1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, August 9, 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 7:0 2 PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, via Zoom, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Paulette C. Francis; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; and Council Member Wanda Love; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. City Clerk Mina Semenza was away on an excused absence.
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 Paulette C. Francis ; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Wanda Love. Other City Officials and Employees present ; City Manager Clint Osorio; and City Attorney Carmen Vasquez.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
(One [1] Matter)
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:32 p.m., and the Deputy 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 no reportable action had been taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Lyneiah Anderson was not available to do the Pledge; Mayor Pro Tem Paulette C. Francis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka
2 5. PRESENTATIONS – None
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "City of Gardena 92nd Anniversary Day" - September 11, 2022 - was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Rent Mediation Board - Tenant Representative - Joanne Brown - was Appointed by Council Member Love
Ms. Joanne Brown came into the meeting and thanked everyone for the opportunity and looks forward to serving on the committee.
7.B Senior Citizen Commission - Shari Farmer
- was Appointed by Council Member Love
Ms. Shari Farmer came into the meeting and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve and help the community of Gardena.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Joanne Brown to the Rent Mediation Board and Appoint Shari Farmer to the Senior Citizen Commission:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson, Love and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on This Agenda and that they Be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.B Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, August 9, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
August 9, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12205- 12212; Prepay: 168357; Check Nos:
168358 -168526 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,568,038.04; Total Payroll Issued for July 29, 2022: $1,791,083.69.
8.C Personnel Report P-2022-15 8-09-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.D RESOLUTION NO. 6599, Re affirming Proclamation and Resolution No. 6441, which declared the Existence of a Local Emergency
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
3 RESOLUTION NO. 6599
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.E. RESOLUTION NO. 6600, 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. 6600
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 Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Police Station Sewer Pump Replacement Project, JN 511
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.G Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute - Weekly Bingo Permit (RENEWAL) Thursdays 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.H Gardena Elks Lodge #1919 - Weekly Bingo Permit (RENEWAL) Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mayor Cerda reminded everyone that just for point of clarification the Consent Calendar is a section of items that are the same and repetitively voted on or items that either have been already discussed previously and is just a formality to take a second vote.
Council Member Francis explained why she calls for review certain items and believes that we should have as much transparency as possible.
It was moved by Council Member Love, 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, 8.E, 8.G and 8.H:
Ayes: Council Member s Love, Henderson and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.C HUMAN RESOURCES - Personnel Report P-2022-15 8-09-22 - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love asked for clarification regarding the process of adding an item on the Consent Calendar; how is it determined ; what falls under the Consent Calendar and what does not. City Manager Osorio answered her questions and explained the process.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.C:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.E CITY MANAGER - RESOLUTION NO. 6600, 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 - Item pulled by Council Member Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked a question on behalf of a constituents: when are we going back to in- person meetings, and will Zoom/ YouTube still be available ? She would like to have a conversation about how a plan will be put in place and if our meetings will be hybrid meetings? City Manager Osorio presented a slide showing the number of COVID cases going down
Mayor Cerda added that we have been watching for the COVID numbers to go down before we move forward with in- person meetings, including all our Commissions.
Council Member Love asked City Manager Osorio if we have a timeline of when we can go into hybrid meetings. City Manager Osorio commented that hybrid is not an option at this point and explained the RFP process.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all ques tions and explained the reason why hybrid meetings are not an option at this time.
Council Member Henderson commented that he is open to either option in- person or virtual and informed everybody that his part of a project that is modernizing a space si milar to ours, to make it hybrid and it is very expensive and it can be anywhere in the upwards of five hundred thousand.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: Council Members Love, Henderson and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
5 8.G COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute - Weekly Bingo Permit (RENEWAL) Thursdays 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love stated that 8.G and 8.H are the same so she would ask about both. She then asked how long have both of these non- profits been conducting bingo; and if there were any other non-profits doing the same?
Council Member Tanaka replied that the VFW was also conducting bingo. City Manager Osorio did not have the information available and asked if he can provide her with a follow-up memo.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Council Members Love, Henderson and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.H COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - Gardena Elks Lodge #1919 - Weekly Bingo Permit (RENEWAL) Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - Item pulled by Council Member Love
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.H:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Tanaka
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A AUGUST 2, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None
Mayor Cerda asked that we take Item 17.A out of order.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis made the motion and Council Member Love seconded it.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Move Item 17.A Out of Order:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Love, Tanaka and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
6 17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
17.A Approve Donation of Retired Vehicles to the Sister City of Huatabampo, Mexico
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mr. Saul Lugo came into the meeting and thanked the City for the donation and express his appreciation in Spanish. Translation to English was made by City Clerk Staff. Mr. Juan Luis was present but did not speak.
Council Member Love asked if buses are ever donated to local non-profits or have we ever tr ied to donate to them . City Manager Osorio answered and explained what has been done in the past.
Public Speaker: Shari Farmer came into the meeting to let Council know that she works with a lot of non-profits who would happily accept the any vehicle donations the City is willing to give.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Donation:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis , Council Members Love, Tanaka and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
11.A Public Hearing: Proposed 48th Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – One Year Action Plan for Use of Funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:3 6 p.m. and asked if there were any comments from the public.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if seniors would be included in that group. She also asked about the money from the CARES Act rental assistance. She then asked what are we doing different to improve access than we have been doing the last five years. She then asked if in the future we can do more community outreach to make sure everyone is informed.
City Manager Osorio answered and explained the criteria for CDBG Housing Program and also gave information for qualifying for the CARES Act program.
Council Member Love asked if there was any type of reporting or information we can get on a quarterly or annual basis to let us know how the program is doing.
Would it help us identify the areas we are falling short in, that may need a little more attention. I am big on making sure our residents know what is available to them.
7 City Manager replied that reporting is done on an annual basis, it also gets audited. He continued to explain the process.
Mayor Cerda then commented that the programs we are talking about have been around for years. We do the best we can to get it out there; it’s renewed every year.
There was no further comment, Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 8:48 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Conduct Public Hearing; allow each speaker three (3) minutes; and Approve Plan:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda, and Council Members Tanaka, Henderson, and Love
Noes: None
Absent: None
11.B Approval of Additional Blanket Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if we are going to do this every time we make a purchase? Is it an automatic process? She then asked if this would impact the general fund, and make sure we do all our checks and balances.
City Manager answered and explained that these purchases were from our Transportation Department.
Council Member Love commented and said this is a pretty large oversight.
City Manager stated that he wanted to be transparent with the Council.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Additional Blanket Purchase Orders:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
12.A Short Term Rentals for Lodging Discussion
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
8 Community Development Director, Greg T sujiuchi gave the presentation.
Assistant City Attorney, Lisa Kranitz and Senior Planner, Amanda Acuna were present and available for any questions.
Assistant City Attorney Kranitz explained the City’s position stating that the regulations relating to Short Term Rentals can either be totally permissive, completely prohibitive, or somewhere in between. They also gave information of what our surrounding cities are doing in putting certain regulations in place when it comes to STRs.
Our Mayor and Council Members asked questions , expressed their opinions, and discussed all aspects if we were to allow short term rentals including hiring extra staff to monitor all the complaints. Director Tsujiuchi and Assistant City Attorney Kranitz provided answers, along with City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez. It was also asked if staff could come back with additional findings because having short term rentals could also be a positive experience.
Public Speakers:
1) Charisse, asked if Airbnb are legal to have in Gardena. 2) Raymond Dennis expressed his concerns and spoke in opposition to this item.
City Attorney Vasquez, then asked for direction clarification from Council :
Direction is for staff to draft an Ordinance to Prohibit Short Term Rentals.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
13.A COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked; How are we enforcing the guidelines and how are we protecting our staff? City Manager Osorio answered her questions and explained the City policy and what is being done to keep everyone safe.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
14.A Execute five (5) year contract with AXON Enterprise, Inc. for the purchase of ninety (90) Electronic Control Devices (ECD) in the amount not to exceed $356,386.33
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Chief of Police Saffell introduced Lieutenant, David Br ock, who gave a presentation and was available for any questions.
Council Member Henderson asked if Axon going to train our staff and then is our staff going to train the trainer; the reason I ask is it can become another duty as assigned or some nuance may be missed or lost. How long is the training to make sure they clearly understand?
9 Lieutenant Brock explained the training process.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis does the device need to be charged daily? Does this get listed under military equipment on our website.
Council Member Love what happens to the devices you are getting rid of.
Lieutenant Brock and Chief Saffell gave information and responded to all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize the Police Department to purchase ninety (90) new/unused “T7” ECDs and execute the five-year agreement with AXON Enterprise, Inc. for a total cost, not to exceed, $356,386.33:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Love and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS – No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
17.B Approve Agreement with MOEV under the California Energy Commission Grant Program
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Transportation Director Ernie Crespo was present and available for any questions.
Council Member Henderson is it possible that we get the proper press while we are testing this technology.
Director Crespo came into the meeting and explained the reporting.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis made a comment regarding intellectual property.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Agreement:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10 18. COUNCIL ITEMS
18.A RESOLUTION NO. 6598 , Designating Certain Members of the Gardena City Council to serve as Representatives on the South Bay Council of Governments Governing Board
RESOLUTION NO. 6598
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVES
ON THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS GOVERNING BOARD
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6598:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
18.B Designation of Voting Delegate / Representative for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo - September 7-9, 2022
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked Council Member Tanaka if he was available September 7- 9, 2022, Council Member Tanaka confirmed, yes that is correct.
Mayor Cerda asked Council Member Love is she is available as an alternate for the dates mentioned, Council Member Love confirmed, yes that is correct.
Council Member Henderson asked although the rest of the Council are not voting members, we are open to participate and attend the conference. Mayor Cer da confirmed, yes that is correct.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Designate Voting Delegate:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis , Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
11 19. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Francis
1. Asked If we could bring an Ordinance to establish a moratorium regarding Short Term Rentals to our September 13, 2022 , Council Meeting. Council Member Henderson seconded it
Council Member Love
1. Asked our City Manager to check on the cost to upgrade our audio system in the Council Chambers so we could conduct hybrid meetings . Council Member Henderson seconded it.
2. Asked if we could look into bus donations to our local non- profits. Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
3. Asked what could be done with the amount of dog poop on the ground. Council Member Henderson seconded it.
Mayor Cerda
1. Asked if we could add Monkey Pox to the COVID update that our City Manager presents. Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
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 Community Development Monthly report for July 2022.
2. Memo regarding cable television access.
3. Memo regarding Conditional Use Permit issued to serve alcohol.
4. Video – Homeless Survey. We encourage all our residents to complete the Homeless Plan Survey that is currently online and join us on September 7, 2022, for an in-person meeting to discuss the homeless plan.
5. Video – National Night Out as known as our Block Party.
21. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Since the last meeting Council Member Love attended National Night Out and had a great time. She also attended the grand opening of Cocoon, and the U-Haul open house.
2) CO UNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Reminded everyone that cayotes are a problem to the community and make sure not to leave any food out. Keep dogs and cats indoors if possible. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the U-Haul open house, cocoon opening, and Gardena block party. Council Member
12 Henderson enjoys talking to city employees and watching their quality of work. Also thanked Director Rigg for letting him meet his staff, the city purchased a new sewer cleaning truck and was able to meet two fabulous employees from Public Works Rob and JJ. Thanked all staff for their hard work and shared the city has great employees. 3) MAYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS – Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended the night out block party. Mayor Pro Tem Francis mentioned it was nice to see so many kids and shared she saw about 300 – 400 people there. They sang Happy Birthday to Mayor Cerda. Informed everyone that the City of Gardena and the Beautification Commission will be having the 22
nd annual Keep Gardena Beautiful
day on September 17, 2022, everyone can sign up at the city website or contact the Public Works department. Those that sign up will receive a free T -Shirt and lunch but must be signed up by September 1
st. Reminded everyone that kids will be going back
to school and asked for everyone to be mindful. Lastly, encouraged everyone to continue to stay safe and better days are coming.
4) M AYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended a retirement party from one of the residents. Carolyn Khan retired from the post office after 33 years and the mayor presented a certificate. Mayor Cerda also attended the summer block party, shared it was a great event, thanked everyone for the birthday wishes.
Attended the grand opening of Cocoon 63 and shared a video on Facebook, she is looking forward to seeing how the project goes. Mayor Cerda shared the city has a cayote manual that has a lot of information.
5) CO
UNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Encouraged everyone to use Gardena Direct. Since the last meeting Council Member Tanaka attended the SBCCOG Board meeting, Summer Block party and commented it was a great night especially since it was the Mayor’s birthday. He also attended the League of California Cities meeting in Diamond Bar, congratulated Andrew Chou for becoming the league president and gave a certificate of appreciation for all the work to James Bazajian did. Attended the open house for cocoon was surprised how nice the rooms are and encouraged everyone to stop by and take look. Lastly, attended a seminary fundraising for six students going to Seminary School at Gardena Valley Baptist Church.
22. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) 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.
2) City of Gardena has adult Co- ed Softball which will be Friday Nights at Mas Fukai and Rowley Park. Season begins Friday, August 19, 2022. For more information call (310)217-9537.
3) LA County Animal Care and Control and NBC 4 and Telemundo 52 have cleared the shelters which is from August 1
st – 31st, where adoption fees are fully waived for cats and reduced to $20 for dogs. This is to encourage everyone to adopt a dog or cat this will also include microchipping and spay and neuter, and vaccinations, other fees may apply.
4) Gardena Police Department - Coffee with a Cop, August 18, 2022, at Chick -Fil-A; 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m; located at the corner of Redondo Beach Blvd and Crenshaw Blvd.
5) 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. Ticket sales started on August 1st or go on line. General admission is $25; reserve tables are $85. For more information call (31)217-9537 and will be publicized on all our social media outlets.
23. REMEMBRANCES
Gardie l Solorio, 26 yea rs of age. City of Monterey Park Officer was fata lly shot and killed in the City of Downey.
24. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:38 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, September 13, 2022.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
~ k -(]1ef P£/
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
By: ~~
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
13