MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 10, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session on June 10, 2025, at 5:42 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
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
(excused)
(excused)
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 5:34 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1. Government Code 54956.95 — Liability Claim. Claimant: Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club. Claim No. 24079. Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Sosa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:31 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item No. 1, no reportable action was taken.
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The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on June 10, 2025 at 6:33 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, CMC, City Clerk
(excused)
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Tanya Lopez, Downey Memorial Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Pack 805.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting and recognized several June observances, including D-Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, and the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army.
She noted that LA CADA will host a Pride Festival in August and acknowledged the importance of commemorating historical events that shaped the nation. She reported attending several recent events, including the retirement celebration for Downey Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Garcia.
She also attended the grand opening of the Western States Carpenters Training Facility in Carson, a 70,000-square-foot campus offering trade and construction training to help address the shortage of skilled labor, as well as the Keep Downey Beautiful community cleanup event, where she thanked volunteers and encouraged residents to suggest future cleanup locations. Council Member Pemberton expressed appreciation to Public Works staff for installing new speed hump signage and a stop sign at Guatemala Ave. and Glencliff St., noting residents' gratitude and the City's continued efforts to improve traffic safety.
She thanked City Manager Bradley, Assistant City Manager De Rojas, and Department Heads for their extensive work on the 2025-26 budget, emphasizing the City's conservative fiscal approach given the uncertain economy. She mentioned receiving an email from a resident of another city commending Downey's proactive financial management and staff leadership. As Downey's representative to the LA County Vector Control Board, she encouraged residents to take precautions against mosquito breeding this summer. Her announcements included SEAACA's "Clear the Shelters" $20.25 pet adoption promotion, the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Rio Hondo, the return of Concerts in the Park at Furman Park, and the Chamber's 2nd Annual Firecracker Festival. She shared construction updates, noting ongoing work along Old River School Rd. near the Rio Hondo Golf Course for the Furman Park City Council Minutes
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recycled water irrigation project, expected to finish in August, and upcoming street paving on Downey Ave. between Firestone Blvd. and Fifth St.
Council Member Trujillo began by wishing everyone a Happy Pride Month and thanked the Council for allowing L.A. CADA to host the annual Pride Festival in Downey. He expressed gratitude to the City of Downey for its acceptance and described the Pride event as a family -oriented celebration that reflects the City's inclusive spirit. Council Member Trujillo also addressed recent public safety concerns related to federal immigration enforcement, clarifying that Downey is a nonpartisan City focused on protecting its residents. He explained that while the federal government has the authority to pursue undocumented individuals who pose a public safety threat, local police are restricted by law from participating in federal immigration operations. He assured residents that the Downey Police Department remains fully committed to protecting the community and urged residents to report any safety concerns.
He reaffirmed the Council's unity and strong stance on law and order, stating that anyone engaging in looting, vandalism, or assaults on law enforcement will be arrested and prosecuted. Acknowledging the broader social and economic challenges affecting communities, he encouraged r sidents to remain good neighbors and maintain Downey's reputation as a united, caring, and safe City. Council Member Trujillo concluded by thanking his colleagues for their shared commitment to public safety and unity.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She agreed with Council Member Trujillo's remarks about the need for measured, nonpartisan leadership and assured residents that the Council remains united in its commitment to public safety. Council Member Frometa thanked City Manager Bradley, Assistant City Manager De Rojas, and Department Directors for their detailed presentations during the recent budget workshop, which supports Downey's balanced budget. Council Member Frometa addressed ongoing community concerns, including homeless activity near shopping centers and malls, and stated that the City is closely monitoring these areas while continuing to enforce anti -camping ordinances and connect individuals with available resources. She reminded residents to schedule bulky item pickups in advance by calling the City and to help maintain neighborhood cleanliness by keeping sidewalks clear, avoiding parking on lawns, and removing leftover holiday decorations.
Council Member Frometa discussed the City's continued efforts in code enforcement and the importance of property maintenance, noting that several strip malls have received new paint, signage, and landscaping improvements. She credited Community Development Director Irma Huitron and her team for ensuring uniform maintenance standards across the city's commercial areas. Council Member Frometa reminded residents to eliminate standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding during the upcoming season and thanked staff for installing a new stop sign at Gain St. and Ford Ave. in District 4 to improve neighborhood safety. She reiterated the Council's shared concern about speeding in residential areas and the need to protect families and children. Council Member Frometa concluded by recognizing Mayor Sosa for organizing the recent Men's Mental Health Awareness Fair and encouraged families to attend the free Concerts Under the Stars series at Furman Park, held every Wednesday evening with support from the Downey Rose Float Association.
Mayor Sosa welcomed the audience to the meeting expressing appreciation for the strong public turnout and participation in the civic process. He wished all fathers a happy Father's Day and encouraged them to enjoy their special day. Mayor Sosa highlighted the success of the inaugural Men's Wellness Fair, which focused on raising awareness and providing resources for men's mental health and overall well-being. He emphasized that mental health is just as important as physical health and thanked City staff for their exceptional work organizing the event. He also thanked Assistant City Manager Vaniah De Rojas, Shantae Duran, Juddy Montenegro, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Police and Fire Departments for their support, including Chiefs Loughner and Hildebrand. He noted that the Wellness Fair featured informative panels, including one with former boxing champion and Downey resident Abner Mares, and that several organizations participated to provide tools and resources for men and families.
Mayor Sosa stated that the City hopes to make the Men's Wellness Fair an annual event and concluded his remarks by thanking his colleagues for covering recent community updates and events.
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Council Member Trujillo stated that Council Member Ortiz requested a future discussion on the use of string lights at commercial businesses. City Manager Bradley clarified that this topic differs from Council Member Frometa's previous request which was focused on light color and brightness and confirmed that the request pertains specifically to string lights from a code enforcement perspective. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley stated that there were no comments from staff.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Outstanding Citizen Award to Rudy Sloan -Casanova.
2. Mayor's Outstanding Citizen Award to Tony Martinez.
3. Mayor's Outstanding Citizen Award to Downey High School AVID Seniors.
4. Proclamation in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Sosa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:43 p.m. Mayor Sosa reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:51 p.m. with all Council Members present.
5. Presentation to the City Council by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
David Palin, Communications Manager for the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, gave a presentation on the agency's efforts to protect Downey residents from mosquito -borne diseases. He explained that the District, the largest of five serving Los Angeles County, manages mosquitoes, black flies, and midges at an annual taxpayer cost of about $18.97 per household. Mr. Palin highlighted the ongoing threats of dengue fever, West Nile virus, and St. Louis encephalitis, all of which are monitored closely in Downey. He described the District's Integrated Vector Management (IVM) approach, which includes surveillance, control, and education. The operations team conducts door-to- door inspections, responds to service requests, treats street gutters and standing water, and maintains mosquito fish in green pools to prevent breeding. The District also works with sanitation and water agencies to clean storm drains and flood channels. Last year, nearly 7,000 inspections and treatments were performed in Downey, primarily in residential and public areas. Mr. Palin also detailed the District's Scientific and Technical Department, which oversees trapping, mosquito identification, and testing dead birds for West Nile Virus. A key innovation is the Sterile Insect Technique, in which male mosquitoes are sterilized using X-rays (not genetic modification) and released to reduce mosquito populations naturally without chemicals or pesticides. As Communications Manager, Mr. Palin outlined ongoing public outreach efforts, including community events, school education programs, social media campaigns, and city presentations. He thanked the City of Downey and Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton for their continued partnership, particularly in public service announcements and outreach collaboration. Mr. Palin concluded by encouraging residents to report mosquito activity, utilize District services, and allow the City to share educational materials through its website and digital billboards.
Mayor Sosa thanked Mr. Palin for the informative presentation.
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Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton commended the Vector Control District for using innovative technology like the Sterile Insect Technique to reduce mosquito populations. She noted it was fascinating to learn about the roles of male and female mosquitoes and appreciated the District's proactive approach.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton also reminded residents to prevent standing water by emptying pots and containers encouraged residents to contact the Vector Control District for assistance with mosquito issues.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FEE SCHEDULE ASSOCIATED WITH ADMINISTRATION OF CHAPTER 7 OF ARTICLE VIII OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE ("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 RESOLUTION NO. 25-8301, ESTABLISHING FEE SCHEDULE ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 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
Mayor Sosa opened the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ortiz absent, to receive and file the publication.
Community Development Director Irma Huitron introduced a follow-up Public Hearing item related to an Ordinance previously approved by the City Council. She explained that the item concerns establishing a fee schedule for implementing the program and then introduced Planning Consultant Laurel Reimer to provide a presentation outlining the proposed fees.
Ms. Reimer explained that the recently adopted Ordinance regulates vacant, distressed, and abandoned properties, requiring them to be registered, monitored, secured, and maintained. After registration, the City inspects the property and assigns it to one of three categories based on condition:
stable, at -risk, or hazardous. Each category determines how often the property will be inspected and the associated monitoring fee. The registration fee is proposed at $405 to cover staff time. Annual monitoring fees would be $540 for stable properties, $1,620 for at -risk properties, and $7,020 for hazardous properties. The fees are designed to fully recover the cost of implementing and enforcing the Ordinance.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed fee schedule.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked how the City would handle unpaid monitoring fees for abandoned or hazardous properties, such as whether the fees could be added to property tax bills and what the collection process would be. Director Huitron explained that the City's Finance Department, in coordination with Code Enforcement, would manage the collection of any past due fees using established procedures. If a property also has open code enforcement cases or unpaid administrative citations, those would be pursued through the City's standard finance -driven collections process.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked if there is a specific timeframe, such as 60 or 90 days, for when fees become past due. Director Huitron explained that it depends on the individual case. Once an administrative citation is past its due date and any appeal hearing has concluded, it is considered past City Council Minutes
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due. The Finance Department then works with Code Enforcement to align the collections process with the Department's established timelines.
Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding the Public Hearing item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comments were received.
Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding the Public Hearing item.
B.C., resident, commented in regards to geoengineering on vacant properties.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa, to close the Public Hearing at 8:15 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried a 4-0, with Council Member Ortiz absent, to adopt Resolution No. 25-8301, establishing Fee Schedule associated with the implementation of 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.
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.
No name provided, commented in regards to medical cannabis and researching the cost of burying powerlines underground near the San Gabriel River or other places.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 4- 0, with Council Member Ortiz 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, commented in regards to abortion.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the federal immigration raids.
B.C, resident, commented in regards to hiring more police officers in the City.
John Lacey, resident, commented in regards to political parties.
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
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Ortiz absent, to approve the Consent Calendar.
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WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 388909-389253; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004580 and 30004586- 30004588; EFT Nos. 14658-14696; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2685-269, in the total amount of $3,428,117.39: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NINYO & MOORE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES AT 9255 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 17-01: Public Works.
1) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NINYO & MOORE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES FOR A 12-MONTH TERM BEGINNING ON JUNE 11, 2025, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $214,067; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NINYO & MOORE IN THE AMOUNT OF $214,067,
INCLUDING ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $350,000
4. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY AT 13407 AND 13413 LAKEWOOD BLVD.: Public Works.
1) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY WITH JAY SHIVSHANKAR LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,332, INCLUDING
ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS, UP TO THE APPROVED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $6,000, FOR THE PURCHASE OF PARTIAL FEE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13407 LAKEWOOD BLVD.; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY WITH JYOTSANABEN N. PATEL, AS A TRUSTEE FOR THE PATEL FAMILY TRUST DATED DECEMBER 11, 2009 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,404, INCLUDING ANY
NON -SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS, UP TO THE APPROVED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $6,000, FOR THE PURCHASE OF PARTIAL FEE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13413 LAKEWOOD BLVD
5. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM AT DOWNEY AND WARREN HIGH SCHOOLS: Police. 1) APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES AT DOWNEY AND WARREN HIGH SCHOOLS COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2025, AND TERMINATING ON JUNE 30, 2030; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
6. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE POLICE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: Police. 1) APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES AT COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCING ON AUGUST 13, 2025, AND TERMINATING ON AUGUST 16, 2026; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
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5. 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 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 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
7. ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 INVESTMENT POLICY: Finance.
ADOPTED THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES
8. ADOPTION OF THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND CITY TITLE VI PROGRAM - TRANSIT: Administration.
ADOPTED THE UPDATED CITYWIDE LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN AND THE CITY OF
DOWNEY TITLE VI PROGRAM -TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 8:28 p.m. in memory of Police Officer Samuel Riveros, 35, nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department, who was fatally shot while responding to a "shots fired" call; and, Darius Wong, 43, a civilian, who was also fatally shot at the scene.
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City Clerk
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Regular Meeting — June 10, 2025 8
I (,-f I - /-,
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor