HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-25-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 25, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on
July 25, 2023, at 6:57 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 (left at 8:54 p.m.)
Timothy Horn Council Member
Hector Sosa Council Member
Vacant Council Member, District 3
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Leslie Murray, Police Chief
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Gregory Pfost, Interim Community Development Director
Stephen Hannah, Finance Director
Jason Chacon, Director of Parks & Recreation
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Bradley Biggerstaff, Downey United Methodist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fire Chief Dan Hurlock.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Frometa acknowledged Dr. Jose Fierro, Michael Calvert, Carmen Gonzalez, and Dorothy
Pemberton in attendance.
Council Member Horn reported attending the Downey Chamber of Commerce Installation, Awards
& Anniversary Luncheon event, the Calvary Chapel Church Freedom Festival event, the Lakewood City
Mayoral Installation ceremony, Congressman Garcia's Town Hall meeting, the Breakfast with the
Chamber event, and a tour of the NASA/Vultee building.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He reported attending
a tour of the NASA/Vultee building, the Le Coco 2"d anniversary celebration, the Grand Opening event
for Dripp IV Therapy, and the Downey Kiwanis Club meeting. He invited the public to attend the Mario
Aguilar show at the Downey Theatre. He reported attending Congressman Garcia's Town Hall meeting
and commented regarding the rebuilding of the Downey YMCA. He reported attending the Downey
Chamber of Commerce Installation, Awards & Anniversary Luncheon event. He invited the public to
attend the Twilight Concert Series. He reported attending the NALEO Annual Conference. He thanked
Rick Rodriguez and Kathy Perez for leading the Carpenters 55th Anniversary Planning Committee and
requested staff research renaming the street where the former Carpenter home is located and erecting
a plaque in honor of Karen Carpenter at Furman Park. Mayor Frometa provided concurrence for this
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Regular Meeting - July 25, 2023
request. He requested staff coordinate with the Downtown Downey Improvement Association to hold a
Ceviche Festival. Council Member Sosa provided concurrence for this request.
Council Member Sosa reported attending the Calvary Chapel Church Freedom Festival event,
and the Concerts in the Park event. He commented regarding collaborating with the 10-20 Club and
Premier Fitness to host the Young Men Rise Up Camp.
Mayor Frometa reported attending the NALEO conference, the Downey Chamber of Commerce
Installation, Awards & Anniversary Luncheon event, the Calvary Chapel Church Freedom Festival event,
the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Regional Mayor Summit on Homelessness event, a tour of
the NASA/Vultee building, a reception for the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. hosted by Los Angeles Mayor
Bass, and the Ninos Latinos Unidos Annual Picnic event. She commented regarding the Girls on Fire
and Young Men Rise Up programs and youth engagement. She invited the public to attend small
business assistance workshops and the Concerts in the Park series. She thanked the Police and Fire
Departments for their work and requested staff continue speed monitoring and speed enforcement. She
invited the public to attend the National Night Out event. She reported attending Congressman Garcia's
Town Hall meeting and reminded the public regarding cooling centers at the Barbara J. Riley Community
& Senior Center and the Library. She requested staff address banners and signs on businesses that do
not comply with the Municipal Code.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley introduced Community Development Director Irma Huitron and thanked
Interim Community Development Director Greg Pfost for his service. He confirmed staff will address
banners and signs on businesses that do not comply with the Municipal Code.
Mayor Frometa requested staff address homeless encampments along the railroad tracks, and
near ALDI, Walgreens, and the old Big Lots location.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo requested an update regarding his request to include an option for
reporting homeless encampments on the Downey App.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Frometa presented a Proclamation in honor of Disability Pride Month.
2. Presentation to the City Council by Dr. Jose Fierro, President, Cerritos Community College.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING LIGHTING
AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024: Public
Works.
1) CONDUCTED A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE CONFIRMATION AND LEVY OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024; AND,
2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8179, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT AND ORDERING THE
LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 PURSUANT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
CODE
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Regular Meeting — July 25, 2023 2
Mayor Frometa opened the Public Hearing at 7:49 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Frometa,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to receive and file the publication.
Deputy Director of Public Works Edwin Norris presented the staff report for Item No. 1. He
reported the City has completed the Annual Engineer's Report for FY 2023-2024 and shared the total
estimated expenditure of $3,512,461 was determined through the budget process. He added the total
cost would be partially offset by various revenue sources totaling $3,008,373, consisting of ad valorem
property taxes in the amount of $750,823, assessment levies estimated at $2,248,550, and approximately
$9,000 in miscellaneous revenues. He noted each parcel would be assessed proportionately for only
improvements, services, and expenditures for which the parcel would receive special benefit and there
would be no proposed assessment rate increases for FY 2023-2024. He shared all seven zones are
projected to have a positive fund balance based on the estimated expenditures and revenues for the
fiscal year and stated the portion of the expenditures in each zone not covered by the revenue sources
would be drawn from the reserve funds. He noted the rate increase process can be pursued to increase
the assessment revenues for zones with relatively low maximum assessment rates and the rate increase
process would require the support of the property owners through a ballot proceeding conducted under
the provisions of Article 13D of the California Constitution. He stated upon approval of the proposed
assessment levy rates and adoption of Resolution No. 23-8179, the assessment would be submitted to
the L.A. County Auditor -Controller's Office to be included on the property tax roll for each parcel.
Mayor Frometa thanked Mr. Norris for his presentation and inquired regarding Zone L. Deputy
Director Norris responded Zone L refers to the street landscaping zone.
Mayor Frometa, at 7:55 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Frometa asked City
Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk
Duarte confirmed no written comments were received.
BC, resident, commented regarding the lack of rate increases for this fiscal year and the potential
rate increase for Zone L.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding traffic upgrades through Measure S and
other bonds, homelessness, and tax assessments.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the rights of the public, Council
Members, open government and transparency, fiscal management, and homelessness.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to adopt
Resolution No. 23-8179, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey Confirming the Diagram
and Assessment and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for the City of Downey Lighting
and Landscaping Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2023-24 pursuant to the provisions of Part 2 of
Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code.
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.
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Regular Meeting - July 25, 2023 3
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding the watch tower society, blood transfusion,
and bible verses.
Tom Milhouse, resident, commented in favor of repaving Otto St. between Downey & Sanford
Bridge Rd. and Garnish Dr.
BC, resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 14, funding of community based organizations
and events, and the NALEO conference.
Jesi Alcaraz, resident, commented regarding her experience with identity theft and homelessness.
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding the First Amendment, transgender athletes, and a
proposed ballot measure lowering the threshold for housing and infrastructure special taxes and local
bond measures.
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, thanked the Fire Department and Public Works Department for their
responsiveness.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding the issue of homelessness, SLAPP laws,
Council Members, and the Young Men Rise Up program.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, Global Diversity
Awareness Month, and additional DUI stops.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding elected officials.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding the Police Department, racial profiling, and
public safety.
Cora, resident, commented regarding Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and businesses in Downey.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding motor homes, Ojos Locos Sports Cantina,
and public safety.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to close
public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to approve
the Consent Calendar.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of July 20, 2023 (Closed Session); and, Regular Meetings
of May 23, 2023 (Open Session) and June 27, 2023 (Closed Session): City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED JULY 11, 2023: Warrant Nos. 369115 — 369467; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004353,
30004362, 30004364 — 30004365; EFT Nos. 12635 — 12661; Manual Wire Nos. 2387 — 2389 in the
total amount of $2,984,792.63: Finance.
4. WARRANTS ISSUED JULY 25, 2023: Warrant Nos. 369468 — 369889; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004358,
30004367 — 30004369; EFT Nos. 12662—12701; Manual Wire Nos. 2390 — 2391 in the total amount
of $3,834,831.80: Finance.
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Regular Meeting — July 25, 2023 4
5. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR LAKEWOOD BLVD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES AT
FOUR LOCATIONS (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-36A): Public Works.
1) AWARDED THE LAKEWOOD BLVD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES AT FOUR
LOCATIONS TO SELECT ELECTRIC, INC., THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE
BIDDER, FOR THE TOTAL BID AMOUNT OF $1,045,950 AND WAIVE ANY AND ALL
MINOR IRREGULARITIES IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID
BIDDER;
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH SELECT ELECTRIC, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,045,950, INCLUDING ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS,
PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET
AMOUNT OF $1,150,545; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER IN THE AMOUNT OF
$331,016, INCLUDING ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS AND AMENDMENTS,
FOR THEIR SHARE OF THE PROJECT COST.
6. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 3RD ST. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT
(CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-04): Public Works.
1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO SEQUEL CONTRACTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$728,626 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 3RD ST. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
PROJECT;
2) APPROVED THE TRANSFER OF $236,000 FROM MEASURE M BOND FUNDS, CIP
ACCOUNT NO. 58-1-6877, TO MEASURE M BOND FUNDS, CIP ACCOUNT NO. 58-1-
6823; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT UP TO THE
APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET OF $960,245.
7. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JOHN L. HUNTER
AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM SERVICES:
Public Works.
1) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH JOHN L. HUNTER AND
ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR MS4 NPDES PROGRAM SERVICES; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY.
8. CONTRACT AND LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH SIMPLER SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE
PROVISION OF A CITYWIDE FINANCIAL DATA AND REPORTING INTERFACE: Finance.
APPROVED A LICENSE AND CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SIMPLER
SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROVISION OF A CITYWIDE BUDGET
AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION REPORTING TOOL FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM, BEGINNING
JULY 1, 2023 WITH THE OPTIONAL EXTENSION OF THREE ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR
EXTENSIONS FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF UP TO $73,250
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Regular Meeting — July 25, 2023 5
9. TELEGRAPH RD. ON -STREET LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITIES OF DOWNEY AND PICO RIVERA: Public Works.
1) APPROVED THE ON -STREET LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH THE CITY OF PICO RIVERA;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO
THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY.
10. AMENDMENT TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY PUBLIC SAFETY AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION: Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8181, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE 2023-2026
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE
DOWNEY PUBLIC SAFETY AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION
11. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-1507 AMENDING PORTIONS OF ARTICLE IX OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS: Community
Development_
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 23-1507, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTIONS OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND DETERMINING THE ACTION
TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
12. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST - CITY OF DOWNEY'S 10T" ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
EVENT: Police.
APPROVED A STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DR. AND 3RD
ST. FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 10T" ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT ON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2023
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13. DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2023 IN
SACRAMENTO, CA: City Clerk.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8183, 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 20 - 22,
2023 IN SACRAMENTO, CA
City Clerk Alicia Duarte presented the staff report for Item No. 13. She informed the Council of
the League of California Cities Annual Conference taking place in Sacramento from September 20 - 22,
2023 and the need to appoint a Voting Delegate and one or two Alternates to represent the City and vote
on Resolutions during the General Assembly. She noted the General Assembly is scheduled to take
place on September 22, 2023 and the League of California Cities would host a pre -conference
information session to explain the role of Voting Delegates.
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Regular Meeting - July 25, 2023 6
Mayor Frometa shared the General Assembly typically takes place during the luncheon on the
last day of the conference.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo made a motion to designate Mayor Frometa as Voting Delegate and
Council Member Sosa as Alternate.
Mayor Frometa responded she would not be attending the Conference on Friday, September 22.
Mayor Frometa made an alternate motion to designate Council Member Sosa as Voting Delegate,
Council Member Horn as Alternate, and Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo as Second Alternate for the League of
California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, September 20 - 22, 2023 in Sacramento, CA.
Council Member Sosa thanked his colleagues for their trust and stated he would be honored to
represent the City at the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to adopt
Resolution No. 23-8183, 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 20
- 22, 2023 in Sacramento, CA.
15. DISCUSS WOODRUFF AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN: Public Works.
1) DISCUSSED THE INFRASTRUCTURE, PARKING, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
ALONG WOODRUFF AVE. AND THE STEPS UNDERWAY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES,
2) APPROVED THE WOODRUFF AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN AS PROPOSED IN
THIS REPORT; AND,
3) PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING TAKING ANY ADDITIONAL STEPS IN
DEVELOPING A WOODRUFF AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN.
Mayor Frometa took this item out of order.
Director of Public Works Matthew Baumgardner presented the staff report for Item No. 15. He
provided background information regarding Woodruff Ave. between Foster Rd. and Firestone Blvd. and
the history of the item. He identified the categories of infrastructure, parkway landscaping, on -street
parking, and code enforcement issues to be addressed and shared the proposed Beautification Plan
which includes Woodruff Ave. pavement rehabilitation to address pavement and sidewalk repair; Downey
Monument Signs; paving projects and a landscape plan for islands, medians, and parkways; the
oversized vehicle Ordinance with warning notifications issued by the Police Department and "No
Overnight Parking" signs in place; Code Enforcement staff working with property owners; and donated
materials and a volunteer planting event to address chain -link fencing. He noted the Woodruff Ave.
Pavement Rehabilitation Plan was already in process and is currently at the 90% design stage and added
Deputy Director Norris contacted the landscape designer regarding the inclusion of landscape
improvements in the Woodruff Ave. Pavement Rehabilitation Project. He added staff would be able to
provide a report to the City Council regarding the oversized vehicle Ordinance after gathering data. He
stated the Woodruff Ave. Pavement Rehabilitation Project would address the first and second categories
and is funded through Senate Bill 1, Proposition C, Measure R, and Surface Transportation Program
Local (STPL) funds with $2,250,000 allocated to paving, $750,000 allocated to landscaping the southern
segment, and $25,000 allocation to landscaping the northern segment of Woodruff Ave. He shared on -
street parking signage purchase and installation was taken out of the Maintenance Division funds from
the General Fund and Category 4 consists of Code Enforcement staff time. He stated the funds have
been appropriated and staff is finalizing the design and completing the Woodruff Ave. Beautification Plan.
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Regular Meeting - July 25, 2023 7
He added the City's designer has developed concept designs for including landscaping in frontage
islands in residential areas, building raised medians, installing irrigation, and adding trees and shrubs.
Mayor Frometa thanked Director Baumgardner for his presentation and expressed her excitement
to see a beautification project along Woodruff Ave. without additional appropriations. Director
Baumgardner shared the budget would be dependent on the bids received and the project is anticipated
to remain within the budget based on the estimate from the City's design engineer. Mayor Frometa
commented in support of the Woodruff Ave. Beautification plan, elevating the City's image, and the value
it brings to the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo commented regarding enhancing the City's appearance and increasing
efficiency through street improvements.
Council Member Sosa inquired regarding the process following the initial warning from the Police
Department regarding oversized vehicle parking. Chief Murray responded the Police Department has
focused on education while the signage was being installed and would be moving forward with
enforcement.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the importance of enforcing the oversized vehicle
Ordinance to allow street sweeping to address the build-up of debris and overgrown vegetation.
Council Member Horn commented regarding funding for repaving of Woodruff Ave., the 10 phases
of the Pavement Management Plan, and the schedule for street improvements.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 4-0, to:
1) DISCUSS THE INFRASTRUCTURE, PARKING, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
ALONG WOODRUFF AVE. AND THE STEPS UNDERWAY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES,
2) APPROVE THE WOODRUFF AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN AS PROPOSED IN THIS
REPORT; AND,
3) PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING TAKING ANY ADDITIONAL STEPS IN
DEVELOPING A WOODRUFF AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PLAN.
14. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST — L.A. CADA PRIDE FESTIVAL AND DISCUSSION REGARDING
THE WAIVING OF CITY FEES AND STAFF LABOR COSTS RELATED TO THE L.A. CADA PRIDE
FESTIVAL EVENT: Community Development/Administration.
1) APPROVED A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION FOR THE L.A. CADA PRIDE
FESTIVAL; AND,
2) CONSIDERED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING L.A. CADA'S
REQUEST OF THE CITY TO WAIVE EVENT RELATED CITY FEES.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo recused himself due to his position as a Board Member of L.A. CADA and
left the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Interim Director of Community Development Gregory Pfost and Assistant City Manager Vaniah
De Rojas presented the staff report for Item No. 14. Interim Director Pfost stated the L.A. CADA Pride
Festival would be held on August 26, 2023, the request would be for closure of Downey Ave. between
2"d and 4th St. and a portion of 3rd St., and the event would be held between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. with five
hours of set-up before the event and two hours of clean-up after the event. He shared a list of activities
and noted the event would be the 3d year the Pride Festival would be held in Downey, with similar street
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Regular Meeting — July 25, 2023 8
closures in the prior year. He presented the site plan and noted the petting zoo has been moved from
private property to the street. He shared the Police Department recommendation that four Police Officers
serve the event with eight security guards to be provided by the applicant. He noted standard Conditions
of Approval were incorporated for Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building & Safety.
Assistant City Manager De Rojas provided a list of the requested items, the status, and the cost
of each request. She advised the pending request for Police coverage was determined to be a cost of
$3,256 after staff's review of the street closure application. She stated the request for City fees to be
waived in the amount of $465 was approved at the May 23, 2023 City Council meeting. She provided
historical context for the request for the City to promote the event on the City website, Theatre, and social
media platforms and shared the City's practice to only post City or City -sponsored events on its social
media platform and the 2021 L.A. CADA Pride event was not posted on the City's social media platforms
while the 2022 L.A. CADA PRIDE event was posted on the City's social media platforms due to the
$25,000 donation meaning the event was considered City -sponsored. She added the City is launching a
Community Based Organization Grant Program to which L.A. CADA could apply. She provided the total
cost of the requested items as $8,951.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding prior discussion and commented in support of the item as
presented.
Council Member Sosa thanked staff and L.A. CADA for the report. He expressed concerns
regarding promoting the event on social media platforms, lack of oversight, and liability issues. He
commented in opposition to promoting events that are not City -sponsored on social media platforms.
Council Member Horn commented regarding providing off -duty Police Officers over -time hours
for the event.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the safety of residents and commented in favor of
approving Police Officer coverage.
Council Member Sosa inquired regarding Council consensus regarding promoting the event on
social media platforms.
Mayor Frometa responded the event is not a City -sponsored event and would not receive
promotion on the City's website and other platforms to remain consistent with past practice.
Assistant City Manager De Rojas requested to confirm the Council would like to approve
permission to close down Downey Ave. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 10 a.m. — 2 a.m.; assistance
from the City to notify all businesses about the street closure; street closure using City vehicles and
barriers; staff time for event organization (both during the planning phase and on the day of the event);
Police Officer coverage as recommended by the Downey Police Department based on event details, and,
City fees to be waived.
Mayor Frometa confirmed this information and requested to confirm the total cost of $8,951.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Sosa, and carried 3-0, with Mayor
Pro Tern Trujillo absent, to:
1) APPROVE A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION FOR THE L.A. CADA PRIDE FESTIVAL;
AND,
2) CONSIDER AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING L.A. CADA'S REQUEST
OF THE CITY TO WAIVE EVENT RELATED CITY FEES.
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Regular Meeting — July 25, 2023 9
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 9:07 p.m. in
memory of Camp Pendleton Marines Daniel Nichols, 26; Joshua Moore Jr., 27; Rodrigo Zermeno Gomez
Jr., 21; and, Jose Martinez, 24 who perished in a car crash on the 1-5 Freeway in Downey; Firefighters
Jordan Melt and Jamal Jones shot while on duty at Fire Station #9 in Birmingham, Alabama; Indiana
State Police Trooper Aaron Smith, killed in the line of duty; Indiana Tell City Police Department Sgt.
Heather Glenn, killed in the line of duty; and, Virgin Islands Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr. killed in the
line of duty.
City Clerk
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Regular Meeting — July 25.2O23 10