City Council Regular Closed & Open Sessions
CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Pemberton, Sosa, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Mayor Frometa
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Persons wishing to address the City Council on any item on the Closed Session Agenda items may do so at this time. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, unless otherwise limited by the Mayor for good cause including number of speakers, as permitted by the City’s meeting rules.
RECESS TO A CLOSED SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL UNDER THE FOLLOWING AUTHORITIES:
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.
RECONVENE AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION
CALL TO ORDER THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Pemberton, Sosa, Trujillo, Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Mayor Frometa
INVOCATION
Father Sam Ward, St. Raymond Church
FLAG SALUTE
Girl Scout Troop 71365
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor's Legacy Award to Ezequiel Ponce, Downey High School Senior. 2. Mayor's Legacy Award to Raul, Margaret and Betty Porto of Porto's Bakery & Cafe. 3. Certificate of Recognition to Jose Carlos Valera, for achieving the American Dream. 4. Certificate of Appointment to Christian Gutierrez to the Public Works Committee for District 4. 5. Proclamation in honor of Fair Housing Month. 6. Proclamation in honor of Arbor Day. 7. Presentation to the City Council by the League of California Cities.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPROVAL OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
That the City Council: 1. Approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and authorize 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. Authorize 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA, CONSENT CALENDAR, AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This portion provides an opportunity for the public to address the City Council on agenda, consent calendar and items not listed on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the City Council. It is requested, but not required, that you state your name, address and subject matter upon which you wish to speak. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3) minutes, unless otherwise limited by the Mayor for good cause including number of speakers, as permitted by the City’s meeting rules. The total public comment period is limited to 30 minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no discussion or action, other than a brief response, referral to the City Manager/staff or schedule for a subsequent agenda, shall be taken by the City Council/Agency on any issue brought forth under this section.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a City Council Member requests an item be removed. Removed items will be considered following approval of the Consent Calendar.
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of April 8, 2025, and March 24, 2026.
APPROVAL OF 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.
ACCEPTANCE OF WORK FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM AT DOWNEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
That the City Council: 1. Accept the work for the Replacement of the HVAC System at the Downey Police Department, CIP No. 25-11; 2. Approve the final construction contract amount of $1,994,514; and, 3. Authorize 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.
APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF WATER METERS AND RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR PUBLIC WORKS UTILITIES OPERATIONS
That the City Council: Approve a purchase order with Aquametric Sales Company, Inc. for water meters and associated radio equipment for a total not to exceed amount of $584,016.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 47- MAINTENANCE UNIT
That the City Council: Adopt Resolution No.26-8343, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Downey and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47- Maintenance Unit (April1, 2026 – March 31, 2030).
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 47- MISCELLANEOUS UNIT
That the City Council: Adopt Resolution No. 26-8344, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Downey and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47- Miscellaneous Unit (April1, 2026 – March 31, 2030).
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENTION TO RENEW FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH TESORO SOCAL PIPELINE COMPANY LLC
That the City Council: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-8345, declaring its intention to renew the oil pipeline franchise agreement with Tesoro SoCal Pipeline Company LLC; and, 2. Set a public hearing date of May 12, 2026 to hear testimony and comments on the proposed franchise agreement.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
That the City Council: Adopt Resolution No. 26-8346, approving the appointment of Jose Gutierrez to the Recreation and Community Services Commission for Council District 3.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
That the City Council: Adopt Resolution No. 26-8347, approving the appointment of Juan Soto to the Public Works Committee for Council District 3.
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
That the City Council: 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 Election to be Held on that Date pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code.
10-DAY REPORT ON INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 25-1529 EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON SINGLE PRICE OVERSTOCK/DISCOUNT STORES (“SPODS”) WITHIN CITY LIMITS
That the City Council: Receive and file 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.
2025 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
That the City Council: Receive and file the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 INVESTMENT POLICY
That the City Council: Adopt Investment Policy for the investment of public funds of the City of Downey and its related entities.
APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL DOWNEY STREET FAIRE EVENT
That the City Council: Approve 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.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT TO CITY CHARTER REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
That the City Council: 1. Discuss and determine an amendment to the City Charter regarding compensation for City Councilmembers 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.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF A TIERED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FEE STRUCTURE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
That the City Council: Discuss the current tiered conditional use permit processes and provide direction to staff on whether to expand the Minor Conditional Use Permit categories and initiate a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA).
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
CITY MANAGER/STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
In memory of Sheriff Deputy Levi Vargas, 30, 11-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department San Dimas Station, who passed away after a medical emergency while participating in the Baker to Vegas relay race; and, Detective Randy Hoppert, six-year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office and veteran of the United States Navy, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot while responding to an eviction notice call.
FUTURE COUNCIL REQUESTED ITEMS
1. Options for limiting live music at residential properties - (D. Pemberton) 2. Traffic Study for crosswalks by Furman Park - (D. Pemberton) 3. Conduct a survey of traffic signs and stop signs along Brookshire Ave. - (H. Ortiz) 4. Research adding crosswalk on Florence Ave. between Arrington Ave. and Vultee St. - (C. Frometa) 5. Evaluate road conditions on Stewart & Gray Rd. from Garfield Ave. - (H. Sosa) 6. Evaluate a Hotel Users Tax - (M. Trujillo) 7. Review waste management deposit fee - (H. Ortiz) 8. Discuss Council travel and conference attendance - (H. Ortiz) 9. Research expanding City school zone designation to include City parks - (H. Ortiz)

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

