1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:03 PM on Tuesday, January 24, 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 was away on an excused absence; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Treasurer Guy H. Mato; City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organizations:
1. Gardena Police Officers Association (GPOA), Matt Hassoldt, Association President
2. Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO), Vicky L. Barker, Attorney
3. Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), Fred G. Quiel, Attorney
4. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:53 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 Se ssion, she stated that regarding Item 2.A, staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Sofia Layug and Lauren Alpuche led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both are in 8th grade and attend St. Anthony of Padua School. Sofia is the Commissioner General for the student government and Lauren is the Vice President of the student government at St. Anthony of Padua.
4. INVOCATION
Presented by Pastor, Daniel Matsuba, Gardena Valley Baptist Church, gave the Invocation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 2 5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Boards and Commissions Update - Gardena Economic Advisory Commission - Economic Development Manager, Jackie Choi introduced GBAC Chairman, Steve Rogers. Mr. Rogers provided the update and video presentation.
5.B Recognition of Members of the City of Gardena Police Explorer Post #142 for their Successes at the 25th Annual Chandler Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona - Chief of Police Mike Saffell spoke and shared about the competition activities and gave the names of Post members who won high marks in the competition. Recognition was accepted by Members of the Explorer Post #142 and their Leaders Captain Vince Osorio, Sergeant Octavio Saldana, Detective Tyler Nash, Field Training Officer Mayda Zelaya, Detective Liliana Pinela and Marisol Bazan, Field Training Officer Michael Medeiros, Traffic Officer Victor Saldana, and Officer Kiara Preciado.
Explore Advisor, Tyler Nash thanked all members of the Council and Explorer Pos t members. He expressed his appreciation to all his advisor staff.
Council Member Tanaka commended all the officers and Explorer Post members. He asked what the effect of the pandemic had on the Explorer Post and what is the present status; How can the Youth of Gardena get information on how to become part of this organization?
Explore Advisor, Tyler Nash explained how COVID impacted the Explorer Program. He also explained how they reach out to the youth and what outlets are used to get the information out to the community.
5.C Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Presentation - Presented by the SCAG Manager of Government Affairs, Sarah Patterson.
Council Member Henderson thanked Sarah Patterson for the report and wanted to inform the community that when Council M embers are elected, they not only deal with city business – they work within the region and SCAG is one of those agencies that he is a Regional Council Representative.
Mayor Cerda thanked Ms. Patterson for the presentation.
5.D Certificate of Commendation presented to Matthew Groveunder for his heroic efforts he obtained through the Tri-City CERT Association Program
City of Gardena and the LA Co. Fire Department presented the Certificate of Commendation to Matthew Groveunder for his bravery and heroic efforts and accomplishments through the Tri-City CERT Association Training.
Mayor Cerda commended Matthew for his exemplary heroic efforts and quick thinking during a moment of crisis where he helped save his mother’s life.
Matthew thanked Mayor Cerda, all CERT instructors and everybody from his troop that were present. He specially was thankful for the CERT instructors, if it wasn’t for them, he could not guarantee that his mother would be here.
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 3 5.E Vehicle Donation to Huatabampo (Sister City) Presentation - Transportation Director, Ernie Crespo gave the video presentation. He confirmed the official transfer of four (4) vehicles and supplies to the City of Huatabampo. He also thanked all the organizations that were involve and all the effort that was put into making it a success.
Council Member Tanaka stated that has been a member of the Sister Cit y for many years and was elated to hear that they were here and added that the previous buses that were donated are still working and being used.
Mayor Cerda stated that it feels good to help our Sister City and thanked Director Crespo and his entire staff for all their hard work.
5.F Gardena Family Child Care Video Presentation
- City Manager Osorio read a summary highlighting GFCC and video was presented.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month - February 2023 - Proclamation was accepted by Rainbow Services
Community Service Counselor, Jackie Acros introduced Rainbow Services representatives, Griselda, Marcy and Daniel. Ms. Griselda thanked the City of Gardena, Mayor, A ll Members of the Council, and the Human Services Department for presenting Rainbow with the Proclamation and embarking with them in this crucial work.
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, January 10, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 24, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
January 24, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12296, 12305- 12311; Checks Voided: 170245- 170430 – for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,855,134.37; Total Payroll Issued for January 13, 2023: $1,735,508.66.
8.D Personnel Report P-2023-2 01-24-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 4 8.E RESOLUTION NO. 6611, Establishing Annual Regulatory Fees for Wholesalers or Distributors of Fireworks in Accordance with Section 8.16.115 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 6611
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL REGULATORY FEE FOR
WHOLESALERS OR DISTRIBUTORS OF FIREWORKS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8.16.115 OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE
8.F Approval of Final Tract Map No. 83318
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.G Approve City of Gardena's GTrans FY2023-2025 Short Range Transit Program CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
8.H Approve Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Bus Signal Priority Project for $75,000 and Contingency
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
8.I Ratify Administrative A pproval of the Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Eleven
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem 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.E, 8.G and 8.H:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson, Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.E COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - RESOLUTION NO. 6611 - Establishing Annual Regulatory Fees for Wholesalers or Distributors of Fireworks in Accordance with Section 8.16.115 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Fireworks - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked about the regulatory fees: Are the fees for Wholesalers or Distributors of Firework in accordance with our Municipal C ode related to Fireworks; Are they the increase in previous sales; Is this for the sale of fireworks. Community Development Director, Greg Tsujiuchi answered her questions and explained the details of the Resolution.
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 5 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: M ayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda, and Council Member s Henderson and Tanaka
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
8.G TRANSPORTATION - Approve City of Gardena's GTrans FY2023- 2025 Short Range Transit Program - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked for confirmation that the Short -range Transit Program is for GTrans; also asked about the GTrans bus real time App; Micro transit Program; Line 7x and Transit safety and security. Director Crespo answered each question in detail.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
8.H TRANSPORTATION - Approve Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Bus Signal Priority Project for $75,000 and Contingency - Item pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Francis
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if this agreement is going to help the buses, or will it impact our traffic? Director Crespo answered her questions.
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.H:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Membe rs Tanaka, Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A JANUARY 17, 2023 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Sarah Harper , representative of Mayme Dear Library; came to announce library upcoming events happening at the Mayme Dear and Masao W. Satow Libraries.
2) Joyce S. Watanabe, resident expressed that she is heartsick of the cutting down and removal of the J acaranda trees on 170th Street between Vermont Ave., and Normandie. Mayor Cerda thanked her for bringing it to their attention and asked that she speak to Public Works Director, Allan Rigg after the meeting.
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 6 3) City Clerk Mina Semenza , noted for the record that two email that was received from the public, stating that it has been forwarded to the City Council, and are available for viewing at the City Clerk’s office.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - No Items
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES - No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE - No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Award Construction Contract to Ruiz Concrete Paving Inc. in the amount of $180,100 for the Traffic Detour and Temporary Pavement for UPRR Improvements Phase of the Artesia Boulevard Arterial Improvement Project from Western Avenue to Vermont Avenue, JN 935. Additionally Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, and Declare Cal ifornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No Public Speakers.
Council Member Henderson asked about the delta between the Ruiz bid and the next highest bidder – is there anything that explains that delta and disparity. Public Works Director, Allan Rigg explained in detailed the bids and project information.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis, asked about the project timeline that will start in March 2023; asked if it will only be shut down for a 55- hour window; asked what is the expected completion time for the entire project from start to finish? Director Rigg confirmed that he does not have an exact date from the Union Pacific Railroad as of yet and once the date is confirmed, it will go out in mailers twice to all the impacted residents and businesses. He confirmed that it would be 55 an hour window: Friday night to a Monday morning and went on to explain that this is a great project even though it is an inconvenience in the beginning.
Mayor Cerda asked for confirmation that all residents and business will be notified of the project taking place. Director Rigg confirmed that everyone impacted will received specific notices from the City and from the contractor, and with the traffic control plan twice.
It was moved by Council Member Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following ro ll call vote to Award Construction Contract, Approve Project Plans and Specifications and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Henderson and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 7 17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Agreement between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Gardena for GTrans Solar Energy Generation / Bus Fueling Infrastructure Project
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No Public Speakers.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if this project is solar funding for fueling.
Transportation Director, Ernie Crespo confirmed that it will be for the electric buses.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Agreement:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka, Henderson, Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
19.A Approve Amendment to the California Cities Gaming Authority Joint Powers Agreement to Admit the City of Bell
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
No Public Speakers.
Council Member Henderson a sked Mayor Cerda if she could educate the community about CCGA and her involvement, and why it is important.
Mayor Cerda explained how she is the current Chairperson for CCGA and Council Member Tanaka is the alternate. She w ent on to explain how CCGA operates and the benefits as it related to our card rooms.
Council Member Tanaka asked was the City of Bell at one point aligned with another card room association. Mayor confirmed, yes, and explained the difference in JPA.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis stated that this agreement would be a mutual benefit to the JPA as well the City of Bell. Mayor Cerda replied that it is just allowing them to join the JPA.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Amendment:
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 8 Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Love
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
Asked if we could get staff to look into putting a photovoltaic covering (solar panel cover) over the parking lot across from Rush Gym to help with the heat as we get the aquatic center built – Council Member Tanaka seconded it.
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 Notice of Posting for the revised 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element.
2) Memo addressing the concerns with paving and construction signage during the January 10, 2023, Council Meeting.
3) Memo regarding the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization update. We have heard from our consultant Townsend Public Affairs who he has personally called and asked them to provide us with a summary of the earmarks, the background and state agencies update, and when are we getting the money and guidelines.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - was away on an excused absence.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON - Thanked the Boards and Commissions for doing presentations for Council and the community. Since the last Council Meeting Council Member Henderson attended the LA County Federation of Labor Breakfast. He also participated in the survey and interview with Cal Berkeley the topic was violence and local politics. Council Member Henderson attended AQMD meeting, SCAG Racial Inequity and Regional Housing Committee, grand opening of Lab Five soccer f acility, GDAAP banquet, Assembly Member Mike Gibson’s swearing in at LA Harbor College he represents the new 65th Assembly District, and Gardena Valley Lions Dinner.
Lastly, Council Member Henderson expressed the hard work the community and council accomplished.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM FRANCIS - Since the last Council Meeting Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended the ribbon cutting for Lab Five Soccer Fields, and Gardena Valley Lion Celebration Dinner honoring Grant Nakaoka. Mayor Pro Tem Francis also attended GDAAP Red Ribbon Award Banquet and was impressed by the community, teacher, principals, and superintendent support. She shared the importance of encouraging young people to make smart choices and avoid drug use. Mayor Pro Tem Francis wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and mourns the killings in Monterrey Park and Half Moon Bay. She encouraged everyone to have hope no matter how crazy things are and better days are ahead.
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 9 4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting, Mayor Cerda attended the LA City Selection Committee meeting, Okinawa Association Lunar New Year’s Eve party in the City of Carson, monthly CCGA meeting, Sanitation meeting, Kiwanis meeting, Lab Five Soccer Field grand opening, Red Ribbon Week Awards Ceremony, and Gardena Valley Lions Clu b as they celebrated their 99
th anniversary. Mayor Cerda shared the
Gardena Valley Lions Club takes old glass frames and donates to third world countries. She also attended the bus exchange with representatives of Huatabampo.and mentioned t he City of Montclair also donated medical equipment to Huatabampo. Lastly, Mayor Cerda shared she met a business owner at the City of Torrance and this person complimented the City of Gardena’s Community Development Department, especially staff Hilda and Rita for their great work.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and remembered the tragedy in Monterrey Park. Since the last Council Meeting Council Member Tanaka attended the SBCOG Legislative Briefing and Maxine Waters attended the meeting to share a brief synopsis of all the grants she was able to acquire. Council Member Tanaka attended the Huatabampo GTrans Bus pick up and mentioned the importance the donations make to the people of Huatabampo. Council Member Tanaka shared some words on Mrs. Helen Rocha who was a volunteer, he attended her celebration of life. Lastly, attended the grand opening of Lab Five, Ribbon Week with GDAAP, swearing in with Assembly Member Mike Gibson, and Lions 99th Anniversary Dinner. Council Member Tanaka thanked all city staff for their hard work and thanked Director Rigg for working on the street issue he mentioned last meeting.
Mayor Cerda – Mayor Cerda shared she had a phone conversation with Congresswoman Maxine Waters and told her she was able to get the City another million dollars for the Rosecrans Community project. Mayor Cerda is very excited to receive funding for the project.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Congresswoman Maxine Waters was able to obtain another 1 million dollars for the City of Gardena Rosecrans Community Project.
2) Gardena Police Department Presents Coffee with a Cop on January 26, 2023, sponsored by Auntie's Cafe 1425 W. Artesia Blvd. (next door to El Pollo Inka). 3) Mental Health Workshop - Immigration, Adaptation, & Resi lience, January 26, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center, Room E, at 6:30 p.m.
4) Ministerial Association Meeting & Brunch - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, on Thursday, January 26, 2023; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center. Guest speaker will talk about Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.
5) Candlelight Dinner, Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center; Doors open: 4:30 p.m; Dinner served: 5:15 p.m., suggested donation $3.75. Please remember to register ahead of time.
6) Gardena Strategic Homeless Plan - The City of Gardena is asking the community to review the drafted Gardena Homeless Strategic Plan at
http://cityofgardena.org/homelessservices/
. Please provide any input or questions
before 3:00 p.m., January 27, 2023, by emailing
[email protected].
DocuSign Envelope ID: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC 10 7) Mayme Dear Memorial Library – Happy Heart Month Book Sale on Saturday, February 4, 2023; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
8) Community Meeting - Gardena/Hawthorne Mental Health Evaluation Team (GHMET) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., at the Nakaoka Community Center - Room A.
9) 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. 10) City of Gardena Senior Citizens Bureau - COVID-19 Vaccine & Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, February 13, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
11) “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. For further information please contact Gardena Parks and Recreation at (310)217-9552. • Gardena Residents 55 and over $20.
• Non-Residents 55 and over $30.
12) 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Parage - New Date Saturday, February 25, 2023. Parage begins at 10:00 a.m. at Serra High School and ends at Rowley Park, following festivities.
13) Semi- Annual Clean Up Event - One Day Only! Bulky item pickup, leave items out by 6:00 a.m. (adjacent to street curb). See schedule for your day. Event Schedule:
If your normal trash day is: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Then your cleanup day is: Feb. 18 Feb. 25 Mar. 4 Mar. 11 Mar. 18 14) New Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 - Hands On Gardening Workshop – West Basin Municipal Water District and the City of Gardena Beautification Commission invites you from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Workshop will be held at Rowley Park 13220 Van Ness Ave.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Rey San Jose, 65 years of age, beloved father of Dustin San Jose, Equipment Mechanic in the Public Works Department.
The eleven (11) people that were killed in the Monterey Park mass shooting on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at a Luna New Year Celebration.
The seven ( 7) people that were killed at the farms in Half Moon Bay on Monday, January 23, 2023.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:12 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, February 14, 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: BF10E0E5-742E-433E-A9F3-A3CA01C034BC