Inglewood, California
January 9, 2024
The City Council of the City of Inglewood, California held a regular me eting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 , 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 City Clerk announced the presence of a quorum as follows:
Present: May or Butts, Council Members Gray , Padilla, Morales, and Faulk; and
Absent: None.
City officials and personnel present for closed session were as follows:
Aisha L. Thompson City Clerk
Mark F. Weinberg City Manager
Ken Campos City Attorney
Angela Allen Deputy City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING CLOSED SESSION ITEM. Mayor Butts inquired if there were any persons present who wished to address the City Council on the Closed Session Item No. CS-1.
There was no response.
Mayor Butts recessed the City Council at the hour of 1:01 p.m. for Closed Session Item No. CS-1.
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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 Housing Authority at the hour of 2:00 p.m.
The City Clerk/Successor Agency Secretary/Housing Authority Secretary announced the presence of a quorum as follows:
Present: Mayor/ Successor Agency Chairman/Housing Authority Chairman Butts, Council Members/Successor Agency
Members/Housing Authority Members Gray, Padilla,
Morales , and Faulk ; and
Absent: None.
City/Successor Agency/Housing Authority officials and personnel present were as follows:
Aisha L. Thompson City Clerk/Secretary*
Mark F. Weinberg 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 Chai rman/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.
January 9, 2024
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 January 4, 2024 , in the amount of $4,164,926.07 , and dated December 15, 2023, in the amount of $8,277 ,961.33 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 Gray, Padilla, Mo rales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
Agenda Item No. 3 was pulled for further discussion.
125 CLAIMS DENIED. Letters from the Office of the City Attorney recommending the following:
A. Reject Claims pursuant to Government Code, Section 913:
1. Andrew Goosby , Jr. for alleged Personal Injury; Negligence, Discrimination, Civil Rights Violation on October 10, 2023.
2. Lloyd Mosley for alleged Personal Injury; ADA Curb Violation on January 31, 2023.
3. Rosario Salazar for alleged Property Damage; Fallen Tree Branch on September 18, 2023.
It was moved by Council Member Faulk , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby Reject Claims listed as A-1 through A-3 . The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Mo rales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None .
160 COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT NO. 24-099 APPROVED – NEW TANGRAM, L.L.C. (TANGRAM). Staff report dated January 9, 2024 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members approve a four-month Cooperative Purchase Agreement with New Tangram, L.L.C. (Tangram), for the purchase and installation of furniture for the Morningside Park Library.
It was moved by Council Member Faulk , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that the City Council does hereby approve Cooperative Purchase Agreement No. 24-099 in the not-to-exceed amount of $170,000 . The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
131.8 RESOLUTION NO. 24-27 ADOPTED - AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 OPERATING BUDGET . Staff report dated January 9, 2024 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget to include affordable housing funds for the costs of Contract Services and Special Expenses.
It was moved by Council Member Faulk , and seconded by Council Member Padilla that Resolution No. 24-27 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE $76,500 FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
EXPENDITURES FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DIVISION
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.
January 9, 2024
3 160 CONTRACT AWARDED AND AGREEMENT NO. 24-098 APPROVED – AMS.NET, INC.; CITY-CONTROLLED CONTINGENCY APPROVED; RESOLUTION NO. 24-26 ADOPTED - AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET . Staff report dated January 9, 2024, was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members award a contract and approve an agreement with AMS.Net, Inc. to install network infrastructure for the Morningside Park Library.
It was moved by Mayor Butts , and seconded by Council Member Morales that the City Council does hereby : 1) A ward contract and approve Agreement No. 24-098 in the amount of $71,228.42; 2) Approve a 10% City-Controlled Contingency in the amount of $7,123 for a total not-to-exceed project amount of $78,351.42; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. 24-26 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET TO
ALLOCATE MONEY FOR THE MORNINGSIDE PARK LIBRARY
NETWORK INFR ASTRUCTURE INSTALLATION PROJECT
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
301 PUBLIC HEARING SET – AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
DENIAL FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A MORTUARY IN AN APPROXIMATELY 4,200 SQUARE-FOOT ONE-STORY COMMERCIAL BUILDING . Staff report dated January 9, 2024 , was presented requesting that the Mayor and Council Members set a public hearing to consider an appeal by J.D. Thompson (applicant) of the Planning Commission ’s decision to deny a Special Use Permit to allow a mortuary in an approximately 4,200 square-foot one-story commercial building.
Mayor Butts ordered the public hearing set for January 23, 2024, at the hour of 2:00 p.m. 183&169 O RDINANCE NO. 24-04 INTRODUCED - AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE
INGLEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO DESIGNATE CITY-OWNED PARKING
FACILITIES AS PARKING METER ZONES, AND ESTABLISH ING SPECIAL
EVENT PARKING RATES AND FINES FOR ON-STREET AND OFF-STREET PARKING METER ZONES. Staff report dated January 9, 2024 , was presented recommending that the Mayor and Council Members introduce an ordinance designating City-owned Parking Facilities as Parking Meter Zones and establishing Special Event Parking Rat es and fines for On-street and O ff-street Parking Meter Zones.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Butts , 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, Ordinance No. 24-04 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE INGLEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO
DESIGNATE CITY-OWNED PARKING FACILITIES AS PARKING
METER ZONES, ESTABLISH VARIABLE SPECIAL EVENT PARKING
METER RATES, AND ESTABLISH PARKI NG FINES FOR VIOLATIONS
THEREOF
was introduced by Council Member Morales .
132.9 CLOSE D SESSION – POTENTIAL LITIGATION – LYDI SALAS CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. Closed Session – Confidential – Attorney/Client Privileged; City Council Conference with Legal Counsel regarding potential litigation pursuant to Gove rnment Code Section 54956.9(d)(2 ); Lydi Salas Claim for Damages; Date of Loss: Dec 5, 2022.
January 9, 2024
4 It was moved by Council Member Morales, and seconded by Council Member Padilla 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.
101 REPORTS – CITY MANAGER. City Man ager Mark F. Weinberg welcomed Councilwoman Gray back to the dais and stated that it ’s alway s nice to see her. He extended his deepest sympathies on behalf of all City employees to the Padilla family for the loss of one of the family ’s matriarchs. He stated that as a part of a larger family, his thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Padilla family. The City Manager st ated that this was the first meeting after the retirement of the previous C ity Manager, Artie Fields, and congratulated him on a successful 12-year tenure. He also added that it was almost unheard of for a City Manager to work 12 years; typically, it ’s about 48 months in California.
Additionally, he added that he believes it ’s a testimony to his service and working for an outstanding Council.
Furthermore, he added that if Artie Field were watching , he would hopefully be spending time with his family and probably feel out of sorts, not sitting on the dais in his seat. The City Manager discussed his tenure as an appointed City Manager and mentioned it was his third appointment to the seat he was serving. He mentioned how excited, optimistic, and enthusiastic about becoming a part of the transition into the next generation of leaders in the administrative office. Finally, he expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence that the Mayor and Council Members had in him, adding that he would do everything he could to continue to have those characteristics. 126 REPORTS – CITY CLERK. City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson wished everyone a Happy New Year. She expressed her pleasure in working with Mark F. Weinberg, interim city manager, again and stated that it's a different role, but it's great to be working alongside him. She also expressed her sincere condolences to Council Member Padilla and his family for their loss. She stated that he and his family were in her prayers and to call her if he needed something because he was there when she lost her parents. She reported her attendance at We Grow LA in connection with the Inglewood Clothing Store run by Steve Cotton. She noted that they did a great job with their holiday giveaway. Also, she reported attending the North Pole Toy Drive at the Serving Spoon, which was a huge success because so many children were blessed with tons of toys.
Additionally, she added her attendance at the Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Leonard Tibbs and expressed how delighted she was to see Council Member Gray back on the dais. She stated that Councilwoman Gray did a fantastic job sending Mr. Tibbs home, and everything was excellent, well-attended, and organized. She also mentioned that she was praying for Councilwoman Gray. Furthermore, she wished herself a Happy Birthday and stated that this was her first year without her mom and dad. Finally, she reminded residents that City Hall would be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
114 APPOINTMENT TO THE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD RATIFIED – AT LARGE. Mayor Butts appointed Stephanie Kimbrough to the Housing Advisory Commission for the term ending November 2026. The appointment was carried and ratified by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Gray, Padilla, Morales, Faulk, and Mayor Butts; and Noes: None.
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.
January 9, 2024
5 Charlene Sanders, District 1 Resident, spoke about an issue she noticed on December 23, 2023. She stated that she noticed water running in the yard next to her on Buckthorn, one of the main thoroughfares into SoFi Stadium. She also noted the water kept coming out, and it looked like a lake because it was running down the curbside. Charlene added that she witnessed feces coming out all over the place, and by December 26, 2023, the issue had worsened. She mentioned calling the Inglewood Police Department (IPD) and Council Member Gray ’s assistant. She also noted that IPD called her back and told her that they would send someone out. Charlene addressed Councilwoman Gray ’s assistant, who called her back when she returned from out of town. She called the Public Works Department, which went to the location. She discussed how devastating it was to witness what she saw, and every time people flushed their toilets, it spread everywhere. Charlene also discussed her concern about what was happening in the City of Inglewood because some owners are not taking care of the places where tenants live. Finally, she explained that there was a new company that had been taking care of the property, and this was a result of gentrification.
Council Member Gray left the dais at the hour of 2:23 p.m.
MAYOR BUTTS COMMENTS. Mayor Butts read a thank you card from Dr. James Morris, Los Angeles County Superintendent, on behalf of the Inglewood Unified School District students and families. The card thanked the Mayor, Council Members, and the City of Inglewood Team for supporting students and families during the holiday season and for the generous donation of Target gift cards. Mayor Butts also read some of the notes and displayed the book which the students put together .
There being no further business to be presented, Mayor Butts recognized the retirement of Jeffrey Lewis, Senior Assistant City Attorney, and the return of Mark F. Weinberg, City Manager, and declared the meeting adjourned in the honor of Belen Maldonado, Mother- in-law of Council Member Alex Padilla, and Jakim Stewart, one of the owners of Drobe Stogies, at the hour of 2:35 p.m.
Approved this ____ day of __________, 2024 .
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Aisha L. Thompson, City Clerk
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James Butts, Jr., Mayor