MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 6, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez, Public Works Director Lea Reis
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Kearney led the flag salute and Pastor Don Schmolder of Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities and introduced the new Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Captain Nicole Palomino.
LASD Captain Palomino introduced herself and thanked the City for the opportunity to serve as the LASD Captain.
Councilmember Suarez requested a Coffee With A Cop event to introduce LASD Captain Palomino to the community.
b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
City Manager Moore gave a summary of recent Fire Department enforcement activities provided by the Fire Department.
D. PRESENTATION
1. 100" Anniversary Cook's Lumber and Hardware
Recognition of Cook's Lumber and Hardware now known as Cook's Doors and Windows for their 100" Anniversary in business at the City of Lawndale.
Mayor Pullen-Miles presented a plaque to Cook's Lumber and Hardware, now known as Cook's Doors and Windows for their 100" Anniversary in business at the City of Lawndale.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
Jim and Bob Cook, Owner thanked the City for the recognition.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Mayor Pullen-Miles introduced California State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor.
Assemblymember McKinnor provided an overview of her District's activities and provided a legislative update.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Assemblymember McKinnor for her work on behalf of the community.
Joi Richardson, District Representative from Senator Steven Bradford's Office announced a Turkey and Pork Roast Giveaway on November 21, 2023.
Ray Holler, Resident, thanked everyone that has supported Resident Gould and Resident Standifer with the Metro issues that are affecting their property.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro Line C Project, South Bay Cities of Governments' (SBCCOG) tour of the Right-of-Way (ROW) and the pipelines affecting Resident Gould's property.
Jay Gould, Resident, commented on the ROW measurements, the pipelines that affect his property and correspondence he received from Metro about his property.
Colleen Villegas, Resident, thanked the City Council, LASD, and staff for supporting Resident Gould regarding the Metro issues that affect his property.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyore for attending the meeting tonight. She thanked District Representative Richardson for announcing the Turkey and Pork Roast Giveaway and requested the information be posted on the City's webpage and social media accounts.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked the residents for their support to the City regarding the Metro Project and commented that she will also be affected by the Metro Project.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at the meeting tonight and asked if the City can send a letter to Metro regarding the C Line (Green) Project.
City Attorney Murphy responded that he does not represent the City on the Metro Project; however, he would discuss the options of sending a letter with the City Manager.
Councilmember Suarez commented that Metro was to provide transportation for the SBCCOG tour of the Metro ROW; however, the tour was cancelled due to problems with the buses.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, Resident Osborne for providing the graphs on the ROW measurements and thanked everyone for supporting Resident Gould on the Metro issues that are affecting his property. She thanked Assemblymember McKinnor for providing the legislative update.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone for speaking at tonight's meeting and commented on the C Line (Green) Project.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Recodmendation: that the City Council approve.
Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2311-041 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,726,869.31.
4. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, October 16, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1204-23, Amending Section
2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation
Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only and adopt Ordinance 1204-23, amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation.
6. Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Appointments 2023 - 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Approve the Mayor's appointments by directing staff to insert the appointees' names in Sections 1 and 2 of Resolution No. CC- 2311-042; B.) Adopt the resolution as amended; and C.) Find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 1506l(b)(3).
Beautification Committee Appointment 2023 - 2025
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Approve the Mayor's appointment by directing staff to insert the appointee's name in Section 1 and 2 of Resolution No. CC- 2311-043; B.) Adopt the resolution as amended; and C.) Find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3).
Parks, Recreation and Social Services Commission Appointment 2023 - 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Approve the Mayor's appointment by directing staff to insert the appointee's name in Section 1 of Resolution No. CC-2311- 044; B.) Adopt the resolution as amended; and C.) Find this item exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 1506l(b)(3).
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement with Doerschel & Associates, LLC, formerly Darren P. Doerschel, for Cable Television Consultation and Technical Support Services
Recommendation: that the City Council a) approve the first amendment to the contract services agreement with Doerschel & Associates, LLC, formerly Darren P. Doerschel for Cable Television Technical Consultation and Technical Support Services for an amount not to exceed $82,000.
10. First Amendment to School Crossing Guard Services Agreement Recommendation: that the City Council approve the attached contractor executed First Amendment to School Crossing Guard Services between the City and All City Management Services, Inc. for a two-year term beginning August 24, 2023 through June 10, 2025.
Councilmember Suarez requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 5 be pulled and considered separately.
By consensus, Mayor Pullen-Miles pulled Consent Calendar Item No. 5 from the consent calendar to be considered separately.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 2 through 10, excluding Item No. 5. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
5. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1204-23, Amending Section
2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation
Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only and adopt Ordinance 1204-23, amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation.
This item was considered separately at this point in time.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to read by title only and adopt Ordinance 1204-23, amending Section 2.04.040 of Title 2 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding City Council Compensation. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1-0 with Councilmember Suarez voting no.
H. ADMINISTRATION
11. Update Regarding Republic Services Service Performance Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Devin Kincaid, Republic Services General Manager, introduced himself and stated that Republic Services is aware of the issues the City is having with the trash collection services. He assured the City that Republic Services is working on improving their services.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented on the trash collection service concerns she has received from residents and issues that she has observed.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
Councilmember Kearney commented on complaints he received from residents about trash collection and inquired about the new trash collection trucks that are supposed to be purchased as stated in the contract.
Councilmember Suarez asked if there are plans to purchase new equipment.
General Manager Kincaid responded that due to supply chain issues, there are major delays with receiving new equipment.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on missed trash collection services and requested that Republic Services communicate with residents when services are delayed.
The City Council thanked General Manager Kincaid for attending tonight's meeting and Public Works staff member Grace Huizar for assisting residents with trash collection concerns.
By City Council consensus, the presentation update was received and filed.
12. Notice of Completion - Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by G2K Construction, Inc., for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project; 2.) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project; and 3.) Authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $1,203.43 to G2K for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas inquired about use of the security gates for the patrol cars to park behind.
City Manager Moore stated that due to space issues, it was more efficient to keep patrol cars outside the gate.
City Councilmember Suarez inquired about public access to the facility.
City Manager Moore responded that the facility is accessible to the public.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to accept the project completion by G2K Construction, Inc., for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project; authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project; and authorize staff to release 5% retention in the amount of $1,203.43 to G2K for the Public Works and Los Angeles Sheriff Department Facility Improvement Project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
13. Authorize a new Right-of-Way Use Agreement with Addendum for City-Owned Conduit Use for Crown Castle Fiber LLC
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Approve the execution of the new Right-of- Way Use Agreement with Crown Castle Fiber LLC; and B.) Accept the Conduit Occupancy License Fee of $5.00/LE/YR over the next five (5) years, with an increase to $5.50/LF/YR for the first five (5) year renewal, and another increase to $6.00/LF/YR for the second five (5) year renewal, for a total Conduit Occupancy License Fee of $297,000 over 15 years.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas inquired how the rates were determined.
Public Works Director Reis responded that the rates were a negotiated amount with an increase.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the execution of the new Right-of-Way Use Agreement with Crown Castle Fiber LLC; and accept the Conduit Occupancy License Fee of $5.00/LF/YR over the next five (5) years, with an increase to $5.50/LF/YR for the first five (5) year renewal, and another increase to $6.00/LF/YR for the second five (5) year renewal, for a total Conduit Occupancy License Fee of $297,000 over 15 years. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
14. Recommendation to use Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions as the exclusive provider of Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras for the City of Lawndale Recommendation: that the City Council consider the following options and staff recommends Option 1: 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.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked where the data is stored, what is the retention for keeping the data, and commented that the automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) are not red-light cameras. She commented that the City needs to notify residents that the ALPRs are being installed for their safety.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the data is owned and stored by LASD and is deleted after a five-year retention period. He stated that the ALPRs are not used to cite red light traffic infractions.
Discussion ensued among the City Council and staff regarding how investigations are conducted when images are captured, contract terms for upgrading the system and updates to the software program when it becomes available.
Councilmember Suarez inquired about the process for tracking the personnel that access the data.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
Sergeant David Chi, LASD, responded that the data is only accessible by sworn personnel who need to know the information, such as a detective. He stated that there is an auditing feature that tracks the user information and the reason the data is collected each time the data is accessed.
Sergeant Chi stated that LASD also performs periodic audits.
Discussion ensued among the City Council, staff, LASD and Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions staff regarding the data being subject to the Public Records Act, the process for deleting data, certification of the deleted data, data used as evidence for court cases, and lower crime in the City due to the installation of ALPRs.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented in favor of the ALPRs.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on ongoing costs, quantity of the proposed ALPRs, how ALPRs' data will be used, the retention period and about the City's approval process.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked how the quantity of the proposed ALPRs was determined and if the City will receive fewer cameras than Torrance, for example, because of the size of each respective City.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the City's budget determined how many cameras the City could purchase, which is a total of 21 cameras. He further explained how the ALPRs can assist in solving crimes.
Discussion ensued among the City Council, staff and LASD regarding revising the data retention policy and whether a public hearing is required to approve the ALPRs.
City Attorney Murphy stated that a notice of public hearing is not required.
Councilmember Suarez asked if the locations of the ALPRs were coordinated with neighboring cities.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the City coordinated the locations with LASD to determine the optimum locations.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to select Option 1 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. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
15. Approval of First Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement with Sean M. Moore
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) approve First Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement in its current form and approve and adopt Resolution No. CC- 2311-045, First Amendment to Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024; or 2) approve First Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement a nodified to match Mr. Moore's request and approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2311 045, First Amendment to Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 as modified to match that request; or 3) provide City Attorney and staff further direction.
By City Council consensus, the City Council removed Agenda Item H.15. and will consider the item at a future meeting.
16. Approval of Contract Services Agreement for City Council Chamber AV Technology Upgrade Project with Western Audio Visual and Security Recommendation: that the City Council I) approve and authorize the City Manager to approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual and Security in a form approved by the City Attorney in the amount not to exceed. $163,315 or total project cost approved by City Council to replace the City's City Council Chamber AV Technology; 2) authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to appropriate an additional $38,315, or approved total project cost, from ARPA to cover the additional proposal costs, plus 10% contingency, to complete this project; or 3) provide City Manager and staff with alternative directions, if needed.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the cost includes the City Council nameplates.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton responded that nameplates are an additional cost.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired about the timeframe for the project's completion if the project is approved.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton commented that the contractor will need six weeks onsite to complete the project after the equipment is received. She stated that the equipment is estimated to be received in January 2024.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked what brand of monitors are proposed to be installed.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton responded that the brand is Planar Systems.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve and authorize the City Manager to approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual and Security in a form approved by the City Attorney in the amount not to exceed $163,315 to replace the City's Council Chamber AV Technology and authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to appropriate an additional $38,315 from ARPA to cover the additional proposal costs, plus 10% contingency, to complete this project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore reported that he visited Resident Gould's property regarding the issues of the gravesites and pipelines related to the C Line (Green) Project. He commented on Metro's ease with the company that owns the pipelines. City Manager Moore reported that staff i ontinuing their homeless outreach efforts and vendor enforcement. He stated that LASD and th Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will be assisting with vendor enforcement.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
17. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended Coffee With A Cop, the City's Halloween Haunt event, and Leuzinger High School's Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. She commented that she would like another Coffee With A Cop to introduce LASD Captain Palomino to the residents and inquired about scheduling a California Department of Transportation/Caltrans Maintenance Standing Committee meeting to discuss the City's needs.
Councilmember Kearney attended Coffee With A Cop, 2023 Ethics Training, the City's Halloween Haunt event, the City's Halloween Senior Lunch, Leuzinger High School's Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and announced the Veterans Day Remembrance event.
Councilmember Suarez attended Coffee With A Cop, 2023 Ethics Training, the City's Halloween Haunt event, Halloween Senior Lunch and SBCCOG's Steering Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the City's Halloween Senior Lunch, the City's Halloween Haunt event, and Leuzinger High School's Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Annual Mayors' Cup Football Game, the City's Halloween Haunt event, and Leuzinger High School's Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. He noted that he witnessed an occurrence with Southwest Patrol as they were driving through the community.
City Manager Moore responded that staff would look into the matter regarding Southwest Patrol.
CLOSED SESSION
18. 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. J. 19. and Closed Session Item No. J. 20.
19. 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: one (1) case.
Minutes - City Council
November 6, 2023
20. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: Nick Duong V. The City of Lawndale, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 23STLC06733.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:40 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 9:26 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. J.18. Conference with Labor Negotiator, and no reportable action for Item No. J.19 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation. City Attorney Murphy reported that for Closed Session Item No. J.20. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, direction was given to the City Attorney's office to defend the matter on behalf of the City.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 11/6/2023