Inglewood, California
October 10 , 2023
The City Council of the City of Inglewood, California held a regular me eting on Tuesday, October 10 , 2023 , in the Council Chambers in City Hall of said City.
Mayor Butts called the City Council into Closed Session at the hour of 1:01 p.m.
The Acting City Clerk announced the presence of a quorum as follows:
Present: Mayor Butts, Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, and Faulk; and
Absent: None.
City officials and personnel present for closed session were as follows:
Angela Allen Acting City Clerk
Ken Campos City Attorney
Christine Padilla Staff Assistant
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEMS. Mayor Butts inquired if there were any persons present who wished to address the City Council on the Closed Session Item Nos. CS-1, CS-2, and CS-3.
There was no response.
Mayor Butts recessed the City Council at the hour of 1:01 p.m. for Closed Session Item Nos. CS-1, CS-2, and CS-3.
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Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our Country, Mayor Butts called the City Council into joint session with the Successor Agency, and Housi ng Authority at the hour of 2:01 p.m.
The City Clerk/Successor Agency Secre tary/Housing Authority Secretar y announced the presence of a quorum as follows:
Present: Mayor/ Successor Agency Chairman/Housing Authority Chairman Butts, Council Members/Successor Agency
Members/Housing Authority Mem ber s Gray, Padilla,
Morales , Faulk ; and
Absent: None.
City/Successor Agency/Housing Authority officials and personnel present were as follows:
Aisha L. Thompson City Clerk/Secretary*
Artie Fields City Manager/ Executive Director*
Ken Campos City Attorney/General Counsel*
Louis Atwell Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Angela Allen Deputy City Clerk
* Serves as indicated for the Successor Agency, and Housing Authori ty .
PUBLIC COMMENTS – AGENDA ITEMS. Mayor/Successor Agency Chairman/Housing Authority Chairman Butts inquired if there were any persons present who wished to address the City Council/Successor Agency/Housing Authority on any item on the Agendas.
There was no response.
October 10 , 2023
2 142.9 PAYMENT OF WARRANTS AND BILLS. It was moved by Council Member /Successor Agency Member / Housing Authority Member Morales, and seconded by Council Member/Successor Agency Membe r/Housing Authority Member Faulk that the demands presented to the City Council/Successor Agency/Housing Authority dated October 6, 2023, in the amount of $6,884,293.61 , are hereby allowed, and the City Clerk/Successor Agency Secretary/Housing Authority Secretary is hereby authorized to certify upon said registers that said demands are so approved. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members/ Successor Agency Members/ Housing Authority Members Gray , Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor/ Suc cessor Agency Chairman / Housing Authority Chairman Butts; and
Noes: None.
MINUTES. It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Faulk that the Minut es for the City Council Meeting held on August 22, 2023 , be approved.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
125 CLAIMS DENIED. Letter from the Office of the City Attorney recommending the following:
A. Reject Claims pursuant to Government Code, Section 913:
1. Gloria Gonzalez- Karch for alleged personal injury; unmarked cement and/or brick wall (near SoFi Stadium; 1001 Stadium Dr.) on March 10, 2023.
2. Wenceslao Lemus for alleged personal injury; sidewalk slip and fall on August 15 , 2023.
3. Cindy Mendez and Elsa Mendez for alleged property damage; unkept City tree on May 14, 2023.
4. Mark Sanders for alleged property damage; City negligence/liability not described on September 5, 2023.
5. Jeffrey Stevenson for alleged personal injury; Vincent Park Homeless Encampment Cleanup on August 15, 2023.
6. Jennifer Villarruel for alleged personal injury; uneven and/or broken pavement (at/or near SoFi Stadium; 1001 Stadium Dr.) on March 10, 2023.
It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby Reject Cl aims listed as A-1 through A-6. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
173 PAYMENT AUTHORIZED – SHAFFER PSYCHOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. Staff report dated October 10 , 2023 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members authorize the payment of an outstanding invoice submitted by Shaffer Psychological Institute, for Fitness-for-Duty Evaluation services.
It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby authorize payment in the amount of $2,800. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
171 CONTRACT AWARDED AND AGREEMENT NO. 24- 010 APPROVED – 40 LOVE FOUNDATION, INC.; RESOLUTION NO. 24-04 ADOPTED - AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET . Staff report dated October 10 , 2023 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members award a contract and approve a five (5)-year agreement with 40 Love Foundation, Inc., for the provision of Tennis Management Services, per RFP-0209.
It was moved by Council Member Morales, and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby: 1) Award contract and approve Agreement No. 24-010 in the amount of $503,190 for Year One (total amount of $3,057,490); and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 24-04 entitled:
October 10 , 2023
3 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET TO
COVER EXPENDITURES FOR TENNIS MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
1 83 PAYMENT AUTHORIZED – AUNDRAE RUSSELL. Staff report dated October 10 , 2023 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members authorize the payment of an invoice submitted by Aundrae Russell, for Master of Ceremonies services rendered at the National Night Out event.
It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby authorize payment in the amount of $1,000. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
171 STAFF TO PURSUE STATE LICENSING AUTHORIZED – CITY ’S EARLY LEARNERS PLAY TO LEARN CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Staff report dated October 10 , 2023 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members authorize staff to pursue State licensing of the City ’s Early Learners Play to Learn Childhood Development Program.
Sabrina Barnes, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director, presented a brief oral report.
It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Gray that the City Council does hereby authorize staff to pursue State licensing. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
127 COUNCIL MEMBER MORALES COMMENTS. Council Member Morales stated that he remembered starting over 20 years ago working for the Council, and Sabrina Barnes took him around and showed him the parks when he was young. He also stated that he remembered those days and the people who were nice to him. He mentioned losing the old pieces of Inglewood that mattered, and those are the ones that are felt. He also mentioned the new pieces that were also good. Finally, he discussed Sabrina helping him with his dad before becoming a Council Member, and he thanked her for that. 127 COUNCIL MEMBER GRAY COMMENTS. Council Member Gray asked Sabrina to stick around because she wanted to mention her retirement in her final remarks. 127 COUNCIL MEMBER PADILLA COMMENTS. Council Member Padilla mentioned a previous conversation with Sabrina, where he thanked her for being herself, always being true to who she was, and always helping others. He stated that Sabrina has always been inspirational, loving, caring, and, more than anything, giving. Council Member Padilla also noted that Sabrina had a servant ’s heart for 30-plus years, and Inglewood has benefited tremendously. Additionally, he stated that he would miss her being there every day, but she will forever have a place in the City of Inglewood. Furthermore, he added that she was part of the family, and it was an honor and pleasure to have worked with her as they moved the city forward. Finally, he congratulated Sabrina on her retirement and wished her the best.
October 10 , 2023
4 127 COUNCIL MEMBER FAULK COMMENTS. Council Member Faulk stated that she found it interesting that this program meant so much to Sabrina Barnes that she made this her final staff report before she retired. She expressed that as a mother of two, she knew how vital this program would be to working families, especially single parents who struggle with child care. She mentioned that a program of this caliber would change the game and quoted the Mayor talking about changing the game. Council Member Faulk thanked Sabrina for making this the last important program that she would implement in the City of Inglewood because it would be one of the most critical programs that the city could do. Additionally, she thanked Sabrina for being the best Director the city or any other city has ever seen. Finally, Council Member Faulk concluded there will never be another Sabrina Barnes.
1 73 ORDINANCE NO. 24-01 ADOPTED – ESTABLISH SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 . Staff report dated October 10 , 2023, was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members adopt Ordinance No. 24-01, establishing pay range assignment and conditions of employment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
It was moved by Council Member Padilla , and seconded by Council Member Morales that further reading be waived. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
Thereupon, it was moved by Council Member Padilla , and seconded by Council Member Faulk that Ordinance No. 24-01 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING PAY RANGE ASSIGNMENT AND CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT FOR THE VARIOUS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND POSITIONS IN THE SERVICE OF THE CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024;
INCLUDING THE INGLEWOOD TRANSIT CONNECTOR (ITC) GRANT
FUNDED TRANSITIONAL APPOI N TMENTS AND REPEALING ALL
PREVIOUS ORDINANCES OF THE CITY IN CONFLICT OR AT VARIANCE HEREWITH; THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
which was introduced at the meeting held on October 10, 2023, be adopted. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
132.6 CLOSED SESSION – PENDING LITIGATION – MANUEL DUSKIN V. CITY OF INGLEWOOD, ET AL.; LASC CASE NO. 21STCV33683. Closed Session – Confidential – Attorney/Client Privileged; City Council Conference with Legal Counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1); Manuel Duskin v. City of Inglewood, et al.; LASC Case No.: 21STCV33683.
Discussion held; Status provided.
132.6 CLOSED SESSION – PENDING LITIGATION – ROSANNE GERMEILLE V. CITY OF INGLEWOOD; LASC CASE NO. 19STCV05275. Closed Session – Confidential – Attorney/Client Privileged; City Council Conference with Legal Counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1); Rosanne Germeille v. City of Inglewood; LASC Case No.: 19STCV05275.
Discussion held; Direction given to staff.
132.6 CLOSED SESSION – PENDING LITIGATION – DAVID WILLIAMS V. CITY OF INGLEWOOD; LASC CASE NO. 21STCV44435. Closed Session – Confidential – Attorney/Client Privileged; City Council Conference with Legal Counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1); David Williams v. City of Inglewood; LASC Case No.: 21STCV44435.
October 10 , 2023
5 It was moved by Council Member Morales , and seconded by Council Member Faulk that the City Council does hereby approve the request for settlement . The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
REPORTS – CITY MANAGER. City Manager Artie Fields thanked Sabrina Barnes for all her years of service and the years of service for the past 11-plus years that he has been City Manager. He stated that Sabrina has been a standout department head and will be missed. The City Manager mentioned that when he was the Assistant City Manager for West Covina, he had the opportunity to be the Interim Human Resources Director or the Interim Parks and Recreation Director. He discussed how Parks and Recreation Directors have to work harder because every weekend, something is going on in the City. Additionally, he discussed the directors giving up much of their lives every weekend to attend every event and Sabrina dedicating much of her life to the City.
Finally, he expressed his appreciation and stated the community is better.
REPORTS – CITY CLERK. City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson wished Sabrina Barnes a farewell and said she would be missed. She thanked her for the services that she provided to young people and seniors. She stated that she allowed so many opportunities for the community to thrive. The City Clerk reiterated what Council Member Morales stated about Sabrina opening her arms when she was Deputy City Clerk. She added that when she took office as City Clerk, her arms were extended more expansively, and she was thankful.
Finally, she thanked Sabrina again and wished her well.
PUBLIC REMARKS. Mayor Butts inquired if there were any persons present who wished to address the City Council on any matter connected with City business not elsewhere considered on the Agenda.
Speaker (Name Unknown) spoke concerning the City providing Spanish translation when Spanish speakers talk to allow the public to understand what they are saying. He also spoke about evening meetings. He stated that the City Council should have evening meetings so that residents who work and take care of their families could attend the meetings. Finally, he stated that he would appreciate it if his request for evening meetings was honored.
Speaker (Name Unknown) spoke emotionally about Sabrina Barnes' retirement. He stated that Sabrina was more significant than the Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that he gave her trouble at the library.
Charlotte Williams spoke concerning the Mayor and Council Members signing a resolution to remove Cuba from the State's Sponsored List of Terrorists. She stated that recently, many sister cities around the country have signed, including the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and the American Postal Workers Union AFL CIO of San Francisco. She also stated that she had been to Cuba twice, and it was a very beautiful country. She discussed Trump's presidency, who put Cuba on the sponsored list of terrorists, and her belief in why. Additionally, she discussed Cuba sending doctors to the United States during COVID-19 and the vote taken each year to remove Cuba from the state's list. She petitioned the Council to end the 60-year-old blockade because Los Angeles had yet to sign the resolution after a visit to their Council Meeting. Furthermore, she added that she was an Inglewood resident and hoped Inglewood would beat Los Angeles in signing. Finally, she reiterated the cities that signed the resolution and hoped the Council would sign it.
There being no further business to be presented, Mayor Butts declared the meeting adjourned in the honor of John Navarro , at the hour of 2:42 p.m.
October 10 , 2023
6 Approved this 12 th day of December , 2023 .
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Aisha L. Thompson, City Clerk
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James Butts, Jr., Mayor