MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 20, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:31 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, Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez, 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 B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute and Pastor Dwight Dudley of Calvary Chapel South Bay provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities. He announced that there will a Coffe with a LASD) December 13, 2023, to introduce the new Los Angoles County D. PRESENTATION
Legislative Update
Senator Steven Bradford's Office will provide a legislative update.
Senator Bradford provided legislative updates for FY 2023-24. He announced a Turkey Giveaway to be held on November 21, 2023 and a Toy Giveaway to be held on December 9, 2023.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Senator Bradford for the hard work he does on behalf of the community and requested consideration of funding for the City's Youth Development Center.
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E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Ray Hollar, Resident, commented on the City's automatic license plate recognition program (ALPR) and requested additional information be provided on the program discussed at a previous City Council meeting.
Michelle Pino, Library Manager, thanked Mayor Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Kearney for attending a recent event and announced the library's upcoming events.
Ali Zaidi, Resident, commented on parking issues on his street and requested assistance from the City.
Samina Arain, Resident, commented on parking issues on her street and requested assistance from the City.
Uzair Pasta, Resident, commented on an illegal fireworks citation that he received as the owner of a property and asked the City Council to reevaluate the illegal fireworks ordinance.
Alexander Vigueras Jr., Resident, commented on parking issues on 173"d Street.
Sophia Pasta, Resident, commented on an illegal fireworks citation that she received as the owner of a rental property and the process to dispute citations.
Jay Gould, Resident, thanked the City Council for writing a letter to Metro regarding Metro's interactions with him, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Project and Metro's budget for the project.
Joi Robertson, Representative for Senator Bradford, announced a Turkey Giveaway to be held on November 21, 2023 and a Toy Giveaway to be held on December 9, 2023.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone for attending the meeting tonight. She thanked Senator Bradford and his staff for their work on behalf of the community, thanked Library Manager Pino for the updates, and asked City Manager Moore if staff could investigate the parking concerns at 153'd Street. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked for information on the illegal fireworks citations, commented that the City supports Resident Gould on matters related to Metro and asked for additional information on the ALPR that Resident Hollar commented on.
City Manager Moore commented that staff will investigate the parking issues at 153rd Street.
He stated that the City cannot comment on the illegal firework citations as they are in litigation, and that staff will speak with Resident Hollar regarding his comments on the ALPRs project.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at the meeting tonight and asked about parking allowances implemented by the State of California.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for attending the meeting tonight and asked to receive the information that Resident Hollar referenced regarding ALPRs. She asked for a DRAFT Minutes - City Council
November 20, 2023
description of the 72-hour parking regulations. Councilmember Suarez requested an update on the illegal fireworks citations and commented on the Metro budget information provided by Resident Gould.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez stated that she will work with City Manager Moore to provide information on the ALPRs.
Municipal Services Director Reyes explained the 72-hour parking regulations.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will provide an update on the illegal fireworks citations after the appeal hearings are finalized.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and encouraged residents to share their concerns with the City Council.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone for speaking at tonight's meeting and requested a discussion on the illegal fireworks bail amount, commented on the 72-hour parking regulations, thanked Resident Gould for the Metro updates and Library Manager Pino for the library events updates, and Senator Bradford's Office and staff for attending the meeting.
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-2311-046 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $866,624.53.
4. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, November 6, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary Report Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file.
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
6. Update of Lawndale Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 12.04 regarding E-bikes usage and restrictions
Recommendation: that the City Council choose one of the following options for directing staff: Option I City Council will direct staff to amend Lawndale Municipal Code to include additional restrictions and safety measures for E-bike usage; or Option 2) City Council will direct staff to leave Lawndale Municipal Code as it currently stands regarding existing restrictions and safety measures for E-bike usage; or Option 3) City Council will give staff directives on changes they wish to implement on E-bike usage.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
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Councilmember Suarez asked how other cities regulate E-bikes usage and what kind of complaints the City has received about E-bikes.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that E-bikes are encouraged by California State law due to their energy and fuel efficiency; however, most cities do not allow them to be rented or kept on City streets, and that the City has the option to put restrictive safety guidelines in place. Municipal Services Director Reyes also stated that LASD enforces E-bike usage, therefore, the City does not have complaints of E-bikes on file. He indicated that according to LASD, there have not been any E-bike citations issued, but there have been two accidents with injuries involving E-bikes.
City Manager Moore explained that he observes riders on E-bikes at high speeds throughout City property and on the streets without a helmet. He stated that the riders do not adhere to the traffic laws. City Manager Moore clarified that staff is requesting the City Council consider additional restrictions or provide staff with further direction.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that she would like to be proactive with the E- bikes usage regulations and would like to know what options are available.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas commented that since E-bike riders are supposed to follow the same regulations as bicyclists and motorcyclists, she suggested that the City start with enforcement of the current ordinance.
• Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that LASD can enforce E-bike usage without changing the current ordinance.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that he is concerned about E-bike riders' safety, riding on private property and agreed to enforce the current ordinance first.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez explained the E-bike classification levels.
Discussion ensued among the City Council regarding E-bike restrictions, safety regulations, and regulations of other cities.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to actively enforce the City's E-bike ordinance and bring back additional safety information and E-bike regulations from Award of Construction Contract to J&E Asphalt Maintenance for the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Award construction contract in the amount of $1,294,210 to J&E Asphalt Maintenance, for the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project; and 2.) Approve the construction contingency amount of $517,684 for the project to avoid delays and facilitate timely project completion.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to award the construction contract in the amount of $1,294,210 to J&E Asphalt Maintenance, for the FY 2023/24 Citywide Sign Replacement Project and approve the construction contingency amount of $517,684 for the project to avoid delays and facilitate timely project completion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore commented that he had no items to report.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
8. Approval of Letter to Metro regarding Interactions with Lawndale Resident Mr.
Jay Gould
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the letter, authorize the Mayor to sign the letter on behalf of the City Council, and direct staff to mail the letter to Metro.
City Manager Moore presented the letter for consideration and approval.
Councilmember Suarez suggested a change to the wording in the last paragraph.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve the letter to Metro with the changes suggested by Councilmember Suarez, authorize the Mayor to sign the letter on behalf of the City Council, and direct staff to mail the letter to Metro. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman participated in a Zoom call with the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA), attended the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) Awards Ceremony, and the CCCA monthly meeting.
Councilmember Kearney attended the City's Field of Honor event, Contract Cities Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee Meeting, SWIB Awards Ceremony, and United Against Hate Week event.
Councilmember Suarez attended the City's Field of Honor event, SBWIB Meeting, South Bay Cities Council of Governments' (SBCCOG) Volunteer Reception, SBCCOG's Board of Directors' meeting, and commented that Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell is hosting a community walk on December 16, 2023, regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman announced the City's Angel Tree Lighting event to be held on December 1, 2023, and requested that illegal fireworks announcements be made via the electronic notification trailers and information be placed on the City's website and social media.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the SBWIB Awards Ceremony and congratulated Resident Carina Noyola who received the 2023 Recognition Award and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
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Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the United Against Hate event, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Meeting, the City's Field of Honor event, and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
K. CLOSED SESSION
10. Conference with Labor Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section classified employees.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez read the aforementioned Closed Session matter by title only in conjunction with Closed Session Item No. K. 11.
11. 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.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:13 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:55 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. K.10. Conference with Labor Negotiator, and no reportable action for Item No. K.11. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Hofmann Gorman adjourned the meeting in memory 4 yanga Capacidaway andy andly 10,202y volunteer Naney Marthens, who served the Cily fo There being no further business to conduct, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
R Paler-nic
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 12/4/2023