MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on September 10, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Trujillo presiding.
PRESENT:
ALSO PRESENT
Council Members:
Mario Trujillo
Hector Sosa
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Dorothy Pemberton
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
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
(excused)
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor David Beary, Downey Memorial Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 44.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa welcomed the audience to the meeting. He requested a traffic survey of the northbound and southbound turn lanes from Paramount Blvd. onto Orange Ave. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz. He requested a traffic speed survey on Downey Ave. between Stewart and Gray Rd. and Gardendale St. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz. He also suggested the City establish a formal policy regarding expenses for Sister Cities activities, noting the need for clear guidelines. The request was seconded by Mayor Trujillo.
Council Member Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She recognized September 11, 2001, as a day of remembrance for the terrorist attacks on America, honoring the victims and first responders. She noted that September 20 is POW/MIA Day, established in 1979 to honor American service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. She reported attending the South Gate State of the City event. She also learned about Interior Removal Specialist Demo, a South Gate business that recycles buildings piece by piece, and expressed interest in touring the facility and exploring potential collaboration for future Downey projects. Council Member Pemberton reported attending the Girls on Fire event at the Downey Library, where 50 middle and high school students participated in sessions focused on building confidence, skills, and engagement. She commended the Parks and Recreation staff and Assistant City Manager Vaniah De Rojas for coordinating the program.
She thanked the Fire Department for its response to a recent residential fire on Old River School Rd., where firefighters safely evacuated a bedridden resident and no injuries were reported. She also City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 10, 2024
recognized staff for opening cooling centers during the recent heat wave and for effective outreach through text, email, social media, and senior center communication. She announced the International Food and Music Festival on September 7 and encouraged residents to attend. She requested that Public Works consider installing a four-way stop at Ryerson Ave. and Benares St. due to address traffic conditions and blind spots.
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending both the Young Men Rise Up and Girls on Fire events, commending the youth who participated to gain tools for their future success. He thanked staff for assisting him in arranging a meeting between residents and City staff regarding concerns with the recently approved Prologis project. He requested staff review Spry St. and Cornuta Ave. near the trailer park in response to resident concerns about long-term vehicle parking and trash.
Mayor Trujillo requested an update on Rio San Gabriel Park, noting that a temporary fix had been budgeted but he wanted to know the status of permanent improvements. City Manager Bradley responded that the project is currently in environmental review and will move forward once that process is complete. Mayor Trujillo also raised the idea of providing pre -approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designs for residents, similar to other cities. Director Huitron explained that recent state legislation requires cities to adopt ADU-ready plans, and Downey's Building Division is already preparing to meet that requirement. She stated that the plans will be finalized and available by January 2025 through the Building Division website and at the public counter. Lastly, Mayor Trujillo asked if the City has an active relationship with the nonprofit organization Tree People to support the tree canopy program. City Manager Bradley confirmed that the City has worked with Tree People in the past and agreed to revisit and explore renewing that partnership.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley reported that the City is assessing the Police Department to review staffing levels and other departmental needs. He announced two upcoming community meetings for public input, one at the Columbia Memorial Space Center and another at the ARC Center on Woodruff Ave. The meetings will be led by Matrix Consulting, which is conducting the study. He also confirmed that staff will address the requested stop sign study, trash concerns on Cornuta Ave., and provided an update on Rio San Gabriel Park.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation in honor of Emergency Preparedness Month.
2. Mayor's Excellence Award to Emilio Sosa, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
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 one written public was received regarding SEEACA and the lack of resources and 7,355 written public comments were received in opposition of a cease fire resolution.
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 4- 0, with Council Member Frometa 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.
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Regular Meeting — September 10, 2024 2
John Paul Dreyer, commented in regards to the Central Water Basin Municipal Water District.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented in regards to the Union Rescue Mission and their efforts to help the homeless.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the September 11, terrorist attacks.
B.C., resident, commented in regards to non -profits and dissolving the Sister Cities program.
Andrew Anguiano, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Lisa Luna, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Michelle Peterson, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Speaker No. 8, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Speaker No. 9, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Speaker No. 10, commented in regards to the Downey Sister Cities Association.
Speaker No. 11, commented in regards to SEAACA and the lack of resources and lack of quality animal care and control.
Michelle Farina, 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 Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and so ordered by Mayor Trujillo, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 2 and 10, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Sosa, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Frometa absent, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 381081 — 381437; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004491, 30004495 — 30004497 & 30004499; EFT Nos. 13851 — 13889; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2576 — 2580, in the total amount of is $4,150,431.40: Finance.
2. APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 24-21: Public Works. 1) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO WILLIAMS PIPELINE CONTRACTORS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,339,210 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-21, AND,
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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 $1,800,000 APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DUNKEL BROS. MACHINERY MOVING, INC. FOR
RELOCATION SERVICES RELATED TO THE SPACE SHUTTLE INSPIRATION MOCK-UP, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21-31: Public Works.
1) APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DUNKEL BROS.
MACHINERY MOVING, INC. FOR RELOCATION SERVICES RELATED TO THE INSPIRATION SPACE SHUTTLE MOCK-UP; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY CHANGE
ORDERS OR AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $98,400
4. APPROVAL OF A SERVICE RENEWAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES TO THE FIRE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK: Fire.
APPROVED THE SERVICE AGREEEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOR SERVICE
AND UPGRADES TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY DISPATCH RADIO NETWORK HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2024, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $181,532
5. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT TO LEASE 12140 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE INSPIRATION MOCK-UP: Economic Development. 1) APPROVED A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY LAND LIMITED FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 FOR THE LEASE OF 12140 BELLFLOWER
BOULEVARD FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE INSPIRATION MOCK-UP FOR A TOTAL LEASE AMOUNT OF $96,000 ($48,000) PER YEAR; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE LEASE
AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENTS AS NECCASSARY
6. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SPECIALIZED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT SERVICES: Information Technology.
APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MICHAEL ALBELO, AN
INDIVIDUAL AND SOLE PROPRIETOR, FOR SPECIALIZED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING SERVICES, FOR A TERM BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2027, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $250,900
7. APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 84260 AND AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT 12020 RIVES AVENUE: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 24-8267, APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 84260 AND
AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBDIVISION
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
8. APPROVAL OF A LETTER OF RESPONSE TO THE EARTHQUAKE SAFETY READINESS GRAND JURY REPORT: Fire.
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1) APPROVED THE RESPONSE LETTER TO THE EARTHQUAKE SAFETY READINESS GRAND JURY REPORT;
2) AUTHORIZED THE FIRE CHIEF TO EXECUTE THE LETTER; AND, 3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
AMENDMENTS TO THE LETTER AS DEEMED NECESSARY
9. APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE 2024-2026 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION: Parks and Recreation.
APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF EIGHT APPLICANTS TO THE 2024-2025 DOWNEY
YOUTH COMMISSION
10. APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE DOWNEY CITY LIBRARY'S FOURTH ANNUAL BEYOND THE BOOK EVENT: Administration.
APPROVED STREET CLOSURES FOR THE DOWNEY CITY LIBRARY'S FOURTH ANNUAL BEYOND THE BOOK EVENT SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024, FROM 10:00 A.M. — 5:00 P.M., WITH STREET CLOSURES OCCURRING AT: CIVIC CENTER DRIVE AT 3RD STREET AND BROOKSHIRE AVENUE AT 2ND STREET
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Trujillo adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 7:32 p.m. in memory of Police Officer Austin Machitar, 30, a 5 Y2 - year Veteran of the San Diego Police Department, who died in a fiery vehicle crash following a pursuit; and, Christopher Birch, former Director of Human Resources in the City of Downey from February 8, 1988 to December 28, 2006. a
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City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 10, 2024
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
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