CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California 90260
Phone (310) 973-3200 – www.lawndalecity.org
AGENDA
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, October 17, 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. PRESENTATION
a. Senator Steven Bradford’s Office - Legislative Update D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 1 through 5, will be considered and acted upon under one motion unless a City Councilmember removes individual items for further City Council consideration or explanation.
1. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
October 17, 2022
2. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1191-22 amending the Municipal Code penalties for unlawful handbill distribution
Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 1191-22 amending the Lawndale Municipal Code to increase the citation amounts for non-permitted handbill distribution.
3. Amendment to City’s Conflict of Interest Code
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2210-050 amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and Rescinding Resolution No. CC-2009-050.
4. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2210-049 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $767,220.50
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – October 3, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
H. ADMINISTRATION
6. Potential Reschedule and/or Cancelation of Upcoming City Council Meetings Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Cancel the meeting of Monday, January 2, 2023; and 2) Determine if the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election results and conduct of other election related matters should be declared at the Monday, December 19, 2022 City Council meeting; or 3) Cancel the Monday, December 19, 2022 City Council meeting and call for a special City Council meeting to declare the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election results and conduct of other election related matters; or 4) Provide staff with other guidance and direction.
7. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
8. Professional Service Agreement Extension with De Novo Planning Group Recommendation: that the City Council approve to extend the professional service agreement with De Novo for the General Plan and Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan Update.
9. Transtech Engineers, Inc. Contract Agreement Extension Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the contract extension with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for staff augmentation services for the Community Development Department; and 2) 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.
Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
October 17, 2022
10. Update on Sales Tax Measure L Oversight Committee
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Take no action and continue to rely on the annual audit and budget to demonstrate that the City is accountable and spending funds responsibly, or 2) Ask staff to bring back an item to City Council to create a Citizen Oversight Committee for the Sales Tax Measure.
11. Approval to Dispose of Two Vehicles for Public Works Department Recommendation: that the City Council approve the sale of 2006 Toyota Prius and 2008 Ford Escape - Hybrid through our standard public auction process facilitated by Ken Porter Auctions in Carson, California.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
12. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Event K. CLOSED SESSION
13. 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.
K. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 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 October 17, 2022 was posted not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
____________________________________
Cynthia Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant
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MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
October 3, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:34 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 Greg Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Jose Salgado, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari
B. CEREMONIALS
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor Robert “Bob” Dobranski, The Way to God Church, provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department Update
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Salgado summarized the recent law enforcement activities and reviewed the police calls for service.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman requested the times to be included in the police calls for service report.
Lieutenant Salgado responded he will have the analyst review the times for the police calls received.
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas requested the report include the major categories of the police calls for service.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Gorman commended the School Resource Deputy Troy Hilliard for his work with the e-bike riders and commented on the lack of helmets on e-bike student riders.
Lieutenant Salgado responded the Deputies will continue to keep an eye on e-bike riders and other traffic violations during school hours.
b. Los Angeles County of Fire Department Update
5 Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Valdoria summarized the recent local fire emergency activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about unpermitted construction and zoning concerns with the business, RJ Construction, in the City.
Deena Sopko, Resident, spoke about automated vehicle license plate readers and about safety concerns with tinted windows on vehicles. Dena spoke about adding warnings for scams and fentanyl being placed in Halloween candy on the City’s website for the residents’ information.
Morrison Lucas, Resident, spoke about the parking and traffic issues on 153rd Place and Firmona Avenue and requested the City stop issuing parking citations and work with the schools to provide parents with a school route diagram to safely drop off children.
Samuel Cruz, Resident, spoke about automated vehicle license plate readers and expressed concerns with gang related activities and graffiti in the City. Mr. Cruz recommended a volunteer program to assist the senior residents to decorate their homes for the holidays. Mr. Cruz reminded all residents to register and vote in the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Kearney commended everyone for speaking. Councilmember Kearney spoke about the school parking and drop off route recommendation he provided to the school principle however, no action was taken.
Councilmember Suarez commended everyone for speaking and responded generally to the public comments. Councilmember Suarez concurred with Ms. Sopko regarding the scam warnings being posted online and recommended a meeting with the school district to review the parking and drop off concerns.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if tinted windows are illegal and requested enforcement from the Sheriff Deputies. Councilmember Suarez requested that a flyer on Halloween candy safety be prepared and recommended a meeting with the school district regarding the traffic and safety of students.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman concurred with Ms. Sopko’s comments regarding the vehicle license plate readers and the online warning of fentanyl in candy. Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman spoke about a meeting she had with a teacher from Jane Addams Middle School regarding the drop off and pick up traffic and recommended that parent volunteers patrol traffic.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman inquired about the location of the school drop-off loop and inquired if the traffic violations are on the sidewalk or on the school’s jurisdiction.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that traffic violations have been enforced for parking on the sidewalk and spoke of other parking violations on the City’s streets. Mr. Reyes Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
clarified the drop off and pick up locations and indicated that he discussed these matters with the school.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman recommend that Mr. Cruz contact the high schools to seek volunteers for Halloween decorating.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commended everyone for speaking. Mayor Pullen-Miles noted the school traffic is an ongoing issue and that the city will continue to work with the school district. Mayor Pullen-Miles concurred with the City Council and all comments made.
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. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2210-048 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $773,165.68
3. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – September 19, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez to approve the Consent Calendar and was seconded by Councilmember Kearney and carried by a vote of 5-0.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
4. Recommendation of Increase to Bail Amounts for Handbill Distribution by Commercial Businesses; approval of Resolution No. CC-2209-047 amending the City's Fine Schedule; introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 1191-22 amending the Municipal Code penalties for unlawful handbill distribution.
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) introduce, approve, and read by title only (waiving further reading) Ordinance No. 1191-22 to increase penalties for violations of Chapter 8.90 of the Municipal Code; and (b) Approve Resolution No. CC-2209-047 amending the City's Fine Schedule to increase the citation amounts for non-permitted handbill distribution.
Municipal Services Director Reyes provided the staff report for the recommendation of Increase to bail amounts for handbill distribution by commercial businesses.
Councilmember Suarez inquired if nonprofit organizations also have to obtain a permit for handbill distribution.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that nonprofit organizations must also obtain a permit for handbill distribution.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if warning notices are provided before a citation is issued.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded in keeping up with protocols, notices are provided.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Public Comment
Deena Sopko, Resident, spoke about the handbills being a nuisance.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
A discussion ensued between City Council and staff regarding the distribution of handbills, citation amounts, and enforcement by the City.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to introduce, approve, and read by title only (waiving further reading) Ordinance No. 1191-22 to increase penalties for violations of Chapter 8.90 of the Municipal Code. Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas to approve Resolution No. CC-2209-047 amending the City's Fine Schedule to increase the citation amounts for non-permitted handbill distribution. Councilmember Kearney seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
5. Update at request of City Council for additional information regarding the use of E-bikes and electronic scooters in the City of Lawndale Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this report.
Municipal Services Director Reyes provided the staff report for the use of E-bikes and electronic scooters in the City of Lawndale.
Mayor Pullen-Miles encouraged that warnings be given to the youth on E-bikes.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report.
6. Update on Enforcement of Noise Violations Due to Modified Vehicle Exhaust Systems
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this report.
Municipal Services Director Reyes provided the staff report for enforcement of noise violations due to modified vehicle exhaust systems.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report.
7. Update on Fireworks Reporting
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this report.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
Finance Director Manuelian provided the staff report for the Fireworks Reporting.
Public Comment
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about his concerns with the fireworks reporting and audits.
Councilmember Cuevas concurred with Mr. Abram’s comment regarding auditing all sixth of the non-profit organizations.
Councilmember Suarez requested to streamline the forms for the non-profit organizations.
Councilmember Kearney asked for clarification on the five year permit prohibition.
City Manager Moore responded clarification will be provided in the next staff report.
City Attorney Murphy provided clarification on the municipal code for the five year permit prohibition.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report.
8. American Rescue Plan Act funds Use Update
Recommendation: that the City Council provide guidance and direction.
Finance Director Manuelian provided the staff report for the American Rescue Plan Act funds Use.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman inquired if the funds can be used for license plate readers.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that he believed this was an allowable use of funds.
Councilmember Suarez inquired if the funds can be applied to the building of the teen center.
Finance Director Hrant Manuelian responded that not many items are excluded and that he would review this.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the Hofmann Community Center has been fixed and if the funds can be applied towards this project.
City Manager Moore responded that the HVAC system has not been replaced in the Community Center and it is in the budget this fiscal year.
Councilmember Cuevas requested to use funds for families financially affected by the pandemic and for new work trucks in the Public Works department.
City Manager Moore commented the trucks in the Public Works and Municipal Services Departments do need to be replaced and will help with the homelessness outreach.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
Mayor Pullen-Miles added that funds be applied to apply funds towards public safety, graffiti, homeless services, and concurred with City Council’s recommendations.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman requested the funds be applied towards an Emergency Management System for the community.
Councilmember Cuevas requested that the Homeless Issues Standing Committee could make recommendations to the Budget Subcommittee.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the report.
9. Third Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc.
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Third 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 $40,560.
Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari provided the staff report for the Third Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement for Staff Augmentation with W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc.
Councilmember Kearney inquired if this is the last amendment to the staff augmentation contract service.
City Manager Moore responded that he anticipates this will be the final amendment as a new Public Works Staff member is expected to come onboard soon.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if the cost of $40,000 is for one or two staff members from W.G. Zimmerman Engineering, Inc.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari responded that the amendment is for one person.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Third 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 $40,560.
Councilmember Suarez seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore spoke about the American Planning Association conference he attended.
City Manager Moore indicated that housing was the main topic and commented that he spoke with other organizations regarding homeless issues and encampments in the City.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
October 3, 2022
Councilmember Kearney attended the Sherriff’s Liability Trust Fund and Oversight Committee meeting and recommended the next Sheriff’s budget be reduced by 10%. He also attended the 3rd Annual Centinela Valley Union High School District Community Partner Breakfast.
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting and the 2nd District Mayoral meeting with Supervisor Holly Mitchell, on behalf of Mayor Pullen-Miles, and spoke about the City assembling a homeless plan for Measure H funding. Councilmember Suarez requested to receive an update on the Citizen Oversight Committee for the Sales Tax Measure.
Councilmember Cuevas had nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman attended a virtual meeting with Metro’s Transportation Deputy of the Chair of Metro and the California Contract Cities Association meeting.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a virtual meeting with Metro’s Transportation Deputy of the Chair of Metro. Mayor Pullen-Miles requested road repair and tree trimming schedules be placed on the City’s website.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired when trees are trimmed and if a resident has to wait for that time before requesting a tree to be trimmed.
City Manager Moore responded the trees are trimmed annually and if a tree is in a bad condition, the resident may request for a tree trimming.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 10/17/2022
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