Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
August 8, 2023
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:31 p.m. by Mayor Pe in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Pastor Chris Kirish, Renovate Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Girls Scout Troop 1883
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Ariel Pe
Vice Mayor Todd Rogers
Council Member Cassandra Chase (teleconference)
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Jeff Wood
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pe stated that pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Council Member Chase would participate in the meeting via teleconference.
The Mayor announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Matias Alvarez, father-in-law of Community Services Manager Chuck Martucci.
Mayor Pe welcomed Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, one of Lakewood’s new Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Barragan shared that she was the Representative for California’s 44th Congressional District, which included nearly half of Lakewood. She added that she was working to secure funding for improvements to Weingart Senior Center, address homelessness, and expand mental health services. Congresswoman Barragan shared her appreciation for the receptiveness of the Council and their partnership.
The Council Members thanked Congresswoman Barragan for her service to Lakewood residents and Mayor Pe presented her with a City pin as a symbol of the City’s friendship.
The Mayor introduced Dr. Gina Zietlow, Superintendent for ABC Unified School District, who gave an update on the district which included that growth and strength was apparent in students after the pandemic; a virtual academy for students was created at the request of families; providing support and resources for learning to students was a priority; and various safety measures were taken to create safe spaces for learning. Mayor Pe welcomed the new Superintendent to the community and presented her with a City pin.
Mayor Pe announced that Captain Dan Holguin, commander of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, would provide the Quarterly Public Safety Report. Captain Holguin summarized the results of the Fourth of July illegal fireworks suppression efforts, which included responding to City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: - Continued
110 calls for illegal fireworks and issuing 50 citations. He noted that there was an overall decrease in crime throughout the City and at Lakewood Mall when compared to the same time last year. He added that resident support was evident when deputies attended community events and resulted in high morale at Lakewood Station. He concluded by thanking the City Council, City Manager and the Public Safety team for their continued leadership, partnership and support.
The Captain responded to questions and comments from the City Council. . . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
Phil Norris made comments about the job description and evaluation regarding RI-15, amendment to the agreement of the City Manager.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 16.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meeting held June 13, 2023 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Report of City Council Committees’ Activities
RI-5 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions - June 2023 RI-6 Approval of Quarterly Schedule of Investments - June 30, 2023 RI-7 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-53; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION MORE
THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-54; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-55; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY CLERK MORE THAN TWO
YEARS OLD
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-56; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-57; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL MORE THAN
TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-58; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MORE
THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-59; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES MORE THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-60; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
PUBLIC RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES MORE
THAN TWO YEARS OLD
RI-8 Approval of Agreement with Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority for Cost Sharing for the Installation of Monitoring Equipment and Monitoring Pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants Total Maximum Daily Load
RI-9 Approval of Justice Assistance Grant Program Funding for Contracted Drone Services RI-10 Approval of Agreement with Elite Special Events for Fest-of-All Family Entertainment and Amusements
RI-11 Authorization of Temporary Increase in City Manager Signature Authority for California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) Projects to Award Centre Painting and Centre Carpet Installation
RI-12 Authorization of Additional Architectural Services by Dahlin Group for Palms Community Center Improvements
RI-13 Approval of Amendment #11 for Additional Consulting Services for Mayfair Water Capture Project by Tetra Tech, Incorporated
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RI-14 Ratification of Purchase of F-550 Vehicle
RI-15 Approval of Amendment No. 3 to Agreement for Employment of City Manager RI-16 Ratification of Purchase of Replacement Variable Frequency Drive Motor Controllers for Mayfair Pool
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
1.1 • CONFIRMING REPORT OF DELINQUENT FEES AND CHARGES FOR
GARBAGE, WASTE AND REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Assistant Director of Finance and Administrative Services Edianne Rodriguez made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding the policy relative to unpaid charges for garbage, waste and refuse accounts. She stated it was recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt the Resolution confirming the Report of Delinquent Fees.
Staff responded to questions from Council Members.
Mayor Pe opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on this matter.
Jeff Hudson spoke in regards to being unaware of any notice since it was sent to the property owner of his residence.
Joe Romero spoke in regards to a late fee.
William Cleeson spoke in regards to being in the hospital when his notice was delivered.
Mayor Pe closed the public hearing at 8:23 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD CONFIRMING THE REPORT OF DELINQUENT FEES AND
CHARGES FOR GARBAGE, WASTE AND REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
WITHIN THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, MAY 31, 2023
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
1.1 • CONFIRMING REPORT OF DELINQUENT FEES AND CHARGES FOR GARBAGE, WASTE AND REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL - Continued
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61.
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
1.2 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6; RELATING TO LAKEWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE (LMC) UPDATES
City Manager Thaddeus McCormack noted that there was a study session meeting earlier in the evening on the proposed ordinance, which resulted in revised parking language and direction for staff to study domestic bee keeping.
Assistant Director of Community Development Patrick McGuckian displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda pertaining to updating various sections of the Lakewood Municipal Code. He stated that it was the recommendation of the Planning and Environment Commission that the City Council hold a public hearing; introduce the proposed ordinance; approve the related California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption; and instruct the Community Development Director to conduct a study regarding backyard beekeeping of honeybees as a potential allowed land use.
The City Manager read the revised wording for section 9321 in the proposed ordinance that was a result of the study session and noted that staff would refine the language.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
Mayor Pe opened the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on this matter.
Boris Baer; Jon Vesely; Jaime Guoz; and Jacob Dickinson spoke in support of bee keeping.
Joy Janes, Lakewood, spoke in regards to hummingbird feeders.
Mayor Pe closed the public hearing at 8:52 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO.2023-6; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE AND ADD VARIOUS REGULATIONS INCLUDING
THOSE REGARDING PUBLIC NUISANCES OF BEES/WASPS AND BIRD FEEDING,
WASTE HAULER ENFORCEMENT, FRONT YARD SAFETY AND PARKING
STANDARDS, WALL/FENCE/HEDGE HEIGHT REVIEW PROCEDURES, APPEAL TIMELINES AND OTHERS was read by title by the Assistant City Clerk.
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
1.2 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6; LMC UPDATES - Continued
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO WAIVE FURTHER READING, INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6 WITH THE REVISED PARKING WORDING, APPROVE THE RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION; AND
INSTRUCT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO CONDUCT A STUDY
REGARDING BACKYARD BEEKEEPING OF HONEYBEES AS A POTENTIAL ALLOWED LAND USE. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
1.3 • COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FINES The Assistant Director of Community Development displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda pertaining to unpaid administrative citations fines for code violations, which may be collected by placement of a lien on the property on which the violations occurred, provided the fine owed by the cited party had been delinquent for ninety days or more. He concluded by stating it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council conduct a lien hearing and consider all competent evidence presented related to any outstanding delinquent fine amounts, late fees and related costs from fiscal year 2022-2023; adopt the proposed resolution finding that the final list of delinquent 2023 fines and related costs are due to the City as cost of nuisance abatement; order the outstanding delinquent fines to be paid; and direct staff to forward a final list of the unpaid fines to the County Tax Assessor for collection as a lien on the related property, as part of the annual property tax assessment.
Staff responded to questions from Council Members.
Mayor Pe opened the public hearing at 8:58 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on this matter. There was no response.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-62; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD CONFIRMING THE REPORT OF 90-DAY DELINQUENT
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FEES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 8, 2023
VICE MAYOR ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-62.
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
3.1 • APPOINTMENTS TO GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS
AND COMMITTEES
Mayor Pe presented the list of appointments to governmental associations, organizations and committees.
ORGANIZATIONAL APPOINTMENTS
California Contract Cities
Association Wood - Representative Chase - Alternate
California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority Croft - Representative Wood - Alternate So. Calif. Association of Governments (SCAG)
General Assembly Pe - Representative Chase - Alternate
Gateway Cities COG Board Pe - Representative Rogers - Alternate Greater Los Angeles County
Vector Control District Croft – Representative
Job Training Partnership Act Wood - Policy Board
SELACO WIB
League of California Cities
L.A. County Division Pe - Representative Chase - Alternate City Selection Committee Pe - Representative Croft – Alternate Annual League Conference Chase - Representative Croft - Alternate L.A. County Sanitation
Districts #3 & #19 Pe - Representative Rogers - Alternate Southeast Water Coalition Rogers - Representative Chase – Alternate Southeast Resource Recovery
Facility (SERRF) JPA Wood - Representative Croft - Alternate
STANDING COMMITTEES
Intergovernmental Relations Pe - Chair Rogers - Member
Lakewood Schools Rogers - Chair Wood - Member
Environmental Management Croft - Chair Wood - Member
Public Safety Rogers - Chair Pe - Member
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
3.1 • APPOINTMENTS TO GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES - Continued
Park Development Wood - Chair Pe - Member
Water Resources Pe - Chair Croft – Member
Community Promotion Chase - Chair Pe – Member
Economic Development Pe – Chair Croft – Member
Hall of Fame - Board of Electors Wood - Chair
Audit Chase - Chair Wood - Member
Capital Improvement Plan Croft - Chair Chase - Member
Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Pe - Chair Croft - Member
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO APPROVE THE ORGANIZATIONAL APPOINTMENTS, AS PRESENTED. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.2 • DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE FOR LEAGUE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
Mayor Pe presented the appointment of a Council Member to represent the City as the delegate for voting purposes at the League Annual Business Meeting, or, in lieu of a Council Member, the City Manager Thaddeus McCormack.
VICE MAYOR ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT, AS PRESENTED. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.3 • APPROPRIATIONS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Public Works Director Kelli Pickler made a presentation based on the report in the agenda stating that traditionally there was an annual appropriation included within the Capital Improvement Program to address urgent needs within facilities and that appropriations were City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
3.3 • APPROPRIATIONS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS - Continued also necessary for four additional projects to commence next fiscal year: annual playground projects; annual maintenance projects; and two California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) projects. She concluded by stating it was staff’s and the Capital Improvement Project Committee’s recommendation that the City Council appropriate funds of $50,000 for annual projects park hardscape ; $50,000 for fire and security; $25,000 for fencing; $50,000 for facility roof repairs; $50,000 for painting improvements; $600,000 for annual maintenance projects; $50,000 for annual playground projects; $200,000 for Burns daycare kitchen improvements; and $60,000 for Palms Park Basketball Court LED lighting conversion from the Measure L reserve for capital improvements.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
SUCCESSOR HOUSING ACTIONS
1. Approval of Register of Demands
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO APPROVE THE REGISTERS OF DEMANDS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Phil Norris, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding contacting the planning department, homelessness, park safety, and removal of street/curb markings after projects were completed.
Patricia Preciado, Lakewood, spoke in regards to street vendors.
Tahtianna Forrester; Cynthia Ristow; Leslie Higgins; and Diane V. addressed the City Council regarding their concerns for changes to the Tot Lot Program at Del Valle Park. Vice Mayor Rogers requested a report on the Tot Lot Program.
Sherri Perales, Lakewood; Deborah Holdridge, Lakewood; and Pamela Jesse, Lakewood, shared their concerns regarding squatters in a home in their neighborhood.
City Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: - Continued
David Arellano, Board Chair of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, spoke in regards to upcoming Lakewood Chamber of Commerce events.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Pe adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Matias Alvarez.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle D. Schultz
Assistant City Clerk