MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 6, 2023
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 Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember
Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Pat Kearney.
Other Participants: City Clerk Erica Harbison, City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Greg M. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Ramon Valdoria, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Kearney led the flag salute and Pastor Dwight Dudley, Calvary Chapel South Bay, provided the inspiration.
C. PRESENTATION
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) - Wastewater Management Basil Hewitt, Public Information Supervisor, LACSD, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the history and functions of the LACSD.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities. b. LA County Fire Department Update
Los Angeles County Fire Department Duty Battalion Chief Valdoria summarized the recent local fire emergency activities.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Ray Hollar, Resident, spoke on the 192 Metro trains that will run through the city and expressed concerns regarding the length of the construction.
Robin Ramsey, Resident, expressed opposition to the Metro C Line Extension Project.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
Gary White, Resident, spoke on the Metro C Line Extension Project and stated that Metro will move the tracks west to put in the Metro line. He commented on the fireworks municipal code.
Matthew Harbison, Pastor, Lawndale Wesleyan Church, thanked the City Council for the fireworks stand opportunity and suggested that the related municipal code be amended to allow sales through December.
Victor Ibarra, Representative, SoCal Gas Company, provided an update on the gas price increases and provided background information on the regional market prices.
Armando Vicente, Resident, expressed opposition to the Metro C-Line Extension Project.
Audrey Limuti, Eagle Scout Candidate, requested to interview the Mayor as part of the Eagle Scout project.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
The City Council responded generally to the public comments.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman stated that she would like feedback from the City Manager on amending the municipal code for the fireworks reporting deadlines. She encouraged the public to attend the Metro public hearing meetings to voice their concerns.
Councilmember Kearney inquired about the $50 Gas Company credit for residents and the low- income program. He inquired about expired tags on vehicles.
Sergeant Smith responded to Councilmember Kearney's questions about expired tags and provided an update on the recent check point.
Councilmember Suarez inquired if a hard copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report was available at City Hall. She encouraged the public to attend Metro's public hearing meetings.
City Manager Moore responded that there is a hard copy at the front desk of City Hall.
Mayor Pullen-Miles inquired about the Gas Company's programs for nonprofits.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas encouraged the public to attend the Metro public hearing meetings.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the speakers and encouraged the public to attend the Metro public hearing meetings and stated that he will meet with the Eagle Scout candidate after the meeting.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2302-002 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,745,758.16.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - January 17, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Special Meeting - January 30, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary Report Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Suarez and carried by a vote of 5-0.
H. PUBLIC HEARING
7. Community Development Applications and Fees Report
Recommendation: that the City Council provide further direction on the Site Plan Review, Fence and Flatwork (Landscaping) application process and fees.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report with PowerPoint presentation slides.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding site plans, fees, fence requirements, fence guidelines, flatwork fees, permit requirements, compliance and elimination of flatwork permits.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to set the Community Development Department's fees at $2,500 for a Site Plan Review, $50 for a Fence Permit and $150 for a Flatwork/Landscaping Permit.
Councilmember Kearney amended his aforementioned motion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to recommend that the Community Development Department's fees be set at $2,500 for a Site Plan Review, $50 for a Fence Permit and $75 for a Flatwork/Landscaping Permit. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 3-2, with Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Suarez voting no.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
Selection of Projects for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (49th) Program Year of the Community Development Block Grant Program
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Conduct a public hearing; 2.) Adopt the FY 2023-24 budget for the CDBG program; and 3.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2302-003, Approving the City's participation in the FY 2023 - 24 CDBG Program.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 8:32 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 8:36 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to 1.) Conduct a public hearing; 2.) Adopt the FY 2023-24 budget for the CDBG program; and 3.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2302- 003, Approving the City's participation in the FY 2023-24 CDBG Program.
Councilmember Cuevas seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 5-0.
1. ADMINISTRATION
Award of Construction Contract to ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc., and authorization to purchase roofing material for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council: 1.) Award a construction contract in the amount of $411,400.00 to ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. of Santa Ana, CA, for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project; 2.) Authorize the City Manager to purchase the required roofing materials for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement project at $281,000.00; and 3.) Approve a budget amendment in an amount of $575,400.00 from ARPA fund account 285-310-700.291 to fully fund the Construction, City purchase of roofing materials, and Contingencies for this project.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding the use of local vendors for this type of project, bid process and concerns with ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez to 1.) Award a construction contract in the amount of $411,400.00 to ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. of Santa Ana, CA, for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project; 2) Authorize the City Manager to purchase the required roofing materials for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement project at $281,000.00; and 3) Approve a budget amendment in an amount of $575,400.00 from ARPA fund account 285-310-700.291 to fully fund the Construction, City purchase of roofing materials, and Contingencies for this project. Councilmember Kearney seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
10. Request for Approval of Professional Legal Services Agreement Related to Metro C Line Extension Project
Recommendation: that the City Council: a.) approve the Professional Legal Services Agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLC to provide specialized litigation and legal advisory services in a form approved by the City Attorney's Office; b.) authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to budget $110,000; and c.) find that the Professional Legal Services Agreement is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 1506l(b)(3).
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas inquired if the funding is from the General Fund reserves.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that the funding is from the General Fund reserves.
Councilmember Kearney expressed concern with the costs and recommended that a cap be placed on the budget.
City Manager Moore stated that he will monitor the expenditures very closely.
Lona N. Laymon, Partner, Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, introduced herself to the City Council and stated that she looked forward to working with the City.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comment segment.
Holly Osborne, Resident, commented on the discrepancies with the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project's diagrams in the public right of way.
Ray Hollar, Resident, commented that he has concerns about the dates to submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Report for the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comment segment.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez to a.) approve the Professional Legal Services Agreement with Aleshire & Wynder, LLC to provide specialized litigation and legal advisory services in a form approved by the City Attorney's Office; b.) authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to budget $110,000; and c.) find that the Professional Legal Services Agreement is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 1506l(b)(3). Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas seconded the motion which carried by a vote of 5-0.
11. Fireworks Update 2023
Recommendation: that the City Council consider one of the following options: 1.) City Council per LMC 8.12.100(A) bar Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, Christian Heritage Church, Lawndale Foursquare Church, and Lawndale Little League from receiving a fireworks stand permit for a period of five years and per LMC 8.12.100A disqualify the Rotary Club from applying for a fireworks permit stand for the upcoming year; and find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061 (b )(3); 2.) Other action as deemed appropriate by the City Council.
Director of Finance Manuelian presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comment segment.
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about his concerns with the reporting of the fireworks sales by the organizations and their noncompliance with the ordinance.
George Pelzl, Lawndale Little League, spoke on the letter he received from the City indicating that his organization was disqualified from participating in future Fireworks sales.
Assistant City Clerk Hall read a written public comment received from Reverend Adriana Kosacki, of Lawndale Foursquare Church, regarding the municipal code and disqualification of their organization from participating in future Fireworks sales.
Matthew Harbison, Pastor, Lawndale Wesleyan Church, commented on the timeframes and recommended that the deadlines be adjusted to allow more time to expend their funds.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comment segment.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding staff's review, adherence to the City's policies, timeframes, reporting requirements, incomplete reports and the municipal code.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas recused herself from participating in any decisions regarding this matter as she works with two of the organizations.
City Attorney Murphy stated that he will work with staff to find options to assist the organizations with the reporting requirements.
A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles to bar Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, Christian Heritage Church and Lawndale Foursquare Church from receiving a fireworks stand permit for a period of five years; and per LMC 8.12.100A disqualify the Rotary Club from applying for a fireworks permit stand for the upcoming year; and allow Lawndale Little League to make application for consideration of a fireworks stand permit; and find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061 (b)(3). Councilmember Suarez seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 3-0, with Councilmember Kearney voting no and Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas abstaining.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore announced the dates of the upcoming Metro C Line Extension Project's Public Hearing meetings.
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
12. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended a tour of the Hall of Justice, met with Los Angeles County Sheriff Luna and attended the virtual California Contract Cities Association's Legislative Committee meeting.
Councilmember Kearney attended the California Contract Cities Association's Board Meeting, Special Joint Meeting with the Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees, Beautification Committee's holiday decorating contest award ceremony, Sheriff's Liability Trust Oversight Committee meeting and the Wild Horse Pow Wow at Leuzinger High School.
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, Board of Directors Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the Special Joint Meeting with the Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees and the 25" Annual Wild Horse Pow Wow at Leuzinger High School.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Special Joint Meeting with the Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Meeting.
L. CLOSED SESSION
13. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
The City Council will hold a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), to conduct an employee evaluation concerning the City Manager.
City Attorney Murphy announced that the City Council would convene into a closed session and read the pertinent Government Code section to conduct an employee evaluation concerning the City Manager.
The City Council convened into a closed session at 10:07 p.m.
The City Council reconvened the open session of the meeting at 10:37 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action taken.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 6, 2023
M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m.
YE Pulle
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Eriea Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 2/21/2023