MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Closed Session on August 13, 2024, at 5:31 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
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
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
(excused)
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. Mayor Trujillo asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session items.
Having no one else, 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)(2) - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential case).
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 No. 1, by unanimous ratification, the City Council approved the appointment of an Economic Development Director, Austin Ramirez.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on August 13, 2024, at 6:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Mario Trujillo presiding.
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Regular Meeting - August 13, 2024 1
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
Monica Ortiz, Recreation Manager
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
(excused)
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Michael Gutierrez from Redeemer Covenant Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 441.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Pemberton shared that August 7 is Purple Heart Day, which honors veterans wounded or killed in combat. She explained that while Memorial Day honors the fallen and Veterans Day honors surviving service members, Purple Heart Day recognizes those who were wounded in action and continue to struggle. She acknowledged Corporal A. Honrath from the Downey Police Department, a Purple Heart recipient injured in Iraq in 2007, and thanked him for his service. She also thanked City Manager Bradley and Assistant City Manager De Rojas for taking steps to designate Downey as a Purple Heart City. Council Member Pemberton reported attending the Downey Fire Department graduation and skills demonstration made comments regarding the physical demands of firefighting, citing that the uniform and tank weigh 70 pounds. The event included a pin ceremony at Fire Station 1 and she encouraged firefighter recruitment. She noted that Concerts in the Park had concluded with a Downey Symphony performance and the traditional "passing of the baton," where children conducted the orchestra. She thanked Parks and Recreation Director Chacon and his staff for their work and cleanup efforts. Council Member Pemberton also highlighted National Night Out, praising all departments and K- 9 units, and noted the Kiwanis Car Show, which featured Jay Leno and helped raise funds for the Downey YMCA. She mentioned a successful Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) backpack distribution at Golden Park, where over 500 backpacks were distributed, with remaining supplies donated to Downey Unified School District (DUSD). She thanked all volunteers, including the Police Department's grilling crew, and the Rose Float Association. She attended LA CADA's Pride event and the monthly Vector Control Board meeting, where it was reported that only 22 cases of West Nile Virus were detected this season, compared to 36 from last year, with human cases reported. She thanked the Police Department for increased visibility in neighborhoods and requested that officers continue patrolling residential areas. She thanked Public Works for replacing the stolen Bob's Big Boy plaque. She stated that street paving is underway in District 3, including areas near 5th St., La Reina Ave., and Western Ave., with alleys to be addressed next. She thanked Public Works Director Baumgardner for immediate improvements at Treasure Island Park, and Code Enforcement, especially Officer Garcia, for rapid response to a complaint. She announced an upcoming tour of SEAACA to assess animal welfare needs. Council Member Pemberton requested that Public Works inspect and repaint distorted City Council Minutes
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"STOP" markings on Suva St. near several school intersections (Wiley Burke Ave., Horley Ave., and Tweedy Ln.) in time for school reopening. She also noted that Old River School Rd. near Bob's Big Boy had been cleaned of long -parked vehicles and that street sweeping was now possible. She visited Rivergrove Dr. and requested that letters be sent to residents regarding abandoned vehicles, trailers, and overgrown vegetation, citing the need to maintain code compliance and emergency access. She requested clarification on curb painting solicitations, noting that while one company obtained the proper permit, another may be operating without one. She asked the City Manager Bradley to verify the permit status and inform residents of the appropriate protocol.
Council Member Ortiz highlighted the successful movie night at Golden Park and thanked Parks and Recreation Director Chacon for organizing the event. He requested to hold a Lemonade Day in partnership with the Downey Chamber of Commerce to promote youth entrepreneurship. Council Member Ortiz inquired about the timeline for an upcoming report related to a recent gubernatorial directive and when that would be made available to Council. He asked for an update on the hiring of a Homeless Solutions Coordinator. He concluded by wishing Mayor Trujillo a happy birthday.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience. She thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation for organizing all of the summer events. She expressed gratitude for events such as the Concerts in the Park, National Night Out, and the Gangs Out of Downey annual event, highlighting that over 750 backpacks were distributed and more than 1,000 hot dogs were served. She acknowledged Rocket Fever and thanked Director Dickow for fostering children's interest in science and space. Reflecting on the recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake, she reminded residents of the importance of being prepared, encouraging them to follow Red Cross guidelines and participate in the City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. She acknowledged Planning Commissioner Carrie Uva for her involvement in both CERT and Neighborhood Watch. Council Member Frometa discussed a recent state mandate by Governor Newsom requiring cities to address homeless encampments and shared that the County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed that homelessness should not be criminalized. She emphasized that while Downey agrees with this, the City will now take a more proactive approach, particularly when unhoused individuals decline services. She requested that officers be present at school pickup and drop-off zones during the first week of school to address traffic congestion and safety concerns. She then wished Mayor Trujillo a happy birthday.
Mayor Trujillo welcomed the audience and shared that Downey Pride weekend was a great success, beginning with a sold -out show at the Downey Theatre featuring Mario Aguilar and continuing with Saturday's festival, which drew over 5,000 attendees. He thanked the community for keeping the event family -friendly and highlighted performances by a Depeche Mode cover band led by Downey resident Freddie Morales, as well as appearances by DJ Irene and Lorena Herrera. He thanked LA CADA and his Council colleagues for supporting the event and affirmed that Downey is a welcoming and inclusive City. He shared that the organizers of Long Beach Pride expressed interest in partnering as a sister pride, though he wants to keep the event focused in Downey. He requested a future agenda item to consider a Sister City relationship with El Grullo, Jalisco, and asked to schedule a delegation visit on September 10, noting that both he and Council Member Ortiz have family roots in Jalisco. Mayor Trujillo briefly addressed Trader Joe's and that staff explore a historical double-decker bus tour of the City. He asked staff to explore a fee waiver program for veterans with limited income, particularly those starting new businesses. He congratulated Council Member Ortiz on running unopposed and recognized his dedication to District 1, which includes areas most affected by homelessness and freeway -adjacent pollution. He reiterated that Downey is bordered by four freeways and that state representatives should prioritize the city in environmental policy. Mayor Trujillo proposed that Downey take the lead in working with California Contract Cities to explore expanding enforcement under California Health & Safety Code §11550. He emphasized that it takes on average 18 attempts for services to be accepted by an unhoused individual, which is costly and ineffective. He referenced Senator Susan Eggman's addition of "disability" to the law and suggested that with this change, cities should be allowed to transport individuals to receive services. He noted that improvements
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in District 1, including the removal of trailers and RVs from Woodruff Ave. and Walmart, and thanked Public Works staff for completing a crosswalk installation near Unsworth Elementary following an incident.
Council Member Frometa requested that the City place a plague to commemorate the planting of the Tree of Kindness by the students from Doty Middle School.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley provided updates on several operational items. He stated that staff will look into the striping around stop signs on Suva St. near the schools, noting, He discussed street sweeping issues on Old River School Rd, confirming that staff addressed the issues. Regarding River Grove, he shared that the Fire Department had recently visited the area and found access issues due to parked cars. He said the City will work with residents to move vehicles and follow up with a letter. He acknowledged that Downey Police Department is already working to have officers near schools to manage traffic as patterns shift with the school year starting, and confirmed the City would continue supporting that effort. City Manager Bradley asked for a second from the Council on the proposal to waive fees for veterans; and he said staff would bring back options for consideration. Regarding the proposal to expand enforcement under Section 11550, he stated that staff would consult with federal and state lobbyists and prepare a package to potentially build a coalition with Contract Cities, pending council direction. Council Member Frometa noted the County Board of Supervisors had indicated they would be working with the 88 cities in L.A. County on related issues. He confirmed staff would look into the request for a plaque at the library and return with information on how to proceed. City Manager Bradley mentioned the City's continued efforts to provide services and clear encampments and noted that legal changes were needed to comply with a new Supreme Court decision and that a report on the matter would be brought to Council for discussion and action.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Excellence Award presented to PTA H.E.L.P.S.
2. Mayor's Excellence Award presented to Irene Mejia Gutierrez a.k.a. DJ Irene.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Bradley read the requested future agenda item by Mayor Pro Tern Sosa for staff to reach out to Los Angeles County to inquire about subsidizing the costs incurred by the City of Downey, including police officer pay and expenses related to Ocean Blue, for their efforts in clearing homeless encampments on County property.
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 comments were received.
Goldie Plotkin, nonresident, commented against a cease fire resolution.
Sigalit Davis, nonresident, commented against a cease fire resolution.
Manuel Castro, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
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Regular Meeting — August 13, 2024 4
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 4- 0, with Mayor Pro Tem Sosa absent, 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.
Speak No. 1, no name provided, commented regarding the concept of economic rent, criticizing excessive government spending and its impact on economic inequality.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion.
Lee Squire, resident, commented against AB1955.
B.C., resident, commented against AB1955 and Proposition 36.
Dave Bowers, resident, commented against the City applying for federal funds.
Speaker, no name provided, discussed the topic of abortion except in case of rape.
John Lacey, resident, thanked the Downey Fire and Police Departments for making the City safer.
Michelle Farina, resident, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
Speaker No. 8, no name provided, commented in support of a cease fire resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and so ordered by the Mayor to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Frometa abstained from Item No. 3 due to her job in the healthcare industry.
Mayor Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 6 and 7 due owning property in the Downtown area.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Sosa absent, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 380016 — 380701; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004426, 30004455, 30004460, 30004464, 30004469, 30004473, 30004477, 30004482, 30004486 & 30004490; EFT Nos. 13736 — 13805; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2547 — 2566, in the total amount of $15,450,942.91:
Finance.
2. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Police. 1) APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCING ON AUGUST 13, 2024, AND TERMINATING ON AUGUST 12, 2025; AND; 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
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3. CONTRACT WITH THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS UNDER THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CARE ACT (PEMHCA): Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8261, ELECTING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES' MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CARE ACT AT AN UNEQUAL AMOUNT FOR
EMPLOYEES AND ANNUITANTS WITH RESPECT TO A RECOGNIZED EMPLOYEE
ORGANIZATION
4. ADOPTED A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE NEGOTIATED EXCHANGE OF
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE RESULTING FROM THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY KNOWN AS REORGANIZATION 2021-03 TO THE ARTESIA CEMETERY DISTRICT, THE DOWNEY
CEMETERY DISTRICT, THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY DISTRICT, AND DETACHMENT FROM THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY DISTRICT: Parks & Recreation.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8262, APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE NEGOTIATED
EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUE RESULTING FROM THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY KNOW AS REORGANIZATION 2021-03 TO THE ARTESIA CEMETERY
DISTRICT, THE DOWNEY CEMETERY DISTRICT AND THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY
DISTRICT, AND DETACHMENT FROM THE LITTLE LAKE CEMETERY DISTRICT
5. DIRECTION TO CONDUCT BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
IDENTIFYING WHICH CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS: City Clerk/City Attorney.
DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK AND CITY ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT THE BIENNIAL REVIEW
OF THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
6. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Parks & Recreation.
APPROVED STREET CLOSURE FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL. DOWNEY AVENUE AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4T" STREET
• 3RD STREET @ NEW STREET
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK
7. STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT: Parks & Recreation.
APPROVED STREET CLOSURES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT FROM 10:00 AM ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024 TO 12:00 AM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 ALONG DOWNEY AVENUE AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4TH STREET
• 3RD STREET @ NEW STREET; AND,
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US
BANK ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
8. DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, OCTOBER 16-18, 2024 IN LONG City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 13, 2024 6
BEACH, CA: Administration.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8263, DESIGNATING A VOTING DELEGATE AND
ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, OCTOBER 16 - 18, 2024 IN LONG BEACH, CA
Assistant to the City Manager Ramirez presented an item regarding the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, scheduled to take place in Long Beach from October 16-
18. He noted that the General Assembly, held on October 18, includes voting delegates from cities statewide who vote on resolutions and help shape the League's policy platform.
Mayor Trujillo asked if Council had traditionally named the Mayor as the delegate and the Mayor Pro Tern as the alternate. Assistant City Manager Vaniah De Rojas confirmed that it was traditionally done that way but can change depending on the availability of Council Members.
Council Member Frometa made a motion, seconded by Mayor Trujillo and approved 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tern Sosa absent, to adopt the resolution and to designate Council Member Frometa as the primary delegate, Mayor Pro Tern Sosa as the alternate delegate, and Council Member Pemberton as the second alternate delegate.
9. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED CITY WIDE BUS SHELTER PHASE I INSTALLATION PLAN: Parks & Recreation.
DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED STAFF WITH DIRECTION REGARDING A PROPOSED MULTI-
YEAR CITY WIDE BUS SHELTER INSTALLATION PLAN
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chacon provided the presentation. He stated that back in February, the Council asked staff to look into the current layout of bus shelters throughout the City and return with options for a plan. He explained that staff reviewed a total of 185 bus stops in Downey. He shared that some bus stops in the City are used by multiple service providers including L.A. Metro, Long Beach Transit, Bellflower Transit, and Downey Link. Of the 185 shared stops, only 14 are Downey branded shelters. He described these as consistent shelters with a shade structure, bench, trash can, and the city logo and name. These branded shelters were installed starting in 2015, mostly during Capital Improvement Projects involving roads, sidewalks, ADA repairs, or monument work. Director Chacon stated that the shelters are concentrated mostly in the North side of the City. He added that over 125 shelters only have basic blue mesh benches and trash cans and that a smaller number of shelters feature partition seating or concrete benches with trash cans. Some Downey Link stops have only a sign or a sign with a trash can. He noted that many of these locations cannot accommodate Downey branded shelters due to space limitations or because the land is not City -owned. The Downey branded shelters are 16 feet long, 6 feet deep, and 14 feet high, requiring significant space to install, which many current locations lack.
Some existing stops are not ADA compatible and are single -use rather than shared. He introduced a proposed plan referred to as Phase One, which spans three years and includes the installation of four Downey branded shelters each year. Director Chacon explained that when the current shelters were built in 2015-2016, each one cost about $25,000 to $30,000. That cost has now doubled to approximately $50,000 per shelter, meaning that installing four shelters at a single intersection would cost about $200,000. The funding would come from Proposition A funds from L.A. County Metro, and the City has already submitted a request for $250,000, including a contingency. Year one would focus on one intersection with four shelters; year two would address another intersection, and year three would complete the first phase with two more shelters. Director Chacon stated that staff has identified 20 locations citywide that meet the size requirements for shelter installation. The recommendation for which intersections to prioritize was based on ridership data from L.A. Metro, which lists the top ten most -used bus stops in Downey. The top two stops are located at the Lakewood Blvd. Station above the 105 freeway, where Metro sees the highest volume of boarding and exits. The next most active locations are at the intersection of Lakewood Blvd. and Firestone Blvd. The final recommended location for Phase One is Lakewood Blvd. and Imperial Hwy., which falls lower on the ridership list but provides needed coverage in the southern portion of the City, where shelter infrastructure is currently lacking. He asked whether the City Council Minutes
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Council wanted to prioritize stops based on ridership data and need for shade or by location and aesthetics. He emphasized that the staff recommendation is to begin with the highest -ridership stops. The City has included this project in the 2024-25 budget and is waiting to hear back from L.A. County on the funding request. Director Chacon added that there is an eight -week manufacturing lead time for the shelters, followed by another six weeks for installation.
Council Member Frometa asked whether the existing bus shelter near the proposed bus stop near the In-N-Out belongs to the City and whether there are plans to upgrade or replace it. Director Chacon clarified that the bus shelter is owned by Stonewood Mall and that City staff is already working on a plan with Stonewood Mall management to get that bus stop redone.
Council Member Frometa asked whether, based on the budget, the City can only upgrade three bus shelters per year. Director Chacon clarified that staff plans to upgrade four annually for the first two years. He explained that Metro has typically funded projects up to $400,000 each, so requesting $4 million was ambitious. However, Metro understands the City has many outdated bus stops and a well -run transit system, so they are open to the request, and staff is expecting approval for the first phase soon.
Council Member Pemberton expressed concern that some bus stops, particularly those without any shade or shelter should be prioritized for improvements. She questioned the functionality of the current shelter design, pointing out that it appears too high to provide adequate shade, may not block rain, and lacks protective features like a backrest. She suggested exploring more practical, cost-effective shelter options, like a two-tier system with more basic, functional covers in less prominent areas, and branded structures along major roads. City Manager Bradley cautioned that adding more enclosure to bus shelters significantly increases costs, noting that in other communities, fully enclosed shelters have cost $100,000 or more each.
Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that some cities have moved away from installing the fully enclosed bus shelters due to graffiti and other maintenance issues.
Council Member Pemberton asked whether the upcoming Olympics might lead to more grant opportunities for public transportation. City Manager Bradley confirmed that the City is actively seeking additional funding and has already begun discussions with L.A. County and LA-28 about transportation needs related to the games.
It was moved by Mayor Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Frometa, and carried 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tern Sosa absent, to move forward with staff's recommendation to move forward with the bus shelter installation plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Trujillo adjourned the Regular City Council at 8:05 p.m. in memory of Homicide Bureau Sergeant Jason Viger, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who was killed in an off -duty single vehicle traffic collision in Santa Clarita.
A �ILIC�IADUARTE,
;
City Clerk
77"-
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
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