Agenda packet — Lawndale City Council, October 20, 2025

CITY OF LAWNDALE

AGENDA OF THE LAWNDALE

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Monday, October 20, 2025, 6:30 PM
Council Chambers
14717 Burin Ave
Lawndale, CA 90260
Any person who wishes to address the City Council regarding any item listed on this agenda or any other matter that is within its subject matter jurisdiction is invited, but not required, to fill out a Public Meeting Speaker Card and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the oral communications portion of the meeting. The purpose of the card is to ensure that the speaker’s name is correctly recorded in the meeting minutes and, where appropriate, to provide contact information for staff follow-up.

How to observe the Meeting:

To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can now observe the meeting in person. Members of the public are still able to view the meeting on YouTube “Lawndale CityTV”, the City Website, and Lawndale Community Cable Television on Spectrum and Frontier Channel 3.

Copies of this Agenda may be obtained prior to the meeting inside the Lawndale City Hall foyer or on the City Website.

Interested parties may contact the City Clerk Department at (310) 973-3213 for clarification regarding individual agenda items.

This Agenda is subject to revision up to 72 hours before the meeting.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

1. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Update
D. PRESENTATIONS

2. 2025 Deputy and Firefighter of the Year Awards
— Presentation of City Plaque to Deputy Johnny Cardona and Firefighter Captain Jason Cameron E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 3 through 5 will be considered and acted upon under one motion unless a City Councilmember removes individual items for further City Council consideration or explanation.

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 City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2510-052 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $670,863.21.

5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025 — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.

H. ADMINISTRATION

6. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2025 — Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.

7. Approval of Budget for Community Services Officer
— Recommendation: that the City Council approve an increase in the annual budget for the creation of a Community Service Officer Position.

8. Independence Day Celebration in 2026
— Recommendation: that the City Council provide direction for a potential Independence Day Celebration in 2026.

I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS

9. Plant-A-Tree Memorial Program for Youth
Requested by Mayor Pullen-Miles.
— Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve using the proposed cost for the dedication of a living tree and memorial plaque of $1,000; and 2.) Provide direction to staff about the future of the Program.

10. Report of Attendance at Meetings
K. CLOSED SESSION

11. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation — The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4), because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in two cases.

L. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, in the Lawndale City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.

It is the intention of the City of Lawndale to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, you need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, we will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the City Clerk Department (310) 973-3213 prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. Please advise us at that time if you will need accommodation to attend or participate in meetings on a regular basis.

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the agenda for the regular meeting of the City Council to be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, was posted no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. /s/ Yvette Palomo
Yvette Palomo, Assistant City Clerk
Date Posted: October 16, 2025

CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 ♦ www.lawndalecity.org
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Vanesa Alvarez, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Update No supporting documentation was forwarded to the City Clerk Department for this item.

BACKGROUND
The City of Lawndale honors a Deputy and Firefighter of the Year annually as selected by their respective agencies. Staff reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department for their recommendation and selection for the 2025 Deputy and Firefighter of the Year awards in Lawndale.

Formerly known as the Rotary Club Deputy and Firefighter of the Year awards, in 2023 the City began to directly recognize and honor our public safety professionals at a City Council meeting in October of each year going forward.

Staff is pleased to announce that Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Johnny Cardona has been selected to receive this years award as 2025 Deputy of the Year, and Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Jason Cameron has been selected to receive this years award as 2025 Firefighter of the Year, as recognized by the Lawndale City Council.

Additional information is provided in the attachments.

Attachments
Attachment A_2025 Deputy of the Year Deputy Johnny Cardona.pdf Attachment B_2025 Firefighter of the Year Captain Jason Cameron.pdf

ATTACHMENT A
Presentation
October 20, 2025
City Council Meeting
City of Lawndale
2025 Deputy of the Year
Deputy Johnny Cardona
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
The mission of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is to partner with the community to proactively prevent crime, enforce the law fairly, and enhance the public’s trust through transparency and accountability.

Annually, the City of Lawndale honors a Deputy as selected by the Sheriff’s Department, which reflects and exemplifies that mission, as the City of Lawndale Deputy of the Year.

We are pleased to congratulate Deputy Johnny Cardona on receiving the 2025 Deputy of the Year award.

Deputy Cardona’s goal is to be a positive influence with the community he serves, with his peers, and his supervisors, exemplifying the mission statement of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The Deputy’s background information follows on the next page.

Deputy Johnny Cardona
Raised in Norwalk, a community that helped shape who he is today, Deputy Cardona learned the importance of hard work, honesty, and helping others from his parents, Johnny Cardona and Edith Carcamo. Those values have guided him every day. Growing up with an older sister and younger brother taught him about family, teamwork, and looking out for one another.

Growing up in a single-parent household, Deputy Cardona saw his mom push through, day after day, working a full-time 9-5 job to provide for them.

He learned from his mom what resilience looks like, and it taught him to stay determined, no matter what challenges came his way.

As a young kid, early aspirations came from his uncle, who would take him to LAPD events. Those moments planted the seed of his dream to become a law enforcement officer.

In 2019, after encouragement from his wife to keep chasing that dream, he applied to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and in November of 2020 he was proud to be hired as a Deputy Sheriff.

Since then, Deputy Cardona has had the chance of serving in different roles, starting at the Men’s Central Jail, transferred to the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station in November of 2023, and then receiving a new assignment a year later in November 2024 to the City of Lawndale where he continues to proudly serve the citizens of Lawndale.

Part of the 2025 South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station Enforcement Team, Deputy Cardona has stayed focused, through it all, earning the respect of his peers by showing up with hard work, professionalism, and leadership every day.

Presented To
Deputy Johnny Cardona
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Lawndale Service Center
South Los Angeles Station
Serving Lawndale
City of Lawndale
2025 Deputy of the Year
In Recognition of your Outstanding Commitment to the Community, Public Safety, and the Mission of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Congratulations on being selected the
2025 Deputy of the Year!
Presented by the Lawndale City Council
October 20, 2025

ATTACHMENT B
Presentation
October 20, 2025
City Council Meeting
City of Lawndale
2025 Firefighter of the Year
Captain Jason Cameron
Los Angeles County Fire Department
The mission of the Los Angeles County Fire Department is to protect lives, the environment, and property by providing prompt, skillful, and costeffective fire protection and life safety services.

Annually, the City of Lawndale honors a Firefighter as selected by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

We are pleased to congratulate Captain Jason Cameron on receiving the 2025 Firefighter of the Year award and recognize him for his exemplary service to public safety and the community he serves.

The Captain’s background information follows on the next page.

Fire Captain Jason Cameron
Currently living in Seal Beach, with his wife of 28 years and their dog Zeus, Fire Captain Jason Cameron began his Fire service career in January 1991, hired as a paid Call Firefighter with the Orange County Fire Department.

Graduating in July of 1995 from the South Bay Fire Academy, Captain Cameron began to work as an EMT in 1997 at Long Beach Memorial so that he could accrue hours for acceptance into Paramedic School.

In 1998 he attended the Paramedic Training Institute and in June of the same year began working in Lawndale at Fire Station Number 21 as a Paramedic trainee.

Captain Cameron continued to expand his knowledge and work history by working as at EMT with the Compton Fire Department in November 1998; hired as an auxiliary with the Torrance Fire Department in 1999; hired full time as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Huntington Beach Fire Department in the year 2000, and then hired in July 2001 full time by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Reactivated as a paramedic in 2002, promoted to Firefighter Specialist in 2012, and then promoted to Fire Captain in 2017, in 2019 Captain Cameron came back to Fire Station Number 21 in Lawndale, where he continues to serve to this day.

With his two kids, Farrah (a real estate agent in Huntington Beach), and his son, Vance (a Fire Suppression Aid with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Camp 12), grown and out of the house for a few years, you can find the Captain enjoying his days off playing golf and surfing. When he has more time, he enjoys fishing off his boat in Catalina.

In March of 2027, Captain Cameron will be looking forward to his next promotion – retirement!
Presented To
Captain Jason Cameron
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Kenneth Hahn Station 21
Serving Lawndale
City of Lawndale
2025 Firefighter of the Year
In Recognition of your Outstanding Commitment to the Community, Public Safety, and the Mission of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Congratulations on being selected the
2025 Firefighter of the Year!
Presented by the Lawndale City Council
October 20, 2025

Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2510-052 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $670,863.21.

Attachments
A. CC-2510-052- AP Resolution - Oct. 20, 2025.pdf

ATTACHMENT A

Vanesa Alvarez, Administrative Assistant
Yvette Palomo, Assistant City Clerk
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the minutes.

Attachments
A. 10-06-25 draft.pdf

ATTACHMENT A

DRAFT MINUTES

LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
October 6, 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 Francisco M. Talavera, 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, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Manny Carreon, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Public Works Director Luis (Lucho) Rodriguez, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney 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 City’s Halloween Haunt event on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Civic Center Plaza.

2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Battalion Chief Carreon summarized the recent fire department activities.

D. PRESENTATIONS
There was no presentation scheduled for this meeting.

E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on the Metro C line (Green) Project and on the right-of-way (ROW) measurements.

Deena Sopko, Resident, thanked City Manager Dr. Moore for making the “Minute Moore” video segments, commented on recent street paving, thanked Public Works Department staff for addressing her concerns, and commented on additional community concerns.

Kaitlin Coulter, Library Manager, announced that the library will be closed on October 13, 2025, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day, the library now has a social media account and announced the library’s upcoming events.

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Andrea Morin Ramirez, Resident, commented on the City’s code enforcement requirements, related permit costs, financial hardship among seniors and disabled residents in her household and requested assistance and understanding from the City in regard to her code enforcement case.

Randall Abram, Resident, commented on the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Fiesta being perceived as a City event, stated that the City Council previously voted to postpone the event, and asked about the use of the City logo and a Councilmember’s title on event materials.

F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for keeping him updated on the Metro C line (Green) Project, thanked Resident Sopko for sharing her concerns, thanked Library Manager Coulter for all that she does for the library, thanked Resident Andrea for sharing her concerns, and commented that the City is exploring ways to assist residents and homeowners who may struggle to meet code requirements, he commented that the City logo has been removed from the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta flyers, and that the event is not City-sponsored.

Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for attending and sharing their concerns, thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for providing updates about the Metro C line (Green) Project, asked if staff can follow-up on the fire hydrant at 149th Street and Condon Street, and on the ongoing street paving, thanked Library Manager Coulter for the updates, acknowledged Resident Andrea’s concerns and suggested a third-party audit of the Planning and Code Enforcement processes, commented on City Council using their titles, City logo, following the City Council Policy, asked City Attorney Murphy to explain further, and asked whether a private event hosted by a City’s Councilmember can be advertised on the City website.

City Attorney Murphy stated that City Council titles may be used but the City logo cannot and noted he would follow up regarding whether an event hosted by a City Councilmember can be advertised on the City’s website.

Councilmember Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting and inquired whether houses are required to display their addresses.

City Manager Moore responded that residents are required to display their addresses.

Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Resident Sopko for the positive remarks she made about staff, thanked Resident Andrea for sharing her concerns, and thanked Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for keeping the City Council updated on the Metro C line (Green) Project.

G. CONSENT CALENDAR

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: Staff recommends that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2510-047 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,607,988.23.

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5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting – September 15, 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

H. PUBLIC HEARING

6. Case 25-13 – A General Plan Amendment to Expand the City of Lawndale’s Sphere of Influence Planning Area So as to Include a Portion of El Camino Village/Alondra Park Planning Areas of Los Angeles County
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Conduct a public hearing, receive written and oral testimony, and approve the General Plan Amendment (Case 25-13) to expand the City's Sphere of Influence to include a portion of El Camino Village/Alondra Park Planning Areas of Los Angeles County; 2.) Find that potential impacts have been previously mitigated through the implementation of the policies of the General Plan as evaluated in the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) (SCH2022120088) for the 2045 Lawndale General Plan 2045. Therefore, in accordance with Section 15164 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, an addendum to the previously adopted FEIR is the appropriate environmental documentation for the Project. The General Plan Amendment is in compliance with CEQA Section 15164 and does not trigger the requirement for preparation of a Subsequent EIR pursuant to 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines.

Additionally, Section 15601(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines provides a common sense exemption for projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of the project having significant impact on the environment; 3.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2510-049, approving a General Plan Amendment; 4.) Direct the City Manager's Office to file an application with the Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Los Angeles; and 5.) Authorize a budget amendment to increase Community Development Department's Legal Advertisements (279-410- 530.500) account by $20,000 to cover the application cost, fees, and submittal requirements.

Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.

In response to Councilmember Cuevas’ question, City Manager Dr. Moore responded that the funding to be used is from the Community Development Department’s budget.

Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m.

Randall Abram, Resident, asked about the long-term impact of additional residents on the City.

Andrew Blackney, Resident, asked how residents of El Camino Village are being notified about the project.

Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kearney’s question, City Manager Dr. Moore responded that El Camino Village was notified of the public hearing via a posting in the Daily Breeze and explained the map’s boundaries.

Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about Lawndale residents and El Camino Village residents voting, resident outreach, next steps and whether to annex the area.

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A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to Conduct a public hearing, receive written and oral testimony, and approve the General Plan Amendment (Case 25-13) to expand the City's Sphere of Influence to include a portion of El Camino Village/Alondra Park Planning Areas of Los Angeles County, find that potential impacts have been previously mitigated through the implementation of the policies of the General Plan as evaluated in the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) (SCH2022120088) for the 2045 Lawndale General Plan 2045. Therefore, in accordance with Section 15164 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, an addendum to the previously adopted FEIR is the appropriate environmental documentation for the Project. The General Plan Amendment is in compliance with CEQA Section 15164 and does not trigger the requirement for preparation of a Subsequent EIR pursuant to 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines. Additionally, Section 15601(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines provides a common sense exemption for projects where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of the project having significant impact on the environment, adopt Resolution No. CC-2510-049, approving a General Plan Amendment, direct the City Manager's Office to file an application with the Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Los Angeles and authorize a budget amendment to increase Community Development Department's Legal Advertisements (279-410-530.500) account by $20,000 to cover the application cost, fees, and submittal requirements. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

I. ADMINISTRATION

7. Approval of Routine Records Destruction
Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No.CC-2510-048, approving the requests from the Administrative Services Department and the City Clerk’s Department for authorization to destroy routine records as listed in the exhibit of Resolution CC-2510-048.

Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to adopt Resolution No.CC-2510-048, approving the requests from the Administrative Services Department and the City Clerk’s Department for authorization to destroy routine records as listed in the exhibit of Resolution CC-2510-048. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

8. Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Discuss the PACE Program and approve CC Resolution No. 2510-50 and CC Resolution No. 2510-51 related to California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) Open PACE Programs; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.

Community Development Director Khan presented the staff report.

Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.

Eddie Garcia, Resident, asked what benefits the PACE program provides to homeowners.

Annette Owens, a resident, commented on the negative reputation and past cases associated with the PACE program that she found during her research.

Ryan Griffin, Chief Operating Officer, PACE Program, spoke on the history and current program’s financial process.

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Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.

City Manager Dr. Moore explained the opportunities PACE provides for homeowners to make home improvements.

Councilmember Suarez stated that she brought the item forward to give homeowners an option to use the program, and commented on safeguards and laws that were put in place to protect participants.

Mayor Pro Tem Kearney commented on PACE program misconduct cases involving seniors and stated he will vote no on the proposal.

Gabe Hulbert, Government Affairs Associate, Home Run Financing, commented on the misconduct cases, tools and safeguards that have been put in place to protect participants.

City Councilmembers and staff discussed the timeline of legal matters, recent laws and safeguards enacted as late as 2022, creating an oversight committee for the program, reviewing past claims of misconduct, and factors that could lead a loan to go into foreclosure.

A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Cuevas to approve CC Resolution No. 2510-50 and CC Resolution No. 2510-51 related to California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) Open PACE Programs. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Kearney voting no.

9. SB 79 Transit Oriented Development Bill
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Receive and file this update on SB 79; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.

Community Development Director Khan presented the staff report.

Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.

Andrew Blackney, Resident, shared a map and indicated that the blue area represents Lawndale’s eligible area.

Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.

By consensus, the City Council received and filed this update on SB 79.

10. Update on Illegal Fireworks Suppression Plan for 2025 Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this staff report.

Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.

In response to Councilmember Cuevas’s question, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that citations are tracked annually, and no repeat offenders have been identified.

Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.

Randall Abram, Resident, commented on illegal fireworks activity he observed during the July 4th holiday and that surrounding cities have banned safe and sane fireworks.

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Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.

In response to Councilmember Suarez’s question, Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that deputies present their observations at citation hearings and City staff only attends the hearings.

In response to questions from the City Council, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Lieutenant Osburn explained that body cam footage can be used at hearings by the deputy; however, a resident appealing their case must submit a public records request to obtain the boy cam footage.

By consensus, the City Council received and filed this staff report.

11. Time Capsule Opening
Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve a special meeting dedicated to the Time Capsule reveal; 2.) Select a date during the first week of December 2025 (recommended options in order of preference - Wednesday, December 3; Tuesday, December 2; or Tuesday, December 9); 3.) Review and approve the proposed list of items in Attachment C, with or without modifications, to be included in the future time capsule; 4.) Review and approve the wording purchase of a new plaque as presented in Attachment B or provide alternative wording; and 5.) Approve an event budget in an amount not to exceed $6,000 and authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to make the appropriate budget transfer; or 6.) Provide further direction to staff as desired.

Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources Felton presented the staff report.

By consensus, the City Council approved a special meeting dedicated to the Time Capsule reveal of Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve an event budget in an amount not to exceed $6,000 and authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to make the appropriate budget transfer. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

By consensus, the City Council approved a square shape for the plaque and approved adding the elected City Cler’s name to the wording of a new plaque as presented in Attachment B.

Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about which items to include in the future time capsule.

By consensus, the City Council will review the list of items in Attachment C at a later date and provide feedback.

J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dr. Moore thanked the City Council and staff for their support and hard work on facility upgrades, announced that exterior renovations are underway, reminded residents to sign up for transportation to the Metro meeting about the Environmental Impact Report, and announced the launch of the City’s new chatbot on the City’s website.

K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS

12. Report of Attendance at Meetings
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Councilmember Talavera attended the Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD) 9th Annual Industry Partner Breakfast, Coffee With A Cop, a Senior Lunch and invited the community to attend the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at Lawndale High School on October 11, 2025.

Councilmember Suarez attended a South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Board of Directors meeting, requested an audit of City Departments to review the processes in place, requested to review the sign code policy and an agenda item to discuss hiring residents as staff.

Councilmember Cuevas attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting, SBCCOG Zoom meeting, and participated in the Lupus Family & Friends Walk.

Mayor Pro Tem Kearney attended the Independent Cities Association President's Installation Dinner, Lucille Smith Elementary School event, CVUHSD 9th Annual Industry Partner Breakfast, Lawndale High School State of the Seal Civic Engagement event, Lupus Family & Friends Walk, and Coffee With A Cop.

Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Youth Explosion 2025 event, Lupus Family & Friends Walk, Senior Lunch, and the Independent Cities Association President's Installation Dinner.

L. CLOSED SESSION

13. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4), because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in one case.

The City Council convened into closed session at 8:13 p.m.

The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:31 p.m.

City Manager Dr. Moore announced that there was no reportable action taken.

M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. _________________________________
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: October 20, 2025
DRAFT

CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 ♦ www.lawndalecity.org
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Hrant Manuelian, Finance Director/City Treasurer SUBJECT: Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2025

BACKGROUND
The attached Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, is provided to City Council per the City of Lawndale’s Investment Policy and State of California’s Government Code Section 53646.

STAFF REVIEW
As of September 30, 2025, the City had total cash and investments (cost basis) of $59,475,195 plus $2,058,381 cash with fiscal agent held in a trust for the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency’s Tax Allocation Bond 2009 issue, $1,150 in petty cash and $799,525 in maintained in two retirement enhancement plans for PARS.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points (0.25%) in September 2025. This was the first rate cut since December 2024. There are two more Federal Reserve meetings this year one in October and the other in December. It is being anticipated that there will be additional rates cuts in each of these meetings.

As rates are cut investments returns are expected to decrease as well.

The State Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) had an interest rate of 4.575% on September 30, 2024, and has slightly decreased to 4.24% as of September 30, 2025. Rates going forward are generally expected to gradually decrease. We continue to maintain a majority of cash in LAIF and the City’s checking account.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2025, the City has remained very liquid with 77.61% of our portfolio in on-demand accounts. The remainder of the portfolio includes 6.91% short-term (maturing in less than one year), 5.84% mid-term (one to three years maturity), and 9.64% long-term (maturing from three to five years) investments.

As it appears that interest rates will be continue to go down for the remainder of this year and next, we look for opportunities to maximize returns on City funds. The City’s investments continue to remain intact and have not been affected by the recent volatility in the markets. We do not expect there to be any significant changes to our investments as we only purchase securities that we know we can hold on to until maturity at which time we will receive the full amount of the principal back from the issuer. As the market continues to change we will keep a close watch and take advantage of any upcoming investments. Cash in bank will be monitored and is expected that more will be used to purchase either bonds or CD’s to take advantage of interest to the extent possible. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance of cash while maximizing returns.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2025 the City received interest income of $452,400.

The investment program provides sufficient liquidity to meet six months of estimated expenditures. All investments are in compliance with California state code 503600 and the City of Lawndale Investment policy.

LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed this staff report and has approved it as to form.

FISCAL IMPACT
Not Applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.

Attachments
Q1 FY 25-26 Investments.pdf

ATTACHMENT A
r
Cash 15,837,718
Investments 43,637,478
Cash w/Fiscal Agent 2,058,381
Petty Cash 1,150
Public Agency Retirement Services
(PARS)- Retirement Enhancement
Plan 761,646
PARS/ City of Lawndale Excess
Benefit Trust - US Bank 7,879 769,525
Total Cash and Investments 62,304,252

CITY OF LAWNDALE

TREASURY REPORT
For Quarter Ended September 30, 2025
H:\Investments\Investment reports\25-26\Q1 FY 25-26 Investments 9-30-25 Investment Type Market Value
Checking Account 15,837,718
Certificate of Deposit 10,349,694
US Government Agency Securities 5,008,040
US Treasury Fund 2,061,055
LAIF State Pool 26,256,826
TOTAL 59,513,333
Portfolio Statistics
For Quarter Ended September 30, 2025
Portfolio Composition

CITY OF LAWNDALE

INVESTMENT REPORT
Checking
Account
27%
Certificate of
Deposit
17%
US Government
Agency
Securities
8%
US Treasury
Fund
4%
LAIF State Pool
44%
Checking Account Certificate of Deposit
US Government Agency Securities US Treasury Fund
LAIF State Pool
H:\Investments\Investment reports\25-26\Q1 FY 25-26 Investments 9-30-25 Par Value Coupon Rate
Moody's/ S&P
Rating Purchase Date
Maturity/
Called Date
Days to
Maturity
Yield to
Maturity Cost Basis Category total
(memo only)
Market Value
On Call Deposits
Checking Account- Wells Fargo 14,845,718 N/A N/A Demand 1 None 14,845,718 14,845,718Municipal Investment Account - US Bank 992,000 N/A N/A Demand 1 None 992,000 992,000FICA Fed Ins Cash Intrafi 2,005,597 N/A N/A Demand 1 Varies 2,005,597 2,005,597First AM Treas OB FD 2,061,055 N/A N/A Demand 1 Varies 2,061,055 2,061,055Local Agency Investment Fund- City of Lawndale 26,255,201 N/A N/A Demand 1 4.27% 26,255,201 26,255,201Local Agency Investment Fund- Lawndale Housing Authority 1,625 N/A N/A Demand 1 4.27% 1,625 1,625 On Call Deposits 46,161,195 46,161,195 46,161,195
Short-Term Investments (1 Year or Less)
Time Deposits:BNY Mellon NA INSTL CTF DEP 243,000 4.95% FDIC 4/24 10/15/2025 15 4.95% 243,000 242,976 First State Bank 179,000 5.00% FDIC 4/24 10/20/2025 20 5.00% 179,000 179,084Keypoint Credit Union 249,000 4.35% FDIC 10/24 10/20/2025 20 4.35% 249,000 249,007Preferred Bk 248,000 5.10% FDIC 6/24 12/5/2025 66 5.10% 248,000 248,427Western Alliance Bank 243,000 5.20% FDIC 6/24 12/19/2025 80 5.20% 243,000 243,561Numerica Cr Un 249,000 4.75% FDIC 2/24 3/2/2026 153 4.75% 249,000 249,854First GTY Bk 244,000 4.15% FDIC 9/24 3/6/2026 157 4.15% 244,000 244,190Eaglebank 248,000 5.05% FDIC 6/24 6/25/2026 268 5.05% 248,000 250,190Customers Bank CD 245,000 4.00% FDIC 8/24 8/17/2026 321 4.00% 245,000 245,328Rize FCU CD 249,000 4.15% FDIC 8/24 8/20/2026 324 4.15% 249,000 249,757Synchrony Bank Draper UT CD 247,000 0.90% FDIC 8/21 8/27/2026 331 0.90% 247,000 240,867Chartway Federal Credit Union 240,000 5.30% FDIC 8/23 8/28/2026 332 5.30% 240,000 243,257Florida Cr 240,000 4.10% FDIC 8/29 8/28/2026 332 4.10% 240,000 240,617Global Federal Dredit Union 249,000 4.10% FDIC 8/29 8/28/2026 332 4.10% 249,000 249,640Medallion Bank UT CD 247,000 0.85% FDIC 8/21 8/31/2026 335 0.85% 247,000 240,455UBS Bank USA CD 247,000 0.95% FDIC 9/21 9/9/2026 344 0.95% 247,000 240,519Bank of America 245,000 3.95% FDIC 9/24 9/11/2026 346 3.95% 245,000 245,331 4,112,000 4,103,059 4,112,000
US Government Agency Securities:
- - -
- - -
Short-Term Investments (1 Year or Less) 4,112,000 4,112,000 4,103,059 Medium-Term Investments (1 to 3 Years)
Time Deposits:First Fndtn Bank 243,000 5.00% FDIC 6/24 12/14/2026 440 5.00% 243,000 246,528Austin Telco Fed Cr 249,000 4.30% FDIC 2/25 2/16/2027 504 4.30% 249,000 250,875

CITY OF LAWNDALE

DETAIL OF INVESTMENTS
For Quarter Ended September 30, 2025
H:\Investments\Investment reports\25-26\Q1 FY 25-26 Investments 9-30-25 Valley Natl Bk 247,000 4.45% FDIC 2/24 2/22/2027 510 4.45% 247,000 249,408 Spokane Teachers CR UN CD 248,000 4.75% FDIC 4/24 4/15/2027 562 4.75% 248,000 251,859Wexford Community Credit Union 248,000 4.75% FDIC 6/24 6/28/2027 636 4.75% 248,000 252,494First Technology FCU CD 249,000 4.10% FDIC 8/24 8/20/2027 689 4.10% 249,000 251,002First Merchants Bank 245,000 3.75% FDIC 9/24 9/10/2027 710 3.75% 245,000 245,394American Express Natl BK 245,000 3.85% FDIC 9/24 9/13/2027 713 3.85% 245,000 245,958Tuscon Fd Cr 249,000 3.65% FDIC 9/30 9/30/2027 730 3.65% 249,000 249,000Empower Fed Cr Union 248,000 4.75% FDIC 6/24 6/26/2028 1,000 4.75% 248,000 255,100 2,471,000 2,497,619 2,471,000
US Government Agency Securities:Federal Home Loan Banks 1,000,000 5.000% Aa1/AA+ 6/24 4/15/2027 562 5.000% 1,000,000 1,003,530 1,000,000 1,003,530 1,000,000
Medium-Term Investments (1 - 3 Years) 3,471,000 3,501,149 3,471,000Long-Term Investments (3 to 5 Years) Time Deposits:Texas Tr Cr 249,000 3.60% FDIC 9/30 9/29/2028 1,095 3.60% 249,000 248,646USAlliance Fed CU 249,000 4.15% FDIC 1/25 1/31/2029 1,219 4.15% 249,000 252,660Baxter Credit Union 249,000 4.20% FDIC 2/25 2/22/2029 1,241 4.20% 249,000 253,046Morgan Stanley 245,000 3.95% FDIC 8/27 8/27/2029 1,427 3.95% 245,000 246,737BMW Bank 245,000 3.90% FDIC 8/29 8/29/2029 1,429 3.90% 245,000 246,485Truxton Tr Co Nashville Tenn 249,000 4.10% FDIC 2/25 2/14/2030 1,598 4.10% 249,000 252,508Goldman Sachs 245,000 3.60% FDIC 9/30 9/30/2030 1,826 3.60% 245,000 243,336 1,731,000 1,743,420 1,731,000
US Government Agency Securities:Federal Farm Cr Bks 1,000,000 4.96% Aa1/AA+ 1/25 1/22/2029 1,210 4.96% 1,000,000 1,001,950 Federal Home Loan Banks 1,000,000 4.20% Aa1/AA+ 10/24 10/9/2029 1,470 4.20% 1,000,000 998,790Federal Farm Cr Bks 1,000,000 4.45% Aa1/AA+ 8/25 2/25/2030 1,609 4.45% 1,000,000 999,170Federal Home Loan Banks 1,000,000 4.65% Aa1/AA+ 2/25 2/26/2030 1,610 4.65% 1,000,000 1,004,600 4,000,000 4,004,510 4,000,000
Long-Term Investments (3 to 5 Years) 5,731,000 5,747,930 5,731,000 Total Cash and Investments 59,475,195 59,475,195 59,513,333 H:\Investments\Investment reports\25-26\Q1 FY 25-26 Investments 9-30-25 Q1 7/1-9/30 July Aug Sept Total
CD's 19,238.00 24,346.00 37,012.18 80,596.18
Agency Bonds 24,800.00 23,250.00 - 48,050.00
ICS - - 5,596.63 5,596.63
First Am Treas Ob - - 6,452.20 6,452.20
LAIF 284,553.29 - - 284,553.29
WF Checking 9,839.68 9,190.84 8,120.76 27,151.28
Total 56,786.84 338,430.97 57,181.77 452,399.58
-
City of Lawndale
Investment Report
Quarter Ended September 30, 2025
Interest Received

CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 ♦ www.lawndalecity.org
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Michael Reyes, Municipal Services Director SUBJECT: Approval of Budget for Community Services Officer

BACKGROUND
The City of Lawndale has partnered with LASD for decades to provide law enforcement and public safety related services to the residents and businesses in Lawndale. While this partnership has been mutually beneficial and the City wishes to continue with this partnership, the City has sought to increase the presence of the Sheriff’s Department with additional deputies. Unfortunately, due to hiring slowdowns, and other causes outside of the City’s ability to correct, there has been a shortage of available deputies from which to draw from, and therefore, the City has been unable to hire additional deputies, in spite of support and available funds.

STAFF REVIEW
While there is currently a moratorium on the hiring of new deputies, other cities have been innovative in increasing the presence and availability of the deputies that they currently have through the use of Community Service Officers. Community Service Officers are civilian employees that have taken LASD approved trainings on report writing and dispatch protocols.

Nearly half of all reports written by deputies are for non-workable incidents, in which no evidence is available for further investigation, or for non-criminal incidents, such as minor traffic collisions or lost property reports, when no follow up is required. Any non-workable or non-criminal report can currently tie up deputies for up to an hour, therefore taking them away from patrolling the community where their presence is a visual deterrent to criminal activity.

By assigning non-workable calls or non-criminal calls to a Community Service Officer (CSO), these reports can be issued to a civilian officer and thereby free up deputies for increased patrols, and which allow them to handle more urgent calls for service.

Calls from residents and business owners for non-workable and non-criminal calls are filtered through Sheriff’s dispatch, and only minor crime calls will go to the CSO. The CSO will not be sent to calls that are dangerous or to calls with active criminal activity. The CSO will primarily be assigned, burglary calls, traffic collision calls, lost or damaged property calls, etc. Consequently, CSO’s become very adept at taking these types of calls, and also response times will typically go down with the implementation of CSO’s.

Community Services Officers are currently actively being used in cities such as Cerritos, Norwalk, Bellflower, Paramount, Rosemead, and Lakewood, and have a very positive and favorable reputation with deputies and the public. CSO’s alleviate the workload of deputies, which in turn improves deputy moral, and lets deputies focus on criminal activity.

LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this staff report and approves it to form.

FISCAL REVIEW
Staff anticipates that this position will have initial costs which will include an annual salary for the CSO ($60,000 to $75,000 per year plus benefits). Additional first year costs will include a vehicle equipped with an MDC (Mobile Digital Computer) terminal, a portable radio, uniform costs and training costs. These costs should fall between $45,000 to $60,000 for one time only. A budget amendment of $107,300 is needed for salaries and benefits. The budget will be allocated to the various accounts with Municipal Services for personnel costs (Account 100-300-501.100 - 100-300-505.700). An additional budget amendment of $60,000 will be needed for equipment in account 100-300-550.300 - Vehicles. Total budget amendment of $167,300.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve an increase in the annual budget for the creation of a Community Service Officer Position.

BACKGROUND
The City of Lawndale currently does not offer an Independence Day Celebration. According to department files, the most recent Fireworks Extravaganza was held at Leuzinger High School in 2008. Since then, however, the City has not hosted an event. Each year there have been discussions about the best way to mitigate the use of illegal fireworks by the community. The City has allowed the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks, however the debate continues as to whether or not safe and sane fireworks increase or decrease the likelihood that illegal fireworks are used by the community.

STAFF REVIEW
Staff were directed to begin exploring options for a potential Independence Day Celebration. As it has been roughly 17 years since the last fireworks show here in the City, changes to the venues would not allow similar shows to take place. The last fireworks show that was held at Leuzinger High School was held over a portion of the field that is now synthetic turf. Therefore fireworks would not be allowed over the fields. In addition, the fields at Lawndale High School are also synthetic turf, since the completion of improvements to the campus fields last year.

Other potential locations for fireworks could be Jane Addams Middle School, William Green Elementary School, and the fields at William Rogers Middle School and William Anderson Elementary School. Two of the sites are rather small, with fields that are roughly 300' in length and width, which would severely limit the size of the show. The fields at Rogers/Anderson are much wider, however they are still only roughly 300' from the fence line to the blacktop. Given the proximity to homes and school buildings, this is not an ideal option.

Several cities in the area have considered or even tried drone shows in place of fireworks. Recently the City of Redondo Beach hosted a drone show in 2024, however due to negative feedback from the community the City returned to fireworks in 2025. The City of Torrance considered a drone show for their annual event, however the costs were two (2) to three (3) times the cost of a fireworks show.

For either option, a suitable viewing location must be considered. Most drone shows are designed to have a primary viewing area in one location, such as a stadium or set of bleachers, as they are multi-dimensional but only when viewed from a single direction. The Rogers/Anderson campus is surrounded by homes, which could present challenges when trying to create a viewing area for either a drone or fireworks show.

Fireworks shows are generally much easier to view from different perspectives, but the fallout zones and launch areas have greater restrictions than most drone shows.

At this time staff are asking the City Council for direction on what options to pursue, or if additional information is requested for either a fireworks show or a drone show. Any guidance can be used to help plan for Independence Day in fiscal year 2026-2027.

LEGAL REVIEW
There is no legal review for this discussion.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact at this time.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff are recommending that the City Council provide direction for a potential Independence Day Celebration in 2026.

BACKGROUND
At the June 16, 2025 City Council meeting, Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles requested staff to look into a tree dedication program to celebrate the life of youth that passed away.

Research of old City files revealed that in 1998 the Public Works Department had started a program called "Dedicate a Living Tree Program" to commemorate all types of events including births, weddings, anniversaries, memorials and similar events.

STAFF REVIEW
The existing Dedicate a Living Tree Program appears to have been used only once at Jane Addams Park on September 3, 1998 (Attachment 1). The Program included a memorial plaque and certificate of acknowledgment for the contribution to the community.

For the current request to explore the Tree Dedication Program to commemorate youth who have passed away, staff discovered that the Program has not been updated or, presumably, not used since 1998, as no other records were found. In 1998, according to the program pamphlet, the price to plant a dedication tree, including the memorial plaque and the acknowledgment certificate, was $125, payable by the applicant.

The current cost to plant one of the City approved 24-inch box trees is $550, while the cost for a 8 inch by 10 inch memorial plaque is $450 including the concrete monument and the certificate of acknowledgment. The cost will change annually.

Staff recommends using the current proposed cost for the dedication of a living tree and memorial plaque of $1,000. The planting of the tree will be performed by Mariposa Landscape, Inc, the City's current landscaping contractor. The Plaque will be installed by Public Works staff. Staff will work with the applicant to select the best suitable location for the tree and memorial plaque language.

Staff also recommends revising the Dedication of Living Tree Program if City Council desires, to include the locations available for tree planting at the City parks, and formalizing the cost of the donation.

LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City for the Dedication of a Living Tree Program as this is a donation program with all fees paid by the applicant, the fee will change annually.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council:

1. Approve using the proposed cost for the dedication of a living tree and memorial plaque of $1,000, and

2. Provide direction to staff about the future of the Program.

Attachments
Attachment A -1998 Memo and PWD Program Flyer_Dedicate a Living Tree.pdf.pdf Attachment A

CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 ♦ www.lawndalecity.org
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Vanesa Alvarez, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Report of Attendance at Meetings
No supporting documentation was forwarded to the City Clerk Department for this item.

CITY OF LAWNDALE
14717 BURIN AVENUE, LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA 90260
PHONE (310) 973-3200 ♦ www.lawndalecity.org
DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Vanesa Alvarez, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4), because the City is considering whether to initiate litigation in two cases.

Lawndale City CouncilOctober 20, 2025

Lawndale City Council
October 20, 2025