CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA
HORACIO ORTIZ
COUNCIL MEMBERS
DOROTHY PEMBERTON
HECTOR SOSA
MARIO TRUJILLO
Tuesday, January 134 2026
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
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 Pemberton, Sosa, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, Mayor Frometa
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(b)(1) — Public Employee Performance Evaluation — Title: City Clerk.
2. Government Code Section 54957.6(a) — Conference with Labor Negotiator Agency Designated Representative:
James McQueen, Director of Human Resources. Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk.
RECONVENE AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION
CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Pemberton, Sosa, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, Mayor Frometa
INVOCATION
Greg Welch, Chaplain Downey Police Department
FLAG SALUTE
Boy Scout Troop 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Legacy Award to the Downey Rose Float Association for winning the Founder's Trophy at the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade.
2. Presentation of City Pins to the 2026 Miss and Mr. Downey Court.
3. Presentation to the City Council by the Downey Youth Commission.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO ADJUST THE CITY OF DOWNEY WATER RATES That the City Council:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-8329, approving the adjustments to the City of Downey water rates and making them effective January 14, 2026.
2. ADOPTION OF URGENCY ORDINANCES ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO BASED UPON CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL, AND GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO BASED UPON
CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL, AND GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
That the City Council adopt the following Urgency Ordinances:
Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 26-1531, Repealing and Recasting Chapter 1 (Downey Building Code) of Article Vill (Building Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2O25California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24. Incorporating and Amending the 2024 International Building Code) — Including Appendix H;and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto; Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 26-1532, Repealing and Recasting Section 8730 (Grading Regulations) of Chapter 0(F|OOdp|GinManagement, Grading and Paving) Ofthe Downey Municipal Code and Adding RNew Section 8730 (Downey Grading Regulations) to Chapter 8 (Floodplain Management, Grading and Paving) of the Downey Municipal Code by Adopting by Reference Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code (California Code Of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2); and Making Certain Local Amendments Thereto; Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 26-1533, Repealing and Recasting Chapter 13 (Downey Residential Code) of Article Vill (Building Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Residential Code (California Code Cf Regulations, Title 24.Part 2.5) and Appendices BB, BF, BG.and Cl; and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto; and, Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 28-1534' Amending Chapters 3.4'5.and 00fArticle III Ofthe Downey Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9), Including Appendices A Through 0, Together with Certain Additions, Insertions, Deletions and Changes Thereto, for the Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from Fire 0rExplosion; and Adopting Chapter O.95OfDivision 2O0fthe California Health and Safety Code for the Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from the Handling, Use, Storage orRelease ofHazardous Materials orHazardous Waste.
That the City Council introduce the following Ordinances and schedule a Public Hearing on January 27, 2026:
Introduce onOrdinance RepealingondRecosUngChaoter1([}ovvneyBui|dingCode)ofArtidaVU|(8ui|ding Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (California Code UfRegulations, Title 24.Incorporating and Amending the 2O24International Building Code) — Including Appendix H; and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto; Introduce anOrdinance RepealingandReoaaUng8eoUun8730o3radingReou|etiona\ofChaoter8(F|oodp|ain Management, Grading and Paving) of the Downey Municipal Code and Adding a New Section 8730 (Downey Grading Regulations) tOChapter 8/F|OOdp|8inManagement, Grading and Paving) 0fthe Downey Municipal Code by Adopting by Reference Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2); and Making Certain Local Amendments Thereto; Introduce an Ordinance Repealing and Recasting Chapter 13 (Downey Residential Code) of Article Vill (Building Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Residential Code (California Coda of Regu|oUona. TlUa 24, Part 2.5) and Appendices BB, BF, BG, And Cl; and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto; and,
Introduce mnOrdinance Amending Chapters 3.4. 5. and WofArticle U| ofthe Downey Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9\. Including Appendices A Through 0, Together with Certain Additions, Insertions, Deletions and Changes Thereto, for the
Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from Fire or Explosion; and Adopting Chapter 6.95 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code for the Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from the Handling, Use, Storage or Release of Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Waste; and, Introduce an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Historical Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code, and California Referenced Standards Code (as Set Forth in California Code of Regulations Title 24); and Amending Downey Municipal Code Article VIII ("Building Regulations"), Chapters 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, and 16 Accordingly.
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.
3. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Special meetings of September 17, 2025, November 18, 2025, and December 11, 2025; Regular meetings of August 26, 2025, September 23, 2025, October 14, 2025, and October 28, 2025.
4. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS ISSUED
Warrant Nos. 394726-395675; Payroll Wire Nos. 30004645-30004649; 30004650-30004655; 30004657- 30004659; 30004661; EFT Nos. 15309-15436; Manual Wire Nos. 2767-2779; and, one Cashier's Check No. 91201, in the total amount of $17,020,499.45.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS (COUNCIL DISTRICT 2), AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE), CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 25-01 That the City Council:
1) Accept the work for the FY 2024-25 Annual Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs (Council District 2), Americans with Disabilities Act and Miscellaneous Improvements (Citywide), CIP No. 25-01; 2) Approve the final construction contract amount of $298,014; and, 3) Authorize the Director of Public Works/City Engineer to file a Notice of Completion indicating the work is complete and has been accepted by the City.
6. APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MARK ENTERPRISES TECHNOLOGIES, LLC FOR THE
PURCHASE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT
That the City Council:
1) Approve a purchase agreement between the City of Downey and MARK Enterprises Technologies LLC for the purchase of Check Point Maestro Model MHO-140 Orchestrator Appliances, including related support and professional services, in an amount not to exceed $99,236.50, provide retroactive approval of Purchase Order No. 12-11009 issued on December 29, 2025, and;
2) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the purchase.
7. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 That the City Council:
Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2026.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
8. APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO INTER -GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES FOR 2026
That the City Council:
1) Approve the City Council appointments to the Inter -Governmental Agencies and Council Subcommittees for 2026;
2) Ratify the appointment of Mayor Pro Tern Horacio Ortiz to act as alternate member of the Boards of Directors of County Sanitation District Nos. 2 and 18, of Los Angeles County in the presiding officer's absence effective December 15, 2025; and,
3) Terminate the Affordable Housing and Tenant's Rights Subcommittee, the Homelessness Subcommittee and, the Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
In memory of William Alarcon, 78, former Council Member of the City of Rosemead; James Helms, 100, former City of Arcadia Mayor; and Mitzi Ortiz, 45, Aliso Viejo City Manager, who also served as Aliso Viejo's City Clerk between 2014 and 2024.
FUTURE COUNCIL REQUESTED ITEMS
1. Reimbursement options for outside meetings/conference — (M. Trujillo)
2. Research a Talent Show for Downey — (M. Trujillo)
3. Study adding crosswalks at Castana Ave. near Golden Park — (H. Ortiz)
4. Traffic survey on Cecilia St. from Pangborn Ave. to Woodruff Ave. — (H. Sosa)
5. Review CUP fee structure for small businesses in Downey — (H. Sosa)
6. Conduct speed survey on Fontana St. between Brookshire Ave. and Patton Rd. — ( H. Ortiz)
7. Conduct a survey of traffic signs and stop signs along Brookshire Ave. — (H. Ortiz) 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 Tftulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles, la Ciudad de Downey prohfbe la discriminacion de cualquier persona en todos sus programas y servicios. En caso de necesitar una traduccion escrita de las ordenes del dfa o las actas de las reuniones de la ciudad, o para solicitar un interprete oral para una reunion de la ciudad, comunfquese a la oficina de la secretaria de la Ciudad al (562) 904-7280, o al (562) 299-6619, en el horario de atenci6n comercial, 48 horas antes de la reunion.
I, Maria Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, 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