MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
July 21, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Kearney, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera Other Participants: City Manager Dr. 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 Captain Nicole Palomino, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney led the flag salute. Pastor Mathew 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 invited the community to attend National Night Out on August 6, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center Plaza.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane was not present.
D. PRESENTATIONS
3. Proclamation - Parks and Recreation Month - July 2025 Presentation of Proclamation to the Community Services Department proclaiming July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented the City of Lawndale proclamation certificate to the Community Services Department proclaiming July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.
Community Services Director Minter presented a video about parks.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Danyal Rafed, Resident, commented on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the community.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C-Line (Green) Project.
Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
Kaitlin Coulter, Interim Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Deena Sopko, Resident, offered her condolences to the family of the three Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Deputies who passed away, commented in favor of banning safe and sane fireworks, clearing overgrown weeds from parkways, Neighborhood Watch and Beautification Committee meetings, the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, and trash services provided by Republic Services.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on the Neighborhood Watch meeting, fireworks in the City during the July 4th holiday, illegal fireworks citations issued and the City of Carson's fireworks suppression efforts.
Annette Owens, Resident, suggested that the City provide local resources and support to the community instead of issuing a formal statement regarding ICE activity, thanked the Mayor and City Council for implementing the Shop Local Reimbursement Program, and suggested that the program continue and be advertised more to assist residents with essential repairs.
Ray Hollar, Resident, commented on green space, the security guard at the shopping center on Hawthorne Boulevard and Marine Avenue, and offered his condolences to the family of the three LASD Deputies who passed away.
Mathew Harbison, Resident, thanked staff for addressing the railroad crossing issue at 161st Street, commented on ongoing pothole repairs, expressed concerns about inconsistent trash pickup, residents misuse of trash bins, and thanked Deputies for issuing illegal fireworks citations during the July 4th holiday.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented in support of the City making a formal statement in response to ICE activity, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for the information about the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, asked residents to provide any handouts they wish to present to the City Council before the meeting, thanked Interim Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, thanked residents for their concerns about illegal fireworks, stated that the Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee will discuss suppression options, thanked Resident Owens for bringing awareness to the Shop Local Rebate Program, asked if the link to the South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance website can be placed on the City's website, thanked resident Harbison for commenting on pothole repairs, and commented on bulky items picked up by Republic Services.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that he will follow up on the City's policy to place the South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance link on the City's webpage.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and made public comments, commented in support of the City providing a formal statement in response to ICE activity, thanked Interim Library Manager Coulter for providing the library's updates, asked for an update on Republic Services labor strike activity, asked how drone recordings are responsive to public records requests, asked for a report about the Shop Local Rebate Program, and thanked Resident Hollar for mentioning the three Deputies who passed away.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that Republic Services had a labor negotiations related strike on the East Coast, the strike ended, a plan was put in place for trash collection, and all trash will be picked up by this week.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented in support of the City making a formal statement in response to ICE activity, asked if the City can receive a report of ICE enforcement in the City, requested information on drone usage, and asked if Republic Services will restart their regular trash collection schedule this week.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that he will ask Republic Services about the status of the trash collection schedule.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that spoke at tonight's meeting, commented in favor of providing immigration resources to residents, thanked Interim Library Manager Coulter for providing the library's updates, suggested revising the Neighborhood Watch meeting schedule, stated that he enjoyed the Heart and Soul Music Festival and it may have had low attendance due to recent ICE activity, commented on Republic Services resuming trash collection services, and reminded residents to pick up a compost bin from the Public Works Department.
Mayor Pullen-Miles asked if the Republic Services strike violated the City's agreement, commented in support of the City issuing a formal statement in response to recent ICE activity, suggested working with the State Senator to provide a resource fair for immigrants, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for her comments about the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, thanked residents who attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting, and requested information about drone usage. Mayor Pullen-Miles requested that the Shop Local Rebate Program be continued, thanked Resident Hollar for his comment honoring the three LASD Deputies who passed away, and announced that the meeting will be adjourned in their memory.
City Attorney Murphy responded that the Republic Services strike was not in violation of the agreement because they provided a plan for remediation.
Finance Director Manuelian commented that the deadline for the Shop Local Rebate Program has been extended and the City is currently accepting applications.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
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-2507-034 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,359,643.69.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - June 16, 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
7. Approval of an Agreement with the City of Gardena for the Elder Nutrition Program Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Contract Services Agreement for Elderly Nutrition Program Services agreement between the City of Lawndale and the City of Gardena for a term beginning Monday, July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
US Bank Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into the custody agreement with US Bank National Association.
Councilmember Suarez requested that Consent Calendar Item No. G.8. be pulled and considered separately.
By consensus, Mayor Pullen-Miles pulled Consent Calendar Item No. G.8. from the consent calendar to be considered separately.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve Consent Calendar Items No. G.4 through G.7. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
US Bank Agreement
Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into the custody agreement with US Bank National Association.
This item was considered separately at this time.
Councilmember Suarez asked if the investment policy indicates which bank to use and requested that staff look into completing a request for proposal process for next year.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's and City Attorney Murphy's questions, Finance Director Manuelian responded that the Investment Policy indicates that the City must have a custody account, the new product US Bank offers is best for the City, there are no fees associated with the account, and the approval of this agreement is time sensitive.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to authorize the City Manager to enter into the custody agreement with US Bank National Association.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
Designation of Voting Delegate & Alternate(s) to the 2025 League of California Cities Conference
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Select a Voting Delegate and Voting Alternate(s) to represent the City at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference; 2.) 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; 3.) Determine if additional Council Members will attend the conference, if yes; 4.) 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; and 5.) Direct staff in the City Manager's Department to make the appropriate reservations for the approved travel.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
By consensus, the City Council selected Councilmember Cuevas to represent the City at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference as the voting delegate, Mayor Pro Tem Kearney as the alternate, directed 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, directed the Finance Director/City Treasurer to identify and appropriate the additional funding required, make the appropriate transfer of funds to the City Council Travel/Meetings Fund No. 100-110-510.620 and directed staff in the City Manager's Department to make the appropriate reservations for the approved travel.
10. Agreement for CDBG Administration Assistance, Implementation and Labor Compliance (FY 2025-2026)
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the professional services agreement with Michael Baker International Inc. for the Community Development Block Grant Administration and Labor Compliance Services for FY 2025-2026.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the professional services agreement with Michael Baker International Inc. for the Community Development Block Grant Administration and Labor Compliance Services for FY 2025-2026. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
11. Request to Renew Contract with SPCA for Kenneling and Animal Care Services Recommendation: that the City Council approve the request to renew the contract with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Kenneling and Animal Care Services at the total annual cost of $169,200 for fiscal year 2025/26.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas' questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that there are no agencies accepting new clients, there is a surrender fee billed to pet owners and contract fees have been budgeted.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the request to renew the contract with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Kenneling and Animal Care Services at the total annual cost of $169,200 for fiscal year 2025/26. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. Request to Renew Contract with Southwest Patrol for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the request to renew the contract with Southwest Patrol for fiscal year 2025/26, which will include 112 guard hours per week and provide the City armed guard coverage 16 hours per day, every day of the year for a total of $340,494.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Cuevas's questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that the proposal includes holiday coverage, explained that Southwest Patrol guards are not certified to issue illegal citations for illegal activity and emphasized safety concerns associated with asking them to issue citations.
Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
Councilmember Suarez commented that she will not be voting in favor of this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Talavera and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve the request to renew the contract with Southwest Patrol for fiscal year 2025/26, which will include 112 guard hours per week and provide the City armed guard coverage 16 hours per day, every day of the year for a total of $340,494. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Councilmember Suarez voting no.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dr. Moore commented that he had nothing to report.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
13. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Talavera attended two Senior Lunches, South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) meeting, the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, Senior's July 4th luncheon, Hawthorne Lawndale Ministerial Association Breakfast, El Camino College Art Exhibition, Neighborhood Watch meeting, congratulated Councilmember Suarez for being elected President of the SBCCOG, thanked her for her service and extended his condolences to the families of the three LASD Deputies who passed away.
Councilmember Suarez offered her condolences to the families and the department of the three LASD Deputies who passed away, announced that she was sworn in as SBCCOG's President, attended a Torrance Refinery meeting, and requested a presentation of the process for the public to make public comments at City Council meetings.
Councilmember Cuevas attended the Alondra Park Ho'olaule'a event, the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, thanked staff for organizing it, suggested hosting events in the late afternoon, asked for an update on the vacant lot on Hawthorne Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and the Youth Development Center, asked if creating an ordinance to allow sound or security walls along the proposed Metro Project corridor can be discussed, asked if new hotels are being built, and offered her condolences to LASD for the passing of the three Deputies.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that development for one hotel is in progress.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney attended the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, Liability Trust and Oversight Committee meeting, Los Angeles County West Vector Control District meeting, Neighborhood Watch meeting, and the Alondra Park Ho'olaule' a event.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, Los Angeles County Sanitation District meeting, and a Neighborhood Watch meeting.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. in memory of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, who lost their lives while serving the public.
DRAFT Minutes - City Council
July 21, 2025
R PuterMit
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Manl
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: August 4, 2025