MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
February 5, 2024
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 Bermadette Suarez, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman,
Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Sirley
Cuevas
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 Captain Nicole Palomino, Los Angeles County
Fire Department Chief Ramon Valdoria, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Community
Development Manager Jared Chavez.
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute. Pastor Matthew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities and announced a Coffee with a Cop event to be held at The Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) on February 27, 2024, from 9 am to 10 am.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked the Sheriff Deputies for their efforts and requested they be issued a letter of commendation.
b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Fire Chief Valdoria was not present due to an emergency.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Sandra Suarez, Resident, commented on the City's code violation citations given to property owners for fence height issues, height of hedges on the medians on Hawthorne Boulevard, and permit issuance timeframes.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
John Martinez., Resident and Vice President of the Lawndale Little League, commented on the baseball field improvements that the Lawndale Little League worked on at Janes Adams Park and stated that they were accepting registrations.
Nilo Vega Michelin, El Camino College Board of Trustees Member, commented in opposition to the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project.
Ann Phillips, Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD) Board of Trustees Member, provided information on LESD's boundaries, student enrollment data, and enrollment events.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, inquired about the hedges in the medians on Hawthorne Boulevard, thanked the Lawndale Little League for maintaining the baseball fields, asked about the City's maintenance of the baseball fields, and confirmed that LESD's website is accessible in English and Spanish.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will follow-up on the hedges on Hawthorne Boulevard.
Community Services Director Estes responded that requests for baseball field maintenance are coordinated with the Public Works Department.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked the Lawndale Little League for all the work they do, asked if Lawndale Little League sign-ups can be posted on the City's website, and thanked El Camino College Board of Trustee Member Michelin and LESD Board of Trustees Member Phillips for their updates.
City Manager Moore responded that the City Council Policy Manual restricts the type of postings allowed on City's social media accounts and website.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at tonight's meeting and the Lawndale Little League for the work they do. He also thanked LESD Board of Trustees Member Phillips for the LESD updates.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, asked staff to follow- up on the hedges on Hawthorne Boulevard, requested a report on permit processing times, thanked El Camino College Board of Trustee Member Michelin and LESD Board of Trustees Member Phillips for the updates.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, requested a report on permit processing times, thanked the Lawndale Little League for the baseball field improvements, thanked El Camino College Board of Trustee Member Michelin for his comments on the Metro C Line (Green) Extension Project, and thanked LESD Board of Trustees Member Phillips for LESD updates and for extending the Dual Immersion Program offerings.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
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.
Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2401-055 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,051,400.85.
3. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, January 16, 2024 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
Consideration of Claims for Damage against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Wilfredo Perez and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
Approval of the General Services Agreement Renewal with County of Los Angeles
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for the five (5) year period of June 30, 2024, to July 1, 2029.
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. PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of Ordinance No. 1205-24 to amend certain sections in Title 17 of the Lawndale Municipal Code pertaining to accessory dwelling units within the City of Lawndale
Recommendation: that the City Council A.) Conduct a public hearing; B.) Determine that Ordinance No. 1205-24 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines; and C.) Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1205-24, an Ordinance amending the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to reflect recent changes in state law and waive further reading.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to conduct a public hearing, determine that Ordinance No. 1205- 24 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines, and introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 1205-24, an Ordinance amending the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to reflect recent changes in state law and waive further reading. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
City Attorney Murphy read the ordinance by title only and waived further reading.
H. ADMINISTRATION
City Council Ad Hoe Subcommittees and Standing Committees Recommendation: that the City Council review the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee and direct staff on whether this committee can be dissolved (if subject matter has been completed), or if there are outstanding tasks that have not yet been resolved, and if any modifications, replacement, or continued appointment of members is desired.
Assistant City Clerk Hall presented the staff report.
Councilmember Keaney proposed not changing the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee (PTSAHS) because it might be needed for the Bike Master Plan Update.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if an update was provided by the PTSAHS.
City Manager Moore indicated that there are still some items to be addressed by the PISAHS.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding the last time meetings were held, forming a subcommittee to address the Bike Master Plan and possibly broadening the scope of the PTSAHS.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to reappoint Councilmember Kearney and Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Fireworks Update 2024
Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this Fireworks Update 2024 report and take other action if deemed appropriate.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Matthew Harbison, Pastor of Wesleyan Church of Lawndale, requested to appeal staff's recommendation to disqualify his organization from next year's application process due to illness and technical issues with his submission. He commented that the City Council should consider revising the Lawndale Municipal Code (LMC).
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding fines, allowing leniency for late submissions and revising the LMC.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman inquired if the LMC should be revised for clarification.
City Attorney Murphy responded that staff's recommendation followed the applicable process per the LMC. He stated that staff would review the LMC.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to reinstate Wesleyan Church of Lawndale to participate in the application process. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2-0. Councilmember Kearney and Councilmember Hoffman Gorman voted no.
Discussion ensued among the City Council and staff regarding Lawndale Little League's license revocation, the length of time that Lawndale Little League should be disqualified and the number of years that an organization is banned from applying for a fireworks permit per the LMC for noncompliance.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to receive and file the staff report.
9. Update of Results for Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan for 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this staff report.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired how long a resident has to appeal a citation and how long it takes to receive a refund.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that residents have three weeks to submit an appeal and that it may take several months before a refund is issued due to various reasons such as the scheduling of appeal hearing dates and further legal processes.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked the Sheriff's Department and Staff for their efforts and expressed her support for keeping the fines unchanged.
Municipal Services Director Reyes commented that there are no repeat violators from prior years.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the staff report.
10. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
11. South Bay Cities Council of Governments Bike Master Plan Update Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
Community Development Manager Chavez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if the entire grant amount of $113,000 is available to the City.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that the full grant amount is available to the City on a reimbursable basis.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired why Hawthorne Boulevard was not a viable option.
City Manager Moore responded that it was a challenging street due to high traffic volume, limited parking and wide sidewalks. He stated that the Hawthorne Boulevard option can be reconsidered by the City Council.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding sidewalk width, bike lane street possibilities, bike lanes in other cities, South Bay City Council of Governments' (SBCCOG) Local Travel Network Program and conducting another bike plan survey.
Councilmember Kearney proposed evaluating the City of El Segundo's bike plan pilot program and to consider a sharrow program for the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez commented that she is in favor of implementing a slow street program if the budget permits and indicated that other South Bay Cities are participating in the SBCCOG Local Travel Network Program.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comment segment.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented in favor of bike lanes and the importance of having a separate infrastructure for bicyclists.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, stated that he is concerned that Metro will interfere with this type of project.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comment segment.
Councilmember Kearney commented that there has been opposition to installing bike lanes in the past due to safety concerns such as when bike lanes are blocked by parked vehicles.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on bike lane safeguards.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to contact the SBCCOG regarding their Local Travel Network Program and bring back recommendations for the City Council to consider.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
12. Recommendation to use Development Impact Fees for an Art in Public Places Project to Paint Artwork onto Electrical Boxes
Recommendation: that the City Council give staff direction on one of the following options: A.) Use the Development Impact Fees to paint or wrap electrical boxes with depictions of art in a manner that is well received by the public that will showcase local artists; B.) Use the Development Impact Fees to fund a different art in public places display that does not utilize electrical boxes, such as a public sculpture or monument that will showcase local artists; or C) Give staff direction on the use of funds from Development Impact Fees for an art in public places showpiece not already mentioned
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired whether community members could participate in the project or if the City must contract with a vendor.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the City Council could make project recommendations.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if research on cleaning the artwork has been conducted and if wrapping companies can produce customized wraps using the community's artwork.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez supports community involvement in the painting of murals since it reduces the likelihood of vandalism.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman suggested having an art theme.
Mayor Pullen-Miles spoke on the City of Long Beach's Utility Art Box Program and stated that he supports community participation in the painting of the electrical boxes. He commented on the City's Art in Public Places Policy, Development Impact Fees (DIF), and recommended using the current DIF in the amount of $15,000.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers about the artwork that should be displayed and securing property authorization from other agencies.
Councilmember Kearney inquired about the Youth Advisory Committee's (YAC) status.
Community Services Director responded that the YAC is currently inactive.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to select Option A: Use the Development Impact Fees to paint or wrap electrical boxes with depictions of art in a manner that is well received by the publie that will showease local artists and use the current Development Impact Fees funding in the amount of $15,000. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
13. Award of Construction Contract to ES Contractors, Inc. for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Award a construction contract in the amount of $319,050.00 to FS Contractors, Inc. of Sylmar, CA, for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project; and 2) Approve the construction contingency amount of $63,810.00 for this project.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney inquired whether the City will be compensated if the work is not completed within the scheduled time frame.
City Manager Moore responded that the contractor will be paid for the work performed and asked the City Attorney to provide clarification.
City Attorney Murphy responded that the Greenbook: Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction establishes penalties for excessive and chronic tardiness.
City Manager Moore noted that the signature page will be updated with the Mayor's signature line.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to award a construction contract in the amount of $319,050.00 to ES Contractors, Inc, of Sylmar, CA, for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project, approve the construction contingency amount of $03,810.00 for this project and modify the signature page by adding the Mayor's signature to replace the City Manager's signature. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore provided the schedule for residents to pick up sandbags.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Advocating for Remote Teleconferencing/Virtual Meetings of the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee and Sector Subcommittees Recommendation: that the City Council 1) review and provide feedback to the attached draft letters to Senator Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor; and 2.) authorize the City Manager Department to finalize the letter with the Mayor and City Councilmember's signature lines.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez requested to add language to the letter that states that virtual meetings will allow for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that there are times when a quorum is not met and meetings are canceled despite attendees traveling a significant distance to attend in-person meetings.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to add language to the letter stating that that virtual meetings will allow for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and authorize the City Manager's Department to finalize the letter with the Mayor and City Councilmembers' signature lines.
15. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended a C Line/Green Line Community meeting hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and a Right-of-Way (ROW) Neighborhood Meeting.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended a ROW Neighborhood Meeting, commented that she received a compliment about the senior fitness classes, requested that the classes and the Beautification Committee vacancies be promoted on social media, commented on concerns she received about Republic Services, requested that a representative from Southern California Edison (SCE) attend an upcoming City Council meeting to provide information on power outages, and inquired about the contract amount paid to Mariposa Landscape to maintain the ROW and when the contractor was first hired. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked staff for making pre-made sandbags available to residents and requested that they be announced on social media and the website.
Councilmember Kearney attended the 26th Annual Wildhorse Pow Wow.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended a SBCCOG Board of Directors meeting, ROW Neighborhood Meeting, Beautification Committee Holiday Lights Contest Awards and encouraged residents to get involved with City committees.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a meeting with Leuzinger High School Coaches, a meeting with local Mayors hosted by City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and the Beautification Committee Holiday Lights Contest Awards.
K. CLOSED SESSION
16. 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 announced the aforementioned Closed Session by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:51 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 9:20 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported there was no reportable action.
Minutes - City Council
February 5, 2024
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting in memory of Raymond Cordova, Chairman of South County Labor, at 9:21 p.m. 2 Pullenmit
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 03/04/2024