1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; 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 City Clerk Mina Semenza.
At 7:0 7 p.m., the City Council recessed into Closed Session 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- EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Estate of Brandon Tranberg Hoadley, et al. v. City of Gardena, et al.
United States District Court, Central District of California, No.2:22-cv-02334-AB-AS
2.B Threat to Public Services or Facilities (Government Code 54957(a)):
Consultation with Police Chief, Michael Saffell
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:52 p.m., and the City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she stated that both items 2.A and 2.B, Council was provided with a staff update but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Cadet Anthony Hernandez and Cadet Alexa Estrada led the Pledge of Allegiance. Today we have JROTC Cadet Anthony Hernandez a 2
nd year Cadet in the 10 th grade and a
member of the Color Guard and JROTC Cadet Alexa Estrada a 1 st year Cadet in the 11th grade. Both attend Gardena High School and were selected for their eagerness to serve in the community and volunteered to be here tonight.
2 4. INVOCATION
Presented by The Reverend John E. Ward, Senior Pastor/Minister of Music – First Southern Baptist Church of Gardena, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A City Clerk Presentation - November 8, 2022 Election Information - City Clerk Mina Semenza gave the presentation
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if the four -day vote center at Rowley Park was enough time to accommodate all the voters; also, asked if anyone can vote at any vote center in LA County. City Clerk Semenza answered all her questions.
5.B Gardena Police Department Recognition - LEXIPOL
- Presentation was tabled to a future meeting – to be determined.
6. PROCLAMATIONS - None
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, September 27, 2022 Special Study Session Meeting, September 29, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, October 11, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
October 11 , 2022: Wire Transfer: 122 43-12249; Prepay: 16 9100-169103; Check Nos: 169104-169270 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,376,517.89; Total Payroll Issued for October 7, 2022: $1,625,840.41.
8.D Personnel Report P-2022-18 10-11-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6603 , Repealing Resolution No. 6563, and Adopting a New Conflict of Interest Code
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 6603
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 6563,
AND ADOPTING A NEW CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
3 8.F Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Pedestrian Safety Improvements FY 2021-2022 Project, JN 993
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.G Approve Carnival Contract with CM AMUSEMENT for Fall Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30, 2022 CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.D and 8.G:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka, Henderson and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.D HUMAN RESOURCES - Personnel Report P-2022-18 10-11-22 - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis stated that the side letter should have been put on the agenda as a departmental item not on the consent calendar. She explained that transparency and the process is important especially when it comes to negotiations and contracts and should warrant a discussion.
Council Member Tanaka stated that Mayor Pro Tem Francis makes a good question; he continued to say it’s a language change, not an on- call status because it only affects a certain number of sergeants, based on their expertise and training.
Council Member Love stated she agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Francis about the transparency and asked if it will always be part of the personnel report; she then asked how many officers does this affect.
City Manager Osorio explained the reasoning behind putting it on the consent calendar and answered all Council’s questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis thanked City Manager Osorio for the explanation.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.D:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
4 8.G RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES - Approve Carnival Contract with CM AMUSEMENT for Fall Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30, 2022 – Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked why was there a change in the contract regarding the company and how are we handling security.
Council Member Love asked about amount of money the City makes as stated in the contract, and wanted to make sure we are making enough to cover the cost;
Mayor Cerda asked if most of our events are profitable.
Council Member Henderson stated that this is similar to our 4 th of July event, it’s a
community benefit and how we subsidize our programs so our community can live, work, play and thrive; he stated that everyone should be reminded of that.
City Manager Osorio explained the process and replied to all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis , Council Member s Love, Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A OCTOBER 4, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Alex Moran, resident: stated he has been trying to contact the Council, city officials, and law enforcement by phone and email re: a complaint against the Gardena Police Department; Mayor Cerda referred him to speak with Chief Saffell
2) Sarah Mae Harper, representative of the Mayme Dear Library: – came out to update the community about the events happening at the library.
3) Rosemary Vivero, Community Service Liaison for LA County Fire: came out to introduce herself to the Council.
4) Frank Davies, Principal of Gardena High School: came out to inform Council about the three goals they’ve implemented for their students; gave information about their Instagram account and encouraged everyone to go to their website at www.gardenahs.org to view their bulletin which they publish weekly.
5) City Clerk Mina Semenza, noted for the record that four emails were received from the public stating that they have been forwarded to the City Council, and are available for viewing at the City Clerk’s office.
5 12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – No Items
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A RESOLUTION NO. 6584 , Adopting Council Policy No. 22- 01- City of Gardena Electronic Signature Use Policy
RESOLUTION NO. 6584
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRONIC
SIGNATURE USE POLICY FOR SELECT CITY DOCUMENTS
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included our Mayor , Council, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Deputy City Clerk regarding the following: will the City Clerk be the custodian of records and will the documents be kept in DocuSign and if documents that are kept are cloud based so a FOIA request can be responded to ; why do we need this, we are such a small city, what about security; kudos was given to the City Clerk’s office for implementing new technology.
City Manager Osorio, City Attorney Vasquez, City Clerk Semenza and Deputy City Clerk Romero responded to all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6584:
Ayes: Council Member Love , Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member s Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14.B COVID-19 Update
City Manager Osorio presented the update.
Council Member Francis asked about the hours of our COVID Testing Center at Rowley Park. Mayor Cerda responded that they are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. and closed on Sunday.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Authorization to Purchase Five (5) Patrol Vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group and Expend Build Out Costs in the Amount Not to Exceed $403,000.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included Council regarding if it’s the older vehicles that are being recycled; how far is end of life; will they last until we get new ones; 6 when they are re-disposed does that mean they are not operable, can we still send them to auction; that the cars are still serviceable, we can just take the parts out, its still a vehicle that can be auctioned off without all our stuff on it.
City Manager replied to all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize the Police Department to purchase five (5) new/unused 2023 Ford Utility Police Interceptor AWD vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group and expend the vehicle build-outs for a total amount not to exceed $403,000:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS – No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - None
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Francis
1) Homeless Strategic Plan – Asked for a report of the results of the input from the community and homeless – was seconded Council Member Tanaka
2) Educational public access program with Spectrum – can we get more information about the process; what are the next steps? – was seconded by Council Member Henderson
Council Member Love
1) Asked if we could look into getting the Planning Commission meetings recorded – was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
2) Asked if we could create an Ad Hoc Committee in order to create a plan for the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Plan – was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
3) Asked if the City could put together an after-school program (not activities) for our middle school and high school age students – was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
4) Asked if staff could prepare an Ordinance with regard to construction demolition similar to Hermosa Beach – was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Council Member Henderson
7 1) Asked if we have an Ordinance with regard to residents turning their houses into convalescent homes for challenged individuals – was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
21. 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 Wi-Fi pilot project at Rowley Park. The memo goes into detail as far as what is to be covered, the proximate cost and the timeline which is approximately two to three months.
2. Memo regarding surveying local cities requirements for demolition and construction notificati ons. They’ve researched 7 different cities and the memo outlines the requirements for those cities.
3. Memo regarding the Dog Park update. The memo outlined 4 possible sites that are available for sale for the city to consider: First, 13500 Crenshaw Blvd., and it is
0.38 acres or 16,739 square feet and available for 2.9 million; 13919 S.
Normandie Ave., and it is 0.35 acres or 15,342 square feet and available for 1.2 million; 13700 S. Van Ness Ave., and it is 1.07 acres, the price is not disclosed at this time. It was last sold in 2010 for 2.1 million. Lastly, 1323 W. 132 nd Street, and
it is 0.19 acres and the price is 4.75 million. The four sites found can be viable in the near future. The memo offers information to be consider for the available sites that fit the parameters of a dog park within the City. They do not want to put it centrally in the residential area, they are looking for somewhere in a commercial, industrial or manufacturing zone within the city.
Council Member Henderson asked that in regard to the Wi -Fi project we have the duration, but we do not have the approximate start date.
City Manager Osorio answered, correct, we are still ascertaining the start date and that information will be provided as soon as it is available. Also, made Counci l Member Henderson aware that Director Beeman was present and available for any questions.
Director Beeman provided additional information and explained that a public Wi -Fi policy needs to be develop and how they will be proceeding.
Council Member Love asked about the construction notification; has the staff made a selection of which example we are going to use.
City Attorney’s office answered Council Member Love’s question.
4. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events.
5. City Manager wished Dr. Henderson, October 2
nd; Director of Public Works, Allan
Rigg, October 5th; and Chief Saffell, October 26, a Happy Birthday.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
8 (1) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Commented the Council Meeting was not too bad for their first meeting back in person and thanked staff for the meeting preparation. Since the last C ouncil Meeting, Council Member Henderson attended BizFed Executive Committee meeting, and SCAG meeting regarding Racial Equity Meeting on Connect SoCal 2023 plan. Council Member Henderson also attended the Study Session on the Homeless Plan, meeting with Great Alternatives regarding solar panel installations, and the Heritage Festival. Council Member Henderson gave his condolences to the family of Ingrid Tsukiyama.
(2) M
AYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS – Since the last C ouncil Meeting Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended the K9 Breakfast, Heritage Festival, Gardena Holly Park Homeowners Community Association at Rowley Park, and Homeless Study Plan meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Francis invited everyone on October 17 th to witness the
presentation of $2 million-dollar check from State Senator Steve Bradford for Gardena Blvd. Revitalization. She thanked all staff for being at the meeting as this is her first meeting in person as a council person.
(3) CO
UNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last C ouncil Meeting Council Member Tanaka attended the RCC Special Zoom meeting, Finance Committee meeting, Homeless Plan Committee meeting, Fur baby event, Coffee with a Cop, SBCCOG Steering Committee meeting, Harvest Festival, K9 Breakfast commented K9 has a new logo. Lastly, Council Member Tanaka shared he will be working on rekindling the Kiwanis Club for Gardena and if anyone is interested to please call the City Council office and leave your information.
(4) M
AYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting, Mayor Cerda attended the Finance Committee meeting, Homeless Study Session, and Economic Investment Conference in Vegas. Mayor Cerda also attended a Conference Summit that was put on by Director Tsu jiuchi and Economic Development Manager with some investors and explained the process of investing in Gardena, thanked staff for their work. Attended the K9 Breakfast, and shared she was unable to attend the Harvest Festival. Mayor Cerda thanked all staff for their hard work. Lastly, thanked everyone for joining the meeting and for being patient while meetings were on Zoom. (5) CO
UNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Thanked the Parks and Rec staff for their hard work.
Since the last meeting Council Member Love attended Coffee with a Cop at Chick -Fil- A, Fur baby event, Homeless Study Session, and Harvest Festival. Council Member Love attended all events the city has planned but missed the K9 Breakfast.
Council Member Francis – Shared if anyone turns 18 years old by October 24, they may register to vote for the November Election. Encouraged everyone to vote!
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1. Gardena City Council meetings will start recognizing our Veterans again star ting November. If anybody is interested in being recognized, application is available at City Hall, online and on social media. The only requirement is that you must live or work in the City of Gardena and be honorably discharged.
I
City Hall, online and on social media . The only requirement is that you must live or work in the City of Gardena and be honorably discharged.
2. October 1 - 31, 2022 - Adoptober, which is adopt a cat for only $13 - sponsored by ASPCA. For further information please call City Hall (310) 217-9500.
3. Swing by and Enjoy an afternoon of snacks, sweet treats, & great company: Special Guest Senator Steven Bradford with a Special Funding Presentation for Gardena Blvd Revitalization. Monday, October 17, 2022 , 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m . - City Hall Lawn.
4. Fall Carnival - October 28-30, 2022, at Mas Fukai Park located at 15800 Brighton Ave., Gardena . Carnival Pre-Sale Option ends on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
5. Wobble Before You Gobb le Line Dancing Event at Rowley Park, Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11 :00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located at 13220 Van Ness Ave. , Gardena .
Helping Hands Program Opportunity: Bring 5 canned food items or an unwrapped toy and be entered into a special raffle to win a prize basket valued at $900. For more information visit our social media page: Facebook, lnstagram, and City of Gardena website.
6. Fall Youth Camp, November 21-23, 25, 2022. Ages 5-12; Locat ions Freeman and Johnson Park .
7. Winter Youth Camp , December 12-23, 2022; December 26-30, 2022; January 2-6, 2022 ., offered at Freeman and Johnson Park - Ages 5-12. All information can be found on our City social media pages and city website .
24. REMEMBRANCE
Tue Thi Bui, 86 years of age , beloved Aunt of Hong Lee, Program Coordinator in the Public Works Department. She resided in Gardena for more than 25 years and was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; Jozef Robert Corwin, 22 years of age, beloved brother of Katelyn Corwin , Human Resources Coordinator with the Transportation Department; City Treasurer Emeritus J. Ingrid Tsukiyama, 74 years of age. Ingrid was first elected as the City Treasurer in 2005 and had previously served the City of Gardena for 11 years as Deputy City Treasurer. She was also a longtime Gardena resident for over 30 years. She will be greatly missed; Mrs. Gloria Barton, long time Gardena resident since 1968 .
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:47 p.m., Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Special Study 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, October 25, 2022 .
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
~~
T~~rda, Mayor
By: 6¢fc( ~
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
9