MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGUALR MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2026
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting — Closed Session on August 25, 2026 at 5:33 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, CIVIC, 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 5:34 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
Government Code Section 54956.95 — Liability Claim. Claimant: Hatim Slimi. Claim No. 25036.
Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
2. Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim - Worker's Compensation Claim - Claimant:
Jose Barajas - Claim No.: 24-182194; Worker's Compensation Appeals Board No.: ADJ20699419; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 25, 2026
Government Code Section 54956.95 - Liability Claim - Worker's Compensation Claim - Claimant:
Alfonso Flores - Claim No.: 23-174014; Worker's Compensation Appeals Board No.: ADJ 19398427; Agency claimed against: City of Downey.
4. Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: City of Whittier et al. v. Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles et al. - Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 23STCP03579; California Court of Appeal Case No. B340630.
5. Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) - Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Title: City Manager.
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CLOSED SESSION Mayor Frometa reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting --- Closed Session at 6:35 p.m. with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, no reportable action was taken.
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Regular City Council Meeting - Open Session on August 25, 2026 at 6:38 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
Aron Liang, Contact Principal Manager
Jason Chacon, Parks and Recreation Director
Marlon Ramirez, Finance Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CMC, City Clerk
The Invocation was delivered by Father Sam Ward, Saint Raymond Catholic Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop 71335, 2485, and 275.
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Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026 2
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Legacy Award to Jan Lynn, creator of Downey Supper Club.
2. Mayor's Champion Award to Doug Hendrix, longtime Downey resident.
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 one written public comment was received.
Anonymous, submitted written comments demanding an investigation regarding the care of a female Doberman dog and her puppies at SEAACA.
It was moved by Mayor Frometa, seconded by Council Member Pemberton, 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.
Susan Dodd, resident, commented on the City's trees and sidewalk conditions.
Juan Martinez, resident, commented on the Brown Act, transparency and accountability.
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 Pemberton abstained from Item No. 4, due to owning property in the area.
It was moved by Council Member Trujillo, seconded by Council Member Ortiz, and carried 5-0, with Council Member Pemberton abstaining from Item No. 4, to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. APPROVED COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Special Meeting of March 10, 2026, and Regular Meeting of May 26, 2026: City Clerk.
2. WARRANTS ISSUED: Warrant Nos. 401627 - 402048 (City) and 160 - 165 (CMSC); Payroll Wire Nos. 30004739; 30004742- 30004744; 30004746; EFT Nos. 16377 - 16435 (City) and 50052 - 50057 (CMSC); Manual Wire Nos. 2870 - 2877 in the total amount of $7,558,843.71: Finance.
3. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND SOLICITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS (COUNCIL DISTRICT 3), AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) AND MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE) PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) NO. 26-02, City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 25, 2026 3
AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301(C) (EXISTING FACILITIES): Public Works. 1) APPROVED THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZED THE SOLICITATION OF CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR THE FY 2025-26 ANNUAL MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS (COUNCIL DISTRICT 3), AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) AND MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS (CITYWIDE) PROJECT, CIP NO. 26-02; AND,
2) FOUND THAT THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN CEQA UNDER SECTION 15301(C) (EXISTING FACILITIES)
4. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO PORTION OF DRIVING RANGE NETTING AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE: Parks and Recreation.
AUTHORIZED THE APPROPRIATION, PURCHASE, AND INSTALLATION OF DRIVING
RANGE NETTING FROM JUDGE NETTING FOR REPAIRS TO THE SOUTH SIDE RANGE NETTING AND IMPROVEMENTS ON HOLE #14 OF THE DRIVING RANGE AT THE RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $190,556
5. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH UKG FOR UKG READY TIME, UKG READY
ACCRUALS MANAGER, UKG SCHEDULER FOR WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING TIMEKEEPING AND SCHEDULING MODULES: Human Resources.
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT WITH UKG FOR A
ONE-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR THE UKG READY, ACCRUALS, AND SCHEDULER SYSTEM, FOR A TERM BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, AND ENDING ON AUGUST 31, 2027, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $64,113
6. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TETRA TECH, INC.
FOR DESIGN OF SYSTEMWIDE WATER SUPPLY TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS: Public Works.
1) APPROVED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TETRA TECH, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,040,000 FOR DESIGN OF SYSTEMWIDE WATER SUPPLY TREATMENTIMPROVEMENTS;
2) AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND,
3) AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE
AGREEMENT AS DEEMED NECESSARY
7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4: City Council.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 26-8379, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE REDFOX TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting — August 25, 2026 4
8. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOURTH QUARTER PROGRESS REPORT OF THE DOWNEY FORWARD 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN: Administration.
RECEIVED AND FILED THE DOWNEY FORWARD 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN FOURTH QUARTER PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
9. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF NOMINEE TO THE 2026-2027 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION FOR DISTRICT 2: Parks and Recreation.
APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF A YOUTH COMMISSIONER TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE 2026-2027 DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION IN DISTRICT 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz thanked staff for their work hosting the 10-day training camp for the Irish Paralympics Delegation. He requested staff explore expanding the Keep Downey Beautiful program through volunteers to assist elderly or financially challenged residents with yard and property cleanup.
The request was seconded by Mayor Frometa.
Council Member Sosa reported attending a Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Policy Board meeting and the swearing -in ceremony for Ana Maria Quintana as the new Mayor of Bell. He requested establishing a relationship with the California Department of Insurance to provide free anti -scam and anti -fraud seminars and resources for seniors. The request was seconded by Mayor Frometa. He requested a stop sign survey at the intersection of De Palma St. and Mitla Ave. The request received a second from Council Member Pemberton.
Council Member Trujillo congratulated Los Angeles (LA) County for efforts to train emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 holds and expressed support for more assertive intervention and treatment for unhoused individuals experiencing serious mental health issues. Council Member Trujillo noted concerns regarding the Interstate 5 freeway exits along Paramount Blvd. and urged Caltrans and the State to give greater attention to freeway entrances and exits in Downey due to the City being bordered by four freeways.
Council Member Pemberton reported attending the Boot Barn Ribbon Cutting, events associated with the Paralympics Ireland Team, and a LA County Vector Control Board meeting. She noted increased West Nile Virus activity in Southern California, including Downey, and encouraged residents to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, and take other precautions. She reminded motorists to drive cautiously near schools and parks, particularly around newly installed stop signs and crosswalks. She thanked the Police Department for its presence near schools. She noted the purchase of 10 new Dodge Durangos for the Police Department and thanked Public Works staff for installing the new Treasure Island sign. Council Member Pemberton requested staff review expanding street sweeping service for 22 streets currently excluded from the City's street sweeping program, including an area along Paramount Blvd.
She requested advance notice to affected residents before implementing service. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz. City Manager Bradley stated that staff would return with a report for Council direction.
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Mayor Frometa thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their work to keep the community safe. She reported attending the 73rd Birthday Celebration of the historical McDonald's in Downey and noted its significance as one of the oldest operating McDonald's locations. She requested updates on the replacement of plaques at City parks, restoration of the Ruth Miller's plaque at the Downey Library, and replacement of the missing Fire Memorial plaque. City Manager Bradley confirmed the Library plaque had been located and would be reinstalled, he shared the other plaques would be addressed. Mayor Frometa thanked staff for installing new stop signs and making crosswalk improvements in District 4, specifically near Downey High School and at Pangborn Ave. and Matic Rd. She requested adjusting the I Love Downey Festival hours from 3:00-8:00 p.m. to 4:00-9:00 p.m. to allow the Historical Society to better showcase historical videos during the evening. She encouraged residents to establish Neighborhood Watch groups through the Downey Police Department.
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
City Manager Bradley requested a second for Mayor Frometa's request to change the I Love Downey Festival hours, noting staff would evaluate any operational impacts and return with a report. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Frometa adjourned the City Council Meeting — Open Session at 7:29 p.m. in memory of Police Officer Austin "Zade" Abdelnabi, 30, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, who was shot and killed when responding to a call regarding an armed subject in Las Vegas.
MARV ALICIA, DUART
City Clerk
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