1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:01 PM on Tuesday, December 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 Treasurer Guy H. Mato ; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero was away on an excused absence.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION – None
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d) (2)-November 13, 2023, correspondence from attorney Kim Savage on behalf of Clear Recovery Center, Inc. regarding project at 1921 146th Street, Gardena
Community Development Director, Greg Tsujiuchi was present for the Closed Session.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:30 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 th at the Council met with regards to Item 2.A and there was no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Brooklyn Grayson and Devine Egboh led the Pledge of Allegiance. Both are in the 5 th grade and attend 153 rd Street School. Brooklyn is a highly motivated student and friend.
She loves reading and enjoys creating fashion design sketches. She is a role model inside and outside of the classroom. Devine is always very kind and respectful of her peers and sets a great example for responsible behavior, her hard work is reflected in her accomplishments and grades. They both introduced their parents and family members.
4. INVOCATION
Bishop Sean Jones of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gave the Invocation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 2 5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS - None
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Youth Commission - Aidan Madison (Appointed by Mayor Cerda)
Mayor Cerda expressed her excitement about Aidan get ting more involved in civic activities and was elated to nominate him for the Youth Commission.
Aidan Madison was present and was accompanied by family and friends and thanked Mayor Cerda and all Members of the Council for the appointment.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Council Member Tanaka , and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Aidan Madison to the Youth Commission:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Council Members Francis and Love
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, November 14, 2023
Special Meeting of the City Council, December 7, 202
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, September 5, 2023 Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, November 7, 2023 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, November 28, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
November 28, 2023: Check Numbers: 174093-174223 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $893,270.71; Total Payroll Issued for November 17, 2023:
$2,330,019.43.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 3 8.E Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 12, 2023 CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
December 12 , 2023: Wire Transfer: 125 86; Prepay: 174224- 174225; Check Numbers: 174226 -174389 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $1,840,988.18; Total Payroll Issued for December 1, 2023: $1,840,988.18.
8.F Monthly Investment Portfolio, October 2023
CONTACT: CITY TREASURER
8.G Personnel Report P-2023-19 12-12-23
CONTACT: HUMAN RESOURCES
8.H SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF 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
CONTACT: CITY MANAGER
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
8.I Acceptance and Notice of Completion 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.
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
8.J Approve Purchase of Mobile Bus Chargers for $157,914 and Authorize a Program Total of $173,705
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar with the exceptions of Items 8.B, 8.D, 8.E, 8.F, 8.G and 8.J:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.B CITY CLERK - Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting of the City Council, November 14, 2023; Special Meeting of the City Council, December 7, 2023 – Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love requested corrections to be made to the November 14, 2023, Minutes. She reference d an organization named Holliday’s Helping Hands and would like the minutes to reflect the correct name by adding the name Holliday’s where it was omitted and an “s” at the end of Holliday.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Special Meeting Minutes for December 7, 2023, and Amend the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 14, 2023, for Item 8.B:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
8.D CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, November 28, 2023 – Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love stated that there is not enough time given to review and approve the warrants/payroll register, and therefore would like to abstain from voting on the item.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.D:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Love
8.E CITY TREASURER - Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, December 12, 2023 - Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love stated that there is not enough time given to review and approve the warrants/payroll register, and therefore would like to abstain from voting on the item.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Love
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 5 8.F CITY TREASURER - Monthly Investment Portfolio, October 2023 – Item pulled by Council Member Love
Council Member Love stated that there is not enough time given to review and approve the monthly investment portfolio, and therefore would like to abstain from voting on the item.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.F:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Love
8.G HUMAN RESOURCES - Personnel Report P-2023-19 12-12-23 – Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda regarding the Deputy City Manager Job Position.
City Manager Osorio 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.G:
Ayes: Council Member Francis , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Love
Absent: None
8.J TRANSPORTATION - Approve Purchase of Mobile Bus Chargers for $157,914 and Authorize a Program Total of $173,705 – Item was pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked for clarification of the item, and also had questions.
Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo was present and explained the purchase in detail 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 Item 8.J:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 6 10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A November 21, 2023 - Meeting Cancelled
10.B DECEMBER 5, 2023 MEETING
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY #2-23
General Plan Conformity Determination for the Purchase of Two Parcels Totaling Approximately 19,200 sf Located at 1112 W. Gardena Blvd. (APNs: 6111- 004-032, 033)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved Resolution No. PC #21-23, by a vote of 5 -0, setting forth the Commission’s General Plan conformity report in accordance with Government Code section 6540.2.
City Council Action: No action is needed.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
10.C DECEMBER 5, 2023 MEETING
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY #3-23
General Plan Conformity Determination for the Purchase of a Parcel Totaling Approximately 5,500 sf Located at 15016 Nader Place, also known as 15016 Daphne Ave (APN: 4064-023-024)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 22- 23, by a vote of 5-0, setting forth the Commission’s General Plan conformity report in accordance with Government Code section 6540.2.
City Council Action: No action is needed.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Andrea Simental, Interim Community Manager for the Mayme Dear Library; she came to announce library events for the Gardena Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Sato Libraries.
2) K
arla Chavez, spoke on the potential closure of KIPP Academy Charter School in Gardena.
11.A PUBLIC COMMENT
1) City Clerk Mina Semenza, noted for the record three (3) emails that were received from the public; one was made part of the packet, the other two have been posted on our website. She stated that all the emails have been received and made part of the record.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 7 12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A Approve Citywide Classification and Total Compensation Study Contract with Gallagher Benefit Services, Incorporated (Doing Business as Koff & Associates) in the amount of $205,940 and a project total of $236,831
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 why the study was even done; why wasn’t it done sooner before we hired all of the new personnel; are one-one interviews being done; we want to make sure we maintain efficiency; will the new Deputy City Manager job description get re- evaluated; is there a succession plan; the contingency fee; how much of the prior work was still relevant; make sure the authority matches the responsibility across the organization; the term of the contract and the original cost we paid in 2019; who the agreement administrator would be; and even though some of the work is salvageable, we would still need to start from the beginning.
City Manager Osorio and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman were present and answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Proposal:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka , Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
12.B City of Gardena Audit Reports for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023; Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Family Child Care and GTrans
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report and gave a PowerPoint presentation. Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman was present and available for any questions.
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 negotiating a further contribution by new employees, look into annexing our surrounding unincorporated areas to gain more revenue; POB’s; are we doing anything to collect on the homeowner occupied loans; what can we do to generate additional funds; are we looking into focusing more on development agreements to increase the revenue; if you did not jump on the low interest rate when you did, where would this City be at this time; the Finance Department was congratulated on receiving the two awards.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 8 City Manager Osorio, City Attorney Vasquez and Director Beeman answered all questions.
This Item was Received and Filed Audit Reports for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
12.C Approve contracts with AT&T Business and AT&T Corp (AT&T Consulting) for the purchase of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services and AT&T Consulting Services for an estimated total of $30,213 for the period January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
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 Francis and Mayor Cerda, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson , and Council Member Love regarding who we are we going with; how long the transition will be; why did we chose AT&T; did they offer us the best deal; Director Beeman was given high praises for everything he did on this item.
City Manager Osorio and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman was present and explained the process of the services 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 Purchase and Contract:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1863 , Making minor amendments to Ordinance No. 1851 which adopted by reference the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Code relating to fence permits and rodent -proofing, amending Section 18.42.070.f of the Gardena Municipal Code 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. 1863
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA,
MAKING MINOR AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE NO. 1851
WHICH ADOPTED BY REFERENCE THE 2022 EDITION OF
THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
RELATING TO FENCE PERMITS AND RODENTPROOFING,
AMENDING SECTION 18.42.070.F OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE 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)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 9 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 were no questions or comments made by any Member of the Council.
Ordinance No. 1863 was introduced by Council Member Tanaka.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1863 and set a public hearing on the adoption for the meeting of January 9, 2024:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.B INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1860 , Repealing and readopting 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)
ORDINANCE NO. 1860
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND READOPTING
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)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Senior Planner, Amanda Acuna gave a PowerPoint presentation and was available to answer any questions. Assistant City Attorney, Lisa Kranitz and Director of Community Development, Greg Tsujiuchi were present to answer any questions.
At 9:33 p.m., Mayor Cerda announced that the Public Hearing was open. She asked if anyone had 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 Cerda and Council Member Francis regarding do we still have to send this Ordinance to the state for additional approval; what will the parking requirement be after we adopt this; asked for clarification of the matter of right concept; are the percentages set by law.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 10 Senior Planner Acuna and Assistant City Attorney Kranitz answered all questions.
At 9:48 p.m., Mayor Cerda then announced that the Public Hearing was closed.
Ordinance No. 1860 was introduced by Council Member Love.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Conduct a Public Hearing and Introduce Ordinance No. 1860:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
14.A INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1861 , Amending Section 2.60.100 (Open Market Procedure) of Chapter 2.60 (Purchasing System) of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Gardena Municipal Code
ORDINANCE NO. 1861
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.60.100
(OPEN MARKET PROCEDURE) OF CHAPTER 2.60
(PURCHASING SYSTEM) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION
AND PERSONNEL) OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE
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 Francis, Mayor Cerda and Council Member Love regarding asking for confirmation of what this item allows our City Manager to approve, what might some of those things look like, can you give an example, is there a built in oversight to this process; it was stated that the warrant register may be the built in oversight; there was a comment about the increase of inflation, the $20,000 increase is way more than the cost of inflation; asked for another example of what type of project may fall under this approval process; and it was asked if the warrant register is money that has already been spent.
City Manager Osorio explained the process and answered all questions.
Ordinance No. 1861 was introduced by Council Member Tanaka.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 11 It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1861, and Adopt the Ordinance at the next City Council meeting on January 9, 2024:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
At 10:01 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson took over the meeting, giving Mayor Cerda a break.
14.B INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1862 , Amending Section 3.24.020 (Delegation of claims authority to city manager) of Chapter 3.24 (Claims and Demands Against the City) of Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) of the Gardena Municipal Code
ORDINANCE NO. 1862
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 3.24.020
(DELEGATION OF CLAIMS AUTHORITY TO CITY
MANAGER) OF CHAPTER 3.24 (CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
AGAINST THE CITY) OF TITLE 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE)
OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE
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 and comments were made by Council Member Francis and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson asking for confirmation of the claims authority moving forward of the City Manager to approve and settle claims up to $50,000; are these for judgment orders or both; regarding the oversight mechanism what triggers it for us would Council get a summary report.
City Manager and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions and explained the City Managers authority.
Ordinance No. 1862 was introduced by Council Member Love.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1862, and Adopt the Ordinance at the next City Council meeting on January 9, 2024:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 12 At 10:08 p.m. Mayor Cerda continued the Council Meeting.
14.C INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1864 , Amending Section 2.04.170 of the Gardena Municipal Code Setting the Compensation of the Mayor and Members of the City Council as Authorized by Senate Bill 329
ORDINANCE NO. 1864
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.04.170 OF
THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING THE
COMPENSATION OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY
COUNCIL AS AUTHORIZED BY 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 Council Member Love regarding what causes the minor $380 difference between Fiscal Year 2025 & 2026.
Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman answered her question.
Ordinance No. 1864 was introduced by Council Member Francis.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance Number 1864 and Adopt the Ordinance at the next City Council meeting on January 9, 2024:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Authorization to Purchase Seven (7) Patrol Vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group in the Amount of $367,104 and Expend Build-Out Costs in the Amount of $199,127 for a total of $566,231
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, Council Member Francis, and Council Member Love regarding the vehicles being amortized could these cars be given to Huatabampo; were the replacement vehicles purchased in 2014; the vehicles that are being replaced have been in DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 13 service for a while ; asked about the $20,000 difference from the last time we purchased replacement vehicles.
City Manager Osorio replied to all questions. Chief Saffell was present 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 Authorize Purchase and Build-Out Costs:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Award Construction Contract for the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Project, JN 978, to New Dynasty Construction Company, in the amount of $16,870,644. Additionally Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, $34,675 Additional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, $195,340 Additional Services Agreement with Griffin Structures, 10% of Project Contingency, and Budget Appropriation of $6,206,867 from General Fund Reserve.
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.
Mayor Cerda commented that she was glad that we found a good price to build this out here.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Construction Contract; Approve Project Plans & Specifications; Approve Additional Design Services; Approve Additional Construction Administration Services ; Approve Project Contingency and Approve Additional Budget Appropriation:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Love, Tanaka and Francis, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.B Award Construction Contract for the Storm Drain Debris Screen FY 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Project, JN 998 and 999, to United St orm Water, Inc. in the amount of $243,793.00. Additionally, Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, $8,784 Construction Support Services Contract with Cannon, 10% of Project Contingency and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 14 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.
Council Member Francis asked when this project is over will all our storm drains be ready to collect debris and who will maintain them; and asked where they are located.
Director of Public Works Allan 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 Award Construction Contract; Approve Project Plans and Specifications; Approve Construction Support Services; Approve Project Contingency, and Declare CEQA Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
18.A Approve Microtransit Pilot Service Concept
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 Cerda, Council Member Francis and Council Member Love regarding only being able to request ride service online and by smartphone, wanted to make sure our seniors could still just dial up and call the office; confirmation if this was a 18 month pilot program, and how do you determine success; and if it is door to door and wheelchair accessible; the name of the program and the days and hours of operation; and how would a senior attend one of our council meetings; is it possible to put a stop on the Gardena Boulevard side on our council meeting nights.
City Manager Osorio answered some questions and referred the rest to Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo, who was present 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 Pilot:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 15 18.B Approve Purchase of Two Electric Microtransit Vans for a Total of $301,904 and a Program Total of $332,094
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 Francis, and Mayor Cerda asking for confirmation of the number of vehicles and if they were going to have cameras, and if they are electric, the additional features is there a cost associated with them.
Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo and City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Purchase:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Francis , Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
1) For the City Manager to research for an alternative audit company. (Intent for an RFP for a new audit firm)
Purpose: Hopefully to get the same results if we get another audit company, but making sure fresh eyes are looking at our financials.
Reason: T o make sure we have another group looking at our financials to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.
Benefit: T o make sure our financial house is always in order with another potential vendor.
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 restriping of Normandie Ave.
2) Memo regarding the mosquito issue at the Willows Wetland Preserve.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 16 3) Announcement, starting tomorrow morning after this Council Meeting, since we do not have a 2nd meeting in December, we are taking this opportunity to do the AV system upgrade in the Council Chambers that will take the duration of the rest of the year. We anticipate having a brand-new system by the January 9
th meeting.
City Manager Osorio wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
(1) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last meeting he attended Toshio Hirai ’s memorial service put on by our police department. He said it was a great event and probably the best one that he’s attended with all the research that was done, especially for our other fallen officers. It was really great to see Toshi’s mom there with all the things that have been going on in that family and he knows the M ayor misses her James Bond. Attended the South Bay COG. The first half of the meeting they hosted SCAG so that they could give them some of their reports on the things that they have done throughout the year. The second half he attended his COG Board Meeting, then attended the IHOP opening ribbon cutting ceremony. We welcomed IHOP to Gardena and hoped they do well. Due to possibilities of rain, wobble before you gobble was done at Rush Gym and was a really great event. He said there was a lot of fun and great participation, in fact, there was a special appearance by Michael Jackson, who came in for a dance performance. He thinks the ladies really appreciated that one because he was pretty good. He attended the CERT graduation, one of the larger classes he’s seen, and they do appreciate our volunteers for coming and helping to compliment and assist our city, especially during disasters. Attended the Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Nakaoka Community Center and said it was really, really good and they really enjoyed that meal. Attended the COG’s Finance Committee, which he is a part of, the City’s Winter Wonderland, which he stated gets bigger and better every year and was totally crowded, he then attended Nisei Seniors Christmas fundraising event presented by Cherry Stones and Leonard Kim. Leonard supports Nisei’s Seniors and helps them celebrate Christmas and the New Year by sending them to Lawry’s. Councilmember Tanaka believes he’s been doing it for thirty years and has only missed one. He also gave an apology to Director Ernie Crespo for missing his Christmas party. He attended the second COG Finance Committee Meeting and said they’re trying to get their budget done. Attended the City of Gardena’s Jolly Trolley event at Arthur Johnson Park and that event continually gets bigger and better every year. Attended South Bay COG and the Southern California Energy Network award ceremony luncheon which was held at the Carson Community Center. He stated that he just wants to show that our city is going to do better next year, but our city was awarded a silver letter achievement award for South Bay energy and climate recognition, so that was a great thing because there weren’t many golds, but there a lot of silvers and we were not a bronze and he thanked Director Rigg. Director Rigg promised we’re going to work hard next year. He stated that it’s a really good thing because it’s an energy thing, they come and evaluate our city, they help us to have energy -saving light bulbs and all the things that we need to do to be greener and better so thank you very much. Attended the badge pinning ceremony for our newest family member at Gardena PD, Officer Timothy S chaeper. Attended our city’s Finance Committee meeting, attending that meeting he is very proud of our City Manager and finance team, they do a great job of making sure that we’re financially sound and we continually see improvements in our investments and thanked them for doing so. He attended, for a short term, the Senior Kiwanis Christmas luncheon at the Nakaoka Community Center. He stated that Santa and members of the Kiwanis Club DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 17 went and entertained our seniors for Christmas and also handed out gifts and hopefully made their holiday a little more joyful. Attended the South Bay COG Steering Committee meeting. A couple things lastly, he gave congratulations to our neighbor from Carson, Council Member Cedric Hicks for his appointment as the 2024 Regional Director of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials for the National League of Cities, commented on how that was quite an honor, so we’ll be looking for some good things from him next year. Lastly, he wants to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Feliz Navidad.
(2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Attended Coffee with a Cop, Senator Bradford’s Turkey Giveaway, Roosevelt Memorial’s 100th anniversary, the City’s Winter Wonderland, the Jolly Trolley for Johnson Park and Rowley Park, Senator Bradford’s Toy Giveaway, The Second Time Around Thanksgiving lunch, and the City’s craft event. She commented that she ran through those events because the hour was late, and she just wanted to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
(3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since his colleague Rodney Tanaka covered all the holidays, he’ll just say ditto to that and everything because the hour is late as his colleague stated. Since our last get together he was at the IHOP ribbon cutting, he attended a sustainability workshop, he went to his AQMD meeting, he went to the first part of the COG meeting to support the SCAG presentation of the work that they’re doing there, had some community and local business meetings, attended the GPD Turkey Giveaway at Rowley Park, went to his ICA planning meeting for their conference they have coming up in February in Santa Barbara, to which he stated all of his colleagues are invited and he will send them that information. He also attended on behalf of the city, the Gardena Lions Club Thanksgiving Dinner at El Pollo Inka, and said it was a great opportunity to commune with our community around Thanksgiving. He attended the Gtrans audit passing event, said it was a great event and he had a great chance to sit down with staff. Dana and he shared some great conversation and everything so that was a great opportunity for them to get to know each other. He attended the State of the South Bay that was held by supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assembly M ember Al Muratsuchi and Senator Ben Allen. Also attended Congresswoman Waters Town Hall at Inglewood High School, Gardena Winter Wonderland tree lighting, the Gtrans Sneaker ball that was very awesome, Jolly Trolley at Johnson and Rowley Park, our special session, also peeked in the homeowners, the GDAAP red ribbon recognition ceremony last Friday and also would like to share with the community that LA County also has a rent relief program so please check out LaCountyRentRelief.com or call (877) 849- 0770 and also since our last gathering he had the great fortune and blessing to celebrate his dad’s 80 th
birthday so that was a lot of fun too.
(4) MAYOR CERDA – She attended several events, the first her monthly CCGA meeting, which is the California Cities Gaming Authority, also the remembrance ceremony that we had for Officer Toshio Hirai, her monthly sanitation meeting which she just recently became the chair of, she’s chair of all her committees now. Also, she attended the Operation Gobble event that was put on with the rotary, the City of Gardena and some of the other groups that donated and helped with that event. She also attended the Teensgiving event, the very beginning of Wobble Before You Gobble, the CERT graduation and El Pollo Inka’s Thanksgiving lunch that they had for everyone there and any family that wanted to attend. There were over 410 people that were served DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 18 that day which was really awesome. Attended the Los Angeles Southwest Association of Realtors 40 th Annual Installation of Officers and Directors. She shared that her sister had been the president, and she was there to do the uninstallation of her. She’s done both of her installations, but now she uninstalled her along with the other board members and then the new boards for 2024 were installed in. She attended the Gtrans CHP inspection celebration that they had, gave them her congratulations, and said it was a really big deal because just like our finance department had their audits, 800 documents, she could only imagine how in- depth the CHP was with Gtrans.
Attended one of the rotary events where they were thanking all their sponsors for donating to Operation Gobble. Attended Roosevelt Cemetery’s 100 th Anniversary
Celebration, the City of Gardena’s holiday craft boutique fair, Winter Wonderland, as well as the Gtrans Sneaker Ball. She then congratulated Gtrans on having a successful event, she knows the employees really appreciated it. She went on to say that it was a great idea going with the sneaker thing, she’s never done that before, tennis shoes and a dress, it was weird for her but it was a first and she thanked them for that. She was a speaker at Gardena High School, she spoke to their law class and it was really interesting, she said next time she’s definitely bringing our attorney, Carmen or Lisa, with her. The students were really interested to know how much law we actually use as it relates to making decisions in governments and just the importance of all of the rules and regulations and why we have to follow things and just explaining legal procedures, not to the level that Carmen does, but from their perspective, what they’ve learned, the importance of why they have to do it, why they regulated the Brown Act, things like that. She emphasized again the importance of it because no matter what you do there’s just laws you have to follow and they’re held to a very high standard with that as elected officials. She attended both Jolly Trolleys, one going to Arthur Johnson Park and the other to Rowley Park. Attended the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee Meeting in Beverly Hills and they appointed a member to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness there. Council Member from Redondo Beach Paige Kaluderovic had majority of the cities unanimously approve her. As she mentioned, she attended our Finance Meeting and once again wanted to commend them on the two awards they received as well as later on that day we had our Special City Council Meeting. This weekend she got a chance to attend the glow in the dark kickball event that they had. She has to say our Parks and Rec Department are so creative coming up with ideas, it was so much fun. She recalled that everybody had all types of glow things on them, paint, all the things that they were doing were really neat. They had glow wire that was outlining the field, they had glow in the dark balls, people were painting their faces, they had handprints all over themselves, shoes, everything was so creative so again she just wanted to commend them on coming up with these great ideas for different things for our community. She briefly attended the Second Time Around Club meeting yesterday and then earlier today she attended the South Bay Association Realtors as their leadership class for 2024 graduated. She was asked to attend because she was helping out one of the students with her class project as it related to elected officials in the real estate market. Right before she came here she was at a community meeting at Avalon Gardens Elementary School. Before she ends her report, she just wanted to not only wish everybody a Happy Holidays, but she wanted to thank our community for just being great people who live in Gardena. She wanted to thank our businesses for continuing to stay here. She wanted to thank all of our employees for just the great job they do year round. She can’t tell you the number of people that give her such great compliments about all of our departments, if they find out she’s from Gardena they go hold on I have to tell you about this department or I have to tell you about that one. Even when we have our events, the number of people tell her you know what my DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 19 city doesn’t do this so I brought my kid here for an afternoon in the park or your Jolly Trolley event or just so many different things so she joked she didn’t know if they’re going to end up stealing those residents and having them move to Gardena. What’s even better is after she left the finance meeting, just to see how all of our departments were under budget and they did a great job as far as staying under budget and still having all these great events and we’re not lacking anything in her opinion in this city so she just wanted to thank all of the them for doing a great job in just making Gardena a better place for everybody and apparently it’s not just the residents and businesses who live and work here, but it’s the people on the outside now that are really talking about Gardena so she’d just like to thank everybody here on this side as well as that side of the dice for making that happen.
(5) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Attended the Winter Wonderland and tree lighting, said it was a really wonderful event and very crowded. She thinks a lot more people went this year than previous years. She also attended the Santa Holiday Luau, she didn’t ride the trolley, although she did get in front of it one time and was chased down by good old GPD. She recalled trying to go around the trolley and they got on her and she thought oh my goodness and kept going. She described it as another wonderful event, Santa Claus and all the kids, hot chocolate and popcorn, everybody had a wonderful time. Attended the G DAAP Red Ribbon Awards ceremony, Senator Bradford’s Turkey Giveaway as well as his toy giveaway, both wonderful events. She doesn’t know how his staff does a turkey giveaway in November and then turns around in December and does a toy giveaway within weeks of each other, he has a great staff. She wasn’t able to attend the Wobble Before You Gobble event this year because she is an elected delegate to the California State Democratic Party, she’s elected delegate of the 61
st Assembly AD, and she was at the State Convention in
Sacramento at that time. She attended the Gardena Holly Park Homeowner’s Association and the Gtrans Sneaker Ball, which she described as being so much fun and mentioned that her feet didn’t hurt at all at the end of the evening, and she even danced. She attended Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ Town Hall on banking and finance, and it was very interesting. She thought she knew about banking and finance, but she found out there’s still a lot more to learn. She told everybody to save the date, the Dr. Martin Luther King Culture Committee, of which she’s chairperson, will have their 2 -day celebration coming up on January 12 and 13, 2024. January 12 is their Friday night youth program, and they have an essay contest. She remarked that she hadn’t gotten a chance to read the essays yet, but they look wonderful. Their parade will be on Saturday, January 13. She said a lot of folks don’t know that we are the first city West of Mississippi to honor Dr. King with an official celebration, she continued that some folks just get together and decide to do something, but it was officially sanctioned by our City Council at that time, and she won’t say how long we’ve been doing it, but it’s been a while. Before she closes, she just wanted to thank our staff for all their hard work and all their efforts to make the City of Gardena a great place to live, work, and play. She also wanted to say thank you to her colleagues for this past year, they’ve tackled some tough issues and they haven’t always agreed, but one thing she can say for sure is that they always work to have the best and do what’s best for our city and our residents so she appreciates that and wants to say thank you to each of them if she doesn’t have another opportunity. In closing, she said to think about her while you’re celebrating your Christmas and Feliz Navidad and Prospero Ano Nuevo and Happy Kwanzaa, but however you celebrate, whatever you celebrate during this holiday season, may it be full of peace, may it be joyful, and may you have lots of happiness and we’ll see you in 2024. Finally, she said there’s a lot of stuff going on in our world today, some is very scary, some is very confusing, some of DocuSign Envelope ID: 50D180D6-858A-479C-AAA3-28F1AE1196D4 20 us are wondering what’s going on in the world and what’s going to happen tomorrow, but one thing for sure she promises better days are coming, thank you.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda announced:
1) Gardena Police Department Baker To Vegas Run Team Fundraiser at Wendy’s on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 11 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm on 174 th and
Western. Wendy’s will donate 20% of sales to the Gardena Police Department Baker To Vegas Team.
2) Jolly Trolley 3
rd Park Tour, Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Follow them on social media for clues on where they will pop up next. 3) Breakfast with Santa! Saturday, December 16, 2023, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Join us for a special breakfast, crafts, entertainment, and a visit from Santa!
4) Santa’s Taco Tuesday – The Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP) is designed to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. TRP is a safe environment that includes socializing, skill building, and inclusion for all participants.
Tacos, Crafts, Raffles, and Games, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center.
5) Winter Gala – Senior Bureau, Dress to impress as you walk the red carpet and dance the night away , Thursday, December 21, 2023; 5 pm – 8 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center. Formal attire highly encouraged prizes for best dressed!
24. REMEMBRANCES
1) Mrs. Jaclyn B. Collins , 71 years old. She was a longtime Gardena resident of over 40 years and a business owner in the City of Gardena for over 20 years. She used to run an escrow business.
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:24 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, January 9, 2024. The Gardena City Council Meeting for December 26, 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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