MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
January 17, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember
Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Pat Kearney.
Other Participants: City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Greg M. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes,
Community Development Manager Jared Chavez, Finance
Director Hrant Manuelian, Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor Eddie Vargas from Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Councilmember Hofinann Gorman thanked Sergeant Smith for the increase in patrol by the Sheriff's Department.
Battalion Chief Mike Lewis provided the Fire Department's report.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Michelle Pino, Lawndale Library Manager, provided the current library programs being offered.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that the street intersection of Kingsdale Avenue and 147th Street still needed to be repaired and other sidewalk hazards. She handed out photographs of the hazardous locations. She inquired how the Sheriff's Department handles animals that belong to individuals that are taken into custody.
Gary White, Resident, commented on bootleg businesses in residential areas. He indicated that an auto business is working on the weekends without a license. Mr. White stated he is opposed to the Metro C Line Extension Project.
Alejandro Aguirre, Resident, commented on the issuance of parking citations near the schools.
He spoke on the illegally parked Code Enforcement Officer at 153 Street and Firmona Avenue City Council Regular Meeting
January 17, 2023
Randall Abrams, Resident, spoke about his concerns with the reporting of the fireworks sales by the organizations and their noncompliance with the ordinance.
Sam Cruz, Resident, congratulated the re-elected City Councilmembers. He indicated that graffiti has not been removed in his neighborhood. He expressed concerns about the residential permit process and deposit receipts.
Raphael Farkouh, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line Extension Project and suggested that it be relocated to Hawthorne Boulevard.
William Mitchell, District Director from Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's Office, stated that he is the new District Director. He announced that Assemblymember McKinnor is hosting a Disaster Awareness Fair on March 4, 2023, at the Hawthorne Community Center.
Ray Hollar, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line Extension Project and the numerous amount of times that it is proposed to pass through the community.
Patsy Borunda, Resident, submitted a written comment stating that she is opposed to the Metro C Line Extension Project.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked City Manager Moore to provide an update on the street repairs, the Sheriff's Department handling of animals that belong to individuals that are taken into custody, and the illegal business. She commented on the Metro C Line Extension Project and thanked everyone for speaking this evening
City Manager Moore provided an update on the street repairs on Kingdale Avenue and the dog that was on the news.
Councilmember Kearney requested that the Municipal Services Department Director speak with Mr. Aguirre regarding his parking citation concerns.
Councilmember Suarez thanked the Library Manager for providing an update and indicated that a joint meeting between the City Council and Lawndale Elementary School District will be open to the public. She indicated that a report on fees will be discussed at a future City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas invited the public to come and speak to the City Council about any concerns or questions they have.
Mayor Pullen-Miles agreed with all of the previous comments made and congratulated District Director Mitchell on his appointment. He commented on the Metro C Line Extension Project and indicated that attendance at the public hearing meetings is important.
City Council Regular Meeting
January 17, 2023
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2301-001 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $863,752.81.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - December 19, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
3. Amendments to Facility Use/Instructor Agreements for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the attached First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Instructor for the following business entities: 1) Chapala Dance Academy, LLC; 2) Ever After Event Productions, LLC; and 3) Just Dance Company, LLC.
Consideration of Claims for Damage against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Hylan Hubbard and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Suarez and carried by a vote of 5-0.
G. ADMINISTRATION
5. City Council Subcommittees
Recommendation: that the City Council review the current subcommittee lists and direct stad on the Council on, replacemen norp fint never mbers so eid aid Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
Assistant City Clerk Hall provided the staff report on the current City Council Subcommittees.
Councilmember Suarez expressed interest in serving on the Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee in the future.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to modify the City/School District Park Maintenance and Joint Use Ad Hoe Subcommittee by adding Councilmember Suarez and removing Councilmember Kearney, and maintain the current appointments for the remaining subcommittees. Councilmember Suarez seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
6. Thank You Letter to Congresswoman Maxine Waters for FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Funding = Teen Center Project & Traffic Signs Replacement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) review the attached draft thank you letter; 2) provide feedback and edits, if necessary; 3) direct the City Manager's Department to final the letter to Congresswoman Maxine Waters; and 4) find the thank you letter to Congresswoman Maxine Waters exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEOA) pursuant to CEOA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
City Council Regular Meeting
January 17, 2023
City Manager Moore provided the staff report for the Thank You Letter to Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
By consensus, the City Council directed the City Manager's Department to finalize and send the Thank You Letter to Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
Lawndale Youth Development Center/Municipal Services Department Building Recommendation: that the City Council 1) review the attached conceptual property designs; and 2) provide feedback to staff regarding property design elements and relative project footprints prior to selecting one of the following options: 1) Approve Conceptual Development Area #1 and relative Project Construction Footprint for the eventual Lawndale Youth Development Center and Municipal Services Department Building using the existing building footprint as the project area; 2) Approve Conceptual Development Area #2 and relative Project Construction Footprint for the eventual Lawndale Youth Development Center and Municipal Services Department Building using the existing building footprint and adjacent areas as the project area; or 3) Provide further direction to staff.
Community Services Director Estes provided the staff report for the Lawndale Youth Development Center/Municipal Services Department Building.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas requested that a survey of the youth be conducted to receive feedback on the features they are interested in, including a skatepark. She indicated that her preference is Conceptual Development Area #2.
Councilmember Kearney indicated that he likes Conceptual Development Area #2; however, the removal of the parking could be an issue. He indicated that he likes Conceptual Development Area #1, as well.
Councilmember Suarez indicated that she likes Conceptual Development Area #2, especially the skatepark feature. She inquired about the status of the space for the Cable Department.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman indicated that her preference is Conceptual Development Area #2.
Mayor Pullen-Miles indicated that he likes Conceptual Development Area #2 and the indoor skatepark feature.
Community Services Director Estes stated that he will submit Conceptual Development Area #2 and thanked the City Council for their feedback.
8. Solutions for Community Center Second Level Outdoor Terrace Recommendation: that the City Council discuss the following options and determine subsequent action: 1) Renovate the community center second level terrace per Resolution 1A and related conceptual design at an estimated cost of $80,000.00; 2) Engage armed City Council Regular Meeting
January 17, 2023
security services and vehicle to patrol the Lawndale Civic Center and other key areas per Resolution 2A at an estimated cost of $180,675.00 annually; 3) Engage armed security services and vehicle to patrol the Lawndale Civic Center and other key areas per Resolution 2B at an estimated cost of $240,900.00 annually; 4) Engage armed security services and vehicle to patrol the Lawndale Civic Center and other key areas per Resolution 2C at an estimated cost of $301,125.00; or 5) Provide further direction.
Community Services Director Estes provided the staff report for the Solutions for Community Center Second Level Outdoor Terrace.
A discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding the various design options, security patrol options, hours of security personnel, additional homeless outreach services, funding, and renovations to the Community Center.
City Attorney Murphy indicated that an analysis from the Sheriff's Department should be completed at the time of the Requests for Proposals.
By consensus, the City Council concurred to move forward with engaging armed security services and to include homeless outreach services.
Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2022.
Finance Director Manuelian provided the staff report for the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter ending December 31, 2022.
The City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2022.
10. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council receives and files the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year ending June 30, 2022 and find this action exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
Finance Director Manuelian provided the staff report for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year ending June 30, 2022.
Councilmember Kearney thanked Finance Director Manuelian for the report and the improvements to the Finance Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Finance Director Manuelian for the changes made to the Finance Department.
The City Council reached a unanimous consensus to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year ending June 30, 2022 and find this action City Council Regular Meeting
January 17, 2023
exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore provided an update on the potholes on Firmona Avenue and indicated that staff would address illegal business in the street. He thanked Municipal Services Director Reyes for his homeless outreach efforts. City Manager Moore informed the City Council that Historian Janice Givens is retiring from the Historical Society.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
11. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked for an update on the tenants that had no heat and alarm issues with a school. She stated that she attended the California Contract Cities Association conference. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired if research could be done on a loud muffler ordinance. She requested that the recognition of Firefighters and Sheriff's Deputies be reactivated.
Councilmember Kearney attended the California Contract Cities conference.
Councilmember Suarez requested information on why fowl is not allowed in the City and the history of this matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the Asian Organization Alliance Chinese Enterprise Chamber event. She inquired about flooding at Rosecrans Avenue and Condon Avenue, bulky item pick- up, missing trash cans at bus stops, Chamber of Commerce presentation, and the General Plan status. She thanked Director of Municipal Services Reyes for his homeless outreach efforts.
Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that he attended the City Selection Committee meeting and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Martin Luther King, Jr Breakfast.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m. in memory of resident and long-time member of the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Maureen Grimes.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Efica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 2/06/2023