Council moves to avoid lapse in gang-intervention services; approves emergency contract actions

The Los Angeles City Council approved emergency actions to prevent an interruption in LA Bridges gang-intervention services after committee reports and evidence of contractor performance concerns.

Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas introduced special motions on the desk citing noncompliance by a provider and the need to avoid a service lapse for youth at risk. The city attorney advised the council the rules require findings that the need to act arose after the agenda posting and that there is an immediate need to act. The council made those findings and then approved motions to continue services through replacement contracts or other arrangements so beneficiaries would not lose services.

During debate, council members and Community Development Department (CDD) staff referenced committee reports, audits and documentation the department used to determine the provider's failures to meet contract terms. Councilmember Holden asked that the department file its investigation documents and noted members should have access to the supporting report. Several members said the action was necessary to ensure continued services to at-risk youth and to put providers that met standards in place.

Clerk roll calls in the transcript show the council approved the required findings for one special motion and then approved the motion itself; recorded votes appear in the transcript (findings 14 ayes on the first finding vote; a subsequent motion vote recorded as 13 ayes in one roll count). The motions were sent forthwith for processing.