MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
January 6, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Pro Tem Kearney, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Frank M. Talavera
Councilmembers Absent: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles
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 Acting Assistant Chief Brian Kane, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Talavera led the flag salute. Pastor Eddie Vargas of Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Lieutenant Ricky Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Fire Assistant Chief Brian Kane summarized the recent fire department activities and amended the public safety report provided for November 2024 by adding a house fire incident.
D. PRESENTATIONS
3. Recognition of Former Senator Steven Bradford
- Recognition of outgoing Senator Steven Bradford for his service to the City of Lawndale as our Senator and Assemblymember.
The City Council presented a plaque to former Senator Steven Bradford for his service to the City of Lawndale as our Senator and Assemblymember.
Senator Steven Bradford thanked the City Council for the recognition.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, commented on the residency status of Councilmember Talavera during the swear-in ceremony and on code enforcement procedures.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on unsafe driving, motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and held a moment of silence in honor of victims.
Chelsea Schreiber, Resident, commented on the Metro C Line (Green) Project upcoming meeting, spreading the word about the project, receiving literature from Metro in different languages and announced that the community will have meetings to talk about the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that she received a letter from Metro regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project and asked if the Lawndale Women's Club can be added to the Wall of Distinction.
Annette, Resident, commented on the Clean Energy Program, City Councilmembers possibly having code enforcement issues, thanked former Senator Bradford for his service, and read a passage from a letter she received from Metro about the Metro C Line (Green) Project.
Rhonda Hofmann Gorman, Resident, commented on City Councilmember's salaries, a public comment Councilmember Talavera made as a resident at the October 21, 2024 City Council meeting, and the house fire incident he experienced
Sarah Bo Graham, Resident, asked if Councilmembers with code cases are legally allowed to be involved in the decision making process pertaining to municipal code cases.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera commented on his residence status, stated that he looks forward to working with residents, thanked Resident Blackney for meeting with him, agreed with Resident Sopko on recognizing the Lawndale Women's Club on the Wall of Distinction. Councilmember Talavera commented on his election campaign, the code case on his property, and that the increase in salary Councilmembers received is to be spent at their discretion.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, encouraged residents to express their concerns, requested that a budget be allocated to pay for buses to take residents to the Metro meeting, asked for staff to follow up on the Wall of Distinction request and requested a presentation at a future meeting about code enforcement procedures.
Councilmember Cuevas asked if the swear-in of Councilmember Talavera was legal due to his residency at that time, if a Councilmember can participate in the decision making of a code enforcement issue if they have a code enforcement case, if a Councilmember needs to recuse themselves if a municipal code revision discussion benefits them as a Councilmember, what happens to a code enforcement case if the property is lost due to a fire incident, requested that funds be allocated for buses to take residents to the Metro meeting, and asked for the steps that need to be taken to recognize the Lawndale Women's Club on the Wall of Distinction.
City Attorney Murphy responded that temporary housing, in light of the fire incident that occurred, did not change Councilmember Talavera's residency with respect to the Elections Code and that there is no law that prohibits a Councilmember from participating in a code enforcement matter except if the Councilmember is involved in a lawsuit related to the City. City Attorney Murphy stated that he did not see an issue with a Councilmember participating in the process of adopting a new or revised municipal code that is a general benefit to the city at large; however, he would advise the City Council if there was a special benefit to the Councilmember. In response to Councilmember Cuevas's question regarding a code enforcement case related to Councilmember Talavera, City Attorney Murphy stated that he can only comment on cases that have been referred to his office and this matter has not been referred City Manager Moore responded that staff will follow up on the request to recognize the Lawndale Women's Club on the Wall of Distinction
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at tonight's meeting, asked Councilmember Cuevas if she can mention to realtors about informing home buyers of the Metro C Line (Green) Project at an upcoming realtor event, and if Councilmembers can decline an increase in salary at any time.
City Attorney Murphy responded that Councilmembers can decline a pay increase and any payer benefits at any time for personal reasons.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, City Manager Moore responded that staff will post information about the Metro C Line (Green) Project on the City's website and social media accounts.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
4. 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.
5. Accounts Payable Register
— Recommendation: that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2501-002 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $425,917.62.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - December 16, 2024 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
H. PUBLIC HEARING
7. Project Selection for the 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Program Year — Recommendation: that the City Council 1) conduct a public hearing; 2.) adopt the FY 2025-26 budget for the CDBG program; and 3.) adopt Resolution No. CC-2501-005, approving the City's participation in the FY 2025-26 CDBG Program.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez asked how streets are selected for repair, if a street repair status report has been completed and which streets are next in the queue.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, City Manager Moore stated that the City uses a pavement management system based on the deterioration of each street and are selected based on the need of each street, and stated that the specific noticing of upcoming street repairs procedures will be shared at a future date.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney opened the public hearing comments at 7:30 p.m.
Gary Adam, Resident, commented in opposition to the approval of the plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney commented on the estimates provided in the report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to adopt the FY 2025-26 budget for the CDBG program, and Resolution No. CC-2501-005, approving the City's participation in the FY 2025-26 CDBG Program. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Pullen- Miles absent.
I. ADMINISTRATION
8. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Educational Piece on Body Worn Cameras — Report provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Lieutenant Osburn gave the presentation.
Councilmember Cuevas asked what can residents do to assist LASD Deputies.
Lieutenant Osburn responded that residents can assist Deputies by uploading their video recording when a Deputy provides them with a link.
City Manager Moore commented that the presentation was provided in response to inquiries recently made related to the fireworks citation process.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the report.
9. City Representatives to Intergovernmental Agency Boards — Recommendation: that Mayor Pullen-Miles 1.) appoint delegates and alternates to the intergovernmental agencies listed in Resolution No. CC-2501-001; 2) that the City Council confirm the Mayor's appointments by directing staff to amend Section 1 of the Resolution by filling in the names of the Mayor's appointees; and 3.) that the City Council adopt the Resolution as amended.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney led a discussion on the Intergovernmental Agency Boards appointments. The City Council came to a consensus on the following appointments:
California Contract Cities Association, Board of Directors Representatives: Delegate Bernadette Suarez, alternates Robert Pullen-Miles and Sirley Cuevas California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Board of Directors Representatives: Delegate Robert Pullen-Miles, alternate Frank M. Talavera, and staff alternate Sean M. Moore Centinela Youth Services, Board of Directors
Representatives: Delegate Bernadette Suarez, alternate not allowed County Sanitation District No. 5 of Los Angeles County, Board of Directors Representatives: Delegate Robert Pullen-Miles, alternate Pat Kearney League of California Cities, Los Angeles County Division Representatives: Delegate Sirley Cuevas, alternate Robert Pullen-Miles Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
Representatives: Delegate Robert Pullen-Miles, alternate Pat Kearney South Bay Cities Council of Governments, Board of Directors Representatives: Delegate Bernadette Suarez, alternates Robert Pullen-Miles and Frank M. Talavera Southern California Association of Governments, General Assembly (Business Meeting).
Representatives: Delegate Frank M. Talavera, alternate Bernadette Suarez A motion was made by Councilmmeber Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to confirm the Mayor Pro Tem's appointments by directing staff to amend Section 1 of the Resolution by filling in the names of the Mayor Pro Tem appointees and adopt the Resolution as amended. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
10. City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Standing Committees - Recommendation: that the City Council review the current ad hoc subcommittee and standing committee appointments and direct staff on the modification, replacement, or continued appointment of members, if desired.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney led a discussion on the Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Standing Committees appointments. The City Council came to a consensus on the following appointments:
City/School District Park Maintenance and Joint Use Ad Hoc Subcommittee Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Fiscal Year will change to 2025-26).
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Billboard Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Metro CLine (Green) Extension Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Leen Center Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas Business Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera City/School Districts Standing Committee
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Caltrans Maintenance Standing Committee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Homeless Solutions Standing Committee
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Councilmember Sirley Cuevas By consensus, the City Council confirmed the ad hoc subcommittees and standing committee appointments and directed staff on the modification, replacement, and continued appointment of members.
11. Approve the Engineering and Traffic Speed Study for Prairie Avenue - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Authorize the speed reduction from 40 MPH to 35 MPH on Prairie Avenue from Redondo Beach Boulevard to Marine Avenue; and 2.) Direct the City Clerk's Office to forward a certified copy of the Engineering and Traffic Survey to the Los Angeles County Sheriff to be used for their traffic enforcement.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's and Cuevas' questions, City Manager Moore stated that Los Angeles (LA) County is changing the speed limit to their portion of the street to 35 MPH and is seeking approval from the City to change the City's portion to 35 MPH. Speeds are checked due to numerous reasons and LA County is funding the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney opened public comments.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on the change to the speed limit and commented that street infrastructure is what reduces the speed of vehicles.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed public comments.
Councilmember Suarez asked how traffic signals are taken into consideration with the infrastructure and speed limit change.
City Manager Moore responded that additional information can be provided to the City Council.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, City Manager Moore stated that residents will be made aware of changes via the City's social media accounts, webpage, and electronic trailer signs.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to authorize the speed reduction from 40 MPH to 35 MPH on Prairie Avenue from Redondo Beach Boulevard to Marine Avenue and direct the City Clerk's Office to forward a certified copy of the Engineering and Traffic Survey to the Los Angeles County Sheriff to be used for their traffic enforcement. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
12. Update on Hedges/Fence Code Issue
- Recommendation: that City Council 1) Receive and file this report; or 2) Provide further direction to staff.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among Councilmembers and Community Development Director Kann about fence height requirements, see-through fences, fence regulations, fence requirements for properties at different locations, and what similar Cities have in place.
Councilmember Cuevas requested additional information on see-through and solid fences.
Councilmember Suarez requested visibility information for intersections.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the report.
13. Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increase
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the attached Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increases and Protest Ballot and direct staff to proceed with the necessary notifications and preparations for the public hearing, and 2.) Approve the public hearing date for March 3, 2025.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Councilmember Talavera asked if rate increases are competitive compared to other service providers.
City Manager Moore responded that according to the franchise agreement in place, the contractor is permitted to increase fees, and staff can get quotes from other service providers prior to the expiration date of the current contract.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney opened public comments.
Deena Sopko, Resident, asked at what age is someone considered a senior citizen.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed public comments.
City Manager Moore responded that according to the franchise agreement, individuals 65 years of age or older are considered senior citizens.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' question, City Manager Moore stated that he will research if a senior rate is granted to a non-senior owner that has senior tenants.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the attached Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increases and Protest Ballot and direct staff to proceed with the necessary notifications and preparations for the public hearing and approve the public hearing date for March 3, 2025. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
14. Recommendation to Continue to Use Everbridge as the Citywide Emergency Notification System - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) approve the budget amendment of $1,353 to retain Everbridge Mass Notification Pro as its sole provider for emergency messaging, and communications in the event of a natural or man-made disaster; and 2.) authorize the City Manager to execute the Renewal Quote for One-Year between the City of Lawndale and Everbridge.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among Councilmembers and Municipal Services Director Reyes on the increase in fees due to training they are providing to staff, the proposal being based on the number of residents in the City and other South Bay Cities using this same provider.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney opened public comments.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that the Everbridge City-wide Emergency Notification System should be advertised on the City's social media accounts.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the budget amendment of $1,353 to retain Everbridge Mass Notification Pro as its sole provider for emergency messaging, and communications in the event of a natural or man-made disaster and authorize the City Manager to execute the Renewal Quote for One-Year between the City of Lawndale and Everbridge. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
15. Update on Art in Public Places Project from the Lawndale Beautification Committee - Recommendation: that the City Council approve 1.) the artists and artwork chosen by the Lawndale Beautification Committee for the Art in Public Places project; and 2) the budget amendment of $15,000 in account 292-000-310.100.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kearney's questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that the images provided within the staff report are artwork samples of what will be painted on electrical boxes.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the artists and artwork chosen by the Lawndale Beautification Committee for the Art in Public Places project and the budget amendment of $15,000 in account 292-000-310.100. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Kearney voting no and Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Moore informed the City Council that requested agenda items are forthcoming and thanked them for their patience.
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Local Travel Network Update
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1) discuss and approve the current draft of the City's Local Travel Network Refinements; or 2.) provide further direction to staff.
City Manager Moore presented the staff report.
Councilmember Suarez invited the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) staff to provide information.
SBCCOG staff commented that the SBCCOG received a Safe Streets For All Grant from the Department of Transportation which will be used for South Bay Mobility Safety Action Plan, partnered with school districts to teach students who drive street safety, and announced two (2) ride and drive safety showcases.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, SBCCOG staff explained the actions the SBCCOG will implement if the current draft of the City's Local Travel Network Refinements is approved Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and SBCCOG staff about protected crossing streets.
SBCCOG staff thanked City Councilmembers for working with the SBCCOG to create this plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney opened public comments.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented on the draft of the City's Local Travel Network and made suggestions to create a bidirectional route.
Gary Adams, Resident, commented in opposition to the draft of the City's Local Travel Network if it encourages bicyclists and mopeds to drive on sidewalks.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed public comments.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, SBCCOG staff stated that routes can be explored to calm traffic on 147th Street.
City Manager Moore commented that bicycles or mopeds should not be driven on sidewalks.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve the current draft of the City's Local Travel Network Refinements Ad Hoc Committee Rev. 9/10/24; request SBCCOG to bring back a Measure M application and look into potential funding for 147th Street traffic calming. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
17. Report of Attendance at Meetings
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve the current draft of the City's Local Travel Network Refinements Ad Hoc Committee Rev. 9/10/24; request SCOG to bring back a Measure M application and look into potential funding for 147th Street traffic calming. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Pullen-Miles absent.
17. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Talavera met with Resident Andrew Blackney, attended the Senior's New Year Lunch, and thanked staff for the Lawndalian Newsletter.
Councilmember Suarez requested a code enforcement cases report, asked which information of code cases is public information and if a site plan is a public record.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that code case information becomes public record after cases close.
City Manager Moore responded that site plans are public records; however, site plans cannot be duplicated.
Councilmember Cuevas wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney attended the Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Senior's New Year Lunch and asked if staff can look into installing traffic barriers to keep vehicles from driving into crowds.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney closed the meeting in memory of Frances Moreno Kisselburg and Sharlene Marie Horner Howard. Frances Moreno Kisselburg was a long-time resident of Lawndale.
Sharlene Marie Horner Howard was involved with the Boy Scout Program and retired from the Lawndale Elementary School District.
There being further business to conduct, Mayor Pro Tem Kearney adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
PatR
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: January 21, 2025