MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 12, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on August 12, 2025, at 5:38 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)
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 no one, Mayor Sosa closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sosa announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:39 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
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.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Sosa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:35 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item No. 1, no reportable action was taken.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 12, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on August 12, 2025 at 6:35 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
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 Greg Welch, Chaplain Downey Police Department. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 441.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked Director Chacon and his team for the successful Concerts Under the Stars series. He reported attending three Neighborhood Watch meetings in his District, National Night Out, the annual G.O.O.D. backpack giveaway where 600 backpacks and school supplies were handed out, the 5th Annual Pride Festival, and a prayer vigil for the Vietnam Tour Wall. He expressed appreciation for the organizers of these events and thanked Assistant City Manager De Rojas and her team for their work on the three-day event. He requested a future agenda discussion on the streetlight program to consider removing or significantly reducing the current two thirds approval requirement needed for streetlight installations. The request was seconded by Council Member Trujillo.
Council Member Trujillo congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department for a successful Concerts Under the Stars series at Furman Park, noting it is one of his favorite summer events and a valuable opportunity for the community to come together. He commended the Pride Festival, highlighting its strong attendance, positive feedback from public officials, and its emphasis on inclusivity, acceptance, and support for LGBTQ youth. Council Member Trujillo added that a resident requested a study of the Foster Rd. and Woodruff Ave. intersection for potential left turn signals. City Manager Bradley stated that a study is already underway. Council Member Trujillo reported receiving inquiries from members of the Conservancy regarding the condition of the historic McDonald's site and asked whether the City could expedite repairs, noting that the marquee sign appears deteriorated and the location continues to attract visitors from around the world. City Manager Bradley responded that the City is actively working with the property owner on repairs and has issued guidelines for the restoration. He explained that because the City Council Minutes
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site is historic, the process takes additional time, but staff is pushing to move the work forward as quickly as possible. Council Member Trujillo noted ongoing issues with cars being displayed for sale near the intersection of Paramount Blvd. and Florence Ave. and suggested reaching out to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for assistance. City Manager Bradley responded that staff has already attempted to involve the DMV and will continue pursuing that avenue. Council Member Trujillo referenced a Forbes article highlighting Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a pathway to generational wealth and suggested the City offer an orientation or informational session to help residents understand the process for developing an ADU, similar to past "how to" workshops offered for starting a business. He emphasized the value of educating residents that ADUs are feasible in Downey despite certain design and parking restrictions. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz. City Manager Bradley responded that staff can evaluate the idea, explore a possible educational or marketing effort to inform residents about the ADU process, and bring something back to Council for consideration.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She reported on the America's Freedom Tribute held at the Discovery Sports Complex, featuring a mobile replica of the Vietnam Wall honoring fallen and missing service members. She thanked City staff, including Assistant City Manager De Rojas and Management Analyst Duren, for coordinating the ceremonies and activities, and noted the strong emotional impact the event had on attendees and veterans. She acknowledged Purple Heart Medal recipients, recognized Downey's designation as a Purple Heart City, and thanked resident Lee Squire for his continued advocacy for veterans. Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton stated she attended the Veterans Stand Together appreciation dinner, a marine biology educational boat trip hosted by Los Angeles County Sanitation, and reported on a new partnership between SEAACA and the "Wild Tunes" program that brings music into animal shelters. She encouraged interested residents to contact SEAACA regarding volunteer opportunities. She highlighted recent community events, including the G.O.O.D. backpack giveaway and the Downey Conservancy's anniversary celebration, and noted the recognition of long-standing local businesses. Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton referenced consent calendar items related to citywide paving, the acceptance of a new fire truck funded by Measure S, and planned updates to the Challenger Learning Center in partnership with Blue Origin. She informed the public about crime deterrent window decals available through the Downey Police Department and thanked staff for a successful Concerts Under the Stars series. She announced an upcoming End of Summer Block Party and requested that staff evaluate the feasibility of installing a crosswalk near Furman Park to improve pedestrian safety. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz. City Manager Bradley confirmed that staff would conduct a traffic study and report back.
Mayor Sosa welcomed the audience to the meeting. He reported attending the ribbon -cutting ceremony for Rolling Greens Estates, noting it was a meaningful moment for the small neighborhood near Temple Park and thanked staff, including the Assistant City Manager De Rojas, for researching its history. He shared that he participated in the Independent Cities Association seminar, serving on a speaking panel with City Attorney John Funk to discuss First Amendment and public comment issues, and noted the strong attendance and interest in the topic. He reported attending the Gangs Out of Downey backpack distribution, where more than 600 backpacks were distributed, and thanked Parks and Recreation staff and the Police Department for their collaboration.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley reiterated the importance of addressing the condition of the historic McDonald's site and stated that staff will continue efforts to move that project forward. He acknowledged ongoing concerns about cars being sold near Paramount Blvd. and Florence Ave. and confirmed that staff will continue working to resolve the issue. He announced that the City received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 26th consecutive year and recognized the Finance team for their work. He reported that the City is advancing a fast -charging electric vehicle project made possible through a California Energy City Council Minutes
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Commission grant, resulting in a total of approximately $1.5 million in funding, with chargers planned for the Civic Center. City Manager Bradley thanked staff across multiple departments for their work on the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute events and noted the strong impact of the week's activities. He announced the launch of the new "Downey Connect" service request system, allowing residents to report community issues through an updated mobile app. He confirmed that staff will return with a presentation on streetlights, evaluate a marketing effort related to ADUs, and review crosswalk needs near Furman Park.
Council Member Ortiz announced that Alameda PTA was informed by National PTA that it received the National PTA School of Excellence designation for the third consecutive year. He added that eight PTAs in Downey earned the same recognition and congratulated the PTA parents and school communities.
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 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 comment was received.
Donna Escalante, resident, commented in support of Item No. 20.
Sandra Avalos, resident, commented regarding the escalating trash service rates and frequent helicopter activity over Council District 2.
It was moved by Council Member Ortiz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 4- 0, with Council Member Frometa 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.
Jeanie Wood, resident, commented in regards to National Night Out.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in regards to the traveling Vietnam Wall tribute.
Speaker No. 3, resident, commented in opposition to the transitional housing proposed at St.
Mark's Church.
Speaker No. 4, resident, commented in opposition to the transitional housing proposed at St.
Mark's Church.
Faraz Aquil, resident, commented in support for Item No. 20.
Speaker No. 6, resident, commented in opposition to the transitional housing proposed at St.
Mark's Church.
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Speaker No. 7, resident, commented in opposition to the transitional housing proposed at St.
Mark's Church.
Speaker No. 8, resident, commented in regards to the installation of speed calming measures on Dunrobin Ave.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 16, 17, and 18, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton pulled Item No. 15, for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Frometa absent, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED 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. 1) ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS PAVEMENT REHABILITATION - AREA 3 PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-22;
2) APPROVED R.J. NOBLE COMPANY'S FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $4,200,506; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED 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.
1) AWARDED 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,
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Regular Meeting — August 12, 2025 5
2) AUTHORIZED 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.
1) ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE FURMAN PARK RECYCLED WATER MAIN EXTENSION AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 24-20; 2) APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $826,720; AND, 3) AUTHORIZED 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.
1) APPROVED 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) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY FUND TRANSFERS
7. APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES FROM LIFE ASSIST, INC.: Fire.
AUTHORIZED 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.
1) ACCEPTED 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) APPROPRIATED $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.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 12, 2025
1) APPROVED AN AGREEMENT WITH PEREGRINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR A THREE- YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON AUGUST 15, 2025, AND TERMINATING ON AUGUST 15, 2028; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED 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.
AUTHORIZED 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.
1) RATIFIED 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) AUTHORIZED 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.
1) APPROVED THE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2024); 2) REVIEWED ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY (DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY 706); AND,
3) ADOPTED 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.
ADOPTED 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.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-8317, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID
VALADEZ TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
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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.
APPROVED 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.
APPROVED 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 4T" 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.
APPROVED A STREET CLOSURE FOR THE I LOVE DOWNEY FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL OCCUR AT DOWNEY AVE. AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING !NTERSECTIONS:
DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4T" STREET
3RD STREET @ NEW STREET
3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK
OTHER BUSINESS
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.
APPROVED FEE WAIVERS FOR RENTAL AND LABOR COSTS FOR THE "EL GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA" SHOW TO BE FEATURED AT THE DOWNEY THEATRE City Manager Bradley provided a brief staff report for Item No. 15, it explained that the Arts and Culture Subcommittee reviewed a request to hold the El Grito de Independencia community event at the Downey Theatre and directed that it be brought to the City Council for consideration. He stated that the request includes waiving the Theatre rental fee of $12,000. He concluded that the item is before the Council for discussion and staff is available to answer questions.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton stated that she could not support waiving the $12,000 Theatre rental fee for the proposed El Grito de Independencia event. She noted that the organization is new to Downey, the program is not an existing City event, and the City is already reducing funding and tightening its budget, including cuts to community grants. She explained that other nonprofits pay fees or receive only partial discounts, and she felt it would be inappropriate to waive the full cost at this time. She suggested City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - August 12, 2025 8
the concept could be revisited in the future, possibly through Parks and Recreation programming, but recommended pausing the request for now.
Council Member Ortiz asked for clarification on the source of funds related to the proposed fee waiver and inquired about the total annual revenue generated by the Downey Theatre. Director Chacon responded that the Theatre typically brings in between $600,000 and $700,000 per year and clarified that approving the waiver would not require City funds to be paid out, but would instead result in a loss of potential revenue.
Council Member Ortiz expressed support for the proposed cultural event, noting that similar celebrations in other cities feature entertainment such as folklorico and mariachi performances and can draw significant community interest. He stated that the event would be a meaningful way to honor Mexican Independence Day, particularly in a city with a large Latino population. Council Member Ortiz added that the $12,000 fee waiver is a reasonable request given the Theatre's revenue and compared to other funding requests the City considers.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked whether the Downey Theatre had already been reserved.
Director Chacon confirmed that the date is available and noted that the organization previously held an event at the Theatre called Mexico En El Corazon.
Council Member Ortiz asked how the previous event held by the organization was attended.
Director Chacon responded that it was a sold -out event, selling 735 seats and followed a similar process in which the Theatre fees were waived, resulting in a loss of the rental revenue the City would normally receive.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked who manages ticket sales for the event and what portion of the revenue would return to the City. Council Member Trujillo clarified that there are no ticket sales because the event is free, which is why it was described as "sold out." Mayor Sosa confirmed that the event would be free to the public and asked how tickets would be distributed to ensure residents have fair access, noting that a sold -out event suggests high demand.
Director Chacon explained that the organizing group allocates tickets through its affiliated clubs across the Greater Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles areas, and also provides a portion to the City. He stated that the City works with the organization to distribute those tickets to Downey residents through the Theatre's box office, as was done for the previous event.
Mayor Sosa asked how many tickets from the previous event were distributed specifically to Downey residents. Director Chacon responded that he did not have that information readily available and would need to research.
Council Member Trujillo asked whether a specific number of tickets could be set aside exclusively for Downey residents. Director Chacon responded that this was previously discussed and confirmed that staff can work with the organization to establish a designated number of tickets if the Council wishes to do so.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked whether the City operates the concession stand for the event.
Director Chacon responded that the organization brings in its own contracted concession services and the City does not pay for those services. He confirmed that the City would not receive any profit or share of the concession revenue.
Council Member Trujillo said he was surprised by the $12,000 estimate, recalling earlier conversations indicating that standard Theater use is usually around $7,000 to $8,000. He asked if the City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 12, 2025 9
higher cost might be due to the event taking place on a Sunday or involving overtime. Director Chacon explained that the estimate is based on the organization's requested load -in and load -out schedule and the staff hours needed to accommodate that work.
Council Member Trujillo noted that if the Council approves the event, there is interest in formally inviting Downey's Sister City, Guadalajara, and its Mayor to attend. He stated that the founder and past President of the organizing group is a Downey resident.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton asked which other cities the organization has held events in. Director Chacon responded that the group has most recently operated in Pico Rivera over the past three or four years, hosting Mexican Independence Day celebrations at the city's sports arena and at one of its park sites.
Mayor Sosa stated that if the Theatre fees are waived for the event, it is important to ensure that Downey residents receive a fair allocation of tickets and meaningful access to the celebration, rather than having most tickets distributed solely through outside clubs.
Mayor Sosa requested that once details are finalized, he would like to know how many tickets will be available specifically to Downey residents and how residents will be able to access them. Director Chacon asked whether the Council would like staff to propose a target number of tickets to take back to the organization for discussion.
Mayor Sosa suggested establishing a minimum number of tickets reserved for Downey residents and discussed what an appropriate allocation might be, proposing that at least half of the tickets be set aside, estimating around 350. City Manager Bradley agreed that reserving at least half would be reasonable and indicated staff could proceed with that direction.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Frometa absent, to approve fee waivers for rental and labor costs for the "El Grito de Independencia" show to be featured at the Downey Theatre with the caveat that 50% of the tickets be distributed to Downey residents.
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.
ADOPTED 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
Council Member Trujillo noted that the Mayor is usually appointed as the voting delegate for this Conference and nominated Mayor Sosa.
Mayor Sosa accepted the nomination.
Council Member Ortiz clarified that in addition to the voting delegate, a second position must also be selected, which would be the alternate.
Council Member Trujillo nominated the Mayor to serve as the voting delegate for the League of California Cities conference and suggested the Mayor Pro Tern serve as the alternate.
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It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Frometa absent, to adopt Resolution No. 25-8318, designating Mayor Hector Sosa as the voting delegate, and Mayor Pro Tern Dorothy Pemberton as the alternate 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.
DISCUSSED AND PROVIDED DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING JOINING A JOINT
POWERS AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE AND AUDIT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
City Manager Bradley explained that Item No. 20, originated from a July request by Council Member Trujillo to explore a new Joint Powers Agency proposed by the City of Lynwood. The purpose of the agency would be to review federal immigration enforcement actions, ensure there are no violations of individual rights, audit federal immigration raids for legal compliance, and pursue litigation when due process concerns are identified, with the broader goal of influencing national immigration reform. The invitation to join has been extended to all Gateway Cities Council of Governments member cities, and each participating city would be expected to contribute $100,000 from its General Fund toward creating a $1 million legal and audit defense fund. City Manager Bradley noted that the agency is still in the early stages and its governance structure and formal documents have not yet been created. The next six months would be focused on drafting bylaws and regulations, with the intent of becoming operational within a year. At this time, Lynwood is moving forward as the initiating City, and no other cities have officially joined, though some are considering participation. City Manager Bradley emphasized that the biggest unknown is how ongoing costs will be shared, as staffing needs and future financial obligations cannot yet be evaluated. He concluded by clarifying that such agencies function as independent government entities formed when cities share common powers or interests, and participation would be optional for the City of Downey.
Council Member Ortiz asked whether any cities had shown interest in joining the Joint Powers Agency. City Manager Bradley responded that no cities have opted in so far, and while interest could develop in the future, none has been expressed at this time.
Council Member Ortiz asked what funding source the City would use if it chose to participate. City Manager Bradley explained that there are no budgeted funds identified for this purpose, so the contribution would have to come from General Fund reserves.
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton stated that she does not support committing $100,000 to the proposed Joint Powers Agency, noting that the effort requires multiple cities to buy in to reach its $1 million goal and gain meaningful authority. She emphasized that Downey has already taken proactive steps on immigration -related concerns, including funding food insecurity support, offering webinars and training, adopting a resolution expressing the City's position on federal raids, and requesting immigration reform from federal legislators. She expressed doubt about the agency's ability to access federal information needed for audits and questioned its real power or effectiveness. Because of the lack of clarity, transparency, and demonstrated impact, she is not in favor of joining at this time.
Council Member Ortiz said he would rather direct funding toward local support efforts once the City knows how many Downey residents have been directly affected by ICE raids, and asked when that information is expected. City Manager Bradley responded that the City has requested the data and is still awaiting a response.
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Council Member Ortiz noted that the City had previously discussed a $100,000 allocation and asked whether the full amount had been set aside. Mayor Sosa clarified that there was never an actual $100,000 allocation by the City, explaining that the figure came up only as a reference to what other cities were considering, not as a number Downey formally adopted.
Council Member Ortiz stated that he would rather use available funds to directly support Downey residents affected by ICE actions, rather than joining an agency that currently lacks concrete participation from other cities. He emphasized waiting for data on how many residents have been impacted and then directing resources to help them directly.
Mayor Sosa added that the City has also included this topic in its legislative platform with its lobbyist, aligning with efforts like writing to state and federal legislators. City Manager Bradley confirmed that this is correct.
Following Council discussion, no action was taken on Item No. 20.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session at 7:29 p.m. 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'/Z 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.
AIAALICIA DUARTEVCVrC
erk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - August 12, 2025
A:IL2
HECTOR OSA
Mayor
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