MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California wascalled to order at 7:05p.m. on May 26, 2026, 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; and Council Member Paulette C. Francis. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; Assistant City Clerk Becky Romero; and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. Council Member Love was away on an excused absence. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation, pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) of Government Code Section 54956.9 One Potential Case
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Council returned from Closed Session at 7:45p.m. and City Clerk Semenza reported that all Members of the Council were present with the exception of Council Member Love, who was away on an excused absence.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
When Mayor Cerda asked City Attorney Vasquez if there was anything to report out of Closed Session, City Attorney Vasquez reported that all Members of the Council were present, with the exception of Council Member Love who was away on an excused absence, and the Council met with regards to Item 3.A, but no reportable action was taken.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Nicole Banuelos and Amara Cazares, both in the 3rd grade, and both attend Gardena Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nicole's favorite subject in school is math. She enjoys baseball and talking to her best friend. Amara's favorite subject in school is art. She enjoys listening to music and singing.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Stanley A. White, of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, led the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Resolution of Commendation to Officer Laurent Hentges of the Gardena Police Department in Acknowledgement of Receiving the 2026 Sustained Superiority Award from the South Bay Police and Fire Memorial Foundation at the 50th Annual Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2026 Chief Todd Fox spoke regarding the act of courage that led Officer Laurent Hentges to received the Award. Mayor Cerda read the Resolution of Commendation. Officer Hentges accepted the Commendation and appropriate photos were taken.
6.B. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement with the City of Gardena for Brian Tanaka- Human Services Coordinator - 7 years of service Acting Director of Recreation and Human Services, Nikki Sweeney, spoke about Mr. Tanaka's achievements.
Mayor Cerda read the Certificate of Commendation. Mr. Tanaka was not present to accept the recognition.
6.C. Boards & Commissions Presentation - Senior Citizen Commission Linda Barentine, Chair of the Senior Citizens Commission, and Member Annie Roddy, presented a PowerPoint updating Council regarding their Commission.
6.D. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
None.
8. APPOINTMENTS
None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no public comments.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.B. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, May 12, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Personnel Report P-2026-9 05-26-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, May 26, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Monthly Investment Report, April 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Authorize South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Inc. Paid Work Experience Program Worksite Agency Agreement No. 25-W423, for a period through October 31, 2027.
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.G. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Rowley Park Basketball Rehabilitation Project (Phase 2), JN 530
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
10.H. Adopt Resolution No. 6736 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the Supportive Services Program
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
10.I. Adopt Resolution No. 6737 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for the Elderly Nutrition Program
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve the Consent Calendar items. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, and Henderson.
Absent: Love).
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #1-26 AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #1-26 TO ALLOW VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITIES WITHIN THE GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (M-2) ZONE AT 13625-13629 ALMA AVENUE (APN: 6102-015-027)
On May 19, 2026, the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request from Liliger Damaso & Rob De La Torre, representing Wanderwell Society South Bay, LLC., to allow the operation of a private vehicle storage facility within an existing industrial building totaling 11,970 square feet.
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 7-26 approving Conditional Use Permit #1-26 and Environmental Assessment #1-26 and finding that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities), by a vote of 4-0, with one commissioner absent.
City Council Action: Receive and file; OR call for review (by way of two votes from the City Council).
A motion was made by Mayor Cerda and seconded by Council Member Francis to Call for Review.
11.B. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #4-26 AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #4-26 TO ALLOW THE SALES OF BEER AND WINE FOR OFF-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR SPROUTS AT 15505 SOUTH NORMANDIE AVENUE (APN: 6105-008-039)
On May 19, 2026, the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request from Terri Dickerhoff, representing Spouts Farmers Market, to approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #4-26 and Environmental Assessment (EA) #4-26 to allow the sales of beer and wine for off-site consumption in a new retail store within an existing tenant space.
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 6-26 approving Conditional Use Permit #4-26 and Environmental Assessment #4-26 and finding that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities), by a vote of 4-0, with one commissioner absent.
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.
11.C. FIRST EXTENSION OF TIME REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #5-24 ALLOWING THE OPERATION OF WAREHOUSING FACILITIES AT 1855 WEST 139TH STREET (APN: 4061-025-130) On May 19, 2026, the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed the first extension of time request for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #5-24, for the operation of warehousing facilities in the General Industrial (M-2) zone submitted by Charles Hobey of Zelda PG PropCo LLC, due to new property ownership.
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission approved the first extension request for Conditional Use Permit #5-24, extending the entitlement expiration to January 15, 2027, by a vote of 4-0, with one commissioner absent.
City Council Action: No action needed.
No City Council action was required.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) 1) Travis Hernandez, Community Library Manager of the Masao W. Satow Library, came to give updates on activities taking place at the Gardena Mayme Dear and Masao W. Satow Libraries. 2) Sheila Richardson, President and CEO of Exclusive Systems; came to promote her constituents concerns desk forms.
3) Sophie Adam, resident; came to share her thoughts and concerns regarding a citation she received. 4) Cecil Davis, resident; came to share his concerns regarding traffic safety, limited seating and shelter for bus stops and considering using vacant lots to add more green space in the city.
12.A. Public Comment
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Semenza if any comments had been received from the public. City Clerk Semenza stated that we received a total of five (5) Public Comments. Three (3) Public Comments were received before the deadline and were added to the agenda packet, distributed and made part of the record. Two (2) Public Comments were received after the deadline and will be added to the June 9, 2026 agenda packet.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. Presentation of the City of Gardena's Proposed Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Fiscal Year 2027-2028
City Manager Osorio and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman presented the City of Gardena's Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Fiscal Year 2027-2028.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. 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.
She then thanked City Manager Osorio for the presentation and reminded Council that they had thirty days to review and this item would be brought back in about 30 days to adopt.
This Item was Received and Filed.
13.B. Approval of the 2025-2029 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Gardena and the Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA), and Approval of the Classification and Compensation Schedule, Effective July 6, 2025.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda then asked if anyone from the Public had asked to speak on this item, and if any Member of the Council had any questions or comments.
There were no public comments and no comments from any Member of the Council.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve and Adopt the 2025-2029 GMEA MOU, and the Classification and Compensation Schedule Eff. July 6, 2026. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda and Francis. Absent: Love).
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
No Items.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES No Items.
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
No Items.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
No Items.
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
18.A. Authorize Purchase of MAX169 16'x9' Mobile LED Screen for City Events in the Amount of $118,928.39 from Musco Sports Lighting.
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 questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by all Members of the Council. City Manager Osorio and Acting Director of Recreation & Human Services Sweeney, answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Authorize the Purchase. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda and Henderson. Absent: Love).
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
No Items.
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
No Items.
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
There were no Council Directives.
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS City Manager Osorio stated that he had no updates at this time.
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – She thanked Pastor Stanley A. White from Mount Taber Missionary Baptist Church for presenting the Invocation. She congratulated Officer Laurent Hentges for being the recipient of the Sustained Superiority Award. She also thanked Brian Tanaka for his exemplary service as a Human Services Coordinator. She thanked Linda Barentine, chair of the Senior Commission, and Annie Roddy for their presentation about our Senior Citizens’ Commission. She is looking forward to watching the World Cup on the big screen. Please watch out for our young people as the school year comes to an end, because they're not looking out. 2) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since the last meeting, he has attended the Apollo Apartments ribbon-cutting; his MSRC TAC meeting with South Coast Air Quality Management. He did his business and community visits. He visited the new Salvation Army Service Facility. He also attended the Nisei Memorial event; the Gardena Memorial Day event at Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery; the Eritrean celebration at Rowley Park; the Nikkei Credit Union ribbon cutting; a neighborhood watch meeting at Rowley Park. He thanked the Chief for having all the District Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Code Enforcement out. He gave a special shout-out to Ray Beeman for his commitment to transparency and for having our financial information readily available. He may be joining another committee with LA County, a Digital Inclusion Committee. He will be looking out for the interests of Gardena as well as the South Bay and LA County region.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last meeting, he attended the Nikkei Credit Union's 75th anniversary celebration. He apologized for not attending some of the events, especially the Medal of Valor Awards. He was out of state, watching his granddaughter graduate from high school. He attended the Eritrean Community Independence Day picnic at Rowley Park; the Nisei VFW Post 1961 Memorial; the American Legion Post 198 ceremony at American Post 84 in Redondo; and Memorial Day services at Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery. 4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last meeting, she attended Coffee with a Cop; the ribbon cutting for our new EV chargers; a couple of neighborhood watch meetings, at Village Mobile Home Park, and at Serra High School. She also attended an organization called Healing in Motion she gave brief greetings from the City of Gardena held at Southwest College; a neighborhood watch meeting hosted by Deborah Griffin and her neighbors; the Nikkei Credit Union’s 75th anniversary; the Holly Park Methodist Church as they recognized the first lady celebrating her 80th birthday; a town hall meeting at the properties G3 Urban; her monthly CCGA meeting; her monthly Sanitation meeting; the Purche Elementary School Spelling Bee; the South Bay Medal of Valor and she commends Officer Hentges. She also attended the grand opening of the new Apollo Apartments; a neighborhood watch meeting at GJIP; the Eritrean Independence Day; the Gardena Nesei Memorial at JCI; the Memorial Day event at the Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery. The last event she attended was the National Pan-Hellenic Council at Southwest. Last thing she wanted to mention was that she received an email recently about Public Works and what a great job they've been doing as far as just maintenance on the street, and how much they really appreciate it. It’s always important that we share with our staff. Our community sees it, and they appreciate it. 5) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Council Member Love was absent.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Rush Gymnasium Vote Center opened, May 23, 2026 to June 1, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and June 2, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rowley Park Vote Center and Amestoy Elementary School Vote Center will open May 30, 2026 to June 1, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and June 2, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 2) Healthy Pet Clinic, Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center; 3) Come take a Picture in The Gardena Sign Transformed into World Cup Gardena, from June 3, 2026 to June 7, 2026;
4) Soccer & Sundaes, Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Lawn; 5) Gardena Glows, Glow in the Dark Pickleball Game ages 18 and over, Friday, June 5, 2026 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Rush Gym;
6) Pitch, Hit & Run, Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mas Fukai Park; 7) Junk in the Trunk, Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Gardena Blvd. Public Parking Lot; 8) Community Budget Forum, Thursday, June 11, 2026 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center; 9) World Cup viewing Party in collaboration with Sounds & Bites, Friday, June 12, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Gardena Blvd. Public Parking Lot;
10) Community Care Day & Resource Fair, Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Human Services Building;
11) Gardena Dodger Day, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 game starts at 7:10 p.m. purchase tickets at the Nakaoka Community Center; and
12) Juneteenth DJ Show Case, Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Complex.
25. REMEMBERANCES
Mrs. Nicole Lauren Kornoff, 42 years old, beloved granddaughter of Rev. John E. Ward, Senior Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Gardena, and Mrs. Nancy L. Ward, former Executive Office Assistant with the City of Gardena who retired in December 2021 after 33 1/2 years of service; Mr. Darrell E. Goss, 65 years of age, longtime Gardena resident.
Ms. Carla McDonald, former Police Records Technician II with the Gardena Police Department. Ms. McDonald worked with Gardena PD for over 15 years.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:03p.m, Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:30p.m. on June 9, 2026.
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By:__________________________________
Becky Romero, Assistant City Clerk