MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 25, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting on June 25, 2024, at 6:34 PM, in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pro Tern Sosa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Mario Trujillo Mayor (absent)
Hector Sosa Mayor Pro Tern
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member
Horacio Ortiz Council Member
Dorothy Pemberton Council Member (absent)
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
John Funk, City Attorney
Scott Loughner, Interim Police Chief
Dan Hurlock, Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Irma Huitron, Community Development Director
Stephen Hannah, Finance Director
Jason Chacon, Recreation and Community Services Director M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Greg Welch, Chaplain, Downey Police Department. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troops 7293 and 275.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending two Neighborhood Watch meetings for groups he helped establish. Council Member Ortiz participated in welcoming the Mayor of Ensenada, Mexico, Armando Ayala Robles, who visited for a tour of the City. He reported attending West Downey Little League's closing day and FatherCon. He attended the 41s' National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Conference and recognized and congratulated Council Member Frometa for being elected President of the organization. Council Member Ortiz thanked Council Member Frometa for representing Downey and other cities in the region.
Council Member Frometa reported attending the 41 It NALEO Conference, where she was elected as President of the organization after serving on its Executive Board for several years. She noted that this was a historic milestone, as she is the first Downey elected official to hold this position. Council Member Frometa encouraged residents to attend the City's Concerts in the Park series at Furman Park.
She announced the upcoming Firecracker Festival, organized by the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
She shared with the audience that the City Council will go dark for the Regular Council Meeting of July
9. Council Member Frometa thanked both the Fire and Police Departments for their work. She acknowledged and thanked Director Baumgardner, for the continued street repaving efforts in the City.
She thanked Director Chacon, for running a successful Camp Downey Summer Program. She reminded staff to continue to be vigilant in the Downtown Downey area with additional police enforcement and cameras to ensure that the community feels safe.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa reported attending a Policy Board Meeting for the California Workforce Development Board where discussions focused on expanding job training programs and employment resources, particularly for veterans and underserved populations in Downey.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley shared key updates on ongoing City initiatives and fiscal matters. He announced that Item No. 24 would be pulled form the agenda and explained that staff needed additional time to explore more options. He clarified that the Art and Public Places Fund could not be redirected to other City needs, such as road repairs or law enforcement salaries.
Council Member Frometa requested that Item No. 22 regarding the City parking structure mural be postponed for discussion, citing the absence of two council members and the need for their input before moving forward with any decisions.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR: Finance. 1) CONDUCTED A PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET AND ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT (GANN
LIMIT), AND,
2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8245 ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
BUDGET AND ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT (GANN LIMIT)
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa opened the Public Hearing at 6:45 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 3-0, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to receive and file the publication.
City Manager Roger Bradley led the presentation of the proposed 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, emphasizing the City's commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. He began by reaffirming that the budget remains structurally balanced and he credited the City Council's leadership and staff efforts in developing a financial plan that aligns with the needs and priorities of the community. As part of the budget development process, the City engaged in extensive community outreach, speaking with over 1,200 residents to determine their top concerns.
The feedback prioritized public safety, emergency response, crime prevention, infrastructure maintenance, and economic development. He stated that Public Safety remains the largest funding category, with 61 % of the general fund dedicated to police, fire, and emergency medical services. City Manager Bradley acknowledged community concerns about crime, theft, and burglaries, reassuring residents that resources were being allocated to expand public safety measures. He also mentioned that the City is conducting a full assessment of the Police Department, with results expected by August or September, to determine the most effective way to deploy resources. In addition, he emphasized the importance of 911 emergency response times, ensuring that Downey continues to have fast and reliable emergency services. City Manager Bradley also highlighted the increasing demand for firefighters and paramedics, noting that over 70% of emergency calls in Downey are medical -related and that maintaining a well -trained staff is essential. Infrastructure improvements like road repaving, pothole repairs, and traffic safety enhancements were another major focus. He recognized the efforts of Director Baumgardner and his team, who have been leading these initiatives to maintain and improve City streets. Additionally, he City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024
discussed the development of a second dog park at Golden Park and a new community garden at Rio San Gabriel Park. Economic development was also a key priority in the budget. City Manager Bradley acknowledged public interest in attracting specific businesses, particularly Trader Joe's, Korean BBQ restaurants, and family -friendly entertainment options. While he clarified that the City does not control which businesses open in Downey, he assured residents that the City is actively marketing itself to prospective businesses and streamlining permit processes to attract desirable investments. He also stressed the importance of retaining and attracting high -quality employees, stating that Downey operates with a lean but efficient workforce of 449 full-time employees, a lower staffing ratio compared to similar cities. To support public services, the budget includes eight new staff positions, primarily in public safety and finance. City Manager Bradley reviewed the FY 2023-2024 City Council priorities, highlighting key accomplishments over the past year. These priorities included economic development, strategic planning, public safety enhancements, and community improvement projects. Under Economic Development, the City focused on streamlining the business permit process, improving outreach to potential new businesses, and revitalizing underutilized commercial areas. The City also completed a strategic planning process, which set a multi -yeas vision for Downey's growth, with input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Public safety remained a top concern, leading to expanded police enforcement efforts, proactive crime prevention strategies, and new investments in security infrastructure. Additionally, the City approved a streetlight installation program, improved code enforcement efforts, and developed plans for a community garden to enhance public spaces. City Manager Bradley then introduced the recommended staffing changes for FY 2024-2025, highlighting a net increase of eight full-time positions to enhance public safety, financial operations, and service delivery. The proposed additions include one new Police Lieutenant to provide leadership and oversight, two new Police Officers to improve patrol presence, and two new Firefighter/Paramedics to support emergency medical response. Additionally, the budget allocates one new Administrative Analyst in the Finance Department to assist with budget analysis, revenue forecasting, and grant management, as well as one new Public Works Inspector to oversee infrastructure projects and code compliance. A part-time Library Aide position will also be converted to full-time to strengthen support for educational and literacy programs. He emphasized that these staffing changes reflect the City's commitment to public safety, financial sustainability, and quality of life improvements.
Finance Director Hannah provided a comprehensive breakdown of the proposed 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, highlighting the City's financial health, revenue projections, and major expenditure areas.
He began by reaffirming that the budget remains structurally balanced, demonstrating the City's ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in public safety, infrastructure, and community services. The total Citywide budget for FY 2024-2025 is $284.9 million, with $124.2 million allocated to the general fund, which covers essential City services. Director Hannah detailed the major spending categories in the general fund, noting that 61 % ($76.5 million) is dedicated to public safety, reflecting the City's continued emphasis on Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. Other key allocations include $15.7 million (13%) for Community Development and Public Works, which funds road maintenance, capital improvement projects, and public infrastructure upgrades. The budget also sets aside $12 million (10%) for general government operations, which includes administrative services and personnel costs, and $11.2 million (9%) for Parks and Recreation, and Library services, ensuring that community programs, recreational facilities, and youth services remain a priority. Director Hannah then reviewed the City's primary revenue sources, explaining that sales tax, property tax, and Measure S tax account for 62.6% of the City's general fund revenue. Sales tax revenue is projected to increase by 2.8%, reflecting steady economic activity in the City, while Measure S tax revenue is expected to grow by 2.2%.
Additionally, license, permit, and service fees are projected to increase by 3.9%, largely due to adjustments in cost -recovery fees for City services. To ensure conservative budgeting, Director Hannah stated that revenue projections were made with economic uncertainties in mind, ensuring that the City does not overestimate its financial outlook. A significant focus of the budget presentation was the increase in personnel -related expenses, which accounts for a $9.1 million (7.9%) rise in general fund expenditures compared to the previous fiscal year. Director Hannah explained that this is largely driven by a $6 million increase in personnel costs, including a $2.2 million rise in pension -related unfunded liability charges, a $2.3 million increase in employee compensation agreements, and $913,000 in additional employee insurance costs. Given that public safety is the City's largest expenditure, Director City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 3
Hannah noted that much of this increase is allocated to Firefighter and Police personnel salaries, benefits, and pension liabilities. Director Hannah also addressed the City's reserve balance, emphasizing that Downey remains in a strong financial position, with a projected general fund reserve of $36.6 million by the end of FY 2024-2025. He explained that maintaining these reserves is essential for long-term financial stability and protecting against unforeseen economic downturns or emergencies. The reserves include an emergency reserve (15% of the last three years of revenue) and a stability reserve (20% of the last three years of revenue), ensuring that the City has the financial flexibility to maintain services even in times of crisis.
Council Member Frometa emphasized the importance of the Budget Subcommittee, which meets regularly to review the City's finances. She highlighted the significance of maintaining the City's financial reserves and following established policies to ensure continued fiscal strength. Despite past uncertain financial forecasts, she noted that Downey has successfully sustained strong sales and economic stability, which has helped preserve its reputation and attract quality businesses. She praised the City's ability to maintain a balanced budget and practice prudent financial management year after year. She concluded by thanking staff for their detailed budget overview and dedication to responsible financial planning.
Council Member Ortiz thanked staff and everybody who worked on the budget and expressed that he is pleased with the direction the City is heading in.
Mayor Pro Tem Sosa congratulated City Manager Bradley, Assistant City Manager De Rojas, Director Hannah, and staff for achieving a balanced budget for over a decade.
Mayor Pro Tem Sosa opened this item for public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there were any written public comments received regarding the Public Hearing item.
City Clerk Duarte confirmed one written public comment was received.
Meldy Avila, submitted a written public comment against the City funding the Pride Festival with tax payer money.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz and approved 3- 0, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
BC; resident, commented that he was opposed to police budget cuts and called for the hiring of 15 more officers and discussed funding for non -profits.
Speaker No. 2, no name provided, expressed his concerns regarding some of the spending proposals and approvals for the upcoming budget.
Speaker No. 3, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 5, no name provided, commented that he supports the funding to the Police and Fire Departments.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented that the conferences attendance for City Council should be eliminated from the budget.
Marina, resident, commented against City funds being used for the Pride Festival.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 4
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, to close public comment at 7:24 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ADJUSTING THE CITYWIDE USER FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025: Finance.
CONDUCTED A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8246, ADJUSTING
THE CITY'S UNIFORM SCHEDULE OF FEES
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa opened the Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 3-0, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to receive and file the publication.
Finance Director Hannah presented a resolution for adjusting the Citywide User Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, based on a comprehensive study conducted by Revenue and Cost Specialists (RCS). The City retained RCS in February 2022 to perform a cost allocation and cost services study, initially using financial data from Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The study involved focused meetings with City Departments to analyze user fees in detail. A draft report was reviewed between November 2022 and January 2023, with an updated version incorporating more recent financial data finalized in October 2023.
Director Hannah emphasized that fees cannot exceed the reasonable cost of providing services and must maintain a fair relationship to the benefits received. He introduced Eric Johnson, President of RCS and Shantae Duren, Management Analyst, to further report on the specific fee changes proposed for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Mr. Johnson presented an overview of the cost of services study conducted for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 user fee adjustments. He explained that RCS has specialized in cost allocation and fee studies for over 44 years, working with more than 150 agencies across five states, primarily in California.
The last comprehensive fee study for the City of Downey was completed in 2018, and this new study, initiated in 2022, aimed to update fees based on current financial data from Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The study sought to accurately assess the full cost of providing City services, ensuring that fees reflect the actual cost of service delivery. Mr. Johnson emphasized that while the City's budget identifies department -wide expenses, it does not necessarily capture the true cost of individual services provided to residents. To determine these costs, RCS conducted a multi -month analysis, working closely with City Departments to track staff time, administrative overhead, operating expenses, and infrastructure costs.
A cost allocation plan was used to distribute overhead costs —such as City Council operations and facility maintenance to the departments that utilize those services. The study then calculated a fully allocated hourly rate for each City position, allowing the City to determine the true cost of each fee -based service.
Mr. Johnson explained that the City must balance fee -supported services and taxpayer -funded services.
Community supported services, such as police, fire, streets, parks, and code enforcement, are primarily funded through tax revenue because they benefit the public as a whole. In contrast, fee -supported services, such as development permits, business licenses, and recreation programs, provide direct benefits to individuals or businesses and should be primarily funded through user fees rather than tax dollars. However, when user fees do not fully cover service costs, the general fund must subsidize the difference, which reduces available funding for core City services. The study identified a $25 million annual subsidy for City services, with the largest subsidy approximately $18 million allocated to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). While EMS services include response, transport, and subscription fees, these fees recover only a fraction of the total cost, as full cost recovery would make EMS services unaffordable for residents. As a result, EMS services remain heavily subsidized, as is common in most cities. Community Services programs, such as recreation and adult sports programs, are also heavily subsidized, as their fees must remain competitive with market rates to encourage participation. Mr.
Johnson explained that flee updates must comply with state laws, including Proposition 4 (1979), Proposition 218 (1996), and Proposition 26 (2010), which mandate that fees cannot exceed the City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 5
reasonable cost of providing a service. He emphasized that the study's recommendations set the ceiling for potential fee adjustments, and final decisions on specific fee changes would be made by City staff and the Council. Mr. Johnson concluded by stating that Development Services fees currently have a $1.1 million subsidy, which the study determined could be largely recovered through fee adjustments. Public Works flees were also underpriced, and some administrative fees related to City services required updates. The study recommended adjustments to 248 fee services, including 22 new fees, 152 increased fees, 23 restructured fees, 35 unchanged fees, 14 decreased fees (due to overestimation of prior costs), and the removal of two obsolete fees.
Management Analyst Duren delivered a presentation on the proposed adjustments to the Citywide user fee schedule for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025. She began by explaining that Recovery Cost Services (RCS) completed a detailed analysis of the City's fees in October 2023. The study was commissioned to determine the full cost of providing City services, ensuring that fees were set at appropriate levels to accurately recover expenses while remaining fair to residents and businesses. The study included the following elements, the calculation of full cost of City services through removal and addition of City fees and the modification of some fees to improve City services. Based on the findings, RCS recommended that the City update its user fee schedule to reflect the true cost of service delivery and to align with best financial practices. Management Analyst Duren emphasized that by using RCS's recommendations as a baseline, City staff conducted a thorough review, comparing the proposed changes to Downey's current fee schedule and evaluating them against market rates in comparable cities. In addition to these external benchmarks, staff carefully considered the potential financial burden on residents and businesses, particularly for services that could disproportionately impact lower -income individuals or small enterprises. This holistic approach allowed the City to establish cost recovery targets that were tailored to the specific nature of each service, ensuring that fee adjustments were appropriate for the industry, end -user group, and public purpose associated with each activity. The proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 user fee schedule, attached as Exhibit A to Resolution 24826, encompassed a total of 878 individual fees, reflecting a wide range of municipal services. Of these, 365 fees were adjusted based on the findings of the RCS study, with increases or decreases made to reflect the actual costs incurred by the City in providing those services. In many cases, the City had been charging below the true cost of service delivery, leading to financial gaps that needed to be addressed. In some instances, however, efficiencies in City operations or updated cost calculations resulted in recommended fee reductions. Additionally, 105 fees were revised based on staff recommendations, considering RCS's findings, current market conditions, and a careful assessment of how significant an increase would be in comparison to existing rates. Where fees were deemed excessive or misaligned with comparable municipal rates, staff proposed adjustments that resulted in more moderate and equitable changes. Another key component of the proposal was the application of a 4% Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment to 139 fees that were not governed by State regulations or covered in the RCS study. This CPI -based increase was calculated using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim area, covering the period from March 2023 to March 2024. The automatic annual adjustment of user fees based on CPI had been previously approved by the City Council during the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget process and was a standard practice aimed at ensuring that City revenues kept pace with inflationary pressures. These CPI -adjusted fees were deemed essential for maintaining the financial sustainability of City services without requiring abrupt or unpredictable fee increases in the future. There were an additional 40 new fees introduced to cover services that had previously been provided without a dedicated fee structure. Conversely, 23 fees were identified for removal and 206 fees that will remain set at the current rate. Management Analyst Duren further detailed the overall distribution of fee changes, noting that 61 % of the proposed adjustments involved fee increases, while 10% represented fee decreases, 4% accounted for new fees, and 2% reflected the removal of existing fees. The remaining 23% of fees remained unchanged, as they were either already aligned with appropriate cost levels or were subject to State or County regulations that restricted adjustments. To maintain clarity and consistency, most fee increases and decreases were rounded to the nearest dollar, with one notable exception. Fees within the Community Development Department's Building and Safety divison were adjusted with precision, reflecting exact cost calculations without rounding, ensuring that they remained fully accurate and consistent with established financial standards.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 6
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 Duarte confirmed there was no written public comment.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
BC, resident, commented in opposition to the increase to City fees.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in opposition to the increase to City fees.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented in opposition to the increase to City fees..
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, to close public comment.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried a 3- 0 vote, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to adopt the Resolution No. 24-8246, adjusting the City's uniform schedule of fees.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Pro Tern Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
City Clerk Duarte confirmed 113 written public comments were received in favor of the adoption of a ceasefire resolution and 111 written public comments were received against the adoption of a ceasefire resolution.
Meldy Avila, submitted a written public comment against the City flying the Pride Flag along Downtown Downey for the Pride Festival.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Frometa and approved 3- 0 to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding, Agenda, Consent Calendar, and Non -Agenda items.
Speaker No. 1, resident, commented about receiving a citation for parking during street sweeping hours and not being able to pay his citation at City Hall.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, recited a bible verse.
Frank Garcia, non-resident, commented on a march for humanitarian aid that he was organizing.
Vladimir, resident, commented regarding the City collaborating with residents to create a fruit collection program.
Lily Perham, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
BC, resident, commented in opposition of the City funding of the Stay Gallery.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 7
Al, non-resident, commented in support of Israel.
Peter Gazzero, non-resident, commented regarding being arrested by Downey Police.
Speaker No. 9, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 10, no name provided, commented regarding a stop sign being installed on Stewart and Gray Rd.
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding the voters in the State of California no longer having a voice to tell the legislature whether or not to increase State taxes.
Greeti Pranav, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Michael Chirco, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 14, no name provided, commented against the Pride Festival.
Speaker No. 15, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 16, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 17, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Janelle, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 19, left the meeting before speaking.
Speaker No. 20, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 21, no name provided, commented against the Pride Flag being flown in Downtown Downey.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Koby Harman, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Marina, resident, commented against the Pride Flag being flown in Downtown Downey.
Speaker No. 26, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Fernando Islas, non-resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Joaquin Beltran, resident, 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 Pro Tern Sosa to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, and carried 3-0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
3. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 378870 — 379247; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004467 & 30004474 — 30004476; EFT Nos. 13606 — 13652; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2528, in the total amount of $3,665,211.29: Finance
4. APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT FOR
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-21, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15282(k): Public Works.
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-21 AND FURTHER FIND THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN CEQA UNDER SECTION 15282(K)
5. AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR WESTERN AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-27: Public Works. 1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO CREATIVE HOME, INC. DBA CHI CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $616,200 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WESTERN AVE. WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-27; AND,
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 $760,000
6. APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2027 ON -CALL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES: Public Works. 1) APPROVED THE FOLLOWING LIST OF SEVEN ON -CALL CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND MATERIALS TESTING CONSULTANTS PRE - QUALIFIED BY STAFF: 1) FCG CONSULTANTS, INC., 2) GK & ASSOCIATES, 3) ONWARD ENGINEERING, 4) SOUTHSTAR ENGINEERING & CONSULTING, INC., 5) TKE ENGINEERING, INC. 6) WILLDAN ENGINEERING AND 7) Z&K CONSULTANTS; 2) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FOR ON -CALL
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INSPECTION AND MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES, AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT WITH THE PRE -QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS ON A PER -PROJECT BASIS
IN THE FUTURE AND TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT
AS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR ANY FUTURE PROJECTS OR TASKS TO BE
COMPLETED BY SAID CONSULTANTS
7. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR ON -CALL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT STAFF AND PLAN CHECK SERVICES:
Community Development.
APPROVED THE FOLLOWING EIGHT (8) ON -CALL CONSULTANTS AND CORRESPONDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS (PSA) FOR A TWO (2) YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2024 WITH THE TWO OPTIONAL EXTENDED TERMS City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 9
OF ONE YEAR FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S BUILDING & SAFETY, AND PLANNING DIVISIONS, AS WELL AS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AS FOLLOWS: CIR, INC., CSG CONSULTANTS, INC., INTERWEST CONSULTING GROUP, INC., JASON ADDISON SMITH CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. (DBA: JAS PACIFIC), SAGECREST + ENVIRONMENTAL, SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES, INC., WILLDAN ENGINEERING', AND THE CODE GROUP, INC. (DBA: VCA CODE)
8. APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH F.M. THOMAS AIR CONDITIONING, INC. FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE SERVICES: Public Works. 1) APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH F.M. THOMAS AIR CONDITIONING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,912, ANNUALLY FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM FROM JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE
AGREEMENT
9. APPROVED ASSIGNMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR RIO HONDO GOLF CLUB LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND FIRST AMENDMENT: Parks & Recreation.
1) APPROVED ASSIGNMENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FROM SATSUMA LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE TO BRIGHTVIEW GOLF MAINTENANCE; AND,
2) APPROVED AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT TO INCREASE ANNUAL COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES BY THE AMOUNT OF $168,420 FOR THE REMAINING
TERM OF THE AGREEMENT
10. REVIEWED ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2023) AND RENEWAL OF ORDINANCE 22-1484 AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY (PURSUANT TO AB 481): Police. 1) APPROVED THE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2023); 2) REVIEWED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY (DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY 706); AND,
3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8247, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 ("MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY ORDINANCE")
11. APPROVED AGREEMENTS FOR TRANSITION OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN: Human Resources.
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY
AGREEMENTS TO TRANSFER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S RETIREMENT
HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN TO VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
12. APPROVED OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND NATIONAL VETERANS TRANSITION SERVICES, INC. (AKA REBOOT) FOR THE OPERATION OF THE CENTER FOR MILITARY VETERAN REINTEGRATION (CMVR):
Administration.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting June 25, 2024 10
APPROVED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND NATIONAL VETERANS TRANSITION SERVICES, INC. (AKA REBOOT) FOR
THE OPERATION OF THE CENTER FOR MILITARY VETERANS REINTEGRATION (CMVR) THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025
13. ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS APPROVING ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR ASSESSMENTS WITHIN LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL LEVY:
Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8248, APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR
ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025; AND,
2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8249, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND
COLLECT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT, ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 121, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024- 2025; AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JULY 23, 2024 ON THE PROPOSED
ASSESSMENTS
14. ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THREE (3) COUNCIL SEATS FOR DISTRICTS 1, 3, AND 5: City Clerk. 1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8250, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 FOR THE
ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY CHARTER;
2) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8251, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE THE CITY'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE; AND,
3) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8252, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO
THE VOTERS AT A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
15. ADOPTED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE FINANCE DEPARTMENT RECORDS: Finance.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8253, APPROVING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
16. ADOPTED RESOLUTION REGARDING MANDATED FIRE/LIFE SAFETY INSPECTION COMPLIANCE: Fire.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8254, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT MADE
BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF THE DOWNEY FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE ANNUAL INSPECTIONS OF CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
17. APPROVED OF STREET CLOSURE REQUEST — CITY OF DOWNEY'S 11T" ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT: Police.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 11
APPROVED A STREET CLOSURE AT THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AND 3RD STREET FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S 11T" ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024
18. APPROVED STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE FIRECRACKER FESTIVAL AND LIGHT PARADE EVENT: Administration.
APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024 FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 12:00 A.M. TO ACCOMMODATE THE "FIRECRACKER FESTIVAL AND LIGHT PARADE" TAKING PLACE FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.
19. APPROVED AMENDMENT TO FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION FUNDING PROGRAM: Economic Development.
APPROVED THE AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION FUNDING PROGRAM, ADDING THE 10-20 CLUB WITH AN ALLOCATION OF $31,500
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
As previously stated, City Manager Bradley announced Item No.. 24 would be pulled by staff, and item No. 22, was pulled at the request of Council Member Frometa to allow the two Council Members absent to participate in the discussion.
20. ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER REVIEW AD HOC COMMITTEE: City Clerk/City Attorney.
DISCUSSED WHETHER TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REVIEWING THE DOWNEY CITY CHARTER FOR ANY POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS THAT,
IF APPROVED BY THE FULL CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION BY DOWNEY VOTERS, WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS FOR THAT PURPOSE AT THE NOVEMBER 2024
ELECTION OR A SUBSEQUENT STATEWIDE ELECTION
City Attorney Funk provided the staff report for Item No. 20, regarding the creation of a Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee comprised of two Council Members. He described the City Charter as Downey's foundational governing document which can only be amended by a vote of the residents rather than on administrative action by the Council. He explained that the role of a Charter Review Committee is to study potential amendments and provide recommendations to the entire City Council. If the majority of the Council supports the proposed amendments, they would then be placed on a ballot for voter approval. City Attorney Funk noted that the Downey City Charter has come before voters for amendment 14 times, most recently in 2014 and 2008. The proposed ad hoc committee would be temporary and would serve only the specific purpose of evaluating charter changes. The committee would consist of two Council Members, who would review potential modifications and present their findings to the entire Council at a designated time. He also clarified that Charter amendments may only be voted on during a statewide election, meaning that the next available opportunity would be November 2024, with the following election not occurring until 2026. If the Council chooses to form the ad hoc committee and pursue a ballot measure for the November 2024 election, the committee would need to operate on an accelerated timeline to meet state -mandated deadlines.
Council Member Frometa commented about the importance of a careful and deliberate approach when considering amendments to the City Charter, given that it serves as Downey's foundational governing document. She acknowledged the timeline constraints for placing amendments on the November 2024 ballot and would not rush any decisions simply to meet that deadline. She reiterated the Council's previous discussions about the need to review the Charter and identify areas that may benefit from updates. Given the complexity and significance of potential changes, she assured that the review would be meticulous and thorough, rather than driven by an immediate deadline. She also acknowledged City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 12
that if changes were not finalized in time for the November 2024 election, the next available opportunity would be June 2026, allowing additional time for careful evaluation. She expressed a desire to move forward with the process and initiate discussions, signaling support for the formation of the Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee to begin its work.
Council Member Ortiz agreed with the previous remarks, emphasizing that forming an Ad Hoc committee and attempting to discuss and finalize potential Charter amendments within a month would be too rushed. He highlighted the significance of the City Charter, noting that any amendments could dramatically impact how the City is governed and perceived. While acknowledging that there may be areas in need of revision, he stressed the importance of taking the necessary time to thoroughly evaluate any proposed changes. Council Member Ortiz supported the idea of delaying potential amendments until the June 2026 election, considering it a more reasonable and appropriate timeline for conducting a careful and thoughtful review.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa nominated Council Member Frometa to lead the Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee.
Council Member Frometa nominated Mayor Pro Tern Sosa to serve as part of the Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 3-0, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to approve the creation of a Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee and appoint Council Member Frometa and Mayor Pro Tern Sosa to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
21. APPROVAL OF THE DOWNEY FORWARD - 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN: Administration.
APPROVED THE DOWNEY 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN, GOALS, STRATEGIC PRIORITIES,
AND ACTIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Marlon Ramirez presented the staff report for Item No. 21. He presented a detailed overview of the Downey Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive five-year roadmap designed to guide the City's policies, future development, and resource allocation. He shared the strategic planning process began in January 2024 and has evolved over the last six months through a highly collaborative effort between the City Council, Department leadership, and the Downey community. The City launched an extensive public engagement campaign which included a combination of digital outreach through social media ads, email campaigns, and website updates, as well as physical outreach efforts, such as posters placed at key City facilities including City Hall, the City Library, Columbia Memorial Space Center, and the Barbara J. Reilly Center. The City also made in -person announcements at various public meetings to encourage residents to participate in the planning process. Additionally, the City's consultant, MIG, facilitated information booths at major community events, including Bunny Patch, Art Walk, and the Night Market, gathering feedback from over 620 residents who attended these events.
The primary tool for public input was a community questionnaire, which received 688 responses from residents, business owners, and local leaders, alongside 180 responses from City staff. The Strategic Plan framework is composed of several key elements: community vision and values, mission, goals, strategic priorities, and specific actions. The community vision and values were directly shaped by the input gathered through the public engagement process, with seven core vision and value statements that outline the principles and priorities guiding Downey's future. The plan is structured around the five overarching goals, which were selected to guide the strategic priorities and actions at the Goal Setting and Strategic Workshop held in February 2024. These five goals have proven successful to maintain the City's financial stability, enhancing economic growth, improving internal processes, improving quality of life and safety, infrastructure, and increasing community engagement.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 13
Assistant to the City Manager Ramirez stated that there is a total of 16 specific strategic priorities and a total of 101 actions that were identified through the engagement process.
The strategic priorities are a means for accomplishing the five overarching goals and help organize the actions within each goal area. In total 21 actions were identified by the City Council, and seven actions were identified through the Community Questionnaire. These actions are further organized within an implementation matrix, which is included in the plan's appendix. The matrix outlines Department responsibilities and assigns a projected timeline for each action, categorizing them into short-term (one year), medium -term (two to three years), and long-term (three to five, years) objectives. He stated that the strategic plan highlights the entire process that was undertaken and, in the future, will serve as a document that reflects the City's current status in 2024. Once formally adopted by the Council, the strategic plan will be made publicly accessible via the City's official website. Additionally, the City is developing a printed brochure that will summarize key elements of the plan. This brochure will be distributed at public facilities and will include a QR code that allows residents to access the full strategic plan digitally. To maintain transparency and ongoing engagement, the Council and community will receive quarterly updates to track the plan's progress and ensure that objectives are being met. These updates will provide insight into which actions have been completed, which are in progress, and any necessary modifications to the original plan. He thanked City Council, Department Heads and staff, the strategic planning team, City Manger Bradley, Assistant City Manager De Rojas, MIG, the residents and business owners that contributed to the plan, and Public Information Coordinator Axel Perez. He added that this was the City's first comprehensive City -Wide strategic plan and wanted to ensure City Council reviewed it before it was released to the public.
Council Member Frometa began by expressing her gratitude to Assistant to the City Manager Ramirez, City Manager Bradley, and City staff for their efforts in developing the Downey Forward 2030 Strategic Plan. She emphasized that while the City Council works collaboratively to define priorities, it is essential for successful cities like Downey to have a roadmap for the City's future. She acknowledged that while the City already has an established foundation, this plan provides a clear vision for the future, particularly as the City experiences transitions in leadership and management. She highlighted the importance of strategy and that great cities do not happen by chance but are built through careful and deliberate efforts. She recognized the significant time and dedication from City staff in preparing the strategic plan, commending their commitment to ensuring Downey's continued progress. She shared her optimism and confidence in the City's future, and looks forward to seeing Downey continue to grow and prosper.
Council Member Ortiz echoed the appreciation expressed by his colleagues, reflecting on his experience participating in the strategic planning process for the first time. He recalled the initial discussions when the Council began developing the plan and emphasized how valuable it was to see that all Council Members shared a unified vision for the future of Downey. Council Member Ortiz expressed gratitude to City Manager Roger Bradley, City staff, and his fellow Council Members for their collaboration and hard work in shaping the plan. He noted that one of the most significant aspects of the process was having the City's collective goals and aspirations clearly documented, providing a tangible roadmap for its future.
Council Member Frometa commented that even though the Council might have a difference of opinion, the Council will align and share a similar vision for the community.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa expressed his full agreement with his colleagues' remarks and extended his gratitude to City staff, City Manager Bradley, and everyone involved in developing the Downey Forward 2030 Strategic Plan. He emphasized that the strategic plan is a significant and positive step forward for the City, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that went into its creation.
City Manager Roger Bradley took a moment to express his appreciation for Assistant to the City Manager Marlon Ramirez, acknowledging the significant effort and dedication he contributed in developing the Downey Forward 2030 Strategic Plan. City Manager Bradley highlighted that Mr. Ramirez played a key role behind the scenes, working tirelessly to bring the plan together.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 14
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 3-0, with Council Member Pemberton and Mayor Trujillo absent, to approve the 2030 Strategic Plan goals, strategic priorities, and actions.
22. DISCUSSION ON THE PRIORITIZATION OF ARTERIAL ROAD PAVING: Public Works.
DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF ON THE PRIORITIZATION OF ARTERIAL ROAD PAVING.
Director Matthew Baumgardner provided the staff report for Item No. 22. He provided a comprehensive report on the prioritization of arterial road paving in Downey, outlining the City's road network, funding sources, ongoing projects, and future paving plans. He began by detailing that Downey maintains 214 miles of streets, categorized into residential, arterial, and collector roads, along with 11 miles of alleys. The City funds road paving through a combination of County, State, and Federal sources, including Measures M & R, Proposition C, and Senate Bill 1, receiving approximately$13 million annually.
These funds must be allocated across multiple infrastructure projects, including pavement repairs, sidewalk improvements, alley repaving, and traffic safety enhancements such as traffic signal upgrades, crosswalks, and stop sign installations. Additionally, the City leverages Federal and State grants, primarily HSIP grants for safety improvements, including the installation of raised medians. In 2021, the City Council approved a $30.5 million bond to accelerate residential paving efforts, significantly advancing the City's 10-year street repair plan. Director Baumgardner provided an update on residential paving efforts, explaining that two-thirds of the City's roads have been repaved over the past decade. A large portion of these improvements has been made in the last two to three years, particularly through the 10- year residential paving program launched in 2021. This program was based on a pavement management analysis that divided Downey into 10 geographical areas, allowing for a systematic approach to repaving.
With $21 million spent in the last two years, the City has completed 66 miles of residential streets. Work is ongoing in areas 5 and 7, which began in July 2024, with area 3 scheduled for completion soon. By summer 2025, the City plans to initiate work in area 6. To protect long-term investments, a slurry seal program is planned for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, helping to maintain newly paved streets and extend their lifespan. Turning to arterial road paving, Director Baumgardner outlined the five major arterial road segments currently included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City prioritizes arterial repaving using Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings, which are assessed every three years. The PCI measures road conditions based on factors such as cracking, surface deterioration, and rideability, with ratings below 50 indicating poor conditions, while ratings above 60 are considered fair. Additional factors influencing prioritization include permitting requirements from agencies like Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad, as well as the need for underground utility repairs before paving can begin.
Council Member Ortiz asked for clarification regarding the PCI reading and how much the points a street will drop in a 3-year period. Director Baumgardner clarified that a street can drop as much as 5 points in a year period depending the type of traffic that is passing through. Woodruff Avenue is currently the highest priority, with 1.7 miles of pavement rehabilitation already out for bid. The Downey Avenue project, which includes both water system improvements and repaving, is in the final design phase and scheduled for completion by June 2025. However, permitting issues with Union Pacific Railroad slightly complicate the timeline. Bellflower Blvd., another major arterial in need of repair, is currently 60% designed and could be prioritized over Downey Ave. if the Council chooses to adjust project schedules.
Bellflower Blvd. requires significant permitting from Caltrans due to its proximity to the 105 Freeway ramps, which could delay its timeline. If accelerated, Bellflower Blvd. could be completed by Fall 2025, pushing Downey Ave. completion to June 2026.
Director Baumgardner highlighted rising costs as a major challenge, noting that the price of residential paving has increased by 60% over the last decade, now averaging $480,000 per mile. Arterial paving is significantly more expensive, costing between $2 million and $3 million per mile due to wider roads, thicker pavement layers, and additional infrastructure needs. Rising concrete costs for sidewalks and competing demands for funds used on alley repairs and traffic safety improvements further City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 15
complicate financial planning. For Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the City has $22.6 million budgeted for street improvements, including $14 million carried over from the current year. This funding will cover residential paving in areas 3, 5, and 7 (25 miles), arterial paving on Woodruff and Downey Avenue (5 miles), and
1.5 miles of alley paving. Additional projects include annual concrete repair programs and traffic safety initiatives. Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the City will have $13 million available, with Bellflower Blvd. scheduled for repaving along with the completion of residential paving in area 6. Director Baumgardner commented that the City's long-term arterial paving plans. Woodruff Ave. (1.7 miles) and Downey Ave. (3.9 miles) are expected to be completed in Fiscal Year 2024-2025. However, there is not enough funding to complete both Downey Ave. and Bellflower Blvd. in the same Fiscal Year, meaning one will need to be pushed to Fiscal Year 2025-2026. If Bellflower Blvd. is accelerated, it will be completed by September 2025, delaying Downey Ave. until June 2026. Additional arterial projects include Imperial Hwy. (3.4 miles) and Lakewood Blvd. (4.5 miles), both of which require extensive water system upgrades before paving can begin. These projects are scheduled for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28. Director Baumgardner stated that funding constraints and external permitting challenges play a critical role in project scheduling. He assured the Council that staff is actively working to secure additional funding and streamline approvals to complete these improvements as efficiently as possible.
Council Member Frometa began by thanking Director Baumgardner for his report and sought clarification on the extent of the Downey Ave. reconstruction project, noting that the Council had previously prioritized it in 2023. She asked for confirmation on where the project begins and ends, particularly in comparison to the Bellflower Blvd. project. She acknowledged that while Bellflower Blvd. covers 1.6 miles from the City center past the 105 Freeway to Lakewood Blvd., the Council had previously identified a longer stretch of Downey Ave. in worse condition as a priority. Director Baumgardner explained that while Bellflower has a lower PCI rating overall, the length of severely deteriorated pavement on Downey Ave. is nearly doubled that of Bellflower Blvd., with 1.3 miles in poor condition compared to just 0.7 miles on Bellflower Blvd. He noted that much of the deterioration on Downey Ave. is concentrated in the heavily trafficked Downtown area, reinforcing why the Council initially prioritized it in 2023.
Council Member Frometa agreed, recalling that the Council's focus on revitalizing the Downtown Corridor played a key role in prioritizing Downey Ave.'s reconstruction.
Council Member Ortiz inquired about the PCI rating and its impact on road maintenance decisions. He sought clarification on when a road requires a full reconstruction versus a simple overlay.
In response, Director Baumgardner explained that streets with a PCI above 60 generally qualify for an overlay, which involves removing the top two inches of pavement and repaving the surface. However, when the PCI falls into the 50s or lower, the damage is more severe, requiring a full reconstruction. This process involves removing not only the pavement but also the underlying soil, which must be stabilized and compacted before a new road section is installed, making it significantly more expensive. Director Baumgardner emphasized the importance of a slurry seal program, which helps extend the lifespan of roads and reduce the need for costly reconstructions by allowing periodic overlays instead.
Council Member Ortiz then asked whether delaying the Downey Ave. project in favor of Bellflower Blvd. would significantly affect its condition, to which Director Baumgardner responded that the difference between a PCI of 45 and 50 is minimal both indicate a poor condition requiring full reconstruction, meaning pushing Downey Ave. back would not drastically change its status.
Council Member Ortiz stated his intent to propose a motion to reprioritize Bellflower Blvd. as the second -highest priority project, moving Downey Ave. to follow afterward.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa expressed his preference for maintaining the current prioritization of Downey Ave. ahead of Bellflower Blvd., emphasizing that there were valid reasons for its initial ranking.
He pointed out that Downey Ave. requires a less complex permitting process, whereas Bellflower Blvd. involves more extensive approvals, particularly from Caltrans due to its proximity to freeway ramps.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — June 25, 2024 16
Mayor Pro Tenn Sosm asked for confirmation regarding the extent of road damage on Downey Ave. compared to Bellflower Blvd., suggesting that more significant repairs would be needed.
Director Baumgardner explained that OOvvnoy Av8.'s 3.9-nni|e stretch has a mix of oondiUuns, meaning that while some sections may qualify for basic overlay nmpoirS, others may deteriorate further and require full nacOnStruntion, which would iDCnegee costs over time. Given this information and the challenges associated with Be||f|ovverB|vd.'s permitting process, Mayor Pro Tern Soaoneiter@ted his support for keeping Downey Ave. osthe higher priority project.
It was moved by Council N1onnber FrVnneto, seconded by Mayor Pro Tenn 8osa, with Council Member Pennb8h0D and Mayor Trujillo 8bSent, and carried 3'0. to have staff proceed with current schedule ofArterial Road Paving.
MayorProTern 8ose adjourned the Regular City Council meeting ad0:45 pm. in memory of Firefighter Andrew Pontious, a 19-vear veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who was killed while onduty inanexplosion; and Jinn March, former Fire Engineer, 24-yearveteran ofthe Downey Fire Department.
9 ('� 1--)
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
City Council Minutes