MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California wascalled to order at 7:05 p.m. on July 14, 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: Deputy City Manager Ernie Crespo; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Treasurer Kale Morita; City Clerk Becky Romero; Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee; and Deputy City Clerk I Crystal Contreras. Council Member Jeff Fukasawa and City Manager Clint Osorio were away on excused absences.
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).
3.B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Paragraph (1) of Subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9 Octaavio Saldana v. City of Gardena
WCAB NO; ADJ19538208
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Council returned from Closed Session at 7:40 p.m. and City Clerk Romero reported that all Members of the Council were present with the exception of Council Member Fukasawa, who was away on an excused absence.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
When Mayor Cerda asked City Attorney Carmen Vasquez if there was anything to report out of Closed Session, City Attorney Vasquez reported for Item 3.A. All four (4) Members of the Council were present, with the exception of Council Member Fukasawa, who was away on an excused absence. For Item 3.B. All four (4) Members of the Council were present as well as Deputy City Manager Ernie Crespo and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman; Staff was given direction on both items but no reportable action was taken.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Boy Scout Troop 683, Sponsored by the Gardena Evening Optimist Club, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The troop is comprised of scouts from all over the South Bay, including neighboring cities and of course, right here in Gardena. Together, they participate in adventurous outings such as backpacking, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, archery, shooting and fishing. Along with life skill training such as auto mechanics, cooking, and swimming. Besides taking part in various adventures and having fun, the Scouts learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills vital to their future success as adults. Troop 683 instills upon their scouts the importance of community service by volunteering to serve at community events such as: flag placement at Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery, the Annual Matsuri Festival held at JCI, Memorial Day Grave Site Cleaning at Green Hills Cemetery, the Annual Ho'olaule'a Hawaiian Festival at Alondra Park, and of course, tonight here at Gardena City Hall, leading our Pledge of Allegiance.
5. INVOCATION
Reverend Edward G. Hawthorne, of Hollypark United Methodist Church, led the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificates of Recognition to Commission and Board Appointees for their Dedicated Community Service
Ms. Farmer was not present at the meeting. Mayor Cerda read the Certificate of Recognition and thanked Ms.
Farmer for her service.
Mr. Wright-Scherr accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Mr. Rayford accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Mr. Rivera was not present at the meeting. Mayor Cerda read the Certificate of Recognition and thanked Mr.
Rivera for his service.
Mr. Penegar accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Ms. Giles Washington accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Mr. Morita accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Ms. Pamplin accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
Ms. Brown accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
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. Parks and Recreation Month - July 2026
Nikki Sweeney, Acting Director of Recreation, accepted the Certificate. She thanked the Council for the recognition and their support and appropriate photos were taken.
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, June 23, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting of the City Council, July 2, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.D. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, May 5, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.E. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, May 19, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.F. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, July 14, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.G. Personnel Report P-2026-11 7-14-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.H. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Public Works Building HVAC Replacement Project, JN 570
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
10.I. RESOLUTION NO. 6746, Authorizing the Filing of a Claim with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Local Transportation Funds CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
10.J. Approve Modification to the Agreement between City of Gardena and South Coast Air Quality Management District for the AB2766 / MSRC Zero Emission Microtransit Service Grant Program 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: Fukasawa).
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #19-24, SITE PLAN REVIEW #4-24, AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP #2- 24 AT 1031 MAGNOLIA AVENUE
No City Council action was required.
11.B. FINDING OF CONFORMANCE WITH THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN REQUESTED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS FOR AIN 6106-036-902 AND 6106-036-905 (SOUTHWEST CORNER OF ARTESIA
BOULEVARD AND NORMANDIE AVENUE)
This item was Received and Filed.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
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; and 2) Ronald and Angie Nakasone, residents, came to thank the Council for their recognition of local artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr.
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Romero if any public comments had been received by email. City Clerk Romero stated that we received six (6) Public Comments. Four (4) Public Comments were received before the deadline and were added to the agenda packet. Two (2) Public Comments were received after the deadline and were distributed to Council and made part of the record.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. Approval of the Classification and Compensation Plan to Reflect a 4% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Increase, per Gardena Municipal Employees Association (GMEA) and Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO) Contractual Agreements, effective July 5, 2026 Deputy City Manager Ernie Crespo 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 Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Classification and Compensation Plan. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda and Henderson. Absent: Fukasawa).
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
No Items.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15.A. RESOLUTION NO. 6744, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for Implementation of a Local Transaction and Use Tax
Deputy City Manager Crespo 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 Adopt Resolution No. 6744. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda and Francis.
Absent: Fukasawa).
15.B. RESOLUTION NO. 6745, Authorizing Examination of Sales or Transactions and Use Tax Records Deputy City Manager Crespo 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.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. Deputy City Manager Crespo answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6745. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda and Henderson. Absent:
Fukasawa).
15.C. Approval of First Amendment to Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates (HdL) Companies for City Tax Audit and Information Services
Deputy City Manager Crespo 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.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. Deputy City Manager Crespo answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Agreement Ammendment with Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates (HdL) Companies. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda and Henderson. Absent: Fukasawa).
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
16.A. Authorization to Contract with Phoenix Group Information Systems for Parking Administrative, and Law Enforcement Processing Services
Deputy City Manager Crespo 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.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Tanaka. Police Chief Todd Fox and City Attorney Carmen Vasquez answered all questions.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Authorize the Contract with Phoenix Group Information Systems. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis. Absent: Fukasawa).
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1891, Amending Chapter 8.70 of the Municipal Code for Stormwater and Runoff Pollution Control and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption
Deputy City Manager Crespo presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:34 p.m and 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.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. Former Director of Public Works Allan Rigg answered all questions.
Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 8:36 p.m.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Introduce Ordinance No. 1891. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda and Henderson.
Absent: Fukasawa).
Ordinance No. 1891 was introduced by Council Member Francis.
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
No Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
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 Deputy City Manager Crespo stated that he had no updates at this time.
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER FUKASAWA – Council Member Fukasawa was away on an excused absence. 2) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA- Since the previous meeting, he attended the Aquatic Center opening; he thanked the city and his colleagues for making this project possible. He also attended the COG board meeting and the South County Labor 2026 Ray Cordova labor leader award ceremonies in the City of Commerce; he attended the newly elected City Clerk, Becky Romero's retirement luncheon and congratulated her. He attended West Basin Water monthly meeting; the retired officers luncheon hosted by the police department; the city employee’s luncheon; the COG’s legislative breakfast; and the Rowley Park Car Show. Lastly, he attended the COG’s Steering Committee meeting.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting, she attended the grand opening of the Aquatic Center; the Rowley Park Car Show. She welcomed the new City Treasurer, Kale Morita. She thanked the Boy Scout Troop 683 for leading the pledge; Pastor Edward Hawthorne from Hollypark United Methodist Church for presenting the invocation; and all those who served on a commission or board. She congratulated the reelected council member and the newly elected City Clerk, Becky Romero. She thanked Deputy Director Crespo for filling in for our City Manager; and everyone for being in attendance.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last council meeting, she attended the Sanitation Personnel meeting; the grand opening of the Aquatic Center; the Second Time Around Club's 35th anniversary; the 12th annual Angel City Games put on by the Hartford group; her monthly Town Hall meeting; the JCI's Matsuri fundraiser; and the Haas neighborhood watch group. She was invited to the botanical gardens in Palos Verdes. She also attended Assistant City Clerk, Becky Romero’s retirement ceremony; the official swearing in of the new council member and reelected.
She thanked all the supporters for having faith in voting them back in. She thanked the community for being supportive of Measure GG. She presented a birthday certificate to a resident, Mrs. Ever Peralta, who turned 100 years old in Gardena. She attended the City of Inglewood's Third Annual Music Festival; City of Gardena’s Fourth of July firework show; the City of Torrance appreciation for outgoing city officials. She presented a birthday card to resident, Jorge Hache, who turned 105 years old. She attended a Zoom meeting for the New Earth Christian Church.
Lastly, she attended the ICA summer seminar.
5) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since the last meeting, he attended the LA County City Selection Committee; the Aquatic Senior Center Ribbon cutting; with the ICA executive board, visited the City of Santa Monica’s water treatment plant and their smart crime center. he spoke at Dorsey High School’s leadership conference and job seekers event; the SCAG community economic and housing development committee; and the regional council committee. He thanked the community for coming out to the Special Meeting and congratulated all the newly elected and re-elected officials. He attended the time capsule event; and the Independent Cities Association summer seminars. He shared information on the seven different sessions he attended for the Independent Cities Association summer seminars.
6) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS ADDED – Lastly, she thanked outgoing Council Member Wanda Love for her services and serving the city council and all her many contributions to the city.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Line G is now open through Saturday, September 5, 2026, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2) Wild Wild West Week, from Saturday, July 13, 2026, to July 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Freeman Park.
3) Gardena Stamp Tour, from Friday, July 12, 2026, through Sunday, July 19, 2026. 4) Soccer Watch Party, Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm at 1112 West Gardena Boulevard. 5) Ministerial Association Luncheon, Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1;00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center.
6) Self-Defense Workshop, Saturday, July 25, 2026, or Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Thornberg Park
7) Dive-In Movie, Friday, July 31, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Gardena Community Aquatic Center. 8) Summer Community Yard Sale, Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rowley Park. 9) National Night Out Summer Block Party, Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the City Hall Complex.
25. REMEMBERANCES
Ms. Barbara Rosales, 87 years of age, longtime Gardena resident and volunteer with the Senior Bureau for over 20 years.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:03 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 28, 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