1 CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR
HECTOR SOSA
MAYOR PRO TEM
DOROTHY PEMBERTON
COUNCIL MEMBERS
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA
HORACIO ORTIZ
MARIO TRUJILLO
Notice regarding Public Comment: In order to ensure that limited English proficiency speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the City Council, the City of Downey will continue to follow Government Code Section 54954.3(b)(2) and provide limited English proficiency speakers double the allotted time to make their public comments utilizing a translator during public meetings of the City Council. All other speakers will be given the allotted 3-minute speaking time for public hearing and closed session items, and one 3-minute speaking time for agenda, consent calendar and non-agenda items established by the Downey Municipal Code. To request oral language interpretation at a City Council meeting contact the City Clerk's Office at (562) 904 -7280, 48-hours in advance of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Frometa, Ortiz, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Pemberton, Mayor Sosa
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
(Persons wishing to address the City Council on any item on the Closed Session Agenda items may do so at this time. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes).
RECESS TO A CLOSED SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL UNDER THE FOLLOWING AUTHORITIES:
1. Government Code Section 54956.95 – Liability Claim: Alesia Cookson v. City of Downey, Worker’s Compensation Claim No.: 13-117404.
2. Government Code Section 54956.95 – Liability Claim: Perry Miller v. City of Downey, Worker’s Compensation Claim No.: 22-165824; WCAB NO.: ADJ16484122.
3. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Adela Trevizo v. City of Downey et al. Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24NWCV01204.
RECONVENE AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION
CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Frometa, Ortiz, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Pemberton, Mayor Sosa
INVOCATION: Pastor David Beary, First Presbyterian Church of Downey
JANUARY 14, 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting
5:30 p.m. – Closed Session
6:30 p.m. – Open Session
Council Chambers
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
2 FLAG SALUTE: Boy Scout Troop 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS THE TRANSITION TO EITHER A FIVE
DISTRICT ELECTION SYSTEM OR A FOUR DISTRICT ELECTION SYSTEM WITH AN AT-LARGE ELECTED MAYOR City Attorney/City Clerk.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) CONDUCT THE INTRODUCTORY PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS THE
TRANSITION TO AN ELECTION SYSTEM CONSISTING OF EITHER FIVE INDIVIDUAL
DISTRICTS OR FOUR DISTRICTS PLUS AN AT-LARGE MAYORAL OFFICE, INCLUDING ANY PUBLIC INPUT; AND;
2) PROVIDE FURTHER DIRECTION TO CITY STAFF.
2. RANCHO LOS AMIGOS SOUTH CAMPUS SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT TO ALLOW THE
CONTINUATION OF INDUSTRIAL USES WITHIN EXISTING BUILDINGS LOCATED IN THE FLEX
TECH/BIO-MEDICAL SUB-DISTRICT AND A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR “EXISTING FTBM BUILDING” WITHIN DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9130: Community Development.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (PLN-24- 00060) TO AMEND TABLE 5-1 OF THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS SOUTH CAMPUS
SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW EXISTING BUILDINGS TO BE USED FOR SPECIFIC
INDUSTRIAL USES WHEN LOCATED IN SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE FLEX TECH/BIO- MEDICAL SUB-DISTRICT; AND,
2) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (PLN-24- 00060) TO SECTION 9130 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR “EXISTING FLEX TECH/BIO-MEDICAL SUB-DISTRICT (FTBM) BUILDING”.
3. IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS 1.1, 1.3, AND 3.3 OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY HOUSING ELEMENT (2021 – 2029) BY ESTABLISHING TWO NEW HOUSING OVERLAY ZONES, REZONING ONE PARCEL (APN: 6232-020-004) FROM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-3), MODIFYING AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS TO ARTICLE IX (LAND USE)
OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS, AND CERTIFYING A CEQA NEGATIVE DECLARATION: Community Development.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 9302 AND 9328 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO
3 IMPLEMENT NEW HOUSING OVERLAYS OF THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT AND
CERTIFICATION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION,
2) INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S ZONING MAP TO REZONE ONE PARCEL (APN: 6232-020-004) FROM SINGLE-FAMILY TO MULTIPLE-FAMILY AND IMPLEMENT NEW HOUSING OVERLAYS OF THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT, AND;
3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS This portion provides an opportunity for the public to address the City Council on agenda, consent calendar and items not lis ted on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the City Council. It is requested, but not required, that you state your name, address and subject matter upon which you wish to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes. The total public comment period is limited to 30 minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no discussion or action, other than a brief response, referral to the City Manager/staff or schedule for a subsequent agenda, shall be taken by the City Council/Agency on any issue brought forth under this section.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a City Council Member requests an item be removed. Removed items will be considered following approval of the Consent Calendar.
4. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 383930-384962; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004505, 30004509, 30004525, 30004528-30004530, 30004532-30004534, 30004536, 30004537, and 30004539; EFT Nos. 14135-14235; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2614-2626 in the total amount of $15,863,447.57:
Finance.
5. APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION – AREA 3, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-22: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) AWARD A CONTRACT TO R.J. NOBLE COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,793,751 FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 3 PROJECT, CIP NO. 22-22; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH R.J. NOBLE COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,793,751, INCLUDING ANY NON-SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS,
PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $5,203,000.
6. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE ALLEYS NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 23-02: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK FOR THE ALLEYS NORTH OF FOSTER ROAD PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, CIP NO. 23-02,
2) APPROVE SEQUEL CONTRACTORS INCORPORATED’S FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $817,606.69; AND;
4 3) AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE
OF COMPLETION FOR THE PROJECT INDICATING THE WORK IS COMPLETE AND HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE CITY.
7. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT FOR
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE CITYWIDE SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-24, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15302 CLASS 2(C): Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE CITYWIDE SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-24 AND
FURTHER FINDING THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN CEQA UNDER SECTION 15302 CLASS 2(C).
8. APPROVAL OF LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE THE AGREEMENT WITH CALTRANS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE
LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING AND IRRIGATION WITHIN THE STATE-OWNED AREA LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE I-5 FREEWAY OCCUPIED BY THE VACATED PORTION
OF DOLLISON DRIVE AND REMNANT RESIDENTIAL LOTS BETWEEN FAIRFORD AVENUE AND CECILIA STREET, AND;
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
WITH CALTRANS, INCLUDING ANY NON-SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS AND/OR AMENDMENTS.
9. APPROVE AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH LEWIS LAND DEVELOPERS, LLC: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH LEWIS LAND DEVELOPERS, LLC. FOR THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE RANCHO LOS AMIGOS SOUTH CAMPUS FOR A 12-MONTH TERM BEGINNING ON JANUARY 15, 2025 AND TERMINATING ON JANUARY 15, 2026 WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND FOR AN ADDITIONAL 12-MONTH TERM.
10. UPDATE TO THE CITY OF DOWNEY PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
RECEIVE AND FILE A REPORT FOR THE 2024 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (PMP) UPDATE.
11. 2025 CITY OF DOWNEY LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ADOPT THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM; AND,
5 2) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR (OR MAYOR PRO TEM IN THE MAYOR’S ABSENCE) TO SIGN POLICY AND POSITION LETTERS WITHIN THE GUIDELINES OF THE PLATFORM.
12. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025:
Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.
13. APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO THE 2024 - 2025 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION TO FILL DISTRICT 5 VACANCY: Parks and Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ONE (1) APPLICANT TO THE 2024 - 2025 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION TO FILL DISTRICT 5 VACANCY.
14. AUTHORIZATION OF A STREET CLOSURE REQUEST – 13th ANNUAL 5K FOR TRUE LASTING CONNECTIONS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER EVENT: Parks & Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
AUTHORIZE THE FOLLOWING STREET CLOSURES FOR THE ANNUAL 5K FOR THE TRUE
LASTING CONNECTIONS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER EVENT SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025 FOR THE FOLLOWING STREETS.
• RIVES AVENUE BETWEEN HONDO STREET AND LEEDS; AND,
• QUILL DRIVE BETWEEN OLD RIVER SCHOOL ROAD AND MORNING AVENUE, ON RICHEON AVENUE BETWEEN QUILL DRIVE AND HONDO STREET.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
15. APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES FOR 2025: City Clerk.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES FOR 2025.
16. UPDATE REGARDING THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE REPORT (ACFR) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024: Finance.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
RECEIVE AN UPDATE REGARDING THE CITY’S ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE REPORT (ACFR) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024.
17. DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL BUFFER ZONES FOR REGULATING LOCATION OF BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, AND LIVE ENTERTAINMNET ESTABLISHMENTS: Community Development.
6 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
PROVIDE STAFF DIRECTION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF A 500-
FOOT BUFFER AROUND SENSITIVE USES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, CHILD CARE,
HOSPITALS, AND SENIOR CENTERS, TO REGULATE THE LOCATION OF NEW BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS.
ADJOURNMENT: In memory of Firefighter Kevin Skinner, 25-year veteran of the Orange County Fire Authority who lost his life while on duty due to a medical emergency; the 14 victims of the New Orleans terrorist attack; the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires; and, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.
Supporting documents are available at: City Hall-City Clerk’s Department, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Video streaming of the meeting is available on the City’s website. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special assistance is needed to par ticipate in this meeting, complete the City’s Title II ADA Reasonable Accommodation Form located on the City’s website and at City Hall - City Clerk’s Department, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and submit to the City Clerk ’s Department or contact (562) 904-7280 or TTY 7-1-1, 48 business hours prior to the City Council meeting.
The City of Downey prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any of its program and services. For questions, concerns, complaints, or for additional information regarding the ADA, contact the City’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at [email protected]: Phone: (562) 299-6619; or TTY at 7-1-1.
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the City of Downey prohibits discrimination of any person in any of its program and services. If written language translation of City agendas or minutes, or for oral language interpretation at a City meeting is needed, contact the City Clerk 's Office at (562) 904-7280, or (562) 299-6619, 48 business hours prior to the meeting.
En cumplimiento con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles, la Ciudad de Downey prohíbe la discriminación de cualquier persona en todos sus programas y servicios. En caso de necesitar una traducción escrita de las órdenes del día o las actas de las reuniones de la ciudad, o para solicitar un intérprete oral para una reunión de la ciudad, comuníquese a la oficina de la secretaria de la Ciudad al (562) 904-7280, o al (562) 299-6619, en el horario de atención comercial, 48 horas antes de la reunión.
I, Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk, City of Downey, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing notice was posted pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 Et.
Seq., at the following locations: Downey City Hall, Downey City Library, and Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center.
Dated this 9th day of January 2025. Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
Zoom Teleconference: (888) 788-0099 or (877) 853-5247
Meeting ID: 842 8892 3601
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84288923601
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DowneyCityCouncilMeetings
Members of the public wishing to submit written public comment can do so by sending an email to [email protected] or by submitting their written comments to the City Clerk’s Office in person no later than 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
7 Note: All written public comments received shall become public record as defined under the California Public Records Act.
To view the recording of the City Council Meeting at a later time:
https://www.youtube.com/@cityofdowneycouncilmeetings/streams