1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
In order to minimize the spread of the COVID 19 virus, Governor Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 361. Please be advised that the Council Chambers are closed to the public and that some, or all, of the Gardena City Council Members may attend this meeting telephonically.
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:01 PM on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Art Kaskanian; and Council Member Paulette C. Francis; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and City Clerk Mina Semenza.
At 7:02 p.m., the City Council recessed into Closed Session via Microsoft Teams, with the following in attendance: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Art Kaskanian; Council Member Paulette C.
Francis. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; Director of Community Development Greg Tsujiuchi; Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman; and Outside Counsel Amanda Pope.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
(Two [2] Matters)
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organizations:
1. Gardena Police Officers Association (GPOA), Matt Hassoldt, Association President
2. Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO), Vicky L. Barker, Attorney
3. Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), Fred G. Quiel, Attorney
4. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
2 Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8:04 p.m., and the City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she stated that direction was provided to staff, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Joselyn Tachiwa-Appiah led the Pledge of Allegiance. Joselyn is a student at San Pedro High School.
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Certificate of Recognition to Dale R. Pierce in Appreciation of His Service to the Community as a Member of the Planning & Environmental Quality Commission - Council Member Kaskanian express his gratitude and thanked Mr. Pierce for serving in the Planning & Environmental Quality Commission. Mr.
Pierce came into the meeting and thanked Council and city staff for their guidance and direction; he’s been affiliated with the City for over 54 years, and was extremely honored to receive this recognition; it gave him great pleasure to serve on the commission.
5.B Video Presentation of the "Holiday Home Decorating Contest 2021" Winners - Video presentation was presented
Mayor Cerda thanked the Chairperson from the Beautification Committee and Councilwoman Francis.
Council Member Francis thanked everyone who participated in the contest, our staff liaison, and Commissioners, and is looking forward to next year.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week,” January 09 through 17, 2022 Proclamation was accepted by Ms. Paulette C. Francis, Chair of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena.
7. APPOINTMENTS - No Appointments were made
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on This Agenda and that they Be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.B Approve Minutes:
Regular Meeting of the City Council, December 14, 2021
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
3 8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 28, 2021 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
December 28, 2021: Wire Transfer: 12099- 12106; Prepay: 165662- 165665; Check Nos. 165666 -165831 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,071,001.82 Total Payroll Issued for December 17, 2021: $2,208,500.59.
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 11, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
January 11, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12107; Check Nos. 165832- 165947 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,448,940.68 Total Payroll Issued for December 31, 2021: $1,588,996.62.
8.E Personnel Report No. P-2022-1
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.F RESOLUTION NO.6543, Establishing Annual Regulatory Fees for Wholesalers or Distributors of Fireworks in Accordance with Section 8.16.115 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 6543
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING REGULATORY
FEES FOR WHOLESALERS OR DISTRIBUTORS OF
FIREWORKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8.16.115
OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2022
8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6544, Making the legally required findings to Re-Authorize the use of Teleconferencing in accordance with Assembly Bill 361 for meetings of the Gardena City Council and other Commissions, Committees and Boards subject to State open meeting laws.
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6544
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING THE LEGALLY
REQUIRED FINDINGS TO RE -AUTHORIZE THE USE OF
TELECONFERENCING IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ASSEMBLY BILL 361 FOR MEETINGS OF THE GARDENA
CITY COUNCIL AND OTHER COMMISSIONS,
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS SUBJECT TO STATE OPEN
MEETING LAWS
4 It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.F COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - RESOLUTION NO.6543 , Establishing Annual Regulatory Fees for Wholesalers or Distributors of Fireworks in Accordance with Section 8.16.115 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks.
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis - Council Member Kaskanian seconded it.
Council Member Francis asked according to our GMC, can the City establish an annual regulatory fee including wholesalers and distributors and not applied to a non- profit? City Manager Osorio said that was correct. Council Member Francis asked according to the code we could establish a regulatory fee up to $20,000? City Manager responded saying the current fee is $8,000. Council Member Francis asked how we arrived at that amount. City Manager stated that it’s been established since 2002.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Member Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A JANUARY 4, 2022 MEETING
The Planning Commission considered adoption of the Gardena General Plan 6 th Cycle 2021 – 2029 Housing Element. This amendment to the City's General Plan is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements per Section 15061, Review for Exemption of the CEQA Guidelines. The Commission's consideration involved making a recommendation to the City Council.
City Council: No action needed. This item is scheduled for a special meeting on January 26, 2022.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Maria Fonseca – asked if the City of Gardena have a sustainability plan and what is the city doing to help cultivate more sustainable practices.
Mayor Cerda stated that requested information can be found on the City of Gardena website and asked Ms. Fonseca to call the City Clerk’s Office in order to provide further assistance.
2. City Clerk noted for the record the letter received by the Gardena Village Mobile Park. 5 11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
12.A URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1838 : Adopting changes to Title 17 (Subdivisions) and Title 18 (Zoning) of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to the implementation of Senate Bill 9 allowing the subdivision of single-family residential lots into two and the creation of two residential units per lot as mandated by State law. The adoption of the Urgency Ordinance is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to California Senate Bill 9.
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1838
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHANGES TO TITLE 17
(SUBDIVISIONS) AND TITLE 18 (ZONING) IMPLEMENTING
SENATE BILL 9 RELATING TO THE CREATION OF URBAN
LOT SPLITS AND TWO RESIDENTIAL UNITS PER LOT
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Gregg McClain presented a PowerPoint presentation. There was an extensive discussion which included all members of the City Council, City Manager Osorio, Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, City Attorney Vasquez & Gregg McClain regarding Urgency Ordinance No. 1838.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1838:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson and Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
13.A COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
Council Member Francis asked what the time frame for the number of cases that was presented. City Manager Osorio stated it’s from the beginning of the pandemic. Council Member Francis asked if Gardena Memorial Hospital was at capacity. City Manager Osorio stated that they are almost at capacity, and they were admitting 6-8 patients daily.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE- No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS – No Items
6 16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
16.A Authorization to Purchase Two New Vehicles for the Recreation and Human Services Department not to exceed $100,000.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka asked if the current vehicles were hand me downs from other departments. City Manager Osorio stated said yes, and that they are pretty old. Council Member Francis asked about the source of funding. City Manager stated most of the funding comes from the AQMD fund, which comes directly from the State, for the remaining, if needed, we can use our vehicle replacement fund, theoretically from the general fund, that is set aside for cases like this one. It was then asked what type of vehicle we were purchasing. City Manager Osorio responded it would be a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Council Member Francis asked what will we do with the current vehicle that we will be replacing, and asked about the infrastructure for hybrid/electric vehicles. City Manager Osorio stated we auction them through surplus auction, and that we have infrastructure throughout the employee lots.
Zahid Ahmed from the public spoke. He said he did not recommend the Toyota Highlander and recommended a Volkswagen ID4, all electric vehicle starting at $39,000.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the fo llowing roll call vote to Authorize the purchase of two vehicles;
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Francis, Henderson and Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
18. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Francis
(1) To help home based businesses, to see if we can waive business license fees for the 1st year. Seconded by Council Member Henderson.
Council Member Henderson
(1) To set up a demonstration/discussion for Council regards to interactive mapping tools, budgeting tools for our website, to support our transparency initiative. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka.
20. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio wished Council Member Kaskanian a Happy Birthday.
7 21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. COUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN – Since the last meeting he attended the grand opening of Eureka Brewery and stayed home as much as possible due to the new COVID variant Omicron. Lastly, he wished everyone a Happy New Year.
2. COUNICL MEMBER HENDERSON – Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the grand opening of Eureka Brewery, SCAG meetings, LA BIZ Fed meeting, which was re -elected as co- chair, with Omicron flaring up he decided to stay home as much possible.
3. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since our last meeting Council Member Francis attended the grand opening of Eureka Brewery and Holiday Home Decorating Contest.
Council Member Francis reminded the residents that the Holiday Home Decorating Contest will be happening next year and would like to see more sign up. She also asked everyone to save the date on February 26, 2022, as the 39th Annual MLK Parade and Afternoon in the Park events will be happening. She s hared that the Gardena Chamber of Commerce also had a toy giveaway. Also, mentioned Gardena is doing okay as far as the COVID update compared to other cities. Encouraged everyone that better days ahead and we will get through this. Lastly, shared she also attend ed the “Shop with a Cop” event at Target, which was hosted by GPD.
4. MAYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the monthly CCGA meeting, Sanitation meeting, grand opening of Eureka Brewing, Jolly Trolley Event, and thanked staff for a great event. Also attended GPOA “Shop with a Cop” Toy Giveaway at Target for the kids, a toy giveaway for Autistic kids with Congresswoman Waters, District 1 N eighborhood Watch meeting, Elks Stocking Stuffer Toy giveaway, Glen Mitchell wanted to recognize Gary Kohatsu for his service to the City and gave him a certificate from the City and attended the house decorating contest. Shared winners were so appreciative, to display signs and get gift cards.
5. MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA – Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka attended the Jolly Trolley Event. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka thanked all staff who made the event happen. Also attended, “Shop with a Cop” and Spa 8 Committee Meeting from the SBCCOG. Shared he is the chair of the Homeless Task force for the COG and took the time to remind everyone that the Homeless count will be on January 26, 2022, anyone interested will need to take online classes. Lastly, attended the SBCCOG’s legislative committee meeting and congratulated Dee Searle on her promotion as Sergeant.
22. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
(1) Homeless Count, January 26, 2022
(2) MLK Parade, February 26, 2022
She asked to take a moment to think about what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Mrs. Bernice Elizabeth Fuller; 97 years of age. Mrs. Fuller was born on November 30, 1924 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She worked for LA County for 31 years as a Nursing Assistant. She moved to Gardena in 1970 and was a Gardena resident for 51 years.
Kirk Anthony Lyons; beloved son of long time Gardena resident Dorothy Garrison.
James Allen; 62 years of age, moved to Gardena during his junior high school years, attended Gardena High School. He was respected and loved within the music industry and will always be remembered for his natural musical talent. Jonathan "Jon" Flagler; 41 years old, he was a 21 veteran with the Vernon Fire Department and recently LA County Fire Department who tragically died in a fire last week.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:18 p.m., Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
APPROVED:
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By: ~{vnvtlM
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
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