MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
October 21, 2024
A. 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 Lucho Rodriguez, Interim Planning Manager MBI Consultant Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman led the flag salute. Pastor Matthew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities and announced the next Neighborhood Watch meeting scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harold E.
Hofmann Community Center.
In response to Councilmember Hofmann Gorman's question, Captain Palomino said that the Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) have been successful in fighting crime in the City.
D. PRESENTATIONS
2. Legislative Update
-Legislative Update by Senator Steven Bradford.
Senator Bradford provided an update on various topics, new laws and announced upcoming events.
The City Council thanked Senator Bradford for his years of service.
3. 2024 Deputy and Firefighter of the Year
-Presentation of 2024 Firefighter and Deputy of the Year Awards to Firefighter Markus Cooper and Deputy Daniel Robles, recognizing their exemplary service and outstanding commitment to public safety in the City of Lawndale.
Municipal Services Director Reyes introduced firefighter of the year Markus Cooper and deputy of the year Daniel Robles.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented the 2024 Firefighter and Deputy of the Year Award plaques to Firefighter Markus Cooper and Deputy Daniel Robles for their exemplary service and outstanding commitment to public safety in the City of Lawndale.
4. Centinela Valley Union High School District Presentation -Presentation by Dr. Stephen Nellman, Superintendent; Dr. Pamela Brown, Assistant Superintendent, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Dr. Kelly Santos, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services; and Dr. Daniel Urrutia, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services.
Dr. Nellman, Dr. Brown, Dr. Santos, and Dr. Urrutia gave a presentation about the educational programs and facility updates at Hawthorne High School, Lawndale High School and Leuzinger High School.
The City Council thanked Dr. Nellman, Dr. Brown, Dr. Santos, and Dr. Urrutia for the presentation, and their commitment to the community.
5. ESMoA Presentation of Day of the Dead Festival Event -ESMoA Team Dulce Stein, Eva Sweeney, Bryan Puertas and Barbara Boehm will introduce their collaboration with the City for "The Day of the Dead Festival".
ESMoA Team Dulce Stein, Eva Sweeney, Bryan Puertas and Barbara Boehm provided an update on ESMoA's accomplishments, and information on "The Day of the Dead Festival".
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the ESMoA team for the updates.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Frank Talavera, Resident, commented on building permits and code enforcement issues that he is having with obtaining permits for his property.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
Jose Padilla, Resident, commented on the language City information is provided in, and in favor of small businesses in the City.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, commented on making traffic poles more visible during inclement weather conditions.
Olga Sierra Gonzalez, Beautification Committee Chairperson, provided an update on the City's Clean-Up Day event, thanked everyone that attended, and presented Officer Bower a certificate of appreciation for referring the committee to a local vendor that contributed food to the City's Clean- Up Day event.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on permit issues residents have when beautifying their properties.
Danielle Sevilla, Resident, introduced herself as Mayor Pro Tem Saurez's cousin, commented on the responsibilities of City employment positions, and comments made about Mayor Pro Tem Suarez and her family.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on recent Neighborhood Watch meeting discussions and public comments made at the October 7, 2024, City Council meeting regarding Neighborhood Watch meetings, the City Manager's salary, and code enforcement issues.
SandraSuarez, Resident, commented on public comments made about her family at the October 7, 2024, City Council meeting and the public comment she made at the September 16, 2024, City Council meeting about the City Manager.
Anonymous, Resident, commented on the City Manager's salary not being reported to Transparent California.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Cuevas thanked Beautification Committee Chairperson Olga Sierra Gonzalez for her work during the City's Clean-Up Day and thanked her for the update on the Beautification Committee, asked about installing reflective traffic sign poles.
Public Works Director Lucho responded that staff will look into installing reflective traffic posts.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented that she will review the permit issue involving Resident Talavera's and Resident Neil's properties, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for the information about the Metro C Line (Green) Project, asked if staff can address the drones that are being flown over the Right-Of-Way (ROW), thanked Resident Padilla for assisting the City with the food contribution during the City's Clean-Up Day and encouraged businesses to join together for business networking. Councilmember Hofmann Gorman commented in favor of reflective traffic sign poles, thanked Beautification Committee Chairperson Olga Sierra Gonzalez for her work at the City's Clean-up Day event, and for advertising the event, stated that safety information and assistance is provided at Neighborhood Watch meetings, the City Council's goal is to service the City, being relatives of elected officials should not stop anyone from coming forth, stated that she will find out what Transparent California is and thanked everyone that spoke tonight.
City Manager Moore responded that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) and staff are aware of the drones and are investigating the matter and that staff will research Transparent California.
Councilmember Kearney asked Municipal Services Director Reyes to follow-up with the property that has the tree trimming issue.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that he will follow up with the resident.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez thanked everyone that spoke at tonight's meeting, commented on public comments made by two out of state residents at the October 7, 2024, City Council meeting, stated that enforcement can be harassment, suggested agendizing a public forum where residents can voice their opinion and rate their interaction with City staff regarding building permits.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for the information about the Metro C Line (Green) Project, commented that the drone issue will be investigated, agreed with installing reflective traffic poles, will investigate permit issues, projects are "grandfathered' in when they are in place before the municipal code is changed announced the recent Amnesty Program that was adopted to help property owners bring their property up to code, thanked Beautification Committee Chairperson Olga Sierra Gonzalez for her work at the City's Clean-Up Day event, and commented that he will look into the Transparent California website.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez commented that property owners will not qualify for the Amnesty Program if they have a current violation, and that properties will need to meet building and safety requirements.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
6. 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.
7. Accounts Payable Register
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2410-099 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,110,385.60.
8. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, October 7, 2024 -Recommendation: that City Council approve the minutes.
9. Approval of Contract Services Agreement for Agenda Management System with Cloud Driven Solutions, Inc.
-Recommendation: that the City Council: 1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to approve an agreement for a term of three years, with the option of a one year extension, with Cloud Driven Solutions, Inc. in a form approved by the City Attorney in the amount not to exceed $5,857.00 to provide an Agenda Management System; 2) Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $5,857.00 from American Rescue Plan Act funds to fund this project; or 3) Provide the City Manager and staff with alternative direction.
10. Approval of Routine Records Destruction
-Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No.CC-2410-101, approving the request from the Community Services Department and the Finance Department for authorization to destroy routine records as listed in the exhibit of the resolution.
H. ADMINISTRATION
11. Approve Master Services Agreement with Paymentus for Online Payment Processing of Permits
Interim Planning Manager MBI Consultant Kann presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, Interim Planning Manager MBI Consultant Kann responded that there are only two recognized vendors that can provide the service.
Councilmember Cuevas commented that she does not agree to charge processing fees to residents, asked who will receive the fees and requested to review additional vendors that do not charge processing fees.
Interim Planning Manager MBI Consultant Kann commented that the vendor will receive all processing fees.
City Attorney Murphy provided background information on how the vendor was selected.
City Manager Moore provided background information on why the vendor was selected, current software the City uses and commented that Paymentus is the only software that provides this service.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman asked if payments made on Paymentus ca be tracked by staff.
Finance Director Manuelian responded that payments made on Paymentus can be tracked.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez asked if this item can be brought back with a demonstration on how users will use the software.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and City Manager Moore about the length of the contract, and to ask the vendor to provide a presentation at a future City Council meeting.
By consensus, the City Council tabled this agenda item a future City Council meeting.
12. Amendment to CityView Service and Support Agreement for Automated Permitting, Case Tracking, and Online Payments
-Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the amended service and support agreement with Harris Computer for CityView; and 2) Approve the budget amendment to increase the Community Development Department's Professional Services account for FY 24-25 from $15,000 to $65,063.
By consensus, the City Council tabled this agenda item a future City Council meeting.
By consensus, the City Council tabled this agenda item a future City Council meeting.
13. Authorize the Purchase of Vehicles for the Public Works, Community Development, and Municipal Services Departments
-Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the purchase of two 2024 Ford F-150 trucks for the Public Works Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285 from Norm Reeves Ford for the total price of $88,210.82; and 2) Approve the purchase of one 2024 Ford Escape for the Municipal Services Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285 and General Fund 100, and one 2024 Ford Escape for the Community Development Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285, from Norm Reeves Ford for the total price of $66,750.10.
Public Works Director Lucho presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, Public Works Director Lucho responded that several vehicles will need to be replaced in the future.
Councilmember Cuevas requested a copy of the vehicle inventory report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the purchase of two 2024 Ford F-150 trucks for the Public Works Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285 from Norm Reeves Ford for the total price of $88,210.82, and approve the purchase of one 2024 Ford Escape for the Municipal Services Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285 and General Fund 100, and one 2024 Ford Escape for the Community Development Department utilizing ARPA Fund 285, from Norm Reeves Ford for the total price of $66,750.10.
14. Inglewood Transit Connector Proposal for South Bay Cities Council of Governments Measure M funds
-Recommendation: that the City Council further discuss the proposal to redirect Measure M funds to the City of Inglewood for the Inglewood Transit Connector Project, vote on whether the City of Lawndale supports the redirection of funds or not, and then direct the City's representative to the SBCCOG to vote on the matter at the SBCCOG meeting on October 24, 2024 in accordance with the determination made by the City Council.
Public Works Director Lucho presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez invited South Bay Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Senior Project Manager David Leger to provide information.
David Leger, SBCCOG Senior Project Manager, provided background information on the project.
Councilmember Cuevas asked if Measure M funds will be available to the City in upcoming years if the proposal is approved, and if the Metro C Line (Green) Project would be affected.
David Leger, SBCCOG Senior Project Manager, responded that Measure M funds will be limited in the future and the Metro C Line (Green) Project would not be impacted directly, and in response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez's questions, responded that today's SBCCOG Q&A meeting recommended that the SBCCOG Board support the City of Inglewood's fund request.
Discussion ensued between City Councilmembers and SBCCOG Senior Project Manager Leger if and how the City would be impacted in the future, availability of funds for future projects, whether the SBCCOG supports the proposal, the Metro C Line (Green) Project impacts the Climate Resilient District members, a repayment plan status and transit funds.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Diane Zambrano, Inglewood Resident, commented in opposition to the Inglewood Transit Connector Proposal for South Bay Cities Council of Governments for Measure M funds.
Sandra Suarez, Resident, commented in opposition to the Inglewood Transit Connector Proposal for South Bay Cities Council of Governments for Measure M funds.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Discussion ensued between City Councilmembers and City Attorney Murphy whether they support the project, how the Metro C Line (Green) Project and the City would be affected, receiving additional information, the recommended action and what the next steps should be.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Suarez's question, City Attorney Murphy responded that delegates representing the City in outside organization Boards may receive direction from the City Council on how to vote on items.
By consensus, the City Council took no action.
15. Authorize to Discard Public Works Department Surplus Furniture -Recommendation: that the City Council approve of discarding all existing furniture at the Public Works Department through Republic Services.
Public Works Director Lucho presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kearney asked if the City can auction the furniture to the public and deposit the funds in the General Fund account.
City Manager Moore commented that staff will review the City policy and requirements to find out if the furniture can be auctioned to the public.
City Councilmembers asked if the surplus furniture can be donated to non-profit organizations.
City Attorney Murphy will find out if donating the furniture to a non-profit organization is allowed.
City Manager Moore commented that the options will be reviewed and brought back for discussion at a future meeting.
By consensus, the City Council requested that staff provide other options to dispose of the Public Works furniture and photographs.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Municipal Services Director Reyes announced the City's 9th Annual Field of Honor Display to honor veterans and military heroes November 7th, 2024 - November 12th, 2024, and that flags are available for purchase for $25.00.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Staffing City Parks
Requested by Councilmember Cuevas.
-Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Take no action receive and file the report: or 2.) Review the costs associated with adding Recreation Leaders to the three City owned parks including Hogan, Hopper, and Rudolph Parks, and provide direction; or 3) Provide further direction to staff.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and Community Services Director Minter about staffing parks, recruitment, outsourcing park staff, illicit activity at parks and asking Southwest Patrol to patrol the parks for a longer time period.
Municipal Services Director Reyes commented that Southwest Patrol staff patrols parks and City facilities throughout the day and will be asked to patrol parks for a longer period.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to review the costs associated with adding Recreation Leaders to the three City owned parks including Hogan, Hopper, and Rudolph Parks, and request Southwest Patrol to patrol the parks for a longer time period. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
17. Mayor/City Councilmembers Report of Attendance at Meetings and/or Events Councilmember Cuevas attended the Bricks & Minifigs' Ribbon Cutting event, League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Neighborhood Watch meeting, announced the next Neighborhood Watch meeting scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harold E.
Hofmann Community Center and asked for a list of City owned vehicles.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman attended the League of California Cities Legislative meeting, Bricks & Minifigs' Ribbon Cutting event, Neighborhood Watch meeting, Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, and asked City Manager to provide the outcome of the meeting.
City Manager Moore responded that the Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee determined that there are limitations on illegal fireworks enforcement staffing due to LASD having commitments to other events.
Councilmember Kearney attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting, and the City's Document Shredding Day.
Mayor Pro Tem Suarez attended the Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, C&S Garden Center 2nd Annual Fall Fiesta, SBCCOG Board of Directors Special Meeting, commented that C&S Garden Center is advertising the City's rebate program, requested to agendize the Community Development Department having the option for customers to rate their experience when submitting permit applications, and inviting residents to a meeting where the public can their concerns about the permit process.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the C&S Garden Center 2nd Annual Fall Fiesta, SBCCOG Transportation Committee meeting, and Bricks & Minifigs' Ribbon Cutting event.
Councilmember Hofmann Gorman announced the City's Halloween Haunt scheduled for October 31, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
K. CLOSED SESSION
18. 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 matter by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 9:40 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 10:22 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported there was no reportable action.
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:24 p.m.
x Putnail
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayo
ATTEST:
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: November 4, 2024