1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:05 PM on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 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; 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.
City Clerk Mina Semenza, noted for the record that Council Member Tanaka was not present during roll call.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Clarence Cecil IV Davis v. City of Gardena, et al. L.A. Sup. Ct. Case No.: BC719909
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3)
One Potential Case: Claim No. T11-2022, filed June 22, 2022, by George Van Heel (Copy of Claim available in City Clerk’s office)
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:48 p.m., and the City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting. City Attorney Vasquez noted for the record that Council Member Tanaka was present for Closed Session at 7:10 p.m. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she stated that with regard to Item 2.A – the item was being continued; and with regard to Item 2.B Council was provided with an update, discussion was had, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Aaron Gil and Tyler Chin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both are in the 5th grade and attend Denker Elementary School. Tyler was recently the 3rd Place winner for the 2023 MLK essay contest and the topic was "Is the struggle to vote as real today as it was during the Civil Rights Movement.” Aaron filled in for Desirae Jourdan, who was not present. Both children introduced their parents.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 2 4. INVOCATION
Pastor Christopher Codrington, Gardena-Torrance Baptist Church, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long- Time Service to the City of Gardena: (a) David McMichael, Building Maintenance Lead - 39 years (Public Works Department)
Director of Public Works, Allan Rigg introduced David McMichael, Building Maintenance Lead and photos were taken . Mr. McMichael a ccepted his certificate and recognition. H e spoke and thanked the Mayor, City Council, Director Rigg, his supervisors and fellow employees, and his family.
5.B Certificate of Recognition for Gerrie Noel in appreciation of her service to the community as a Tenant Representative Member of the Rent Mediation Board - was accepted by Ms. Gerrie Noel
Mayor Cerda, who originally appointed Ms. Noel, commended her for all the years of outstanding service and dedication to the Rent Mediation Board as a Tenant Representative Chair.
5.C Certificate of Commendation to the students of Junipero Serra High School's National Society of Black Engineers for their accomplishments in the International Space Program.
Mayor Cerda asked Council Member Tanaka to speak and present the Certificate of Commendation to the Students of Junipero Serra High School's National Society of Black Engineers for their accomplishments in the International Space Program.
Mayor Cerda comm ended all the students and school personnel for their exemplary efforts.
Students: Travis Leonard, Anderson Pe cot, Henry T oler, Isaiah Dunn, and Christopher Holbert; and Sarah , their photographer ; and other staff: Mr. Joe Cormier; Mr. Ken Irvine , Mentor, and President Dr. John Moran spoke about their mission and expressed their appreciation and thanked all Members of the Council for the recognition.
5.D Gardena Events Video Presentation – The video presented highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department past and future events.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Fair Housing Month," April 2023 - was accepted by Alicia Nguyen, Outreach Coordinator with the Fair Housing Foundation
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 3 6.B "DMV / DONATE LIFE MONTH," April 2023 - was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
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:
Amended Regular Meeting of the City Council, February 28, 2023 Regular Meeting of the City Council, March 14, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning & Environmental Quality Commission, March 7, 2023 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, March 28, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
March 28, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12347- 12351; Prepay: 171013 -171014; Check Numbers: 171015-171201 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $1,629,695.16; Total Payroll Issued for March 24, 2023: $2,387,500.63.
8.E Monthly Investment Report, February 2023
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.F Personnel Report P-2023-5 3-28-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
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.B and 8.F:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka, Henderson, and Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
City Attorney Vasquez recommended that the City Council vote separately and approve the Amended Minutes of February 28, 2023 first.
Mayor Cerda asked for a motion to approve the City Council Amended Minutes of February 28, 2023.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 4 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Amended Minutes for February 28, 2023:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Love, Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.B CITY CLERK - Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting of the City Council, March 14, 2023 - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love asked for corrections to be made to the roll call vote for Council Item 19.A 12 -Month Pilot Commercial Facade Improvement Program, where she voted "No".
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Amend the March 14, 2023 Minutes with the corrections made as stated by Council Member Love and bring the Amended Minutes back for Approval at the April 11, 2023, Council Meeting:
Ayes: Council Member Love, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.F HUMAN RESOURCES - Personnel Report P -2023-5 3-28-23: Attachment 2 – Job Specification Payroll Specialist - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love asked about the pay rate for the Payroll Tech Specialist position.
City Manager Osorio replied that it is Pay Schedule 52.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and carried by the following vote to Approve Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Love, Mayor Pro Tem Francis; Council Members Henderson and Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A MARCH 21, 2023 MEETING
Conditional Use Permit #7 -21, Site Plan Review #9- 21, and Environmental Assessment #18-21
The applicant is requesting the following to construct a new 190,860 square foot industrial building on an 8.46 acre property:
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 5 1. Conditional Use Permit (CUP #7-21) - To permit the operations of a warehouse facility in the General Industrial (M -2) zone in accordance with Section
18.46.030.C.18 of the Gardena Municipal Code; and
2. Site Plan Review (SPR #9 -21) - Demolition of all existing on -site buildings to construct a new 190,860 square foot tilt -up industrial building, with 22 dock doors, a new parking area, lighting, and landscaping site improvements; and
3. Environmental Assessment (EA #18-21) - Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP).
Project Location: 1600 W. 135th Street, Gardena
Applicant: Gardena Owner LP
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 4-23, by a vote of 3-0-1.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council)
This Item was Called for Review by Mayor Pro Tem Francis - Council Member Love seconded it. A Public Hearing was set for the April 25, 2023, Council Meeting.
10.B MARCH 21, 2023 MEETING
General Plan Consistency for the Acquisition of a 0.11 Acre Parcel Located at 1731 W. 162nd St.
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 5-23, by a vote of 3-0-0.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council)
This Item was Received and Filed.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1. Traci Saruwatari - community organizer for GDAAP, came out to announce ADAAP’s partnership with the Gardena Police Department to raise awareness of Fentanyl at a Town Hall Meeting that is coming up next Thursday at the Nakaoka Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2. Sarah Harper, from Mayme Dear Library; came to announce library upcoming events happening at the Mayme Dear and Satow Libraries.
3. Chris Bennett, Block Club Captain for the Casimir Gatekeepers Network, wanted the record to note his letter of accommodation for Alex Orozco to be placed in her personnel file for her grat itude and work ethic she has shown him because she is doing an excellent job relaying information that is very vital for him to function as a block club.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 6 12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan to Accept HOME - ARP Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the amount of $1,040,280.
HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
• Substantial Amendment to FY 2021- 2022 HUD Annual Allocation Plan - CDBG Program
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Diana Espinoza, Homeless Coordinator for the City of Gardena, gave the PowerPoint Presentation.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:52pm. She asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
There were no public speakers.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda, Council Member Love and Recreation and Human Services Director Stephany Santin. Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked about the $154,000 in administrative costs and why is it so much; she also stated that the Homeless Coordinator position is a much- needed position; Mayor Cerda asked if we get the money now, is it okay to set aside the funds for next year; and it was stated by Council Member Love that homelessness is not going to go away; she continued to say that it would only seem fit to fund the Homeless Coordinator position through the general fund so the grant money could go towards funding the homeless.
Recreation & Human Services Director, Stephany Santin was present and answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 8:56 pm.
It w as moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Substantial Amendment to include the Home -ARP Allocation Plan; and Authorize City Manager, or his designee, to take all actions necessary or desirable to implement the HOME-ARP Program:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 7 12.B Single Audit Report Required for Federally Funded Programs for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report and gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Henderson, Council Member Love, Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Cerda, City Manager Osorio, City Attorney Carmen Vasquez, and Director of Finance Ray Beeman; and Sophia Kuo, of the PUN Group.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis thanked the PUN Group for their audit. She then asked why it took an audit to find these and why did it happen; how is it going to impact the programs; what is this going to cost us; what corrective actions are we taking; and then asked about the Gardena Blvd Revitalization and would our reserve be affected by this; she commented on how this is all going to be fixed by July 1 st. She asked
about the corrective action staff team and then asked about all future budgeted items.
City Attor ney Vasquez stated that there is an internal investigation that is being conducted by the City Attorney’s office that is currently ongoing by an outside agency; once we have the answers as to your question of “why did this happen”, we will bring back the results.
Council Member Henderson thanked staff for the report and stated that everyone is going to feel a little heat on this one; he spoke about how he knows how are general fund can absorb these costs, but because there was a failure in execution, the chain of command is going to have to feel some of that; he then asked City Manager Osorio what are we going to do to train our administrative leadership since critical deadlines are being missed; that’s your first sign; he stated we need to take some correc tive action, it could have a potential impact on our general fund; he then asked if our grant funders have weighed in on this situation because we have been getting stellar audits up until this point and is this investigation going to determine why those policies and procedures were not followed.
Council Member Love stated that she agrees with her colleagues, this could have a severe impact on us, its not a good look when we are doing the grants; she then asked Director Beeman how he came up with the dollar amounts for the future budgets, she asked about Payroll Expenditures Finding #1 which she found disturbing, and how your pulling out and redirecting to the general fund; if we are not losing any money; will it be paid back the general fund.
Council Member Tanaka asked what we are doing to make sure this doesn’t happen again; as you do all those things, is it going to get resolved; how does this affect us, he thanked the PUN Group and asked for confirmation if our policies are up to date.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 8 Mayor Cerda stated we had the policies in place, and they were not being followed; if we are not covering it in our general fund, we would be losing some employees right now as well as some of these programs , I feel we need to micromanage from now on.
Director Beeman answered and addressed all of Council’s questions.
City Manager Osorio explained the process of working with CDBG funds, and how we will re-allocate those funds. He also stated that he re-assigned all grant duties to Director Beeman. He then gave some information regarding the dates of the policies and procedures. He then stated he wants to make sure that everyone is absolutely clear and understands where we are tonight.
Sophia Kuo spoke and gave her recommendations.
There were no public speakers.
This Item was Received and Filed.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1850 – A Moratorium Prohibiting New Significant Tobacco Retailers from Establishing in the City
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1850
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY
MORATORIUM ON SIGNIFICANT TOBACCO RETAILERS
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if there was anyone from the public wishing to speak on this item besides the four (4) speaker slips we received tonight. City Clerk Semenza added that we received two (2) additional emails that were given to all Council Members tonight and entered into the record.
Public Speakers: Melissa Loza, Tracy Saruwatari; Dr. Rachel Johnson and Emma Allos all spoke in support of the moratorium.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda , and City Attorney Vasquez. Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if this is approved tonight is 45 days enough time to implement regulations ; Mayor Cerda asked if we end up getting buffer zones and density caps , and if it’s too close to a treatment center, a school or a park would the business owner be put on notice or would the existing shops be grandfathered in.
City Attorney Vasquez answered all of Council’s questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 9 It was moved by Mayor Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1850
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Tanaka, Henderson and Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.B Annual Housing Element Progress Report 2022, of the 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
This Item was Received and Filed.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – ELECTED & CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE – None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – PUBLIC WORKS – None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
17.A Award the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Contract to RJM Design Group, Inc. in the amount of $273,970.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion that included Council Members Henderson, Council Member Love, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Mayor Cerda, Director of Recreation and Human Services Stephany Santin and Kristen, representative of the RJM Design Group.
Council Member Henderson asked about t he evaluation committee how many and which positions were on this committee.
Council Member Lov e stated that she noticed that the City of Carson’s plan was $53,000 less and asked is there a difference in what we are getting than Carson; she then asked about dog parks; when was the last time we did a master plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked about the master plan for Recreation Park; and commented there have been some improvements at Mas Fukai Park, how do they fit in the master plan; she then asked what do you mean when you said how children play now; is there a particular formula for the amount of park space; for example for every 1,000 residents does it say we need a park; wants to make sure we are adequately meeting the standards.
Mayor Cerda stated since the city has been incorporated , a Parks and Recreation Master Plan has never been done.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 10 Director Santin answered and addressed Council’s questions.
Kristen from RJM Design Group was present and answered all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Contract to RJM Design Group, Inc.:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Hender son, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Purchase and Installation of Upgraded Fuel Terminals and Software from E.J. Ward at a cost of $138,320.16
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a discussion which included Council Member Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, City Manager Osorio and Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo. Council Member Henderson asked if there is a camera system that watches over the dispense of gas; is there a report that is being looked at to determine when the variance is high.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis asked if there was another item that was similar to one that was just approved at an earlier council meeting. She then asked if this was for the software and hardware of our fuel terminals.
City Manager Osorio and Director Crespo and answered and addressed 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 Purchase:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Council Members Love, Henderson and Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - None
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Love
1) Would like to see how many other businesses we might consider placing moratoriums on; can a data dump report be done to reflect those types of businesses? - Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 11 2) Would like staff to draft a Vendor Ordinance for Council to consider; there are too many fruit vendors popping up – Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
3) Would like to put this directive on the agenda for discussion; subject: to get an updated cost on the initial quote to upgrade the whole A/V system in the Council Chambers (adding hybrid); Council Member Henderson amended the directive to add “Can we get the camera that’s not working repaired first and then get the updated cost” – Council Member Henderson seconded it.
Council Member Henderson
1) Would like to amend our municipal code regarding the membership eligibility requirements of our Youth Commission; to have two requirements: 1) Age 14-18 years old; and 2) be a resident of Gardena – Mayor Pro Tem Francis seconded it.
2) Would like IT to do a study on how we can make our website ADA compliant – Council Member Love seconded it.
Mayor Pro Tem Francis
1) If we could have staff look into the number of businesses that are still operating outdoor dining – Council Member Henderson seconded it.
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio gave a verbal report of information to foll ow-up on matters that had been directed or requested by the Mayor and Members of Council. Those items were, as follows:
1) A Memo in response to Council Member Henderson’s directive regarding establishing a historical society.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) Council Member Henderson- Thanked staff for the information he received on establishing a historical society; Since the last meeting Council Member Henderson attended Los Angeles Business Federation Homeless Committee, was interviewed by Master students at Cal State Long Beach regarding the public policy about homelessness. Council Member Henderson stated, the students were excited to hear the City of Gardena has a homeless plan. Council Member Henderson participated as a judge for the Gardena Valley Lions Speaker’s Competition, the topic discussed was “Does Social Media Bring us Together or Pull us Apart.” Council Member Henderson had a meeting with ADAAP and a Los Angeles Business Federation Board of Directors meeting. He participated in the Environmental Justice Inter -Agency Summit with AQMD, LA Sanitation, EPA and a few other water agencies as well as community groups; discussed reducing the bureaucracy with all the different agencies . Council Member Henderson spoke about recognizing the students from Serra High School and the work the students accomplished; it was a great opportunity to witness their work; we should make sure we encourage our youth, this was a true testament to “You never know what you can do, until you try .” Council Member Henderson also attended the Housing Policy Symposium at Claremont McKenna and stated the current State DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 12 Legislators and past State Legislators, were in attendance. Council Member Henderson said the discussion at Housing Policy Symposium was “passionate.” Council Member Henderson attended Oncle cake shop ribbon cutting and met with Sci- Fi networks in regard to smart city initiatives. Council Member Henderson sworn in his older sister. Anna Tutt, as President for Consolidated Board of Real tists at their 74 th
anniversary. Lastly, Council Member Henderson thanked his colleagues and staff in petitioning to be an All America City ; he mentioned the recognition of the City of Gardena and becoming a finalist. Council Member Henderson also met with a group of individuals regarding digital billboards.
2) Mayor Pro Tem Francis - Since the last meeting Mayor Pro Tem Francis attended a Beautification Commission meeting, Hands on Gardening Workshop presented by West Basin Municipal Water District and Beautification Commission talked about drought tolerant plants , the Oncle cake shop grand opening, the Koi Show and mentioned we have the largest Koi Show outside of Japan; she learned a lot; she also attended a virtual Townhall on Homelessness and the Housing Prices, Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District, and Girls Night. Mayor Pro Tem Francis stated that “I was really impressed with the girls there.” Lastly. Mayor Pro Tem Francis mentioned by the next meeting we would have celebrated a holiday whether its Ramadan, Passover or Easter; she wished everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. She then stated that “Better days are coming”.
3) Council Member Tanaka - Since the last meeting Council Member Tanaka attended South Bay Regional Communications Board meeting and stated, “the budget was improved,” South Bay COG ’s 23
rd General Assembly and stated, it was an all- day
event; broke into panels that spoke about electric usage, climate changes, and drought.
A panel of high school students were in attendance. Council Member Tanaka attended Oncle’s grand opening and stated, “it was great.” Lastly, Council Member Tanaka attended the Finance Committee meeting and the Kiwanis convention in Burbank.
4) Mayor Tasha Cerda- Since the last meeting Mayor Tasha Cerda briefly mentioned that she was one of the speakers at the Connect to Lead events which is a non- profit organization run by Jennifer Harris. Mayor Tasha Cerda stated she “gave tips and suggestions to those in attendance on being a better speaker.” Mayor Tasha Cerda also attended a CCGA meeting, Sanitation meeting, the Lions VFW Speaking Essay Contest and stated the speakers “were very well spoken.” Mayor Tasha Cerda attended the Koi Show, the Awards Banquet and presented the judges and organization with a certificate from the City of Gardena and stated, the organization said they appreciate how welcoming the city is and how great the staff is. Mayor Tasha Cerda attended the Youth Basketball Awards Presentation at the Nakaoka Community Center, the grand opening of Oncle cake shop and visited their two other businesses and she attended the Haas Neighborhood Watch meeting. Lastly, she attended the Finance Committee meeting.
5) Council Member Love - Since the last meeting Council Member Love attended West Basin Gardening Workshop which was sponsored by West Basin Water District and Gardena Beautification, the Koi Fish Competition and stated this is the longest running Koi Fish show in the United States; Council Member Love attended the grand opening of Oncle’s cake shop, Biz Fed Governing Committee meeting. Council Member Love gave a shout out to Director Riggs on the “Let’s Talk Trash” event with Waste Resources. Lastly Council Member Love wishes her youngest son a Happy Birthday.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 13 23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Book Party with Gardena Police Chief Mike Saffell happening Wednesday, March 29, 2023; 3:00pm at Mayme Dear Library.
2) Coffee with a Cop, Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 9:30am to 11:30am at Chick -fil-A on Redondo Beach Blvd and Crenshaw.
3) 2023 Mayor’s State of the City, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Nakaoka Community Center: Meet, Greet & Eat 6:00 p.m. and Program 7:00 p.m. 4) Casino Night, Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5:30pm - 9:30pm at the Nakaoka Community Center.
5) Tacos & Taxes Community Resources Fair hosted by CA State Senator Steven Bradford, April 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Nakaoka Community Center.
6) Introduction to Soccer for children TK thru K - Registration begin from March 6th until Sunday, April 2, 2023. They start meeting and playing on April 29 - June 10, 2023. 7) 2023 Youth Soccer & Futsal Registration Period Monday, March 13 - Monday, April 3, 2023. Leagues & Grades: Youth Soccer: 1st - 2nd Grade; Youth Futsal: 3rd - 4th Grade; Youth Futsal: 5th - 6th Grade. Games will be played on Saturdays beginning Saturday, April 19, 2023.
8) Spring Youth Camp, April 3 – April 7, 2023; Ages 5 to 12 and camp locations are Freeman Park and Johnson Park. For more information, please call City Hall or Parks and Recreation.
9) Teen Spring Camp - Registration begins Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Camp begins:
Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, 2023, 9:00am - 5:00pm. 10) Gardena Town Hall Meeting on Fentanyl will be on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Nakaoka Community Center.
11) Spring Carnival, April 7-9, 2023: at Mas Fukai Park. 12) Easter Eggstravanganza, Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the Nakaoka Community Center.
13) Ministerial Meeting & Lunch, Thursday, July 13, 2023 from11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
14) Chess Tournament, Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
15) Corteo, Cirque du Soleil, Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Microsoft Theatre, to register call (310) 217-9552 or visit City of Gardena.org/events.
16) Free Shredding Event, Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at City Hall Complex
17) Cinco De Mayo Parade & Festivities, Saturday April 29, 2023, starts at 10:00a.m. and will end at Mas Fukai Park.
18) Lions Club International Diabetes Screening, Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the VFW Post 3261 in Gardena.
19) Healthy Pet Clinic , Saturday May 27, 2023 from 9:00a.m to 1:00p .m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
DocuSign Envelope ID: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B 14 24. REMEMBRANCES
Mr. Wayne Spencer, Chairman of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board for over 20 years. He will be greatly missed.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:03 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, April 11, 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: DA5D1EDA-869A-43D6-8199-5689BFAA0D6B