1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, July 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, July 12, 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. Franci s; 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
Michelle Valencia led the Pledge of Allegiance. Michelle is a Recreation Leader I with the Recreation & Human Services Team; she just graduated from Lennox Academy and is now enrolled at California State University Long Beach where she will be a Political Science Major. Michelle works at our parks and in our Summer Day Camp programs. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and running.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A ELECTION OFFICIAL'S CERTIFICATION OF OFFICIAL CANVASS OF MUNICIPAL
ELECTION VOTES
RESOLUTION NO. 6593 , Reciting the Fact of the General Municipal Election held on June 7, 2022 Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law
RESOLUTION NO. 6593
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON JUNE 7, 2022
DECLARING THE RESULT AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS
PROVIDED BY LAW
2 City Clerk Mina Semenza presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6593:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Henderson and Kaskanian, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
5.B RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION to the Honorable Art Kaskanian in acknowledgment and recognition of Distinguished Service to the City and Community of Gardena as a Gardena Council Member
Mayor Cerda read the Resolution of Commendation and presented it to Mr.
Kaskanian; a video was also presented. She also thanked and commended Mr.
Kaskanian for doing an amazing job during these past five years.
The Honorable Art Kaskanian accepted his Recognition of Distinguished Service.
Council Me mber Kaskanian thanked and expressed his appreciation for all his supporters, especially his colleagues.
5.C RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION to the Honorable Ingrid Tsukiyama in acknowledgement and recognition of Distinguished Service to the City and Community of Gardena as Gardena's City Treasurer; and, further, to bestow upon Her the Title of City Treasurer Emeritus
Mayor Cerda read the Resolution of Commendation and presented it to Ms.
Tsukiyama.
The Honorable Ingrid Tsukiyama accepted her Recognition of Distinguished Service.
Mayor Cerda thanked Ms. Tsukiyama for her years of service.
5.D Oath of Office by Newly-Elected / Re-Elected Officials:
Tasha Cerda Mayor
Rodney G. Tanaka City Council Member
Wanda Love City Council Member
Mina Semenza City Clerk
Guy H. Mato City Treasurer
Oaths of office were taken by the newly-elected and re-elected officials.
Mayor Cerda thanked all of her supporters and said she will continue to make the city move forward and grow.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka expressed his love and appreciation for everyone that was present and all his supporters. He specially thanked his “Gina” for all her support. He is looking to give the best four years that he can give and keeping his promises.
3 Council Member Love , thanked everyone who supported her and attended her swear-in. She promises to continue to be the person that she has been, the person you elected and will continue to do what she thinks is best for the city as a whole and promises to work as hard as she can on behalf of the residents, businesses, and constituents.
City Clerk Mina Semenza, thanked the community for all their support over the last nine years including her family and friends.
City Treasurer Guy H. Mato thanked and expressed his appreciation to the voters of Gardena. He promises to work very diligently and hard for all citizens of Gardena.
Mayor Tasha Cerda continued the Regular City Council Meeting and noted the presence of all the new and continuing Members of the City Council.
5.E Boards & Commissions Update - Recreation Commission - Chair, Woods Woolwine, Jr., provided the update and video presentation.
5.F Certificate of Recognition to the Members of the City of Gardena Explorer Post #142 for their successes in the 2022 Central Valley Explorer Competition held in Tracy, CA - Chief of Police Saffell came into the meeting and recognized his Police Explorer Post. Officers Saldana and Nash were present and expressed their appreciation and support.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A Parks and Recreation Month - July 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, June 28, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, July 12, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
July 12, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12193- 12195; Prepay: 167985 -167988; Check Nos:
167989 -168154 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,872,922.04 Total Payroll Issued for July 1, 2022: $1,641,332.89.
8.D Personnel Report P-2022-13 7-12-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
4 8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6595 , 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. 6595
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 Ratify Administrative Approval of the Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Ten
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
8.G Ratify Administrative Approval of the Supportive Services Program Contract SSP192003 Amendment Five
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
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.F and 8.G:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.F RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES - Ratify Administrative Approval of the Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Ten - This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked if this increase is what we had before; and if it will this increase the number of Seniors who can attend the program.
City Manager Osorio responded to all of her questions.
8.G RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES - Ratify Administrative Approval of the Supportive Services Program Contract SSP192003 Amendment Five - This Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked if this is an increase and have, we added any new clients; she then asked if the funding is for the entire year and if we can go out and request additional funding and recoup an outreach effort or take care of what we have now. She also asked about the City’s outreach efforts. 5 Council Member Love asked what the increased amount was, and if we got any new clients.
City Manager Osorio responded to all of Council Member Francis and Love’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Items 8.F and 8.G:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A July 5, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
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.
Mayor Cerda and Council Member Love had questions and City Manager Osorio replied and answered all their questions.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
18. COUNCIL ITEMS
19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
1. Asked if he can get information from Spectrum regarding our PEC channel and what we can do to add content to that channel and see what our agreement consist off.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
Council Member Love
1. Asked City Manager Osorio if he can look into getting cell phones for all Council Members. Council Member Francis seconded it.
6 City Manager Osorio asked for clarification: A request is being made for the City to bring an agenda forward to modify and amend the City Council Policy relating to cell phones, because currently City Council and Mayor do not receive cell phones or a stipend.
Council Member Love confirm that the directive was correct.
Mayor Cerda commented and asked to make an amendment as well.
Council Member Francis commented and voiced her opinion.
City Attorney Vasquez advised all members of the City Council that the directive has not been agendized and that the item will need to be placed on the agenda for the council to discuss and take a vote, whether the council members agreed to have cell phones including a staff report that will provide the budgeted amount and cost for council to consider at a later meeting.
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. Memo regarding the digital message boards at the parks, dated July 5, 2022.
2. Memo regarding the drought related measures update, dated July 5, 2022.
3. Memo regarding the Legislative Advocacy update; highlighting the newest earmarks that the City of Gardena has received ; approximately $4 million for digital equity for all; $2 million for the revitalization of Gardena Boulevard; and $1 million in federal earmark for Rosecrans Community Center. City Manager Osorio thanked State Senator Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for the $6 million and Congresswoman Maxine Waters for the $1 million in federal earmark.
4. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events:
• City of Gardena’s 4th of July Park Party, Monday, July 4, 2022, at Rowley Park. • Special Lunch for Seniors with Former Dodger Rudy Law. • City of Gardena’s Dodger Day, Friday, July 8, 2022.
Upcoming Events
• Parks, Recreation, and Human Services Month Celebration! Wednesday, July 13, 2022; 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the City Hall Lawn.
• 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.
• 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 – Beginning Saturday, July 16, 2022. Register your child at www.cityofgardena.org/events; Supplies limited for grades K-12. Must be a resident of the City of Gardena or attend a Gardena COS school to be eligible to receive free supplies.
7 • City of Gardena is hosting a Summer UCLA Blood Drive on Thursday, August 11, 2022; 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ruch Gym.
• 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.
City Manager Osorio thanked Council Member Kaskanian for five years of exemplary service and former City Treasurer Ingrid Tsukiyama. He also congratulated Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Love, and City Clerk Mina Semenza and new City Treasurer Guy Mato. He also wished City Attorney Vasquez and Administrative Director Ray Beeman a Happy Birthday.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Council Member Francis shared some words to the family of Jane Hall. She was glad to have had the opportunity to meet Jane Hall, shared she was an active participant at the Council Meetings and may she rest in peace. Council Member Francis also shared it was a pleasure to serve with Council Member Kaskanian and wishes him all the best in the future. Congratulated and Welcomed Council Member Wanda Love, Guy Mato, Mina Semenza, Mayor Cerda, and Rodney Tanaka. She is looking forward to continuing the great work. Since the last meeting Council Member Francis attended the presentation of the new imaging machine at the Memorial Hospital of Gardena. She explained it is a state of the art 128 CT scanner that can look into the arteries and if anyone needs it, they just need to have a prescription from the doctor to get a screening. She also attended the State of the City for Hawthorne and was happy to hear the wonderful things that are happening. Lastly, encouraged everyone to stay safe and better days are ahead.
2) M
AYOR PRO TEM TANAKA – Since the last meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka attended the City of Torrance 3290 Homeless Center ribbon cutting, he explained they are pallet houses by the Courthouse and Police Department. Also attended the LATA grant briefing meeting, visited Memorial Hospital to see the new CT scanner with Council Member Francis, COGS Homeless Task Force, Dodger Day and commented it was nice to see Council Member Kaskanian throw the first pitch, COGS Steering Committee meeting, and Hawthorne State of the City as they are celebrating their 100 th anniversary.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka shared some words about Jane Hall, Jane Hall was one of his biggest supporters and was part of the Rent Mediation Board, she will definitely be missed. Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka also thanked Council Member Kaskanian for his five years of service, appreciates his dedication and wishes him good luck. 3) CO
UNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Council Member Love thanked the community for their support and let the C ouncil know that she is looking forward to the next four years working together. Council Member Love is excited for what’s ahead and knows it’s going to be challenging but believes that they can work together and get it done. 4) M
AYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting Mayor Cerda attended the Gardena Memorial Open House for the CT scanner and had the opportunity to present them with a certificate. Mayor Cerda also attended the memorial service for the two officers from
8 the City of El Monte they were Sergeant Michael Paredes and officer Joseph Santana, the Gardena Police Department along with the Honor Guard attended. She attended the 4th of July celebration at Rowley Park and commented it was one of the best shows they have ever had, attended Dodger Day commended Council Member Kaskanian and Council Member Henderson for throwing the first pitch, and attended the installation of the new officers for the Southern California Inka’s Lions Club for the 2022- 2023 new members. Lastly, attended a Realtors Event Council of Women’s Forum and was excited because her sister is the President of the Southwest Real Estate Board. Mayor Cerda shared she will miss Jane Hall she was a dear friend of hers, also shared a few words about Jane Hall and her love for Gardena and was a strong advocate for mobile home parks. Mayor Cerda shared it was a pleasure serving with Council Member Kaskanian; he will be greatly missed and will be a hard act to follow. Congratulated City Attorney Vasquez and Director Beeman on their birthdays.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Thanked Council Member Kaskanian for his years of service and his dedication and passion and will miss their dialogue on f inances and the budget, wishes him the best. Congratulated Mayor Cerda, Council Member Love, City Clerk Mina Semenza, City Treasurer Guy Mato. Council Member Henderson is looking forward to what they will be doing as a group and keep Gardena moving forward.
Wished City Attorney Vasquez a Happy Birthday. Council Member Henderson shared some words about Jane Hall and asked to pray for her family and keep them in our prayers. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the Hawthorne State of the City, participated in a panel opportunity to talk about merits and draw backs of public private partnerships, South Bay COG Broadband initiative, SCAG meeting, and Dodger Day he enjoyed the game with his family. Lastly, expressed Gardena is the city of love and they all work together for the betterment of the community as Gardena is the jewel of the South Bay.
Mayor Cerda also shared she also attended the City of Hawthorne State of the City and her and Mayor Alex Vargas go way back and the jokes they take on one another is all out of fun and love. Mayor Cerda was flattered that they wanted to do their State of the City like ours and the thanked all Gardena staff for their work.
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.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Jane Hall, 93 years of age, beloved Rent Mediation Board Member: Tenant Representative since 2002, and a long-time Gardena resident.
I
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:56 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, July 26, 2022.
APPROVED:
~~
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEME NZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By: PJuk¼: ~
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
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