MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 26, 2021
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on October 26, 2021, at 6:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
Council Members:
Claudia M. Frometa
Blanca Pacheco
Catherine Alvarez
Sean Ashton
Mario Trujillo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
(absent)
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 Dean Milligan, Chief of Police
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Delfino Consunji, Public Works Director
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant to the City Manager
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Chris Famisaran of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kristy Vargas.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Trujillo provided an update on the Trujillo BRASS plan and his infrastructure improvement goals. He requested free Wi-Fi be made available to members of the community at all City Parks without requiring a City Library Card. He requested staff identify 10 locations where the City needs additional street lights and requested staff research establishing a community theater for children and adults. He requested staff identify additional methods to deter furniture dumping on the public right of way and requested the City hold an Open House at the Downey Theatre for Downey residents.
Mayor Frometa emphasized the importance of discussing City Council goals.
Council Member Alvarez thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting. She reported attending a tour of the Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS- IL), a tour of SEAACA, the Fair Housing Foundation Workshop, the Freeway Off -Ramp Clean-up, the Downey Library Beyond the Book Fall Celebration, the Arts and Culture Subcommittee meeting, and the State of the City event. She requested staff hold additional Fair Housing Foundation Workshops and provide a language interpreter at the workshops for those who do not speak English. She thanked the public for attending the Hispanic Heritage exhibit at City Hall and requested the City provide resources for a Dia de los Muertos Art exhibit at City Hall. She commented regarding rent control and affordable housing. She suggested hosting the State of the City event at a City facility to be made open to the public. She announced Administrative Report Item No. 14 would be tabled to a future City Council meeting.
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Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She acknowledged the Sarofeem family in attendance. She reported attending the Foot Locker Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. She invited the public to attend the Downey High School v. Warren High School game, the Dia de los Muertos Art Festival, and the Annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch event. She requested to share information on the City's website regarding the redistricting process. Assistant to the City Manager De Rojas informed the City Council of the dedicated webpage for the redistricting process. Ms. De Rojas suggested adding a button on the City's homepage directing residents to the redistricting webpage and noted that the redistricting webpage has been shared on the City's social media platforms.
Mayor Frometa welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. She reported attending the Foot Locker Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, a tour of the Rancho Los Amigos Restorative Care Village, and the State of the City event. She commented regarding vaccination rates in Downey. She invited the public to attend the Dia de los Muertos Art Festival, the Downey Fire Department Sound the Alarm event, and the City's 65th Anniversary Celebration. She commented regarding issues including addressing homelessness, engaging Caltrans in encampment and off -ramp clean-ups, and addressing trash and illegal dumping. She requested staff create a campaign to educate the community on the benefits of planting trees and asked that staff research creating an ordinance for the tree removal process. She thanked staff for their hard work and asked the Police Department to continue speed enforcement in major thoroughfares.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Legacy Award to Alex Vargas, Gateway Cities Clergy Representative.
2. Mayor Frometa presented the Mayor's Champion Award to the Sarofeem Family.
3. Mayor Frometa presented Certificates of Recognition to Artists participating in the City's National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SECTION 108 LOAN AMENDMENT AND NEW APPLICATION: Community Development.
1) AUTHORIZED THE SUBMISSION OF AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECTION 108 LOAN AGREEMENT;
2) AUTHORIZED THE SUBMISSION OF A NEW SECTION 108 LOAN APPLICATION; AND, 3) ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
ADOPTED RESOLUTION 21-8043, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING 108 LOAN AGREEMENT TO REALLOCATE $500,000 OF FUNDING, AND TO SUBMIT A NEW 108 LOAN APPLICATION FOR AN ADDITIONAL $500,000 OF FUNDING, TOTALING $1 MILLION IN FUNDING, PURSUANT TO SECTION 108 OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 AS AMENDED Mayor Frometa opened the Public Hearing at 7:41 p.m.
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City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent, to receive and file the proof of publication.
Deputy City Manager Schindler presented the staff report for Item No. 1. He provided an overview of the history of the funding being allocated to develop of the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sports Field Project and a summary of the project. He stated that the project costs were lower than the initial estimate and the City has a savings of $500,000 to be used for the purpose of infrastructure, rehabilitation of public sites, economic development, or funding of debt service. He shared staff's recommendation to reallocate the remaining 108 Section Loan funding and an additional $500,000 loan for a total of $1 million to fund the solar project at City facilities. He noted that funding enables staff to negotiate a lower power rate ($0.11/kWh) and shelter the General Fund. He provided an overview of the solar project at various City facilities.
Mayor Frometa, at 7:46 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding funding for the project.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the funding source, repayment terms, and recordings of the loans.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed the Public Hearing at 7:52 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, seconded by Council Member Alvarez, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent, to authorize the submission of an Amendment to an existing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 108 Loan Agreement.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent, to authorize the submission of a new Section 108 Loan Application.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent, to adopt Resolution No. 21-8043, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey authorizing the City Manager to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development an Amendment to an existing 108 Loan Agreement to reallocate $500,000 of funding, and to submit a new 108 Loan Application for an additional $500,000 of funding, totaling $1 million in funding, pursuant to Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12. DISCUSSION RELATED TO AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING AND DIRECTION TO INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE RELATED THERETO: Mayor Frometa.
1) DISCUSSED A DRAFT ORDINANCE REGULATING TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING; AND,
2) CONSIDERED INTRODUCTION OF THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE:
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INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING CHAPTER 13 ("TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING") OF ARTICLE IV ("PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS, AND POLICY") OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ESTABLISH DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TARGETED RESIDENTIAL
PICKETING
Mayor Frometa took this item out of order.
Mayor Frometa shared that she requested the item. She highlighted balancing the needs of residents, including First Amendment rights to assembly and free speech, and the rights of neighborhoods to have peace or privacy in their homes. She listed California cities that have restricted target residential picketing with buffer zones. She noted the buffer zone would be 300 feet from the target's residence. She commented regarding the increase in teleworking and the need for peace and quiet to perform work from home.
City Attorney Abich Garcia reminded the City Council that the item was discussed the previous year and no action was taken.
City Prosecutor James Eckart confirmed the item was discussed the previous year and has returned to the City Council in light of an increase in targeted residential picketing and other jurisdictions enacting legislation regarding targeted residential picketing. He concurred with Mayor Frometa's statements regarding balancing First Amendment rights and judicially upheld government interests in protecting homes from targeted residential picketing. He clarified that the ordinance does not prohibit all targeted residential picketing but establishes a 300-foot buffer zone from the residence, not the property line. He stated that the list provided in the staff report is specifically of jurisdictions with the 300-foot buffer zone legislation, which has been upheld by various circuit courts as well as the 9t" Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mayor Frometa requested additional information regarding the case of the City of San Jose v. the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Mr. Eckart shared that in the case of Carey v. Brown, the Supreme Court upheld the government's interest in protecting the sanctity of residential homes. He stated that in the case of Frisby v. Schultz, the Supreme Court upheld the right to prohibit targeted residential picketing. He added that in the case of the City of San Jose v. the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, the Supreme Court upheld the establishment of a 300-foot buffer zone based on protection of the privacy of one's home. He stated that in the case of Klein v. San Diego County, the 9tn Circuit Court of Appeals denied a challenge to the 300-foot buffer zone.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding Subsections N and O of Section 4990 pertaining to alternative channels of communications and time, place, and manner restrictions to reconcile and protect the needs and rights of both protestors and residents.
Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco requested to confirm that the 300-foot buffer zone would begin at the dwelling, not the property line. Mr. Eckart confirmed the distance would be measured from the wall of the dwelling.
Council Member Trujillo inquired whether protestors are required to pull a permit. Mr. Eckart responded permits are not typically required but certain types of protests such as those impacting traffic safety would require a permit. Council Member Trujillo requested to confirm a permit would not be required to protest on the sidewalk in front of a home without obstructing traffic. Mr. Eckart confirmed that this was part of the protestors' First Amendment rights. Council Member Trujillo asked regarding the government interest to protect the peace of a residential neighborhood. Mr. Eckart responded protestors would need to comply with standards such as noise standards and the proposed ordinance is intended to protect the peace of residential neighborhoods in the limited instance where the picketing targets a specific resident. He stated that the courts have never allowed a complete ban on picketing City Council Minutes
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within a residential area because the standards applied are too high and there are other ways a city may protect tranquility within a residential area without a blanket ban.
Council Member Trujillo expressed concerns regarding the impact on children and questioned whether it would be constitutional to require a permit and limit residential picketing to school hours when children would not be home. Mr. Eckart responded the greater the limitation on freedom of speech, the higher the obligation of the City to ensure that it is a narrowly tailored law with ample opportunities to picket. He stated that the issue with limiting to school hours would be that it prevents dissemination of the message to the residential community, which would be at school or work.
Council Member Trujillo inquired about cities requiring a permit to protest in residential neighborhoods and with limitations to the date or time of the protest. Mr. Eckart responded that cities have enacted similar laws and such laws were declared unconstitutional. He cautioned that the City must be careful about limiting the hours and causing delays or prohibiting protests if a permit were required. He stated the City may need to prove the validity of its actions and meet constitutional scrutiny.
Council Member Trujillo recalled a case in which the court denied the right to protest in front of Six Flags Magic Mountain. He asked to confirm that the proposed ordinance does not require a permit and if a protest were to occur after 9 p.m., residents may call the Police Department to report a disturbance. Mayor Frometa responded protests may constitute a violation of City noise regulations. Mr.
Eckart responded protests remain subject to all other laws and regulations including those prohibiting impeding pedestrian and vehicle traffic and blocking sidewalks.
Mayor Frometa shared that the Los Angeles City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting picketing within 300 feet of a targeted residential dwelling and that the City of Long Beach adopted the same ordinance. She reiterated that the City is not banning picketing but asking protestors to be mindful of the neighborhood. Mr. Eckart added the ordinance allows for a private right of action for the targeted individual to file a civil lawsuit.
Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco questioned whether law enforcement would be responsible for determining whether protestors are 300 feet from the dwelling. Mr. Eckart responded that law enforcement would first need to determine whether the protest constitutes a targeted residential picketing and then verify whether the protest is taking place within the 300-foot buffer zone. If the protest falls within the 300-foot buffer zone, law enforcement would work with protestors to comply with the law by moving outside of the buffer zone, and, failing to do so, would issue the appropriate citation.
Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco asked about excessive noise from protestors compliant with the buffer zone.
Mr. Eckart responded that noise is not addressed in the ordinance but existing ordinances regulate amplified noise.
Council Member Alvarez commented regarding targeted residential picketing that occurred in favor of rent control. She commented in opposition to the proposed ordinance and expressed concerns regarding potential litigation. She commented in favor of First Amendment rights.
Mr. Eckart commented regarding judicial upholding of time, place, and manner regulations on free speech and balancing of First Amendment rights with other rights and interests. He reiterated that the proposed ordinance has been adopted by other jurisdictions and upheld by the courts.
Mayor Frometa, at 8:22 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Item No. 12.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 12.
Lee Squire, resident, asked how the ordinance would affect private property rights and when the private right of action would be triggered.
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BC, resident, commented regarding protesting at places of business, private property rights, the proposed distance of the buffer zone, and the Second Amendment.
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, commented regarding previous protests at Council Members' homes and in support of Item No. 12.
Jang Lee, resident, commented regarding the appropriate use of First and Second Amendment rights.
Resident, no name provided, commented regarding the effect on children, civility and respect, and in support of Item No. 12.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, commented regarding the impact on families and children.
Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding the effect on children, the conduct of protestors, First Amendment rights, and the performance of the Council Members.
Nolveris Frometa, resident, commented regarding his experience with protests at his home, the effect on children, and in support of Item No. 12.
Jean Thaxton, non-resident, commented regarding peaceful protests, the time and place of protests, and the reasons for protesting.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in opposition to Item No. 12 and potential litigation.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was any written correspondence received regarding Item No. 19. City Clerk Duarte confirmed two written comments were received.
No. 12.
No. 12.
Fatima Baqi, resident, commented regarding First Amendment rights and in opposition to Item Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding First Amendment rights and in opposition to Item Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding targeted residential picketing legislation in other jurisdictions and safeguarding the rights of demonstrators and residents. She commented regarding staff's research on the matter and the upholding of legislation establishing 300-foot buffer zones.
Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco commented regarding the effect on her neighbors when a protest occurred at her home at 10 p.m.
Mayor Frometa stated that the ordinance would apply to current and future Council Members.
She commented regarding alternative methods of communicating with the City Council and encouraged residents to reach out with concerns.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco, and carried 3-1, with Council Member Alvarez voting no and Council Member Ashton absent, to introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Downey adding Chapter 13 ("Targeted Residential Picketing") of Article IV ("Public Welfare, Morals, and Policy") of the Downey Municipal Code to establish Distance Requirements for Targeted Residential Picketing.
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NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Non -Agenda items.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding free speech, elected officials, fraud, and People Assisting the Homeless.
Virginia Rivas, Assistance League of Downey, commented regarding Second Tyme Around Thrift Shop and expressed concerns regarding the temporary closure of the entrance to the 3rd St. alleyway.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the flying of flags on City flagpoles, his resignation from the Measure S Oversight Committee, and critical race theory.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, commented regarding City support of art organizations and facilitation of art collaboration.
Jean Thaxton, non-resident, commented regarding the death of her son, police reform, and protesting.
Terri Thaxton, non-resident, commented regarding officer involved shootings, training of Police officers, mental health, and protesting.
Alistair Hunter, resident, commented regarding the Downey Arts Coalition, National Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit, and a Dia de los Muertos Art installation at City Hall.
Andrew Hernandez, Downey Arts Coalition, commented regarding a Dia de los Muertos Art installation at City Hall.
Matu, non-resident, commented regarding the Department of Children and Family Services and his child custody case.
Lissette Rivera, resident, commented regarding Council Member Alvarez.
Jang Lee, resident, commented regarding COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the LQBT movement.
BC, resident, commented regarding Council Member Alvarez's comments regarding rent control, COVID-19 mandates, nuclear family structures, the Tongva tribe, and Christopher Columbus.
John Lacey, resident, quoted a poem by Emily Dickinson.
Barbaro Rodriguez, resident, commented regarding a police report and code enforcement at his apartment building.
Mayor Frometa referred Mr. Rodriguez's concerns to Deputy City Manager Schindler. Mr.
Schindler responded that the Community Development Department has open cases and is in communication with the City Prosecutor and the property management company for the apartment complex. He shared that a meeting has been set up with the property owner and property manager.
Mayor Frometa suggested Council Member Alvarez work with Mr. Schindler regarding this matter. Council Member Alvarez responded she has advocated on behalf of residents of the apartment complex.
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Mayor Frometa referred Mr. Rodriguez's concerns regarding his police report to Chief of Police Milligan. Chief Milligan responded the details of the case have been submitted to the appropriate legal body for filing consideration.
Speaker, no name provided, commented in support of the Downey Police Department, Council Member Alvarez, and background checks for Council Members.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding Police Department funding and background checks for Council Members.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding public engagement at Downey City Council meetings, Council Member Alvarez, and rent control.
The Council briefly discussed an incident taking place at the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 9:01 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:04 p.m. with Council Member Ashton absent.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed two written comments were received.
Fatima Baqi, resident, commented regarding the death of Michael Nida.
Maria Maciel-Arencibia, resident, commented regarding Council Member Alvarez and the Code of Ethics.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 7 due to owning commercial properties in the area.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Consent Calendar items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Consent Calendar items.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding Item Nos. 10 and 11.
Having no one else, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent and with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Item No. 7, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
2. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of October 12, 2021: City Clerk.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 354782 — 355221; Payroll Wire Numbers 30004159 & 30004161 — 30004164; EFT Nos. 10958 — 10997; Manual Wire No. 2181, in the total amount of $4,387,216.80: Finance.
4. REJECTED BID OF DASH CONSTRUCTION CO. AS NON -RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILING TO SATISFY THE MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT; AWARDED CONTRACT IN THE City Council Minutes
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AMOUNT OF $309,742 TO PALP, INC. DBA EXCEL PAVING CO. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FOSTER BRIDGE BLVD., RIVERGROVE DR. AND GLENCLIFF DR. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION; APPROPRIATED $350,000 IN MEASURE R BOND FUNDS IN ACCOUNT NO. 56-1-6778; AND, 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. 20-30): Public Works.
5. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH ARCTIC WOLF NETWORKS, INC. FOR CYBER SECURITY REMOTE MONITORING AND REMEDIATION SUPPORT FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2021 TO OCTOBER 31, 2022:
Finance.
6. APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TIERRA WEST ADVISORS, INC., TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL, REAL ESTATE AND ECONOMIC CONSULTING SERVICES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT:
Community Development.
7. APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DIXON RESOURCE UNLIMITED, TO
PROVIDE AN ANNUAL DOWNTOWN PARKING ASSESSMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $34,994: Community Development.
8. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT (MOA) BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND NATIONAL VETERANS TRANSITION SERVICES, INC. (AKA REBOOT) FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION
OF A VIRTUAL CENTER FOR MILITARY VETERANS REINTEGRATION (CMVR) DURING A PILOT TERM WHICH WILL END ON MARCH 31, 2022; AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT OR NEW AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND NATIONAL VETERANS TRANSITION SERVICES, INCORPORATED (AKA REBOOT): Library.
9. ADOPTED ORDINANCE ADOPTING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT REVISING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RELATED TO FREESTANDING SIGNS AND INCORPORATING NEW STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC FREEWAY SIGNS IN SPECIFIC PLAN 90-1: Community Development.
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ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 21-1470, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (PLN-21-00032),
THEREBY, REVISING SECTION III -A (G) (DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS- SIGNS)
RELATED TO FREESTANDING SIGNS AND INCORPORATING NEW SIGN STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS IN SPECIFIC PLAN 90-1
10. ADOPTED AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN ELECTRONIC FREEWAY BILLBOARD AGREEMENT WITH GIANT RV: Community Development.
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 21-1471, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY TO APPROVE A BILLBOARD AGREEMENT WITH GIANT INLAND EMPIRE RV CENTER, INC., FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF AN
ELECTRONIC FREEWAY -ORIENTED FREESTANDING SIGN ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11111 FLORENCE AVENUE ZONED SPECIFIC PLAN 90-1
11. RECEIVED AND FILED THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADA TRANSITION PLAN ANNUAL REVIEW AND UPDATE: Public Works.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13. DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING A HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM. Administration.
Council Member Trujillo commented regarding the eviction moratorium and economic circumstances of renters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared his intent to explore financial assistance programs to prevent families from becoming homeless. He indicated funds were available through the Rental Assistance Program. City Manager Livas responded that staff has considered available funding sources and will return with alternatives for consideration at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Frometa thanked Council Member Trujillo and commented regarding the need for proactiveness in addressing this issue. She reminded the public regarding the available funding through the Rental Assistance Program and shared efforts by the City to promote the program. She commented regarding outreach through the Housing Resource Fairs and partnerships with non-profit organizations and local faith -based organizations. She advised the public regarding requirements to qualify for the funding. She commented in support of a homeless prevention program.
City Manager Livas added that the City has funded The Whole Child, TLC Family Resource Center, and Jovenes, which work with persons who may become homeless. He reiterated that staff would return to the City Council with a more robust program proposal.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding Item No. 13. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written comments were received. Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Item No. 13.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented regarding current prevention and assistance programs.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in favor of Item No. 13, housing affordability, homelessness prevention, and housing advocacy.
Mayor Frometa commented regarding the importance of providing wraparound services in addition to shelter and food.
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It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Alvarez, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ashton absent, to provide direction to staff to bring a report to the City Council with additional recommendations regarding funding reallocation.
14. DISCUSS PROCLAIMING OCTOBER INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' MONTH: Council Member Alvarez.
Item No. 14 was tabled to a future City Council meeting.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Livas reported PIH Health would be designated as a ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Receiving Center, allowing residents to receive care locally for acute heart attacks effective November 2021.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:32 p.m. in memory of Mayor Bryan Urias, City of Duarte; Colin Power, former United States Secretary of State; and, the lives lost due to COVID-19.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CIVIC BLANCA PACHECO
City Clerk Mayor
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