Matthew A. Baumgardner

The Downey Forward - 2030 Strategic Plan outlines the City of Downey's long-term vision and strategic direction towards the year 2030. The plan is structured around five key priorities: Economic Vibrancy, focused on fostering economic development and urban planning; Efficiency & Adaptability, aimed at optimizing internal operations, staff capabilities, and technological integration; Fiscal Responsibility, ensuring sound financial health and diversified revenue; Public Engagement, dedicated to enhancing community communication and resident satisfaction; and Quality of Life, committed to improving public safety, infrastructure, community facilities, and cultural opportunities for all residents.

The Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Specific Plan outlines a comprehensive vision and framework for the revitalization and future development of the southern portion of the campus. It aims to create a cohesive and vibrant mixed-use district, establishing a new hub for innovation, commerce, and living within Downey. Key focus areas include promoting job-creating uses in Flex Tech/Bio-Medical sectors, complementing regional public facilities, developing transit-supportive uses around the Gardendale Transit Station, and providing community-serving open spaces and recreational facilities. The plan emphasizes sustainable development, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle accessibility, economic growth, and the preservation of historic character, all while fostering livable communities and improved regional connectivity.

The Special City Council Meeting agenda included several Consent Calendar items. These included the approval of minutes for previous Regular Meetings held on February 10, 2026, and February 24, 2026, and the approval of warrants issued totaling $4,725,063.37. The Council also addressed capital improvement projects, specifically approving plans and specifications and authorizing bid solicitation for the Pedestrian Crossing Safety Enhancements Project (CIP No. 22-10). A public works contract agreement was approved with Fonroche Lighting America for the Residential Streetlight Project (CIP No. 25-17). Further actions included approving an amendment to a lease agreement for 12140 Bellflower Boulevard concerning the Space Shuttle Inspiration mock-up refurbishment, approving agreements for the Shop Small Soiree, and adopting a resolution approving Final Parcel Map No. 83742. The meeting also featured a Workshop for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Goal Setting, and a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations with three employee associations. Public comment was taken regarding items on the Special Meeting Agenda.

Key discussions and actions included approving the December 2025 expenses, totaling over $126 million, which involved local district and allocated costs across various systems (Joint Administration, Joint Outfall, Solid Waste, Stormwater). The Board also authorized advertising a Request for Proposal (RFP) for On-Call Engineering Consulting Services for wastewater and solid waste projects. A personal injury claim for $100,000,000 filed by Curtis Winn was recommended for rejection as the incident occurred outside the Districts' service area. Purchase orders were authorized for security fencing replacement at the Joint Outfalls Cluster and for roof/HVAC replacement at the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant. Under the regular agenda, the Board approved Change Orders 1 and 2 for the Joint Outfall D Unit 4 Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation, which included necessary immediate repairs discovered during construction. Authority was sought for the Chief Engineer and General Manager to approve sales of Recovered Organic Waste Products (ROWP) up to $250,000 per transaction through March 2027. Finally, the Board approved agreements related to the Mesquite Regional Landfill Intermodal Railyard, including an amendment to the lease with Ecology Auto Parts, Inc., and agreements with Union Pacific Railroad Company to facilitate rail service.

Key discussion topics for the board business included the Commemoration of Vietnam War Veterans Day and a review of the status of funding received from Supervisor Hahn's office. The agenda also provided time for public comments on both non-agenda and on-agenda items.