MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 28, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on May 28, 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
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
Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager
M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Trujillo asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Closed Session items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comments were received. items.
Mayor Trujillo asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session Having no one, Mayor Trujillo closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Trujillo announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:36 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) — Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation:
Margarita Avellaneda v. City of Downey et al. Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCV29742.
2. Government Code Section 54956.95 — Liability Claim — Worker's Compensation Claim — Claimant:
Kevin McCaster — Claim No.: 22-165103; WCAB NO.: ADJ 16359959 — Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
3. Government Code Section 54956.95 — Liability Claim — Worker's Compensation Claim — Claimant:
Paul Dunlap — Claim No.: 17-130744 — Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
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RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Trujillo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:33 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1, 2, and 3, no reportable action was taken.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on May 28, 2024, at 6:36 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Mario Trujillo presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario Trujillo Mayor
Hector Sosa Mayor Pro Tern
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member
Horacio Ortiz Council Member
Dorothy Pemberton 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
Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Chris Famisaran, Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girls Scout Troop Nos. 3675 and 363.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa reported attending the Veterans Council, noting the group meets quarterly and hosts guest speakers to share resources for local veterans. He attended the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery and commended Parks and Recreation staff and the Cemetery Commission for the event. He attended the City of Downey School District Task Force meeting emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the City and the School District.
He reported attending the Touch -a -Truck event and an art display at Stonewood Mall featuring over 600 student works from the Downey Unified School District (DUSD). He requested that staff look into creating a shared office space/incubator in the Downey Downtown area to diversify shops and offices and increase weekday traffic. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz. He requested staff explore the possibility of an Armed Forces or military parade, similar to the City of Torrance, potentially in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, to provide more recognition for military heroes throughout the year. The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa.
Council Member Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She shared the "Empty Table of Honors" tribute and reported attending the Memorial Day of Remembrance Ceremony at Downey City Council Minutes
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Cemetery, commending the Cemetery District, City staff, and the Fire Department for their efforts. She visited the AV Antelope Valley Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Pico Rivera and requested that staff research the availability and cost for Downey to host the wall in the future. The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa. Council Member Pemberton asked that Downey consider becoming a Purple Heart City and requested staff research the process. She recognized National Public Works Appreciation Week and thanked Public Works employees. She reported attending the California Contract Cities Seminar and noted information shared by Supervisor Janice Hahn regarding adding 200 additional beds for the unhoused at Norwalk Metropolitan State Hospital. She raised concerns regarding the Suva St.
Bridge, and requested the latest inspection report to confirm its safety. The request was seconded by Mayor Trujillo. She further requested staff explore producing a quarterly digital newsletter for residents.
The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa.
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting and reported attending the 68tn Annual Community Service Awards Banquet, the Touch -a -Truck event, the National Public Works Week Recognition Awards, and the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Downey Cemetery. He expressed gratitude to all who have served in the military. Council Member Ortiz requested that staff provide a report on the arterial repaving program for the next few years, including the condition index of roads and a ranking of priorities for future repaving. The request was seconded by Mayor Trujillo.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting and reflected on Memorial Day, honoring fallen soldiers as well as Veterans who returned from war. She emphasized the importance of remembering both those who lost their lives and the families who continue to mourn, and expressed gratitude to military families and veterans in attendance. She acknowledged former DUSD Member Martha Sodetani, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Calvert, and Downey Federal Credit Union CEO Ray Messier, as well as representatives from the Assistance League. She reported attending the City —School District Task Force meeting with Dr. John Garcia and School Board Member Linda Saldana, highlighting the importance of collaboration on public safety and strategic planning for Downey's 22,000 students. She reported attending the Contract Cities Association Seminar, concluding her two- year term on the Executive Board, and announced that the City of Downey received the John S. Todd Award for its collaborative program between the Police Department, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and local mental health experts to assist individuals in distress. She recognized Mental Health Awareness Day, encouraging community members experiencing distress to seek help.
Mayor Trujillo reported attending the California Contract Cities Seminar, the Downey Coordinating Council Volunteer of the Year Dinner, the City's latest strategic plan update session, the Soroptimist Annual Scholarship Dinner, and the National Public Works Breakfast. He requested that L.A. CADA be placed on the June 11 agenda to request a street closure on August 10 in the Downtown Downey area.
The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz.
Mayor Trujillo requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 13 be brought back at a future Council meeting. The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley noted that the request for Downey to become a Purple Heart City required a second. The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa. Regarding the LA CADA street closure, Assistant City Manager De Rojas stated staff is working on the matter but has not yet received the formal documents needed for review, and will bring it forward once the documents are submitted.
Mayor Trujillo asked that staff reach out to L.A. CADA to provide guidance. City Manager Bradley reported that in addition to the John S. Todd Award, the City recently received a Sustainability Award from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for its solar improvement project.
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PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Excellence Award to Downey Food Helps.
2. Mayor's Excellence Award to the Assistance League of Downey.
3. Proclamation in honor of Public Works Week, May 19 — 25.
4. Proclamation in honor of Older American Month.
5. Proclamation in honor of Military Appreciation Month.
6. Certificates of Recognition to Outgoing Youth Commissioners.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. APPROVED OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Community Development.
1) APPROVED THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, AND
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SUBMIT THE DOCUMENT AND THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATION TO THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO MODIFY AND EXECUTE
ANY AND ALL APPROPRIATE INSTRUMENTS, AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS, AND
IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 ANNUAL ACTION
PLAN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM, INCLUDING SUBRECIPIENT GRANT CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS, BASED ON THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT'S APPROPRIATION TO THE CITY
Mayor Trujillo opened the Public Hearing at 7:27 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication.
Mayor Trujillo abstained from Public Hearing Item No. 1, due to his board position with the Los Angeles Center of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and left the dais at 7:32 p.m.
Director Austin Ramirez provided the staff report for Item No. 1. He presented the 2024-25 Annual Action Plan for the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, noting a 5% increase in CDBG funding and a 13% decrease in HOME funding, resulting in an overall net decrease of about 1% from the prior year. He outlined allocations including the housing rehabilitation program, three public service subrecipients: the 10-20 Club, Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and new subrecipient Veterans Stand Together, which will provide job training, crisis management, and homelessness prevention services for veterans, Section 108 loan repayments, and program administration. He reviewed the evaluation criteria for public service applications, emphasizing agency capacity as critical due to the complexity of federal dollars. He reported on the HOME program allocations, including the Affordable Housing Partnership, Homeless Rental Assistance, and program administration. He provided an update on the Housing Rehabilitation Program waitlist, noting it had been reduced from 149 applicants last year to 44 after eligibility reviews, City Council Minutes
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though demand still exceeds available funding. He noted two community meetings were held in advance of the public hearing, with outreach through social media, the City's website, and The Downey Patriot.
Council Member Frometa asked whether the $25,000 allocation to Veterans Stand Together under the CDBG program was sufficient, noting the importance of providing adequate services for veterans. Director Ramirez responded that the amount fully funds the organization's request to serve 50 low-income veterans in Downey. He noted that as a first-time recipient, the allocation meets their proposal, and if the organization performs successfully and demonstrates capacity, future funding could be increased as has been done with repeat subrecipients.
Council Member Frometa asked about the maximum amount that could be increased for the Housing Rehabilitation Program in order to help more families and reduce the waitlist. Director Ramirez clarified that the proposed budget already represents the maximum allocation for the program, and that staff must continue to proactively review the waitlist to ensure applicants remain eligible, interested, and residing in the area. He added that increasing the allocation further would require reducing funding for public service recipients.
Council Member Pemberton asked whether the Housing Rehabilitation Program is intended for seniors making home improvements or for first-time homebuyers. Director Ramirez responded that the program is income -qualified and serves residents across all age ranges.
Council Member Ortiz asked whether the reduction of the housing rehabilitation waitlist from 149 to 44 meant that funds were unused last year. Director Ramirez clarified that the waitlist represented individuals who had asked to be on the list, not formal applicants, and that screening was conducted to confirm eligibility before applications were submitted. He reported that for the current year there are six completed projects and 16 active projects, and the available funding is expected to be fully used. He added that any unused funds roll into the following year to provide additional funding for the waitlist.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pro Tern Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written public comments received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk confirmed that no written public comments were received.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented regarding the program not being properly promoted.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, asking if it includes mobile homes. He requested clarification on the three national objectives, and questioned the large balance of HOME funds.
Speaker No. 3, resident, commented against rent control.
B.C., resident, commented in regards to lower taxes and hiring more police officers.
Speaker No. 4, commented in regards to $150 million returned unused by the City of Los Angeles in September 2023 that had been earmarked for the unhoused, homeless, and low-income residents, stating it had been left unspent for three years.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton to close public comment at 7:48 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried a 4- 0, with Mayor Trujillo absent, to approve the recommended actions 1 and 2.
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Mayor Trujillo returned to the dais at 7:50 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Trujillo asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed three written public comments were received.
Speaker No.1, resident, commented regarding Police Department training, the flag policy, new officer assessments, and inclusion in the Downey Discussion.
Berenice Vidales, commented in opposition of renaming Downey streets.
Vileana De La Rosa, resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, 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.
Frank Garcia, commented regarding a humanitarian walk and fundraiser for the World Central Kitchen to support transporting food into Gaza.
Michelle Farina, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Fernando Islas, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Maricela, commented in opposition of a neutral flag policy.
Arthur Schaper, non-resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
Michael Calvert, resident, commented in opposition of a neutral flag policy.
John Lacey, resident, congratulated the City for receiving the John S. Todd Award and Sustainability Award.
Speaker No. 9, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
B.C., resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
Speaker No. 11, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Alan, resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall that was displayed at the City of Pico Rivera.
Riley, resident, commented in opposition of a neutral flag policy.
Speaker No. 15, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
Speaker No. 16, commented in support of a neutral flag policy.
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Speaker No. 17, thanked Downey volunteers for their efforts and commitment to the City.
Janice, resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy Janelle, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Rudy, resident, requested that the City hire more police officers.
Marina, resident, commented in support of a neutral flag policy Joaquin Beltran, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 23, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and so ordered by Mayor Trujillo, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Trujillo abstained from Item No. 7, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 5- 0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 378055 — 378424; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004428, 30004442, 30004446, 30004465 — 30004466 & 30004468; EFT Nos. 13537 — 13570; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2514 — 2522, in the total amount of $6,161,268.48: Finance.
3. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREAS 5 AND 7, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-20 AND 22-21; AND FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR THE COST SAVING PAVING PILOT PROJECT: Public Works.
1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,337,000 FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 5 AND 7 PROJECTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) NO. 22-20 AND 22- 21;
2) APPROVED A CHANGE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,404 TO THE COST SAVING PILOT PROJECT CONTRACT WITH ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC.; AND, 3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE AREA 5 AND 7 PROJECTS UP TO AN AMOUNT OF $8,404,400, INCLUDING CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF 20
PERCENT
4. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ALLEYS NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 23- 02: Public Works.
1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO SEQUEL CONTRACTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $837,506 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ALLEYS NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) NO. 23-02; AND,
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2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE PROJECT UP TO AN AMOUNT OF $921,257, INCLUDING CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF 10 PERCENT
5. AWARDED CONTRACT FOR WELL NO. 9 REHABILITATION, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 23-30: Public Works.
1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO LEGEND PUMP & WELL SERVICE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,472 FOR WELL NO. 9 REHABILITATION, CIP NO. 23-30; 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS PROJECT DEEMED
NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE UP TO THE APPROVED PROJECT BUDGET OF $349,000
6. PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR FROM COMPRESSED AIR SPECIALTIES, INC.: Fire.
APPROVED THE PURCHASE AND ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF A NEW BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR FOR A TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE OF $95,700
APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RMI INTERNATIONAL INC.
FOR CITY-WIDE PROFESSIONAL SECURITY GUARD SERVICES: Community Development.
APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RMI INTERNATIONAL INC. FOR CITY-WIDE PROFESSIONAL SECURITY GUARD SERVICES BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2024, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $390,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
8. ADOPTED RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB1), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8243, APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
9. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONE DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7360 FOSTER BRIDGE BOULEVARD: Community Development.
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 24-1512 APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE DESIGNATION FROM R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R-3-0 (MULTIPLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP) FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7360 FOSTER BRIDGE BOULEVARD
10. RATIFIED THE DONATION OF A VOUCHER FOR A FOURSOME TO PLAY GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE TO THE 10-20 CLUB OF DOWNEY FOR THEIR 13T" ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER: Administration.
RATIFIED THE EXPENDITURE RELATED TO THE DONATION OF A VOUCHER FOR A FOURSOME OF GOLF AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE IN SUPPORT OF THE 10-20 CLUB OF DOWNEY FOR THEIR 13T" ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER WHICH WAS HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
11. DISCUSSION REGARDING A VACANT PROPERTY ORDINANCE TO REGULATE THE MAINTENANCE OF VACANT PROPERTIES: Community Development.
DISCUSSED THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF A VACANT PROPERTY ORDINANCE AND
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON WHICH COMPONENTS TO INCLUDE AND BRING
BACK FOR CONSIDERATION
Community Development Director Irma Huitron provide the staff report for Item No. 11. She presented a discussion on a potential expansion of the City's vacant property ordinance to regulate the maintenance of all vacant properties. She noted that the City currently has a registration program adopted in 2008 that applies only to foreclosed properties, with fees including a $117 registration fee and $1,298 annual monitoring fee. She explained that many vacant properties are not foreclosed and therefore are not required to register, yet still suffer from neglect, lack of maintenance, and security issues that impact community quality of life. The proposed expansion would require all vacant properties to register with the City, designate a local property manager, provide a maintenance and security plan, update information annually, and pay registration and monitoring fees. She highlighted benefits including improved monitoring, enhanced communication with property owners, and increased accountability. The program would be modeled after robust ordinances in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. With Council's approval staff would draft ordinance revisions, coordinate with legal counsel, prepare an implementation plan with staff training, and evaluate associated fees. The process is expected to take 6 to 12 weeks.
Council Member Frometa stated her support for expanding the vacant property ordinance, noting it should not apply only to foreclosed properties. She referenced the report's estimate of $3,353 annually to monitor a single property, assuming two hours per month, and asked whether sufficient staff is available given ongoing challenges in code enforcement. Director Huitron responded that staff is already performing much of the work described, with code enforcement taking a proactive approach to vacant properties. She explained that developing and maintaining property maintenance plans requires significant time and coordination at the supervisor or senior level, involving extensive communication with property owners in addition to field monitoring. She acknowledged staffing would be challenging and noted that staff would prepare both the ordinance and a staffing model to ensure the program remains proactive and sustainable long term.
Council Member Frometa asked if the City currently has a list of foreclosed properties being monitored. Director Huitron confirmed that such a list exists and explained that, while there is no registry for all vacant properties without an expanded ordinance, staff is proactively monitoring three categories:
vacant buildings, unimproved lots, and unimproved land not privately owned such as properties belonging to Union Pacific or Southern California Edison.
Council Member Frometa asked about the registration and monitoring fees adopted in 2008 and questioned how compliance would be ensured if property owners register but fail to act, particularly if they live out of state. She suggested incorporating fines for noncompliance. Director Huitron responded that this issue would be evaluated during the ordinance preparation process. She noted that staff has generally been able to secure a local contact for vacant properties and explained that accountability is currently handled through the code enforcement citation process, which escalates from $100 to $200 to $300 after a notice of violation. She added that the goal of proactive enforcement is to achieve voluntary compliance, which often results in fewer citations.
Council Member Ortiz asked whether staff's current proactive outreach to vacant property owners lacks compensation and whether a formal program with fees would better support enforcement. Director Huitron confirmed that a fee structure would help sustain the program and create formality, consolidating requirements into one section of the Downey Municipal Code rather than pulling from multiple sections.
I Council Member Ortiz asked if businesses already under the program experienced fewer issues such as break-ins or fires, noting he had observed several fires since joining the Council. Director Huitron City Council Minutes
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responded that some non -registered vacant properties have been identified as hazards due to trespassing or utility issues, and staff has worked with property owners to secure sites and shut off non- essential utilities to reduce risks.
Council Member Pemberton expressed support for expanding the vacant property ordinance, citing a property in her District that sat vacant with overgrown weeds, no fencing, and transient activity until Code Enforcement intervened. She noted that owner addresses can be located through the Assessor's tax roll. She asked what would happen if an owner did not pay the $3,300 annual monitoring fee, and whether it would be added as a lien on the property tax bill. Director Huitron responded that unpaid fees would be billed through the City's accounts receivable process and could be prorated based on the number of months services were provided, adding that the assessment of fees would be further evaluated if the program is expanded.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 5-0, to expand the existing Vacant Property Registration Program to other properties that are not under the category of foreclosed properties and to also extend property maintenance requirements to both registered and non -registered properties.
Council Member Frometa requested that a discussion on term limits be added to the next Council Meeting Agenda. The request was seconded Council Member Ortiz.
Mayor Trujillo abstained from Item No. 12, due to owning property in the Downtown area and left the meeting at 9: 24 p.m.
12. DISCUSSION REGARDING BEAUTIFICATION OF ALLEY OFF THE EAST SIDE OF DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 2ND STREET: Public Works.
DISCUSSED THE OPTIONS FOR BEAUTIFYING THE ALLEY OFF OF THE EAST SIDE OF DOWNEY AVENUE BETWEEN FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 2ND STREET IN THE
DOWNTOWN AREA
Public Works Director Matthew Baumgardner presented the staff report for Item No. 12. He presented options for beautification of a city -owned alley located east of Downey Ave. between Firestone Blvd. and Second St. The alley is approximately 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, with existing bollards, a streetlight, four planters, and irrigation. Proposed improvements include planter trellis boxes, coordination with the Downtown Downey Improvement Association's (DDIA) planned mural, outdoor patio string lighting either from poles or by agreement with adjacent property owners to anchor to walls, and pressure washing with a neutral stain on the concrete. He noted irrigation and electrical access are available and estimated costs at approximately $15,000.
Council Member Frometa asked for clarification on the $15,000 estimated project cost and the available fund balance from the parking structure painting and security camera project. Director Baumgardner confirmed that the $15,000 allocation would fully cover the $15,000 project cost.
Council Member Frometa stated that while the DDIA will be commissioning the mural, the City should remain involved in the process and not relinquish its input. City Manager Bradley responded that although the wall is not City -owned, staff can help coordinate and assist in the process. Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that initial conversations with the DDIA indicate they are considering murals at two locations and plan to align with the City's mural project for a holistic approach. She noted that the project will also undergo site plan review with the Planning Department. Council Member Frometa thanked staff and emphasized the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to murals in Downey.
Council Member Pemberton asked about the estimated timeline for the alley beautification project and whether it could be completed in time for summer. Director Baumgardner responded that coordination with the DDIA on the mural would likely prevent completion by summer, noting the need to City Council Minutes
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avoid conflicts between lighting and mural placement. He stated the project itself would not take long once started. City Manager Bradley added that the City would not slow the project and would work to expedite it.
Mayor Pro Tem Sosa asked whether the $15,000 project cost was a one-time expense and what the estimated ongoing costs would be. Director Baumgardner responded that ongoing costs would be minimal, with low water -use plants and limited electricity needs, estimating no more than about $100 annually, plus some staff time for maintenance and monitoring.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 4-0, with Mayor Trujillo absent, to approve the recommended options: planter trellis boxes, coordination with the DDIA's planned mural project, installation of outdoor patio string lighting, and pressure washing of the concrete in the alley on the east side of Downey Ave. between Firestone Blvd. and 2"d St. in the Downtown Downey area.
13. DISCUSSION OF STREET NAME CHANGES IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
DISCUSS THE PROCESS FOR CHANGING THE NAMES OF STREETS IN THE CITY AND
PROVIDE ANY DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY SUCH A NAME CHANGE.
Item No. 13, was tabled for a future Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council .Meeting — Open Session at 9:32 p.m. in memory of Sergeant Bill Hooser, Santaquin Police Department, who was fatally struck by a tractor - trailer when reporting to a traffic stop; Police Officer Jacob Derbin, Euclid Police Department, who was killed while responding to a disturbance call; and, Gunnery Sargent, Robert James McDonald, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, who was gunned down in a random act of violence while sitting in his vehicle at a park.
ARI ALICIA DUARTE,
City Clerk
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HECTORISOSA
Mayor