1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:39 PM on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 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 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; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Daniel Vasquez and Mariela Vasquez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both attend Magnolia Science Academy 3. Daniel and Mariela are currently in the City of Gardena Teen Program. They are long- time participants and have been a part of our afterschool programs, youth day camps, and our teen summer and winter programs.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Nathaniel Session, of Enlightened Ministry Bible Church, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Presentation of the "Holiday Home Decoration Contest 2022" Winners - Video presentation was presented.
Mayor Cerda thanked the Beautification Committee and Chairperson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis thanked everyone who participated in the contest, and for making the city look more beautiful during the holidays.
5.B Gardena Events Video Presentation
- Video presentation was presented highlighting the Recreation and Human Services Department current and future events.
Mayor Cerda expressed her appreciation for all the staff and all that they did for our residents. She is excited and looks forward to seeing what 2023 is going to bring as it relates to events.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 2 5. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week," January 08 through 16, 2023. - Proclamation was accepted by Mayor Pro Tem Ms. Paulette C. Francis, Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis introduce tw o committee members Artie Bailey and Carrie Scott. She informed everyone that the City of Gardena is the proud distinction of being the first city west of Mississippi to honor Dr. King with official celebration and the Committee was established by Mr. Arthur Johnson in 1972 ; this is our 50th year; and this is our 40th anniversary. We are also one of the few cities that have a two -day Dr. King celebration which are our Friday Night Youth Program that takes place on January 13, 2023 , at the Nakaoka Community Center where the essay contest winners will read their essays and be presented with certificates and scholarship award. She also announced that the parade was postpone due to weather conditions.
She thanked the City of Gardena for their continuous support.
6. APPOINTMENTS - No Appointments were made
7. 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, December 13, 2022
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 27, 2022 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
December 27, 2022: Wire Transfer: 12285- 12295, 12297; Check Nos: 169977- 170137 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2 ,577,463.72; Total Payroll Issued for December 16, 2022: $2,316,627.62.
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 10, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
January 10, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12298- 12304; Check Nos: 170138- 170139; Checks Voided: 170140-170244 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $609,420.16; Total Payroll Issued for December 30, 2022: $1,697,011.74.
8.E Personnel Report P-2023-1 1-10-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.F Monthly Investment Report, November 2022
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 3 8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6612 , Repealing Resolution No. 6603, and Adopting a New Conflict of Interest Code
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 6612
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO.
6603, AND ADOPTING A NEW CONFLICT OF INTEREST
CODE
8.H ORDINANCE NO. 1846 SECOND READING , Relating to the Protection of Property During Demolition, Including a Determination that the Ordinance is Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption Set Forth in Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3) and Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 (Class 5) for Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO.1846
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 15.52 TO
TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE
GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE
PROTECTION OF PROPERTY DURING DEMOLITION
8.I RESOLUTION NO. 6610, Entering into an Agreement with California Department of Social Services and Designating Authorized Signatories CONTACT: RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO. 6610
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SERVICES AND DESIGNATE AUTHORIZED
SIGNATORIES
8.J Approve Agreement with Luminator Technology Group for Maintenance of Bus Cameras
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, 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 Item 8.C:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.C CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 27, 2022 - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked about the contributions made to the casino for Economic assistance resulting from an agreement from a few years ago and asked what year it ends . She also asked about the proposed hotel and contingency update. City Attorney Vasquez stated that the agreement expires in 2026 and explained the agreement requirements.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.C:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member s Tanaka, Henderson and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A December 20, 2022 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
10.B January 3, 2023 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Pat Forte, first time attending our Council Meeting; represents a group of people who want to help the homeless; spoke about area east of Vermont.
Mayor Cerda informed Ms. Forte that the area mentioned is not within the City of Gardena jurisdiction and asked if she can contact the City Clerk’s office or the City Manager’s office so she can get Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office information and possibly see about working with her task force.
Council Member Tanaka added that he will also provide her with contact information for an SBCOG representative for that area.
2) Sarah Harper, from Mayme Dear Library; came to announce library upcoming events happening at the Mayme Dear and Satow Libraries.
3) Navaline Smith, came out with Pat Forte regarding the homelessness issue.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A New Bingo License, to conduct bingo games outdoors on the parking lot area of the Lucky Lady Casino by the Samoan Congregational Christian Church of South Los Angeles
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 5 No Public Speakers.
Council Member Tanaka asked, like the Elks and VFW they do Bingo; what portion is the city going to benefit from or is it jus t the licensing? City Manager Osorio confirmed that it is only for licensing.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked where is the bingo going to be played? City Manager Osorio confirmed that it will be outside in a tented area of the Lucky Lady complex.
Council Member Love asked if this organization has applied for a bingo permit before; has this organization done Bingo before; and is it a church in Gardena or they chose the Gardena Casino as a location? City Manager Osorio confirmed that the organization has not done any permits or any bingo in the City of Gardena – this will be a brand- new application for a new operator. Director of Community Development, Greg Tsuji uchi confirmed that the church is not located in Gardena and believes that it is in C arson. He also informed everyone that a representative from the church was present, and she came up to the podium and made everyone aware that the church is in Lomita. Council Member Love also asked how was the Lucky Lady chosen? The church representative replied that they wanted to help the casino in the City of Gardena by giving back: making donations for back -to- school; senior citizens and help the casino as well.
Mayor Cerda asked abo ut the time and hours of operation; and if they had a community meeting with the surrounding homes/neighborhood for feedback? The church representative responded that the times and hours are Thursday thr ough Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and she also confirmed that a community meeting was held.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve New Bingo License:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES - No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE - No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Authorize the Contract Renewal Services with Smart Cover Systems, Inc. in the amount of $31,560 to provide Active Site Management (ASM) and Warranty Coverage
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Council Member Henderson asked about the data that has been collected so far :
how have we used that data to make wiser decisions; and if the data is not DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 6 proprietary or a security breaches, can that data be post ed on our website for transparency. Also, regarding the railroad right-of-way can we get relief from those other agencies if there is a backup or do we assume the expense. Director of Public Works, Allan Rigg came to t he podium and explained the sewer process and stated that the data is not proprietary, and he does not know of what value it would be if the information was provided to the public since it is only an alert when there is a problem . He also explained in depth about the complicated sewer system that the city has and since the system has been implemented, we have not had one overflow of a public sewer, which is outstanding; he has not seen that in any of the cities he has been part of. Director Rigg confirmed that we cannot expense the other agency and we must design around their facilities.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if we are replacing what we have now, because she is taking into consideration all the new developments that are currently taking place. Also, are we going to get new smart manholes, and do we need to do anything else in addition to what we have now to make sure with all the new development that our sewers system runs efficiently; does street repairs have any affect? Are they covered as part of the maintenance plan, or will it be an additional cost? Direct Rigg informed her that the city purchased all the hardware and software previously, and this is an extension of the software license that we are currently using. As for the new development, they are wrapping up the Sewer Master Plan that should be c oming out next month and once it is completed it will come up with a study of the capacity and conditions of our sewers, it will also identify projected development; what sewers will be under capacity, and they will look at the possibility of allocating th ose costs to the new development which is a separate effort. He also informed all that manhole stays in place when a street is re-done; if the manhole has to be lifted, it is reset and readjusted. He also confirmed that it would be an additional cost; we have to incur that cost whether it is a smart manhole lid or not.
Council Member Tanaka asked a re some of our sewers shared with the County? Director Rigg stated no and explained the 3-part system ownership.
Council Member Love asked are all our manhole covers smart? What is the percentage that are? Are we looking to make them all smart? Do we clean our own sewer systems? Can we address the restaurants that are not properly disposing their grease?
Director Rigg replied 30 of 2000 manhole covers are smart; talked about where they are located; mentioned that restaurants that don’t properly use their grease traps; there are areas within the City where we go and clean up the grease areas. With our stormwater permit, we go out and do inspections annually of restaurants if they are not properly maintained they are cited; proof that things are running properly is that we have had no overflows.
Mayor Cerda commented and said she was very impressed with the smart manhole covers, she was able to go see them in action; she then asked if we get a chance we could show the Council the video that she saw because it would put it all into perspective.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 7 It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize the Contract Renewal:
Ayes: Council Member Love , Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member s Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.B Award Construction Contract for the Budlong Avenue from Redondo Beach Boulevard to El Segundo Boulevard and Halldale Avenue from 135th Street to El Segundo Boulevard Street Improvements Project, JN 985 to Sequel Contractor, Inc. in the amount of $1,471,799.50. Additionally, Award Construction Management and Inspection Services Contract to Cannon Company, in the amount of $158,976.00, Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Approve Budget Appropriation of $530,000 funds, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No public speakers.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if there is going to be street/traffic lights upgrades; and then asked if this is the same company that did Van Ness Avenue. City Manager Osorio replied it’s just the street rehab. Director Rigg stated that the company that worked on Van Ness project was All American Asphalt, and that we have used Sequel Contractor before.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, secon ded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Construction Contract; Award Construction Management and Inspection Services; Approve Budget Appropriation; Approve Project Plans and Specifications; and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.C Select and Approve the Proposed Conceptual Design to proceed with the Construction Document Phase of the Citywide Wayfinding/Entry Sign Program Project, JN 507.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Public Works Director Allan Rigg was gave a PowerPoint presentation.
After the presentation, Council gave their input and recommendations; Director Rigg answered all questions. Mayor Cerda recommended we start with a policy about which signs we replace first. Five different designs were presented and each of the Council Mem bers chose one each of the five design s. City Manager DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 8 commented and said the designs were discussed at the Department Head meeting and staff selected design number 3.
A member from the public, Ms. Phillips, came up to the podium and gave her recommendation, and chose design number 3.
Council came to a consensus and chose design number 3 and chose the fancier pole. Council gave direction to Director Rigg to proceed with design number 3 and order the fancier pole. Director Rigg suggested that he would do a prototype of design number 3, install it, then have Council look at the signs.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION - No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
1) Regarding: Combatting Street takeovers; he would like to spend more time with Chief Saffell to formalize a plan regarding the LPR system records and working with vendor to expand on the technology – was seconded by Council Member Tanaka
Council Member Tanaka / Council Member Love
1) C ouncil Member Tanaka - There are 5 metal plates on 162 nd just west of Western Avenue that affected the alignment on his car; asked if this could be fixed.
Council Member Love – Asked if Golden State Water could put signs up during construction to warn motorists – was seconded by Council Member Henderson
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS - None
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – Council Member Henderson wished everyone a Happy New Year. Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended the SCAG meeting and Regional SCAG meeting as he represents the City of Gardena.
Council Member Henderson will be attending a SCAG meeting on January 19 th as he is
chairing the Racial Equity and Housing Committee. He also shared the Southern California Area of Governments will be presenting at the next Council Meeting. Council Member Henderson thanked the City Manager, City Staff, and Department Heads for listening to their concerns in wanting to improve the city.
2) MAYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS – Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District meeting, and Beautification Commission meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended Shop with a Cop and thanked the Gardena Police Department for their generosity in paying for the children’s toys out of their own money. She also attended the toy giveaway hosted by the Helping Hands Program, and flag football awards banquet. Mayor Pro Tem Francis shared the Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration program will be on January 13 th
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 9 through January 14 th. Unfortunately, the MLK parade has been postponed due to weather. Lastly, wished everyone a happy 2023 and better days are coming.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last meeting Council Member Tanaka attended the Finance Committee meeting, SBCOG Homeless Task force meeting, League of California Cities meeting, South Bay Aerospace Alliance meeting, DCS check in, and happy dance toy giveaway. Council Member Tanaka shared he tried to attend every event Director Santin hosted before the new year. Apologized for not attending the PD Toy Giveaway but heard positive feedback. Council Member Tanaka shared he had the privilege of working with those listed in the remembrances and Mrs.
Rocha she was a great community leader that did a lot of nonprofit work for the city.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Mayor Cerda tried to attend all the events before the new year.
Mayor Cerda attended Jolley Trolley, Shop with a Cop, Acts of Kindness, and Christmas parties. Mayor Cerda thanked all the departments for organizing and working together. Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the swearing in of the City of Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, and event for Sydney Kam lager, who is going to Congress. Lastly, wished Minnie Thomas a Gardena resident a Happy Birthday as she turned 100 years old.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Council Member Love wished everyone a happy new year. Since the last Council Meeting Council Member Love attended Let’s Talk Trash event with WRG. Council Member Love was unable to attend Shop with a Cop event because she hosted a toy giveaway wit h one of the businesses in the city. Council Member Love shared the Chamber of Commerce hosted the Christmas Day luncheon and gave a shout out to PD and the POA as they helped sponsored the event. She also shared that during the toy giveaway the kids had a lot of fun, and she was very happy that the police officers were engaging with the children. Lastly, thanked Direc tor Riggs and Director Crespo for working on adding light to one of the bus stops and for trimming the tree.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Mental Health Work Shops on Thursday s at 6:30 p.m. - Nakaoka Community Center Room E:
• January 12, 2023 – Childhood Disorder: Neurodevelopment • January 19, 2023 – Childhood Disorders: Anxiety & Emotional Disorders • January 26, 2023 – Immigration, Adaptation, & Resilience 2) The Martin Luther King Parade has been postponed to February 25, 2023. 3) Candlelight Dinner, Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center; Doors open: 4:30 p.m.; Dinner served: 5:15 p.m., and there will be entertainment. 4) Mayme Dear Memorial Library – Happy Heart Month Book Sale on Saturday, February 4, 2023; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
5) Teen Night on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center. Teens ages 13- 17 will learn about themselves and health relationships, red flags & toxic traits, self-love and positive self-image. 6) “ Gardena on the Go” – Los Angeles Kings Game on Monday, February 13, 2023.
Check-in 4:45 p.m.; Depart 5:30 p.m. from the Nakaoka Community Center. • Gardena Residents 55 and over $20.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65 10 • Non-Residents 55 and over $30.
7) Hands On Gardening Workshop – West Basin Municipal Water District and the City of Gardena Beautification Commission invites you on Saturday, February 25, 2023: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Workshop will be held at Rowley Park 13220 Van Ness Ave. You will learn about: Native and climate appropriate plants; Proper plant installation and maintenance; Water -efficient irrigation devices. Space is limited, please contact the City of Gardena for more information.
8) MLK Commemorative Youth Program this Friday, January 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., located at the Nakaoka Community Center.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Don Pastel, former police officer with the Gardena Police Department; Ms. Michelle Stallings, former jailer with the Gardena Police Department; Mr. Garland Brown, former police detective with the Gardena Police Department; Ms. Sharon Gonzales, former jailer with the Gardena Police Department; Ms. Helen Rocha , 95 years of age. Ms. Rocha was born and raised in Gardena and was very involved in the Community. She was part of the Gardena Heritage Club, Gardena Sister Cities Association, Gardena Emblem Club, and a member of the Gardena Elks Lodge;
Mr. Elder Wilbur McBride ,
beloved pastor of Faith Temple Church, a 51- year resident of Gardena and father of Stacy McBride; and
Mrs. Je ssica Randle, 80 years of age, beloved former City of Gardena Senior Citizens Commissioner, and a long time City of Gardena resident. Not only was she a client with the Senior Citizens Bureau, but also a member of the Affiliated Committee on Aging. She was deeply involved in the Community and will be greatly missed. Her husband, JR Randle, passed away a month prior.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:42 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, January 24, 2023.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
APPROVED:
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
______________________________ By:___________________________ Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: B8BEFA7E-8E5F-4DDF-B852-7F147852AD65