MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 7, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:33 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 Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, Assistant to the City
Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Duane Allen, 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
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez led the flag salute and Pastor George Magdalany, with Hope Chapel Hawthorne, provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Duane Allen summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
A dialogue ensued between Captain Duane Allen and City Council regarding theft prevention of catalytic converters on vehicles.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about the City need of monitoring the permit processing and requirements and of the continuous violations of the business located on 4505 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Michelle Pino, Lawndale Library Manager, spoke about upcoming library programs and events.
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about the illegally operated short-term rentals in the City and the effects on the community and recommended a placement of fines for the violation.
Jay Gould, Resident, spoke about the potential safety and home privacy issues the Metro C Line (Green) project would create along the railway running through the residential areas.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about the cages and damages to vehicles from the catalytic converters thefts.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas and Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested staff to implement a plan to monitor and close down short-term rental violators.
City Council and City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy provided clarification on the authority to policy the Councilmembers have on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project subcommittee and zoning authority Metro has in the City.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter ended September 30, 2021 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
2. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter ended December 31, 2021 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
3. Federally Funded Employment and Job Training – South Bay Workforce Investment Board Activities Summary
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
4. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2203-011, authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $144,842.41
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Special Meeting – February 22, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – February 22, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to approve the consent calendar was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
G. ADMINISTRATION
7. Audit of 2021 Fireworks Financial Statements
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
Interim Finance Director John Downs provided the report for the above item.
Public Comment
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about the previous year’s audits of the Fireworks sales financial statements.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested a report of the 2019 Fireworks audits and staff to complete audits before permitting fireworks stands.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested staff to provide audit records of previous years.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy and Interim Finance Director John Downs responded staff will take a look to see if the audit reports can be provided and if so, will provided.
The City Council reached a general consensus to receive and file the Audit of 2021 Fireworks Financial Statements report.
8. 2022 Fireworks Permits
Recommendation: that the City Council award seven (7) conditional 2022 Fireworks permits to Christian Heritage Church, Lawndale Foursquare Church , Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, Lawndale Little League, Lawndale Rotary Club, Lawndale Parks, Recreation and Social Services Commission, and Wesleyan Church of Lawndale Interim Finance Director John Downs reported on the 2022 Fireworks Permits.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if staff verifies the certificate of “good standing” with the California Secretary of State or the fireworks organization.
Interim Finance Director John Downs responded the certificate is required from the organization and cross referenced with the California Secretary of State.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired why the Lawndale Chamber of Commerce is participating if they have not been involved with the community.
Interim Finance Director John Downs responded if the non-profit entities or organizations do not fulfill the requirements they will not be recommended to move forward.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired about the location of the Lawndale Foursquare Church.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between staff and City Council regarding the verification process for active organizations and requested to further review the applications.
City Manager Sean Moore recommended City Council may continue the above item to the next meeting for staff to present the documentation to City Council for review.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested staff review policy and return with an ordinance updating the Fireworks Permit qualifications for an active Lawndale organizations in the future.
The City Council reached a general consensus to continue Administration Item No. 8 to a subsequent City Council meeting.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
9. Denial of appeal request (Case No. 21-25 appealing the Planning Commissions 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 adopt City Council Resolution No. CC-2203-012 denying the appeal for Case Number 21-17: Special Use Permit and Development Permit requesting to develop am express carwash facility.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez reported on the Denial of 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.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to adopt City Council Resolution No. CC-2203-012 denying the appeal for Case Number 21-17: Special Use Permit and Development Permit requesting to develop am express carwash facility, was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman. Motion approved 3-2, [yes: 3 and no: 2].
10. Harold E. Hofmann Community Center Reopening Considerations Recommendation: that the City Council authorize use of approximately $90,000.00 in Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for the items in the cost Estimates and Turnaround Times for Repair/Replacement items table.
Community Services Director Mike Estesreported on the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center Reopening Considerations.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the warranty life for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and the cost for a new HVAC system.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded the warranty was for one (1) year and has expired and added a new HVAC systems projected cost ranges from $400,000-$500,000.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between staff and City Council regarding available American Rescue Plan Spending (ARPA) funds and guidelines, the design, planning, installation process and time frame for a new HVAC system.
A motion by Councilmember Kearney to authorize use of approximately $90,000.00 in Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for the items in the cost Estimates and Turnaround Times for Repair/Replacement items table, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
11. Lawndale Beat Fixed Route Contractual Status Report Recommendation: that the City Council (a) authorize the full system to return beginning July 1, 2022 and direct staff to negotiate an amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Lawndale Beat Fixed-Route Transportation Services to exercise the first one-year option, (b) authorize the return of the system beginning July 1,2022 at a 50% level by Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
terminating the Express route and directing staff to negotiate and amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Lawndale Beat Fixed-Route Transportation Services to exercise the first one-year option, (c) authorize the termination of the service by letting the agreement naturally expire on June 30, 2022 (c) provide further direction to staff.
Community Services Director Mike Estes reported on the Lawndale Beat Fixed Route Contractual Status Report.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the amount of calls received regarding the Lawndale Beat Bus.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded an average of one or two calls a month.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between staff and City Council regarding ridership rates, activating contract after the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center Reopening, and the use of Prop A funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested to return to this items for City Council review when ridership increases.
A motion by Councilmember Suarez to authorize the return of the system beginning July 1, 2022 at a 50% level by terminating the Express route and directing staff to negotiate and amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Lawndale Beat Fixed-Route Transportation Services to exercise the first one-year option, was seconded by Councilmember Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
12. Consideration and Direction on Potential of Firework Ballot Measure Recommendation: that the City Council discuss this item and provide direction to staff to (a) proceed in adopting a resolution to place a legislative measure on the November 2022 ballot prohibiting the sale, use and possession of al fireworks or (b) take no action in this matter.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton reported on the Consideration and Direction on Potential of Firework Ballot Measure.
Public Comments
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about Lawndale Chamber of Commerce use of funds for Administration Item No. 8 above. Randall Abram spoke in favor of placing a legislative measure on the November 2022 ballot prohibiting the sale, use and possession of al fireworks Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the $11,677.96 estimated cost for the ballot measure would come from the City’s General Fund.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton responded the estimated cost is an additional amount to the General Election cost and would come from the General Fund.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman spoke about her reasoning for wanting to have this item on agenda for City Council discussion, the frequent complaints and concerns on fireworks from Lawndale residents and how it will impact the children’s programs produced by the fireworks sales.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez commented regarding firework campaign contributions received in past and inquired about ballot language and if there is a need to hire a firm to prepare ballot language.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy responded the hiring of a firm will not be necessary in this case and added the City Attorney’s office have and can prepare ballot language in this instance.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez commented regarding the current use and control of illegal and safe and sane fireworks, potential concerns of placing a ballot measure absent a petition from residents, and other possible ballot measures that may arise.
Councilmember Pat Kearney concurred with Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and spoke in favor of continuing with safe and sane fireworks and residents pursuing a petition regarding a fireworks ballot measure.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas spoke in favor of not pursuing a ballot measure and using funds for illegal fireworks prevention measures.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between City Council regarding the difference between legal and illegal fireworks, impacts of banning legal fireworks on noise reduction, potential impacts of safe and sane proceeds on community/charitable programs and services.
Public Comment
George Pelz, Resident, spoke in favor of permitting safe and sane fireworks to benefit the children’s events.
The City Council came to a general consensus to receive and file the consideration and Direction on Potential of Firework Ballot Measure report.
13. City Council Subcommittees
Recommendation: that the City Council review the current subcommittee lists and direct staff on the modification, replacement and/or appointment of members.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton reported on the City Council Subcommittees.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if this item can be continued until after the November 2022 Elections.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton clarified staff’s need to know of any desired modifications to the Budget Subcommittee prior to November.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas and Councilmember Pat Kearney volunteered to serve on the Budget Subcommittee for fiscal year 2022-2023.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman commented she would like to continue with current committees/subcommittees.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested the City Council Subcommittees remain with the same members and revisit the subcommittees after November 2022 Elections.
The City Council came to a general consensus to continue Administration Item No. 13 to a subsequent City Council meeting in November 2022.
H. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Pat Kearney requested staff invite Lawndale Lady Cardinals to a subsequent City Council meeting to receive certificates and requested today’s meeting be adjourned in memoriam of Norm Vickers, a long time Lawndale resident.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attended ribbon cutting grand opening event for new business Sabrino’s Kitchen on Prairie Avenue in Lawndale, a South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting, and two Metro C Line (Green) neighborhood walks event.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez requested staff review the permits Ordinance and process regarding deposits and fees.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended 2022 Greater LA Homeless Count event and provided commendations to Diane Parsley and Bekim Berisha for their time and efforts. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended a phone meeting with South Bay Cities Council of Governments, attended two Metro C Line (Green) neighborhood walk event, League of California Cities general meeting, and concurred with reviewing deposits and fees for permits and asked staff to review the Lawndale Municipal Codes and Ordinances for consistency. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired on the status of the new swings for William Green Park.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded there is a slow-down in material production and delivery is expected near April 1st.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested the return of Farmer’s Market once the Hofmann Community Center is fully staffed. Community Services Director Mike Estes responded staff will look into it.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired on the plans for the empty lot located on Hawthorne Boulevard and Manhattan and Beach Boulevard.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff will be meeting with the developers to discuss a mixed-used project for the lot and will keep City Council posted on developments.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 7, 2022
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman encouraged City Council to provide her with feedback for the next Metro C Line meeting, announced the March 21-25 Spring Clean Up Week, and residents opportunity for bulky items pickups by Republic Services. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda also mentioned the backyard service program provided for seniors and disabled residents by Republic Services.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles attended the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County regular meeting, the Metro C Line (Green) neighborhood walk, and the ribbon cutting grand opening event for Sabrino’s Kitchen.
I. CLOSED SESSION
At 9:06 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
15. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a Party. The title of such litigation is as follows: City of Lawndale v. LA Investment, LLC, et al (20TRCV00065).
At 9:27 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 item listed on the Closed Session agenda. The City Council was updated on the item and there was no reportable action taken.
J. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting in memoriam of Norm Vickers at 9:29 p.m.
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Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 03/21/2022