City Council Minutes
Special Meeting – April 27, 2022 1
MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 27, 2022
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting on April 27, 2022, at 5:39 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pacheco presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Blanca Pacheco Mayor
Catherine Alvarez Mayor Pro Tem
Vacant Council Member District 2
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
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING
1. INTERVIEWED APPLICANTS AND RECEIVED INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 VACANCY APPOINTMENT: City Clerk.
1) CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS OF FIVE APPLICANTS FOR THE COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 VACANCY;
2) RECEIVED INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY; AND,
3) SELECTED AN APPLICANT FOR FORMAL APPOINTMENT AND SWEARING IN ON MAY 3, 2022 TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF COUNCIL DISTRICT 2.
Mayor Pacheco provided a description of the process for the Council District 2 applicant interviews. She stated each applicant would have the opportunity to introduce themselves, respond to two questions from each of the Council Members, and provide a closing statement. She announced the City Council would deliberate and consider taking formal action and adopt a Resolution appointing an applicant to fill the City Council District 2 vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term ending November 2022. She shared that the City Council would receive public comment at the conclusion of the interviews before deliberation.
Mayor Pacheco opened the Public Hearing at 5:42 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, and carried 4-0, to receive and file the publication.
City Clerk Duarte conducted the random drawing to determine the order of interviews.
The randomized drawing produced the list in the following order:
1) Jeremy Shedd
2) Mario Guerra
3) Patrick J. Owens
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4) Victoria C. Valdez
5) Donald E. La Plante
All five applicants were in attendance in person in the Council Chambers. Mayor Pacheco requested the applicants step into their designated seating area until they were called upon for their interview.
Jeremy Shedd was interviewed by the City Council.
Mr. Shedd thanked the Council for interviewing him and his family for encouraging him to apply.
He stated that he is not an aspiring politician and is a concerned resident. He shared his background in supply management and his education. He recognized the importance of the position for the long-term stability of the City. He stated his focus as a Council Member would be on community safety, economic development, financial stability, and improved relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Council Member Trujillo asked Question Nos. 1 and 2.
1) If appointed what would be your top three goals to work on during your time on the Council?
Mr. Shedd stated his top three goals would be community safety, economic development, and financial stability. He shared his desire to create an environment where people want to eat, play, explore, live, and would feel safe and welcomed. He commented regarding opportunities to recruit and retain businesses, incentivize entrepreneurs, and create an incubator program. He noted economic decisions made would create financial stability in the next five to 10 years.
2) What do you believe are the top issues facing Downey today?
Mr. Shedd commented regarding turmoil in the City and the need to represent District 2, listening to other sides, understanding where others’ input comes from, and finding a joint resolution.
Council Member Frometa asked Question Nos. 3 and 4.
3) Why are you interested in this appointment?
Mr. Shedd stated his background and skills allow him to offer something different from his peers.
4) What qualities do you have that will help bring stability and help promote compromise to this council?
Mr. Shedd shared his experience in supply management and contract negotiation has taught him to listen and determine how both sides can win despite conflicts of interest.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez asked Question Nos. 5 and 6.
5) One of the persistent issues the community brings up is the cost of housing, especially rents.
Over half of Downey residents are renters. What are your broad views on addressing this issue faced by Downey families?
Mr. Shedd stated he would defer to experts on economics and housing development. He noted the potential of rent control to be successful or to unintentionally harm residents and expressed concerns regarding affordability and AirBnBs.
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6) Are you planning to run in November?
Mr. Shedd stated he had not considered running but may consider running for the seat if he feels the person representing District 2 is not doing a sufficient job.
Mayor Pacheco asked Question Nos. 7 and 8.
7) How can you factor in other views that you may not agree with? And, can you give an example as to when this has occurred?
Mr. Shedd shared his experience with disagreements in his large family and his experience in supply management negotiating with companies and internal clients with conflicting priorities. He emphasized the need to listen and understand the other party and find common ground.
8) What makes you the best candidate?
Mr. Shedd stated that he cares about District 2 and wants what’s best for his local neighbors.
Mr. Shedd concluded his interview by thanking the Council for the opportunity and wished the Council the best in making this decision that affects the long-term stability of the City.
Mario Guerra was interviewed by the City Council.
Mr. Guerra thanked the Council for the opportunity and noted that he has worked on many Downey projects and charities with Members of the Council. He shared his passion for Downey, his work to represent the City, and his role as a former Mayor of Downey. He noted his shared concerns regarding infrastructure, parks and recreation, and safety. He commented regarding the need for an individual who does not require training and can serve District 2 residents from the first day in office. He commented in opposition to appointing an applicant who wishes to run for the seat in November. He commented regarding collaboration with the School District and the City’s values. He shared his goal to provide constituent services and bring institutional knowledge to the position, having hired a City Manager and City Attorney previously.
Council Member Trujillo asked Question Nos. 1 and 2.
1) If appointed what would be your top three goals to work on during your time on the Council?
Mr. Guerra stated his top three goals would be to inscribe Lance Corporal R. Whittle’s name on the Veteran’s Memorial, add the names of John Gateley Downey and James Stamps to the Downey Hall of Fame, and develop a strategic plan to assist Veterans. He noted his understanding of the limited term of the appointment and his intent not to overturn Council action but to work together with Council to move issues forward.
2) What do you believe are the top issues facing Downey today?
Mr. Guerra stated the top issues facing Downey are stability, transparency, and attracting top management. He stated that he would like the opportunity to build bridges, something he accomplished for eight years while in office.
Council Member Frometa asked Question Nos. 3 and 4.
3) Why are you interested in this appointment?
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Mr. Guerra shared that four former Mayors contacted him to apply for the vacancy and bring his talents, cohesiveness, and institutional knowledge to the position for the term required. He stated that he could help the City while it transitioned through changes in leadership.
4) What qualities do you have that will help bring stability and help promote compromise to this council?
Mr. Guerra stated his eye for detail and love for the community would benefit District 2.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez asked Question Nos. 5 and 6.
5) One of the persistent issues the community brings up is the cost of housing, especially rents.
Over half of Downey residents are renters. What are your broad views on addressing this issue faced by Downey families?
Mr. Guerra commented in favor of building additional housing and using Federal grant funding to assist renters.
6) Are you planning to run in November?
Mr. Guerra stated he served from 2006-2014 and cannot run for the seat in November. He commented regarding the provision of the Downey Charter setting term limits. He shared his intent to serve as a sounding board for Council and staff.
Mayor Pacheco asked Question Nos. 7 and 8.
7) How can you factor in other views that you may not agree with? And, can you give an example as to when this has occurred?
Mr. Guerra stated that disagreements occurred many times during his time on the City Council and compromise is part of the job to move things forward. He shared the votes to bring Porto’s Bakery to the City and to change the name of Clark Ave. to Columbia Way were originally 2-2 votes that were changed through compromise and discussion. He described his work in bringing the Promenade to Downey. He commented regarding bipartisanship and respect.
8) What makes you the best candidate?
Mr. Guerra stated he has the experience, institutional knowledge, and passion to serve District
2. Mr. Guerra concluded the interview by reiterating his love for the City, District 2’s need for representation from a resident of the District, his passion for improving quality of life for residen ts, and his continuing support for the City of Downey.
Patrick J. Owens was interviewed by the City Council.
Mr. Owens shared he is a lifelong resident of Downey and provided his background, appointments to City Boards and Commissions, education, and career. He shared that he has served District 2 in his various appointments to positions with the City and moved the agenda for the District.
Council Member Trujillo asked Question Nos. 1 and 2.
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1) If appointed what would be your top three goals to work on during your time on the Council? Mr. Owens stated his top three goals would be to make challenging decisions, maintain civility and order, and getting business done. He commented regarding the need to engage the youth and prepare the next generation to continue the work the Council is performing. He added that the Council must work with businesses on major projects that will benefit District 2.
2) What do you believe are the top issues facing Downey today? Mr. Owens stated that his first priority would be to calm the situation with the departure of City Manager Livas and other staff by vetting and choosing a new City Manager and staff. He noted the role of the appointed Council Member to support, assist, and complement the work of the elected Council Members.
Council Member Frometa asked Question Nos. 3 and 4.
3) Why are you interested in this appointment?
Mr. Owens reiterated his history in the City and caring about his District, neighbors, and issues affecting his neighbors. He stated that as Chair of the Planning Commission, he has wrestled with City issues, created positive outcomes, and has become familiar with City issues in a way that would ease the transition to appointed Council Member.
4) What qualities do you have that will help bring stability and help promote compromise to this council?
Mr. Owens emphasized his qualities as a listener and the need to listen to the other party’s stance to create a positive outcome for all involved.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez asked Question Nos. 5 and 6.
5) One of the persistent issues the community brings up is the cost of housing, especially rents.
Over half of Downey residents are renters. What are your broad views on addressing this issue faced by Downey families?
Mr. Owens stated affordable housing is a must and the State is mandating an increase in housing volume. He commented regarding the need to allow people to live close to their workplaces and for affordable rents. He shared the need to analyze rents, hold a discussion with renters, and build a consensus. He noted that families come to Downey for the schools and reiterated the need to create a dialogue with potential renters.
6) Are you planning to run in November?
Mr. Owens stated he was not planning to run for the seat in November. He emphasized the need to guarantee the future by passing the legacy to the younger generation. He shared that there are stronger candidates in the youth.
Mayor Pacheco asked Question Nos. 7 and 8.
7) How can you factor in other views that you may not agree with? And, can you give an example as to when this has occurred?
Mr. Owens referred to controversial votes that came before the Planning Commission and his process of understanding the matter and limitations in place and sharing his findings with his
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colleagues. He stated his willingness to continue discussions to create an outcome that serves the community.
8) What makes you the best candidate?
Mr. Owens stated the transition would be seamless due to his years of service on the City’s Boards and Commissions. He commented regarding his understanding of the process, the limits of the position, and the issues before the Council, good decision-making. He commented regarding his background with Public Works contracts and compliance and how his work relates to Council business.
Mr. Owens concluded the interview by stating he would be the best gap filler and would not serve an ulterior motive. He commented regarding the need to help settle matters within the City, his ability to work with Members of the Council, and to come to a consensus. He expressed his support f or appointing a fifth Council Member to avoid a split vote. He commented regarding the length of the appointment and the need to conduct Council business.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:46 p.m. with all Council Members present.
Victoria C. Valdez was interviewed by the City Council.
Ms. Valdez provided an introduction to her background, career in public safety, volunteer work, and love for the City.
Council Member Trujillo asked Question Nos. 1 and 2.
1) If appointed what would be your top three goals to work on during your time on the Council?
Ms. Valdez stated her top three goals would be public safety, beautification of the City, and affordable housing and affordable rents for small businesses. She commented regarding the need to create ideas, network, reach out to organizations that work with homeless issues, and develop programs for the youth and elderly to feel safe.
2) What do you believe are the top issues facing Downey today?
Ms. Valdez shared the top issues facing Downey are public safety, the homelessness crisis, and beautification of the City. She elaborated that the City needs to address cracks in the sidewalk, potholes, and removal of graffiti.
Council Member Frometa asked Question Nos. 3 and 4.
3) Why are you interested in this appointment?
Ms. Valdez stated that as an average community member, she sees things that need improvement and felt the need to step up. She said she would collaborate with each Council Member and members of the community. She commented regarding her intent to come up with new ideas and serve as a fresh voice on the City Council. She expressed her desire to beautify the City, keep residents happy, moving the City forward in a positive manner, and unifying the City.
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4) What qualities do you have that will help bring stability and help promote compromise to this council?
Ms. Valdez stated that she has experience working with City Managers, City Councils, Public Works Departments, outside agencies and surrounding agencies, social workers, and housing experts.
She shared that by working with large groups, she learned to negotiate, compromise, and share ideas civilly. She stated that she has worked with youth programs for 12 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez asked Question Nos. 5 and 6.
5) One of the persistent issues the community brings up is the cost of housing, especially rents.
Over half of Downey residents are renters. What are your broad views on addressing this issue faced by Downey families?
Ms. Valdez commented regarding high rents and her personal struggles with housing. She commented regarding her desire to work with the City Council to address the issue.
6) Are you planning to run in November?
Ms. Valdez indicated she had not considered whether she would run for the seat in November.
She noted her intention obtain experience with the position.
Mayor Pacheco asked Question Nos. 7 and 8.
7) How can you factor in other views that you may not agree with? And, can you give an example as to when this has occurred?
Ms. Valdez shared her experience negotiating wages and benefits for her Police Officers Association wherein everyone was given the opportunity to speak and share ideas, parties were respectful to one another, individuals took breaks as needed, and negotiators from other departments were brought into the discussion. She emphasized the need for communication and respect.
8) What makes you the best candidate?
Ms. Valdez shared her qualities of being genuine and honest. She stated her background in law enforcement and working with the youth would benefit the City. She expressed her interest in making a difference, collaborating, and working with the community. She reiterat ed her desire to beautify the City and make it safer and more inviting for everyone.
Ms. Valdez concluded the interview by emphasizing her qualifications and her intent to work with the Council Members to make a positive difference in the City. She commented regarding the need to work with differences of opinion, improve the City, and invite and retain good people within the City.
She thanked the City Council for the opportunity.
Donald E. La Plante was interviewed by the City Council.
Mr. La Plante introduced his background, history with the DUSD Board of Education, community involvement, and career. He shared his intent to continue serving his community, ability to become up to speed on the position, experience working in a governance team, ability to provide stability through his experience hiring chief executive officers. He noted his intention to fill the interim position so there would not be an advantage or disadvantage to candidates in the November Election for Council District 2 and stated he is not seeking a career on the City Council.
Council Member Trujillo asked Question Nos. 1 and 2.
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1) If appointed what would be your top three goals to work on during your time on the Council?
Mr. La Plante stated his top goal would be to ensure the hiring of a good City Manager. He shared his other goals to continue the business development climate and determine why there is a bike lane on Old River School Rd. and discussing installation of a traffic circle.
2) What do you believe are the top issues facing Downey today? Mr. La Plante commented regarding the need for strong City management and recruitment of a good City Manager.
Council Member Frometa asked Question Nos. 3 and 4.
3) Why are you interested in this appointment?
Mr. La Plante expressed his belief it would not be appropriate to appoint an applicant who intends to run for the office. He stated his intention to fill the position for seven months, utilize his knowledge and expertise, and step into the role quickly.
4) What qualities do you have that will help bring stability and help promote compromise to this council?
Mr. La Plante commented regarding the need to work through problems, come up with ideas everyone can support, and gain the votes to pass an item. He stated he could provide st ability, the ability to compromise, and bring people together. He commented regarding professionalism ensuring that things get done and finding compromise. He emphasized the need to do the right thing for the City instead of serving personal interests. He commented regarding understanding other perspectives that he personally may not identify with or agree with.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez asked Question Nos. 5 and 6.
5) One of the persistent issues the community brings up is the cost of housing, especially rent s.
Over half of Downey residents are renters. What are your broad views on addressing this issue faced by Downey families?
Mr. La Plante commented regarding the issue of inflating housing issues, examining viable solutions, and how to implement projects to lower the cost of housing. He shared the need to build moderate-income and low-income housing to benefit the community. He commented regarding the need to provide apartments and affordable housing stock to ensure that people can live in the community.
6) Are you planning to run in November?
Mr. La Plante stated he did not intend to run for office but did not rule out the possibility if no candidates or no viable candidates have filed to run for office. He noted that he did not find that possibility very likely. He reiterated his intent to assist for the next seven-month period, not the next eight years.
Mayor Pacheco asked Question Nos. 7 and 8.
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7) How can you factor in other views that you may not agree with? And, can you give an example as to when this has occurred?
Mr. La Plante commented regarding the need to respect the viewpoints of those elected to represent the community and understand how elected officials come to these viewpoints through differing experiences. He shared need to work through the issues. He provided the example of hiring three Superintendents for DUSD and examining different priorities in candidate qualifications.
8) What makes you the best candidate?
Mr. La Plante stated his experience makes him the best candidate to serve the short-term position over applicants who have not served in public office. He shared his ability to work cooperatively, assist the Council with City business, and hand over the position to the elected candidate. He commented regarding the opportunity to help the City and community.
Mr. La Plante concluded the interview by stating he is the most qualified candidate because of his experience and election to office in the community. He commented regarding the many things that need to be achieved in a short period of time, including the hiring of a new City Manager. He shared his ability to help the City and District 2 residents with their concerns.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pacheco, at 7:24 p.m., opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pacheco asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written comment was received.
Kirk Cartozian, Rick Rodriguez, Alex Saab, and Roger Brossmer, former Downey Mayors, commented in favor of appointing Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Mayor Pacheco asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Public Hearing item.
Armando Herman, non-resident, commented in opposition to appointing Mario Guerra, in favor of appointing Donald La Plante or Victoria Valdez, and regarding issues facing the City.
BC, resident, commented regarding applicant responses, the interview questions, and his issues of concerns.
Michelle Andrews, resident, commented regarding City leadership and in favor of appointing Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Mike Greenspan, non-resident, commented off topic.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding the Council District 2 applicants, City issues, and the role of Council Members.
Speaker, no name provided, commented in opposition to appointing Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy, in favor of appointing an applicant who may not be as experienced, and regarding City leadership and personnel issues.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Pacheco recessed the City Council meeting at 7:46 p.m. Mayor Pacheco reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:48 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in opposition to appointing Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Kevin Ezeh, resident, commented regarding compromise, applicants not seeking to be elected to office, and desired qualities in the Council District 2 applicants.
Dorothy Pemberton, resident, commented regarding the loss of City administrators and in favor of appointing Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding crime and the applicants’ stance on the recall of L.A. County District Attorney Gascon.
Joaquin Beltran, resident, commented regarding issues affecting the City, empowerment of the next generation of leadership, and the need to work together.
Resident, no name provided, thanked all applicants for applying, commented in favor of Mario Guerra and Donald La Plante, and asked the City Council to focus on the City and community and make the best decision for the City.
Having no one else, Mayor Pacheco closed the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m.
Council Member Frometa thanked the audience for staying engaged and the applicants for stepping up and applying. She emphasized the need for stability, compromise, and nonpartisanship.
She commented regarding the role of the City Council to decide what is best for the community and challenges facing the City Council. She commented regarding the impact of the Council’s decision, the need to come together, and to make the right decision. She made a motion to appoint former Mayor Mario Guerra to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Mayor Pacheco thanked the applicants for applying and interviewing and for their service as commissioners, School Board Members, and Council Members. She concurred regarding the nonpartisan nature of the seat and the need to look at the needs of the community and do what’s best for the community. She commented in support of Mario Guerra and Donald La Plante due to their service to the community, experience in the City, knowledge of the community, experience serving on boards, and passion for serving the community. She made a substitute motion to appoint Donald La Plante to the Council District 2 vacancy.
Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez made a substitute motion to appoint Patrick Owens to the Council District 2 vacancy.
City Attorney Abich Garcia advised the Council to start with the last motion and see if the motion will receive a second. She stated the motion would be appointing Patrick Owens to fill the City Council seat for District 2 and to adopt a Resolution appointing a member to fill the City Council seat for District 2 pursuant to Downey City Charter Section 503(b).
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and failed 2-2, with Council Member Frometa and Mayor Pacheco voting no, to appoint Patrick Owens to fill the City Council seat for District 2 and to adopt a Resolution appointing a member to fill the City Council seat for District 2 pursuant to Downey City Charter Section 503(b).
Mayor Pacheco’s motion to appoint Donald E. La Plante to fill the City Council seat for District 2 was not seconded.
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It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pacheco, and failed 2-2, with Council Member Trujillo and Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez voting no, to appoint Mario Guerra to fill the City Council seat for District 2 and to adopt a Resolution appointing a member to fill the City Council seat for District 2 pursuant to Downey City Charter Section 503(b).
City Attorney Abich Garcia advised the Council to discuss other applicants the Council may find consensus on or to take no further action and leave the position vacant.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pacheco, and carried 3-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Alvarez voting no, to appoint Donald E. La Plante to fill the City Council seat for District 2 and to adopt Resolution No. 22-8064, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Downey appointing a member to fill the City Council seat for District 2 pursuant to Downey City Charter Section 503(b).
Mayor Pacheco thanked the audience for attending the City Council meeting and the applicants for submitting an application.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pacheco adjourned the Special City Council meeting at 8:13 p.m.
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC CATHERINE ALVAREZ
City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem