MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2024
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting — Open Session on December 12, 2024 at 6:33 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 former Mayor Rick Rodriguez. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lucas and Joshua Sosa.
WELCOME
Mayor Trujillo welcomed the audience to the City Council meeting. He acknowledged former Mayors and Council Members; Commission and Board Members; Representatives from local Legislative Offices, Elected Officials from surrounding cities; and, community members in attendance.
PRESENTATIONS
1. FINAL ADDRESS BY MAYOR TRUJILLO
Mayor Trujillo delivered his outgoing remarks, emphasizing that the City's achievements over the past year were the result of teamwork and collaboration among the Council and staff. He thanked his husband, campaign manager Hans Fritz, supporters, volunteers, and friends for their guidance and encouragement throughout his term as Mayor. He reflected on his 31 years of public service and his decision to run for office after retirement, acknowledging the challenges and criticisms he faced but affirming his commitment to Downey. He highlighted the "Trujillo BRASS Plan" (Broadband, Residential streets, Alleys, Sidewalks, and Streetlights), which included the City's largest -ever residential street investment, alley and sidewalk improvements, and public safety initiatives. He pointed to proactive Code Enforcement, homelessness partnerships with the District Attorney's Office and County agencies, the launch of the Pulse of Life program for domestic violence victims, exploration of Alzheimer's tracking bracelets, and efforts to enhance quality of life through cultural events such as the double-decker bus City Council Minutes
Special Meeting — December 12, 2024
tours. Mayor Trujillo expressed pride in preserving Downey's aerospace and cultural history, supporting the YMCA and Columbia Memorial Space Center expansion, and creating opportunities for community enrichment. He spoke about the importance of inclusivity and public safety for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ youth, and thanked the Council for supporting the Pride Festival. He closed by reaffirming his focus on public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life, and congratulated Mayor Hector Sosa on his appointment, praising his leadership and dedication.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR TRUJILLO
Former District Attorney George Cascon acknowledged former Mayor Trujillo and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Council Member Monica Manala, City of Artesia, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Challenge Coin to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Mayor Emma Sharif, City of Compton, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Certificate of Honor to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Council Member Juan Munoz Guevara, City of Lynwood, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Proclamation to commemorate his service as Mayor.
President of Cerritos Board of Trustees Jose Fierro and Board Member Mariana Pacheco, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Vice President of the Downey Unified School District Board of Education Linda Saldana, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a plaque to commemorate his service as Mayor.
District Representative Karla Caceres, on behalf of State Senator Bob Archuleta, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Field Representative Genesis Pompa, on behalf of Assembly Woman Blanca Pacheco, acknowledged Mayor Trujillo and presented a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate his service as Mayor.
Outgoing Mayor Trujillo received certificates of appreciation in recognition of his Mayoral Year from the Cities of Cerritos, Lakewood; and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
Mayor Pro Tern Sosa presented outgoing Mayor Trujillo with a gavel plaque, a Past Mayor's Pin, and the Mayor's Scrap Book.
3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE TO MAYOR SOSA
City of Downey Fire Chief Dan Hurlock administered the Oath of Office to incoming Mayor Sosa.
4. MAYOR SOSA'S INCOMING MAYORAL ADDRESS
Mayor Sosa expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends, colleagues, community members, and law enforcement for their support. He reflected on his upbringing in Downey, acknowledged the City's unique history and culture, and praised the dedication of volunteers and service organizations that contribute to the community. He honored retiring Fire Chief Dan Hurlock, thanked Downey PD, and highlighted the importance of local schools and youth programs in keeping children engaged and supported. He outlined his mayoral priorities, including public safety through hiring additional police officers and launching a home security rebate program, addressing homelessness, supporting veterans and youth, strengthening partnerships with nonprofits and schools, and enhancing economic development through business support, internships, and marketing campaigns. He emphasized quality City Council Minutes
Special Meeting — December 12, 2024 2
of life initiatives such as residential street lighting, bus shelter upgrades, tree giveaways, cultural events, and recognition awards for residents and businesses. Mayor Sosa highlighted legacy projects including the Southeast Gateway Line station in Downey and the Columbia Memorial Space Center expansion with STEM programming and the Space Shuttle Inspiration display. He stressed fiscal responsibility, noting Downey's record of balanced budgets and financial awards, and reaffirmed his commitment to public engagement through Mayor videos, Town Halls, and community recognition. He closed by dedicating his mayoral year to his late father, Cesar Sosa Sr., pledging to serve the community with accessibility, integrity, and dedication.
Council Member Trujillo recognized the presence of former Mayors Kirk Cartozian, Fernando Vazquez, and Mario Guerra, as well as Lakewood Council Member David Arellano, thanking them for attending Mayor Sosa's swearing -in ceremony.
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Mayor Sosa recessed the City Council meeting at 8:06 p.m. Mayor Sosa reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:49 p.m. with Council Member Frometa absent.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley congratulated Mayor Sosa and Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton on their appointments. He expressed appreciation for working with Council Member Trujillo over the past year, and extended holiday greetings to all.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Special Meeting Agenda. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comments were received.
Mayor Sosa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Special Meeting Agenda items.
Jeannie Wood, resident, thanked the City Council for all the work they have done in the City.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the 50th anniversary of the Purple Heart Medal and presented Mayor Sosa with a picture of the Purple Heart Medal.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa, to close public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Special City Council Meeting — Open Session at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Firefighter Conner Lees, 29, of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who lost his life in a diving accident in Long Beach while off -duty; and, Captain Michael H. Mercado, a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who lost his life due to medical complications. 4A"A LICI"AD IJART�EC,
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting — December 12, 2024
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HECTOR OSA
Mayor
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