MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
September 18, 2023
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:33 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 Pat
Kearney, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez
Other Participants: City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justin Smith, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Battalion Chief Martin Maher, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez, Public Works Director Lea Reis,
Community Services Director Mike Estes
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute and City Clerk Harbison provided the inspiration.
PRESENTATION
Recognition of Candidate Nomination Finalist for the 2023 California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Capstone Award
Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Deputy City Manager/ Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton for her outstanding contributions and achievement in Risk Management resulting in her Candidate Nomination as a Finalist for the 2023 California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Capstone Award.
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented the Certificate of Commendation to Deputy City Manager/ Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton for being a finalist for the 2023 California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Capstone Award.
Deputy City Manager/ Director of Human Resources Felton thanked the City Council for the Certificate of Commendation.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities. b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
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September 18, 2023
Assistant Battalion Chief Maher summarized the recent Fire Department enforcement activities.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested a report on the AP20 Pilot Program in the City.
Assistant Battalion Chief Maher responded that the Fire Department will prepare the requested report.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) David Ross, Resident, commented on the State housing density laws, his request for public information, and the timeframe for the City to respond
Michelle Pino, Library Manager, provided information on the upcoming library activities and announced that the library has a Security Guard inside their building.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on bulky items placed on the curb for pick-up, coyotes in the City, the Homeless Solutions Standing Committee meeting, an art gallery moving to the City and asked the City to look into installing license plate readers.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on the illegal fireworks citations, the City's response time to disseminate information to residents, and on the armed security guards contracted by the City.
Bruce Milligan, Resident, thanked the City for repairing the lights and installing a trash receptacle at Hogan Park, parking problems on Osage Avenue, 167" Street and at Hogan Park, car sales on public streets, sprinkler system at Hogan Park, debris underneath the sidewalk, and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) performing work and not removing their debris.
Monica Padilla, Resident, commented on the illegal fireworks citations received by residents, the short turnaround time before the citations expire, the bail amount to request an appeal hearing, and the illegal fireworks ordinance not being followed by the City.
Ray Hollar, Resident, commented that the Hawthorne Boulevard option for the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project should be selected because it is more cost effective.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone for their comments and asked Community Development Manager Chavez to address Mr. Ross' comment regarding his public records request. She asked Municipal Services Director Reyes to address the comment about coyote sightings in the City.
Community Development Manager Chavez confirmed that Mr: Ross submitted a public records request and stated that the City is currently investigating a possible code enforcement case at the subject property.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that staff has protocols to follow when there is a report of a coyote sighting. He stated that if there is an immediate danger, residents can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).
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Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented on the City's unhoused outreach efforts, utility box art program, license plate readers, illegal firework citations, the City's security guards and the issues at Hogan Park.
City Manager Moore responded that there are illegal firework citation appeals scheduled for the upcoming weeks and that a report will be provided to the City Council on the status. He commented that the armed security guards are working well with Municipal Services and LASD to address issues in the City.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked Public Works Director Reis about Caltrans working in the City, the sprinkler system at Hogan Park, and the standing water in the storm drain.
Public Works Director Reis responded that staff will check the sprinkler system at Hogan Park, communicate with Caltrans on the work they are performing and check the storm drain with standing water.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that the City has publicized it does not allow illegal fireworks and asked City Manager Moore to comment on the citations. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman stated that she will attend the upcoming Metro meeting.
City Manager Moore stated that he cannot comment further on the illegal fireworks citation process as it is a legal matter.
Manager mber Ke coey that on eve Cone hopike win the going Housing els Allocation (RHNA) numbers.
City Manager Moore commented that the City is working towards complying with the RHNA numbers and has already adopted its Housing Element Report.
Councilmember Kearney suggested that Resident Mi. Milligan contact the Municipal Services Department for information on parking issues and illegal car sales, requested the City to check on the standing water at Hogan Park, and commented on the upcoming Metro meetings.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that staff is working on the parking issues and illegal car sales reported by the resident.
City Manager Moore responded that staff is working with Caltrans to address the standing water in the storm drain and announced the upcoming Metro meeting dates.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting to make a public comment, announced Fall Clean-Up Week, asked how long residents have to appeal their illegal fireworks citation and requested an update on the illegal fireworks citation appeal results.
Councilmember Suarez thanked Mr. Hollar for always attending the Metro related meetings.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that residents have 20 days to appeal a citation and that the City will provide an extension if requested.
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Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how the City is addressing the citations that are received late in the mail by residents.
Municipal Services Director Reyes replied that all citations were mailed in a timely manner and that extensions were provided several weeks after the holiday.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked for information on the costs to implement a citizen notification system.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and made public comments. He commented on the City's RHNA numbers, stated that there is no plan to implement a homeless shelter on Hawthorne Boulevard, refrigerator doors should be removed when placed on the sidewalk for safety reasons, coyotes, art on utility boxes, implementing a citizen notification system, and car sales on public streets. Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked staff for the clarification on the appeal extensions for citations, and asked if the City has the authority to change the fireworks citation bail amounts when a resident wants to request an appeal.
City Attorney Greg Murphy commented that a report on citation bail amounts will be provided to the City Council.
Mayor Pullen-Miles encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Metro meetings.
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-2309-036 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,496,722.51.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, August 21, 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 Maria Villegas and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
6. Disposal of Surplus Property
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the auctioning of City surplus property, specifically the 2011 Ford El Dorado Transit Bus, by Ken Potter Auctions located in Carson, California to the highest bidder.
Installation of Bus Mobile Validators for City Transportation Service Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) approve the installation costs for installation of three pre-owned Bus Mobile Validators for the three-contractor owned Lawndale Beat Fixed-route Transportation vehicles in the amount of $4,971.99 to be paid to Cubic Transportation Services, Inc.; or 2.) provide further direction.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
Fagember 18, 2023
LAWNDALE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
8. Annual Accounting of Lawndale Public Financing Authority Financial Activities Recommendation: that the Board of the Lawndale Public Financing Authority receive and file the annual accounting of financial activities.
Minutes of the Lawndale Public Financing Authority Annual Meeting - November 7,2022
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Kearney abstaining on Consent Calendar item No. 4.
CITY COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATION
10. Replacement of Community Center Kitchen Appliances
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the total cost of $11,869.52 to purchase one Traulsen Reach-In Side-by-Side Freezer, Model Number G22010-32 and one Traulsen Reach-in Refrigerator, Model Number G100010-032 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
Community Services Director Estes presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the total cost of $11,869.52 to purchase one Traulsen Reach-In Side-by-Side Freezer, Model Number G22010-32 and one Traulsen Reach-in Refrigerator, Model Number G100010-032 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
11. Appropriate Funds for the Removal and Replacement of Diseased Palm Trees on the east Manhattan Beach Boulevard City Median and Award Construction Services Contract to Moon Valley Nurseries.
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the funding of $106,049.87 for the removal and replacement of the palm trees within the west median at Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Prairie Avenue intersection. Staff also recommends that the City Council award a construction services contract in the amount of $106,049.87 to the lowest bidder, Moon Valley Nursery, for the removal of the existing two palm trees, and planting of three (3) new date palms.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if any quotes were received from Lawndale businesses.
Public Works Director Reis indicated that a quote was received from a local business.
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City Attorney Murphy stated that because this is a Public Works bid project, the contract must be granted to the lowest bidder.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked about the warranty for the trees.
Public Works Director Reis responded that there is a one-year warranty from the vendor.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if the palm trees can be decorated during the holidays.
Public Works Director Reis along with City Manager Moore responded that the palm trees can be decorated with lights.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to authorize the funding of $106,094.87 for the removal and replacement of the palm trees within the west median at Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Prairie Avenue intersection and award a construction services contract in the amount of $106,094.87 to the lowest bidder, Moon Valley Nursery, for the removal of the existing two palm trees, and planting of three (3) new date palms. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
12. Notice of Completion for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project; 2.) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project; and 3.) Authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $23,028.29 for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to accept the project completion by ERC Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project, authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project and authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $23,028.29 for the City Hall and Public Works Department Roof Replacement Project. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
13. Notice of Completion - FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project, Project No. 2022-12
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by Superior Pavement Markings, Inc, for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project; 2) Authorize the City Clerk's Office to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project; and 3.) Authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $48,093.47 for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project.
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Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if a report could be provided that would specify which signs were replaced.
Public Works Director Reis responded that staff is creating a Geographical Information System (GIS) map that will show which street signs were replaced and the age of each sign.
City Manager Moore commented that this is the first stage of replacing the signs and that the second stage will start once the request for proposal process is completed. He stated that a report will be provided indicating which signs were replaced.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked if the second stage included the street signs similar to what Torrance has.
City Manager Moore responded that the bigger signs will be installed in the future with the funds received from Congresswoman Maxine Waters' office.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to accept the project completion by Superior Pavement Markings, Inc, for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project; authorize the City Clerk's Office to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project; and authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $48,093.47 for the FY 2021/22 Citywide Sign Replacement Project. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
14. Consideration of Senate Bill 329 - Regarding City Council Compensation Recommendation: that the City Council 1) review and discuss this report regarding Senate Bill 329 and City Council salaries; and 2) provide direction to the City Manager and staff regarding any potential amendments to the City ordinances pursuant to Senate 122 Bill 329, if any.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how the City Council's compensation compared to other cities of similar size.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton responded that she would report back on other Cities' compensation.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that the City Council's compensation is to compensate the Councilmembers for their time.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Suarez requested information on the compensation and benefits that other comparable Cities receive.
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September 18, 2023
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City Attorney Murphy commented that research can be completed and presented at the same time as the first reading of the ordinance. He noted that $950 per month is the maximum compensation per Senate Bill 329.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to bring back a first reading to amend the City ordinance to increase the City Councilmembers salary to $950 per month. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
15. Appropriate funding to Retrofit Public Works Safety Vehicles Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the funding in the amount of $10,000 to retrofit four vehicles with safety equipment.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked what type of safety lights are being installed.
Public Works Director Reis responded that they are light bars that flash on the left side, right side, and the center.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to authorize the funding in the amount of $10,000 to retrofit four vehicles with safety equipment. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore reported that Republic Services has received concerns from residents about missed pick ups due to truck breakdowns and other issues.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that Republic Services should communicate with the City in a timely manner when trash collection services will not be provided.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested the City Council receive a copy of the contract with Republic Services.
Councilmember Kearney commented that he contacted Republic Services to request a bulky- item pick up and was informed he had to call 48 hours in advance.
City Manager Moore reported that a property owner with an approved mixed-use project of 15 units is requesting approval for additional units; however, the owner must pay a Development Impact Fee (DIF) because sufficient parking is not available. City Manager Moore clarified that a shelter is not being built at this location.
Municipal Services Director Reyes announced Fall Clean-Up Week and what services to expect.
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ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended a California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Legislative Committee via Zoom, South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) meeting via Zoom, Back to School Backpack give-away at Jane Addams Park, Parking & Traffic Solutions Ad hoc Subcommittee meeting, 10" Annual Lawndale Blues Festival and Car Show, requested a status on the Sheriff and Firefighter of the year recognition, and requested that Southwest Patrol present a report at City Council meetings.
City Manager Moore responded that staff is working on the Sheriff and Firefighter of the year recognition and that Municipal Services Director Reyes will coordinate with Southwest Patrol staff to present a report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired if the City could send a congratulatory letter to El Segundo Little League for their championship.
City Manager Moore replied that he will check the City's recognition policy and provide a response to the City Council via e-mail.
Councilmember Kearney attended the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Risk Management Conference, CCCA Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee, and CCCA's 2023 Fall Educational Summit.
Councilmember Suarez attended the 10 Annual Lawndale Blues Festival and Car Show, SBCCOG Steering Committee Meeting which will be celebrating their 20 Anniversary Celebration on September 28, 2023, and the Homeless Solutions Standing Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended multiple SBCCOG meetings, Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes League of Women Voters 19' Amendment Commemoration Plaque event, SBCCOG Homeless Services Task Force, 10" Annual Lawndale Blues Festival and Car Show, meeting with Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Field Deputy Ara An, City of Carson Cajun & Blues White Linen Affair, Homeless Solutions Standing Committee, League of California Cities Voting Delegate Informational Webinar, and the 3° Annual Dolores Huerta Spirit Awards.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas commented that citizens have asked if City Council meetings can be conducted virtually to allow public comments orally rather than by submitting a written comment. She asked if that option can be considered when upgrading the Council Chambers. She inquired if there is a cemetery in Lawndale, and that Metro should be notified.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that it has been known that in the past, people created burials on their property; however, the State has authority over this matter.
City Manager Moore commented that he will let Metro know about a possible gravesite near the right-of-way.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked about the ridership numbers for the Lawndale Beat program.
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September 18, 2023
City Manager Moore stated that he will report back to City Council on the Lawndale Beat ridership.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts meeting, 10h Annual Lawndale Blues Festival and Car Show, CJPIA Risk Management Conference, and commented that Southern California Edison (SCE) has not been notifying residents of recent power outages.
City Manager Moore commented that he will contact SCE to request that they notify public officials and residents of planned outages.
K. CLOSED SESSION
17. 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 read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title only in conjunction with Closed Session Item No. K. 18.
18. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), because there is significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case. Facts unknown to the potential plaintiff.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:51 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 10:02 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. K.17. Conference with Labor Negotiator and no reportable action for Item No. K.18 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation.
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m.
Pulls
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 10/03/2023