ORDER OF BUSINESS
City Council meetings follow an established order of business, which may include the sections listed below. Some sections may not appear on every agenda, and additional City agencies may also meet concurrently as identified on the agenda, including the Successor Agency, Lawndale Housing Authority, Cable Usage Corporation, and Public Financing Authority.
Call to Order and Roll Call: The Mayor or presiding officer formally opens the meeting and begins the official proceedings of the City Council. The City Clerk then calls the names of City Councilmembers to record attendance and confirm the presence of a quorum required to conduct official City business.
Ceremonials (Flag Salute & Inspiration): The City Council leads the Pledge of Allegiance, and a local Pastor provides inspirational remarks prior to the conduct of official City Council business.
Public Safety Report: The Captain of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department South Los Angeles Station and the Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department regularly provide reports and updates regarding law enforcement activities, public safety matters, and departmental activities within the City.
Presentations: The City Council recognizes individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and contributions to the community through the presentation of certificates and proclamations. Other entities may also provide presentations to share information of value and interest to the community.
Oral Communications - Items Not on the Agenda: The City Council welcomes public participation at its meetings. Members of the public may comment on matters that are not on the agenda and that fall within the City Council’s jurisdiction.
Comments from Council: The City Council may respond to concerns raised by members of the public during this portion of the meeting. Pursuant to state law, the City Council may not take action on matters that are not listed on the agenda. However, the City Council may refer matters raised by the public to City staff for further review or place them on the agenda for a future meeting.
Consent Calendar: Routine items are listed on the Consent Calendar and may be approved by a single motion and roll call vote. Any Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and consideration. Members of the public are welcome to provide comments on Consent Calendar items.
Public Hearings: Certain matters, such as land use issues and administrative fees, are required to be considered through a duly noticed public hearing process. After staff presents its report and relevant evidence, the presiding officer will open the public hearing. Individuals wishing to speak or present evidence may be sworn in prior to providing testimony. No individual may speak without first being recognized by the presiding officer, and no testimony may be provided after the public hearing has been closed. The presiding officer may establish time limits for individual speakers.
Administration: During this portion of the meeting, staff will individually present more complex matters and items requiring a new appropriation of funds. Items that have been previously considered but not formally acted upon are typically addressed first. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on each item individually following the staff presentation and prior to the City Council’s discussion of the matter.
City Manager's Report: The City Manager may discuss items of interest to the City Council and/or the community.
Items from Councilmembers: Individual Councilmembers may comment on matters affecting the City, its residents, and the business community. Councilmembers may also report on their attendance at City-sponsored meetings, conferences, and other official events. From time to time, Councilmembers may place items on the agenda for discussion and possible formal action. Such matters will be identified on the agenda.
Closed Session: State law authorizes public agencies to discuss certain matters in a confidential Closed Session. Prior to the City Council recessing into Closed Session, the City Attorney will announce and describe each item to be discussed. Upon reconvening in open session, the City Attorney will report any actions taken during Closed Session, as required by law.
Adjournment: The formal conclusion of the City Council meeting, announced by the Mayor or presiding officer after all scheduled business has been completed.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Following staff presentations and public comment, the City Council may take one or more of the following actions:
- Provide direction to staff
- Continue an item to a future meeting
- Adopt resolutions or ordinances
- Take other action authorized by law
MEETING RECORDS
Official meeting minutes are prepared by the City Clerk's Office and serve as the permanent record of actions taken by the City Council. Agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and other public records are available through the City Clerk’s Office and the City’s website.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
The City Council is authorized by state law to adopt ordinances, provided they do not conflict with the State Constitution, state law, or federal law. Ordinances are among the most binding forms of action taken by the City Council. Many ordinances establish or amend City laws, which are codified in the Lawndale Municipal Code. Individuals who violate certain provisions of the Municipal Code may be cited and subject to fines. More serious violations may result in increased penalties or imprisonment.
Approval of most ordinances requires two readings held at least five days apart. Once adopted, an ordinance generally becomes effective 30 days after final passage and remains in effect unless amended or repealed by a subsequent ordinance. During this 30-day period, members of the public may utilize the referendum process to challenge or repeal the ordinance, as provided by law.
A resolution is a formal written action or decision of the City Council and generally requires only one reading. Similar to ordinances, resolutions typically remain in effect until amended or repealed by a subsequent resolution.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The City strives to make its meetings accessible to all members of the public. Individuals requiring special assistance to participate in a City Council meeting are encouraged to contact the Assistant City Clerk at (310) 973-3213 no later than the Thursday preceding a regular meeting and at least 48 hours prior to a special meeting.