MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 11, 2026
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Open Session on August 11, 2026 at 6:34 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
John M. Funk, City Attorney
Scott Loughner, Police Chief
Anthony Hildebrand, Fire Chief
Matthew Baumgardner, Public Works Director
Maria Rivas, Human Resources Manager
Irma Huitron, Community Development Director
Monica Ortiz, Recreation Manager
Marlon Ramirez, Finance Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Chris Famisaran, Downey Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 2.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Legacy Award to Dave Lopez, retired KCAL 9 News Reporter and longtime Downey resident.
2. Presentation of City Tile Plaque to retiring employee, Agustin "Gus" Andrade, Facilities Maintenance Woker III, with 41 years of service.
3. Certificate of Recognition to Downey FC G2007/8 2026 for winning the National Cup Championship.
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 four written public comments were received.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026
Ilda Gates, resident, requested that the City cancel its contract with Flock, citing violation of Constitutional Rights.
Anonymous, submitted comments regarding his/her formal complaint concerning a former Public Works Committee Member from District 4.
Harkian Kahlon, submitted comments regarding being targeted by a former employer.
Ronald Finlay, requested the City Council rescind the honor accorded to the late Gordon Burke.
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.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented on crime reduction and the removal of sectarian prayer during Council meetings.
Libertad, resident, commented against Flock cameras and recent ICE activity.
John Lacey, resident, commented on Socialism.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and so ordered by Mayor Frometa, to close public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Trujillo abstained from Item Nos. 11 and 12, due to owning property in the area.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 5- 0, with Council Member Trujillo abstaining from Item Nos. 11 and 12, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Regular Meeting of May 12, 2026: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 401217 - 401626 (City) and 158 - 159 (CMSC); Payroll Wire Nos. 30004737 - 30004738; 30004740; EFT Nos. 16313 - 16376 (City) and 50050 - 50051 (CMSC); and, Manual Wire Nos. 2851 - 2869, in the total amount of $31,193,572.50: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A CRANE TRUCK FOR PUBLIC WORKS UTILITIES OPERATIONS: Public Works.
APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF A MAINTAINER CRANE TRUCK WITH FORD F600 4X4 CHASSIS, STANDARD 1 TON TRANSMISSION, REGULAR CAB, FACTORY BACKUP
CAMERA, SINGLE GASOLINE FUEL TANK, AND MOUNTED LIGHTS FROM NIXON-EGLI EQUIPMENT COMPANY UNDER SOURCEWELL CONTRACT NO. PB LOADER 080521 PBL FOR THE TOTAL COMPETITIVELY BID AMOUNT OF $295,751, AND WAIVED ANY AND ALL
MINOR IRREGULARITIES IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS AS SUBMITTED BY SAID BIDDER City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026 2
4. ACCEPTANCE OF STATE FUNDING FROM THE CANNABIS TAX FUND GRANT PROGRAM: Police.
1) ACCEPTED A GRANT AWARD FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA - DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,886 TO PURCHASE A
DUI/DUID ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE AND CONDUCTED VARIOUS SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF DOWNEY; AND, 2) INCREASED THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 BUDGET BY $117,886 TO ACCOUNT FOR
THESE REVENUES AND ACCOMPANYING EXPENDITURES
5. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MIG CONSULTING FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 10 YEAR MASTER PLAN: Parks and Recreation.
1) APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MOORE IACOFANO GOLTSMAN, INC. CONSULTING TO DEVELOP A PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN; AND,
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR, OR HER DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MIG CONSULTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $220,268,
INCLUDING ANY NON -SUBSTANTIVE EXTENSIONS, CHANGE ORDERS, PURCHASE ORDERS, AND AMENDMENTS UP TO THE AUTHORIZED AMOUNT OF $220,258
6. AGREEMENT WITH SHARP PERFORMANCE TO PROVIDE WELLNESS AND COACHING SERVICES TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police.
1) APPROVED A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SHARP PERFORMANCE TO PROVIDE
WELLNESS AND COACHING TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM, BEGINNING AUGUST 11, 2026, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $166,050, PAID IN THREE ANNUAL INCREMENTS OF $55,350;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH SHARP PERFORMANCE; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY
7. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOWNEY AND METRO FOR THE SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES TRANSIT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (SELA TIP) TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR NEW BUS SHELTERS: Public Works.
1) APPROVED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY
OF DOWNEY AND METRO FOR THE SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES TRANSIT City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting —August 11, 2026 3
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (SELA TIP) TO RECEIVE $592,765 IN GRANT FUNDS FOR NEW BUS SHELTERS;
2) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MOU WITH SELA TIP; 3) APPROPRIATED $592,765 IN METRO SELA TIP GRANT FUNDS TO ACCOUNT NO. 26-1-6966-0520; AND,
4) AUTHORIZED THE APPROPRIATION OF $81,246 FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE
PROJECT COSTS, WITH THE APPROPRIATION FINANCED THROUGH
PROPOSITION A FUNDS
8. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2025) AND RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 ("MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY ORDINANCE"): Police.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8376, APPROVING ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT (2025) AND RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 22-1484 ("MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY ORDINANCE")
9. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE:
Human Resources.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8377, ADOPTING AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PAY SCHEDULE IN COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5
10. APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS OF NOMINEES TO THE 2026-2027 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION: Parks and Recreation.
APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF EIGHT APPLICANTS TO THE 2026-2027 DOWNEY
YOUTH COMMISSION
11. APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S I LOVE DOWNEY FESTIVAL: Parks and Recreation.
APPROVED A STREET CLOSURE FOR THE I LOVE DOWNEY FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL OCCUR ON DOWNEY AVENUE AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4TH STREET
• 3RD STREET @ LA REINA AVENUE
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE TO US BANK City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026 4
12. APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT: Parks and Recreation.
APPROVED STREET CLOSURES FOR THE CITY OF DOWNEY'S HAVANA NIGHTS EVENT FROM 10:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 TO 12:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 ALONG DOWNEY AVENUE AND 3RD STREET BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING INTERSECTIONS:
• DOWNEY AVENUE FROM 2ND STREET TO 4TH STREET
• 3RD STREET @ LA REINA AVENUE
• 3RD STREET TO END OF SOUTH PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OF US BANK
13. DIRECTION TO CONDUCT BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
IDENTIFYING WHICH CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO FILE A STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS: City Clerk/ City Attorney.
DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK AND CITY ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT THE BIENNIAL REVIEW
OF THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, SEPTEMBER 23- 25, 2026, IN ANAHEIM, CA: Administration.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8378, DESIGNATING A VOTING DELEGATE AND
ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2026, IN ANAHEIM, CA
Assistant to the City Manager Juddy Montenegro provided the staff report for Item No. 14. She recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution designating a voting delegate and one or two alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, scheduled for September 23-25 in Anaheim, to ensure the City is represented during the League's annual business meetings and consideration of its upcoming platform and initiatives.
Mayor Frometa stated that she had previously served as the City's voting delegate and currently serves on the League's Housing Policy Committee, but due to a scheduling conflict she would only attend the conference on Wednesday and Thursday. She requested that another Council Member be designated as the primary voting delegate for Friday's voting session.
Council Member Pemberton nominated Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz as the primary voting delegate.
Council Member Trujillo nominated Council Member Pemberton and Council Member Sosa as the alternate voting delegates.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Mayor Frometa, and carried 5-0, to adopt Resolution No. 26-8378, designating Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz as the primary voting delegate and Council City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026 5
Member Pemberton and Council Member Sosa as the alternate voting delegates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo, September 23-25, 2026, in Anaheim, CA.
15.DISCUSSION REGARDING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR A CAT SPAY AND NEUTER REBATE PROGRAM: Administration.
DISCUSSED AND CONSIDERED THE APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL $2,500 FOR THE
CITY'S CAT SPAY AND NEUTER REBATE PROGRAM
Assistant to the City Manager Juddy Montenegro provided the staff report for Item No. 15. She reported that staff was requesting Council consideration of an additional $2,500 from the General Fund to reopen the City's Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27. She stated that Council had previously allocated $10,000 for the program in January 2026, offering residents up to $250 per cat with a two -cat household limit. The program operated from March through June 2026, received 27 applications, approved 23, and expended $2,572, with approximately $1,600 in staff time for administration and outreach. She noted that Council Member Pemberton requested consideration of the additional funding at the July 28, 2026 City Council meeting.
Council Member Pemberton stated her support to continue the City's Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program, citing its success and the continued demand for spay and neuter services. She discussed SEAACA's mobile clinics, which have served approximately 400 animals per clinic and received more than 1,000 appointment requests, and noted that other cities provide similar programs funded through their General Funds. She stated that spaying and neutering helps control the cat population and reduce euthanasia. She noted that approximately 24 cats had been serviced through Downey's program and estimated that this could prevent hundreds of additional cats from being born. Council Member Pemberton stated that the proposed $2,500 was insufficient and moved to allocate $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-27, with the program to be monitored at mid -year and any unused funds returned to the General Fund.
Council Member Sosa asked why the $200,000 allocated by SEAACA for additional spay and neuter services could not be used immediately. Council Member Pemberton clarified that the funding would support additional nonprofit mobile spay and neuter clinics, but availability depends on the nonprofits' schedules and limited resources. She stated that SEAACA would request additional clinics and use some of the funding to bring providers to its facility.
Mayor Frometa moved to approve $2,500 to continue the Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program, stating that she did not want the program to stop midway and understood the amount to be remaining previously allocated funds. Council Member Pemberton clarified that the $2,500 was from the prior fiscal year and that approximately $2,500 had already been used within three months. She stated that an additional $2,500 would likely not sustain the program through December and reiterated her request for a $10,000 Fiscal Year 2026-27 allocation, noting that unused funds would return to the General Fund.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz thanked Council Member Pemberton for the information and expressed concern about the City's limited available funds. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked City Manager Bradley for the current projected surplus. City Manager Bradley stated that the year-end surplus had been projected at approximately $70,000 but noted that some of those funds had been spent since adoption of the budget and he did not have the updated amount immediately available.
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Council Member Pemberton noted that the Council had previously approved an unbudgeted $10,000 fee waiver for a one -day community event and stated that the Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program similarly benefits the community throughout the year by helping reduce cat overpopulation and euthanasia. She suggested allocating $5,000 and revisiting the program during mid -year budget review.
Council Member Sosa stated that he supported allocating $2,500 and reviewing the program again in six months.
Council Member Pemberton asked whether any applicants had been turned away. Assistant to the City Manager Montenegro responded that staff had received approximately three to four applications after July 1.
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz asked whether the El Grito event affected the General Fund. City Manager Bradley responded that the fee waiver resulted in lost revenue because the City would incur event -related expenses that would not be recovered, creating a budget impact.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, and carried 5-0, to allocate $5,000 from the General Fund to the City's Cat Spay and Neuter Rebate Program.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz reported attending National Night Out and Gang's Out of Downey (G.O.O.D.) Backpack Distribution event at Golden Park where approximately 700 backpacks were distributed. He thanked Parks and Recreation Director Chacon for the successful Concerts in the Park series, and thanked the Police Department for their work keeping the community safe. Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz requested that the Police Department provide a public presentation on crime trends on an annual basis. City Manager Bradley clarified that the request was for a presentation in addition to the Police Department's annual report. The request was seconded by Mayor Frometa with the modification that it be done on a biannual basis.
Council Member Sosa thanked Police Chief Loughner and the men and women of the Downey Police Department for their professionalism, service, sacrifice, and dedication to the community.
Council Member Trujillo congratulated Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz on becoming a homeowner in Downey and stated that his decision to remain in the City where he was raised demonstrated his continued commitment to the community.
Council Member Pemberton thanked Parks and Recreation and Public Works for the Concerts in the Park series, which concluded with the Downey Symphony, and reported attending the Downey Conservancy's Bob's Big Boy "Back to the Future" event, which drew approximately 1,000 attendees.
She recognized Purple Heart Day and thanked staff for establishing Downey as a Purple Heart City. She reported attending the State of the Nation Luncheon with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, the G.O.O.D.
Backpack Distribution event at Golden Park, and the Downey Pride event. She recognized Downey resident J.B. Gibbons on his 97'h birthday. Council Member Pemberton highlighted the City's receipt of approximately $592,000 in grant funding for new bus shelters, noted planned Metro improvements along Florence Ave., and congratulated the eight newly appointed Youth Commissioners. She requested vehicle speed feedback signs on Old River School Rd. between Firestone Blvd. and Florence Ave. due City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 11, 2026 7
to recent accidents and speeding concerns. The request was seconded by Mayor Frometa. Council Member Pemberton asked about roadway improvements on Lakewood Blvd. near the Downey Landing and Promenade. City Manager Bradley responded that Lakewood Blvd. was not currently scheduled for a full improvement project, but areas near the Promenade were being considered as part of related roadway work. She further asked about the missing entrance sign at Bluff Rd. and Foster Bridge Rd. City Manager Bradley stated that they would investigate whether the sign was being repaired or needed replacement.
Mayor Frometa thanked the Downey Police Department for its professionalism and continued dedication to public safety, particularly in responding to volatile domestic violence incidents. She highlighted year -over -year decreases of approximately 20% in total vehicle citations, 13% in total arrests, and overall reductions in FBI Index Crimes, including robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary. She emphasized that isolated incidents do not reflect the City's overall safety and credited the Council's continued support of law enforcement. Mayor Frometa also reported attending National Night Out and thanked the Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and other participating departments for the successful event. With the school year beginning, she urged residents to drive safely, avoid speeding, and exercise caution around schools.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley reported that the Police Department's most recent year-to-date crime statistics, covering January through June and compared with the same period the prior year, showed an overall downward trend in crime, including a 30% decrease in assault and burglary. He credited increased enforcement, noting that citations and arrests had increased, and stated that the Police Department continues to respond quickly to incidents and maintain public safety. City Manager Bradley also confirmed that a future SEAACA report would return to Council regarding the $200,000 allocated for spay and neuter services.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the City Council Meeting — Open Session at 8:12 p.m. in memory of Firefighter Stan Reza, 35, a 3-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who perished in an off - duty vehicle crash on the 605 freeway.
MART ALICIA DUARTE, CIVIC ctAUDIA M. FROMETA
City Clerk Mayor
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