MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session on February 13, 2024, at 5:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Trujillo presiding.
PRESENT:
Council Members:
Mario Trujillo
Hector Sosa
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Dorothy Pemberton
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
John Funk, City Attorney
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Trujillo asked Deputy City Clerk Thai if any written public comments were received regarding Closed Session items. Deputy City Clerk Thai confirmed no written public comments were received. Mayor Trujillo asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session items.
Having no one, Mayor Trujillo closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Trujillo announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:35 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) — Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation:
Robert Jacobo v. City of Downey, et at., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV30151.
2. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) — Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation:
Thomas Lim v. David Lee Aston, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21 STCV18942.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Trujillo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:32 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards Item No. 1, the case of Robert Jacobo v. City of Downey, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 22STCV30151, the City Council voted 5-0, to settle the matter in the amount of $50,0000. In regards to Item No.2, no reportable action was taken.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 13, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on February 13, 2024 at 6:34 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Trujillo presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario Trujillo
Hector Sosa
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Dorothy Pemberton
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
John Funk, City Attorney
Scott Loughner, Interim Police Chief
Anthony Hildebrand, Assistant Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Irma Huitron, Community Development Director
Stephen Hannah, Finance Director
Monica Ortiz, Recreation Manager
Linda Thai, Deputy City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member Claudia M. Frometa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop # 7273.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa welcomed the audience to the meeting and reported attending a press conference held by Senator Bob Archuleta in support of Senate Bill 923. Mayor Pro Tem Sosa mentioned that while he had considered making a motion for the City to support the Bill, he was pleased to hear the City is already supporting it. He attended the Independent Cities Association seminar. Mayor Pro Tern Sosa explained that recruiting and retaining law enforcement personnel has become highly competitive due to anti -law enforcement sentiment in recent years. He requested that staff explore possible incentives, monetary or otherwise, to help retain key law enforcement staff in Downey. Mayor Pro Tern Sosa announced the passing of Pastor Jeff Johnson of Calvary Chapel Downey after a long illness. He recognized Pastor Johnson's role in the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, his long-standing leadership in the community, and expressed condolences, mentioning that both the City and Calvary Chapel Downey have lost a significant spiritual leader.
Council Member Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She shared she attended the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Academy, the Independent Cities Association seminar and reported on her role as Trustee for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, where she is learning about mosquito abatement and public education efforts to prevent breeding due to stagnant water. She recognized February as African American History Month and thanked the Downey Court and Keep Downey Beautiful volunteers for participating in recent clean-up efforts. She reminded residents to attend the Keep Downey Beautiful meetings held monthly at City Hall. Council Member Pemberton requested staff follow up on bus shelters lacking adequate shade, citing specific locations on Wiley Burke Ave. at Florence Ave. and Paramount Blvd. at Florence Ave. She also raised concerns about speeding on Guatemala Ave. north of Suva St., stating that speed humps are necessary as a deterrent and requested Public Works provide a report on possible solutions. She suggested developing a historical brochure for Downey to showcase the City's rich history at locations like libraries and hotels for visitors.
Council Member Pemberton announced several upcoming events, including the Downey Chamber of City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 13, 2024 2
Commerce fundraiser at Handel's Ice Cream, Assembly Member Pacheco's "One Pill Can Kill" fentanyl awareness event at the Space Center, TLC's 12th Annual 5k Run at Apollo Park, and the Women's Empowerment Conference hosted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Ortiz reported attending several events alongside his Council colleagues, including the League of California Cities Mayors and Council Academy and the ICA Seminar. He announced the opening of a new Sephora, and also toured Avenue Pizzeria. Council Member Ortiz requested staff explore creating a facade improvement program to assist small businesses with exterior upgrades, recognizing the financial challenges business owners face. He also asked for Code Enforcement to address RV's that have relocated from Woodruff Ave. to the Walmart parking lot, requesting continued monitoring and outreach to Walmart to resolve the issue. He requested a future agenda item to consider a new ordinance addressing vacant and unmaintained properties, proposing potential fees for property owners who are not actively leasing or improving their properties. The motion was seconded by Mayor Trujillo.
Council Member Frometa began by welcoming the audience to the meeting and recognized several individuals in attendance, including Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Calvert, former Chamber President Carmen Gonzalez, and newly appointed Commissioners Elvira Meraz and Dania Janzak. Council Member Frometa extended recognition to military or law enforcement members in the audience, thanking them for their service. She offered condolences following the recent passing of Pastor Jeff Johnson of Calvary Chapel Downey and longtime community member Lorine Parks. She acknowledged the efforts of City staff and the City Manager in addressing community concerns, particularly the vacancies and needed revitalization along the Firestone Blvd. corridor. She mentioned the Council's upcoming strategic planning session to help shape Downey's future for the next five to ten years and emphasized the importance of long-term planning. Council Member Frometa thanked City Attorney John Funk for his efforts in securing a permanent restraining order against an individual who had disrupted Council meetings, praising the legal work as a necessary step for ensuring safety in the Chambers. She encouraged residents to follow the City's social media for updates, particularly regarding two planned Southern California Edison outages affecting intersections at Gardendale St. and Lakewood Blvd., and Rosecrans Ave. and Lakewood Blvd. She requested staff review RV parking and vendor activity in the Walmart parking lot, address increased transient activity near vacant buildings around Lakewood Blvd. and Firestone Blvd., and respond to resident concerns about late -night disturbances and reckless driving near the Raising Cane's restaurant and adjacent townhomes.
Mayor Trujillo began by requesting that Code Enforcement take a more proactive role in reminding residents to remove Christmas lights now that the holiday season has passed. He announced that plans are underway for a celebration honoring The Carpenters, the Grammy Award -winning brother -sister musical duo from Downey, with events scheduled for April 24-26. He encouraged residents to support the Downey Rose Float Association, noting that membership is only $25 and that the city's float brings positive exposure to Downey. He shared that he recently met with Senator Archuleta's office to advocate for Downey to be placed on a regular freeway cleanup rotation with Caltrans, citing the City's unique position of being bordered by four freeways and the resulting pollution and litter impacts. He shared that the Sprouts market coming to District 1 at the Downey Landing is progressing, and thanked staff for prioritizing the project. He promoted the upcoming Broadway -caliber performance of Stomp at the Downey Theatre on February 28 and 29, encouraging residents to attend. Mayor Trujillo asked staff to explore hiring a federal lobbyist, stating that the City has operated without one in recent years. The request received a second from Council Member Ortiz. He also recognized Fathercon's work on human trafficking awareness and invited the public to a related film screening at the Look Theatre on February
21. Mayor Trujillo requested that staff begin designing a utility wire undergrounding plan, particularly for major corridors such as Florence Ave., Firestone Blvd., and Imperial Hwy. The request received a second from Mayor Pro Tern Sosa. He encouraged residents to "spend local," emphasizing the importance of shopping, dining, and purchasing fuel in Downey to generate tax revenue that supports City services, including expanding public safety staffing.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS PRESENTATIONS
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City Manager Bradley confirmed several future agenda item requests and provided updates on current initiatives. He acknowledged a request to explore retention incentives for current Police Department staff and confirmed a second from the Council Member Frometa. He also addressed the bus shelter expansion project, noting that staff is already evaluating resources and will likely present options as part of the next fiscal year's budget process. In response to concerns about speeding on Guatemala St. and Suva St., he stated that staff has been working on the issue and will provide an update. He also confirmed that a broader traffic assessment, part of the City's Local Road Safety Plan, will return to Council by the end of the fiscal year. City Manager Bradley indicated that staff would review and potentially update the Downey informational pamphlet. He confirmed that the facade improvement program will be added to staffs work plan. Regarding Code Enforcement matters, he said the City continues coordinating with Walmart regarding RV's and monitoring the Woodruff Ave. area. Staff will also address lingering Christmas decorations in light of the holiday season ending. He reported that the City is coordinating with the property owner at Big Lots to gain access for enforcement related to homeless activity. Regarding late -night disturbances near Raising Cane's and the Stonewood Mall, City Manager Bradley stated that staff will coordinate with the Police Chief to ensure appropriate evening enforcement. He noted that utility undergrounding is part of the current work plan. Staff is assessing the types and locations of utility lines to determine which areas can be feasibly undergrounded, with a plan to report back to the Council by year-end.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Excellence Award to David Valadez, Entertainment Correspondent, Emmy Award -Winning Journalist and Downey Resident.
2. Mayor's Excellence Award to Warren High School Dance Team for placing 1st place in Show Production, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip -Hop at the 2024 Hawaii World Finals.
3. Certificates of Appointment to Committee and Commission Members for District Nos. 1 and 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Trujillo asked Deputy Clerk Thai if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Non -Agenda items. Deputy Clerk Thai confirmed two written comments were received.
Rowland Phoenix, resident, commented in support of the installation of lights at Furman Park.
Angelica Siordia, resident, commented in opposition to the installation of lights at Furman Park.
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 5-0, to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Trujillo asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Tom Milhouse, resident, thanked Director Baumgardner and the Public Works Department for their residential street repair efforts on Auto St.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion.
B.C., resident, commented against additional taxes.
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David Bowers, resident, commented in regards to corruption in government.
John Lacey, resident, commented in regards to current government policies.
Ian Jamieson, non-resident, commented in regards to constitutional protections of the First Amendment.
Brian Heyman, resident, commented in opposition to the installation of lights at Furman Park.
Joaquin Beltran, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Rodolfo Cortes-Barragan, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Michelle Farina, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Frometa and so ordered by Mayor Trujillo, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 375037 — 375457; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004429 — 30004430 & 30004432; EFT Nos. 13238 — 13280; Manual Wire Nos. 2468 — 2477 and, Cashier's Check No. 175 in the total amount of $3,861,951.98: Finance.
2. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JONCOWEST FOR JANITORIAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES: Public Works.
1) APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JONCOWEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $418,620 ANNUALLY FOR JANITORIAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE
AGREEMENT
3. APPROVED PURCHASE OF PERMANENT ROADWAY EASEMENT AND ACQUISITION OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8010 IMPERIAL HWY: Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8230, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A PARTIAL
FEE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8010 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY PURSUANT TO THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE "PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD AT IMPERIAL HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT"; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH BEST CALIFORNIA GAS, LTD. AND TESORO REFINING & MARKETING COMPANY LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $201,182, INCLUDING ANY NON -
SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS, UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $325,000
4. APPROVED KIWANIS CLUB OF DOWNEY ANNUAL FUNDRAISER EVENT FOURSOME OF GOLF DONATION: Council Member Ortiz.
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APPROVED THE DONATION OF THE ONE FOURSOME OF GOLF IN SUPPORT OF THE
KIWANIS CLUB OF DOWNEY
5. APPROVED SPONSORSHIP FOR THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS FOUNDATION 38T" ANNUAL AMISTAD GALA: Mayor Trujillo.
APPROVED THE SPONSORSHIP OF A TABLE FOR THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS FOUNDATION 38TH ANNUAL AMISTAD GALA ON APRIL 27T", 2024
6. APPROVED USE OF SHOWMOBILE FOR THE 2024 28T" ANNUAL ARC WALK FOR INDEPENDENCE: Mayor Trujillo.
APPROVED A FEE WAIVER FOR THE USE OF THE SHOWMOBILE FOR THE 2024 28T"
ANNUAL ARC WALK FOR INDEPENDENCE
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Item No. 8, was taken out of order and Mayor Trujillo announced he would abstain from Item No. 7, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
8. UPDATE ON THE CITYWIDE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: Public Works.
RECEIVED AND FILED A REPORT ON THE CITYWIDE BICYCLE MASTER PLAN,
INCLUDING THE NEXT PHASE OF WORK CURRENTLY IN DESIGN
Director Baumgardner provided the staff report for Item No. 8. He provided an update on the Citywide Bicycle Master Plan (BMP). He explained that the BMP was originally adopted by the City Council in 2005 as part of the General Plan's circulation element. In 2013, the Council approved a $250,000 agreement with Caltrans to support BMP development. The plan was crafted over two years, focusing on five main goals: improving citywide mobility, reducing vehicle congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, increasing safety for bicyclists and motorists, and enhancing economic access. In 2014, the City contracted with Fehr & Peers for professional services, and the plan was formed by robust public outreach, including community events and surveys. Key concerns raised by the community included speeding, lack of bike lanes, and disconnection between existing bike paths and the Green Line station.
The BMP was designed in phases, with Phase 1 focused on Class II dedicated striped lanes and Class III shared road markings routes, as well as the addition of bike parking and wayfinding signage. The City adopted the plan in July 2015 and subsequently secured a $2.3 million Metro grant in 2019. In 2020, the City contracted KOA to design Phase 1, which includes 10.5 miles of Class II lanes on streets such as Downey Ave., Brookshire Ave., Columbia Way, Woodruff Ave., Gallatin Rd., and Foster Rd., as well as Class III routes on Brookshire Ave., Stewart & Gray Rd., and Columbia Way. Phase 1 also includes 100 bike parking facilities, 50 wayfinding signs, and signal modifications for bicycle detection. Approximately 90% of this work is now designed, with construction pending coordination with City paving schedules.
Director Baumgardner highlighted implementation efforts through related projects, such as the Old River School Rd. Pavement Rehabilitation Project completed in 2021. This project incorporated both Class II and Class III bike facilities over a 1.4-mile stretch. Specifically, Class III sharrows were installed near schools, and Class II lanes were added between the schools and Emily Lane. Director Baumgardner reported that since implementing these improvements, the City has recorded fewer traffic collisions, 15 in the past 1.5 years versus 70 in the previous four years, and has seen a notable reduction in community complaints about speeding along the corridor.
Council Member Frometa expressed concern regarding the limited usage of the bike lanes on Old River School Rd., particularly near the two nearby schools. She noted that residents have frequently voiced complaints about increased congestion resulting from the lane reduction from four lanes to two, especially during school hours. She emphasized support for the City's Bicycle Master Plan in principle but stressed the importance of reevaluating its implementation in light of Downey's ongoing growth.
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Council Member Frometa stated that while the goal of increasing mobility and bicycle use is valid, in this case, the project may not have been well thought out. She noted a lack of actual bike lane usage and suggested the road modifications may have created unintended negative consequences, particularly increased traffic near schools. She urged the Council to have a broader discussion and develop a strategy to determine what truly makes sense for the community, particularly as Downey is centrally located and surrounded by freeways.
Council Member Ortiz asked staff what the process and cost would be to revert the roadway back to four lanes, inquiring whether the City would bear the expense or if it could be incorporated into a future restructuring project.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa stated that he frequently drives along Old River School Rd., which is in his district, and questioned how that particular area was selected for bike lanes, noting that he has never seen bicycles using the lanes.
Director Baumgardner explained that the selection of Old River School Rd. as part of the Bicycle Master Plan was based on the goal of establishing multiple north -south and east -west connections along arterial roads. He noted that Old River School Rd. was a suitable candidate because it carries lower traffic volumes compared to other major arterials, making it more feasible for bike lane implementation. He clarified that the section south of the school was designated for Class II bike lanes due to supportive traffic volume data collected by the City's consultant, while the area north of the school was designated as a Class III shared bike route.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa remarked that while residents on the east side of Old River School Rd. may appreciate the buffer created by the far -right lane, there appears to be public confusion about whether vehicles can legally drive in that lane. He noted that it is a shared lane with bicyclists, though he rarely sees any in use, and emphasized that drivers may not realize the lane is intended for both cars and bikes.
In response, Director Baumgardner clarified that the markings in that area are meant to notify motorists that bicyclists may be sharing the road. He explained that it is not a dedicated or restricted bike lane, but rather a shared lane where vehicles are permitted to drive alongside bicycles.
Council Member Pemberton stated that she observed that since the changes, vehicles no longer speed past her at 50 miles per hour and there are fewer incidents of parked cars being sideswiped. Aside from the brief congestion during school dismissal, she has not seen traffic jams between Firestone Blvd. and Imperial Hwy. She emphasized that the redesign has helped regulate vehicle speeds, which she views as a significant benefit, particularly for student safety.
Mayor Trujillo stated that while he was initially concerned about the bike lanes, he was reassured when told they function as a traffic calming measure, which ultimately enhances safety. However, he noted that if a study were conducted, it would likely show very low bicycle usage. He suggested the Council revisit the issue, requesting data on bicycle usage and congestion levels, so the Council can evaluate whether to consider restriping the road back to two lanes in each direction. He emphasized the need to weigh the value of traffic calming against the need to alleviate traffic congestion.
Council Member Frometa agreed that public safety is a priority but emphasized the importance of evaluating the true impact and benefit of using bike lanes as traffic calming measures. She raised concerns about whether implementing such lanes in other areas with frequent speeding complaints such as Downey Ave. between Stewart & Gray Rd. and Imperial Hwy., Brookshire Ave. north of Florence Ave., or Florence Ave. between Firestone Blvd. and Imperial Hwy. would be considered under the same rationale. She questioned if these installations genuinely serve the intended purpose or simply satisfy advocacy groups, noting the need to assess actual usage and return on investment. Council Member Frometa further emphasized the importance of thoughtful, long-term planning, especially in cities like Downey where term limits can lead to short-term decision -making with long-term consequences for future councils.
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Mayor Trujillo suggested that if the City were to revert Old River School Rd. back to four lanes, other traffic calming measures should be considered. He proposed options such as deploying officers during peak school hours to enforce speed limits or installing speed bumps. He asked staff to consider what other traffic calming alternatives might be available to ensure safety, particularly for children near the schools.
City Manager Bradley stated that there are alternative traffic calming options the City could explore. However, if the Council is interested in decommissioning the current bike lane segment on Old River School Rd., he requested clear direction to proceed with a formal study. He explained that such a change could have multiple implications, including potential impacts on the City's General Plan circulation element, possible requirements to repay grant funding, and costs associated with redesign and implementation. Additionally, because the bike network is part of a regional system, altering the plan could affect partnerships with other communities. He asked for the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive study and return to Council with a detailed analysis before any decisions are made.
Mayor Trujillo expressed support for conducting a study on the bike lanes, stating that it would help confirm the current level of usage. Based on the findings, the Council could then determine whether to maintain the existing configuration or incur the cost of modifying it to provide traffic congestion relief.
Council Member Frometa explained that the discussion surrounding the Bicycle Master Plan is closely tied to broader planning efforts and the City's future development. She emphasized that the City of Downey is mandated by the State of California to build housing under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), which assigns Downey over 6,000 units. While she acknowledged that Downey is already densely populated and cannot realistically accommodate that number, the City is still required to assess vacant land and plan for housing. She clarified that these mandates are not the result of local Council decisions to overdevelop but are directives from Sacramento. As such, any strategic or master planning, including the bicycle master plan, must be considered in the context of future housing developments. Council Member Frometa supported conducting a study on the bike lanes to inform future decisions and emphasized the importance of evaluating whether to retain or revise current infrastructure in light of these state -imposed requirements.
Council Member Pemberton stated that while analyzing the need for bike lanes and their impact on traffic is important, the section of Old River School Rd. south of the school toward Imperial Hwy. does not experience significant congestion. She noted that unlike other areas where drivers wait through multiple light cycles, this stretch flows adequately, and removing the bike lanes would only lead to increased vehicle speeds without solving any traffic issues. She acknowledged the value in reviewing areas where schools interfere with traffic or future bike paths but emphasized that restriping Old River School Rd. would come at a cost and is unnecessary, as the current configuration is functioning well.
Council Member Pemberton suggested focusing efforts on truly congested areas such as the intersection of Paramount Blvd. and Gallatin Rd. where signal timing and access issues are more critical.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa shared his own observations of frequent speeding and red-light violations and noted that while the public often calls for more patrol officers, staffing remains a challenge due to competition between cities for law enforcement personnel.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa reiterated the importance of reducing traffic violations and speeding, particularly in school zones within his district. He supported conducting a study on the bike lanes and added that public education is also necessary, noting that many residents may not realize they are allowed to drive in the shared bike lanes.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz and carried 5-0, to receive and file a report on the Citywide Bicycle Master Plan, including the next phase of work currently in design.
Mayor Trujillo recused himself from Item No. 7 and left the Council meeting at 8:31 p.m.
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7. UPDATE ON PAINTING AND SECURITY CAMERA UPGRADES TO THE DOWNTOWN PARKING STRUCTURE: Public Works.
1) RECEIVED AND FILED AN UPDATE REGARDING THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
PAINTING OF THE PARKING STRUCTURE, AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION OF THE SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM; AND,
2) DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED FEEDBACK ON OPTIONS FOR PAINTING GEOMETRIC
MURAL DESIGN ON ONE OF THE EXTERIOR WALLS
Director Baumgardner provided the staff report for Item No. 7. He provided an update on the Downtown Downey Parking Structure project, following a prior presentation on November 28. The structure is four stories tall, with a total capacity of 403 spaces, and is bordered by Lorena St., the Look Movie Theater, New St., and Second St. Maintenance is handled by Public Works staff and contractors, and security services are currently provided by Servexo. Lighting was upgraded to LED in November 2017, but the structure has not been substantially repainted since 2005. The upcoming interior and exterior painting is scheduled to begin in early March and will take approximately three weeks. Interior walls, ceilings, and columns will be painted white to improve light reflection, while exterior walls will be painted cream, and stairwells in green, maintaining the existing color scheme. The City received 19 bids for the project; the lowest qualified bid came from MEAR Construction at $62,500, well below the original $250,000 estimate. Director Baumgardner reported on the installation of a new security camera system, with most components already in place. The system includes 12 cameras (four per floor on the first three floors), license plate readers at entrances, stairwell and elevator coverage, and two 360-degree cameras on the rooftop. Electrical and network work is complete, with camera delivery and installation expected by the end of the month. The feed will be live -monitored at the Downey Police Department. Maintenance enhancements are underway: stairwell cleaning increased from twice a month to weekly, and deck cleaning is expected to shift from monthly to bi-weekly, pending contractor quotes by late February.
Elevator cleaning is handled by contractors over weekends and by staff during the week. Trash removal and graffiti cleaning are performed daily and Monday through Friday, respectively. Security patrol hours were extended in August 2023 to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
An RFP for new security services will be released on February 14, with a new contract anticipated to be awarded in the spring. Director Baumgardner presented four exterior painting concept options for the New St. facing wall, using the City of Downey's color palette to align with ongoing downtown improvements.
Council Member Frometa requested that the cleaning and maintenance schedule for the Downtown Downey Parking Structure be included in the staff report or otherwise made readily available for reference. Regarding the proposed mural design options, she thanked staff for their efforts but expressed a desire for a mural that better reflects the beauty and history of Downey. She emphasized the importance of involving a local company or artist to create a meaningful and lasting design, noting that the final mural should be of high quality given its permanence and prominence. Council Member Frometa recommended that the City issue an RFP to seek creative submissions from local talent.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa suggested setting the current mural design options aside and using the opportunity to align with the City's ongoing Spend Local campaign. He expressed interest in gathering input from local businesses in the Downtown District. He proposed opening the design process to local artists to develop a mural that reflects Downey's history and character, providing a platform for community talent to contribute to the project.
Council Member Frometa expressed agreement with involving local artists in the mural design process. She emphasized that Downey's aerospace -rich history and mid-century modern character should be reflected in the final artwork. She cited the Doodalicious mural as an example of a visually striking, frequently photographed piece, and encouraged the creation of an "Instagram-worthy" mural that also aligns with the City's motto, Future Unlimited.
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Council Member Pemberton stated that the mural should include the words "Downtown Downey" to highlight its location, especially if it is intended to serve as a photo opportunity. She supported involving the Downey Downtown Improvement Association (DDIA) in the design process, noting that its members are key stakeholders who will see the mural regularly. She also asked for clarification on whether the mural would appear on one side of the parking structure or both. Director Baumgardner confirmed that it would just be the wall facing New St. Council Member Pemberton stated that the mural selection could be a competition with the art students and that she would like more involvement from the community.
Council Member Ortiz asked if the exterior walls would still be painted in the meanwhile. Director Baumgardner confirmed that the exterior walls would be painted while the selection of the mural was made by Council. Council Member Ortiz noted that the mural presents a valuable opportunity to promote the City. Including elements such as "Downtown Downey" and the city's motto, "Future Unlimited," would help brand the location as a photo -worthy destination for the younger generation.
Council Member Frometa asked why the stairwell was being painted green. Director Baumgardner clarified that the color was being used because that was the existing color and City Manager Bradley added that the green color was intended to brighten the area for safety purposes. Council Member Frometa suggested using orange instead.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Frometa and carried 4-0, with Mayor Trujillo absent, to receive an update regarding the interior and exterior painting of the parking structure, as well as the installation of the security camera system and the request for an RFP for the mural on the wall facing New St.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 8:41 p.m. in memory of Trooper Joel Popp of the Michigan State Police, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while assisting with a DUI investigation; Lieutenant David J. McShane of the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, who died as a result of medical complications developed after his assignment to the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks; Trooper Jimmy Cenescar of the Georgia State Patrol, who was killed in a single -vehicle crash while on patrol; Trooper Zachary Fink of the Florida Highway Patrol, who was involved in a fatal vehicle patrol crash during a highway pursuit; Deputy Sheriff Christopher Johnson of Harnett County Sheriff's Office, who was involved in a fatal three -vehicle crash; Sergeant William Jarome Rivers, Specialist Kennedy Sanders, and Specialist Breonna Moffett respectively from the 7181h Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, and 926th Engineer Brigade based out of Fort Moore in Georgia, who died when a one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS) impacted their container housing units; five U.S. Marines that crashed in a remote area in Southern California during a training flight from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego; Bill Brand, Mayor of the City of Redondo Beach and 15-year member of the Redondo Beach City Council; Lorine Parks, longtime Downey resident; and, Jesus Guzman, 32, City employee, Public Works, Utilities Division.
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HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
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