MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 10, 2026
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting — Open Session on March 10, 2026 at 11:06 a.m., in the Activity Room of Golden Park, 8840 Golden St., Downey, California, Mayor Frometa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Dorothy Pemberton
Hector Sosa
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 and Recreation Director
Austin Ramirez, Economic Development Director
Marlon Ramirez, Interim Assistant Finance Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS AND CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Special Meeting Agenda items or Closed Session items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comments were received.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Special Meeting Agenda items or Closed Session items.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding voting rights.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to close public comment.
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Special Meeting — March 10, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz pulled Item No. 6, for separate discussion.
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item No. 6, due to owning property in the Downtown Downey area.
It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5- 0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Regular Meetings of February 10, 2026, and February 24, 2026: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 396933-397320 (City) and 102-110 (CMSC); Payroll Wire Nos. 30004680-30004682; 30004677; EFT Nos. 15617-15673 (City) and 50003-50007 (CMSC); and, Manual Wire Nos. 2800-2804, in the total amount of $ 4,725,063.37: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 22-10: Public Works. 1) APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZED SOLICITATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY
ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT, CIP NO. 22-10; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT OF CERTAIN CITY -FURNISHED MATERIALS THAT
REQUIRE LONGER LEAD TIMES TO ACQUIRE
4. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH FONROCHE LIGHTING AMERICA FOR THE RESIDENTIAL STREETLIGHT PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 25-17: Public Works. 1) APPROVED A PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH FONROCHE LIGHTING AMERICA IN THE AMOUNT OF $184,339 AND A 15 PERCENT PROJECT CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,660 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF 16
SOLAR POWERED STREETLIGHTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF DOWNEY; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE
AGREEMENT
5. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AN AGREEMENT TO LEASE 12140 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE INSPIRATION MOCK-UP:
Economic Development.
1) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DOWNEY LAND LIMITED FOR AN EXTENSION OF EIGHTEEN (18) MONTHS THROUGH MARCH 11, 2028, FOR THE LEASE OF 12140 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD FOR THE City Council Minutes
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REFURBISHMENT OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE INSPIRATION MOCK-UP FOR AN ADDITIONAL LEASE AMOUNT OF SEVENTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($72,000); AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1
7. APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 83742 AND AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT 12428 BENEDICT AVENUE: Public Works.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8340, APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 83742 AND
AGREEMENT WITH THE SUBDIVIDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBDIVISON PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS
OTHER BUSINESS
Item No. 6 was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz.
6. APPROVAL OF SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR SHOP SMALL SOIREE:
Economic Development.
1) APPROVED THE SERVICES AND LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND SHOP SMALL SOIREE, FOR A NINE -MONTH TERM; AND, 2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT
Council Member Ortiz expressed support for the Shop Small Soiree but raised concerns about the potential impact the event could have on nearby businesses, noting that many businesses are already struggling.
Council Member Pemberton stated that the event would attract visitors who may be unfamiliar with Downey and requested that it conclude promptly at 3:00 p.m. to avoid impacting neighboring businesses.
Mayor Frometa expressed support for the Shop Small Soiree and noted that Mr. Santana has been involved with the City for many years. She stated that the 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. time frame would not disrupt local businesses and emphasized that the City should support small businesses.
Council Member Sosa expressed support for small pop-up businesses and stated that he would like to see the Shop Small Soiree start without any food trucks and that the event bring business to the local restaurants, and other businesses in the area.
Mr. Santana provided comments regarding the logistics of the Shop Small Soiree. He assured the Council that the event would not negatively impact local businesses and that his goal is to bring more visitors to Downey. He stated that Shop Small Soiree operates as a nonprofit and has hosted events in City Council Minutes
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other cities. He added that only two specialty food trucks would be present. He assured vendors would park in designated areas, and that the event would conclude and be cleared by 3:00 p.m.
Council Member Sosa inquired about the outreach process for local restaurants and how food vendors participating in the event would coordinate to avoid competition with nearby businesses. Mr.
Santana replied that the event would initially include only small, noel -competing vendors, such as snack stands, during the first three months. He stated that any additional food trucks would be limited to two or three if approved and he would coordinate with the City.
City Manager Bradley assured the Council that the event would be initiated without food vendors or food trucks and that they would be phased in over time.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz stated that his primary concern was limiting the number of full food trucks to avoid negatively impacting nearby businesses. Mr. Santana responded that the event focuses primarily on arts, crafts, and family activities, with food options limited to a small number of vendors intended only to provide light refreshments while visitors attend the event.
Mr. Santana stated that the event would be held once a month on Sunday in an underutilized area and would be fully funded by the organizers, including costs for security, insurance, and cleanup. He explained that enough vendors, including limited food options, would be necessary to cover operational costs and attract visitors. He proposed a one-year agreement, with an evaluation at the end of the year to determine whether the event is beneficial for the City.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from the item, to approve the services and license agreement between the City of Downey and Shop Small Soiree, for a nine -month term; and, authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the agreement.
8. DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP:
Administration.
City Manager Bradley introduced the item for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Goal Setting Workshop.
He explained that staff is currently preparing the FY 2026-2027 budget and is seeking Council input to ensure proposed priorities align with expectations. He stated the workshop is focused on identifying key priorities for the upcoming year, determining if any areas require additional attention, and gathering direction for items to be further evaluated and incorporated into the budget which will be presented in ,tune. He introduced Patrick Ibarra from The Mejorando Group, who would help facilitate the goal setting workshop session.
Mr. Ibarra explained that the goal setting workshop is designed to help the Council and staff identify and prioritize key goals for the upcoming fiscal year by assessing current conditions, future direction, and necessary actions. He emphasized that the community is constantly evolving, requiring strategic thinking and a focused approach, noting that not everything can be a priority and that selecting a few meaningful goals is essential. He stated that the process helps improve organizational focus, ensuring staff time is directed toward the most impactful initiatives while recognizing that most resources are dedicated to maintaining core services. He noted that goal setting strengthens alignment between City Council Minutes
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Council priorities and the budget, and supports more proactive, long-term decision -making by considering trends and future impacts on the community.
City Manager Bradley reviewed the City's accomplishments and highlighted the City's continued commitment to fiscal responsibility, noting that the City has maintained a structurally balanced budget for 13 consecutive years and continues to receive recognition for excellence in budget preparation, transparency, and financial reporting, including 25 consecutive years of recognition for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. He emphasized the City's success in securing approximately $41 million in grant funding from federal, state, and other external sources. He noted the ongoing replacement of the City's enterprise resource planning system due to obsolescence and highlighted improvements to financial transparency through the implementation of new budgeting software and a digital budget book, allowing the public to access budget information online.
City Manager Bradley highlighted ongoing efforts under Economic Vibrancy, noting progress on the Rancho South Campus. He stated that the property is owned by the County, but the City has worked collaboratively to secure approval to acquire approximately 25 acres for future development, marking a significant first step. He noted that the earlier adoption of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District will help support and advance development in the area and referenced the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan, emphasizing continued efforts to attract, retain, and grow businesses while prioritizing the creation of quality jobs. He highlighted the successful attraction of a regional entertainment use at the former Sears site, noting the upcoming Round One facility as a major amenity for the community. He further noted ongoing initiatives including the Business of the Month program, small business promotion efforts, and planning for the "Back 20" area to explore additional housing and development opportunities.
He acknowledged the significant ongoing work to update the City's General Plan.
City Manager Bradley highlighted efforts under Efficiency and Adaptability, noting improvements to transportation connectivity through the DowneyLINK, including interactive bus planning and real-time tracking features. He reported the City is progressing into its third year of the Strategic Plan, with continued advancement on key initiatives and alignment of future work plans. He noted the implementation of an agenda management software to improve internal efficiency and document control.
He highlighted the launch of the Downey Connect mobile app, enhancements to in-house developed library applications, and upgrades to the Fire Department's dispatch system to improve service response.
City Manager Bradley highlighted efforts under Quality of Life, Safety, and Infrastructure, noting progress on the second building at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, with funding secured, the project currently in the bidding phase, and construction anticipated to begin this year with substantial completion expected next year. He reported continued investment in street improvements, including completion of residential street paving, ongoing slurry seal work, approximately 25 miles of residential streets and five miles of arterial streets completed, and additional alley improvements supported by $2.5 million in Caltrans funding. He noted the completion of 11 capital improvement projects totaling approximately $7.8 million, including upgrades to City facilities such as the Civic Center, HVAC systems, and other infrastructure improvements. He highlighted the launch of the residential streetlight program, with initial installations underway and a forthcoming proposal to expand the program citywide using solar lighting as part of a multi -year effort. Additionally, he emphasized the City's ongoing homelessness response through the STEP program, noting coordinated outreach, enforcement, and regular cleanup efforts, including weekly riverbed maintenance, as the City continues to take an active role in addressing homelessness.
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Mayor Frometa inquired about the cost of the City's homelessness initiatives. City Manager Bradley estimated the cost to be in the range of a few million dollars. Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that approximately $90,000 from the General Fund had previously been allocated, noting that additional funding sources, including grants, also support these efforts.
Mayor Frometa inquired about how frequently the City shares updates and informational content on social media regarding homelessness efforts, emphasizing the importance of proactively communicating successes to counter public perception. Assistant City Manager de Rojas responded that the City receives monthly reports from City Net outlining progress and outcomes, which could be utilized for public communication. City Manager Bradley acknowledged that the City can improve its efforts in promoting its work and agreed on the need to enhance outreach by sharing more engaging and accessible content with the community.
City Manager Bradley highlighted the work of the Parks and Recreation Department, noting that staff host over 30 regular events annually and provide significant programming for the community. He stated the City is evaluating whether the current number and type of events are appropriate, as the schedule is becoming increasingly demanding, and expressed interest in discussing potential adjustments or additions with the Council. He noted the upcoming FIFA Fan Zone event as a major highlight for the year.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz inquired whether the FIFA event would impact the City's annual events calendar. City Manager Bradley responded that June programming would be reduced due to the significant staff resources required for the event, with other events shifted later in the year, and noted that a detailed timeline would be presented soon.
Mayor Frometa stated that the City should evaluate its events calendar to determine whether all events are necessary, emphasizing that the focus should be on quality over quantity. She noted that while key events such as Concerts in the Park should be maintained, other events could be reduced or eliminated to better manage budget and staff resources.
City Manager Bradley highlighted that the security rebate program funded through Measure D was highly successful, generating strong community participation by providing incentives for residents and businesses to install security systems. He noted ongoing efforts to expand police staffing, including both sworn and non -sworn personnel, emphasizing progress toward increasing the number of officers and improving public safety through greater police presence in the community.
City Manager Bradley highlighted efforts under Public Engagement, noting a strong partnership with the local school district, including a program developed in collaboration with a former Fire Chief to train students for careers in the fire service. He highlighted the City of STEM event, which has grown into a countywide event and shared the event received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence.
City Manager Bradley noted that the City was selected as a FIFA Fan Zone, describing it as a prestigious achievement and added that the FIFA Fan Zone helps position the City for future opportunities, including potential involvement in Olympic -related activities in 2028, building on current efforts to enhance regional visibility and success.
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City Manager Bradley reported that the Public Information Office continues to expand its outreach, noting the City reached approximately 30,000 Instagram followers, reflecting an 11 % increase, along with nearly a 6% increase on Facebook, and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement through social media platforms. He highlighted the success of various first-time and recurring City events, including the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall, Wellness Fair, LA Philharmonic Neighborhood Concert, and Keep Downey Beautiful initiative. He added that "Apollo" has been actively present at community events, contributing to a positive and engaging atmosphere for residents.
City Manager Bradley stated that staff is currently preparing the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, noting that the process takes several months and emphasizing the importance of aligning the budget with the City's strategic plan and Council priorities, while also seeking feedback to ensure necessary resources are allocated. He reported that revenues are not increasing at the same pace as expenditures, with inflation continuing to impact the City's finances, and indicated that difficult decisions may be required regarding funding, reallocation, or the potential use of reserves, stressing the need for caution moving forward. He explained that much of the proposed workload for the upcoming year is derived from the strategic plan and reflects previously identified Council goals, priorities, and the City's vision and values.
He reviewed budget -related objectives, including ongoing efforts related to the Space Center project and associated fundraising needs, continued maintenance of financial systems in compliance with accounting standards, and the City's commitment to maintaining recognition through the Government Finance Officers Association, noting that while capital funding is in place for construction, approximately $20 million still needs to be raised for future phases.
Council Member Trujillo inquired whether the City has secured any funding from the aerospace or space industry for the project. City Manager Bradley responded that efforts are still in the early stages.
Assistant City Manager de Rojas added that staff is working with the foundation to develop pitch materials and conduct outreach to major aerospace donors, noting that no specific funding amounts have been secured to date but efforts are expected to ramp up in the near future.
City Manager Bradley reported that economic vibrancy initiatives are being advanced in alignment with the City's strategic plan, including efforts to refresh the Discover Downey brand and continue implementation of the adopted Economic Development Action Plan. He noted ongoing discussions regarding the multi -building project, stating that while the estimated cost to retrofit and equip the building is approximately $80 million, staff intends to pursue bringing the property under City control in the next year, after which planning and development strategies would be evaluated, as the site is currently under a developer's control.
Mayor Frometa inquired what steps are being taken to acquire the property. City Manager Bradley responded that the City's intent is to acquire the site from the current owner and bring it fully under City control to allow for future planning and development. Assistant City Manager Vaniah de Rojas added that staff is currently working with the property owner and are engaged in negotiations to facilitate the transfer of the site to the City.
Council Member Trujillo questioned the justification and community benefit of a potential $80 million investment in the building, noting its limitation to office -based use. City Manager Bradley responded that while the building is limited to government office use and cannot accommodate housing or commercial businesses, it could serve various City functions such as satellite offices or public safety uses. He added that the decision is ultimately a policy matter for the Council, emphasizing the value of City Council Minutes
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preserving the historic building as a long-term community asset, even if it does not yield a full financial return, and noted that future opportunities and organizational impacts would need to be evaluated as planning progresses.
Council Member Pemberton inquired about the basis and timing of the estimated retrofit cost, referring to prior cost estimates. Assistant City Manager cle Rojas resnonded that earlier estimates from approximately two years ago placed the retrofit cost at about $50 million, with an additional $30 to $40 million needed to make the facility fully operational, noting that costs have likely escalated since that time.
City Manager Bradley stated that the City will continue developing small business programs, emphasizing efforts to better engage the local business community and provide concierge -style support services, including exploring partnerships with the Small Business Administration to potentially establish on -site assistance to help businesses succeed.
Mayor Frometa inquired whether small business support efforts are connected to revitalization of the Downey Gateway and Firestone Blvd. corridor, particularly addressing vacant and deteriorated storefronts. City Manager Bradley responded that while the efforts may be tangentially related, the primary focus is on supporting small businesses citywide, noting that some may choose to locate in those areas, and added that development is already planned for portions of the corridor, including new businesses such as Broken Yolk.
City Manager Bradley reported on the City's Efficiency and Adaptability goals, noting that staff is addressing legacy litigation matters to resolve and remove them from the City's books. He stated that new Brown Act requirements under SB 707 will require the City, by July 1, 2026, to provide two-way telephonic service or two-way audiovisual platform during council meetings, allowing remote public participation. He further noted ongoing efforts to archive and digitize the City's collection at the Space Center in coordination with the Downey Historical Society to ensure proper storage and public accessibility. He reported that the next phase of security camera installations will occur at Independence Park, Discovery Sports Complex, and Wilderness Park, and the City will continue advancing the EV fast charging project at the City Library and Civic Center area.
Council Member Pemberton inquired about where security camera footage is stored and how the system operates, including whether recordings are triggered by motion detection and the duration of storage. City Manager Bradley responded that footage is generally stored through the camera system provider as well as within the City's internal storage systems. Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that storage varies depending on the site and camera system, with some using different technologies, and noted that retention is typically around 30 days. She further stated that staff is considering development of a security master plan to standardize camera systems and storage practices citywide.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz inquired about the potential expansion of security cameras beyond parks to a citywide system for enhanced public safety. City Manager Bradley responded that the City is already utilizing cameras in the public right of way, including license plate reader systems along corridors such as Downey Blvd. and Firestone Blvd., and is exploring broader expansion. Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that staff is identifying additional areas for inclusion to develop a more robust and comprehensive system. City Manager Bradley further noted that the Police Department is actively evaluating expansion options and that the item will be brought back to the City Council for future discussion.
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City Manager Bradley stated that as the City is enters year three of the Strategic Plan, staff will continue providing updates and advancing strategic action items. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a security master plan and emphasized the importance of strengthening cybersecurity to prevent system disruptions. He noted that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacement project for Finance and Human Resources systems will continue into next year, with a focus on implementation and staff training. He stated that the Fire Department is pursuing accreditation, which will evaluate staffing models and benchmarking, and may result in future staffing recommendations tied to Measure D.
City Manager Bradley stated that under the Quality of Life, Safety, and Infrastructure category, the City will evaluate operational and staffing needs, as well as ongoing costs, of the new Space Center building to prepare for its integration into the budget. He noted that the Fire Department is planning to expand its training center and utilize the site for storage of additional vehicles and backup resources. He further shared that the City will commemorate its 7V1 Anniversary of incorporation next year, and that in response to community concerns regarding speeding and traffic, the Police Department will increase enforcement efforts and explore traffic calming measures to improve safety throughout the community.
Council Member Trujillo suggested engaging the public in the City's 70th Anniversary celebration by involving the Historical Society and similar community groups. Director Jason Chacon confirmed that staff have already begun coordinating with the Historical Society and Conservancy. Assistant City Manager Vania De Rojas added that a commemorative logo is currently being developed in collaboration with those groups.
City Manager Bradley stated that the City will continue reforestation efforts through Public Works and advance progress on the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus project in coordination with the County to facilitate land transfer and future development. He noted that visible vertical construction of the Space Center expansion is expected next year, alongside multiple capital projects, including improvements at Furman Park, installation of lighting, and the development of a new playground at Rio San Gabriel Park.
He further highlighted ongoing work on the PFAS water treatment facility and the initiation of a school traffic safety study to address traffic concerns near schools.
Council Member Trujillo expressed interest in developing a dog park on the south side of the City and suggested exploring potential County -owned properties. City Manager Bradley responded that the upcoming Parks and Recreation Master Plan will include a needs assessment and community outreach, which will evaluate interest in amenities such as dog parks and help guide future planning efforts.
Council Member Trujillo inquired about the timeline for the Downtown Downey arches. City Manager Bradley responded that groundbreaking is scheduled for next month, with installation anticipated by the end of the fiscal year.
City Manager Bradley stated that the City will prepare for potential charter amendments to be considered in the next November election and noted the upcoming election cycle. He added that the City will begin advancing its Arts Master Plan, explore opportunities to host events related to the Olympics, and update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in the coming year.
Council Member Trujillo inquired about the timeline of the City's lease with the YMCA. Director Chacon responded that the lease is set to expire in August and staff is in discussions to extend it by one year to align with completion of the YMCA's new facility, anticipated by August 2027.
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Council Member Trujillo inquired about the current use of the YMCA space. Director Chacon responded that it is currently used about two days per week, but with the newly hired Executive Director relocating her office there, it will be utilized five days a week until the new facility is completed.
Council Member Trujillo asked whether the two days of use at the YMCA space involve children or office activity. Director Chacon clarified that the space is used for a program that trains caretakers on how to care for children.
City Manager Bradley outlined the City's planned events for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of early planning to ensure adequate resources and accommodate any Council direction to modify or add events. He highlighted a full calendar of community programming, including events such as the TLC 5K, Bunny Patch, Friday Night Flicks, City of STEM, Memorial Day events, FIFA -related activities, Concerts in the Park, National Night Out, Rocket Fever, Gangs Out of Downey Backpack Giveaway, the LA28 Trail Run, and the I Love Downey Festival.
Mayor Frometa asked for clarification on Friday Night Flicks. Director Chacon explained that it is a rebranded version of the former Movies and Music in the Park event, now held on Friday nights to coincide with the back -to -school season and to increase youth engagement.
Mayor Frometa asked about attendance and overall reception of the I Love Downey Festival compared to the prior International Food and Music Festival. Director Chacon responded that attendance was similar, though slightly lower, but the event was more successful in engaging community partners, featuring greater involvement from local organizations and schools, and shifting to a more family -oriented format that received positive feedback. Director Chacon shared that approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people attended.
Council Member Sosa shared he attended the I Love Downey Festival with his family and noted it was a successful, family -friendly event that received positive feedback, particularly for being held during the day.
Mayor Frometa questioned whether to continue the Holiday Caravan, noting it was created during the pandemic and well received, but expressed concern about the time and resources required given the success of other holiday events such as the tree lighting ceremony and double-decker bus tours, and indicated a preference to discontinue the program. The request was seconded by Council Member Trujillo.
City Manager Bradley stated that staff is generally comfortable with the current event plan but noted that adding additional items would require careful consideration, as accommodating more would be challenging given existing capacity and resources.
Director Chacon explained that City events are evaluated through different lenses, such as cost, attendance, and community impact, noting that some events are partnerships rather than City -run events.
He highlighted that certain events may have lower attendance but provide high value to targeted groups, emphasizing the importance of considering overall community benefit when making decisions about programming.
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Mayor Frometa inquired about the LA28 trial run. Assistant City Manager De Rojas explained that several countries have reached out to the City regarding potential hosting opportunities, and one country in particular has expressed interest in conducting a trial run, for which the City is tentatively reserving a specific month.
Council Member Sosa inquired whether the Community Wellness Fair stemmed from the Men's Mental Health Fair and whether it would be expanded to include both men and women. City Manager Bradley confirmed that the Community Wellness Fair originated from one of the Mayor's goals and stated that it will be inclusive of both men and women.
Council Member Trujillo suggested combining the Community Wellness Fair with the I Love Downey Festival to provide wellness information and services in a consolidated event format. Mayor Frometa expressed support for the suggestion and City Manager Bradley confirmed staffs willingness to move forward in that direction.
Mayor Frometa inquired about the process for pursuing the All -America City Award. City Manager Bradley explained that it is typically a two-year process involving significant preparation, including assembling a team and presenting at the competition, noting that while it is achievable, it requires substantial effort and commitment.
Mayor Frometa expressed interest in initiating efforts to pursue the All -America City designation again, acknowledging the City's current workload but emphasizing the importance of reclaiming the title, with the expectation that future councils would continue the effort. The request was seconded by Council Member Trujillo.
Mr. Ibarra summarized the range of potential Council priorities gathered from individual discussions, highlighting key themes such as code enforcement, infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, and alleys), economic development, legacy projects, business -friendly processes, downtown revitalization, public safety, parks and community -building, green space, housing and homelessness, and the Downey Connect app, while emphasizing that these reflect both policy and operational considerations and that discussion does not necessarily require formal action but can help clarify existing City efforts, identify priorities, and enable Council to effectively communicate progress and planned initiatives to residents.
Council Member Pemberton expressed concern over the limited availability of recreational space in the community and suggested exploring opportunities to create small-scale amenities such as walking trails or pocket parks, particularly by repurposing underutilized or blighted properties, to promote health, walkability, and access to outdoor space for residents in high -density areas.
Mr. Ibarra explained that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will include a comprehensive needs assessment with both targeted and broad community outreach to identify resident priorities and preferences. He noted that while the plan will not provide definitive answers, it will establish a structured framework to guide decision -making, sequencing, and funding of projects, ensuring a more strategic and cohesive approach rather than ad hoc actions, while also reflecting broader trends focused on wellness, walkability, and community spaces.
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Mayor Frometa emphasized the importance of economic development, particularly along Firestone Blvd., noting long-term retail vacancies and turnover, and inquired about the City's strategy to attract strong, desirable businesses and revitalize key commercial areas.
Council Member Pemberton emphasized the importance of maintaining and revitalizing the City's mall as a key community asset, highlighting the need to attract and retain strong anchor tenants and desirable retailers to prevent vacancies and sustain it as a vibrant, legacy commercial hub.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz emphasized the need to attract small businesses and high -paying jobs, highlighting the importance of identifying and strengthening incentives and strategies to draw business investment into the community.
Mr. Ibarra noted that while residents have expressed a desire for fewer bars and more sit-down restaurants, the City can only influence rather than control economic development and emphasized the need to align with evolving market trends, particularly the shift toward experiential retail, to attract investment and remain competitive.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz emphasized the importance of enhancing public safety through increased use of technology, including security cameras and license plate readers, particularly around schools and parks, and highlighted the need to support law enforcement by providing additional tools and resources to improve community safety.
Council Member Pemberton stated that while cameras can serve as a deterrent similar to motion sensor lights, they may also create a false sense of security, as footage alone does not always prevent crime or provide sufficient information to take action.
Council Member Trujillo emphasized the need to retain younger generations by increasing housing accessibility and affordability, suggesting the City consider expanding mixed use and higher density development, particularly in the downtown and mall areas, including allowing mid -rise buildings, to modernize housing options and attract developers while aligning with evolving housing preferences.
Council Member Pemberton noted that many younger residents are more accepting of higher density and multi -story housing, but emphasized that such development should be strategically located, such as in commercial areas such as the Promenade, and designed to blend with the surrounding environment while considering impacts like traffic and neighborhood compatibility.
Council Member Sosa inquired whether mixed use development remains part of the discussion for Stonewood Mall, referencing similar models in other cities. Director Huitron responded that while the property owner is not currently pursuing such plans, they are open to ongoing discussions as a long-term consideration.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz sought clarification on previously approved mixed use and housing overlay plans along the Firestone Blvd. corridor. Director Huitron confirmed that housing overlays were adopted as part of the General Plan update to meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements and noted that staff is currently analyzing corridor gaps along major streets such as Firestone Blvd., Florence Ave., and Lakewood Blvd. to identify additional housing opportunities.
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Council Member Sosa inquired about rezoning underutilized commercial sites. Director Huitron responded that staff is evaluating such opportunities as part of the General Plan update, including identifying inconsistencies and assessing whether certain sites are better suited for residential use, with recommendations to be presented at a future City Council workshop.
Mr. Ibarra discussed the trend toward higher density and vertical development as a response to affordability and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the need for a strategic and cohesive approach through the General Plan update to avoid piecemeal decisions and community pushbacks. He noted the importance of clearly communicating the City's development vision to attract investment, being selective about where growth occurs, and encouraging public participation in planning processes, while acknowledging that prioritization requires difficult choices and not all initiatives will move forward.
Council Member Pemberton identified speeding as a top community concern and suggested increasing deterrents such as radar speed displays, including portable trailers and solar powered units that flash to alert drivers, along with enhanced visibility of law enforcement to help slow traffic.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz highlighted ongoing parking issues, particularly around schools, and suggested expanding parking and code enforcement efforts, including increasing staffing and clarifying authority to issue citations to address violations such as double parking and blocked driveways.
Police Chief Loughner discussed the potential use of automated enforcement technologies such as red light and speed cameras, noting privacy concerns in some communities. Assistant City Manager De Rojas added that only a limited number of cities currently utilize them and that new legislation has been introduced to expand the program, with the City preparing to monitor and evaluate its applicability.
City Attorney Funk explained that red light and speed camera programs were previously limited and declined due to legal challenges and enforcement issues, but noted that with proposed legislative expansion, they may be making a comeback.
Council Member Trujillo suggested evaluating the need for additional trash receptacles in high traffic and commercial areas, such as Downtown, and considering increased placement or more frequent servicing to address litter concerns.
Mayor Frometa left the Special City Council Meeting at 1:00 pm.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz announced the City Council will recess to a Closed Session at 1:49 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
9. Government Code Section 54957.6 - Conference with Labor negotiator James McQueen, Director of Human Resources re: Direction for Labor Negotiations with Downey City Employees' Association - Maintenance Unit, Downey City Employees' Association - Miscellaneous Unit and Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association.
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RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz reconvened the Special City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 2:17 p.m. with Mayor Frometa absent.
City Attorney Flunk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regard to Item N- 9, no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz adjourned the Special City Council Meeting — Open and Closed Session at 219 p.m.
ARI ALICIA DUARTE,
City Clerk
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