MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
February 2, 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 Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Pat Kearney, Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera Other Participants: Interim City Manager Raylette Felton, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Nicole Palomino, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Public Works Assistant Engineer Nabi Sidigi, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Community Development Director Peter Kann, Community Services Director Michael Reyes B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Kearney led the flag salute. Pastor Mathew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update- 6:32 PM Captain Palomino summarized the recent law enforcement activities and invited the community to the Neighborhod Watch meeting scheduled for February 11, 2026.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update- 6:34 PM
Assistant Fire Chief Kane summarized the recent Fire Department activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Ray Hollar, Resident, thanked the City Council for their support of the Hawthorne Boulevard option for the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, commented on the need to advocate for funding to support Lawndale residents affected by Metro construction and for business development, and noted that new residential development began following approval of the Metro C-Line Hawthorne option.
Colleen Villegas, Resident, thanked the City Council for their support of the Hawthorne Boulevard option for the Metro C-Line (Green) Project.
Kaitlin Coulter, Library Manager, announced the library's upcoming events.
Annette Owens, Resident, thanked the City Council for their support of the Hawthorne Boulevard option for the Metro C-Line (Green) Project, and provided an overview of the Metro Board's decision-making history regarding that option and provided City Councilmembers with t-shirts.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, commented on trash collection practices, stated that loose piles and bagged trash are collected while non-approved trash cans are discarded, and commended the Public Works Department for its responsiveness and ongoing efforts in addressing illegal dumping.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney thanked the residents who commented on the Metro Board meeting, thanked Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, expressed agreement with Resident Harbison's concerns regarding trash collection, and thanked Resident Owens for the newspaper and t-shirt she provided.
Councilmember Talavera thanked the residents who commented on the Metro Board meeting, and on trash collection practices.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, acknowledged those who were active with the Metro Board regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project noting their efforts had an impact, thanked Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, and asked if Republic Services can be contacted for clarification on their collection policies.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented that she has not received a Proposition 218 Protest Ballot, thanked residents that participated in the Metro Board meetings regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project, and commented that further discussions are needed regarding ownership and potential credit for the City's long-term maintenance of the Metro-owned green space.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked residents that participated in the Metro Board meetings regarding the Metro C Line (Green) Project, commented that he made a telephonic public comment during the meeting, and he sent a letter of support for the Hawthorne Boulevard option, congratulated residents and stakeholders for their efforts over the past several years regarding the Metro issue, noted that further discussions are needed to determine future use of the green space, and stated the City's intent to engage with Metro to ensure appropriate use of the property. Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Metro Board Director Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Senator Laura Richardson, and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor for supporting the Hawthorne Boulevard option, thanked Resident Owens for gifting the City Council t-shirts, and thanked everyone that attended the Metro Board meeting, thanked Resident Schrieber for her work on the Metro C Line (Green) Project, thanked Library Manager Coulter for providing the library updates, and commented that clarification is needed from Republic Services on their collection policies.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney 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-2602-002 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $3,019,416.56
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
6. Approve Second Amendment for On-Call Civil Engineering Services - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with LAE Associates, Inc., Onward Engineering, SA Associates, Transtech Engineers, Inc., and Willdan Engineering, extending the term of the agreement for one (1) year, through March 4, 2027.
7. Consideration of Claims for Damage Against the City
- Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by LA Century Law on behalf of Dean Neblett and Louise K. Gomes and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
8. Case 26-01: An Ordinance to Adopt by Reference the 2025 Los Angeles County Building.
Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, and Existing Building Codes and the CA Green Building Code
- Recommendation: that the City Council read Ordinance No. 1212-26 by title only and direct staff to publish a public hearing notice for consideration of the ordinance at the next Regular City Council Meeting on March 2, 2026.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
City Attorney Murphy read Ordinance 1212-26 by title only.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to read Ordinance No. 1212-26 by title only and direct staff to publish a public hearing notice for consideration of the ordinance at the next Regular City Council Meeting on March 2, 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. ADMINISTRATION
9. Consideration and Selection of an Executive Recruitment Firm for the City Manager Position - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Review and discuss this report regarding professional executive recruitment services; 2.) Provide direction to staff regarding City Council's selection of a firm to conduct executive recruitment services for the City Manager position; and 3.) Authorize staff to execute a professional contract services agreement with the selected firm, in a form approved by the City Attorney's Office; or 3.) Provide other direction as appropriate.
Interim City Manager Felton presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas's question, Interim City Manager Felton stated that the cost for Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions would depend on the type of recruitment performed and any additional advertising selected, noting that enhanced options, such as video advertising, would result in additional costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas commented that she spoke with other cities and received positive feedback about Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions.
Councilmember Kearney commented that his first choice is Koff & Associates because they have worked with the City in the past, and his second choice is Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions.
Councilmember Talavera commented in favor of selecting Bob Murray & Associates, referencing the firm's recent success in recruiting City Managers for other cities, commented on the need for a firm that can recruit a long-term City Manager and identified Bob Murray & Associates as the top choice based on track record, services, and overall value.
Councilmember Suarez requested to interview the firms to better assess their fit.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that his choices are Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions and Bob Murray & Associates.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about interviewing Bob Murray & Associates and Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions during a closed session at a special meeting.
By consensus, the City Council approved a special meeting to interview Bob Murray & Associates and Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions during a closed session.
10. Report on Investigation into Allegations Against Councilmember - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this report and the City Attorney's verbal report.
City Attorney Murphy explained that limited information could be shared publicly due to employee confidentiality laws, attorney-client and work product privileges, and Brown Act closed session protections, which were only narrowly waived to allow the presentation.
City Attorney Murphy presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed this staff report and the City Attorney's verbal report.
11. Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2025 - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
12. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2025 - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2025.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2025.
13. Mid-Year Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Recommendation: that the City Council approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2025-2026.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles's question, Finance Director Manuelian responded that funding is available, noted a projected deficit of approximately $716,000 in the General Fund, and stated that revenues were not yet adjusted.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve all recommended budget amendments noted in the Mid-Year Update for FY 2025-2026. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
14. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended the Senior Holiday Luncheon, Contract Cities Liability Trust Fund Oversight Committee meeting, Los Angeles County West Vector Control District Board meeting and Presidents' Dinner, Beautification Committee Holiday Contest Ceremony, Metro Board of Directors meeting, and announced that the City is hosting a blood drive with the America Red Cross at the Harold E.
Hoffman Community Center on February 10, 2026.
Councilmember Talavera attended Senior Luncheons, Metro Board of Directors meeting, South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Senior Services Working Group meeting, Centinela Valley Union High School District Board meeting, Zankou Chicken Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, recognized January as California School Board Recognition Month, commended the Lawndale Elementary School District Board and the Centinela Valley Union High School District Board for their service to Lawndale students and the community, recognized February as African-American History Month and honored the contributions and lasting impact of African-Americans in the community and across the nation. Councilmember Talavera requested that the City's certificate template be reviewed.
Councilmember Suarez attended the SBCCOG Board of Directors' meeting, the Zankou Chicken Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the League of California Cities Los Angeles Division meeting, Beautification Committee Holiday Contest Ceremony, Metro Board of Directors meeting, thanked staff and the Attorney that assisted the City with the Metro project, recognized February as African-American History Month and invited the community to attend the African-American History Month events at the library.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended a Senior Luncheon, Metro Board of Directors meeting remotely, Zankou Chicken Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Beautification Committee Holiday Contest Ceremony, and participated in a tour highlighting historical sites recognizing Black contributions to the Los Angeles region and California.
J. CLOSED SESSION
15. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation -The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (I), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: City of Lawndale v. LA Investment, LLC (LA Superior Court Case No. 20TRCV00065).
16. 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.
17. Public Employee Appointment
-The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), regarding the appointment of an Interim City Manager.
18. 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.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matters by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 7:45 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:16 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. J.15.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, J.16. Public Employee Appointment, or J.17. Public Employee Appointment and as reported to him, no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. J.18.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipateds Litigation.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayoi
ATTEST:
Offal
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: March 2, 2026