Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
March 12, 2024
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 Reverend Dr. Candace Kelly, Acts Community Bible Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scout Troop 6925
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Ariel Pe
Vice Mayor Todd Rogers
Council Member Cassandra Chase
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Jeff Wood
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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pe announced that the annual Earth Walk event would be held on March 16th at Monte Verde Park. He also announced that he had asked Vice Mayor Rogers to be the City’s representative for initial discussions with neighboring cities on how to collaborate more and work jointly to add public safety resources in the region. The Mayor indicated that Ramadan had just begun and extended greetings to the Muslim community.
Council Member Wood stated that longtime Lakewood High School head baseball coach Walter “Spud” O’Neil earned his 947th career win.
Council Member Chase announced that March was Women’s History Month. She reported her attendance at a recent Women in Water event and highlighted the LeadHer series, aimed at empowerment, education and wellness for women of the community.
Mayor Pe introduced Acting Assistant Los Angeles County Fire Chief Jessica Post, who thanked the City Council for the warm welcome and stated she looked forward to working in the City.
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ROUTINE ITEMS:
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 6.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meetings held February 27, 2024 RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions - February 2024 RI-5 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-3; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD ADDING A JOB CLASSIFICATION AND AMENDING EXISTING PAY RATE IN ATTACHMENT B OF RESOLUTION NO 2023-32 RI-6 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING THE EMPLOYER PAID SICK LEAVE
POLICY FOR PART-TIME, TEMPORARY, AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
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3.1 • INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-2; REGARDING FIREWORKS STANDS
Finance and Administrative Services Director Jose Gomez made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding the local nonprofit organizations who set up temporary stands and sell fireworks leading up to the Fourth of July holiday. He stated that the proposed ordinance modified the code to allow the rent to be set by City Council resolution, which would allow making future rent adjustments in a more efficient manner. It was recommended that the City Council introduce the proposed ordinance.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members regarding revenues and notification of changes in rental rates.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-2; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING SECTION 3105.5(H) OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING THE AMOUNTS PAID FOR RENTING A LOCATION FOR PLACEMENT OF A FIREWORKS STAND was read by title by the City Clerk.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO WAIVE FURTHER READING AND INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-2. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
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City Council Minutes
March 12, 2024
3.2 • VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH
Valarie Frost, Director of Recreation and Community Services, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda. She explained that April was recognized as National Volunteer Month, and the Recreation and Community Services Department was celebrating the hard work of Lakewood’s volunteers by offering several events to both celebrate and encourage volunteerism. Many of the department’s programs would not be possible without the assistance of the hundreds of volunteers who give their time, energy and effort to help others. She added that volunteers continued to be a cornerstone in maintaining the programs that improve the quality of life in Lakewood.
MAYOR PE STATED THAT THERE BEING NO OBJECTION, THE REPORT WAS ORDERED RECEIVED AND FILED.
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SUCCESSOR HOUSING ACTIONS
1. Approval of Register of Demands
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT SECONDED TO APPROVE THE REGISTER OF DEMANDS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Carol Brown, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding accessory dwelling units and contacting legislators regarding housing laws.
Phillip Norris, Lakewood, spoke about speed guns.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Pe adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m. to Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Mayberry, CMC
City Clerk