HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-14-23 Regular Meeting11111111TES OF
REGULAR MEETING - OPEN SESSION
MARCH 14, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on
March 14, 2023, at 6:32 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
Timothy Horn Council Member
Hector Sosa Council Member
Vacant Council Member, District 3
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Interim Assistant City Manager
Melissa Crosthwaite, Interim Assistant City Attorney
Leslie Murray, Police Chief
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Edwin Norris, Interim Public Works Director
Jason Chacon, Director of Parks & Recreation
Maria Rivas, Acting Assistant to the City Manager
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Charlie Rivera, New Season Downey Church. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo.
Mayor Frometa acknowledged former Mayor Rick Rodriguez, Michael Calvert, Jeannie Wood,
Carmen Padilla and her husband, Youth Commissioners, and Nolveris Frometa in the audience. She
welcomed new City Manager Bradley.
C117T CO1[NCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITE
CONFERENCE/
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Council Member Sosa reported attending the Read Across America event, the Gangs Out of
Downey monthly meeting, the Downey Night Market Ribbon Cutting event, and the Veterans Peer
Access Network Veterans Breakfast. He recognized the Veterans in the audience, including Brian
Heyman, Lee Squire, and City Manager Bradley.
Council Member Horn reported attending the Veterans Peer Access Network Veterans
Breakfast and requested to combine the Veterans Breakfast event with the Veterans Day event. He
announced he will be attending a Downey Chamber of Commerce meeting, the Lakewood Chamber of
Commerce meeting, the H2 Hydrogen Home tour, the Contract Cities tour, and the Gangs Out of
Downey luncheon.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo recognized Women's History Month and congratulated Mayor Frometa
on her leadership in the City. He reported participating a visit with a delegation from the State of
Michoacan, Mexico, the League of California Cities Membership meeting, the Downey Association of
Realtors Lunch and Learn event, the Artists of Rancho Exhibition, and the Downey Night Market
Ribbon Cutting event. He congratulated DIOSA restaurant on their grand opening. He acknowledged
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - March 14, 2023
former Mayor Rodriguez and Kathy Perez in the audience and thanked them for leading the Carpenters
Anniversary Celebration. He requested staff contact the Downey Symphony Orchestra regarding a
request for financial assistance. He invited the public to attend the 5K for TLC event and the Chamber
of • Street Faire. I
iI Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She announced the launch
of Mayor Frometa's 90 Second Round Up on social media. She recognized Women's History Month
and Chief Murray as the first female Police Chief in Downey. She commented regarding the Mayor's
Legacy Award and women making a difference. She reported attending the Downey Night Market. She
invited the public to attend the 5K for TLC event, the Chamber •': Commerce Street Faire, the Keep
Downey Beautiful Cleanup event, and the Downey One Day of Service event. She requested staff
expedite the reopening of Fire Station No. 4. She requested staff address flashing signs on windows of
local businesses, seasonal decorations, vehicles parked on lawns, and trash and debris at shopping
centers south of the City. She requested an update regarding the Honda World project and requested
staff revitalize the Veterans Council. She highlighted the Center for Military and Veteran Reintegration
• invited the public to attend •' with the Mayor.
City Manager Bradley thanked the City Council and expressed his excitement in joining the Cit
He requested concurrence regarding future agenda items pertaining to the Downey Symphony reque
• financial assistance, the Honda World project, and the Veterans Council. The City Council provid
concurrence for all three items. He acknowledged requests to prioritize the reopening of Fire Station
and Code Enforcement of flashing signs on windows of local businesses, vehicles parked on lawn
and maintenance • strip malls.
F4 I F WIN f =*Z
2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Dorothy Pemberton, Lissette Rivera, and
Carrie Uva.
3. Mayor Frometa presented Certificates of Appointment to the 2022-2023 Downey Youth
Commissio-iers.
4. Mayor Frometa presented a Proclamation in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March
29, 2023 to Brian Heyman.
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2023 2
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 no written public
comments were received. 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 the public comment period, taxes,
homelessness and affordable housing, and Item No. 6.
Moe, non-resident, commented regarding Veterans, his family members, his love for the City,
and civic engagement.
Lance Bradford, SEAACA employee, commented regarding salary and benefits for SEAACA
employees, understaffing, the vaccine clinic, morale, and SEAACA funding.
Rick Rodriguez, resident and former Mayor, commented regarding Downey's role in the Joint
Powers Authority and in support for SEAACA employees.
Manuel Ojeda, resident, commented regarding traffic issues on Cecilia St.
BC, resident, commented regarding the public comment period, Council Members, public
hearings, and Item No. 15.
John Lacey, resident, welcomed City Manager Bradley and commented regarding State housing
mandates.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Non-resident, no name provided, commented regarding maintenance of the former American
Legion located at 11269 Garfield Ave.
Christopher Rowland, resident, commented regarding the installation of fencing on Manzanar
Ave. and issues with Tacos Don Goyo.
Michael Gonzalez, resident, commented regarding the installation of fencing on Manzanar Ave,
and issues with Tacos Don Goyo.
Jose, resident, commented regarding parking issues on Bellflower Blvd. due to parking
restrictions in the City.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 2 and 3 due to owning real property in the
area.
Council Member Horn abstained from Item No. 15 and announced he had not yet made a
decision regarding this item.
Council Member Sosa requested to continue Item No. 15 to the March 28, 2023 Council
meeting.
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2023 3
AND CREATING A PERMIT PROGRAM FOR PARKING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES:
Police.
17.APPROVED BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET:
Administration.
18.APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE DOWNEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO CLOSE BROOKSHIRE AVE. FROM FIRESTONE BLVD. TO
CIVIC CENTER DR. FOR THE CHAMBER'S ANNUAL STREET FAIRE TO BE HELD ON MARCH
18, 2023: Community Development.
19. APPROVED FEE WAIVER REQUEST FROM KIWANIS LOS AMIGOS FOR USE OF THE
SHOWMOBILE FOR THE KIWANIS LOS AMIGOS ANNUAL CAR SHOW ON APRIL 1, 2023:
Mayor Frometa.
20. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING IN THE CITY: Council Memb
Horn. I
Council Member Horn discussed residential parking issues in Downey. He expressed his desire
to find a solution to avoid paid parking or restricted parking. He detailed issues including use of garages
as storage, workshops, parking for non -operational vehicles, extra rooms, game rooms, gyms, and
businesses; parking of boats, recreational vehicles, campers, and storage containers in driveways
blocking use of garages; the number of individuals residing in a single-family home; use of parking
spaces for work vehicles and home -based businesses; the width of driveways being unable to
accommodate parking needs; more than one home or apartments on a property leading to limited
parking; clients of home -based businesses using the neighborhood as a parking lot; lack of parking
such as a garage or alley for certain properties; blocking of garages located behind the home; overflow
parking from nearby apartments, townhomes, and condominiums; the number of parking spaces
reserved at the planning stage; use of front or backyards to park vehicles; and, garages or driveways
being unable to accommodate larger vehicles. He requested to place an item on a future agenda for a
deeper discussion and for the Interim City Attorney to research the legal issues regarding use of
garages.
Mayor Frometa requested to confirm Council Member Horn's request to research the issue and
place the item on a future agenda.
Council Member Horn confirmed his request to discuss the matter at a future City Council
meeting. He expressed concerns regarding the issue in the future and commented regarding paid
parking permits and parking restrictions in other cities.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the jurisdiction of the City in dictating how residents use
their garages. She stated staff may study how the City is addressing parking in areas of need. She
commented regarding issues such as preferential parking permits displacing residents of streets such
as Bellflower Blvd. where parking is prohibited. She reiterated the City cannot dictate how residents use
private property given State legislation related to Accessory Dwelling Units
Council Member Horn commented regarding educating residents on how alternative uses
garages affects parking and his experience regarding parking issues in his neighborhood.
commented in favor of taking a more in-depth look at how to solve this issue. He commented regardi
paid parking or four-hour zones implemented in other cities. He noted not all neighborhoods qualify f
preferential parking and commented regarding the preferential parking zone process. He comment
regarding resolving the issue before it worsens.
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2023 6
City Manager Bradley commented regarding the timeframe necessary to prepare a report for the
City Council. He suggested reviewing the matter during a Council Priorities workshop and requested
direction from the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo commented in favor of conducting a study session or forming a
committee to discuss the matter.
Mayor Frometa clarified whether Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo was suggesting creation of an ad hoc
committee.
Council Member Sosa commented in support of creating an ad hoc committee.
Mayor Frometa commented in favor of discussion of the matter as a future agenda item with
staff's recommendation to address the issue. She commented regarding the issue of parking in many
neighborhoods and feedback from apartment dwellers regarding inability to park in their neighborhood.
She commented regarding the need to be efficient and purposeful regarding the goals of the City
Council and how to address the multi -faceted issue.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo commented regarding parking issues for residents of Bellflower Blvd.
and creating a parking zone that allows Bellflower Blvd. residents to obtain a parking permit. He stated
an ad hoc committee would be appropriate to study the creation of a parking zone.
Mayor Frometa proposed creation of an ad hoc committee and suggested Council Member
Horn serve on the committee.
Interim Assistant City Attorney Crosthwaite advised the City Council to allow staff time to
consider the issues brought up by Council Member Horn and prepare a report to answer questions and
provide alternatives before proceeding with an ad hoc committee or study session.
Council Member Horn highlighted the need to involve the public and receive their feedback. He
suggested this may require an ad hoc committee. He emphasized awareness that members of the
public will be involved in the solution and it will not become a last-minute issue.
Mayor Frometa thanked Council Member Horn for bringing up the item and stated the City
would address the issue.
Council Member Horn stated the public, the City Council, and the City administration must be on
board to resolve the issue.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Sosa and carried 4-0, to bring
discussion of the item to a City Council meeting in April.
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Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:31 p.m. in memory of the lives
lost due to COVI D- 19.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA
Mayor
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Regular Meeting — March 14, 2023 7