MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGUALR MEETING
MARCH 24, 2026
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on March 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Claudia M. Frometa Mayor (excused)
Horacio Ortiz Mayor Pro Tern
Dorothy Pemberton Council Member
Hector Sosa Council Member
Mario Trujillo 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, CIVIC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz 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.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session items.
Having no one, Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:33 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
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.
2. Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) — Public Employee Performance Evaluation — Title: City Attorney.
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Regular Meeting — March 24, 2026
3. Government Code Section 54957.6(a) - Conference with Labor Negotiator Agency Designated Representative: James McQueen, Director of Human Resources. Unrepresented Employee: City Attorney.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CLOSED SESSION Mayor Frometa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting - Closed Session at 6:34 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1, 2, and 3, no reportable action was taken.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on March 24, 2026 at 6:35 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, 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
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
Mayor Frometa stated that it was meaningful to return and resume her role as Mayor following a recent car accident, noting her recovery remains ongoing. She expressed gratitude for her health, her family, and the community, including residents who provided support, as well as her colleagues and City staff for their patience and well wishes. Mayor Frometa stated that the experience strengthened her commitment to the City and emphasized that, while she may have limited appearances at community events during her recovery, she and the Council remain dedicated to serving the community and continuing the City's work forward.
The Invocation was delivered by Greg Welch, Chaplain Downey Police Department. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 2485.
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PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Legacy Award to Ronald " Ron" Kolar.
2. Certificate of Recognition to Candace Galvan, Artist.
3. Proclamation to Soroptimist International of Downey in honor of Women's History Month.
4. Proclamation declaring March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.
5. Proclamation in Support of the American Red Cross.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:10 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:14 p.m. with all Council Members present.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed five written public comment were received.
Gabriel Gaspar, requested the Council consider naming a street after The Carpenters.
Martha Torres, Fair Housing Foundation, provided information regarding a free educational Fair Housing Workshop to be held at the Downey Library on April 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mario Dominquez Jr., commented regarding SB 707 and implementation of ZOOM to allow residents to participate remotely during Council meetings.
Stephanie Ponce, resident, requested that the City review the pedestrian -first signal timing at the intersection of Woodruff Ave. and Florence Ave.
Lee Squire, resident, commented regarding the American Civil War and the 15th Amendment as it relates to voting rights for all citizens, as well as Vietnam War and the 26th Amendment.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to receive and file written public comment.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Speaker No. 1, called for greater accountability of elected City representatives.
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Jeannie Wood, resident, wished Mayor Frometa a quick recovery.
Eduardo Sandoval, resident, commented in regards to an incident he was involved in with Downey Police.
Zion Shu, commented in opposition to the ICE activities in the City.
Daniel Arias, resident, commented in regards to the conflict in Gaza.
Speaker No. 6, left before their time to speak.
Speaker No. 7, resident, commented in regards to an ongoing parking issue at her apartment complex.
Sam Lee, resident, requested the street sweeping schedule on Alameda St. be modified to alternate days for each side of the street.
Speaker No. 9, resident, requested the City install a speed bump or stop sign on Alameda St. to deter speeding. He requested that the street sweeping schedule on Alameda St. be changed to alternate days for each side of the street.
John Lacey, resident, commented in regards to Agenda Item No. 8, and suggested that the City publish information regarding Council compensation and business related expenses on a quarterly basis.
Speaker No. 11, resident, requested the street sweeping schedule on Alameda St. be changed to alternate days for each side of the street.
Speaker No. 12, resident, commented in regards to an issue with SEAACA when reporting loud dogs and requested stringent enforcement of abandoned vehicles.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and so ordered by Mayor Frometa, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pemberton abstained from Item No. 3, due to owning property in the area.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and carried 5-0, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED MINUTES: Regular Meeting of May 13, 2025: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 397321-397741 (City) and 111-115 (CMSC); Payroll Wire Nos. 30004685-30004686;30004687-30004688; 30004674;30004679; 30004684; 30004687; EFT Nos. 15674-15746 (City) and 50008-50012 (CMSC); and Manual Wire Nos. 2805-2809; in the total amount of $5,018,714.30: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT FOR
CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD WATER SYSTEM City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — March 24, 2026 4
IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 18-10, AND FINDING THE
PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15282(K): Public Works.
APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZED THE
SOLICITATION OF CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, CIP NO. 18-10 AND FURTHER FINDING THAT THE
PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN CEQA UNDER SECTION 15282(K)
4. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR THE PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD STORMWATER LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENT, MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT (MP) NO. 407): Public Works.
ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD STORMWATER LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENT, MP NO. 407;
2. APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $235,995; AND,
3. AUTHORIZED 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
5. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATES TO THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE: City Clerk.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8341, UPDATING THE CITY'S RECORDS RETENTION
SCHEDULE
6. APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4: City Clerk.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8342, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTIAN GUTIERREZ TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
7. MID -YEAR BUDGET REPORT: Finance.
1. RECEIVED AND FILED THE MID -YEAR BUDGET PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR THE 6- MONTH PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, WHICH REPRESENTS THE BALANCES AND ACTIVITY FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF FY 2025-2026;
2. APPROVED A REVENUE INCREASE OF $3,068,944 TO THE GENERAL FUND FY 2025- 2026 BUDGET; AND,
3. APPROVED AN APPROPRIATION INCREASE OF $2,646,889 TO THE GENERAL FUND FY 2025-2026 BUDGET
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
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Regular Meeting — March 24, 2026
8. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION AND MONTHLY REIMBURSEMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS RELATED EXPENSES: Administration.
RECEIVED A REPORT REGARDING CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION MONTHLY
REIMBURSEMENT OF CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS RELATED EXPENSES AND PROVIDE
STAFF WITH DIRECTION
Assistant to the City Manager Juddy Montenegro provided the staff report for Item No. 8. She presented an overview of City Council compensation and reimbursement, explaining that under the City Charter, Council Members do not receive salaries but are reimbursed for official expenses, with amounts established by ordinance and adjusted annually based on CPI. She outlined the historical increases to reimbursement levels, noting the current amount for the Mayor and Council Members, and highlighted updates to the travel policy, including modernized eligible expenses. She reported that a review of 17 comparable cities showed most provide stipends, while Downey and Whittier do not due to charter limitations. Ms. Montenegro concluded that any changes to the Charter related to salaries for Council salary would require voter approval, while adjustments to reimbursement amounts could be made by ordinance at the Council's discretion.
Council Member Trujillo stated that he requested the item to be brought forward to encourage greater participation in Council service, emphasizing that the Council is a volunteer body that receives no compensation, only reimbursement. He expressed that it is fair to revisit reimbursement amounts to reflect the time and expenses associated with Council duties, noting that current amounts are below those of comparable cities. Council Member Trujillo stated his intent to make a motion to increase reimbursement amounts to align with the average of surrounding cities, specifically $1,800 for Council Members and $2,000 for the Mayor, emphasizing that the purpose is not compensation but fair reimbursement for costs incurred in service.
Mayor Frometa stated that it is appropriate to revisit the Council's reimbursement structure established in 2006, noting that while it included CPI adjustments, the role and expectations of Council Members have significantly evolved over time. She emphasized that Council Members receive no salary and that reimbursement is intended to cover costs associated with public service, not compensation.
Mayor Frometa referenced broader statewide recognition, including Senate Bill 329, indicating that local governance structures have not kept pace with modern demands, and stressed the City's responsibility to ensure its policies align with current expectations. She further stated that adjusting reimbursement is necessary to reflect the realities of the role, maintain accessibility to public service, and ensure the Council's structure supports the level of leadership expected by the community.
Council Member Sosa inquired whether the listed cities provide compensation rather than reimbursement. Ms. Montenegro confirmed that they do, with the exception of Downey and Whittier.
Council Member Sosa questioned why Council Members are required to contribute to PARS retirement despite operating under a reimbursement model, and City Manager Bradley explained that because reimbursements are not based on individual receipts, they are treated as taxable income requiring a W-2, which in turn necessitates participation in PARS under City personnel rules.
Council Member Sosa acknowledged the trade-offs of serving on the Council and noted the significant time commitment involved in the role. He emphasized the distinction between compensation City Council Minutes
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and reimbursement, expressing that while the role may warrant greater compensation, the current discussion should focus on whether Council Members are incurring out-of-pocket expenses beyond existing reimbursement amounts.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz inquired whether the Charter Review Ad Hoc Committee had considered proposing changes to allow a salary or stipend for Council Members, and staff responded that while the topic was reviewed, no proposal was advanced to place such a change before voters.
Mayor Frometa clarified that the focus of the discussion was on reimbursement, not compensation, emphasizing that the Council does not receive a salary and was not intending to pursue one.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz acknowledged the significant time and personal expenses associated with Council duties and expressed concern about clearly distinguishing what qualifies as reimbursement. He noted the difference between travel -related and local reimbursements and indicated interest in further reviewing travel policies. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz stated he was hesitant to support a substantial increase in reimbursement amounts and suggested exploring options such as providing separate City -issued phones to better distinguish personal and Council -related expenses.
City Manager Bradley clarified that the City Charter authorizes two types of reimbursement for Council Members: one for travel expenses incurred while conducting official business, typically outside a certain distance, which are reimbursed based on actual costs, and a second for local, day-to-day expenses that are more difficult to track individually and are therefore provided as a monthly reimbursement. He emphasized that the current discussion pertains specifically to the monthly local reimbursement and acknowledged a request to bring back a future agenda item to review Council travel policies and conference attendance.
Council Member Trujillo clarified that reimbursements are intended to cover out-of-pocket expenses, including potential loss of income when fulfilling Council duties. He emphasized that the goal is not to provide compensation but to ensure that serving on the Council does not create a financial burden, noting that current reimbursement levels may deter participation and are not aligned with those of comparable cities.
Council Member Sosa acknowledged the time commitment of serving on the Council and the argument for increasing financial support but questioned how an increase can be justified under a reimbursement model. He emphasized the need to distinguish between compensation and reimbursement and sought clarification on whether lost income or time away from work qualifies as reimbursable under the Charter.
Council Member Pemberton stated that, based on a review of the report and comparisons with surrounding cities, Downey has one of the lowest reimbursement amounts despite having the largest population. She highlighted the significant time commitment required for Council duties and noted the personal financial impact, while acknowledging she did not seek the role for compensation. Council Member Pemberton expressed that an adjustment is warranted and suggested the City consider reevaluating its structure, potentially moving toward a stipend model consistent with other cities.
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Council Member Sosa asked whether lost time from work qualifies as reimbursement, and City Manager Bradley clarified that such circumstances would be considered compensation, not reimbursement.
Council Member Trujillo asked whether the Council could place a proposed compensation amount before voters through the Charter Review process, and City Manager Bradley confirmed that if included, it would go on the same ballot as the Charter updates and, if approved, could take effect following that election.
Council Member Pemberton inquired whether placing the item on the ballot would incur additional costs, and City Manager Bradley explained that it could be included with the other Charter amendments or as a standalone item, noting that including it with the upcoming election would avoid significant additional costs, while a separate item would result in only marginal added costs.
Council Member Trujillo made a motion to include a $1,000 compensation for Council Members in the Charter revisions while maintaining current reimbursement amounts with CPI adjustments. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz seconded the motion and requested that the compensation item be presented separately from the other Charter revisions on the ballot.
City Attorney Funk stated that the proposed compensation amendment could be separate from the previously approved Charter revisions, but recommended it return to Council for review and drafting of the measure language. He advised that, if pursued, it should be placed on the ballot as a separate measure to ensure clarity and consistency with the Charter Review Committee's process.
Council Member Sosa inquired whether expenses beyond the standard reimbursement could be submitted for additional reimbursement. City Manager Bradley clarified that while local reimbursements do not require receipts, any additional expenses outside that scope would require receipts for reimbursement.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz requested a future agenda item to discuss the Council travel policy and conference attendance, including related expenditures. The request was seconded by Council Member Pemberton.
City Manager Bradley clarified the request and stated that the proposal is to place a standalone ballot measure before voters to amend the Charter to allow a $1,000 monthly compensation stipend for City Council Members and stated that the item would be brought back for Council consideration at a future meeting.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 4-0, with Council Member Sosa voting no, to include a $1,000 compensation for Council Members in the Charter revisions while maintaining current reimbursement amounts with CPI adjustments, and that the compensation item be presented separately from the previously approved Charter revisions item on the ballot.
9. DISCUSSION REGARDING A STREETLIGHT MASTER PLAN FRAMEWORK AND AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO PREPARE A CITYWIDE STREETLIGHT MASTER PLAN:
Public Works.
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DISCUSSED THE PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR PREPARATION OF A CITYWIDE STREETLIGHT MASTER PLAN;
2. DIRECTED STAFF TO PREPARE A CITYWIDE STREETLIGHT MASTER PLAN,
INCLUDING CITYWIDE INVENTORY MAPPING, DEFICIENCY ANALYSIS,
PRIORITIZATION SCORING, CONCEPTUAL IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, AND PHASED CAPITAL IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES; AND,
3. DIRECTED STAFF TO CEASE USING A PETITION PROCESS AS THE PRIMARY
BASIS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STREETLIGHTS IN AREAS OF THE CITY THAT
DO NOT HAVE THEM
Public Works Director Matthew Baumgardner provided the staff report for Item No. 9. He presented a proposed streetlight master plan framework, outlining the transition from prior petition -based processes, which faced cost and participation barriers, to a long-term Capital Improvement Program (CIP) approach. He reported that approximately 1,100 streetlights are missing citywide, with an estimated cost of $9,000 per installation, and proposed utilizing $500,000 annually from local return funds with no impact to the general fund. Director Baumgardner explained that future installations would be prioritized using objective safety and infrastructure metrics and stated that staff would return with a finalized 20- year plan and implementation strategy following Council direction.
Mayor Frometa expressed support for eliminating the petition -based process and prioritizing a safety -driven approach to streetlight installation. She noted concern with the proposed 20-year timeline, suggesting that increased funding could accelerate completion, and stated she looks forward to reviewing the master plan in July while emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public safety and exploring opportunities to expedite the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz requested clarification on the streetlight map and asked whether it reflected prioritized locations based on the proposed criteria. Director Baumgardner clarified that the map is an objective "lighting gap" inventory showing where streetlights are currently missing, not a prioritized plan, and noted that further field verification will be conducted as part of developing the final master plan.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz recommended revising the prioritization matrix to place greater emphasis on lighting deficiency and safety history, increase the weight of geographic equity, and remove public demand as a factor due to the elimination of the petition process. Director Baumgardner acknowledged the feedback, explaining that public demand was initially included as a minor tie -breaking factor, but agreed it could be removed if directed by Council.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked whether residents would be notified prior to streetlight installations.
Director Baumgardner, stated that residents would receive notice and staff would work with them on placement concerns, although formal approval from residents would not be required.
Council Member Pemberton questioned the priority of school proximity in the matrix and suggested that crime levels, residential density, and public demand should be weighted more heavily, emphasizing that lighting can deter crime and improve safety in high -activity areas. Director Baumgardner responded that while there is existing interest from residents, increasing the weight of public demand City Council Minutes
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could come at the expense of objective safety -based prioritization, and noted the need to balance those factors.
Council Member Pemberton emphasized that public demand should be viewed as an indicator of safety concerns, advocating for prioritizing areas with crime, lack of sidewalks, pedestrian activity, and transit access. She reiterated that school proximity should not be a primary factor and expressed support for focusing on areas with demonstrated need while accelerating implementation of the streetlight program.
Council Member Sosa asked about the effectiveness of past petition efforts for streetlight installation. Director Baumgardner explained that the process was largely unsuccessful, requiring significant staff time and yielding low participation rates, which led staff to propose shifting to a data - driven CIP approach instead of relying on petitions.
Council Member Sosa inquired about resident feedback during the petition process. Director Baumgardner stated that while some residents opposed streetlights due to cost or personal preference, the primary challenge was low participation, requiring significant staff effort to engage residents and gather responses.
Council Member Sosa questioned whether there is sufficient citywide support to justify the long- term capital investment and suggested conducting broader surveys to confirm demand. Director Baumgardner responded that such efforts may face the same low participation challenges experienced with the petition process.
Mayor Frometa asked whether the program could prioritize high -crime and high -traffic areas first.
City Manager Bradley responded that those factors could be given greater weight in the prioritization matrix if directed by the Council.
Mayor Frometa requested that the prioritization criteria be adjusted to place greater emphasis on public safety, particularly safety history, over factors such as school proximity. City Manager Bradley confirmed that staff could refocus the matrix to prioritize those key categories based on Council direction.
Council Member Pemberton stated that public demand should not outweigh public safety factors such as crime and speeding but noted that areas requesting streetlights often align with those safety concerns and should be prioritized when they meet those criteria.
Council Member Trujillo stated that streetlighting should be a City responsibility and not dependent on resident requests, emphasizing a proactive, data -driven approach focused on public safety and crime. He noted that while community input is important, the City must make decisions in the best interest of neighborhoods and recommended addressing existing requests while prioritizing high -crime areas.
Council Member Trujillo made a motion to direct staff to prepare a citywide street lighting master plan, including inventory mapping, prioritization based on factors such as crime rates and existing requests, and phased capital improvement strategies, while eliminating the petition process as the primary method for installation. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz.
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City Manager Bradley requested clarification from the Council on proposed changes to the prioritization matrix, specifically asking whether the category of school proximity should be removed.
Council Member Trujillo expressed concern about removing school proximity as a factor, noting that areas around high schools can be dark after evening activities and may still warrant consideration for lighting.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz agreed that school proximity should remain in the prioritization matrix but as a lower -priority factor.
City Manager Bradley worked with the Council to finalize the prioritization matrix, establishing safety history as the highest priority at 20 points, followed by lack of sidewalks at 20 points, school proximity at 15 points, and civic and commercial destinations, transit access, over -parked streets, and lighting deficiency each at 10 points, with equity and distribution at 5 points. He confirmed the removal of public demand as a category in the final scoring framework.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to have staff prepare a Citywide Streetlight Master Plan, including citywide inventory mapping, deficiency analysis, prioritization scoring, conceptual improvement recommendations, and phased capital implementation strategies; and, to cease using a petition process as the primary basis for the installation of streetlights in areas of the City that do not have them.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz reported attending a "Thriving Thursday" event at Columbus High School, where he shared his personal background and encouraged students to stay motivated despite challenges. He noted a student raised concerns regarding limited duplicate books and long waitlists at the Downey Library, and brought the matter forward on her behalf. He participated in the ARC Walk for Independence and attended a Gateway Cities Council of Governments meeting and provided information on a program supporting foster youth ages 18 to 25 at risk of homelessness, including services such as case management, job training, education support, and housing assistance.
Council Member Sosa stated he completed the three-mile ARC Walk and welcomed Mayor Frometa back.
Council Member Pemberton congratulated Luz Perez and Reggie Donahue for being recognized by Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco. She referenced upcoming infrastructure improvements on Bellflower Blvd., clarifying that paving will follow water system upgrades, and shared community announcements including a SEAACA food pantry, free spay and neuter services, and the Rancho Los Amigos Amistad Gala. Council Member Pemberton requested increased Police presence and enforcement near schools to improve public safety.
Council Member Trujillo reported on his visit to Sister City Ensenada as part of a delegation organized by the Consul General's Office, where he met with local officials and discussed opportunities to promote tourism, including potential collaboration to feature Ensenada's wine industry at future City events. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz. He requested that Los Angeles Centers of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) be placed on a future agenda regarding street closures for the City Council Minutes
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Downey Pride Festival. Assistant City Manager De Rojas confirmed that staff is already coordinating the street closure process with L.A. CADA through the required application procedures. Council Member Trujillo acknowledged the ribbon cutting for Honey & Glow and raised concerns regarding trash conditions in the CVS parking lot at Florence Ave. and Paramount Blvd., requesting additional attention to the area.
City Manager Bradley confirmed that staff are already aware of the issue and is actively working to address it.
Mayor Frometa stated she was happy to be back and had no further comments.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley welcomed Mayor Frometa back and announced that there were no comments from staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz adjourned the City Council Meeting - Open Session at 8:18 p.m. in memory of the 13 U.S. Service Members Who Have Perished in the War With Iran: Chief Warrant Officer III, Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, CA; Major Jeffrey O'brien, 45, of Waukee, IA; Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, 26 of Glendale, KY; Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, FL; Sergeant 11t Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, NE; Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, MN; Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, IA; Major John A. Klinner, 33 of Auburn, AL; Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, WA; Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, Of Bardstown, KY; Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, IN; Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, Of Wilmington, OH; Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, Of Columbus, OH; Senior Detective Armando Santa Anna, 52, 24-Year Veteran of the El Monte Police Department, who passed away due to complications during a surgery; and, retired Fire Captain Bob Thomas, 28-Year Veteran of the Downey Fire Department, who retired in 1988. ,.
VAA LICIA DUARTE, MC;
City Clerk
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