MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
June 6, 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 Murphy, Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Ricky Osburn, Battalion Fire Chief Ramon Valdoria, 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
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor George Magdalany, Hope Chapel Hawthorne, provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. LA County Sherriff’s Department Updates
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Ricky Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas reported a catalytic converter theft incident near Grevillea Ave. and 161 St.
Sergeant Ricky Osburn responded he will pass the information to a patrol deputy.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas commented some residents are afraid of filing reports with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department due to safety reasons.
Sergeant Ricky Osburn responded a resident may contact him directly at the Sheriff’s Service Center and he will ensure protection for the resident.
Sergeant Ricky Osburn introduced Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Operations Lieutenant, Monica Botello, from South Los Angeles Station.
Lieutenant Monica Botello introduced herself as the acting captain for the next 3 weeks and noted she is available at the Lawndale Sheriff’s station.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022
b. LA County Fire Department Updates
Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria summarized the recent local fire emergency activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Michelle Pino, Lawndale Library Manager, spoke about upcoming library programs and events.
Deena, Resident, shared information from a neighborhood app regarding a pet food donation, fireworks litter and impacts fireworks have on veterans, senior adults and animals.
RJ’s Construction Supplies, Assistant Manager, commented on the progress of the work completed and the company will be in compliance with the code on time.
Randal Abram, Resident, spoke about illegal fireworks concerns and the suppression plan.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested staff to ensure fireworks booths are in compliance with City codes.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired on the status of fireworks manufacturer’s contributions to the community.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded staff investigated on other cities and found there is not direct way to tax fireworks manufacturers to offset the City’s fireworks suppression plan costs and staff will continue to look into it.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. First Amendment to Staff Augmentation Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc.
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc., extending services for a six (6) month term, July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, in an amount not to exceed $39,000 (b) and authorize the Finance Department to transfer $39,000 from the Community Development Department’s “Salaries-Full Time” account to the department’s “Contract Services” account.
2. November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election – Calling for the Election, Requesting County Consolidation and Services, and Adopting Regulations for Candidates Statements
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) adopt Resolution No. CC-2206-024, calling for the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election, designating the Assistant City Clerk as the Election Official; (b) adopt Resolution No. CC-2206-025, requesting County Services; and (c) adopt Resolution No. CC-2206-026, adopting candidate statement regulations.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022
3. Conflict of Interest Code Notification
Recommendation: that the City Council direct staff and the City Attorney to review the City’s Conflict of Interest Code to determine whether any revisions are required and to submit findings to the City Council no later than October 3, 2022.
4. Annual Investment Policy
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2206-027, reaffirming City Council Policy No. 80-04 pertaining to the City’s Investment Policy.
5. Telecom Law Firm – Third Amendment to Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the Third Amendment to the agreement with Telecom Law Firm PC for an additional fee no to exceed $26,000 increasing the total contract sum to $100,500 and (b) extend the agreement term to June 30, 2023.
6. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Law Enforcement Services Agreement and Service Level Authorization
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the $108,012 increase to the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 for costs of Sheriff’s Services for the City, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Service Level Authorization on behalf of the City.
7. Photocopier Lease and Maintenance Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into the NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement with Ricoh USA, Inc., and execute any other documents necessary to implement the agreement with Ricoh USA, Inc. for the lease and maintenance of five (5) copiers for five (5) year period.
8. Consideration of Claim Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Mercury Insurance Company on behalf of Rolando Juniel and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
9. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2206-023 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $230,277.21.
10. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – May 16, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
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. ADMINISTRATION
11. Award of Contract for Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services to Mariposa Landscapes, Inc.
Recommendation: that the City Council award the proposed agreement to Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $2,748,379.98 over a three year term with the Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022
option to extend for two additional one-year terms, for the Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services (b) reject all other proposals received.
Public Works Director Julian Lee provided the staff report for the Award of Contract for Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services to Mariposa Landscapes, Inc.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if local vendors were considered.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded a lot of contractors are regional and did not submit proposals.
A motion by Councilmember Pat Kearney to award the proposed agreement to Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $2,748,379.98 over a three year term with the option to extend for two additional one-year terms, for the Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services and reject all other proposals received. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
12. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation Services Agreement with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc.
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc. for 2022 Public Works Department staff augmentation for an amount not to exceed $38,400.
Public Works Director Julian Lee provided the staff report for First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation Services Agreement with W.G.
Zimmerman Engineering, Inc.
A motion by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas to approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc. for 2022 Public Works Department staff augmentation for an amount not to exceed $38,400.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
13. Potential Cancellation of the Upcoming City Council Meeting Recommendation: that the City Council cancel the following City Council meeting:
Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report for the Potential Cancellation of the Upcoming City Council Meeting.
The Council reached a unanimous consensus to cancel the City Council meeting: Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Resolution Opposing Eligible Tribal Gaming Initiative Request by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2206-028 affirming the opposition to California Legalize Sports Betting and American Indian Lands Initiative related to sports betting on tribal gaming casinos and licensed racetracks in California.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez spoke about the ballot measure provision for Sports Betting and American Indian Lands Initiative and how a specific added provision to the initiative regarding the Labor Code Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) will be harmful to the regional.
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if this initiative would allow tribal gaming casinos in California to add card rooms and racetracks.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez responded the provision would change the California Constitution and allow tribal gaming casinos to sue the card gaming rooms directly which would impact the tax revenues for certain contract cities.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested more information.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez responded the above item can be tabled and revisited during a future City Council meeting for Council to further review.
City Manager Sean M. Moore explained it is a complicated issue and the initiative affects local card rooms and can create job losses. City Manager Sean M. Moore added with more time given staff can do additional research and bring back the item to the City Council.
Without objection, the City Council tabled Item No. 14 to be heard at a subsequent meeting.
15. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Pat Kearney had nothing to report.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attend the Lawndale Memorial Day event and commended all speakers and staff. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attended South Bay Cities Council of Government Board of Director’s meeting and commented regarding complaints regarding coyote sightings in the area.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended the League of California Cities General meeting, El Camino College 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration Concert, and the Lawndale Memorial Day Event and commended staff and the speakers. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested staff review the permit fees for flatwork permits to replace lawns.
City Manager Sean M. Moore explained flatwork permits fees were increased as approved by City Council but staff can review the permit fees.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman attended a meeting with Metro and attended the Lawndale Memorial Day Event and commended staff for their work. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested residents report catalytic converter theft to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas invited everyone to attend Lawndale Little League Closing Ceremony.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman encouraged everyone to follow the Lawndale Historical Society Facebook page.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles attended the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee Regular meeting, Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board of Directors meeting, the Lawndale Memorial Day Event and commended staff and speaker for their work. Mayor Robert PullenMiles requested a report and update to residents regarding street repairs schedule and status.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded staff is completing a 2022 Pavement Management Plan and it will include a list of streets that will be repaired over the next 5 years and will be posted online upon completion.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if a resident could contact the Public Works Department to report potholes.
Public Works Director Julian Lee responded staff is reviewing an on-call contractor for pothole repairs but stated reports can be made to the Public Works Department and will be temporarily repaired until permanent repairs can be completed.
City Manager Sean M. Moore added staff will add the pavement management plan to the City website.
Councilmember Pat Kearney encouraged everyone to vote in the June 7, 2022 election.
I. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 6/21 /22