MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CABLE USAGE CORPORATION
March 16, 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 Tern Sirley Cuevas, Councilmember Bernadette Suarez, Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera, Councilmember Pat Kearney 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 Acting Captain Tania A. Giggles, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Public Works Director Luis (Lucho) Rodriguez, Community Development Director Peter Kann, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Suarez 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
Acting Captain Giggles summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas welcomed Acting Captain Giggle to the City.
D. PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Cristian Morales for His Service - Presentation of city plaque to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Cristian Morales in recognition of his service to the City of Lawndale.
The City Council presented a City plaque to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Cristian Morales in recognition of his service to the City of Lawndale.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Gary Adams, Resident, requested an independent investigation into alleged City noncompliance with Title 22 and misconduct by the Director of Community Services, commented on an incident, requested funding for an investigation and written findings within 10 business days.
Holly Osborne, Redondo Beach Resident, commented on a recent train derailment in Italy, safety concerns regarding rail track configurations and potential impacts to nearby residential areas.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented on a Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Black History Month event she attended, and shared information on upcoming Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation programs.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting, thanked Resident Owens and Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for providing the updates.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting, thanked Resident Owens and Redondo Beach Resident Osborne for providing the updates, commented in support of an investigation into reported incidents during the Senior lunches.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting, and asked whether a public records request must be submitted in writing.
City Attorney Murphy responded that verbal public records requests are accepted, but written requests are preferred for processing.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting and thanked those that made a public comment.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting, those that made a public comment, and invited Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Acting Captain Giggles to make introductions.
LASD Acting Captain Giggles introduced the new Special Assignment Officers, Deputy Rivas and Deputy Pool.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles' question, LASD Acting Captain Giggles stated that the Special Assignment Officers will respond to any issues in the community.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve Consent Calendar items G.3 through H.8. 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-2603-006 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $939,227.52
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - March 2, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
6. Approval of a First Amendment to the Agreement with Parking Concepts, dba Transportation Concepts, for the Operation of the Lawndale Beat Fixed Route Transportation System - Staff recommend that the City Council approve the first Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Transportation Concepts for the operation of the Lawndale Beat for one (1) year, with one (1) additional extension remaining, increasing the maximum contract amount by $860,100, for a new total of $3,257,500 (Attachment C).
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
CABLE USAGE CORPORATION
7. Minutes of the Lawndale Cable Usage Corporation Special Meeting - June 28, 2021 - Recommendation: that the Board of Directors approve the minutes.
8. Minutes of the Lawndale Cable Usage Corporation Special Meeting - June 21, 2022 - Recommendation: that the Board of Directors approve the minutes.
1. ADMINISTRATION
CABLE USAGE CORPORATION
9. City Council Chamber TV Production Technology System Upgrades — Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual in a form approved by the City Attorney for contract sum amount of $274,247; and 2.) Authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to appropriate an additional $8,000 from account number 217-170- 550.400 and $29,247 from 100-170-550.400 to cover the service and maintenance costs and a 10% contingency, to complete this project.
Interim City Manager Felton presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas' question,, Interim City Manager Felton stated that the equipment is outdated and may be refurbished for limited reuse; if that option is not feasible, it will be assessed for sale, or otherwise donated or recycled.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual in a form approved by the City Attorney for contract sum amount of $274,24, and authorize the Director of Finance/City Treasurer to appropriate an additional $8,000 from account number 217-170-550.400 and $29,247 from 100-170-550.400 to cover the service and maintenance costs and a 10% contingency, to complete this project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
J. ADMINISTRATION
10. Approve First Amendment to Franchise Agreement with Republic Services to Add Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a Recognized Service Holiday
— Recommendation: that the City Council approve the amendment to the Franchise Agreement with Republic Services to formally designate Martin Luther King Jr: Day as a recognized service holiday; see attachment A
Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles' question, Public Works Senior Management Analyst Huizar responded that trash collection services resumed the following day with a one day delay.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the amendment to the Franchise Agreement with Republic Services to formally designate Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a recognized service holiday; see Attachment A. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
11. Award of CDBG Project 602719-24 Various Locations ADA Sidewalk and Access Ramps - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Award the construction contract to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., in the amount of $137,543.00; 2.) Approve the construction Contingency of $70,000.00; 3) Approve the CDBG Consultant costs of $30,000.00 for Administrative and Labor Compliance costs; 4.) Determine that the recommended action is categorically exempt from CEQA Guideline Section 15061(b)(3); and 5.) Authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Project Completion with the Los Angeles County following the completion of the project.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that project locations were selected based on prior paving projects and known areas of sidewalk failure, with work limited to eligible areas under CDBG requirements.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles' questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that the project scope is fixed; however, contingency funds may allow expansion within approved areas and a review of the area near 4641 W. 161st Street will be done for inclusion in a future project.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to award the construction contract to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., in the amount of $137,543.00, Approve the construction Contingency of $70,000.00, approve the CDBG Consultant costs of $30,000.00 for Administrative and Labor Compliance costs, determine that the recommended action is categorically exempt from CEQA Guideline Section 15061(b)(3), and authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Project Completion with the Los Angeles County following the completion of the project. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
K. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Felton deferred her time to Community Services Director Minter.
Community Services Director Minter announced the City's Egg Hunt 2026 event to be held on March 28, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, at William Green Park for ages 7 and under and at Jane Addams Park for ages 8-12.
In response to Resident Harbison's question, Community Services Director Minter stated that the event is open to families, with limited activities for older children, including games.
L. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
12. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended the Lawndale Little League Opening Day, California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Lobbyist Oversight meeting, Los Angeles County West Vector Control Board meeting, Centinela Valley Union High School District Easy as Pi Wellness Mile and Health Fair event, the Seniors St. Patrick's Day luncheon, wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day, and reminded the community to attend the Neighborhood Watch meeting on March 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m..
Councilmember_Talavera attended the Lawndale Little League Opening Day, Independence Day Celebration Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting, a Senior luncheon, Hawthorne-Lawndale Minister Association meeting, City Manager Recruitment meeting via Teams, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) listening session, and the Seniors St. Patrick's Day luncheon.
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Steering Committee meeting and a NALEO listening session.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the League of California Cities Division General Membership meeting, Lawndale Little League Opening Day, and Independence Day Ad Hoc Committee meeting, spoke about future Olympics' parking plans and public safety, thanked Public Works Director Rodriguez for completing temporary repairs at a railroad crossing due to a lack of response from the railroad company, and requested City Attorney Murphy to assist with a follow-up communication to BNSF Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Senior St. Patrick's Day luncheon, Lawndale Little League Opening Day, a City Manager recruitment meeting via Teams, commented that there are Olympic volunteer opportunities and would like to engage local business to benefit from upcoming Olympic-related economic activity.
Mayor Pullen-Miles requested that a Business Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting be scheduled.
M. CLOSED SESSION
13. 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.
14. 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.
City Attorney Murphy read the aforementioned Closed Session matters by title only.
The City Council convened into closed session at 7:28 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:42 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. M.13.
Public Employee Appointment and no reportable action for Closed Session Item No. M.14. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation.
At the request of Mayor Pullen-Miles, Interim City Manager Felton announced that the City's Clean-Up Week event has been canceled
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m.
R Pullen-mibs
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Dare
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: April 6, 2026