DOWNEY — Representatives for six labor groups in Downey authored a letter Wednesday expressing their support for city manager Gilbert Livas, who faces termination from the City Council.

The letter, reprinted below in its entirety, is signed by Downey Police Capt. Brian Baker, president of the Downey Police Management Association; Downey Police Cpl. Ralph Diaz, president of the Downey Police Officers’ Association; Downey Fire Battalion Chief Dan Rasmussen, president of the Downey Fire Management Association; Downey Fire Capt. Anastacio Rios, president of the Downey Firefighters’ Association; Lee Cole, president of the Downey Public Safety Auxiliary Association; and Jason Riddle, president of the Downey City Employees Association-Misc.

The letter is as follows:

In light of recent information that the City Council is considering the termination of City Manager Gilbert Livas, the undersigned City of Downey employee groups would like to express our appreciation for him on behalf of our represented members. Mr. Livas has been Downey's City Manager for the past ten years and was the Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director for the four years prior. During his tenure thus far, he has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in difficult times, has improved the quality of life for our residents, and inspired those who have had the opportunity to work with him. 

Mr. Livas has led the City through challenging times; including a recession, a pandemic, and times of civil unrest. He has led with a steady hand, bringing wisdom and perspective to each situation. He has made difficult, but sound decisions and guided us through many challenges. As a result of his leadership, Downey has not only survived through difficult times, but has thrived. 

With a background in economic development, Mr. Livas has worked strategically to develop and ensure the future of the city. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Rockwell/Boeing property, bringing Kaiser and the Promenade to Downey. These improvements, which are just some examples of Mr. Livas' successful projects, brought new sources of revenue to the City, as well as new services and meaningful employment opportunities to our community. 

In November, 2016, Downey voters passed “Measure S”, which funded major and much needed improvements throughout the City. Since its passing, the community saw major improvements in the parks, a new modernized library, four new fire stations, and increase the sworn staffing numbers in the police department. This was all done under Mr. Livas' leadership. 

In addition, the City recently held a ground-breaking ceremony for a multi-million dollar project to improve our roadways which are in dire need of repairs. This project was only able to be taken on due to the fiscal management of Mr. Livas and his staff. Mr. Livas' conservative fiscal approach has ensured the City has been able to sustain through difficult economic times, and allowed us to take on large scale, but necessary projects. These are just a few of the notable projects that occurred during Mr. Livas' tenure as City Manager; a more thorough list of accomplishments that took place under his leadership is included with this correspondence. 

Going beyond the many measurable successes, Mr. Livas has had a significant influence on others. He understands the responsibilities of being a public servant and is dedicated to improving the lives of those in the Downey community. His guiding force and direction to city staff is always in the best interest of the residents of Downey. It is this commitment that shapes the decisions and actions that affect the City. Mr. Livas is forward thinking and always looking to the future to ensure Downey continues to thrive. 

Mr. Livas' kindness, care for others and dedication to public service is what has helped shape the many of us who serve the community. Based on everything we know of Mr. Livas and his proven work record, we cannot support his removal as City Manager for the City of Downey and ask that any effort to do so be re-considered. 

List of Notable Achievements the City of Downey Has Had Under Mr. Livas’ Leadership

Fiscal Responsibility

Balanced budget for 9th consecutive year, receiving awards from Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) each year for budget excellence

Refinanced Downey’s CaPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability (AL) resulting in gross savings of $65 million to the City and increased the City’s Pension Funding Level from 67.1% to 85%

Maintained $30 million in General Fund Reserves

Standards and Poor rating improved to AA for prudent fiscal management, responsible investment, and healthy community development

The city obtained a $3 million Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) *108 Loan” for Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sports Field Project

Efficiency and Adaptability

Since the recession, the City has operated with less employees and has provided more services to our residents

Worked proactively to respond to COVID-19 pandemic, while also remaining steadfast on several key initiatives enhancing the quality of life for Downey residents and businesses:

O Business Assistance Grants

O Rental Assistance Program

O Outdoor Dining Program to keep business open/ operational

Initiated Solar Energy Improvements that will save the city over $10 million in energy costs over 25 years and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Locations: City Hall, Police Department, Library, Civic Theatre, Barbara J. Riley Center, Columbia Memorial Space Center

Updated city website

New timekeeping and workforce management software citywide increasing efficiency and transparency

IMA Performance Management Certification demonstrating a culture of performance management, pursuit of comparative analysis and data-informed decision-making, and promoting transparency

Implemented Five “Innovation and Technology Team” ideas enhancing efficiencies of internal and external services realizing a $300,000 cost savings.

Over 17 citywide trainings for employees

Leadership Development Training for ten managers

Over 12 annual employee engagement events including Public Employee Recognition Week and several awareness events (breast cancer, heart health, etc.)

Economic Vibrancy

Secured a Honda Auto Dealership 81,041 square foot expansion in abandoned Cadillac site to accommodate a new showroom, parts and service department, single story body shop

Serving as Vice Chair of City Manager Regional Group to bring the West Santa Ana Branch Light Rail to benefit the residents and businesses of Downey with a Metro Light Rail station in Downey, adjacent to the new Rancho Los Amigos Development Promenade Shopping Center- negotiated $6 million windfall for sale of Promenade

Maserati

o Memorandum of Understanding with Champion Auto Group to open a Maserati Dealership in Downey with the City receiving an estimated additional $19,393,731 in sales tax revenue during the 10 years of the sales tax sharing agreement

O 15 new full-time jobs

Giant RV

0 Sales Tax Rebate and Job Creation agreement with the City receiving an estimated additional $2,1 14,000 in sales tax revenue during the 7-years of the sales tax sharing agreement

O Estimated 55 new jobs

Established the Downtown Assessment District for an additional revenue for Downtown of $232,385

Construction of numerous residential projects:

O Center Point Townhomes

O Village Walk Townhomes

O High Point Townhomes

0 Six-Unit apartments on Second Street

0 Four-Unit townhomes on Imperial Highway

Multiple commercial developments:

O Marriot Springfield Suites hotel

0 New Starbucks on Paramount and Florence

0 Industrial building on Woodruff

O Burlington at the Promenade

Completed the rehabilitation of multiple owner-occupied homes

Secured grant for Affordable Housing for rental assistance and homeless prevention

Quality of Life and Neighborhood Infrastructure

Completed over $67 million in Measure S Neighborhood Improvement Projects, 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 and 10 additional police officers

Negotiated to bring PIH Regional Hospital to Downey

Worked with Congresswoman’s office to secure $1 million for water rehabilitation projects

Fiscal year 19-20: $18 million and Fiscal year 20-21: $19 million in Capital Improvement Projects completed

Launched $30 million residential street improvement project

Secured $800,000 from California legislators to restore Space Shuttle mock up and showcase at Columbia Memorial Space Center

Rio Hondo Event Center upgrades to include: new energy-efficient lighting, replaced furniture in lobby, banquet, restaurant, executive dining room and bridal suite

Public Engagement

Language Line Insight citywide to provide staff the ability to use on-demand video remote foreign language and American Sign Language (ASL) certified interpreters to better communicate with the public

Pre-COVID: Over 50 community events held including International Food Festival, City of STEM Science Festival, Rooftop Havana Nights, National Night Out, Summer Cyber Space Camps, Citizen’s Academy, Space Expos at Long Beach Comic Con, National Literacy Month Celebration, and Summer Concerts in the Park

Citywide public clean up events and smart gardening events