HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-22-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on
August 22, 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
Timothy Horn ' Council Member
Hector Sosa Council Member (absent)
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
Irma Huitron, Community Development Director
Stephen Hannah, Finance Director
Jason Chacon; Director of Parks & Recreation
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 Fire Chief Dan Hurlock.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; "REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Horn reported attending the Downey Chamber of 'Commerce Ambassador
Luncheon event, two Breakfast with the Chamber events, the Orange Estates Dental Ribbon Cutting
event, the Rocket Fever event, the Gangs Out of Downey backpack giveaway event, the Mayor's Movie
Night event, and the Young Men Rise Up event.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo invited the public to attend the Mario Aguilar comedy show at the Downey
Theatre and the Downey Pride Festival. He requested staff return with a Zoning Code Amendment with
options to modify the prevailing setback for residential neighborhoods under ;Downey Municipal Code
Section 9534.18. Council Member Horn provided concurrence for this request. Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo
reported attending a meeting with the developers of the residential community at Foster Bridge Blvd. and
Bluff Rd., a meeting with City Manager Bradley regarding development of the former Shake Shack
location as a cultural center, a reception for Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco, the Contract Cities
Association meeting, the Orange Estates Dental Ribbon Cutting event, the Downey Kiwanis Club
meeting, the Long Beach Bar Association Installation Dinner, an event at the Downey McDonald's
restaurant, and a meeting with the Little Lake City School District Superintendent.
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She thanked Parks and
Recreation staff for hosting the Concerts in the Park series and the Mayor's Movie Night event. She
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Regular Meeting —August 22; 2023 1
reported attending the Rocket Fever event and various Neighborhood Watch meetings. She commended
the Police Department for their work with Neighborhood Watch groups and the Public Works Department i
for preparing the City for rain and flood in anticipation of Tropical Storm Hilary. She requested staff
research painting the curb red on Birchdale St. at 5th St. near the back gate of Downey High School. She
requested staff address speeding and homeless encampments in Northeast Downey. She acknowledged
Martha Sodetani,;Michael Calvert, Jeremy Clifton, and Nader Moghaddam in the audience:
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley requested to confirm Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo's request for a Zoning Code
Amendment with options to modify the prevailing setback for residential neighborhoods.
Mayor Frometa requested the City participate in a sponsorship opportunity for the special
reception for former Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard. Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo provided concurrence
for this request.
City Manager Bradley confirmed requests to research painting the curb red on Birchdale St. at 5th
St. near the back gate of Downey High School and address speeding and homeless encampments in
Northeast Downey and thanked staff for their hard work in preparing for the tropical storm. He reported
the Public Works Department provided 77,000 pounds of sand or approximately 3,500 sandbags to
residents. He stated the City received 2.5 inches of rain. He thanked the Public Works Department; Fire
Department, Police Department, and public information team for providing updates to the community. He
reminded the public to sign up for Downey Alerts to receive emergency notifications from the City.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Frometa presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Los Angeles County Public Library on
receiving the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services.
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.
J.S., resident, commented in opposition to the annual rate adjustments for solid waste and
recycling services provided by Athens Services, Inc.
Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda,
Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding Frida Kahlo, bible verses, and the Bible
Experience podcast.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the public
comment period, and free speech.
BC, resident, commented regarding the First Amendment and in opposition to Item Nos. 6, 7, and
9, the Art in Public Places Program, the Downtown Downey Improvement Association, Stay Arts, the p
Downey Theatre, and the Downey Pride Festival.
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Regular Meeting — August 22, 2023 2
Ramon Casas, resident, thanked City staff for their hard work and commented in opposition to
the Downey Pride event
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, thanked Parks & Recreation staff for their hard work on the
Concerts in the Park series and commented regarding the 2023-24 infrastructure improvements, speed
humps, and lighting at Furman Park.
Sonya, resident, commented regarding traffic safety, enforcement of property lines, and
installation of sidewalks.
Olegario; resident, commented regarding dual language immersion, public safety, and public
engagement.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, ;seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Sosa absent, to receive and file written public comment. -
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro 'Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Sosa absent, to close public comment:
Mayor Frometa commented regarding staff efforts to address smash and grab crimes, an increase
in Police patrols, and responses to resident concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 6 and 7 due to owning property in the area.
It was moved by Council Member Horn, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0,
with Council Member Sosa absent, to approve the Consent Calendar:
1.APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of June 8,'2023 (Open Session): City Clerk:
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 370298 — 370767; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004374 & 30004376 -
30004378; EFT Nos. 12754 12797; Manual Wire Nos. 2410 2411; and, Cashier's Check Nos.
0161 & 0162 in the total amount of $5,974,690.88: Finance.
3. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CITYWIDE BUS SIGNAL PRIORITY PROJECT (CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-07): Public Works.
1) AWARDED THE CITYWIDE BUS SIGNAL PRIORITY PROJECT TO INTERNATIONAL
LINE BUILDERS, INC. DBA ILB ELECTRIC, THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE
BIDDER, FOR THE TOTAL BID AMOUNT OF $1,793,252 AND WAIVE ANY AND ALL
MINOR IRREGULARITIES IN THEBIDDINGDOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID
BIDDER;
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, - OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH INTERNATIONAL LINE BUILDERS, INC. DBA ILB
ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,793,252, INCLUDING ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE
EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS UP TO
THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $1,972,577; AND,
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Regular' Meeting — August 22, 2023 3
3) APPROVED THE TRANSFER OF $350,000 AND $400,000 IN PROPOSITION C LOCAL
RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NOS. 54-16789 AND 54-16790, RESPECTIVELY, TO
ACCOUNT NO.54-17826 AND THE TRANSFER OF $160,000 AND $100,000 IN MEASURE
R -LOCAL RETURN FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NOS. 56-16789 AND 56-16790,
RESPECTIVELY, TO ACCOUNT NO. 56-17826.'
4. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE
MANZANAR AVE. AND BERGMAN LN. -STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND FINDING THE
PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301(C)(EXISTING FACILITIES) (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO.24-04): Public Works:
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZED THE SOLICITATION
OF CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE MANZANAR AVE. AND BERGMAN LN. STREET
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
5. CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, 'INC. FOR DIGITAL EVIDENCE
COLLECTION, STORAGE AND PROCESSING: Police.
APPROVED A MASTER SERVICES AND PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH AXON
ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR COLLECTION, STORAGE AND PROCESSING OF DIGITAL
EVIDENCE, FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 AND ENDING
AUGUST 31, 2028 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $416,250
6. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST — CITY OF DOWNEY'S INTERNATIONALFOOD AND MUSIC
FESTIVAL: Parks & Recreation.
AUTHORIZED A STREET CLOSURE FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S INTERNATIONAL FOOD
AND MUSIC FESTIVAL. DOWNEY AVE. AND 3RD ST. BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING
INTERSECTIONS
• DOWNEY AVE. FROM 2ND St. TO 4T" ST.;
• 3RD ST. @ NEW AVE.;
• 3RD ST. TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK.'
7. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST — CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT: 'Parks &
Recreation.
AUTHORIZED STREET CLOSURES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS
EVENT FROM 10:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 TO 12:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 ALONG DOWNEY AVE. AND 3RD +ST. BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING
INTERSECTIONS:
DOWNEY AVE. FROM 2ND ST. TO 4T" ST.;
• 3RD ST. @ NEW AVE.; AND,
® ..3RD ST. TOEND OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK.
8. RETURN OF PREVIOUSLY DONATED ART WORK TO ORIGINAL ARTIST: Parks & Recreation.
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO RETURN ART WORK TO THE ORIGINAL ARTIST,
THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY DONATED TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY
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Regular Meeting — August 22, 2023 4
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
10. COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER 2ND BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE: CMSC
! ! ! O ' • ` ! • • '�
ExecutiveDirector of the Columbia Memorial Space Center (CMSC) Ben Dickow presented the
staff report for Item No. 10. He cited findings regarding the benefit of out -of -school -time Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) identity experiences before the age of 13. He shared
the current status of the Discovery Sports Complex and the proposed integrated campus incorporating
an expansion of the CMSC building to allow for outdoor education and a gathering place for the
community. He commented regarding the desert of cultural institutions in Southeast Los Angeles and
utilizing Downey's'heritage of aerospace innovation to create a cultural destination. He highlighted the
CMSC's community focus and ability to address the underrepresentation of Latinos in the STEM field.
He shared the CMSC's mission to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers. He provided
background information regarding the site of the CMSC its connection to aerospace manufacturing,
designation as the national memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia, status as a hands-on learning
_ center, community engagement, role as the only public robotics lab in L.A. County and only Challenger
Learning Center in Southern California, and affiliation with the Smithsonian Museum and National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He commented regarding the City's investment in
programming such as the Girls in STEM Club, the early Childhood STEM Learning Program, partnership
programming, regional events including City of STEM and Rocket Fever, and special exhibitions.
Director Dickow reported the State of California granted $5.8 million to develop a master plan for
the CMSC, start a new building project,_ and make improvements to the existing building: He shared the
project's inclusion of additional space, a community gathering and meeting space for audiences of 250-
300 people, the permanent display of the Space Shuttle Inspiration, a community focus, and Master Plan
for the Space Center campus to meet the needs of the CMSC and community. He listed the project
components: a Space Center Master Plan, new building, new exhibits, restoration and display of the
Space Shuttle Inspiration, campus improvements, and update of the current building. He shared
additional state and federal funding granted to the CMSC. He listed the team working on the project
including consultants providing architectural services, project management, and environmental services,
"City staff, and a Space Shuttle Task Force formed by retired engineers who worked on the Columbia
Space Shuttle. He shared the outreach conducted through the design phase and provided a project
timeline. He displayed project renderings of the campus and the CMSC building, highlighting two STEM
classrooms and the meeting space. He listed unique experiences to be provided, including hands-on
exhibits, double the amount of STEM "learning programs, highlighting of Downey's aerospace history,
inside -the -shuttle experience, display of large artifacts including current space capsules, and community
events. He emphasized the opportunity for community focus and regional growth by driving visitors to the
area and benefits to the community.
Director Dickow stated the first phase of the project would be construction of the new building and
restoration of the Space Shuttle Inspiration, the second phase would be the development of new exhibits
and campus improvements, and the third phase would be to update the current building. He provided
cost estimates for the new building, restoration of the Space Shuttle Mock -Up Inspiration, new exhibits,
campus improvements, and updates to the current building. He reported that almost half of the funding
needed for 'Phase 1 has been raised and the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center
Foundation. He provided the campaign launch timeline with a soft launch in Fall 2023 and year-end
fundraising push.
Mayor Frometa thanked Director Dickow for his presentation and hard work and expressed her
appreciation for the project
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Regular Meeting — August 22, 2023 5
It was moved by 'Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Sosa absent, to receive and file the presentation on the status update of the Columbia i
Memorial Space Center second 'building expansion.
9. COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION FUNDING PROGRAM & THE INCLUSION OF AN
ANNUAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION: Parks &'
Recreation.
1) "APPROVED THE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION - FUNDING REQUEST
PROGRAM; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE
PROGRAM APPLICATION TO ENSURE PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND
TRANSPARENCY;
3) DIRECTED STAFF TO INCLUDE AN ANNUAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE
DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION'S_ TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ENTRY AS PART
OF THE CITY'S ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET, INCLUDING APPROPRIATING $30,000
IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET.
Parks & Recreation Director Jason Chacon presented the staff report for Item No. 9.-He provided
background information regarding the history of the Community Based Organization Funding Program,
the purpose of the program, approval of the program in the budget, and previous requests for financial
assistance from nonprofit organizations. He noted the program would assist local nonprofits in providing
benefits to Downey residents and facilitate a more efficient way for these organizations to request funding.
He mentioned the Downey Civic Theatre Financial Assistance Program and shared staff researched
programs in other cities. He detailed the program requirements and application requirements in line with
those of the Downey Theatre and other cities. He clarified the initial application process would begin
September 1, 2023 and conclude September 30, 2023 and future application periods would coincide with
the budget process every year. He stated the maximum award amount typically varies between 10-30%
of the overall allocated funds and provided staffs recommendation of a maximum award amount of
$15,000 to allow other organizations to offer other programming or events. He commented regarding the
program application packet and record keeping by staff.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo requested to change the maximum award amount to a recommended
maximum award amount to not preclude organizations from applying. He provided an example in which
staff would be able to suggest alternate grants to supplement the funding provided by the City. City
Manager Bradley requested to confirm the $15,000 maximum award amount would serve as a guideline,
not as a requirement. Mayor Pro Ter Trujillo confirmed the amount would serve as a guideline and the
City Council Members serving on the committee would have the discretion to make recommendation to
the full Council.
Mayor Frometa thanked Director Chacon for the presentation and commented regarding the
program setting guardrails in partnering with community based organizations;
Director Chacon provided background information regarding the history of the Downey Rose Float
Association annual budget allocation for their entry in the Tournament of Roses, the Downey Rose Float
Association's status as a self -built organization that is funded, designed, constructed, and decorated by
volunteers. He shared that the organization needs to raise between $65,000 to $100,000 per year and
does so through the Fourth of July fireworks stands, the Parade of Winners event, and the Miss Downey
Pageant. He noted the organization uses the Downey Theatre and receives credits for financial
assistance. He added the organization has a leased property through Los Angeles (L.A.) County and are
not charged for use of the site. He shared the proposed budget allocation of $30,000 for the Downey
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Regular Meeting — August 22, 2023 6
Rose Float Association's Tournament of Roses entry as part of the City's annual operating -budget
beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Mayor Frometa reminded the Council the item was discussed in the previous year due to the
Downey Rose Float Association's struggles to fundraise because of the 'COVID-19 pandemic. She
discussed the' community's involvement in the Downey Rose Float and the role of the float as a source
of pride for the City. She commented in favor of supporting the Downey Rose Float Association and
inclusion of an annual budget allocation of $30000 for the Downey Rose Float Association's Tournament
of Roses entry as part of the City's annual operating budget. She acknowledged the difficulty with rising
costs and volunteer recruitment. She commented regarding the benefit to the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo concurred with Mayor Frometa and commented regarding the benefit of
the City having a symphony, Rose Float Association, and Theatre. He commended the Downey Rose
Float Association's fundraising efforts. He commented in favor of supporting the 'Downey Rose Float
Association and inclusion of an annual budget allocation of $30,000 for the Downey Rose Float
Association's Tournament of Roses entry as part of the City's annual operating budget.
Mayor Frometa reiterated the Downey Rose Float Association's grandfathered status as one of
the six self -built organizations in the Tournament of Roses:
City Manager Bradley requested to confirm the $15,000 maximum award amount would serve as
a guideline, staff would not disqualify applications over the amount of $15,000, and the City Council would
have the discretion to authorize -the -amount of financial assistance. Mayor Frometa confirmed the
$15,000 maximum award amount would serve as a guideline.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Sosa absent, to:
1) APPROVE THE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION FUNDING REQUEST
_PROGRAM; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE
PROGRAM APPLICATION TO ENSURE PROGRAM COMPLIANCE AND
TRANSPARENCY;
3) DIRECT STAFF TO INCLUDE AN ANNUAL BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE
DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION'S TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ENTRY AS
PART OF - THE CITY'S ANNUALOPERATING BUDGET, INCLUDING
APPROPRIATING $30,000 IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET.
11. AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 23-8155 REGARDING SEVERANCE BENEFITS FOR
EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT, MIDDLE
MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT: Administration:
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8190, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-8155 REGARDING SEVERANCE
BENEFITS FOR 'EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS EXECUTIVE
- MANAGEMENT MIDDLE MANAGEMENT AND CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT
( City Manager Roger Bradley presented the staff report for Item No. 11. He explained the proposed
item provided severance benefits to executive level staff, including personnel with the title of Director or
Chief. He stated Director -level staff would receive three months of severance and Chiefs would receive
six months of severance benefits in the event of termination without cause. He explained these positions
are employed on an at -will basis and these benefits provide security as they transition to a new position.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - August 22, 2023 7
He added the six months provided to personnel in a Chief position is due to the internal growth in
paramilitary organizations and the difficulty to transitioning to another position in a different city. He
clarified persons terminated for cause would not receive any benefits.
Mayor Frometa requested to confirm the severance benefits provided to mid -managers, director -
level staff, and Chiefs. City Manager Bradley responded middle management positions would not receive
severance benefits, Director -level positions would receive three months of severance 'benefits, and
Chiefs would receive six months of severance benefits. Mayor Frometa reminded the Council this item
was discussed at a prior City Council meeting.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo, and carried 3-0, with
Council Member Sosa absent, to adopt Resolution No. 23-8190, a Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Downey amending Resolution No. 23-8155 regarding Severance -Benefits for Employees in
Classifications designated as Executive Management, Middle Management and Confidential/Exempt.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the ;Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session at 8:23 p.m. in
memory of Honolulu Police Department Officer &-U.S Army National Guard Veteran Bill Sapolu who
succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on Farrington Highway; Ray Haug, Columbia
Memorial Space Center Volunteer; Gordon Mueller, father of Dan Mueller, City employee; and, the
victims of September 11t".
MA IA ALICIA DUAR E, CMC A DIA M. MomEtm
City Clerk Mayor
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Regular Meeting — August 22, 2023 8