MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING
June 3, 2024
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 14700 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember Pat
Kearney
Councilmembers Absent: 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 Sergeant Justin Smith, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Development Manager Jared Chavez,
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ahmad Ansari, Community Services Director Jason Minter
B. CEREMONIALS
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez led the flag salute. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope Chapel Hawthorne Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
a. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Sergeant Smith summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
City Councilmembers thanked Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Deputies for their b. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane summarized the recent fire department activities.
City Councilmembers thanked the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) for their partnership and for hosting the Pancakes with Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles event.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
D. PRESENTATION
Proclamation - American Public Works Association and the Canadian Public Works Association National Public Works Week
Presentation of City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate for National Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2024, to the City of Lawndale Public Works Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented the City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate for National Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2024, to the City of Lawndale Public Works Department.
Presentation by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) Presentation by Gabriela Medina, Public Affairs Manager, SoCalGas.
Gabriela Medina, SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager gave the presentation.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Ray Hollar, Resident, spoke regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project that was discussed at the recent Metro Board meeting.
Michelle Pino, Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Deena Sopko, Resident, thanked the Public Works Department for their customer service, commented on foxtails, and on nominating Lawndale Women's Club for the Wall of Distinction.
Mark Nelson, Retired Edison Development and Planning Executive, provided a public comment via e-mail regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project that was discussed at the recent Metro Board meeting.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Project discussed at the recent Metro Board meeting, and asked if Lawndale Women's Club qualifies to be nominated to Lawndale's Wall of Distinction.
Councilmember Kearney commented that he attended Metro's Board meeting via telephone and that the Metro Board would not take questions by telephone, asked if the Public Works Department can address the foxtails issue and requested that qualifications criteria for the Lawndale Wall of Distinction be reviewed.
City Manager Moore responded that staff can address the weeds and foxtails issues where the City has jurisdiction and revisit the qualifications criteria for the Lawndale Wall of Distinction.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that she attended Metro's Board meeting via telephone and agrees that there have been service groups that may qualify for the Lawndale Wall of Distinction.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that he attended the Metro Board meeting, thanked the residents who attended the Metro Board meeting, thanked the library for offering the free lunch program during the summer, suggested proactive right of way parkway cleaning, and agreed that the qualifications criteria for the Lawndale Wall of Distinction should be reviewed.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
3. 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-2406-077 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $243,155.51. iri Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, May 20, 2024 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
6. Second Reading and adoption of ordinance to amend language in Lawndale Municipal Code Section 12.31.010 and Section 12.31.030 to allow for additional enforcement by City Staff
Recommendation: that the City Council approve this Second Reading of this Ordinance with the new language as written.
Resolution to Approve and Adopt City-Wide Salary Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Recommendation: that the City Council approve Resolution No. CC-2406-081 adopting the City of Lawndale's Fiscal Year 2024-25 City-wide Salary/Pay Schedule.
8. Adoption of Resolutions Setting Forth the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-074 calling for the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election, and designating the Assistant City Clerk as the Election Official; 2.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-075 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate; and 3.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-076 adopting candidate statement regulations.
Potential Cancelation of Upcoming City Council Meetings Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Cancel the City Council meeting on Monday, July 1, 2024; and 2.) Cancel the City Council meeting on Monday, September 2, 2024.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
10. Minutes of the Successor Agency Meeting, May 6, 2024 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY
11. Minutes of the Housing Authority Meeting, May 6, 2024 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
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 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
H. ADMINISTRATION
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ LAWNDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY
12. Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-078, adopting the fiscal year 2024-2025 operating and capital improvement budget; which includes the City of Lawndale, Lawndale Housing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on the Transient Occupancy Tax increase and revenue increase, staffing expenditures for the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center and asked why the City is hiring four staff when seven positions are budgeted.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that the Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommended to budget for seven staff members, and begin by hiring four staff members.
City Manager Moore explained that four staff will be hired to open the Community Center for the public to rent on the weekends and staff hiring will increase as needed.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked staff for preparing the Budget report and Councilmember Kearney for serving on the Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee with her.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-078, adopting the fiscal year 2024-2025 operating and capital improvement budget; which includes the City of Lawndale, Lawndale Housing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency. The motion passed by a vote of 4- 0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
CITY COUNCIL
13. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Appropriations Limit Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-079 approving the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-079 approving the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
14. Annual Investment Policy - Resolution No. CC-2406-080 Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-080, reaffirming City Council Policy Number 80-04 pertaining to the City's Investment Policy, without revisions, changes, or edits.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to adopt Resolution No. CC-2406-080, reaffirming City Council Policy Number 80-04 pertaining to the City's Investment Policy, without revisions, changes, or edits. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
15. Notice of Completion for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by FS Contractors, Inc., for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project; 2.) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project; and 3.) Authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $16,233.35 for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to accept the project completion by ES Contractors, Inc., for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project; authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project; and authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $16,233.35 for the Prop A Concrete Bus Pad Installation Project. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore thanked staff for preparing the budget in a timely manner and the Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee for their review of the budget. He commented on the Metro Board's C Line (green) Project agenda item and announced the Health, Safety & Pet Fair to be held on June 8, 2024.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Request Letter of Support for Initiative 23-0017A1
Recommendation: that the City Council consider the following: a.) Support Initiative 23- 0017A1; and b.) Approve the draft letter of support (attached) for City Council signatures; or c.) Provide direction to staff.
By consensus, this item was deferred to a future meeting.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
17. Consider the Formation of a Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee (oral report)
Recommendation: that the City Council a.) Consider the request from Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to form a Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee; or b.) Provide further direction to staff.
By consensus, this item is was discussed after Item No. 18. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events.
18. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended Pancakes with Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles event, and the City's Memorial Day Remembrance event. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked for a status on the Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), and Council Chamber upgrade project. She asked if the Neighborhood Watch meetings can be advertised at the Community Services Department and if a lobbyist can be hired for apply to grants on behalf of the City.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the ALPRs will be installed soon, agreed to post a large sign to announce the Neighborhood Watch meetings and announced the Health, Safety & Pet Fair to be held on June 8, 2024, at Jane Addams Park
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton provided an update on the Council Chamber upgrade project.
Councilmember Kearney attended the Los Angeles County Peace Officers' Memorial, Metro Board meeting by telephone, Pancakes with Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles event, the City's Memorial Day Remembrance event, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Contract Law Enforcement Bureau City Council Academy Session IV, and thanked Community Development Manager Chavez for the comment she presented at the Metro Board meeting regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting, the City's Memorial Day Remembrance event, and asked if the Memorial Wall is updated.
City Manager Moore responded that the wall is updated as required.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Metro Board Meeting, thanked Community Development Manager Chavez for the comment she presented at the Metro Board meeting regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project, and thanked everyone that attended the Pancakes with Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles event. Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's Memorial Day Remembrance event, American Legion & Hawthorne Veterans of Foreign Wars Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, City of Inglewood's 75' Annual Memorial Day Service, asked about the lights at the 7-Eleven convenience store on Artesia Avenue and commented that a local business owner praised the City's graffiti removal program.
City Manager Moore responded that there are nuisance issues at the 7-Eleven convenience store; therefore, the owner installed surveillance cameras with bright lights as a deterrent.
Agenda Item J.17. Consider the Formation of a Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee (oral report) is being considered at this time.
Minutes - City Council
June 3, 2024
17. Consider the Formation of a Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee (oral report)
Recommendation: that the City Council a.) Consider the request from Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to form a Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee; or b.) Provide further direction Mayor Pro Tem Suarez explained that the Local Travel Network Project (LTNP) Ad Hoc Subcommittee will explore options and give final recommendations to the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez volunteered to be a member of the LTNP Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Councilmember Kearney volunteered to be a member of the LTNP Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to ratify the Mayor's appointment of appointing Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and Councilmember Kearney to the Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
R Pullen mit
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: June 17, 2024