MINUTES
LAWNDALE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
May 18, 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
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Francisco M. Talavera Other Participants: Interim City Manager Raylette Felton, Assistant City Attorney Elena Q. Gerli, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Ricky Osburn, Finance Director Hrant Manuelian, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Public Works Director Luis (Lucho) Rodriguez, Community Development Acting/Interim Director Jose Hernandez, B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute. Pastor Eddie Vargas of Restoration Life Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Lieutenant Osburn summarized the recent law enforcement activities.
D. PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation to Eddie Urrutia in Recognition of Selection as Lawndale's 2026 Outstanding Older American
— Presentation of City plaque to Eddie Unutia, selected as Lawndale's 2026 Outstanding Older American, as recognized by the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults, Second Supervisorial District
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented a City Plaque to Eddie Urrutia, for being selected as Lawndale's 2026 Outstanding Older American, as recognized by the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults, Second Supervisorial District.
3. 66th Annual National Public Works Week Proclamation - May 17-23, 2026 — Presentation of City of Lawndale Proclamation to the Public Works Director in Recognition of National Public Works Week: May 17-23, 2026
Public Works Director Rodriguez invited the community to attend the Public Works Department Open House on May 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Mayor Pullen-Miles and the City Council presented the City of Lawndale Proclamation Certificate to the Public Works Director and staff in Recognition of National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Deena Sopko, Resident, commented that she attended a Beautification Committee meeting, and commented on unkept parkways.
Derrick Rankins, Resident, commented on fires caused by unhoused encampments, and that there is an unhoused encampment near his residence.
Winston Sanchez, Resident, commented on trash, cigarette waste, and insufficient trash cans along Hawthorne Boulevard.
Katherine Steinbroner Maschler, El Camino College Board of Trustee, provided an overview of El Camino College programs, affordability, workforce training opportunities, campus safety efforts, and the college's "Join the Conversation" community engagement campaign.
Pam London, Former Resident, submitted an electronic comment regarding code violations, and the City's code enforcement procedures.
F. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney addressed concerns regarding parkway maintenance, and trash along Hawthorne Boulevard, business responsibility for upkeep, asked Resident Rankins to speak with Municipal Services Director Reyes regarding his concerns about homelessness encampment cleanup.
At the request of Councilmember Kearney, Municipal Services Director Reyes commented that commercial properties are responsible for parkway maintenance and that enforcement cases are initiated in response to resident complaints.
In response to Councilmember Kearney's questions, Assistant City Attorney Gerli responded that reimbursement from California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) would require a review of the City's authority to perform work on Caltrans property and consideration of a formal agreement.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, commented on Council meeting protocol, concerns regarding vacant properties, and the potential development of a homelessness reporting hotline to track recurring issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked everyone that attended tonight's meeting, thanked those that provided public comments in person and electronically, and commented on trash, graffiti concerns, the need for proactive code enforcement efforts, and asked El Camino College Board of Trustee Steinbroner Maschler for the website address to the resources she announced.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on coordinating homelessness encampment abatement, trash and property maintenance concerns, potential weed abatement enforcement, thanked El Camino College Board of Trustee Steinbroner Maschler for the information, and thanked Resident Sopko for attending the Beautification Committee meeting
In response to Councilmember Kearney's question, Interim City Manager Felton stated that Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. maintains the City's landscapes, and Public Works Director Rodriguez responded that Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. regularly monitors tree wells and trash conditions along Hawthorne Boulevard and stated that the maintenance contract would be reviewed to ensure services are being provided as agreed upon.
Mayor Pullen-Miles commented on the potential use of the Conservation Corps for trash abatement services and requested that staff explore the option and provide a report back.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve Consent Calendar Items G.4 through G.13. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Talavera absent.
CITY COUNCIL
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-2605-020 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,051,513.35.
6. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
7. Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Notification
— Recommendation: that the City Council direct staff and the City Attorney to review the City's conflict of interest code to determine whether any amendments are required and submit the findings to the City Council no later than October 1, 2026.
8. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1213-26 to Amend Chapter 2.04.120 of the Lawndale Municipal Code Regarding Propriety of Conduct at Council Meetings and Adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-016 Amending the "Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council Meetings"
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1213-26, an ordinance amending Chapter 2.04.120 of the Lawndale Municipal Code regarding Propriety of Conduct at Council Meetings, and waive further reading; and 2) Adopt Resolution No.
CC-2605-016 amending the "Manual of Procedural Guidelines for the Conduct of City Council Meetings" to incorporate the revisions being made in the proposed ordinance.
2. Resolutions to Approve Job Description for Public Safety Officer and Third Amendment to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City-wide Salary and Pay Schedule
- Recommendation: that the City Council 1) approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-022, establishing the Public Safety Officer position and job description with a salary range of Range 72, $5,402 - $6,832 per month allocated to the Municipal Services Department, and; 2) approve and adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-023, amending the Citywide Salary and Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.
10. Contract Services Agreement for Professional Staff Augmentation Services with Civic Solutions.
Inc.
- Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Contract Services Agreement with Civic Solutions, Inc. for professional staff augmentation services in a form approved by the City Attorney for a maximum contract sum not to exceed $111,600.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
11. Minutes of the Successor Agency Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025 - Recommendation: that the Successor Agency approve the minutes.
CABLE USAGE CORPORATION
12. Minutes of the Cable Usage Corporation Regular Meeting - March 16, 2026 - Recommendation: that the Cable Usage Corporation approve the minutes.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
13. Minutes of the Housing Authority Regular Meeting - June 16, 2025 - Recommendation: that the Housing Authority approve the minutes.
H. PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ HOUSING AUTHORITY/ CABLE USAGE
AUTHORIZATION
14. Public Hearing for Budget Workshop and for Staff Vacancies Fiscal Year 2026-27 — Recommendation: that the City Council provide direction regarding the budget, as there is no formal recommendation associated with this item.
Finance Director Manuelian presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas's questions, Interim City Manager Felton stated that there is no funding allocation for the Housing Trust.
Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that the State of the City event can be removed.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding membership dues, event funding, liability insurance increases, salary allocations, grant funding, gas tax revenue projections, false alarm fee revenue, and future Council needs.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened the public hearing at 7:37 pm.
There was no one from the public wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed the public hearing at 7:37 pm.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding exploring alternative insurance providers, event sponsorship opportunities and fundraising efforts to offset City costs, existing sponsorship practices, and staff direction related to sponsorship outreach efforts.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to accept the budget as presented by staff, with removal of the State of the City Breakfast budget allocation and direction to staff to explore event sponsorships. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Talavera absent.
I. ADMINISTRATION
CITY COUNCIL
15. Request to Temporarily Relocate City Council Meetings for the Month of June — Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Discuss and approve the relocation of the City Council meetings scheduled for June 1, 2026, and June 15, 2026, to the Harold Hofinann Community Center; or 2.) Discuss alternatives for future City Council meetings for the month of June and provide direction to staff.
Interim City Manager Felton presented the staff report.
By consensus, the City Council received and filed the staff report.
16. Adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-021 Determining Reasonable Efforts to Encourage Public Participation in Meetings for Underrepresented Communities, Senate Bill 707 - Recommendation: that the City Council 1.) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-021 determining reasonable efforts to encourage public participation in meetings pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4; or 2.) Provide staff with alternate direction.
Assistant City Clerk Palomo presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Suarez and seconded by Mayor Pullen-Miles to adopt Resolution No. CC-2605-021 determining reasonable efforts to encourage public participation in meetings pursuant to Government Code section 54953.4. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Talavera absent.
17. Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services
- Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. to extend the term for an additional 12 month period through June 30, 2027, at a total annual cost of $1,018,086.42.
Public Works Director Rodriguez presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among City Councilmembers and staff regarding the potential for performing landscaping services internally through City staff rather than contractors, including staffing considerations and the use of specialized contracted services when necessary.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Suarez to approve the Second Amendment to the Landscape Maintenance and Tree Trimming Services Agreement with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. to extend the term for an additional 12 month period through June 30, 2027, at a total annual cost of $1,018,086.42. The motion passed with a vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Talavera absent.
J. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Felton deferred her time to Community Services Director Minter:
Community Services Director Minter introduced the new Community Services Supervisor Gabriel Garcia.
The Mayor and City Council welcomed new Community Services Supervisor Garcia.
K. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
18. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, the Youth In Government Day event, Centinela Valley Union High School District 7th Annual Safety Summit, California Contract Cities (CCCA) 2026 Annual Municipal Seminar, and invited the community to attend the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at City Hall on May 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Councilmember Suarez attended the Youth In Government Day event, South Bay Cities Council of Governments Steering Committee meeting, and the CCCA 2026 Annual Municipal Seminar:
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas attended the ESMoA Third Annual Chalk Festival, and requested that Community Services Director Minter and Municipal Services Director Reyes explore community education efforts and potential ordinance review related to e-bike safety.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the City's Heart and Soul Music Festival, the Youth in Government Day event, and CCCA 2026 Annual Municipal Seminar:
L. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
R Puller-pils
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
Erica Harbison, Secretary
Approved: June 1, 2026