MINUTES OF THE
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 21, 2023
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 Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember
Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Pat Kearney.
Other Participants: City Clerk Erica Harbison, City Manager Sean M. Moore, Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari,
Community Development Manager Jared Chavez.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor Matthew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Councilmembers asked Sergeant Smith follow-up questions about his report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas requested that the Sheriff's Department and the City coordinate graffiti reporting and removal efforts.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested that the Sheriff's Department provide a report on the number of citations written for loud mufflers on Hawthorne Boulevard.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Michelle Pino, Library Manager gave a report on the activities of the library.
A Public comment was received via email from Randall Abram opposing the statue proposed at Leuzinger High School.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked Ms. Pino for presenting the library information and providing services to the community.
The City Council concurred with Councilmember Hoffman Gorman's acknowledgement of the library services.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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-2302-004 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $767,081.55.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - February 6, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
4. Planning Commission Appointments 2023 - 2025
Recommendatio in that thaiy Cos nail a a ection than 2 or spoint. b 2302-006; and (b) adopt the resolution as amended.
Parks, Recreation and Social Services Commission Appointments 2023 - 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the Mayor's appointments by directing staff to insert the appointees' names in Section I and 2 of Resolution No. CC- 2302-007; and (b) adopt the resolution as amended.
Personnel Board Appointments 2023 - 2025
Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the Mayor's appointments by directing staff to insert the appointees' names in Section I and 2 of Resolution No. CC- 2302-008; and (b) adopt the resolution as amended.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Suarez, and carried by a vote of 5-0.
Joanne Loeza and Ana Maria Grisales, Parks, Recreation and Social Services Commission (PRSSC) Candidates, introduced themselves and thanked the City Council for their appointments to the PRSSC Commission.
John S. Clark, Personnel Board Candidate, thanked the City Council for his reappointment.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Scott Smith, Vice-Chair, Planning Commission, for his continued service on the Planning Commission.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Public Hearing - Consideration of Resolution No. CC-2302-005 Amending the Administrative Citation Fees and Ordinance No. 1198-23 Amending the Lawndale Municipal Code to Increase Administrative Citation Fees to Illegal Vendors Which Engage in the Unlicensed Sale of Food, Goods, and Services within the City of Lawndale
Recommendation: that the City Council continue this Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of March 20, 2023.
City Manager Moore indicated that staff is recommending that this public hearing be continued to the March 20, 2023, City Council meeting as additional time is needed to review this matter.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to continue the public hearing to the City Council meeting of March 20, 2023. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 1197-23 to amend certain sections in Chapter 12.08 of Title 12 of the Lawndale Municipal Code establishing Encroachment Permits for Major Improvement Projects
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Conduct a public hearing; and B.) Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1197-23, an Ordinance amending Chapter
12.08 of Title 12 the Lawndale Municipal Code establishing Encroachment Permits for Major Improvement Projects to reflect recent changes in rules, regulations, and fees.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore explained that this ordinance is for major public improvement projects, with no impact to residential or small projects.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if the City Council would be able to provide input on the design of a project.
City Manager Moore replied that this would be subject to the requirements of the ordinance and the City Council's policies.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1197-23, an Ordinance amending Chapter 12.08 of Title 12 the Lawndale Municipal Code establishing Encroachment Permits for Major Improvement Projects to reflect recent changes in rules, regulations, and fees. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez read the ordinance by title only.
The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 1196-23 to amend the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan (HBSP) to prohibit car wash facilities within the HBSP and an exemption from CEQA
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Conduct a public hearing; B.) Determine that Ordinance No. 1196-23 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. 1196-23, an Ordinance amending the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan to prohibit car wash uses.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez inquired if a zone change could be made in the future to allow a certain number of car washes.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that this action could be done in the future.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:00 pm.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:00 pm.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if an owner would be allowed to retain the car wash use if they purchased it.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that the new owner would have six months to obtain a business license.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to Determine that Ordinance No. 1196-23 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1196-23, an Ordinance amending the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan to prohibit car wash uses.
The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez read the ordinance by title only.
The motion passed unanimously.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
H. ADMINISTRATION
10. Mid-Year Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Recommendation: that the City Council approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2022-2023; and find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(B)(3).
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles inquired about a staff member position for homeless outreach services.
City Manager Moore responded that he recommends a position for homeless outreach services based on the City's need. He further stated that funding needs to be identified.
Mayor Pullen-Miles indicated that he is in favor of a homeless outreach position focusing only on homeless outreach needs.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2022-2023; and find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(B)(3). The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
11. Street Sweeping Services - Contract Extension
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the month-month contract extension with Clean Street for citywide street sweeping services at the current rate until the next appropriate step is taken.
Mayor Pullen-Miles recused himself from this matter due to a conflict of interest he has with the company.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) process will be the next step to continue the street sweeping services.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked when the RFP will be issued.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari replied that the RFP will be issued as soon as possible before the end of the fiscal year.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the month-month contract extension with Clean Street for citywide street sweeping services at the current rate until the next appropriate step is taken. The motion passed 4-0, with one (1) abstention by Mayor Pullen-Miles.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore announced that the Lawndale Little League received assistance with the installation of their lights. He reported that he and staff assisted an individual who needed homeless services and thanked Gardena Memorial Hospital for their assistance. City Manager Moore also announced that Clean-Up week is March 11-19, 2023, and reminded the public that the Metro public hearing will be held on February 25, 2023, at Lawndale High School.
Councilmember Suarez announced that a bulky item pick-up service will be offered during clean- up week.
Mayor Pullen-Miles requested that City Manager Moore receive recognition for his efforts on assisting the individual who needed services.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
12. Russell Westbrook Statue
Recommendation: that the City Council review the project, and if approved; 1) Award a contract in the amount of Not-To Exceed (NTE) $10,000 to Rotblatt Amrany for the design phase of the Russell Westbrook Statue; 2.) Direct staff to bring back the conceptual design to the City Council for review and approval, and to decide on whether a 6-foot, 7- foot or 8-foot-tall statue would be desired; 3.) Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Rotblatt Amrany for the next phases of the project, specifically fabrication and site work phases for a turnkey delivery of the project; and 4.) Authorize the City Manager to identify funding at the various phases of the project, specifically NTE $10,000 for design, up to $157,000 for fabrication, and up to $33,000 for site work.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked that this item be retracted from the agenda.
By consensus, the City Council did not consider this item.
13. Chickens in Residential Areas History Report
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
Community Development Manager, Chavez, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez indicated that she requested this report and asked the City Council if they were interested in receiving information on the requirements to allow hens in the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas indicated that she would like additional information, including the fees.
Councilmember Kearney stated that he does not support chickens in residential areas.
City Manager Moore stated that staff will research the requirements and bring back a report.
14. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman reported that she attended the Metro Meeting at Lawndale High School and the Metro zoom call meeting. She shared that she and Councilmember Kearney Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
February 21, 2023
attended the California Contract Cities Association Meeting where they honored the hero of the Monterey Park shooting incident.
Councilmember Kearney reported that he attended the California Contract Cities Association Meeting.
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee Meeting. She indicated that the Committee will be discussing the Metro C Line (Green) Project at their next Traffic Meeting. She also attended the online Metro Meeting last week, as well as the SBCCOG's Department of Mental Health Meeting on homeless services.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the Metro C Line (Green) Project Meeting and thanked all the residents that attended. She encouraged residents to attend the next meeting on February 25, 2023. She requested that the sidewalks of closed businesses on Hawthorne Boulevard from 147'h Street to Rosecrans Boulevard be cleaned
City Manager Moore replied that the Public Works Department will clean up the area on Hawthorne Boulevard.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Metro C Line (Green) Project public hearing meeting at Lawndale High School and thanked the residents for attending the meeting. He shared his disapproval of the Metro C Line (Green) Project because it will not bring economic development opportunities to the City and due to the environmental impacts it will have on the community.
He also attended the Metro zoom meeting and met with a small group of residents about their concerns with Metro's alternative route on Condon Avenue. He encouraged residents to attend the Metro public hearing meeting on February 25, 2023. Mayor Pullen-Miles noted that Metro's February 15, 2023, public hearing was cut short due to an incident and asked the City Manager if he could contact Metro.
City Manager Moore stated that he would contact Metro to inquire if another public hearing could be scheduled.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m. 1 Pathan
Lobert Pullen-Miles, Mayo
ATTEST:
Stak
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 3/06/2023