1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, January 25, 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 via Zoom at 7:30 PM on Tues day, January 25, 2022, Mayor 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 7:05 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 ; and Director of Administrative Servic es Ray Beeman.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A 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
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:46 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 staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action had been taken.
2 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Stacey Jackson and Adrian Pineda led the Pledge of Allegiance. Stacey and Adrian both attend Junipero Serra High School. Stacey Jackson is a 12th grader and ASB president.
She is a great leader with many God- given gifts and talents. She lives by the Cavalier Code with a smile always on her face. Adrian Pineda is a 10th grader. He is a great representative on ASB who constantly leads and serves our Serra family. He lives by the Cavalier Code!
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena: Nancy L. Ward, Executive Office Assistant - Elected & City Manager's Offices - 33.5 years - A video was presented.
City Manager Osorio read Mrs. Ward’s bio.
Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, and Francis expressed their appreciation for Mrs. Ward.
5.B Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena: Teresa Sterling, Bus Operator - Transportation Department - 27.4 years - Teresa Sterling, Bus Operator came into the meeting and accepted recognition.
5. PROCLAMATIONS - None
6. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission - Anthony Dixon (Appointed by Council Member Kaskanian)
Council Member Kaskanian stated that Mr. Dixon is unable to fulfill his duties as a Planning Commissioner and for that reason Mr. Dixon withdrew his application. A new Commissioner will be announce d at the next Council Meeting.
3 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, January 11, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 25, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
January 25, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12108- 12120; Prepay: 165948; Check Nos. 165949 -166138 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,028,707.22 Total Payroll Issued for January 14, 2022: $1,770,878.98.
8.D Personnel Report P-2022-2 1-25-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6549, 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. 6549
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
8.F Approve the Redondo Beach Transit Center Use Agreement between the City of Redondo Beach and the City of Gardena
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A January 18, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
13.A Calling for the June 7, 2022, General Municipal Election, Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide Primary Election to be Conducted by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, and Providing Regulations for Candidates; Adoption of Resolutions: 6545, 6546 and 6547
RESOLUTION NO. 6545
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING
OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022, FOR THE ELECTION OF
CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS
OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING
TO GENERAL LAW CITIES
RESOLUTION NO. 6546
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO ORDER THE
CONSOLIDATION OF A GENERAL MUNCIPAL ELECTION
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2022 WITH THE STATEWIDE
DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES THE SAME DAY; TO
AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CANVASS THE RETURNS
OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND TO
REQUEST THAT THE REGISTRAR- RECORDER/COUNTY
CLERK OF SAID COUNTY BE PERMITTED TO RENDER
FULL SERVICES TO THE CITY OF GARDENA RELATING
TO THE CONDUCT OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS
CODE SECTION 10403
5 RESOLUTION NO. 6547
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO
CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE
VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
JUNE 7, 2022
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution Nos. 6545, 6546 and 6547:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.B RESOLUTION NO. 6548, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE “BRAND-HUANG-MENDOZA TRIPARTISAN LAND USE INITIATIVE” TO AMEND
ARTICLE XI OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO
MAKE ZONING AND LAND USE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND NOT OF STATE
INTEREST
RESOLUTION NO. 6548
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, EXPRESSING SU PPORT FOR
THE “BRAND- HUANG-MENDOZA TRIPARTISAN LAND
USE INITIATIVE” TO AMEND ARTICLE XI OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO
MAKE ZONING AND LAND USE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,
AND NOT OF STATE INTEREST
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Francis expressed her concerns and asked for clarification regarding the Urgency Ordinance that was recently adopted. City Attorney Vasquez explained and answered her questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka also made a comment that this i s an initiative that we would support to go onto the ballot in November. City Attorney Vasquez confirmed that was correct.
Public Speaker: Sherrell Diggs had technical difficulties and asked if she was able to make a comment on this item. City Attorney Vasquez stated that Item has already been voted on and we have gone through Oral communications, however, she is welcome to email the City Council.
6 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to approve City Council to discuss and Adopt Resolution No. 6548:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.C RESOLUTION NO. 6550, ESTABLISHING BENEFITS FOR ALL UNREPRESENTED
POSITIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 6550
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING BENEFITS FOR
ALL UNREPRESENTED POSITIONS WHICH ARE NOT
COVERED UNDER AN APPROVED MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
GROUP, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 6332
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Francis asked wh o the unrepresented employees are. City Manager Osorio answered her question. City Attorney Vasquez pointed out that Exhibit A to the actual resolution has an itemized list of all the positions.
Council Member Henderson asked a question regarding the pay schedule for the car allowance: Is there a reason why two offices have a lower amount versus making them all the same or comparable. City Manager Osorio explained and answered his question.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6550:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.D Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA) Side Letter; Salary Adjustments to previously negotiated and executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for period July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2025
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Public Speaker: Jeremy Bastian, President of the GMEA, expressed his appreciation and thanked all Members of the City Council.
7 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Side Letter:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Francis, Henderson, Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.E COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and City Manager Osorio regarding the rising number of COVID cases since our last meeting; they talked about the rising number of cases at LA City and County Fire and how our Police and Fire departments are coming along; if we are following mandates and if rapid tests are being accepted. Mayor Cerda then asked if our employees getting COVID twice. City Manager Osorio confirm ed that the number of cases is correct; our Police Department, Public Works, and Admin Services departments have all been hit hard. He continued to say that the symptoms are mild, so the turnaround has been quick; we are following all mandates, the KN95 surgical masks are available to all departments, we are reminding employees to wash their hands, and telling them to stay home if they are sick. He then said that some of our employees are getting COVID twice, but mainly one time; the ones who are getting it twice has been over a period of 1 year and symptoms are very mild.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
15.A Award Professional Services for the Vermont Avenue Street Improvement Projects; Artesia Boulevard to Gardena Boulevard, JN959, in the amount of $97,886 and Rosecrans Avenue to 135th Street, JN 996, in the amount of $54,000 to Cannon Corporation.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Cerda, Council Me mbers Henderson and Francis, City Manager Osorio, and City Attorney Vasquez regarding the advertisement of the project, why an old Agreement was in the packet; what’s the process of getting other firms to get on our short list; if criteria is listed somewhere ; and if on-call consultants responsible for getting the folks to do the work.
Allan Rigg, Public Works Director and Kevin Kwak, Principal Civil Engineer came into the meeting and answered all questions.
8 It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award a Professional Services to On-Call Consultant:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
18. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
(1) Asked for a report pertaining to federal funding - The Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act, he is not sure if the city is currently receiving it. Seconded by Mayor Cerda
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka
(1) Asked if the shrubs near the parking lot near the library can be trimmed because the shrubs obstructed his view and the sidewalk. Seconded by Council Member Henderson
Mayor Cerda
(1) Asked if a light can be installed by the outside doorway exit. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka
20. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio gave a verbal report of information to follow -up on matters that had been directed or requested by the Mayor and Members of Council. Those items were, as follows:
1. Memo – To the president of Village Mobile Home Park, addressing traffic concerns along Gramercy Place.
2. Memo – The possibility of providing relief to home- based businesses through certain waivers of business licenses.
3. Free Shredding Event, Saturday, February 19, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex; Maximum of 2 boxes (15 x 10 x 24 in) per household. Proof of residency required. Prevent identity theft by securely shredding & recycling documents such as Documents containing Social Security numbers ; Credit cards and bank account information; Credit card applications; Canceled or unused checks; Bank and credit card statements; Insurance an income tax record. For more information call 310-217-9537.
4. Two employees were recognized for their promotions: Diana Schnur and Alejandra Orozco.
9 21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA – Since the last meeting, Mayor Pro Tem presided over a funeral of a great family friend; was also invited to attend flag ceremony for Jonathan Flagler it was a heart-wrenching ceremony; an actual touching memorial dedicated in his name, also shared he will always remember. Asked to keep first responders in our prayers.
Lastly, had lunch with the Elks State President.
2. COUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN – Since the last meeting, Council Member Kaskanian also attended Jonathan Flagler’s memorial service, shared it was an unbelievable experience and gave his blessings to him. Congratulated Alejandra Orozco and Diana Schnur on their promotions and shared it is well deserved.
3. COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Watched Jonathan Flagler’s memorial service online and shared it was a great memorial service. Thanked LA County Fire for sharing the memorial online. Also met with the Boys & Girls Club of Carson and they are servicing Gardena schools providing another way of service to the community. Attended the District 2 meeting, LA Bizfed meeting; AQMD meeting shared a lot of positive work is being made, also participated in a seminar to promote digital equity within the community. Lastly, attended an interesting seminar as an attendee on Public Agency’s investing in Crypto currency and shared that even though the city holds a more conservative view it may be the next investment vehicle.
4. MAYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting, Mayor Cerda attended via Zoom the CCGA meeting, monthly sanitation meeting, flag ceremony for Jonathan Flagler as well as the memorial; shared it was a very nice and moving ceremony. Mayor Cerda gave a special thanks to Gardena Police Department honor guard Sean Dixon and two other officers for representing Gardena. She also added an additional adjournment her cousin who passed from COVID at 54 years old.
5. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Council Member Francis was not able to attend Jonathan Flagler’s memorial but sent her condolences to the fire department and his family. Since the last meeting , Council Member Francis attended the Greater Vecto r Control District meeting and was sworn in as their newest member, District 1 Neighborhood Watch meeting and discussed the new officers coming on board. She also shared they discussed the plan for the Superbowl and addressed everyone needs to be aware of the traffic that may enter our city. The MLK parade has been rescheduled to Feb. 26 th combined with Annual Black History Month Afternoon in the Park celebration.
Congratulated Alex for doing such a great job, and congratulated Diana Schnur on her promotion as well ; grateful they are on board. Also mentioned there will be a brief presentation on January 29 th for the MLK essay contest winner. Lastly, shared that on January 30th is Fred Korematsu Day, who was an American civil rights activist and in 2010 the State of California passed a bill establishing January 30 th as Fred Korematsu Day. In 1998 President Bill Clint awarded him the medal of honor and encouraged everyone to read his story.