Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
April 8, 2025
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Rogers in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Wanda Thomas, Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Lakewood PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scout Troop 247
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Todd Rogers
Vice Mayor Cassandra Chase
Council Member David Arellano
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Jeff Wood
. . .
Mayor Rogers announced that Thaddeus McCormack, City Manager, who was driving on his way to an out of town conference would be participating in the meeting via telephone.
The Mayor reviewed the public participation guidelines. He stated that members of the audience may address the City Council on any item on the agenda during the section of the meeting entitled, “Public Comment on Items in the Agenda.” He added that items not on the agenda may be addressed during “Oral Communications” at the end of the council meeting. Each speaker would be confined to a three-minute time limit during those portions of the meeting.
Mayor Rogers explained that at the previous meeting, a non-resident member of the public used profanity and racist comments. He noted that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution defended free speech, and while there were some limits, a person would have the right to use even profane language as they exercised their constitutional right to speak to a legislative body. He stated that the City Council found the use of such language unnecessary and insulting; however, it was important that the constitutional right of the public to express their views be observed. . . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Rogers announced that the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Sadie Carter, the mother of Neighborhood Preservation Manager, Charles Carter; and in memory of Shaaron K. MacLeod, the grandmother of Michelle Williams, Administrative Secretary in the Recreation and Community Services Department. The Mayor commended those involved in the Lead Her Lakewood event held on March 27th at The Centre.
City Council Minutes
April 8, 2025
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: - Continued
Council Member Wood acknowledged Council Member Arellano’s completion of his first year in office. He also reported on his attendance at the Cerritos City Council reorganization; the Contract Cities Association board meeting; multi-Chamber mixer; the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries book sale; and the Lakewood Youth Sports coaches recognition event.
The City Manager reported on the Mayor’s and his recent trip to Washington DC, noting the meetings and discussions held with elected representatives regarding homelessness issues and potential funding sources. Mayor Rogers added that the meetings had been productive with the focus on public safety issues and initiatives as well as learning of grant opportunities and funding programs.
Mayor Rogers introduced Maria Jimenez, a longtime Lakewood resident and also a longtime ambassador for One Legacy-Donate Life, who spoke about the nature of her personal experiences with organ donation. She received a proclamation from the City Council declaring April to be “DMV/Donate Life Month” in Lakewood.
Mayor Rogers introduced Andrew Ngumba, Assistant Deputy Director, Sewer Maintenance Division, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, who made a presentation on the County’s Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District and a proposed sewer rate increase. He summarized the sewer system and detailed the reasons for the proposed rate increase and provided a budget breakdown. He reported on their Proposition 218 outreach timeline and notices.
Mr. Ngumba responded to questions and comments from the Council Members regarding availability of the systemwide rate study, age of infrastructure and maintenance and County resources.
. . .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS IN THE AGENDA
Lynwood Regulator spoke about sewer rate numbers.
Ted Spaseff, Lakewood, addressed the City Council pertaining to Routine Item 3 and stated his opposition to implementing a by-district appointment process for City commission members.
Fred Douglas spoke about homelessness, tariffs and infrastructure.
Philip Norris, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding the auditors conducting the annual audit.
. . .
ROUTINE ITEMS:
Mayor Rogers stated that Routine Item 3 would be considered separately.
City Council Minutes
April 8, 2025
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1, 2 AND 4.
RI-1 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-2 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Selection of The Pun Group LLC as Independent Audit Services Provider UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Chase and Rogers NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RI-3 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-12; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
PERTAINING CITY COMMISSIONS TO ESTABLISH BY-DISTRICT
RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMISSIONERS
Council Member Croft commented on the action taken by the City Council subsequent to the move to district elections approving a citywide governance policy. He expressed opposition to the proposed resolution.
Mayor Rogers stated his preference to retain existing Commissioners and suggested consideration of options.
Council Member Wood stated that this had been discussed at length during the goal setting meeting held during the past November.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO
TABLE THE ITEM AND REQUESTED THAT STAFF RETURN TO PRESENT OTHER OPTIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION FAILED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Croft and Rogers
NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Arellano and Chase
Council Member Arellano spoke about providing the opportunity for others to serve as commissioners.
Vice Mayor Chase remarked on the value of looking forward and allowing opportunities for those interested in serving the community.
COUNCIL MEMBER ARELLANO MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD
SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-12.
City Council Minutes
April 8, 2025
ROUTINE ITEMS: - Continued
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Arellano and Chase
NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Croft and Rogers
. . .
3.1 • IMPLEMENTING THE BUILDING PERMIT MODULE FOR OPENGOV Aldo Cervantes, Director of Community Development, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding implementation of a building permit system which would include product configuration, setup, and staff training. If approved, the first year of software/support would commence on July 1, 2025, and conclude on June 30, 2026, with the second year of software/support to commence on July 1, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2027. The cost for the implementation would be $19,169.64 with the first year software maintenance/support to cost $37,413.71 and the second year’s cost at $39,284.39.
He concluded by stating that staff recommended that the City Council direct the City Manager to sign the order form with OpenGov for the implementation of the building permit software. Mr. Cervantes noted that the proposed agreement and order form had been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney as to form.
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER ARELLANO
SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Chase and Rogers NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
SUCCESSOR HOUSING ACTIONS
1. Approval of Register of Demands
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR CHASE SECONDED TO APPROVE THE REGISTER OF DEMANDS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Arellano, Chase and Rogers NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Ashley Hopkins, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding native plant removal and bird migrations related to the West San Gabriel River Nature Trail.
City Council Minutes
April 8, 2025
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: - Continued
Philip Norris, 4242 Redline Drive, spoke regarding barriers and bus stop at Los Coyotes Diagonal, homelessness and graffiti.
Fred Douglas and Lynwood Regulator spoke about homelessness, affordable housing, Sheriff’s Department and budget.
. . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Rogers adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. to Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Sadie Carter and Shaaron K. MacLeod.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Mayberry, CMC
City Clerk