MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session on February 11, 2025, at 5:35 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Sosa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Hector Sosa
Dorothy Pemberton
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Mario Trujillo
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
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Sosa 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 Sosa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session items.
Having no one, Mayor Sosa closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sosa 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 Coder
1. Government Code Section 54957131: Public Employee Performance Evaluation — Title: City Clerk.
2. Government Code Section 54957.6A: Conference with Labor Negotiator — Agency Designated Representative: James McQueen, Director of Human Resources, Unrepresented Employee:
City Clerk.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Sosa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:32 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1 and 2, no reportable action was taken.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025 1
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on February 11, 2025 at 6:32 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Sosa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Hector Sosa
Dorothy Pemberton
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Mario Trujillo
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
Scott Loughner, Police Chief
Anthony Hildebrand, Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
Irma Huitron, Community Development Director
Jason Chacon, Parks & Recreation Director
Austin Ramirez, Economic Development Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Alberto Flores, Calvary Chapel Downey. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 441.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She highlighted February as Black History Month. She shared a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. She reported attending the Mayors and Council Members Academy hosted by the League of California Cities and added that the academy was attended by elected officials from 483 general cities and 121 charter cities. The academy focuses on teaching newly elected officials' best practices in government and how local governments are administered. She proceeded to share a quote from Henry Ford. She reported attending the dedication of the new interim housing and support service center for The Whole Child and shared information about the services provided at the new facility. She reminded residents of the City's ordinances related to the parking of inoperable vehicles, vehicles parked on city streets for 72-hours, and no parking vehicles on front lawns. She also reminded residents about trash cans not allowed outside at the curb before 6:00 p.m. the day before trash pick-up, maintaining trash cans out of sight on non -trash days, and trailers, haulers and motor homes not being parked on city streets for more than 24-hours. She added that permits can be issued for loading and unloading these types of vehicles. She asked that a mailer be sent out to residents with these reminders in the water bill. Council Member Pemberton reminded the audience about AB 413 which went into effect on January 1. It is a state-wide banning of public parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. She thanked the Police Department for hosting the Youth Academy and announced that it is full. She thanked Downey Unified School District for promoting the Academy to students. She informed residents to contact Stephanie Arroyo at the Police Department if interested in the Citizens' Academy. She announced upcoming events TLC's annual golf tournament on February 22 and the 10-20 Club's annual golf tournament on May 19.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting February 11, 2025 2
Council Member Trujillo reported attending the Downey Coordinating Council meeting. He shared that the gathering consists of most non -profits meeting every first Wednesday of the month at the Barbara J. Riley Center. He shared information regarding the City's community -based grant program for those organizations who may have a great idea to benefit the residents of Downey. He directed interested parties to contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information and added that the due date to apply for funding is March 14. He reported attending two ribbon cuttings. One was La Pawnaderia which sells pet -friendly pan dulce. He also attended Assemblywoman Pacheco's open house event where he had an opportunity to come together with local elected officials from surrounding cities and have conversations about issues taking place in California. He encouraged anyone with an idea for future legislation to approach any council member and they will assist with getting them in touch with the Assemblywoman. He wished St. George Greek Orthodox Church good luck as they begin the renovation of their hall. He commented on the diversity of Downey.
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He commented regarding the emails being received by the council regarding RVs, big haulers, trailers, wrecked vehicles and vehicles with boots on their tires. He shared that he wanted to bring that up during the Council Goal Setting Workshop on Thursday to have support from his colleagues.
Council Member Frometa welcomed those in attendance. She acknowledged the Fire Department personnel in the audience and recognized them for their hard work and keeping the city safe. She recognized her Planning Commissioner Carrie Uva in the audience. She encouraged families to join a neighborhood watch group and provided the contact information for Stephanie Arroyo, Neighborhood Watch Program Coordinator. She reported attending the 1oth Anniversary of the Doodleicious mural and said it is one of the most photographed places in downtown Downey and, a reminder of the importance to have a space for Downey art in the City as the City has a great art history. She commented regarding efforts to bring back the art that dissipated after the closure of the Downey Museum of Art. She encouraged the public to contact her regarding space for the art at her email address or her office at City Hall. She commented regarding emails from residents to the Council related to inoperable vehicles being parked on lawns. She asked that code enforcement continue to be proactive and ensure that the City neighborhoods look maintained and that everyone is adhering to the Downey Municipal Code. She thanked everyone for attending tonight and thanked the Police Department for continuing to keep the city safe.
Mayor Sosa thanked those in attendance for being here including the Fire Department personnel.
He reported attending a one -day turnaround trip to Sacramento joining 13 other cities to advocate for the Southeast Gateway Line that will improve connectivity, support economic growth, and improve mobility for communities across the Southeast Los Angeles Region and Gateway Cities. He commented on the large-scale of the project and said it will do a great thing for the communities as they build more housing that will alleviate some traffic and provide safe transportation options for Downey residents. He recognized his Recreation and Community Services Commissioner Jeannie Wood in the audience.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley confirmed he will follow up with Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton to discuss the bill insert regarding maintenance issues and noted that Council Member Ortiz would like to have a conversation on Thursday to discuss expanding parking enforcement.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Outstanding Citizen Award to Sam Ferreira, West Downey Little League.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025 3
2. Certificates of Recognition to the Downey Fire Department Personnel deployed to assist in the Los Angeles Wildfires.
3. Certificate of Appointment to Gil Legaspi, Planning Commissioner, District 5.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
City Clerk Duarte confirmed two written public comments were received.
Gonzalo Espinoza, resident of Pico Rivera submitted written comments regarding safety concerns on the Rio Hondo bike path.
Zachary Young, submitted written comments regarding Downey not being a business -friendly city.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo and approved 5-0 to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented regarding abortion and Bible scriptures.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding Black History Month, the American Civil War, Lincoln's Birthday, the 14th Amendment, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. He also commented regarding hatred towards the police in the last four years, and thanked the firefighters and all the first responders who responded to the fires.
Jeannie Wood, resident, commented regarding her personal experience with wildfires. She thanked Mayor Sosa for appointing her to the Recreation and Community Services Commission and commented regarding her volunteer work at the Police Department and the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
B.C, resident, commented regarding the wildfires, Item No. 7the professional services agreement with the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and funding for non -profits.
John Lacey, resident, commented regarding Ms. Wood's comments and the words shared by Pastor Flores from Calvary Chapel. He recited words from a poem by poet Emily Dickinson.
Christopher Rowland, resident, commented regarding public urination on his street, the need for a left turn signal at the traffic signal on Lakewood Blvd. and Vista de la Rosa and speeding on Stoakes Ave.
In response to Mr. Rowland's comments, Mayor Sosa informed that City staff is aware about the traffic signal and have reached out to Caltrans to discuss the matter.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025 4
Speaker No. 7, no name provided, commented regarding an article in The Downey Patriot related to the YMCA's need for funding in the amount of $1.5 million and provided comments regarding the need to support the YMCA financially because of the need for these spaces and programs for young families.
In response to the speaker's comments, Mayor Sosa confirmed the YMCA had received additional funding from another source.
Speaker No. 8, no name provided, commented regarding the intersection of Paramount Blvd. and Cole St. and asked the Council to redo the intersection. He also reported homeless individuals living at the old Boston Market dumpster area on Firestone Blvd. and Patton Rd.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 6 and Mayor Sosa abstained from Item No. 4.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton requested to make comments regarding items Item Nos. 4 and 6.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 5-0, to approve the of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of October 22, 2024: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 385417-385864; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004513, 30004518, 30004524, 30004527, 30004545, 30004546, and 30004548; EFT Nos. 14275-14313; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2638-2643, in the total amount of $5,516,067.87: Finance.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT WORK RELATED TO THE PAINTING OF VARIOUS AREAS WITHIN THE CIVIC CENTER, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 23-08: Public Works.
1) ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE PAINTING OF VARIOUS AREAS WITHIN THE CIVIC CENTER;
2) APPROVED TONY PAINTING, INC. FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $109,928 FOR PAINTING OF VARIOUS AREAS WITHIN THE CIVIC CENTER; AND, 3) AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PROJECT.
4. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE ALLEY BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT, STATE PROJECT NO.
CCL-5334-072, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-03: Public Works.
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION BIDS, FOR THE ALLEY BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT, STATE PROJECT NO. CCL-5334-072, CIP NO. 24-03.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025 5
5. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT FOR
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE FURMAN PARK RECYCLED WATER MAIN EXTENSION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-20,
AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15301(D) AND 21080.21(A): Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE FURMAN PARK RECYCLED WATER MAIN EXTENSION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-20 AND FURTHER FIND THAT
THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN CEQA UNDER SECTIONS 15301(D) AND 21080.21(A).
6. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-21: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE DOWNEY AVENUE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-21;
2) APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,444,610; AND 3) AUTHORIZED THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION.
7. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Economic Development.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROMOTE CIVIC AND BUSINESS SERVICES FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $35,000, AND;
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INCLUDING ANY NON - SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS AND/OR AMENDMENTS.
8. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTING AND REPORTING DATA FOR THE NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE FOR REPORT YEAR 2022: Parks & Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTING AND REPORTING
DATA FOR THE NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE, FOR A TERM RETROACTIVE FROM MAY 1, 2024 — JUNE 30, 2027 FOR A TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT OF $101,291.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025 6
■ ■ •
•,i. i . • • • :` i••' 1 • •
• ••' •• • • •. . i - . i'
i•' i • • • �i L •' i • • • x
11. APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS• •• COUNCIL i •
Member• -
•
Iff
e � � � � � �! � � � , 1 � I � � � I � � � � I � �� � � � •
• L • . • • • '• • x L • «...
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 9:25 p.m. in memory of the 67 lives lost during a midair collision involving an American Airlines flight and Army helicopter over the Potomac River on •
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — February 11, 2025
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
N