MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
January 11, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California 90260.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas
Other Participants: Interim City Manager Raylette Felton, City Attorney Gregory M.
Murphy, Erica Harbison City Clerk, Assistant City Clerk Matthew Ceballos
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Pat Kearney led the flag salute.
C. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
D. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
None.
E. ADMINISTRATION
1. Discussion and Possible Adoption of a Resolution to Allow City Council Meetings to be held remotely, consistent with Assembly Bill 361
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) Discuss the use of teleconferencing or videoconferencing for Brown Act-covered public meetings of the City Council and City commissions; and (b) Either adopt attached Resolution No. CC-2201-001 to authorize the use of such technology for meetings for a period of 30 days or take no action.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy explained how Assembly Bill 361 changes the process of the City Council Meetings and the flexibility it provides for the public, City Council and staff.
Assistant City Clerk Matthew Ceballos described the practical application of remote meetings.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between staff and City Council regarding the teleconferencing and video conferencing process for public meetings of the City Council and City commission meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman expressed her support for safe virtual meetings.
Councilmember Pat Kearney commented he supports the residents rights to in-person meetings and he will attend live meetings.
Minutes - City Council Special Meeting
January 11, 2022
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to adopt attached Resolution No. CC-2201-001 to authorize the use of such technology for meetings for a period of 30 days, was seconded by Councilmember Suarez and carried by a vote of 5-0.
F. CLOSED SESSION
At 6:46 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and (d)(3), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case. The facts and circumstances giving rise to exposure to litigation are unknown.
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, with the city manager, the city attorney and the City's negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with Local 1895, Council 36, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, representing the City's mid-management and classified employees.
4. Public Employee Appointment
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), regarding the appointment of a City Manager.
At 8:24 p.m. the City Council entered back into Open Session.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the Closed Session agenda. The City Council was updated on the items and there was no reportable action taken.
G. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 1/18/2022