MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 27, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on May 27, 2025, at 5:32 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Sosa presiding.
PRESENT
Council Members:
Hector Sosa Mayor
Dorothy Pemberton Mayor Pro Tern
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member (excused)
Horacio Ortiz Council Member
Mario Trujillo Council Member (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
John Funk, City Attorney
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, 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. items.
Mayor Sosa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session Having none, Mayor Sosa closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sosa announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:33 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
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; Worker's Compensation Appeals Board No.: ADJ12953676; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
Government Code Section 54956.95 Liability Claim: John Daniel v. City of Downey, Workers' Compensation Claim No.: 24-177380; Worker's Compensation Appeals Board No.: ADJ18851608; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 27, 2025
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Sosa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at6:31 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1, 2, and 3, no reportable action was taken.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on May 27, 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 Mayor
Dorothy Pemberton Mayor Pro Tern
Claudia M. Frometa Council Member (excused)
Horacio Ortiz Council Member
Mario Trujillo Council Member (excused)
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, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Chris Famisaran, Downey Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 71365.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS'
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She recognized Public Works Week and expressed appreciation to all Public Works employees. She noted attending several recent events, including the Wild Child Doors tribute concert at the Downey Theatre, the Rancho Los Amigos Hospital Gala and fundraiser, the 10-20 Club's Daryl Jackson Golf Tournament benefiting at -risk youth, and the Downey Adult School Vocational Nursing graduation. She attended the Moving Vietnam Wall exhibit in Rancho Palos Verdes and announced that Downey will host the exhibit at Discovery Park, honoring more than 50,000 service members who lost their lives or went missing during the Vietnam War.
Mayor Pro Tem Pemberton shared that Concerts in the Park will take place at Furman Park throughout the summer, featuring weekly performances with a variety of musical genres. She highlighted several items from the Consent Calendar, including awarding a contract for the Firestone Blvd. and Lakewood Blvd. Improvement Project, which will add dedicated left -turn lanes northbound and southbound on Lakewood Blvd. to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. She noted approval for new carpet installation at City Hall and the introduction of an ordinance requiring owners of vacant and abandoned City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — May 27, 2025 2
properties to register and maintain their properties to prevent blight and safety hazards. Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton thanked Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chacon and his team for producing the Downey Orbit, which features a wide range of summer programs and activities, including adaptive recreation for adults with special needs. She mentioned the availability of pickleball courts at Independence Park. She recognized and thanked the Downey Youth Commissioners for their service, noting their leadership and community involvement. She announced upcoming high school graduations for Downey, Warren, and Columbus. Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton reminded residents about SEAACA's "Class of 2025" pet adoption promotion offering adoptions for $20.25, as well as the California Adopt -a -Pet Day, during which adoption fees will be waived. She announced several community updates, including new speed humps being installed on Guatemala Ave. near Suva St. to help reduce speeding, and thanked the Public Works Department for their efforts. She inquired whether the Downey City Library could be open on Sundays during the summer months, suggesting staff review past usage data and costs to determine feasibility.
She noted that Sunday hours would benefit families who have that day off and would encourage greater community engagement with library programs. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pemberton.
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending a wellness event for students at Warren High School, where he was invited to speak and brought "Howdy," who was the highlight of the event. He attended the Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, commending the Mayor for organizing an excellent event that provided valuable resources to veterans and featured a car show.
Mayor Sosa welcomed the audience to the meeting. He shared that he recently traveled to Sacramento with a coalition of 12 other cities in the region, along with LA County, to advocate for the Southeast Gateway Line that will run through Downey. He noted that the project is the number one priority at both the state and federal levels for LA Metro and that its construction and operation are expected to create between 37,000 and 46,000 jobs and generate nearly $5 billion per year in economic activity for Southern California. He highlighted the recent Veterans Appreciation Breakfast, which was free to all local veterans and well attended, providing valuable resources and recognition for their service.
Additionally, he mentioned that the City held a Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in service to the nation. Mayor Sosa announced that the City will host its first -ever Men's Wellness Fair at Apollo Park, an event focused on raising awareness about men's health and wellness. He explained that the fair will feature family -friendly activities and numerous booths providing information and resources related to men's physical and mental health, with the goal of breaking the stigma surrounding men's mental wellness. Mayor Sosa requested that the City's upcoming discussion on waiving City fees for veterans including of waiving development -related fees as part of that study.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley asked for confirmation of a second to include development fees in the veterans' fee waiver discussion. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz.
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.
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5. Certificates of Recognition to Outgoing Youth Commissioners.
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 one written public comment was received.
Jeannie Wood, resident, commended the City Council and staff for making Downey a beautiful place to live, as well as acknowledged the City Council for running the Council Meetings with grace and dignity.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 3- 0, with Council Members Frometa and Trujillo absent, 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, recited a Bible verse.
Veronica, resident, commented in regards to the limited parking in her neighborhood.
John Lacey, resident, commented in regards to political parties.
B.C, resident, commented in regards to former President Joe Biden.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 3- 0, with Council Members Frometa and Trujillo absent, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVE MINUTES: Regular Meeting of August 13, 2024: City Clerk.
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.
AWARDED OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRESTONE BLVD. AT LAKEWOOD BLVD. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 14-09: Public Works.
1) REJECTED THE BID SUBMITTED BY ANEEN CONSTRUCTION, INC.; 2) AWARDED 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 IRREGULARITIES IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID BIDDER; AND,
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Regular Meeting — May 27, 2025 4
3) AUTHORIZED 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.
1) APPROVED 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) AUTHORIZED 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.
AUTHORIZED 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 2026-2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (S131), THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-8300, APPROVING THE LIST OF PROJECTS 1N 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.
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 25-1527, TO REPEAL CHAPTER 7 ("ABANDONED AND VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE") OF ARTICLE VIII ("BUILDING 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 ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 INVESTMENT POLICY Finance.
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Regular Meeting — May 27, 2025 5
ADOPTED 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 V'L PROGRAM - TRANSIT: Administration.
ADOPTED THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND THE CITY OF
DOWNEY TITLE VI PROGRAM -TRANSIT
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 7:29 p.m. in memory of retired Chief William J. McSvvomney, 73. 41-year veteran of the Lon Angeles County Sheriff's [}opodnnent; Deputy Daniel V. Chavina, 21. 1-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's [)epmrtnnent, 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 K8OSeurn; and. Steve Tally, City of Downey Building Inspector with 13years ofservice.
4AVA ALAI C4170HUARTE, MC
City Clerk
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Regular Meeting — May 27.2O2 6
HECTOR SOtA
Mayor