Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
September 12, 2023
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pe in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Ms. Shawya Mogharabi, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i of Lakewood PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member Chase
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Ariel Pe
Vice Mayor Todd Rogers
Council Member Cassandra Chase
Council Member Steve Croft (teleconference)
Council Member Jeff Wood
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pe stated that pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Council Member Croft would participate in the meeting via teleconference.
The Mayor announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Whitney Delia Ford and Claude Montgomery, brother of Support Services Clerk Sandra Montgomery-Dillard.
Mayor Pe stated that he signed a proclamation on behalf of the City Council to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month. He also thanked City staff and everyone involved in the Patriot Day commemoration the previous evening.
Vice Mayor Rogers encouraged participation in the upcoming Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) Golf Tournament on October 20th.
Council Member Chase announced that she attended an event coordinated by the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, where she was able to collaborate with various city leaders from L.A.
County. She acknowledged new L.A. County Commissioner Mayra Catalán-Orozco who lived in Lakewood and was appointed by Supervisor Janice Hahn to the Youth Climate Commission.
Council Member Chase also shared that she was honored to recently join Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach.
Mayor Pe introduced Cerritos College President, Dr. Jose Fierro, who displayed slides and gave an update on the college. His update included that degree and certification awarding had increased by nearly three times the amount from 2015; a free transportation program translated into success for students in the classroom; and a dual enrollment program for high school students provided an opportunity to achieve college credits for free.
City Council Minutes
September 12, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: - Continued
Council Members thanked Dr. Fierro for his presentation and he responded to their questions and comments.
The Mayor announced that he signed a proclamation on behalf of the City Council making September 15 POW-MIA Recognition Day in Lakewood. He introduced Commander Jim Stewart, Deborah Butler and Auxiliary President Gayle Stewart of American Legion Post 496 who requested that the City participate in POW-MIA Recognition Day. Mr. Stewart shared his appreciation for the City’s participation.
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
Council Member Wood requested that Routine Item 6 be considered separately.
VICE MAYOR ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 5 AND ROUTINE ITEMS 7 THROUGH 15.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meeting held August 8, 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 - July 2023 RI-7 Approval of Appointments to Project Shepherd Board RI-8 Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Traffic Signal Maintenance with the Cities of Bellflower and Cerritos
RI-9 Approval of Extension of Memorandum of Understanding for Use of City Owned Parcel for Farmers Market
RI-10 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-63; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD ESTABLISHING DISABLED PERSON DESIGNATED
PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF ANDY STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF
LAKEWOOD
RI-11 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-64; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD ESTABLISHING DISABLED PERSON DESIGNATED
PARKING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ANDY STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF
LAKEWOOD
City Council Minutes
September 12, 2023
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RI-12 Acceptance of Notice of Completion - Rehab Steel Water Tanks 1 &2 - PW22-06 RI-13 Approval of Purchase of Banquet Chairs and Tables for the Centre and Parks Facilities RI-14 Approval of Agreement Amendment with Los Angeles County for Community Prosecutor Program
RI-15 Authorization and Approval of Change Orders for Public Works Project No. 2023-03; Civic Center Modular Office Trailer Site Work and Interior Improvements UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RI-6 Approval of Reappointment to the Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Development Board
Council Member Wood acknowledged Mark Dameron for his active work with SELACO. Mr.
Dameron thanked the City Council for their partnership and consideration of his reappointment.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHASE SECONDED
TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MARK DAMERON TO THE SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
1.1 • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) Abel Avalos, Director of Community Development, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding the CAPER. He concluded by stating it was recommended that the City Council hold a public hearing to solicit citizen comments on the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for fiscal year July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and direct staff to take into consideration all comments received and submit them along with the CAPER to the local HUD office.
Mayor Pe opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. and called for anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Council on this matter. There was no response.
City Council Minutes
September 12, 2023
1.1 • CDBG PROGRAM CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND
EVALUATION REPORT - Continued
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS 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
. . .
2.1 • SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6;
REGARDING LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE (LMC) UPDATES
Steve Skolnik, for the City Attorney, advised that the proposed ordinance had been introduced at the last City Council meeting. He clarified that it would not create restrictions for hummingbird feeding and it would clean up various sections of the LMC. Mr. Skolnik noted that staff would present another ordinance in the near future to clarify bird feeding. He stated that the ordinance was presented for second reading and adoption at this time.
Phil Norris, Lakewood, spoke in regards to green waste bins, street parking of trucks, removal of street/curb markings after projects were completed and enforcement of city laws/ordinances.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
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
VICE MAYOR ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHASE SECONDED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.1 • FALL/WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Valarie Frost, Director of Recreation and Community Services, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda highlighting the Fall and Winter recreation programs and events, which included new contract classes, youth sports leagues, programs for older adults, community special events and teen programs. She stated that staff recommended the City Council receive and file the report.
City Council Minutes
September 12, 2023
3.1 • FALL/WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS - Continued
MAYOR PE STATED THAT THERE BEING NO OBJECTION, THE ITEM WAS ORDERED RECEIVED AND FILED.
. . .
3.2 • LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW FIRMS OF BARON & BUDD, P.C. AND COSSICH, SUMICH, PARSIOLA & TAYLOR LLC FOR LEGAL
REPRESENTATION PURSUANT TO PER-AND-POLYFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES (PFAS) LITIGATION
Derek Nguyen, Director of Water Resources, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda pertaining to a proposed legal services agreement for legal representation in PFAS litigation. He explained that PFAS were frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” and they had not been detected in the City’s water system. Despite nondetection, the City could pursue possible entitlement to claims for damages, compensation and other relief from PFAS polluters both now and in the future. He concluded by stating it was recommended that the City Council approve a legal services agreement with the law firms of Baron & Budd, P.C. and Cossich, Sumich, Parsiola & Taylor LLC for legal representation pursuant to per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) litigation and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS 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 Registers of Demands
VICE MAYOR ROGERS MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD 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 public education of non-lethal weapons, trash can pick up and oil removal from City streets.
City Council Minutes
September 12, 2023
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: - Continued
Wayne Dodds, Lakewood, spoke in regards to various actions of the California Civil Grand Jury.
Muoy Li, Manager of the George Nye, Jr. Library, addressed the City Council regarding the reopening of the library on September 5 and the annual bookmark contest for K-12 students that was open until October 21. Sarah Comfort, Manager of the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library, stated that September was Library Card Sign-Up Month and encouraged visits to the libraries.
Ben Chavez, Lakewood, spoke in regards to the election for a Council Member from District 5 and speeding in neighborhoods.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Pe adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. to Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Whitney Delia Ford and Claude Montgomery.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle D. Schultz
Assistant City Clerk
Recorded by:
Barbara Di Iorio
Executive Secretary