MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
April 3, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
14717 Buin A Venis, Lad thale Califoito arder at 6:33 pm. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 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 Gregory M. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, ommunity Services Director Mike Estes, Los Angeles Count heriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith. Los Angeles Count Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Bennett, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian
B. CEREMONIALS
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas led the flag salute. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope Chapel provided the inspiration.
PRESENTATION
Recognition of Service - Outgoing Planning Commissioner & Beautification Committee Members
Presentation of Certificates of Commendation to Planning Commissioner Erick Escamilla and Beautification Committee Members Luvia Diaz and Kassandra Ferrer Mayor Pullen-Miles announced the names of the outgoing commission and committee members and thanked them for their service. The recipients were not present.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked for information on the store robbery at CVS.
Sergeant Smith provided an update on the incident at CVS.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Battalion Chief Lewis is leaving the department and is being replaced by Battalion Chief Kane.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Assistant Fire Chief Bennett also announced that Local Fire Station 61 has an Advanced Provider Unit 20 (AP20) that assists with low emergency calls.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked what the expected radius of coverage is of the AP20 and how frequent it will be in the surrounding areas.
Assistant Fire Chief Bennett responded that the main service areas for the AP20 are the cities of Lawndale, Hawthorne, and Inglewood.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Michelle Pino, Library Manager, provided information on the upcoming library activities.
Sunny Tamrarar, Resident, expressed concerns about parking citations at the school sites.
Morrison Lucas, Resident, spoke about parking citations at the school sites and showed a photograph of his car to describe how he received a parking citation.
Josh Standifor, Resident, commented that he opposes the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and prefers the Hawthorne Boulevard option. He suggested that the City Council contact the City of Redondo Beach to find out their position on the project.
Colleen Villegas, Resident, commented on the City's Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) letter and believes that the right-of-way is not the best option.
John Schreiber, Resident, commented on the City's DEIR letter, and stated that it was very thorough. He prefers the Hawthorne Boulevard option. He also commented on crimes in the City and suggested that they be posted on social media.
Randall Abram, Resident, expressed concerns about parking citations at the school sites and the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project. He believes more coordination is needed with residents and neighboring Cities.
James Tyler, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and stated he is in favor of the Hawthorne Boulevard option.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended and confirmed that the City has met with leaders of the Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD) to address the parking citation concerns that parents and residents have brought up. She asked Sergeant Smith to give his feedback on the resident's social media request.
City Manager Moore gave an update on the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee (PTS) meeting between the LESD and the City.
Sergeant Smith stated that he would inquire whether the South Los Angeles Station participates in social media and report back.
Councilmember Kearney concurred with Councilmember Hofmann Gorman's comments as he attended the same meetings. He thanked Library Manager Pino for the updates.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Councilmember Suarez thanked the residents for attending the meeting and asked for a timeframe for the resolution of the parking citations matter. She stated that she will speak with the Redondo Beach City Councilmembers to find out their position on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and shared that the City sent out letters to the residents to make them aware of the project.
City Manager Moore gave an update on the school parking citation issues and commented that the PTS Ad Hoc Subcommittee will meet again in July 2023.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone for speaking and announced that there is an application called "Citizen" which she feels works better than NextDoor to keep up to date about City news.
She supports discussing the City's position on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the residents for attending the meeting, and asked about the letter that LESD will send to the parents.
City Manager Moore responded that the letter will provide information and educate the parents on the parking citation policies.
Mayor Pullen-Miles indicated that the policy might need to be revised in terms of when a vehicle unintentionally stops and receives a parking citation.
Municipal Services Director Reyes provided further clarification on the parking citation code and shared that they educate the parents during the first two weeks of school.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the residents who spoke on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and encouraged residents to read the City's DEIR comments. He encourages residents to email the Metro Board of Directors, City of Inglewood Mayor Butts, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mitchell. He added that he looks forward to working with the neighboring cities to make a stronger impact on the project.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 2 through 5 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.
Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-014 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $278,485.81.
4. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - March 20, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Recommendation of Increase to Bail Amounts for Unlicensed Vending; second reading of Ordinance No. 1198-23 amending the Municipal Code penalties for Unlicensed Vending
Recommendation: that the City Council hold the second reading of and approve Ordinance No. 1198-23.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 had an amendment to Section 3, page 2, of the ordinance and was distributed to the City Council and public.
City Attorney Murphy clarified that the amendment was a clerical amendment and not substantive.
Councilmembers Suarez requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 be considered for a separate vote.
By consensus, Mayor Pullen-Miles pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 5 from the consent calendar for a separate vote.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayer Pro Tem Cuevas to approve items 2-4 of the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
Recommendation of Increase to Bail Amounts for Unlicensed Vending; second reading of Ordinance No. 1198-23 amending the Municipal Code penalties for Unlicensed Vending
Recommendation: that the City Council hold the second reading of and approve Ordinance No. 1198-23.
This item was considered separately at this point in time.
City Attorney Murphy read the ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to hold the second reading of and approve Ordinance No. 1198-23. The motion carried by a vote of 3-2. Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Suarez voted no.
H. ADMINISTRATION
Adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-016 to Approve E-mail Management and Retention Policy and Procedure, and Update the City Council's Records and Information Management Policy
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-016, Updating City Council Policy No. 77-04 with Exhibit A E-mail Management and Retention Policy and Procedure, and find this matter exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061 (b)(3).
Assistant City Clerk Hall presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-016, Updating City Council Policy No. 77-04 with Exhibit A E-mail Management and Retention Policy and Procedure, and find this matter 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.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
City Manager Moore reported that he visited the encampment sites along the 405 Freeway. He also met with Caltrans to discuss an encroachment permit that will allow the city to manage the encampments and the overgrown landscape. He noted that he observed property violations on 162"d Street and indicated that the City will follow up on the properties. He reported that the first Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting between the City and LESD was held to discuss the parking citation issues. He stated that they will regroup in July 2023. City Manager Moore also reported that the City/School District Park Maintenance (CSD PMJU) and Joint Use Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting was held between the City and LESD. He said that both the City and LESD want to move forward with a new agreement by June 2023. City Manager Moore stated that both meetings went well and thanked Director of Community Services Estes for taking the lead on the joint use of the parks' maintenance matter. City Manager Moore advised the City Council that it would not be prudent to take any action on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project because Metro has not decided on an option yet. He spoke on the robbery incident that occurred at the CVS store and how he observed the Sheriff's Department's helicopter overhead at the scene. He thanked Sergeant Smith and Lieutenant Osburn for their efforts in handling the CVS incident. City Manager Moore invited the Sheriff's Department to take part in the upcoming Youth Day Parade.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
Explore the Idea of the City Constructing and Owning its own Digital Billboards Recommendation: that the City Council consider the request from Mayor Pullen-Miles and provide further direction to staff.
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez asked how a City can receive revenue when it is a not-for-profit entity.
Mayor Pullen-Miles explained that the City can create an enterprise project which is different from City services such as tree trimming services.
City Attorney Murphy stated that he would conduct a legal review if the City Council decided to move forward.
Councilmember Kearney provided the history of the existing billboards in the City.
Councilmember Suarez asked about the revenue source and how the process for competitors would work.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas indicated she would like to receive more information about this item.
City Manager Moore stated that staff would bring this matter back at a future meeting.
8. Letter to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Opposing The Special Counsel to Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission's Patrol Rotation Recommendation - February 2023 Report
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Review the draft letter to the Los Angeles County Chair and Board of Supervisors, making any desired revisions, and direct staff in the City Manager's Department to finalize the letter for City Council signatures and distribution; or 2.) provide direction to staff.
Councilmember Kearney presented the staff report.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Councilmember Suarez stated that she is not in favor of the letter as written because it does not offer an alternative to the proposed patrol rotation recommended by the Special Counsel to Sheriff Civilian Oversight Committee.
Councilmember Kearney stated that he supports the letter because it would prevent the deputies from being moved from their departments overnight.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas commented that she is opposed to the changing of the deputies, especially for a small city like Lawndale.
Councilmember Suarez commented that she likes continuity with deputies assigned to the City.
City Manager Moore stated that studies have shown that continuity of an officer is better for the City and that effectiveness is lost when deputies leave.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman stated that she supports the letter and believes that it moves the City in a positive way with the Sheriff's Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles supports the letter and would like to see deputies stay longer in the City.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hotmann Gorman to send the letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, opposing the Special Counsel to Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission's Patrol Rotation Recommendation. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1. Councilmember Suarez voted no.
Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities Association's (CCCA) monthly meeting and the CCCA Legislative Committee meeting, as well as the PTS Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting for traffic and parking solutions. She also attended the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS) in which Sheriff Luna was in attendance. She announced the local Eggtravaganza event for children will be held at William Green Park and Jane Addams Park on Saturday and requested Community Services Director Estes to say a few words about the event.
Community Services Director Estes announced the Eggtravaganza event will be held at William Green Park and Jane Addams Park where many activities will be offered on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
Councilmember Kearney stated that he attended the same meetings as Councilmember Hofmann Gorman.
Councilmember Suarez attended the PTS Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting for traffic and parking solutions.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the ALADS' dinner with Sheriff Luna in attendance. She also attended the PTS Subcommittee meeting and thanked staff for preparing the well-written DEIR Metro letter. She thanked resident Chelsea Schreiber for delivering the residents' letters to Metro's office in Los Angeles.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a Mayors' meeting convened by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and in attendance was Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The major topic was the housing shortage. He also attended a meeting with residents who are concerned about the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
K. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pullen-Miles announced that Wayne Spencer, Chairman of Board of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, passed away.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman announced the passing of long-time resident Thomas Anderson, son-in-law of former Mayor and Councilmember Edward C. Roberts.
Mayor Pullen-Miles also announced that Kenneth Brown, President, El Camino College District Board of Trustees, passed away and requested that the next City Council meeting be adjourned in his memory.
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. in memory of Wayne Spencer and Thomas Anderson.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 4/17/2023