MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
April 20, 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 Sheriffs 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 Kearney led the flag salute. Pastor Dwight Dudley provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles CountY. Sheriff's DeJ!artment UP-date
Acting Captain Giggles summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
D. PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation to Jane Addams Middle School - 2026 California Distinguished School - Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Jane Addams Middle School for 2026 Distinguished School Honor
3. Presentation to Will Rogers Middle School - 2026 California Distinguished School - Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Will Rogers Middle School for 2026 Distinguished School Honor
The City Council presented certificates of commendation to Jane Addams Middle School and Will Rogers Middle School in recognition of their designation as 2026 Distinguished Schools.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Angelina Prospel and Sonia Nichols, Residents, commented on youth safety at local parks.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on a current Councilmember 's involvement in a lawsuits against the City.
Matthew Harbison, Resident, asked when the work on the railroad crossing on 170th street will be completed, commented on new trash trucks, awareness of waste guidelines, stated that loose items placed outside carts are still being collected, rather than requiring bulky item pickup, and thanked the City for the Clean-up Week event.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney asked Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) Sergeant Smith to provide information about the Volunteers on Patrol Program, and asked Public Works Director Rodriguez to answer the questions regarding the railroad crossing on 170th street. Councilmember Kearney commented on the new one-arm trash trucks, noting limited reach, as well as concerns about efficiency and stated that the mailers from Republic Services were mailed to all residents.
LASD Sergeant Smith provided information on the Volunteers on Patrol Program and invited interested individuals to apply by visiting lasd.org.
Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that BNSF is scheduled to replace the railroad crossing next Wednesday and Thursday, and if all proceeds as planned, a new crossing will be completed next week.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, congratulated the Lawndale Elementary School District for their achievement, asked Resident Prospel and Resident Nichols to speak with Community Services Director Minter about a youth program, and commented that the City of Los Angeles uses the one-arm trash trucks.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting; in response to Resident Abram's comment regarding the lawsuit, she noted concerns about perceived bias, emphasized transparency and accountability, and stated that the investigation report should be made public as it was funded with taxpayer dollars.
Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting and congratulated Jane Addams Middle School and Will Rogers Middle School for their achievement.
Mayor Pullen-Miles congratulated Jane Addams-Middle School and Will Rogers Middle School for their achievement, Resident Prospel and Resident Nichols for raising concerns about peer conflict and referred the matter to the Youth Advisory Committee for further review, and commented in support for the traditional trash collection trucks.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern 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: that City Council adopts Resolution No. CC-2604-013 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $864,743.60.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City: Council Regular Meeting AP.ril 6, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
7. Consideration of Claims for Damag~
- Recommendation: that the City Council reject the claims filed by Tiffany Nicol and Mateo Benjamin Rosaldo and instruct staff to process the appropriate correspondence to the claimants.
8. AP.P.rove First Amendment to Contract Services Amendment for Information Technology: Services - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement with Bericom Contract Services to provide Information Management Services.
H. ADMINISTRATION
9. UP.date on Dismissed Fireworks Citations for 2024-2025 Illegal Fireworks Su1-mression Detail - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file this report.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed this report.
10. Quarterly: Investment Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas' questions, Finance Director Manuelian stated that staff will begin exploring reinvestment options for the maturing Ce1iificate of Deposit (CD), maintaining the same dollar amount to remain within Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) limits and considering longer-te1m options.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
11. Consideration of Award of Contract Services Agreement for Building and Safety: Services - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Review and discuss the Request for Proposal for full Building and Safety Services to replace the services provided by L.A. County; 2.) Approve a Professional Contract Services Agreement between the City of Lawndale and Willdan Engineering for Building and Safety Services, in a form approved by the City Attorney's Office; 3.) If necessary, authorize the City Attorney Office to make minor edits based on any direction from the City Council to the Professional Service Agreements; or 4.) Provide further direction to staff, if necessary.
Community Development Director Kann presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Suarez's questions, Community Development Director Kann stated that the option to hire internally has been evaluated, noted that the department utilizes a mix of full-time and contract staff to manage costs, explained that transitioning to fully in-house staffing would increase expenditures beyond what pennit revenues can suppmi.
Community Development Director Kann responded that incentives to prolong plan reviews do not exist since fees are paid based on project valuation per square foot as a flat rate. He further stated that there is no financial incentive to delay the process.
In response to Councilmember Kearney's questions, Community Development Director Kann responded that with the contract nearing expiration, the City will enter negotiations to discuss expectations for plan check timelines, including a proposed turnaround of approximately 10 business days for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and stated that the consultant will provide experienced, senior-level inspectors and plan checkers which should support timely and efficient processing.
Councilmember Kearney asked staff to reduce agenda materials and include only the selected proposal with a cost breakdown.
Councilmember Talavera thanked the Community Development Department for the work that they do.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff regarding the te1mination of the contract with Los Angeles County and transition to a new provider, contractor complaints and delays in permit processing, and concerns about backlog reduction with the use of experienced consultant staff, the need to increase inspection capacity, improve turnaround times, modernize and streamline processes, potential increases to be considered during the budget process, including a Building Inspector position, and that the consultant selection was based on cost, qualifications, and experience.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve a Professional Contract Services Agreement between the City of Lawndale and Willdan Engineering for Building and Safety Services, in a form approved by the City Attorney's Office, and if necessary, authorize the City Attorney's Office to make minor edits based on any direction from the City Council to the Professional Service Agreements. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
12. A1mroP.riate Additional Funding for CDBG Project No. 602719-24 - Recommendation: that the City Council authorize the appropriation of the previously approved contingency funds in the amount of $35,000.00 to the CDBG Project No. 602719-24 Various Locations ADA Sidewalks & Access Ramps Project.
By City Council consensus this item was tabled for a later date.
13. 2026 Fireworks AP.J~lications Armroval
- Recommendation: that City Council approve or deny conditional permits to sell fireworks to the three applicants listed in the staff report or take other action if deemed appropriate.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff repmi.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Randall Abram, Resident, commented on delayed firework stand approvals, concerns with application compliance, and questioned oversight of the program, and suggested suspension of firework sales if issues persist.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
In response to Councilmember Talavera's questions, Finance Director Manuelian stated that the City receives minimal application fees and standard sales tax, with the profits going to nonprofit organizations.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas to approve the conditional permits to sell fireworks to the three applicants listed in the staff report. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
14. A1mrove Resolution CC-2604-014 for FY 2025-26 CommunitY- Development Block Grant - Recommendation: that the City Council approve Resolution CC-2604-014 FY 2025-26 to change the list of proposed streets for the CDBG project that were previously approved on Resolution CC2501-005 for FY 2025-26.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
In response to Councilmembers' questions, Public Works Director Rodriguez stated that the cost for the additional street is included, and the streets being removed are part of a separate project.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve Resolution CC-2604-014 FY 2025-26 to change the list of proposed streets for the CDBG project that were previously approved on Resolution CC-2501-005 for FY 2025-26. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
15. Agreement for Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation SY.stem between the CitY. and Los Angeles CountY. Metropolitan TransP.ortation Administration - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (RIITS) Agreement between the City of Lawndale and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers' and staff about the selection of streets provided by Metro, evaluation of existing infrastructure and systems already in place, and plans to report back with additional infmmation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (RUTS) Agreement between the City of Lawndale and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
I. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Felton announced that the City contracted Bob Murray & Associates to conduct the City Manager recruitment, with applications closing May 17, 2026, and that a Virtual Town Hall meeting will be held on April 28, 2026 at 6 p.m. to gather resident input, with in-person access available at the community center, and deferred her time to Community Services Director Minter.
In response to Mayor Pullen-Miles' question, City Attorney Murphy responded that City Councilmembers should not participate in the Virtual Town Hall meeting to allow residents to provide feedback directly to the consultant.
Community Services Director Minter announced that the Youth Day Parade will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with street closures beginning at 7:00 a.m. along Hawthorne Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, noted expected traffic impacts, encouraged the public to plan accordingly, and announced a spring event at the Civic Center following the parade.
In response to Councilmembers' questions, Community Services Director Minter stated that staff is notifying businesses of street closures, encouraged the public to share event information, noted that participants will be provided shuttle transportation to the event start, and that the Community Center office is available Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to address questions.
J. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
16. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended a Library Trust and Oversight Committee meeting, Neighborhood Watch meeting, Lawndale Cleanup Day, a Disaster Preparedness Fair hosted by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and invited the community to the Rock and Soul Festival at Jane Addams Park on May 9, 2026.
Councilmember Talavera attended a Senior Luncheon, the City's Easter event, a Neighborhood Watch meeting, and a Disaster Preparedness event hosted by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and commented that he invited residents that had concerns regarding parking to the Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Councilmember Suarez attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee meeting and a California Contract Cities Association meeting, and commented that the SBCCOG will host its first South Bay Housing Trust meeting on April 30, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tern Cuevas attended the City's Cleanup Week, thanked volunteers and community paitners, encouraged responsible pet ownership, attended a Disaster Preparedness event hosted by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, requested a status update on previously approved hotel developments, and invited the community to attend the Youth Day Parade on April 25, 2026.
Mayor Pullen-Miles participated in a Business Revitalization Subcommittee meeting focused on preparing the City for the World Cup and Olympics, including strategies to engage the local business community and enhance visitor experience, noted an upcoming follow-up subcommittee meeting, and attended a Sanitation District Board of Directors meeting.
Councilmember Suarez requested that staff explore the possibility of hosting an expungement event, commented on the impact that minor violations have on employment opportunities~ and expressed interest in partnering with regional agencies to assist residents in clearing their records.
K. CLOSED SESSION
17. 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).
18. 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).
Rosa Hernandez Morales, Resident, submitted an electronic public comment regarding Agenda Item K.17 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation.
By consensus, the City Council canceled agenda item K.17. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation and K.18. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation.
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8: 12 p.m.
RobertPullen-Miles, Mayor
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Approved 5/6/2026