Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
August 3, 2026
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Pullen-Miles called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the City Counci 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: Acting City Manager Lucho Rodriguez, City Attorney Gregory M. Murphy, City Clerk Erica Harbison, Assistant City Clerk Yvette Palomo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Michael Gomez, Los Angeles County Fire Department Acting Assistant Chief Wade Kelsey, Community Services Director Jason Minter, Municipal Services Director Michael Reyes, Community Development Acting/Interim Director Jose Hernandez
B. CEREMONIALS (Flag Salute and Inspiration)
Councilmember Suarez led the flag salute. Pastor Matthew Harbison of Lawndale Wesleyan Church provided the inspiration.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT
1. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Update
Captain Gomez introduced himself as the newly appointed Captain, summarized the recent law enforcement activities and invited the community to attend National Night Out on August 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lawndale Civic Center Plaza.
2. Los Angeles County Fire Department Update
Acting Assistant Chief Kelsey summarized the recent fire department activities.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Public Comments) Randall Abram, Resident, commented on technical issues callers experienced with Zoom during the previous City Council meeting, and commented on Brown Act requirements.
Merril Stansbury, Resident, commented on concerns about recurring wastewater runoff from Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine, requested a long-term solution and site evaluation, and requested follow-up regarding prior communications with the City Manager's Office.
Michael De Santos, Resident, commented on the recent fatal traffic incident on Rosecrans Avenue and requested that the Council consider a future agenda item to review traffic safety conditions, safety planning efforts, and potential improvements.
David Arias, Resident, commented on the recent fatal traffic incident, advocated for enhanced traffic safety measures near the school, and encouraged collaborative efforts to improve public safety and prevent future tragedies.
Pam London, Former Resident, participating remotely, commented on code enforcement, unpermitted construction at residential properties, rental property inspections, and expressed concerns regarding City governance and conduct.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, participating remotely, commented on the recent fatal traffic incident, shared his personal experience with a traffic collision, and encouraged the City to continue improving traffic safety measures.
Anonymous, participating remotely, made remarks containing offensive language.
Jimmy Rock, Resident, submitted an electronic comment regarding code enforcement practices.
Mark Nelson, submitted an electronic comment regarding the Beach Cities Health District.
E. COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL
Councilmember Kearney acknowledged that staff is working on technical issues with Zoom, commented that funding had been received for street improvements between Inglewood Avenue and Prairie Avenue, and requested that staff review the project status and traffic signage.
Councilmember Talavera thanked everyone for attending tonight in person and remotely, acknowledged the technical issues experienced with the remote public comment system, and stated that staff would review the matters raised and provide updates as appropriate.
Councilmember Suarez thanked everyone that submitted public comments, expressed condolences regarding the recent fatal traffic incident, commented in favor of reviewing traffic safety improvements and funding opportunities, acknowledged delays in City responses due to staffing shortages, encouraged staff to address neighborhood concerns involving local businesses, and requested a future discussion be agendized regarding the City's process for handling code enforcement complaints.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas thanked those attending the meeting in person and remotely.
Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked the public for their comments and acknowledged concerns raised by Resident Stansbury regarding wastewater runoff, thanked Resident De Santos and Resident Arias for their comments regarding traffic safety on Rosecrans Avenue, and Resident Arias for advocating in memory of Matthew Estrella. Mayor Pullen-Miles thanked Resident Blackney for his comments regarding traffic safety improvements and thanked Resident Abram for bringing the remote public comment system issues to the City's attention. Mayor Pullen-Miles stated that staff would review the concerns raised, including traffic safety, signage, the Caltrans Safety Action Plan, and the reported technical issues with the City's remote participation system.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed with 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-2608-038 authorizing the payment of certain claims and demands in the amount of $2,084,629.16.
5. Minutes of the Lawndale City Council Regular Meeting, July 20, 2026 - Recommendation: that the City Council approve the minutes.
6. Approval of an Agreement with the City of Gardena for the Elderly Nutrition Program — Recommendation: that the City Council approve the Contract Services Agreement for the Elderly Nutrition Program between the City of Lawndale and the City of Gardena for a term beginning Monday, July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
G. ADMINISTRATION
7. Request for Direction from City Council on Education and Enforcement Practices Regarding Electric Vehicle (E-bikes) Use
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among Councilmembers and staff regarding potential coordination with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to assist with school safety planning, grant funding opportunities, and related traffic safety efforts.
Mayor Pullen-Miles opened public comments.
Pam London, Former Resident, via Zoom, expressed concerns regarding e-bike regulations and suggested that licensing requirements similar to those for mopeds be considered.
Andrew Blackney, Resident, via Zoom, commented in support of the proposed e-bike safety and education measures, expressed concerns regarding the financial impact of fines and impoundment provisions, and encouraged the Councilmembers to consider their effect on working families and teen transportation.
Ryan, Resident, via Zoom, commented in support of the proposed e-bike safety training and public education programs, encouraged consideration of the financial impact of mandatory training and enforcement measures, and recommended coordination with the SBCCOG on regional e-bike safety efforts.
David Arias, Resident, commented on the importance of youth education and mentorship to promote e- bike safety, shared his personal experiences mentoring local youth, and expressed interest in assisting the City with future e-bike safety outreach efforts.
Mayor Pullen-Miles closed public comments.
Discussion ensued among Councilmembers, staff, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sargeant Becerra regarding the proposed e-bike safety program, including e-bike classifications, applicable state laws, age and helmet requirements, recent state legislation related to enforcement, and the importance of public education, parent outreach, school partnerships, and regional coordination, the City's role in educating the public, providing training and educational materials to youth and parents, coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions, and prioritizing education and voluntary compliance before implementing enforcement measures.
Discussion continued regarding implementation of the proposed program, including outreach to parents unable to attend training, educational initiatives for non-student riders, phased implementation, voluntary compliance, repeat violations, comparison of neighboring cities' programs, and the potential use of future enforcement measures. Discussion also included returning the complete program to the City Council for review prior to implementation to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach.
A motion was made by Councilmember Kearney and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas to approve the creation of an E-bike safety training course requirement, which will require students to complete the Lawndale's E-bike Safety Course or the private State approved course, an E-bike Safety Awareness Program, which will include the Citywide messaging including Public Service Announcements on the City Cable Channel, signage, mailers, and postings, and an E-bike Enforcement Ordinance, which will state regulations and violations for E-bike use including, helmets and safety equipment requirements, age restrictions, speed regulations, and limits on approved locations for E-bike use. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
8. Contract Renewal with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Kenneling and Animal Care Services for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year
- Recommendation: that the City Council approve the contract renewal with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Kenneling and Animal Care services in the City of Lawndale in the amount of $17,400 per month.
Municipal Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued among the City Councilmembers and staff regarding the proposed animal services agreement for new contract services, including the increasing cost of SPCA services, the anticipated proposal from the Lovejoy Foundation, contract timing, operational differences between the providers, the feasibility of a City-operated animal shelter, and the termination provisions of the current agreement, with staff confirming the contract may be terminated by either party with a 30 day written notice.
By City Council consensus, the item was continued to the next meeting.
2. Housing and Community Development General Plan Progress Report - Recommendation: that the City Council 1) Approve the 2025 draft Annual Report; 2) Accept staff's finding that the General Plan Annual Progress Report is exempt from CEQA under Section 15061(b) (3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; 3) Direct staff to forward the report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research; and 4) Adopt Resolution No. CC-2608-039.
Acting/Interim Community Services Director Hernandez presented the staff report.
Mayor Pullen Miles opened public comments.
There was no one wishing to speak.
Mayor Pullen Miles closed public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas and seconded by Councilmember Kearney to approve the 2025 draft Annual Report, accept staffs finding that the General Plan Annual Progress Report is exempt from CEQA under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, direct staff to forward the report to the State Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and adopt Resolution No. CC-2608-039. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
H. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Acting City Manager Rodriguez reported on the recruitment of interim department directors, commented that updates will be presented at the next City Council meeting and provided an update on the City's sidewalk and street paving project, advising that construction information is available on the City's website and that affected residents will receive advance notice from the contractor.
I. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
10. Report of Attendance at Meetings
Councilmember Kearney attended the El Segundo Space Delta 3 Change of Command event, The Roosters Foundation event, and Tina McKinnor's 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair:
Councilmember Talavera served as a panelist for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain interviews, attended the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee meeting, and met with a representative from Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Office. Councilmember Talavera requested accommodations for Spanish-speaking seniors during the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee meetings and commented that the movie projector may require servicing. Councilmember Talavera conducted business outreach to seek sponsorships for the upcoming Hispanic Festival scheduled for October and commended Cable TV staff member Joshua for assisting a senior resident in safely crossing the street and thanked residents who communicated their concerns via email.
Councilmember Suarez requested an audit of the City's code enforcement processes to evaluate coordination between the Planning and Code Enforcement divisions. Councilmember Suarez also requested the public release of a completed investigation report related to prior allegations concerning interactions with City employees.
Mayor Pro Tem Cuevas requested information regarding residential security patrols conducted by Southwest Patrol, requested the public release of the completed investigation report related to prior allegations involving Councilmember Suarez, and requested an update on the South Bay COG Local Travel Network (Turtle Program) to be presented at a future meeting.
City Attorney Murphy stated that the investigation report would be brought back at the next meeting.
Municipal Services Director Reyes responded that patrols are conducted citywide, with priority given to parks, City facilities, major streets, and other areas of concern and commented that photographs are taken as part of routine patrol documentation and when monitoring vacant properties with reported squatter activity.
Mayor Pullen-Miles attended the Joint Powers Insurance Authority Annual Board of Directors meeting.
J. CLOSED SESSION
11. 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 Closed Session item by title only The City Council convened into closed session at 8:16 p.m.
The City Council reconvened from closed session at 8:32 p.m.
City Attorney Murphy reported that there was no reportable action taken.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Pullen-Miles adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 11 Puller pite
Robert Pullen-Miles, Mayor
ATTEST:
Alar
Erica Harbison, City Clerk
Approved: August 17, 2026