AWNDALE CITY COUNCIER GULAR MEETING
April 6, 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 Francisco M. Talavera, Councilmember Pat Kearney Other Participants: Interim City Manager Raylette Felton, Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Acting Captain Tania A. Giggles, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Brian Kane, 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)
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
Acting Captain Giggles summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Assistant Fire Chief Kane summarized the recent fire department activities.
D. PRESENTATIONS
3. Presentation to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Manuel Ibarra for His Service — Presentation of City plaque to Deputy Manuel Ibarra in recognition of his service to the City of Lawndale
Mayor Pullen-Miles tabled this item for a future meeting.
By City Council consensus, the item was tabled for a future meeting.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Randall Abram, Resident commented on a current Councilmember's involvement in two lawsuits, potential financial impacts to the City, possible conflicts of interest, and potential effects on governance.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commended the City's efforts to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and requested consideration of implementing leading pedestrian intervals at crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety.
Pam London, submitted an electronic public comment regarding a current Councilmember's involvement in lawsuits.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney stated that he could not comment on the first topic mentioned due to it being scheduled for discussion in closed session, and asked Public Works Director Rodriguez to follow up with Resident Blackney regarding his crosswalk safety concerns.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, and thanked Resident Blackney for bringing his concerns to their attention.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, and thanked Resident Blackney for his suggestions.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone who attended the meeting, and those who provided in-person and electronic public comments.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, and thanked Resident Blackney for bringing his concerns to their attention.
G. 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.
4. Motion to read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the Agenda - Recommendation: that the City Council that the City Council read by title only and waive further reading of all ordinances listed on the agenda.
5. Accounts Payable Register
- Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2604-007 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $347,864.76.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting March 16, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council that the City Council approve the minutes.
7. First Amendment to Agreement with Just Dance Company, LLC — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Just Dance Company, LLC, for contract class Dance Classes, increasing the not to exceed amount from $20,000 to $27,500 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
8. Resolution to Approve Job Description for Office Assistant - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2604-009, establishing the Office Assistant position and job description with a salary range of Range 46, $4,340 - $5,275 per month, allocated to the Public Works Department, and; 2) Approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2604-010, amending the Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
2. Consideration of Claims for Damage Against the City
- Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claim filed by Gina Mendoza and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimant.
10. Adopt Resolution to Approve Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Review and Records Retention Schedule Update to City Council Policy No. 77-04 Records and Information Management — Recommendation: that the City Council adopt Resolution No. CC-2604-011 updating City Council Policy No. 77-04 with Exhibit A Records Retention Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
11. Beautification Committee Appointment for 2025-2027 Term - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the Mayor's appointment by directing staff to insert the appointee's name in Section 1 of Resolution No. CC-2604-012; and 2.) Adopt Resolution No.
CC-2604-012 as amended.
H. ADMINISTRATION
12. Illegal Fireworks Suppression Detail
- Recommendation: that the City Council approve this Illegal Fireworks Suppression Detail as written.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmembers' questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes reported that 33 citations were issued in July 2025, with nine under appeal and approximately 70% remaining unchallenged with associated fees anticipated, and stated that a report on citation fee collections for the past two years will be provided.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on last year's illegal fireworks suppression plan, fireworks stand approvals and compliance, and suggested a temporary moratorium on legal fireworks sales.
Annette Owens, Resident, commented in favor of the City discontinuing the sale of legal fireworks in the City.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve this Illegal Fireworks Suppression Detail as written. The motion was passed by a vote of 5-0.
13. Award for Design Traffic Calming of 147th Street (Westside) Inglewood Avenue to Grevillea Avenue
- Recommendation: that the City Council award the design to General Technologies and Solutions in the amount of $50,000 for the design of traffic calming of 147th Street from Inglewood Avenue to Grevillea Avenue.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas recused herself from discussion of this item and stepped down from the dais due to her property being located within 500 feet of the subject area.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that the design phase is anticipated to take approximately three months, with construction expected to take six months, and that residents will be notified through social media, the City website, direct outreach to participating residents, and communication with the local school community.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, thanked the Public Works Department for their work on the project, thanked the City Council for their responsiveness to resident requests, and suggested partnering with local transit advocacy organizations to assist with community outreach efforts.
Ryan, Resident, thanked the City Council for approving this project to improve street safety.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to award the design to General Technologies and Solutions in the amount of $50,000 for the design of traffic calming of 147th Street from Inglewood Avenue to Grevillea Avenue. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas recusing herself.
14. Adopt Resolution CC-2604-008 for SB1 Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 FY 2026-27 — Recommendation: that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution No. CC-2604-008 approving the project list of streets for SB1 as attached herein Exhibit A-Project Description/Location.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez commented that Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas would recuse herself from the discussion due to her property being located within 500 feet of the subject area.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to adopt the attached Resolution No. CC-2604-008 approving the project list of streets for SB1 as attached herein Exhibit A-Project Description/Location. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas recusing herself.
15. Award for Design of Traffic Calming of 147th Street (Eastside) Hawthorne Boulevard to Prairie Avenue
— Recommendation: that the City Council award the design to Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. in the amount of $22,000.00 for the design of traffic calming on 147th Street from Hawthorne Boulevard to Prairie Avenue.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff about the contractor selection, and bicycle lane design options.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, commented in favor of the project, and commented on bicycle lane maintenance options.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Councilmember Suarez requested that staff coordinate this project with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to explore potential funding opportunities through Measure R and Measure M.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to award the design to Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. in the amount of $22,000.00 for the design of traffic calming on 147th Street from Hawthorne Boulevard to Prairie Avenue. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
16. Award of Contract for Irrigation Valve Replacement for Rogers Anderson Park - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the reclaimed Water Valve and appurtenances Repair at Rogers Anderson Park to Gentry General Engineering in the amount of $32,800.00, and 2.) Appropriate $32,800 to the Grounds Maintenance account to cover the cost of the repairs.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Kearney's questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that an updated proposal was received from a contractor:
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to approve the reclaimed Water Valve and appurtenances Repair at Rogers Anderson Park to Gentry General Engineering in the amount of $32,800.00, and appropriate $32,800 to the Grounds Maintenance account to cover the cost of the repairs. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
17. South Bay Regional Housing Trust JPA & Board Alternate - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Authorize the Mayor to sign the updated Joint Power Agreement; and 2) Designate an alternate to the South Bay Regional Housing Trust.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
By City Council consensus, Councilmember Kearney was nominated to serve as the alternate to the South Bay Regional Housing Trust.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Talavera to authorize the Mayor to sign the updated Joint Power Agreement; and designate Councilmember Pat Kearney as an alternate to the South Bay Regional Housing Trust. The motion passed by a vote of 5-
0. 18. Update on Art in Public Places Project from the Lawndale Beautification Committee, Second Phase
— Recommendation: that the City Council approve 1.) The artists and artwork selected by the Lawndale Beautification Committee for the Art in Public Places Program; and 2.) The budget amendment from account 292-000-310.100.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas' questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that additional art submissions were received from other local artists but were not selected due to overall quality, selected artists are Lawndale residents which was a factor in the selection process, and that student participation was included, noting that one selected artist is 11 years old.
In response to Councilmember Talavera's questions, Municipal Services Director Reyes stated that the art wraps include a warranty, with failures covered under warranty while damage or maintenance would be the City's responsibility, and confirmed that a timeline has not been established for replacing or removing the artwork as it deteriorates over time.
Municipal Services Director Reyes commented that a budget discrepancy for the current phase would cost approximately $3,000 rather than $12,000, leaving an estimated $8,500 to $9,000 remaining for future projects, and indicated alternative art initiatives could be considered through the Beautification Committee if directed by the City Council.
Councilember Suarez thanked residents that submitted artwork.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented that he liked the artwork presented and appreciates local artists.
A motion was made by Mayor Pullen-Miles and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the artists and artwork selected by the Lawndale Beautification Committee for the Art in Public Places Program, and approve the budget amendment from account 292-000-310.100. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
19. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting and the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Councilmember Talavera wished everyone a happy belated Easter, attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting, the City of Carson State of the City event, 2026 Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD) Cultural and CommUNITY Fest, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS) zoom meeting, Senior Luncheon, SBCCOG 26th Annual General Assembly meeting, the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt and requested that a Hispanic-American Contributions Festival Planning Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting and a Coffee-With Cop event be scheduled.
Councilmember Suarez attended a SBCCOG 26th Annual General Assembly meeting, SBCCOG Legislative Update meeting, the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt, and suggested having the events inclusive of all age ranges.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt, thanked the Community Services Department for organizing the event and suggested having the event inclusive of all age ranges.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt, and a Senior Luncheon, thanked the Community Services Department for organizing the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt and suggested having the event at one location for all ages.
J. CLOSED SESSION
20. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation — The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: City of Lawndale v. LA Investment, LLC (LA Superior Court Case No. 20TRCV00065).
21. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (1), to discuss existing litigation: Name of Case: Suarez v. County of Los Angeles et al. (CD California, Case No. 2:26-Cv-2943).
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez read the aforementioned Closed Session matters by title only.
An electronic public comment was received regarding Agenda Item J.20, Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, from Resident Kent Oliver.
The City Council convened into closed session at 7:45 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 9:00 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez announced that the City Councilmembers were briefed on the closed session matters, and Councilmember Suarez recused herself from Agenda Item J.21, Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, and left the room at 8:20 p.m, after Agenda Item J.20 was concluded. Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez announced that there was no reportable action for Closed Session Items J.20. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation or J.21. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m. 1 Рист-тів
Kobert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Erica Harbison. City Clerk
Approved 4/20/2026