MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
August 5, 2024
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.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Pat Kearney
Other Participants: City Manager Sean M. Moore, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Deputy City 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 Development Manager Jared Chavez, Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ahmad Ansari, Community Services Director Jason Minter
2. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute. Mayor Pullen-Miles provided the inspiration.
3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
3A. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities and announced the National Night Out event to be held on August 6, 2024, at 6:00 pm in front of City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked about noise from a music festival held in Inglewood that impacted residents.
3B. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane summarized the recent fire department activities.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on the installation of crosswalks, thanked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) for patrolling his neighborhood, commented in favor of the installation of speed humps on 147th Street, an incident he witnessed and an accident he had while riding his bicycle.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on illegal fireworks discussed during the previous City Council meeting, a one-year ban on safe and sane fireworks, and the South Bay 25 Club members.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on the music event held in Inglewood that disturbed the residents over the weekend, and illegal fireworks sounds in the middle of the night.
LaToya Jones, Resident, requested more trash cans in the City, and extended evening transportation hours.
5. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and stated that she cannot comment as a Councilmember on the speed hump installation on 147th Street because she lives near the intersection.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and commented that the City is exploring speed hump options.
Councilmember Kearney commented that the South Bay 25 Club President is Dan Reid.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone who spoke and asked if the painting of crosswalks on 147th Street will be monitored for effectiveness.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari responded that both segments at 147th Street are scheduled for a traffic study.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez commented that she is a member of the South Bay 25 Club, which is a volunteer driven organization that sponsors Santa Clause's sleigh visit during the holidays, most of the City Councilmembers serve on the South Bay 25 Club, and asked if there are any legal implications in being a part of the club.
City Attorney Murphy responded that he will research any possible conflict of interest involving the South Bay 25 Club.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez requested that staff contact the City of Inglewood regarding upcoming events that may cause a noise disturbance.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will contact the City of Inglewood to mitigate future noise disturbances.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on speed hump installation on 147th Street and provided background information on his request for a traffic study, thanked residents for communicating their vehicle and pedestrian safety concerns, and commented on the music event held in Inglewood that caused a disturbance over the weekend and stated that the request for extended transportation hours needs to be conveyed to Metro.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez requested itemized credit card transactions.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez, Finance Director Manuelian stated that itemized credit card information will be provided.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
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. 6A. Reading of Ordinances
-Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda.
6B. Accounts Payable Register
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No.CC-2408-089 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,847,793.00. 6C. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, July 15, 2024 -Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes. 6D. Consideration of Claim for Damage against the City
-Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Malcolm Keenan and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant. 6E. Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Appointment 2023 - 2025 -Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the Mayor's appointment by directing staff to insert the appointee's name in Section1 of Resolution No. CC-2408-088; and 2) Adopt the resolution as a mended. 6F. Proposed Changes to the Lawndale Wall of Distinction Council Policy 101-16 -Recommendation: that the City Council approve Resolution CC 2408-090 and the changes to the Council Policy 101-16 Lawndale Wall of Distinction.
6G. Approval of Equipment Replacement for City Clerk Desk -Recommendation: that the City Council 1) approve the purchase and installation of one (1) 15" monitor for the City Clerk workstation to replace the two (2) 22" monitors in the amount of $321.00; and 2) authorize the allocation of $321.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for this purchase and installation.
7. ADMINISTRATION
7A. Designation of Voting Delegate & Alternate(s) to the 2024 League of California Cities Conference
-Recommendation: that the City Council A) Select a Voting Delegate and Voting Alternate(s) to represent the City at the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference; B) direct staff in the City Clerk Department to forward the appropriate formal minute action of such designation to the League of California Cities and the City Manager Department; C) determine if additional Council Members will attend the conference; and If yes D) direct the Finance Director/City Treasurer to identify and appropriate the additional funding required, and make the appropriate transfer of funds to the City Council Travel/Meetings Fund No.100-110-510.620.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council selected Councilmember Cuevas to attend the League of California Cities Conference as the voting delegate, Councilmember Kearney as the alternate, added Mayor Pullen-Miles as a tentative additional attendee and directed the Finance Director/City Treasurer to identify and appropriate the additional funding required, and make the appropriate transfer of funds to the City Council Travel/Meetings Fund No. 100-110- 510.620.
7B. Notice of Completion of Parking Lot Pavement
-Recommendation: that the City Councill.) Accept the project completion by Onyx Paving Contractors, Inc., for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; 2) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and 3.) Authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $30,362.19 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if the inspection results of the projects were satisfactory, and asked if a tree at Jane Addams Park can be checked as it appears dead.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari responded that the inspection results were satisfactory, and the tree will be inspected.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked about the lifespan of the parking lot and prolonging the usage of the parking lots.
Public Works & City Engineering Oversight Contract Project Manager Ansari responded that the parking lot maintenance will be considered when they show distress and in response to Councilmember Kearney's question, provided an explanation of the difference between the contingency and retention dollar amounts.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to accept the project completion by Onyx Paving Contractors, Inc., for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project; and authorize staff to release the retention in the amount of $30,362.19 for the Parks, Civic Center, and Sheriff Station Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
7C. Relocation of the Lawndale Historical Society
-Recommendation: that the City Council consider and provide direction for the possible relocation of the Lawndale Historical Society and Public History Museum from the current location at 14616 Grevillea Avenue to the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center second floor computer room, located at 14700 Burin Avenue. Staff would prepare a staffing budget and estimated one-time costs for the City Council to review at a future meeting.
Community Services Director Jason Minter presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney suggested that someone that knows the history of Lawndale be hired, and stated that the 20 hours allotted for this position should be solely for the historical center.
Community Services Director Minter responded that the goal of the position is to be available to staff and the historical museum.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez is in favor of the historical society being moved to the computer lab and suggested waiting on hiring until the economy improves.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding hiring staff at this time, and ensuring the staff hired is experienced,.
By consensus, City Council approved the relocation of the Lawndale Historical Society and Public History Museum to the computer room at the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center second floor and directed staff to prepare a staffing budget and estimate one-time costs for the City Council to review at a future meeting.
7D. Approval of a Contract Services Agreement for Graphic Artist and Production Services -Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Contract Services Agreement with Q Press of Pasadena, CA, for a not-to-exceed amount of $27,050.88, for the term of two years, beginning August 5,2024 and ending June 30, 2026, with the option for two (2) additional one (1) year extensions at the discretion of the City Manager.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that the newsletter was printed bi-annually in the past and it stopped due to budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if a digital version will be available.
Community Services Director Minter responded that his goal is to work with Cable TV and social media platforms to improve marketing.
Councilmember Kearney provided the history of the newsletter's name.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Contract Services Agreement with Q Press of Pasadena, CA, for a not-to-exceed amount of $27,050.88, for the term of two years, beginning August 5, 2024 and ending June 30, 2026, with the option for two (2) additional one (1) year extensions at the discretion of the City Manager. The motion passed by a vote of 5-
0. 7E. Approval of Resolution and Agreement for Measure A Grant Funds -Recommendation: that the City Council approve Resolution CC 2408-091 to be eligible for Measure A Grant Funds through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pullen-Miles to approve Resolution CC 2408-091 to be eligible for Measure A Grant Funds through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
8. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore announced that Community Development Manager Chavez is taking a position in San Diego County.
Community Development Manager Chavez thanked the City Council, community and staff for their support.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked Community Development Manager Chavez for everything she accomplished for the City and wished her well.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked Community Development Manager Chavez and wished her well in her endeavors.
Councilmember Cuevas stated that she enjoyed working with Community Development Manager Chavez.
Mayor Pullen-Miles congratulated Community Development Manager Chavez on her new position and thanked her for her service.
Councilmember Kearney stated that Community Development Manager Chavez demonstrated growth in her position and thanked her for her service.
9. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
9A. Consideration to Create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Improve the Effectiveness of the Annual Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan
-Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Consider the request from City Councilmember Sirley Cuevas; and 2) Create an Ad Hoc Subcommittee to assist City Staff and LASD personnel with the planning and implementation of a Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan.
Councilmember Cuevas presented the report.
By consensus, the City Council created a Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee (FAHS) and appointed Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to serve on the FAHS. 9B. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Board of Directors meeting, and the League of California Cities Annual Installation Ceremony and Dinner. She asked that the on-line City staff directory be updated, requested an update of the utility boxes art project, asked for the second quarter ridership report for the Lawndale Beat, the status of the empty lot located on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meetings and their current agenda, what the cost would be to have staffing at parks, and requested that Commissioners provide a presentation once a month about what they are working on.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that ESMoA is assisting with the utility boxes art project, the project was advertised locally, and staff is actively meeting with applicants to select participants.
City Manager Moore responded that a project has been approved by the Community Development Department for the empty lot located on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Hawthorne Boulevard, an estimate on the cost to staff parks will be completed, and staff will provide a second quarter ridership report for the Lawndale Beat.
Community Services Director Minter responded that the YAC has met two times, and they have an upcoming excursion to the Teen Alliance Program at Norwalk City Hall. He invited the City Council to visit YAC's booth at the National Night Out event.
City Manager Moore commented that staff will ask Commissioners to provide an update on their activities at future City Council meetings.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the CCCA Board of Directors meeting, California Contracts Cities Legislative Committee meeting, and the National Football League (NFL) team Los Angeles (LA) Chargers Inaugural Training Camp. She asked about the status of the automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), commented on recent missed trash pick-ups by Republic Services and requested a letter of commendation be given to Southwest Patrol for their assistance during a recent incident.
Municipal Services Director Reyes provided an update on the installation of the ALPRs and announced that National Night Out begins at 5:00 p.m. on August 6, 2024.
City Manager Moore commented that Southwest Patrol's main objectives are to assist with homeless outreach and vendor education, responded that recent missed trash pick-ups by Republic Services were due to truck breakdowns and a staff shortage, and that the issue is being addressed. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman announced the National Night Out event to be held on August 6, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in front of City Hall.
Councilmember Kearney attended the CCCA Board of Directors meeting, 46th Annual Ho'olaule'a Hawaiian Festival, NFL team LA Chargers Inaugural Training Camp, Local Travel Network (LTN) Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Board of Directors' meeting, LTN Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and requested an update on the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
City Manager Moore responded that an update on the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee will be provided.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's Open House event, CCCA Board of Directors meeting, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board of Directors meeting, and announced the Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting event scheduled for August 9, 2024, at 6:15 a.m.
City Manager Moore commented that a Wells Fargo branch will be installed inside of Sprouts Farmers Market.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), asked if the loans from local branches can be monitored, if Lawndale qualifies to receive Beach Cities Mental Health Services based on an e-mail he received and suggested creating a marketing plan for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
10. CLOSED SESSION
10A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation -The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section54956.9(d)(2), because there is significant exposure to litigation in one (1) case, with a document received as per54956.9(e) (3)that is not subject to public release due to Evidence Code privilege. 10B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation -The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: City of Lawndale v. LA Investment, LLC (LA Superior Court Case No. 20TRCV00065).
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned two Closed Session matters by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:13 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:27 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. 10A Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation and Item No. 10B Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. 7 pullen mito
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Abad
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: August 19, 2024