MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 4, 2024
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 Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman,
Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Sirley
Cuevas
Other Participants: City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M.
Murphy, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Hall, Deputy City My My Ass Seat Manager/Director of Human Resources Raylette Felton, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Nicole
Palomino, Los Angeles County Fire Department Acting
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane, Municipal Services
Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Mike Estes, Community
Development Manager Jared Chavez, Public Works & City
Finering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ahmail
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Cuevas led the flag salute. 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.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked the Deputies for the work they do on addressing incidents.
b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Kane summarized the recent Fire Department activities.
D. PRESENTATION
1. Southern California Edison Presentation
Southern California Edison Presentation (SCE) by Diane Forte, Government Relations Manager; Yosief Gebregiorgis, Senior Engineer & Distribution Engineering; Victor M. Lopez Beltran, Field Engineer; and Luis Lara, Outage Communication.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
Diane Forte, SCE Government Relations Manager, introduced herself and provided an overview of the presentation.
Victor Lopez, SCE Field Engineer, presented information on the Circuit Reliability Review for the City.
Luis Lara, SCE Outage Communication, presented information on outage communication's teams who can answer questions for its customers.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if 160th Street between the Interstate 405 and Inglewood Avenue is on a different circuit and commented that there were four power outages during the month of January 2024.
bulage on SO stret stated at res espocan the ne would for gun to decent outages.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked about the differences between severe weather outages and planned outages.
Luis Lara, SCE Outage Communication, responded that customers are notified when there is a planned outage.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman requested that the phone numbers be shared with the City Manager so that he can make them available to the community.
Mayor Pullen Miles asked what the claim process is for loss of equipment.
Diane Forte, Government Relations Manager, stated that residents can visit SCE's website to obtain information on filing a claim.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the message notifications could be clearer by adding the affected addresses, asked about the increase in rates and about the installation of polls.
Luis Lara, SCE Outage Communication, explained that the names of the circuits do not necessarily reflect the street names in the City.
Diane Forte, Government Relations Manager, explained the rate increase regulations.
Yosief Gebregiorgis, SCE Senior Engineer & Distribution Engineering, responded that they can investigate why the poles take long to cure.
Councilmember Cuevas requested an educational program be presented to the seniors on outages and conversation tips.
City Manager Moore stated that he will coordinate a program with SCE.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Matthew Harbison, Pastor of Lawndale Wesleyan Church invited the City Council to a Pi Day event that his church is hosting on March 14, 2024.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, spoke regarding a chart she obtained from Metro regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project that indicates the trench measurement. She emailed her comments which were distributed to the City Council and public.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on the fireworks citations, fireworks sales reporting requirements, and a fireworks moratorium.
Deena Sopko, Resident, spoke on fireworks sales reporting by the organizations and a service call to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended this evening's meeting.
Councilmember Kearney commented that the fireworks vendor discussion has been resolved and noted that there is a forthcoming security guard discussion on the agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting. He thanked both Pastor Harbison for the invitation to the Pi Day event and Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for her diligence with the Metro matter.
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-2402-056 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,120,181.99.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, February 5, 2024 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
Second Reading Ordinance No. 1205-24 to amend Chapter 17.48.056 to Title 17 of the Lawndale Municipal Code pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 1205-24 to amend ADUs to comply with recent changes in State law.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
Consideration of Claims for Damage against the City
Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Law Offices of Javaheri & Yahoudai on behalf of Oscar Javier Roldan and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
Request for approval of First Amendment to Contract Service Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Professional City Engineering and Public Works Oversight Services
Recommendation: that the City Council a) approve the first amendment to the contract services agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for Professional City Engineering and Public Works Oversight Services in a maximum contract sum not to exceed $161,590; and b) authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to transfer salary savings for the Director of Public Works/City Engineer to the contract services line item in the Public Works Department budget.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
Adoption and approval of 1) Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and the American Federation of the State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 36, Local 1895 Agreement and 2) Second Amendment to the Citywide Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2403-057, approving the 2023-2025 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1895, Council 36; 2) Authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to complete a budget transfer from the General Fund and ARPA Fund to the appropriate various line items noted and approve budget amendment of $371,450; and 3) Adopt an amendment to the Resolution No. CC-2403-058, approving the 2023-2024 City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report. She noted that there were clerical errors on the pay schedule for the Mid-Management Unit professional classifications for the Deputy City Clerk and Assistant Planner and indicated that these items have been adjusted and will be included in the final copy of the Memorandum of Understanding.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2403-057, approving the 2023-2025 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lawndale and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1895, Council 36; authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to complete a budget transfer from the General Fund and ARPA Fund to the appropriate various line items noted and approve budget amendment of $371,450; and adopt an amendment to the Resolution No. CC-2403-058, approving the 2023-2024 City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule with a revised Mid-Management Unit pay schedule. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
Approval to Dispose of One Vehicle for the Public Works Department Recommendation: that the City Council approve the sale of the 2007 Chevrolet HD3500 Dump Truck through the City's standard public auction process facilitated by Ken Porter Auctions in Carson, California.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore commented that the Finance Director will provide an update in response to Councilmember Kearney's question on how much the City has received from selling surplus vehicles.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the sale of the 2007 Chevrolet HD3500 Dump Truck through the City's standard public auction process facilitated by Ken Porter Auctions in Carson, California. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
10. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2023
Recommendation: that the City Council receives and files the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2023.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report and noted that the general revenue report in the staff report should state $18.3 million instead of $17.1 million under governmentwide statements.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2023.
11. Mid-Year Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Recommendation: that the City Council approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2023-2024.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas asked about the status of the central operations account.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) is paid up front and that is why the account is at 80% percent and stated this account is on target.
Discussion ensued between the City Councilmembers and staff regarding the Hawthorne Traffic Signal Synchronization Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if the Community Development Department can look into a software system utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that will allow the public to access the permits.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2023-2024. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. Request to have Mayor sign Certifications and Assurances form as required by the U.S. Department of Justice to receive Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ("JAG") award.
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the Certifications and Assurances form as required by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to authorize the Mayor to sign the Certifications and Assurances form as required by the U.S. Department of Justice. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
13. Recommendation to Expand Contract with Southwest Patrol to Implement Seven Day Coverage by Armed Security Guards
Recommendation: that the City Council select one of the following options: Option 1) Approve funding to expand the contract with Southwest Patrol for additional security coverage for one year of continuous armed services and approve the budget amendment for $195,000 in account 285-300-530.100; or Option 2) Approve funding to expand the contract with Southwest Patrol for additional security coverage for the remainder of fiscal year 23/24 in the amount of $49,000 and then reassess the effectiveness of the daytime guard at the end of fiscal year 23/24; or Option 3) Provide direction for a different option with recommendations for the number of hours and days they would like to provide armed protection services.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore commented that an increase to the work hours will benefit the City's homeless outreach program, vendor enforcement and City Hall.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to select option 1, approve funding to expand the contract with Southwest Patrol for additional security coverage for one year of continuous armed services and approve the budget amendment for $195,000 in account 285-300-530.100.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
14. Amendment to California State 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the attached 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program Agreements C9801318 in the amount of $177,952.00 and C9802118 in the amount of $20,435.00 for a total amount of $198,387.00 between the City of Lawndale and the California Natural Resources Agency; and 2.) Authorize the City Manager to sign both agreements.
Community Services Director Estes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney asked if impound interest will be earned on the agreements.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
Community Services Director Estes responded that interest will not be earned.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve the attached 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program Agreements C9801318 in the amount of $177,952.00 and C9802118 in the amount of $20,435.00 for a total amount of $198,387.00 between the City of Lawndale and the California Natural Resources Agency; and authorize the City Manager to sign both agreements. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
15. Approve First Amendment to Street Sweeping Services Agreement Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the First Amendment to the street sweeping services agreement to require the Contractor to provide for the legal disposal of all street sweeping at an annual cost of $39,400 for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025; and 2) Approve the name change to SCA of CA, LLC due to a Change of Control.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas inquired if the City receives credit when no street sweeping occurs on rainy days.
Councilmember Kearney asked why Republic Services could not accommodate SCA of CA LLC with trash disposal service.
City Manager Moore responded that the City is charged for actual mileage served, and that street sweeper trash service is not part of the contract with Republic Services.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to approve the First Amendment to the street sweeping services agreement to require the Contractor to provide for the legal disposal of all street sweepings at an annual cost of $39,400 for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025:
and approve the name change to SCA of CA, LLC due to a Change of Control. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
16. Award of Construction Contract for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Award the construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $486,486.00 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and 2.) Approve the construction contingency of $73,000.00 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and 3.) Approve the budget amendment for $559,486 in account 285-310-700.298.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore commented that staff had projected a higher cost for the project.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
In response to Councilmembers questions Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari stated that the project has a lifespan of 10-15 years, there is no difference in material when comparing quotes between contractors, slurry seal coat maintenance is required when cracks are visible, and staff will examine the tree roots at Jane Addams Middle School parking lot.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and the City Attorney regarding liability related to the cutting of the tree roots.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to award the construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $486,486.00 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and approve the construction contingency of $73,000.00 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and 3.) Approve the budget amendment for $559,486 in account 285-310-700.298. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
17. Award One-Year On-Call Civil Engineering Services Contract Recommendation: that the City Council award an On-Call Civil Engineering Services agreement to Transtech Engineers, Inc., SA Associates, Onward Engineering, LAE Associates, Inc., and Willdan for a term of one-year, with an option to extend up to four one-year extensions.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report and in response to Councilmember Kearney's question, firms will be assigned different tasks based on their proposals.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to award an On-Call Civil Engineering Services agreement to Transtech Engineers, Inc., SA Associates, Onward Engineering, LAE Associates, Inc., and Willdan for a term of one-year, with an option to extend up to four one-year extensions. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore commented that he is developing a plan with the Public Works Department to address the irrigation issues at the parks.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
18. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended a ride-along with LASD Deputies Alvarado and Paul, thanked the Deputies for the ride-along, suggested the Sherrif's station be repainted, asked about the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) status, and requested a recruitment be advertised. Councilmember Cuevas asked if a survey has been completed to determine how many sidewalks need to be redone for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Community Services Director Estes responded that the City has advertised YAC's vacancies on several platforms; however, there has not been any interest.
Minutes - City Council
March 4, 2024
Citty Manager Moore responded that the Public Works Department conducts sidewalk surveys annually for ADA compliance.
Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities (CCCA) Legislative meeting, Coffee with a Cop event, proposed rotating the times for Coffee with a Cop to evening or weekends to allow residents to attend that are not available to attend during the day, commented on on-going issues with Republic Services, and announced the City's 2024 Easter Program to be held on March 30, 2024.
Councilmember Kearney attended a ride-along with LASD Deputies, attended the Liability Trust and Oversight Committee meeting, Coffee-with-a-Cop event, Black History Month event, 9th Annual South Bay Legislative Meet & Greet, and asked about adding holding cells to the local LASD station.
Sergeant Smith responded that State law has many requirements, and the costs are high for establishing new holding cells.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the 2nd Annual California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference as a panelist and Leuzinger High Schools's alumni event.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended Black History Month Celebrations at Billy Mitchell Elementary School and William Anderson Elementary School, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Board meeting, and announced the Youth Day Parade to be held on April 27th, 2024.
K. ADJOURNMENT
3:34c being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at R Palerand
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: 3/18|24