1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, June 28, 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 7:02 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: 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. Mayor Pro Tem started the meeting as Mayor Cerda was running late but was on her way.
At 7:03 p.m., the City Council recessed into Closed Session via Microsoft Teams, with the following in attendance: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Art Kaskanian; Council Member Paulette C.
Francis. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organizations:
1. Gardena Police Officers Association (GPOA), Matt Hassoldt, Association President
2. Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO), Vicky L. Barker, Attorney
3. Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), Fred G. Quiel, Attorney
4. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Kenneth Miller vs. City of Gardena
WCAB No.: ADJ11017715 and Judicate West Case No. A288686.
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:49p.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 Ses sion, she stated for the record 2 that Mayor Cerda arrived at 7:11p.m. and was present for both items; she then continued to say that staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action had been taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Kyle Vault was not available to do the Pledge; Council Member Art Kaskanian led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Boards & Commissions Update - Human Services Commission - Chair, LaWanda Staten provided the update and video presentation. Liaison, Dianna Espinoza was present and assisted with the presentation.
5.B National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
- Director of Communications of GLA County Vector Control District, Mary-Joy Coburn gave a presentation.
5.C SB 1383 Mandatory Organics Recycling
- Waste Resources Representative, Michelle Nicholls gave a presentation.
HF&H Consultant Debbie Morris, WRG Representative Bevan Thomas and Program Coordinator of Public Works, Hong Lee were present and available for any questions.
Council Member Francis thanked Ms. Nicholls for the presentation and mentioned that the City of L os Angeles and other cities are getting separate containers to their residents for their organics; and asked why we aren’t being provided the same service; she continued to say that her green container is full of all the greens from her garden; she also said that her sister has one, it’s a smaller container for just organic waste.
Mayor Cerda asked about the people who are mulching food and turning it into compost is that defeating the purpose because this is the pro cess WRG will be implementing; are residents getting violations for throwing away things that they could sell or donate? Mayor Cerda stated that everyone would need to participate starting on July 1st.
Council Member Kaskanian thanked Ms. Nicholls for her presentation; he then asked about commercial clients and restaurants and how they are going to separate their organic waste. He then asked if it was if it applied to all commercial.
Ms. Nicholls, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Morris answered all of Council’s questions.
5.D Certificate of Recognition to Carlos Lifosjoe in appreciation of his service to the community as a Member of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission - Item tabled to a later date.
5.E Presentation of the Business Welcome Packet
3 - Economic Development M anager, Jackie Choi gave a presentation an d explained the contents of the Business Welcome Packet.
Council Member Kaskanian thanked, Ms. Choi for the great presentation and asked; have we done something like this previously?
Mayor Cerda commented that she remembers that PD did a welcome packet.
Ms. Choi replied that she has not seen anything printed from our division.
City Manager Osorio added, no this has never been done before, and thanked Jackie for the presentation.
6. PROCLAMATIONS - None
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission - Joshua Bettencourt - was Appointed by City Manager Clint Osorio
City Manager Osorio explained that Carlos Lifsojoe resigned from his position.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Joshua Bettencourt to the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Kaskanian, Henderson and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A Approve Minutes:
Regular Meeting of the City Council, June 14, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.B Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning & Environmental Quality Commission, May 17, 2022 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVLEOPMENT
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, June 28, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
June 28, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12183 -12192; Prepay: 167775 -167781; Check Nos:
167782 -167984 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2 ,678,229.00 Total Payroll Issued for June 17, 2022: $2,050,719.39.
4 8.D Monthly Investment Portfolio, May 2022
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.E Personnel Report P-2022-12 6-28-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.F RESOLUTION NO. 6590, Re affirming Proclamation and Resolution No. 6441, which declared the Existence of a Local Emergency
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6590
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REAFFIRMING PROCLAMATION AND
RESOLUTION 6441 WHICH DECLARED THE EXISTENCE OF A
LOCAL EMERGENCY
8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6591 , 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 Commission s, Committees and Boards subject to State open meeting laws.
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6591
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 Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Award Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.I Appointments of Representatives to the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB)
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.J RESOLUTION NO. 6569, Authorizing the Director of Public Works or City Engineer to execute Right -of-Way Certifications and to sign Federal -Aid funding documents associated with grant funding allocations pursuant to Master Agreement No. 07 - 5276F15 between the City of Gardena and the State of California CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
5 RESOLUTION NO. 6569
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS OR CITY ENGINEER TO
EXECUTE RIGHT OF WAY CERTIFCATION S AND TO SIGN
FEDERAL-AID FUNDING DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH
GRANT FUNDING ALLOCATIONS PURSUANT TO MASTER
AGREEMENT NO. 07 -5276F15 BETWEEN THE CITY OF
GARDENA AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
8.K Acceptance and Notic e of Completion for the Rowley Park Baseball Diamond Restroom Rehabilitation Project, JN 968
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 and 8.J:
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.H COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Authorizing the City Manager to Approve the Award Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Transit Oriented Communities Technical Assistance Program - This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Members Francis asked if there’s money attached to this; she asked about the technical assistance and if we’ve been designated as a transit-oriented community; and asked which area this would take place at; she then asked about objective standards and who gets a copy of the final report.
Council Member Henderson will we be able to increase the amount once the development goes up on El Segundo and Crenshaw?
Council Member Kaskanian asked how much money can be requested for this grant; he then asked how much did we spend?
City Manager Osorio and Director of Community Development Greg Tsujiuchi came into the meeting and answered Council Member Francis’ questions.
8.J PUBLIC WORKS - RESOLUTION NO. 6569, Authorizing the Director of Public Works or City Engineer to execute Right -of-Way Certifications and to sign Federal -Aid funding documents associated with grant funding allocations pursuant to Master Agreement No. 07-5276F15 between the City of Gardena and the State of California. - This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
6 Council Member Francis asked if there is money tied to this project and how much are we receiving; she then asked about the executing of Right of Way Certifications?
City Manager Osorio and Di rector of Public Works, Allan Rigg were available and answered all of Council Member Francis’ questions.
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.J:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Henderson , Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , Council Member Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A JUNE 21, 2022 MEETING
Conditional Use Permit #4-22
The Planning Commission considered a request for a conditional use permit to allow the use of an adult day care facility within an existing medical and professional office building located in the General Commercial (C -3) zone, which qualified for an exemption from CEQA as an existing facility. APPLICANT: David Kim LOCATION: 1045 Redondo Beach Boulevard
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 9- 22, approving Conditional Use Permit #4-22 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval and directing staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council)
Council Member Francis called for review – no second.
This Item was Received and Filed
10.B JUNE 21, 2022 MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #5 -21, ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #2 -21, ZONE CHANGE #1 -21, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #1 -21, SITE PLAN #3 -21 The Planning Commission considered the following for the redevelopment of an existing U -Haul facility on a 4.2 acre site: ZTA #2 -21 to amend the Gardena Municipal Code Section 18.34.030, to allow for greater ground floor street frontage for self-storage facilities in the Heavy Commercial (C -4) zone; ZC #1-21 to change the current zone of General Commercial (C-3) with a Mixed-Use Overlay (MUO) to C -4 with an MUO; CUP #1 -21 to allow the use of a self -storage facility within the C-4 zone; SPR #3-21 to approve the proposed site plan to develop a new 177,573 gross square foot, five -story self-storage facility to the northern portion of th e site and a separate 8,000 square-foot single-story building for retail sales and office use within the southern portion; and adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) (EA #5 -21). APPLICANT:
AMERCO Real Estate Company/U-Haul LOCATION: 14206 Van Ness Avenue
7 Commission Action: The Planning Commission continued the item to a future meeting, which will be re-noticed in the Gardena Valley News and new mailers will be sent to all properties within a 300-foot radius of the project site.
City Council Action: No action required.
This item was tabled to a future meeting - City Attorney Vasquez informed everyone that this item has not been continued to a set date of the PEQC.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) City Clerk Mina Semenza, noted for the record the email received by a member of the public and that it has been forwarded to the City Council.
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11.A PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6589, Adopting the City of Gardena's Two - Year Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023 And 2023-2024
RESOLUTION NO. 6589
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR SAID CITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS JULY 1, 2022, TO AND INCLUDING
JUNE 30, 2023, AND JULY 1, 2023, TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 2024
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report and Power Point Presentation.
Director of Administrative Services, Ray Beeman was available for any questions.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:18 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
Council Member Francis thanked City Manager Osorio for the presentation and asked what it means if a budget is structurally balanced, and the 40% reserve is that unusual for a city of our size, are we a lean budget; how has the budget so prepared us so that we will be able to survive a recession?
Council Member Henderson thanked City Manager Osorio for the report and acknowledged that now we are at a modest rate; if we get a large liability; what does that look like to our financial reputation with our bonds, and what does that do to our bond rating?
City Manager Osorio answered all of Council Members Francis and Henderson’s questions.
No Public Speakers.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:27 p.m.
8 It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Budget Resolution No. 6589:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Kaskanian and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11.B RESOLUTION NO. 6588 , Acknowledging the Receipt and Filing of the Annual Statement of Investment Policy for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023
RESOLUTION NO. 6588
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT AND
FILING OF THE ANNUAL STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Kaskanian, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6588:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Kaskanian, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11.C RESOLUTION NO. 6587, Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (GANN Limit)
RESOLUTION NO. 6587
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ITS
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 -2023 (GANN
Limit)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:32 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
Council Member Francis asked if the City Manager could explain in layman’s terms does this mean we can’t spend more than $132 million.
City Manager Osorio answered Council Member Francis’ question.
No Public Speakers.
9 There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:34 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Resolution No. 6587 which establishes the City's Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 at $132,903,741 as required by Article XII (B) of the California Constitution:
Ayes: Council Member s Henderson and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka , Council Member Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11.D Authorization to Bind Excess Insurance Coverage Policies for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023
City Manager Osorio presented Staff Report.
Council Member Francis asked if these are companies we have used before and if our childcare network is covered as well; and then confirmed this is for city employees only.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all of Council Member Francis’ questions
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize City Manager to Purchase and Bind Excess Insurance Coverage:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson, Kaskanian and Francis, 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.
13.B First Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement and RESOLUTION NO. 6592, Adopting the City of Gardena Classification and Compensation Plan, effective June 28, 2022.
10 RESOLUTION NO. 6592
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AD OPTING CITY OF GARDENA
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN, EFFECTIVE
JUNE 28, 2022
City Attorney Vasquez presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Henderson thanked City Manager Osorio for his work in getting us through COVID, structure liability a good fiduciary steward especially navigating thru COVID.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka added, I think we all owe the C ity Manager Osorio a lot of gratitude to go from 2019 with no benefit raise until now and work as hard and diligently as has; we all thank you for what you’ve done.
Council Member Kaskanian echoed his colleagues: Clint a job well done we have the proof in front of us the city has 45%; the most difficult thing we did going thru COVID; we do need a person like you in th e city who is good with the numbers, I commend you a job well done. You deserve everything.
Council Member Francis thanked City Manager Osorio for all he has done for the City of Gardena; it’s 5% per year or one time 5%; City Attorney Vasquez confirmed it was a one time; C ouncil Member Francis commented that she did her research, and we are comparable to other cities when it comes to City Manager’s. servant’s pay: I think you have saved us that much than what we are contributing towards your salary.
Mayor Cerda congratulated him on a job well done.
City Manager Osorio spoke and thanked everyone.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement and Adopt Resolution No. 6592:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and Council Member s Henderson, Kaskanian, and Francis
Noes: None
Absent: None
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
11 19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
1. Asked for an update on the park electric signs. Council Member Kaskanian seconded it.
2. Asked when can we start working on the Environmental Justice Electric Dashboard to track the progress as we start addressing issues. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
Council Member Kaskanian
1. He experienced multiple vehicles making a left turn onto the eastbound on Rosecrans because of the street modification made by the G3 Urban project located at Rosecrans Ave. He is asking for someone to look into it because he considers it to be a liability.
Council Member Henderson seconded it.
Council Member Francis
1. Since we are in a drought, she asked for an update on the improvements for our park lands and cityscape from Director of Public Works, Allan Riggs. She also commented on the electrical park signs. City Manager Osorio replied that a second will not b e required, and an update will be provided.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka
1. Asked if Public Works can contact WRG about the huge dumpster at Albertsons that is covered in graffiti and have it replaced. Mayor Cerda stated we do not have to make it a directive just report it on Gardena Direct.
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. Police Chief Saffell came into the meeting and reminded everyone about our Fireworks Ordinance for the 4th of July holiday. He informed everyone that Only Safe and Sane Fireworks are allowed in Gardena. He also provided information on how to report fireworks: use Gardena Direct to upload photos of fireworks activity and prospects; call GPD Fireworks (310)217-6190 hotline ; c ontact your District Lt - contact information is listed at GPD.org
• Juneteenth – Acknowledge/Educate/Celebrate, Saturday, June 18, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., City Hall Complex.
• Hello Summer Candlelight Dinner, Thursday, June 23, 2022 ., at the Nakaoka Community Center.
• “Gardena On the Go” Excursion SoFi Stadium Tour, Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Upcoming Events
• Willows At Dusk – The City of Gardena in partnership with the Friends of the Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve are excited to host Willows at Dusk this summer. Join us on the following dates to explore the Willows! Reserve your spot by visiting :
www.cityofgardena.org/events.
12 • Save the Date – Come out and enjoy the City of Gardena’s 4th of July Park Party, Monday, July 4, 2022, at Rowley Park 13220 S. Van Ness Ave. • 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.
• Christmas in July – Candlelight Dinner & Show, Thursday, July 28, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Nakaoka Community Center Auditorium. Space is limited, Pre - Registration is required. For more information contact the Senior Bureau at (310)217- 9552 or email: [email protected] or register online at www.cityofgardena.org/events.
• Join the Gardena Police Department for a Night to Unite! Summer Block Party; Tuesday, August 2, 2022; 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. on the City Hall Complex. Back to School Giveaway sign ups begin Monday, July 18, 2022.
• City of Gardena Jazz Festival, Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Rowley Park. Tickets On Sale Now! To purchase tickets, visit www.gardenajazzfestival.com/tickets. • 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.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka – Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka attended the South Bay Association of Realtors breakfast. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka apologized for not attending the Juneteenth event as he had Father’s Day weekend planned at Palm Dessert. He also attended the COG Board of Directors meeting was elected second vice chair for the COG, burial ceremony of Ted Roy, and West Basin Water inauguration of their spiral filler with Council Member Henderson. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka complimented Chief Saffell and departments for their work, urged everyone to use Gardena Direct and calling the non-emergency number to report illegal fireworks. Wished everyone a happy 4th of July.
2. Council Member Kaskanian – Council Member Kaskanian didn’t have much to report. He did apologize for not attending the Juneteenth event as he was out of town. Thanked Chief Saffell for the presentation and information. Wished everyone a happy 4 th of July and asked everyone to keep Gardena moving forward.
3. Council Member Henderson – Council Member Henderson started off commenting and gave some gratitude to city staff and to the department heads as they are doing a great job. Complimented every department in the city. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the AQMD meeting, Juneteenth ce lebration, was interviewed on KBLA 1580. He also wished his son Mark Henderson II a happy 30th birthday. He also attended the Bizfed meeting, Executive board meeting, Responsible Governance Committee, and spoke during the homeownership fair with the consol idated board of realtors. Lastly, he celebrated his wedding anniversary with Michelle Henderson.
13 4. Mayor Cerda – Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the South Bay Association of Realtors breakfast thanked City Clerk Mina for the hard work relators do and thanked all realtors. She was the keynote speaker at Environmental Charter High School commencement. Mayor Cerda also attended the Juneteenth celebration, Liberty Tabernacle church supported their Father’s Day event, spoke at the retirement of the first African American Battalion Chief for LA County and shared there are only 8 African American females out of 3300 firefighters. Also, attended the dinner for the Gardena Police Foundation for the annual golf tournament. Mayor Cerda commended the foundation for all the work they do. Mayor Cerda urged everyone to keep calling and using Gardena Direct to report i llegal fireworks. Lastly, congratulate Mayor Pro Tem on his position of second vice president and wished Deputy City Clerk Becky a Happy Birthday.
5. Council Member Francis – Council Member Francis wished Deputy City Clerk Becky a Happy Birthday. Council Member Francis thanked Mary Joy Coburn, Director of Communication from the greater Los Angeles Vector Control District for the presentation on mosquito awareness. Also thanked Lawanda Stanton and Diana for the excellent presentation on Human Services. Sinc e the last meeting Council Member Francis attended the Community Safety Forum hosted by the Gardena Police Department and attended the Juneteenth celebration. Shared everyone missed Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Council Member Kaskanian. Council Member Francis shared Senator Steven Bradford told her the City of Gardena is getting a $2M grant to revitalize Gardena Blvd.
She also shared a story when she became Council Member, Mr. Toyo who took her photo and all the council pictures once told her “Now that you’re o n City Council what are you going to do for Gardena Blvd.” her answer to him was that it would be worked on so now she is very happy that it is finally happening. Council Member Francis encourage everyone to report illegal fireworks by calling the non-emergency phone number. Lastly, encouraged everyone to stay safe and better days are ahead.
22. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1. Gardena Police Department invites you to Ice Cream with a Cop on Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 12: 45 p.m. , at Rowley Park and then from 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Arthur Johnson Park. For more information visit the city website or social media page.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Vondy Eugene Sims, who was born on April 13, 1981, and passed away on May 30, 2022.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:29 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 Counci l Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
~~
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
By: ~~
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
14