MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on September 23, 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
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 M. Funk, City Attorney
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, 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 B.C., resident, commented in regards to liability claims and worker's compensation claims.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa, to close public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sosa announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:38 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim - Worker's Compensation Claim — Claimant:
Thomas Lim - Claim No.: 18-139200 — Worker's Compensation Board No.: ADJ11833716; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
2. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) — Conference with Legal Counsel — Initiation of Litigation. National Opioid Litigation/Settlements re Purdue Pharma and Secondary Opioid Manufacturers.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025
Mayor Sosa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1 and 2, no reportable action was taken.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on September 23, 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
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 M. 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, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Hector Sosa. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scouts Troop 2543.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton welcomed the audience to the meeting. She provided community updates and remarks, and expressed condolences to the family of Reinaldo Lefonts and shared the vigil held at the Civic Center, drew nearly 200 attendees. She thanked Council Member Frometa for coordinating with the family and acknowledged staff efforts to enhance security at the Civic Center, including added private security and increased police foot patrols in the Downtown Downey area. She emphasized the need for broader solutions to address mental health and public safety, calling on state leaders to strengthen conservatorship laws and reopen mental health facilities to better serve individuals in crisis and protect residents. She highlighted recent community activities, including participation in the Downey CERT training, encouraging residents to take advantage of the free emergency preparedness courses offered by the Fire Department. She promoted cultural events such as the Downey Symphony's upcoming season and youth -focused outreach, she encouraged public support, and referenced the recent Downey Festival as a successful community event. Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton noted a Consent Calendar item approving a Metro -funded project to improve approximately nine bus stops along Florence Ave. with new shelters featuring smart lighting, Wi-Fi charging, and digital displays, with no fiscal impact City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 2
to the City. She shared upcoming community events, including a fundraiser hosted by the 10-20 Club, and concluded by noting that SEAACA recently hosted a fully booked, no -cost spay and neuter clinic through the Michelson Foundation, which served Downey residents over the weekend.
Council Member Trujillo announced plans to pursue a new dog park in the southern part of the City at Golden Park and noted that informational meetings will be held to share details and gather community input. He requested that staff evaluate and address deteriorating slurry seal work along Paramount Blvd. near Warren High School, from Stewart and Gray Rd. and extending toward Firestone Blvd., emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance to prevent more costly repairs in the future.
The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton.
Council Member Ortiz welcomed the audience to the meeting. He thanked the Downey Police Department for conducting a cleanup along the 1-105 corridor, noting that resources were offered to approximately 50 individuals, all of whom declined services, and emphasized that the City continues to proactively address cleanliness and related challenges. He expressed appreciation to the Council and staff for successful community events, including El Grito, which featured mariachi and cultural performances, and the I Love Downey Festival, highlighting its strong focus on activities for children and overall community pride. He specifically thanked staff, including the Parks and Recreation team, for organizing these events. Additionally, he acknowledged upcoming community meetings regarding a proposed second dog park located in his District and encouraged residents to participate.
Council Member Frometa welcomed the audience to the meeting. She addressed ongoing concerns related to homelessness and public safety, noting that recent changes in state policy now allow cities to take action on encampments. She highlighted the City's comprehensive homelessness response, which focuses on preparation, engagement, and restoration, and underscored continued collaboration with law enforcement and partner agencies. She noted that while outreach and services are regularly offered, many individuals decline assistance, creating ongoing challenges. Council Member Frometa reiterated calls for greater State and County support, particularly the reopening of mental health institutions and expanded conservatorship options. She requested continued elevated patrols in areas such as the Civic Center and the Downey Theater. She concluded by thanking City staff, Public Works, and the Downey Police Department for their efforts, and expressed appreciation for the success of the I Love Downey Festival as a reflection of community pride.
Mayor Sosa thanked residents for participating in the meeting and highlighted recent community events he attended, including the Downey Symphony concert and fundraiser and the I Love Downey Festival. He expressed appreciation for the Downey Symphony and commended Parks and Recreation, Public Works, the Police Department, and City staff for organizing a successful and well -received festival.
In regards to homelessness, Mayor Sosa acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and asked how the City can push further, maximize efforts, and fully utilize available resources to address it. City Manager Bradley responded by thanking the Police Department, Code Enforcement, the City Manager's Office, and contract outreach teams that engage daily with individuals experiencing homelessness and offer services and housing options. He noted recent changes in state law that have expanded local authority to address encampments and stated that the City has taken a proactive and progressive approach. He emphasized the City's willingness to partner with the Council and community to find additional solutions.
City Manager Bradley expressed condolences to the Lefonts family and outlined recent actions taken to improve safety, including increased security at the Civic Center and Library, additional evening sweeps, and ongoing enforcement efforts. He acknowledged the complexity of homelessness, stressed the need for a multi -pronged approach and adequate resources, and referenced continued efforts to secure funding, including Measure A resources, to support these initiatives. He concluded by reaffirming staff's commitment to addressing the issue and moving the City forward.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 3
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley confirmed that staff will move forward with reviewing and addressing additional slurry seal needs along Paramount Blvd. near Warren High School, from Stewart and Gray Rd. to Firestone Blvd., and that increased patrols at the Civic Center are in place and will continue on an ongoing basis.
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 eight written public comments were received.
Greg Graham, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Chris, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Ivy McEwen, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
CN, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Tony Cantillo, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
John Hall, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
George Morales, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Michelle, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 5-0, 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.
Delia Espinoza, resident, commented in opposition of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
B.C., resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Alan Halstensgaard, resident, commented in regards to the Bible.
Michael Simon, resident, commented in regards to the incident at the Civic Center.
Speaker No. 6, commented in opposition of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Andrew, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
Catherine Perez, resident, commented in opposition of the censuring Council Member Trujillo Speaker No. 9, resident, commented in support of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 4
Speaker No. 10, commented in opposition of the censuring Council Member Trujillo.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and so ordered by Mayor Sosa to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 10, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
Council Member Ortiz abstained from Item No. 14.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and carried 5-0, to approve the Consent Calendar, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Item No. 10 and Council Member Ortiz abstaining from Item No. 14.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Special Meeting of May 20, 2024 and Regular Meeting of May 28, 2024: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 392051-392557; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004615-30004619; EFT Nos. 15007-15049; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2732-2733, in the total amount of $6,347,662.50: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A SEWER JETTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS UTILITIES OPERATIONS: Public Works.
APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF US JETTING, MODEL USJ-4018-600, SEWER JETTER TRAILER WITH HIGH PRESSURE 18 GALLONS PER MINUTE (GPM), 4,000 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH (PSI), SEWER CLEANER AND 750 GALLONS OF WATER CONTAINMENT FROM US JETTING, INC. FOR THE TOTAL BID AMOUNT OF $94,780, AND WAIVE ANY AND
ALL MINOR IRREGULARITIES IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID BIDDER
4. AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ZOLL AUTOPULSE
MECHANICAL CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION DEVICES WITH NEW ZOLL AUTOPULSE NXT DEVICES: Fire.
AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING ZOLL AUTOPULSE DEVICES WITH FIVE (5) ZOLL AUTOPULSE NXT MECHANICAL CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION DEVICES FOR A TOTAL COST OF $119,642
5. APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) FOR THE RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS PROJECT: Public Works.
1) APPROVED THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR THE RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS PROJECT;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT; AND, City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 5
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ANY FUTURE
AMENDMENTS TO THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT IF DEEMED NECESSARY
6. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AKESO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES:
Human Resources.
1) APPROVED THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AKESO
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TO PROVIDE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND
SAFETY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025 AND ENDING AUGUST 31, 2028 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ANNUAL BUDGET AUTHORITY; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH AKESO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
7. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND DAVID HAASE, MD, AS THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MEDICAL DIRECTOR: Fire.
APPROVED THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MEDICAL DIRECTOR AGREEMENT
WITH DAVID HAASE, MD, FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES, FOR A TWO-YEAR AND NINE -MONTH TERM BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 2025, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $101,250
8. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWALS WITH UKG FOR UKG READY TIME, UKG READY
ACCRUALS MANAGER, UKG SCHEDULER, AND UKG TELESTAFF SOFTWARE SOLUTION
FOR WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING TIMEKEEPING AND SCHEDULING MODULES: Human Resources.
1) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH UKG FOR A
ONE-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR THE UKG READY SYSTEM, FOR A TERM BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING ON AUGUST 31, 2026 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $61,647, AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH UKG FOR A
THREE-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR THE UKG TELESTAFF SYSTEM, FOR A TERM BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2025, AND ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2028 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $113,929
9. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MDG ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES: Economic Development.
APPROVED A NEW PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MDG ASSOCIATES, INC. TO PROVIDE CDBG, HOME, HUD, AND PLHA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR AN INITIAL ONE-YEAR TERM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, IN AN AMOUNT
NOT -TO -EXCEED ONE MILLION, FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR DOLLARS ($1,429,184) UTILIZING STATE AND FEDERAL
GRANT MONIES, AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE
THE AGREEMENT
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 6
10. APPROVAL OF SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY, RAW INSPIRATION, INC., AND DOWNTOWN DOWNEY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION FOR OPERATION OF THE DOWNEY CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKET: Economic Development. 1) APPROVED THE SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH RAW INSPIRATION, INC. AND THE DOWNTOWN DOWNEY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE
OPERATION OF THE DOWNEY CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKET FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM, WITH AN OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR EXTENSION THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2027; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT
11. APPROVAL OF MEASURE A FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS PROGRAMS: Economic Development.
APPROVED THE MEASURE A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE TERM BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2031,
AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT AND RECEIVE THE CITY'S ALLOCATION
12. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO ENTER INTO AND APPROVING A
COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH CALTRANS TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR THE FURMAN PARK STORMWATER CAPTURE AND INFILTRATION PROJECT:
Public Works.
1) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-8320, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT (CIA) WITH CALTRANS TO RECEIVE
GRANT FUNDS FOR THE FURMAN PARK STORMWATER CAPTURE AND
INFILTRATION PROJECT;
2) APPROVED CIA NO. D43CIAULA0004 WITH CALTRANS TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500,000 FOR THE FURMAN PARK STORMWATER CAPTURE AND INFILTRATION PROJECT;
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CIA INCLUDING ANY NON - SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS; AND,
4) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL FUTURE
AMENDMENTS TO THE CIA AS DEEMED NECESSARY
13. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-8321, AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
OBSOLETE RECORDS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
14. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION CENSURING COUNCIL MEMBER MARIO TRUJILLO: Mayor Sosa.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-8322, CENSURING COUNCILMEMBER TRUJILLO City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 7
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session at 7:31 p.m. in memory of Deputy Sheriff, Andres "Andy" Lahera, 56, 14 year -veteran of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Florida who succumbed to his injuries received when being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at an intersection; and, Highway Patrol Trooper, Wayne Adamick, Jr., 44, 1 year -veteran of the Texas Highway Patrol, who died in a single -vehicle crash while responding to a call for assistance.
K
A ALICIADUARTE, �hC'
City Clerk
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — September 23, 2025 8