The proposed Vacant Property Registration Fee and Annual Renewal Fee are based on the cost of service, which includes Code Enforcement Officer’s hourly labor rates for the initial inspection and a one-time registration platform fee charged by a third-party service provider.
The following fees have been established:
• Vacant Property Registration Fee: $245.00
• Annual Renewal Fee: $245.00
CONCLUSION:
Staff respectfully recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing, receive public comment and testimony, and approve Resolution No. 6698.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The registration and renewal fees will be collected through a third-party property registration platform at the time of registration, with $125 retained for data collection fees and the remaining balance remitted to the City.
ATTACHMENT:
A - Resolution No. 6698
B – Vacant Property Registry Program Cost Detail
Jackie H. Choi
Submitted by: ___________________________________ Date: 8/26/2025 RESOLUTION NO. 6698
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDENA,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING FEES FOR VACANT PROPERTY
PROGRAM REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL, AS AUTHORIZED
PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1882 AND FINDING THAT THE FEE
RESOLUTION IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER GUIDELINES SECTION 15273 AND PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080(b)(8).
WHEREAS On June 10, 2025, the Gardena City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1882 (the “Ordinance”) relating to the Vacant Property Registry Program; and WHEREAS the Ordinance added Chapter 9.72, establishing the procedure for registering residences within the City that are vacant, abandoned, or in foreclosure; and WHEREAS the purpose of Chapter 9.72 is to alleviate nuisances, such as the presence of vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed-upon residential real property, which can lead to neighborhood decline, lower property values, and could discourage potential buyers from purchasing a home adjacent to or in neighborhoods with properties that are vacant, abandoned, or in foreclosure; and
WHEREAS Government Code Section 66014 provides that when a local agency charges fees, such as for filing and processing applications for planning services, the amount charged may not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service, and such fees may include the costs reasonably necessary to prepare and revise the plans and policies that a local agency is required to adopt before it can make any necessary findings and determinations; and
WHEREAS the cost of staff time and consultant fees for processing vacant property registrations and renewals should be borne by the registrants rather than the general public; and
WHEREAS the Vacant Property Registration Fee and Annual Renewal Fee have been established based on the cost of service, which includes City staff hourly labor rates and a one-time registration fee charged by a third-party service provider for platform access, and are consistent with fee ranges observed in comparable programs across other local jurisdictions, typically between $200 and $350; and
WHEREAS on August 26, 2025, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the fees that are the subject of this Resolution, which hearing was noticed in accordance with Government Code Section 66016.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that all recitals set forth above are true and correct.
Docusign Envelope ID: 24022BD6-3FC0-4383-A74C-189DB4DD475E Resolution No. 6698
3 SECTION 2. The City Council determines the fees imposed under Section 5.75.050.C of the Gardena Municipal Code as follows:
Vacant Property Registry fee shall be $245.00; and
Annual Renewal fee shall be $245.00.
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that the fees do not exceed the cost of providing the services for which the fees are charged.
SECTION 4. CEQA. The adoption of this resolution is statutorily exempt from the requirements of CEQA because these fees are imposed to meet operating expenses through cost recovery for staff wages incurred by the City and the adoption of this resolution falls within the exemptions for local agency decisions specified in Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(8) and CEQA Guidelines section 15273.
SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Resolution, or any part hereof, including any specific fee, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution or any part thereof, including any other fee. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or fee, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or fees be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. CITY CLERK. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this resolution; shall cause the same to be entered among the original resolutions of said City; and shall make a minute of the passage and adoption thereof in the records of the proceedings of the City Council of said City in the minutes of the meeting at which the same is passed and adopted.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This resolution shall be effective immediately.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 26th day of August 2025. _______________________________
TASHA CERDA, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CARMEN VASQUEZ, City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: 24022BD6-3FC0-4383-A74C-189DB4DD475E Resolution No. 6698
4 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF GARDENA )
I, MINA SEMNZA, City Clerk of the City of Gardena, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council said City is five; that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No. 6698 duly passed and adopted by the City Council of said City of Gardena, approved and signed by the Mayor of said City, and attested by the City Clerk, all at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the 26th day of August 2025, and that the same was so passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
City Clerk of the City of Gardena, California
(SEAL)
Docusign Envelope ID: 24022BD6-3FC0-4383-A74C-189DB4DD475E
CITY OF GARDENA
COST DETAIL WORKSHEET
SERVICE
VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRY PROGRAM (NEW/RENEWAL)
1 REFERENCE NO.
NOTE TOTAL UNITS
Unit Costs are an Average of Total Units
DEPARTMENT POSITION TYPE UNIT TIME UNIT COST ANN. UNITS TOTAL COST THIRD-PARTY PLATFORM $125.00 1 $125
CODE ENFORCE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER $119.99 1 $120
TYPE SUBTOTAL 2.00 $244.99 $245
TOTALS
1.00 1.00
2.00 $244.99 $245
EXHIBIT B
City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting
AGENDA REPORT
SUMMARY
Agenda Item No. 14B.
Section: DEPARTMENTAL
ITEMS - COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Meeting Date: August 26,
2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of a contract with spcaLA for Animal Sheltering and Services COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:
Staff Recommendation: Approve the contract between the City and spcaLA for a 12 month term beginning September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026
RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:
Since 2021, the City has utilized the services of the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA) for Animal Sheltering and Services. For the past 4 years, staff has had the chance to fully evaluate their services, and has been completely satisfied with the services provided. The spcaLA has been both accessible (shelter located in Hawthorne) and responsive in assisting our animal control division.
On June 4, 2025, spcaLA notified staff that monthly service fees would increase from $19,300.00 to $23,900, and daily holding of animals, beyond the initial 3-days, would remain the same at $100 per day. This monthly service fee increase is largely due to a increase in animal intake numbers. In 2024, the animal intake number was approximately 890 and it has since increased to approximately 1031 annually.
Besides the Los Angeles County Carson Animal Shelter, other agencies with competitive rates such as SEAACA and the Humane Society either do not service the area of Gardena or do not have the capacity to take on new clients.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the contract between the City and spcaLA for:
A 12 month term beginning September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT/COST:
General Fund Estimated Amount of $289,800 for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027; included within the amended General Fund Budget for FY 2025-2026 and will be included in the General Fund Budget for FY 2026-2027 APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
9-1-2025_SPCALA_AGMT_2025-2026.pdf
ANIMAL SHELTERING
SERVICES CONTRACT
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Per special request of the City - but no less than the minimum required by law, this AGREEMENT is entered into on this _1st day of September 2025 between the _CITY OF GARDENA a general law city and municipal corporation, (“CITY”) and THE LOS ANGELES SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (spcaLA), a California Corporation (“CONTRACTOR”).
In consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, CITY and CONTRACTOR hereby agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES:
a) CONTRACTOR will serve as the Director of Animal Sheltering for CITY in accordance with holding periods required by applicable law. CONTRACTOR will accept animals from CITY including stray animals found in CITY turned in by any citizen. CONTRACTOR will also accept owned animals relinquished by citizens of the CITY [upon payment of the CONTRACTOR’S fee for such services]. To fulfill this responsibility CONTRACTOR will maintain an animal shelter located at 12910 Yukon Avenue in the City of Hawthorne during the term of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR may, in its sole discretion, move animals to another suitable sheltering facility for any reason, including but not limited to maintenance, business necessity, a natural disaster or a pandemic.
b) CITY agrees to ensure that all animals requiring immediate medical attention receive emergency medical care as required by applicable law before depositing said animal with CONTRACTOR. CITY is requested to bring veterinary medical records from the hospital with the animal. If animals requiring immediate medical attention are deposited with CONTRACTOR, all medical expenses will be billed to the CITY plus a One-thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) Admin fee per animal to be added to the monthly invoice from CONTRACTOR.
c) CITY agrees No un-weaned animals will be deposited after normal business hours as they can die due to the lack of care after hours.
d) CITY will ensure all wildlife or exotics, i.e. ducklings, possums, racoons, etc., or ANY animal, regardless of age or species, that requires specialized care, (anything besides a dog, cat, rabbit or pocket pet), would be taken to a rescue that specializes in the species. If the CITY does not fulfill this requirement, CITY agrees to pay cost of service, and a One-thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) Admin fee per animal to be added to the monthly invoice from CONTRACTOR to cover the cost of specialized care while in CONTRACTOR’S custody.
e) CITY agrees to ensure to collect One Hundred and Fifty ($150.00) relinquishment fee for owner relinquished animals (live and dead), and remit to CONTRACTOR upon delivery of animal with checks to be made payable to spcaLA. If the CITY does not fulfill this requirement, CITY agrees to pay One Hundred and Fifty Dollar ($150.00) relinquish fee to be added to the next month’s invoice. f) CONTRACTOR agrees not to provide animals for scientific research.
2. FEES. CITY agrees to pay CONTRACTOR a sum equal to twenty-three-thousand-nine-hundred-dollars & 00/100 ($23,900.00) per month for CONTRACTOR’S services for receiving (88) eighty-eight animal intake per month. Animal intake more than 88 each month will be billed at a rate of Three-hundred Dollar ($300.00) per month and added to the monthly invoice. A One-hundred Dollar ($100.00) fee will be charged per day per animal held in excess of the CITY’S mandated holding period at the CITY’S request of three days (3). This includes confiscated animals and held for any reason until they are released by the city to the Contractor.
For a new contract, this monthly fee is based upon costs to the CONTRACTOR and upon initial estimates of animal intake activity provided by the CITY. For a renewal contract, the fee is based upon historical animal intake activity data and increased costs to run the Shelter. In either circumstance, the CONTRACTOR’S costs and the CITY’S animal intake activity will be reviewed periodically by the CONTRACTOR during the contract Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8
ANIMAL SHELTERING
SERVICES CONTRACT
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term to determine if an adjustment is needed. Should a fee adjustment be deemed necessary based on either costs or activity, it will take effect on the next invoice prepared to the CITY. CONTRACTOR will invoice CITY each month. CITY agrees to pay each invoice within fourteen (14) days after receipt of an invoice. If payment is not received from CITY by the 20th day of each month, a 10% late fee will be added to the following month’s invoice. The late fee will be added each month until the invoice is paid. If payment is not received, then CONTRACTOR has the right to stop services until the payment is received. CONTRACTOR reserves the right to charge additional fees for violations of SCOPE OF SERVICES up to $5,000.
3. TERM. The term of this Agreement is from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026.
4. TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. CONTRACTOR will provide CITY with a taxpayer identification number.
5. PERMITS AND LICENSES. CONTRACTOR, at its sole expense, will maintain during the term of this Agreement, all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates that may be required in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement.
6. PROJECT COORDINATION AND SUPERVISION.
(a) Denise Jakcsy will be assigned as CONTRACTOR’S Project Manager and will be responsible for coordination with CITY’S Project Manager for the services described herein. (b) _ Garbriel Jiminez ____ will be assigned as CITY’S Project Manager and will be personally in charge of and personally supervise the Project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of CITY and will maintain direct communication with CONTRACTOR’S Project Manager to facilitate CONTRACTOR’S provision of the services described herein.
7. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section 3, either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience at any time with or without cause upon a minimum (30) days’ written notice. Termination will come into effect on the last day of the month following the (30) days’ notice and will be billed for the full month of service the termination takes effect. Any remotes or keys to the facility are to be returned to CONTRACTOR by the CITY on the day the contract terminates. If not returned on the termination date, a fee of $100 per day will be incurred until they are returned.
(b) CONTRACTOR and CITY each waive any and all claims for damages that might otherwise arise from termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section.
8. INDEMNIFICATION. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties agree to save, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless each other, and its affiliates, and their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns, from any and all liability, claims, suits, actions, arbitration proceedings, administrative proceedings, and regulatory proceedings, losses, expenses, or any injury or damage of any kind whatsoever, whether actual, alleged or threatened, Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8
ANIMAL SHELTERING
SERVICES CONTRACT
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attorney fees, expert fees, court costs, and any other costs of any nature without restriction incurred in relation to, as a consequence of, or arising out of, the performance of this Agreement, and attributable to the fault of the other.
Following a determination of the percentage of fault and or liability by agreement between the Parties or a court of competent jurisdiction, the party responsible for liability to the other will indemnify the other party to this Agreement for the percentage of liability determined. It is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing will survive termination of this Agreement.
9. ASSIGNABILITY. This agreement is for CONTRACTOR’S unique services. CONTRACTOR may not assign the benefits or burdens of this Agreement without CITY’S prior written consent.
10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CITY and CONTRACTOR agree that CONTRACTOR will act as an independent contractor and will have control of the method and manner in which the services are performed hereunder.
CONTRACTOR is free to contract for similar services to be performed for other entities while this Agreement is in effect with CITY. CONTRACTOR is not an agent or employee of CITY and is not entitled to participate in any pension plan, insurance, bonus or similar benefits CITY provides for its employees. Any provision in this Agreement that may appear to give CITY the right to direct CONTRACTOR as to the details of how the services are provided or to exercise a measure of control over the services means that CONTRACTOR will follow the direction of the CITY as to end results only.
11. RECORDS RETENTION.
(a) CONTRACTOR will maintain full and accurate records with respect to all services provided under this Agreement. CONTRACTOR will retain such records for at least three (3) years after termination or final payment under this Agreement.
(b) RECORDS, AUDIT AND RETENTION. The CONTRACTOR shall maintain accounts and records, including personnel, property, and financial records, adequate to identify and account for all costs incurred under this Agreement, and records related to the housing, medical care, treatment and adoption status of animals housed by CONTRACTOR pursuant to this Agreement, for a period of at least three (3) years after the expiration of this Agreement. Such aforementioned records relate solely to CONTRACTOR’S retention of an animal during the Holding Period.
12. INSURANCE.
(a) At all times during the term of this Agreement, CONTRACTOR will maintain the following types of insurance with coverage limits complying, at a minimum, with the limits set forth below.
Type of Insurance Limits (Combined Single)
Commercial general liability: $1,000,000
Business automobile liability: $1,000,000
Workers compensation: Statutory limits
Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8
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SERVICES CONTRACT
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(b) Commercial general liability insurance will meet or exceed the requirements of ISO-CGL Form No. CG 00 01 10 01. The amount of insurance set forth above will be $1,000,000 per occurrence -- $2,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage for the policy coverage. Liability policies will be endorsed to name CITY, its officials, and employees as “additional insured” under said insurance coverage and to state that such insurance will be deemed “primary” such that any other insurance that may be carried by CITY will be excess thereto. Such insurance will be on an “occurrence”, not a “claims made,” basis and will not be cancelable except upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to CITY. (c) Automobile coverage will be written on ISO Business Auto Coverage Form CA 00 01 07 97, or similar form for CONTRACTOR owned autos.
(d) CONTRACTOR will furnish to CITY duly authenticated Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements evidencing the insurance required under this Agreement and such other evidence of insurance or copies of policies as may be reasonably required by CITY from time to time. Insurance must be placed with insurers with a current A.M.
Best Company rating of “A:VII.”
(e) Should CONTRACTOR, for any reason fail to maintain the insurance required by this Agreement, CITY may, after providing reasonable written notice to CONTRACTOR, obtain such coverage at CONTRACTOR’S expense and deduct the cost of such insurance from payments due to CONTRACTOR under this Agreement or terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.
13. NOTICES. All written communications can be sent by email to Madeline Bernstein [email protected] and others in communication with and followed up by mail from one party to the other sent as follows:
CITY CONTRACTOR
Madeline Bernstein
spcaLA
5026 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
City of Gardena
1700 W. 162nd St
Gardena, CA 90247
Any such written communications will be conclusively deemed to have been received by the addressee at the time of actual delivery of email or when sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Changes may be made in the names or addresses of persons to whom notices are to be given by giving notices in the manner prescribed in this paragraph.
14. INTERPRETATION. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and exclusive venue for any dispute involving this Agreement will be in Los Angeles County.
Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8
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SERVICES CONTRACT
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15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties. There are no other understandings, terms or other Agreements express or implied, oral or written. This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the parties to this Agreement and any subsequent successors and assigns.
16. EFFECT OF CONFLICT. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement, and any other document or agreement, whether oral or written, the provisions of this Agreement will govern and control.
17. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Each Party had the opportunity to independently review this Agreement with legal counsel. Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning; it will not be interpreted strictly for or against either party.
18. SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this Agreement is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, then such portion will be deemed modified to the extent necessary in the opinion of the court to render such portion enforceable and, as so modified, such portion, and the balance of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.
19. AUTHORITY/MODIFICATION. The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement and to engage in the actions described herein. This Agreement may be modified by written amendment executed by both parties. CITY’S city manager, or designee, may execute any such amendment on behalf of CITY.
20. COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS. The Parties agree that all of the provisions hereof will be construed as both covenants and conditions, the same as if the words importing such covenants and conditions had been used in each separate paragraph.
21. CAPTIONS. The captions of the paragraphs of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
22. FORCE MAJEURE. Should performance of this Agreement be prevented due to acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, explosion, hostilities, war, strikes, embargo, riots, government action, civil or military authority, the natural elements, pandemics, or other similar causes beyond the parties’ control, then this Agreement will immediately terminate without obligation of either party to the other.
23. TIME IS OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8
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SERVICES CONTRACT
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24. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number or counterparts, each of which will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument executed on the same date. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOW]
THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE TO THE FOREGOING AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW. spcaLA and CONTRACTOR City of Gardena
By: ____________________________
Name: _Madeline Berstein_________
Title: __President________________
Date Signed: ____________________
By: ____________________________
Name: _Brenda James_____________
Title: __CFO_____________________
Date Signed: ____________________
By: ____________________________
Name: _Denise Jakcsy_____________
Title: __Senior Director_____________
Date Signed: ____________________
By: ____________________________
Name: _________________________
Title: City_Manager
Date Signed: ____________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: ___________________________
Name: _________________________
Title: City Attorney
Date Signed: ___________________
Docusign Envelope ID: B411C686-0096-4998-A423-F11EA39B87D8 8/13/2025
Carmen Vasquez
City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting
AGENDA REPORT
SUMMARY
Agenda Item No. 20A.
Section: COUNCIL ITEMS
Meeting Date: August 26,
2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Approval of the 2025 Gardena Wall of Fame Committee Recommendations for Individual Inductions to the Gardena Wall of Fame
COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:
Staff Recommendation: Discuss and Consider Committee Recommendations RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council discuss and consider the approval of the 2025 Gardena Wall of Fame Committee's selection of individuals to be inducted to the Gardena Wall of Fame.
The Gardena Wall of Fame Selection Committee, (Shari Farmer, Deborah Griffin, Rachel Johnson, Ochuwa Oghie, Becky Romero, and Stephany Santin) carefully reviewed each nomination packet received for the 2025 induction ceremony. The Committee then met on Monday, August 11, 2025, to discuss the nominations and vote on induction recommendations.
After careful deliberation and discussion, the Committee respectfully recommends the following persons to be inducted to the 2025 Gardena Wall of Fame:
Marcelino Almaraz (Posthumous)
Michael Saffell
Philip A. Johnson, Sr.
Susana Weltz Medina
Woods Rayburn Woolwine, Jr.
Each of the recommended inductees met all of the required criteria of the Gardena Wall of Fame nomination, including 25 years or more of community service, nomination petition of 25 signatures, a complete file with sufficient background proof of accomplishments and at least five years removed from a Gardena elected office. A minimum of 80% committee vote is required to receive the Committee's recommendation, and each nominee received at least 83% of the Committee's recommendation.
The 2025 Gardena Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the City Hall Lawn on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
FISCAL IMPACT/COST:
N/A
APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
Marcelino Almaraz - Redacted.pdf
Michael Saffell - Redacted.pdf
Philip A. Johnson Sr. - Redacted.pdf
Susana Weltz Medina - Redacted.pdf
Woods Rayburn Woolwine Jr. - Redacted.pdf
City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting
AGENDA REPORT
SUMMARY
Agenda Item No. 20B.
Section: COUNCIL ITEMS
Meeting Date: August 26,
2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Designation of Voting Delegate / Representative for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo - October 8-10, 2025
COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:
Staff Recommendation: Designate Voting Delegate / Representative RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:
Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council designate a member of the City Council to serve as the City of Gardena's Voting Delegate during the October 8-10, 2025, League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo being held at the Long Beach Convention Center. Consistent with League bylaws, a city's voting delegate must be designated by its City Council.
As Gardena's Delegate to the Los Angeles County League of California Cities, Councilmember Rodney G. Tanaka is registered to attend and represent the City of Gardena at the Annual Conference and Expo and will be available to serve in this capacity. In the event that Councilmember Tanaka cannot attend, Mayor Tasha Cerda, the Alternate to the Los Angeles County League of California Cities, can represent the City of Gardena.
Therefore, Staff recommends that the City Council designate Councilmember Tanaka to represent the City of Gardena as its official Voting Delegate and Mayor Cerda as the official Voting Delegate - Alternate during the League's Annual Conference and Expo in October.
Council action regarding selection of Voting Delegate is advised by September 24, 2025. The Selection information, attested by the City Clerk, will be submitted to the League of California Cities Office by the required 2025 deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT/COST:
N/A
APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
2025 Voting Delegate Information Packet - League of CA Cities.pdf 1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org
DATE: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
TO: Mayors, Council Members, City Clerks, and City Managers RE: DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Oct. 8-10, 2025 Long Beach Convention Center
Every year, the League of California Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly at the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy.
Taking place on Oct. 10, the General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. Your appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing your city and voting on resolutions.
To cast a vote during the General Assembly, your city must designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate voting delegates, one of whom may vote if the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. Voting delegates may either be an elected or appointed official.
Action by Council Required. Consistent with Cal Cities bylaws, a city’s voting delegate and up to two alternates must be designated by the city council. Please note that designating the voting delegate and alternates must be done by city council action and cannot be accomplished by individual action of the mayor or city manager alone.
Following council action, please submit your city’s delegates through the online submission portal by Wed., Sept. 24. When completing the Voting Delegate submission form, you will be asked to attest that council action was taken. You will need to be signed in to your My Cal Cities account when submitting the form.
Submitting your voting delegate form by the deadline will allow us time to establish voting delegate/alternate records prior to the conference and provide pre-conference communications with voting delegates.
Conference Registration Required. The voting delegate and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. They need not register for the entire conference; they may register for Friday only. Conference registration is open on the Cal Cities website.
Council Action Advised by September 24, 2025
For a city to cast a vote, one voter must be present at the General Assembly and in possession of the voting delegate card and voting tool. Voting delegates and alternates need to pick up their conference badges before signing in and picking up the voting delegate card at the voting delegate desk. This will enable them to receive the special sticker on their name badges that will admit the voting delegate into the voting area during the General Assembly.
Please view Cal Cities’ event and meeting policy in advance of the conference.
Transferring Voting Card to Non-Designated Individuals Not Allowed. The voting delegate card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates, but only between the voting delegate and alternates. If the voting delegate and alternates find themselves unable to attend the General Assembly, they may not transfer the voting card to another city official.
Seating Protocol during General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.
The voting delegate desk, located in the conference registration area of the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, will be open at the following times: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 18, the voting delegate desk will be open at the General Assembly, starting at 7:30 a.m., but will be closed during roll calls and voting.
The voting procedures that will be used at the conference are attached to this memo.
Please share these procedures and this memo with your council and especially with the individuals that your council designates as your city’s voting delegate and alternates.
Once again, thank you for submitting your voting delegate and alternates by Wednesday, Sept. 24. If you have questions, please contact Zach Seals at [email protected].
Attachments:
• General Assembly Voting Guidelines
• Information Sheet: Cal Cities Resolutions and the General Assembly 1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org General Assembly Voting Guidelines
1. One City One Vote. Each member city has a right to cast one vote on matters pertaining to Cal Cities policy.
2. Designating a City Voting Representative. Prior to the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo, each city council may designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates; these individuals are identified on the voting delegate form provided to the Cal Cities Credentials Committee.
3. Registering with the Credentials Committee. The voting delegate, or alternates, may pick up the city's voting card at the voting delegate desk in the conference registration area. Voting delegates and alternates must sign in at the voting delegate desk. Here they will receive a special sticker on their name badge and thus be admitted to the voting area at the General Assembly.
4. Signing Initiated Resolution Petitions. Only those individuals who are voting delegates (or alternates), and who have picked up their city’s voting card by providing a signature to the credentials committee at the voting delegate desk, may sign petitions to initiate a resolution.
5. Voting. To cast the city's vote, a city official must have in their possession the city's voting card and voting tool; and be registered with the credentials committee. The voting card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates but may not be transferred to another city official who is neither a voting delegate nor alternate.
6. Voting Area at General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.
7. Resolving Disputes. In case of dispute, the credentials committee will determine the validity of signatures on petitioned resolutions and the right of a city official to vote at the General Assembly.
Sixty days before the
Annual Conference
and Expo, Cal Cities
members may submit
policy proposals on
issues of importance
to cities. The resolution must
have the concurrence of at least
five additional member cities or
individual members.
How it works: Cal Cities
Resolutions and the General Assembly
General Assembly
General Resolutions Policy Committees
Developing League of California Cities policy is a dynamic process that engages a wide range of members to ensure Cal Cities represents cities with one voice. These policies directly guide Cal Cities’ advocacy to promote local decision-making, and lobby against statewide policies that erode local control.
The resolutions process and General Assembly is one way that city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. If a resolution is approved at the General Assembly, it becomes official Cal Cities policy. Here’s how resolutions and the General Assembly work.
The petitioned
resolution is an
alternate method
to introduce policy
proposals during
the annual conference. The
petition must be signed by
voting delegates from 10% of
member cities, and submitted to
the Cal Cities President at least
24 hours before the beginning
of the General Assembly.
Petitioned Resolutions
The Cal Cities
President assigns
general resolutions
to policy committees
where members
review, debate, and recommend
positions for each policy proposal.
Recommendations are forwarded
to the Resolutions Committee.
Who’s who
The Resolutions Committee
includes representatives
from each Cal Cities
diversity caucus, regional
division, municipal
department, and policy
committee, as well as
individuals appointed by
the Cal Cities president.
Voting delegates
are appointed by each
member city; every city
has one voting delegate.
The General Assembly is a
meeting of the collective
body of all voting
delegates —one from
every member city.
Seven policy committees
meet throughout the year
to review and recommend
positions to take on bills
and regulatory proposals.
Policy committees include
members from each Cal
Cities diversity caucus,
regional division, and
municipal department,
as well as individuals
appointed by the Cal
Cities president.
During the General Assembly, voting delegates
debate and consider general and petitioned
resolutions forwarded by the Resolutions
Committee. Potential Cal Cities bylaws
amendments are also considered at this meeting.
Cal Cities policy
development is a memberinformed process,
grounded in the voices and
experiences of city officials
throughout the state.
For more information visit www.calcities.org/general-assembly Prior to the Annual Conference and Expo
Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions
Committee considers
all resolutions. General
Resolutions approved1 by
either a policy committee
or the Resolutions Committee are next
considered by the General Assembly.
General resolutions not approved, or
referred for further study by both a
policy committee and the Resolutions
Committee do not go to the General
Assembly. All Petitioned Resolutions
are considered by the General
Assembly, unless disqualified.2
During the Annual Conference and Expo
1 The Resolution Committee can amend a general resolution prior to sending it to the General Assembly. 2 Petitioned Resolutions may be disqualified by the Resolutions Committee according to Cal Cities Bylaws Article VI. Sec. 5(f).
City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting
AGENDA REPORT
SUMMARY
Agenda Item No. 20C.
Section: COUNCIL ITEMS
Meeting Date: August 26,
2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: RESOLUTION NO. 6712, Discuss and Consider Adopting Resolution No. 6712 Redistributing the Community Discretionary Fund of Councilmember Wanda Love to the Rest of the City Council COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:
Staff Recommendation: Discuss and Consider Adopting Resolution No. 6712 RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:
Background
In 2000, the City of Gardena established a Community Discretionary Fund, allowing each Council Member to allocate up to $2,000 to community organizations of their choosing per fiscal year.
A censure hearing for Councilmember Love was held at the August 12, 2025, regular City Council meeting. At that meeting, Resolution No. 6709 was adopted removing Councilmember Wanda Love’s access and authority to distribute funds from the Community Discretionary Fund. The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Councilmember Tanaka, and supported by Mayor Cerda. Councilmember Francis and Councilmember Love voted in opposition of Resolution No. 6709; Discussion
At the August 12, 2025, regular City Council meeting, Mayor Cerda gave a directive that a resolution be prepared to redistribute the $2,000.00 from the Community Discretionary Fund, previously allocated to Councilmember Wanda Love, equally among the other four (4) Councilmembers. The purpose of the directive is to ensure the local community organizations can still benefit from this fund. The directive was seconded by Councilmember Tanaka; and
Therefore it is recommended that the City Council review and consider the proposed resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT/COST:
None
APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
RESOLUTION NO. 6712.pdf
1 RESOLUTION NO. 6712
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, TO REDISTRIBUTE THE
COMMUNITY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS OF
COUNCILMEMBER WANDA LOVE TO THE REST OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, in 2000, the City of Gardena established a Community Discretionary Fund, allowing each Council Member to allocate up to $2,000 to community organizations of their choosing per fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, a censure hearing for Councilmember Love was held at the August 12, 2025, regular City Council meeting. At that meeting, Resolution No. 6709 was adopted removing Councilmember Wanda Love’s access and authority to distribute funds from the Community Discretionary Fund. The motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, seconded by Councilmember Tanaka, and supported by Mayor Cerda.
Councilmember Francis and Councilmember Love voted in opposition of Resolution No. 6709; and
WHEREAS, at the August 12, 2025, regular City Council meeting, Mayor Cerda gave a directive that a resolution be prepared to redistribute the $2,000.00 from the Community Discretionary Fund, previously allocated to Councilmember Wanda Love, equally among the other four (4) Councilmembers. The directive was seconded by Councilmember Tanaka; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby reaffirms its commitment to the community by redistributing Councilmember Love’s Discretionary account to the other four (4) Councilmembers and ensure local community organizations can still benefit from this fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDENA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the Recitals set forth above are true and correct, and are hereby incorporated herein by this reference, and are hereby adopted as findings in support of redistributing Councilmember Love’s Community Discretionary Fund.
SECTION 2. In 2000, the City of Gardena established a Community Discretionary Fund, allowing each Council Member to allocate up to $2,000 to community organizations of their choosing per fiscal year. Upon adoption of Resolution No. 6709, Councilmember Wanda Love no longer has access to or authority to distribute funds from the Community Discretionary Fund. This action shall remain in place until a majority of the Council votes to rescind it.
Docusign Envelope ID: 58C4B736-0006-47E7-BE10-8ACD695E53ED RESOLUTION NO. 6712
2 SECTION 3. Councilmember Love’s Community Discretionary balance of $2,000 will be evenly distributed each fiscal year to the other four (4) Councilmembers. Each Councilmember, with the exception of Councilmember Love, will have a balance of $2,500 beginning each fiscal year. This action shall remain in place until a majority of the Council votes to rescind it.
SECTION 4. That this Resolution shall be effective immediately.
SECTION 5. That if any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this resolution or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution; shall cause the same to be entered among the original Resolutions of said City; and shall make a minute of the passage and adoption thereof in the records of the proceedings of the City Council of said City in the minutes of the meeting at which the same is passed and adopted.
Docusign Envelope ID: 58C4B736-0006-47E7-BE10-8ACD695E53ED RESOLUTION NO. 6712
3 Passed, approved, and adopted this 26th day of August, 2025.
TASHA CERDA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MINA SEMENZA, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CARMEN VASQUEZ, City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: 58C4B736-0006-47E7-BE10-8ACD695E53ED