Tuesday, October 28, 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR
HECTOR SOSA
Regular Meeting
5:30 p.m. - Closed Session
6:30 p.m. - Open Session
MAYOR PRO TEM
DOROTHY PEMBERTON
Council Chambers
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
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, unless otherwise limited by the Mayor for good cause including number of speakers, as permitted by the City’s meeting rules.
RECESS TO A CLOSED SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL UNDER THE FOLLOWING AUTHORITIES:
1. Government Code Section 54957.6 - Conference with labor negotiator James McQueen, Director of Human Resources re: direction for labor negotiations with Downey Firemen’s Association, Downey Fire Management Association and Downey Police Officers’ Association.
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
Reverend David Beary, First Presbyterian Church of Downey
FLAG SALUTE
Girl Scout Troop 7272
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Outstanding Citizen Award to Bianca Farina.
2. Police and Fire Employees of the Quarter.
3. Presentation of City Tile to retiring employee with 23 years of service, Eugenia Brunet, Regional Fire Communications Operator, Downey Fire Department.
4. Proclamation in honor of Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, presented to Southland Young Marines.
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, unless otherwise limited by the Mayor for good cause including number of speakers, as permitted by the City’s meeting rules. 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. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
Special Meeting of May 28, 2025; Regular Meetings of August 27, 2024, February 25, 2025, and March 25, 2025.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED
Warrant Nos. 393217-393598; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004624, 3004625, 3004628, 30004631-30004634; EFT Nos. 15127-15168; and, Manual Wire Nos. 2746-2747, in the total amount of $4,216,378.45.
3. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT CONSTRUCTION BIDS
FOR THE INSPIRATION SHUTTLE EXHIBIT AND EDUCATION BUILDING, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 21-18
That the City Council:
Approve the plans and specifications, and authorize the solicitation of construction bids, for the Inspiration Shuttle Exhibit and Education Building, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 21-18.
4. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AND ACQUISITION OF PERMANENT ROAD AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10000 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD That the City Council:
Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the agreement to purchase Real Property from Pacific Springs, LLC, California Limited Liability Company, by merger to Downey Investment Properties, a General Partnership, including any non-substantive extensions and amendments.
5. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VICTORY FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS
FOR FUNDRAISING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER That the City Council:
1) Approve an agreement with Victory Fundraising and Events Inc. for Fundraising Consultant Services at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, for a one-year term beginning on October 28, 2025, with the option to extend for an additional two, one-year terms for a total contract amount of up to $126,000; and, 2) Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute all amendments to the agreement.
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION UPDATING HOURLY PAY RANGES FOR THE POSITIONS DESIGNATED
AS TEMPORARY/PART-TIME AND THE TEMPORARY/FULL-TIME POSITION OF AMBULANCE OPERATOR That the City Council:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-8324, updating the hourly pay schedule for positions designated as temporary/part- time and the temporary/full-time position of Ambulance Operator.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
7. DISCUSSION REGARDING A DOG PARK AT GOLDEN PARK
That the City Council:
Discuss and provide staff with direction regarding options for the installation of a second dog park at Golden Park.
8. DISCUSS LA PHILHARMONIC NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT AT THE DOWNEY THEATRE That the City Council:
Approve fee waivers for facility rental and labor costs for the "LA Phil Neighborhood Concert" to be hosted at the Downey Civic Theatre.
9. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY OF DOWNEY WATER RATES
That the City Council:
1) Receive an update on the proposed City of Downey water rates; and, 2) Direct staff to move forward with:
a) Holding community informational sessions to discuss the proposed water rate increase; b) Finalizing the water rate analysis; and,
c) Returning to the City Council at its November 18, 2025 council meeting to consider initiating Proposition 218 proceedings, which are required for the adoption of new water rates.
ADJOURNMENT
To Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., in memory of Cadet Peter Lopez-Pelaez, 24, member of the Cadet Training Class IV-25 of the California Highway Patrol, who died in a traffic accident in Stockton; Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, two-year veteran of La Mesa Police Department, who died in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle while stopping to assist two motorists involved in a collision; and, Adele Louise Alexander, 87, long time Downey resident and active member of the Assistance League of Downey.
FUTURE COUNCIL REQUESTED ITEMS
1. Driveway expansion options for residents – (H. Ortiz)
2. Review CUP fee structure to help small businesses, including discount for Veterans – (M. Trujillo)
3. Reimbursement options for outside meetings/conference – (M. Trujillo)
4. Research installing license plate readers at/near Golden Park – (H. Ortiz)
5. Research a Talent Show for Downey – (M. Trujillo)
6. Options for expanding youth entrepreneurial day – (H. Ortiz)
7. Discuss marketing campaign for residents on building an ADU – (M. Trujillo)
8. Stop sign survey at Samoline Ave. and Springer St. – (H. Sosa)
9. Traffic Study for crosswalks by Furman Park – (D. Pemberton)
10. Review parking space striping along Stewart and Gray Rd. – (M. Trujillo)
11. Research traffic calming measures on Gallatin Rd. east of Lakewood Blvd. – (C. Frometa)
12. Research adding holiday lights to Firestone Blvd. between Brookshire Ave. and La Reina Ave. – (C.
Frometa)
13. Evaluate Quarterly Updates to Council from Youth Commission – (H. Ortiz)
14. Study adding crosswalks at Castana Ave. near Golden Park – (H. Ortiz)
15. Evaluate a lead CSO contact per District – (M. Trujillo)
16. Evaluate a Community Preparedness Event – (H. Sosa)
17. Traffic survey on Cecilia St. from Pangborn Ave. to Woodruff Ave. – (H. Sosa)
18. Review CUP fee structure for small businesses in Downey – (H. Sosa) 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.
Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
To view the livestream of the Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.:
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 Date Posted: October 23, 2025