Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-28-22 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF JUNE 28, REGULAR MEETING The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 28, 2022, at 6:34 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pacheco presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Blanca Pacheco Catherine Alvarez Claudia M. Frometa Donald E. La Plante Mario Trujillo Mayor Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Council Member 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, Parks & Recreation Director Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance Crystal Landavazo, Interim Director of Community Development M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member La Plante. COUNCILCITY - •UNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA Council Member Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting and wished fathers a happy Father's Day. He reported attending the Solar Energy Improvements Project ribbon cutting event, Go Skate Day, and the NALEO Annual Conference. He requested an update on the renovation of Stonewood Mall. He requested staff present options for converting the Sister Cities Association to a City Commission. He requested to expand the Summer Camp program for the next year and requested staff address parking issues on Telegraph Rd. He requested staff address and enforce unpermitted taco stands set up in the evening hours. Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting and acknowledged Ivan Sulic in attendance. She reported attending the Solar Energy Improvements Project ribbon cutting event, the L.A. CADA 50th Anniversary Celebration, and the NALEO Annual Conference. She thanked Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas for herwork on the Bin It Campaign and requested staff continue to engage property owners regarding maintenance. She requested staff continue speed enforcement and thanked the Police Department for their work. She wished everyone a happy 4th of July holiday and reminded residents regarding enforcement actions for lighting illegal fireworks. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 Chief Murray shared information regarding additional Police patrols, education efforts, ami collaboration with the Fire Department to address illegal fireworks. Pro Tern Tzeitel Paras-Caracci. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She reported attending the NALEO Annual Conference and commented regarding recent Supreme Court action on Roe v. Wade. ;J :4 *11:4 k' 11 If-171 1. Mayor Pacheco presented a City Tile to retiring employee with 14 years of service, Gilbert Livas, City Manager. :4 4ei **--fl V 9� 9 �,' �,' Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:39 p.m. with all Council Members present. PUBLIC HEARINGS Lei I WASIA 114111110 1 MVE-11 11111,6_1111 10 [cm 9, 1 =1[43 I WA&III ,,, 11191 :4 Ll� R;ioq; 1:4 all] 14 =Eel a 2 =1 City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member �--rometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication. ;7*111 Mi. one siateu Lne i Fr7o cosi reco of a 2016 study. She highlighted changes to the fees under the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Downey Theatre. She shared 22 new fees were added and some fees were removed as the service City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - June 28, 2022 2 is no longer being provided. She provided the following corrections to items that would remain at cost recovery, not increased per CPI: The Special Request Fire Flow Test fees, Standby Service Fees, Fire Sprinkler System Fees, High -Piled Storage fees, Hot Work Operations fees, Fire Alarm System fees, Inspection Services fees related to plumbing and building & safety, Release of Impounded Vehicles fees, and, photocopying fees for the Public Works Department. Council Member Frometa requested to confirm which fees are highlighted in yellow and green. Ms. De Rojas responded items highlighted in yellow are fees increasing by CPI and items highlighted in green are new fees being added to the Fee Schedule. Mayor Pacheco, at 7:44 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written public comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written public comment was received. Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented in opposition to increases to the Schedule of Fees. 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 User Fee Schedule Resolution and in opposition to increased fees. BC, resident, commented in opposition to increased fees. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in opposition to increased fees. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in opposition to increased fees. Jang Lee, resident, commented regarding the impact of inflation and who would be affected by increased fees. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5- 0, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8080, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey adjusting the City's Uniform Schedule of Fees. 2. CONFIRMED r LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT r- FISCAL YEAJ i rPublic • r,r r - r -, r � r r-r; - r; r � r • - r r. • r, •-• i is -- • r i i; �- � - s r; Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m, City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 3 He noted assessment rates for all zones are currently at the maximum level and increasing maintenance costs have resulted in negative fund balances. He advised the assessments may need to be increased by a Prop 218 ballot to cover the shortfall in the future. Council Member Frometa thanked Director Consunji for his presentation and requested the percentage of increase recommended. Director Consunji responded that the only increase would be in 0 fis"TAILSENTill Mi MIS it. t Ott a Prop 218 ballot measure which requires a 2/3 vote in favor of rate increases. Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding the previous amount collected for Zone 1. Director Consunji responded no assessments have been collected in the last 20 years. Council Member Trujillo inquired regarding the reason no assessments were collected. Director Consunji responded this was the decision of the City Council. Council Member Trujillo questioned regarding the amount assessed for single-family homes. Director Consunji responded the amount is determined by the number of dwelling units and is not based on the property value. He clarified that ad valorem taxes based on the value of the property are separate from the assessment being discussed. Council Member Trujillo inquired regarding staffs recommendation and why the assessment is being increased. Director Consunji responded the Assessment District has had a negative balance and the General Fund has subsidized the District. He stated if the assessment is approved, it would fund operations in place of the General Fund. Council Member Trujillo inquired which Zone multi -unit properties are located. Director Consunji responded Table 4 of the staff report shows the multi -unit properties in Zone 1. Council Member Trujillo inquired regarding the effect on renters. Director Consunji responded the assessment would be placed on property owners. Mayor Pacheco, at 8:10 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there Were any written public comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written public comment was received. Iflayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in opposition to increased fees and regarding transparency and the effect on renters. T MT-MM, TI: in City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 4 Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented in opposition to increased fees and regarding use of the General Fund to subsidize one assessment area, the effect on mantera, and ad valorem property Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in opposition to increased fees and regarding the fiscal policies of the City Council and representation. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed the Public Hearing o18:23p.nn. Council Member Frometa commented regarding the assessment funds being used for services such aostreet lighting, |endooaping, and tree maintenance. She commented regarding the need to balance the services being provided with the funding required. She commented regarding the necessity of increasing assessments to maintain streets and lighting. Council Member Trujillo questionedxvhetheritiaconnrnonforc|t|eetoouboidizatheemseognngnt. Interim City Manager Scott responded it is common for cities to have Lighting and Landscape Districts and, while some cities may pay for maintenance from the General Fund, it is not common practice. He commented in support of action ceasing the subsidy. He commented regarding issues that can occur if the Assessment Districts are not updated regularly. Heclarified the City may only charge the actual oost, which igprovided inthe annual report. Council Member Trujillo maqueotmdtheectua|coctforthgCihvtm continue to subsidize from the General Fund in the next fiscal year. Interim City Manager Scott requested to clarify what was subsidized. Director Coneu ji responded Assessment Zones with negative fund balances are subsidized bythe General Fund and collection ofthe proposed assessment would eliminate the subsidy. |n1er|nn City Manager Scott shared it is not uncommon for Zones to have negative fund bg|enuem and cities typically reduce aen/ioea in those zones, which can create issues with unequal service. He stated the better practice is to adjust the ogoeomnnen1 rate to maintain services. Council Member Trujillo quaotionedtheonmountofmavmnue the City would forego |fitdid not adopt the Resolution. Director Cmneu ji*tabedtheannountxvou|dbe $21.41from each parcel inZone 1. Council Member Fronneta referenced the Fiscal Impact section of the staff report. Director Coneu jio|ar|fied$2.248.322|etheennourtooUectedgorosoa||AoeeaennentZonmoand$7O4.ODQxvnu|d be collected from Zone 1. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding subsidizing one zone but not the n*a1. Council Member Fnonnadaque*tioned the$75D.DO referenced in the Fiaoo| Impact Section. Director Congu ji responded this sum is the ad va|mmenn property tax aoeaeonnent. Interim City Manager Scott clarified this figure is not referring to Zone 1' Consultant Jim McGuire ofVVi||dan Financial Services clarified the Assessment Zone is not subsidized by the General Fund but receives Prop 13 funds restricted to the purposes of landscaping and lighting. He stated Zone 1 previously received sufficient ad valorem revenues that itdid not require anassessment and, due toadecrease inadvalorem revenue, staff is recommending an increase in the assessment to the authorized maximum amount to balance the budget. He reiterated that General Funds were not used to subsidize one Zone but the particular Zone had funds restricted to one purpose. |nhsrinn C|b/ Manager Scott inquired whether the Zone had a fund balance in the past from which they were able to draw. Mr. K8oCSuina confirmed the fund bm|enma was large enough topay the annual assessment amount. |twas moved bvCouncil Member From*da.seconded byMayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 4- 1. with Council Member Trujillo voting no, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8081. o Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey confirming the Diagram and Assessment and ordering the Levy and Collection ofAssessments for the City ofDowney Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District 121for Fiscal Year 2O22 pursuant tothe Provisions ofPart 2ofDivision 15ofthe California Streets and Highways Code. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 20.2O22 P'IBLIC 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 14 written public comments were received. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5- 0, to receive and file written public comment. Charles Gerlach, resident, commented regarding open meeting laws. Rick Huff, resident, commented requesting commercial green waste binds for commercial buildings and apartments. Lisa Lang, resident, commented regarding regulating street vending. Jesus Torres, resident, commented regarding regulating street vending. Lisette Rivera, resident, commented regarding regulating street vending. Jennifer Alvarez, resident, commented regarding regulating street vending. Rick, resident, commented in opposition to street vending in Downey. Angelica Hernandez commented regarding regulating street vending. Sara Morales, resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 8. Wayne Spindler, non-resident, commented regarding the public comment period and City Manager Livas. No name provided commented regarding affordable housing and assisting the homeless population. Kimberly Tinajero, resident, commented regarding Council Members. Lorraine Roskelley, resident, commented regarding regulating street vending. Theresa Riley, resident, commented in opposition to the termination of City Manager Livas. 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 regarding First Amendment rights, Council Members, and affordable housing. Anita Rivero, resident, commented regarding the theft of catalytic converters in the City. Council Member La Plante commented regarding the engraving of catalytic converters to assist in recovery efforts. Chief Murray shared two events have been hosted by the City and staff can host additional events. She stated theft of catalytic converters is a regional issue and commented regarding proactive deterrence. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 6 Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding the theft of catalytic converters in the City. Gabe Montoya, Kaiser Permanente employee, asked the Council to support a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers in Downey. Eva Amador, resident and Kaiser Permanente employee, asked the Council to support a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers in Downey. Resident and healthcare worker, no name provided, asked the Council to support a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers in Downey. Elvira Murillo, healthcare worker, asked the Council to support a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers in Downey. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the Central Basin Municipal Water District. Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion. John Lacey, resident, welcomed Mr. Scott and commented regarding the departure of City Manager Livas. Lawrence Christon, commented regarding the Downey Theatre, Council Members, City Manager Livas, and Interim City Manager Scott. Greg Shorter, healthcare worker, asked the Council to support a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers in Downey. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding elected officials and City staff. BC, resident, commented regarding the departure of City Manager Livas, the effort to recall L.A. County District Attorney Gascon, Proposition 47, the Solar Energy Improvements Project, and VenueTech. Jang Lee, resident, commented regarding street vending, clean streets, the User Fee Schedule, and LGBTQ Picnic and requested the Council hold a picnic for Koreans in the City. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding Interim City Manager Scott, Interim City Attorney Langer, the NALEO Annual Conference, and the Social Security Administration. Joaquin Beltran, resident, thanked everyone who supported his campaign and commented regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment. Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 9:32 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:41 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mayor Pacheco announced Item No. 13 would be continued to a future City council meeting. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 7 101110 I=*] =Jr*T-7% 1411WJ 0 1 Z'11Y_11 4 WM;101 AW64 11 WAYA 191 ff� �46 I il�T-011 - 110016MICILY710 -111 Council Member Trujillo requested staff consider inclusion of CNG vehicles in evaluation of future RFPs. 20 11011:40 19:4:111, 101U.1 k' W210:s I I -,I ! 111111 111117111�11111 pill �1!1111111 11 11 ��1111111 1,11511 1111 711 1 0. 11 K - , 1 ' � I 11ii'?JMM2[= Mayor Pacheco inquired why the City was entering into a one-year contract for the Police Department and a three-year contract for the Fire Department. Chief Hurlock responded the Fire Department has worked with Commline, Inc for 7-8 years and has an established relationship. He stated the Police Department started working with Commline, Inc. more recently and uses a different radio manufacturer. Chief Murray confirmed Chief Hurlock's comments and stated the Police Department began working with Commline, Inc. in 2018. She stated if the Police Department has successful operation with Commline, Inc., they may consider a multi -year contract. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 10 11. AUTHORIZED STAFF TO ENTER INTO A THREE (3) YEAR AGREEMENT WITH CO LINE, INC. FOR 911 COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT (RADIO INFRASTRUCTURE, MICROWAVE NETWORK, MOBILE AND PORTABLERADIOS) MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR CONTRACT PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 2022, TO JUNE 30, 2025: Fire. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5- 0, to authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Commline, Inc. for two-way radio communication equipment (radio infrastructure, mobile and portable radios) maintenance, repair and support for a contract period from July 1, 2022 to June 30 2023; and, authorize staff to enter into a three (3) year agreement with Commline, Inc. for 911 communication equipment (radio infrastructure, microwave network, mobile and portable radios) maintenance and repair services for contract period from June 7, 2022 to June 30, 2025. • r • -1 • :i 1 • 1 • a • ' • •; : rI :: i • • ; r • • AM • • • • I IN LONG BEACH, CA. Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas presented the staff report. She shared the League of California Cities Conference & Expo is an annual meeting where League membership considers and takes action on resolutions that establish League policy. She advised the City Council must designate a voting delegate and alternates to ensure the City's interests are represented as the League considers its platform and initiatives for the upcoming year. Interim City Manager Scott noted the time commitment for the designated voting delegate. Mayor Pacheco responded she is aware and usually serves as the delegate. Interim City Manager Scott shared that he has served as an alternate in cases where the Council Member did not realize the time commitment. Council Member Trujillo suggested appointing Mayor Pacheco as the voting delegate and Council Member La Plante as the alternate. Council Member La Plante confirmed he would be attending the League of California Cities Annual Conference and would be able to serve as an alternate. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8088, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey designating a Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) for the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, September 7-9, 2022 in Long Beach, CA. 20. DISCUSSED THE CITY'S CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO DOWNEY ARTS, HISTORY AND CULTURE, AND THE CREATION OF A DOWNEY ARTS AND CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM: Administration. Interim City Manager Scott provided an introduction of the item and previous discussion of arts, history and culture. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 11 Council Member La Plante thanked Ms. De Rojas for her report and commented in support of holding a study session. He requested to confirm that the Downey Theatre costs the City $1 million to operate. Ms. De Rojas confirmed the figure. Council Member La Plante inquired whether the Art in Public Places program was created by the City on its own or in response to a State mandate. Ms. De Rojas responded the City created the program on its own. He asked for the name the skating banana sculpture. Ms. De Rojas responded the sculpture is named "On a Roll". Council Member La Plante commented in favor of the Carpenters statue and expressed his desire for Richard Carpenter to be featured. Council Member Trujillo requested staff reach out to Richard Carpenter and the record company regarding funding the statue. He concurred with Council Member La Plante's statement regarding inclusion of Richard Carpenter and added that a small keyboard should be included in the statue. Council Member Frometa thanked Ms. De Rojas for her report and requested to table the item for future discussion. Council Member Trujillo commented in support of the study session proposed by Interim City Manager Scott and requested to confirm the public would be able to attend the study session. Interim City Attorney Langer responded in the affirmative. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 5- 0, to table the discussion and schedule a Study Session regarding Downey arts, history and culture, and the creation of a Downey Arts and Culture Grant program. r r - • r�r - r •F 1111111iElll,-r - r r• —WE Council Member La Plante suggested inclusion of this item in the arts, history and culture study session. Council Member Trujillo noted the time sensitivity as the Downey Arts Coalition would like to move forward with the Tuesday Museum program in July. He shared the Theatre Subcommittee convened to discuss the item and recommends recognizing the Downey Arts Coalition as a Legacy Group. Director Chacon presented the staff report. He provided background regarding the Downey Civic Theatre Financial Assistance program, Legacy Groups, and the budget for the Theatre. He shared a non - Legacy Group can apply to have their rental fees waived while a Legacy Group can apply to have the labor, box office, and other associated costs waived in addition to the rental fees. He stated the Downey Theatre Subcommittee convened and approved recognition of the Downey Arts Coalition as a Legacy Group on March 15, 2022. He provided a background regarding the Downey Arts Coalition and the criteria to become a Legacy Group. Council Member La Plante inquired regarding the funding request from the Downey Arts Coalition. Director Chacon clarified the organization is not requesting funds but to be considered a Legacy Group. He added the organization would then fill out the application form for their monthly open house event. He stated staff has worked with the Theatre to determine dates that would not conflict with programming of revenue -generating rentals. He estimated the application would request approximately $25,000 which could possibly be offset by sponsorship opportunities. Council Member Frometa inquired whether the Downey Arts Coalition would receive $25,000 of the $40,000 allocated to the program. Director Chacon responded the organization would submit an application and the Theatre Subcommittee would make a determination. He shared the Downey Symphony has historically applied for $25,000 while the Downey Rose Float Association has applied for City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 13 approve the Downey Arts Coalition as a Legacy Group. Director Chacon responded there is no fiscal impact to approve the Coalition as a Legacy Group. It was moved by with Council Member La Plante voting no, to recognize the Downey Arts Coalition as a Legacy Group ir. regards to the use of the Downey Theatre. to know the community. Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:26 p.m. in memory of El Monte Police Department Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes and Officer Joseph Anthony Santana killed in the line of duty; Tzeitel Paras Caracci, Mayor Pro Tern of the City of Duarte and 21 year member of the Duarte City Council; the victims of the Ukraine crisis; and, the lives lost due to COVI D-1 9. CLAUDIA M. FROMETA City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — June 28, 2022 15