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 54957.6 - Conference with labor negotiator: James McQueen, Director of Human Resources, re: direction for labor negotiations with Downey Firemen’s Association, Downey Fire Management Association and Downey Police Officers’ Association.
2. Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim: Paul Hernandez v. City of Downey, Workers’ Compensation Claim No.: 20-146793; WCAB NO.: ADJ12953676; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
3. Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim: John Daniel v. City of Downey, Workers’ Compensation Claim No.: 24-177380; WCAB NO.: ADJ18851608; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
RECONVENE AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION
MAY 27, 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 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 Chris Famisaran, Downey Seventh-Day Adventist Church
FLAG SALUTE: Girl Scout Troop 71365
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
PRESENTATIONS
1. Posthumous Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation to Steve Tally, City of Downey Building Inspector with 13 years of service.
2. Mayor’s Outstanding Citizen Award to the Downey High School Dance Team.
3. Proclamation in honor of Older Americans Month.
4. Proclamation in honor of Municipal Clerk’s Week, May 5-11.
5. Certificates of Recognition to Outgoing Youth Commissioners.
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 listed 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.
1. APPROVE MINUTES: Regular Meeting of August 13, 2024: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 388521-388908; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004575, 30004576, and 30004581-30004583; EFT Nos. 14611-14657; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2675, 2679-2684, and Cashier’s Check Nos. 91184-91186 in the total amount of $7,848,644.24: Finance.
3. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRESTONE BLVD. AT LAKEWOOD BLVD.
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 14- 09: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) REJECT THE BID SUBMITTED BY ANEEN CONSTRUCTION, INC.;
2) AWARD CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 14-09 TO PALP, INC. DBA EXCEL
PAVING COMPANY, THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE TOTAL BID AMOUNT OF $4,288,700.00 AND WAIVE ANY AND ALL MINOR
3 IRREGULARITIES IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID BIDDER; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH PALP, INC. DBA EXCEL PAVING COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,288,700.00, INCLUDING ANY NON-SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS,
CHANGE ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $4,717,570.
4. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH SHAW INTEGRATED AND TURF SOLUTIONS INC. FOR
THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF FLOORING SURFACES WITHIN CITY HALL, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 23-08 AND THE DOWNEY THEATRE, CIP NO. 25-10: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE A PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH SHAW INTEGRATED AND TURF SOLUTIONS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $613,579 AND A 15 PERCENT PROJECT CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,000 FOR THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF FLOORING SURFACES THROUGHOUT CITY HALL AND THEATRE; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT.
5. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE FERGUSON GROUP, LLC FOR FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERICES: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1, AN EXTENSION OF
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE FERGUSON GROUP FOR
FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES, FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR TERM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026, BY EXERCISING THE ONE-YEAR OPTIONAL TERM OF $74,000.
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB1), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8300, APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS IN THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
7. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CHAPTER 7 (“ABANDONED AND VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE”) AND REPLACE WITH A NEW CHAPTER 7 (“VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, SECURITY, REGISTRATION, AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS”)
REGULATING THE MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY, OF VACANT PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY: Community Development.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-1527, TO REPEAL CHAPTER 7 (“ABANDONED AND VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE”) OF ARTICLE VIII (“BUILDING
4 REGULATIONS”) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPLACE WITH A NEWLY ENTITLED CHAPTER 7 (“VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, SECURITY, REGISTRATION, AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS”) REGULATING THE
MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY OF VACANT PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY.
8. ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 INVESTMENT POLICY: Finance.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES.
9. ADOPTION OF THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND CITY TITLE VI PROGRAM - TRANSIT: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND THE CITY OF DOWNEY TITLE VI PROGRAM-TRANSIT.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: In memory of retired Chief William J. McSweeney, 73, 41-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Daniel V. Chavira, 21, 1-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who passed away during an off-duty traffic accident; the two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. who were fatally shot outside a Jewish Museum; and, Steve Tally, City of Downey Building Inspector with 13 years of service.
FUTURE COUNCIL REQUESTED ITEMS:
1. Work with County to address street conditions near Courthouse (M. Trujillo) – TBD
2. Driveway expansion options for residents (H. Ortiz) – TBD
3. Explore options for waiving City fees for Veterans (M. Trujillo) – TBD
4. Options for installing economical bus shelters or trees (D. Pemberton) – TBD
5. Options for improving the OLPH traffic island (M. Trujillo) – TBD
6. Options for limiting live music at residential properties (D. Pemberton) – TBD
7. Reimbursement options for outside meetings/conferences (M. Trujillo) – TBD
8. Research need for more trash cans on major thoroughfares (M. Trujillo) – TBD
9. Research installing license plate readers at/near Golden Park (H. Ortiz) – TBD
10. Conduct crime analysis at Golden Park (H. Ortiz) – TBD
11. Research adding security at Golden Park (H. Ortiz) – TBD
12. Grammar school arches preservation update (M. Trujillo) – TBD
13. Create a campaign that crime is prosecuted in Downey (C. Frometa) – TBD
14. Research a Talent Show for Downey (M. Trujillo) – TBD
15. Options for expanding youth entrepreneurial day (H. Ortiz) – TBD
16. Study stop sign installation at Dos Rios Rd. and Bluff St. (D. Pemberton) – TBD
17. Review center medial divider on Florence at Tristan and Bellman for left turn traffic. (D. Pemberton) – TBD
18. Create and informational guide on how to properly discharge safe and sane fireworks. (C. Frometa) – TBD
19. Research options for outdoor lighting standards. (C. Frometa) – TBD
5 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 participate 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 22nd day of May, 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.
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