1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162
nd Street, Gardena, California.
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; Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. City Clerk Mina Semenza was away on an excused absence.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION – None
Before going into Closed Session, City Attorney Vasquez stated that Closed Session Item
2.I was being withdrawn from the Agenda.
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Vernell Elgin vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ7491220
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSE L-EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
LaQuencia Henry vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ15468436
2.C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Ryan Yee vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ13385799
2.D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Ixtzia Linares vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ12516766
2.E CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Michael Sargent vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ15621714
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 2 2.F CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Peter Graffeo vs City of Gardena
WC Claim# 18-96310011
2.G CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Patrick Goodpaster vs City of Gardena
WC Claim# 20-96310073
2.H CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Michael Hassoldt vs City of Gardena
WCAB NO.: ADJ14099857
2.I CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (Bd) of Section 54956.9
(One [1] Matter) – Item was withdrawn from the Agenda
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:55 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 for the record , that Council was provided with an update, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Brielle Zeno and Stephanie Tucson, both upcoming Seniors at Gardena High School led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both students are part of Gardena Senior High School’s Auxiliary team.
4. INVOCATION
Reverend Nobuharu Uzunoe of the Konko Church of Gardena led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Boards & Commissions Presentation – Beautification – Mayor Pro Tem Francis came up and introduced members of the Beautification Commission , and then shared a video.
5.B Certificates of Commendation were presented to members of the First Gardena Police Department's Citizen's Academy – Chief Mike Saffell came up and introduced its members and presented Certificates of Commendation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 3 5.C Mas Fukai Park - Final Design Development Presentation – was presented by Consultant Eric Sterling of David Voelz Design; Edward Lok Ng and Kyle Ng of BOA Architecture assisted with the presentation.
Council asked questions regarding the project ; all were answered by the Consultant.
5.D Public Works Presentation of CIP Project Updates – was presented by Director of Public Works Allan Rigg
Mayor Cerda thanked and congratulated Director Rigg for the presentation, stating it was an exciting time for all of us.
5.E Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A Parks and Recreation Month - July 2023 – Director of Recreation & Human Services Stephany Santin accepted the Proclamation
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Reorganization of the City Council - Selection of Mayor Pro Tem Select Mayor Pro Tem to serve from July 2023 to April 2024
City Manager Osorio presented Staff Report.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Council Member Love to serve as Mayor Pro Tem from July 2023 to April 2024:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis, and Council Member Love
Noes: Council Members Henderson and Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Absent: None
Motion died.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Council Member Henderson to serve as Mayor Pro Tem from July 2023 to April 2024:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Members Tanaka and Henderson Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Francis and Council Member Love
Absent: None
Mayor Cerda announced and congratulated Council Member Henderson as being selected as the new Mayor Pro Tem ; she also thanked our previous Mayor Pro Tem for her time served this past year in that capacity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 4 At 9:00p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that we would be taking a recess to switch out the nameplates on the dais. She then explained the bench seating on the dais.
At 9:05pm. Mayor Cerda returned and opened up the meeting and roll was taken.
7.B Reorganization of Council Assignments of Delegates and Alternates to Outside/City Committees
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then asked Council if everyone was okay with their current Council Assignments of Delegates and Alternates to Outside / City Committees.
Council confirmed that they were okay with their current Council Assignments.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to leave the Council Assignments of Delegates and Alternates to Outside / City Committees as is:
Ayes: Council Member Francis and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes:
Absent:
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, June 13, 2023 Regular Meeting of the City Council, June 27, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, July 11, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
July 11 , 2023: Wire Transfer: 12 445-12454, 12456; Pre-Pay: 172324- 172325; Check Numbers: 172 326-172505 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $7,277,477.44; Total Payroll Issued for June 30, 2023: $1,691,931.56.
8.D Personnel Report P-2023-11 7-11-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E Approval for an Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order for Western Collision Center, Inc. from $50,000 to $75,000 to pay for vehicle repair services for Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023
CONTACT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 5 8.F Ratify Administrative Approval of the Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Twelve
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council M ember Tanaka and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve all Items on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 8.B, 8.E and 8.F:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson , Council Members Tanaka, Francis , and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
City Attorney Vasquez asked Council Member Love to clarify which minutes she was pulling because there were two sets of Minutes on the Agenda. She stated she was pulling the June 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes. City Atttorney Vasquez then recommended to Mayor Cerda that a motion be taken on the June 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes and then move on to the Minutes of June 27, 2023.
8.B CITY CLERK - Amended Regular Meeting of the City Council, June 13, 2023
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Amended Regular June 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson , Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
CITY CLERK - Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting of the City Council, June 27 , 2023 - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love stated that the statement she made regarding the funding from Senator Steven Brad ford regarding the remodelization of the Rowley Park Gymnasium during her Council Remarks was extremely vague and needed to be corrected in the Minutes. She then read the statement she would like reflected in the revised Minutes.
Council Member Francis stated that the r emark she made under Item 14.A Departmental Items – Elected & City Managers Offices regarding our Council Members going to Ichikawa was not what she stated and needed to be corrected in the Minutes. She then read the statement she would like reflected in the revised Minutes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 6 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Amended Minutes of the 6/27/2023 Council Meeting:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.E POLICE DEPARTMENT – Approval for an Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order for Western Collision Center, Inc. from $50,000 to $75,000 to pay for vehicle repair services for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked the following questions: about the Blanket Purchase Order increase, an explanation of how it all works and if it was coming out of the general fund.
City Manager Osorio explained in detail and responded to her question.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Amendment to Blanket Purchase Order for Western Collision Center, Inc:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.F RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES – Ratify Administrative Approval of Elderly Nutrition Program Contract ENP202105 Amendment Twelve – Item Pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis commented about the cyber insurance liability, and asked if this is something we can cover.
City Manager Osorio replied to her question.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Ratify Administrative Approval of Elderly Nutrition Program Contract:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A JULY 4, 2023 MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 7 Mayor Cerda made a motion to move one Adjournment Out of Order.
REMEMBRANCES - Mr. Frank Onderka, 84 years of age; life-long resident of Gardena.
Frank was an active and outstanding member of the Gardena community. He is survived by his beloved wife Lydia Onderka, and son Frankie Junior. Frank's love and passion was the Gardena Valley Lions Club, he joined the Lion's Club on October 1, 1989. He was Zone Chair, Region Chair, President of the Gardena Valley Lions three times, Club Secretary for over 20years, and Club Treasurer. He received international Lions recognition as Lion's Club President and was loved throughout the Lions community. Frank will be sorely missed by his family, friends, Gardena community, and his Lion’s Club, district, and beyond.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero stated that a Public Comment had come in today, she indicated copies were distributed to Council and a copy has been placed in the Public Review binder at the back of the Council Chambers.
2) Travis Hernandez, Interim Manager at the Masao Satow Library, came to give updates and information on upcoming events.
3) Cheral Sherman, Board Member of the Gardena Willows, came to give updates and information on upcoming events.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction of Ordinance No. 1857, making amendments to Section 18.12.060 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to two- unit housing developments and determination that the adoption of the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the terms of Senate Bill 9
ORDINANCE NO. 1857
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 18.12.060 RELATING
TO TWO-UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT
FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SB 9
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Senior Planner Amanda Acuna made a presentation.
At 9:35p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was now open. She asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 8 Senior Planner Acuna stated that what was being brought to Council tonight was two additional revisions to the Ordinance to provide further clarity when it came to the definition of a “Unit” (on Page 2, Subsection A.3 of the Ordinance) and the “maximum number of units to be allowed on the parcels is two, not including but not limited to units otherwise allowed” (on Page 5, Subsection F.3 of the Ordinance) and as stated on the slides in the presentation.
There were some questions asked by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson regarding an example a junior ADU and by Council Member Francis asking the following: about the number of units that can be built behind the main house; if it affects new construction and gave an example of converting a garage and about the lot size restrictions.
Senior Planner Acuna answered all questions.
At 9:40p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
It was moved by Council Members Tanaka, seconded by Council M ember Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1857 with the Amendments that were presented tonight:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.B PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 1855 , An Ordinance adopting the most recent version of the Los Angeles County Fire Code as set forth in Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code by reference and finding the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the common sense exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3)
ORDINANCE NO. 1855
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE MOST RECENT VERSION
OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE AS SET
FORTH IN TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CODE BY REFERENCE AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO THE COMMON SENSE
EXEMPTION OF CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(b)(3
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
At 9:42p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was now open. She asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 9 Council Member Francis asked for confirmation that we are bringing this Ordinance to align with the Fire Code.
City Manager Osorio replied.
At 9:43p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council M ember Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Ordinance No. 1855:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson , Council Members Francis, Tanaka, and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.C Continuation of item regarding amendments relating to Short Term Home Sharing Rentals – Mayor Cerda stated that this Item will be continued to a future Council Meeting date
City Attorney Vasquez stated that a memo was provided to Council and that the time will be brought back to the Planning Commission on July 18, 2023, for review and consideration of a recommendation to the City Council at a future meeting date.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Approve Contracts for Southern California Edison to Build Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Chargers for Arthur Johnson Park, Rowley Park, and the Police Department Parking Lot.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
There were some questions asked by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson regarding what our balance sheet and if it increases our value overall as a City now that we have this infrastructure; and by Council Member Francis who asked about the placement of the EV posts at Rowley and Johnson parks; and made some suggestions.
City Manager Osorio answered their questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 10 It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council M ember Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Contracts with Southern California Edison:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis, Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19. COUNCIL ITEMS
19.A Designation of Voting Delegate / Representative for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo - September 20-22, 2023
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then asked Council Member Tanaka to reaffirm that he was available to attend the conference on September 20-22, 2023.
Council Member Tanaka stated yes that he was available.
City Attorney Vasquez then recommended that an Alternate be appointed as well.
Mayor Cerda then asked Council Member Love if she was available to serve as the Alternate in the event Council Member Tanaka couldn’t make it to the conference.
Council Member Love stated yes that she was available.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any comments or questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson asked Council Member Tanaka where the conference was going to be held. Council Member Tanaka replied.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Designate Council Member Tanaka as the Voting Delegate and Council Member Love as the Alternate as Representatives for the League of California Cities Annual Conference:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES – There were no directives
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 11 21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
(1) A Memo regarding updating the website per Mayor Pro Tem Francis’s previous directive. (2) A Memo regarding Grant Funding for EV chargers signage per Council Member Henderson’s previous directive.
City Manager Osorio brought to everyone’s attention that we will be having cake for both our City Attorney Carmen Vasquez and our Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman’s birthdays after the meeting.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA- Since the last meeting Council Member Tanaka attended a Lateral Officer Pinning of Officer Tran from San Bernadino and stated, “we are looking for good things out of him.” Council Member Tanaka stated that we have a whole new class of academy recruits that have just graduated and said, “this is the first time that we have been almost fulfilled.” Council Member Tanaka attended the first Citizens Academy Graduation Class and thanked our Chief for putting Gardena on the map again and expressed, “I’m hoping that the citizens academy will benefit not only our Police Department but our community to make it a better place.” Council Member Tanaka attended the grand opening of Rowley Park C ommunity Computer Lab and thanked Mayor Pro Tem Francis her suggestion in having a computer lab. Council Member Tanaka attended his COG Homeless Task Force meeting, City of Gardena Dodger Day, COG Steering Committee meeting and briefly said, “it was very productive.” Council Member Tanaka had lunch on Sunday at Sister City Parkette, attended a welcome dinner at Cherry Stones and said, “that was a very great event,” and thanked Cherry Stones for feeding everybody. Council Member Tanaka attended the City Welcome in the Council Chambers and mentioned a tour of every department. Council Member Tanaka had lunch with the seniors at Nakaoka and mentioned the Ichikawa Delegation had gifts to raffle at the lunch. Council Member Tanaka had dinner at Pollo Inka with the delegation, he then thanked the Almaraz family who is part of the Sister City who hosted a dinner prior to attending the firework show at Rowley Park and mentioned “it was a great event.” Council Member Tanaka visited the Double Tree Hotel to send off the Sister City Mayor and staff; and then went to the Dodger game. Lastly, Council Member Tanaka apologized to the Onderka family for not being in attendance of the services and mentioned “Frank was a great guy, dedicated and gave a lot of his own personal time for our city and he will be missed.”
(2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - Since the last meeting Council Member Love mentioned that she was not able to attend all of the events with our Sister City, but did attend the City of Gardena Dodger Day and made it a point to ride on the bus with them, she mentioned she had a great time taking selfies and engaging with them on the bus , it felt really good I had communicated with them through a translator and they were surprised that I was taking so many selfies with them and they really enjoyed it.” Council Member Love also represented the City of Gardena at the 51
st Anniversary Celebration of the
Friendship Bell and stated “I was not aware there was this huge bell that was given to
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 12 the United States from South Korea Government back in 1976 and it struck thirteen times every first Saturday of the month at 11:30 a.m. She said it sat on a park on a hill overlooking the water over at PV it’s actually in the city of San Pedro.” Lastly, Council Member Love stated she “was really impressed because the Korean culture is really big on bringing all cultures together and she spoke to me about really bringing people of color together to work with the Korean Community, so it was truly an honor to attend that event. Council Member Love mentioned due to her work schedule she was not able to attend a lot of the other events that happened.
(3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON - Mayor Pro Tem Henderson opened with a brief statement that he would like us all to keep our neighbors in Rolling Hills Estates in our thoughts and prayers; he stated that these folks were negatively impacted by the landslides, and some will be losing their homes. So that’s not a great thing so, let’s make sure we keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they try to work back to being whole.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended Rowley Park Computer Lab opening and encouraged everyone to come out and use the computer lab. He stated the WIFI is working in the park, not all the park but mostly by where the gym is and the first diamond. so please come out and use that we want to collect that data, this is a pilot program, and we want to make sure what we can do to start spreading that to our other parks. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended Gardena Police Department OG Class Citizens Academy the first class and mentioned “that was great.” Mayor Pro T em Henderson recounted a statement from the C hief which was, “You are creating opportunities for folks to get to know us when there’s not times of stress or de- rest.” Mayor Pro Tem Henderson said, he “believed that as we create relationships with one another and different things like that, when there are times of trial it’s easier to work through some of those issues when there’s a relationship established.” Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended the Ichikawa dinner at Cherry Stones and expressed, “it was very heartwarming, and heart filled, we have a lot of talent on this Council, it was great to watch our colleagues Rodney T anaka specifically really get up there and show the folks a good time so that was great.” Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended the dinner at Pollo Inka and mentioned “it was great,” the Senior Bureau Dinner and mentioned “that was great,” a symposium regarding Manage Security Services For um and met with local business leaders as well as community members. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended SCAG Community Economic Housing Development Committee meeting, and the Regional Council meeting Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson reminded everyone on Saturday July 15
th will be my next Open City Hall
in the Council Chambers.
(4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last meeting Mayor Cerda attended the grand opening for the Computer Lab and expressed, “that it was a great event.” Mayor Cerda attended the Volunteer Appreciation dinner, all the Ichikawa events, and the Citizens Police Academy Graduation. Mayor Cerda said, the welcome dinner at Cherry Stones was a wonderful time especially when everybody started singing, she expressed we had a great time bonding with those members from Japan. Mayor Cerda thanked staff and all the different departments for doing a great job and making everyone feel welcomed. Mayor Cerda also attended the Fourth of July celebration and said, “overall it was really great.” Mayor Cerda attended Dodger Day and thanked everyone for participating in the “Pitch to Pitch challenge.” Mayor Cerda attended Frank Onderka funeral services and said, “very moving services, and he will definitely be missed.” Lastly, Mayor Cerda ended her report
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 13 about a post that was brought to her attention that was put out; it was making reference to one of us as a C ouncil Member here , not being able to meet all of the Ichikawa delegates, due to the fact that they were not notified in a timely manner. And so, I was a little dishearten by this because as elected officials people believe things we say, we are the leaders, and we should not be posting any type of false information. And by this I went and did a Public Request Act and just to verify if everybody was notified in the appropriate time. I found out this entire council was notified that we were going to have delegates here from Japan. We were all advised when they would be here and that we can attend all the different events; but if we had other events to attend that’s fine, but I just think it’s really unfortunate when people put out misinformation that’s not true. It’s those kinds of things that make people not trust elected officials, so with that being said everybody was notified. I have received documentation from our staff that this entire Council knew what days our delegates were going to be here from Japan, and we were all invited to the event. Nobody was slided in any way so, when these sort of things like this come up, I just think it’s important that we get the air straight and make sure that our community knows the truth. When matters like this are put out there, false information like this are put out there.
(5) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since the last meeting Council Member Francis attended the Senior Volunteer Bureau luncheon, the First Citizens Academy Graduation and stated, “that was excellent it was really good to see everybody. I was surprised at the number of folks that attended t his eight-week program.” Council Member Francis attended the welcome dinner for our Ichikawa Sister City delegation at Cherry Stones, Computer Lab grand opening at Rowley Park and gave a shout out to Phil ip Mays for planting the seed twenty years ago. Council Member Francis attended a promotion ceremony for Lieutenant Goodpastor, Dodger Day and said, “we had a great time.” Council Member Francis attended the dinner at Pollo Inka and mentioned “it was great going on the tour with our Sister City ”; she encouraged everyone to visit the Masao W.
Satow and Mayme Dear Library and the Willows Wetlands for cool ventilated places to visit during this heat. Council Member Francis thanked our staff for everything they did for the Ichikawa S ister City visit and said, “it was a wonderful event.” Lastly, Council Member Francis thanked her colleagues for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor Pro Tem for the past year, and gave a shout out for Park’s and Recreation’s month; she thanked and appreciates staff for everything they do, she encouraged individuals to thank the staff at the parks when they get a chance.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Grand Opening Ceremony Community Computer Lab at Rowley Memorial Park, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm., located at 132nd and Van Ness. The City of Gardena is making efforts to bridge the digital divide by providing public access to technology.
2) Back to School Giveaway, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at City Hall Complex. Beginning Monday, July 10, 2023, register your child at www.cityofgardena.org/events
. Supplies limited for grades K -12. Must be a resident of the City of Gardena or attend a Gardena COS school to be eligible to receive FREE back to school supplies.
3) Ministerial Meeting & Lunch, Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0 14 4) Neighborhood Watch Meeting – District 2, Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 6:30p.m - 7:30p.m.
5) Join the Gardena Police Department for a Night to Unite! Summer Block Party in Celebration of National Night Out, Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm., at City Hall Complex. Stop by and meet your Gardena Police Department, Police Officers, City Staff and your Neighbors! Free food; Games; Back -to-School Giveaways; Music.
6) Food, Wine & Brew, Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 12:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Gardena City Hall Complex.
7) City of Gardena Jazz Festival, Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Rowley Park. To purchase tickets visit www.gardenajazzfestival.com/tickets.
8) Keep Gardena Beautiful Day – Community Clean-Up, Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Ms. Joyce Watson, 88 years of age; beloved mother and friend to many. Joyce was a faithful member of Holly Park United Methodist Church of Gardena and a pillar of the community.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:18 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, July 25, 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: D7F4C998-7A02-4335-9EE3-5A2CAF2AA5B0