MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
October 7, 2024
A. CALL TO ORDER: REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER AB 2449: To receive a report from the City Attorney regarding a request from a Council Member to participate in a meeting remotely due to Just Cause pursuant to AB 2449 (Government Code Section 54953(f)). Mayor Pro Tem Suarez will participate virtually under Just Cause pursuant to AB 2449 (Government Code Section 54953 (f).
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
City Attorney Murphy explained remote participation under the Just Cause provision Assembly Bill (AB) 2449.
B. 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 (Via Zoom), 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, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Ricky Osburn, Los Angeles County Fire Department Fire Acting Assistant Chief Brian Kane, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Public Works Director Lucho Rodriguez, Interim Planning Manager MBI Consultant Peter Kann
C. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Cuevas led the flag salute. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope Chapel Hawthorne provided the inspiration.
D. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Lieutenant Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane summarized the recent fire department activities.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, commented on the history of parking permit proposals and parking issues.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on traffic signal light cycles on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue, and the Lawndale Beat route.
Doug McAllister, Frontier Communications Vice President, commented on cable theft that impacts phone and emergency services.
Michelle Pino, Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Anonymous, Resident, commented in opposition to attending Neighborhood Watch meetings, the City Manager's salary, City Council voting procedures, and spoke on the United States Postal Service (USPS) trucks being robbed.
Sandra Suarez, Resident, commented in opposition to City Manager Moore and on the public comments she made about him at the City Council meeting on September 16, 2024, City Council passing a motion when not all City Councilmembers agree, and in opposition to the City hiring a Lobbyist.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented in favor of City Manager Moore's efforts to improve the City, A Minute Moore episodes, and the City Manager's scheduled hours to meet with residents.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented in opposition to the negative comments made about City Manager Moore at the September 16, 2024 City Council meeting, the performance review requested for City Manager Moore, retaliation claims against residents, and in favor of City Manager Moore's salary.
Jay Gould, Resident, commented in opposition of negative comments made against City Manager Moore, commented on inflation, and in favor of City Manager Moore's efforts to improve the City.
Pam London, former Resident, Via Zoom, commented in favor of City Manager Moore, complying with code enforcement, reported an address for code enforcement investigation, and commented in opposition to comments made by the public against City Manager Moore at the September 16, 2024, City Council meeting.
Johnny London, former Resident, Via Zoom, commented in opposition to comments made by the public against City Manager Moore at the September 16, 2024, City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Suarez's candidacy for Mayor, in favor of City Manager Moore, and complying with code enforcement.
Anonymous, commented in opposition to comments made against Mayor Pro Tem Suarez.
Chelsea Schreiber, Resident, submitted a public comment via email in support of City Manager Moore.
Theo Benge, Resident, submitted a public comment via e-mail regarding comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Suarez at the September 16, 2024 City Council meeting about staff investigating a business.
Patrick Fallon, Resident, submitted a public comment via e-mail, thanked the City Council, Beautification Committee and volunteers for participating in the City's Clean-Up Day.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that the traffic signal light cycles on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue and the Lawndale Beat route will be reviewed.
City Manager Moore responded that staff is following-up on both items.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman agreed that the traffic signal light cycles on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue and the Lawndale Beat route can be evaluated, thanked Library Manager Pino for the update on the Library's events, commented that the position of a Lobbyist would be to assist the City in applying for grants such as funding for the Youth Development Center (YDC) and commented that residents can contact her if they are experiencing difficulties with permits, or wish to speak with her.
Councilmember Kearney thanked Library Manager Pino for the update on the Library's events.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, agreed that the traffic signal light cycles on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue should be evaluated, thanked Frontier Communications Vice President Doug McAllister for bringing awareness to the cable theft, thanked Library Manager Pino for the update on the library's events, and commented that her experience with the current City Administration has not been favorable.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented in favor of evaluating the Lawndale Beat route, and traffic signal light cycles on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue, commented on the City's preferential parking district, and copper wire and cable theft.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez requested petty cash expenditure reports be provided in the future.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
3. 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.
4. Accounts Payable Register
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2410-096 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $807,004.51.
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, September 16, 2024 -Recommendation: that City Council approve the minutes.
6. Approval of Beautification Committee Resolution
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve staff recommendations to approve Resolution No. CC-2410-097 which makes changes to the Beautification Committee, including lowering membership from seven members to five members and changing requirements to remove inactive members.
7. Notice of Completion for the FY 2022-23 Residential Street Rehabilitation Project -Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Accept the project completion by Sequel Contractors, Inc., for the FY 2022-23 Residential Street Rehabilitation Project; 2) Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk's Office for the FY 2022-23 Residential Street Rehabilitation; and 3) Authorize staff to release the project retention to the contractor in the amount of $101,432.69 for the FY 2022-23 Residential Street Rehabilitation Project.
8. Approve Resolution No CC-2410-098 Authorizing Submittal of Applications for All CalRecycle Grants
-Recommendation: that City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2410-098 authorizing the submittal of applications for the California State Department of Recycling and Resources Recovery (CalRecycle) Grant Programs and related authorizations. This authorization is effective until rescinded by the Signature Authority or by the City Council.
H. ADMINISTRATION
9. Execute a Cooperative Agreement with Los Angeles County for the Rosecrans Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project and Appropriate Additional Funding -Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) authorize the City Manager to execute the Cooperative Agreement (Attachment B) between the City of Lawndale and Los Angeles County; and 2.) authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $30,000 to the Rosecrans Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project account 272-310-700.309 for a total project budget of $200,000.
Public Works Director Lucho presented the staff report.
Councilmember Cuevas asked about the City lines and boundaries on the maps.
In response to Councilmember Hofmann Gorman's questions, Public Works Director Lucho commented that this project would help with the traffic signal light cycle concerns on Rosecrans Avenue and Firmona Avenue, and traffic concerns on 147th Street.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on the history of this agenda item and the importance of traffic signal synchronization.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to authorize the City Manager to execute the Cooperative Agreement (Attachment B) between the City of Lawndale and Los Angeles County; and authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $30,000 to the Rosecrans Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Project account 272- 310-700.309 for a total project budget of $200,000. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
10. Approval of Renewal Agreement with Los Angeles County Animal Control for After Hours Use
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve the City-County Municipal Services Agreement with the County on Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control and authorize the Mayor to execute it on behalf of the City and authorize the City Manager to execute the Service Level Request on behalf of the City.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that each service has a different fee.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to approve the City-County Municipal Services Agreement with the County on Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control and authorize the Mayor to execute it on behalf of the City and authorize the City Manager to execute the Service Level Request on behalf of the City. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
11. ESMoA Grant Letter
-Recommendation: that the City Council approve a Letter of Recommendation for Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) to be submitted with their grant application to the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez's question, Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that a letter of recommendation will be provided for the City Council's review if this agenda item is approved
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve a Letter of Recommendation for Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) to be submitted with their grant application to the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. Authorize the Purchase of Food Scrap Kitchen Pails for the Residential Organics Program utilizing SB 1383 Program Grant Funds
-Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the purchase of food scrap kitchen pails from HTT Apparel for a total cost of $29,850.19 funded by the SB 1383 grant funds in compliance with the Local Assistance Grant Program guidelines.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Hofmann Gorman's question, Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that residents can pick up food scrap kitchen pails at the Public Works Department and at City events.
Councilmember Kearney asked if disposable paper bags will also be distributed.
Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that staff will evaluate the option to purchase disposable paper bags.
Councilmember Cuevas asked if food scrap kitchen pails disbursement will be tracked.
Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that efforts would be made to track the disbursement of food scrap kitchen pails.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearny and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to authorize the purchase of food scrap kitchen pails from HTT Apparel for a total cost of $29,850.19 funded by the SB 1383 grant funds in compliance with the Local Assistance Grant Program guidelines. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore commented that staff is working on the analysis to staff the three parks under the City's jurisdiction and asked the community to report graffiti to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).
City Clerk Harbison announced key dates and reminders for the City's upcoming General Municipal Election and announced that a Mobile Vote Center will be hosted at Lawndale City Hall's Courtyard on October 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
13. 30-day Amnesty Program for Residential Properties Out of Compliance -Recommendation: that the City Council consider the 30-day Amnesty Program for Residential Properties and direct staff to advertise and implement the program; or provide further direction to staff.
Mayor Pullen-Miles provided background information on the agenda item.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez's questions, City Manager Moore responded that there is no time restriction to qualify, newer projects can qualify, and the amnesty program only includes structural violations.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez commented that the process should be evaluated.
Discussion ensued among City Council members, City Manager Moore and City Attorney Murphy regarding the qualifying time frame, if the Planning Commission should review the program, promoting public safety, site plans, code violation process and whether it should be implemented on a trial basis.
A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles and seconded by Councilmember Hofmann Gorman to
14. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended the YDC Outreach meeting, South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Homeless Services Task Force meeting via zoom, West Basin Water Harvest 2024 event, asked if there are funds to complete a speed signsurvey, inquired about school signs, and asked for the status of the online payment system for permits.
Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that staff will follow up on a speed sign survey and school signs.
City Manager Moore responded that staff is working on a contract to present the online payment system at a future City Council meeting.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the California Contract Cities Association Legislature meeting via Zoom, YDC Outreach meeting, City of Lawndale Clean-Up Day, Lawndale High School Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting event, Lawndale High School Homecoming football game, West Basin Water Harvest 2024 event, announced that the Public Works Yard is hosting a Contactless Document Shredding Day on October 19, 2024, and asked if residents have shown interest in the Shop Local Home Improvement Rebate Program.
Councilmember Kearney attended the Torrance Refinery Open House, The Royal Cut Barbershop Grand Opening, Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD) gth Annual Industry Partner Breakfast, the City's Clean-Up Day, Lawndale High School Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting event, West Basin Water Harvest 2024 event, and asked about hosting Santa's Sleigh on December 13, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the SBCCOG meeting, and The Royal Cut Barbershop Grand Opening.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Annual Mayors' Cup, Lawndale High School Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting event, Lawndale High School Homecoming football game, the City's Clean-Up Day, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts meeting, and The Royal Cut Barbershop Grand Opening, congratulated the City's Finance Department for receiving an award, and commented that residents are pleased with the fast removal of graffiti by staff.
Finance Director Manuelian commented that the City's Finance Department received an award issued by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellent finance reporting.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if LASD can investigate the recent postal mail burglaries.
Mayor Pullen-Miles responded that LASD, the USPS Postmaster and the FBI are investigating the matter.
Councilmember Cuevas commented that she also attended the Lawndale High School Athletics Complex Ribbon Cutting event.
K. CLOSED SESSION
15. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager -The City Council will hold a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), to conduct an employee evaluation concerning the City Manager.
16. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation -The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (4), to discuss the potential initiation of litigation: one (1) case.
17. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation -The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (2), to confer with legal counsel regarding a significant exposure to litigation, the facts and circumstances of which are not known to the potential plaintiff.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matters by title only.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented in opposition of Closed Session Item No. K.15 Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
The City Council convened into closed session at 8:40 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 10:20 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported that Mayor Pro Tem Suarez dismissed herself from Closed Session at 10:19 p.m., Agenda Item K.15, Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Manager has concluded, and there was no reportable action for Agenda Items K.16, Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation and K.17 Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting in memory of long-time resident Disc Jockey (DJ) Edward Edwards, who provided DJ services at community events.
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:21 p.m.
Se Pullen seni
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Erica Harbison, City Clerk