MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday,October25,2022
The regular meeting of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162 nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tern 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 7:03 p.m., the City Council recessed into Closed Session with the following in attendance: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tern 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.
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
David Brock vs City of Gardena
WC Claim# 20-149620
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Hugo Gualotuna vs City of Gardena
WC Claim# 21-159525
2.C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Todd Fox vs City of Gardena
WC Claim #20-146697
2.D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Edward Arao vs City of Gardena
WC Claim# 17-132663
2.E CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Karen Salas vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ14246677
1 2.F CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Robin Bailon vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ11335698
2.G CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54945.9(d)(1)
Kim Hamlett vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ15290387 and ADJ13839735
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:42 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, Items A-G, staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ethan Carter led the Pledge of Allegiance. Today, we have Ethan Carter joining us from Wilder's Preparatory Academy Charter School. Ethan is a great student and leader who was just elected as the Student Council President!
4. INVOCATION
Joyce Watanabe - Baha'i Faith, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Assemblymember Tina McKinnor - Introduction and Legislative Update • Tina McKinnor gave her introduction and update
5.B Boards and Commissions Update - Rent Mediation Board • Owner Representative, Gerfin Munoz provided an update Mayor Cerda thanked Mr. Munoz for the update.
5.C Gardena Police Department Recognition - LEXIPOL; to be presented by Theresa Maza, Client Success Account Manager - Chief Mike Saffell introduced Theresa Maza, Client Success Account Manager of LEX/POL and Captain Todd Fox, and accepted Recognition
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Gardena Red Ribbon Week," October 23 through October 31, 2022 - was accepted by Traci Saruwatari, Community Organizer for AADAP (Asian American Drug & Alcohol Abuse Program) and Advisor to G-DAAP (Gardena Drug & Alcohol Prevention) Gardena High School Task Force.
Mayor Cerda thanked Officer Sterling Kim and the Cal State Dominguez Intern for being present.
2 6.B Lights on Afterschool - October 20, 2022 - was accepted by Diana Medel. She thanked all members of the Council for uplifting after school programs throughout Gardena.
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Planning & Environmental Quality Commission - Carlos Davis • was appointed by Council Member Love
Mr. Davis thanked Mayor and all Members of the Council for the wonderful opportunity.
7.B Gardena Youth Commission - Samantha Badillo-Cordero - was Appointed by Council Member Love
Ms. Cordero thanked Council Member Love.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Carlos Davis to the Planning & Environment al Quality Commission and Appoint Samantha Badillo-Cordero to the Gardena Youth Commission:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Council Member Love, 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 Approve Minutes:
Regular Meeting of the City Council, October 11, 2022
CONT ACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, October 25, 2022 CONT ACT: CITY TREASURER
October 25, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12250-12262; Prepay: 169271; Check Nos:
169272 -169469 - for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $3,514,342.24; Total Payroll Issued for October 21, 2022: $2,060,003.87.
8.D Monthly Investment Report, September 2022
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.E Personnel Report P-2022-19 10-25-22
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
3 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:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR - No Items
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A OCTOBER 18, 2022, MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Andrea Simental. representative of Masao W. Satow Library, announced library events.
2) Sam Stewart, resident: made all members of the Council aware of her concerns surrounding her neighborhood and made suggestions for the Planning Commission meetings.
3) Traci Saruwatari, representative of AADAP: announced the Prescription Take Back Drug Event taking place on Saturday, 10/29/2022 from 1 0:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in front of the Gardena Police Department.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS -ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS -COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A RESOLUTION NO. 6607, Authorizing a Deed Restriction to the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Properties that is Required as a Condition of the Grant Award for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Local Grants and Services
RESOLUTION NO. 6607
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A DEED
RESTRICTION TO THE GARDENA COMMUNITY AQUATIC AND
SENIOR CENTER PROPERTY THAT IS REQUIRED AS A
CONDITION OF THE GRANT AWARD FOR THE STATEWIDE
PARK DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
PROGRAM FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF PARKS AND RECREATION, OFFICE OF LOCAL GRANTS
AND SERVICES
Council Member Tanaka recused himself and left the dais for this item because his residence is within the 500 feet of this project. City Attorney Vasquez, added for the record "this is his residential home".
4 Mayor Cerda asked City Attorney Vasquez to explain why Council Members need to recuse themselves in more detail and she did stating: Any Council Member that has such a conflict shall recuse themselves and leave the dais.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No public speakers or Council comments.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6607:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Abstain: Council Member Tanaka
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A COVID-19 Update
City Manager presented the update.
No Council comments.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS- POLICE- No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Award Construction Contract for the Fire Station No. 158 Roof Replacement Project - Water Damaged Ceiling Repair Phase, JN 509, to Klassic Engineering & Construction, Inc., in the amount of $653,000, Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Approve Budget Appropriation of $302,000 Deferred Maintenance funds, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No Public Speakers.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis stated, to her understanding the needles from the pine trees were causing the roof problems and asked if anything is being done to fix the problem besides the regular wear and tear; she also asked if LA County is making any kind of contribution; the trees have been an on-going issue since way back, even though they have some historical significance. City Manager Osorio answered her questions.
Mayor Cerda commented on the pinecone droppings from the trees and mentioned it seems to be a contributing factor to the roof problem; she also asked moving forward if we are considering cutting down the trees or replanting new ones. Public Works Director, Allan Rigg was present and answered Mayor Cerda questions and confirmed that the trees have been trimmed back in line with building. 5 Council Member Love asked, that if the pine tree droppings are causing any issues for any other buildings in the City? Public Works Director, Allan Rigg confirmed that he is not aware of any other impacted roofs and that the City Hall and Nakaoka roofs were recently replaced.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Construction Contract, Approve Project Plans and Specification, Approve Budget Appropriation and Contingency, and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.B Award the Preventative Maintenance and Repair Services for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Contract to F.M. Thomas Air Conditioning, Inc., in the amount of $ 234,878 and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis asked if the contract would include maintenance and repair; will they come out if there is an outage; also, does it include all our parks? City Manager Osorio answered her questions and concerns.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Francis, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Preventative Maintenance and Repair Services Contract, and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Francis, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES- No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS-TRANSPORTATION- No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
19.A Consideration of Establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to Provide Recommendations to the City Council on the Use of Grant Funds for the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Public Speaker: Gilbert Bernal Jr., owner of Ana's Mexican Restaurant on Gardena Blvd. came out spoke in favor of the Ad Hoc Committee.
Council Member Henderson suggested getting a community meeting together at the Nakaoka Community Center.
6 Mayor Cerda asked if any of our boards and commissions can attend.
Council Member Tanaka agreed with Council Member Henderson's suggestion and not to re-invent the wheel; that way we can concentrate on what the boulevard needs.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis spoke in favor of the Ad Hoc Committee; she stated there is no structure; she brought up the Van Ness Business revitalization between 139th and Rosecrans and indicated how they were able to get input from the businesses of what they wanted to see. She then stated that community input is important and that we create those structures for the business owners.
Council Member Love spoke in favor of the Ad Hoc Committee; she stated that the businesses and residents feel left out; she continued to say that having GEBAC handle the revitalization plan is not going to work since they only meet once every two months, its going to be a hard task. She continued to say that going through GEBAC is not going to solve the problem.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote that Council provide direction on establishing an Ad Hoc Committee:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Council Member Love and Mayor Pro Tern Francis
Council Members Henderson, Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
None
Motion did not pass
A motion made as then made by Mayor Cerda to have GEBAC take over the Gardena Blvd. Revitalization Program with the input of the business owners on Gardena Blvd., and include three (3) additional meetings:
Mayor Pro Tern Francis expressed her concerns regarding the motion made by Mayor Cerda.
City Attorney Vasquez gave clarification about the order in which the motions are being given.
Council Member Henderson asked City Attorney Vasquez to clarify the motion being brought forth. City Attorney Vasquez asked City Clerk, Semenza to read back the motion made.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to have GEBAC take over the Gardena Blvd., Revitalization Program with the input of the business owners on Gardena Blvd., including three (3) additional meetings:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Mayor Cerda and Council Members Henderson, and Tanaka
Mayor Pro Tern Francis and Council Member Love
None
7 20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Cerda
1) Asked if we could look into forming a Sustainability Commission to see if there are more things as a city we could do when it comes to sustainability; I understand there is grant money available; Council Member Henderson asked if he could add or revise the directive to see if we could have staff provide a memo if its viable for PEQC to handle sustainability and not create another commission - was seconded by Council Member Henderson
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 adding content to the City's Public Access Channel.
2. Memo regarding providing City Council with an estimated cost to upgrade the City Council Chambers audio and video system to facilitate the hybrid option.
3. Memo provided by the City Attorney's Office in response to Councilman Henderson and Mayor Pro Tern Francis' directive.
Mayor Pro Tern Francis asked about the community input from the homeless consultant. City Manager Osorio stated that is a standing directive and has no response as of yet, but the consultant is aware and working on the response.
4. Video presentation highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events.
5. City Manager Osorio wished Chief of Police Mike Saffell a Happy Birthday.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - Since the last Council Meeting Council Member Love attended Gathering Around the Table gave a shout out to Human Services had a great time; Senator Bradford's check presentation for the revitalization of Gardena Blvd; West Basin Water District Annual Harvest Fest where I learned a lot about the organization and its history; they recently celebrated their 75th anniversary. Council Member Love encouraged everyone to visit the Edward C. Little Recycling Center tour, it is very interesting to see how they recycle water. Lastly, she attended other events through the Chamber of Commerce.
(2) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON - Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the Independent Cities Board meeting; will be inviting everyone to their winter event, Gardena Listening Tour recognized the Chief of Police, Biz Fed Executive Committee; the new Gardena KIPP Generation Academy a new middle school in Gardena, SCAG Racial Equity Committee Meeting, and SCAG MSRC 8 Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Council Member Henderson shared he hosted a Youth Event at the Council Chambers and shared his roles and responsibilities in local government and talked about Gardena Direct application. He also attended the recognition of Pauline Moses at the VFW; the 2nd Supervisorial District Budget meeting and thanked staff for providing reports as they are working on future policies for improving the community. Lastly, Council Member Henderson shared that Boards & Commissions are not ceremonial roles, they have a role and encouraged the appointees that there is work involved and wanted to remind them that they have obligations and responsibilities as being part of the Commissions. (3) MAYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS - Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tern Francis attended the Senator Bradford's presentation of the $2.7 million check for the Gardena Blvd. revitalization; the Peary Middle School Garden Advisory Meeting, Supervisor Mitchell virtual Short-Term Rental Meeting for LA County, Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District Meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Francis received an email from UC San Diego alumni news as they are working on sterilization of mosquitos and passed on the information to Vector Control Director. She also shared that they inspected Mas Fukai Park and found out they do have a drain infested with mosquitoes in which they treated the drain, this should improve the mosquito situation at Mas Fukai Park. If anyone has any concerns on mosquitos, they may reach Mayor Pro Tern Francis. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tern mentioned it is very important that in the community there's opportunity for success.
(4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the re-grand opening of New Challenge Ministries Food Bank at the City of Torrance, they also service the Gardena area. Mayor Cerda attended the Listening Tour, JCI Emergency Preparedness Fair, and the Gather Around the Table event. Mayor Cerda shared the kickoff toy donation drive through December 9th, anyone may drop off at any of the facilities for more information please see our social media and the information is on our city website. She also attended the monthly CCGA meeting where they discussed all the different propositions that are on our November 8th ballot; just for the record, the City of Gardena is in opposition of Propositions 26 and 27, and it would help out our card rooms if you voted no; monthly Sanitation meeting; KIPP Generation Academy, it's always great when a school opens up, and whenever our kids can learn, I'm all in favor; 35th annual NAACP at LAX where she brought a certificate; the VFW picnic which recognized Pauline Moses; and commended all employees who participated at a Day at the Beach.
(5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Council Member Tanaka met with Council Member Waronek, one of his colleagues from the City of Lomita; attended the legislative briefing through the COG and discussed current legislative bills; the PD Listening Tour which was a great event; mentioned it's about the information that's shared; thanked the officers that showed up; CERT exhibition at JCI, learned a lot about earth quakes; CERT is doing a class in Gardena this month, it would be a great place to start; Senator Bradford's check presentation for Gardena Blvd. revitalization, he missed KIPP; attended annual picnic for VFW; was glad to see Pauline Moses there presented her with a beautiful plaque; there is going to an open celebration of life for Ingrid Tsukiyama on October 30, 2022 at 1 pm at JCI.
9 23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Rx TakeBack - Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. In front of the Gardena Police Department, 162nd and Western Ave.
2) C.E.R.T. Training Classes coming to Gardena in November. The training course will be a series of three classes on: 3 Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Auditorium. C.E.R.T. Training is free! 3) General Election Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Now Open 24-Hour Official Ballot Drop Off Boxes located at Rowley Park - 132nd & Van Ness and Nakaoka Community Center- 1670 W. 162nd Street. Election Day open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
24. REMEMBRANCES - None
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:13 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, November 8, 2022.
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By�iu_�
BeckyRomeo, Deputyity Clerk
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