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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-13-22 Regular MeetingMINITES OF THE REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on September 13, 2022, at 6:32 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, with 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, Director of Parks & Recreation Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance Crystal Landavazo, Interim Community Development Director Maria Rivas, Interim Assistant to the City Manager M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jeannie Wood, Recreation and Community Services Commissioner. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/IVIEETING REPORTS Council Member Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He reported attending the League of California Cities Conference, two Neighborhood Watch meetings, and the International Food & Music Festival. He requested an agenda item to discuss financial support of the YMCA and inquired whether the City has assisted the YMCA in the past. He commented regarding Steve Roberson, YMCA supporter. He requested staff contact the City of South Gate regarding maintenance of the northbound 710 freeway on -ramp. He requested the Public Works Department address street maintenance at all freeway entryways. Council Member Frometa thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. She reported attending the Downey Razorbacks Opening Ceremony, a Father -Con event at LOOK Cinemas, and the International Food & Music Festival. She commented regarding the Bin It campaign to address illegal dumping. She requested staff update the City website so residents can easily locate information regarding scheduling bulky item pick-up. She invited residents to the Senior Follies event at the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center. She asked staff to increase the number of events and programming for the senior community and research offering additional discounts on recreational classes for families with multiple children. She requested an update on an ordinance regarding RV parking and asked staff to address City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 1;1j11l111!!1jj1!!1j�1111j 114TAKS Start InStan Stop 51sn5 on Pangborn Ave. and Farm St. and requested the Police Department monitor speeding on smaller residential streets. Council Member La Plante reported attending meetings of the Clean Power Alliance and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, the League of California Cities Conference, and the unveiling of the future Downey Family YMCA. He requested an agenda item to discuss financial support of the YMCA and inquired whether the City has assisted the YMCA in the past. He requested an agenda report regarding the Downey Link transit system. He requested staff develop a comprehensive program for funding of arts and culture. He acknowledged the Calvary Chapel Christian School Government class in attendance. He requested staff reach out to CalTrans regarding maintenance of the northbound 710 freeway on -ramp. He commented regarding stop signs in his neighborhood Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She reported attending the League of California Cities Conference. She commented regarding Government Code Section 52952.2 of the Brown Act and her request to discuss the Bell Gardens rent stabilization ordinance. She commented regarding rent control and the importance of assisting residents. Mayor Pacheco acknowledged the Calvary Chapel Christian School Government class in attendance. She re',torted aftendinv Coffee with a Co-o the Summer Music & Moyne event at Golden P--.Ai the AYSO 50th Anniversary event, the CERT Graduation of the World Mission Society Church of God, two Neighborhood Watch meetings, the California Association of Realtors Conference, the League of California Cities Conference, and the September 11 Remembrance Ceremony. She thanked the Police and Fire Departments for all they do to keep the community safe. She invited the public to attend the Beyond the Book event, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Temple and Crawford Parks, and the IS- 394.A online FEMA training. She provided an update on the Homeless Count figures and reported a 15.5% decrease in the homeless population in Downey. She requested staff address a homeless encampment near Calvary Chapel. CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Pacheco announced that Item No. 1 under City Manager/Staff Member Comments would be discussed as Item No. 15 under Administrative Reports. Interim City Manager Scott confirmed that the item pertaining to the proposed roundabout at the Rives Ave. at Quill Dr. intersection would be discussed later. He thanked the Calvary Chapel Christian School Government class for attending the City Council meeting. He commented regarding the role of the City Manager and the City Council and the structure of local government and democracy. He commented regarding items listed on the agenda and community issues to be discussed and First Amendment rights. PRESENTATIONS 1. Mayor Pacheco presented a Certificate of Recognition to Code 4 Private Security for their donation to the Military Banner Program. Monterey Park City Manager Ron Bow in attendance thanked Chief Murray and Captains Loughner and Baker for their efforts to arrest the suspects in the murder of Officer Gardiel Solorio. He shared his 11 ratitude for all of the DowneVA: Police Officers an and the City of Downey. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. 1:01:1 R 141014m I Li [=Pki Kemuel=m =1 N 97-1111:4 JJ [� Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regardinrel Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written comme was received. :913 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Frometa, 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. Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding religion. Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding freedom of speech, inflation, the Council Members, and the U.S. President. Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding hatred against the Police and the Central Basin Municipal Water District. John Lacey, resident, commended Interim City Manager Scott's presentation, requested to adjourn in memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks, and commented regarding crime and Police response times. David Bowers, resident, commented regarding upholding of the Constitution, BC, resident, commented regarding the City Council, pandemic shutdowns, the Transient Occupancy Tax measure, and taxes. Resident, no name provided, commented regarding traffic and safety on Crossdale Ave. RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:52 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding attorneys on the City Council, religion, the healthcare workers minimum wage, employee compensation, the public comment speaker time, colleges, football games, Council Members, the Police, and a former L.A. City Council Member. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the public comment speaker time, democracy, corruption, Interim City Manager, rent control evictions, and the Interim City Attorney. Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding the City Council Agenda topics and homelessness. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 3 RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:59 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:03 p.m. with all Council Members present. Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding respect, Council Members, the status of funds paid for a legal matter, the policy for placing matters on the agenda, rent control, and corruption. Joe Munguia, resident, commented regarding conduct at the City Council meeting, his background, and in opposition to Tacos Don Goyo. Jose Gomez Jr., resident, expressed concerns regarding Tacos Don Goyo. Christopher Rowland, resident, thanked Interim City Manager Scott for responding to his emails ::11111,111111 i I . n��% and commented rel. inn a narkbral citation he received bIockinn_r).f1iii!:1: I! I I IVIP on his street. Jose Gomez Sr., resident, expressed concerns regarding Tacos Don Goyo. Wendy, resident, commented regarding affordable housing, rent control, and the effect on students. Mario Cortez, resident, commented in favor of rent control and rent reduction in Downey. Luke, non-resident, commented regarding crime on Dos Rios Rd. and law enforcement. Lily Gomez, resident, expressed concerns regarding Tacos Don Goyo. Girik Issaian commented regarding Council Members, housing, and homelessness. RECESS/RECONVENE Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 8:26 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened th City Council meeting at 8:30 p.m. with all Council Members present. Mike Gonzalez, resident, thanked Interim City Manager Scott and expressed concerns regardir Tacos Don Goyo. Resident, no name provided, commented regarding rent control, homelessness, the condition her residential building, street repairs, and road conditions on Stewart and Gray Rd. Mayor Pacheco commented regarding the City's efforts to address the issue at Tacos Don Goy and assured residents that their concerns are being heard. Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding long-term solutions such as converting th neighborhood into a cul de sac rather than short term solutions such as parking tickets. Council Member Frometa commented regarding Interim City Manager Scoff's efforts to addreE the concerns regarding Tacos Don Goyo and the process to develop a solution. Council Member Trujillo thanked Interim City Manager Scott for his efforts and requested sta research a temporary closure of Manzanar Ave. through installation of a barricade. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 4 Council Member La Plante abstained from Item No. 1, Meeting Minutes of the Special Meeting of December 16, 2021; Regular Meetings of August 24, 2021 and September 14, 2021 as he was not on the Council at that time. Mayor Pacheco pulled Item Nos. 6 and 8 for separate discussion. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5- 0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of December 16, 2021; Regular Meetings of August 24, 2021; September 14, 2021; and, July 12, 2022: City Clerk. total2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 361786 — 362283; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004255 • of .0 0Finance.3. ACCEPTED •- •- - r - - • - •-• • --•CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNTOF AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF • _ •' FILE THE NOTICEOF •I - IMPROVEMENT PROJECT • 1 Public Works. • ACCEPTED WORK • .5TH ST. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS; APPROVED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,080,995; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $11 1,0C FROM WATER FUND CIP ACCOUNT NO. 51-1-8674 TO WATER FUND CIP ACCOUNT NO. 6. i', AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOROF WORKS/CITYTHE • OF • • IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21 -15): Public Work, 5. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FO CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR I;22/23 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRET (COUNCILREPAIRS - . IMPROVEMENTSMISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE), AND LAKEWOOD BLVD. PARKWA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1'1): Public Works. 7. APPROVED A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN POTENTIAL, INC. TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF $409,656 TO PROVID BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MOBILE CRISIS AND NON -CRISIS SERVICES THAT CONSIST C FUNDING FOR IPUIPMENT, CO -RESPONSE INTERVENTIONSAUT 9. CLASS SPECIFICATION REVISIONS AND NEW POSITIONS IN THE FY 2022/23 BUDGET: Human Resources. ■•- - • •, • : • - • • • • • City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 5 It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, and carried 5-0, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for the City of Downey to use grant funding to pay overtime costs for the County Mental Health Clinicians already assigned to the City; and, authorized the City Manager to approve the Memorandum of Agreement and directed the Chief of Police to execute the Memorandum of Agreement. r r r• • - • -• r• -• r, • • • Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas presented the staff report. She provided an overview on the history of the item and shared the Downey Rose Float Association's status as one of six self -built organizations. She provided examples of the amounts allocated by other cities with self -built floats and funding sources. She stated staff reached out to the Rose Float Association for a formal request, which asked for $30,000 in funding. She noted the Downey Rose Float Association needs to raise between $65,000 to $100,000 annually depending on the special feature significant to each year's float. She shared the impact of the pandemic on the organization's fundraising efforts. She added the Association has historically applied and been approved for $8,000 in rental credit from the Downy Civic Theatre Financial Assistance Program. Council Member Frometa emphasized the importance of the City's history in the Rose Parade and commented in favor of supporting the Downey Rose Float Association. She commented regarding the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and regarding funding provided by the City for other arts and culture programs. She commented in support of approving the donation request and a standing budget allocation for the Downey Rose Float Association. Council Member Trujillo commented in support of funding the Downey Rose Float Association and noted the challenges in fundraising. He thanked Association President Jeremy Clifton and the Rose Float Association Board of Directors. He commented regarding funding of the float as an investment in the City. Council Member La Plante requested to confirm the recommendation is to appropriate $30,000. He commented in favor of increasing financial support for the Association and regarding the Rose pageant. Council Member Frometa requested staff appropriate an annual monetary donation to the Downey Rose Float Association. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5- 0, to appropriate a $30,000 donation to the Downey Rose Float Association for their community Rose Parade Float. Council Member La Plante commented regarding incorporation of support of the Rose Float Association as part of the comprehensive review of arts and culture funding in the City. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 7 13. DISCUSSION OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES: AdministratioT. - 0 0 lie =a- ' V IK%U n is, U (G; us r 5, 2022. She shared stafrs recommendation to host the Mayoral Installation/Transition Ceremony on December 8, 2022. Council Member La Plante commented in favor of moving the November 8 City Council meeting November 10. He commented in favor of holding the second City Council meeting in November to addre Council business ahead of Council Member transitions in December and suggested the date of Novembli 29. Mayor Pacheco shared the City Council traditionally convenes one City Council meeting in NovembEM G -Gulnui ineeurly riats Men c;anE;eA0-fffeTa-sTYe—W- years ana Me Uty Uouncii nas neid only one meeti.m. -=- Qmwwgwill 7q in the month of November. Council Member Frometa commented regarding the City Council historically going dark the week of Thanksgiving. She proposed moving the meeting of November 6 to November 30. Ifiayor Pacheco responded she considered moving the date of the Council meeting to November 30 or December 1 but found the election results would not be certified until December 5. Council Member Frometa commented in support of holding the City Council meetings on November 10, December 6, and December 8, 2022. Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding the possibility of scheduling an additional Special City Council meeting in November. Interim City Manager Scott confirmed the City Council may convene a Special City Council meeting if needed. Council Member Trujillo shared he may have a scheduling conflict on November 10 and polled the City Council regarding availability on November 9. Mayor Pacheco stated she would be available. Council Member La Plante reiterated that a Special City Council meeting may be held to resolve additional Council business. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member La Plante, and carried 5- to move the November 8, 2022 City Council meeting to November 10, 2022 and cancel the November 2 2022 City Council meeting. 10 2022. Council Member Trujillo commented in support of holding the City Council meeting on December I Council Member Frometa commented in support of holding the Mayoral Transition Ceremony December 8, 2022. 1 City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - September 13, 2022 8 Council Member Trujillo inquired regarding staffs position regarding the dates considered. Mayor Pacheco shared the City Council has held back to back meetings in previous years. City Clerk Duarte confirmed the City has held the Mayoral Transition Ceremony two days after the Council Members' Installation Ceremony. Council Member Frometa confirmed the current motion is consistent with previous years. Council Member Trujillo requested to confirm the dates proposed.. Mayor Pacheco added the December 27, 2022 City Council meeting would be cancelled and confirmed the dates. Interim City Attorney Langer confirmed the dates and stated no meeting would be held on December 13, 2022. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5-0, to move the December 13, 2022 City Council meeting to December 6,2022, conduct the Mayoral Transition Ceremony on December 8, 2022, and cancel the December 27, 2022 City Council meeting. 14. DISCUSSION OF POLICY FOR PLACING MATTERS ON CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS: Administration/City Attorney. Interim City Manager Scott presented the staff report. He commented regarding the need to clarify the policy for placing matters on City Council agendas. He stated the current process allows Council Members to request items to be placed on the agenda in the middle of the week and noted this practice is uncommon. He shared the typical process involves a recommendation by a Council Member and the agenda does have a designated period for Council Members to make requests. He stated if there was a general consensus supporting placement of the item on the agenda, the item is approved to be placed on the agenda. He commented regarding the discussion at the prior City Council meeting demonstrating the need to clarify the policy for placing matters on City Council agendas. He stated staff will implement the policy decided by the City Council. Interim City Attorney Langer advised staff is available to answer questions regarding the options provided in the staff report. Council Member La Plante commented regarding the DUSD School Board's policy of requiring the agreement of two Board Members to place items on the agenda. He commented in opposition to requiring the support of a single Council Member or a majority of the Council. He commented in favor of requiring the support of two Council Members with the exception of appointments to Commissions, which should be placed by the request of the Council Member. He requested a provision that items cannot happen sequentially and the same Council Member cannot repeatedly bring up the same item. He opined a two-year election cycle would be the appropriate period for a request to be renewed. He stated the item should be placed on the agenda within 60 days of the request with an explanation from staff if the item will take a longer time to prepare. Interim City Manager expressed concerns regarding requests occurring outside of a Council meeting. Council Member La Plante confirmed the request should take place publicly at a City Council meeting. He commented regarding the general willingness of other Members to entertain an idea. Mayor Pacheco inquired regarding appointment of Commissioners. Interim City Manager Scott responded requests for individual appointments by individual Council Members may be relayed to the City Clerk to place on the agenda. He commented regarding other possible exceptions. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 9 Council Member Frometa commented regarding allowing City Manager discretion for items related to smaller sums such as the donation of golf foursomes without requiring City Council approval. Mayor Pacheco concurred with her statement. Council Member Trujillo requested clarification regarding the role of the Mayor. Mayor Pacheco responded the Mayor does not place items on the agenda but reviews the agenda with the City Clerk after the agenda is published. Council Member Trujillo agreed with Council Member Frometa's comments regarding discretion for items related to smaller sums and suggested allowing the discretion of the Mayor. Interim City WO W-414" 111%aluu IL 111 Me punuj'. ne MOM Lne Uouncli coulu consider IT an exceplion and of one Council Member to request to add it to the agenda. He advised the Council should includa. this in the policy. Council Member La Plante shared the practice at the School Board would be for the Board President to meet with the Superintendent to discuss the agenda and ask questions. He stated this avoided surprises and allowed for improved communication. Council Member Frometa commented in support of allowing community support items to be made an exception and placed on the agenda per the request of any one Council Member. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez commented in opposition to the item and stated constituent issues musl be addressed. Interim City Attorney Langer recommended the policy be drafted and return to the City Council meeting as part of the Consent Calendar so future City Councils and staff may refer to the policy in writing. Council Member Frometa concurred with her recommendation, Council Member La Plante commented in favor of having the policy formalized in writing. He commented future City Council Members may decide to change the policy and should have it in writing for review. M117ZI Fee rrOW.rW*MrJF=- =Tye 11[o 0 t 0 0 1 0 -too 1 6 1-1. '1041111-1-Mee U-Util"1115511111 tairls to a GUIUMUM'J' Uty=dt11ZdU H T F a donation of amounts less than $1,000. Interim City Manager explained the concurrence would require the support of one Council Member, operating similar to a motion receiving a second. It was moved by Mayor Pacheco, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez voting no, to create a policy for placing matters on City Council agendas. Interim City Manager Scott provided a list of items he would be seeking concurrence for at the next City Council meeting regarding the following topics: an analysis of the City's financial support of the YMCA, discussion of maintenance of freeway on -ramps, a report regarding the Downey LINK Transit City Council Minutes Regular Meeting - September 13, 2022 10 System, an analysis of senior classes/activities and their fees, and discussion of the Bell Gardens rent stabilization ordinance. Mayor Pacheco asked if the Bell Gardens rent stabilization item would be placed on the next agenda. Interim City Manager Scott stated at the next City Council meeting following adoption of the policy, he would request concurrence to determine whether staff should be assigned to bring the item to a City Council meeting. Council Member Trujillo requested to clarify whether the Interim City Manager is presently requesting concurrence on the items listed. Interim City Attorney Langer advised the City Manager to request concurrence after the policy is adopted. Interim City Manager emphasized consistency with Council Member requests. Council Member Trujillo requested clarification regarding if Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez's request was for education regarding the Bell Gardens rent stabilization ordinance or for the City to adopt a similar ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez confirmed her request was for education regarding the ordinance. Council Member La Plante requested Interim City Manager Scott contact CalTrans to determine responsibility for freeway on -ramp maintenance. 15. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ROUNDABOUT AT THE RIVES AVE. AT QUILL DR. INTERSECTION AND PROVIDE STAFF DIRECTION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT O. 21-07): Public Works. Deputy Director Norris presented the staff report. He provided an overview of the history of the item and steps taken to implement the project. He stated staff initially recommended implementation of the roundabout at the intersection of Brookshire Ave. and Cherokee Dr., considered alternate intersections, and ultimately selected the Rives Ave. at Quill Dr. intersection. He stated the project is currently in the preliminary design phase and outlined the steps following the Council's approval wherein the temporary roundabout would be installed and staff would evaluate the performance and reception of the roundabout. He noted the temporary roundabout would be removed and the intersection would be restored to its original condition at the conclusion of the trial. He shared the total estimated cost of the trial phase is $35,000. He added if the trial is successful, staff will proceed with the design for a permanent conversion of the intersection to a roundabout configuration. He shared the project would otherwise be halted after removal of the temporary roundabout. Council Member La Plante requested to confirm the figures of $35,00 for the trial phase and approximately $400,000-$500,000 for a permanent conversion. Deputy Director Norris confirmed the amounts. Interim City Attorney Langer announced staff received a request to speak on the item and stated the public was provided notice the item was being moved to Administrative Reports and the opportunity to speak on the item was provided during Public Comment on Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Non - Agenda items. She reiterated this was announced at the beginning of the meeting. Council Member Frometa stated the roundabout trial was a bad idea and the City should not spend additional funding on the project. She commented in favor of not proceeding with the project. Interim City Attorney Langer shared the item was moved to allow the City Council to vote on the item following public comment. City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 11 It was moved by Council Member La Plante, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 5-0, to not proceed with the trial implementation phase of a roundabout at the intersection of Rives Avenue and Quill Drive. Council Member La Plante thanked staff for their work on the project and the need to abandon the roundabout project. Council Member Frometa stated the policy for placing items on the City Council agenda woull, prevent staff from spending time and effort on unnecessary items. , 9 0 : k ii 11111 Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:38 p.m. in memory of Shelby Jacobs, Aerospace Engineer for Rockwell International; Elizabeth 11, Queen of the United Kingdom; the victims of the September 1 1th attacks; and, the lives lost due to COVI D-1 9. 00� MUNK M. FROMETA— City Clerk Mayor City Council Minutes Regular Meeting — September 13, 2022 11.3