MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING
December 1, 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, Councilmember Sirley Cuevas arrived at 6:59 p.m.
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 Manuel Carreon, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Public Works Director Luis (Lucho) Rodriguez, Community Development Director Peter Kann
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney led the flag salute. Pastor Gregory Guich of Hawthorne Community 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 the Angel Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Battalion Chief Carreon summarized the recent fire department activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Kaitlin Coulter, Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, announced that the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Transportation Subcommittee is holding a meeting on December 8, 2025, regarding the Metro projects.
Deena Sopko, Resident, thanked City Manager Di: Moore for his service, commented on his accessibility, professionalism, and commitment to improving the City and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Annette Owens, Resident, thanked City Manager Di: Moore for his service and for his advocacy in opposing the Metro C line (Green) Project, and commented on the need for improved bus service and protected bus lanes.
Pam London, Former Resident, submitted an electronic public comment regarding the City Manager's commitment to the City and on open code enforcement cases.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Library Manager Coulter for the library updates, Resident Blackney for the information about the upcoming SBCCOG Transportation Subcommittee meeting, and thanked Resident Sopko and Resident Owens for their remarks in appreciation of City Manager Dr. Moore.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and the resident who submitted an electronic public comment, emphasized the value of public input and accountability, and asked whether the City's position letter to Metro can be forwarded to the SBCCOG.
City Attorney Murphy responded that the City's position letter to Metro can be forwarded to the SBCCOG with the Mayor's or City Manager's signature.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and commented in support of bus-focused alternatives or a no-build option on the Metro C Line (Green) project.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked Library Manager Coulter for the library updates and thanked Resident Sopko and Resident Owens for their remarks in appreciation of City Manager Dr. Moore.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve Consent Calendar Items No. F.3. through G.8. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
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-2512-056 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $368,435.94.
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - November 17, 2025 — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
6. Plant a Tree Memorial Program for Youth - Guidelines — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the updated guidelines for the program.
7. South Bay Workforce Investment Board Quarterly Summary Report - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the report.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Minutes of the Successor Agency Meeting, June 16, 2025 - Recommendation: that the Successor Agency approve the minutes.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve Consent Calendar Items No. E3 through G.8. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
H. ADMINISTRATION
2. Consideration of the Recognized Payment Obligation Schedule (ROPS) 26-27 and the Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
- Recommendation: that the Successor Agency 1) Approve and direct staff to submit to the Los Angeles County Oversight Board and California Department of Finance the ROPS 26-27 and Administrative Budget FY 2026-27; and 2.) Authorize staff to make any changes requested by the California Department of Finance.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve and direct staff to submit to the Los Angeles County Oversight Board and California Department of Finance the ROPS 26-27 and Administrative Budget FY 2026-27 and authorize staff to make any changes requested by the California Department of Finance. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
I. ADMINISTRATION
10. Approve Second Amendment to Street Sweeping Services Agreement - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve the Second Amendment to the street sweeping services agreement, extending the contract for one year - from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 at an additional cost of $22,047, resulting in a new annual agreement cost of $389,503; and 2.) Authorize an additional appropriation of $11,022 to the FY2025-26 budget to cover the increased costs.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve the Second Amendment to the street sweeping services agreement, extending the contract for one year - from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 at an additional cost of $22,047, resulting in a new annual agreement cost of $389,503, and authorize an additional appropriation of $11,022 to the FY2025-26 budget to cover the increased costs. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
11. Approve the Third Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project
— Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Third Amendment to the agreement for the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project. The extended term of the agreement will have a new expiration date of June 30, 2026, at no increase to the current project cost.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Talavera and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney to approve the Third Amendment to the agreement for the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project. The extended term of the agreement will have a new expiration date of June 30, 2026, at no increase to the current project cost. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Cuevas absent.
12. Direction for Request for Proposal - Community Development Department's Building and Safety Services
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Authorize staff to move forward with the RFP process; or 2.) Provide further direction to staff.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, City Manager Dr: Moore responded that Los Angeles County will discontinue building and safety services and cannot extend support, commented that the City will transition to third-party providers, staff will look into adding City staff to provide building and safety services and staff will contact the SBCCOG regarding thei planning services offer.
Councilmember Talavera stated that he would prefer the City to hire staff to assume the duties on a permanent basis.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to authorize staff to move forward with the REP process. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
13. Appropriate Additional Funding for FY 23/24 Street Rehabilitation and FY 24/25 Sidewalk Replacement Project
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $17,000.00 to the FY 2023-24 Street Rehabilitation and FY 2024-25 Sidewalk Replacement Project; and 2) Approve the Contract Amendment with Sequel Contractors, Inc. to increase it by $17,000.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kearney's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that the funding saved by designing the project in-house was used for additional streets in the project and confirmed that the surplus funding will be placed back into next year's project.
A motion was made by Councilmember Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $17,000.00 to the FY 2023-24 Street Rehabilitation and FY 2024-25 Sidewalk Replacement Project, and approve the Contract Amendment with Sequel Contractors, Inc. to increase it by $17,000. The motion passed by a vote of 5- J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Dr. Moore deferred his time to Community Services Director Minter.
Community Services Director Minter invited the community to attend the Angel Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center:
City Manager Dr: Moore thanked the Mayor, City Council, staff, and community for their support, highlighted achievements during his tenure, announced that he has accepted a position with another City, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Lawndale as the City Manager:
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and for the opportunity to allow him to serve as a Councilmember, attended an Independence Day Celebration Ad Hor Subcommittee meeting, a Senior Luncheon and a Thanksgiving Senior Lunch, wishes that everyonc had a good Thanksgiving holiday, congratulated City Manager Dr. Moore on his new appointment and thanked him for his support.
Councilmember Suarez attended a SBCCOG Board of Directors meeting and SBCCOG Volunteer Recognition Dinner, offered supportive advice to City Manager Dr. Moore, and wished him well in his next position.
Councilmember Cuevas attended an Independence Day Celebration Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and thanked City Manager Dr. Moore for his service, wished him success in his next role, and commented on the importance of equality among Councilmembers and the Mayor.
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney reflected on working with City Manager Dr. Moore, expressed appreciation for their professional relationship and wishing him well in his new City.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a Senior Luncheon, thanked City Manager Dr. Moore for his commitment and dedication to the Lawndale community, commented on his service as both Community Development Director and City Manager: Mayor Pullen-Miles recognized City Manager Dr. Moore's hard work, and commended his accomplishments and leadership, wishing him success in his next role.
L. CLOSED SESSION
15. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (4), to discuss the potential initiation of litigation: one (1) case.
16. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation - The City Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (2), to confer with legal counsel regarding a significant exposure to litigation, the facts and circumstances of which are not known to the potential plaintiff: two (2) cases.
17. Public Employee Appointment
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), regarding the appointment of a City Manager.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matters by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 7:26 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:22 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported that there was no reportable action for Agenda Item No. L. 15 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation.
City Attorney Murphy reported that there was no reportable action for one of the items under L.16.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation, and for the other case, direction was given on a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Suarez voting no, to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract that would resolve the matter, if certain terms were approved and if that is done to bring the matter back on the Consent Calendar in two weeks as a receive and file and for public availability of the document.
City Attorney Murphy reported that there was no reportable action for item L.17. - Public Employee Appointment.
M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. in memory of Joe E. Castillo, grandfather of Councilmember Suarez, who passed away at the age of 93.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Stan
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: December 15, 2025