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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-23-22 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING The City Council ofthe City ofDowney held a Regular City Council Meeting onAugust 23.2022. at 6:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City HmU. 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Dovvney, California, with Mayor Pacheco presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Blanca Pacheco Catherine Alvarez Claudia M. Fponneda Donald E. La Plante Mario Trujillo K8evor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Council Member ALSO PRESENT: Mark Scott, Interim City Manager VoniandeRojas, Interim Assistant City Manager Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney Leslie Murray, Chief ofPolice [}an Hur|ook. Fine Chief [>e|fino Consu j|. Public Works Director Jason Chocon.Director ofParks &Recreation Anil Gendhy. Director mfFinance Crystal LandaVmzo. Interim Community Development Dir Maria Rives. Interim Assistant to the City Manager Alicia Ouarte, CK8C, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Fmmeta.The Pledge of Allegiance was led by K8iohge| Calvart, Executive Oirector, Downey Chamber ofCommerce. Mayor Pacheco presented m Certificate of Recognition to Downey Resident Jose Guzman on the occasion of his 1 00th Birthday RECESSIRECONVENE Mayor Pacheco naoeoned the City Council meeting at 6:41 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:43 p.m. with all Council Members present. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FITURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERF-VCE/MEETING REPORTS Council K8embe, La Plante reported attending the Rocket Fever event and the Downey Pride Family Picnic. He suggested moving the City MonaQer/S1affConnrnante to the beginning of the meeting and managing the time for Council Member announcements. He commented regarding the time allocated for public comment and the need to refocus the City Council meeting on public business. City Council Minutes Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez invited the public to attend a fundraising event for the undocument community. She congratulated the City of Bell Gardens on the adoption of a rent stabilization ordinan and requested to discuss the rent stabilization ordinance in Downey at the next Council meeting. Council Member Trujillo reported attending the Chamber of Commerce Mixer, an event welcomi the Mayors of the Downey Sister Cities of Mazatlan and Jalisco, and the Business Watch meeting. commented re ardinp momm traffic conditions due to the st cleanup of the 710 Freeway and requested to address trash, litter, and landscaping along the 1 Freeway. He encouraged residents to complete the lighting survey and to download the City of Down app to submit service requests. Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported attending coordinate with the business community to increase attendance at the Business Watch meetings. S invited the public to attend Coffee with a Cop, the Community Emergency Response Team graduati ceremony, the Neighborhood Watch meeting, and a blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross. Council Member La Plante added that, while appointments are encouraged, walk-ins a accepted at the blood drive event. Mayor Pacheco commented regarding the scheduling of Business Watch meetings and request staff reach out the Downey Chamber of Commerce regarding a change in the time, date, or location. Council Member Trujillo acknowledged Jeremy Clifton in attendance. He invited the public attend the Rose Float Association Paint and Sip Fundraiser event. Mayor Pacheco acknowledged Alfred Tovar and Michael Calvert in attendance. She report attendin�f the Institute for Local Government Board meetinro. She invited the yublic to t' I'll - - a Cop, Summer Concert & Movie Night at Golden Park, and the International Food Festival. She thank Council Member La Plante for his comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2020 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ANIS WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN: Public Works. 1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8096, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 2020 URBAN WATE MANAGEMENT PLAN; AND, 2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8097, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 2020 WATE SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN. Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Memb Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication. Public Works Deputy Director/Utilities Manager Daniel Mueller presented the staff report.. provided an overview of the Urban Water Management Plan and the Water Shortage Contingency Pla the legal requirements pursuant to the Urban Water Management Planning Act, and the purpose of bo City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 23, 2022 2 plans. Heexplained the City'amethod ofcomparing water consumption with water demand and projecting water demand. He commented regarding expanded use of recycled water and reduced use of potable water. He stated that an element of the Urban Water Management Plan is xvaUar conservation through � use of recycled xva1er, water use restrictions and prohibitions. He reported that the 2009 Water ~ - Conservation Act required Cities to reduce water usage by2O96 by 2020 and that Downey nled and exceeded that goal. He shared that the Urban \8/e1er Management Plan includes e review of past and upcoming projects and programs. He stated that the City is rehabilitating inefficient groundwater wells to ensure that they can meet the C|b/'sdemands and that the City also has aprogram where |treplaces old and |aahv water nnainm, ine1a||e new nnstere, and seeks opportunities to abandon undersized and redundant vvohar nnaine, which increases flow and pressure. He shared plans to install two new groundwater wells to decrease reliance on older wells which will eventually be retired and reported plans to design two new groundwater well treatment ey*terne, proactively address anticipated legislation regarding water quality standards for PF[>Aend PFC)S, and implement treatment atall City groundwater vve||o. He stated that the City has obtained grant funding and is partnering with other agencies to obtain additional funding to limit the impact on public funds and, in years where the City has excess water rights and lower demands, the City is able to lease vvebor rights to fund projects. He stated. if the C|tv'a water demands were toexceed water rights inthe future, the City may lease water rights and has stored excess water for groundwater storage purposes. He shared that the Water Shortage Contingency Plan is a major element of the Urban VVgtar Management Plan that describes City actions in the event of a water shortage. Hestated the actions taken would include an increase in water waste patrols, public information campaigns, working with high water users to retrofit systems to decrease demands on potable water, and reduction of outdoor irrigation. He summarized the elements of the Urban Water Management Plan and adoption process. Council Member Fronlete thanked N1c Mueller for his presentation and asked how long groundwater wells are taken off|ine and the timeline for refurbishment. Mr. Mueller responded that the process can vary, he detailed the steps in the process, and estimated that groundwater wells are typically taken offline for four to five months. Council Member Frometa questioned the cost of each groundwater xve||. Mr. K8ue||mr responded that groundwater well rehabilitation projects have ranged from $50.000to $150,000. Mayor Pacheco requested to confirm that the City would be constructing two new groundwater xve||e. Mr. Mueller confirmed that the Public VVorha Department would be constructing two new groundwater vve||e in anticipation of the retirement of aging xve||o and the lengthy process to construct and receive approval for groundwater wells. Mayor Pacheco questioned whether the location of both vms||e has been decided. Mr. Mueller responded inthe affirmative. Mayor Pacheco, mt7:15p.nn.. opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written uonnnnente received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing ihmnn. Lee Squire, nesident, commented regarding supply and demand, water rights, water sources, the purpose of water purchased from Central Basin Water Replenishment C>ietrict, recycled water and recycled water facilities, water rexenume, and increases to water rates. BC, reaident, commented regarding the Cby's nnonegennont of water, Central Basin Water Replenishment District, Leticia Vasquez -Wilson, and Jghn[)nkoui. Rodo|0o Curtes Berragon, non-reeident, commented regarding a lawsuit against himself and Leticia Vasquez -Wilson, PFAS and PFOA levels, the City's response, water clean-up, the need for clean and affordable water, and the First Amendment right toexpress concerns regarding water issues. City Council K8inubsu Regular Meeting — August 23.2O22 3 Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding Public Works staff, water reports, PFOA ar PFAS levels, lawsuits, the City's response to water contamination, corruption, and unprofessionalism. Council Member Frometa commented regarding the prevalence of PFOA and PFAS, changes legislation, and how the City has been addressing the issue of water contamination. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Assistant City Manager Oskoui, the lav allotted to build groundwater wells, and water infrastructure. Jeremy Clifton, resident, commented regarding the water safety and the prevalence of wab contamination nationally. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Public Works Director Consunji stated that no Federal or State standards currently exist for PFO or PF _22TF1117 and staff expects that numbers will be low. He reported that the City is in the process of designir treatment plants and pursuing grants for more treatment plants. He stated that the City meets all Stal and Federal standards. Mayor Pacheco asked whether residents should be concerned about water in Downey. Publ Works Director Consunji stated that the water in Downey meets all Federal State standards and designing treatment plants in anticipation of new PFAS standards. Council Member Frometa asked if there have been any water contamination issues with the Co( Cola Plant in Downey. Public Works Director Consunji stated that he was not aware of any. Coun( Member Frometa reiterated that the City is moving forward with a plan to address contaminants and thi these contaminants have existed since the 1940s. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5- 0, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8096, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey adopting the City of Downey's 2020 Urban Water Management Plan; and, adopt Resolution No. 22-8097 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey adopting the City of Downey's 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR, AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS 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 no written comments were received. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item Nos. 1, 10, 19, and 20, and regarding ethics, elected officials, and free speech. Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding international relations concerning Taiwan, Chinese espionage and military forces, abortion, and 180movie.com. Don Miller, resident, commented regarding regulation of drones and maintenance of the flood control channel. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 23, 2022 4 Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding hatred against police officers, Central Basin Municipal Water District, and the fiduciary duty ofthe City Council Members. BC, resident, commented regarding morals and ethics, the City Council, First Amendment rights, C(]V|[>-19. |nnnn|QraUmn. [>ovxnay'a Sister City, &Yoxinn en e| Corezon, faxeo, funding of programs and events, and the recession. John Laoey, raeident, commented regarding arrests made in the shooting of Monterey Perk Police Officer Gendie| 8o|mrio, water quality standards, President Biden, the energy orieia, and oil. Dorothy Pemberton, resident, commented regarding projects fundedbytheCitvand the effort to recall Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez. Olena Les, resident, commented regarding Tacos Don Goyo, and expressed concerns. David Galloso, resident, commented regarding Tacos Don Goyo, and expressed concerns. Rodo|foCortee Bgrragon, non-naeident, commented regarding Council Member La Plante, the public comment period, corruption, Central Basin Municipal Water [}iotrict, campaign contr|but|ono, and the Citv'o eooim| media. Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding corruption, City staff, water quality standards, City Manager/Staff Comments and Council Member Announcements, and public comment time. Ruben Garza, resident, commented regarding Tacos Don Goyo.and expressed concerns. Lily Gomez, resident, commented regarding Tacos Don Goyo.and expressed concerns. Jose Ruiz Gomez, n*sident, commented regarding Tacos [)onGoyo. and expressed concerns. Having nmone else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the continued efforts of steff, on behalf of the City Council, toaddress the issues atTacos Don Goyo. Mayor Pacheco assured residents that the City is addressing their concerns regarding Tacos Don {3oyo. Council Member Frometa commented regarding communications from residents regarding Tacos Don Goyoand assured the City iamonitoring the situation Mayor Pacheco encouraged residents toreach out to the City Council and Interim City Manager. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pacheco announced revisions tothe proposed flag policy in |0arn No. 12 and clarified the donation in |tann No. 17m/ou|d befor the Los Amigos Kivxanie Club of Downey. Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 16 due to owning property in the area. Mayor Pacheco pulled Item No. 9for separate discussion. City Council Minutes It was • -• by +uncil Member Frometa, by •uncil Member Trujillo and carried ISSUED: `i i �i i • -i i • i • �- ••All 7. APPROVED • • - AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (DUSD) FOR OPERATION OF SPORTS FIELDS AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Parks & Recreation. 8. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENTSPECIAL+ • THE LAW FIRM OF • !WHITMORE Resources.(LCW): Human f APPOINTMENT TO THE INDEPENDENTOVERSIGHT COMMITTEEFOR COUNCIL ■ISTRICT 2: Council Member.l !•- ! - i • i 'f'` •- 0 • • • i i rk4 • • i- r APPOINTMENTi THE GREENi- i- COUNCIL !Council Plante. • i i` r. 1 1 - it 0 • i i ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8101, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A POLICY REGARDING THE DISPLAY OF FLAGS ON CITY FLAGPOLES 13. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1486, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDINGi'• 1i OF OF OF DOWNEY CouncilCity Regular•August MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING OF • Attorney. 14. ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1487, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CI OF DOWNEY AMENDINGORDINANCE NO. TO FIX A NUMBERING-i- AND RENUMBER DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODEARTICLE CHAPTER (FOOD HANDLERS) CHAPTER 14 r -(TARGETED RESIDENTIALAttorney. 15. ACCEPTED THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM rFROM TH CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (CAL OES) IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,2 r APPROPRIATED $18,750 TO PAY FOR• AUTHORIZED THE FIRE CHIEF TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS RELATED TO TH GRANT AS DEEMEDFire. r 3 RD ST. TO END OF • PARKING LOT-• OF BANK FOR TH CITY OF DOWNEYS INTERNATIONALFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULED FO Parks & Recreation. 17. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE • • OF • OR LOS AMIGOS CLUB OF DOWNEY GOLF• ON - 19, 2022 AT THE RIO HOND19 GOLF COURSE:Council•::- • • ADOPTED RESOLUTION N• :09: A RESOLUTIONOF • OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVINGPURCHASE AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT BETWEEN IRENE CANTORAN, TRUSTEE OF •-AN REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST DATED MAY 5, r AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8806 IMPERIAL • - r •A . r , t r •- r •- --• Mayor Pacheco questioned the impact of the construction on businesses and the effect on parking. Public • Director C• •• f-•'. that staff will workproperty owner and contractor t# businesses.provide access to businesses at all times. He noted that parking spaces are also available behind tht; ' • that staff will help make parking f - to the affected businesses. MayorPacheco asked - businesses would affected for the full six-monthconstruction period. Public Works Director responded the businesses would be affected only when the curb gutter and sidewalk in front of the businesses are being constructed. He estimated the businesses would be affected for two to tWree `- City Council Minutes Regular Meeting —August 23, 2022 7 f i '. • is � i i ` ` • �I f • I • i i r't � f • • i i E: '- i �• - • •.: `i ,: ,� � .i i - it �• '- f • f•- • `• . ::�• i` 1 • " r - ' • • ' r • • - • OF SPEED: Police/City Prosecutor. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF • OF OF DOWNEY rr ■ CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF r' OF MORALS,IV ("PUBLIC WELFARE, AND POLICY") OF DOWNEY MUNICIPAL•r TO PROHIBIT SPECTATORSSPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED owl providing an audience. He stated that State law does not address spectators and leaves them to loci jurisdictions. He stated that the proposed ordinance prohibits spectators at speed contests, stre I takeovers, and exhibitions of speed, makes it a misdemeanor to spectate at such events, and subjec spectators to administrative citations and fines. Council amounts. Fine Resolution can be modified. Mayor Pacheco asked whether the proposed ordinance •i.^ -i after ordinances passed by Council Member La Plante commented regarding an article about street takeovers in the L.A. Times and unintended consequences of deterrents. Council dog nuisance issues. He stated that Code Enforcement may rely on victims to provide information, provide recordings, help identify the operator of the drone, and participate in enforcement action. He added that victims have their own right of action under State law. Council Member Frometa commented in support of the ordinance with the caveat that staff bring an item before the City Council to review the Administrative Fine Schedule. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 5- 0, to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey adding Chapter 16 ("Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)") of Article IV ("Public Welfare, Morals, and Policy") of The Downey Municipal Code to regulate drones. i Interim City Manager Scott provided a history of the item, the status of permits issued to sidewalk vendors, and regulations from Los Angeles County pertaining to food vending. Mr. Eckart commented regarding the Los Angeles County health permit for vending of food and beverage. He differentiated the two types of vending categorized by the County, low risk, including pre- packaged food, and high risk, including cooked foods and fresh fruits. He shared that L.A. County Public Health has not issued a Health Permit to a high -risk category vendor due to the inability to meet Health Code requirements. He stated that compliance with the City's laws would require compliance with the County's Health Code. Council Member Frometa requested to confirm that no vendors in Downey selling high -risk cat-;�.;n%-m-huvi,r4i;&-�� risk category items and may be selling high -risk category items without permits. Council Member Frometa questioned how the City is enforcing existing vendors and noted an increase in food street vendors in Downey. Interim Community Development Director Landavazo stated that the City has issued only one permit for sidewalk vending. Mr. Eckart added that the permit issued was for pre -packaged food. Interim City Manager Scott stated that vendors in the City are likely to be operating without a permit and commented regarding enforcement priorities and the intent of the City Council to allow sidewalk vendors to operate legally and affordably. He stated that if the City were to make concessions to make it easier to obtain a permit, the City would need to enforce those without a and emphasized the need for staff to understand the Council's objective. MUM — is LYAW-YA116161111HIM IMPAIrr-110161 vendors, as differentiated from merchandise vendors, face issues with the Health Code. He merchandise vendors may obtain a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and F ovii! fffiw� I Q� ka,1161"1011"x- aw Wbw11WWi& "-# W 4. , KM i Lille[ It Vl 1­11.111L; In-EWC11 U49-F, 1111411GII eAR515 lif Hedit[] arl* sale reasons. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 23, 2022 10 Council Member LmPlante questioned the fines set bvState law. Interim Assistant City Manager [eRojas responded that the fines for permitted vendors are $1OOfor the first offense, $2O for the second offense, and $500 for each additional offense vvh||e the fines for unpennitted vendors are $250for the � first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1000 for additional offenses. Mr. Eokart added that ' - vendors who obtain a permit after the citation is issued can have their fines |oxumned to the amount for permitted vendors and may have that first citation reduced to 20% of the fine if they meet State income requirements. Council Member Le Plante asked about the vendor who obtained a sidewalk vending permit in Downey. O|naotor Landavazo responded that the permit issued imfor vending of prepackaged fruit. Council Member La Plante asked about requirements for vendors who ae|| flowers. City Prosecutor responded that the vendors would be required to obtain o Seller's Permit and a Sidewalk Vending Permit from the City. He clarified that sidewalk vendors must operate on the sidewalk and that vendors on private property must obtain a permit. He noted that the median of a roadway is not as|devva|k per State law and commented regarding the safety issues associated with vending in a roadway. Council Member La Plante asked about the requirements for non-food vendors who operate on private property. Mr. Eckmrt responded that these vendors would need to apply for m Peddler's Pernnit, undergo o background oheok, and receive permission from the property owner. Hestated the Peddler's Permit would be issued for a temporary period of time. He shared that sidewalk vendors were required to apply for m Peddler's Permit before the change in State law. Council Member La Plante questioned whether those vendors have obtained Peddler's Permits. Mr. Eckert responded that it was unlikely that they would have their necessary permits. He added that there are non -sidewalk operations such as food trucks and ice cream vendors who have obtained permits. He acknowledged that most vendors in Downey, like in other jurisdictions, operate without a permit. Council Member La Plante questioned whether any permitted high -risk sidewalk vendors exist in Los Angeles County. Mr. Eokart confirmed his statement and added that caterers may have obtained other permits due to access tofacilities in which to sanitize and different Health Code requirements. Council Member La Plante summarized that the City iotrying toaddress an issue with the L.A. County Health Department. Mr. Eckartconfirmed that Downey does not have e Health Department and cannot change L.A. County Health Department regulations. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the complexity of the issue. He summarized the City Counci|'o desire to oneoUe a mechanism to help train and coach persons who are inbanae0nd in obtaining a sidewalk vending permit, make it easier to operate |egm||y, and help them earn a living. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez affirmed her desire to create a program as described by Interim City Manager Scott. Council Member La Plante commented in favor of a program that helps comply with the law. City Prosecutor suggested working in conjunction with the Health Department to provide information to interested vendors. Council Member Frometa commented regarding education programs, use of staff resources, and City Council priorities. Mayor Pacheco questioned how much staff time the program vvmu|d utilize. Director Lendaxazo responded that Code Enforcement will take an application and educate vendors about the application City Council Minutes Council Member Frometa summarized that vendor education is occurring on a case by ca basis. Interim City Manager Scott suggested organizing training sessions where multiple vendors m attend. Mayor Pacheco stated that no action is needed as street vendor education programs are alrea being offered informally by City staff. I _R Ly� I I Z Lej I( i il, i F il�� l , il) 11 111 i P 1! Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the purpose of a filming location contract for revenue generation and support of the film industry. He commented regarding his reservations about the submitted proposal. Council Member Trujillo provided an overview of the history of the item and staff efforts to generate a contract to place on the agenda. He commented regarding use of City facilities to generate MW commented regaLdin,_c the status of his request and staff's efforts to negotiate with a proposed vendor. He requested staff issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) if needed to move the process forward. Council Member Frometa commented regarding support for City revenue and the former film studios in Downey. She stated that this item has not previously come before the City Council, and commented regarding the need to place items on the agenda for discussion before the public. She i �nal inf®rmat�ion and commented in support of issuing an RFP. Council Member La Plante commented in favor of soliciting proposals, the possibility of utilizing local vendors _and JfromotinX fil A 0 ortunities in Down%rA. He commented [eq r irre the need for ar RFP to compare rates. Mayor Pacheco summarized Council's direction for staff to issue an RFP for a filming location co-i,tract. Council Member Trujillo asked about the timeline for an RFP to be issued. Interim Scott estimate"' that the process should take six weeks. 14. DISCUSSED FUNDING FOR THE DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION FOR FY 2022-2 Council Members Frometa and Trujillo. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the City Council's support for the Rose Flo Association and queried the Council regarding the funding amount. Council Member Frometa commented regarding the cost of $60,000 to $85,000 to build a flo and stated that her proposed figure would be $20,000 to subsidize the cost of the float. She comment regarding the history of the Downey Rose Parade Float, benefits to the community, and the need support volunteers working on the float. Council Member Trujillo expressed his support for Council Member Frometa's statements. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 23, 2022 12 K8ovor Pacheco questioned whether the proposed amount would be a one-time eunn or on an annual basis. Council Member Fronnetm clarified that she is requesting to incorporate funding for the Downey Rose Float Association oepart ofthe annual City budget. She commented regarding the need step upin supporting the Downey Rose Float Association. Council Member Trujillo concurred with Council Member Fronneta'e etotannerk regarding annual funding ofthe Downey Rose Float. Council K8ennher La Plante questioned whether the City may authorize $20.000 in funding and if the City has spoken with the Rose Float Association whether $20.000xvou|d adequately address the laeum. Council Member Fponnmto commented regarding her desire to remain conscientious of the fact that the budget has already been adopted. She stated that the item could return to the City Council next year to consider the funding amount and commented regarding the varying costs depending on the design ofthe float. Council Member La Plante commented regarding the need for more information from the Roam Float Association regarding costs, and requested information regarding line item costs to operate a float and how much funding the Association has raised. Council Member Fronne{o stated that she and Council Member Trujillo received the figure of $60,000 to $85,000 from the Rose Float Association President. She noted the increased cost of materials due to inflation and suggested looking at the budget to determine hmvv much the City can currently contribute and assessing next year's contributions at a future City Council meeting. Interim City Attorney Langer responded that the City Council may provide a funding direction for the current calendar year and direction for future budgets but that funding for future budgets would need tmbediscussed at abudget session. Mayor Pacheco questioned practices in other cities with self -funded floats. Interim City Manager Scott confirmed that other cities with self -funded floats did contribute bothe cost ofbuilding the floats. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez commented regarding e proposal submitted bythe Arts and Culture Subcommittee. Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas responded the proposal was specifically for replacement ofachassis but not for the cost ofbuilding the float. Council Member La Plante expressed his concern regarding information provided to certain members of the City Council without being provided to all members of the City Council. Council Member Fromm{e responded that the Rose Float Association provided a letter to herself and Council Member Trujillo as1hayhodnyqueabadtop|acatheibannontheegende.|nter|mCityK8anager Scott responded that he would ensure that all Council Members receive a copy of the letter from the Rose Float Association. Council Member La Plante commented regarding his support for funding the Rose Float Association with the caveat that he would need to review the proposed figures. Mayor Pacheco directed staff to return with a more detailed report under the Consent Calendar atthe next City Council agenda. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting —August 23.2022 13 mvlwlil_�1601411611146 11 1 111111!!1111111 � �l!!� on= wit 2021 and at the time of issuance the City's pension liability was $211 million and the City's funded ratio was 66% for Safety personnel and 68% for non -Safety personnel. He reported the City received the CalPERS annual plan valuation report and was informed the City's funded ratio is 94% for the period ending June 30, 2021. He shared that the funding target at the time the bonds were issued was 85%. Ha noted that the contributing factors for the high ratio was a combination of the issuance of the bonds and high interest earnings by CalPERS in 2021. He added that CalPERS had negative returns in 2022 and it is anticipated that the ratio will decrease. He shared staffs expectations that the funded liabilities will reach the City's target of 85%. He stated that the current status will result in lower pension costs for a period of time. He commented that a funding ratio of 85% places the City in a good position. Interim City Manager Scott commented that the pension funding goal is typically not 100%. He Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding his support for a brief City Manager Comments W -r -rg- 0 - , I ;5MUOWNF-5911 iNFC!T4T2T.VAFFTi ar#7W.T&T* off= 670 it continues to be addressed. He compared clean-up efforts in other cities and noted a positive response from L.A. County regarding additional clean-up efforts in Downey. He reported the historic preservation ordinance is in final review and staff is working on the RV parking ordinance. He shared that he and Interim Assistant to the City Manager Rivas held a meeting with the newly elected Downey Sister Cities Association Officers regarding collaboration to support the Association. He commented regarding Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez's request to agendize discussion of a Bell Garden's rent stabilization ordinance. He requested Council's direction on the item. Mayor Pacheco and Council Member Frometa responded that the issue has been discussed by the City Council at a previous City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez stated that the discussion was tabled and she is requesting for the item to return to the City Council for discussion. Council Member Trujillo questioned whether the item would need a second in order to be placed on the agenda. Interim City Manager Scott responded that he takes direction from the City Council as a whole and cannot take direction from individual Council Members. Council Member Frometa shared that the topic has been discussed at length and does not have support on the Council. Iflayor Pro Tern Alvarez commented regarding Council support for the item. Mayor Pacheco asked Interim City Attorney Langer whether the item should be placed on the agenda for discussion. Interim City Attorney Langer clarified Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez's direction is to olace an item on the aaenda to discuss the Citv of Bell Garden's re -it s�tabilizat* i ordii�.-%ice. I City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — August 23, 2022 14 Manager Scott stated that hek*unable hoprepare a draft ordinance oohehas not received direction from the City Council and commented regarding the need for direction from City Council. Mayor Pacheco commented that the item has been previously discussed by the City Council. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez commented regarding her desire to discuss the matter again and stated that Council Member La Plante was not on the City Council at the time that rent stabilization was discussed. Interim City Attorney Langer stated that ifthe majority of the City Council does not wish to discuss the item, Interim City Manager Scott does not have direction to place itonthe agenda. Interim City Manager Scott stated that hewould provide acopy ofthe Bell Gardens ordinance tothe City Council. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez requested to confirm that the rent control item would not be placed on the agenda and reiterated her desire 1oplace arent stabilization item nnthe agenda. Interim City Manager Scoff responded that hedid not receive direction from the City Council todoso. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez shared her understanding that Council Members may request items to beplaced onthe agenda for discussion. Mayor Pacheco suggested continuing discussion with the Interim City Attorney to determine whether the item may beplaced onthe agenda. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding o policy for placing matters on City Council agendaa, which is standard practice in other cities, and clarifying procedures in Downey. He shared that the City Council may on*mte a policy to g||oxv any Council Member to place any matter on the aQenda, which is not standard practice in other cities. He stated that other cities may require that the City Council vote on whether to place an item on the agenda. He commented regarding the benefits of such a policy in assisting the City Manager intaking direction from the City Council and suggested the City Council discuss creation ofmpolicy. Interim City Attorney Langer suggested that she and Interim City Manager Scott research policies inother cities and return to the City Council with a report regarding formalizing a policy for placing matters onCity Council agendas. Mayor Pacheco shared that the City Council had previously discussed this issue and expressed her support for |nbarinn City Attorney Langer'e suggestion. She directed to return to Council with a discussion item to discuss a policy regarding placing matters on the agenda. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pacheco adjourned theReo |erCdvCo nni|K8eebngo1B46 p.m. in memory of Sebastian Valencia, son of City employee Sandra Valencia; and, the lives lost due to 4A IPA A L &IC'l A "DU A LRI , PCM CA ---BUW6—V�H1---00 City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes