California
2020-2021 CITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ANNUAL REPORT
Mayor and City Council
Claudia M. Frometa District 4 MAYOR
Blanca Pacheco District 1 MAYOR PRO TEM
Mission Proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical and responsible manner.
Values Sean Ashton District 2 COUNCIL MEMBER
Integrity | Commitment | Respect | Teamwork | Engagement | Passion | Excellence
City Council Priorities Catherine Alvarez District 3 COUNCIL MEMBER
Mario Trujillo District 5 COUNCIL MEMBER
Fiscal Responsibility Efficiency and Adaptability Economic Vibrancy Quality of Life, Safety and Infrastructure Public Engagement
California
July 1, 2021 Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, Downey Residents and Friends: I am pleased to present the ninth annual City Accomplishments Report for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. This report highlights the City’s continual commitment to the Downey community through the completion of the City Council’s fiscal year Budget Goals and numerous successful City initiatives under the guidance of the City Council. The City Council established the fiscal year budget goals and objectives through a goal setting process at its annual workshop in January 2020. During this workshop, the City Council collectively determined goals and objectives for the upcoming year in accordance with the Council’s five over-arching priorities of:
Gilbert A. Livas CITY MANAGER
• Fiscal Responsibility; • Economic Vibrancy; • Efficiency & Adaptability; • Quality of Life, Safety, & Infrastructure; and • Public Engagement. Despite the uncertainty and lingering challenges of the ongoing global health crisis, the City of Downey worked diligently to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also remaining steadfast on several key initiatives enhancing the quality of life for Downey residents and businesses. Community Development completed all public art installations in the Downtown area, facilitated the construction of the new Marriott hotel on Firestone Boulevard, completed the rehabilitation of multiple owner-occupied homes, and worked with County of Los Angeles on the construction of the Rancho South Campus sports fields. The City maintained its AA bond ratings, received budget operating awards from GFOA and CSMFO, and refinanced its CalPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability (UAL), resulting in a gross savings of $65 million to the City and increasing the City’s Pension Funding Level from 67.1% to 85%. Further, the City completed $19 million worth of CIP projects, including the Paramount Boulevard median landscape improvements, residential street pavement rehabilitation projects, multiple traffic signal upgrades, rehabilitation of 4 water wells, and 85 miles of sewer main lines cleaned and inspected. This was all accomplished while also completing the $65 million Measure S Neighborhood Improvement Program, the most robust capital improvement project in the City’s history resulting in 4 new fire stations, renovation of the City Library, Civic Center, Theatre plaza and 7 City Parks. This report also showcases the City’s preparedness to quickly pivot and respond to new needs of the community. The City continued to prioritize its efforts in addressing the impacts of the pandemic, as seen in the City’s small business grant programs, residential rental assistance programs, multiple food drives, senior outreach programs, and virtual, drive-through, and social distancing services, programs and events to keep residents of all ages engaged through these unprecentented times. I am incredibly proud of the work City staff achieved under the leadership of the City Council this past year. With cooperative efforts of the City Council, City staff, and the Downey community, together we demonstrated our unwavering ability to overcome this once in a lifetime health crisis event. Respectfully submitted,
Gilbert A. Livas City Manager CIVIC CENTER
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11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
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DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 90241
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562.904.7284
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www.downeyca.org
who we are
what we offer parks and recreation
29.5%
25-44 Years Under 15 Years
00
5 5
10
15
10 Education
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
23%
15 80 70 60
20 10 0
25
80 60
20
14%
74.8%
10 0
3.3% 0.1% 6.8% 1.2%
51.6%
$75,878
Democrats
Median Household Income
5.17% 19.8%
from last year
22.7%
No Party Preference
Republicans
$28,785
Per Capita Income
5.2%
Other
from last year
American Independent
3%
5.5%
Registered Voters 65,438
from last year
Population over1525 Years of25Age30 74,701 0 5 10 20 35
2.8%
Source: L.A. County Registrar/ Recorder/ County Clerk
where we are 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles
18 miles from Ports
17 miles from Disneyland
direct access to four major freeways 5, 105, 605, 710
4 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
17 miles from LAX International Airport
City Library
Civic Theatre
Community & Senior Center
public safety
30
Ethnicity
70
30
<than High School Diploma 20%
Source: American Community Survey, 2019 Estimates unless otherwise stated.
20
40 31%
25%
Veterans
19.5%
Some College High School Diploma
2,488
14%
Other
16-24 Years
Asian
48.9
25%
45-64 Years
Black or African American American Indian\ Alaskan Native
80
48.7%
12 Parks (115 Acres) 1 Skateboard Park 11 Playgrounds 2 Bocce Ball Courts 1 Public Swimming Pool open during the summer 2 Summer Camps 2 Golf Courses 1 Cemetery 4 Walking Trails 11 Tennis Courts 1 Off-leash dog park 3 Soccer Fields 6 Futsal Courts 2 Handball Courts 1 Challenger Obstacle Course 4 Fitness Stations 27 Picnic Shelters 5 Outdoor Sand Volleyball Courts 6 Outdoor Basketball Courts 3 Activity Rooms 2 Public Ponds 1 Gymnasium 13 Ball Diamonds 1 Indoor Basketball & Volleyball Courts 2 Access to bike route trail heads
12%
Hispanic
51.2%
65 Years+
White
Median Age 35.6 years old
Age Distribution
incorporation: December 17, 1956 government: Downey voters approved Downey as a Charter City in November 1996. The City operates under the City Council - City Manager form of government area: 12.6 miles (12.4 Land and 0.2 Water) city budget FY 2021-2022: $228.9 million number of city employees: 425 credit rating: AA, second-highest bond rating by S&P population: 112,322 population per square mile: 8,819.60
Space Learning Center
Farmer’s Market
Fixed Route Transit System
121 Sworn Police Officers 5 Parking Enforcement Officers 3 Community Service Officers 31 Patrol Vehicles 1 Armored Rescue Vehicle 1 Citizens’ Academy 1 Citizens on Patrol/ Volunteer Program 267 Neighborhood Watch Groups 1 Police Explorer Program 1 Business Watch Program 1 Mental Health/ Homeless Outreach Team (2 dedicated Officers and 2 LA County Mental Health Professionals in partnership) 1 Tactical Medical Team 1 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Team 1 Park Ranger Program (4 Part Time Park Rangers)
68 Sworn Fire Personnel 4 Fire Stations 24 Ambulance Operators 1 Fire Explorer Program 57 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteers 4 CERT Trainings (English/ Spanish / High School) 1 Auxiliary Firefighter Program 1 Training Tower 1 Command Vehicle 4 Paramedic Engines 1 Ladder Truck 4 Rescue Ambulances
infrastructure and utilities
227 miles of roadways 115 traffic signals 6,643 streetlights 276 miles of water mains 200 miles of sanitary sewer mains 24,000 sewer and water connections 33 miles of storm drain lines 20,000 trees 115 acres of parklands 5.23 miles of bike lanes 214 miles of streets and landscaping 170 miles sidewalks
transit
95,819 Miles Traveled with 61,678 boardings on the DowneyLINK Fixed Route Transit System 14,728 Dial-A-Ride trips for seniors and persons with disabilities
10 miles from Pacific coastline
business and industry
3,275 Businesses 356 New Businesses 1 Regional mall 5 Major shopping centers 3 Hospitals 1 Chamber of Commerce
Source: City of Downey Police, Fire, Public Works and Finance Departments
2021-2022 CITY PROFILE
58.6% 31.3% 4.5% 4.6% 1.0%
4.2%
Vacant
48% Rent 47.8% Own
34,508
Housing Units by Housing Type
33,045
17.6%
Total Households
20% 80%
$700,000
26,337 Family Households
3.38
Average Household Size
Median Home Sales Price Source: Realtor.com Housing Values
$1,462 mo
Median Monthly Rent
City Assessed Valuation
$13.2 Million In Assessed Value
23,384
5.3%
Parcels
Increase in Property Assessed Valuation
Source: L.A. County Office of the Assessor 10/19/2020
Production & Transportation
7%
17%
11.6% Unemployed Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5,400 Kaiser Permanente 3,044 Downey Unified School District 2,000 Stonewood Shopping Center 1,600 Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center 1,500 PIH Health 973 L.A. County Office of Educaton 834 City of Downey 800 Coca Cola Bottling Company 712 L.A. County Internal Services Department 450 Lakewood Health Center Source: City of Downey Comprehensive Annual Report for FY Ended 06/30/2020
from last year
Non-Family Households 6,708
Single Family Detached Multi-Family 5 + Units Multi-Family 2 to 4 units Single Family Attached Mobile Home
17%
88.4% Employed
largest employers
$2,473 mo Median Monthly Mortgage
how we learn Education Enrollment
Types of Household
Population over 16 years of age 55,491 27% Construction & Maintenance
how we live
Occupations
Sales and Office
32%
Services and Occupations
Columbia Memorial Space Center Stay Gallery Rio Hondo Golf Club Rives Mansion Oldest McDonalds Downey City Library Downey Civic Theatre Casa de Parlay Johnson Wilderness Park The District @ Downey
Management, Business, Professional & Arts
how we work
points of interest
Private School
19,269
Public School
13 Public Elementary Schools 3 Public High Schools 4 Public Middle Schools 4 WASC - Accrediated Private Elementary/ Secondary Schools
Source: Los Angeles County Office of Education
7,991 2,062 Pre-School
945 Kindergarten - 12th Grade
College Undergraduate
Population 3+ years old enrolled in school
Graduate/ Professional
30,267
how we care 37.5 tons of Christmas Trees Recycled 3 Citywide public clean-up events 2,450 tons of recyclables diverted away from landfills 10% City employees participating in ride sharing programs 22% City employees using low emission vehicles 50 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 7 Bike Rental Locations 695 Trees Planted 4,409 LED Street Lights Converted
Source: City of Downey Public Works, Finance and Community Development Departments
ANNUAL REPORT | 5
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY S & P CREDIT RATING
AA Maintained AA Bond Ratings due to prudent fiscal management, responsible investments and healthy community development
Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Overall City Appropriations
Successful management of the $1.4 million CARES ACT stimulus funds
$450K Secured over $450,000 from U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development to expand affordable housing opportunities to low and moderate income individuals during the pandemic
6 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Revenue
Maintain a financially stable local government
CITY COUNCIL GOALS ACHIEVED • • • • • • • • •
Launch Columbia Memorial Space Center’s fundraising campaign Maintained City compliance with election and disclosure law, including November 2020 Election for City Council Districts 1, 3 and 5. Update 5 year financial projections and increase to 10-year projection with PERS actuarial analysis incorporated Continued with short and long term financial strategic sustainability plans (updated on an annual basis) Increased amount of online billing payments Sought alternative revenue sources Sought grant opportunities to fund essential programs Continued to reduce City risks and legal fees Increased banquets and tournaments at Rio Hondo Golf Course
2021-2022 HIGHLIGHTS •
•
• • •
Fire received a grant for the purchase of FM Global fire prevention hydrocarbon detectors. This will help make a difference in preventing the frequency and severity of fires, and property loss The Downey Police Department received the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award for $24,080 for special overtime programs such as Crime Impact and Neighborhood Preservation that target specific crime trends Adoption of the City Purchasing Policy to ensure purchases are made in compliance with state and federal law, and consistency across City departments Completed a physical inventory of all City fixed assets. This includes all mobile electronic equipment Conducted an analysis of the city’s current copiers and small printer usage and cost. Through an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, selected a new managed printer vendor at a cost savings of 28% over five years
by the numbers
$16.8M
Grants Secured
100%
Bi-weekly payroll with no or minimum errors
100%
Monthly Financial Status Reports issued within 15 days or less
100%
Accounts receivable collectible rate
22,177
Finance Counter Transactions
10%
Increase in online utility bills paid online
138,579
Utility Bills Processed
35% Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Expenditures
Reserves of Operating Budget
ANNUAL REPORT | 7
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Distinguished Budget Awards For the eigth consecutive year, Downey was awarded both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the California State Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Operation Budget Meritous Award for the FY 2020-2021 Budget. The Awards demonstrate the City Council’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and accountability, while ensuring the budget is accessible to residents.
Department of Housing and Community Development awarded $285,082 Local Early Action Planning Grants Program for preparation and adoption of planning documents, process improvements that accelerate housing production, and facilitate compliance of the 6th cycle of the regional housing need assessment
City Strengthens Its Pension Funding Level The City took a proactive measure of refinancing its CalPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability (UAL) in early 2021 resulting in a gross savings $65 million to the City and increasing the City’s Pension Funding Level from 67.1 percent to 85 percent.
8 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Adopted Annual Operating Budget and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Period Ending June 30, 2020
I’m proud to share that as of February 9th, the city was able to refinance its CalPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability (UAL), resulting in a gross savings of $65 million and increasing the city’s pension funding level from 67.1% to 85%. This was not only one of my major goals for 2021 under Fiscal Responsibility, but a strong City commitment to sound financial sustainability and planning. Mayor Claudia M. Frometa on the city’s refinancing of its CalPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability
ANNUAL REPORT | 9
EFFICIENCY & ADAPTABIL CITY COUNCIL GOALS ACHIEVED •
4,950
Resident Service Requests Processed
•
8,609
90% Building Inspections Performed
• •
Within 24 Hours of Scheduling
• •
9,504
Counter Visits
Community Development and Public Works Departments
5,288
•
Code Enforcement Cases Opened
•
655
Advanced Water Meters Installed
• • • • •
100%
ADA/LAP Requests Resolved
Upgraded City Financial system hardware and software (operating and database) to the latest version. Upgraded City, Fire and Police Data Center servers hardware and software Upgraded Citywide end users desktop operating system to Windows 10 Upgraded Citywide end users Office suite version to the latest (this includes Word, Excel PowerPoint and outlook) Implemented an integrated work order/service request management software for staff in the Public Works department Initiated design and implementation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system for the City’s water and sewer systems Reviewed park reservation policies with the newly renovated parks and recommend changes to preserve the parks and streamline process for the community Reviewed Parks and Recreation registration process to increase online registration Improved annual mandated fire training compliance Upgraded Fire Records Management System Implemented New Mobile Data Computers in Fire Improved Officer Development and succession planning in Police Completed upgrades in Council Chambers at City Hall
Catherine Alvarez
Launched virtual City Council meetings and ensured public access and participation in meetings
*
Upgraded Library’s New Data Center
10 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
*
LITY • • • • •
• • •
• •
Create an environment where new processes and programs are encouraged and are used to improve internal and external services
Implemented more technology within the Fire department such as paperless inspections Developed an internal promotional firefighter process for Ambulance Operators Acquired a web-based virtual emergency management software for Fire Initiated Fire Service Accreditation program Engaged in Labor Negotiations with the Downey City Employees’ Association - Miscellaneous Unit, Downey City Employees’ Association - Maintenance Unit, and Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association. Continued to implement use of automated, web-based employee training module Continued to update employee evaluation forms Conducted citywide employee training courses throughout the year including, but not limited to, Enhancing Supervisory Skills; Conducting Effective Performance Evaluations; Managing Employee Safety and Risk; Exercising Management Rights; and Harassment Prevention in the Workplace. Maintained Police Officer recruitment efforts to ensure maximum staffing levels Provided the highest level of on-going training for all police personnel
by the numbers
8,035
Employment Applications Processed
876
Personnel Status Reports (PSR’s) processed for authorized payroll actions
12
HR Employee Training Sessions on a wide range of topics
802
Public Records Requests received and processed
73
Subpoenas, summons and claims received and processed
2,453 Public Works completed rehabilitation of four groundwater wells. Rehabilitation included replacement of old pumps and motors with higher efficiency pumps and motors, and associated materials. These improvements will not only restore water production capabilities, but also improve operational efficiencies. Public Works worked closely with Southern California Edison in obtaining more than $50,000 in rebates and energy cost savings of $60,000 per year as a result of these efforts.
Employee Information Technology requests received and assisted
89%
City Council Meeting Minutes Completed by Second Meeting
ANNUAL REPORT | 11
EFFICIENCY & ADAPTABIL
New Downey City Library Staff App: Ignite! From searching for and checking out materials to managing our study rooms and issuing new library memberships, Ignite, a pioneering library solution, allows Downey library staff to provide full service to library members anywhere there is Wi-Fi.
2021-2022 HIGHLIGHTS • • • •
Converted City Fax machine to eFax services Established regular and frequent online Cyber Security awareness training and monitoring Upgraded City Hall data center Storage network system to handle more data and virtual servers Virtualized 80% of all servers in the data centers
Having efficiency and adaptability as performance metrics, helps the city measure the goals my council colleagues, and I set during our City Council Goal Setting Workshop every year. Here, the City Council provides direction on its 2021/2022 goals and priorities and directs city staff to provide recommendations on how to achieve them.
4,409 Street Lights converted to LED 12 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco on the city’s Efficiency and Adaptability goals established by the City Council at the City Council Annual Goal Setting Workshop
LITY
Completed Council Chamber Phase II Upgrade
20% Average Decrease in Emergency Fire Response Time:
Dispatch to Arrival on Scene (average decrease of 2 minutes to scene)
Replaced 26 fleet vehicles for FY 2020-2021. Most vehicles were more than 10 years old with over 100,000 miles. The new vehicles are being leased through Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. A total of 71 vehicles have been replaced through the Enterprise lease program over the last two years.
ANNUAL REPORT | 13
ECONOMIC VIBRANCY Honda of Downey Auto Dealership 11000 Florence Avenue
City Assessed Valuation
5.3%
Increase in Property Assessed Valuation
A proposed 81,041 square foot two-story building to accomodate a new showroom, parts and service department, single-story body shop, automated car wash, and an employee roof parking deck with an available outdoor customer waiting area is under Planning Review. The site will be improved with new landscaping, outdoor lighting, and provide an overall 618 parking spaces to accomodate customer parking and vehicle display parking.
$13.2 Million
In Assessed Value
City Sales Tax
West Santa Ana Branch Light Rail
$1,227,800
Projected increase of
4% Median Household Income
The City continued to work with Metro staff regarding the development of the West Santa Ana Branch light rail transit line that will connect southeast LA County to downtown Los Angeles. The project will include a station in Downey, adjacent to the proposed Rancho Los Amigos development. The Project is currently completing the EIR and sleighed for opening in 2028.
$
$75,878 5.5%
Increase from last year
Our dedication to our residents has maintained our goal of continuing to bring economic growth to our city. Being focused and intentional about the type of businesses we want to attract to our city is how we achieve sustained growth and success for Downey residents. Council Member Mario Trujillo on attracting new businesses to the city
14 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Support community needs through a stable, vibrant and diverse local economy
CITY COUNCIL GOALS achieved • • • • • •
Created strategies to adapt to new housing legislation as an alternative to SB 50 Explored an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District for the Transit Village for West Santa Ana Branch Obtained ownership of the Historic Coffman Wing and develop into a STEM incubator, Downey Museum, and other cultural offerings Continued Redevelopment of the Promenade: Back 20 & NASA/Vultee building adaptive reuse Coordinated with Los Angeles County for the proactive use of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Reviewed Downtown Specific Plan to determine if need to update zoning/offerings
2020-2021 highlights •
• • • • •
Creation of Affordable Housing Sub-Committee to explore options in future development of a balanced inclusion of affordable housing units within Downey Facilitated construction of Avenue Theater Facilitated completion of construction of new Kaiser Permanente tower Continued to expand the use of the ACCELA permit tracking system Coordinated with L.A. County and METRO in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report for Rancho South Campus Groundbreaking for Rancho South Campus Sports Complex
by the numbers
1,793
Building Permits Issued with a valuation of
$119,457,103
5,699
Code Enforcement Cases Closed
423
Assisted businesses
4,531
Business Registration Renewals Processed
36%
Increase in Online Business License Renewals
356
New Businesses
7
Large Scale Projects in Planning Rancho South Campus Sports Complex Building Interior
ANNUAL REPORT | 15
ECONOMIC VIBRANCY Housing Rehabilitation Program
BEFORE
AFTER
8139 4th Place - 8 Unit Townhome residential development utilizing a Spanish Mission architectural style
8218 Firestone Blvd - Remodel of existing building for new restaurant/retail, allowing live entertainment
8300 Firestone Blvd - Remodel of an existing commercial building/ new restaurant and retail
10224 La Reina - Three-Unit apartment project with Spanish architectural design.
16 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
The Downey Civic Theatre has undergone a beautiful transformation into an attractive plaza
art in public places
Public Art Pieces added to Downtown Downey and the Downey Civic Theatre
ANNUAL REPORT | 17
QUALITY OF LIFE & SAFET
Parks and Recreation successfully launched summer programming
Launched Downey Good Neighbor Campaign
Nine winners were awarded the Neighborhood Beautification Award for 2021
Downey Fire Department and Nissan Auto Dealership collaborate for Christmas Toy Donations
Celebrating Arbor Day with Scout Troops 2 and 01173 by planting a Strawberry Tree at Civic Center Drive
Implemented AutoPulse automatic CPR devices on all ambulances
18 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Y
Foster a safe community through key investments and provide inclusive, diverse community programs and activities
CITY COUNCIL GOALS achieved • •
• • • • • • • •
• • •
• •
•
•
• •
Finalized Measure S Projects Expanded the Columbia Memorial Space Center’s outreach programming including established a network of Girls in STEM Clubs in Downey and other communities in Southeast LA Expanded Homeless Shelter Solutions Implemented AutoPulse automatic CPR resuscitation devices on all ambulances Updated and Restocked the Emergency Preparedness Bins (year three of four year plan) Completed City’s Mass Care and Shelter Plan Acquired a joint Public Safety Mobile Command Vehicle (Police & Fire) Updated Fire Department policies and procedures Improved team building and employee morale in Fire Department Opened the new Library including launched new programming, customer service models, and staffing plan as well as replenished the collection and purchased needed equipment not covered by Measure S Identified ways to enhance the Police department’s traffic safety and education efforts Promoted school safety through continued and on-going collaborative efforts with our school district Ensured park safety through public awareness and coordination of police service; such as regular police patrols, Crime Impact operations, Park Ranger Program, Neighborhood Preservation Program, and other proactive approaches to crime suppression Collaborated with outreach services to further assist the city’s homeless population Dedicated Police personnel that are specially trained to provide support and resources to not only our homeless population, but also those suffering from various types of mental illness. Utilized our specialized Police investigative team to help identify and address criminal activity related to the exploitation of those victimized through “Human Trafficking” Provided assistance to those suffering from mental illness with the assistance of two (2) specially trained police officers assigned to the department’s “Mental Health Team” Implemented police officer tactical medical program to provide emergency treatment to officers and the public in tactical emergency situations Developed, and deployed a highly trained tactical entry team to assist in high risk search and arrest warrant service
Downey Police Department re-established Internet Crimes Against Children Investigations
by the numbers
835
ASPIRE Students
1,208,920
General Park Attendance
23,104
E-Books Borrowed
89,272
Downey Library Registered Borrrowers
143
Golf Tournaments
9
Community Events
730
Camp Participants
100%
Funding to assist at least 10 homeless or potientially homeless familes
ANNUAL REPORT | 19
QUALITY OF LIFE & SAFET
* Police Department statistics are for the calendar year 2020.
2020-2021 highlights • • • • • • •
Filled three Batallion Chiefs, three Captains and three Engineers Improved fire prevention inspection compliance Acquired a web-based virtual emergency management software Re-established Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Investigations Conducted several homeless outreach operations Established a dedicated “Street Racing” enforcement detail on the weekends Purchased Automated License Plates readers with funds from the State Homeland Security Grant
Launched #BINIT Campaign to encourage residents to keep Downey clean
Downey continues to be the beacon of the Gateway Cities. Our excellent public places and programs are designed with our resident’s needs and wants in mind. With initiatives such as “Downey Good Neighbor” and the “#BINIT Campaign”, our city provides its residents with the high quality of life they are used to and deserve. Council Member Sean Ashton on the city’s Downey Good Neighbor and #BINIT Campaigns
20 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
TY
Downey Fire Department received ISO Class 1 Ranking which is based on department staffing levels, training, location of fire stations, water supply, location of hydrants, communication systems, community outreach and fire prevention
Implemented and trained City Staff on Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS)
Initiated a Tactical Medic Officer Program, sending six police officers through EMT and Paramedic training.
Public Works Department along with CalMET work together to address the city’s hot spots of illegal dumping along with responding to resident’s service requests
City of Downey received $800,000 from California Legislators to restore its space shuttle mock up which was built by Rockwell in 1972. This space shuttle mock up will be showcased in the expansion project of the Columbia Memorial Space Center
ANNUAL REPORT | 21
INFRASTRUCTURE Completed 18 projects with a total cost of
$19 MILLION:
Pavement Rehabilitation: • • • •
Residential Street (Council Districts 3 and 4) Old River School Rd. 3rd St. (Old River School Rd.- Rives Ave.) Tweedy Ln.
Traffic Signal Upgrades: • • • •
Stewart & Gray Rd. Paramount Blvd. Paramount Blvd. at De Palma St. Fire Station 1
Water Improvements • • •
3rd St. (Old River School Rd. to Rives Ave.) Florence Ave. (Tweedy Ln. to Brookshire Ave.) Rehabilitated 4 groundwater wells
Sewer Improvements • •
Wilderness Park sewer improvements Fidler Ave., Lubec St., Muller St., 3rd St., Smallwood Ave., and Woodruff Ave. sewer main rehabilitation
Paramount Blvd. Median Landscape Improvements Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and ADA Improvements (Council Districts 1 and 2)
City placed more than 19,000 tons of rubberized asphalt concrete to rehabilitate more than 9 miles of arterial highways and residential streets, thus recycling and diverting more than 18,000 tires from landfills
22 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Foster a safe community through key investments and provide inclusive, diverse programs and activities
CITY COUNCIL GOALS achieved •
• • • • •
Began the Columbia Memorial Space Center second building expansion project including identifying designers, the program plan, and community needs Installed rectangular rapid flashing beacons at marked uncontrolled crosswalks at high volume or arterial street locations. Increased overall network Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Implemented Citywide Active Transportation Plan Completed construction of new fire stations Evaluated feasibility of extending recycled water system to Furman Park
2020-2021 highlights Completed design and started construction of the following projects: • Telegraph Rd. Traffic ThroughPut & Safety Enhancements • Imperial Hwy. Traffic Signal Upgrades • Century Blvd. Pavement Rehabilitation • City’s Active Transportation Plan Implemented • Planted 695 trees Citywide • Adopted Street Tree Master Plan • Cleaned and inspected 85 miles of sewer mains • Preliminary design of PFAS treatment systems for 8 wells • Rehabilitated 4 groundwater wells • Wilderness Park sewer improvements
by the numbers
1,665,000
sq.ft. Streets or pavement rehabilitated
20,263
Gallons of Used Motor Oil Collected
1,915
Neighborhood Street Name Signs Installed or Repaired
695
Trees Planted
140
ADA Compliant Curb Ramps Constructed
50
New Electric Charging Stations Installed
89%
Miles of Sewer Mains Cleaned
Capital Improvement Project: Firestone Median Landscape
14,297
Acre-Feet of potable water delivered to City Customers
ANNUAL REPORT | 23
INFRASTRUCTURE City of Downey Application Public Service Requests Processed
149
879
34
5
109
86
58
531
Code Enforcement
General Public Works
Parks Maintenance
Safety
Trash Pick Up
Street Lights
Street Maintenance
167
35
1,117
3
5
99
22
Sewer
Street Sweeping
Water
87
Shopping Carts
24 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Groundwater Well Rehabilitation
Parking
4
Traffic
water improvements
Water Piping
Traffic Signal
Graffiti
Water Piping
Housing
Public Facilities Maintenance
679
Tree Maintenance
Sewer Piping
The Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) awarded Furman Park with the 2020 Project of the Year Award. Furman Park improvements consist of upgrades to two existing buildings, a restroom remodel to meet accessibility standards, and construction of additional restrooms.
Completed Irrigation at Wilderness Park
Paramount Blvd Signalization and Safety Enhancements
ANNUAL REPORT | 25
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Hosted two Shredding Events collecting over 17.26 tons with over 300 vehicles participating
Downey Fire Department welcomes Cub Scout Pack 805 - Wolf Den
City of Downey voted L.A. Times Reader’s Choice 2021 in L.A. County
Hosted NASA’s first Spanish-language touchdown broadcast
Raising the Pride Flag during Pride Month
26 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Downey Police Department conducted two free Etching Catalytic Converters Event servicing over 190 vehicles
Cultivate a trustworthy and participatory local government through equitable, transparent, and effective processes
CITY COUNCIL GOALS achieved • • • • •
Received Tree City USA recognition Expanded the Neighborhood Watch Program by adding additional groups Continued to use social media as a means of public engagement for PD efforts Continued the department’s public outreach efforts through quarterly “Coffee with a Cop” events Facilitated the department’s 21st Citizens Academy
by the numbers
28,219
Enrolled in Downey Alerts
267
Neighborhood Watch Groups
467
Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up Volunteers
30 Held Town Hall Meetings
Involving our residents in government affairs allows them the opportunity to explore and shape the future of our city. Keeping our residents engaged and informed of our city’s priorities will lead to more meaningful and impactful participation. Council Member Catherine Alvarez on keeping our residents engaged in city programs and activities
City News/ Press Release Postings
5.17%
Increase in Registered Voters
14,053
Columbia Memorial Space Center Engagements for all workshops and classes
80%
Residents Satisfied with City Services at Excellent or Above Average Downey residents participated in the Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up Event helping pick up trash and debris in the city
ANNUAL REPORT | 27
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Downey Youth Commission presents a Virtual Student Government Day shared with students Downey Police Department hosts its first Virtual Coffee with a Cop
Downey launches the Downey City Store to give residents the opportunity to show their love for all things Downey
New Library welcomes all ages
28 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Downey City Library opens to the public
Honored Downey Veterans with a Virtual Tribute
Celebrated Memorial Day at the Downey Cemetery
ANNUAL REPORT | 29
RESPONSE TO COVID-19
$12,719,204
Received American Rescue Plan Funds for COVID-19 related expenditures, revenue loss and community involvement
4
Held Food Distribution Events serving over 10,000 households
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE | engagement | public outreach
4
Food Distribution Events
500
Sanitation Bottles Distributed
22
Mayor Videos
10,103
Households Served (Food Distribution)
710
Code Enforcement Addressing Health Order Violations
4,097
COVID-19 Hotline Calls
77,523
Senior Meals Distributed
4,000
300
Senior Wellness Check Calls (avg) per week
4,200
Continued distribution of meals to senior citizens
23
Disposable Masks Distributed
N95 Masks Distributed
Virtual/ Driveby Community Events
4,715
36
246
Social Media Posts
30 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Press Releases
Virtual Enrichment Videos
69.3%* Vaccinated Downey Residents
* Ages 16+ Population
Distribution of Masks and Personal Protective Equipment
Columbia Memorial Space Center holds Virtual City of STEM Festival
Parks and Recreation offering Virtual Programming Activities
Free Transit Rides
Held Santa’s Candy Cane Lane Drive-Thru Event distributing free holiday treats
Columbia Memorial Space Center offered Virtual Rocket Fever Programming during the pandemic
ANNUAL REPORT | 31
RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Building Inspections continued throughout pandemic
During a time of crisis, a city is confronted with many choices that will have lasting ramifications on its residents. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Downey faced the challenge head-on with steadfast resilience. Although this was an unprecedented year, the city was still able to maintain its high level of service to its residents. City staff has done a remarkable job at providing resources and support to our residents. These actions speak highly of the City Council and its priorities. We are looking forward to a robust 2021 and 2022, and strive to continue to be a leader in the region. City Manager Gilbert A. Livas on the city’s efforts during pandemic
outdoor dining
32 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
Blueprint for a safer economy
ANNUAL REPORT | 33
MEASURE S
Discovery Sports Complex
Fire Memorial
Furman Park
The Wilderness Park Ponds were also funded by a $200,000 Habitat Conservation Fund Grant and a $4.3 million Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Grant 34 | CITY OF DOWNEY 2020-2021
New picnic shelters at seven parks
Fire Station #2
Fire Station #4
Downey City Library May our new Downey City Library be a symbol of the vibrancy of the residents of Downey, and further, may it signify a community that has come together to create a place where people gather to learn, seek answers, and solve problems. May this new library continue to be the heart of our community and continue to be used for educational purposes, discovery, curiosity, invention, reflection, celebration, and a place of enjoyment for all to use for many generations to come. Mayor Claudia M. Frometa on the grand reopening of the Downey City Library
ANNUAL REPORT | 35
11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 562.869.7331 www.downeyca.org