MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
December 18, 2023
A. 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 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 Palomino, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Community Services Director.
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
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
The City Council thanked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) for sponsoring a toy drive.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Ray Hollar, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, Metro's C Line (Green) Extension Project and the City's privacy policy on the website.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, past flooding issues in the city, right-of-way (ROW) measurement calculations, and pipelines on the ROW.
Randall Abram, Resident, spoke about the 2023 fireworks financial reports submitted by the organizations that sell fireworks and the expenditures they made.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting, commented on the City's website being up to date, Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, photos of past flooding, and requested that staff review the 2023 fireworks financial reports.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that staff will review the 2023 fireworks financial reports.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at the meeting tonight.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for attending the meeting tonight and thanked staff for processing the permit for the Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and requested that the fireworks financial reports be reviewed closely.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda
Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
2. Accounts Payable kegister
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2312-051 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $684,423.66.
3. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, December 4, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council approve.
REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
Consideration of the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) 2024-25 and the Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommendation: that the Successor Agency 1) Approve and direct staff to submit to the Los Angeles County Oversight Board and California Department of Finance (DOF) the ROPS 24-25 and Administrative Budget FY 2024-25; and 2) Authorize staff to make any changes requested by the DOF.
Minutes of the Redevelopment Successor Agency Meeting - June 5, 2023 Recommendation: that the Board approve.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Consent Calendar items F.1. through F.3. and the Redevelopment Successor Agency items F.4. through F.5. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Case No. 23-19, Consideration and Adoption of a Comprehensive Update to the City's General Plan (2045) and Adoption of an Associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Hold a public hearing; B.) Approve Resolution No. CC-2312-049 Approving and Certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report; and C.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2312-048 Approving the General Plan 2045 comprehensive update.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report and announced that the public hearing was continued from the December 4, 2023, City Council meeting.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
The City Council thanked staff for the updates on the City's General Plan and associated Environmental Impact Report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve Resolution No. CC-2312-049, approving and certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report; and adopt Resolution No. CC-2312-048, approving the General Plan 2045 comprehensive update. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Selection of Projects for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 (50th) Program Year of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Kecommendation: that the City Council 1.) Conduct a public hearing; 2.) Adopt the FY 2024-25 budget for the CDBG program; and 3.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2312-047, Approving the City's participation in the FY 2024-25 CDBG Program.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report and made a correction to the streets listed in the staff report. She indicated that the report should state 171 Street, from Hawthorne Boulevard to Grevillea Avenue, instead of 171% street from Larch Avenue to Freeman Avenue.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Councilmember Suarez noted that the City has used this funding in the past to maintain its streets.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how staff determines which streets to fix and the last time they were repaired.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
Public Works Director Reis responded that a pavement management report that indicates the streets Pavement Condition Index (PCI) was used to determine which streets require work.
Mayor Pullen-Miles inquired about the funding percentage that is allocated to the senior meal program and if the funding can be used toward the Senior Travel Club.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that 15 percent of the $268,000 allocation is used toward the senior meal program.
City Manager Moore commented that the funding cannot be used for the Senior Travel Club per CDBG regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked how the 15 percent allocation to the senior meal program is determined.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that the Los Angeles County Development Authority determines the percentage allowed for senior meals.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to accept the modifications to the street list to read 171 Street, from Hawthorne Boulevard to Grevillea Avenue; adopt the FY 2024-25 budget for the CDBG program; and adopt Resolution No. CC-2312-047 approving the City's participation in the #X 2024-25 CDBG Program. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
8. Update on Contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions to be the exclusive provider of Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras for the City of Lawndale
Recommendation: that the City Council choose one of the following options: Option I) Receive and file this staff report; or Option 2) Provide further direction to staff on this matter.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comments segment.
Ray Hollar, Resident, commented on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's (LASD) privacy policy for the Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) program.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on the LASD ALPR privacy policy and public safety employee's access to ALPR data.
Randall Abram, Resident, asked what the implementation timeframe is, if monthly reports will be provided on the ALPR system and commented on the retention policy.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comments segment.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked LASD to provide clarification on the ALPR program.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
LASD Sergeant Chi and Deputy Paul explained that any public safety civilian staff who has access to ALPR data must have security clearance. He stated that LASD conducts periodic data access audits and explained the five-year retention period.
Councilmember Suarez asked how other agencies will access the data.
Sergeant Chi responded that agencies would have direct access to the database and that the retention period is five years. He stated that any agency that the data is shared with has to sign a memorandum of understanding. Sergeant Chi indicated that data is not shared with out-of-state or federal agencies.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked if a report can be generated to provide information on how much the data has been accessed.
Deputy Paul responded that a report can be generated to provide general statistics on data access.
Discussion ensued among the City Council and LASD about data access, ALPR investigations, and stolen license plates.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if a report can be provided regularly.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that a report on ALPR usage will be provided regularly, provided additional information on the retention period, and explained the privacy protocols.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked if spot checking license plates is allowed.
Sergeant Chi responded that there must be a valid reason to view the data.
Councilmember Suarez asked what the timeframe is to implement the ALPR program and requested that residents be notified when the ALPRs are installed.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that he would contact the provider to determine a start date and provide it to the City Manager.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc./Vigilant Solutions.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Federal Grant Agreement for Youth Development Center Project Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the attached FY 2023 Community Project Funding Grant Agreement NO. B-23-CPCA-0257 and authorize the City Manager to sign the funding agreement between the City of Lawndale and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or 2.) Provide further direction.
Community Services Director Estes presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas asked for the timeline of when demolition will occur.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
Community Services Director Estes explained that the project will break ground in the Summer of 2024.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked where the Municipal Services Staff and Cable Staff will be moved to when the demolition begins.
Community Services Director Estes responded that options are being discussed with the City Manager.
Councilmember Kearney inquired about the completion date.
City Manager Moore explained that the timeline for completion is an estimate.
Mayor Pullen-Miles suggested obtaining letters of support from State and local legislators when applying for future federal grants.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the attached FY 2023 Community Project Funding Grant Agreement NO. B- 23-CPCA-0257 and authorize the City Manager to sign the funding agreement between the City of Lawndale and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
10. Recreation Facility Security Camera Project, Additional Funding Request Recommendation: that the City Council approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the amount of $3,433.00 to be paid to Blue Violet Networks for: 1) two DVR cabinets and related electrical work at Hopper and Rudolph Parks and; 2) mounting of one existing DVR at Hogan Park and necessary electrical work to complete the State grant-funded Recreation Facility Security Camera Replacement Project.
Community Services Director Estes presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the amount of $3,433.00 to be paid to Blue Violet Networks for two DVR cabinets and related electrical work at Hopper and Rudolph Parks and mounting of one existing DVR at Hogan Park, and necessary electrical work to complete the State grant-funded Recreation Facility Security Camera Replacement Project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
11. Approve Street Sweeping Services Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council approve agreement with CleanStreet for citywide street sweeping services for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 at an annual rate of $327,728 plus four hours of special sweeping services for the annual parade (two hours per year) at $163.65 per hour for a total not-to-exceed $656,111 for the two-year term of the agreement.
Public Works Director Reis presented the staff report.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve agreement with CleanStreet for citywide street sweeping services for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 at an annual rate ol $327,728 plus four hours of special sweeping services for the annual parade (two hours per year) at $163.65 per hour for a total not-to-exceed $656,111 for the two-year term of the agreement. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. Professional Service Agreement Extension with De Novo Planning Group Recommendation: that the City Council approve to extend the professional service agreement with De Novo for the General Plan and Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan (HBSP) Update.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve extending the professional service agreement with De Novo Planning Group for the General Plan and Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan (HBSP) Update. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
13. Annual Reorganization of the City Council
Recommendation: that the City Council appoint one of its members to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a term beginning on January 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2024.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to appoint Councilmember Suarez to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a term beginning on January 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2024. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
L. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore had no items to report.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the City of Lawndale's 2023 Employee Recognition & Annual Holiday event, Coffee With A Cop, Santa's Sleigh events, thanked staff for coordinating the events and thanked the South Bay 25 Club for sponsoring the Santa's Sleigh events.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked to speak as a resident about the Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk held by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
City Attorney Murphy explained that Councilmember Hofmann Gorman will be given three minutes to comment as a resident on the Metro C Line Project.
Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Resident, commented that she was disappointed with how the Metro C Line/ Green Community Walk was presented to the community and that Metro staff in attendance were not able to answer questions.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
Councilmember Kearney attended Senator Bradford's Toy Giveaway, Senior Lunch Holiday Party, Santa's Sleigh events, Coffee with a Cop, Contract Cities Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee meeting, Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, LASD and City Council Toy Giveaway, South Bay Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation of Officers event and wished everyone happy holidays.
Councilmember Suarez attended the City of Lawndale's 2023 Employee Recognition & Annual Holiday event, South Bay Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation of Officers event, South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) South Bay Energy and Climate Recognition Program where the City received a bronze award. She commented on heat reducing slurry seal that the City should consider using. Councilmember Suarez attended a SBCCOG Steering Committee and Board of Director's meeting and wished everyone happy holidays.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the City of Lawndale's 2023 Employee Recognition & Annual Holiday event and thanked staff for a great event. Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended Santa's Sleigh Council Night, League of California Cities All Cities Holiday Reception, Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, thanked everyone for their support during her year of serving as Mayor Pro Tem and wished everyone happy holidays.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas for serving as Mayor Pro Tem. He attended the Metro C Line/ Green Line Community Walk, Senior Lunch Holiday Party, Jingle Jokes and Jams Foster Youth Benefit Program, Coffee With A Cop, LASD and City Council Toy Giveaway, City of Lawndale's 2023 Employee Recognition & Annual Holiday event, League of California Cities All Cities Holiday Reception and asked City Manager Moore if staff can look into installing noise reducing signals at rail crossings.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will look into installing noise reducing signals and report back
K. CLOSED SESSION
15. 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 8:17 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:39 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action taken.
Minutes - City Council
December 18, 2023
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Ober Penis voi
ATTEST:
Attal
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 01/16/2024
CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale California 90260
Phone: (310) 973-3200, Fax (310) 644-4556
CALIFORNIA
NOTICE OF
CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
Notice is hereby given that at its regular meeting on December 18, 2023, the City Council of the City of Lawndale reorganized as follows:
Title Name Term
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles Term Expires 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Bernadette Suarez Term Expires 2026
Councilmember Pat Kearney Term Expires 2026
Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman Term Expires 2024
Councilmember Sirley Cuevas Term Expires 2024
Other officials are:
Title Name Term
City Clerk (Elected) Erica Harbison Term Expires 2026
Dated this 19th day of December, 2023
Wette Stall
Yvette Hall, Assistant City Clerk
The Lawndale City Council conducts regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber.