1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
2. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Cuevas led the flag salute. Pastor Dwight Dudley of Calvary Chapel South Bay provided the inspiration.
3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
3A. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Update
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked how many illegal fireworks citations were issued during the July 4th holiday.
Captain Palomino responded that a total of 33 citations were issued between July 3rd and July 4th and noted a decrease in calls for service.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and Captain Palomino regarding the number of citations given by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) during the July 4th holiday, calls to dispatch, a request for an educational report about illegal fireworks suppression, illegal fireworks vendors, patrols in the neighborhood, seizure of large amount of illegal fireworks, body worn cameras and deputy recruitment and retention.
3B. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Battalion Chief Kevin Grayson summarized the recent fire department activities.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4A. Proclamation – Parks and Recreation Month July 2024 -Presentation of City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate for Parks and Recreation Month July 2024, to the City of Lawndale Community Services Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented the City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate for Parks and Recreation Month July 2024, to the City of Lawndale Community Services Department.
Community Services Director Minter presented a video presentation and thanked staff and residents for their work and cooperation.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked the Lawndale Elementary School District for their partnership with the park usage.
MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
July 15, 2024
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Project, BNSF Railway, San Diego Freeway (I-405) Improvement Project, and a recent Metro Board of Directors meeting.
Ten, Property Owner, commented on an illegal fireworks citation received by his property's residents.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on illegal fireworks.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on the Youth Day Parade's LASD expenses, July 4th LASD surveillance, illegal fireworks, fireworks stands and provided a flyer regarding illegal fireworks.
Juan Granados, Resident, commented on mental health, drugs and law enforcement in the community.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on the dangers of alcohol consumption while lighting fireworks.
6. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that spoke tonight.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that spoke tonight, commented on contact information for BNSF, a recent Metro Board of Directors meeting minutes, illegal fireworks suppression, acknowledged that she received the flyer about illegal fireworks, thanked Resident Granados for the reminder to acknowledge LASD and commented on alcohol consumption while lighting fireworks.
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone that spoke tonight.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and asked how the number of LASD Deputies who work during the July 4th holiday is determined and asked if the services can be outsourced.
City Manager Moore responded that LASD Deputies volunteer to work during the July 4th holiday and that alternatives can be looked into.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that unmarked vehicles may be a better option when patrolling during the July 4th holiday, suggested to outsource patrol services during the July 4th holiday, commented on a recent Metro Board of Directors meeting minutes, and asked about the San Diego Freeway (I-405) Improvement Project.
City Manager Moore explained that Metro worked with the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) on the San Diego Freeway (I-405) Improvement Project, and that this project is not related to the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Sirley Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. 7A. Motion Pertaining to the Reading of Ordinances
-Recommendation: that the City Council Approve.
7B. Accounts Payable Register
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2407-086 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,189,627.39. 7C. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, June 17, 2024 -Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes. 7D. Second Reading Ordinance No. 1207-24 to amend the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding density bonus standards for affordable residential units to reflect recent changes in State Law
-Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 1207-24 to amend ADUs to comply with recent changes in State Law. 7E. Consideration of Claim for Damage against the City
-Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claims filed by Carlos Carbajal and Ivannia Guzman and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimants. 7F. 7F. FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 Recreation Class Instructor Agreements -Recommendation: that the City Council approve the attached agreements which have all been signed by each business entity for: 1) Chapala Dance Academy, LLC; 2) Duncan’s Soo Bahk Do, LLC; 3) Elysian Arts and Events, LLC; and 4) Just Dance Company, LLC totaling $110,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreements.
7G. Elderly Nutrition Program Agreement
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve the attached Contract Services Agreement for Elderly Nutrition Program Services agreement between the City of Lawndale and City of Gardena for a term beginning Monday, July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
8. ADMINISTRATION
8A. Quarterly Investment Report
-Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked how much funding the City currently has in its checking account.
City Manager Moore responded that the City has $23,082,743.00 in its checking account.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
8B. Consideration of Changes to the Wall of Distinction Criteria -Recommendation: that the City Council provide direction to staff on whether or not to add groups and/or organizations to the Wall of Distinction Policy, as well as potential changes to the guidelines identifying the members serving on the Wall of Distinction Review Committee.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles provided the history of the current recognitions on the Wall of Distinction.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked how new qualification determinations would be made and if groups can be recommended.
Community Services Director Minter responded that per the City Council Policy Manual, members from the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and the Historical Society can determine what qualifications to recommend to the City Council.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding which groups may qualify for the Wall of Distinction.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented in favor of the Lawndale Women’s Club being added to the Wall of Distinction.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to add groups and/or organizations to the Wall of Distinction Policy and change the qualifying criteria to five years for organizations and two years for individuals.
8C. Approval of Youth Development Center Conceptual Design -Recommendation: that the City Council review the four design options as presented along with their respective cost estimates, and provide staff direction as to which conceptual design, or combination of designs, they would like staff to pursue for the Youth Development Center Project.
City Manager Moore provided an overview of the Youth Development Center project.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas commented on housing city services in a different location from the youth center.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comment.
Zion Delery, Resident, commented on the planned skate park, suggested water refilling stations, separate sections for skate experience, and electrical outlets.
Andres Soto, Hawthorne Resident, asked who will select the design, commented in favor of the youth center, and suggested mental health counseling for youth to be available.
Ryan, Resident, suggested a multifunctional media room.
Ignatius Lin, Resident, commented in favor of the youth center and asked if the public will be able to provide input on the design and on the resources that will be available at the youth center.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened closed comment.
Community Services Director Minter provided information on the actions the City is taking to receive community input.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the residents that commented on the project, commented on the resources that may be available, and mentioned that Larry R. Rudolph Park was designed by the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if the City of Norwalk Teen Alliance Program visit will be open for everyone to attend, and commented on making resources available to the community once the youth center is built.
Community Services Director Minter responded that everyone will be invited to the City of Norwalk Teen Alliance Program visit.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, Community Services Director Minter responded that the city services offices would have a separate access point.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that the funding is contingent upon the city housing city services in the youth center.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that she would like additional input from the youth.
City Manager Moore commented on the budget status for the youth center and recommended possibly scaling back on the design.
By consensus, the City Council selected conceptual design Option D for the Youth Development Center Project.
8D. Ratify the Unanticipated Emergency Repair of Two Public Works Vehicles -Recommendation: that the City Council Ratify the Unanticipated Emergency Repair of Two Public Works Vehicles for a total amount of $3,347.93.
Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
City Attorney Murphy explained that it was brought forth to the City Council due to an unanticipated repair that bypassed the procurement of obtaining bids.
In response to Councilmember Hofmann Gorman’s and Councilmember Kearney’s questions, Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari will provide the year of the vehicles and the repair business information.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to ratify the Unanticipated Emergency Repair of Two Public Works Vehicles for a total amount of $3,347.93. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
8E. Approve Purchase of a Portable Pressure Washer
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve the purchase of a new Portable Pressure Washer in the amount of $16,852.87 using $17,000 of $20,000 American Rescue Plan Act funding included in the FY 2024-25.
Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Kearny’s question, Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari confirmed that the cost of $16,852.87 includes a trailer.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to approve the purchase of a new Portable Pressure Washer in the amount of $16,852.87 using $17,000 of $20,000 American Rescue Plan Act funding included in the FY 2024-25. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
8F. Approval and Authorization to Release Request For Bid Proposal for the Joint City/School District Parks Irrigation Systems Project
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Joint City/School District Parks Irrigation Systems Assessment, Design and Implementation Project, and Authorize staff to Release Request for Bid Proposal.
Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
City Manager Moore commented that the irrigation systems project is compliant with the agreement the city has with the school district.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the project includes the football field and the track field at RogersAnderson Park.
Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari and City Manager Moore responded that staff will ensure that the project only includes areas agreed upon in the agreement with the school district.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to approve the Joint City/School District Parks Irrigation Systems Assessment, Design and Implementation Project, and Authorize staff to Release Request for Bid Proposal. The motion passed with a vote of 5-
0. 9. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore commented that he has no items to report.
10. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10A. Support of The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act - Initiative 23-0017A1
-Recommendation: that the City Council consider the following four items: a.) support Initiative 23- 0017Al; b.) approve the draft letter of support (attached) for City Council signatures; c.) approve the attached Resolution No. CC-2407-087; and d.) provide additional direction to staff as may be necessary.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez commented that she requested this item and presented a report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked if theft cumulative amounts are for individuals or as a group.
City Attorney Murphy provided clarification on the cumulative theft amounts and organized theft group sizes.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez to support Initiative 23-0017Al; approve the draft letter of support for City Council signatures; approve the attached Resolution No. CC-2407-087 and update the resolution to read Proposition 36. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0.
10B. Discussion of South Bay Cities Council of Governments Fees -Recommendation: that the City Council discuss the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Fees and provide direction to staff.
Councilmember Kearney commented that he requested this item and presented a report.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if staff has contacted the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) regarding the status of the Planner position, commented that the position of a Planner is included in the fees, and that the fees increased as a result of the changes what were made by the SBCCOG.
Community Development Manager Chavez responded that the Planner resigned from the SBCCOG, and the position was not filled; therefore, the city was not able to utilize this resource.
Discussion ensued between City Councilmembers regarding the fees and services that the city is utilizing.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to invite SBCCOG Executive Director Jacki Bacharach to a future meeting to discuss the SBCCOG fees and services. 10C. Discussion of Hiring of a Federal Lobbyist
-Recommendation: that the City Council discuss the hiring of a Federal Lobbyist and provide direction to staff.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman stated that she requested this item and she presented the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if the city's membership agencies provide this service.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman would like direct communication with the lobbyist and noted that there are different ways a lobbyist can benefit the city such as grant opportunities.
Councilmember Cuevas would like to know the cost and how the position would be monitored.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to prepare a request for proposal for a Federal or State Lobbyist to determine the cost and bring back to the City Council. 10D. Discussion of Speed Hump Installation on 147th Street -Recommendation: that the City Council discuss the installation of speed humps on 147th Street and provide direction to staff.
Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that he requested this item and presented the report.
City Attorney Murphy requested the location of the speed humps installation. He stated that Councilmember Cuevas is to be recused from discussing this item as a Councilmember due to a conflict of interest as her residence is within the boundaries. He noted that she may comment on the item as a resident.
Mayor Pullen-Miles responded that the location in question is 147 Street between Grevillea Avenue and Inglewood Avenue.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comment.
Robert Lang, Resident, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps.
Dustin, Resident, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps.
Eddie Urrutia, Resident, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps and commented on a Traffic Committee meeting dated October 20, 2020, when the residents request for speed humps installation was denied.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps, and mentioned alternatives to speed humps.
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Juan Granados, Resident, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps and on an incident he observed of a vehicle not stopping at stop signs.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comment.
City Attorney Murphy commented that there are requirements to be met to install speed humps.
Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari stated that the city has a speed hump policy in place, and suggested a comprehensive study of the street to ensure that it meets the requirements for speed hump installation.
City Attorney Murphy suggested that staff be directed to update the traffic study to meet requirements and review engineering options to provide alternatives to speed humps.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to perform a traffic study, review engineering options to provide alternatives to speed humps, and to study the feasibility of the speed humps installation on 147 Street.
10E. Discussion of Johnson V. Grants – Good Neighbor Pledge -Recommendation: that the City Council discuss the Johnson V. Grants – Good Neighbor Pledge and provide direction to staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez stated that she requested this item and presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on decriminalizing the unhoused and deterring sleeping in the public right-of-way.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and City Attorney Murphy regarding assisting the unhoused, current City actions, supporting the pledge and revising the letter of support and taking action against homeless encampments.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez suggested changing the language regarding the training of City personnel.
Councilmember Cuevas asked if the City will be a part of the Good Neighbor Pledge, By consensus, the City Council directed staff to request a revision to the language regarding the training of city personnel on the letter of support by removing the deadline of December 31, 2024 and distribute it with the approved resolution. 10F. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting, The Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) Chalk Away event, asked if the city can create a budget for a firework or drone show in hopes of deterring illegal fireworks, if a committee can be created to address illegal fireworks suppression and asked if there is an agency that can provide mental health support to the community.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will look into alternatives for a fireworks or drone show, will bring an item forward to create a Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee and stated that staff will follow-up with her request of mental health support for the community.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting, City of Lawndale Employee Appreciation Lunch, two California Contract Cities Association Legislative Committee th
meetings, Coffee-With-A-Cop event, and the West Basin Municipal Water District educational event.
She commented in support of creating a Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee, and asked if reserve officers can be utilized to relieve LASD Deputies.
Councilmember Kearney attended the July 4 Senior Luncheon, Coffee-With-A-Cop, ESMoA Chalk Away event, City of Lawndale Employee Appreciation Lunch, Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee meeting, and the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District Board of Trustees meeting,
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting, ESMoA Chalk Away event, SBCCOG Steering Committee meeting, and a SBCCOG Legislative briefing.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a July 4 Senior Luncheon, Neighborhood Watch meeting, ESMoA Chalk Away event, Unite Here Local 11 Community briefing and reception, Sanitation District Collective meeting, Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 5 Board Meeting, City of Gardena Fireworks display, and the City of Lawndale Employee Appreciation Lunch.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. /s/ Robert Pullen-Miles
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Erica Harbison
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: August 5, 2024
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