MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
May 2, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:35 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 Sergeant Ricky L. Osborne, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, 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 Dwight Dudley with Calvary Chapel South Bay, provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Ricky L. Osborne summarized the recent law enforcement activities and introduced Lieutenant Glenn Emery. Lieutenant Glenn Emery provided a brief history of his history the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and spoke about theft prevention of catalytic converters on vehicles.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested a catalytic converter clinic hosted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and inquired if there is a vehicle model often being targeted for catalytic converter theft.
Lieutenant Glenn Emery responded newer car models with precious metals are often the target.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles welcomed the new Lieutenant to the City and inquired how reliable is the VIN etching.
Lieutenant Glenn Emery and Sergeant Ricky L. Osborne responded accordingly.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about the continuous potential code violations and illegal parked vehicles by RJ’s Construction Supply, business located on 4505 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Mr.
Gary Adams commented severe penalties should be applied for catalytic converter theft.
Michelle Pino, Lawndale Library Manager, spoke about upcoming library programs and events.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
The City Council responded the City continues to monitor and address concerns with RJ’s Construction Supply, business located on 4505 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
3. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – April 18, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to approve the consent calendar was seconded by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas and carried by a vote of 5-0.
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 new 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 new term of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2026.
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report for the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) Appointment – Business Private Sector Representative. City Manager Sean M.
Moore clarified the SBWIB appointment will be a new position and new term.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
Councilmember Pat Kearney invited Mr. Edward J. Leiva to formally present himself to the Council.
Mr. Edward J. Leiva introduced himself and expressed his support for opportunity to serve and commitment to the youth community.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to review the submitted information from Mr.
Edward J. Leiva, as supported by the SBWIB; 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 new 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. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
5. Award of Construction Contract 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.
Public Works Director Julian Lee provided the staff report for Award of Construction Contract 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.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the construction project covers all of Redondo Beach Blvd. or section owned by the City.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the construction will include the areas of Redondo Beach Blvd. owned by the City and the cities of Redondo Beach and Torrance. Public Works Director Julian Lee commented the cities were not asked to share in project cost since the full funding for the project will be available from Metro’s Funding Agreement in Proposition C 25 Grant funds and Measure R funds from the South Bay Council of Governments (SBCOG), potentially minimal to no cost to the City.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the City’s General Fund will be used for this project.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded both Metro’s Proposition C 25 and Measure R funds will be used to cover all project costs.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if the cities of Redondo Beach and Torrance will share the construction cost.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded initially Redondo Beach and Torrance were contributing, however, based on the Metro’s Proposition C 25 and Measure R funds received, they will not need to contribution to the project.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the bid selection to award the construction contract.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the lowest bidder requested a Relief of Bid and then the second lowest bidder was selected.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on the selection of the fourth lowest engineering firm proposal to award the construction management contract.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the firm selected has an understanding and experience with the special technology needed for this project.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired on an engineer cost estimate completed for the project.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded the construction management services cost is typically estimated at 15% of the construction contract cost.
A motion by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez to award the construction contract in the amount of $2,111,000 to Hardy and Harper, Inc. for the Redondo Beach Blvd. Street Improvement Project; award construction management services in the amount of $191,000 to SA Associates for the Redondo Beach Blvd. Street Improvement Project; and approve the construction contingency amount of $422,200 for the project to avoid delays and facilitate timely project completion. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
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.
Community Services Director Mike Estes provided the staff report for Pedestrian Crossing Statistics Review- All City Management Crossing Guard Service.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested clarification on a controlled crosswalk.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded a controlled crosswalk has traffic lights and non-controlled crosswalk would not.
Councilmember Pat Kearney suggested to revisit this Agenda Item No. 6 after the current school year ends and agrees with recommendation no. 4 to eliminate three locations with the fewest number of recorded crossings at the controlled intersection of Manhattan Beach Blvd. /Prairie Ave., Marine Ave. /Freeman Ave., as well as a non-controlled intersection of W. 154thSt. /Osage Ave., instead of W.169th St. /Hawthorne Blvd.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if the informal pedestrian count made a distinction between adult and student pedestrians.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded the pedestrian count was informal and would generally only count children, however, if uncertain would count all pedestrians.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez responded she concurs with Councilmember Pat Kearney suggestions.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman inquired if the funding for cleaning bus stops can be applied to this project.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded Proposition A funding is related to streets and sidewalks, however, this funding could not be applied to crossing guard service.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired if adult pedestrians are counted in the crossing count.
Community Services Director Mike Estes responded everyone is counted with discretion.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas responded she concurs with Councilmember Pat Kearney to revisit this Agenda Item No. 6 next school year and eliminate the lowest two or three crossings.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the pedestrian count was an informal survey and not a scientific survey.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles responded also concurring with Councilmember Pat Kearney to revisit this Agenda Item No. 6 next school year and eliminate the lowest two or three crossings.
A dialogue ensued between City Council regarding revisiting this agenda item in July or before during budget process.
The City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file report and continue Agenda Item No. 6 to a future City Council meeting. No action was taken.
7. Report on Fence Permit Update
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the fence permits report.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
Acting/Interim Community Development Director Jared Chavez provided the staff report for the Report on Fence Permit Update.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez explained why she requested this agenda item, inquired how the City compared with other cities that do not require fence permits and requested clarification on how the permit process works for fence repairs.
Acting/Interim Community Development Director Jared Chavez responded a fence permit is required when installing a new fence or repairing more than 25%.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez requested staff to report on number of permit applications received, does the fee deter fence repairs or improvements, and other options besides requiring a fence permits.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding when a fence permit applies, the cost, number of violations for illegal fences, and fee waivers for seniors or low income families.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the City has an extensive wall and fence permit ordinance due to numerous zoning violations in the City. City Manager Sean M. Moore noted the fence permit fee is calculated based on time and material, one of the lowest fees, and do not require a building permit. City Manager Sean M. Moore added if City Council desires to change policy to allow for a waiver or subsidy there will be an additional process to review qualifications, assessments and staff time that would be required and can bring back an item for consideration by City Council.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles commented regarding the difference between building permit and zoning permit and commented the zoning fence permit fee is costly.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez commented she would like to see options for promoting homeownership and ways to encourage home improvement without financial burdens.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if the fence permit fee is refundable.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the fence permit fee is a flat fee, not a deposit fee, and covers staff time to process the application and inspections. City Manager Sean M. Moore commented the City Council can change the policy to allow for a deposit based fee, reduce or subsidize the fee using General Fund. City Manager Sean M. Moore added this change would not allow for cost recovery.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the fence permit fee can be a percentage of the cost for the fence.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded a percentage fee of the cost of the fence would require staff to request verification of the cost and evaluation of work. City Manager Sean M. Moore commented staff can return with a proposal with various actions for City Council to review.
The City Council reached a unanimous consensus to continue Agenda Item No. 7 to a subsequent City Council meeting.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Sean M. Moore announced and welcomed the new Director of Finance/City Treasurer Hrant Manuelian.
Director of Finance/City Treasurer Hrant Manuelian thanked the Council for the opportunity.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
8. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Pat Kearney attended the California Contract Cities Association Board of Director’s Outgoing President Mark Waronek Recognition meeting.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attended the California Contract Cities Association Board of Director’s Outgoing President Mark Waronek Recognition meeting and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Director meeting.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended the California Contract Cities Association Board of Director’s Outgoing President Mark Waronek Recognition meeting, the ribbon cutting event for Curly Girl Luv Beauty Supply, a State and Local Official webinar on democracy and voting rights, US Department of Health & Human Services “We Can Do This” zoom meeting.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested information on implementing a Lemonade Program event for the Lawndale community, an update on the Teen Center, and a report of pedestrian and vehicle collision near crosswalks when reviewing the school crossing guard program.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities Association Board of Director’s Outgoing President Mark Waronek Recognition meeting, the ribbon cutting for Curly Girl Luv Beauty Supply. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested an announcement for residents regarding the upcoming Memorial Day Remembrance event and Health, Safety and Pet Fair.
Community Services Director Mike Estes provided the details for the Memorial Day and Health, Safety and Pet Fair events.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman encouraged the residents to attend the upcoming events.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles attended the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board of Directors meeting and the ribbon cutting event for Curly Girl Luv Beauty Supply.
J. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
May 2, 2022
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 05/16/2022