Wave Staff Report
DOWNEY — The city has hired a security firm and a public relations agency.
The City Council June 22 contracted with Servexo Protective Services, an armed guard company for security services in downtown Downey, along with city parks and other municipal facilities for up to $200,000 a year.
It also hired Tripepi, Smith and Associations, a public relations firm, for $59,000.
Downtown Downey is designated as the area from Firestone Boulevard north to Fifth Street between Paramount Boulevard on the west and Brookshire Avenue on the east.
The downtown area includes the Civic Center, Downey Theater, police station and library, and a four-story parking structure.
During discussion, a resident asked why the city was hiring a “rent a cop” after it had increased its police department and budget.
Aldo E. Schindler, director of community development, said a private firm has been coordinating and augmenting the police department for 10 years. He noted that security firms are asked to help out at parks only when there is a special event.
Servexo is new to the job, chosen from nine applicants based on experience and past services in other cities, Schindler said.
The vote was 4-0 with Councilman Mario Trujillo abstaining because he has a business in the downtown area.
Tripepi Smith is based in Irvine and was founded in 2001. It was chosen from among seven firms based on experience and qualifications, said Management Analyst Juddy Montenegro.
The council hired the firm to provide public relations and communications services.
Montenegro previously handled public relations work for the city.
