CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California 90260
Phone (310) 973-3200 – www.lawndalecity.org
AGENDA
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, April 17, 2023 - 6:30 p.m.
Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber
14717 Burin Avenue
Any person who wishes to address the City Council regarding any item listed on this agenda or any other matter that is within its subject matter jurisdiction is invited, but not required, to fill out a Public Meeting Speaker Card and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the oral communications portion of the meeting. The purpose of the card is to ensure that the speaker’s name is correctly recorded in the meeting minutes and, where appropriate, to provide contact information for staff follow-up.
How to observe the Meeting:
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can now observe the meeting in person, with limited capacity, while strictly adhering to the City Facilities Entry Protocols. Members of the public are still be able to view the meeting on YouTube “Lawndale CityTV”, the City Website, or Lawndale Community Cable Television on Spectrum & Frontier Channel 3.
Copies of this Agenda packet may be obtained prior to the meeting outside of the Lawndale City Hall foyer or on the City Website. Interested parties may contact the City Clerk Department at (310) 973-3213 for clarification regarding individual agenda items.
This Agenda is subject to revision up to 72 hours before the meeting.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
C. PRESENTATION
1. Recognition of Service – Outgoing Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Members Presentation of Certificate of Commendation in Push Pin Plaque to Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Member Edna McQuirter.
Presentation of City Plaque to Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Members Oscar Bernal, Teresa Garcia, and Doris Hofmann, First Lady Emeritus.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Update
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
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.
2. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
3. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-017 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,085,455.05.
4. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting –April 3, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
5. Consideration of Claims for Damage against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Benito Dilag and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Consideration to amend the Lawndale Municipal Code Establishing Rules and Regulations to Provide for Urban Dwelling Units and Urban Lot Splits for Single Family Lots in Accordance with Senate Bill 9
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Conduct a public hearing; B.) Determine that draft Ordinance No. 1199-23 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and C.) Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1199-23, an ordinance amending the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding Single Family developments and subdivisions to reflect recent changes in state law to comply with Senate Bill 9, and waive further reading.
7. Community Development Flatwork/Landscaping permit and Fence permit Fee update
Recommendation: that the City Council a) Conduct a public hearing, and; b) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-018 approving the proposed fee reduction for the Planning Department Fence and Flatwork/Landscaping application fees.
I. ADMINISTRATION
8. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2023
Agenda
City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
9. Keeping of chickens, hens, and/or fowl in Residential Areas Recommendation: that the City Council receive the report, provide staff comments and consider the following options: a) Keep the zoning code as is, not allowing chicken/poultry/hens within residential areas; or b) Direct staff to draft chicken/poultry/hen regulations to be brought forward for consideration by the City Council; or c) Provide alternative direction to staff.
J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events L. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, in the Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California, 90260.
It is the intention of the City of Lawndale to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the City Clerk Department (310) 973-3213 prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. Please advise us at that time if you will need accommodation to attend or participate in meetings on a regular basis.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the Agenda for the regular meeting of the City Council to be held on April 17, 2023, was posted not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
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Yvette Hall, Assistant City Clerk
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3 DRAFT - MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
April 3, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:33 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 Gregory M. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Los Angeles County 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.
C. PRESENTATION
1. 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. b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Assistant Fire Chief Bennett summarized the recent local fire emergency activities and announced that Anthony Morrone has been selected as the new Fire Chief. He shared that Battalion Chief Lewis is leaving the department and is being replaced by Battalion Chief Kane. 4 Draft 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.
E. 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.
Draft 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.
2. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
3. 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.
5. Recommendation of Increase to Bail Amounts for Unlicensed Vending; second reading of Ordinance No. 1198-23 amending the Municipal Code penalties for Unlicensed Vending
Draft Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
Recommendation: that the City Council hold the second reading of and approve Ordinance No. 1198-23.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve items 2-4 of the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
5. 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
6. 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.
Draft Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
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 162nd 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
7. 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 Draft Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
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.
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 Hofmann 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.
9. 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.
Draft Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 3, 2023
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.
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
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SUBJECT:
BACKGROUND
CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 + www.lawndalecity.org
April 1 7, 2023
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Sean M. Moore, City Manager
Hrant Manuelian, Director of Finance/City Treasure�
Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2023 The attached Quarterly Investment Report for the quai1er ended March 31, 2023, is provided to City Council per the City of Lawndale's Investment Policy and State of California's Government Code Section 53646.
STAFF REVIEW
As of March 31, 2023, the City had total cash and investments (cost basis) of $47,095,201 plus $2,308,508 cash with fiscal agent held in a trust for the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency's Tax Allocation Bond 2009 issue, $1,150 in petty cash and, as of February 2023, $707,245 maintained in two retirement enhancement plans.
Interest rates have continued to rise through Q 1 2023. The State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) had an interest rate of 0.99% on June 30, 2022, and has gone up to 2.88% as of March 31, 2023. Rates in general have been increasing as the Federal Funds rate has also continued to increase. During the quarter the city purchased 2 government agency bonds for $500,000 each. These bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government and are considered to be risk free investments. The rates on these are more favorable than rates being offered on CD's. We are also able to invest more than the maximum $250,000 FDIC limit. We continue to maintain a majority of cash in LAIF and the City's checking account. For the quarter ending March 31, 2023 the City has remained liquid with 88% of our p01tfolio in on-demand accounts. The remainder of the portfolio includes 2.10% short-term (maturing in less than one year), 8.43% mid-te1m (one to three years maturity), and 1.57% long-term (maturing from three to five years) investments.
As interest rates continue to rise, we look for opp011unities to maximize returns on City funds. As the market continues to change we will keep a close watch and take advantage of any upcoming investments.
Cash in bank will be monitored and is expected that more will be used to purchase either bonds or CD's to take advantage of interest to the extent possible. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance of cash while maximizing returns.
The investment program provides sufficient liquidity to meet six months of estimated expenditures. All investments are in compliance with California state code 503600 and the City of Lawndale Investment policy.
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