1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice of the
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:09 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Mayor Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Pro Tem Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Employee Organizations:
1. Gardena Police Officers Association (GPOA), Robert Rosales Jr., Association President
2. Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO), Vicky L. Barker, Attorney
3. Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), Fred G. Quiel, Attorney
4. Confidential / Unrepresented Employees
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Charmaine L. Green v. City of Gardena, et al.
L.A. Sup. Ct. Case No.: 22STCV18526
2.C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)- April 18, 2024, correspondence from attorney Dave Rand on behalf of Cityview regarding project at 12888 Crenshaw Boulevard, Gardena
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 8:09 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 staff was provided with direction on Items 2.A and 2.C, but no reportable action was taken. With regards to Item 2.B, she reported that Council was advised that both parties recently met in mediation, and a resolution was reached; the City does not admit any liability as a business decision; they did reach a settlement in the amount of $295,000.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 2 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Katherine Wilson and Feechukwu Onuegbu, both of 156 th Street School led the pledge of allegiance. Katherine is in 4 th grade was chosen because she is a scholarly student and a writing contest winner at her school. She excels in all academic areas including Language Arts and Math. Feechukwu is in the 5 th grade and was chosen because she is a Spelling Bee champion at her school. As one of the top spellers in the South Bay area and an avid learner, she is an excellent role model for our students and in our community. Both girls introduced their parents.
4. INVOCATION
Reverand Christopher Codrington of Gardena-Torrance Baptist Church, led the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena:
(a) Kimberly Baston, Bus Operator - 31 years (Transportation Department) (b) Sebastian Goodlow, Bus Operator - 30 years (Transportation Department)
5.B Boards & Commissions Presentation - Human Services Commission
5.C Gardena Events Video Presentation
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerk’s Week" - May 5, 2024 - May 11, 2024 – was accepted by City Clerk Mina Semenza
6.B "Cinco de Mayo Celebration Day" - May 05, 2024 – was accepted by the Cinco de Mayo Committee
6.C "Older Americans Month" - May 2024 – was proclaimed only
7. APPOINTMENTS
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, April 9, 2024
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Receive and File of Minutes:
Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, March 19, 2024 Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, April 2, 2024 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 3 8.D Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 23, 2024 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
April 23 , 2024: Wire Transfer: 126 86-12694; Prepay: 175763 -175768; Check Numbers: 175769 -175944 for a total Warrants issued in the amount of $5,440,366.02; Total Payroll Issued for April 19, 2024: $2,330,900.58
8.E Monthly Investment Portfolio, March 2024
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.F Personnel Report P-2024-7 4-23-24
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.G SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1869 , Adding Chapter
2.70 to Title 2 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to Statements of Economic Interest and Electronic and Paperless Filing of Campaign Disclosure Statements CONTACT: CITY CLERK
ORDINANCE NO. 1869
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 2.70 TO TITLE 2
OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST AND ELECTRONIC
AND PAPERLESS FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
STATEMENTS
8.H RESOLUTION NO. 6665 , Upholding the Community Development Director’s Decision to Deny a Home Sharing Rental Application and Denying the Appeal CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 6665
AN RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S DECISION TO DENY A HOME
SHARING RENTAL APPLICATION AND DENYING THE
APPEAL
8.I Approval of Annual/Periodic Event Permit - Carnival, for the 86th Annual Strawberry Park Day Fiesta to be Held May 17th through May 19, 2024, at St.
Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (1050 West 163rd Street) CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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 exception of Items 8.H and 8.I:
Ayes: Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Tanaka and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 4 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.H COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : RESOLUTION NO. 6665 , Upholding the Community Development Director’s Decision to Deny a Home Sharing Rental Application and Denying the Appeal – Item pulled by Mayor Cerda
Mayor Cerda stated she pulled this item because not all Council Members were present when we voted on this item; she then asked City Attorney Vasquez to explain in more detail; City Attorney Vasquez stated that she has advised Council Member Love to abstain from voting on this item, since she was not present for the hearing.
It was moved by Council Membe r Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.H:
Ayes: Council Members Tanaka and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Abstain: Council Member Love
8.I COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Approval of Annual/Periodic Event Permit - Carnival, for the 86th Annual Strawberry Park Day Fiesta to be Held May 17th through May 19, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (1050 West 163rd Street) – Item pulled by Council Member Francis
Council Member Francis asked if there was a plan for the type of security that will be at the fiesta. City Manager Osorio replied to her question.
It was moved by Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Love, and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.I:
Ayes: Council Member s Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
10.A APRIL 16, 2024 MEETING
First Request for Extension of Conditional Use Permit #7-21.
The Planning Commission considered the first request extension of time for Conditional Use Permit #7-21, to permit the operation of a warehouse facility in the General Industrial (M-2) zone.
LOCATION: 1600 and 1606 W. 135th Street
APPLICANT: Jason Hines (DBA Gardena Owner LP)
Commission Action: The Planning Commission approved the first extension of Conditional Use Permit #7-21 approving the permit to expire October 25, 2024, by a vote of 5-0.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 5 There was a public speaker: Salvador George, lead representative of Western States Regional Council of Carpentry, Local 323 and the Carpentry Training Center located in Carson, along with their union members.
City Council Action: Receive and file or Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council)
This Item was Received and Filed.
10.B APRIL 16, 2024 MEETING
Resolution No. PC 10 -24: Denying the appeal by The Tire House Inc. from the Director's decision to revoke the approval of the Site Plan Review #4- 15 of The Tire House located at 1818 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, and finding that the action is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to guidelines Section 15321.
Commission Action: The Planning Commission moved that this item be continued and recommended that staff monitor the business for compliance with the conditions of approval for Site Plan Review #4-15, by a vote of 5-0.
City Council Action: No action needed.
This Item Required No Action by the City Council.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Pablo Arakaki , Owner of Lady Bug Restaurant; came out to let Council know about what’s been happening around his restaurant since the homeless shelter moved in next door;
2) T ravis Hernandez , Community Library Manager of the Masao W. Sato Library, came to give updates regarding the Mayme Dear and Masao W. libraries 3) B enidel Santos, resident, came to speak about a trash can issue 4) Tuck Lye, resident, came to speak about the Monthly Investment Report 5) Paul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa’s Food Pantry; came to speak about the food pantry; and
6) J anet Klappoth, representative of Mama Rosa’s Food Pantry; came to speak about the food pantry.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A Award Contract with Gruber and Lopez, Inc. for Professional Auditing Services for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024, 2025, and 2026 in the Amount of $240,625
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
City Manager then stated that Matt Lenton from Gruber and Lopez was hear to answer any questions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 6 Mayor Pro Tem Henderson asked if the PUN Group was no longer going to be providing any services for us, and if they tried to compete at all. City Manager Osorio replied to his questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Award Contract:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member s Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1871: Amending Sections of Chapter 5.52 and Title 18 of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to significant tobacco retailers, cigar lounges, and hookah lounges Environmental Determination: The project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
ORDINANCE NO. 1871
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTIONS OF
CHAPTER 5.52 AND TITLE 18 OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO SIGNIFICANT TOBACCO RETAILERS,
CIGAR LOUNGES, AND HOOKAH LOUNGES
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: THE PROJECT IS
EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION
15061(B)(3) AS THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THAT THE
ACTIVITY MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a presentation by Community Development Manager, Amanda Acuna.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:27p.m. and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers, and no comments were made by Council.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 9:28p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson introduced Ordinance No. 1871.
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. 1871:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 7 Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member s Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
13.B PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 1865: Amending Chapter
18.60 of the Gardena Municipal Code and Sections of 5.08.170, 8.16.030 and
8.16.050 relating to temporary use permits and temporary events permits, and amending Section 5.04.160, 5.04.278, and 5.28.020 of Title 5 Environmental Determination: The project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) and 15304, as there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment, and considered minor alterations to a land project.
RESOLUTION NO. 6659: Adopting an application fee for Temporary Use and Temporary Event Permits
Environmental Determination: The project is exempt under Public Resources Code Section 21080(B)(8) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15273.
ORDINANCE NO. 1865
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA , AMENDING CHAPTER18.60 OF
THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE AND SECTIONS OF
5.08.170, 8.16.030 AND 8.16.050 RELATING TO TEMPORARY
USE PERMITS AND TEMPORARY EVENTS PERMITS, AND
AMENDING SECTION 5.04.160, 5.04.278, AND 5.28.020 OF
TITLE 5 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: THE PROJECT
IS EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS
15061(B)(3) AND 15304, AS THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THAT
THE ACTIVITY MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT, AND CONSIDERED MINOR ALTERATIONS
TO A LAND PROJECT
RESOLUTION NO. 6659
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPLICATION FEE
FOR TEMPORARY USE AND TEMPORARY EVENT PERMITS
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
There was a presentation by Community Development Manager, Amanda Acuna.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:40p.m. and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were two public speakers: Paul Randall and Lisa Wong.
There was a lengthy discussion which included all Members of the Council, Director of Community Development Greg Tsujiuchi, Community Development Manager Acuna, Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz, City Attorney Vasquez, and City Manager Osorio regarding the proposed changes to the Ordinance, and Resolution.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 8 It was stated by staff that the wrong Ordinance was attached to the Agenda Packet; the correct version was being presented tonight.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 10:30p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 1865:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Love and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6659 with the Whereas clauses:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Love, Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: Council Member Francis
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – POLICE – No Items
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
16.A Reject all bids for the Gardena Rowley Park Basketball Rehabilitation Project, JN 530, and re-bid the project with modified requirements and/or scope.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
There was a discussion which included Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Francis, and City Manager Osorio regarding scheduling the use of the basketball and pickleball courts at Rowley and Johnson Parks, and who determines the schedule; and if the pickleball courts could be on the tennis courts, rather than on the basketball courts. City Manager Osorio replied to all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Council Member Love , seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote Reject all bids and rebid:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 9 16.B PUBLIC HEARING : RESOLUTION NO. 6655 : Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer's Report dated March 11, 2024, for the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscape Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
RESOLUTION NO. 6655
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND
ASSESSMENT CONTAINED IN THE ENGINEER’S REPORT
DATED MARCH 11, 2024, FOR THE GARDENA ARTESIA
BOULEVARD LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND
ORDERING THE LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS ON THE SAME
FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 10:40p.m. and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions.
There were no public comments and no comments made by Council.
She then closed the Public Hearing at 10:41p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Council Member Tanaka, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6655:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member s Tanaka, Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16.C PUBLIC HEARING : RESOLUTION NO. 6656 : Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer's Report dated March 11, 2024, for the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
RESOLUTION NO. 6656
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND
ASSESSMENT CONTAINED IN THE ENGINEER’S REPORT
DATED MARCH 11, 2024, FOR THE GARDENA
CONSOLIDATED STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT AND ORDERING THE LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS
ON THE SAME FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 10 Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 10:44p.m. and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public comments.
Council Member Francis asked how the residents were notified of the assessment, and how much is the dollar amount. City Manager Osorio replied.
She then closed the Public Hearing at 10:45p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 6655:
Ayes: Council Member Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES – No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS – TRANSPORTATION – No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS – No Items
20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: Would like to receive a memorandum regarding the Ordinance the City of Carson just adopted regarding labor standards.
Purpose – For Council to be introduced to labor standards.
Reason – It will determine the best way to protect against wage theft (potential).
Benefit – For Council to gain an understanding of labor standards.
Council Member Francis seconded it.
Mayor Cerda
Subject: Would like to get a letter of support for Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi’s AB 2309 that will revise the Gov’t Code to allow Cities to prosecute state misdemeanors specifically when a County District Attorney declines to prosecute. This would be agendized for a vote at a future Council Meeting.
Purpose – It will reduce crime.
Reason – It will reduce crime, better quality of life in Gardena.
Benefit – It will help with graffiti, retail thefts, trespassing, disturbing the peace, criminal threats, and loitering to commit prostitution.
Council Member Love seconded it.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 11 21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCI MEMBER LOVE – Since the last Council Meeting, she caught herself taking a little break and took some of the seniors that volunteer for the city to Indio where she says they had a really good time. After that, she took a trip to Sacramento for four days, where she met with almost all of our elected officials and was able to talk to them and be educated on the assembly members’ bill. In meeting with him in his Capitol Hill office, he expressed the value of a support letter supporting his bill because we agree that giving back control over these matters can help mitigate and resolve some of these crime issues that our County DA is not pressing. She said it was a very informative trip put on by the League of Cities, which is a membership organization that has almost all of the cities in the State of California, and it gives them all an opportunity to come together on Capitol Hill to see what’s going on and how other cities are dealing with issues in their city, what’s working and what’s not. When she came back, she attended the Compost Giveaway to grab a bag of dirt and replant her new Meyer miniature lemon tree and then went over to the Willows Wetland to help with the cleanup. She also dropped off some donuts and coffee to the hardworking Public Works guys that were shoveling compost.
2) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since their last meeting, he participated as a guest speaker for community briefings where they talked about contracting and procurement in the public sector and some of the best practices in engaging public sector contracting.
In addition, he also did some business and community visits. He wanted to thank the City Manager and staff for obliging him and his meeting requests for various different items and various directives and initiatives. He attended his ICA board meeting, a government technology AI demo, Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s budget priority forum, C ouncil Member Mike Griffin’s retirement over in Torrance, our Y outh Day in government which he described was an outstanding event and said it was great to hear the great ideas of the young minds. He also attended his MSRC -TAC AQMD meeting and he was also at the bill signing for Assembly Member Mike Gipson at LA Harbor College.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since their last gathering, she was a guest speaker for Assembly Member Mike Gipson’s Autism Awareness Day 5k event. She attended the Beautification Commission meeting, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural C ommittee meeting, Holly Mitchell’s budget town hall meeting, Hawthorne Airport noise committee meeting, the greater Los Angeles C ounty of V ector Control district meeting, and our Youth Chess Tournament where former Mayor Don Dear was present. She thanked all the volunteers that came out to the Earth Day event for helping make it very successful.
As she always says, there’s a lot of crazy things going on, but just know that better days are coming.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting, she had an opportunity to be one of the speakers for consolidated real estate realtors as they had their realtor week, they invited Mayors from the South Bay cities to talk about all the different housing projects that are being built in their cities and some of the different ways that we’re doing different strategic things in our city, different types of developments, she got a chance to share some of the creative things we’re doing in our city. They were impressed by our $71 million dollars in capital improvements and how great our streets were. She was in
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 12 Sacramento for the Kiwanis DCON convention, where she got to be a chaperone for our Gardena High School students. She wanted to give her colleague C ouncil M ember Tanaka, a special thank you for helping them get the Kiwanis started back again. She briefly attended the meeting put on by PD regarding bill 481 where they learned a little bit about the equipment that was possessed by Gardena PD, how it was used in 2023 and some of the things that they’re thinking about for the coming year. She attended her monthly CCGA meeting, monthly S anitation meeting and along with Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Torrance City Council Member Mike Griffin’s retirement celebration. She also attended the Youth in Government Day and she wanted to thank the staff for doing a great job. Lastly, she wanted to thank all our Administrative Professionals for all the hard work they do.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Since their last meeting , he attended their C ouncil of Governments legislative meet and greet and although there were no federal state officials, all their field reps were there. It was mostly regarding grid reliability, EV charging, budget deficit, and some of the crime bills that were out there so they gave a quick overview. He attended the 5
th Annual Autism awareness 5k presented by Assembly
Member Mike Gipson in Wilmington and called it a really great event. He took Captain Vince Osorio with him to answer questions and give information because he has a son with autism. He apologized for missing the presentation on the police equipment.
Mentioned that our Kiwanis Club hosted the d ivisional district Council meeting, which includes all the South Bay Kiwanis Clubs. He attended Youth in Government Day and said it’s always an awesome event and says he’s sure some of the kids who attended will become future leaders. He attended the Employee Mixer and commented that it’s really nice to see our employees interact with each other and celebrate new employees and the promotions of others. He went on to remark that we, in this city, do not neglect the people that need food and pointed out as the Mayor did that we’ve had a food pantry for over 30 years. He, as an Elk and Kiwanian, donates thousands of dollars just as one organization to our food pantry to help feed people. He continued saying that if we don’t have the food, we give out food vouchers and he just wanted to say that he’s been in this city for 70 years and he has a lot of friends that live in the area, and they complained to him every other Saturday about double parking and not being able to get into their driveways or out of their houses. They complained about not being able to attend an event at Rush Gym, and the church down the street didn’t have parking when they had an event due to the double parking and it starts at Mama Rosa’s, goes around the block, comes back around the block and it makes a full circle and when you start looking at how it affects the residents and the kids, it’s just not fair and we did as a city try to help them out so that wasn’t supposed to be an issue but it turned out that way and he just wanted to tell everyone that our city does not neglect those that need to be fed.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
Mayor Cerda Announced:
1) Community Yard Sale, New Date, Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 7:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. at Mas Fukai Park;
2) Paper Shredding Event, Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.at the City Hall Complex;
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6 13 3) DEA National Rx Takeback day, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Drop off Location: Gardena Police Department; and
4) Cinco De Mayo Parade, May 4, 2024, starts at 10:00 a.m., begins at Gardena Market 5) South Bay Youth Fishing Event, Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Alondra Park Lake;
6) Sweet Garden Brunch “Paint & Create” on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Willows Wetland Preserve;
7) Power by Connection Art Walk on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at City Hall Complex and;
8) Kids to Park Day, Pop -Ups, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Bell Park (10:00-11:45a.m.), Thornburg Park (12:00-1:45p.m.) and Sister City Parkette (2:00-3:45p.m.);
Mayor Cerda then asked everyone to join us as we celebrate our City Manager’s and our Transportation Director’s birthdays after the meeting.
24. REMEMBRANCES – None
25. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:12 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, May 14, 2024.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
APPROVED:
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
______________________________ By:___________________________ Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: 97F9E3B1-AB36-49A2-866E-BCB5CFEB8DD6