MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on February 8, 2022, at 6:45 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco
Sean Ashton
Catherine Alvarez
Claudia M. Frometa
Mario Trujillo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
(teleconference)
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
John Oskoui, Assistant City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Aldo E. Schindler, Deputy City Manager/Community Development Leslie Murray, Chief of Police
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
Jason Chacon, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation
Anil Gandhy, Director of Finance
James McQueen, Director of Human Resources
Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fire Chief Hurlock.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Trujillo provided an update on the Trujillo BRASS plan, which includes assembling the Downey Connect Task Force to bring broadband internet to residents and obtain funding to improve residential streets, repave alleys, and sidewalks. He thanked staff for the sidewalk improvements currently underway. He requested an update on streetlights and directed staff to identify 10 locations where residents would like additional lighting. He reported attending a meeting with the Downtown Downey Improvement Association. He asked staff to research a potential revenue stream from filming. He requested a report regarding a possible community garden and suggested the plot of land could come from Andrews Rancho. City Manager Livas responded that staff is in the process of researching locations and will return with a report to the Council. Council Member Trujillo invited residents to the Sister Cities Social scheduled for February 23 at Ola Restobar.
Council Member Frometa reported her attendance at the Swearing -in Ceremony of Downey's first female Police Chief Leslie Murray and her attendance at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Agents dinner. She directed staff to coordinate efforts with appropriate agencies regarding the homeless encampment near the Lakewood Blvd. off -ramp of the 1-5 freeway. She directed staff to contact businesses with flashing lights in their windows and inform them of the City's policies in the Municipal City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022
Code. She directed staff to address potholes on Florence Ave. between Brookshire Ave. and Paramount Blvd. She requested staff continue to speed enforcement in the City major thoroughfares.
Council Member Alvarez thanked the Shower of Hope, Supervisor Janice Hahn, and City staff for bringing the event to Downey. She asked staff to leave the art exhibition displayed at City Hall until the February 22 City Council Meeting to recognize the artists on that day.
Mayor Pacheco congratulated Priscila Coronado on being the first Latina president of the Harvard Law Review and stated Ms. Coronado would be recognized at a future Council meeting. She reported her attendance at Chief Murray's swearing -in ceremony, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Agents Gala and Career Day at St. Raymond's Catholic School. She asked staff to communicate with Southern California Edison (SCE) and have notices sent to residents ahead of scheduled power outages.
City Manager Livas confirmed staff would work with SCE to have notices sent to residents in a timely fashion. Mayor Pacheco directed staff to track a bill from State Senator Stern regarding street racing and to contact Sacramento regarding this issue if necessary. She requested that staff research a policy on Project Labor Agreements (PLA) or community workforce agreements for projects in Downey. She noted that surrounding cities have done so, ensuring local hire and supporting apprenticeship programs. She requested staff schedule a meeting for the Rio Hondo Golf Course Subcommittee to discuss fees for nonprofit organizations.
Council Member Frometa directed staff to contact the owner of the former Denny's building to address possible squatters and graffiti as they pose a possible safety concern.
Mayor Pacheco announced that KN95 masks and hand sanitizer will be distributed to the community at the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center.
PRESENTATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS TO COMPLY WITH SENATE BILL 9: Community Development.
INTRODUCED AN 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 Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication.
Mayor Pacheco, at 7:10 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding this item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed six written comments were received.
Connie Patin, resident, commented that many issues have not been addressed in the proposed Ordinance and expressed her concern about leaving these cases to City planner discretion.
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Trevor Rodriguez, resident, requested an advocate to help residents understand State laws and expressed his concern about the subjective nature of the proposed Ordinance.
Garrett Rodriguez, resident, expressed his concern regarding the restrictions imposed in the proposed Ordinance and other possible issues in the implementation process.
Darren Rodriguez, resident, requested to clarify some questions and expressed his concern regarding cases which may be left to staff judgement.
Cheri Eads, resident, expressed her concerns about possible contradiction to the State's intention of increased housing, devastation of the architectural appearance of the neighborhood, incorrect information, confusion and ambiguity, and the subjective implications of the proposed Ordinance.
Jim Rodriguez, residents, expressed his concern the proposed Ordinance and its implementation could lead to overwhelming obstacles to the well -intended homeowner who wants to provide additional housing on their own property.
Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone on the teleconference line who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
BC, resident, commented in opposition to duplexes in Downey and expressed his support for single-family dwellings.
Council Member Alvarez left the City Council Meeting at 7:31 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton clarified that the proposed Ordinance was not instigated by the City but was created to conform to State law. City Manager Livas confirmed that the Ordinance is in response to a State mandate.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton asked how many lots would be eligible under the Ordinance. City Planner Landavazo said she would need to return to the Council with that information but noted that R-1 zones make up the majority of the City therefore a significant number of lots would be eligible.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton asked whether the new units developed would qualify towards the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers. City Planner Landavazo responded that staff did research this matter but it would not pose a big adjustment to the City's RHNA numbers.
Council Member Frometa reiterated that the proposed Ordinance is in response to changes mandated by Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) and the need for better guidance to enacting those changes.
Council Member Trujillo requested staff clarify the process and next steps after introducing the Ordinance. City Attorney Abich Garcia responded that the next step would be to adopt the Ordinance at the next Council Meeting. Council Member Trujillo referenced concerns raised in Mr. Jim Rodriguez's comments regarding maintaining the character of Downey's neighborhoods and the City's control over the process. He stated that he lives in a duplex and that new duplexes would be coming to Downey. He asked about the deadline to comply with SB 9's mandates. City Planner Landavazo responded that this law was very new and brings about questions about different scenarios. She explained that Ordinance has a large number of sections, subsections, and provisions to accommodate these scenarios. When drafting the Ordinance, staff kept objective design standards in mind and removed discretion in those City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 3
areas. She stated that staff is encouraging one-story development to address the community's concerns regarding masses. However, there are provisions regarding two-story developments. She went on to state that since the Urgency Ordinance was adopted, staff has worked with residents to provide an understanding of what steps are necessary to move forward. Council Member Trujillo directed staff to arrange a meeting between himself, Planning staff, and Mr. Rodriguez. He stated his intent to work with residents and make the process more resident -friendly.
Mayor Pacheco clarified that the purpose of the Ordinance is to maintain as much local control as possible and may be a separate matter than the issue brought up by Council Member Trujillo. City Manager Livas responded that the Ordinance provides for architectural standards for the duplexes to be built and balances the community's needs with the mandates of SIB 9. He stated that the Design Review Board was eliminated in order to decrease the number of steps needed to get a project approved. He confirmed that staff would arrange a meeting with Council Member Trujillo and Mr. Rodriguez.
Council Member Trujillo requested to invite the other persons who submitted public comment on the item. He thanked members of the public for submitting public comment and further stated that he trusts staff to protect neighborhoods.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Ashton, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 4- 0 with Council Member Alvarez absent, to introduce an 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.
2. ADOPTED 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND CORRESPONDING CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION: Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8049, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT THEREBY UPDATING THE HOUSING ELEMENT FOR THE 2021-2029 SIXTH REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT CYCLE Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 4-0 with Council Member Alvarez absent, to receive and file.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Community Development Schindler introduced the item, he provided an overview of the background of the Housing Element, and discussed the community meetings held to study and discuss the issue. Consultant Diana Gonzalez of MIG Inc. presented the staff report.
Ms. Gonzalez explained the role of the Housing Element as part of the City's General Plan, the purpose in addressing housing needs and identifying potential sites to accommodate the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), and the process and timeline for adoption. She stated that the current cycle is different due to higher RHNA numbers, new laws establishing more stringent requirements, and challenges due to limitations on public meetings during the pandemic. She explained the components of the Housing Element and how they are used to develop the Housing Plan. She noted that community participation is a key part of the Housing Element update and residents were engaged through two workshops, a community survey, and a webpage. The community was notified of meetings and participation opportunities through the City's social media accounts in both English and Spanish, emails from the Parks and Recreation Department, postings in utility bills, and on the City's website. To ensure City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 4
the City made a diligent effort to reach persons in lower -income households and special needs residents such as the elderly, the City notified a list of agencies that serve the Downey community and surrounding areas. Key themes that emerged from public participation included the need for more affordable multiple - family housing, consideration of the most vulnerable residents, housing near transit and transit -oriented development, revisiting the City's land use policies, less restrictive development standards, supporting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and tiny house development, climate change issues, and parking, safety, and traffic concerns.
Ms. Gonzalez explained that RHNA is the State's way of allocating a fair share of forecasted growth in a region and how RHNA numbers are determined. She reviewed how the City meets RHNA numbers by examining approved housing projects, project in the development process, and potential sites for new housing while determining the affordability of those sites. She stated that the Housing Element does not require the City to build any housing units, provide new funding to the City or authorize construction of any housing. She reviewed the City's strategy of counting approved or proposed project; increasing the number of ADU; and identifying sites in R-1 and R-2 zones, the Downtown Downey Specific Plan, and the Rancho Los Amigos — South Campus Specific Plan where housing may be increased. She stated that the City's land use policy would be revised to increase density in high density residential areas, create a zoning district for the Mixed -Use General Plan designation, and add residential opportunities in new areas such as commercial centers and commercial corridors. She identified how these strategies addressed responses from the community survey and workshops. She explained how these changes would incentivize redevelopment. She provided the estimated numbers from the RHNA inventory, which would include a small surplus to account for development that may not occur as anticipated.
Ms. Gonzalez detailed the goals, policies, and programs of the Housing Element Plan. She stated that aspects of the previous Housing Element Plan were updated based on current information and new programs were added in response to new needs or new laws. She listed areas to be addressed: what actions need to be taken to make sure adequate land is available to meet the City's housing needs, how to encourage development of housing for lower -income and special needs households, constraints on housing development, how to help conserve/improve housing in Downey, and equal opportunities for all persons and fair housing. She listed how existing and new programs addressed these goals. She provided an overview of the Housing Element update process and how public input was incorporated in each step. She detailed how the Housing Element was revised in response to comments from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and stated that staff will continue to coordinate with HCD.
Council Member Frometa thanked staff and emphasized the importance of community engagement. She noted that 991 individuals participated in the community outreach events and encouraged residents to communicate their needs to the City.
Mayor Pacheco opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding this item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written comment was received.
Matthew Gelfand, Californians for Homeownership, commented to express concerns about non - vacant sites included on the City's sites inventory and urged Council to continue the item to revise the Housing Element.
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, expressed his concerns regarding the survey conducted and felt the survey was not representative of the community.
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Armando Herman, non-resident, commented about the lack of affordable housing and the number of responses to the community survey.
Juan Martinez, resident, questioned the statistics presented and implored the Council to stay in full compliance of the State's requirements.
BC, resident, requested to preserve historic sites in Downey.
Mayor Pacheco asked if this Housing Element would be compliant. Deputy City Manager/Community Development Director Schindler responded that, while the State may provide additional comments about the Housing Element, the City has reviewed the document, and believes the Housing Element is compliant.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:32 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 4- 0, with Council Member Alvarez absent, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8049, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey adopting a California Environmental Quality Act Negative Declaration and General Plan Amendment thereby updating the Housing Element for the 2021-2029 Sixth Regional Housing Needs Assessment Cycle.
3. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING THE DRAFT MAP FOR ELECTION DISTRICT BOUNDARIES: Administration.
Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 8:33 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 4-0 with Council Member Alvarez absent, to receive and file.
Consultant Doug Johnson of National Demographics Corporation (NDC) presented the staff report. He provided a summary of the demographics of the existing districts and explained the changes necessary to balance the population of each district. He explained the proposed changes to the boundaries between District 1 and District 4 and to the boundaries between District 3 and District 4. He stated that this would increase the population in District 1 and balance the population in each District.
Council Member Frometa noted that this map was reviewed at the previous Council Meeting and made the most sense.
Mayor Pacheco opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding this item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written correspondence was received for 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.
No name provided stated expressed his belief that elections are rigged.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented off -topic.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, expressed concerns about representation for residents who have not graduated from high school and Spanish speakers. He also expressed concern about corruption and rigged elections.
Resident, no name provided, requested information regarding dissolution of the District 5.
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It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close the Public Hearing at 8:47 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ashton, and carried 4- 0, with Council Member Alvarez absent, to receive and file public input on the draft map for election district boundaries.
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 four written comments were received.
Ana Brown thanked members of the Council who voted in favor of a vote of "No Confidence" regarding the policies of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon and invited Council to a Downey Volunteers Recall George Gascon Petition Signing Kick-off event.
Fatima Baqi commented regarding an incident in which a person was jailed for three days after an illegal warrant in 2015, the Downey Police Department police scorecard, and the constitutional right to due process.
Maria Lam, resident, requested assistance with parents from Rio San Gabriel Elementary blocking her driveway.
Lee Squire, resident, requested information regarding the dismissal of the Kessner lawsuit.
Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any calls for public comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented on the City Council and the presidential administration.
Resident, no name provided, asked staff, Council, and commissioners to abide by mask guidelines. He commented about Council Member Frometa's re-election campaign and the need for new Council Members. He commented on City Manager Livas's resignation and his performance as city manager. He commented in support of comments made by Ms. Baqi and regarding dissolution of District
5. Jang Lee commented in opposition to Covid-19 and masking requirements. He also commented regarding the California School Choice movement.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding 2022 being an election year, the importance of engagement of young people, and the need for progress in Downey.
Alistair Hunter, resident, commented regarding the Stay Gallery exhibit and commented in support of the Arts and Culture Subcommittee Planning Workshop proposed in Item No. 15.
BC, resident, commented in opposition to the mask mandate and shutdowns, financial support of the Stay Gallery, the Pride flag and Pride Picnic, the Mayor, and the President.
Leticia Vasquez -Wilson, Central Basin Water Board, commented on the Kessner lawsuit and urged the Council Members to carefully look at the City's rate structure and water quality.
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Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 7
Having no one else, it was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by the Mayor to close Public Comment on Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non - Agenda Items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 4, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2022, as he was absent; and, abstained from Item No. 11 due to commercial properties he owns in the area.
Mayor Pacheco pulled Item Nos. 4, 12, and 13 for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 3- 0, with Council Member Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tern Ashton absent, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, and, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Item No. 11.
5. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 357186 — 357476; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004192 & 30004197 — 30004199; EFT Nos. 11208 — 11234; Manual Wire No. 2210 — 2219, in the total amount of $3,429,042.76: Finance.
6. ACCEPTED WORK FOR FOSTER BRIDGE BLVD., RIVERGROVE DR., AND GLENCLIFF DR.
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; APPROVED FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $334,094.22; AND, AUTHORIZED THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 20-30): Public Works.
7. AUTHORIZED THE PURCHASE OF TECHNICAL RESCUE EQUIPMENT FROM MALLORY SAFETY AND SUPPLY, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,091.97: Fire.
8. APPROVED AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND OCLC, INC. TO ACCESS AUTOMATED DATABASE AND EXPANDED INTER -LIBRARY LOAN SERVICES; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS: Library.
9. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LOCALITY MEDIA INC., DBA
FIRST DUE TO PROVIDE RECORDS MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND,
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS AS DEEMED NECESSARY: Fire.
10. STATE OF CALIFORNIA PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION FUNDING: Community Development.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8050, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ADOPTING THE PERMANENT
LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PLAN FOR THE PERMANENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA
LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM
11. DECLARATION OF CITY -OWNED LAND AS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND UNDER THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA SURPLUS LAND ACT: Community Development.
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Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 8
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8051, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DECLARING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54221
THAT REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY LOCATED AT ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 6255-002-900, COMMONLY KNOWN AS DOWNEY PUBLIC PARKING LOT NO. 4,
IS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND, AND FINDING THAT SUCH DECLARATION AND
AUTHORIZATION IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
14. RATIFIED THE EXPENDITURE RELATED TO THE GOLF TEE SPONSORSHIP FOR THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS FOUNDATION 31ST ANNUAL LOS AMIGOS RANCHO GOLF CLASSIC WHICH WAS HELD ON OCTOBER 18, 2021 AT THE FRIENDLY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB IN WHITTIER, CA.: Council Member Frometa.
OTHER BUSINESS
4. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meetings of November 16, 2021; January 12, 2022: City Clerk.
Mayor Pacheco requested corrections to titles listed in the January 12, 2022 meeting minutes.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, carried 3-0, with Council Member Alvarez and Mayor Pro Tern Ashton absent, to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 16, 2021.
12. RATIFIED THE FINDINGS PURSUANT TO AB 361 AND RE -AUTHORIZED REMOTE TELECONFERENCING FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30 DAYS: City Attorney.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8052, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RATIFYING THE FINDINGS PURSUANT TO AB 361 AND RE- AUTHORIZING USE OF REMOTE TELECONFERENCING FOR AN ADDITIONAL 30 DAYS Mayor Pacheco asked the Council whether they would like to to move forward with the Resolution.
She suggested moving forward with the Resolution for the next 30 days.
Council Member Frometa concurred with Mayor Pacheco's suggestion.
Council Member Trujillo agreed with extending the authorization for an additional 30 days and reminded the public that they can reach the Council via email.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton stated it would be prudent to extend the authorization for an additional 30 days to allow the Omicron variant wave to pass.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, carried 4-0, with Council Member Alvarez absent, to adopt Resolution No. 22-8052, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey ratifying the findings pursuant to AB 361 and re -authorizing use of remote teleconferencing for an additional 30 days.
13. ADOPTED ORDINANCE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SIFT NETWORKS DOWNEY, LLC FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK SYSTEM; AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS: Public Works.
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 22-1477, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SIFT NETWORKS
DOWNEY, LLC FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITYWIDE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK SYSTEM City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 9
Mayor Pacheco asked City Manager Livas if this Ordinance would provide high speed internet to Downey residents and asked what impact this would have on Downey residents. City Manager Livas stated that high speed internet was one of the goals established by City Council last year. He noted that staff researched other cities, such as Placentia, that were implementing high speed internet in their City.
He responded that this Ordinance allows fiber-optic network to be laid in Downey and would provide high speed network through a third -party provider. He further elaborated that this would enable Downey to become a Smart City and allow residents and businesses to access high speed internet.
Mayor Pacheco confirmed that this would not incur a cost to the City and asked if the City could institute a local hire policy. City Manager Livas responded that the City would not be able to institute a local hire policy as it does not have an agreement governing this particular issue and the vendor would be responsible for all costs.
Council Member Frometa commented that this project requires a concerted effort to coordinate with street improvements. City Manager Livas confirmed the project will be coordinated with street improvements and noted that a micro -trenching technique is used to minimize digging.
Mayor Pacheco asked if this Ordinance would enable to the City to offer free Wi-Fi at the local parks. City Manager Livas responded that it would allow the City to have access to fiber optic cables closer to the parks. Mayor Pacheco directed staff to draft a press release to send to the media.
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton clarified that this would allow households and businesses to access high speed internet after the four-year installation period.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Ashton, seconded by Council Member Frometa, carried 4-0, with Council Member Alvarez absent, to adopt Ordinance No. 22-1477, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey approving a Development Agreement with SiFi Networks Downey, LLC for implementation off a Citywide Fiber Optic Network System.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
15. DISCUSSED A RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A PLANNING WORKSHOP ON FEBRUARY 24, 2022 AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF: Administration.
Assistant City Manager Oskoui presented the staff report for Item No. 15. He reported that the Arts and Culture Subcommittee held four meetings to discuss expanding arts and culture programs in the City and received great participation from members of the community. He stated the need to conduct a workshop over the course of the discussion. He announced the tentative date of February 24, 2022 and that stakeholders in the City would receive an invitation to attend. He informed Council that authorization is requested to allocate $4,000 towards a facilitator to guide the discussion and incidental costs for hosting the workshop.
Council Member Trujillo thanked Mr. Oskoui for organizing all stakeholders interested in arts, culture, and history in Downey. He stated that the City is being mindful regarding use of funds.
Council Member Frometa commented on Downey's rich history and the vital role of a facilitator to guide the process efficiently and equally.
Mayor Pacheco commented on the qualifications of the facilitator, Tomas Benitez.
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Regular Meeting — February 8, 2022 10
Mayor Pro Tern Ashton commented that the workshop will beinstrumental ingiving form to the process of expanding arts and culture in Downey. He expressed his hopes for a more efficient use of Stay Gallery as a result of the workshop.
|twas moved bvCouncil Member Trujillo, oeoondedbvCounci|W1emberFrome[a,ondoonied4- U. with Council Member Alvarez abaerd, to approve atuff'a recommendation to conduct the Planning Workshop and authorize an expenditure in an amount not -to -exceed $4,000.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting atS:42p.m. onFebruary 8.2022in memory of Fire Captain Max Fontono, 47. Stockton Fire Oeportnl*nt, killed in the line of duty; Campus Safety Officers J.J. Jefferson and John Puinter, Bridgewater College; Sergeant Danny Riva, Gan Bernardino County Sheriff Department; Downey Fire Department Retired Dispatcher Bob Lopez, with 25 years Ofservice; and, the lives lost due tOCC)V|[]-1S.
MAR|AAL|C|ADUARTE.CIVIC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Mayor
BLANCAPACHECO