MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
August 19, 2024
1. 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 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, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter; Public Works Director Luis Rodriguez
2. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Kearney led the flag salute. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope Chapel Hawthorne 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 an upcoming Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked what the process is to tackle vandalism of vacant buildings and if staff can expedite permits to allow buildings to be occupied sooner.
Captain Palomino responded that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) documents vandalism incidents and follows up with investigations.
City Manager Moore responded that permits are processed in a timely manner, by staff.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4A. Recognition of Helen Kingdon, Lawndale Resident, 101 Years of Life -Recommendation: that the City Council recognize and congratulate Lawndale resident Helen Kingdon on her 101 Years of Life by presenting her with the attached recognition.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented a certificate of recognition to Helen Kingdon for her 101 years of life.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented in favor of the Sprouts Farmers Market and the new agenda management system the City adopted.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented in favor of the Sprouts Farmers Market, asked if there will be a new Starbucks Coffee in the City and what the status is of the Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).
Dan Reid, Resident and South Bay 25 Club President, spoke about Santa's Sleigh community event.
6. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented in favor of the Sprouts Farmers Market and asked City Manager Moore to provide an update on the Starbucks Coffee location.
City Manager Moore responded that Starbucks Coffee will be located on the northwest corner of Rosecrans Avenue and Burin Avenue.
Councilmember Kearney asked Municipal Services Director Reyes for an update on the ALPRs.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that the ALPRs will be installed the following week.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Resident Reid for commenting on the South Bay 25 Club, commented in favor of Santa's Sleigh, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Councilmember Kearney announced that the Angel Tree Holiday event will be held on December 6, 2024, and Santa's Sleigh event will take place December 9-19, 2024.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked about the Accounts Payable Register credit card information that she previously requested and stated that she will vote no on this item until that information is provided.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented in favor of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board's (SBWIB) career services and work-based learning programs, and commented that SBWIB is currently recruiting foster care youth ages 18 - 24 into short-term vocational training through a Community Resource Grant awarded to the SBWIB by Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
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. Mayor Pro Tem Suarez voted no on Item 7B. Accounts Payable Register - CC-2408-090.
7A. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda -Recommendation: that the City Council read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda.
7B. Accounts Payable Register - CC-2408-090
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2408-090 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $279,153.10.
7C. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, August 5, 2024 -Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes. 7D. South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary Report -Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file. 7E. Consideration of Claim for Damage against the City
-Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Alfredo Ibarra and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
8. ADMINISTRATION
8A. Amendment to City's Conflict of Interest Code
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2408-092 amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code and Rescinding Resolution No. CC-2210-050.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to adopt Resolution No. CC-2408-092 amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code and Rescinding Resolution No. CC-2210-050. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
8B. Request to Renew Contract with SPCA for Kenneling and Animal Care Services -Recommendation: that the City Council 1) approve the Request to Renew Contract with SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for Kenneling and Animal Care Services for the City of Lawndale at the newer monthly rate; and 2) authorize the budget amendment of $45,600 in account number 100-300-530.100 - Municipal Services Department Contract Services.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas asked about the animal threshold allotment and the number of days they will be held.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that there has been a high number of animal intakes, which caused an increase in fees, and staff will ensure that intakes are only from the City of Lawndale by verifying addresses.
Councilmember Kearney asked what happens to animals when they are not picked up within the allowed holding days, and if kenneling the animals in City facilities is an option.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that SPCA is a low-kill shelter, they house animals until adopted, and that kenneling animals in City facilities is a costly option as staff would need to be hired to care for the animals seven days a week.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and Municipal Services Director Reyes about the increased fees, animal diseases at SPCA shelters and the adoption period hold.
Mayor Pullen-Miles requested this item be brought back every 60-90 days to report on the progress of alternative solutions.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez question, Municipal Services Director Reyes explained that animal sheltering includes dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and exotic animals.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the Request to Renew Contract with SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for Kenneling and Animal Care Services for the City of Lawndale at the newer monthly rate; and authorize the budget amendment of $45,600 in account number 100-300-530.100 - Municipal Services Department Contract Services. 8C. Approval of an MOU with the Centinela Valley Union High School District -Recommendation: that the City Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centinela Valley Union High School District (CUHSD) for the parking of vehicles on District property for limited City events, activities, or other official purposes.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pullen-Miles to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centinela Valley Union High School District (CUHSD) for the parking of vehicles on District property for limited City events, activities, or other official purposes.
9. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore introduced the new Public Works Director, Luis "Lucho" Rodriguez, and welcomed him to the City.
10. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10A. Discussion of South Bay Cities Council of Governments Fees and Services Requested by Councilmember Kearney.
-Recommendation: that the City Council 1) discuss the SBCCOG fees and services, including the regional planner special assessment fee that is no longer separated in the dues structure beginning with the FY 24/25 dues; and 2.) provide direction to staff, if necessary.
Councilmember Kearney commented on the Regional Planner position offered as part of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) services in the agreement and included in the fees, requested a refund be discussed if the Regional Planner position is not filled or qualified.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez inquired about the usage of the Regional Planner and requested that the SBCCOG Executive Director Jacki Bacharach provide information.
SBCCOG Executive Director Bacharach confirmed that they received an inquiry about a Regional Planner and explained the status of the position.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers, SBCCOG Executive Director Bacharach and City Manager Moore regarding the services and the Regional Planner position and services.
SBCCOG Executive Director Bacharach detailed the services that SBCCOG provides.
Councilmember Cuevas asked if the SBCCOG can assist with applying for grants if requested and asked how cities are selected to receive funds.
SBCCOG Executive Director Bacharach responded that all cities have been able to receive funds applied to, and that the criteria is being reviewed to qualify for future funds. She indicated that the cities must identify their needs to the SBCCOG for grants assistance.
Councilmember Kearney requested this item be brought back at a future meeting.
By City Council consensus, this item will be brought back for discussion at a future meeting. 10B. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended the SBCCOG Homeless Services Task Force via Zoom, Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and Providence Wellness and Activity Center Grand Opening at Rogers-Anderson Park.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the City's National Night Out event, Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and Providence Wellness and Activity Center Grand Opening at Rogers-Anderson Park.
Councilmember Kearney attended the City's National Night Out event, Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Providence Wellness and Activity Center Grand Opening at Rogers-Anderson Park, Senator Steven Bradford's Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair, and Liability Trust and Oversight Committee meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the City's National Night Out event, Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and asked for the status of funding an online permit program, and the status on the school zone plan from the Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
City Manager Moore responded that there is an upcoming agenda item that will be presented for the online permit program.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that there will be light parking enforcement patrol by the City during the first two weeks of school.
Councilmember Cuevas commented that she attended the City's National Night Out event and that the Providence Wellness and Activity Center is a partnership with the Lawndale Elementary School District.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's National Night Out event, Beach Cities Health District and Blue Zone Project Workshop, Providence Wellness and Activity Center Grand Opening at Roger-Anderson Park, 36th Annual Electrical Industry BBQ, and Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mayor Pullen-Miles requested an emergency preparedness workshop for Seniors, thanked the City Manager for adding the City logo on Southwest Patrol vehicles, and asked if the City continues to receive sales tax revenue from the Chevron Corporation gas station on the corner of Rosecrans Avenue and Hawthorne Boulevard.
City Manager Moore responded that staff will coordinate an emergency preparedness workshop for seniors, Southwest Patrol officers will soon wear a City logo patch on their uniform, and staff will provide a report on the Chevron Corporation gas station sales tax revenue.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: September 16, 2024