.
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Regular Meeting - July 12, 2022
Jesus Raya resident, commented regarding the effect of the pandernic on healthcare workers and
urged the City Council Vzpass the initiative measure eoenordinance.
EdinEnannormdocommented infavor ofwaiving fees for first-time street vending applicants, the
challenges faced by street vendors, health and safety, and benefits of street vending.
Fatima Bmqi commented regarding the importance ofstreet vendors, in favor ofSenate Bill 972.
street vendor protections, and in opposition to criminalization of street vending.
\8/ovne Gpind|er, non-resident, commented regarding written public comment practices and
Mayor Pacheco.
James R. VVaet, P|H Health, urged the City Council to order an economic analysis to determine
the impact of the proposed health care worker's minimum wage measure.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5-
0 to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda,
Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Elizabeth Traoy, nenident, commented in support ufhealthcare workers and her experience
working during the pandemic.
Armando Herman, non-nmaident, commented regarding deve|opena. Mayor Pacheco, corruption,
and First Amendment rights.
Don W1|||er, nas|dent, requested an ordinance regulating drones and gfou| odor emanating from
the San Gabriel River flood control channel.
Lee Squire, paaidant, commented regarding Disability Rights Month and requested e proclamation
inhonor ofDisability Rights Month and acertificate for CurtieCARE.
Speaker, no name provided,commented inopposition tothe waiver offees for street vendors and
in favor of the effort to recall Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez.
Nareoh.non-resident commented inopposition tothe Transient OccupancyTax.
Speoker, no name provided, commented regarding |henn No. 7 and requested a more gradual
increase |nthe Transient Occupancy Tax.
Adina Tessler, HASC, commented regarding Item No. 8 and asked the Council to bring the ballot
measure before the voters and order animpact report.
Debora Legen. P|H Hea|th, commented regarding Item No. 8 and requested that City Council
order onimpact report.
Denise, L.A. County Business Federobon, commented regarding Item No. 0 and requested the
Council bring the ballot measure before the voters and order an impact report.
BC, reoidont, commented regarding the role ofthe City, the recall ofL.A. District Attorney Gascon
and the recall ofMayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and Mayor Pacheco.
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Regular Meeting - July 1%.2O22 5
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding Roe v. Wade and abortion.
Speaker, no name provided, commented in support of Item Nos. 8 and 9, street vendor
protections, and Senate Bill 972.
Gabe Montoya commented regarding Item No. 8 and the impact on the healthcare workers.
Tara, Kaiser employee, commented regarding fair compensation for healthcare workers and
asked the Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Eva Amador, resident, commented regarding Item No. 8, incentivizing healthcare workers in the
City, inflation, and urged the Council to pass the initiative as an ordinance.
Mary Anne De La Paz, Kaiser employee, commented regarding Item No. 8 and asked Council to
consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Israel Batiste Amador, resident, commented regarding Item No. 8, staff turnover, worker fatigue,
and asked Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Arnetta Thomas, Kaiser employee, commented regarding Item No. 8 and urged Council to pass
the initiative as an ordinance.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in support of Item No. 8, rent control, a
hazard pay.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding the time limit for public comment, the City Counc
the Kessn
wage, and the law firm of Best Best & Krieger.
Marisa Montanez, Kaiser employee, commented regarding staff shortages, worker fatigue, a•
asked the Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Andrew Calisans, Kaiser employee, commented regarding staff shortages, worker fatigue, a
asked Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Dylan Korza, Kaiser employee, asked Council to consider supporting the minimum wac -
increase.
James Bell commented regarding risks for healthcare workers and their families, low wages,
patient care, and asked Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Omar Guerra, resident, commented in support of passing the healthcare worker's minimum wage
increase as an ordinance and regarding improving quality of life and turnover rates.
Sherry Stowell Jackson, Kaiser employee, commented in support of wage increases and livable
wages and asked Council to consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Janice Williams, Kaiser employee, commented regarding Item No. 8 and asked Council to
consider supporting the minimum wage increase.
Rocio Chacon, Kaiser employee, commented regarding Item No. 8 and asked Council to consider
supporting the minimum wage increase.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - July 12, 2022 6
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It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 5-
0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
total
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 360551 —360882; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004238,30004241,
• •:$5,036,374.20: Finance.
Works.f. APPROVED PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY
CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9020 IMPERIAL HV*]Y: Public
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8089, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE
ACQUISITION OF A TEMPORARY:• •
ANOINTING CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC., A CALIFORNIA NON-PROFIT
CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9020
IMPERIAL HIGHWAY;
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• • ' •
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 12, 2022 7
0*4
Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 8:43 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the
City Council meeting at 8:54 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Mar,7110TreTro M-
1) RECEIVED, FILED, AND ACCEPTED THE CERTIFICATE OF SUFFICIENCY OF PETITION
SIGNATURES AS VALID IN ALL RESPECTS; AND,
2) ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1486, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 13 TO ARTICLE VI OF THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AS AN INITIATIVE ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A
MINIMUM WAGE OF $25.00 PER HOUR FOR QUALIFYING HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY, PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION
9215(a);
Council Member Frometa thanked the healthcare workers in the audience and commented regarding
the role of the City Council in establishing policy.
Council Member Frometa recused herself due to her employment with an affected integrated health
system and left the dais at 8:56 pm.
City Clerk Duarte presented the staff report for Item No. 8. She provided the background on the item,
legal requirements, and the process of qualifying the Initiative Measure proposing to amend the City's
Municipal Code to set a minimum wage of $25 per hour for qualifying healthcare workers. She advised the
Council regarding acceptance of the Certificate of Sufficiency of the Initiative Petition. She detailed the
options before the City Council: 1) adopting the Measure as an ordinance, without alteration, 2) submitting
the measure to the voters without alteration at the General Municipal Election scheduled for November 8,
2022, or 3) ordering an impact return to be returned within 30 days and subsequently choosing whether to
adopt the ordinance or order an election.
Mayor Pacheco questioned the status of the impact report requested by Council Member Trujillo m-�
June 14. Council Member Trujillo responded that he was informed by staff that the City reached out to
consultants and was notified there was not enough time to complete an impact report in the required
timeframe.
Interim City Manager Scott confirmed Council Member's Trujillo's statement and commented
by the City Council.
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 12, 2022 8
to adopt the measure oaanordinance orsubmit the measure to the voters. She stated that the resolution
was prepared ifthe City Council chose hzadopt the resolution bzsubmit the measure tothe voters and noted
the deadline to transmit the resolution to the Reg istrar-Recorder/County Clerk is August 12 and the next City
Council meeting would take place onAugust B.
Council Member Trujillo asked, if the City Council were blorder animpact report, when would hneed
to be presented to the City Council. City Clerk Duarte responded that it would need to be presented at the
August City Council meeting. Interim City Manager Scott clarified this would bethe deadline tm place the
measure on the November 8 Election Ballot and commented regarding the option of holding a special election
and potential costs tobeincurred.
Council Member Trujillo commented regarding the quality of the impact report given the short time
frame. Interim City Manager Scott responded that staff would do their beat to prepare a detailed report but
anticipated that the report would be limited due to the challenges. Council Member Trujillo questioned the
cost of the impact report. Interim City Manager Scott responded that there would be minimal additional cost
aestaff would likely perform the analysis.
Mayor Pacheco asked regarding the direction taken by other cities. Interim City Manager Scott
reported that the petition initiative in the City of Baldwin Park did not obtain a sufficient number of signatures,
the City of Los Angeles adopted the measure as an ordinance, the City of Long Beach requested an impact
report from LAEQC, the cities ofCulver City and Duarte have not taken act|mn, and the cities of Inglewood
and Monterey Park had opted tmorder animpact report prepared by staff.
Mayor Pacheco inquired about the last day to adopt the nnmeeune as an ordinance. Election Attorney
Priest of Best Bast & Krieger reviewed the options the Council has: 1\ adopt the nneoouna as an ordinance
at the City Council nneed|nA or at a Gpeo|e| City Council meeting within 10 days; 2) adopt the resolution to
place the measure onthe November8. 2022 Election Ballot; or. 3) order an impact report, which would
extend the process until the August 9 City Council meeting where the City Council would decide whether tn
adopt the measure as an ordinance or adopt the resolution to p|ooa the measure on the ba||uL He advised
that. if the City Council would like additional time to consider the measure and its impact, the C|h/ Council
should proceed with ordering the impact report.
Council N1ennbar La Plante asked about the difference between an initiative ordinance and an
ordinance. &1r. Priest responded that an initiative ordinance can be proposed directly by the peVp|e, and if
qua|ified, mandates that the City Council proceed with the options as dianuoeed, vvheneoo, a standard
ordinance |econsidered and adopted etthe discretion ofthe City Council.
Council Member La Plante asked whether an initiative ordinance carries more legal weight than a
standard ordinance. Mr. Priest responded that an initiative ordinance does, as Elections Code Section 9217
states that if the initiative ordinance is adopted without alteration by the City Council or approved by the
xoteru, the ordinance cannot be altered or amended without again going tothe voters. He noted that, while
the ordinance allows the City Council some discretion to establish administrative processes for investigation
and enforcement, if the City Council wishes to amend the substantive terms of the ordinance, it would require
a vote of the people. He stated that this differs from a standard ordinenoe, which may be altered by a future
City Council. Hereiterated that ifthe City Council chose toadopt the initiative ordinance without amendment
or to adopt the resolution to place the measure on the ballot, the ordinance would be locked from alteration
oramendment until itreturns tothe voters.
Council Member La Plante clarified whether the ordinance would be locked in if adopted by the City
Council. Mr. Priest confirmed that, for both options before the City Council, the ordinance would be locked
in. Council Member Trujillo requested to clarify the options before the City Council and when the ordinance
would become effective. Interim City Attorney Langer responded the language ofthe ordinance stated it
would go into effect aaearly as a||ovvad by |ovv. Mr. Priest responded that the Elections Code indicates that
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - July 12.2U22 9
the tax were increased from S% to13%. She stated that the amendment would address short-term rental
such as Aimbnb, which are not oummntk/ aUovved, and would ensure the TOT would be collected if the
Municipal Code were amended.
Council Member La Plante requested to review the history of the Transient Occupancy Tan rate.
Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas responded that the TOT was first adopted in 1985 through
Ordinance No. 255and last amended in1888 through Ordinance No. 1O57.when itwas set at896.Council
K8annber La Plante asked what the TOT rate was set at when first adopted in 1365. Interim Assistant City
Manager DeRojas reapondedthgtahaxvou|dresearchthioinfornnaUonforthe[|ounoi|.
Council Member La Plante requested to confirm that the ordinance was first adopted by the Council,
amended to 9% by voter approval in 1998, and now requires voter approval to increase the tax rate to 13%.
Interim Assistant City K8ona0ar De Rojas confirmed that he was correct.
Council Member Frornataquestioned the increase tmthe proposed tax rate of1396.Interim Assistant
City Manager C)eRojas neopmndedthatotaffeurVeyedotheroibeamnddedernn|nedthet1396iethemveraQe
rate.
Council Member Frometa reiterated that the TOT is a tax on visitors staying at local hotels and would
not tax residents. She questioned the amount collected for e hotel stay at a rate of $158/ni hL Interim
Assistant City Manager DeRojas reopondmdtheteomou|dbeapprox|nnate|y$6.
Council Member La Plante asked Interim City Manager Scott regarding the tax rote in Beverly Hills,
Interim City Manager Scott responded that the TOT is taxed at 12% in Beverly Hills.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez and carried 5-0, to
adopt Resolution No. 22-8091. e Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey, California Calling for
the Placement of a General Tax Measure on the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election Ballot for the
Submission to the Qualified Voters of Proposed Ordinance Amending the Cib/'a Transient Occupancy
(Room) Tax Code by Increasing the K8oxinnunn Rate from 896 to 1396. Addressing Online Travel Company
and Other Third Party Bookings and Making Other Conforming Changes; Requesting the County of Los
Angeles to Consolidate Said Election with the Statewide General Election of Even Oeha; and Setting Rules
and Deadlines for Arguments and Rebuttals For and Against the Measures.
9- PROVIDED STAFF DIRECTION OyJTHE CKTY'SSIDEWALK VENDING PROGRAM: Public Works.
Director of Public Works Oe|fino Coneu ji presented the staff report. He provided the history and
background of Ordinance No. 19-1415 addressing sidewalk vending and provided an overview of the process
and fees for the sidewalk vending program. He stated that one sidewalk vendor has applied for and received
a permit since the Ordinance was adopted. He shared that enforcement efforts have focused on ceasing
illegal activities and educating vendors onthe approval process.
Interim City &Venogmr Mark Scott clarified the process and fees aeaooioVod with the street vendor
permit opp|ioadon, including the Public Works application and encroachment fee, the business |ioanne,
fingerprinting, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Permit, and liability insurance. He
commented regarding the oversight issues generating costs in addition to the application fee.
Council K8annbar La Plante questioned whether the L.A. County Department ofPublic Health permit
is required for the sale of non-food kenne. Director Coneu ji responded that the L.A. County Department of
Public Health is required when the vendor is selling food and a different permit may be required for the sale
of merchandise.
City Council Minutes
-�T-Iayor Pro Tem Alvarez questioned the list of fees for street vendors. Interim City Manager Scott
clarified an error in the document provided to the City Council. Chief Murray stated that the information
provided regarding background check fee applied to food trucks, not street vending.
Council Member Frometa questioned the cost of Live Scan fingerprinting for street vendors. Chief
Murra res onded that she is unable to Qvide the amount as the Live Scan fin er3rintin i's not handl
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up. She noted that she saw vendors in other cities with L.A. County Department of Public Health permits.
She emphasized the need for a process and a background check for vendors setting up outside of schools
to protect the health and safety of residents as well as the prosperity of local businesses.
Council Member La Plante commented regarding the types of vendors in the City and emphasized
the importance of knowing what vendors exist in the City and what direction the City would like to proceed
with street vending.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - July 12, 2022 12
Council Member Frometa commented in support of understanding the applicable fees for street
vendors.
Interim City Manager Scott requested to scope out what the study would include and return to the
City Council for approval.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez and carried 5-
0, to conduct a study delineating the fees specifically for street vendors.
Mayor Pacheco announced this item was requested by Council Member Trujillo.
Council Member Trujillo provided the background of the Sister Cities Association and commented
regarding the challenges the Association faced. He shared that he spoke to Council Members in other
cities and was informed that the Sister Cities Association is a city commission with the city being more
involved.
Council Member Frometa questioned the pros and cons of creating a Downey Sister Cities
Commission. She shared that the City Council previously considered the idea. She asked which other
cities have a Sister Cities Commission. She stated that it would be a shame to lose the Sister Cities
program and commented regarding the impact that Covid-1 9 had on the Association's membership. She
requested staffs recommendation.
Interim City Manager Scott responded that every city he has worked for has had a Sister Cities
program. He stated that the City can take steps to revitalize the program and commented regarding the
importance of supporting the program. He expressed his concern regarding the creation of a Downey
Sister Cities Commission due to the issue of possible Brown Act violations if meetings are not properly
noticed. He suggested that he meet with the Sister Cities Association leadership to discuss ways to
strengthen the program.
Council Member Trujillo responded that he, along with former City Manager Livas, and Interim
Assistant to the City Manager Rivas met with Sister Cities Association leadership and that the City has
been promoting Sisters Cities Association meetings on its social media platforms. He commented in
support of exploring other options such as forming a City Council subcommittee and returning with a
report to the Council. Interim City Manager Scott responded that an ad hoc committee would not be
subject to the Brown Act and confirmed that he would meet with the Sister Cities Association leadership
to discuss the matter.
Council Member La Plante expressed his concern with the conduct of the audience should the
City Council create a Downey Sister Cities Commission.
Interim City Attorney Langer clarified that Council's direction was for the Interim City Manager to
hold a meeting, gather information, and bring the item to a future City Council Meeting.
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 12, 2022 13
Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding recent enforcement activity involving illegal
fireworks, gang activity, and street racing and street takeovers. He referred to Chief Murray to present
her report.
Chief Murray commented regarding questions from the Council and members of the public
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working with Public Works to install signs and Administration to post on social media. She stated that
these efforts have led to a decrease in the number of calls received related to illegal fireworks.
Council Member La Plante questioned whether the decrease in calls was due to a decrease in
reporting rather than a decrease in the number of incidents. Chief Murray responded that she spoke to
staff on duty on July 4 and was informed the fireworks did appear to be quieter than in previous years.
She acknowledged that there may have been other factors such as the holiday occurring on a Monday
or residents who opted not to call in. She shared that illegal fireworks are a public safety issue as they
creliR eno-ted tWat 1�%Njj A i1jull il Wsidg-ijill JiW _j
and taking enforcement action where appropriate.
Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the decreased number of citations and noted
the difficulty of citing offences as the Officer must see the fireworks being lit. He noted that some cities
have given up on enforcement due to the volume and difficulty and expressed his pleasure to see that
Downey has not given up enforcing illegal fireworks violations.
Mayor Pacheco commented regarding her experience with illegal fireworks and noted a decrease
since the previous year.
Chief Murray provided an update on gang activity in the City of Downey. She stated that the
communit the Cit Council the Scho I D' eoafaieit co
Ty
gang activity in the City. She stated that the presence of gang graffiti is an indicator of gang activity and
reported only six cases of gang graffiti in 30 reported cases of graffiti. She complimented the Public
Works Department's active approach in removing graffiti as soon as it is sighted. She stated the City is
committed to minimizing the amount of gang crime in Downey.
Council Member Trujillo commended the Police Department on the low graffiti numbers and the
,;,roactive use of resources to Qreven - activity. He thanked the Police and Public Works DeF-artmer&
for their efforts
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — July 12, 2022 14
Chief Murray commented regarding the street racing and takeovers occurring |nthe region. She
noted that Downey has not experienced takeovers udthe same level asinsurrounding cities. She stated
that street racing had occurred stmalls such as Downey Lending. Promenade stDowney, and the
Gtonexvood Center. She commented regarding the importance of the matter, the injuries resulting from
� the o1need ranin0, and efforts taken by the Police Department to address the issue. She stated that
enforcement teams are deployed on weekends when the highest number of incidents occur. She added
that the enforcement teams receive specialized training by the California Highway Patrol (CMP). She
added that the training includes information on Vehicle Code citations such as modifications to vehicles
used in street racing or takeovers. She shared that the enforcement teams take a zero -tolerance
approach in issuing citations and impounding vehicles, which serves as a financial deterrent. The Police
Departments works closely with CHPtomonitor groups known toengage instreet racing and takeovers
and prevent them from coming toDowney.
Interim City Manager Scott asked oboutthaordinance being drafted by staff to address the issue.
Chief Murray confirmed the Police Department is working with City Prosecutor Jim Eckart to draft an
ordinance that xvmu|d assist in anforcanlmrd and includes factors that drive participation such as
spectators. She added that the Office of Traffic Safety has approved grant fundinQ, which will support
larger scale enforcement operations. She listed upcoming enforcement operations.
Council Member Fronn«taasked whether parking lot takeovers are included inthe draft ordinance.
She emphasized the importance of enforcement of the on1|nenoe, including impounding vehicles and
fining spectators. Chef Murray confirmed that the ordinance would beinclusive and utilize tools that other
cities have found to be successful. She noted that street racing and takeovers have escalated to other
crimes such as shootings and stated that staff iataking a comprehensive look e1the growing problem
and would present enextensive ordinance tothe City Council.
Council Member Frometa questioned the timeline for the draft ordinance. Chief Murray responded
Mr. Echartvvmu|d be providing e draft to staff for review soon.
Council Member Trujillo commented regarding street racing and takeovers taking place at
Downtown parking lots. Chief Murray responded that the Omvvn1owvn enforcement teams 0o to all known
locations and proactively check areas of activity. She commented regarding the damage to parking lots.
She noted that the enforcement teams proactively Qotolocations and respond tocalls from the public.
Mayor Pacheco thanked the Downey Police Officers and Downey Fire Fighters fordleirvvork.
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:24 p.m. in memory ofFrank
Thpmpi. longtime public leader; victims ofthe mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois; victims ofthe
Ukraine crisis; and, the lives lost due toC{JV|C-19,
441 AAAZL I C
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City Council Minutes