MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
January 5, 2026
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 14717 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, California.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera, Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Other Participants: Acting City Manager Michael Reyes, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Ricky Osburn, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas led the flag salute. Pastor George Magdalany of Hope Chapel Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Lieutenant Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities and invited the community to attend the Neighborhood Watch meeting on January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harold E. Hofmann Community Center.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane was not present.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Deena Sopko, Resident, commented on a bulky item pick up that former City Manager Dr. Moore coordinated, and on a firework citation refund that took a long time to be procssed.
Juan Granados, Resident, commented on an issue he is experiencing related to his home improvement project.
Merril Stansbury, Resident, commented on ongoing noise disturbances from early morning deliveries at Boulevard Florist Wholesale Markets.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Kearney thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and spoke, asked Acting City Manager Reyes why the citation refund took long, if he can look into the inspection that was completed at Resident Granados property, and asked about the noise complaint involving Boulevard Florist Wholesale Market.
Acting City Manager Reyes responded that he find will out why there was a delay in processing the refund and he would look into the inspection that was completed at Resident Granados property, and stated that the City is addressing the noise complaint involving Boulevard Florist Wholesale Market.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone who attended tonight's meeting, acknowledged the lengthy time-frame and financial burden caused by the delay in completing the citation refund, noted that trucking and delivery issues are being addressed, and stated that he will do his best to select the most qualitied candidate for the City Manager position.
Councilmember Suarez commented that the City will work to select a City Manager who is knowledgeable, collaborative with the community, honest, and well-qualified for the position.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas wished everyone a happy New Year, thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that the City is seeking a strong City Manager who focuses on the community, listens to staff and residents, maintains an open-door policy, and effectively represents the community.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on concerns regarding the length of time it took to process a fireworks refund, thanked staff for resolving truck noise at Sprouts, commented addressing early-morning noise at Boulevard Florist Wholesale Market, and wished everyone a Happy New Year.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
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-2601-001 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $87,889.90
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - December 15, 2025 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
G. ADMINISTRATION
6. Review of City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Standing Committees - Recommendation: that the City Council review the current ad hoc subcommittee and standing committee appointments and direct staff on the modification, replacement, or continued appointment of members, if desired.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen-Miles led a discussion on the appoinments to the Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Standing Committees. The City Council came to a consensus on the following appointments:
City/School District Park Maintenance and Joint Use Ad Hoc Subcommittee Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Eiscal Year will change to 2026-27).
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Billboard Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Metro CLine (Green) Extension Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Teen Center Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Parking and Traffic Solutions Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas Business Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Local Travel Network Project Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Fireworks Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Software Technology Citywide Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Bernadette Suarez Hispanic-American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Independence Day Celebration Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera City/School Districts Standing Committee
Councilmember Pat Kearney and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Caltrans Maintenance standing Committee
Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles and Councilmember Frank M. Talavera Homeless Solutions Standing Committee
Councilmember Bernadette Suarez and Mayor Pro Tem Sirley Cuevas By City Council consensus, a review of the current ad hoe subcommittee and standing committee appointments was conducted to determine if any modifications, replacements or continued appointments were required. The City Council came to a consensus as noted on the above-mentioned ad hoc subcommittee and standing committee appointments except for the Business Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee as this item was considered separately. A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pullen-Miles to appoint Councilmember Talavera and replace Councilmember Suarez on the Business Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The motion passed 3-2 with Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and Councilmember Suarez voting no.
7. Proposed Rate Increases for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the attached Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increases and Protest Ballot and authorize staff to mail the Notice and Protest Ballot to all property owners and current solid waste service customers.
Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas's questions, Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar responded that Republic Services is responsible for the mailing of rate increase notices, the City receives confirmation from USPS for notices mailed, the information is posted on the website, can be added to the social media pages, and that one protest ballot is counted per parcel.
In response to Councilmember Talavera's question, Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar responded that the City receives the undeliverable mail.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles' questions, Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar responded that only one mailer is sent out.
City Attorney Murphy commented that the mailer includes the protest ballot.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the attached Proposition 218 Notice of Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increases and Protest Ballot and authorize staff to mail the Notice and Protest Ballot to all property owners and current solid waste service customers. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
8. Appropriate Funding for the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $50,421.29 for the final repairs to the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project; and 2.) Approve the Fourth Amendment with Developers General Contracting, Inc. to increase it by $50,421.29.
Public Works Assistant Engineer Nabi Sidiqi presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to authorize the appropriation of funds in the amount of $50,421.29 for the final repairs to the Public Works and City Hall Facility Needs Project; and approve the Fourth Amendment with Developers General Contracting, Inc. to increase it by $50,421.29. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Acting City Manager Reyes wished everyone a happy New Year and commented that he has nothing to report.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
9. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended the City's 2025 Wall of Distinction Ceremony, the City's 2025 Employee Recognition & Holiday Social, and commented that Metro is scheduled to have their Board meeting this month.
Councilmember Talavera wished everyone a happy New Year, attended the City's 2025 Employee Recognition & Holiday Social, asked for an update on pending items, thanked Acting City Manager Reyes for accepting the position of Acting City Manager, and expressed condolences to the Covarrubio family for the passing of their mother.
Councilmember Suarez attended the City's 2025 Employee Recognition & Holiday Social, and an Oil Symposium.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the City's 2025 Wall of Distinction Ceremony, and the City's 2025 Employee Recognition & Holiday Social.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's 2025 Employee Recognition & Holiday Social, and a Senior Lunch.
J. CLOSED SESSION
10. 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: one (1) case.
11. 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 7:23 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 7:45 p.m. ity Attorney Murphy reported that there was no reportable action for Agenda Item No .10. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation, or Agenda Item No. J.11. Public Employe Appointment.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.
РІлпонів
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Approved: February 2, 2026