1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, April 12, 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 7:33 PM on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, via Zoom, 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 pres ent: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and City Clerk Mina Semenza.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Crystal Contreras led the Pledge of Allegiance. Crystal Contreras is a new Recreation Leader I for the City of Gardena. She works for one of our Afterschool Programs located at Freeman Park. She's been a Gardena resident since birth and loves that she is able to LIVE, WORK & PLAY in the City which she loves.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Certificate of Recognition to Roy Kim in Appreciation of His Service to the Community as a Member of the Human Services Commission
- Mayor Cerda expressed her gratitude and thanked Mr. Kim for serving in the Member of the Human Service Commission.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "DMV / DONATE LIFE MONTH," April 2022
- was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
Gaylynn Thomas came into the meeting and thanked Council for bringing awareness to the Community. She shared her story about donor donation.
Mayor Cerda thanked her for sharing her first-hand experience.
2 6.B "CHALLENGE THE NORM AND INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA USE ON YOUTH DAY." April 20, 2022 - was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
Proclamation was accepted by Traci Sarawatari , Advisor to G -DDAP (Gardena Drug & Alcohol Prevention) , she thanked Mayor and Council for the support. Valentina Martinez Garcia, one of her students, came into the meeting and expressed her concerns and explained her point of view regarding marijuana use in the youth community.
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Human Services Commission – Tanoh Amoa (King Nat) Jr. - was Appointed by Mayor Cerda
Tanoh Amoa (King Nat) Jr. came into the meeting and thanked Mayor Cerda and Council for his appointment to the Human Services Commission.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Tanoh Amoa (King Nat) Jr. to the Human Services Commission:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Member s Henderson, Kaskanian, and Francis
Noes: None
Absent: None
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, March 22, 2022
Special Closed Session of the City Council, March 28, 2022 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 12, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
April 12, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12141-12151; Prepay: 166794- 166798; Check Nos:
166799 -167033 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $4,321,802.06 Total Payroll Issued for March 25, 2022: $2,175,989.25. Total Payroll Issued for April 8, 2022: $1,509,085.88
8.D Monthly Portfolio, February 2022
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
3 8.E Personnel Report P-2022-7 4-12-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.F RESOLUTION NO. 6571 Amending the List of Authorized Games and Authorizing the Play of Certain Games in Licensed Card Clubs
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6571
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CI TY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE LIST OF
AUTHORIZED GAMES AND AUTHORIZING THE PLAY OF
CERTAIN GAMES IN LICENSED CARD CLUBS
8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6572, 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. 6572
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.H Award engineering design services for the Budlong Avenue and Halldale Avenue Street Improvements Project, JN985, in the amount of $123,865 to Kreuzer Consulting Group.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.I Approve Contract Increases with MACRO, a Division of Ross & Baruzzini for GTrans Scheduling and Operations Management Project and GTrans Real -Time Information Deployment Project (GRID)
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.H and 8.I:
Ayes: Council Members Francis, Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Member Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.H PUBLIC WORKS - Award engineering design services for the Budlong Avenue and Halldale Avenue Street Improvements Project, JN985, in the amount of $123,865 to Kreuzer Consulting Group.
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis ; she asked for clarification of the project; Public Works Director Allan Rigg came into the meeting and answered her question.
8.I TRANSPORTATION - Approve Contract Increases with MACRO, a Division of Ross & Baruzzini for GTrans Scheduling and Operations Management Project and GTrans Real-Time Information Deployment Project (GRID).
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis ; she asked if this contract was from a previous meeting and are the funds coming out of the general fund. Director Crespo and City Manager Osorio explained the contract and funds in detail.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Items 8.H and 8.I:
Ayes: Council Members Francis, 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 April 5, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Sherelle Diggs, resident: she wanted to let Council know about how the lights are not synchronized from RBB at Budlong, where there is always a traffic jam at Popeyes Chicken going north to Rosecrans.
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11.A Approve Contract with TCS Risk Management Services for Third Party Administrator (TPA) Selection Process for Worker's Compensation Claims Administration
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included Council regarding the Adminsure contract; if we would get penalized if we canceled it before its term date; if TCS was going to find a third-party consultant, and if so, how long does that usually take, and do they get a flat fee; and how many people is this going to affect. City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all of Council’s questions.
5 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Contract:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian, Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11.B Capital Improvement Project Update
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included Mayor and Council regarding as we get better at these grants can we see what we could do to offset some of the costs at the Rosecrans Community Center; and the deferred maintenance at the Fire Station; it was then asked if we get to record half of that facility on our balance sheet. Great praise was given to City Manager Osorio and his team; it was mentioned that a lot of these projects were under budget, even the Measure G money was a godsend; we promised to use it and we are doing just that; it was also discussed that a lot of this was long overdue; it was then asked if we could explain to the public where we are going as far as our streets our concerned; and if the Council could be notified when we get to the next number. It was also asked why Vermont is so bad and then again in Torrance. City Manager Osorio and Public Works Director Rigg gave explanations and answered all of Council’s questions.
Public Speakers: 1) Claudia; and 2) Sherelle Diggs voiced their concerns regarding our parks.
This Item was Received and Filed
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
12.A PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION 6570, Upholding the Decision of the Planning Commission Approving Site Plan Review #5-21, Conditional Use Permit #5-21, and Conditional Use Permit #6- 21 to Develop A 121- Unit Single Room Occupancy Housing Development, With Seven Affordable Units, and Two, Six-Tier Automated Parking Structures on a One- Acre Property in the M -1 (Industrial) Zone with, and Directing Staff to File A Notice of Exemption for a Class 32 In-Fill Development Or Reversing the Decision and Denying the Applications
APPLICANT: West Realty Group, Inc., Lee Johnson
LOCATION: 13126 South Western Avenue
City Manager Osorio presented the 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, and Environmental Consultant Rita Garcia were also available for any questions.
Applicant of West Realty Group, Inc., Lee Johnson, explained the purpose of the project in detailed and its benefits to the new reliable tenants. He was available for any questions.
6 Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:10 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
Public Speakers:
Claudia; Gardena Resident; Zahid Ahmed; Wanda Love; Cherise: All expressed their concerns and spoke in opposition of the project.
Sherelle Diggs, asked how residents can apply for the low -income units and why are current Gardena residents not the primary target audience.
There was a discussion that included our Mayor and our Council Members. Some of the items discussed were when did we adopt the Ordinance that approved the SRO ; and was the minimum square footage 350; Council Member Francis wanted to make a point of clarification to Mr. Johnson when she mentioned food scarcity as a factor that identified disadvantaged communities that was the sole purpose; if we move forward if we are going to get the color blue; it was stated that we are giving our residents options.
Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, Community Development Director Tsujiuchi and Senior Planner Acuna answered all of Council’s questions.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:40 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Option 2 – Make a motion to rescind the previous action on this matter denying the project and adopt Resolution No. 6570 approving the project:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Kaskanian, Henderson, 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.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
15.A Approve and authorize Director of Public Works to execute an Authorization for Crossing Improvements between the City of Gardena and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) for the Artesia Boulevard Arterial Improvement Project JN 935.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Director of Public Works Allan Rigg, was available for any questions.
Public Speaker: Zahid Ahmed came into the meeting and voiced his concerns.
7 There was a discussion which included Mayor and Council regarding hours of construction; why they can’t fix the railroad tracks near the lumberyard; if the money that is being budgeted is Measure R, Prop C, ours, or the RR; Director Rigg answered all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorized the Director of Public Works to execute an Authorization for Crossing Improvement with UPRR:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson, Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Member Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15.B Award Construction Contract for the Pedestrian Safety Improvement FY 2021- 2022 Project, JN 993, to Ruiz Concrete and Paving, Inc., in the amount of $285,635.00, Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, Approve the Project Plans & Specifications and Budget Contingency.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Public Speaker: Zahid Ahmed: came into the meeting and voiced his concerns.
Council Member Francis asked how many sites were selected and if some can be added. Public Works Director Rigg answered all of her questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Construction Contract, Declare CEQA Exemption, Approve the Project Plans and Specifications, and Approve Expenditures of Remaining Budget as Contingency:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Members Kaskanian, Henderson, 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 Kaskanian
1) Requested a Proclamation for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, observed every 24 April. Council Member Francis seconded it.
8 2) Question or Directive for City Manager Osorio: Follow- up regarding Casinos Business Interruption Insurance for loss revenue. City Manager Osorio address the directive and stated that the City received 1.7 or 1.8 million to augment the loss of revenue that the city experience during the shutdown of the Lucky Lady.
Council Member Francis
1) Asked for an update regarding the COVID relief funds for our small businesses: What businesses benefited from the funds. City Manager Osorio stated that a full report was provided in a previous meeting, and he can resubmit the report that was generated for her review.
2) Asked for an update regarding the COVID relief funds for renters. City Manager Osorio reiterated that the request was also covered, and report will be sent to her.
3) Asked is there a Plan for Reopening the City and is there a way to update our residents of when the City fully reopens with no restrictions – “back to normal”. Seconded by Mayor Cerda.
City Manager Osorio explained that when the City gets to that point all outlets will be used to make everyone aware. Council Member Henderson stated that he would like to add a PSA to inform every one of the City Council Meetings.
4) Asked about the Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Event.
5) Asked for a letter of support to Maxine Waters in support of a Grant Proposal to divide funds for Autism Therapy Services. Seconded by Council Member Henderson.
6) Asked for a letter of support for a specific organization to get a grant for California Homeless Families. Mayor Cerda asked for additional information. City Attorney asked that she send the email to all Council Members for their review.
Council Member Henderson
1) Asked if our Homeless Plan dependent on us getting funding for homelessness.
2) In regard to traffic mitigation and counter measures research, can PD look into additional counter measure possibilities for 147
th and 157th streets. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Tanaka.
3) Asked for status of Wi -Fi project for Rowley Park. City Manager Osorio stated that a report is being generated. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka added that the COG has available funds for broadband
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:
9 1. The City received 1.4 million dollars to complete the Aquatic and Senior Center Renovation Project and also held the Groundb reaking Ceremony in front of Primm Pool.
2. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events:
• Garden Party, Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 5:3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Lawn. Special guest Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
• Groundbreaking Ceremony, Community Aquatics & Senior Center on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. 1654 W. 160
th St, Gardena.
• Spring Yard Sale, Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Mas Fukai Park 15800 Brighton Ave., Gardena.
• The Easter Bunny is Hopping into Gardena. Our bunny is feeling generous and will be giving away special surprises to our community members! You may see our bunny at your favorite local eatery. Locations hints will be posted on our social media pages.
• Under the Sea Bingo, Thursday, April 14, 2022, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center Auditorium. Seniors 60+, Enjoy Lunch & Play for free to Win Prizes! Pre- register by calling the Senior Citizens Bureau at 310- 217-9552.
• 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). • Free COVID-19 Vaccinations Mobil Clinic, Tuesday, April 19, 2022, City Hall Complex Lawn, 1700 W. 162
nd St., Gardena. Please call (310)217- 9537 for an
appointment.
• 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. • Join Us for Our First -Ever Mariachi and Maracas, Saturday, April 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the City Hall Complex. Special Performances – Food – Retail Vendors – Music.
• The City of Gardena Food Truck & Street Fiesta presents The Inaugural Salsa Showdown, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at City Hall Complex. Sampling time 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Amateur (Home Made) and Professional (Restaurant). If you are interested in competing, register a t www.cityofgardena.org/events or call
(310)217-9537.
• Save the Date! Healthy Pet Clinic, Sunday, May 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center, for questions please call (310)217-9537. • Save the Date! City of Gardena’s Dodger Day, Friday, July 8, 2022. Game start time 7:10 p.m. Come enjoy a night of baseball followed by a firework show. • Save the Date! City of Gardena Jazz Festival, Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Rowley Park. Stay tuned for ticket information & artist announcements on our social media pages.
• City of Gardena Co-ed Softball, Friday Nights at Mas Fukai Park. Season begins April 22, 2022. Team registration: Friday, April 1 - Saturday, April 16, 2022. 10 Register online at www.cityofgardena.org/events ; In -person: Nakaoka Community Center 1670 W. 162nd Street, Gardena.
• Announced the new Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi.
City Manager Osorio read Mrs. Choi’s bio. Jackie came into the meeting and introduced herself.
Council Member Kaskanian had a question regarding the Under the Sea Bingo Event.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting, she attended the District 1 Neighborhood Watch Meeting; Garden Party with special guest Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Candidate Forum for the Special Election for Assembly District 62 to fill the vacancy that was previously held by the Honorable Autumn Burke. She also attended the Los Angeles Democratic Party Meeting. She welcomed our new Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi and looks forward to meeting with her. She would like to remind everyone that Spring Break is here, and we have a lot of young people around. She pointed out that in this month of April coincidently, we are celebrating Ramadan, Easter, and Passover, its unusual and does not happen often. She wished everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. She wants to encourage everyone to remain diligent and keep the family safe and healthy as we are currently stil l under this Pandemic.
2. MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA - Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem attended the tea party and thanked Congresswoman Maxine Waters, COG’s 22nd Annual General Assembly, attended funeral for Ed Russ, celebration for four of the veterans at the VFW 1961 and 3261 they were honored with quilts, attended police promotion for Sergeant Reynaga, Grand Prix at Long Beach, Aquatic Senior Center groundbreaking, Police Foundation Scholarships, COG Steering Committee Meeting, and Special COG Board Meeting. Wished everyone a great Easter.
3. COUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN - Since the last meeting Council Member Kaskanian attended the Garden Tea Party with Congresswoman Maxine Water and thanked the congresswoman, also attended Pinning ceremony for officer Biscocho, Detective Reynaga’s promotion to Sergeant, luncheon for the Gardena Police Foundation, Grand Prix at Long Beach, and the groundbreaking of the Senior Aquatics Center. Wished everyone a Happy Ramadan, Happy Passover, and Happy Easter.
4. MAYOR CERDA - Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the Garden Tea Party and thanked Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Also attended funeral services for former Mayor Ed Russ, pinning ceremony for the new officer Biscocho, promotion ceremony for Sergeant Reynaga, ICA conference, groundbreaking for the new Senior Aquatics Center, Police Foundation Scholarship luncheon and thanked City Attorney Vasquez for giving back. Also shared she attended the barbecue at the VFW and funeral services for Officer Dixon’s mother. Mayor Cerda added Cynthia Ann Evans to the remembrances.
5. COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON - Council Member Henderson welcomed Jackie Choi as the new Economic Development Manager. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the Garden Tea Party, groundbreaking at the Aquatic Senior Center, ICA conference, District 1 meeting, Responsible Governance Committee with the Los Angeles Business Federation, Business Federation University of Southern California, SKAG Regional Council Meeting, Police Foundation Lunch, and the VFW luncheon. Lastly, wished everyone a Happy Easter and encouraged everyone to embrace each other.
22. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda state that all announcements have been made under City Manager remarks.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Roy Jackson, 75 years of age, a Veteran, and a Gardena resident. Mr. Jackson was also a client of the Senior Meals Program; Mrs. Hideko Kawahara, 92 years of age, long time Gardena resident and a client of the Senior Meals Program, she is survived by her husband Herbert; Mrs. Blanca Almeida, 88 years of age, Mrs. Almeida was a client of the City of Gardena's Senior Citizen Day Care Center; Doctor Alfonso Baez, who had his medical practice in the City of Gardena, and served the Gardena community for over 40 years; and Mr. IL Koo Lee, 89 years of age, beloved grandfather of Katherine Rhee, Records Management Coordinator with the City Clerk's Office; Cynthia Ann Evans, mother of Officer Sean Dixon.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:58 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 , April 26, 2022.
APPROVED:
~ ~
T~sha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By: ~~
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
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