MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on August 9, 2022, at 6:34 p.m., in the COUDCi| Ch@rDb8nS of the OOVVDey City H8U' 11111 B[OOkShiPg /\VeDUg, D0vVD8Y California, with Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT:
Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco
Catherine Alvarez
Claudia M. Fronne&a
Donald E. La Plante
Mario Trujillo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Scott, Interim City Manager
Vani8hde Rojas, Interim Assistant City Manager
Lauren Langer, Interim City Attorney
Scott Loughnar.Police Captain
Dan HUr|OCk, Fine Chief
De|finu Cunau ji. Public Works Director
Jason Chauon.Director ofParks &Recreation
Anil G8ndhy,Director OfFinance
Alicia [>U8rte. CK8C, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Michael Calvert, Executive Director, Downey Chamber of Commerce.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. Heoffered his condolences tOthe family OfOfficer G8rdi8|GO|OhOOfthe Monterey Park Police Department and thanked the DOVYD8y PO|iC8 DHp8rtDlHO| for their work in UDd8UDg the public. He [8pO[texj attending Father -Con, the League 0fCalifornia Cities Los Angeles Division swearing -in ceremony, the Veterans Memorial Name Unveiling for L8OCH CO[pO[8| JOShU8 R. Whittle, N3UOO8| Nigh[ Out, and the HOnO8|8SSOHSS Subcommittee meeting. He requested a report on how the City can assist the Downey Rose Float ASSOCi2UOn with funding. He requested G report regarding @tOb@CCO n8tGi| licensing ordinance and an ordinance modifying the C@|Cu|@UOn of usable space in determining parking requirements. He invited the public to attend the two-day Pride celebration. He acknowledged Public Works Committee Member Alfred l[Ov8[and Mexican professional boxer Abner Mares iOattendance.
Mayor Pacheco commented regarding an ordinance regarding flavored tobacco that she and former Council Member Sean Ashton had worked on.
Council Member Fronleto commented regarding the Veterans K8enlnro] Name Unveiling for Lance Corporal Joshua R. Whittle. She reported attending National Night Out. She offered condolences to the family of Officer G8ndi8| 8o|oho of the Monterey Park Police Department and thanked Captain Lnughn8rfor providing updates and holding press conferences. She announced that she vv0u|d be attending the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Summer Seminar and would not be able to attend the City Council Minutes
Pride festivities. She requested an item be brought to the City Council to consider providing financial support for the Downey Rose Float Association. She requested updates on her requests for a speeding ordinance, a historic preservation ordinance, and a drone ordinance. She directed staff to coordinate with Caltrans regarding freeway underpass and riverbed cleanups. She requested staff prioritize the rebuilding of Fire Station 4.
Mayor Pacheco commented regarding the Caltrans Ambassador Program and stated that she forwarded the contact information to the Interim City Manager.
Council Member La Plante commented in favor of supporting the Downey Rose Float Association.
He thanked Director Chacon and Interim City Manager Scott for a tour of the facility that is currently leased by the YMCA and formerly housed the Downey Art Museum. He reported attending the League of California Cities Los Angeles Division swearing -in ceremony, the Veterans Memorial Name Unveiling for Lance Corporal Joshua R. Whittle, National Night Out, and a visit to the Downey Unified School Board Meeting with Interim City Manager Scott. He commended the Police Department and thanked Captain Loughner for his work.
Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez welcomed the audience to the City Council Meeting.
Mayor Pacheco acknowledged Michael Calvert, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, Carmen Gonzalez, President of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and Alfred Tovar, Public Works Committee Member in attendance. She offered condolences to the family of Officer Gardiel Solorio of the Monterey Park Police Department, thanked Captain Loughner for providing updates and holding press conferences, and thanked the Downey Police Officers for their professionalism. She reported attending the Veterans Memorial Name Unveiling for Lance Corporal Joshua R. Whittle, National Night Out, and Jerry Wetzstein's funeral service. She requested a dedication plaque at the Furman Park playground in honor of the late Jerry Wetzstein.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Pacheco presented the Mayor's Impact Award to Abner Mares, Mexican Professional Boxer.
2. Presentation to the City Council by the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
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 one written comment was received.
Charles Gerlach, resident, commented in support of Item No. 11.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5- 0 to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Alan Halstengaard, resident, commented regarding homosexuality, abortion, and monkeypox.
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Regular Meeting — August 9, 2022 2
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Item No. 11, consumer fraud, Brown Act violations, free speech, Mayor Pacheco, criminal justice, and Ola Restobar.
Don Miller, resident, commented regarding drones flown in Downey and maintenance of the Rio San Gabriel Flood Control channel.
BC, resident, commented regarding homosexuality, Mayor Pacheco, the effort to recall Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascon, the effort to recall Mayor Pro Tern Alvarez, pandemic mandates, and First Amendment rights.
David Orozco, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing parking, litter, the conduct of patrons, and the lack of enforcement.
Olena Les, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing parking, litter, the conduct of patrons. and lack of enforcement and suggested the business re -open at a more appropriate location.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the loss of Monterey Park Police Officer Gardiel Solorio, the Superior Court ruling against the Central Water Basin, free speech, the fiduciary duty of elected officials, and the complaint filed by the Central Basin Municipal Water District.
Christopher Rowland, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing privacy and the lack of enforcement.
Michael Gonzalez, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing the conduct of patrons, parking, and the lack of enforcement.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the conduct of Council Member Trujillo, public comment, and affordability in Downey.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding the separation of church and state, affordability, and in support of a renters board with advice from the Downey Tenants Union.
Joe Martinez, resident, commented regarding speeding, traffic safety, and walkability on Paramount Blvd between Firestone Blvd. and 7th St.
Lily Gomez, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing parking, the conduct of patrons, theft, littering, and safety concerns. She commented regarding street racing and requested the installation of speed bumps.
Jose Ruiz Gomez, resident, commented in opposition to the reopening of Tacos Don Goyo, citing parking, the conduct of patrons, and safety concerns. He commented regarding street racing and requested the installation of speed bumps.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the deaths of Monterey Park Police Officer Gardiel Solorio and Downey Police Officer Ricky Galvez. She requested. She commented regarding speeding in her neighborhood and requested installation of a speed bump on Dunrobin Ave., between Imperial Hwy. and Washburn Rd.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding crime, corruption, elected officials, the November 8, 2022 municipal election, and Brown Act violations. =144**11JZI=10101i!W=11!12
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Regular Meeting — August 9, 2022 3
Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 8:32 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:35 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding Interim City Manager Scott, Interim City Attorney Langer, campaign contributions, rent control, trash in Downey, Council Member Trujillo, and hazard pay.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding a Supreme Court ruling on sectarian prayer, First Amendment rights, tax increases on residents, rent control, a lack of programs to address inflation, Assistant City Manager Oskoui, a previous public comment, Council Member Trujillo, and the law firm of Best Best & Krieger.
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding the passing of American sports commentator Vin Scully.
Alfred Tovar, resident, commented regarding speeding, crime, and drug use in his neighborhood at night and requested additional Police patrols. He expressed his pleasure at residing in Downey and thanked the City Council for their work.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 8:55 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:58 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Speaker, no name provided, commented regarding Council Member Trujillo, the City Council, and rent control.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Frometa abstained from Item No. 1, Regular Meeting Minutes of August 10, 2021; and, July 26, 2022 as she was not present.
Council Member La Plante abstained from Item No. 1, Regular Meeting Minutes of August 10, 2021; and, July 26, 2022 as he was not on Council and he was not present.
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 5 and 13 due to owning property in the area.
Mayor Pacheco read the ordinance titles for Item Nos. 11 and 12 into the record.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and carried 5- 0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meetings of August 10, 2021; and, July 26, 2022: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED JULY 26, 2022: Warrant Nos. 361147 — 361149; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004256 — 30004258; EFT Nos. 11670 — 11701, in the total amount of $1,344,530.09: Finance.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED AUGUST 9, 2022: Warrant Nos. 361150 — 361388; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004246 & 30004251 — 30004253; EFT Nos. 11658 — 11669, Manual Wire Numbers 2257 — 2277; and, Cashier's Check Number 146, in the total amount of $16,320,175.18: Finance.
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Regular Meeting — August 9, 2022 4
4. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR LAKEWOOD BLVD. AND FIRESTONE BLVD. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS; AND, AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF CITY -FURNISHED MATERIALS FOR THE PROJECT (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-09): Public Works.
5. AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $374,585 TO SEQUEL CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ALLEYS NORTH AND SOUTH OF STEWART & GRAY RD. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER; AUTHORIZED TRANSFER OF $222,486 IN VEHICLE IMPACT FEES FROM ACCOUNT NO. 38-1-6877 TO ACCOUNT NO. 38-1- 6822; 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. 22-03): Public Works.
6. ACCEPTED WORK FOR STOAKES AVE., MELDAR AVE., MANZANAR AVE. AND, VISTA DEL ROSA ST. IMPROVEMENTS; APPROVED HARDY & HARPER, INC.'S FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,631,447.71; APPROVED ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 IN MEASURE R BOND FUNDS IN ACCOUNT NO. 59-1-6875; AND, AUTHORIZED THE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 22-19): Public Works.
7. APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RAK DEVELOPMENT, INC DBA KREUZER CONSULTING GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,420 FOR DESIGN OF ALLEYS NORTH OF FOSTER RD. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS DEEMED NECESSARY (CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 23- 02): Public Works.
8. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Police.
9. APPROVED PURCHASE OF PERMANENT ROADWAY EASEMENT AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8030 IMPERIAL HWY.: Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8094, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A ROADWAY EASEMENT
AND THE ACQUISITION OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT BETWEEN
DOWNEY PROPERTY INVESTMENTS, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8030 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY;
Fa1•t1t1ANC[#7:1?A m f6iW/k ffm L,1?1
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE PROJECT.
10. APPROVED PURCHASE OF PERMANENT ROADWAY EASEMENT AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7943-7957 IMPERIAL HWY.: Public Works.
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Regular Meeting — August 9, 2022 5
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 22-8095, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A ROADWAY EASEMENT
AND THE ACQUISITION OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT BETWEEN ACES RESTAURANT CORP., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7943-7957 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY; 2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT; AND, 3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE PROJECT.
11. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING SECTION 2100 OF CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE II OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE TIME OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: City Attorney.
12. INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1478 TO FIX A NUMBERING ERROR AND RENUMBER DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE IV, CHAPTER 13 (FOOD HANDLERS) AS CHAPTER 14 AND RETAINING EXISTING ARTICLE IV, CHAPTER 13 (TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING): City Attorney.
13. AUTHORIZED A STREET CLOSURE FOR THE PRIDE SUNSET FESTIVAL HOSTED BY L.A.
CADA SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 12, 2022 ON DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN 2ND AND 4T" STREETS AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN NEW STREET AND U.S. BANK PARKING LOT: Parks & Recreation.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
Interim City Manager Scott commented regarding the need to set priorities for the Interim City Manager to complete during his tenure. He advised that the topic would return to the Council for discussion as an item on the agenda or as a Special meeting or Study Session.
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:08 p.m. on July 26, 2022 in memory of Jerome "Jerry" Wetzstein; singer and actress Olivia Newton -John; American sports commentator Vin Scully, Sergeant Matt Lewis, 25-year veteran of the Riverside Police Department, killed in an off -duty accident; Monterey Park Police Officer Gardiel Solorio, fatally shot while off -duty; and, the lives lost due to COVID-19.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO
City Clerk Mayor
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Regular Meeting — August 9, 2022 6