HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-13-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF0OWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE13,2Q23
The City Council of the City of Downey held aRegular City Council Meeting — Open Session on
June 13. 2023. at 6:48 p.rn., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City HmU, 11111 Brookshire
Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Claudia M.Fmmeta Mayor
Mario Trujillo Mayor Pro Tern (left 8t11:34p.nn]
Timothy Horn Council Member
Hector8oeo Council Member
Vacant Council Member, District
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
\/aniahDeRojas, Assistant City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Lao|ia Murray, Police Chief
Anthony Hildebrand, Assistant Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
Gregory Pfost. Interim Community Development Director
Stephen Hannah, Finance Director
Jason Chocon.Director ofParks &Recreation
M. Alicia Ouarte, CW1C, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Cris Reyes, Calvary Chapel Downey. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCEIMEETING REPORTS
Council Member Horn reported attending the Public Works Breakfast event in honor of Public
Works Week, the Student Government Dam event, the Kiwonis Club meeting. the Memorial Day
Ceremony, the Whole Child 65th Anniversary event, the Downey Improvement Tour, the West Downey
Little League Closing Carennony, the Gangs Out of Downey noggting, and the Kkwanio Luau Night
event. He invited the public to attend his Town Hall meeting on June22. 2033. He requested an update
regarding the City's loan prngnorn for home repairs. Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo provided concurrence for
this request.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He wished
everyone m happy Pride Month and thanked Los Angeles (L.A.) County Supervisor Janice Hahn and
L.A. County Assessor Jeffrey Prang for invitations to participate in Pride events. He reported attending
the Student Government Day event, the League of California Cities L.A. Division meeting, the Greek
Festival event. the Gangs Out of [}ovvngy meeting, the Ribbon Cutting event for Toast Kitchen &. Bar
Downey, the Whole Child 65m Anniversary eVent, a meeting with the Downey Association of Realtors
Board of Directors, and the Downey Improvement Tour. He invited the public to attend the Town Hall
meeting on June 22, 2023. He commented regarding the budget process and invited the public to
provide feedback regarding the proposed budget. He requested on iba[n to revisit the 8B 9 Ordinance
regarding LEE[} requirements. Council Member 8oaa provided concurrence for this request. He
requested staff assess the gopher infestation at Rio San Gabriel Park and provide on update and. he
City Council Minutes
requested an update regarding the fentanyl awareness campaign. Mayor Fnomata provided
concurrence for both requests.
Council Member 8oea vve|oonned the audience to the City Council meeting. He reported
attending the Warren High School Senior Banquet for AVID students, the City/School District Task
Force meeting, the Memorial C}oy Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery. the Greek Food Festival, the
Job Fair hosted by SELACO, and the Public Works Breakfast event in honor of Public Works Week.
Mayor Fmonneba acknowledged K8inhoe| Ca|mert, Carmen Padilla, Downey Youth Commissioners,
former Mayor Rick Rodriguez, and Dorothy Pemberton in the audience. She reported attending the
Student Government Day event, the Downey High School Senior Banquet for AVID students, the Public
Works Breakfast event in honor of Public Works Week, and an interview with KCAL Navva. the VVhu|e
Child 65m Anniversary avont, and the Special City Council meeting regarding the budget. She
requested additional Police patrols near Orange Estates and Legacy Church to address transient
activity. She requested mnupdate onthe Telegraph Rd. traffic study regarding the new Chich-Fi|f4and
requested staff address failure tostop at stop signs on Suva 8t. and Tweedy Ln.. Mattock Ave. and
[)ocoate 8t.. and Rives Ave. and Quill Dr. She requested staff address large tents onfront lawns,
parking on |avvms, unhept yanda, illegal dVmnping, trash at shopping oentera, and flashing lights at
businesses and to share Municipal Code regulations regarding large tents in front /ovvna on social
media platforms, She wished fathers o Happy Father's Day and acknowledged Flag Day. She shared
the Qb/ Council vvnu|d recognize the Arnoy'a birthday adthe next City Council meeting and she invited
the public io attend Father -Con.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley confirmed requests for an update regarding the fentony| ovvananeae
campaign and additional Police patrols near Orange Estates and Legacy Church to address transient
activity. He requested concurrence regarding an update on the Telegraph Rd. traffic study regarding
the new Chick-Fil-A. Council Member Sosa provided concurrence for this request.
City K8enogar Bradley confirmed requests for staff to address failure to stop at stop signs.
advertise Code Enforcement regulations as brought up by the Mayor on social media p|atfornno, and
patrol for unkepfyards, iUago| dumping, and flashing lights. He noted the City Council has authorized
additional Code Enforcement staff.
Mayor Fronneta reported attending the City/School District Task Force meeting and partnering
with [}UGD to host GO event to educate the public regarding fentony|.
1. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to former Downey Mayor Rick Rodriguez.
2. K8ovorFromeba presented aMilitary Recognition toJohnny Matthew Canto, U.G.Army Veteran.
3. Mayor Frometa presented Certificates of Recognition to Outgoing Youth Commissioners.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting ot7:27 pm. Mayor Frometa reconvened the
City Council meeting at 7:35 p.m. with all Council Members present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13.2O23 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 three written public
comments were received.
Danny Tyler, resident, expressed concerns regarding the establishment of preferential parking
zones.
Guillermo Vazquez, resident, inquired regarding the City's plan to address the lack of parking in
the City.
Ruben Salazar, resident, commented in opposition to changing preferential parking districts and
expressed concerns regarding parking issues.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Horn and carried 4-0, 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.
BC, resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 8 and 9.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding the National Human Trafficking Hotline, No
Longer a Slumdog, and abortion.
Albert Guerrero, resident, expressed concerns regarding parking issues on Bergman Ln.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding preferential parking zones, on -street
parking, and parking issues.
Karla, no name provided, expressed concerns regarding parking issues on Bergman Ln. and
requested the installation of "resident parking only signs".
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo inquired if the residents have applied for residential preferential parking
districts.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding attending a Neighborhood Watching meeting in the
Bergman Ln. area.
Resident, no name provided, expressed concerns regarding issues on Bergman Ln.
John Lacey, resident, recited a joke.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding transient activity at the Circle K gas station
on Imperial Hwy. and Benedict Ave., oversized vehicles parked on Woodruff Ave. between Firestone
Blvd. and Imperial Hwy., and transient activity on Imperial Hwy. near Carl's Jr.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2023 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Frometa announced the On -Street Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement under
Item No. 3 would not be approved and would be presented to the City Council at a future Council
Meeting. The remainder of the item will be considered for Council approval.
Council Member Horn abstained from the Special Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023 as he
was not a Council Member at the time.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 4-0, to
approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of January 24, 2023; Regular Meeting of May 23, 2023
(Closed Session): City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 368099 — 368721; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004335, 30004341,
30004349 — 300052, and 3004354 — 30004356; EFT Nos. 12514 — 12591; Manual Wire Nos. 2373
— 2381 in the total amount of $8,922,300.39: Finance.
3. ACCEPTED WORK FOR TELEGRAPH RD. TRAFFIC THROUGHPUT AND SAFETY
ENHANCEMENTS (PHASE 2); APPROVED GENTRY BROTHERS' FINAL CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $6,309,669; AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY
ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION; AND, AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
THE ON -STREET LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF
PICO RIVERA (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 16-05): Public Works.
The On -Street Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement was not approved
4. AUTHORIZED AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,661,045, TO BE REIMBURSED BY $1,000,000
FROM A LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT COMPETITIVE
GRANT AND $661,045 FROM A LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL AND OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS FOR THE RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK PLAYGROUND
RENOVATIONS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE
ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS, AND
AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $1,661,045: Parks &
Recreation.
5. APPROVED INCREASE TO APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GENERAL FUND, ACCOUNTS 10-5-
9000-9055, $191,719, 10-5-9000-9054, $30,006, AND 10-5-9000-9066, $12,066 AND ESTIMATED
REVENUES IN THE PROP A FUND, ACCOUNT 55-5-9010, $191,719, PROP C FUND,
ACCOUNT 54-5-9010, $30,006, AND MEASURE R FUND, ACCOUNT 56-5-9010, $12,006:
Finance.
6. APPROVED THE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR THE TELEGRAPH RD. BRIDGE
OVER THE RIO HONDO CHANNEL WITH THE CITIES OF PICO RIVERA AND COMMERCE;
AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED
NECESSARY: Public Works.
7. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE TO PROMOTE CIVIC, PUBLIC RELATIONS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AND
GOVERNMENT/LEGISLATION SERVICES, FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON JULY 1,
2023 TO JUNE 30, 2024 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $33,000: Community
Development.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2023 4
8. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY PATRIOT FOR
THE PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM, BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023
TO JUNE 30, 2024 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000: City Clerk.
9. APPROVED RENEWAL OF THE FACILITIES USE AGREEMENT WITH THE RIO HONDO
COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT FOR USE OF THEIR WEAPONS FIRING RANGE, FOR A
FIVE-YEAR TERM COMMENCING JULY 1, 2023 AND TERMINATING JUNE 30, 2028; AND,
AUTHORIZED THE CHIEF OF POLICE, OR HER DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY NON -
SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS
UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $23,500: Police.
10. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8171, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR
2023/2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE
ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017: Public Works.
11. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8172, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE CITY OF DOWNEY ZERO -EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN:
Parks & Recreation.
12. REVIEW OF ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2022) AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT
POLICY (PURSUANT TO AB 481): Police.
1) APPROVED THE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2022);
2) RENEWED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY
(DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY 706); AND,
3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8173, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 ("MILITARY
EQUIPMENT POLICY ORDINANCE") AND APPROVING MODIFICATION OF DOWNEY
POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY 706 ("MILITARY EQUIPMENT").
13. APPROVED THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC PROVIDER GROUND EMERGENCY
MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER (PP-GEMT-IGT)
PROGRAM WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES;
AND, RATIFIED THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES PUBLIC PROVIDER
INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER PROGRAM FOR GROUND EMERGENCY MEDICAL
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES CERTIFICATION FORM FOR THE STATE CALENDAR YEAR
2023 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER: Fire.
14. ADOPTED THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES: Finance.
15. APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 31ST ANNUAL GOLF
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 16, 2023: Council Member Sosa.
16. APPROVED A SUMMER RECESS AND CANCELLED THE JULY 11, 2023 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: Administration.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2023 5
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
17. DISCUSSED COMMUNITY PARKING ISSUES AS PRESENTED AND PROPOSED BY
COUNCILMEMBER HORN AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING TAKING ANY
ADDITIONAL STEPS TO ADDRESS RESIDENTIAL PARKING ISSUES: Public Works.
Director Matthew Baumgardner presented the staff report for Item No. 17. He provided
background information regarding the history of the item and parking issues experienced in the City.
He discussed use of garages for alternative uses and use of driveways to park recreational vehicles,
campers, boats and trailers and noted these uses are allowed within certain parameters. He suggested
a potential solution that the City could send marketing materials to remind residents in heavily impacted
neighborhoods to consider opening space in their garages for parking of operational vehicles and
consider alternative methods for parking vehicles such as storage in recreational vehicle lots. He
commented regarding additional impacts from private property used including the operation of
businesses from home. He noted all home -based businesses are required to obtain permits from the
Planning Division to assess whether the operation is compatible and not disruptive to residential
neighborhoods and permits are required to be renewed on an annual basis. He cited a provision of the
Municipal Code that states "Garage or carports ... shall not be used for a home occupation in any
manner that temporarily or permanently inhibits or diminishes the required off-street parking spaces."
He suggested a potential solution would be to continue enforcement of City Ordinances where a home -
based business is violating on -street parking rules and regulations. He shared an inquiry by Council
Member Horn regarding the start time for the parking restriction period for preferential parking districts.
He stated the Municipal Code does not specify a time frame, which is requested in the application, and
added staff works with the applicant to determine the time frame based on the need of the
neighborhood. He noted 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. is a standard time referenced in the Municipal Code for
overnight parking restrictions outside of the preferential parking districts and the same time frame is
typically used to remain consistent.
Mayor Frometa thanked Director Baumgardner for his report and commented regarding parking
issues caused by the growth of the City and Council Member Horn's attention to mitigating parking
issues.
Council Member Sosa inquired if the suggested letter sent from the City would recommend that
residents remove their items from their garage. Director Baumgardner responded the letter would
provide suggestions on potential ways to alleviate the issue in heavily impacted areas. Council Member
Sosa commented in opposition to the City's involvement in private use of garages.
Mayor Frometa concurred with Council Member Sosa's comments and commented in
opposition to the City's involvement in a homeowner's use of private property.
Council Member Sosa commented regarding persons working from home following the
pandemic. Director Baumgardner responded the Municipal Code requires home -based businesses to
obtain permits to determine compatibility with use in a residential area. Council Member Sosa inquired
if the Municipal Code distinguishes between a home -based business and an employee working from
home. City Manager Bradley responded there are standards regarding operation of a home -based
business and the impact on parking. Interim Director of Community Development Greg Pfost added a
home -based business would operate within the confines of the Municipal Code with relatively minimal
activity such as deliveries and staff does not typically perform enforcement activity and request that
residents de -occupy their garage.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding parking of recreational vehicles in driveways being
permitted as long as they do not block access or occupy a side setback and commented in opposition
to telling residents what to do with their private property unless they are violating the City's Municipal
Code.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting —June 13, 2023 6
Council Member Horn concurred with his colleagues regarding lawful use of garag
driveways, commented regarding community solutions to the parking issues, a recent City ONisaan
regarding parking of recreational vehicles, and the ability to add an additional parking space by pavi
a portion of the yard, and reminded residents to be conscious of what they buy, rent, or lease due -
large vehicle sizes. He commented regarding extending the start time for preferential parking district,
shared that residents were not aware they could request an earlier start time, expressed concer
regarding residents receiving tickets for parking on their lawn, and proposed a change to a 6:00 p.
start time. I
Mayor Frometa inquired regarding staff's recommendation regarding the preferential parking
district start time. City Manager Bradley responded the Municipal Code allows residents to change the
time if needed. Director Baumgardner responded staff works closely with residents, goes into the field
to evaluate the need, and responds to questions from residents. He confirmed the start time may be
changed as the Municipal Code does not specify a time and the time would be determined as staff goes
through the process with the applicant. City Manager Bradley summarized the start time would be
determined on a case -by -case basis,
Council Member Sosa expressed concerns with the proposed 6:00 p.m. start time if a
Neighborhood Watch group holds a meeting or residents have guests visiting.
Mayor Frometa commented in favor of determining the overnight parking prohibition start time
on a case -by -case basis.
Council Member Horn emphasized raising awareness regarding requesting an earlier start time
and 24-hour parking areas and commented regarding parking issues stemming from non-residetits as
opposed to resident parking issues.
The City Council took no further action on Item No. 17.
FTIT-Rlr���
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 8:22 p.m. in
memory of Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley, who perished in the line of duty; and, St. Johns
County Sheriffs Sergeant Michael Kunovich who perished while on duty.
A A, A 011y-Avelly-A110.4
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 13, 2023
1511
MA I TRUJILLO"-
Mayor Pro Tern