City Council Minutes
Special Meeting – May 3, 2022 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 3, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, with Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco Mayor
Catherine Alvarez Mayor Pro Tem
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member
Mario Trujillo Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Gilbert Livas, City Manager
Yvette M. Abich Garcia, City Attorney
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Leslie Murray, Police Chief
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if any written comments were received regarding Closed Session Items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written Public Comments were received. Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session items.
BC, resident, commented regarding the importance and the role of the City Manager. He commented regarding the separation of City Manager Livas and requested information regarding the reason. He commented regarding the use of public funds and the funding of certain projects and events. He commented regarding City policies and commented in favor of lower taxation, a “tough on crime” stance, good schools, and honest dialogue. He urged the City Council to endorse the recall of George Gascon.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented regarding the time of the Special meeting.
He commented regarding the need for transparency and public participation. He commented regarding the separation of City Manager Livas and requested information regarding the reason. He commented regarding the process for selecting an Interim City Manager and listed desired qualities for the Interim City Manager.
Juan Martinez, resident, welcomed newly-appointed Council Member La Plante. He stated desired and undesirable qualities for the Interim City Manager. He commented regarding the performance of City Manager Livas. He urged Council to make a wise decision in the selection of the Interim City Manager.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pacheco announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:44 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting – May 3, 2022 2
1. Public Employee Appointment/Interviews – Government Code Section 54957 – Title: Interim City Manager.
RECONVENED SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Pacheco reconvened the Special City Council meeting at 7:33 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Abich Garcia reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item No. 1, the City Council gave direction to City staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Special City Council meeting at 7:33 p.m.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC BLANCA PACHECO
City Clerk Mayor