MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 7, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas
Other Participants: City Clerk Erica Harbison, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Ricky Osburn, Interim City Manager Raylette Felton, Interim Finance Director John Downs, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez, Public Works Director Julian Lee, Administrative Assistant Cynthia Rodriguez
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas led the flag salute and Pastor Jimmy Orellana, Calvary Chapel South Bay, provided the inspiration.
C. PRESENTATIONS
1. LA County Assessor Jeff Prang
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang provided the 2021 Assessment Roll, an update on property values in Lawndale, and information on the Los Angeles County Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption program.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if the Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption form can be submitted online.
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang responded, a mailed original signature is currently required and the office is working on accepting electronic signatures in the near future.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if the homeowner’s exemption program impacted properties under Proposition 13 and added if the Assessor’s office is open to the public.
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang responded. ?
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested online material to have available on the city’s website and social media platforms for the Lawndale homeowners and inquired how long the Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption has been available.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang responded his office can provide anything to promote the information to the residents. Mr. Prang added the Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption benefit has been in place since the early years of 1970.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Ricky Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Michelle Pino, new Lawndale Library Manager, spoke about upcoming library programs and events.
Randal Abram, Resident, spoke about fireworks in the City.
Pam London, former Lawndale Resident, spoke about the upcoming City Council office vacancies.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments. The council reached a consensus to hear from the community and voters for a decision on fireworks in the City through a ballot or survey.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda
Recommendation: that City Council approve.
3. Adoption of a Resolution to Allow City Council Meetings to be held remotely, consistent with Assembly Bill 361
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) Adopt attached Resolution No. CC-2202-005 to authorize the use of such technology for meetings for a period of 30 days or take no action.
4. Consideration of Claims Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claims filed by Nahoma Dianne Rangel and by Derrik and Sonia Pulliam, and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
5. Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 82653
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the final Parcel Map 82653.
6. Accounts Payable Register
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-003, authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $749,138.19
7. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – January 18, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
8. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Special Meeting – January 14, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
9. Project Specifications and Authorization to Bid the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Street Improvements Project
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Street Improvements Project plans and specifications (PS&E), and approve the project scope of work, and authorize staff to advertise the project to solicit bids.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on item number 3, if the City Council will continue to meet in person. Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the graffiti removal supplies in item number 6.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles responded the Resolution on item 3 allows City Council to make the decision on the Council meetings on a case by case basis.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the increase in graffiti removal material is due to rise of graffiti in the City.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if homeowners are providing a reimbursement for the removal of graffiti.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded homeowners have not but at times provide the matching paint and the graffiti removals have been mostly for commercial buildings which also from time to time provide the matching paint.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to approve the consent calendar was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Continuance of Public Hearing for an Appeal Request (Case No. 21-25) Appealing the Planning Commission’s Decision to Deny Case No. 20-17 for the Development of a New 7,779 Square Foot Express Carwash Facility on a GC (General Commercial) Zoned Property Located at 15413-15425 Hawthorne Boulevard Recommendation: that the City Council continue this public hearing to its regular City Council meeting, of February 22, 2022, at which time the matter will be heard in person in the City Council chambers.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to continue the Public Hearing to the February 22, 2022 meeting was seconded by Councilmember Suarez and carried by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
11. 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Sixth Update and CEQA exemption Recommendation: that the City Council (a) conduct a Public Hearing, (b) find and determine that the proposed project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to 15060(c)(2) Guidelines-Preliminary review and 15061(b)(3) General Rule Exemption of the Guidelines and (c) approve Resolution No. CC-2022-004 adopting the Sixth Cycle General Plan Housing Element Update.
Acting Community Development Director Jared Chavez provided the report on the 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update and CEQA Exemption.
Councilmember Suarez inquired why SB-9 and SB-10 were not included in the update.
Acting Community Development Director Jared Chavez responded she will inquire with the consultant and follow up and added the SB-9 Ordinance will be provided for City Council’s review separately.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired about the City’s responsibility for the sphere of influence.
Acting Community Development Director Jared Chavez responded she will inquire with the consultant.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy added the sphere of influence is already developed.
The public hearing opened at 7:48 p.m.
No public hearing comments were provided.
The public hearing closed at 7:49 p.m.
A dialogue ensued between Councilmember Suarez and Acting Community Development Director Jared Chavez regarding Affordable Housing.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to approve Resolution No. CC-2022-004 adopting the Sixth Cycle General Plan Housing Element Update, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
12. Selection of Projects for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (48th) Program Year of the Community Development Block Grant Program
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) conduct a Public Hearing to receive testimony regarding the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); (b) adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for the CDBG Program; and (c) adopt Resolution No. CC2202-009, approving the City’s participation in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CDBG Program.
CDBG Consultant with Michael Baker International, Michael Neal, provided the report on the Selection of Project for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CDBG program.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened and closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
No public hearing comments were provided.
Councilmember Kearney inquired if the city staff time with Meals on Wheels delivery is funded by the program.
CDBG Consultant with Michael Baker International Michael Neal responded staff time is a part of the leverage fund.
A motion by Councilmember Suarez to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget for the CDBG Program; and adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-009, approving the City’s participation in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CDBG Program, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
13. Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the American Federation Of the State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1895, Council 36, and the Citywide Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Recommendation: that the City Council (a) adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-006 approving the 2020-2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1895, Council 36; and (b) adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-007, approving the Fiscal Year 2021- 2022 Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule.
Interim City Manager Raylette Felton reported on the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the American Federation of the State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1895, Council 36, and the Citywide Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Councilmember Kearney requested to table the above item after a discussion on MidManagement benefits in the closed session.
A dialogue ensued between staff and City Council on returning to this item.
Without objection, City Council tabled Item No. 13 to be heard after Item No. 18.
14. Metro Measure M Cooperative Agreement Project No. D1104 for Metro Active Transport (MAT) Program and Resolution No. CC-2202-008 Supporting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets Policy Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the Metro Measure M Cooperative Agreement Project No. D1104 for Metro Active Transport (MAT) Program, (b) adopt City Council Resolution No. CC-2202-008 adopting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets Policy and Support the Complete Streets and (c) authorize the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works/City Engineer to execute Metro Active Transport funded program, other documents, certifications and related approvals for Metro administered projects.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
Public Works Director Julian Lee reported on the Metro Measure M Cooperative Agreement Project No. D1104 for Metro Active Transport (MAT) Program and Resolution No. CC-2202- 008 Supporting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets Policy.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Metro Measure M Cooperative Agreement Project No. D1104 for Metro Active Transport (MAT) Program, adopt City Council Resolution No. CC-2202-008 adopting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets Policy and Support the Complete Streets and authorize the Interim City Manager and Director of Public Works/City Engineer to execute Metro Active Transport funded program, other documents, certifications and related approvals for Metro administered projects, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
15. Southern California Association of Governments Annual General Assembly Appointment of Voting Delegate and Alternate- May 5, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council determine (a) who will attend the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) annual business meeting (b) designate the City’s voting delegate (c) designate the City’s voting alternate (if desired) (d) allocate funding from account number 100-110-510.620, City Council Travel/Meetings for the City Delegate, and City Alternate (if desired) at $850 each and (e) direct the City Clerk’s Office to formally confirm the delegate and alternate selection and forward that information to SCAG and the City Manager’s Department.
A motion by Councilmember Cuevas to designate Councilmember Suarez as the City’s voting delegate and designate Councilmember Kearney as City’s voting alternate, allocate funding from account number 100-110-510.620, City Council Travel/Meetings for the City Delegate, and City Alternate (if desired) at $850 each and direct the City Clerk’s Office to formally confirm the delegate and alternate selection and forward that information to SCAG and the City Manager’s Department, was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman.
16. 2022 City-Wide Special Events Calendar
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
Community Services Director Mike Estes reported on the 2022 City-Wide Special Events Calendar.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if the bike ride event will be cancelled.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded the bike ride is a part of the Youth Day Parade which will be canceled.
Councilmember Kearney opposed the cancellation of the Youth Day Parade and would like to see it this year.
A dialogue ensued between staff and City Council on the safety of the youth participation in the Youth Day Parade.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
The City Council reached a unanimous consensus to further discuss Item No. 16 at a subsequent meeting.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
17. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Kearney attended the Sherriff’s Liability Trust and Oversight Committee.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended a meeting with METRO and commended Public Works Director Julian Lee and all staff for the consistent work through the unavailability of a full staff body.
Councilmember Suarez attended a panel for California Rooftop Solar, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting, South Bay Cities Legislative Committee meeting and Housing Trust fund Committee meeting.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested a reopening date for the Hofmann Community Center for the youth and senior adult residents.
Interim City Manager Raylette Felton responded staff will have a report during a City Council meeting in March.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County meeting and METRO meeting.
J. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:56 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
18. 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.
19. Conference with Labor Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, with the city manager, city attorney and the City's negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with unrepresented employees, the central management team.
20. 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 9:16 p.m. the City Council entered back into open session.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 7, 2022
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the 3 items listed on the Closed Session agenda. The City Council was updated on items 18 and 20 and there was no reportable action taken.
Item No. I13 was brought back for Council discussion.
I. ADMINISTRATION (CONTINUED)
13. Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the American Federation Of the State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1895, Council 36, and the Citywide Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Recommendation: that the City Council (a) adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-006 approving the 2020-2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1895, Council 36; and (b) adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-007, approving the Fiscal Year 2021- 2022 Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-006 approving the 2020-2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1895, Council 36; and adopt Resolution No. CC-2202-007, approving the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 2/22/2022