MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the CIty of Gardena, California was called to order at September 9, 2025, 7:35 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor
Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love; Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL
CALL
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Brandon Castillo and Logan Roberts, both 5th graders, who attend Chapman Elementary School led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Logan's favorite subject is math, her favorite sports are football and soccer. Her hobbies are reading and doing art. Brandon's favorite subject is Math, he enjoys playing outdoors and his hobby is reading.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Edward Hawthorne of Hollypark United Methodist Church led the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6. A. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
Mayor Cerda spoke about the different options of how you can participate in the meeting as well as how to request to speak at our meeting. She also read the Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
7. A. "City of Gardena's 95th Anniversary Day" - September 11, 2025 (To be proclaimed only) - Was proclaimed only by Mayor Cerda.
7. B. "25th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day" - September 20, 2025 (To be proclaimed only) - Was proclaimed only by Mayor Cerda.
7. C. "City Employee Recognition Day" - September 25, 2025 (To be proclaimed only) Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8 - Was proclaimed only by Mayor Cerda.
8. APPOINTMENTS
There were no appointments.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A. W
aiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.B. Approve Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, August 12, 2025 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Approve Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, August 26, 2025 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, September 9, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Monthly Investment Report, July 2025
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Personnel Report P-2025-15 09-09-25
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on any of the Consent Calendar items. She then asked Council if anyone wanted to pull any of the items. No one came forward.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve the Consent Calendar Items. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Love).
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET 1 1.A. SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, MEETING - Meeting Cancelled
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) Mayor Cerda then asked City Clerk Semenza if any public comments had been received via email. City Clerk Semenza stated that we did receive a public comment after the deadline; and that it was distributed to Council, added to the Public Review binder and made part of the record.
1) Chris Bennett, Casimir Gatekeepers Block Club Network; came out to give recognition to Mayor Cerda for all she does for the City.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
There were no items.
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
There were no items.
Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15.A.
Approve Amendment to the California Cities Gaming Authority Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to Increase the Annual Contribution
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by all Members of the Council. City Manager Osorio and Mayor Cerda answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Amendment. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
There were no items.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A.
Award Construction Contract for the Fire Station No. 159 Roof Replacement Project, JN 569, to Best Contracting Services, Inc., in the amount of $126,750, Approve Budget Appropriation of $32,000, Project Contingency and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Love and Francis, and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. Director of Public Works Allan Rigg and City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to: 1) Approve Construction Contract; 2) Approve Budget Appropriation; 3) Approve Project Contingency; and 4) Declare CEQA Exemption. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka and Love).
17.B. Reject All Bids for the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Swimming Pool Maintenance Services and Rebid the Project with Modified Requirements and/or Scope Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. Director of Public Works Rigg and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Love and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Reject all Bids and Rebid.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka, and Francis).
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
18.A.
Approve Proposal and Purchase of Furniture for Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center from D&R Office Works, Inc. in the amount of $511,519.87
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8 It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Purchase from D&R Office Works, Inc. in the amount of $511,519.87. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19.A.
Approve Contract with Transportation Management & Design, Inc. (TMD) at a Cost of $450,488 and a Project Total of $540,585
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love. City Manager Osorio and Director of Transporation Crespo answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve Contract. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka and Love).
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
There were no items.
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: Research the possibility to host a hospitality venue for World Cup and/or LA28 Games Purpose – Potential revenue stream; continue our branding as a forward moving city and demonstrate our dedication to goodwill.
Reason – Expand our city brand; develop potential international business relations.
Benefit – Short-term City revenue; increased revenue for local businesses/generate sales tax.
Mayor Cerda seconded it.
Council Member Love
Subject: Research the City of Gardena becoming a Fan Zone for the World Cup and LA28 Games Purpose – Generate funding for our local businesses, restaurants, etc.
Reason – Put Gardena on the map.
Benefit – Generating more revenue for our businesses and restaurants.
Council Member Francis seconded it.
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS 1) City Manager Osorio stated there is a memo in the Council packets regarding the Chat Box Tool directive made by Mayor Pro
Tem Henderson.
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – He reported that he attended the following meetings: his SCAG meeting and the Legislative Committee meetings, where he participated in a government AI discussion; and his community and business Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8 visits. He thanked Mr. City Manager and the staff for jumping on this chatbox opportunity. He also thanked the dais for actually sharing in that vision as they look to move Gardena forward. 2) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – He reported that he attended his South Bay City Council of Government's (SBCCOG) Board meeting, and he requested that Mayor Pro Tem Henderson get in touch with them because they're going to try to start an AI committee; since Mayor Pro Tem is a guru, so he would like to have his participation. He also commented that he attended the West Basin Waterboard meeting; the Gardena High School all-class picnic; the SBCCOG's Transportation meeting; and the SBCCOG's Steering Committee meeting.
3)
COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE - She had nothing to report.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last council meeting, she reported that she attended the following: Coffee with the Chief; the City of Hawthorne's State of the City; her monthly Town Hall; the first session of the Citizens Leadership Academy; and the Gardena High School all-class event. She also reported that she attended the City of Carson's Cajun and Blues Festival. 5)
COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS - Since the last meeting, she reported that she attended the Gardena Beautification Commission meeting and stated she is looking forward to our 25th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day on Saturday, September 20, 2025. She commented and gave a special shout-out to our employees as we recognize the employees of Gardena. She reported she got a community survey brochure in the mail regarding the City's future and told everyone if you have received it, please complete it; and stated it has six short questions listing high, medium, and low priority; she then indicated to put your name and address on it; adding that you can either walk it back in, or mail it back in, or if you see her, she'll take it in for you. She then mentioned she hopes to see you all at the Keep Gardena Beautiful Day.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) 24th Anniversary 9/11 Commeroration Ceremony, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 9:00a.m. on the City Hall Lawn; 2) Movie Night, "Paddington in Peru", Friday, September 12, 2025 from 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. on the City Hall Lawn; 3) City of Gardena's 95th Anniversary Celebration, including Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the City Hall Complex;
4) Food, Wine & Brew, Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 12:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the City Hall Complex; 5) Loteria Bingo Night, Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center; 6) Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the City Hall Complex; 7) Furbaby Lovefest, Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at the City Hall Lawn; and 8) Paper Shredding Event, Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Rowley Park.
25. REMEMBERANCES
Dr. Henrietta Smith, 83 years of age and a long time Gardena resident for over 57 years; Mrs. Adah Louise Omeze, 68 years of age; she is the beloved mother of Alexander Carr Omeze, who works in our IT Department, and is survived by her two granddaughters, Winter and Violette Carr Omeze; Mrs. Wihelmina (Mina) Wildfeuer, passed peacefully at the age of 93, she was a 60-year resident of Gardena; and Ms. Gabriella Antonia Bravo, 34 years of age and a Gardena resident. She leaves behind her fiance and a 3-year old daughter, along with other family members.
26. ADJOURNMENT
Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8 At 9:51 PM Mayor Cerda adourned the Gardena City Council will adjourn to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00pm followed by the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted in the City Hall lobby not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Agenda is available on our website at www.CityofGardena.org.
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
APPROVED: Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
_____________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
By:_____________________________
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: D01EA827-83F2-447F-8D7E-D625811511D8