MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
August 18, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:32 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 Francisco M. Talavera
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Sirley Cuevas
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 Department Captain Nicole Palomino, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Public Works Director Luis (Lucho) Rodriguez, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute. Retired Pastor Dwight Dudley 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 the Neighborhood Watch meeting in September 2025.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the trees along the right-of-way (ROW) that may be affected by the Metro C-line (Green) Project.
Kaitlin Coulter, Interim Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Deena Sopko, Resident, asked if a resident who posted bail for a fireworks citation would receive interest earned refunded if the appeal is successful.
Danyal Rafed, Resident, thanked the City for issuing a statement in support of residents affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced the formation of a youth-led nonprofit organization with chapters at local high schools to promote civic engagement and expressed interest in partnering with the City on volunteer and community initiatives.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, asked about the City's policy regarding public comments during City Council meetings and suggested including public representation on the Traffic Committee.
Annette Owens, Resident, thanked Councilmember Talavera for visiting the ROW, provided an update on community outreach efforts regarding the Metro C-line (Green) Extension Project affecting local green Minutes - City Council
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space, invited the community to a community meeting about the Metro C-line (Green) Extension Project on September 14, 2025, at William Green Elementary School to discuss the project and its impacts.
Anonymous, Resident, requested the consideration of permit parking on Condon Avenue to address overnight vehicle parking and suggested installing a speed bump to slow down traffic near the local school.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Interim Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, Resident Sopko for inquiring about the interest earned on paid bail, commented in favor of working with Resident Rafed on the youth-led nonprofit organization, thanked Resident Owens and Redondo Beach Resident Osborn for the informative event regarding the Metro C-line (Green) Extension Project and encouraged residents to learn about the project.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked residents for their efforts toward securing responses from the Metro Board, asked about the policy on refunds of interest earned for successful citation appeals, requested a report on how many citation appeals were successful, commented in favor of working with Resident Rafed on the youth-led nonprofit organization and thanked him for organizing it, suggested making an announcement at the start of meetings to outline housekeeping and procedural items and asked about permit parking and overnight parking restrictions for construction and oversized vehicles.
City Manager Dr. Moore responded that while earned interest on posted bail is not refunded when citation appeals are successful, the full bail amount is reimbursed, and staff will review permit parking and overnight parking restrictions for construction and oversized vehicles and report back.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, directed Resident Rafed to contact Community Services Director Minter regarding the youth-led nonprofit organization and requested Public Works staff to review the reported parking issues on Condon Avenue near Billy Mitchell Elementary School.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Interim Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, expressed interest in partnering with Resident Rafed on the youth-led nonprofit organization, thanked Resident Owens and Redondo Beach Resident Osborn for their focus on the Metro Project and encouraged residents to attend a community meeting about the Metro C- line (Green) Extension Project.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
3. Accounts Payable Register
Recommendation: that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2508-039 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,168,430.49.
Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - August 4, 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
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South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary Report Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file.
Resolution to Approve Amendment to Job Description for Community Services Supervisor Recommendation: that the City Council approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2508-040, amending and updating the Job Description for the Community Services Supervisor position.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's question, Finance Director Manuelian responded that he will review internet-related line item in the accounts payable report and provide additional information.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
By consensus, the City Council reordered the agenda and considered agenda Item G.12. West 147th Street Traffic Calming Measures at this time.
G. ADMINISTRATION
12. West 147th Street Traffic Calming Measures
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Authorize the installation of temporary traffic circles and temporary speed humps on west 147th Street; and 2.) Authorize the budget amendment of $63,000 to cover the cost of the project.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report and a presentation.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Anonymous, Resident, commented on the need for permanent traffic safety measures such as speed bumps and street narrowing and suggested adding bike routes to improve safety in the community.
Ryan, Resident, commented in favor of implementing traffic calming measures.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented in favor of implementing permanent traffic calming measures.
Public Works Director Rodriguez commented that the temporary measures cost $63,000, while the permanent improvements, including striping, are estimated at $200,000.
Eddie Urrutia, Resident, commented in favor of implementing permanent traffic calming measures.
Anonymous, Resident, expressed support for permanent traffic calming measures.
Deena Sopko, Resident, expressed concern about temporary traffic circles being vandalized and asked if emergency vehicles would be able to navigate permanent traffic circles.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Public Works staff for preparing the staff reports, expressed support for permanent traffic calming measures near schools, emphasized the importance of including public engagement in the process, commented on safety concerns Minutes - City Council
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based on observed traffic behavior, and suggested potential funding sources like the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Measure M policy.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's question, Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that temporary traffic calming measures would allow for public engagement, evaluation and adjustments before permanent implementation.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone who attended tonight's meeting, asked whether the traffic concerns involve speeding or failure to stop at stop signs, commented on the importance of resident feedback on the proposed traffic calming measures, asked about the effectiveness of temporary versus permanent solutions, commented on concerns about driver behavior and the placement of speed humps, and suggested that speed bumps at stop signs may be more effective than mid-street humps.
Rawad Hani, Principal with GTS, thanked staff and community members for their collaboration and stated that traffic concerns involve both speeding and failure to stop at stop signs.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding the selection and design of permanent traffic calming measures, incorporating public, and first responder input; evaluating cost savings options; and considering design needs for larger vehicles and safety improvements. The discussion also addressed the purpose and budget for community outreach and the design phase, gathering feedback on specific elements such as the placement of speed humps and potential intersection or traffic circle modifications, with the item to return to the City Council for contracting and allocation of construction funds.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pullen-Miles to authorize the installation of permanent traffic circles and speed humps on west 147th Street, hold a public engagement meeting and authorize a budget of $63,000 to cover the cost of the traffic consultant and a public engagement meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
7. Consider Cancellation of September 2, 2025, City Council Meeting Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Cancel the scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, due to the Labor Day Holiday; or 2.) Make no changes to the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025; or 3.) Provide the City Manager and staff with alternative direction.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to Cancel the scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, due to the Labor Day Holiday. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
8. Review of 2025 Wall of Distinction Nominees
Recommendation: that the City Council review the two nominees that were submitted for the 2025 Wall of Distinction program.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the two nominees, Paul Aasness and the Lawndale Women's Club, that were submitted for the 2025 Wall of Distinction program. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
9. Hispanic Heritage Festival Discussion
Recommendation: that the City Council provide direction as to whether or not the Community Services Department should continue moving forward with planning for the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Festival, or if the event should be delayed until the following year in 2026.
Community Services Director Minter presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comments.
Ed Lopez, South Bay Social Network Representative, commented in support of the event and invited the City to collaborate on this and future events using their marketing and outreach resources.
Sergio Caldera, Vice President of the South Bay Social Network and local business owner, commented in support of engaging the community and youth in City events and suggested collaborating with the City to increase event participation.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented in opposition of proceeding with the event due to limited attendance at recent events.
Jose Ochoa, Representative for State Senator Laura Richardson, commented in favor of postponing the event until next year.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented in favor of postponing the event until next year.
Anonymous, Resident, commented in support of the event.
Danyal Rafed, commented in favor of delaying the event until next year.
Fabiola Lopez, Resident, commented on event promotion, and in favor of the event being held this year.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comments.
Councilmember Suarez commented in favor of the event being held this year.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney commented in favor of postponing the event until next year due to recent ICE activity.
Councilmember Talavera commented on surrounding cities holding events, attendance at recent City events, and in favor of the event being held this year.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented in favor of postponing the event until next year to allow the Hispanic- American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee and staff more time to plan and prepare for a large, well-organized event.
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A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to direct the Community Services Department to plan the Hispanic Heritage Festival next year in 2026. An amendment was offered by Councilmember Talavera to cancel all future events due to ICE activity.
The amendment was not accepted.
A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to direct the Community Services Department to plan the Hispanic Heritage Festival next year in 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 3-1-1 with Councilmember Talavera voting no and Councilmember Cuevas absent.
10. Service Agreement with Lightbox for Geographic Information Services (GIS) System Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Master Service Agreement and Order Form with Lightbox Vision for geographic information system services for a one year term in the amount of $19,610.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
City Attorney Murphy stated that he reviewed and approved the form agreement provided by the service provider.
City Manager Dr. Moore commented that this agreement is for one-year because staff is reviewing proposals received in response to the request for proposals for software services, which includes the GIS system.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve the Master Service Agreement and Order Form with Lightbox Vision for geographic information system services for a one year term in the amount of $19,610. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
11. Approve the Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project
Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project Agreement with Developers General Contracting, Inc. to extend the term of the agreement until December 15, 2025, at no increase to the current project cost.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve the Second Amendment to the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project Agreement with Developers General Contracting, Inc. to extend the term of the agreement until December 15, 2025, at no increase to the current project cost. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1 with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
12. West 147th Street Traffic Calming Measures
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Authorize the installation of temporary traffic circles and temporary speed humps on west 147th Street; and 2.) Authorize the budget amendment of $63,000 to cover the cost of the project.
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This matter was moved and previously discussed after the Consent Calendar.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dr. Moore commented that he had nothing to report.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
13. Consideration of Public Relations Consultants
Requested by Mayor Pullen-Miles.
Recommendation: that the City Council discuss this report and provide direction to staff regarding the selection of a firm to provide public relations services.
City Manager Dr. Moore presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers about establishing formal protocols to ensure consistent messaging and City Council oversight of consultant engagement and clarifying the City's mission and vision before hiring a public relations firm.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public comments.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented in favor of hiring a public relations firm who can assist the City in clarifying the City's mission and vision.
Deena Sopko, Resident, commented in favor of the City having a brand to advertise and sell merchandise at City events.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public comments.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kearney's question, City Attorney Murphy stated that discretionary funds cannot be used to purchase branding items under the current logo policy.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding the distinction between branding and public relations, the need to clarify the City's goals before pursuing consultant services, the importance of engaging firms familiar with the community's demographics, ensuring consistent communications, considering budget impacts, bringing the matter back for discussion or holding a workshop to develop direction, review approaches taken by other cities, and determine whether to issue a request for proposals.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to schedule a workshop for further discussion to include various services and examples from other cities.
14. Consideration of a Bring Your Pet to Work Day Event Requested by Councilmember Suarez.
Recommendation: that the City Council discuss this staff report and provide direction to staff regarding developing a Bring Your Pet to Work event and guidelines for City employees.
Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council postponed Item No. I.14 Consideration of a Bring your Pet to Work Event for consideration at a later date.
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15. Discretionary Fund Budget Amendment
Requested by Councilmember Talavera.
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve increasing the discretionary fund for each council member from $2,500 to $3,500 and the budget amendment for $5,000; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Councilmember Talavera provided background information regarding his request to increase the discretionary fund, noting that current limits restrict participation in community events, conferences, and invitations that arise after the budget is adopted, and would like flexibility to support community outreach and engagement opportunities.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney commented in opposition to increasing the discretionary fund.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Randall Abram, Resident, thanked the City Clerk's Office for responding to his public records request in a timely manner, commented on the history of the discretionary fund spending, suggested the City adopt guidelines for discretionary fund spending, and commented in opposition to increasing the discretionary fund.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, commented on the potential use of the discretionary fund for political or campaign purposes, the need for transparency and safeguards to prevent unfair electoral advantages.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented about the ethical implications of discretionary fund use, and the need for transparency and clarification on allowable expenditures.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
A discussion ensued among City Councilmember and staff regarding the use of the discretionary fund, conterence funds, expenditures supporting community activities, flexible allocation among City Councilmembers for City-related purposes, legal compliance, community benefit, and an upcoming discretionary fund policy being prepared by the City Attorney's office.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to maintain the discretionary fund at $2,500.
16. Consideration of National Association of Latino Elected Officials Conference and Membership
Requested by Councilmember Talavera.
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve one or more Councilmembers to join the National Association of Latino Elected Officials and approve the budget amendment by $3,500 per Councilmember as noted above; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
Councilmember Talavera provided background information regarding his request.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
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Randall Abram, Resident, commented in support of the City joining the League of California Cities Latino Caucus.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, commented on different organizations that City Councilmembers can join and the possible commitments when joining these organizations.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about the potential use of discretionary fund for conferences such as National Association of Latino Elected Officials, noted the value of professional development, networking, bringing knowledge back to the city, discretionary funds not rolling over, placing the matter on the next budget cycle for consideration, and ensuring alignment with city policies.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to place the matter on the next budget cycle for consideration.
17. Customer Satisfaction Survey
Requested by Councilmember Suarez.
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Direct staff to work with Alchemer's and return with a contract for the Council's official approval; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about the purpose and structure of a proposed survey for Community Development Department's customers, the software's capability to generate anonymous reports, charts, and analysis for City Council review, responses not being tied to individual performance, improving efficiencies, gathering direct public feedback on city processes, and capturing analytical data and actual resident experiences to improve service delivery.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Juan Granados, Resident, suggested a podcast for residents to voice their concerns.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented in favor of implementing an efficiency survey.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Councilmember Suarez commented on improving the Community Development Department's permitting process by gathering public input and updating outdated Lawndale Municipal Codes.
By consensus, City Council directed the City Manager to explore alternative ways to gather feedback from the public, review the permitting process and search for firms that provide auditing of government processes.
18. Request for City Council Direction Regarding Homeless Outreach Services Requested by Councilmember Suarez.
Recommendation: that the City Council select one of the following options: A.) Open a position to hire a full time Homeless Outreach Coordinator position to work with staff in developing and implementing strategies to reduce the number of homeless in the community and to make direct contact with the homeless in the field; or B.) Direct staff to look into direct contracting Minutes - City Council
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service opportunities with a county agency, a regional homeless agency, or non-profit group that specializes in homeless outreach services; or C.) Continue to work with South Bay Cities Council of Governments and St. Margaret's Center as well as other County and nonprofit organizations to provide outreach to the homeless located in the City of Lawndale; or D.) Give direction to staff on another option for staff to pursue regarding homeless outreach.
By consensus, the City Council postponed Item No. I.18 Request for City Council Direction Regarding Homeless Outreach Services for consideration at a later date.
19. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Talavera attended the National Night Out event, three Senior Lunches, South Bay Justice Alliance event and thanked Resident Owens for the information he received that day, attended a Hispanic- American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and encouraged staff to partner with local businesses.
Councilmember Suarez attended a SBCCOG Steering Committee meeting, League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division 2025-2026 Executive Officers Installation event, City of Rolling Hills City Council meeting, City of Gardena City Council meeting, and SBCCOG Legislative Briefing meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney attended the National Night Out event, a Senior Lunch, Hispanic-American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting, Liability Trust and Oversight Commission meeting, and Assemblymember Tina Mckinnor's 4th Annual School Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the National Night Out event, SBCCOG Legislative Briefing meeting, City of Inglewood District 2 Councilmember Alex Padilla's Annual Picnic and Chili Cook-Off event, and the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division 2025-2026 Executive Officers Installation event.
J. CLOSED SESSION
20. Conference with Labor Negotiator
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, with the City Manager and City Attorney, regarding labor negotiations with unrepresented employees, the Central Management Team.
21. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: City of Lawndale v. LA Investment, LLC (LA Superior Court Case No. 20TRCV00065).
22. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: City of Lawndale v. Kimball (LA Superior Court Case No. 24TRCV01284).
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Sessions matter by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 10:11 p.m.
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The City Council reconvened from closed session at 10:28 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. J.20.
Conference with Labor Negotiator and Closed Session Item No. J.21. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation and announced that for Closed Session Item No. J.22. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, the City Council gave direction to settle with one of the defendants on certain defined terms. If the settlement is finalized, it will be approved by the court, signed by the Mayor or City Manager, and made available at the City Clerk's Office for public review.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 10:32 p.m.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Oral
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: September 15, 2025