MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 20, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. 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, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute. Pastor Don Schmolder of Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested that Officer Stern receive an acknowledgement for his efforts with enforcing a traffic stop.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman expressed concerns over loud mufflers in the residential areas and asked for additional focus in this area.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Jasmine Leon Guerrero, District Representative for Senator Steven Bradford, announced the tax preparation services for residents being offered at the community resource fair.
Chelsea Schreiber, resident, stated that her dog was decapitated by a Metro train. She is concerned about the safety of pedestrians and suggested that the City Council consider the Hawthorne Boulevard option instead of the right-of-way (ROW) for the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
Karen Ruby, resident, spoke on the C Line (Green) Extension Project, and believes that Hawthorne Boulevard is the better option.
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Angelica Vicente, resident, commented on the Draft Environmental and Impact Report (DEIR), and feels that Metro is going to take private property on both sides of the project. She requested that the City Council help the residents stop this project.
Colleen Villegas, resident, commented that the ROW is not the best option for the Metro C Line (Green) Project and feels noise pollution will affect the quality of life.
Armando Vicente, resident, commented that he believed that the residents are not aware of the Metro C Line (Green) Project and is concerned about the gas lines.
Patrick Fallon, resident, commented that the City Council should offer Metro options that would be acceptable if the project is going to be built.
Ray Hollar, resident, commented that accidents can happen especially with 192 trains coming and going each day. He is concerned with safety and supports the Hawthorne Boulevard option.
A written public comment was received via email from Mark Neelson regarding the Metro C Line (Green) DEIR.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked the City Manager to provide the history of the C Line (Green) Project.
City Manager Moore provided the history of the City's opposition to the Metro C Line (Green) Project and the original trenching option in the ROW.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman stated that the City has been working on the Metro Project for thirty years and acknowledged the resident who purchased the property without knowing the project was being proposed. She encouraged the residents to come together to write letters and express their concern to the Metro Board members. She requested that the Tacos and Taxes information be posted on the City's website.
Councilmember Kearney commented on eminent domain and asked the City Attorney to provide information on this topic. He also noted that the City sent out flyers in English and Spanish to the residents informing them of Metro's public hearing dates.
City Attorney Murphy said he would follow-up on the eminent domain laws.
Councilmember Suarez commented on Metro C Line (Green) Project and thanked the residents for coming to the City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas stated that she has heard the residents' concerns and provided assurance that the City will find a solution. She requested a copy of the Tacos and Taxes flyer.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Representative Guerrero for attending. He commented that he does not see the economic benefits of the Metro C Line (Green) Project, and that mitigating the project Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 20, 2023
with the least adverse effect on the community is the City Council's priority. He encouraged residents to voice their concerns to their regional representatives.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 1 through 4 will be considered and acted upon under one motion unless a City Councilmember removes individual items for further City Council consideration or explanation.
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-2303-012 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $790,297.93.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - March 6, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
4. Adopt Resolution to Approve Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Review and Records Retention Schedule Updates to City Council's Records and Information Policy Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2303-013, Updating City Council Policy No. 77-04, with Exhibit A Records Retention Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022-23 and find Records Retention Schedule updates exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the consent calendar. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
By consensus, the City Council reordered the agenda and considered agenda Item J. 9. Continued Discussion Regarding South Bay Cities Council of Governments Potential Membership Dues Increase for FY 2023-24 at this time.
Continued Discussion Regarding South Bay Cities Council of Governments Potential Membership Dues Increase for FY 2023-24
Recommendation: that the City Council review and discuss this report and provide direction to staff, if any.
Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director Felton introduced Jacki Bachrach, Executive Director of South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG).
Executive Director Bachrach provided the list of duties and projects that the SBCCOG Regional Planner provides.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired how many hours the City would receive from the Planner.
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Executive Director Bachrach responded that the cost for the Planner is $270 a month and stated that the Planner would provide various support to the City, such as legislation and analysis, research and planning tools.
Councilmember Kearney commented on the City's tasks that are done in-house and felt that the Planner is not needed. He does not feel the fee calculation is fair to the City as it is based on the population and general funds balance of each City.
Executive Director Bachrach replied that the Planner was a Pilot Program for two-years and that the SBCCOG Board decided to make it a permanent part of the assessment fees.
Councilmember Suarez indicated that she is the delegate for the SBCCOG and thanked Executive Director Bachrach for being in attendance. Councilmember Suarez stated that she believed the SBCCOG provides good resources for the residents and would like to try the Planner's services.
She discussed the Climate Action Plan fees, grant services, and the increase in dues.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that the Planner is regionally used and questioned if the City could benefit from it directly. He stated that specific projects from City would need to be identified.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas stated that staff must monitor the tasks of the Planner and use the services. She supports trying the Planner on a trial basis.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and Executive Director Bachrach regarding using the Planner on a temporary basis and the fees for other Cities.
Councilmember Suarez offered her discretionary funds to fund the Planner for one-year.
Councilmember Hoffman Gorman requested that records be kept on the amount of work that the Planner provides to the City.
to semember Sua special asmotion and ering phaner for no year tid Board cor consideration.
Mayor Pullen asked Community Development Manager Chavez what the Community Development Department can have the planner work on.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that the Planner could assist with tasks such as reviewing new regulations.
Discussion ensued among the City Council grants research and long-term planning needs.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to utilize the Planner for one-year on a trial basis, keep the assessment as a special assessment and bring this request to the SBCCOG Board for consideration. The motion carried by a vote of 3-2. Councilmember Kearny and Councilmember Hoffman Gorman voted no.
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March 20, 2023
G. PUBLIC HIDARINGS
Recommendation to Increase Citation Amounts for Unlicensed Vending Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Conduct a public hearing; and B.) Determine that Ordinance No. 1198-23 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15378 and 1506l(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and C.) Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1198-23, an Ordinance to Increase Citation Amounts for Unlicensed Vending; and D.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2302-005 amending Chapter 1.11 of the Lawndale Municipal Code administrative fine schedule pertaining to the illegal sales of food, goods, and services within the City of Lawndale in the amount of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third and all subsequent violations.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if staff are making vendors aware that licenses are available to them at the time they are issued a citation.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that staff is providing the vendors with information about licenses and that the cost is under $100 dollars.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if food vendors will need a health department permit.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that food vendors will need a certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Department (LACDPH).
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the Public hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented that he agrees with the City's desire to enforce the municipal code, however, the ordinance should be in compliance with SB 946.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the Public Hearing at 8:34 p.m.
Councilmember Suarez has concerns about the legal implications of seizing carts and merchandise.
City Attorney Murphy provided clarification on removing and returning seized property back within ninety days and explained the circumstances of when a cart would be seized. He indicated that the seizure would be based on limited circumstances.
City Manager Moore commented that this ordinance would be used as a tool to motivate street vendors to work with the City and provide their information.
City Attorney Murphy stated that most of the time vendors will move on their own and explained that the fines are the last resort if they continue to come into the City.
Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that a handout about the fines and cart removal process will be created and provided in English and Spanish.
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March 20, 2023
Discussion ensued among the City Council regarding LACDPH health requirements, utilizing the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, issuing warnings, using a security guard, and that vending locations are limited.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to determine that Ordinance No. 1198-23 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15378 and 1506l(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and introduce for first reading by tifle only Ordinance No. 1198-23, an Ordinance to Increase Citation Amounts for Unlicensed Vending; as well as adopt Resolution No. CC-2302-005 amending Chapter 1.11 of the Lawndale Municipal Code administrative fine schedule pertaining to the illegal sales of food, goods, and services within the City of Lawndale in the amount of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third and all subsequent violations. The motion carried by a vote of 3-2. Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Suarez voted no.
City Attorney Murphy read the ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
6. General Plan and Housing Annual Progress Report 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council review the 2022 draft Annual Report, make any desired revisions, and direct staff to forward the report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
Community Development Manager Chavez introduced Assistant Planner Jose Hernandez.
Assistant Planner Hernandez presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the Public hearing at 8:58 p.m.
There were no public comments.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 8:58 p.m.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Suarez thanked staff for their work on the long process to complete the report.
City Attorney Murphy added that a resolution was also being considered.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas, to adopt resolution CC-2303-15, General Plan and Housing Annual Progress Report 2022 and direct staff to forward the report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The motion carried bi a vote of 5-0.
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March 20, 2023
H. ADMINISTRATION
7. American Rescue Plan Act Funds Use Update
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the American Rescue Plan Act Funds Use Update.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez requested that the Community Development Department consider upgrading its permit process.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that a system to accept payments electronically is in the works.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the American Rescue Plan Act Funds Use Update.
Agreement for Recreation Facility Security Camera Replacement Project Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the attached Contract Services Agreement for Security Camera Provision, Maintenance and Related Services between the City of Lawndale and A3 Communications, Inc., dba Blue Violet Networks for an amount not to exceed $198,387 and the related budget amendment as noted above; ox 2.) Provide further direction.
Director of Community Services Estes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if staff could access the recordings remotely.
Director of Community Services Estes responded that remote access is available to anyone authorized to view the recordings.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if the recordings were cloud-based.
Director of Community Services Estes stated that the cameras are Network Video Recorders and not cloud-based due to the high cost of cloud-based services.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how the quantity of the cameras was determined.
Director of Community Services Estes responded that a walk-through was conducted at each location with the proposers.
Councilmember Kearney asked for clarification on the number of cameras at each location.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the attached Contract Services Agreement for Security Camera Provision, Maintenance and Related Services between the City of Lawndale and A3 Communications, Inc., dba Blue Violet Networks for an amount not to exceed $198,387 and the related budget amendment as noted above. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes-City Council Regular Meeting
March 20, 2023
1. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore stated that there is no report.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
Continued Discussion Regarding South Bay Cities Council of Governments Potential Membership Dues Increase for FY 2023-24
This matter was moved and previously discussed after the Consent Calendar.
10. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities Association's event at the Gas Company.
Councilmember Kearney attended the Trust Fund Claims Board and Oversight Committee, the 8'" Annual South Bay Legislative Meet and Greet held at California State University Dominguez Hills. He also attended the Native American Pow Wow held at California State University Long Beach, California Contract Cites Association's event held at the Gas Company, Lawndale Clean Up Day, and the Residents Against Metro Meeting.
Councilmember Suarez attended SBCCOG's Steering Committee meeting, Residents Against Metro Meeting, C&S Garden's One Year Celebration event.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the City's Clean Up Day, Residents Against Metro Meeting, and asked for an update on the property on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard.
City Manager Moore provided an update on the vacant property.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Residents Against Metro Meeting and the City's Clean Up Day.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the residents who participated in the Clean Up Day event.
K. CLOSED SESSION
11. 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.
City Attorney Murphy announced that the City Council will convene into a closed session regarding a labor negotiation matter.
The City Council convened into a closed session at 9:57 p.m.
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March 20, 2023
The City Council reconvened the open session of the meeting at 10:18 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
F Pullen pit
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 4/3/2023