Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Still in progress
This meeting hasn't been fully processed yet. You can watch the video and read what's here — we're still adding sections as we work through the archive.
What Happened
No new spending was approved at this April 30 special meeting; the sole action item was a resolution to rescind Resolution 26,231, which the council had passed one week earlier on April 22 designating law firm Lashare & Winder as special counsel at $325/hour for general services and $375/hour for litigation — the same firm that already held a retainer contract signed in October 2024. The meeting was dominated by competing legal opinions on whether the April 22 action constituted a Brown Act violation: Lashare & Winder attorney Sonny Sutani argued no violation occurred, while Deputy City Attorney Merle Green argued there were multiple violations that day, including an improperly noticed subsequent-need item and an unagendized presentation by Sutani. The original motion to rescind, moved by Council Member Duhart and seconded by Council Member Bowers, was withdrawn; a substitute motion to modify rather than rescind Resolution 26,231 without admitting a Brown Act violation passed 5-0 (Duhart yes, Spicer yes, Bowers yes, Darton yes, Sharif yes), with a closed session and subsequent public vote scheduled for May 6. Seven members of the public spoke during public comment, the majority raising concerns about the Brown Act dispute, the appointment process, and spending on legal representation. A pattern flagged during discussion: the city carries approximately five to six active outside counsel contracts, and Sutani stated at least two of those contracts bill at $450/hour, above the council's own $440/hour resolution cap — a claim Green disputed.
Meeting Sections
Call to Order
0:37:43The special meeting of the Compton City Council for April 30, 2025 was called to order at 10:05 AM.
Watch this section ▶Roll Call: Attendance Recorded
0:38:00Council members Duhart, Spicer, and Mayor Sharif were present. Council members Bowers and Darden did not respond during roll call but appear to have…
Watch this section ▶Moment of Silence and Pledge
0:38:10The council observed a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Watch this section ▶Public Comments: Community Speakers
0:38:53Eight public speakers addressed the council. Multiple speakers raised concerns about alleged Brown Act violations at the prior week's meeting,…
Watch this section ▶Special Counsel Addresses Public Comment
0:58:12The attorney identified as representing the city as special counsel offered to address Brown Act violation allegations during public comment or…
Watch this section ▶Item 1: Resolution Rescinding Resolution 26,231
1:00:20The agenda item was a resolution to rescind Resolution 26,231, which had been passed at the prior week's meeting and directed the city manager's…
Watch this section ▶Special Counsel Argues No Brown Act Violation
1:04:19The special counsel attorney argued there was no Brown Act violation, stating the closed session on April 22 was properly agendized under Government…
Watch this section ▶Deputy City Attorney Disputes Counsel's Claims
1:37:05The deputy city attorney, speaking in his official capacity, advised the council that there were multiple Brown Act violations at the April 22…
Watch this section ▶Council Deliberates on Rescinding Resolution
2:02:49Council members expressed concerns about specific language in Resolution 26,231 but stated they did not wish to admit to a Brown Act violation. A…
Watch this section ▶Item 1: Substitute Motion Approved 4-0
2:08:11A substitute motion was approved 4-0 (Council member Darden's vote not audibly recorded in roll call) stating that the council would make…
Watch this section ▶Council Comments: Community Announcements
2:09:43Council members announced a free paper shredding and e-waste recycling event on May 3 at Gonzales Park, a fourth annual Mother's Day celebration on…
Watch this section ▶Adjournment
2:16:23A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved by roll call vote 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM.
Watch this section ▶Agenda Items
Resolution Rescinding Resolution 26,231 for Brown Act Compliance
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