HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-26-23 Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING – OPEN SESSION
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting – Open Session on
September 26, 2023, at 6:39 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
Mario Trujillo
Timothy Horn
Hector Sosa
Vacant
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
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 Duane, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Rev. David Beary, First Presbyterian Church of Downey. The
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troops 275, 2485 and 2543.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Horn reported attending ribbon cutting events for Enagic and NuSpine
Chiropractic, the Downey Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Luncheon, the League Annual
Conference and Expo, and the Downey Chamber Networking Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo reported attending the Los Angeles (L. A.) County Sanitation District
meeting, the 24tF1 Annual Citizens Academy Kickoff event, the ribbon cutting event for NuSpine
Chiropractic, the Swearing-In event for L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board Member
Juan Mu6oz Guevara, the Latina Empowerment Day event at the Southern California Gas Energy
Resource Center, the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, and the Downey
Symphony Phantom Masquerade. He wished everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month and
congratulated Epic Lounge for being featured on the Bar Rescue television show. He welcomed City
Attorney John M. Funk to the City, and requested an update regarding the repavement of Downey Ave.
from Imperial Hwy. to Firestone Blvd. City Manager Bradley responded the project is currently in the
design phase. Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo requested staff contact Club de Oro Senior Citizen Club and Ferias
Legales to integrate with the City’s senior citizen programs and requested an update regarding the rental
assistance program. He commented regarding a shooting incident and the L. A. County bail policy, and
requested staff research implementing a 48-hour lock up policy.
Council Member Sosa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He requested an
update regarding the community garden and requested an agenda item to consider a potential fee waiver
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 1
for the Crosstown Kickoff Festival. He reported attending the Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) meeting
and invited the public to attend the G.O.O.D. Golf Tournament event. He reported attending the Downey
Symphony Phantom Masquerade and the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo. He
commented regarding a shooting incident in the City and the need for additional Police Officers.
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She commented regarding
the opening of Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and steps taken by the City to address public safety. She
commented regarding a shooting incident in the City, thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their
response to the incident, and commented regarding security plans in place, additional safety measures
in the downtown area, and the funding necessary to hire additional Police Officers. She thanked the
Police Department for their efforts, commented regarding L.A. County policies, and reiterated the
additional security measures in the downtown area including the installation of security cameras and
collaboration with downtown businesses and the Downtown Downey Improvement Association. She
encouraged the public to support public safety and funding of additional Police Officers. She invited the
audience to attend the Havana Nights, Beyond the Book, and Coffee with a Cop events.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley confirmed the request for an update regarding the repavement of Downey
Ave. from Imperial Hwy, to Firestone Blvd. and stated the project is in the Capital Improvement Projects
Program and is currently in the design phase. He requested concurrence for the request to integrate the
Club de Oro Senior Citizen Club and Ferias Legales with the City’s senior citizen programs. Council
Member Sosa provided concurrence for this request and confirmed staff will provide information
regarding the status of the rental assistance program. He requested concurrence for the request to
research implementing a 48-hour lock up policy. Council Member Sosa provided concurrence for this
request. He confirmed an update regarding the community garden is part of staff’s work plan and
requested concurrence for the request to consider a potential fee waiver for the Crosstown Kickoff
Festival. Mayor Frometa provided concurrence for this request.
PRESENTATIONS
1 Mayor Frometa presented Certificates of Appointment to new Downey Youth Commissioners.
Mayor Frometa acknowledged Michael Calvert, Carrie Uva, Carmen Padilla, and Dorothy
Pemberton in the audience.
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 12 written public
comments were received
Jose Guardado, Corrigan Ave. resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Zonia Guardado, Corrigan Ave. resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Gurmeet Bhatal, Corrigan Ave. resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No, 7
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26. 2023 2
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Jan Dunlap, resident, commented in opposition to the operation of Ojos Locos Sports Cantina in
Downey.
Rachel Malkenhorst-Newkirk, non-resident, commented in opposition to the operation of Ojos
Locos Sports Cantina.
Pablo Morales, Dinwiddie St. resident, expressed concerns regarding parking congestion and
speeding on Dinwiddie St. and requested the implementation of a parking permit system.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Sosa, 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
Maria Cut)ian, resident, read a bible verse in response to the shooting incident that took place in
the City.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding the L. A. County District Attorney’s Office
policies and bible verses.
BC, resident, commented regarding governance, taxes, Measure S revenues, additional Police
Officers, Council Members, the Downtown Downey Improvement Association, the Downey Theatre, and
funding of community based organizations.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, his request to
add names of Veterans to the Downey Veterans Memorial, and a 1990 Utility Users Tax intended for
additional Police Officers.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Measure M and Measure S and Item Nos.
4, 10, 11, and 12.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:33 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the
City Council meeting at 7:36 p.m. with all Council Members present.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:39 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the
City Council meeting at 7:45 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, expressed concerns regarding Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 3
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their responsiveness
to the shooting incident and commented in support of installing license piate readers and security
cameras and additional Police patrols in the area
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding City Council candidates, increase of the Police
Department budget, poverty and low-income families, C)jos Locos Sports Cantina, and First Amendment
rights
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented in opposition to Item No. 7.
Corrigan Ave. resident, no name provided, commented regarding Item No. 7
John Lacey, resident, welcomed City Attorney John M. Funk and commented regarding the dress
code, criminal justice reform, and love.
Ramon Casas Jr, resident, commented regarding the shooting incident, increasing the number of
Police Officers patrolling, recreational vehicles parked on Woodruff Ave., and the Southwest Carpenters
of America
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding the shooting incident, Ojos Locos Sports
Cantina, and the need for additional Police Officers
Jennifer Alvarez, resident, commented regarding Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, public safety, the
shooting incident, and public perception of Downey
Bobby Alvarez, resident, commented regarding C)jos Locos Sports Cantina, the need for
additional Police presence and security measures, and funding of the Downey Police Department.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding a neutral flag policy and the no-bail policy.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the shooting incident, increasing the number
of Police Officers and patrols in the downtown area, enforcement of the dress code, C)jos Locos Sports
Cantina, and Tempo Cantina.
Jose Amaya, Bellflower Blvd. resident, commented in favor of Item No. 7.
Rodolfo Cortes-Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding gun violence, reducing factors that
contribute to crime rates, and providing funding to Ukraine.
City Manager Bradley confirmed enforcement of the dress code for restaurants and shared the
City has a flag policy in place. He stated the no-bail policy is a law passed by L. A. County that the City is
required to participate in. Chief Murray added that by statute the courts determine bail and the County is
reforming the cash bail system. She stated the City is compelled to comply with the protocol which goes
into effect on October 1
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the process for the new Ordinance regarding overnight
parking of recreational vehicles. She shared that signs have been placed and some RVs have been cited.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 4-0, to
close public comment
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 4
Mayor Frometa pulled Item No. 7 for separate discussion.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo. seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 4-0, to
approve the remainder of Consent Calendar,
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of July 25, 2023 and August 8, 2023 (Open Session): City
Clerk
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 371351 – 371722; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004383, 30004385 –
30004387: EFT Nos. are 12858 – 12904; and, Manual Wire No. 2422: and, Cashier’s Check Nos
163 – 166 in the total amount of $ 3,483,435.24: Finance.
3. CONTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE MANZANAR AVE. AND BERGMAN LN. STREET
IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 24-04: Public Works.
1 ) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO GENTRY GENERAL ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT
OF $290,242 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MANZANAR AVE. AND BERGMAN LN.
STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, CIP NO. 24-04;
2) APPROVED THE TRANSFER OF $325,000 FROM MEASURE M LOCAL RETURN FUNDS,
CIP ACCOUNT NO. 57-1-6905, TO MEASURE M LOCAL RETURN FUNDS, CIP ACCOUNT
NO. 57-1-6765; 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 $425,000.
4. EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO PORTIONS OF DRIVING RANGE NETTING AT THE RIO HONDO
GOLF COURSE: Parks & Recreation
AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF DRIVING RANGE NETTING FROM
WEST COAST NETTING FOR REPAIRS TO THE WEST AND NORTH SIDES OF THE
DRIVING RANGE AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$177,450
5. AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 23-8155 REGARDING COMPENSATORY TIME FOR
EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS MIDDLE MANAGEMENT: Human
Resources
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8194, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-8155 REGARDING COMPENSATORY
TIME FOR EMPLOYEES IN CLASSIFICATIONS DESIGNATED AS MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
6. APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 82282 AND AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT 10221 – 10303 DOWNEY AVE.:
Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 23-8195, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 82282 AND AGREEMENT WITH
THE SUBDIVIDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
7. PILOT PROGRAM ALLOWING THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING PREFERENTIAL PARKING
DISTRICTS: Public Works.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 5
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 23-1508, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3199.6 WITHIN PART 12. CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE
III OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL PERMITTED
PARKING DISTRICTS
8.PROPOSED SPEED LIMIT CHANGES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS CITYWIDE: Public Works
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 23-1509, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING AN ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY AND
AMENDING SECTION 3199.10 OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT PRIMA
FACIE SPEED LIMITS FOR CERTAIN STREETS PURSUANT TO THE SURVEY AND THE
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
9. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST- CITY OF DOWNEY’S CIVIC THEATRE’S 10TH ANNUAL DIA DE
LOS MUERTOS ART FESTIVAL: Parks & Recreation
AUTHORIZED THE STREET CLOSURE OF BROOKSHIRE AVE. AT 2ND ST. AND CIVIC
CENTER DR. AT 3RD ST. FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S 10TH ANNUAL DIA DE LOS
MUERTOS ART FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023
10. DONATION OF ONE GOLF FOURSOME AND ONE TEE SIGN SPONSORSHIP TO THE RANCHO
LOS AMIGOS FOUNDATION’S 33RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Mayor Frometa
APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE GOLF FOURSOME AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE AND THE SPONSORSHIP OF ONE TEE SIGN TO THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS
FOUNDATION’S GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 16, 2023
11. RATIFY THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME FOR DOWNEY LOS AMIGOS KIWANIS GOLF
TOURNAMENT: Council Member Sosa.
RATIFIED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF DOWNEY LOS AMIGOS KIWANIS GOLF TOURNAMENT HELD
ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
12. DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE FOR THE
GANGS OUT OF DOWNEY ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ON OCTOBER 2. 2023: Council
Member Sosa.
APPROVED THE DONATION OF ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF
COURSE IN SUPPORT OF GOOD’S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR
OCTOBER 2, 2023
13. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST - CITY OF DOWNEY’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
EVENT: Parks & Recreation
AUTHORIZED THE STREET CLOSURE OF CIVIC CENTER DR. AT 3RD ST. AND CIVIC
CENTER PARKING LOT (ONLY ON CITY SIDE EXCLUDING EMBASSY SUITES) FOR THE
CITY OF DOWNEY’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT SCHEDULED FOR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
OTHER BUSINESS
7. PILOT PROGRAM ALLOWING THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING PREFERENTIAL PARKING
DISTRICTS: Public Works
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 6
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 23-1508, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 3199.6 WITHIN PART 12, CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE
III OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL PERMITTED
PARKING DISTRICTS
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the issuance of parking permits to alleviate parking issues
from other areas and acknowledged concerns regarding the issuance of guest parking passes.
Council Member Sosa inquired regarding a discrepancy in the number of homes in each
preferential parking district as referenced in a letter from the Public Works Department. City Manager
Bradley responded he is not aware of any discrepancy and informed the Council that approval of the item
would allow three single-family homes on the south side of Bellflower Blvd. to join the Corrigan Ave.
preferential parking district and four single-family homes on the north side of Bellflower Blvd. to join the
Buckles St. preferential parking district. He reported staff conducted a survey of available spaces and
concluded there is an adequate number of parking spaces and these households would be treated the
same as any other home in the preferential parking district and, would be eligible for guest passes. He
noted the Resolution would need to be changed if the City Council opted not to allow guest parking
passes to be issued to Bellflower Blvd. residents
Mayor Frometa clarified only individuals who live on these streets would be issued parking
permits. City Manager Bradley confirmed only the identified homes on Bellflower Blvd. would be allowed
to apply for a permit and no households outside of the community nor multi-family properties would be
eligible to apply for a permit and clarified on-street parking is still possible during the day because the
restriction would be from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Mayor Frometa stated the issue is not limited to this particular
neighborhood. She shared other parking congestion issues in the City and commented regarding the
possibility of decreasing the number of permits issued to residents of Bellflower Blvd. City Manager
Bradley responded each home is eligible for two parking passes and one guest pass. Mayor Frometa
stated the alternative would be for the preferential parking district to remain without the pilot program.
City Manager Bradley clarified the guest parking permits are written into the Ordinance and staff would
need to amend the Ordinance and reintroduce the item at a future public hearing K the Council wishes to
change the guest parking permit provision.
Council Member Sosa inquired regarding the pilot program. City Manager Bradley responded staff
is required to present a report to the City Council in 18 months, at which time the Council could choose
to terminate or continue the program.
Mayor Frometa inquired regarding enforcement and signage. City Manager Bradley responded
all signs have been installed and the Police Department has gone out to homes in the neighborhood and
determined enforcement is adequate.
Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo requested to confirm whether residents of nearby apartments would be
eligible to apply for a parking permit. City Manager Bradley responded they would not. Mayor Pro Tem
Trujillo clarified that homeowners are given preferential parking and do not own the parking spot in front
of their homes and seven homes on Bellflower Blvd. would be absorbed into the districts. He noted the
addition of parking spots on Stewart and Gray Rd. and said there would not be a negative impact to
residents of preferential parking districts. He emphasized the need to be fair to other homeowners and
asked preferential parking district residents to accommodate the other homeowners. He commented in
favor of adopting the Ordinance and acknowledged the issues experienced by residents of the
preferential parking districts.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Horn, and carried 3-0,
with Council Member Horn voting no, to adopt Ordinance No. 23-1508, an Ordinance of the City Council
of the City of Downey amending Section 3199.6 within Part 12, Chapter 1 of Article III of the Downey
Municipal Code relating to Residential Permitted Parking Districts.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 7
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting – Open Session at 8:45 p.m. in
memory of Forsyth County, North Carolina Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber killed in a vehicle
crash while on duty; Hartford, Connecticut Police Detective Bobby Garten killed while his patrol vehicle
was struck by a fleeing vehicle; Diboll, Texas Firefighter Joe Parish, who died after being involved in a
crash while responding to a fire; Louisa County, Virginia Firefighter Mia Ethridge who succumbed to her
injuries after being involved in crash while responding to a fire; Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Ryan
Clinkunbroomer, who was ambushed while conducting patrol duties and succumbed to his injuries;
former California Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman; and, longtime Downey resident Pat Slaney.
##la@U
City Clerk
h
MARIO TRUjnl
Mayor
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – September 26, 2023 8