1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:42 PM on Tuesday, September 12, 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 Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION - None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION - None
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Elizabeth Green and Oluwatoyin Kadiri, both in 5 th grade at KIPP Generations Academy led the Pledge of Allegiance . Elizabeth Green enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing games with her brother and also loves to color, draw, and braid hair.
Elizabeth loves her family and God the most. Oluwatoyin Kadiri loves coloring, basketball, dancing, riding her bike and singing. Oluwatoyin means “God is worthy to be praised”. Her Nigerian American father named her that because they were so happy when she was born.
She has two brothers and 6- year-old twin sisters. She is an amazing big sister and very protective of her younger sisters. Both students introduced their family members and teachers who attended the meeting.
4. INVOCATION
Reverend John E. Ward, Senior Pastor/Minister of Music of First Southern Baptist Church of Gardena led the Invocation
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Gardena Events Video Presentation
5.B West Nile Virus Activity Update - Presentation was given by Susanne Kluh, General Manager of GLA County Vector Control District
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Constitution Week," September 17-23, 2023 – was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 2 6.B "23rd Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day," September 16, 2023 – was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
6.C "City Employee Recognition Day" September 21, 2023 – was proclaimed Mayor Cerda
6.D Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - September 2023 – to be accepted by Freddie Muse Jr – Mr. Muse was not in attendance
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Rent Mediation Board / Tenant Representative - Cassandra Villa (Appointed by Mayor Cerda)
Ms. Villa thanked Mayor Cerda for the appointment.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Francis , and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Cassandra Villa to the Rent Mediation Board / Tenant Representative:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Love and Tanaka
Noes: None
Absent: None
Rent Mediation Board / At Large Representative - Doris Sims (Appointed by Council Member Tanaka)
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Doris Sims to the Rent Mediation Board / At Large Representative:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.B Approve Minutes:
Regular Meeting of the City Council, August 22, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 3 8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, September 12, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
September 12, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12521-12540; Pre-Pay: 173136-173145; Check Numbers: 17 3146-173383 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $4,471,183.59; Total Payroll Issued for August 25, 2023: $2, 311.407.97; Total Payroll Issued for September 8, 2023: $1,814,753.74.
8.D Personnel Report P-2023-14 9-12-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.E Second Reading and Adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 1858, Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the Board of Administration the Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Gardena
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
ORDINANCE NO 1858
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (“CALPERS”) AND THE CITY OF
GARDENA
8.F Second Reading and Adoption of ORDINANCE NO.1854 Amending Title 18 and Adding Chapter 5.76 to Title 5, of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Home Sharing Rentals
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 1854
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING TITLE 18 AND
ADDING CHAPTER 5.76 TO TITLE 5 RELATING TO HOME
SHARING RENTALS
8.G Modification to Bingo License for Gardena Valley JCI, located at 1964 W. 162nd Street
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.H Approve Carnival Contract with CM Amusement for the Fall Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday, October 20, Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, 2023 CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt the Consent Calendar with the exceptions of 8.D, 8.F and 8.H:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.D HUMAN RESOURCES – Personnel Report P-2023-14 9-12-2023 Item pulled by Council Member Love
Questions were asked by Council Members Love and Francis regarding the job Community Liasion Officer job description in the Personnel Report.
City Manager Osorio responded to Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Personnel Report P-2023- 14 9-12-2023:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.F COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Second Reading and Adoption of ORDINANCE NO. 1854, Amending Title 18 and Adding Chapter 5.76 to Title 5, of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Home Sharing Rentals - Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Public Speakers: The following people spoke in opposition of Ordinance No. 1854:
Mariya Wrightsman, Yegor Kochetov, and Noah Welter.
Questions and comments were asked by all members of the Council relating to Ordinance No. 1854 and Home Sharing Rentals.
City Manager Osorio, City Attorney Vasquez and Senior Planner Acuna answered all of the Council’s questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Ordinance No. 1854:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka, Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Love
Absent: None
8.H. RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES - Approve Carnival Contract with CM Amusement for the Fall Carnival at Mas Fukai Park on Friday, October 20, Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, 2023 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were asked by Council M ember Francis regarding the security at the event.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 5 City Manager Osorio replied to her questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Carnival Contract with CM Amusement:
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 SEPTEMBER 5. 2023 MEETING
PUBLIC CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY DETERMINATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #5-22
The Planning Commission considered a determination of Public Convenience or Necessity to allow the on-site sale and consumption of beer and wine ancillary to a new karaoke bar business at 15210 Western Avenue, pursuant to a Type-42 On- Sale General license with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and determination that the project is exempt from the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15061(b)(3).
Location: 15210 S Western Ave
Applicant: Kyeang Linda Jo (DBA Sul Bar)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. 16- 23, making a finding of convenience and necessity for approving the sale of alcohol beverages for on-site consumption for the establishment at 15210 Western Avenue.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from City Council)
This Item was Received and Filed.
10.B SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 MEETING
Conditional Use Permit #6-23
The Planning Commission reviewed a request for a Conditional Use Permit, per section 18.32.030.B of the Gardena Municipal Code, to allow the on- site sale and consumption of beer and wine in an existing restaurant located in the General Commercial (C-3) zone and determination that the project qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption as an existing facilities project, and exempt pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act. Project Location:
1845 W Redondo Beach Blvd.
Applicant: Sun Ja Lee
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 14- 23, approved Conditional Use Permit #6- 23 subject to the Conditions of Approval, and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 6 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.
10.C SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 MEETING
MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #13-17
The Planning Commission reviewed the applicant's request to continue the project to a future Planning and Environmental Quality Commission meeting. Project Location: 1650 W 130th St.
Applicant: Antonio Valenzuela
Commission Action: No action was made by the Planning Commission. This item will be brought back to the Commission at a future meeting and re- noticed in the newspaper.
City Council Action: This Item Required No Action by City Council.
10.D SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #4-23
The Planning Commission reconsidered an Ordinance Amending Chapter 18.13 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and making a determination that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the Public Resources Code Section 21080.17.
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 17- 23, by a vote of 5-0, recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1856.
City Council Action: Receive and File. This item will be brought forth to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting.
This Item was Received and Filed.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Sherelle Diggs , businessowner: came out to speak regarding gang activity, homelessness, sewer testing and short term rentals.
2) Travis Hernandez, Community Library Manager of Mas ao W. Satow Library: came to give updates on both Mayme Dear and Masao W. Satow libraries.
Mayor Cerda asked Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to take over the meeting while she stepped out with Deputy City Clerk Romero regarding her computer.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A RESOLUTION NO. 6645, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Agreements and to Accept Grant Funds for the Gardena Community Aquatic & Senior Center from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 7 RESOLUTION NO 6645
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS AND TO ACCEPT GRANT
FUNDS FOR THE GARDENA COMMUNITY AQUATIC &
SENIOR CENTER FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions were asked by Council Member Francis regarding the funding of this project.
City Manager Osorio replied to her question.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll c all vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6645:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: Regarding FY 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER)
City Manager presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:15p.m.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were asked by Council Members Love and Francis, and Mayor Cerda regarding CDBG funding and how it can be used to better service our community.
City Manager Osorio, Community Development Director Tsujiuchi, and Consultant Esther Luis of MDG Associates, Inc. answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda closed the Public Hearing at 9:34p.m.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 8 It was moved by Council Member Tanaka seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Conduct a public hearing, allow three (3) minutes for each speaker; receive public comment, and authorize staff to submit the FY 2021- 2022 CAPER and 2022- 2023 CAPER to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A Calling for the March 5, 2024, General Municipal Election, Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide Primary Election to be Conducted by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, and Providing Regulations for Candidates; Adoption of Resolution Nos. 6642, 6643 and 6644
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Love.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolutions Nos. 6642, 6643 and 6644:
Ayes: Council Member s Love and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14.B Approval of the International Travel for City Clerk Mina Semenza in Celebration of the 60th Anniversary Visit of the Gardena - Ichikawa Sister City Relationship
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love and Mayor Cerda.
City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 9 It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the International Travel for City Clerk:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Notification of Eligibility for Funding in the Amount of $23,491 Under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, Fiscal Year 2022 Local Solicitation
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
This Item was Receive and Filed.
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Review and Approve Submission of the City of Gardena Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft to State and Federal Emergency Agencies
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
There was a presentation by Consultant Ryan Bray.
Questions and comments were asked by Council Member Francis and Love and Mayor Cerda regarding the Plan.
Consultant Bray answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Review and Approve Submission of the Draft of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to State and Federal Emergency Agencies:
Ayes: Council Member s Love and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 10 16.B Award Contract for the Council Chambers Visual Audio Upgrade Design/Build Project, JN 536, to Western Audio Visual & Security, in the amount of $81,888.40, Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, Approve the Project Request for Proposal & Specifications, and Budget Contingency
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions were asked by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Francis.
Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Contract; Declare CEQA Exemption; Approve Project RFP and Specifications; and Approve Budget Appropriation and Contingency:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.C Award Contract for the Purchase and Installation of 71 Electric Vehicle Chargers and Five-Years of Operations and Maintenance to Noodoe Inc, in the amount of $268,884.75 for the Arthur Johnson Park, Rowley Park and Police Department Parking Lot Charge Ready Project, JN 538, Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, and Authorize the Budget Appropriation
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Love.
Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Contract for the Purchase and Installation of 71 Electric Vehicle Chargers and Five (5) Years of Operations and Maintenance Declare CEQA Exemption Authorize the Budget Appropriation:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 11 16.D Reject all bids and the Pre-Qualified General Contractor list for the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Project, JN 978, and re- bid the project with modified requirements and/or scope
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by all members of the Council.
City Manager Osorio, Public Works Director Rigg, and City Attorney Vasquez answered all of Council’s questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Reject all bids and the Pre-Qualfied General Contractor list and rebid:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Love , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Francis and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Contract with Arellano Associates for Microtransit Service Community Outreach and Education in the amount of $127,020 and a Project Total of $146,073
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member s Love and Francis, and Mayor Cerda.
City Manager Osorio and Transportation Director Crespo answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Contract:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Member Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 12 20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS
1) Asked for a current map of businesses in the City that have a liquor license – Mayor Cerda seconded it.
Purpose – To see how many there are
Reason – To ensure we don’t have an over concentration of establishments Benefit – We don’t want too much competition, and to protect our schools
COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA
1) Asked if staff could do some research on the Neighborhood Resilience Initiative - Mayor Pro Tem Henderson seconded it.
Purpose – We could possibly get $3M dollars in grant funds Reason – It could help fund other projects, like the Rosecrans project Benefit – It could help equip disadvantaged communities by receiving this grant money
Mayor Cerda
1) Asked if in the future, if City events could be advertised as the City of Gardena and not be tied to one individual Council Member or even the Mayor - Council Member Tanaka seconded it.
Purpose – No one individual should be named
Reason – To show inclusiveness of the Council
Benefit – To show our community that we work collectively together as one
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) A memo regarding an update on the directive on tree trimming report card to see what they have done.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE : Since we last met, Council Member Love attended the City of Gardena Jazz Festival, the Carson Family Fest, the 9/11 Memorial, the Rooted in Prevention Workshop. She was also invited by Council Members in the City of Carson to attend the White Linen Cajun Blues Festival and also attended a Mothers in Mourning March with State Assemblyman Mike Gibson, which is a march for m others and women who have lost their children to gun violence and called it an honor to support him. She also made a remark on being a councilwoman and sitting on this Council. She shared her intentions are to do the job she was elected for and in doing so she will always push for what’s right and what is best for the city, regardless of her own opinion and desires. She asked the community to get involved and reminded DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 13 everyone that we have an election coming up; we are in official election season as of this meeting. She reiterated that members of our community should pay attention and elect people that are going to support their cause, carry their vote and not push their own agenda.
2) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON: Since our last gathering, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson attended the 9/11 recognition, his SCAG Regional Council Meeting, in which the council got together and discussed their concerns and sent a letter to HCD regarding the Regional Housing Need Assessment as well as how to move forward. He had an opportunity to participate in the AI Uses of Government pros and cons in relationship to digital equity and he also attended the City of Gardena Jazz Festival and shared with Mayor Cerda the check they received from Senator Bradford for $3M dollars. He thanked the Senator for that funding as well as all other state and federal officials, including Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. He addressed some of the financial difficulties the city has faced in the past and the process for acquiring grants and funding. He pointed out some of the good things our city has done, like winning the Most Business Friendly City Award. He agreed with Councilwoman Love that C ouncil should be cognizant and aware of how they conduct themselves and how we should continue to move forward and progress as a city. He thanked staff for all they do and the events they put on for our city.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS: Started off thanking Director Suzanne Kluh from the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control for her presentation on the West Nile Virus. She attended the City of Gardena Jazz Festival and commended the staff ; she stated she got nothing but great reports on how organized the event was and how well attendees were treated. She thanked them for a great event and encouraged people to attend next year. She also attended the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District Meeting and her Beautification Committee Meeting. She reminded everyone of our community clean up event that is coming up this Saturday, September 16, 2023, and encouraged members of the community to continue to sign up. She attended the Gardena Holly Park Homeowners Association Meeting, and the Carson Cajun Blues Festival. She wanted to share something good she heard about our city from Laura Richardson, who is running for State Senate, in which she commented on how Gardena has always remained a stabilized and consistent city even throughout hardships. Council member Francis also thanked staff for setting a bar of excellence. She concluded by saying through all the bad news we hear about to remember that better days are coming and to keep the faith.
4) MAYOR CERDA: Attended the funeral services of John Peter Roddy, along with Chief Saffell and Council Member Tanaka, he and his wife Annie are community members and I know Annie appreciated having her city family there, the retirement ceremony for Los Angeles County Fire Division Secretary Kathy Johnson, a fundraiser for the victims of Maui at the Japanese Cultural Institute, the California Municipal Revenue and Tax Association Meeting which the City hosted, Grand opening of Liz Flint’s new headquarters in Century City, also was the speaker for the Cashmere Gatekeepers Neighborhood Watch Meeting where she gave updates on the community. She also attended the short portion of the Rooted in Prevention Workshop, Community Day at Gardena Torrance Baptist Church, where they honored one of our officers, Ki ara Preciado, and a 90
th birthday party for Pastor Devereaux a 50-year resident of the City and the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony where she thanked the city for always DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 14 continuing to have this ceremony never forgetting the incidents as they happened that day. She acknowledged the recent passing of former employee, Loyce Holt, whose remembrance will be officially acknowledged at our next Council Meeting Agenda.
Lastly, she read a portion of a letter she received from the M ayor of Ichikawa, Japan where he expressed his sincere apprec iation for the warm welcome the Ichikawa officials and citizens received during their recent visit and conveyed gratitude to all elected officials and executive staff.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA: Attended the South Bay COG Board Meeting, John Roddy’s funeral, the Rolling Hills Estates 19 th Amendment Plaque Dedication Ceremony, the City of Gardena 20th Jazz Festival, where he thanked staff for doing a great job, and Serra High School’s Quester Showcase Program. Participated in a meeting with COG Director Jackie Bac harach and our City Manager where they discussed the Resilience Center Project, met with the Homeless Task Force, attended the Rooted in Prevention Workshop, and encouraged people to attend the next workshop, helped cook at the Elks Lodge’s Grandparents Day, and the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony where he gave a special thanks to all our First Responders. He congratulated his El Segundo counterpart, Drew Boyles, and the 2023 El Segundo Little League World Champions. He shared that he would miss Keep Gardena Beautiful Day on September 16, 2023, to attend the funeral services for Guy Mato’s mother. In conclusion, he wanted to acknowledge Loyce Holt for being a great friend and ask that God bless her and her family.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Co-Ed Youth Flag Football Registration Period for children in Grades 1 st through 8th –
Monday, September 4 – 23, 2023 ; for more information go to www.cityofgardena.org/events.
2) Introduction to Flag Football for children in Grades TK -K; on Saturdays from October 14-December 2, 2023; Registration Period is Monday, September 4- 23, 2023; to register go to www.cityofgardena.org/events.
3) Gardena Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop, Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 9:00-11:00a.m. at Auntie’s Café.
4) Food, Wine & Brew, Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The headliner DW3. General Admission $25; Reserved Table Seating $85. 5) Park & Recreation Master Plan Workshops: Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center; Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm at Rowley Park.
6) Save the Date – Fall Games, Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Freeman Park. Free Event sponsored by the Gardena Police Department; featuring Games, Sweet treats, Raffles & more.
7) Furbaby LoveFest, Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 1:00- 6:00p.m. at the Gardena City Hall Lawn.
24. REMEMBRANCES - None
DocuSign Envelope ID: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C 15 25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:57 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, September 26, 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: C138B57F-173F-4AB3-BA3B-17D760F5DA2C