MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
October 16, 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, eputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Raylett
'elton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Justi Smith, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez
CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute and Pastor Matthew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
B. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities, announced a Coffee With A op event at Target located at the Lawndale Plaza on October 18, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., and that th os Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) is hiring at lasd.or C. PRESENTATION
1. Presentation to Firefighter & Sheriff's Deputy of the Year Recognition to City of Lawndale 2023 Deputy of the Year Deputy John Luppens and 2023 Firefighter of the Year Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria for their outstanding commitment to serving the Lawndale community and their dedication to public service.
Mayor Pullen-Miles provided the history of the recognitions and asked Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to offer a few words.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman congratulated the recipients and requested that information on the Firefighter and Sheriff's Deputy of the Year be placed on the City's website, social media accounts and to schedule this recognition for October 2024.
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented the Firefighter of the Year recognition to Battalion Chief Valdoria.
Battalion Chief Valdoria thanked the City for the recognition.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented the Sheriff's Deputy of the Year recognition to Deputy Luppens.
Deputy Luppens thanked the City for the recognition.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Eva Sweeney, Director, and Co-founder of Experimentally Structured Museum Art (ESMoA) introduced Director of Operations Barbara Boehm and Communication Coordinator Max Varady. They Spoke about the museum and announced that their soft opening is scheduled on December 2, 2023.
Jon Wolfe, Resident, commented that there is a vacant house at 4221 W. 1615 Street that he has contacted LASD about because it has been broken into several times.
Holly Osborn, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the right-of-way (ROW) measurement results from Metro as compared to her measurements, BNSF Railway and Metro Staff.
Jay Gould, Resident, thanked City Staff and the City Council for their support regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project. He commented on the gas lines at his property, creating laws to restrict Metro projects and Metro's budget for the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone for attending the meeting tonight. She welcomed the new museum ESMoA to the City, asked Resident Wolf to speak to Lieutenant Salgado regarding the vacant property, asked if Caltrans has been notified of the issues with the vacant property, thanked Resident Osborn for her input on the ROW measurements, and commented on Resident Gould's property being affected by Metro.
City Manager Moore responded that Caltrans has been contacted about the issues in the City and stated that staff will follow up on the vacant property.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and he commented on Resident Gould's television interview when Metro inspected Resident Gould's property because of a pipeline issue.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, asked ESMoA to provide their contact and opening day information, commented on the vacant property, and Resident Gould's property, and thanked Resident Gould for recognizing City Manager Moore's efforts on the Metro Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, requested additional information on ESMoA and how City Councilmembers can get involved with their organization, commented on Resident Gould's property, and stated that the City will look into the vacant property.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles welcomed ESMoA to the City, commented on the vacant property, thanked Resident Osborn for her support on the Metro Project, commented on Resident Gould's property, and stated that he would like a copy of the report from Torrance Logistics on the Metro Project.
F. 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-2310-040 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $425,619.32.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, October 2, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
G. ADMINISTRATION
5. Joint-use Parks Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Authorize the City Manager to execute both the 3-year Master Agreement and associated Repair Agreement between the City of Lawndale and the Lawndale Elementary School District for the Provision, Use and Maintenance of Educational, Recreational and Community Facilities and Programs; or
2.) Provide further direction.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked for clarification on why the City has to repair asphalt areas and irrigation.
City Manager Moore responded that there has been deferred maintenance at the parks during the past years.
Councilmember Kearney read a public comment received via e-mail from Resident Randall Abram in which Resident Abram commented on the increase in spending on school parks, ongoing maintenance costs and the park's usage.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Holly Osborn, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on green space ratios.
Deena Sopko, Resident, asked about the City paying for the school district's parks and facilities.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comments.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Councilmember Suarez commented that green space in the City is important, and that she supports the proposed agreements.
Councilmember Kearney commented that the gym and park space are not part of the proposed agreement and about the cost to pave the parking lot at Rogers-Anderson Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas stated that the gym has been a separate agreement in the past. She commented that green space is important for the community, and she supports the proposed agreements.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers regarding the history of Bollinger Gym's usage and renegotiating a separate agreement for Bollinger Gym.
City Attorney Murphy provided information on the short-term agreement extensions. He explained that the short-term amendment expires on October 20, 2023 and that there is no guarantee that the school district will extend another short-term amendment if the master agreement is not approved by the City Council this evening.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman and Councilmember Kearney expressed that they would not support the approval of the master agreement as presented this evening.
City Attorney Murphy clarified the terms for Bollinger Gym and confirmed that it was an excluded facility.
Mayor Pullen-Miles re-opened public comments.
Ann Phillips, Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD) Board Trustee, commented that the City does not pay a rental fee for the use of school parks, and that LESD may not extend another short-term amendment.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas, to authorize the City Manager to execute both the 3-year Master Agreement and associated Repair Agreement between the City of Lawndale and the Lawndale Elementary School District for the Provision, Use and Maintenance of Educational, Recreational and Community Facilities and Programs and to direct the City Manager to enter into negotiations for a separate agreement for Bollinger Gym with the LESD Superintendent.
The motion passes 3-1-1 with Councilmember Kearney voting no and Councilmember Hofmann Gorman abstaining.
Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked about long-term locked-in rates when the interest rates go down.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Finance Director Manuelian responded that it depends on the type of investment; however, the principal investment is not lost.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Update on Partnership with Southwest Patrol and Request for Additional Funding to Expand the Existing Contract for Additional Armed Security Coverage Recommendation: that the City Council consider the benefits that have resulted from adding armed security services provided by Southwest Patrol and give direction on one of the following options: 1) The City Council approve additional funding of $68,800 ($27,200 for remainder of FY 23/24 and $41,600 for FY 24/25) to cover the costs of sixteen hours of armed security coverage per week from November 2nd, 2023, until June 30", 2025, for the remainder of the existing contract between Southwest Patrol and the City of Lawndale; or 2.) The City Council approve additional funding in the amount of $27,200 to cover the costs of sixteen hours of armed security coverage per week from November 2nd, 2023, until June 30th, 2024, for the remainder of this fiscal year; or 3.) The City Council gives Staff directions on whether to add additional coverage to the Southwest Patrol Contract.
Community Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired about the additional hours Southwest Patrol would work
Community Services Director Reyes explained that staff is considering coverage on the days of Wednesday through Sunday, but the days and hours are flexible.
City Manager Moore explained that the days could include Thursday through Sunday.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if staff has seen an improvement when Southwest Patrol works at night.
Community Services Director Reyes responded that staff has seen an improvement in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if Southwest Patrol could patrol residential areas.
Community Services Director Reyes responded that, for safety reasons, it is not recommended that they patrol residential areas.
Mayor Pullen-Miles requested that Southwest Patrol patrol the City on Sundays.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve additional funding of $68,800 ($27,200 for the remainder of FY 23/24 and $41,600 for FY 24/25) to cover the costs of sixteen hours of armed security coverage per week from November 2nd, 2023, until June 30th, 2025, for the remainder of the existing contract between Southwest Patrol and the City of Lawndale. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Consider Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance 1204-23, Amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation in Compliance with Senate Bill 329
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Review and discuss this report regarding city council compensation; and 2) Introduce for first reading by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance 1204-23, amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation in Compliance with Senate Bill 329 to be effective after the November 2024 election; or 3) Provide further direction to the City Manager and staff, if any.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney commented that he supports an increase to the City Council's compensation to the allowable amount of $950 a month.
Councilmember Suarez is not in favor of an increase to the City Council's compensation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to introduce for first reading by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance 1204-23, amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation in Compliance with Senate Bill 329 to increase the City Councilmember compensation to $950 a month to be effective after the November 2024 election. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1-0 with Councilmember Suarez voting no.
9. Notice of Completion- FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project, Project No. 2022-09
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by Kalban, Inc., for the FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project; 2.) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrat-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project; 3.) Authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $75,941.67 for the FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to accept the project completion by Kalban Inc., for the FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project; authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the FX 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project; and authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $75,941.67 for the FY 2021/22 Annual Street Improvement Project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
10. Appropriate Additional Funding for the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the appropriation of $507,078.00 in Priority Legislative Budget Project (PLBP) grant funds to the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested a map that reflects the status of the sign replacement project.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the sign posts are replaced City Manager Moore responded that sign posts are replaced when it is necessary.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if the funding is from Congresswoman Maxine Waters' office and if the project includes the addition of pedestrian signs at crosswalks on Hawthorne Boulevard.
City Manager Moore replied that the funds are not from Congresswoman Waters' office and explained that no new signs are being installed.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked what the steps are to request a survey to add pedestrian signs at crosswalks near schools.
City Manager Moore responded that the request for additional signs would be made to the Traffic Committee. He stated that he would forward the request to the Traffic Committee.
Mayor Pullen-Miles requested the sign replacement project be posted on the City's website and social media accounts.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to authorize the appropriation of $507,078.00 in Priority Legislative Budget Project (PLBP) grant funds to the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
11. Recommendation to use Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions as the exclusive provider of Automatic License Plate Readers for the City of Lawndale Recommendation: that the City Council consider the following options and staff recommends Option 1 of the following options: 1) Select Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions as the City's preferred provider of Automatic License Plate Reader's at the estimated price and for all the listed services in the RFP; or 2.) Select Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions as the City's preferred provider of Automatic License Plate Reader's at a lower price, but with less cameras, equipment, and coverage in order to reduce the cost to a more comfortable price point; or 3.) Give Staff directions as to how many cameras they would like to have in use, with the possibility of adding additional cameras once the program is underway and successful.
Community Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked who has access to the data and about the privacy policy.
Community Services Director Reyes stated that LASD is the only entity that has access to the data and that LASD already has access to this same information.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how future maintenance costs will be funded.
Community Services Director Reyes responded that the City would have to use General Funds to fund future maintenance costs; however, the City can end the program if it is too costly.
Sergeant Smith shared success stories that LASD has had utilizing Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
Lieutenant Salgado stated that ALPRs assist LASD with solving crimes faster.
Councilmember Suarez asked if red light violations are recorded Lieutenant Salgado responded that the program is not intended to record red light violations. He stated they are to assist with investigations, stolen vehicle alerts and missing persons alerts.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas inquired what the data retention period is.
Community Services Director Reyes responded that data is retained for ten years.
Sergeant Smith commented that personal identifying information is not captured by the cameras and explained that the ALPRs take a picture of a vehicle, license plate and provides geographical information only. He stated that the data has to be matched to other digital data to be effective.
Councilmember Hoffman Gorman asked if crime rates will drop because of the cameras.
Sergeant Smith responded that based on LASD's experience, criminals avoid areas with ALPRs.
Lieutenant Salgado commented that the ALPR will be a deterrent to crime in the City.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that he would like to know what the unintended consequences are and what will happen to the data after ten years. He expressed concerns that the data will be sold and whether the data is secure. He stated that he is not willing to approve an agreement without further information addressing his concerns.
Councilmember Suarez commented that she has the same concerns as Mayor Pullen-Miles.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions would give a presentation to the City Councilmembers.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the contractor could give a presentation at a future meeting. He clarified that the quantity of the ALPRs is 21, consisting of nine fixed and twelve portable cameras.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if the ALPRs are the same as the computers that deputies have inside their patrol cars.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded the ALPRs are not the same as the ones in the patrol cars.
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that the surrounding cities have ALPRs and that she is not concerned about her privacy.
A written public comment was received via e-mail from Resident Randall Abram in which Resident Abram commented on the ALPR costs, data storage and access, the proposed master agreement, success rate and program implementation.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman suggested that the representatives from Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions be invited to attend the next meeting to give a presentation.
By consensus, the City Council continued this item to a date certain of November 6, 2023, and directed staff to invite Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions to give a presentation at the next meeting.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore reported that he visited Resident Gould's property to assist with the issues of the gravesites and pipelines related to the Metro C Line (Green) Project. He commented that the City is experiencing trash collection issues its waste hauler and that fines will be imposed.
CITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
12. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that she has received complaints about Republic Services, and asked if there is a way to end the contract. She attended West Basin Municipal Water District Water Harvest and announced the City of Lawndale's Halloween Haunt scheduled for October 31, 2023. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if the City can be allowed to attend the tour of the CLine Extension Right-of-Way hosted by the South Bay Cities of Governments (SBCCOG). She requested that the representatives of Republic Services be invited to a City Council meeting.
City Attorney Murphy responded that the City could form an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to meet with Republic Services in a focused setting.
Councilmember Kearney agreed with Councilmember Hofmann Gorman's suggestion to invite Republic Services to attend the next City Council meeting. He attended the Contract Cities Liability Trust Fund meeting, Hawthorne High School Athletics Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Councilmember Suarez commented that she did not attend any events and she will be in costume at the City's Halloween Haunt event on October 31, 2023.
Minutes - City Council
Oclober 16, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended a Virtual Town Hall on Los Angeles County Budget hosted by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell's office and commented that she will be in costume at the City's Halloween Haunt event on October 31, 2023.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the 2023 BizFed Freshman Policymakers Reception, visited Resident Gould's property to view the issues of gravesites and pipeline issues related to the Metro C Line (Green) Project, commented on Republic Services not collecting commercial recyclables, and commented on Southern California Edison's (SCE) recent power outages.
City Manager Moore responded that a mylar balloon recently caused another power outage on Prairie Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue.
CLOSED SESSION
13. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4), to discuss the potential initiation of litigation: two (2) cases.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title only and stated that there will only be one (1) Anticipated Litigation case to consider instead of two (2) cases.
14. 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 read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 9:07 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 10:04 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported that for Closed Session Item No. J.13 Conference with Legal Counsel, Anticipated Litigation, there was unanimous direction to initiate litigation by filing and serving the defendant. City Attorney Murphy indicated that to be consistent with the Brown Act, the defendant's name and litigation information will become public after the defendant is served.
City Attorney Murphy reported that for Closed Session Item No. J.14 Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Staff was given direction to prepare a contract amendment with specific terms to be brought back to a future meeting for potential action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:07 p.m. +
Minutes - City Council
October 16, 2023
4 pulamit
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 11/6/2023