City of Downey City Accomplishments - Annual Report 2021-2022

Mayor and City Council

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

Integrity | Commitment | Respect | Teamwork | Engagement | Passion | Excellence

City Council Priorities

Fiscal Responsibility

Economic Vibrancy

Efficiency and Adaptability

Quality of Life, Safety and Infrastructure

Public Engagement

Claudia M. Frometa District 4 COUNCIL MEMBER

Donald E. La Plante District 2 COUNCIL MEMBER

Blanca Pacheco District 1 MAYOR

Mario Trujillo District 5 COUNCIL MEMBER

Catherine Alvarez District 3 MAYOR PRO TEM

July 1, 2022

Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, Downey Residents and Friends:

On behalf of the entire City team, I am honored to transmit the tenth annual City Accomplishments Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. This report showcases the City’s continual commitment to the Downey community through the completion of numerous successful City initiatives pursuant to the City Council’s adopted fiscal year goals.

The Fiscal Year 2021-2022 goals were established at the annual City Council Goal Setting Workshop in February 2021. Collectively, the City Council outlined key goals and objectives for the upcoming year in accordance with the Council’s five over-arching priorities of:

• Fiscal Responsibility;

• Economic Vibrancy;

• Efficiency & Adaptability;

• Quality of Life, Safety, & Infrastructure; and

• Public Engagement.

Over the past year, the City maintained a financially stable local government through the adoption of its 10th consecutive structurally balanced budget, and maintenance of our AA bond ratings. Funding for City services remained strong and additional funding was secured for various projects, including $1,000,000 for Rio San Gabriel Park improvements and $1,000,000 for the City’s Water Well Remediation pilot program. The City once again received prestigious budget operating and annual comprehensive financial report awards.

Community Development divisions effectively facilitated the opening of the Rancho South Campus Sports Center in partnership with the County of Los Angeles, awarded $165,644 in COVID-19 relief assistance to businesses, and $814,702 in rental assistance to residents. The Department also guided the development of various new commercial and residential projects.

The City continued to manage an aggressive Public Works project load. This past year alone, the Department completed $37 million worth of projects, including Old River School Road Pavement Rehabilitation, 3rd Street Water and Street Improvements, Concrete Repairs and ADA Improvements, and South Downey Safe Routes to School. The City also focused on fostering a sustainable future with the completion of the Solar Energy Improvement Project that will provide the City with 1.61 megawatts of clean, renewable energy and save the City an estimated $10 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

In an effort to promote community engagement, City departments held various in-person community events and programs after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus; ranging from the community Tree Lighting Ceremony, National Night Out, Downey One Day of Service, Holiday Caravans, City of STEM, Children’s Story Time, Summer Camps, Summer Concert Series, and the City’s very first Touch-a-Truck Event.

The impressive work highlighted in this report could not be possible without the City’s highly professional workforce. Every day, staff diligently move forward a multitude of new projects and assignments, all while providing high quality customer service to the Downey community. As Interim City Manager, I must note that the Downey team was directed throughout the year by City Manager Gilbert Livas who retired on July 1, 2022 after nearly 15 years of dedicated service to the City of Downey. During his tenure as City Manager, these and many other accomplishments have brought a tremendous amount of growth to the City, cementing Downey as a desirable city for visitors, families and businesses. I am honored to acknowledge the work of the City Council and this dedicated workforce. We look forward to building upon these successes in the year ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Scott Interim City Manager

parks and recreation

public safety

transit

business

Incorporation: Government: Area: City Budget FY 2022-2023:

Rio

Rives Mansion

Oldest McDonalds

Downey City Library

Downey Civic Theatre

Casa de Parlay Johnson

Wilderness Park

The District@Downey

Fiscal Responsibility

Maintain a financially stable local government

City Council Goals Achieved

• Ensured a Structured Balanced Budget

• Received Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) awards for the City’s Budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)

• Increased amount of online billing payments

• Explored grant opportunities

• Managed American Rescue Plan Stimulus Package Funds

• Secured $9 million in grant funding and initiated design of PFOS/PFOA treatment facilities

10th Consecutive Structured

2021-2022 Highlights

• Executed an Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for the disbursement of $384,186 of the 2020 State Homeland Security (SHSP) Grant Funds

• Awarded $1,000,000 by Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) as part of Measure A

• Issued $30 million of street bonds to accelerate street improvement projects in the city

• Maintained the City’s AA Bond Rating

Awarded $1 million of Measure A Funds for Rio San Gabriel Park

This grant will help fund new playground and fitness zone equipment, repair sidewalks, create ADA compliant access, install new picnic shelters, pedestrian and security lighting, bicycle station/rest area, bike racks, and an interpretive nature garden.

Funding made possible through the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure (Measure A), which was approved by nearly 75% of L.A. County voters in November 2016.

Structured Balanced Budget

$30 million Investment in City Streets

The City’s Street Improvements Program will

• Accelerate improvement projects

• Enhance safety and reliability of the City’s transportation infrastructure

• Improve drivability, increase durability and reduce noise of pavement

• Repair damaged sidewalks, curb and gutter and driveway approaches

• Ensure newly constructed curb ramps are ADA compliant

• Extend the life of the pavement by 20 years

• Provide more efficient delivery of City services to residents and businesses

FY 2022-2023 General Fund Revenues

FY 2022-2023 General Fund Expenditures*

Expenditures include capital infrastructure needs using revenues from a one-time real property sale of $13,869,000 that the City received in fiscal year 2021-2022.

$12.3 Million Measure W Grant Funds

Public Works Department obtained $12.3 million in Measure W Grant Funding for Furman Park Storm Water Capture and Infiltration Improvements.

The regional stormwater infiltration project will upgrade surface features, connect irrigation to recycled water, install a bird and butterfly garden, and augment groundwater supply.

$409,656 Grant Award for Mental Health Services

The Downey Police Department was awarded a $409,656.00 grant from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Justice Intervention Services (BHJIS) Project. The grant will help the Department expand its mental health outreach program.

Furman Park

Distinguished Budget Awards

For the ninth 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 2021-2022 Budget. The Awards demonstrate the City Council’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and accountability, while ensuring the budget is accessible to residents.

BY THE NUMBERS

$39.8 MILLION 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

56,345 Finance Counter Transactions

13% Increase in online utility bills paid online

142,681 Utility Bills Processed

Efficiency & Adaptability

Create an environment where new processes and programs are encouraged and are used to improve internal and external services

City Council Goals Achieved

• Completed construction of solar energy improvements at various City buildings and facilities

• Implemented Electronic Permitting Services

• Continued to expand the use of employee training courses

• Developed a plan and identified products to upgrade/replace RMS and CAD systems

New Front Line Emergency Response Apparatus

The City appropriated $1,851,095 from the General Fund to purchase a Ladder Truck to replace a more than 16 year old Ladder Truck currently in service which is utilized to respond to and mitigate calls for services such as fires, vehicle accidents, special rescues and other requests for assistance.

3,632 Resident Service Requests Processed

90% Building Inspections Performed Within 24 Hours of Scheduling

2021-2022 Highlights

• Secured Records Management Solutions for the Fire Department

• Upgraded city’s backup technology to meet cyber insurance requirements of air gapping and immutable backup solutions

• Implemented digital radio system for Downey Fire Communications

• Implemented and deployed mobile devices for City Inspectors

City of Downey entered into an agreement with SiFi Networks. SiFi Networks will install state-of-the-art community wide, fiber optic network, known as the Downey FiberCity in the city's right-of-ways.

The network will be privately funded, built and operated by SiFi Networks and will enable numerous internet service providers to deliver gigabit internet services to residents and businesses throughout the city.

Cyber Security Remote Monitoring and Remediation Support

In an effort to meet the ever-increasing challenges of cyber threats that require 24 x 7 vigilance and constant monitoring, the city secured a three year contract with Arctic Wolf Networks to provide remote monitoring, technical support, remediation services and staff training.

550 Advanced Water Meters Installed

100% ADA/LAP Requests Resolved

11,386 Counter Visits Community Development and Public Works Departments

5,472 Code Enforcement Violations Investigated

Solar Panels and Battery Energy Storage Systems at City Facilities

The completion of the Solar Energy Improvements Project will save the City $10 million in energy costs over the next 25 years. Six city facilities received solar panels and energy storage systems: City Hall, Downey Police Department, Downey City Library, Downey Theatre, Columbia Memorial Space Center, and the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center.

Inter-Library Loan Services

City of Downey entered into an agreement with Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) to expand Inter-Library Loan Services. This will provide patrons greater access to books and resources.

by the numbers

5,675 Employment Applications Processed

950 Personnel Status Reports (PSR’s) processed for authorized payroll actions

11 HR Employee Training Sessions on a wide range of topics

650 Public Records Requests received and processed

57 Subpoenas, summons and claims received and processed

2,742 Employee Information Technology requests received and assisted

12% Increase in online business license renewals

Economic Vibrancy

Support community needs through a stable, vibrant and diverse local economy

City Council Goals Achieved

• Foster Downtown Downey growth and promotion by attracting retail, restaurant, and housing

• Continued assisting in the economic growth of the city by facilitating the revitalization of all our commercial corridors

• Continued restoration of the former NASA/Vultee Building

• Provided residents and businesses with COVID-19 financial assistance

Amor y Tacos

11002

Downey Avenue

The current commercial space is being remodeled into a 1,962 square foot restaurant with open second story decking seating. Anticipated completion in August 2022.

Starbucks - 9002 Firestone Blvd

A new 1,698 square foot drive thru Starbucks opened at the former Car’s Jr. on the corner of Firestone and Lakewood Boulevards.

Bella Lounge

11102 Downey Avenue

The 1,382 square foot existing commercial space will be renovated into a bar lounge. Anticipated completion in August 2022.

2021-2022 Highlights

• Assisted the City Council Housing Subcommittee as it explored Affordable Housing development

• Completed Housing Element Update creating strategies to adapt to new Housing Legislation

• Adopted the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

• Established Design Guidelines for Single-Family Residential Zones (i.e. results of Mansionization Study)

Marriott Springhill Suites 9066 Firestone Blvd

The Marriott Springhill Suites Hotel officially opened and is located on Firestone Boulevard across from the Stonewood Shopping Center and consists of 140 guest rooms. The building is four stories of wood construction and provides a fitness center, first floor bar and lounge and 3,000 sqft. meeting space with a prefunction area. On top of the porte-cochere roof, there is a roof-top pool, spa, and bar.

Transfer of the NASA/Vultee Building to the City of Downey

The City continues efforts to restore the former NASA/Vultee Building. In early 2022, the City entered into a MOU to facilitate the transfer of the NASA/Vultee building from the property owner to the City. The City plans to reimagine the site by retaining its historic character while creating a Biomedical STEM incubator and community conference center. The incubator serves as an important next step in the City’s evolution of being a STEM incubator in the LA region.

10345 Western Multi-Tenant Residential

This project consists of eight 3-story townhomes with a total of 16,640 square feet of habitable space. Each townhouse is 2,080 square feet and has 4 bedrooms - 4 baths each.

Quality of Life, Safety &

Foster a safe community through key investments and provide inclusive, diverse community programs and activities

City Council Goals Achieved

• Adopted Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance

• Completed design and initiated construction of PFAS treatment facilities at two groundwater wells.

• Rehabilitated 158,000 linear feet or 30 miles of residential streets in the City

Dia de los Muertos

Recognized as one of the Southland’s most outstanding Dia de Los Muertos events in the region, the City’s Dia de los Muertos event held at the Downey Civic Theatre featured local art, music, and dance.

Infrastructure

2021-2022 Highlights

• Implemented Shower of Hope Program

• Completion of the Rancho South Campus Sports Center

• Added two officers to the Mental Health Team

• Held first Team Up 2 Clean Up Event

• Continued informing the public of COVID-19 information through social media, hotline and website

• Successfully held community events such as Veterans Day, Tree Lighting, Downey One Day, & Holiday Caravans

Walk to School Day

Veteran’s Center at Downey Library

The Downey Veteran’s Center provides veterans services in education, employment, entrepreneurship, wellness, and family support for veterans transitioning back into society. The center is open Mondays from 1-6 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Art Exhibition at Downey City Hall

1st Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

The event featured several public works, police, fire, school district vehicles and equipment including a vactor truck, sewer CCTV camera van, payloader, police cruisers and motorcycles, K-9 unit, BearCat SWAT armored vehicle, fire engines, ladder truck and ambulances. The event provided an opportunity for kids and adults to SEE, TOUCH, EXPLORE and HONK the horns of these vehicles and equipment and learn about the important work the Downey Police, Fire and Public Works departments do for the community.

Mexico en el Corazon performs at Downey Theatre

Special Needs Awareness Program

The Downey Police Department implemented this innovative program where community members can obtain a Special Needs Awareness sticker from the Downey Police Department. This sticker will alert officers that a person inside the home or vehicle may have special needs and that instructions may not be easily understood.

Downey City Library Distinction

Downey City Library received a SEGD Global Design Award in the Wayfinding Category. “Bold colors, clear wayfinding, and nature-inspired designs bring new life and energy to this library. This refresh creates a joyful space for the community to learn, gather, and play. “ -Juror comments

97,092 Downey Civic Theatre Attendance

2,592,959

General Park Attendance

Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure

15,134 E-Books Borrowed

94,121 Downey Library Registered Borrrowers

284 Golf Tournaments

17 Community Events

691 Camp Participants

100% Funding to assist at least 10 homeless or potientially homeless familes

Downey One Day Event bringing together volunteers to serve the Downey community

Residential Streets Pavement Rehabilitation

Completed rehabilitation of 121,000 linear feet or 23 miles of residential and arterial streets in the City.

Telegraph Road Reconstruction

Completed 23 projects with a total cost of $37 million:

• Old River School Road Pavement Rehabilitation

• South Downey Safe Routes to School

• 3rd Street Water and Street Improvements

• Concrete Repairs and ADA Improvements

• 5th Street Water System Improvements

• Florence Avenue Water and Street Improvements

• 3rd Street, Smallwood Avenue and Woodruff Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitated groundwater Well No. 30 and Well No. 14

• Gave away 300 fruit trees to residents

• Lakewood Boulevard Sidewalk Repairs

Active Transportation Plan

The City Council adopted the Active Transportation Plan which enhances the viability of active transportation modes such as walking and cycling to reduce vehicle emissions such as greenhouse gas emissions and meet sustainability goals; reduce transportation system impacts; improve health and wellness of the community; and increase local economic development and civic involvement.

Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure

BE-STELLAR Celebrates Its 2022 Cohort’s Accomplishments

14 students from Cerritos College completed a paid internship at the Columbia Memorial Space Center as part of the BE-STELLAR program. The interns worked weekly at the Space Center in the spring and summer of 2022 and also worked with faculty mentors from the STEM division. The project began in 2020 with the National Science Foundation grants to prepare underserved college students to become STEM educators. The third and final cohort of 20 students will join as new interns in the fall.

Organic Waste Recycling Grant

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) approved $158,060 award for the first round of the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program. The City continues to educate the public regarding SB 1383 Organic Waste Recycling mandates.

City of Downey Recruitment Expo

by the numbers

2,760,000 sq.ft. Streets or pavement rehabilitated

23,955 Gallons of Used Motor Oil Collected

1,300 Neighborhood Street Name Signs Installed or Repaired

130 Trees Planted

178 ADA Compliant Curb Ramps Constructed

2 New Electric Charging Stations Installed

100 Miles of Sewer Mains Cleaned

Public Engagement

Cultivate a trustworthy and participatory local government through equitable, transparent, and effective processes

City Council Goals Achieved

• Police hosted a 10-week Youth Academy Program

• Final adoption of the new City Council District Map

• Fire Department developed a public outreach plan that provides public education with a monthly theme

Coffee with a Cop

National Night Out

The Downey Police and Fire Departments gathered for a night out to promote community awareness by educating residents about crime prevention and local resources. Special demonstrations were offered by the Downey Police K-9 Unit and Downey Fire Department

2021-2022 Highlights

• Police Department held 22nd Citizen’s Academy

• Updated the City’s Title VI Program

• City Council Agendas translated to Spanish

• Held Freeway off-ramp clean ups

• Hosted Business Watch Active Shooter Training

Downey Youth Commission Student Government Day

Downey Youth Commissioners spearheaded this year’s Student Government Day offering High school students from Downey schools the opportunity to visit City Hall to learn about local government, meet civic leaders, and share their ideas for Downey.

Storytime with Miss Claudia at the Downey Library

Business Watch Active Shooter Training

9/11 Rememberance Ceremony

Community members and local officials gathered to honor the memory of the thousand lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Fire Stations #2 and #4

Held Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies at Fire Stations #2 and #4 - marking the end of the Measure S $67 million Neighborhood Improvement Program.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

An honored tradition attended by hundreds of families enjoying snow play, holiday activities, special performances from local dance groups and the lighting of the Civic Center Tree.

25,635 Enrolled in Downey Alerts

227 Neighborhood Watch Groups

501 Keep Downey Beautiful Clean Up Volunteers

14 City News/ Press Release Postings

2.3% Increase in Registered Voters

Veteran’s Day Ceremony

7,747 Columbia Memorial Space Center Engagements for all workshops and classes

79,933 Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center Attendance

Havana Nights