1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:03 PM on Tuesday, November 14, 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 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 Treasurer Guy H. Mato ; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Zoila Monroy, Aragon; Genesis Dubon; and Kelly Dubon v. City of Gardena, et al.
L.A. Sup. Ct. Case No.: 20STCV46821
2.B CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 1112 W. Gardena Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247; APN: 6111-004-032, 6111- 004-033
Agency Negotiator: Clint Osorio, City Manager and Greg S. Tsujiuchi, Director of Community Development
Negotiating Parties: Shar P & J Family Trust represented by Darryll Hamilton, Thompson Team Real Estate
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
2.C CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 15106 Nader Place/15106 Daphne Ave, Gardena, CA; APN: 4064- 023- 024
Agency Negotiator: Clint Osorio, City Manager and Greg S. Tsujiuchi, Director of Community Development
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Negotiating Parties: Saturo Toga and Eiko Onagi represented by: Bryant Hoover, Thompson Team Real Estate.
Attorney Lou Dumont of Carpenter, Rothans & Dumont LLP was present for Closed Session, Item 2.A. Greg Tsujiuchi and Jackie Choi were present for Closed Session Items 2.B and 2.C.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 2 CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8:00 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 the City Council met with regards to C losed Session Items 2.A , 2.B, 2.C, staff was provided with direction, but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Cinnamyn Earles and Isabella Figueroa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Cinnamyn is in the 8th grade, Isabella is in the 7 th grade, and they both attend Robert E. Peary Middle School. Cinnamyn is ASB President and enjoys reading, shopping, and listening to music and her favorite subject in school is English. Isabella is ASB Vice President and enjoys softball, cooking, and baking and her favorite subject is Math. They both introduced their parents.
4. INVOCATION
Pastor Cherie Moore of Restoration Church, gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Legislative Update – Senator Steven Bradford , representing the 35 th District, gave legislative updates on this year's budget progress and his budget accomplishments.
Council Member s Francis and Love thanked Senator Bradford for all his contributions to the City of Gardena and his hard work.
Mayor Cerda thanked Senator Bradford for the updates.
5.B Certificate of Recognition to South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC) Volunteer, Maria Fonseca, who has contributed 130 hours of cumulative service, overseen by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) – was accepted by Maria Fonseca
Council Member Tanaka expressed his appreciation for Ms. Fonseca.
Ms. Fonseca thanked all Members of the City Council, her family , and SBCCOG members for all their support.
5.C Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "2023 Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2023" – was proclaimed by Mayor Cerda
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 3 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, October 10, 2023 Study Session of the City Council, October 24, 2023
Regular Meeting of the City Council, October 24, 2023
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, August 15, 2023 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, November 14, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
November 14, 2023: Wire Transfer: 12567- 12585; Check Numbers: 17388 8- 174092 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $4,021,417.43; Total Payroll Issued for November 3, 2023: $1,831,558.13.
8.E Personnel Report P-2023-18 11-14-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.F RESOLUTION NO. 6648, Amending the List of Authorized Games and Authorizing the Play of Certain Games in Licensed Card Clubs
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 6648
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE LIST OF
AUTHORIZED GAMES AND AUTHORIZING THE PLAY OF
CERTAIN GAMES IN LICENSED CARD CLUBS
8.G RESOLUTION NO. 6647, Approving the Acceptance and Award from the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's ABC -OTS Grant in the Amount of $40,000.00
CONTACT: POLICE
RESOLUTION NO. 6647
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE
AND AWARD FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL’S
ABC-OTS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000.00
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 4 8.H Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Pedestrian Safety Improvement FY 2022-2023 Project (Phase 2), JN 513
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.I Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Vermont Avenue Street Improvements from Artesia Boulevard to Gardena Boulevard project, JN 959 CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.J Approve Seven Month Tire Lease Contract Extension with Michelin North America, Inc. at a cost of $62,000
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar with the exceptions of Items 8.F, 8.G and 8.J:
Ayes: Council Member Francis , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, C ouncil Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.F CITY MANAGER - RESOLUTION NO. 6648, Amending the List of Authorized Games and Authorizing the Play of Certain Games in Licensed Card Clubs – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis regarding if Council is responsible for authorizing each time there is a new game added or a game change.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez explained the process and answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Cerda , and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Tanaka and Love
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.G POLICE - RESOLUTION NO. 6647 , Approving the Acceptance and Award from the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's ABC -OTS Grant in the Amount of $40,000.00 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis regarding the components of the grant award.
City Manager Osorio explained in detail what the item consisted of and answered all questions. Chief Saffell was present and answered all questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 5 It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.G:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.J TRANSPORTATION - Approve Seven Month Tire Lease Contract Extension with Michelin North America, Inc. at a cost of $62,000 – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis regarding the contract extension.
City Manager Osorio provided some past information about the contract and 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 Approve Item 8.J:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MEETING
SECOND REQUEST FOR EXTENSION
The Planning Commission considered a second request for an extension of time for Tentative Parcel Map No. 82410, to subdivide a 17,221 square foot property at 15906-15908 S. Manhattan Place creating two separate parcels in the Low - Density Multiple-Family Residential (R-2) zone.
LOCATION: 15906-15908 S. Manhattan Place
APPLICANT: Nancy Hurt Canady
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved a second request for an extension of time for Tentative Parcel Map No. 82410 (TM #1-18), by a vote of 4-0, granting an additional 12-month extension.
City Council Action: Receive and file, call for review (by way of two votes).
This Item was Received and Filed
10.B NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MEETING
FIRST MODIFICATION TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #13-17
The Planning Commission reviewed a request for a modification to Conditional Use Permit #13-17, to add to an additional prefabricated storage container to the
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 6 property and other site changes for a landscaping contractor's yard and determination that the project qualifies for both a Class 3 and Class 11 categorical exemption, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. LOCATION: 1650 W 130th Street (APN: 6102-006-005)
APPLICANT: Antonio Valenzuela (Mariposa Landscapes Inc)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 15- 23, by a vote of 4- 0, approving Modification to CUP #13- 17, and directed staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
City Council Action: Receive and File or Call for review (by way of two votes).
This Item was Received and Filed
10.C NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MEETING
ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #6-23
The Planning Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council on adoption of Ordinance No. 1860 to repeal and readopt Chapter 18.43 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to Density Bonus Laws, and finding the Ordinance to be exempt pursuant to the common sense exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC 19- 23, by a vote of 4-0, recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1860.
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 ; it was noted that this Item required No Action by the City Council and would be brought back to the Council for review at a future City Council meeting by way of an Ordinance.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Irvin Samuel , commented on all the recent improvements and many investments being made to the infrastructure of the community and expressed his concerns about bike riders, pedestrian safety, and damaged sidewalks.
2) P
ouya Yousef , expressed his concerns with his new auto body business and the recent business closure by the C ity. He asked for the City Council's assistance and consideration in this matter . Mayor Cerda thanked Mr. Yousef for bringing it to the Council’s attention and that she was familiar with the situation and asked that he speak to our Community Development Director.
3) B randon Smith verbalized his thoughts on the matter of the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization and gave his recommendations. Mayor Cerda thanked him for the information and asked that he stay tuned and that there is still discussion going on and upcoming meetings moving forward.
4) T
ravis Hernandez, Interim Manager for the Masao W. Sato Library; he came to announce library events for the Gardena Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Sato Libraries.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 7 11.A PUBLIC COMMENT
1) City Clerk Mina Semenza, noted for the record two (2) emails that were received from the public and made part of the packet. She stated that the e mails will be received and filed and made part of the record.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES – No Items
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A Continuation of Public Hearing Adoption of Fees Relating to Home Sharing.
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 Required No Action by the City Council. This Item will be brought to the City Council at a future meeting in January.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A Discuss and Consider Changing Council Meeting Start Time
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, providing staff with direction, that the Council Meeting Start Time would remain the same.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez provided advice and answered all questions.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
14.B Discussion of Amending Section 2.04.170 of the Gardena Municipal Code Pertaining to City Council Compensation in Light of Senate Bill 329
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 regarding the compensation amount for all Members of the Council. S taff was given direction to amend the City Council Compensation section of the Gardena Municipal Code as follows: 1
st: $1,600 max for all Council Members ; 2nd: An additional $1, 000 for the Mayor only – it received 4 out of 5 votes.
City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez advised the Council and answered all questions.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 8 14.C ORDINANCE NO. 1859 , Amending Section 2.66.090 (Compensation) of Chapter
2.66 (Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission) and Section 2.68.110 (Compensation) of Chapter 2.68 (Gardena Beautification Commission) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Gardena Municipal Code; and RESOLUTION NO. 6646, Amending Resolution No. 4868 by Adding Subsections
(E) and (F) to Section 1 of Said Resolution Relating to the Compensation of Members of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission and Gardena Beautification Commission
ORDINANCE NO. 1859
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.66.090
(COMPENSATION) OF CHAPTER 2.66 (GARDENA
ECONOMIC BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMISSION) AND
SECTION 2.68.110 (COMPENSATION) OF CHAPTER 2.68
(GARDENA BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION) OF TITLE 2
(ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL) OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 6646
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
4868 BY ADDING SUBSECTIONS (E) AND (F) TO SECTION
1 OF SAID RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE
COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA
ECONOMIC BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMISSION AND
GARDENA BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
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 Council Member Francis and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson.
Ordinance No. 1859 was introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1859 and Adopt Resolution No. 6646:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member s Tanaka, Francis, and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – No Items
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 9 16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Approve a Construction Contract Change Order to Ruiz Concrete and Paving, Inc., in the amount of $11,062.50 for the Traffic Detour and Temporary Pavement for UPRR Improvements Phase of the Artesia Boulevard Arterial Improvement Project from Western Avenue to Vermont Avenue, JN 935
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 Francis. City Manager Osorio explained why the item was being brought forth.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approved Contract Change Order to Ruiz Concrete and Paving, Inc:
Ayes: Council Member Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Amend Purchase of Zero- Emission Buses to Include Purchase of Zero- Emission Bus Chargers a Revised Total of $9,134,691, and an Overall Program Total of $10,048,161.
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 Council Member Francis asking if the infrastructure is already in place.
City Manager Osorio explained the details of the contract amendment and answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka , seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Amendment to Purchase:
Ayes: Council Member s Tanaka and Love , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 10 18.B Approve Purchase of a Two-Year Service Level Agreement with ABB for Electric Bus Chargers for $65,885 and a Project Total of $72,474
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 Council Member Francis asking if this agreement is automatically renewable.
City Manager Osorio explained the warranty and 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 Purchase with ABB:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL ITEMS – None
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Francis
1) To provide Council with a long- term reporting of what will be done at the Willows Wetland Preserve in working with Vector Control regarding the mosquitoes, short of total eradication of plant species - Mayor Cerda seconded it.
Purpose: Because City Council are stewards of our parklands; we want to make sure it's well maintained.
Reason: E l Nino is coming and there will be a lot more mosquitoes.
Benefit: Raise the quality of life and community safety.
Council Member Love
1) Would like to have Director Rigg look into restriping Normandie Avenue (northbound just before getting to Redondo Beach Blvd.) adjacent to Walgreens - Council Member Francis seconded it.
Purpose: When coming up Normandie (northbound) before getting to Redondo Beach Blvd, the lane needs to be widened where the curb curves to the right
Reason: T o make it safer and prevent us from getting wheel alignments on our cars.
Benefit: T o make it safe; it is only a matter of time before an accident happens.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 11 21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio gave a verbal report of information to follow -up on matters that had been directed or requested by the Mayor and Members of Council. Those items were, as follows:
1) Memo regarding the CDBG Eligible Activities that was prepared by Director Tsujiuchi and staff.
2) Memo regarding the advertising of City Job Openings on other platforms.
City Manager Osorio reminded staff that there will be cake after the meeting in celebration of Council Member Love's birthday. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Since the last C ouncil Meeting, Councilmember Love attended the Senior Health Fair, iHop Grand Opening, Veteran’s Day event , the dedication of the gym floor at Rowley Park, and Hol liday’s Helping Hands Organization.
She commented on how Holliday’s Helping Hands was doing phenomenal work by housing the homeless and going above and beyond to ensure the houses are furnished and the kitchens are full. She wanted to take the time to thank all of those who donated for her birthday sneaker ball, the non- perishable food items to put together, as well as 3- 5 days of non- perishable ready to eat food that they are going to distribute to the homeless people that are living in the mobile homes on Redondo Beach Boulevard. On Thanksgiving Day, when they go out to distribute these bags, they are also distributing 200 bags of ready to eat foods, that means any food that does not require a can opener, along with 200 plates of Thanksgiving lunch that were being donated by iHop and they will also get a hygiene kit. All of this is going out on Thanksgiving Day so if anybody would like to come out with them and help serve the homeless on that day, they are more than welcome. They are doing a food drive on Saturday, it is a sneaker ball and that means you get dressed up fancy and put on your tennis shoes and your entrance is some more non- perishable food, so anybody that wants to attend, they can find it on social media.
(2) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Attended the Senior Health Fair and the 2023 Eddy Awards and congratulated the City of Long Beach for being business friendly and for all the things they are doing over there. He shared with us that Long Beach is now starting something called Silicone Beach trying to attract technology companies. Attended the iHop ribbon cutting, South Bay Work Investment Board Awards, honoring those that passed through their programs and gained gainful employment coming from different circumstances and remarked that it is always great to see stories of triumph. He conducted his Independent Cities Associat ion Executive Board and reminded everyone that they are going to have their conference in Santa Barbara in February. He thanked our Police Department for being available for presentations and the Chief as well. He said he always likes to highlight the great things we are doing in our city in regard to Public Safety, Community Development, Public Works, and everything. So, any time he gets an opportunity to share what we are doing in the City Clerk’s Office or City Manager’s Office, he really likes to always take time to highlight some of the great things we do because he doesn’t think we talk about the things we do well enough with our peer cities. He
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 12 attended the SCAG Community Economic Housing Development Committee and our Regional Council Meeting. He is a R egional Council Member for the South Bay City Council of Governments, which represent Gardena, Hawthorne, and Inglewood. They had some robust discussion there about our regional transportation plan 2020, he thinks they will be doing a presentation to the COG on Thursday, so he’ll be there for that as well as C ouncilmember Tanaka. Also did his SCAG District Evaluation Committee and there was a discussion about the viability of SCAG and the membership and which cities and areas get the votes and how do we push initiatives through which is an ongoing discussion. He wanted to thank the city for giving him the opportunity to be the host of the Veterans event. He said it was a great event and always wants to make sure we congratulate and recognize our veterans for their service, both past and present, and always keep them in our hearts and in our minds. Right after that he went to Rowley Park to see the new gym, commented that it looks lovely, and the pop- up event that occurred with Steph Curry’s company. He said it was great, a lot of people were there, free food, and it was good to see laughter in the park. He also had another meeting with some elected officials, and they were talking about their plight as elected officials in their communities, and somebody posed the question, “what makes a good, elected official?”, which is a subjective question with a myriad of answers. His answer was, he thinks what makes a good, elected official is that you have your vision, and you work with staff to help you bring your vision to life for the community. He told the group that their goal should always be collaborative and work with staff to get some of these things done because they are paid professionals in their subject matter area so, they need to lean on them and if there are things you don’t understand, you definitely then work through that process so you can have your vision for what you think the community needs or wants and include the community in some of those processes. Shared that again, everybody can kind of lead differently and bring their thoughts to life differently, but it is good when you start to work with staff and collaborate so they can help bring your vision to life.
(3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCI S – Attended Too Cute to Spook event at Nakaoka Community Center, the Gardena Holly Park Homeowner’s Association, Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District, Beautification Commission, and the Homeless Workshop that was hosted by Human Services. She said if you did not get a chance to attend the workshop it was excellently presented. She liked one of the activities where they carried you through a scenario where you have a certain amount of money to show how easy it is to become homeless, which she thinks gave a lot of folks food for thought.
Attended the Veterans Day program which was very nice and well done. After that, she ran over to Rowley Park to look at the new Tuff Crowd gym floor, and said it is very nice.
She commented on how she was telling Senator Bradford earlier, with the initial 3 million dollars that he’s dedicated to the Rowley Park restoration, we might have enough money to complete the whole gym, which would be excellent. She met Brandon Jennings, our hometown fellow who grew up here in Gardena, played at Rowley Park, played at that gym, and he’s come back to donate that floor to us, and it was great. She told him how much she appreciated how much he does. He remembered us and came back because a lot of folks go off and do what they do, and they never give back, so she appreciates that he did. She congratulated Guiliano’s. She was looking though the LA Times on Sunday and saw they were selected as the best deli in the South Bay or in Los Angeles.
Urged people to go by and get themselves a sandwich and tell them congratulations.
Wants to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving and also wants to remind everyone that November is Native American Heritage Month so, if you have the opportunity to tell the true story about the pilgrims and how that went, to let folks know the role that they
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 13 played, and that the reason it was a happy Thanksgiving was because of Native Americans. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
(4) MAYOR CERDA – Attended one of the rotary meetings and gave a little bit of an update as far as what’s going on in the City of Gardena and they were very appreciative to know all the things that we’re doing and all the different events that we have. Later that evening, she attended the Gardena PD Fundraiser, for the upcoming Baker to Vegas run, that was over at Islands. She was happy to be able to donate to help our officers go to that. The next day, she was the keynote speaker for the South Bay Association of Realtors breakfast. She spoke to about 75 members and did a 45- minute presentation about Gardena and why as realtors they should point people in the direction of Gardena.
For not only how great our homes are, but some of the additional services we offer all our community including kids, seniors, and even our fur babies event. She said they were very taken aback by all the different things that we have for our community members, and she told them when they’re showing houses to direct them to Gardena because our homes are still affordable. She said it was great, plus, she did about a 10 minute or so question and answer afterwards which was a lot of fun. Right after that she attended Fire Station 158’s barbeque, that they had next door, where they invited them all to celebrate the reopening of Station 158 since their remodel. On the following weekend she attended the Halloween Scare Zone and there were a lot of people there for that. She wanted to thank not only our P arks and Recreation department, but all our departments that participated because, again, all our departments, whether it’s Public Works putting up the barriers and lights, maintenance crews, and police officers, it takes everybody to make these events happen. She also wants to thank a lot of the non-profits that were out there, too. She said she knows often times non- profits usually have a separate event and she tells everybody it’s great when you can partner with Gardena because you may not have enough people to work your event at your location, and it’s great when you can come here, the kids are already here, and just have an additional booth. She saw a few different non- profits out there doing that, so she just wants to thank them for partnering with us because she thinks it made the event that much greater and grander. On the following Sunday she was the guest speaker for the Gardena Holly Park Methodist Church for their Lady Sunday. She did another 40-minute presentation there to the church speaking on Lady and how that related to the City there.
She went to Japan with her colleague, Councilmember Tanaka, City Clerk Mina Semenza, as well as 3 of our D irectors and she called it a great trip. She remarked on how she’s been to Japan before, but by far this was the best trip yet. They did a lot of things this time around, like visiting their new City Hall. She shared that they have something called a courtesy call, where you go to their City Council Chambers and they have 42 City Council members versus our 5 so, you can imagine what their council meetings are like. They participated in the traditional M ayor to Mayor gift exchange, but they also did some things differently this time because they brought some of their Directors with them. For instance, the P olice Chief took advantage of going to their Police Department to see how theirs is running, some of the comparisons and things that are done differently there. She pointed out that some of the female training, Kendo, was really interesting to watch as some of the young ladies were practicing and it was really enlightening. They got a chance to go to their F ire Department and they did a couple fire drills for them. They also had a ladder truck that went up 40 meters high and some of our staff got on there. She got a picture of Director Greg Tsujiuchi going way up high and joked that might be a second career for him. She said it was really scary, but a lot of fun.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 14 They also had earthquake module drills, where you go inside of a fire truck, and it shakes. What she didn’t realize about Ichikawa is that they have a lot of earthquakes there which she didn’t know. She thought wow, they’re leaving California earthquake country to go to Ichikawa which is also earthquake country. They visited a school in which the kids participated in singing songs and networking. A lot of them didn’t know English, but with the little they did know, they came up and introduced themselves, asked a question and it was just really neat to be able to talk to them. They had anniversary dinners, where they got a chance to speak with their C ouncil Members.
They even got a chance to have a karaoke competition. Just like when they were here before at our dinners, we sang, they sang, and it was a lot of fun really getting to know them better. They took them to see a variety of attractions in Ichikawa. They attended a Citizen’s Festival, which is similar to our Heritage Festival, and they’re preparing for the 90 th anniversary of their city being incorporated, which will be next November. Their festival had lots of people and was like a farmers’ market. They had the chance to meet officials from one of their universities and one of the Congress members from Japan.
They were able to talk to them and learn the difference of how their Congress works versus ours. They did a sign unveiling showing the bond between our sister city and theirs, were lots of performances were done. They also attended where the factory work was made at a little mini shrine. She thinks the best part was, especially with our directors, was kind of comparing the departments, they got a chance to meet with one of their Community Development D irectors and they were showing them things that they were doing as it related to what they’re looking at new development with and were able to ask them questions. She was glad our City Clerk was able to go as well and experience some of the same things that they’ve seen over the years with it. She can’t reiterate enough how much of the native food they got to try out and that was a lot of fun.
They had such a great group there that was open to trying everything and she knows how much Chief Saffell loved trying all the raw fish they ate. She believes there was a tea ceremony that she missed, about learning the proper way to drink tea. She added that there’s a great picture of the Chief in a kimono and a sword in his hand. Not only was it a great trip, but she thinks everybody really benefited from it so much. They had a great time with an amazing group, probably the best group she could ever think of to travel with. Their M ayor and City Council, she thinks had a great time also, in fact, they invited them back next year for their 90
th anniversary. She said they would do their best
to see if they could go back because as mentioned they had a great time with them. The bond that she thinks us celebrating our 60th year now was really amazing. That was their trip, it took them 11 ½ hours to fly up there and 10 ½ hours to fly back. She’s still trying to catch up on her sleep, but it was a good time. Immediately coming back from Japan, she attended a Mayor’s round table that was hosted by Mayor Rex Richardson in Long Beach, where they talked about a lot of great things like what M ayors are doing for their cities and maybe some suggestions for some of us that aren’t doing some of those items there, so they had a lot of good conversation with that. Later that evening she attended the Eddy Awards with Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. As mentioned earlier, the City of Long Beach won so congratulations to them. The next day she attended the iHop Grand Opening, later that night she attended the SBWIB’s 28
th Annual Award Ceremonies
where there were 3 students recognized from Gardena. The first was Eduardo Santiago who completed his adult program, the second was Jose Sanchez who completed his veteran’s program, and the third was Ronald Patterson who completed his prison to employment program. She tells everybody that if they want to work there are opportunities out there, the SBWIB and One Stop, they are available to help people get
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 15 retrained to go back to work and it’s always great to hear these success stories, of not just people finding jobs, but actual careers that they can take care of their families and just have better lives. This past Saturday she attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony as well as the Under Armor event with Brian Jennings. As was said earlier, she thinks it’s great that he was open to coming back and doing something here in Gardena. She asked him if he would be open to future things like our parades and he said absolutely so she definitely wants to call him for those things. Afterwards, she attended a memorial for one of our residents, Mr. Huey Meador. Some may remember him from our Veteran’s Day ceremony, he was in a wheelchair, but he had his full military outfit on and a lot of times you could see where he sewed and mended it up himself. He passed away earlier this year, and they had a really nice ceremony for him. She said it was going to be sad not seeing him at our Veteran’s Day events, but she’s glad they got a chance to attend his services. She let his family know, because they weren’t from Gardena and they didn’t realize he was coming to our Veteran’s ceremony, how proud we were that he was there.
He did get the opportunity to receive our veteran’s recognition here and the coin. They had the coin at the memorial service and were really excited to know that we recognized him for that. One last thing she wanted to share was that she was talking to a resident on Monday, and she was mentioning to her that one of our Public Works guys, who handles the trees, had planted a tree in front of her house a couple of years ago that she had requested. She said that Public Works guy comes by just to make sure her tree is still in good condition and that she’s taking care of it and just checks up on it. She couldn’t tell her how much she appreciates how nice he is and just what a great job he does, and just wanted to let her know , to please share that with him. The M ayor concluded by saying she appreciates that our staff goes above and beyond just to make sure our residents are happy with their trees and making sure they are taken care of as well because that’s important for us to keep trees and the landscape of our C ity looking good.
(5) COUNCILMEMBER TANAKA – Attended the E mployee Mixer, did the South Bay Cities Council of Government board meeting, which he said is always interesting because they talk about a lot of stuff within the South Bay. He attended Fire Station 158’s reopening and called it a great barbeque. He went to Ichikawa and, as the Mayor said, it was a very great trip and very informative for our staff. They got to see and relate to what we do to what they do. It wasn’t just a tour of Ichikawa to see all the sights, it was more of a working trip, which he thought was really important to both of our cities. He was really impressed with the new sign that we have, our new street sign in the park that they unveiled, he said, it’s a great looking sign. There were a lot of great things that they did.
He attended the South Bay COG Volunteer Recognition Dinner which our Maria Fonseca got recognized for and she is one of the top people that volunteers at the COG for their environmental projects. Attended the iHop ribbon cutting, did the South Bay Workforce Awards Dinner at the Marriott and commented that it’s always great to see all the things that we’re doing to get people back on their feet working. He attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony for us and thanked the C ity for allowing him to do the invocation. Attended Coffee with a Cop at El Pollo Inka this morning and said it was a great event. Lastly, he attended the State of the City address for El Segundo Mayor Drew Boyles. He then addressed our Chief Mike Saffell and shared with him that El Segundo’s Police Department is doing everything that our Chief is doing so we’re a great influence on that city right now. It was a great event, lunch was great, and the city is doing a lot of stuff in San Pedro, they are heads above almost everybody in the South Bay area for economics and what they are doing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 16 23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Annual Helping Hands Program, beginning in October through Friday, December 11, 2023. If you would like to donate NEW unwrapped toys, books, art supplies, board games, sports equipment & gift cards. If you don’t have time to shop? M onetary donations are accepted and welcomed via www.cityofgardena.org/events or contact
City Hall – Recreation and Human Services Department.
2) Helping Hands Food Vouchers & Toy Registration. If you are a family in need, you must be a City of Gardena resident and you must sign up to make sure that you meet all the requirements. Must be able to provide: Driver License/ID; Proof of Residency and other requirements. This begins Wednesday, November 1 through Thursday, November 30, 2023, by visiting: www.cityofgardena.org/events .
3) Teensgiving, Friday, November 17, 2023; 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Dinner, Games, Prizes, Crafts – Get ready to have a blast with your friends and make some new friends too at our Thanksgiving teen night! 4) “Wobble Before You Gobble” Line Dancing Event, Saturday, November 18, 2023; 11 am – 3 pm at Rowley Park at 132
nd and Van Ness. We ask that you bring 5 can
goods, your family, friends, & picnic chairs for an afternoon of music, dancing, and fun! Helping Hands Opportunity! Purchase raffle tickets to win a prize basket valued at $900+. All proceeds will benefit our Helping Hands Toy Drive & Food Voucher Event.
5) City of Gardena Glow in the Dark Kickball Game, Saturday, November 18, 2023; 6:30 pm at Mas Fukai Park. Free to participate maximum of 10 players per team or register individually to join a team all ages and skills welcome. The team with the best glow-up gear will win a prize. Registration begins Wednesday, November 1, 2023 – Saturday, November 11, 2023.
6) 16
th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, Thursday, November 23, 2023, at El Pollo Inka Restaurant. Free Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need. First Seating: 12 -00 pm – 1:30 pm; Second Seating: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. We ask that you pre- register with the City of Gardena’s Senior Citizen Bureau beginning Wednesday, November 1, 2023, or by calling 310-217-9552.
7) Holiday Boutique, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Come & Shop for handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts, One-of-a-kind items and Jewelry.
8) Winter Wonderland, Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at City Hall Complex. There will be Snow, Kids activities, Tree lighting, S’mores, Hot cocoa, and more. Make sure to bring your Letter to Santa for a chance to win the North Pole Raffle.
9) Jolly Trolley Park Tour 2023, Tuesday, December 5, Thursday, December 7, and Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm for all three (3) days. Follow us on social media for clues on where Santa’s Trolley will Pop up! 10) Holiday Home Decoration Contest, if you would like to participate the deadline is Monday, December 11, 2023. The City of Gardena and Gardena Beautification Commission invite you to participate in our City’s Holiday Home Decoration Contest ! Prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated houses! To register, send a picture of the outside of your decorated home along with your name and address to Holiday [email protected]
by Monday, December 11, 2023. All winners will receive
a special yard sign, gift certificate, and recognition at the January City Council Meeting!
DocuSign Envelope ID: E77A0460-3355-40FD-B74C-B992B08ABD44 17 24. REMEMBRANCES
Seargant Huey Meador , Huey served in the United States Marine Corps and participated in the City's Veterans Day celebrations.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:57 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, December 12, 2023. The Gardena City Council Meeting for November 28, 2023, has been cancelled.
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
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