1 MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California, was called to order at 7:02 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California; Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E Henderson; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love. Other City officials and employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero was away on an excused absence. It was noted for the record that Mayor Tasha Cerda was running a few minutes late.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
2. CLOSED SESSION
2.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Tamika Williams v. City of Gardena
WCAB NO: ADJ17514578
2.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) & (e)(3) of Government Code Section 54956.9
One Potential Case: Claim No. 20-03 REC, filed November 11, 2023, by Dominic Kemp, a minor, through his mother and Guardian Ad Litem, Vanessa Perez (Copy of Claim is available in the City Clerk's office)
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Cerda reconvened the meeting to the Regular Open Session at 7:44 p.m., and the City Clerk noted the return of all Council Members, who were present at the meeting, including Mayor Cerda. When City Attorney Vasquez was asked if there was any reportable action from Closed Session, she reported that all Members of the Council were present; staff was given direction but no reportable action was taken.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Nathan Gomez, 4th grade at Denker Elementary School led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Nathan attends the City’s Afterschool Program. His favorite hobbies are playing spor ts. He thanked the council for their support.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 2 4. INVOCATION
Pastor Ataru Nakagawa, of the Gardena Japanese- American Seventh- Day Adventist 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:
1. Atanacio Jimenez - Police Sergeant with the Gardena Police Department - 30 years – Police Chief Todd Fox spoke of Police S ergeant Atanacio Jimenez, who was unable to attend ( due to an injury), and his accomplishments throughout his career. He thanked S ergeant Jimenez and congratulated him on a well-earned retirement.
2. Marc Edwards - Bus Operator with the Transportation Department - 3 years Transportation Director Ernie Crespo wished Mr. Edwards the best in his retirement and thanked him for his service.
5.B Special Recognition of Ed Iskendarian for his dedication and contributions to the world of automotive performance in the City of Gardena and the South Bay – Mayor Cerda read a statement before a video was presented which included all of his accomplishments.
5.C Gardena Events Video Presentation – the video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department’s current and future events.
6. PROCLAMATIONS
6.A "Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" - June 14, 2025, through July 4, 2025 - was proclaimed only
6.B JUNETEENTH Commemoration Day - June 19, 2025 – was proclaimed only
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.A Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
Beautification Commission - Darlene Castillo
(Appointed by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka)
Senior Citizens Commission - Annie Roddy
(Appointed by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Appoint Ms. Darlene Castillo to the Beautification Commission and Ms. Annie Roddy to the Senior Citizens Commission:
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 3 Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Francis, Council Member Henderson, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
City Clerk Mina Semenza administered the Oath of Office to both Appointees and appropriate pictures were taken.
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, May 27, 2025
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
8.C Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, June 10, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
June 10, 2025: Wire Transfer: 12987, 13001-13009, Prepay: 180773-180774; Check Numbers: 180775-180930 for Total Warrants issued in the amount of $2,350,384.90; Total Payroll Issued for May 2, 2025: $2,008,143.66
8.D Personnel Report P-2025-10 06-10-24
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
8.E SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1882 , Adding Chapter 9.72 (Vacant Registry Program) to Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to properties that are vacant, abandoned or in foreclosure proceedings, and find that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 1882
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING
CHAPTER 9.72 (VACANT REGISTRY PROGRAM) TO
TITLE 9 (PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE)
OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO PROPERTIES THAT ARE VACANT, ABANDONED
OR IN FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS
8.F SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1883, Amending the Gardena Municipal Code Chapter 18.13 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and find that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 4 ORDINANCE NO. 1883
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 18.13 OF THE GARDENA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND
MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THE
ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT
TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17
8.G SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1884 , Amending the Gardena Municipal Code Chapter 18.04 (E Definitions), 18.12 (Single - Family Residential Zone (R - 1)), 18.57 (Low Barrier Navigation Centers), and 18.76 (Supportive Housing for Homeless as a Use by Right) of Title 18 (Zoning Code), and Chapt er 17.08 (Procedures and Standards) of Title 17 (Subdivisions) to implement State Laws relating to housing, and find that the Ordinance is exempt under the commonsense exemption of CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE NO. 1884
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 18.04
(DEFINITIONS), 18.12 (SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
ZONE (R -1)), 18.57 (LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION
CENTERS), AND 18.76 (SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR
HOMELESS AS A USE BY RIGHT) OF TITLE 18 (ZONING),
AND CHAPTER 17.08 (PARCEL MAPS FOR URBAN LOT
SPLITS) OF TITLE 17 (SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT STATE LAWS
RELATING TO HOUSING AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT
FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION15061(B)(3)
8.H Bingo License Renewal for Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, located at 1964 W. 162nd Street.
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
8.I Approve Paratransit Service Agreement with Los Angeles County CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
It was moved by Council Member Franci s, seconded by Council Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 8.E:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Henderson, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Love, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 5 9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR
8.E COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1882 , Adding Chapter 9.72 (Vacant Registry Program) to Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals and Welfare) of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to properties that are vacant, abandoned or in foreclosure proceedings, and find that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Item pulled by Council Member Love
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Love, Francis and Henderson, and Mayor Cerda. Economic Development Manager Jackie Choi , City Attorney Vasquez, and Community Development Manager Greg Tsujiuchi replied to all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Cerda, seconded by Counci l Member Henderson and carried by the following roll call vote to Approve Item 8.E:
Ayes: Mayor Cerda, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka
Noes: Council Member Francis and Council Member Love
Absent: None
10. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Valerie Barbour, came to submit the colors and give some ideas for the Gardena Boulevard rehabilitation.
12. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
12.A Acceptance of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 39th Consecutive Year
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Council comments.
This Item was Received and Filed.
12.B Authorization to Lease to Purchase Five (5) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer Electric Vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management with a Down Payment in the Amount of $310,789, and Monthly Fees Over a 60-Month Period in the Amount of $66,061 for a Total Requested Amount of $376,850
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 6 Mayor Cerda then 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 Council Members Love and Francis. City Manager Osorio 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:
Ayes: Council Members Francis and Love, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson, and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
12.C Public Hearing: Annual Recruitment and Vacancy Report per Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, Government Code Section 3502.3
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
The Public Hearing was opened at 8:57 p.m.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Council Members Francis and Love .
Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman answered all questions.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:01 p.m.
This Item was Received and Filed.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13.A PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6706, Approving Conditional Use Permit #1-25 to operate an indoor batting cage within an existing 5,677 square- foot warehouse located in the Industrial (M-1) zone located at 13008 Halldale Avenue, approve counting street parking toward the facility's required parking per GMC Section 18.40.080.B.3., find the Project exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facility).
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Planning Assistant Dayana Nava made a presentation.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:10 p.m.
Mayor Cerda then asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any comments or questions. There were no public speakers.
The Applicant, Peter Girgis, also made a presentation.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 7 Questions and comments were made by all members of the Council. Mr. Girgis answered all questions.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:22 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Love, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Adopt Resolution No. 670 6, approving Conditional Use Permit #1-25, Find the Project exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facility); Direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption:
Ayes: Council Members Love and Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Member Henderson and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES – No Items
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
15.A Execution of Five-Year Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Police Body Worn Video in the Amount Not to Exceed $681,072.94
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Chief Fox spoke in detail regarding the services being provided and gave praise to Axon Enterprise, Inc.
Mayor Cerda then 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 Council Members Francis . Chief Fox answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, seconded by Council Member Francis and carried by the following roll call vote to Authorize and Execute contract:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, Council Members Francis , Henderson and Love and Mayor Cerda
Noes: None
Absent: None
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS - No Items
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES - No Items
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION - No Items
19. COUNCIL ITEMS - No Items
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 8 20. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Council Member Henderson
Subject: Prioritize our cybersecurity training for staff and elected officers and how frequent?
Purpose – Raise awareness and vigilance of staff and elected officers.
Reason – Proactively develop heightened awareness of phishing and spam tactics that misled and further guard against fraud and theft.
Benefit – Potentially protect our city and employees and elected officers from fraud and theft impacting our finances.
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka seconded it.
Council Member Love
Subject: For the city to publish on the city website and on social media to inform the community as to why they are not able to reach city departments.
Purpose – To inform the community as to why they are not able to reach city departments.
Reason – The community should know what’s going on with city equipment / or any situation that affects the community.
Benefit – To keep the community informed as to why they can’t reach the city if it’s going to directly impact the community.
Council Member Francis seconded it.
21. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS – City Manager Osorio indicated he had no updates but wanted to wish everyone a Happy Juneteenth coming up and that our offices will be closed.
22. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA - He thanked our citizens and our Police department for helping out with all this unrest. He appreciates what our citizens are not doing. Since the last meeting, he attended the West Basin board meeting at the Carson headquarters, and they received a generous grant from them to the COG. He attended Nacho Jimenez retirement celebration, well-deserved and welcome to everyday Saturday. He attended Boys to Men workshop at the Nakaoka Community Center. He attended CAMS Key Club governor luncheon at the VFW. He went to Bring it on the Boulevard; it was a great event.
He attended the City's Healthy Pet Clinic. He attended the City's CERT Presentation by the Red Cross. He attended the Gardena Police Foundation fundraiser event at Friendly Hills, thanks to Liz Hernandez and the foundation. He expressed his condolences to the Paul Giuliano family on the loss of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Joanna. Lastly, he attended Chief Saffell’s retirement celebration here at the city, it was a great tribute to a great chief, the number of citizens, employees, digni taries, outside law enforcement personnel, retired Gardena Police department personnel, active chiefs all from LA County, and the dedication, love, and commitment to our city it was shown that day by all those that showed up. He wished him a happy and heal thy retirement.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 9 2) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - Since the last meeting, she attended the Western State Carpenters Union grand opening of their training facility in Carson. She attended the compost giveaway. She also attended Bring it on the Boulevard event; it was a pretty good turnout; the community was able to get free hot dogs, burgers, f rench fries, and onion rings from the Habit. It's really good to see the community come out and just have a day where they can enjoy and have fun and bring the kids. She also attended Chief's retirement celebration, it was amazing to see how many people came out to show their love for him. She had the honor of attending the 35th District Senate swearing in of Laura Richardson. She asked the community to stay prayerful, stay hopeful, and stay safe, with all that's going on in the world. We are all in uncertain times and we don't know what's going to happen today or tomorrow or by the end of the week or by the end of the month.
She indicated that she want s to encourage the community to stay faithful, stay encouraged and stay prayerful, look out for your neighbors, and look out for your family.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since the last council meeting, she attended the 2025 Democratic Convention in Anaheim , where she represented Gardena as our elected delegate. She attended the Bring It on the Boulevard, it was a great event. She hopes to see more activities on Gardena Boulevard. She welcomed Darlene Castillo to the Beautification Commission. She congratulated Chief Todd Fox on his new position. She said Happy Juneteenth representing the official ending of slavery in the United States of America. Sh e mentioned the first amendment guarantees us the right to a peaceful protest. It says congress shall make no law abridging freedom of speech or the press or the right of people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for red dress grievances. Hopefully even with all the craziness going on things will get better because better days are coming it's been promised.
4) MAYOR CERDA - Since the last council meeting, she attended a hearing on Zoom for our card rooms for our rotation of a player dealer position. Fortunately, she was able to speak in the beginning and testify in support of trying to keep our card room s games up and going. She then came back the second day to do it again for a hearing on blackjack style games. These are all things in support of letting the Bureau of Gambling know that we don't want our games to be adjusted and/or go away. She attended her monthly LA County Sanitation personnel meeting. She attended the retirement ceremony for Sergeant Jimenez, She congratulated him, on a job well done. She also attended the surprise get together for Mayor Pro Tem for his post-retirement promotion as Assistant Chief. She also had her monthly town hall meeting, and thanked everyone who came out. She also attended a retirement ceremony at 156th Street School for her many years of service. In fact, our Deputy City Clerk's son, who was his teacher is now grown up with a son of his own. She was happy to present a certificate from the City of Gardena. She had the opportunity to see her Youth Commissioner leave for prom, it was a lot of fun to see how they’ve grown. She attended Kiwana’s Key Club reception at the VFW, she mentioned we have two, one at Gardena High School and CAMS.. She attended the Chief's retirement ceremony, and it was a tough day for a lot of us just because we're definitely going to miss the Chief but we're happy that he is going to have a healthy retirement where every day gets to be Saturday. She attended the Tri City CERT Community Panel where she represented the City of Gardena. They mentioned how they can prepare for a future event similar to COVID. She participated in the Special Olympics law enforcement torch run. She attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Metro Transit Center, which is right next to the airport, where people will be able to take the metro, and it will meet up with the new people mover which will be opening next year Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 10 and then that will get you to the airport. Lastly, she attended the Gardena Police Foundation golf tournament, she had a great time, and she thanked everybody who participated, those who donated to the event, and those who played in the event.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON - Since the last meeting, he has done some business and community visits. He attended his I CA board meeting. He attended the Boys to Men Conference;. He attended the Western States Carpenters event in Carson.
He got recognized by the California Democratic Party Veterans Caucus for his past work with the Veterans Caucus over the years. The Gardena Police Foundation golf event was a lot of fun. It was a nice mild day, then the sun came out and beat us all up. He attended Chief Saffell’s retirement. He’s excited about what Chief Fox is going to do. Chief Fox also has some innovative ideas, and different things that he is looking forward to. He thanked the Finance team for receiving the GFOA award for the 39th year. He attended Bring It on the Boulevard. He had the opportunity to be the commencement speaker for Learn for Life, and he co-headlined with the trustee of Los Angeles Community College District Board N ichelle Henderson. He went to Mayor Pro Tem’s post -retirement promotion event.
23. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Million Coaches Challenge event, Thursday, 6/12/ 2025 from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. at the Nakoaka Community Center; join us for a free workshop from Positive Coaching Alliance; 2) Mini Golf Night, Friday, 6/30/2025 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at City Hall Lawn; 3) Recycle a Used Oil Filter and Get a New One for Free, Saturday, 6/14/2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at AutoZone; and Saturday 6/21/2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at O’Reilly Auto Parts;
4) Community Budget Forum, Wednesday, 6/18/2025, begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
5) Juneteenth DJ Showcase, Thursday, 6/19/2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall Lawn; and
6) Community Care Day, Saturday, 6/21/2025 from 12:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m. at the Human Services Building.
24. REMEMBRANCES
Ms. Cristina Castellucci, 95 years old, beloved aunt of our City Clerk, Mina Semenza, and long-time resident of Gardena.
Mrs. Joanna Giuliano , 81 years old, beloved mother of GEBAC Commissioner, Paul G.
Giuliano, and an integral part of the Giuliano’s Gardena Family Business.
Mr. Douglas Dixon, 83 years old and a long-time Gardena resident.
Mr. Samuel Riveros, the Baldwin Park Police Officer, who passed way tragically last week.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF 11 25. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:09 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, June 24, 2025.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
______________________________ By:___________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 5D7829F7-79FA-4680-BEBD-440B24F6B8DF