MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California wascalled to order at 7:03 p.m. on June 23, 2026, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street,Gardena, California, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: 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; Assistant City Attorney Ivy Tsai; City Clerk Mina Semenza; Assistant City Clerk Becky Romero; and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. It was stated that Mayor Tasha Cerda was running late and was on her way. Council Member Love and City Attorney Carmen Vasquez were away on an excused absence. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no Public Comments.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957(b)
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Council returned from Closed Session at 7:33 p.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 Assistant City Attorney Tsai if there was anything to report out of Closed Session, Assistant City Attorney Tsai reported that all Members of the Council were present, with the exception of Mayor Cerda and Council Member Love, and the Council met with regards to Item 3.A; but no reportable action was taken.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Sebastian Jauregui, son of City of Gardena employee Mickala Jauregui, who is an incoming 7th grader and attends St. Catherine Laboure School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sebastian is a 12 year old Gardena resident and a proud Boy Scout. He spends his free time making short movies and learning about history, science and politics.
5. INVOCATION
Reverend Larry Dozier, of The New Earth Christian Church, led the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Boards & Commissions Presentation - Rent Mediation Board Jack Nemeth, Chair of the Rent Mediation Board, Gerlin Munoz, Vice Chair, and Members Joanne Brown, Margie Hoyt and Carlease Burke presented a PowerPoint updating Council regarding their Commission.
6.B. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. "Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" - June 14, 2026, through July 4, 2026 (To be proclaimed only) Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance was proclaimed only.
7.B. JUNETEENTH Commemoration Day - June 19, 2026 (To be proclaimed only) JUNETEENTH Commemoration Day was proclaimed only.
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 26, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, June 9, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, June 23, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Monthly Investment Report, May 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Personnel Report P-2026-10 6-23-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.G. Appointment of Representative to the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.H. Approval of a Bingo License for Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute at 1964 West 162nd Street
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.I. Approval of a Bingo License for Gardena Buddhist Church at 1517 West 166th Street CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.J. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Artesia Boulevard Arterial Improvement Project (Phase 2), JN 935
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
10.K. Approve Interconnection Agreement with Southern California Edison to Provide Connection between GTrans Solar and Battery System and Edison's Electrical Grid CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
10.L. Approve Agreement between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Gardena for GTrans Expansion Bus/Vehicles and Associated Infrastructure Projects CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
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 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, and Francis.
Absent: Love).
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. JUNE 2, 2026 MEETING - Cancelled
11.B. JUNE 16, 2026 MEETING - Cancelled
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) 1) Andrea Simental, Community Library Manager of the Mayme Dear Library, came to give updates regarding the Mayme Dear and the Masao W. Satow Libraries; and
2) Anthony Benitez, came to give information on the Harbor UCLA South LA CPR Initiative.
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Semenza if any public comments had been received by email. City Clerk Semenza stated that we received four (4) Public Comments, which have been added to the agenda packet, distributed to Council, and made part of the record.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6738, Adopting the City of Gardena's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Fiscal Year 2027-2028
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A presentation was made by City Manager Osorio and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:32 p.m and 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 Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda. City Manager Osorio, Deputy City Manager Ernie Crespo and Director of Administrative Services Beeman answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 8:42 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6738. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, and Henderson.
Absent: Love).
13.B. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6739, Establishing the Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (GANN Limit)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:46 p.m and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments, there were no public speakers and no comments from Council. Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 8:46 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Adopt Resolution No. 6739. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis.
Absent: Love).
13.C. RESOLUTION NO. 6740, Acknowledging the Receipt and Filing of the Annual Statement of Investment Policy for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027
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 Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6740. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Francis, Cerda, and Tanaka. Absent: Love).
13.D. Approval of Blanket Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 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 Council Member Francis and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Blanket Purchase Orders for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis. Absent: Love).
13.E. Approval of an Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc., for Implementation Services of a New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and Ongoing Software as a Service (SaaS) for an Initial Five-Year (5) Term Beginning October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031, in the Amount of $1,483,090, Along with a Fifteen Percent (15%) Contingency of $222,464, for a Project Total of $1,705,554
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 Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Members Francis and Tanaka.
City Manager Osorio and Director Beeman answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Francis, Cerda, and Tanaka. Absent: Love).
13.F. Public Hearing: Annual Recruitment and Vacancy Report per Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, Government Code section 3502.3
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:18 p.m. and 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 Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 9:19 p.m.
This Item was Received and Filed.
13.G. RESOLUTION NO. 6735, Establishing Benefits for All Unrepresented Positions 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 and no comments from Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6735. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, and Henderson. Absent: Love).
13.H. Authorize the City Manager to Purchase and Bind Insurance Coverage in the Amount of $147,896 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and $3,370,784 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, for a Total of $3,518,680, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Any Additional Necessary Documents 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 Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase and Bind Insurance Coverage and Authorize the City Manager to Execute any additional necessary documents. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis. Absent: Love).
13.I. Approval of the Classification and Compensation Plan to Reflect a 4% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Increase to the Chief of Police base salary effective May 24, 2026, Per the Chief of Police Employment Contract Agreement
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 Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve the Classification and Compensation Plan to Reflect a 4% Cost-of-Living Adjustment increase to the Chief of Police base salary, effective May 24, 2026. The motion passed 4-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, and Henderson. Absent: Love).
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14.A. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6741- Approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #1-26 to allow the operations of a private vehicle storage facility within an existing industrial building totaling 11,970 square feet, located at 13625-13629 Alma Avenue (6102-015-027), in the General Industrial (M-2) zone per Section 18.46.030.C.9 of the Gardena Municipal Code.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Presentations were made by Planning Assistant Dayana Nava and Liliger Damaso.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 9:32 p.m. and asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments.
There were three (3) public speakers: Alec Buckner; Jorge Raphael; and Cory David; all came out to speak in support of Conditional Use Permit #1-26.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Council Member Tanaka and Mayor Cerda. Cyrus Hanson and Planning Assistant Nava answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 10:16 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6741. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, and Henderson.
Absent: Love).
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15.A. RESOLUTION NO. 6742, Adopting a New City Council Policy Addressing a Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During City Council Meetings (SB 707) City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A presentation was made by Assistant City Clerk Becky Romero.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Henderson, Mayor Cerda and Council Member Francis.
Assistant City Clerk Romero answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Adopt Resolution No. 6742. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis.
Absent: Love).
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
There were no Items.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Approve Three-Year Contract for HF&H Consultants, LLC to Monitor and Manage the Solid Waste Agreement and Manage Senate Bill 1383 Requirements for the City of Gardena, in the Amount of $474,575.00 and 10% Contingency of $47,475.50.
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 Council Member Francis. Public Works Program Coordinator Hong Lee and Acting Director of Public Works Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Aapprove Three-Year Contract for HF&H Consultants, LLC. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, and Henderson. Absent: Love).
17.B. Approve Four-Year Contract for Citywide Tree Trimming Maintenance Services to Tiger Tree Trimming Services, Inc in the Amount of $629,327.00.
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 Council Member Francis. Public Works Superintendent Kevin Thomas and Acting Director of Public Works Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Four-Year Contract for Citywide Tree Trimming Maintenance Services to Tiger Tree Trimming Services, Inc.
The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis. Absent: Love).
17.C. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding Agreement Amendment with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA) in the amount of $1,228,000 and approve a Contract Change Order to the Professional Services Agreement with Iteris, Inc, in the Amount of $28,480 for the Vermont Ave Traffic Signal Improvements, JN 930
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 Council Member Francis. Acting Director of Public Works Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding Agreement Amendment with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Agency (LACMTA) and Approve a Contract Change Order to the Professional Services Agreement with Iteris, Inc. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis. Absent:
Love).
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
There were no Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
There were no Items.
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
There were 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 LOVE – Council Member Love was away on an excused absence. 2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – She celebrated Father's Day, and she hopes everybody had a wonderful Father's Day. She thanked Pastor Dozier from New Earth Christian Church for his Invocation. She also thanked the Rent Mediation Board for their presentation. She mentioned the meaning of Juneteenth. She thanked City Manager, Clint Osorio, and Administrative Director, Ray Beeman, for their presentation. A reminder that our young people are out of school and they're on their cell phones, not paying attention, but she hopes that you're watching out for them. 3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since the last meeting, he attended the South Bay COG meeting; Gardena Dodger Day; the MSRC TAC meeting; and the Juneteenth Celebration. He wished a Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers. He was able to celebrate his son's first Father’s Day. He ran across a video on YouTube that talked about the history of our city. He saw the origins of our community and how we've changed throughout the years. He was watching Spectrum, and they were doing a special on the cat lounge, the Mochi Kittos Cat Cafe. So hopefully that generates more business for them.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last council meeting, she attended about 25 events, grand openings; a couple of funerals; two or three school graduations; a couple of schools had special International Days; Sounds and Bites; Community Forums; Dodger Day; Juneteenth; and many more city events. She mentioned her town hall meeting is this upcoming Friday at the VFW from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. So if you have any questions or concerns, please come on out.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA - Since the last council meeting, he attended Lieutenant Nick Beerling’s Promotion; RDL Herbal Emporium Grand Opening; Memorial Day Celebration; Da Vien Coffee Grand Opening; Eritrean Independence Day Celebration; Recognition of Muralist, Gustavo Zermeno, for the Mural on Alysa Liu, the Gold Medal Olympic Winner; he visited the City’s Pet Shop Event; and Raul Alcron Retirement Party. He attended a couple of meetings the League of California Cities and the LACO Division meeting. He also attended the Gardena Police Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament Fund-Raising Event; Gardena Community Budget Forum; Juneteenth Celebration; Mayme Dear Friends of the Library meeting; Employee World Cup Day; South Bay Aerospace Alliance meeting; Honor of Presiding over his 93-year-old Uncle’s Funeral Services; and the Funeral Services for one of his Union Rescue Mission Program Men. He wished a Happy Father's Day and a Happy Juneteenth. Lastly, he thanked all the Supporters, Citizen Voters, and the City for allowing him to serve our great City for 4 more years.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Ride Free to Manhattan Beach Line G, June 13 to September 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
2) Gardena Community Aquatic & Senior Center Grand Opening, Wednesday, June 24, 2026 starting at 2:00 p.m. at 1654 w. 160th St. Gardena, CA 90247;
3) Self-Defense Workshop, Saturday, June 27, 2026, Session 1: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Session 2: 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Thornburg Park;
4) 4th of July Celebration, Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Rowley Park; 5) Sound & Bites Summer Series, Friday, July 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 1112 w. Gardena Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247; and
6) Show & Shine Car Show & Concert, Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rowley Park.
25. REMEMBERANCES
Mrs. Roseetta Murphy, 85 years old and a long time Gardena resident for over 30 years; Mrs. Virginia Rios, 99 years old and a long-time Gardena resident; Mr. Simeon Ginyard, 74 years of age and a long-time Gardena resident; and Mrs. Shirley Joyce Madison McCarty, 78 years of age and a longtime member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Cultural Committee.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:01 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, July 14, 2026.
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
BECKY ROMERO
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
By:_________________________________________
Katherine Rhee, Records Management Coordinator