MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 7, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Hofmann Kearney, Councilmember Sirl Cte Suarez, Councilmember Pat Other Participants: City Clerk Erica Harbison, City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Greg M. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Assistant to City Manager/Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Jose Salgado, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria, 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 Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor Jimmy Orellana, Calvary Chapel South Bay, 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 Hofmann Gorman requested information on the loud muffler citations and thanked him for addressing the issues on 147th Street. Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman also requested a timeline on how long it takes for investigations to be completed.
Lieutenant Salgado responded that he will continue to provide the loud muffler citation information and provided a general timeframe for the investigation process.
Councilmember Cuevas thanked Lieutenant Salgado for the information he provided and requested that the new motor officer monitor other streets in the evening.
Lieutenant Salgado responded that the motor officer will monitor additional streets in the evening.
Mayor Pullen-Miles inquired if there has been a decrease in catalytic converter thefts.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
Lieutenant Salgado responded that he believed that there has been a decrease in catalytic converter thefts.
b. Los Angeles County of Fire Department Update
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) Matthew Harbison, Lawndale Wesleyan Church, thanked the City and Community Services Director Estes for organizing a successful Halloween Haunt event.
Gary Adams, Resident, spoke about the former hardware store on the southwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard that was demolished and stated that the lots were not maintained by the city. He suggested that all vacant commercial lots be screened by a six-foot high fence. Mr. Adams spoke to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) regarding the homeless encampments.
Olfonso Fernandez, Resident, spoke about the vacant property on the corner of Marine Avenue and Burin Avenue and stated that it was full of trash and rodents.
Michelle Pino, Lawndale Library Manager, provided the current library programs being offered.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that the street paving at the corner of Kingsdale Avenue and 147" Street needed to be repaired and stated that this was reported a few weeks ago.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Kearney commended the Community Services Department and Community Services Director Estes for coordinating the Halloween Haunt event. He thanked everyone for speaking.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for speaking and responded generally to the public comments. Councilmember Suarez requested that the Caltrans Subcommittee continue to request that Caltrans provide maintenance at the homeless encampments.
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone for speaking and requested an update on the street paving issue at the corner of Kingdale Avenue and 147h Street. Councilmember Cuevas stated that the City is aware of the vacant property at Marine Avenue and Burin Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman thanked Community Services Director Estes and the department for organizing the Halloween Haunt event. She thanked everyone for speaking.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone for speaking. Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that Caltrans will be notified about the homeless encampment. He thanked Mr. Harbison for his comments about Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
the Halloween Haunt event. Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the Community Services Department and Community Services Director Estes for providing a great Halloween Haunt event. Mayor Pullen-Miles provided an update on Caltrans' maintenance efforts.
City Manager Moore provided an update on Caltrans' landscape contractor and the maintenance work that has been requested by the city.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Recondmendation: that the City Council approve.
ri Consideration of Claims for Damage Against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claims filed by Arthur Petrousian, Esq. on behalf of Maria Arevalo and Noemi Cortez and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimants.
Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2211-051 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $773,165.68 Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - October 17, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
LAWNDALE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
Annual Accounting of Lawndale Public Financing Authority Financial Activities Recommendation: that the Board of the Lawndale Public Financing Authority receive and file the annual accounting of financial activities.
Minutes of the Lawndale Public Financing Authority Annual Meeting - November 15, 2021
Recommendation: that the Directors approve.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar and was seconded by Councilmember Kearney and carried by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
G. PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of Ordinance No. 1192-22 to add Chapter 17.104 to Title 17 of the Lawndale Municipal Code pertaining to Citywide streamlining standards for electric vehicle charging station(s)
Recommendation: that the City Council a.) Conduct a public hearing; b.) Determine that Ordinance No. 1192-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and c.) Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1192-22, an Ordinance amending the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding EV charging stations to reflect recent changes in state law, and waive further reading.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report on the proposed ordinance pertaining to the Citywide streamlining standard for electrical vehicle charging stations.
Councilmember Suarez inquired about the electronic submission process, multi-family properties and site plan review requirements.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that electronic submissions are allowed for site plan reviews and that electronic payments are not accepted at this time.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff on the requirements for multi-family units.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired how the city would track residents using extension cords to charge their vehicles.
Community Development Manager Chavez stated that staff would follow up on any reports on the use of extension cords.
City Manager Moore clarified that any items submitted to the Building and Safety Department require an architect or an engineer to prepare plans; however, only an electrical permit is required for the installation of one or two electrical vehicle charging stations on residential properties.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff on providing additional information to residents regarding electrical permits for residential and multi-family properties, and the requirements for a site plan review.
City Attorney Murphy read the first reading of the proposed ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez to determine that Ordinance No. 1192-22 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1192-22, an Ordinance amending the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding EV charging stations to reflect recent changes in state law; not to require a site plan review for single-family and multi-family properties; and waive further reading. Councilmember Kearney seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
8. An Ordinance adopting 2022 building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, residential, green building standards, and existing building code updates, with local amendments, and finding of exemption from CEQA
Recommendation: that the City Council a.) Acknowledge that the Project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and b.) Adopt Ordinance No. 1193-22 updating building codes.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report on the proposed ordinance to adopt the 2022 building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, residential, green building standards, and existing building code updates, with local amendments, and finding of exemption from CEQA.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy clarified that the proposed ordinance would be introduced for first reading by title only this evening and that a public hearing would be scheduled for the December 5, 2022 City Council Meeting to consider the second reading and adoption of the ordinance. City Attorney Murphy read the first reading of the proposed ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to introduce, approve, and read by title only (waive further reading) Ordinance No. 1193-22 updating building codes; schedule a public hearing for the December 5, 2022 City Council Meeting to consider the second reading and adoption of the ordinance; and acknowledge that the Project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Councilmember Suarez seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
Request to Authorize the Sale of Cable TV Video Production Van and Equipment Recommendation: that the City Council approve the designation of the City's 2017 Video Production Van and four (4) Ikegami HD portable video camera systems to be surplus personal property and authorize the City Manager or designee to initiate the disposal of the property through a bidding process to sale the property.
Assistant to City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report regarding the request to authorize the sale of the Cable TV Video Production Van and Equipment.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
Councilmember Kearney inquired about the cost of the video production van.
Assistant to City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton responded that staff will work with the Finance Department to ensure that the video production van is valued at fair market value for the sale.
City Council reached a unanimous consensus to authorize the sale of the Cable TV Video Production Van and Equipment.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
a. Overview of California Contract Cities Association, City Managers' Summit City Manager Moore provided an update on his attendance at the California Contract Cities Association, City Manager's Summit. He spoke with the Southern California Association of Governments and the Department of Housing and Community Development about various topics, including loss of local control. City Manager Moore stated that grants will be available to property owners for the Multi-Family Soft-Story Retrofit Grant Program.
Councilmember Cuevas requested that the Multi-Family Soft-Story Retrofit Grant Program be posted on the city's website.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10. Local Travel Network Wayfinding Logo Survey - South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG)
Requested by Councilmember Bernadette Suarez.
Recommendation: that the City Council a.) Review the final three wayfinding design logo's for the Local Travel Network; and b.) Rank the three wayfinding design logo's in order of preference; and c.) Instruct City Delegate Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and/or the City Manager's Department, to relay the City of Lawndale's ranking in order of preference on the three wayfinding design logo's to the SBCCOG Board prior to the SBCCOG meeting of November 17, 2022.
Councilmember Suarez, presented the report on the Local Travel Network Wayfinding Logo Survey from the SBCCOG. She indicated that her preference is Option 3 - Rolling Turtle wayfinding design logo.
By consensus, the City Council selected Option 3 - Rolling Turtle wayfinding design logo.
11. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Kearney stated that he had not attended any meetings and wished everyone a happy Veterans Day and a happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Councilmember Kearney reminded everyone about the Field of Honor Veterans Day event hosted by the city Councilmember Suarez encouraged attendance at the Field of Honor event and thanked staff for organizing the Halloween Haunt event. She attended the South Bay Workforce Investment Board Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
November 7, 2022
27" Annual Awards ceremony and stated that two residents participated in the program.
Councilmember Suarez congratulated Hawthorne City Councilmember Olivia Valentine on receiving a prestigious award.
Councilmember Cuevas attended Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Family Wellness Resource Fair and thanked Community Services Director Estes for coordinating the Halloween Haunt event.
She attended the Homeless Solutions Subcommittee Meeting and the House of Yahweh 40"" Year Anniversary Celebration. Councilmember Cuevas wished everyone a happy Veterans Day and a happy Thanksgiving Holiday. She reminded everyone to vote on November 8, 2022.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman attended a virtual meeting with Supervisor Janice Hahn and a Metro Board Member and Staff. Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman attended the West Basin Water Harvest and announced that City Hall will be closed for Veterans Day. She encouraged residents to participate in the Field of Honor tribute.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Mayors' Cup Football Game and thanked staff for organizing the Halloween Haunt event. He attended a meeting with Supervisor Holly Mitchell regarding the C Line (Green) Extension Project and encouraged residents to attend the Field of Honor tribute.
He wished everyone a happy Veterans Day and a happy Thanksgiving Holiday.
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman requested that the Los Angeles County job fair link be posted on the city's website.
K. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Hofmann Gorman requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of longtime residents Roy Combs and Mary Combs.
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. in memory of longtime residents Roy Combs and Mary Combs.
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 12/05/2022