MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 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 Acting Captain Monica Botello, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez led the flag salute and Pastor Dwight Dudley with Calvary Chapel South Bay provided the inspiration.
C. PRESENTATION
1. Drought Update
Presented by: Edwin De Leon, Water Use Efficiency Manager, Golden State Water Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired on the grace period before the fee is applied for water overuse during the water conservation period.
Edwin De Leon, Golden State Water, responded the conservation period was applied by the state and if the resident goes over the 20% water allocation the additional surcharge will not be applied.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired on the reason for the 20% conservation while the basin holds enough ground water.
Edwin De Leon, Golden State Water, responded Golden State Water did not call for the water restriction and other areas don’t have a water shortage and are also asked to reduce their water usage by 20%.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Acting Captain Monica Botello summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
Councilmember Pat Kearney provided a commendation to Sergeant Ricky Osburn and deputies who responded to a call for service he placed.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about concerns about a sidewalk repair needed on Mansel Ave. that is a potential trip hazard, commented the City should allow DesertScape and AstroTurf to better conserve water, and noted a safety and health hazard from homeless encampments near the 405 freeway.
Cynthia Gonzalez, Resident, inquired on an update for her property’s permit, concerns with the Community Development Department and concurred with Gary Adams regarding the sidewalk repair needed on Mansel Ave. and homeless encampments near 405 freeway.
Samuel Cruz, Resident, spoke about concerns with the permit approval status for his property, concerns with the Community Development Department and the elections process, and noted he will be running for City Council.
Juan Carlos Alvarado, Resident, spoke about 40 years of water overflow onto his property from the neighboring school off of Prairie Ave. and Manhattan Beach and requested assistance in resolving the issue.
Blanca Stella and Esperanza Augusto Gallo, Residents, spoke about ongoing concerns with a noise nuisance from a neighbor and noted the Sheriff Deputies have responded however the neighbors continue after the deputies leave.
Randal Abram, Resident, spoke about City Council meetings after the 4th of July, fireworks audit and illegal fireworks concerns and City Council’s actions.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Pat Kearney requested staff review the sidewalk at Mansel Ave. and the water overflow concerns from Resident, Juan Carlos Alvarado.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff is working on mitigating the sidewalk matter with the property owner. City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff has been in communication with Juan Carlos Alvarado regarding the water overflow concerns with his property and with the school district, since the issue involves school property.
Councilmember Pat Kearney requested staff meet with residents, Blanca Stella and Esperanza Augusto Gallo regarding the loud noise from the neighbor.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired on the estimated time of completion of the Mansel Ave. sidewalk repair and on the status of the conditions for Cynthia Gonzalez and Samuel Cruz’s home.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff is reviewing the City’s sidewalk program, working with the business owner to mitigate the sidewalk repair issue and added staff can bring an item for City Council consideration after a full review is completed.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded staff has been working with the applicants, Community Development Department has conditionally approved the application and it is now with Building and Safety department where corrections were required and noted the applicant recently resubmitted their plans.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if there is a possibility the application will be cleared and approved by August 1st, the date tenants intend to occupy the home.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded it is probable if the applicant addresses the corrections issued by Building and Safety. Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez added additional code enforcement issues were brought to the applicant’s attention after a Code Enforcement Officer inspected in efforts to assure everything is up to code.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez commented she and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas are on the Homeless Issues Standing Committee and have had conversations with other agencies and organizations to provide assistance and outreach services to the City. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez added the Homeless Issues Standing Committee is expecting to meet with PATH representatives. Councilmember Bernadette Suarez requested staff assist the residents resolve the water overflow concerns and asked for additional information on how noise concerns are enforced.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested staff work with residents Cynthia Gonzalez and Samuel Cruz to resolve the permit matters. Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired if the sidewalk repair request was a part of RJ’s Construction original repair conditions.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the original conditions for RJ’s Construction were zoning related and the sidewalk repair is on the City’s public right-of-way and reiterated staff is working with the business to determine what needs to be done.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested staff resolve the sidewalk, public right-of-way, matter this month.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded certainly.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas responded directly to the public commenters that staff will review their concerns regarding noise nuisance and the water overflow concerns.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas reiterated Councilmember Bernadette Suarez comments regarding the homeless concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman concurred with Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas comments and directions and inquired if the neighbor causing the noise nuisance is a tenant or the homeowner.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested staff review the use of Astro-Turf landscaping and commented the City will continue to work with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to abate the homeless encampments and provide services to the individuals. Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles reiterated and concurred with City Council’s comments and directions regarding permit requests and the water overflow concerns.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes address the noise abatement potentially using code enforcement citations or mediation services.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes commented he will meet with the residents to collect further information regarding noise nuisance and confirm if there is an open case and added if the disturbing noise occurs during City afterhours the Sheriff Deputies respond.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles added organizations awarded fireworks stands are required to use funds in compliance with City policy and commented the City will continue to monitor and conduct audits for the firework sales.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Consideration of Claim Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Billye FairleyHernandez and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
3. Approve and Readopt the City-Wide Salary Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve Resolution No. CC-2207-038, readopting the City-wide Salary/Pay Schedule for all approved AFSCME and CMT positions.
4. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2207-036, authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,060,174.38
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Special Meeting – June 21, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – June 21, 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.
H. ADMINISTRATION
7. California State Grant Funds for a Multi-Use Facility Recommendation: that the City Council City Council adopt Resolution CC-2207-037 to receive state funding for teen center complex project and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with California Natural Resources Agency.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report on behalf of Community Services Director Mike Estes for the California State Grant Funds for a Multi-Use Facility.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested to clarify the center will provide programs for “youth” opposed to “teens” and added the funding allocated by the governor’s office at the request of former assembly member Autumn Burke.
A motion by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez to adopt Resolution CC-2207-037 to receive state funding for teen center complex project and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with California Natural Resources Agency. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
8. League of California Cities Annual Conference
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) select a delegate and an alternate to represent the city at the 2022 League of California Cities Annual Conference and (b) direct staff in the City Clerk Department to forward the appropriate formal minute action of such designation to the League of California Cities and the City Manager Department and (c) determine if additional Councilmembers will attend the conference, including the funding account and, if yes (d) direct the Director of Finance to identify and appropriate the additional funding required , and make the appropriate transfer of funds to City Council travel expense accounts.
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report for League of California Cities Annual Conference.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired on the budget allocation for the delegate and the alternate.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the City Council travel and meetings account is budgeted in current Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for $1,850 for one voting delegate and one voting alternate to attend the conference.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas extended to represent the City as an alternate and Councilmember Kearney requested to be the alternate.
A dialogue ensued between City Council regarding the selection and budget allocations with a possibility to amend the selections in the future.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to designate Councilmember Sirley Cuevas as the voting delegate and Councilmember Kearney as the alternate delegate.
9. School Crossing Guard Service review for Academic Year 2022-23 Recommendation: that the City Council consider the following three options as it pertains to the potential elimination of crossing locations for the academic year 2022-23: a) Make no changes to the existing agreement b) Manhattan Beach Blvd./ Prairie Ave., Freeman Ave. /Marine Ave., and W. 169th St. /Hawthorne Blvd., c) Manhattan Beach Blvd. /Prairie Ave., Freeman Ave./Marine Ave., and Freeman Ave./ Manhattan Beach Blvd. d) Manhattan Beach Blvd. /Prairie Ave., Firmona Ave./ Manhattan Beach Blvd., and Freeman Ave./ Manhattan Beach Blvd. e) Manhattan Beach Blvd./ Prairie Ave., Freeman Ave./ Marine Ave., and W. 154th St./Osage Ave.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report on behalf of Community Services Director Mike Estes for School Crossing Guard Service review for Academic Year 2022-23.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if the informal survey noted which areas needed a crossing guard and inquired about liability/exposure to the City.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded one area of concern was W. 169th St. and Hawthorne Blvd. is a controlled intersection that was noted to be difficult to navigate and deferred to City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy regarding liability.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy concurred with City Manager Sean M. Moore regarding the concerned intersection and noted that if City Council decides to take action, notice will be provided to residents regarding the intersection change in service and recommended the item be brought back and placed on the agenda if make a decision different from what is being proposed this evening.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas recommended to move forward with option c).
Councilmember Pat Kearney agrees with option e) since the intersection is a signalized crosswalk.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman concurred with Councilmember Pat Kearney.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested to be reminded as to why this item is up for City Council’s review.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded it was City Council’s request to review the crosswalks for any unnecessary crosswalks.
A lengthy dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the crosswalk options, selecting two locations Manhattan Beach Blvd./ Prairie Ave., and Freeman Ave. /Marine Ave. and maintaining W. 169th St. /Hawthorne Blvd.
A motion by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas to approve option b) to eliminate two (2) crossing locations for the academic year 2022-23, Manhattan Beach Blvd./ Prairie Ave., and Freeman Ave. /Marine Ave., Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
10. Community Development Permit Deposit Based Fees
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Community Development Deposits Report.
City Manager Sean M. Moore commented Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez will provide the report and noted the staff report will include an update to City Council on the approved 2018 Citywide fee schedule, deposits received and refunded from 2018-2021.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez provided the staff report for the Community Development Permit Deposit Based Fees.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore added the City was not recovering cost for Building and Safety services and the Community Development Department was tasked to identify ways to assist in recovering cost for services and updated the Department’s fees in 2017 and 2018. City Manager Sean M Moore commented that in 2021 a Citywide Fee Study was completed that confirmed the department fee study in 2017 and 2018 and determined the fees were still low for cost recovery.
Public Comment
Samuel Cruz, Resident, spoke about concerns with the fees for homeowners to improve the properties.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez inquired if staff time is subsidized, if so what is the cost; inquired about the why deposits were low in 2020 and recommended staff review options to reduce staff time.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the Building and Safety Department staff are not paid by the City’s general fund but out of the fees and the City is not able to subsidize any fees.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded city facilities were closed to the public in 2020 and residents were doing work on homes without permits therefore no site plans and fees were submitted.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas recommended staff place a set fee based on the average site plan review time and then charge for any additional staff time.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez recommended staff to streamline the application and permit process to prevent a discourse of conditions and resubmissions.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez noted staff work with residents’ to assist them prior to an application submission, have an online permit submission option available, and are currently working on an online payment system.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas asked what percentage of applications are code violations.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez responded 90% of the application submission have code violations.
A discussion ensued between City Council and staff regarding deposits, the fee amount, a proposed flat fee, and the application process for approving permits and fees based on several variations for residential homes.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded City Council can amend the fees and the budget and staff can bring back the item for City Council consideration.
Public Comment
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
Cynthia Gonzalez, Resident, spoke about fees and permit process at other cities using online process.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report and bring back the item for City Council’s further discussion regarding site plan application fees for residential properties at a subsequent meeting.
11. Community Development Permit Fees Report
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Community Development Permit Fees Report.
Acting Director of Community Development Jared Chavez provided the staff report for the Community Development Permit Fees Report.
A discussion ensued between City Council and staff regarding the effect from the implementation of fence permits, flatwork permits, percentage of code cases compliance, and the permit fees.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report and bring back an item for City Council’s further discussion regarding the reduction or elimination of flatwork and fence permit fees at a subsequent meeting.
12. Quarterly Investment Report for June 30, 2022
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Finance Director Hrant Manuelian provided the staff report for the Quarterly Investment Report for June 30, 2022.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired on the rate and risk for the US Treasury Bills.
Finance Director Hrant Manuelian responded it fluctuates day to day and auctioned off with no risk.
Public Comment
Gary Adams, Resident, asked why City charging fees if the City has a surplus.
Finance Director Hrant Manuelian responded cash balance is not a surplus or deficit it’s cash balance the City has on hand and not a fund balance.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
13. Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation Professional Services
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc. for 2022 Public Works Department staff augmentation for an amount not-to exceed of $72,000.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Manager Sean M. Moore provided the staff report on behalf of Public Works Director Julian Lee for the Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation Professional Services
Councilmember Pat Kearney inquired if the Public Works Director can fill in for the vacant staff position.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded the Public Works Director has supported the engineer positions and the proposed contract amendment will be the last one and staff is working on filling the position.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired on the qualification requirements for the vacant engineer positions.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded there are two engineer positions, one as entry level the other is advanced.
A motion by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas to approve the Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc. for 2022 Public Works Department staff augmentation for an amount not-to exceed of $72,000.
Councilmember Pat Kearney second the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
14. 2022 Illegal Firework Suppression Plan Update
Recommendation: that the City Council review and file the 2022 Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan Update.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for 2022 Illegal Firework Suppression Plan Update.
Public Comment
Randal Abram, Resident, recommend the City post meeting information on Social Media and spoke about concerns with the reported calls and citations over the 4th of July holiday.
Gary Adams, Resident, spoke in favor of legal fireworks.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested staff streamline the process to issue citations rapidly and gather more illegal firework offenders. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman commented the 2023 illegal firework suppression plan should include an increase to the fines for repeated offenders.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded he will meet with Sergeant Ricky Osburn to gather information on the dispatch process.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the alert system for illegal fireworks, managing repeated offenders, and citations issued to renter or homeowners.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy recommended staff can draft enhanced fine amounts and bring back the item for City Council consideration. City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy added City Council may not decide on the minutiae of how citations are issued.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report and bring back an draft enhanced fine amount item for City Council’s consideration.
15. Consideration of Ordinance making possession of Catalytic Converters a violation of the Lawndale Municipal Code
Recommendation: that the City Council direct staff to draft an ordinance making the possession of a catalytic converter a violation of the Lawndale Municipal Code.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for Consideration of Ordinance making possession of Catalytic Converters a violation of the Lawndale Municipal Code.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman inquired if surrounding cities have implemented an ordinance making possession of Catalytic Converters a violation of the Lawndale Municipal Code.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded City of Artesia is the first to apply the ordinance.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the illegal possession of catalytic converters, the process and possible results of the ordinance.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to bring back Item No. 15 for further review and City Council consideration.
16. Coyote Plan Update
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Coyote Plan Update report.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for the Coyote Plan Update.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles inquired what would a coyote management plan entail.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded the coyote plan would include protocols to follow and lead up to trapping the coyotes.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested clarification on the City’s responsibilities with wild animals.
A dialogue ensued between City Council and staff regarding the City responsibilities with wild animals, the coyotes nesting areas, and the plan to include components for resident’s safety.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the Coyote Plan Update report.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
17. Updated on Commercial Vehicle Parking on Prairie Ave.
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Commercial Vehicle Update on Prairie Ave.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes provided the staff report for the Update on Commercial Vehicle Parking on Prairie Ave.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas inquired about the commercial parking on Manhattan Beach Blvd., East of Prairie Ave.
Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes responded it is the Los Angeles County decision to make that area available for commercial parking.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the update on Commercial Vehicle Parking on Prairie Ave. report.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
No items to report.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
18. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Pat Kearney attended the City of Hawthorne State of the City Address event, the City Council Special Meeting with Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, the Sherriff’s Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee, ribbon cutting event for Pollo Campero in Lawndale, and the 2022 Alondra Park Ho’olaule’a event.
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez attended South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting, the Homeless Solution Subcommittee meeting, City of Hawthorne State of the City Address event, the City Council Special Meeting with Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, a meeting with a City of Rancho Palos Verdes councilmember, ribbon cutting event for Pollo Campero in Lawndale, South Bay Cities Council of Governments staff appreciation event for homeless services division, and a meeting with Southern California Edison.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas attended the Homeless Solution Subcommittee meeting, the City of Hawthorne State of the City Address event, the City Council Special Meeting with Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, the ribbon cutting event for Pollo Campero in Lawndale, the 2022 Alondra Park Ho’olaule’a event, and South Bay Cities Council of Governments staff appreciation event for homeless services division.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested an update on the status of the Youth Advisory Committee meetings; if the new youth center will include the Youth Advisory Committee; status on the parks contracts discussion; requested a future item for City Manager’s performance review; inquired if signs for the Lawndale Beat bus will be removed while the bus is inactive; commended Community Services Director Mike Estes and staff for acquiring the TAP Grant; Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
and inquired if employees of a business can park on a public street, instead of in the business parking lot.
City Manager Sean M. Moore responded staff will review the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding the employee parking on a public street.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman attended a virtual meeting regarding the state of the homelessness. Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman commented City Council should consider contracting a lobbying firm for a representative in the matters with METRO.
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles attended the ribbon cutting event for Pollo Campero and the City Council Special Meeting with Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department.
K. CLOSED SESSION
At 10:23 p.m. the City Council entered into Closed Session.
19. 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 Rancho Palos Verdes, et al. v. Rob Bonta, et al, LASC Case No. 22STCP02369.
At 10:35 p.m. the City Council entered back into Open Session.
City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy reported that the City Council was update on the item listed on the Closed Session agenda and there were no reportable action taken.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:36 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 08/01/2022