MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGUALR MEETING
APRIL 28, 2026
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on April 28, 2026 at 5:31 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
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding Closed Session items. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comments were received. items.
Mayor Frometa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on Closed Session Having no one, Mayor Frometa closed public comment.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Frometa announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (e)(3). Claim under the Government Claims Act: Michael Lefonts et al.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CLOSED SESSION Mayor Frometa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting - Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting - April 28, 2026
6. Proclamation in honor of Arbor Day.
7. Presentation to the City Council by the League of California Cities.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Frometa recessed the City Council meeting at 7:21 p.m. Mayor Frometa reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:26 p.m. with all Council Members present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Economic Development.
1. APPROVED THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SUBMIT THE DOCUMENT AND THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO MODIFY AND EXECUTE
ANY AND ALL APPROPRIATE INSTRUMENTS, AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS, AND
IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION
PLAN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, AND HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, INCLUDING SUBRECIPIENT GRANT CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS, ON THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT'S APPROPRIATION TO THE CITY
Mayor Frometa opened the Public Hearing at 7:44 p.m.
City Clerk Duarte affirmed receipt of the Proof of Publication. It was moved by Council Member Pemberton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the publication.
Homelessness Solutions & Housing Manager Sergio Coreas provided the staff report for Public Hearing Item No. 1. He presented the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a required U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) planning document outlining proposed projects and funding allocations to benefit low- and moderate -income households. He reported that the City anticipates approximately $1 million in new CDBG funds, $859,000 in prior -year CDBG funds, and $414,000 in HOME funds, totaling approximately $2.2 million. While the new CDBG allocation is slightly lower and HOME funding slightly higher than the prior year, overall resources increased due to unexpended CDBG funds carried over following program interruptions related to the federal government shutdown and the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) rule determination. Proposed CDBG allocations include $1.3 million for the housing rehabilitation program, $303,000 for HUD Section City Council Minutes
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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 no written public comments were received.
Mayor Frometa asked City Clerk Duarte if there was anyone present who would like to comment regarding Agenda, Consent Calendar and Non -Agenda items.
Lourdes Cotaya, resident, urged the Council to take a unified stance against violence, and called for respectful dialogue and accountability within the community.
John Abravanel Berdugo, expressed gratitude to Mayor Frometa and Council Member Trujillo for supporting LA CADA, which he credited with saving his son's life.
John Lacey, resident, commented in support of free speech but stated that those who cross legal limits should be held accountable.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Trujillo, and so ordered by Mayor Frometa, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Frometa pulled Item No. 11, for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar.
2) APPROVED COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Regular Meeting of April 8, 2025, and March 24, 2026:
City Clerk.
3) WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 397742-398726 (City) and 116-129 (CMSC); Payroll Wire Nos. 30004683; 30004690-30004692; 30004694; 30004689; 30004693; ;30004696 - 30004699; 30004695; 30004701-30004703; EFT Nos. 15747-15908 (City) and 50013-50021 (CMSC); Manual Wire Nos. 2810-2819, in the total amount of $12,465,477.04: Finance. 4) ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM AT DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT: Public Works.
1. ACCEPTED THE WORK FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HVAC SYSTEM AT THE DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT, CIP NO. 25-11;
2. APPROVED THE FINAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,994,514; 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
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12)10-DAY REPORT ON INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 25-1529 EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON SINGLE PRICE OVERSTOCK/DISCOUNT STORES ("SPODS") WITHIN CITY LIMITS: Community Development.
RECEIVED AND FILED THE INFORMATIONAL 10-DAY REPORT REQUIRED UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(D), DESCRIBING THE MEASURES TAKEN TO
ALLEVIATE THE CONDITIONS WHICH LED TO THE ADOPTION OF THE MORATORIUM 13) 2025 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS: Community Development.
RECEIVED AND FILED THE 2025 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORTS
14) FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 INVESTMENT POLICY: Finance.
ADOPTED INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND ITS RELATED ENTITIES
15)APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL DOWNEY STREET FAIRE EVENT: Administration.
APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2025, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M. TO ACCOMMODATE THE "32ND ANNUAL DOWNEY STREET FAIRE" TAKING PLACE FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
OTHER BUSINESS
Item No. 11 was taken out of order.
11) ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO THE SUBMISSION OF A BALLOT MEASURE AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER TO DOWNEY VOTERS AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION: City Clerk/City Attorney.
1. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-8348, CALLING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF A BALLOT MEASURE FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS CONCERNING AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY CITY CHARTER;
2. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-8349, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF PRIMARY AND
REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING RULES FOR THE FILING OF WRITTEN
ARGUMENTS CONCERNING AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNEY CITY CHARTER TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND,
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 26-8350, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026 WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL City Council Minutes
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
16) DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT TO CITY CHARTER REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS: City Attorney/ City Clerk.
1. DISCUSS AND DETERMINE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CHARTER REGARDING
COMPENSATION FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO BE SUBMITTED TO DOWNEY
VOTERS FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION AS A SEPARATE BALLOT MEASURE AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND,
2. FOR ANY CHARTER AMENDMENT APPROVED FOR VOTER CONSIDERATION,
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO CITY STAFF TO PREPARE THE ELECTIONS RESOLUTIONS
NECESSARY TO PLACE THE CHARTER AMENDMENT ON THE BALLOT
City Attorney John Funk provided the staff report for Item No. 16. He presented a proposed City Charter amendment regarding Council Member compensation, explaining that the current Charter prohibits compensation and that any change would require voter approval. City Attorney Funk outlined four options for Council consideration, including establishing compensation at $1,000 per month either directly in the Charter with or without inflation adjustments, or authorizing compensation to be set by ordinance with or without limits tied to state law. City Attorney Funk clarified that the measure would be presented to voters as a separate ballot item. He identified the fiscal impacts, including an estimated $41,500 cost to place the measure on the ballot and approximately $60,000 in annual costs if compensation is approved.
Mayor Frometa acknowledged concerns about the cost of placing measures before voters but explained the discussion on Council compensation stems from an outdated reimbursement framework and the evolving demands of the role. She emphasized the need to make Council service more accessible and noted the increasing responsibilities and sacrifices involved. She stated that adopting a modest monthly compensation by ordinance could be reasonable moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz expressed concern that increasing compensation without voter input could appear to bypass the public. He supported further discussion and potentially allowing voters to decide.
He also asked whether reimbursements require receipts or have a limit. City Attorney Funk responded that reimbursements are currently set as a fixed lump sum by ordinance. He explained that they are intended to cover all expenses, do not require receipts, and may be adjusted by ordinance.
City Manager Bradley clarified that while receipts are not required, they may be submitted, but reimbursement cannot exceed the amount authorized by ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked about shifting from a lump sum reimbursement to a receipt -based system. City Attorney Funk explained that while a receipt -based approach is possible, the current practice has long been a lump sum reimbursement method.
Council Member Pemberton noted that current reimbursement levels are lower than comparable cities and below state benchmarks. She expressed support for increasing compensation to offset costs and improve accessibility for future Council Members. She also suggested pausing consideration due to the cost of placing the measure on the ballot.
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Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz expressed support for the item and asked why the public notice distance differs between a CUP and a minor CUP. Director Huitron explained that minor CUPs apply to lower impact uses that typically have fewer traffic, environmental, or neighborhood impacts and are usually CEQA exempt. She stated that CUPs require a larger 500-foot notice because they involve uses with greater potential impacts and a higher level of review.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked how much processing time businesses could save by avoiding Planning Commission review. Director Huitron stated that a complete minor CUP application would take a minimum of approximately 60 days, including time for one round of review or clarification and public notice.
Council Member Pemberton expressed support for modifying the CUP process and moving away from a one size fits all approach to better assist small businesses. She noted the City is attracting many new small businesses and highlighted that the City already subsidizes both CUP fees, including 40% for conditional use permits and a higher subsidy for minor conditional use permits.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, and carried 5-0, to expand the Minor Conditional Use Permit categories and initiate a Zoning Text Amendment.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz welcomed Mayor Frometa back. He reported attending the Youth Vendor Fair and noted the event has grown from 15 vendors to 30 youth vendors. He thanked staff for supporting the event and stated it helps teach youth about financial literacy and the value of money. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz reported attending Friday Night Flicks at Golden Park and the Bunny Patch event. He encouraged residents to follow the City's social media accounts for information on future events. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz attended the Neighborhood Block Captain meeting at the Library and noted the meeting was well attended. He suggested holding future meetings at a park or another location with more time for questions. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz reported attending the annual Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year Luncheon and congratulated the honorees. He reported attending the Gangs Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) Officer Ricardo "Ricky" Galvez Memorial Scholarship Gala and Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz requested that the Council have a discussion to consider AJUA's request to host El Grito at the Downey Theatre. The request was seconded by Mayor Frometa.
Council Member Sosa welcomed Mayor Frometa back. Council Member Sosa reported attending the City of STEM and congratulated Director Dickow and his team for hosting another successful event.
He highlighted City of STEM originated in Downey and serves as the official science festival of Los Angeles (L.A.) County. He noted the event included approximately 250 exhibitors at the NaturalHistory Museum and Exposition Park and was well attended. Council Member Sosa reported attending the inaugural Downey Police Department Awards and acknowledged Chief Loughner, the Downey Police Department, and the Downey Police Officers' Association for recognizing Officers and their families. He expressed appreciation for the Officers' service and the work they do for the community.
Council Member Pemberton welcomed Mayor Frometa back and recognized her newly appointed Public Works Committee Member Juan Soto. She reported attending the monthly Vector Control Mosquito Board Meeting and stated there have been no human West Nile virus cases year to ,date.
Council Member Pemberton reported attending the Veterans Subcommittee meeting and noted a City Council Minutes
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