1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, April 26, 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 7:04 PM on Tuesday, April 26, 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 7:06 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 ; Director of Community Development Greg Tsujiuchi; and Outside Counsel Amanda Pope.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
City of Gardena v. Marine Avenue Investments, LLC, etc., L.A. Sup. Ct. Case No. 22TRCP00041
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Edwardo Vargas vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ11869883; ADJ11449176
2.C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Louie Schwartz vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ9043150, ADJ9199118
2.D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Vanessa Reveter vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ7151609, ADJ7042022, ADJ9764617, ADJ7042820
2 Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8:05 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.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Courtney Preston and Kaylee Houston led the Pledge of Allegiance. Courtney and Kaylee both attend 156th Street School and are currently in the 6th Grade.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A City of Gardena's June 7, 2022 Election Presentation - Presentation was made by City Clerk Mina Semenza
5.B Boards & Commissions Update - Beautification Commission - Council Member Francis provided update.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Older Americans Month" – was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
6.B 53rd Annual Municipal Clerk's Week, May 1-7, 2022
- was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda. The Proclamation was accepted by City Clerk Mina Semenza.
6.C "Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" - April 24, 2022 - was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
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, March 22, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
Mayor Cerda read into record the correct date for Approve Minutes:
Regular meeting of the City Council, April 12, 2022
3 8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 26, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
April 26, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12152 -12160; Prepay: 167034; Check Nos: 167035 -167222 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,757,705.49 Total Payroll Issued for April 22, 2022: $1,980,540.80.
8.D Personnel Report P-2022-8 4-26-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6573, 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. 6573
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 Amendment 02 to Local Agreement CCTR - 1084 with the California Department of Social Services for additional funding of the Gardena Family Child Care Program
CONTACT: RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Speaker: Wanda Love, commented on Item 8.C Warrants/Payroll Register, regarding the amount of Business License Renewals Refunds.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, 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.C and 8.F:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , and Council Members Kaskanian and Francis
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.C CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 26, 2022 This Item was pulled by Council Members Francis and Henderson.
Council Member Francis voiced her curiosity regarding the number of Business License Renewals Refunds. City Manager Osorio explained that it was done in house and typically refunded if forms are filled out incorrectly, these are usually staggered in a course of few months , but was done all at once, and that it was nothing special.
Council Member Francis shared she received concerns from businesses on the 4 process and asked there was anything that can be done to streamline the system. City Manager Osorio responded by saying most of the complaint were on processing the business license renewals; we made changes inhouse by adding couple interns to help process the manual labor in a timely manner. He said streamlining the system is a big undertaking; we are limited in the process with the ERP system. He informed her that the system wil l not be supported in few years and Admin Services has did their due diligence by saving money on the side for the new system.
Council Member Henderson asked City Manager Osorio if we can mail out instructions or create a YouTube video and post it on our website to fill out the form properly. City Manager said the instructions are included on the form. He said these errors are not unusual and they will have to recalculate and will be issued refunds. Council Member Henderson asked if it was worth the time to create a video. City Manager said 36 out of 7000 business is a minimal amount and that he will think of ways to lower the number of errors being made.
8.F RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - Approve Amendment 02 to Local Agreement CCTR-1084 with the California Department of Social Services for additional funding of the Gardena Family Child Care Program
This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis.
Council Member Francis asked if it was an increase in funding and if we had to amend every year. She also asked if we would expand our programs and if the service providers get an increase also. City Manager Osorio confirmed that it is increase funding, programs are typically expanded, and service providers will get a raise, all due to inflation . Council Member Francis asked if this item would come back to Council. City Manager Osorio said no, it will come back if there is another increase.
Public Speaker : Charisse, a childcare provider with the City of Gardena, asked what age range applies to $51.55 to $62.66 rate change.
City Manager Osorio said the formulas were still being worked on and the providers will be contacted.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Items 8.C and 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , and Council Members Henderson and Kaskanian
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A April 19, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Traci Saruwatari, made all Council Members aware of the Prescription Take Back Event that is taking place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of the Gardena Police Department. All residents are encouraged to dispose of all unused and expired medication.
5 2. Wanda Love, she expressed her concerns regarding a social media post in refere nce to the spending of public funds. She also asked about City Treasurer, Ingrid. She asked who is the public oversight when it comes to keeping an eye on public funds.
City Attorney Vasquez addressed the issue with regards to City Treasurer presence; there is no government code or requirement unlike the elected City Councilmembers. With regards to the City Manager’s vehicle, it is part of City Manager’s agreement to have access to a city owned vehicle. City Manager Osorio addressed the question of who in the public is overseeing the spendings, he said approximately 60,000 residents and the five Council Members oversees and have access to view all the warrants. He stated that the purchases or leases of vehicles were not made with city tax dollars but were made with AQMD funds.
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
12.A PUBLIC HEARING : ORDINANCE NO. 1840 : Adopting Chapter 18.74 to Title 18, Zoning, of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Reasonable Accommodations Policy and Procedures and Directing Staff to File a Notice of Exemption from California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption.
ORDINANCE NO. 1840
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 18.74 TO TITLE 18,
ZONING, OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY AND
PROCEDURES
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Community Development Director Greg Tsujiuchi was available for any questions.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:57 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
No Public Speakers
There was a discussion that included our City Council Members and our City Attorney.
Some of the items discussed were which properties would receive reasonable accommodations, zoning codes and policies , variances for existing buildings, who pays for the accommodations. City Attorney Vasquez said it applies to all properties; we will have a procedure as being required from us to let the community know and to assist them; costs for the accommodations can be worked between the landlord and the tenants. City Attorney Vasquez shared the Ordinance will be posted on our website and forms will be available at CDD.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:01 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka introduced Ordinance No. 1840.
6 It was moved by Council Member Kaskanian, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to approve the Introduction of Ordinance No. 1840:
Ayes: Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
13.A Financial Transparency Dashboard
City Manager Osorio presented a Power Point.
City Manager shared they only spent $300 in putting together the dashboard and commended Khoi Quach. The entire Council gave kudos to the Finance Department.
13.B COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE
14.A PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 1841, Adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy of the City of Gardena, California Governing the Use of Military Equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481
ORDINANCE NO. 1841
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A MILITARY EQUIPMENT
USE POLICY OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT PURSUANT
TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Police Chief Mike Saffell and Captain Osorio were available for any questions.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:16 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
Police Chief Mike Saffell presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Speakers:
Sherelle Diggs, voiced her concerns about military equipment, and said we need to start thinking about people and not hardness. She asked if we had no-knock warrants.
Police Chief Mike Saffell said we do not utilize no -knock warrants in the City of Gardena. He also informed about the services offered by the police department and clarified the different types of equipment and their uses. 7 There was a discussion that included our Mayor , Council Members and City Attorney. Some of the items discussed were Council Member Kaskanian asked about which Assembly member introduced this item; if we need to be transparent about the inventory and if it was logical ; consequences of not being transparent ; do we budget to purchase guns or equipment every year . Police Chief Saffell responded that there are big concerns in doing so ; said he has resources to replenish as needed. City Attorney stated that if we do not adopt the policy , it will prohibit the police department from using any of the equipment. Council Member Francis said when she thinks of military equipment, she thinks of war; asked about the policy if not adopted; the source of purchase; possession of equipment from the list on AB481; training component; complaints and its process; annual report on the weapons; audits; and if other mutual agencies need to have the same Ordinance. Chief Saffell answered all her questions. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka said we not only need to protect our personnel, but our personnel need to have the right equipment to protect our community; gave a history of Gardena Police Department with the use of the equipment and how they were used in a proper manner. Council Member Henderson asked about mutual aid ; he suggested updating older equipment; said he appreciated the report. Captain Osorio added explanation regarding the budget.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:52 p.m.
Council Member Henderson introduced Ordinance No. 1841.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to approve the Introduction of Ordinance No. 1841:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
15.A Approve Consultation Contract for HF&H Consultants, LLC to Monitor the Solid Waste Contract and Manage Senate Bill 1383 Requirements for the City of Gardena.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Director of Public Works Allan Rigg, was available for any questions.
Council Member Kaskanian ask ed if we would pay out of pocket and if we need a consultant company. City Manager Osorio answered no we do not pay out of pocket and the consultant is needed to oversee WRG. Council Member Francis asked if we contracted with them before; if it includes 3% raise every January; about reports that 8 will be generated; education and assistance for others; staff vs. consultant. City Manager, City Attorney and Consultant Debbie Morris answered Council Member Francis’s questions. Mayor Cerda said it will be a learning experience.
It was moved by Council Member Kaskanian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and by the following vote to Approve Consulting Contract:
Ayes: Council Member Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
At 10:12 p.m. Mayor Cerda excused herself from the Council Meeting and Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka proceeded with the meeting.
15.B RESOLUTION NO. 6554, Approving the Engineer's Report for the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2022-2023, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments under the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscaping Assessment District for fiscal year 2022 -2023, and setting a time and place for hearing protests in relation thereto (Public Hearing: May 24, 2022)
RESOLUTION NO. 6554
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S
REPORT FOR THE GARDENA ARTESIA BOULEVARD
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2022-2023, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS UNDER THE GARDENA ARTESIA BOULEVARD
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR 2022 -2023, AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR
HEARING PROTESTS IN RELATION THERETO (PUBLIC
HEARING: May 24, 2022)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Kaskanian asked how about Normandie to Vermont. City Manager Osorio said it is not a part of the assessment district and to form another district it would have to go before the Council , conduct a Public Hearin g, contact affected business property owners, and a vote would be needed. Council Member Francis asked if it was an annual assessment.
At 10:17 p.m. Mayor Cerda proceeded with the meeting.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6554:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson , Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9 15.C RESOLUTION NO. 6555 , Approving the Engineer's Report for the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting Assessment District for fiscal year 2022-2023, declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments under the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting District for fiscal year 2022 -2023, and setting a time and place for hearing protests in relation thereto (Public Hearing: May 24, 2022)
RESOLUTION NO. 6555
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S
REPORT FOR THE GARDENA CONSOLIDATED STREET
LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 -
2023, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS UNDER THE GARDENA CONSOLIDATED
STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR
2022-2023 AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING
PROTESTS IN RELATION THERETO (PUBLIC HEARING: May 24,
2022)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6555:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis, Henderson and Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
17.A Approve Purchase of 14, 40-foot Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses for $11,763,501 and Authorize Program Total of $12,351,676
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Transportation Director Ernie Crespo was available for any questions.
There was a discussion between Council Member Francis , City Manager Osorio, Director Ernie Crespo regarding prior approval of buses ; replacement programs; different dates on the contract; increase in cost of buses; and if cost of software will be included in cost.
It was moved by Council Member Kaskanian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Purchase and Program Total:
10 Ayes: Council Member Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , Council Members Henderson and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17.B Approve Fuel Contract Increases with Pinnacle Petroleum and Clean Energy for the Purchase of Gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for FY22
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Transportation Director Ernie Crespo was available for any questions.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Fuel Contract Increases:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
18. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
1) Received a letter from Los Angeles Southwest College, requesting a support letter from City of Gardena to send to Congresswoman Maxine Waters for Allied Health Center and LASC Foundation Latter Program they would like to implement at their school. He asked City Attorney to take a look at sample letters and to give support initiative to Los Angeles Southwest College. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
2) Have Public Works check with Southern California Edison for photovoltaic structure over the parking lot adjacent to Rush Gym and putting in electric charging stations in the parking lot . Seconded by Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio and Mayor Cerda informed Council Member Henderson they are in the works already.
Council Member Francis
1) Spoke to former Gardena Police Color Guard Officer Gonsalves and found out he works with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She asked to bring back the Vietnam Veterans Memorial back to the City of Gardena. Council Member Kaskanian seconded it.
2) She is concerned about the Covid-19 cases among our staff and asked what our safety protocol was to keep our staff safe. Seconded by Council Member Henderson.
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:
11 1. Memo regarding the Public Transparency Update.
2. Memo regarding the CARES Act Update.
3. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events:
• Co-Ed Youth Soccer and Youth Futsal Skills Clinics “FREE”; Soccer Clinics at Johnson Park on Wednesday, April 13, 2022; Futsal Clinic at Freeman Park on Thursday, April 14, 2022. For more information call (310)217-9537. • 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.
• 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.
• 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). • 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. • 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 at www.cityofgardena.org/events or call (310)217-9537.
• 35th Annual Bonsai Exhibit & Sale – Serenity through Bonsai; May 7 and 8, 2022 at Ken Nakaoka Community Center. For more information call Doyle Saito at (310)539-9265 or visit bit.ly/DIBK-FB.
• Gourmet Chef Fest & Show and Shine Car Exhibit at Rowley Park on Saturday, May 14, 2022; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Save the Date! Healthy Pet Clinic, Sunday, Ma y 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center, for questions please call (310)217 - 9537.
• Kids to Park Day – Join Us Saturday, May 21, 2022; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Arthur Lee Johnson Park. For more information call (310)217-9537 or visit www.cityofgardena.org/events.
• Join Us as We Celebrate Older Americans Month – 2nd Annual Fun in the Senior Day, Thursday, May 12, 2022; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex Lawn. Register by calling the Senior Bureau at (310)217 -9552 or online at www.cityofgardena.org/events.
• Dance Classes at Freeman Par k. Class Sessions Available, May, June, & July 2022. Registration begins on Friday, April 22, 2022 ; online at www.cityofgardena.org/events; In-Person: Nakaoka Community Center. 12 • Karate for All Ages at Tho rnburg Park. Class Sessions Available: May, June, & July 2022 ; Registration Begins on Friday, April 22, 2022 ; Online:
www.cityofgardena.org/events; In-Person: Nakaoka Community Center. • Senior Exercise Class . Classes begin Monday, May 9, 2022, at Rush Gymnasium. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. If you have any questions call (310)217-9552.
• City of Gardena is hosting a Summer UCLA Blood Drive on Thursday, June 2, 2022; 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ruch Gym.
• 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.
• City of Gardena Jazz Festival, Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Rowley Park.
Tickets Sales Begin Monday, May 2, 2022 . To purchase tickets, visit www.gardenajazzfestival.com/tickets. Stay tuned for artist announcements on our social media pages!
• City Manager Osorio wished Transportation Director Ernie Crespo a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Cerda wished Transportation Director Ernie Crespo a Happy Birthday including City Manager Osorio. She also expressed her appreciation for all City staff and her colleagues.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON
Council Member Henderson thanked staff for the WIFI study at Rowley Park. Since the last meeting he attended the LA Biz Fed meeting, District meeting, AQMD meeting regarding possible resources, KIP Academy meeting, Earth Day event , and attended a listening party with his daughter Markesha Henderson she spoke on Women’s Reproductive Health and Support interview with KBLA 1580. Lastly, hope everyone had a Happy Easter
2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS
Since the last meeting Council Member Francis attended the Easter Egg Hunt, 70th Anniversary of the Greater Vector Control District, Earth Day at Johnson Park; Under the Sea Bingo, got to ride with the Easter Bunny on the trolley, and Spring Yard sale at Mas Fukai. Council Member Francis thanked commission members and thanked the Easter Bunny. She also announced Mariachi & Maracas Event and Take Back Prescription Drug Back Day. She also urged everyone that is turning 18 years old to please register to vote as the Election is on June 7th. Lastly, encouraged everyone to keep going as better days are ahead.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA
Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka attended the Easter Bunny on the trolley, Senior Bingo Under the Sea; on good Friday he m arried two staff members from Finance, baptized his aunt and uncle on Saturday, SBCOG Spa 8 meeting, and employee breakfast. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka thanked Director Santin for the food as the Recreation staff cooked. He also shared he attended Coffee with a Cop and attended the promotion of Lt. Alex Rivera. Lastly, wished a Happy Birthday to Director Ernie and Happy Birthday to City Manager Clint.
13 4) MAYOR CERDA
Mayor Cerda missed a couple of events because she was under the weather but thanked Council Member Francis for attending the Vector Control meeting and presenting the certificate. Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the Human Services Commissioner King Nat’s swearing in, Etch and Catch event with the Gardena Police Department, Earth Day event an d walked through the willows. Mayor Cerda met a gentleman who spoke about the Gardena Police Department and shared he was treated with utmost respect and courteous and was very happy to hear those comments. Mayor Cerda also attended a leader’s event at Gar dena Environmental Charter School. Mayor Cerda had the opportunity to attend Lt. Rivera’s pinning ceremony. She also shared last night Mayor Cerda ran into a new police officer and remembered he started as a Cadet with the Police Explorers and hopes in the future other departments can offer similar programs. Lastly, wished City Manager and the Transportation Director a Happy Birthday.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN
Since the last meeting Council Member Kaskanian attended the Bunny Trolley and stopped by a few restaurants and coffee shops. Also attended, Under the Sea Bingo, Coffee with a Cop, Employee Breakfast congratulated new hires and promoted employees, and Etch and Catch event. Lastly, Council Member Kaskanian read a quote written by William Saroyan, “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures h ave crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing, and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” Council Member Kaskanian encouraged everyone to read William Soroyan quotes. Lastly, thanked Mayor Cerda for the Armenian Genocide Proclamation.
22. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1. City of Gardena Candidate Forum , hosted by the Torrance League of Women Voters, on Thursday, May 12, 2022 , in the Nakaoka Community Center. City Council Forum 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m; Treasurer Forum 7:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
2. 22nd Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day, Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. You can register online at www.cityofgardena.org/events.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Joseph E. Ward , 40 years old, the beloved son of Rev. John E. Ward, Sr. Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Gardena, and of Mrs. Nancy Ward, former Executive Office Assistant who retired from the City of Gardena in December 2021.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 11 :03 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 , May 10, 2022.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
~~ By: ~cl<t: ~
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
14