1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, May 10, 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: 35 PM on Tuesday, May 10, 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 present: 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
Yuna Abad and Valerie Pedroza led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both Yuna and Valerie attend 153rd Street Elementary School. Yuna was chosen because she attends class every day, she completes her work on time and is always willing to try her best. Valerie was chosen because she has great leadership skills and is responsible, creative, resilient, and always willing to help.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A 53rd Municipal City Clerks Week - Highlights - to be given by City Clerk Mina Semenza - Video Presentation was made by City Clerk Mina Semenza. She thanked all staff/employees for a wonderful time. Mayor Cerda commended staff for their creativity.
5.B Introduction of VIP Dance & Nutrition in recognition of the National Small Business Week - In celebration of National Small Business Week, Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi came into the meeting and recognized business owner Vanessa Olea, CEO of VIP Dance and Nutrition. Ms. Olea was not available, but her daughter Daira Gonzalez spoke on her behalf and thanked Mayor, Council Members, and staff for the recognition. Mayor Cerda expressed her appreciation.
2 6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
6.B Public Works Week - May 15 through May 21, 2022
- was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
6.C Provider Appreciation Day - May 06, 2022
- was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
7. APPOINTMENTS
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, April 26, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, May 10, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
May 10, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12161- 12165; Prepay: 167223- 167229; Check Nos:
167230 -167395 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,017,075.11 Total Payroll Issued for May 6, 2022: $1,563,436.13.
8.D Personnel Report P-2022-9 5-10-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6574, Re affirming Proclamation and Resolution No. 6441, which declared the Existence of a Local Emergency
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6574
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIT Y OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REAFFIRMING PROCLAMATION
AND RESOLUTION 6441 WHICH DECLARED THE
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
8.F RESOLUTION NO. 6575, 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. 6575
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.G Ratify Administrative Approval of the Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Nine
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 8.C:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.C CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, May 10, 2022 - This Item was pulled by Council Members Francis
Council Member Francis commented on the following: number of Business License renewals refunds; refunds for citation overpayments; a per mit refund of $3,000 and two (2) for $2,000; she asked if there are glitches or a problem with the system or are these in-house errors; do we have a tracking system; she also asked about the C al Card statement and how it operates; she noticed that the number of charges vary; how are purchases charged; wants to confirm that the expenditures are appropriate.
City Manager Osorio answered all Council Member Francis’s questions regarding the refunds and explained the use of the credit cards and how each department has its charges come out of its own budget. He confirmed that Cal Cards are credit cards that are authorized by the City and everything on the voucher list is not out of the ordinary; these items have been budgeted and approved by the City Council during the budget cycle. Also, the voucher list show charges that we've had from the previous month that the City has paid for and is reconciled back to the system. He also explained in detail that one of the main functions of the City Council is to approve a budget for the entire year and different methods are used.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.C:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Kaskanian , Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
4 10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A May 3, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Traci Saruwatari, Community Organizer for ADAAP and Chair of GDAAP; she extended her gratitude for the Prescription Take Back Event for partnering with Gardena Police Department and Chief Saffell. She also shared that they were able to collect 163 pounds of prescription drugs - unused and expired medication. It was a successful event and the LA DEA was on site as well. She looks forward to partnering with the City, Gardena Police Department, and the DEA. She also wanted to make residents aware that there is a permanent drop-off box in front of the Police Department and some pharmacies like Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS have drop boxes as well. Mayor Cerda was very pleased to hear that she had a very successful event.
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11.A Amendment to Contract between CALPERS Board of Administration and City of Gardena
a. RESOLUTION NO. 6576 , Adopting the Resolution of Intention to Approve an Amendment to the Contract between Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement Systems and the City of Gardena b. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 1842 , Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the Board of Administration the California Public Employees' Retirement System ("CALPERS") and the City of Gardena
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
RESOLUTION NO. 6576
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADPOTING THE RESOLUTION
OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT
SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF GARDENA
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. 6576:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
5 ORDINANCE NO.1842
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM (“CALPERS”) AND
THE CITY OF GARDENA
Council Member Kaskanian introduced Ordinance No. 1842
It was moved by Council Member Francis , seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1842:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – No Items
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 – No Items
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 if he can get the cost to mail-out a one-page survey with return postage to the households in our community, to get an accurate number of how many households have internet connection. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
Council Member Kaskanian asked if it is known; how many households we will be send surveys to?
6 Council Member Francis
1. Asked for a follow -up regarding her last directive for the electronic signs at Rowley and Mas Fukai park s: can they be repaired or replaced? City Manager Osorio responded that they slated that for replacement rather than repair because the technology is older. He also asked for additional time to produce the memo since staff is working on developing a replacement CIP budget.
2. She thanked City Manager for the CARES Act Memo. She noticed that the funding for the businesses is gone. She asked about rental relief and if there is any more money in this account. City Manager Osorio stated that you have to have been negatively impacted before you can qualify - the program is very strict. She also asked if we have a plan in place to make our residents aware of the available funds. City Manager Osorio confirm that the city is doing its best to inform everyone of the COVID Rental Relief funds: using multiple outlets such as social media, the Honda Billboard and City events. Mayor Cerda added that Spectrum broadcasted the information on TV.
3. Asked for a list of consultants that we currently work with and f or a performance matrix/status report. She stated that she would provide a list of specific consultants that she is referring to. City Manager Osorio informed her that the City has a numerous amount of consultants and it will take a voluminous amount of time to produce the report that is being requested. He asked if she could narrow the list of consultants to what she is referring to.
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. Report regarding the COVID 19 Policies that were develop through the past two years which includes prevention program protocols for exposure; cleaning and disinfecting etc., a voluminous report.
2. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events:
• "Gardena On The Go" Trip to Cirque Du Soleil at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Friday April 29, 2022.
• Join Us for Our First-Ever Mariachi and Maracas, Saturday, April 30, 2022. • The City of Gardena Food Truck & Street Fiesta presents The Inaugural Salsa Showdown, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at City Hall Complex. • Gardena Family Childcare - Provider Appreciation Dinner. • Ministerial Association Meeting & Lunch, Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Nakaoka Community Center.
• 35
th Annual Bonsai Exhibit & Sale – Serenity through Bonsai; May 7 and 8, 2022 at Ken Nakaoka Community Center.
Upcoming Events:
• 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.
7 • 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.
• 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. • 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, May 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center, for questions please call (310)217-9537. • Free Youth Baseball & Softball Skills Clinics. Clinic registration begins Friday, May 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m., www.cityofgardena.org/events; ages: 6 -12. Baseball Clinic at Thornburg Park: Mondays & Wednesday: May 16, 18, 23, 25 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Softball Clinic at Freeman Park: Tuesdays & Thursdays: May 17, 19, 24, 26 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. For more information 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
.
• Gardena Youth in Government Day! The program's goal is simply to develop an awareness in youth about how their city functions and assists its citizens in the community.
• "Gardena On The Go" Trip to the LA County Fair, Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Departure 10:00 a.m., Estimated return 5:00 p.m. $25 per person, purchase your ticket in the Senior Bureau Offi ce or online www.cityofgardena.org/events to reserve your spot today!
• City of Gardena is hosting a Summer UCLA Blood Drive on Thursday, Jun e 2, 2022; 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ruch Gym.
• Bring It On The BLVD Downtown Street Fair, Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join Us between Berendo Avenue to Vermont Avenue - Gardena Blvd.
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 gardenajazzfestival.com/tickets. Stay tuned for artist announcements on our social media pages!
• Save the Date - Gardena 12th Annual Food, Wine & Brew; Saturday, September 24, 2022, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Gardena City Hall Complex.
3. Video - 2022 Budget Forum. Come and Join us at City Hall on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. City Manager Osorio encourages everybody to come out and participate in the budget process because that is first and foremost their right as a community member to get informed and ask questions.
Follow-up to Council Member Francis directive regarding reader boards at Mas Fukai and Rowley Park. Director of Public Works Allan Rigg provided the cost information to City Manager Osorio which was $55,000.00 each reader board to be replace.
Mayor Cerda thanked Allan Rigg for being a dedicated employee while on vacation and City Manager for working on the budget forum. She believes that the event is great and unique in the fact that our City is so transparent and sharing with the 8 community how money is spent in the City of Gardena, especially when you see so much nonsense on social media of people implying th at we mismanage funds here in the City of Gardena. City Manager added that the budget will be discuss during the Finance Committee Meeting on Thursday and then again during the regular Council Meeting and then during the Budget Forum on June 1st, and we also have the transparency portal on our City website.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting, Council Member Francis attended the Mariachi and Maracas c elebration. She thanked Chief Saffell and Tracy Saruwatari for the D rug Takeback event. Council Member Francis also complimented the Salsa Showdown event. She shared a few words in Spanish, shared May 10 th is Mother’s Day in Mexico and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. She then mentioned that May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month and shared it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our Asian Americans and mentioned C ity leaders. She named Congressman Norm Mineta as the first Asian American Transportation Secretary , who funded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Congressional Caucus in Washington D.C. Lastly, she mentioned that Asian hate has not gone away and urged everyone to make sure there’s equity for everyone.
2) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA - Since the last meeting, he attended the Mariachi and Maracas event, and mentioned he is hoping the City could do the parade next year and have it go from Gardena Blvd to City Hall; he then thanked Recreation staff for the great event. He attended a memorial in Sacramento for Toshio Hirai; a great time to be with his Mom, Dad, Wife, Son, and Chris. Also attended a homeless task force with the COG, a ministerial lunch, an event in Downey for Kiwanis club students who received hundreds of thousands of dollars, the GTrans bus rodeo, and thanked Director Crespo and his staff for the event. He was also invited to South County labor breakfast. He s hared Armando received an award, shared a few words about him , and recognized his accomplishments. Sat with Maxine Waters and Mike Feuer during t he meeting. Also attended the COG’s Steering Committee B oard Meeting and COG’s Board Meeting.
Wished Happy Birthday to City Manager Osorio and GTrans Director Ernie Crespo.
Lastly, asked that Norman Mineta’s name be added to Remembrances.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER KASKANIAN - Since the last meeting, Council Member Kaskanian attended the bus rodeo and thanked staff for the great event. Also attended the Mariachis and Maracas event and thanked everyone who attended. Lastly, wished all Central America and Latin America a Happy Mother’s Day, shared a few words in Spanish, and mentioned mothers can’t be replaced.
4) M AYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting, she attended Gardena on the Go Cirque de Soleil and thanked Senior Citizens Bureau for organizing the event. Mayor Cerda also attended the Mariachi and Maracas event and thanked everyone involved; she mentioned that Anthony Dixon won the salsa contest ; she t hanked the Parks and Recreation Department and mentioned they are the best party planners. She a ttended the 44
th Annual California Peace Officer Ceremony Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento where they honored Toshio Hirai, she thanked the honor guards Gonsalves, Dixon, and Searle, and the Polic e Department staff for making it happen. Also, attended the Sanitation Directors meeting, LAUSD superintendent 100 days of planning meeting with the superintendent was present via Zoom, GTrans picnic thanked Director Crespo and thanked the directors that participated in the dunk tank