CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California 90260
Phone (310) 973-3200 – www.lawndalecity.org
AGENDA
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 2, 2022 - 6:30 p.m.
Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber
14717 Burin Avenue
Any person who wishes to address the City Council regarding any item listed on this agenda or any other matter that is within its subject matter jurisdiction is invited, but not required, to fill out a Public Meeting Speaker Card and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the oral communications portion of the meeting. The purpose of the card is to ensure that speakers' names are correctly recorded in the meeting minutes and, where appropriate, to provide contact information for later staff follow-up. You are still eligible to submit comment via the Temporary eComment Policy for Public Meetings, the comments will be read verbatim into the record.
How to observe the Meeting:
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can now observe the meeting in person, with limited capacity, while strictly adhering to the City Facilities Entry Protocols. Members of the public are still be able to view the meeting on YouTube “Lawndale CityTV”, the City Website, or Lawndale Community Cable Television on Spectrum & Frontier Channel 3.
Copies of this Agenda packet may be obtained prior to the meeting outside of the Lawndale City Hall foyer or on the City Website.
Interested parties may contact the City Clerk Department at (310) 973-3213 for clarification regarding individual agenda items.
This Agenda is subject to revision up to 72 hours before the meeting.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 1 through 3, will be considered and acted upon under one motion unless a City Councilmember removes individual items for further City Council consideration or explanation.
1. Consideration of Claim Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claims filed by Jorge Sanchez Principe and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimants.
2. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2205-020, authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $608,887.64.
Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
3. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – April 18, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
G. ADMINISTRATION
4. South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) Appointment – Business Private Sector Representative
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) review the submitted information from Mr.
Edward J. Leiva, as supported by the SBWIB; (b) re-affirm the SBWIB 's nomination of Mr. Edward J. Leiva as the City of Lawndale' s SBWIB representative on the Business Private Sector seat, filling the remaining term from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026, and direct staff to provide that name to the SBWIB for the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce's final approval; or (c) Direct staff to open up nominations for additional applications including advertising the opening on the City's website and social media platforms; and (d) bring the nomination applications to an upcoming City Council meeting and provide direction to staff to provide a name to the SBWIB for the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce's final approval, to fill the upcoming vacancy on the City of Lawndale's SBWIB Business Private Sector seat, filling the remaining term of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026.
5. Award of Construction Contract for to Hardy and Harper, Inc. and Construction Management Services to SA Associates for the Redondo Beach Blvd. Street Improvement Project (from Artesia Blvd. to Prairie Ave.) Project No. 2021-02 Bid No. BN-2110-10
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) award the construction contract in the amount of $2,111,000 to Hardy and Harper, Inc. for the Redondo Beach Blvd. Street Improvement Project (b) award construction management services in the amount of $191,000 to SA Associates for the Redondo Beach Blvd. Street Improvement Project and (c) approve the construction contingency amount of $422,200 for the project to avoid delays and facilitate timely project completion.
6. Pedestrian Crossing Statistics Review- All City Management Crossing Guard Service
Recommendation: that the City Council consider one of the following: (a) make no changes to the existing agreement between the City of Lawndale and All City Management Services, Inc. and continue to provide services at all 10 crosswalk (b) eliminate the location with the fewest number of recorded crossings at the controlled intersection of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Prairie Ave. and continuing services at nine (9) remaining locations (c) eliminate the two locations with the fewest number of recorded crossings at the controlled intersections of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Prairie Ave., and Marine Ave. and Freeman Ave. and continuing services at eight (8) remaining locations (d) eliminate the three locations with the three of the four fewest number of recorded crossings at the controlled intersections of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Prairie Ave., Marine Ave. and Freeman Ave., and W. 169th St. and Hawthorne Blvd. or Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Freeman Ave. and continuing services at seven (7) remaining locations.
Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
7. Report on Fence Permit Update
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the fence permits report.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
8. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events J. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022 in the Lawndale City Hall council chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
It is the intention of the City of Lawndale to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the City Clerk Department (310) 973-3213 prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. Please advise us at that time if you will need accommodations to attend or participate in meetings on a regular basis.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the Agenda for the regular meeting of the City Council to be held on May 2, 2022 was posted not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
____________________________________
Cynthia Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant
1 2
MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
April 18, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:32 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, 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 Pat Kearney led the flag salute and Pastor Jimmy Orellana, with Calvary Chapel South Bay, provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Duane Allen summarized the recent law enforcement activities and commended everyone who attended the Coffee with a Cop event and Starbucks for hosting the event.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, partially read an email he stated he sent to City Council regarding potential code violations for RJ’s Construction Supply, business located on 4505 Manhattan Beach Blvd., and requested disciplinary actions be enforced for the violations. Gary Adams commended Sheriff Officer for issuing parking citations to the heavy duty trucks parked on Mansel Ave. and the California Highway Patrol for clearing up the homeless encampment near the 405 freeway and Hawthorne Blvd.
Louis Lee II, President of Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Arts, followed up on a proposed partnership with the City of Lawndale.
Arnie Carrillo, Branch Manager of RJ’s Construction Supply, spoke of the changes the business is making to be a good neighbor.
Jay Gould, Resident, spoke of concerns with Metro and a meeting Metro did not attend. 3 Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the vision plan proposed by Louis Lee II, President of Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Arts.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles responded Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Arts seeks to use the City’s Media Studio and recommended staff further review due to issues with a private entity using public government resources.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff will follow up with Louis Lee II.
Councilmember Pat Kearney requested a meeting to be scheduled with Metro and invite Lawndale residents to attend.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested the Metro meeting details from Resident Jay Gould to bring up during an upcoming Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project subcommittee meeting.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded he will coordinate a meeting with Metro and place item on an Agenda.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested the meeting with Metro be held at the proposed project site.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded he will make the arrangements.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez concurred with Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles regarding potential concerns with the use of public government equipment by a private entity and Councilmember Pat Kearney’s request to meet with Metro and the residents.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas responded the date of the meeting with Metro was April 13th at 4:00 p.m.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
2. Recognition of 100th Birthday Charles “Mac” MacQuarrie Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file.
3. Redondo Beach Transit Center Use Agreement for Lawndale Beat Fixed-Route Transportation System
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the attached Redondo Beach Transit Center Use Agreement between the City of Redondo Beach and the City of Lawndale and (b) authorize Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles to sign the attached agreement.
4. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Update for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
5. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2204-017, authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $673,765.64.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – April 4, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles read item no. 2, recognizing the 100th Birthday of Charles “Mac” MacQuarrie.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to approve the consent calendar was seconded by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and carried by a vote of 5-0.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
7. Amendment to the Lawndale Municipal Code to Comply with the Requirements of Senate Bill 9
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) conduct a public hearing (b) determine that Ordinance No. 1188-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of Public Resources Code and Government Code sections 65858.21(j) and 66411.7(n) because an ordinance adopted to implement the rules of Senate Bill 9 is not considered a project under Division 13 and (c) approve Ordinance No. 1188-22 by four fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council to extend Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1186-22 by 10 months and 15 days.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez reported on the Amendment to the Lawndale Municipal Code to comply with the Requirements of Senate Bill 9.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m.
Public Testimony
Gary Adams, Resident, inquired what the change means to new construction for residential properties.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded she can provide the draft ordinance and meet to explain.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore added the City is extending the 45 day moratorium by 10 months and 15 days to complete a comprehensive ordinance in compliance with Senate Bill 9. City Manager Sean M. Moore mentioned the City is at least 89% R2 zone and less than 25% is R1 zone which is applicable to SB9.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to determine that Ordinance No. 1188-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of Public Resources Code and Government Code sections 65858.21(j) and 66411.7(n) because an ordinance adopted to implement the rules of Senate Bill 9 is not considered a project under Division 13 and approve Ordinance No. 1188-22 by four fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council to extend Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1186-22 by 10 months and 15 days. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
8. Case No. 22-09 Consideration of an Urgency Ordinance to Establish Rules and Regulations for Carwash Facilities within the City of Lawndale Recommendation: that the City Council (a) conduct a public hearing (b) determine that Ordinance No. 1189-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15060, subdivision (c)((2), because the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and Section 15061 subdivision (b)(3) because the activity has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, direct or indirectly and so is not a project and (c) approve Ordinance No. 1189-22 by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez provided the staff report for Case No. 22-09 Consideration of an Urgency Ordinance to Establish Rules and Regulations for Carwash Facilities within the City of Lawndale.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if the rules and regulations apply to current carwash applications or apply to new applications.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded the Urgency Ordinance would affect new applications received after 30 days the ordinance is approved.
City Manager Sean M. Moore added the ordinance does not affect existing or previously approved carwashes only new proposals or expansion on an existing facility.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
Public Testimony
Gary Adams, Resident, expressed concern on waiving environmental considerations on future carwash applications and spoke about the existing business Bellagio Car Wash.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore and Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles clarified the requirements being waived are for the proposed moratorium, not environmental considerations on future carwash applications.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to determine that Ordinance No. 1189-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15060, subdivision (c)((2), because the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and Section 15061 subdivision (b)(3) because the activity has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, direct or indirectly and so is not a project and approve Ordinance No. 1189-22 by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
9. Approval of Adjustment to 2021-2022 Budget for Staff Reclassification Recommendation: that the City Council approve the reclassification from Code Enforcement I to Code Enforcement II in the 2021-2022 budget.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for the approval of Adjustment to 2021-2022 Budget for Staff Reclassification.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney approve the reclassification from Code Enforcement I to Code Enforcement II in the 2021-2022 budget. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
10. Award of Construction Contract to Superior Pavement Markings, Inc. and Inspection Services to RKA Consulting Group for the FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project No. 2022-12
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) award construction contract in the amount of $933,309 to Superior Pavement Markings , Inc. for the FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project, (b) award construction management services in the amount of $106,275 to RKA Consulting Group for the FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement, (c) approve the construction contingency amount of $186,662 for the project to avoid delays and facilitate timely project completion, (d) authorize the Director of Finance to decrease the appropriations from the Proposition C funds for the Redondo Beach Blvd (Hawthorne Blvd – Artesia Blvd) Improvement Project (207-310-700.277) by $719,168, (e) authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $719,168 from Proposition C Unappropriated Fund Balance to the account number 207-310-700.281 Capital Improvement Program for FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project and (f) authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $507,078 from Measure M Unappropriated Fund Balance to the account number 272-310-700.281 Capital Improvement Program for FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
Public Works Director Julian Lee provided the staff report for the Award of Construction Contract to Superior Pavement Markings, Inc. and Inspection Services to RKA Consulting Group forFY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project No. 2022-12.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if Proposition C and Measure M funds will expire.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded Proposition C funds will expire on June 30, 2022.
Councilmember Pat Kearney commented on his concern with receiving only one bid and he would like to see a total of 3 bids submitted in the future.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded many contractors are committed to other projects and unable to respond to the bid due to the timeline constraints for completion within 60 days to avoid lapsing the Proposition C funds.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the potential lapse in Proposition C funding if project not completed before deadline, type and quantity of replacement signs, and the overall project tasks.
City Manager Sean M. Moore explained due to the staff turnover in the Finance Department the notification regarding the funding lapse was received late.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired if the proposal cost is in line with the typical cost for this type of work.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the price of the contract is lower than what staff anticipated and have worked with contractor in the past.
Councilmember Cuevas requested a spreadsheet listing funds and expiration dates to avoid this issue in the future.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded he will work with staff to develop a list of funds and their expiration dates for staff to use.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested staff to be reminded of a minimum of 3 bid submissions for project needed.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez requested a “master” spreadsheet to be shared among all departments and not just for one City department.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles indicated he is comfortable with the proposal that is under the expected estimate.
A motion by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez to award construction contract in the amount of $933,309 to Superior Pavement Markings , Inc. for the FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project, award construction management services in the amount of $106,275 to RKA Consulting Group for the FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement, approve the construction contingency amount of $186,662 for the project to avoid delays Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
and facilitate timely project completion, authorize the Director of Finance to decrease the appropriations from the Proposition C funds for the Redondo Beach Blvd (Hawthorne Blvd – Artesia Blvd) Improvement Project (207-310-700.277) by $719,168, authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $719,168 from Proposition C Unappropriated Fund Balance to the account number 207-310-700.281 Capital Improvement Program for FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project and authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $507,078 from Measure M Unappropriated Fund Balance to the account number 272-310-700.281 Capital Improvement Program for FY 2021/2022 Citywide Sign Replacement Project. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 4-1, [yes: 4 and no: 1].
11. Street Parking Study of Mansel Ave.
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the removal of the existing two signs “No Parking, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday” in order to add approximately four street parking spaces.
Public Works Director Julian Lee provided the staff report for the Street Parking Study of Mansel Ave.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney approve the removal of the existing two signs “No Parking, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday” in order to add approximately four street parking spaces. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
12. Approval and Amendment to the City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule and Salary and Benefits Resolution for Central Management Employees Recommendation: that the City Council (a) adopt Resolution No. CC-2204-018, approving the Amendment to the Schedule of Salary and Benefits for the Central Management Employees; (b) allocate $19,536 from the General Fund Salaries Line Item 100-501.100 for this adjustment; and (c) adopt Resolution No. CC-2204-019, approving the amendment to the 2021-2022 City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton provided the staff report for the proposed Amendment to the City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule and Salary and Benefits Resolution for Central Management Employees.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2204-018, approving the Amendment to the Schedule of Salary and Benefits for the Central Management Employees; allocate $19,536 from the General Fund Salaries Line Item 100-501.100 for this adjustment; and adopt Resolution No. CC-2204-019, approving the amendment to the 2021-2022 City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
13. Approve and Authorize the Purchase of Citywide Telephone Equipment and Service Plan
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) authorize the Finance Department to allocate $58,000 from the Restricted Urban Development Fund, Operating Transfers-Out (215- 160-560.100) to the General Fund, Operating Transfers-In (100-000.480.100) and (b) Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to purchase citywide telephone equipment and data service plan in an amount not to exceed the approved budgeted amount of $58,000.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton provided the staff report for authorization to Purchase of Citywide Telephone Equipment and Service Plan.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if an additional landlines will remain in place in case the phone system shuts down.
Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton responded the City will keep 9 landlines in the operating emergency center through AT&T.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to authorize the Finance Department to allocate $58,000 from the Restricted Urban Development Fund, Operating Transfers-Out (215-160- 560.100) to the General Fund, Operating Transfers-In (100-000.480.100) and approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to purchase citywide telephone equipment and data service plan in an amount not to exceed the approved budgeted amount of $58,000.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
14. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2021.
Evelyn Morentin-Barcena, CPA, Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, the City’s auditing firm, provided the report and presentation on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired if the City is in good standing after the audit.
Evelyn Morentin-Barcena responded the firm did not find anything that was materially misstated, emitted or any inappropriate disclosures.
Terry P. Shea, CPA, Partner, Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, thanked the City for the opportunity to serve and concurred with Evelyn Morentin-Barcena. Terry P. Shea indicated the City was able to add over $4 million to the General Fund balance, which is good news.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report.
15. Updated Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan for 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council review the Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan and give direction to staff as to which option is most favorable moving forward.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for the updated illegal fireworks suppression plan for 2022 with 3 options for consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman inquired if the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant will visit the most active areas and if Municipal Services Department Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
staff could provide notices to residents, door to door, encouraging residents to report illegal fireworks.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the illegal fireworks suppression plan, delivering information, making contact with residents, effectiveness of illegal fireworks suppression plan in prior year, and options for addressing hot spots this year.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes offered to meet with Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman for specifics to the plan and work with staff.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff can put something together and send to the City Attorney and City Council for review.
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about the illegal fireworks suppression plan and adding new deputies.
Louis Lee II, President of Eubanks Conservatory of Music and Arts, suggested City designate a controlled area for use of fireworks and offered to support.
Dina, Resident inquired if the sheriff deputies ride single or double and added the sound of fireworks effects the elderly and pets.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded two deputies ride together.
Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about illegal firework concerns as fire hazards and rubbish on the street.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the Municipal Services staff can also observe and report the use of illegal fireworks.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded Municipal Services staff are not trained, concerned by potential danger and would need to follow up with Sheriff Captain, City Attorney and City Manager to discuss the safety.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the City is able to issue citations for any fireworks debris left behind.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded it can be challenging to issue a citation for firework debris unless it can be proven.
Councilmember Pat Kearney responded he concurs with Councilmember Sirley Cuevas however Municipal Services Department does not have enough staff and proposed City Council monitor and report illegal firework use . Councilmember Pat Kearney further mentioned the City in the past hosted fireworks shows in Lawndale but it was discontinued. Councilmember Pat Kearney responded he agrees with option 2.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez concurs with option 2.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
A motion by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas to direct staff to move forward with option 2 of the Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan: Follow protocols introduced in the 2021 Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan but altering the Special Assignment Officers (SAO's) schedule shift to begin on June 20, 2022, two weeks prior to the July 4th holiday. This option would allow for SAO's to continue to work their normal schedules with a two week period of time dedicated to illegal firework suppression, so as not to take away from their regular tasks of gang suppression and homelessness details. Also under this option City Staff would run ads on social media to solicit the sale of illegal fireworks so that citations may be issued and fireworks confiscated when sales are attempted. Councilmember Pat Kearney second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Presentation from Mr. Kenneth Miller - Lawndale Times Newspaper Requested by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas.
Recommendation: that the City Council receive a presentation from Mr. Kenneth Miller.
Mr. Kenneth Miller, Lawndale Times Newspaper, spoke about success stories of Lawndale, his background and reputation in the community andjournalism and reported on the Lawndale Times Newspaper proposal for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman inquired about the frequency of print for the community.
Mr. Kenneth Miller responded editions can be released monthly to start.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman inquired if Lawndale history stories will be included.
Mr. Kenneth Miller responded all ideas are welcomed as the newspaper is Lawndale’s.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez commented regarding digital and print publications to reach different audiences and looking forward to seeing paper progress.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired who will reach out to the businesses of Lawndale for advertisement.
Mr. Kenneth Miller responded he will work with the Lawndale businesses for advertisement.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired what would the monthly cost be to the City.
Mr. Kenneth Miller responded he is pursuing a partnership with the City and requesting to be considered when the City has a budget for advertising.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles responded City Council will continue discussions regarding types of partnerships can be developed.
17. Recruitment and Retention of Deputy Sheriff’s- Support Letter Requested by Rudy Bermudez, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
Requested by Councilmember Pat Kearney.
Recommendation: that the City Council provide direction on the Mayor and City Councilmembers signing such letter and, if approved, direct the City Manager’s office to finalize and mail the letter to Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, as requested by Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS).
Councilmember Pat Kearney reported on the letter supporting deputies with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and the public safety services.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the potential costs to the City and the current hiring freeze.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to approve and direct the City Manager’s office to finalize and mail the Recruitment and Retention of Deputy Sheriff’s- Support Letter Requested by Rudy Bermudez, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs to Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, as requested by Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS).
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
18. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Pat Kearney attended the Sherriff’s Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee and the Lawndale Easter Egg Hunt. Councilmember Pat Kearney commended staff for the event and has comments regarding future events.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Legislative Committee and Lawndale Easter Egg Hunt. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez requested an item to be placed on an agenda related to fences and why permits are required.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended a virtual meeting with the County of Los Angeles of Public Health, a tour of West Basin Municipal Water District Reclamation Plant in the City of El Segundo, and the Lawndale Easter Egg Hunt. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas commended staff for the event and recommended a separate event time and activities for persons with disabilities.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested an item to be placed on an agenda related to crossing guard study.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman attended Lawndale Easter Egg Hunt and mentioned she will present ideas to Community Services Director Mike Estes for the next Easter event.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman mentioned Caltrans homeless encampments cleaned up near the 405 freeway and commended City staff for assisting Caltrans in its efforts and would like to continue working to do more.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles commented regarding the homeless encampments and services needed in the City. Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles attended the Lawndale Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Celebration hosted by Restoration of Life Church, and the Memorial Service for Betty Day, founder of Watts Gang Task Force.
J. CLOSED SESSION
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
April 18, 2022
At 9:41 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
19. 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
20. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(1) for the matter entitled Arcadia, et al. v. So. Cal. Edison Corp., Santa Barbara Superior Court Case No. 20 CV 02026
At 9:47 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 item and there was no reportable action taken.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: / /
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