City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting – January 25, 2022 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on January 25, 2022, at 6:56 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco Mayor
Sean Ashton Mayor Pro Tem (absent)
Catherine Alvarez Council Member
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member
Mario Trujillo Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Aldo E. Schindler, Deputy City Manager/Community Dev. Director Leslie Murray, Chief of Police
Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Police Chief Murray.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Update regarding COVID-19 by City of Downey Emergency Manager Rakdy Khlok.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Trujillo reported attending a recent Downey Sister Cities Association meeting and stated that he met with the City Manager and Maria Rivas to discuss offering support to the Sister Cities Association. He noted that the Association needs new members to invigorate their organization and will be hosting a recruitment drive on February 23, 2022 at Ola Restobar. He also reported conducting an alley tour with City Manager Livas, Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Schindler, and Public Works Director Consunji. He stated that the City is working to designate parking spots and noted that parking in alleys is a safety issue as first responders need to access alleys in case of an emergency. He shared that the City is looking into an agreement with shopping centers on Stewart and Gray Rd. for more parking spots. He stated the alleys will be repaved and anticipates a comprehensive beautification plan to encourage recreational use of alleys. He directed staff to organize a coalition or committee partnering with the School District for a Wi-Fi plan to bridge the digital divide and help Title I students access the internet. He also directed staff to reach out to businesses to address the issue of littering and to clean up their parking lots. He requested an update on the Vultee building and the Columbia Memorial Space Center expansion and stated that he would like the space used for arts and culture. City Manager Livas stated that a presentation regarding these items will be brought to the Council. Council Member Trujillo reiterated that the City does not currently own the Vultee building. He announced he will be sitting on the Rio Hondo Golf Club Subcommittee and requested that the City offer
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Regular Meeting – January 25, 2022 2
a service club or nonprofit rate to encourage service clubs to meet at the Rio Hondo Golf Club. He stated Downey Pride will take place the weekend of August 12-13. He directed staff to coordinate with the committee and discuss costs to participate and provide financial assistance. He would like this event to be part of the annual budget. Mayor Pacheco asked to be updated on the status and said she can participate in the meetings with Council Member Trujillo.
Council Member Frometa thanked members of the public for joining the virtual meeting. She reminded the public about the COVID-19 testing sites at the parking structure in Downtown Downey and at Apollo Park. She noted the importance of vetting the testing sites and expressed her hopes for the end of the pandemic. She announced a free household hazardous waste and e-waste drive-thru event at Rio Hondo Fire Academy on January 29, 2022. She asked staff to provide an update on attendance at the Housing Resource Fair held on January 24, 2022. Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Schindler reported that 23 families and 10 agencies were in attendance. He announced the Housing Resource Fair would continue on a monthly basis. Council Member Frometa reported that solar panel installation at City facilities would begin in February and be completed in August. She reported that a project to install lighting at the Furman Park baseball field will be occurring in the next six to nine months.
City Manager Livas elaborated that one of the items on the agenda is for a water grant and some of that funding will go toward lighting for the Furman Park ball fields. She reported that the Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing a report to Council regarding retrofitting one of the Furman Park tennis courts to a pickleball court due to popular demand. She thanked Public Works Director Consunji and Management Analyst Juddy Montenegro for their work on a social media campaign regarding the Urban Forest Management Plan. She requested an update on the status of the historic preservation ordinance the Council would like to implement. She reminded residents about a City ordinance that requires removal of holiday decorations 60 days past the holiday season. She requested speed enforcement at the following thoroughfares: Florence Ave. between the 605 freeway to Old River School Rd., Imperial Hwy. between Lakewood Blvd. & Paramount Blvd., and Firestone Blvd. at Stewart and Gray Rd. and Old River School Rd.
Mayor Pacheco thanked Council Member Frometa for her comments about Furman Park and asked City Manager Livas about the availability of the multi-use court for pickleball. Mr. Livas confirmed that staff will look into having a pickleball court at Furman Park.
Council Member Alvarez thanked Supervisor Janice Hahn and City staff for bringing the Shower of Hope to District 3. She also thanked staff for providing COVID-19 testing sites. She commented on the recall effort in progress. She asked City Attorney Abich Garcia regarding supplemental COVID-19 sick leave. City Attorney Abich Garcia confirmed that supplemental COVID sick leave will be reinstituted for employers with 26 or more employees, retroactive to January 1, 2022 and through September 30, 2022.
She reported her attendance at the Housing Resource Fair and thanked staff for holding the event. She requested distribution of flyers, media, mail regarding recycling of organics per SB 1383.
Mayor Pacheco welcomed members of the public to the first meeting of the year and wished everyone a happy new year. She noted that the Council Chambers are closed to the public and will be reopened when safe to do so. She reported attendance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where she discussed a $1T infrastructure bill that would provide funding to local cities. She directed staff to set up a meeting of the Rio Hondo Golf Course Subcommittee to discuss working with service groups to hold events at the Golf Course. She requested an update from staff regarding use of the multi-purpose courts for pickleball. She announced that Downey received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 9th consecutive year and commended City Manager Livas and Finance Director Gandhy.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Pacheco took this item out of order.
2. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING THE DRAFT MAP FOR ELECTION DISTRICT BOUNDARIES: Administration.
Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez, and carried 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to receive and file.
Consultant Doug Johnson from National Demographics Corporation presented the staff report.
He provided an overview on the rules and goals governing the redistricting process, the Downey population, and the makeup of the existing Districts. He also reviewed the draft map presented and changes to the District boundaries. He stated that a staff committee worked with him to produce the draft map. He noted that, per the Fair Maps Act, a total of four public hearings must be held and two more public hearings would be held before Council takes final action.
Council Member Frometa asked for the population totals for each District in Draft A. She asked if there was another draft available to review. Mr. Johnson stated that there is currently no Draft B but would be happy to work on any desired changes. Council Member Frometa expressed her appreciation that the Districts were well-balanced and followed the lines of major intersections.
Council Member Alvarez asked to take another look at the slide regarding boundaries for District 3 in the draft map.
Mayor Pacheco asked for the reason for some of the changes. Mr. Johnson responded that he looked at alternative approaches but the numbers fell into place more easily with the proposed map. She also clarified that there would be two additional hearings and that Council expects to have this item brought back in March as the final deadline is in April. She thanked Mr. Johnson for his report and presentation.
Mayor Pacheco opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, asked Council to respect the Spanish-speaking community and stated that persons without a high school degree were under-represented and disenfranchised.
BC, resident, requested a more streamlined and simplified map to strengthen residents and the power of the vote by making districts more competitive. He suggested dividing the city into three slices, moving to by-district voting, and elimination of Districts 3 and 5.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented off-topic.
It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:40 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 3-0 with Council Member Frometa and Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to receive and file public input from the community regarding the draft map for Election District Boundaries.
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1. RECEIVED PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23: Community Development.
Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 8:28 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Alvarez, and carried 3-0, with Council Member Frometa and Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to receive and file.
Economic Development and Housing Manager Jessica Flores presented the item. She explained the purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) grant funds are available for affordable housing activities, neighborhood improvement programs, economic development strategies, improvement of public facilities, and support for needed public services for low- and moderate-income households within eligible census tracts. She provided the projected FY 2022-23 funding amounts for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) grant funds. She elaborated that the FY 2021-22 CDBG Grant was budgeted for property improvement and preservation, public service activities, community development, and general program administration. She also provided the FY 2021-22 HOME budget allocation, which went to the Housing Rehabilitation Program, the Affordable Housing Partnership, the Homeless Rental Assistance Program, the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and general administration.
She announced the schedule for the 3 community meetings taking place on February 10, 2022, February 16, 2022, and February 19, 2022, as well as an additional public hearing to be scheduled for April or May.
She stated that these dates would be advertised in the newspaper and on social media.
Mayor Pacheco confirmed that social media would be updated before each meeting is held.
Council Member Frometa asked about the year to year variance for the Housing Rehabilitation Program and about program utilization. Ms. Flores said she would come back to Council with this information.
Council Member Frometa stated there are some homes falling into disrepair and may pose a safety concern. Deputy City Manager/Director of Community Development Schindler stated an approximate $150,000 fluctuation as there is income from home loans from previous years. He also noted there are 180 people on waiting list for the home loan, with 30 active cases. He stated that the Housing Division handles 20 cases per year on a rolling cycle. He noted that some cases are routed through the Code Enforcement division. As this program is through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), these cases must be income eligible. Community Development’s approach has been neighborhood-oriented in previous years.
Mayor Pacheco, at 7:38 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding this item. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented off-topic.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez, and carried 4- 0 with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to receive and file public comment on the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Programs for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Pacheco 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 comments were received.
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Reverend Gregory Douglass commented in support of Item No. 31 and changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Ivette Xochiyotl commented in support of Item No. 31 and proclaiming October as Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the Kessner lawsuit, filed March 2020, and demurrer/change of venue, filed July 26, 2021.
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non-Agenda items.
Gary Kisayan, resident, commented regarding $950,000 in funding made available to eligible Downey residents, data on homeless persons in the City of Downey, and whether City departments are able to mediate between landlords and tenants.
BC, resident, commented on the pandemic and asked to reopen the Council Chambers.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding virtual meetings and water rate increases.
Herman Herman, resident, commented regarding the 2021-2029 Housing Element and addressing the needs of the homeless population.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented on the meeting procedures and asked for additional time to allow members of the public to call in due to the delay. He questioned why Closed Session is not on YouTube and asked to also livestream on Facebook. He commented on Mayor Pro Tem Ashton’s absence, in support of free Wi-Fi in the City, and commented in opposition of privatization of streets, and on the comments submitted by Lee Squire.
Adam Loya, non-resident, commented in support of Item No. 31. He encouraged Council to honor indigenous peoples and support education to understand and recognize the history of Downey.
Rafael Sanguily, resident, questioned why profanity from multiple callers and non-residents is allowed.
Mayor Pacheco responded that callers must be allowed to speak per their First Amendment rights whether or not they reside in the City.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed Non-Agenda public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 6, due to close proximity to his residence.
Mayor Pacheco abstained from Item No. 11, due to close proximity to her residence.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez and carried 4- 0, with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Item No. 6 and Mayor Pacheco abstaining from Item No. 11.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED JANUARY 11, 2022: Warrant Nos. 356380 – 356914; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004181, 30004183 – 30004186 & 30004189 – 30004191; EFT Nos. 11120 – 11173; Manual Wire No. 2200 – 2205 in the total amount of $7,909,907.01: Finance.
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4. WARRANTS ISSUED JANUARY 25, 2022: Warrant Nos. 356915 – 357185; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004187 – 30004188 & 30004193 – 30004195; EFT Nos. 11174 – 11207; Manual Wire No. 11174 – 11207 in the total amount of $5,893,355.02: Finance.
5. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ITERIS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES REL ATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITYWIDE BUS SIGNAL PRIORITY SYSTEM; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-07):
Public Works.
6. ACCEPTED WORK FOR STEWART & GRAY RD. FIBER-OPTIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND UPGRADES; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $2,357,035.84; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 17-10): Public Works.
7. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,459,369 TO ALL AMERICAN ASPHALT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FLORENCE AVE. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; AU THORIZED THE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR
ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-05): Public Works.
8. ACCEPTED WORK FOR FY 2020/2021 RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 9; APPROVED HARDY & HARPER, INC.’S FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $2,070,984.39; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21- 03): Public Works.
9. ACCEPTED WORK FOR 3RD ST. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $211,654.70; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC
WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21-05): Public Works.
10. AWARDED CONTRACT TO ALL CITIES ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $982,905 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 5TH ST. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $50,000 FROM WATER FUND CIP ACCOUNT NO. 51-1-8674 TO WATER FUND CIP ACCOUNT NO. 51-1-8634; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY
ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK
DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21-15): Public Works.
11. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,355,000 TO HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 10;
AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT DEEMED NECESSARY OR
DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-02): Public Works.
12. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,875,000 TO HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 1;
AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO
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THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-15): Public Works.
13. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,290,000 TO HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STOAKES AVE., MELDAR AVE., MANZANAR AVE. AND VISTA DEL ROSA ST. IMPROVEMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY
ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK
DEEMED NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-19): Public Works.
14. AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE OF THE COMPUTER AIDED
DISPATCH (CAD) AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RMS) SOFTWARE, USER INTERFACES, AND DATABASES FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2022 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022, FROM CENTRAL SQUARE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $$116,463.24: Fire.
15. AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SIX (6) CARDIAC
MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATOR UNITS (MONITOR, CABLES, SENSORS, AND BATTERIES) FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2022 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2023, FROM ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION: Fire.
16. APPROVED TRANSFER AGREEMENT NO. 2021RPLLAR02 WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR FURMAN PARK STORMWATER CAPTURE AND INFILTRATION PROJECT; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND,
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS DEEMED NECESSARY: Public Works.
17. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KANE, BALLMER & BERKMAN FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Public Works.
18. RATIFIED THE ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH STRUMWASSER & WOOCHER FOR ELECTION LAW SERVICES: City Attorney.
19. APPROVED RETAINER AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW OFFICES OF FERGUSON, PRAET & SHERMAN FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES: Police/City Attorney.
20. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COPIER/PRINTER PURCHASE INCLUDING A
THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT FOR MANAGED PRINT SERVICES WITH PACIFIC OFFICE AUTOMATION: Finance.
21. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO RENEW ARTNET-IT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
DUE TO BUSINESS TAX FILING STATUS CHANGE FROM DBA TO CORPORATION, AND RATE INCREASE TO MEET AND MATCH THE GOING MARKET RATE: Finance.
22. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A RENEWAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA REGENTS, ON BEHALF OF THE UCLA CENTER FOR
PREHOSPITAL CARE FOR THE PROVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT SERVICES AS MANDATED FOR PROVIDER AGENCIES BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY: Fire.
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23. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH REVENUE AND COST SPECIALISTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,230 FOR A COST ALLOCATION PLAN (FULL COSTS), COST ALLOCATION PLAN (OMB A- 87) AND USER FEE STUDY; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Finance.
24. INTRODUCED ORDINANCE APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SIFI
NETWORKS DOWNEY, LLC FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK SYSTEM; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Public Works.
INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SIFI NETWORKS DOWNEY, LLC FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK SYSTEM
25. ADOPTED THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR (OR MAYOR PRO TEM IN THE MAYOR’S ABSENCE) TO SIGN POLICY AND POSITION LETTERS WITHIN THE GUIDELINES OF THE PLATFORM: Administration.
26. APPROVED THE BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET: Finance.
27. RECEIVED AND FILED REPORT REGARDING COMPLETION OF RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK TURF RESTORATION IMPROVEMENTS (MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT NO. 354): Public Works.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
28. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS TO COMPLY WITH SENATE BILL 9: Community Development.
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1476, AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING SECTION 9965 TO CHAPTER 9 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE
DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO URBAN LOT SPLITS AND AMENDING SECTION 9312.08 OF CHAPTER 3 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TWO UNIT PROJECTS IN THE R-1 ZONE AND DETERMINING THE
ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
City Planner Crystal Landavazo presented the item. She provided an overview of what would be allowed under the new ordinance, what is currently allowed, and the changes to current local regulation.
She stated that the new rules under this ordinance would apply to all single-family residential zones and explained the changes to the application process. She provided examples of how the ordinance could be applied. She listed provisions incorporated into the urgency ordinance to balance the impacts of the new requirements under Senate Bill 9 (SB9) with the feedback from the community. City Attorney Abich Garcia announced that as an urgency ordinance, the item would require four votes in the affirmative to be adopted, and, if adopted, would go into effect immediately.
Council Member Frometa thanked Ms. Landavazo for her presentation, expressed her appreciation for the provisions of the urgency ordinance, commented on the issue of local control, and spoke in support of the ordinance.
Mayor Pacheco asked whether there have been any applications for lot splits following the passage of SB 9. Ms. Landavazo replied that there have been approximately 10 enquiries per week but no applications yet. Mayor Pacheco asked to clarify that the urgency ordinance would become effective immediately.
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It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Frometa and carried 4- 0, with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 22-1476, an Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey adding Section 9965 to Chapter 9 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code Relating to Urban Lot Splits and Amending Section 9312.08 of Chapter 3 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code Relating to Two Unit Projects in The R-1 Zone and Determining the Ordinance to Be Exempt from CEQA.
29. APPROVED THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO THE INTER-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND CITY COUNCIL STANDING SUB-COMMITTEES FOR 2022: Mayor Pacheco.
City Clerk Duarte presented the item. She stated that City Council appointments to the inter- government agencies and City Council standing subcommittees occur annually, with the Mayor automatically appointed to Director position for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and the primary delegate position for the Los Angeles City Selection Committee. She noted that the stipend for Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Development Board has increased from $75 to $100.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez and carried 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to approve the City Council appointments to the inter-government agencies and City Council standing sub-committees as proposed.
30. DISCUSS “OUR NEIGHBORHOOD VOICES” INITIATIVE, WHICH SEEKS TO OVERRIDE NEW
STATE HOUSING LAWS AND RESTORE LOCAL PLANNING INPUT OVER LAND USE DECISIONS: Mayor Pacheco.
Item No. 30 was tabled to a future Council meeting.
31. DISCUSSED PROCLAIMING OCTOBER AS INDIGENOUS’ PEOPLES MONTH: Council Member Alvarez.
Council Member Alvarez presented the item. She provided an overview on the history of indigenous peoples in the area and the intent of the proclamation to celebrate indigenous peoples.
Mayor Pacheco asked about National Native American Heritage month in November. Council Member Frometa emphasized the importance of acknowledging the history of the Americas. She stated that Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on October 10 and stated her desire to have a proclamation for that day and align with what the President has done. She noted that October is also Latino Heritage month as well as Breast Cancer awareness month. She suggested proclaiming the week of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Week
It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 4-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Ashton absent, to proclaim the week of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Week.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas highlighted the $8 million of street improvements on residential streets approved by Council at tonight’s meeting, with $1.5 million allotted to repairs on Florence Ave. between Brookshire Ave. and Tweedy Ln. He also noted that Council’s approval of private investment for high speed fiber optic throughout the City would allow the City to become a Smart City. He noted the City will follow up with some Wi-Fi initiatives.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:39 p.m. on January 25, 2022 in memory of the Apollo 1 Astronauts, the STS-51-L Challenger Space Shuttle Crew and the STS-107 Columbia Space Shuttle Crew; Lt. Paul Butrim, Fire Fighter Kelsey Sadler, and Fire Fighter/EMT Kenny Lacayo of the Baltimore City Fire Department killed in the line of duty; and, the lives lost due to COVID-
19. MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO
City Clerk Mayor