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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 10-12-21 Regular MeetingREGULAR MEETING The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting onOctober 12. 2021. at 8:34 p.rn., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City HaU, 11111 Brookshire Axanua, Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Claudia M. Fron1eta Blanca Pacheco Catherine Alvarez Sean Ashton Mario Trujillo Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Council Member ALSO Gilbert Livan.City Manager John [)ohuui.Assistant City Manager Yvette M. Ab|oh Garcia, City Attorney A|doE. Schindler, Deputy City Manager/Community Development Dean Milligan, Chief ofPolice Dan Hur|onh, Fire Chief [>e|fino Consu ji. Public Works Director Vaniah [}m Rojas, Assistant tmthe City Manager Alicia Ouarte, C;VIC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Pastor David of New Living VVav Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led bvSarah 8aroheemn. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; Council Member Alvarez commented regarding economic conditions, eviction noticea, hazard pay, rental aoeistanoe, challenges faced by residents during the pendennic, and the effort to recall her as Council Member. She requested to discuss recognizing the month of October as Indigenous Peoples Month. Mayor Pro Tenn Pacheco thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting and acknowledged Nancy Swenson, K8arthmSodetmni. Bobbie 8ann i Dr. John Garcia, Michael Calvert, the []ovvnoy Rose Float Court, Jeremy C|ifton, and nnennbeny of the Downey F{oem Float Association in attendance. She reported attending the |CA Installation [}inner. a Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kick -Off event, Walk to School [}ey at Rio Gan Gabriel Elementary, the HOPE Latina Empowerment event, and the Downey One Day VfService. She invited the public toattend Coffee with aCop, the Red Cross Blood Orixe, Spooky Science at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, and the Mayor's State of the City event. Council Member Trujillo requested staff collaborate with DU8D to create o video regarding C)ovvnevo history and incorporate a field trip to the Columbia K8ennohe| Space Center. He requested staff expand the Rental Assistance Program and include a hornekaeoneaa prevention aspect. He reported attending Havana Nights, the Kivv8niS |nst8U8bOn event, the [}Ovvney Coordinating Council meeting, the |CA |noto/|sdion [}inner. Downey One Day of Sen/ice, and the Downey Civic Theatre Subcommittee meeting. He invited the public to attend the upcoming Downey Symphony Concert. He acknowledged the AY8{> organization. He thanked the Public Works Department for their excellent City Council Minutes work. He announced the Downey Arts Coalition is looking for student artists for the Dia de Los Muertos event and invited the public to attend the Roots & Blues event. Council Member Ashton thanked Robert Kiefer for representing the City on the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board. He thanked staff for their work coordinating City events. Mayor Frometa reminded the audience about her Mayor's Corner articles. She acknowledged the DUSD Board Members, Downey Rose Court, and Rose Float Association members in attendance. She reported attending the Walk to School Day event and requested staff coordinate another event in April for Earth Day. She commented regarding the upcoming Solar Energy Improvements Project and the Police Department's participation in the Pink Patch Project for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She thanked staff for a successful Havana Nights event. She reported attending the Downey One Day of Service and the Affordable Housing Subcommittee meeting. She commented regarding the art exhibit displayed in the City Hall lobby in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the City's Art in Public Places program. She asked staff reach out to businesses with flashing signs and ensure compliance with the Municipal Code. She asked about plans to develop the Downey Gateway and vacant businesses on Firestone Blvd. She acknowledged Michael Calvert in attendance. She invited the public to attend to the State of the City event, the Downey Police Department Drug Take -Back event, and a Freeway Off -Ramp Clean -Up. She commented regarding the FY 2020-21 City Accomplishments Annual Report. 1 . Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Principal Cad White, Warren High Scho and Principal Tom Houts, Downey High School. 'I 2. Mayor Frometa presented a Proclamation in honor of U.S. Navy 246 1h Birthday Celebration to Cil employee George Delatorre. 3. Mayor Frometa presented Certificates of Recognition to the Miss Downey outgoing Court. 4. Presentation to the City Council regarding West Nile Virus by L.A. County Vector Control. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. ADOPTED A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKIN DISTRICT ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDES OF VULTEE AVE. BETWEEN BUCKLES ST. AN STEWART & GRAY RD.: Public Works. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 21-8039, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TH CITY OF DOWNEY ESTABLISHING A RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRIC ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDES OF VULTEE AVENUE BETWEEN BUCKLES STREE AND STEWART & GRAY ROAD Mayor Frometa opened the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m. City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Fromet seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication. Deputy Director of Public Works Edwin Norris presented the staff report for Item No. 1. F provided an overview of the history of the item. He informed the Council of the results of the parkir occupancy studies conducted. He shared that a petition was circulated, demonstrating resident suppc for the residential preferential parking district. He stated that the Public Works Committee considerE this item and concurred with staffs recommendation to adopt a resolution establishing the preferenti parking district. He detailed next steps should the resolution be adopted. City Council Minutes Mayor Fnonneta, sd7:5S p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Fronleta asked Cho Clerk Duarte ifthere were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Fronneta asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Mike Greenapan, non-resident, commented in opposition hothe itmnn. Armando Herman, non-raeident.commented inopposition tothe item. Reoidert, no name provided, reeidert, commented in favor of the denl and thanked the Council for considering it. RodolfoCnrteeBanogan.non-myeidont commented inopposition hothe item. Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed the Public Hearing at 8:12 p.m. Council Member Alvarez questioned hVvv many households signed the petition. Mayor Fnonneta responded that 17 out of2O households, equaling 8596 of residents in the neighborhood. signed the petition. She added that adopting the resolution does not preclude the City from seeking opportunities to address parking for local apartment complexes. She commented regarding the issue of residents unable to park on their street and the influx of residents from adjacent apartment buildings parking along Vu|1ee Ave. Council K8enlbmr Alvarez clarified her question regarding the number of households that signed the petition. Mr. Norris responded that 17of2Dproperties onthe block signed the petition and noted that it may be confusing as signatures were provided on duplicate pages. Council Member Alvarez connnnmntaU regarding the |oeua of parking on Lakewood Blvd. Mr. Norris shared that staff has reached out to management of the Eclipse Shopping Center regarding a parking arrangement and has not ^ � received a response. Council Member Alvarez commented regarding a similar issue on Raebert St. and questioned the lack of naepmnoe from the property management company. City Manager Livas responded that the City is unable to mandate that private property owners make parking spaces available to residents and that property owners are concerned about security issues. He shared that Stonevvood Center revoked permission to park in their lots because oflitter and illicit activity. He stated that staff would continue working with commercial property owners to make parking available. He shared that staff has explored the possibility of charging a enna|| parking fee but found that it was not sufficient to offset the cost ofsecurity personnel. Mayor Pro Tanl Pacheco commented regarding communications from residents, her observations of the issue, and the importance of alleviating parking concerns. |twas moved by Mayor Fmmeta.seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried 4-1.with Council Member Alvarez voting no, to adopt Resolution No. 21-8039. a Resolution establishing Residential Preferential Parking District on the East and West Sides ofWu|bae Ave. between Buckles Et. and Stewart & Gray Rd. 2.PUBUC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING THE REDRAWING OF ELECTION DISTRICT BOUNDARIES: Administration. yNoyorFnonneto opened the Public Hearing st8:21 p.m. Qh/ Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Fronneto, seconded by Council Member Ashton, and carried 5-0. to receive and file the publication. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — October 12.2U21 3 requirements and completion of all steps in the redistricting process and reiterated that the City would not be making large changes to its District boundaries. Mayor •. : - 8:45 p.m., opened this item forpublic comment.i • asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the percentage of tenants in t City, District 5, creation of additional Districts, and representation of residents. I 3. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING Di: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RELATED TO FREESTANDING SIGNS AND INCORPORATIN, NEW STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC FREEWAY SIGNS IN SPECIFIC PLAN 90-1: Communil Development. Principal Planner Crystal Landavazo presented the staff report for Item No. 3. She provided an overview of Specific Plan 90-1, the proposed text amendments to update sign standards to allow two freeway -oriented freestanding signs and add standards to regulate electronic message signs, and the intent of the proposed ordinance to update the Specific Plan to reflect new technology that was not available at the time the Specific Plan was adopted in 1991. She shared that a new freeway -oriented sign has been proposed adjacent to the 5 Freeway on Florence Ave. on the Giant RV property. She noted that the sign would feature the City of Downey logo, the Giant RV brand, and an electronic message board as the primary face of the sign. Council Member Ashton asked if the City would be able to advertise City events on the sign. Deputy City Manager Schindler confirmed the City negotiated for 12% of ad space between 5 a.m. and City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — October 12, 2021 5 10 p.m. every day and stated the City would be able to advertise community events and hiring Council Member Ashton questioned whether Honda World had plans to erect a similar sign. M3 Schindler responded that Honda World intended to improve the existing sign with electronI`12 enhancements and would be subject to the same provisions. Mayor Frometa, at 9:05 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Frometa asked Ci Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Cle Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyo present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in support of Giant RV and the advertising benefi. to the City. �1 Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in opposition to the proposed ordinance, citi concerns regarding the flashing lights. Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding potential conflicts of interests and campai donations. I Council Member Ashton, Mayor Frometa, Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, and Council Memb-q" Trujillo stated that they have not received any campaign donations from any corporations applying f sign permits. I Mayor Frometa clarified standards and limitations regulating sign brightness. She comment regarding the Council's consideration of the item and environmental concerns. i It was moved by Council Member Ashton, seconded by Mayor Frometa, and carried 5-0, introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey adopting a Specific Plan Amendme (PLN-21-00032), thereby, revising Section III -A (G) (Development Standards- Signs) related I Freestanding Signs and incorporating New Sign Standards for Electronic Message Signs in Speci City Manager Livas clarified his statements, as referenced in a public comment, regarding 40(a of the City being multi -family residences. He stated that 58% of Downey is made up of single-fami homes, which may include renters. i Armando —Merman, non-resident, commented regarding the case of the United States ;.agdasarian, elected officials, COVID-19 pandernic mandates, and free speech. City Council Minutes Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding his children, the Children's Court, and the Offices of L.A. County Supervisor Barger. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the vote of no confidence for L.A. County District Attorney Gascon and on a past case litigated by Council Member Trujillo. BC, resident, commented in opposition to the City funding of events and COVID-19 pandemic John Lacey, reoiderk, commented regarding the L.A. Dodgera, Senate Bill 10 and State AaeemblvmemberGorcia, Jeng Lea, naaident, commented regarding his opposition tothe CC)V|C-1Bvaccines, Council Member Alvarez, and the Pride flag. Mayor Fronneta reminded the public that the Downey City Council is a separate entity from the Downey Unified School District /OUSD\. She advised the public to contact the OUS[) Board of Education for matters regarding the school district. Lourdes CDtay8, remident, commented regarding the First Amendment and Council Member Trujillo, Juan Martinez, resident, DQnnnnGntGd regarding Council Members A|varez, AeSenlb|ynnennber Garcia, City staff, and First Amendment rights. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the vote of no confidence for L.A. County District Attorney Gascon, First Amendment rights, and the City Council. Mayor Frometa commented regarding the safety of the City Council, conduct at the City Council meeting, and public comment. MayorFmmeta asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Non -Agenda Public Comment items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed three written comments were K8eha K8aciel-4neno|bie. resident, commented regarding First Amendment rights and Council Member Alvarez. Uoeette Rivera, resident, commented regarding First Amendment rights and Council Member Counci|Member Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 11and 17due toowning property in the area, and Item No. 13 due to business relationships with people potentially involved in the project. MaynrFnonleta abstained from Item No. 4 as she was not present sdthe September 28. 2021 Special City Council meeting. City Council Minutes Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regardirMa Consent Calendar items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. May Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding Council Member Trujillo's abstentio and Item No. 6. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 11, infrastructu issues, and elected officials. 11 Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment on Consent Calendar items. City Council Minutes + ri" ! - iii • •` i is i • • • i` i • i Director of • presented the staff reportfor Item No' Ordinanceprovided an overview of legal requirements per Senate Bill 1436 and employee benefits est ablished F 21-8013. He shared that the resolution• • amend the insurance benefits i cov WVA• • • Y'i if • •`:: •: i '• •�:i' • i • the premium rates forL.A.region • " plan offered by CalPERS.stated that t changei` i • to the City by reducing the maximum allowance by • to $107 i month per employee. He added that the benefit revisions are consistent with those offered to t Downey City Employees' Association — Miscellaneous Unit and new hires in the Downey Poli Officers' Association and Downey Firemans' Association. II Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regardinA Item No. 18. City ClerkDuarte confirmed no written comments were received. . i. h i ' • anyonethere was present who would like tocomment on •: 18. • i • i • • ' • • a i : ' ' • i Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding taxpayer funds, Council Member Ashton, public input, and the City Council's agenda. i i •.....' ' '. i.INTERIM115 111111110111iMWIZIR• It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ashton and carried 5-0, adopt Resolution No. 21-8042, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey amendi Resolution 21-80'i.:i i. Health Benefits i' Employees . . i Designated I Executive Management, I• •Management •Confidential/Exempt. Mayor • adjourned Regular i • • at 10:24p.m. in memoryof ' lost due to COVI r .: CouncilCity 47 Zz� BLANCA PACHECO Mayor M