MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING
June 5, 2023
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 Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Kane, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared
Chavez, Interim Public Works Director Ahmad Ansari,
Community Services Director Mike Estes
B. CEREMONIALS
Chapel member Mayor red The inspiral led the flag saluie. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Battalion Chief Kane summarized the recent local fire emergency activities and introduced Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Saman Kashani, who provided an overview of the Advanced Provider Response Unit.
D. Presentation
Proclamation - American Public Works Association National Public Works Week Presentation of City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate for National Public Works Week, May 21-27, 2023, to the City of Lawndale Public Works Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented the proclamation to the Public Works Department (PWD), which was accepted by Interim Public Works Director Ansari.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
Public Works Director Ansari introduced the following PWD employees: Grace Huizar, Jack Martin, Bioleta Escobedo, Johnny Calderon, Willie Garcia, and Gabriel Reyes.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) John Schreiber, Resident, thanked the City Council for budgeting funds for a transportation bus to take residents to the Metro meeting. Mr. Schreiber asked if their individual votes on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project would be made public and spoke about the meetings he scheduled with the Metro Board Representatives.
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke regarding the City Council's canceled meetings, the City's website containing out-of-date fine amounts for illegal fireworks and commented that there was no fireworks suppression report on this evening's City Council agenda.
Deena Sopko, Resident, complimented PWD employee, Johnny Calderon, for replacing a missing street sign and spoke on a bulky item pick up at Condon Avenue and 1494 Street. Ms.
Sopko inquired about the unfinished street work on Kingsdale Avenue and 147 Street, the status of the car wash property on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard, and the Blues Festival. She stated that she disagrees with the cancellation of the upcoming City Council meetings and commented on the sale of the City's Cable TV van.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked for an update on the City's fireworks suppression plan.
She commended the PWD for their efforts in responding to residents' requests and thanked Community Services Director Estes for coordinating the community events. She asked for an update on the sale of the cable TV Van.
City Manager Moore provided an update on the fireworks suppression plan. He indicated that signs and banners will be placed throughout the City and that staff will patrol the City in undercover vehicles to address the illegal use of fireworks. He commented that the City is working on a plan for the sale of the cable TV van.
taking a position on the Metro Time en easion Project that one i rea meeting.
City Attorney Murphy stated that his firm has a conflict of interest and explained that Councilmember Hofmann Gorman abstained from voting on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project due to her residence's proximity to the project.
Councilmember Suarez requested an update on the public safety resources for the Fourth of July Holiday and commented that the car wash in question is expanding. She also commented on the differences between the Music Festival and the Blues Festival.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked when the Fourth of July street banners would be installed, and the website would be updated. She requested an update on the street work at 147* Street and Kingsdale Avenue.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles inquired when the City's website will be updated with the current illegal adron and the PID For pron the ellent and kicient granite thanked employee Johnny City Manager Moore responded that staff would update the website with the illegal firework fines and information and stated that the Municipal Services Department will follow up with residents to ensure they comply with the bulky item pick-up guidelines. City Manager Moore provided an update on the street work at 147" Street and Kingsdale Avenue.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
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-2306-024 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $360,938.06.
4. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, May 15, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
5. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1200-23 to Amend Chapter
2.04.120 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding Propriety of Conduct at Council Meetings and Adopt Resolution No. CC-2305-021 Amending the "Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council Meetings" Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1200-23, an ordinance amending Chapter 2.04.120 of the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding Propriety of Conduct at Council Meetings, and waive further reading; B.) Adopt Resolution No. 2305-021 amending the "Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council Meetings" to incorporate the revisions being made in the proposed ordinance; and C.) Find this matter exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
6. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1201-23 to provide clarifving amendments to Section 12.08.110 of Title 12 of the Lawndale Municipal Code for Encroachment Permits for Major Improvement Projects
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1201-23, an Ordinance amending Chapter 12.08 of Title 12 the Lawndale Municipal Code by adding Subsection G to further clarify the requirements for the Encroachment Permits for Major Improvement Projects.
Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments 2023 - 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council (a) approve the Mayor's appointments by Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Minutes of the Successor Agency Meeting, January 6, 2020 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
9. Minutes of the Successor Ageney Meeting, December 7, 2020 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
10. Minutes of the Successor Agency Meeting, June 21, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
11. Minutes of the Successor Agency Meeting, December 5, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY
12. Minutes of the Housing Authority Meeting, June 28, 2021 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Minutes of the Housing Authority Meeting, June 21, 2022 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY
14. Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2023-24
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2306-25, adopting the fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital improvement budget; which includes the City of Lawndale, Lawndale Housing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report, which included a PowerPoint presentation.
Councilmember Suarez requested information for a future budget discussion on how other cities fund their Community Development Department.
Finance Director Manuelian pointed out that due to an oversight, the following community events were not included in the initial budget book: 1) National Night Out; 2) Neighborhood Watch; and 3) Public Safety Outreach events to be budgeted at $2,000 each.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
Councilmember Kearney commented on the uniforms worn by the PWD field staff. He opined that the transportation bus funding should not come from the General Fund. Councilmember Kearney offered $1,000 of his discretionary fund to be used to fund the transportation bus.
Councilmember Suarez commented that the transportation bus funding should come from the General Fund, because the residents will attend a meeting for a major infrastructure project that greatly impacts the City. She also made her discretionary funds available to offset the cost.
Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that he concurs with Councilmember Suarez's comments about funding the transportation bus with the City's General Fund and inquired about the estimated cost for the transportation bus.
Councilmember Suarez requested that staff inquire with the City of Redondo Beach to possibly share the cost of the transportation bus for the Metro meeting.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that she will make her discretionary funds available to offset the transportation cost and would like to ask the City of Redondo Beach if they would like to share this cost so their residents can attend the Metro meeting.
Councilmember Kearney requested that $1,000 of his discretionary funds be allocated to the General Fund for the transportation bus.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas inquired about the National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch, and Public Safety Outreach events which were not included in the initial budget book.
Municipal Services Director Reyes clarified the costs for the Public Safety Outreach and Coffee with a Cop events. He explained the costs for the Neighborhood Watch event and explained that the cost is $500 per quarter.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked about the cost for the Music Festival and stated that he supports keeping the Blues Festival.
City Manager Moore commented that the recommendation is to combine both festivals to lower the cost.
Discussion ensued among the City Council regarding the Blues Festival, Music Festival, attendees, musical expectations and securing sponsorships for the events.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to budget $12,000 for the Blues Festival instead of the Music Festival and requested that a second music event be considered for next fiscal year.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to adopt Resolution No. CC-2306-25, adopting the fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital improvement budget, which includes the City of Lawndale, Lawndale Housing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency, with an amendment to budget $12,000 for the Blues Festival instead of the Music Festival; and $2,000 each to the National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch, and Public Safety Outreach events. The motion passed 5-0.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
CITY COUNCIL
15. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Appropriations Limit Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2306-026 approving the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2306-026 approving the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The motion passed 5-0.
16. Approve Agreement with CASC Engineering & Consulting, Inc. for NPDES Permit Compliance Services
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the contract services agreement for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDES) permit compliance services with CASC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $150,000.00 beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026 with two one-year renewal options.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve the contract services agreement for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance services with CASC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. for an amount not-to-exceed $150,000.00 beginning July 1,2023 through June 30, 2026 with two one-year renewal options. The motion passed 5-0.
17. Approve Month-to-Month Agreement with CleanStreet for Street Sweeping Services
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the month-to-month Agreement with CleanStreet for citywide street sweeping services for the period of June 5, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at a monthly rate of $18,243.50 and not-to-exceed $109,461.00.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked why the Request for Proposal issued by the City did not receive sufficient responses.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari responded that the reason that the City did not receive additional responses to the bids request is unknown.
Councilmember Kearney asked why the monthly cost increased by $2,000 as indicated on the proposed agreement.
City Manager Moore explained that in the past, there were some discrepancies with Cleanstreet's billing.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari stated that he would look into the cost discrepancy.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the month-to-month Agreement with CleanStreet for citywide street sweeping services for the period of June 5, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at a monthly rate of $18,243.50 and not-to-exceed $109,461.00. The motion passed 5-0.
18. Armed Security Services Contract
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve Southwest Patrol to provide armed guard protection and security services for a two-year agreement on a form to be approved by the City Attorney's office.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report and explained the hours and number of security guards that would be present in the City.
City Manager Moore provided background information about the armed security services program.
Municipal Services Director Reyes explained the type of services that would be offered by Southwest Patrol and introduced Mike Gagon, Account Manager of Southwest Control.
Sergeant Smith commented that he is not familiar with Southwest Patrol and looks forward to working with them.
City Manager Moore commented that he contacted other cities who contract with Southwest Patrol, and they were highly recommended by the cities.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked about their training and experience in working with people experiencing homelessness.
Discussion ensued among the City Council, staff and Southwest Patrol staff regarding outreach services and insurance requirements.
Councilmember Suarez suggested that the City could use this service for special events in the future.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to authorize the City Manager to approve the Southwest Patrol to provide armed guard protection and security services for a two-year agreement on a form to be approved by the City Attorney's office. The motion passed 5-0.
19. Appropriate Funding for a Heavy-Duty Dump Truck
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the appropriation of $30,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the purchase of a new 2022 heavy-duty dump truck available now to be utilized by the Public Works Department.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore provided background information on the purchase of the heavy-duty dump truck request.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority June 5, 2023
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to authorize the appropriation of $30,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the purchase of a new 2022 heavy-duty dump truck available now to be utilized by the Public Works Department. The motion passed 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore reported that he attended the City's Health, Safety and Pet Fair. City Manager Moore stated that the event went well and thanked staff for their efforts on coordinating the event.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
20. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities Association's Annual Seminar, Memorial Day Remembrance Event, and the Health, Safety and Pet Fair.
Councilmember Kearney attended the California Contract Cities Association's Annual Seminar, Pancakes with Mayor Pullen-Miles event, Memorial Day Remembrance Event, and the Health, Safety and Pet Fair.
Councilmember Suarez attended the Memorial Day Remembrance Event, Health, Safety and Pet Fair, South Bay Cities Council of Governments' (SBCCOG) Board of Directors Meeting, a portion of the California Contract Cities Association's Annual Seminar, and the Pancake Breakfast with Mayor Pullen-Miles event. She requested an update on the school parking issues and the status of the joint use of school parks and the Billboard Ad-Hoc Subcommittee meeting be brought back to a future City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked Interim Public Works Director Ansari for his service to the City, congratulated the Leuzinger High School baseball players and coaches for winning the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Ocean League championship. She attended the House of Yahweh Gala Fundraiser, Ocean Urgent Care Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the Pancake Breakfast with Mayor Pullen-Miles event.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas noted that all City Council members attended the Ocean Urgent Care Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Ocean Urgent Care Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Memorial Day Event, California Contract Cities Association's Annual Seminar, Pancake Breakfast held that he hosted in partnership with the Firefighters Local 1014 Union and the United Nations program, and attended the Health, Safety and Pet Fair.
Minutes - City Council, Successor Agency, Housing Authority une 5, 2023
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K. CLOSED SESSION
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
The City Council will hold a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), to conduct an employee evaluation concerning the City Manager.
City Attorney Murphy announced that the order of the Closed Session will be reordered to consider Item No. K. 22. before Item No. K. 21. and read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title.
22. Conference with Legal Counsel - Litigation
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4): One (1) case.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:57 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 9:33 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. K.21 Public Employee Performance Evaluation and no reportable action for Item No. K.22 Conference with Legal Counsel - Litigation.
E. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m.
Robert Púllen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 7/17/2023