1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, March 8, 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 7:03 PM on Tuesday, March 8, 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 Ma nager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and City Clerk Mina Semenza.
At 7:04 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 and City Attorney Carmen Vasquez.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code section 54957(b)
Title: Police Sergeant
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:34 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 with regards to Item 2.A the City Council upheld the termination of the Police Sergeant on a vote of 5-0.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ricky Hunt and Kenneth Sampilo led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both students currently attend Maria Regina Catholic School.
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS - None
2 6. PROCLAMATIONS - None
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, February 22, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, March 8, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
March 8, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12132-12136; Check Nos. 166466 - 166620 – for a total Warrants issu ed in the amount of $2,216,299.40 Total Payroll Issued for February 25, 2022: $1,987,180.05.
8.D Monthly Portfolio, November 2021
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.E Monthly Portfolio, December 2021
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.F Monthly Portfolio, January 2022
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.G Personnel Report P-2022-5 3-08-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.H RESOLUTION NO. 6563, Repealing Resolution No. 6438, and Adopting a New Conflict of Interest Code
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 6563
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING
RESOLUTION NO. 6438, AND ADOPTING A NEW
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
8.I RESOLUTION NO. 6564 , 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
3 RESOLUTION NO. 6564
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.J Approve Carnival Contract with Baque Bros Concessions/Classic Rides, Inc. for Spring Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday April 15, Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, 2022.
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
8.K Approve Additional Funding of $35,000 to Blanket Purchase Order for McCain Inc. to Purchase Traffic Control Products and Equipment.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.L Acceptance and Notice of Completion for Mas Fukai Park Improvements - Site and Shade Structure Reconstruction, and Fence Rehabilitation, JN 820.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
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 Items 8.H, 8.J and 8.K:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.H CITY CLERK – RESOLUTION NO. 6563 , Repealing Resolution No. 6438, and Adopting a New Conflict of Interest Code
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis – Council Member Kaskanian seconded it.
Council Member Francis asked if the Resolution was updated for the positions that have been added and inquired why the document stated not fully executed.
City Attorney Vasquez answered all of Council Member Francis’ questions.
8.J RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES - Approve Carnival Contract with Baque Bros Concessions/Classic Rides, Inc. for Spring Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday April 15, Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, 2022.
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
4 Council Member Francis asked about the maintenance of the rides, and if they are being checked regularly. Also inquired about security at the carnival; Council Member Kaskanian asked about mandating the COVID 19 Protocol, and the Certificate of Insurance that was not included with the contract. City Manager Osorio and City Manager Vasquez answered all questions.
8.K PUBLIC WORKS - Approve Additional Funding of $35,000 to Blanket Purchase Order for McCain Inc. to Purchase Traffic Control Products and Equipment.
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked about the additional funding. City Manager Osorio explained the need for the additional funding.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Items 8.H, 8.J and 8.K:
Ayes: Council Members Franci s and Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A March 1, 2022 MEETING – Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
City Clerk Semenza indicated that an email from Jorge Castro was submitted as a public comment, but when it was opened there was no content.
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
12.A PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION 6566, Upholding the Decision of the Planning Commission and Approving Site Plan Review #4-21 for the Construction of a New 3,720 Square- Foot Multi -Tenant Commercial Building with a Drive -Thru in the Commercial (C-2) and Mixed-Use Overlay Zones and Directing Staff to file a Notice of Exemption for New Construction of Small Structures
APPLICANT: Sarah Withers LOCATION: 15106 South Western Avenue
RESOLUTION NO. 6566
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE
DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND
APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW #4 -21 FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 3,720 SQUARE -FOOT
MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH A
DRIVE-THRU IN THE COMMERCIAL AND MIXED-
USE OVERLAY ZONES AND DIRECTION TO STAFF
TO FILE A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
(15106 South Western Avenue) (APN # 6103018027)
5 City Manager Osorio presented Staff Report.
Senior Planner Amanda Acuna gave the PowerPoint presentation and was available for any questions. Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz and Community Development Director Greg Tsujiuchi were also available for any questions.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:07 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
There was a discussion that included our Mayor and our Council Members. Some of the items discussed were traffic, parking, if the company will locally hire; if the nearby residents were informed, and if the land is clear from contamination. Sara Withers, the Applicant came into the meeting and answered all of Council’s questions.
Assistant City Attorney Kranitz suggested adding three conditions regarding traffic; 1) if a cue passes 7, a staff member could direct traffic to prevent stacking on Marine. 2) Site Plan approval should be subject to approval of the Planning Commission; and 3) Signage should be placed on the driveway. The Applicant then explained that this type of drive-thru establishment is wholesome and unique and was very well thought out; she continued to say that they did provide for all the requirements that were requested by the City.
Public Speaker: Zahid Ahmed, spoke via teleconference. He was in favor of the project and made landscaping recommendations and asked if the project can be solar-ready.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 8:37 p.m.
It was moved by Mayo r Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6566 and the suggested three conditions:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
13.A COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
13.B Approve Contract with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
City Manager presented Staff Report.
President of Townsend Public Affairs Christopher Townsend was available for any questions.
There was a discussion that included our Mayor and some of our Council Members.
Some of the items discussed were: they thought staff did grant writing; $7,000 a month seems steep; can we secure the representation that we need on a retainer basis; if 6 we did an RFP and did we reach out to our Congresswoman; if this vendor is party of JPA Agreement;
Public Comment:
1) Wanda Love, was glad to hear we are starting to look at money on the table; suggested that we need to establish better relationships with our Council so they could establish better relationships with our representatives so they could advocate for us.
2) Zahid Ahmed, asked if we could merge lobbying and grant writing together for this consultant for the same price; also develop a list of projects that the City needs help lobbying with the LA County Board of Supervisors.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Contract with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Mayor Cerda and Council Member Henderson Noes: Council Member Kaskanian and Francis
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
15.A Award Professional Services Contract for the Redondo Beach Boulevard Arterial Improvement Project, JN 945, to Cannon Corporation, in the amount of $520,985.
City Manager Osorio presented Staff Report.
Director of Public Works Allan Rigg was available for any questions.
Council Member Francis asked if we have used this vendor in the past, and if we could approve the funding for each of the plans. City Manager Osorio and Director Riggs answered Council Member Francis’ questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Professional Services Contract:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Mayor Cerda and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, and Francis
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
7 18. COUNCIL ITEMS
18.A Discussion of current Delegate / Alternate Appointment to the following Outside / City committee:
a. Southern California Association of Governments
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor P ro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Re -Assign Council Member Henderson as the Delegate and Council Member Kaskanian as the Alternate to the Outside / City Committee: Southern California Association of Governments:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Francis
1) She expressed her concerns about the items that are still on the vacant property located at El Segundo and Crenshaw Blvd and that it has been in the same condition for almost a year. It was seconded by Mayor Cerda.
Mayor Cerda stated that she believes that it’s a Code Enforcement issue and getting in contact with the owner. City Manager Osorio responded that the City would continue to cite them for any violations and the reason why it is stagnated is because of the transfer of ownership. Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz stated that she is reaching out to the attorney of the developer to find out the status of the project.
2) Status of the Chase Building
City Manager Osorio stated that we have retained ownership, put a fence around the property, and have engaged an architect; he then said we are trying to figure out if there is a way to save the basement; there is some sort of structural component which is delaying the process.
Council Member Henderson
1) Would like staff to look into adding Wi -Fi in our parks; the COG has done our fiber network we would need to figure out the remaining pieces to get the secured wireless for the community would like to start at Rowley Park. He then suggested giving Jacki Bacharach a call because they still have some fiber available. Council Member Francis seconded it.
8 Council Member Kaskanian
1) He noticed the pavement near the water line on 135th and Western is rough and looks terrible. He asked if it was final. Mayor Cerda seconded it.
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. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events:
• 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Parade on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at Serra High School & ends at Rowley Park.
• Co-ed Youth Soccer League, Registration Period Wednesday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
• State of the City 2022, Thursday, March 10 , 2022, at City Hall Lawn. For additional information please call (310)217- 9507 or visit [email protected]
.
• Casino Night, Friday, March 11, 2022, 4:00p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at City Hall Lawn. • Paint in the Park, Thursday, March 17, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Rowley Park. For further information contact the Senior Bureau Office at (310)217-9552. • Free COVID-19 Vaccinations Mobile Clinic, Friday, March 18, 2022, at Rowley Memorial Park, call (310)217-9537 for an appointment. Pre-registration is highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
• 46th Annual Koi Show, March 19-20, 2022, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex. Open to the Public, Free Admission.
• Co-ed Youth Basketball Outdoor Skills & Drills Clinics: Mas Fukai Park on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
• March Madness Youth Competition, Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Mas Fukai Park.
• Spring Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday, April 15, 2022: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m; Saturday, April 16, 2022: 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m; Sunday, April 17, 2022:
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Easter at the Parks, Saturday, April 16, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Freeman and Rowley Park. Egg Hunt Starts at 10:00 a.m. ages 12 & under. • Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at City Hall Lawn, Saturday, April 16, 2022, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Free Egg Hunt 10:30 a.m. (ages 12 & under). • Happy Earth Day, Saturday, April 23, 2022, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Earth Day Community Clean-Up and Celebration Come Join Our Efforts to Keep Gardena Beautiful. For further information contact (310)217-9537. • Happy International Woman’s Day to all the woman in our city, county, country and in the world. Quote: Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all BreakTheBias.
9 21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting Council Member Francis attended the Homeless Count, 39th Annual MLK parade, and Afternoon in the Park, great day overall thanked Keith O’ Derrick videographer, Director Riggs, Director Santin, was a huge undertaking, parks and recreation staff Nikki, Amber and Emily for their extra effort. She thanked everyone that worked and helped make the event happen. Also thanked Mr. Romero and Ms. Martinez as all Gardena schools were represented in the parade. The essay contest winners were there and asked to Save the Date as January 13-14, 2023, is the next MLK celebration. Battle of the Bands winner was Gardena High School. Lastly, wished everyone a Happy International Women’s Day and asked to continue to do what you’re doing as better days are coming.
2) M
AYOR PRO TEM – Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka participated in the homeless count thanked City Staff and Police Department, attended SBCCOG Board meeting, Martin Luther King parade thanked Director Santin and staff. He also attended the Homeless task force meeting, CA Cities membership meeting talked about re-districting political venues, attended the Senior Paint Day at Johnson Park, thanked city staff and Police Department. Lastly, expressed that we should be proud of the women who work for the city, thanked all women, and wished everyone Happy International Women’s Day.
3) C
OUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN – Since the last meeting Council Member Kaskanian attended the Homeless Count, and Martin Luther King parade. Council Member Kaskanian thanked all staff that helped in the parade and thanked Council Member Francis. He also gave his condolences to City Clerk Semenza for the passing of her brother-in-law.
4) M
AYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting, Mayor Cerda attended the Homeless Count and recognized the CERT team for helping. Also, attended a funeral of LA County Fire Captain Steve McCann, Martin Luther King parade, thanked Council Member Francis, Committee, and staff for all their hard work. Mayor Cerda had the pleasure of meeting Kayley Humphries Gold Medal winner in bobsledding at Raising Cane’s. Attended a birthday drive-by for Esther Barbick who turned 102 years old thanked the Police Department, LA County Fire, and firefighter Elliot Hoffman. Met with the CEO of Nissin Foods donated 10 pallets of noodles to LA Regional Food Bank as well as to the City.
Lastly, sent a special shout out to Public Works for coming out to fix the main water line break and reminded everyone about State of the City on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
5) CO
UNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Council Member Henderson thanked the MLK Committee and shared that it was a great parade and thanked staff for their great work. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the BIZFED SCAG meeting, Read Across America at 118
th Street school and shared we have a lot of
future leaders, met with KIP Generations Academy, was in communication with the 2nd District, and spoke about sustainability profile. Asked City Manager Osorio to thank Department Heads, City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, and thanked council for pushing a pro-active agenda as they are thinking about the future of the community.
22. ANNOUNC EMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1. Assembly District 62 Special Primary Election on April 5, 2022. Purpose of this Election:
The April 5, 2022, Assembly District 62 Special Primary Election was called by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fill the vacancy in the 62nd Assembly District. This seat was previously held by The Honorable Autumn Burke. Vote In Person: Tuesday, April 5, 2022:
7:00 a.m. to 8:00p.m. at Rowley Park Gymnasium, 13220 Van Ness Ave., Gardena. This Election affects Gardena residents who live within District 62 and is for one day only.
Residents who live north of Rosecrans Ave., you can Vote by Mail: Ballot Drop Box Location at Rowley Park as of March 3, 2022.
2. Vaccination Pop-up Clinic, Friday, March 18, 2022, at the AADAP Corporate Office (Asian American Drug Abuse Program) located at 2900 Crenshaw Blvd. They are offering the 1st, 2nd• and Booster Shots: Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. For further information you can register at https://myturn .ca.gov/.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Michael Villalpando, 61 years old, beloved husband of Marisa Castellucci and brother in law of Mina Semenza, Gardena City Clerk;_Steven Mccann, LA County Fire Captain who was 48 years of age.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:20 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, March 22, 2022.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
~~
T~sha Cerda, Mayor
By: /Upt /<Jmwuy
Becky Romero , Deputy City Clerk
10