MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
April 17, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:35 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, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez, and Associate Planner Jose Hernandez.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute. Pastor Dwight Dudley of Calvary Chapel South Bay provided the inspiration.
C. PRESENTATION
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.
Mayor Pullen-Miles announced the names of the outgoing committee members, presented them with their plaques and thanked them for their service. Oscar Bernal and First Lady Emeritus Doris Hofmann were in attendance.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities. He provided updates on the following items: 1) He explained that their tracking system could not extract information on bookings and time spent on arrests; and 2) He indicated that the Sheriff's Department has a Facebook account under the name Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and that it covers the City of Lawndale.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Hayley Hutt, Representative of Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's Office, 6151 District, introduced herself to the City Council and community.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on the missing sign that indicates "no outlet" on her cul-de- sac, a bulky item pick up is needed on her street for a basketball hoop, and that she supports Councilmember Kearney's idea to provide different drop off entrance gates at the schools and the dangers of foxtail plants.
Nassima Daroui, Resident, expressed concerns about the lack of an emergency plan in the event of a natural disaster or a train derailment in the Metro Draft Environmental Impact Report and suggested the City Council choose the Hawthorne Boulevard option.
Michael Kim, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and feels that the City Council should join the City of Redondo Beach in choosing the Hawthorne Boulevard option.
Chelsea Schreiber, Resident, commented on the formation of a group that is fundraising to rent a bus to take residents to the upcoming Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project meetings and suggested that the City Council take a position on the project.
Morrison Lucas, Resident, commented on a parking citation that he believes was wrongfully issued.
John Schreiber, Resident, suggested that the City Council agendize the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project to discuss taking a position and he stated that the South Bay Service Council wrote a letter about the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
Mary Dragone, Resident, commented that she does not support the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project in the public right-of-way (ROW) and encouraged the City Council to take a position on the project.
Denise, Resident, commented that she does not support the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project in the ROW.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended. She commented that she is also concerned about a train derailment and assured the residents that she is attending the Metro meetings to voice their concerns about the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project. She advised everyone that receives a citation to contact the City if there is a discrepancy and asked City Manager Moore to speak about the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
City Manager Moore commented on the funding and cost for the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and according to staff research, it does not appear that Metro has enough funding for the ROW or Hawthorne Boulevard option.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone who spoke and thanked Assemblymember McKinnor's Representative, Ms. Hutt, for attending this evening's meeting.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for attending and asked if taking a position on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project would impact future mitigation measures.
City Attorney Murphy responded that he would follow up with the City Manager on whether the City should discuss this matter in an open or closed session.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone for speaking and would like advice on when to decide on selecting an option.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended and thanked Assemblymember McKinnor's Representative, Ms. Hutt, for introducing herself. He also thanked the residents who voiced their opinions on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project and stated that the funding for the Metro project could be used on a different project that would benefit the community. He commented on replacing the missing "no outlet" sign.
Councilmember Suarez asked to agendize the City sponsoring a bus for residents to attend the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project meetings.
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.
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.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how many trucks were purchased.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that a total of three vehicles were purchased with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the consent calendar. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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.
Associate Planner Hernandez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the required number of parking spaces is based on the number of bedrooms.
City Manager Moore responded that the parking spaces are based on the number of units.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked for clarification on the parking space requirement.
Associate Planner Hernandez responded that the proposed ordinance is consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 9.
City Attorney Murphy read the ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to 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 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. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
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.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
There was no public comment.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to adopt Resolution No. CC-2304-018 approving the proposed fee reduction for the Planning Department Fence and Flatwork/Landscaping application fees.
The motion passed by a vote of 4-1. Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas voted no.
ADMINISTRATION
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
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez asked if the City's funds are kept in one account.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that it would be difficult to keep the City's funds in one account because of insurance limits; however, the City's funds are protected because it is a government entity.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 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.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comment period.
Randall Abram, Resident, stated that he feels that chickens are not needed in the City and suggested that the City Council focus on other important projects.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that she does not support the allowance of chickens.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the Public Comment period.
Councilmember Suarez asked for clarification on the Los Angeles County property requirements to allow chickens.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas supports the allowance of chickens and suggested two chickens per single family residence and duplex.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
Councilmember Kearney does not support the allowance of chickens in the City because he is concerned with diseases and the lack of space.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman agrees with Councilmember Kearney's comments and does not support the allowance of chickens because one or two chickens cannot produce a sufficient number of eggs.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that he is not opposed to allowing chickens and would like more information on how likely they are to spread diseases.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers on the allowance of chickens, duplexes, and parcel size.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to direct staff to draft a chicken/poultry/hen ordinance for consideration by the City Council. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2. Councilmember Kearney and Councilmember Hofmann Gorman voted no.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore had no items to report.
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the Easter Extravaganza event at both locations and thanked the Community Services Department for a job well done. She announced the Youth Day Parade is being held on April 22, 2023, and encouraged everyone to attend.
Councilmember Kearney attended the Extravaganza event at Jane Addams Park.
Councilmember Suarez attended the Extravaganza event at Jane Addams Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked Director of Community Services Estes and staff for coordinating the Extravaganza event. She thanked staff for taking care of the hanging cable wire in the ROW.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Extravaganza event, encouraged everyone to attend the Youth Day Parade, and attended an event to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman announced that a long-time resident, Laura Thomas Osborne, passed away and stated that Ms. Osborne worked at the City's library founded by her mother.
Mayor Pullen-Miles announced that Kenneth Brown, President, El Camino College District, Board of Trustees, passed away. Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that Mr. Brown was the District's Area 1 Representative.
Minutes - City Council Regular Meeting
April 17, 2023
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. in memory of Laura Thomas Osborne and Kenneth Brown.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 5/1/2023