HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-10-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY --
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on January 10,
2023, at 6:37 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue,
Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Claudia M. Frometa Mayor
Mario Trujillo Mayor Pro Tern
Vacant Council Member, District 1
Catherine Alvarez Council Member (excused)
Hector Sosa Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Scott, Interim City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Interim Assistant City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Leslie Murray, Police Chief
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Ed Norris, Interim Public Works Director
Monica Ortiz, Recreation Manager
Crystal Landavazo, Interim Community Development Director
Maria Rivas, Acting Assistant to the City Manager
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Greg Welch, Chaplain for the Downey Police Department. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo.
CONFERENCE/MEETINGCITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMI
REPORTS
Council Member Sosa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting and wished
everyone a Happy New Year. He reported attending the Christmas Caravan, the Retirement event for
DUSD School Board Member Martha Sodetani, the Ribbon Cutting events for World Famous Grill and
Home Field Advantage, and, the California Contract Cities Association Legislative Tour.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He reported visiting
Washington D.C. and Sacramento and commented regarding resident services. He requested the
creation of a Council Subcommittee to campaign for a Trader Joe's in Downey. He expressed his
desire for Downey to become more business -friendly and requested staff provide a timeline to
implement electronic submission of plans. He reported attending various Ribbon Cutting events in
Downey.
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She acknowledged Jeremy
Clifton, the Downey Rose Float Association Board Members, the Downey Rose Float Court, Reggie
Donahue, Michael Calvert, Alfred Tovar, Horacio Ortiz, Carrie Uva, Jeannie Wood, and Carmen
Gonzalez in attendance. She reported attending the California Contract Cities Association Legislative
Tour and commented regarding the importance of advocacy. She requested staff address flashing light
signs at local businesses and debris at shopping centers. She requested staff ensure local stores have
a locking mechanism system in place to deter removal of shopping carts.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:18 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the
City Council meeting at 7:26 p.m. with Council Member Alvarez absent.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding
Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written public
comment was received.
Manuel Ojeda, resident, expressed concerns regarding a curve on Cecilia St. by Orr and Day St
from the City of Norwalk.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Sosa, and carried 3-0,
with Council Member, Alvarez absent, to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Frometa 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 former and current Council Members,
former City staff, Item Nos. 5, 9, and 11, and free speech.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented regarding religion, Item Nos. 5, 13, and 15, and
elected officials.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023 2
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding presentations, proclamations and flags in honor of
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Martin Luther -King Jr. Day, -the civil rights movement, and Jewish
Liberation Day.
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, commented regarding participation in the Special Recall Electior
and Council Members.
BC, resident, commented regarding restoring order, funding of the Downey Rose Floil
Association, the Special Recall Election, and the appointment to fill the Council District 1 vacancy. 0
Cheryl Van Rensselaer, resident, commented regarding Council Members and the Special
Recall Election.
Manuel Ojeda, resident, commented regarding traffic issues occurring on Cecilia St. and speed
limits in the surrounding neighborhood. He requested a cul de sac on Cecilia St.
Brandon Sanguily, resident, commented regarding the Special Recall Election and Council
Members.
Sam Sarofeem, resident, commented regarding Council Members and requested an extension
of outdoor seating for restaurants, and rising COVID-1 9 cases.
Christopher Rowland, resident, thanked Interim City Manager Scott for the temporary barrier
installed on Manzanar Ave. and inquired regarding the timeframe for installation of a wall.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the Special Recall Election and Council
Members.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the Special Recall Election and Council
Members.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, thanked the City Clerk and commented regarding
changes to the public comment policy, the Interim City Attorney, City Commissioners, The Downey
Patriot, and the direction of the City.
Jose Luis Gomez, resident, thanked Interim City Manager Scott for the temporary barrier
installed on Manzanar Ave. and requested a more permanent solution.
Lily Gomez, resident, thanked the City Council for listening to the residents and expressed
concerns regarding traffic and parking issues on Manzanar Ave.
Interim City Manager Scott stated staff would follow up regarding the situation on Cecilia St. He
thanked residents of Manzanar Ave., and Mel Dar Ave. and explained the process for restricting use of
a right of way. He addressed misinformation on social media and clarified the role of the Police
Department.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo inquired regarding applications for permanent outdoor seating for
businesses. Interim City Manager Scott responded restaurant owners may contact him to discuss
permanent outdoor seating and shared the concern regarding removing K-rails from the street.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding support of the business community.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023 3
Mayor Frometa announced Item No. 3 would be pulled and brought back at a future City Council
Meetin•,.
City Clerk Duarte announced Item No. 1, Regular Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2022,
would be pulled due to lack of quorum. She noted Resolutions adopted this evening would begin with
the number 23 rather than 22 as listed on the posted agenda.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Alvarez absent, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meetings of December 8, 2022 and December 12, 2022: City
Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 364378 — 364944; Payroll Wire Nos. are 30004295
30004299 — 30004307 EFT Nos. 12054 — 12121; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2325 — 2335, in the to
amount of $7,220,578.58: Finance.
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8. AUTHORIZED OFFICIALS ORDERING DEPOSITS OR WITHDRAWALS IN THE LOCI
AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF): Administration.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023 4
ADOPTEDRESOLUTION N• RESOLUTION OF • OF
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZINGOF MONIES IN THE LOCAL
INVESTMENT r
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Interim Assistant City Manager De Rojas presented the staff report. She stated the City routinely
participates in State and Federal legislative processes to protect and promote the City's interests or
priority issues, legislation, and regulatory matters. She stated the updates from the 2022 Legislative
Platform related to housing, homelessness, and public safety, which were expressed by the City
Council as areas of interest. She noted the document emphasizes the Council's agreement on priority
issues and facilitates timely responses during legislative session. She stated it does not preclude the
consideration of additional legislative matters arising throughout the year. She listed the guiding
principles informing the 2023 legislative platform are preservation of local control, promotion of fiscal
stability, support of funding opportunities, and non-interference in matters outside the City's purview.
She shared City staff and legislative advocates closely monitor and provide updates on important
legislative matters upon which the City has an established interest or stated position. She stated the
City Manager's designee would be authorized to prepare a position letter for the Mayor's signature on
behalf of the City and shared its importance due to the need to prepare position letters and inform the
State Lobbyist on the City's position before the matter is presented to the State committee. She added
the Mayor would be able to sign position letters so the item does not need to be brought to a City
Council meeting. She stated any item not addressed in the adopted legislative platform or any
discussion necessary would be brought before the City Council for direction. She noted the City's
success in obtaining State and Federal funding due to the leadership of the City Council and staff
working with Federal representatives.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the legislative platform and advocacy through the League
of California Cities and the Contract Cities Association.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo requested staff notify the City Council when the Mayor signs policy and
position letters.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Alvarez absent, to adopt the 2023 Legislative Platform and authorize the Mayor (or
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023
Mayor Pro Tern in the Mayor's absence) to sign policy and position letters within the guidelines of the
platform
13. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS TO THE INTER -GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
AND SUBCOMMITTEES FOR 2023: Mayor Frometa.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the opportunity for Council members to serve on Cill
i,
Subcommittees and Inter -Government agencies. She shared the importance of remaining engaged a
informed on various issues impacting the City and working with neighboring cities on those issues. S
noted Council Member Alvarez indicated she would not make any selections for the 2023 Assignment
She announced she would not make an appointment to the Theatre Subcommittee as the Council
reviewing a conflict of interest question. She stated the appointment to the Theatre Subcommitt
would be brought back at a future meeting. I
Interim City Attorney Langer confirmed the City Attorney's Office is reviewing a conflict of
interest issue. She stated the appointment to the Theatre Subcommittee could be brought back at a
later.
City Clerk Duarte commented regarding the recommendation in the Agenda Memo regardirz
termination of the Stay Gallery Subcommittee as discussion of the Stay Gallery would fall under t
Arts & Culture Subcommittee. I
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Agencies and Subcommittees for 2023; and, to terminate the Website Subcommittee and Stay Galle
Subcommittee. I
14. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RE-CLASSIFICATION OF A POSITION IN THE C11
MANAGER'S OFFICE: Administration.
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Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the structure of the City Manager's Office and
the ranking of the Secretary position within the City Manager's Office compared to the ranking of the
Executive Secretary position in other City Departments. He commented regarding his request to
reclassify the Secretary position to Executive Secretary and asked for the Council's support for this
item.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo commented that most cities have an Executive Secretary for the City
Manager and inquired regarding the City Manager's team. Interim City Manager Scott responded the
City's Manager Office includes the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Assistant to the City
Manager, Management Analyst, and Social Media Coordinator. Interim Assistant City Manager De
Rojas added the Secretary position supports the City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, City
Clerk's Office, and City Council's Office.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023 6
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Frometa, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Alvarez absent, to adopt Resolution No. 23-8135, a Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Downey authorizing the re-classification of the Secretary position to Executive Secretary in
the City Manager's Office.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 23m , A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TH!
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE ADDITION OF A BUDGETED THIRD POLICM
C4PT4IV.
Item No. 15 was not considered-
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:31 p.m. in memory of Riverside
Sheriff Deputy Isaiah Cordero killed in the line of duty; the Apollo 1 Astronauts; the STS-51-L
Challenger Space Shuttle Crew; the STS-1 07 Columbia Space Shuttle CrW, and, the lives lost due to
COVID-19. lle2
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — January 10, 2023 7