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 Sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to the attached letter (without exhibits) from Matthew Jacobs, Counsel for Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. dated June 24, 2025, letter and exhibits are available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office at 11111 Brookshire Avenue during normal City business hours.
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: Greg Welch, Chaplain Downey Police Department
FLAG SALUTE: Boy Scout Troop 441
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
AUGUST 12, 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 CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor’s Outstanding Citizen Award to Milan Gupta, Community Volunteer.
2. Certificates of Recognition for Police and Fire Employee of the Quarter.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
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 Meetings June 25, 2024 and July 23, 2024: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: July 22, 2025: Warrant Nos. 390069-390536; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004594 and 30004599-30004601; EFT Nos. 14791-14846; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2700-2701, in the total amount of $5,678,780.17; and,
August 12, 2025: Warrant Nos. 390538-391270; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004597, 30004598, 30004602- 30004605; EFT Nos. 14847-14910; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2702-2721, in the total amount of $25,003,897.95: Finance.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION – AREA 3, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-22: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 3 PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-22;
2) APPROVE R.J. NOBLE COMPANY’S FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $4,200,506; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PROJECT.
4. APPROVAL OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION – AREA 6, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-23: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) AWARD A CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, ONYX PAVING COMPANY INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,069,000 FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 6 PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) NO. 22-23; AND,
3 2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH ONYX PAVING COMPANY INCORPORATED IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,069,000, INCLUDING ANY NON-SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE
ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED BUDGET AMOUNT OF $5,076,064.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE FURMAN PARK RECYCLED WATER MAIN EXTENSION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 24-20: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK FOR THE FURMAN PARK RECYCLED WATER MAIN EXTENSION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-20;
2) APPROVE THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $826,720; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PROJECT.
6. PROJECT FUND TRANSFER FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITY, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) 25-11: Public Works.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF PROJECT FUNDS $60,000 FROM THE MCCAUGHAN GYM HVAC REPLACEMENT PROJECT, CIP 26-16, AND $60,000 FROM THE CITY HALL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CIP 19-21, TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HVAC SYSTEM AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITY, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CIP 25- 11 IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $120,000; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY FUND TRANSFERS.
7. APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES FROM LIFE ASSIST, INC.: Fire.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER WITH LIFE ASSIST, INC. IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
8. ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERY OF 2024 PIERCE ENFORCER FIRE TRUCK FROM PIERCE MANUFACTURING: Fire.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE DELIVERY OF A 2024 PIERCE ENFORCER TRACTOR-DRAWN AERIAL
FIRE TRUCK AND SIGN THE ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT; AND,
2) APPROPRIATE $8,395 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO ACCOUNT FOR CHANGES IN THE SALES TAX RATE BETWEEN THE TIME OF ORDERING TO DELIVERY.
9. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PEREGRINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR DATA INTEGRATION SERVICES: Police.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
4 1) APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH PEREGRINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR A THREE- YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON AUGUST 15, 2025, AND TERMINATING ON AUGUST 15, 2028; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.
10. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE: Human Resources.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT TO THE SPECIAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE LAW FIRM OF LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE (LCW).
11. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT WITH CHALLENGER CENTER FOR SPACE SCIENCE
EDUCATION TO UPGRADE THE CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER AT THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER: CMSC.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER’S EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACTOR SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH CHALLENGER CENTER FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $108,217 FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER AT THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT.
12. REVIEW OF ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2024) AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY (PURSUANT TO AB 481): Police.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE THE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2024);
2) REVIEW ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY (DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY 706); AND,
3) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8315, RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 (“MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY ORDINANCE”).
13. APPOINTMENT TO THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: Council Member Trujillo.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8316, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNESTO VALLE TO THE INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5.
14. APPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5: Council Member Trujillo.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
5 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8317, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID VALADEZ
TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5.
15. DISCUSSION REGARDING A FEE WAIVER REQUEST FOR RENTAL AND LABOR COSTS FOR THE “EL GRITO de INDEPENDENCIA” SHOW AT THE DOWNEY THEATRE: Parks and Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE FEE WAIVERS FOR RENTAL AND LABOR COSTS FOR THE “EL GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA” SHOW TO BE FEATURED AT THE DOWNEY THEATRE.
16. APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE END OF SUMMER BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE EVENT:
Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE THE STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025, FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M. TO ACCOMMODATE THE “END OF SUMMER BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE” EVENT TAKING PLACE FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.
17. APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT: Parks and Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE STREET CLOSURES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT FROM 10:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 TO 12:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 ALONG DOWNEY AVENUE AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4TH STREET
• 3RD STREET @ NEW STREET; AND,
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF U.S. BANK.
18. APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY’S I LOVE DOWNEY FESTIVAL: Parks and Recreation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE A STREET CLOSURE FOR THE I LOVE DOWNEY FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL OCCUR AT DOWNEY AVE. AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4TH STREET
• 3RD STREET @ NEW STREET
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK
6 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
19. DESIGNATION OF A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, OCTOBER 8-10, 2025 IN LONG BEACH, CA: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8318, DESIGNATING A VOTING DELEGATE AND
ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, OCTOBER 8 - 10, 2025 IN LONG BEACH, CA.
20. DISCUSSION REGARDING JOINING A JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE AND AUDIT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS: Administration.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING JOINING A JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE AND AUDIT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.
ADJOURNMENT: In memory of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, 40, 11-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), who succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the line of duty inside the CDCR Oakland Parole Office; Detective Didarul Islam, 36, 3 ½ year-veteran of the New York Police Department who was shot and killed, along with two other victims, in the line of duty while working security detail at a Manhattan skyscraper; and, the three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arson Explosives Detail Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, 19-year veteran, Victor Lemus, 22-year veteran and, William Osborn, 33-year veteran, who were tragically killed by an explosion at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Facility in East Los Angeles.
FUTURE COUNCIL REQUESTED ITEMS:
1. Work with County to address street conditions near Courthouse – (M. Trujillo)
2. Driveway expansion options for residents – (H. Ortiz)
3. Explore options for waiving City fees for Veterans including development fees – (M. Trujillo)
4. Options for improving the OLPH traffic island – (M. Trujillo)
5. Options for limiting live music at residential properties – (D. Pemberton)
6. Reimbursement options for outside meetings/conference – (M. Trujillo)
7. Research need for more trash cans on major thoroughfares – (M. Trujillo)
8. Research installing license plate readers at/near Golden Park – (H. Ortiz)
9. Conduct crime analysis at Golden Park – (H. Ortiz)
10. Research adding security at Golden Park – (H. Ortiz)
11. Grammar school arches preservation update – (M. Trujillo)
12. Create a campaign that crime is prosecuted in Downey – (C. Frometa)
13. Research a Talent Show for Downey – (M. Trujillo)
14. Options for expanding youth entrepreneurial day – (H. Ortiz)
15. Study stop sign installation at Dos Rios Rd. and Bluff St. – (D. Pemberton)
16. Review center median divider on Florence at Tristan and Bellman for left turn traffic – (D. Pemberton)
17. Research options for outdoor lighting standards – (C. Frometa)
18. Discuss regulations for the use of string lighting on businesses – (H. Ortiz)
19. Research changing 20-minute Parking to No Parking 4:00-6:00 pm at 8109-8029 Florence (M.Trujillo)
7 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 7th day of August, 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