HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-10-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING— OPEN SESSION
OCTOBER 10, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting Open Session on
October 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 MayorProTern (excused)
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
John Funk, 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 Pastor Glenn Kravig, Calvary Chapel Downey. The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 2.
;CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She acknowledged
Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco, Martha Sodetani, Michael Calvert, Alistair Hunter, members of the
Downey Arts Coalition and Downey Arts Council, Nolveris Frometa, Brian Heyman, Pat Gil, Carmen
Gonzalez, and Downey Police Officers in the audience.
Council Member Horn reported attending two Chamber of Commerce Networking events, the
Dream Life Realty Ribbon Cutting event, the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, the State of the Schools event
the Downey Cemetery tour, and a tour of the Downey Historical 'Society. He requested staff evaluate
potential inclusion of the Downey Police Department Arch and Dismukes House to the City's list of
protected historic resources. Mayor Frometa provided concurrence for this request. He requested staff
evaluate and assist Bob Thompson with the safety of artifacts, books, and historical documents at the
Historical Society building
Council Member Sosa thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. He reported
attending the SELACO 40x" Anniversary Celebration' event and invited the public to attend the SELACO
Job Fair event at Apollo Park. He commented regarding the passing of Emilio and Annabel Guerrero and
expressed condolences to their family members.
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Regular Meeting -- October 10, 2023 1
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She offered her condolences
to the Guerrero family. She condemned the attacks against Israel and expressed her support for the
people of Israel. She reported attending the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day event, the Downey 1 50t"
Anniversary Kick -Off event, and the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast event. She thanked the Parks &
Recreation, Public Works, and Police Department staff for their work on the Havana Nights event. She
requested continuous speed enforcement throughout the City, additional code enforcement in shopping
centers including Rives Square the Downey Gateway, CVS on Paramount Blvd. and Florence Ave; and
the plaza across from CVS. She requested staff provide an update regarding Rancho South Campus
development and create an adhoccommittee to discuss the development process of the site. Council
Member Sosa provided concurrence for this request. She requested an update regarding repainting of
and security measures at downtown parking structures and she requested an update regarding the cost
and installation of bollards in the downtown area.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley requested concurrence for the request for staff to evaluate and assist Bob
Thompson with safety of artifacts, books, and historical documents at the Historical Society building.
Member Sosa provided concurrence for this request. City Manager Bradley confirmed requests for
continuous speed enforcement throughout the City, additional code enforcement in shopping centers,
and updates regarding Rancho South Campus development, security measures at Downtown parking
structures; and the installation of bollards in the downtown area. He commented regarding security
measures at live entertainment establishments including educating live entertainment establishments
regarding best practices and security and hosting of a workshop regarding City and Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules and regulations. He emphasized a proactive approach and focus
on security 'best practices, and safety. He announced the installation of security cameras in the
downtown, focusing on Downey Ave., Firestone Blvd., and Lorena Ave. He reported additional Police
Department foot patrols from Thursday through Sunday and in the evenings, especially in the areas of
live entertainment. He shared the expansion of security contracts throughout the community and in City -
owned and operated parking lots. He reported increased enforcement by ensuring compliance with
Conditional Use Permit and security plan requirements. He stated Police Officers, Special Enforcement
Officers, and ABC Officers will conduct inspections through the Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol
Related Crime Tendencies (IMPACT) Program to reduce alcohol -related crimes. He stated the City would
also 'deploy inspection teams assisted by Building & Safety, Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement
personnel to ensure compliance with City regulatory codes. He announced the City would review its
policies, administrative fines for violations, Specific Plans, and rules and regulations for live entertainment
establishments and shared the City was awarded the Clean ;Energy Champion Award by Southern
California Edison during the 13t" Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration event. He added the City
was awarded a Clean California grant in the amount on'$2.5 million to perform work on its alleyway
program.
Mayor Frometa invited the public to attend a tour of the Casa de Parley Johnson, Downey's 150t"
Anniversary Celebration event, and the State of the City event.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction of the Downey PoliceDepartment's Facility Dog, "Howdy"
2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Carol Kearns, Former President of the
Downey Coordinating Council.
3. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Bob Thompson, President of the Downey I
Historical Society.
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Regular Meeting — October 10, 2023 2
4. Mayor Frometa presented a'Certificate of Recognition to PIH Health Downey on the occasion of
their 10th Year Anniversary:
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 three 'written public
comments were received.
Kathy Perez, resident, ;commented in favor of placement of a plaque at Furman Park
commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Carpenters' first recording deal.
Erin Gatlin, resident, commented in favor of placement of a plaque at Furman Park
commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Carpenters' first recording deal
Cassandra Heredia, non-resident, expressed concerns regarding South East Area Animal Control
Authority operations.
It was moved by Council Member Sosa, seconded by Council Member Horn; and carried 3-0, with
Mayor Pro Tern Trujillo 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.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding the Hamas attacks on Israel and abortion.
BC, resident, commented regarding elected officials, public safety, corruption, additional Police
Officers, and the attacks in Gaza.
Lee Squire„ resident, commented regarding 9111, National Police Week, the attacks on ;Israel,
and Veterans.
Ramon Casas Jr., resident, commented regarding the residents of Gaza and Israel, expressed
condolences regarding the Guerrero family, and commented regardingan incident at The Glen, DUI
checkpoints, additional Police Officers, climate change, and development of a parcel of land on Bellflower
Blvd. and Washburn Rd.
Armando Urena, resident, commented regarding speeding and public safety on Brookshire Ave.
between Alameda St. and Imperial Hwy:
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding the southern border of the United States, border
security, and elected officials.
Bob Thompson, Downey Historical Society President, thanked the City for recognizing and
assisting the Downey Historical Society and commented regarding his history in Downey and leadership
at the State and County levels.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Sosa, and carried 3-0, with Mayor
Pro Ter Trujillo absent, to receive and file written public comment.
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Regular Meeting — October 10, 2023 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Sosa, seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 3-0, with
Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo absent, to approve the remainder of Consent Calendar.
1. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 371723 - 372131; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004372, 30004375,
30004379, 30004389 3004391; EFT Nos. 12905 — 12947; and, Manual Wire No. 2423 — 2426 in
the total amount of $ 5,224,139.71: Finance.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE 4T" ST. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 23-20: Public Works.
1) ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE 4T" ST. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 23-20,
2) APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $621,161; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE
OF COMPLETION INDICATING THE WORK IS COMPLETE AND HAS BEEN ACCEPTED
BY THE CITY.
3. FISCAL YEARS 2024-2026 ON -CALL TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS: Public Works.
1) APPROVED THE FOLLOWING LIST OF SIX ON -CALL 'TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
CONSULTANTS PRE -QUALIFIED BY STAFF:
1) AGA ENGINEERS, INC.,
4
2) ADVANTEC CONSULTING ENGINEERS,
3) KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC., s
4) TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.,
5) W.G.'ZIMMERMAN ENGINEERING, INC. AND,
6) WILLDAN ENGINEERING;
2) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FOR ON -CALL
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE PRE -
QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS ON A PER -PROJECT BASIS IN THE FUTURE AND TO
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED
NECESSARY FOR ANY FUTURE PROJECTS OR TASKS TO BE COMPLETED BY SAID
CONSULTANTS.
4. SERVICE RENEWAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN FIRESTATS, LLC, AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT RELATED TO FIRE SERVICE OPERATIONS: Fire.
1) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, WITH FIRESTATS, LLC,
FOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT RELATED TO FIRE SERVICES OPERATIONS FOR THREE
(3), ONE (1) YEAR TERMS BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2023, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT
AMOUNT OF $45,000 ($15,000 PER YEAR); AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT.
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Regular Meeting — October 10, 2023 4
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5. SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT ;BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND RAW
I INSPIRATION, INC. FOR OPERATION OF THE DOWNEY CERTIFIED FARMER'S MARKET:
Administration.
1) APPROVED THE SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND RAW INSPIRATION, INC. FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM FOR THE
OPERATION AND OVERSIGHT OF THE CERTIFIED DOWNEY FARMER'S MARKET,
AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE AGREEMENT TO BE AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED AND EXTENDED
FOR SUBSEQUENT ONE-YEAR PERIODS (RENEWAL PERIOD) UNLESS THE CITY OR
RAW INSPIRATION, INC. NOTIFIES THE OTHER PARTY IN WRITING THAT IT IS
TERMINATING THIS AGREEMENT AT LEAST"30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF
THE THEN CURRENT TERM.
6. ACCEPTANCE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL GRANT: Police:
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8196, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL FOR ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF GRANT FUNDS
7. AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 23-8174 ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
BUDGET TO CORRECT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR: Finance.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO.'23-8197, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024"BUDGET.
8. "PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF A PLAQUE AT FURMAN PARK COMMEMORATING THE 55T"
ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARPENTERS FIRST RECORDING DEAL: Parks & Recreation.
AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN 8"X10" DEDICATION PLAQUE
AT FURMAN PARK TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST RECORDING DEAL SIGNED BY THE
CARPENTERS.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9. WAIVER OF CITY RELATED FEES, REQUESTED BY THE DOWNEY PATRIOT ON BEHALF OF
THE DOWNEY FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM, ASSOCIATED WITH THE
STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR THE INAUGURAL KICK-OFF FESTIVAL FOR DOWNEY-
WARREN WEEK: Community Development.
CONSIDERED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE APPLICANT'S
REQUEST FOR A FEE WAIVER OF CITY FEES, STAFF LABOR, AND MATERIALS COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, '2023
"CROSSTOWN KICK-OFF" EVENT.
Community Development" Director Irma Huitron presented the staff report for Item No. 9. She
provided background information regarding the history of the item, the fee waiver 'request, and the
Crosstown Kick -Off event. She shared the applicant notified the City that unforeseen costs resulted in a
financial burden and requested relief on City -related fees. She informed the City Council that if the fee
waiver was approved tonight the applicant would notberesponsible for paying fees to the City and would
be refunded any funds deposited with the City. She added the amount invoiced to the applicant would be
$6,522 including the cost expended by the Public Works Department associated with the road closures
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Regular Meeting — October 10, 2023 5
and traffic control services. She advised approval of the request would result in an estimated revenue
decrease in the approximate amount of $6,522 to cover costs associated with the event between the
Police, Fire, and Public Works Department accounts in the General Fund.!
Council Member Sosa requested clarification regarding the total amount of the fee waiver request.
Director Huitron responded the total amount is inclusive of the cost of Police services in the amount of
$1,425, the Fire Department Special 'Event fee in the amount of $232, the Public Works Department
Encroachment Permit fee in the amount of $65, and Public Works Department street closure services in
the amount of $4,800, totaling $6,522. She stated staff's report was initially written with the estimated
cost and staff is now able to provide the real cost of the street closure.
Mayor Frometa requested to confirm the total for Public Works Department street closure services
is $4,800. Director Huitron responded with the actual costs associated with the fee waiver request. Mayor
Frometa commented in opposition to continuing to waive City fees and encouraged local organizations
to apply for the Community Based Organization Funding Program.
Council Member Sosa commented 'regarding the distinction between in -kind donations and
monetary donations. He commented regarding the $100,000 allocation to assist community based
organizations, a stringent review process, and the need for checks and balances. He commented in favor
of moving forward on a case -by -case basis:
Council Member Horn stated the Council's donation of golf foursomes has been for charitable
purposes and commented regarding distinguishing charitable donations from City fee waiver requests.
He referred to prior discussions regarding L.A. CADA and commented regarding setting criteria for
requests moving forward.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding fairness and in favor of refraining from providing support I
on a case -by -case basis: E
i
Council Member Sosa concurred with Mayor Frometa's comments regarding waiving fees for
nonprofit organizations and the fairness of choosing which organizations to grant fee waivers. He
reiterated his stance on the distinction between in -kind donations and fee waivers.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Sosa, and carried 3-0, with Mayor
Pro Tern Trujillo absent, to approve the applicant's request for a fee waiver of City fees, staff labor, and
materials costs associated with the street closure for the Saturday, October 7, 2023 "Crosstown Kick -Off'
event.-
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session at 8:23 p.m. in
memory of Georgia Department of Corrections, Correctional Officer I Robert Clark who was killed in the
line of duty at the Smith State Prison; South Carolina, Richland County Sheriff's Department Deputy
Jacob Eric Salrin, who died in a vehicle crash; Colorado Department of Corrections, Community Parole
Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval who was struck by a vehicle during an attempted arrest of a parolee;
Manhattan Beach Police Department Motorcycle Officer Chad Swanson, who died in a multi -vehicle
crash in Carson; United 'States Senator Dianne Feinstein; and, Sergeant Emilio Guerrero of the Los
Angeles County District Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigation, and his wi Annabel Guerrero, local
teacher, formerly employed by Downey Unified School District, who died car in owney.
r _
4A1ALICIA DUTE C CLA `IA M. FRO A
City Clerk Mayor
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Regular Meeting - October 10, 2023 6