GARDENA CITY
COUNCIL
Special Closed Session and Regular Meeting
Notice and Agenda
Council Chamber at City Hall
1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California
Website: www.cityofgardena.org
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Special Closed Session 6:30 p.m.
Open Session 7:30 p.m.
TASHA CERDA, Mayor
RODNEY G. TANAKA, Mayor Pro Tem
MARK E. HENDERSON, Council Member
PAULETTE C. FRANCIS, Council Member
JEFF FUKASAWA, Council Member
BECKY ROMERO, City Clerk
KALE MORITA, City Treasurer
CLINT OSORIO, City Manager
CARMEN VASQUEZ, City Attorney
LISA KRANITZ, Assistant City Attorney
IVY TSAI, Assistant City Attorney
If you would like to participate in this meeting, you can participate via the following options:
1. VIEW THE MEETING live on SPECTRUM CHANNEL 22 or ONLINE at youtube.com/CityofGardena
2. PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING by emailing the Assistant City Clerk at [email protected] by 5:00p.m. on the day of the meeting. Written public comments will be provided to the City Council and will be made part of the record but will not be read aloud.
3. PARTICIPATE DURING THE MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENTS: The City Council will hear from the public on any item on the agenda or any item of interest that is not on the agenda at the following times:
Agenda Items - At the time the City Council considers the item Non-agenda Items - During Oral Communications
Public Hearings - At the time of the Public Hearings listed on the Agenda Each speaker will be given three (3) minutes to speak unless otherwise decided by the Mayor A. PARTICIPATE IN PERSON
If you wish to address the Council, please complete a “Speaker Request” form and present it to the City Clerk or Sergeant of Arms. You will be called to the podium by name when it is your turn to address the Council. The City Council cannot legally take action on any item not scheduled on the Agenda. Such items may be referred for administrative action or scheduled on a future Agenda. Members of the public wishing to address the City Council will be given three (3) minutes to speak.
B. PARTICIPATE REMOTELY VIA DIAL-IN CALL/PHONE:
Dial 1-669-900-9128
When prompted, enter the meeting ID 890 7654 6728, followed by # Press # to skip when asked to enter participant ID number.
If you wish to speak live on a specific agenda item during the meeting:
1. Press *9 to “Raise your Hand” when you are ready to speak on a specific agenda item
2. When prompted to speak, press *6 to “Unmute”.
4. DISRUPTIONS OF TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DURING A CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
To report disruptions to the City’s telephonic or Internet Service during a City Council meeting, email:
[email protected]
5. The City of Gardena, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requests individuals who require special accommodations to access, attend and/or participate in the City meeting due to disability, to please contact the City Clerk's Office by phone (310) 217-9565 or email [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled general meeting to ensure assistance is provided. Assistive listening devices are available.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS Treat everyone courteously;
Listen to others respectfully;
Exercise self-control;
Give open-minded consideration to all viewpoints;
Focus on the issues and avoid personalizing debate; and Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
Thank you for your attendance and cooperation.
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
3. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
3.A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9 Brooks, Wendy v. City of Gardena, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 25LBCV02614
3.B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (One [1] Matter)
3.C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Gov. Code section 54957.6.)
Agency designated representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Name of Employee Organization: Gardena Police Managers Association
3.D. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Gov. Code section 54957.6.)
Agency designated representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Name of Employee Organization: International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART)
3.E. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Gov. Code section 54957.6.)
Agency designated representative: Clint Osorio, City Manager Name of Employee Organization: Gardena Police Officers Association
RETURN FROM SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Nathaniel Session
Enlightened Ministry Bible Church
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Recognition to Aidan Madison in appreciation of his service to the community as a Youth Commissioner
6.B. GTrans 2026 APTA Bus Safety Excellence Award and International Bus Roadeo Competition
6.C. Gardena Events Video Presentation
7. PROCLAMATIONS
8. APPOINTMENTS
Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
8.A. Rent Mediation Board - Mina Semenza (Appointed by Mayor Cerda)
8.B. Youth Commission - Prince Otegbulu (Appointed by Mayor Cerda)
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC- Roll Call Vote Required On The Consent Calendar All matters listed under the Consent Calendar will be enacted by one motion unless a Council Member requests Council discussion, in which case that item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately following this portion of the agenda.
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 City Council, July 28, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, July 7, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.D. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, July 21, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.E. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, August 11, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, August 25, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.G. Monthly Investment Report, July 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.H. Personnel Report P-2026-13 08-25-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.I. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the City Message Board at 162nd Street and Western Ave.
Project, JN 551
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
10.J. Approval of Agreement between the City of Lawndale and City of Gardena for the Elderly Nutrition Program Services
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
10.K. Approval of Amendment 2 to MOU with South Bay Cities Council of Governments for Additional Funding for the Housing Navigation Scope of Work
CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
10.L. Approval of Amendment 2 to TRIO Community Meals Agreement to Increase Not to Exceed from $400,000 to $500,000 Annually for Senior Meals Catering CONTACT: RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. AUGUST 4, 2026 MEETING - Cancelled
11.B. MODIFICATION TO AMEND SITE PLAN REVIEW #1-19 AND REQUEST TO APPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT (AA#3-26) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA#7-26) TO ALLOW FOR A 15% REDUCTION IN THE REQUIRED GUEST PARKING SPACES AND RECONFIGURE THE SHARED RESIDENTIAL AND GUEST PARKING WITHIN THE EXISTING 113-UNIT TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT AT 2129 ROSECRANS
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request to approve the 2nd Modification/Amendment to Site Plan Review #1-19 and Administrative Adjustment #3-26 to allow for a 15% reduction in the required guest parking spaces, and reconfiguration of the shared residential and guest parking spaces.
Environmental Consideration: The project was considered for a categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (Class 32 –in-fill development project).
APPLICANT: Samantha Merchant
LOCATION: 2129 W. Rosecrans Avenue (4061-028-049)
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission approved to the 2nd Modification/Amendment to Site Plan Review #1-19 and Administrative Adjustment #3-26, by a vote of 3-0 (two commissioners were absent). The Commission directed staff to prepare an approval resolution for consideration at the next Planning Environmental Quality Commission meeting.
City Council Action: No City Council action is required. The approval resolution will be presented to the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission for consideration on September 1, 2026.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) Oral Communications by the public will be heard for one-half hour during the oral communication segment of the agenda. Any additional speakers will be allowed to speak at the end of the meeting after Council Remarks.
Speakers are limited to three minutes, unless otherwise stated by the Mayor. The timer will be displayed on the screen. Your cooperation is appreciated.
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. Acceptance of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 40th Consecutive Year
Staff Recommendation: Receive and File
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14.A. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1892, An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Amending Portions of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code Relating to the Review Process and Standards for Mechanical/Robotic Parking Structures and Finding the Action Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
Staff Recommendation: Open the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, and close the public hearing.
Staff Recommendation for Motion: Introduce Ordinance No. 1892 including making the findings for a CEQA exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
14.B. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1893, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gardena, California Amending Chapter 18.13 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Making a Determination that the Ordinance is Exempt from CEQA Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 Staff Recommendation: Open the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, and close the public hearing.
Staff Recommendation for Motion: Introduce Ordinance No. 1893 including making the findings for a CEQA exemption pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17.
14.C. Consideration of a contract with spcaLA for Animal Sheltering and Services Staff Recommendation: Approve the contract between the City and spcaLA for a 12 month term beginning September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
16.A. Notification of Eligibility for Funding in the Amount of $131,000 Under the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Award for the 2026-2027 Grant Cycle Staff recommendation: Accept the $131,000 Grant Award from the State of California, Office of Traffic Safety, for Expenditures to be Funded under the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for 2026-2027 Grant Cycle.
16.B. PUBLIC HEARING: INTRODUCTION OF ORDIANCE NO. 1894, Adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy of the City of Gardena, California Governing the Use of Military Equipment Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481
Staff Recommendation:
- Conduct the public hearing and receive public testimony; - Allow three (3) minutes for each speaker; and
- Introduce Ordinance No. 1894
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Funding Agreement Amendment with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA) in the Amount of $5,675,000 and Approve a Contract Change Order to the Professional Services Agreement with Cannon Corporation, in the Amount of $184,793 for the Redondo Beach Blvd Arterial Improvements, JN 945 Staff Recommendation:
-Authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding Agreement (FA) Amendment with LACMTA; and -Approve a Contract Change Order (CCO) for Professional Services with Cannon Corporation
17.B. Award a Contract to F.M. Thomas for the City Hall HVAC Controller System Replacement in the amount of $78,362.00
Staff Recommendation: Award a Contract to F.M. Thomas for the City Hall HVAC Controller System
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19.A. Approve Contract with MOEV Inc. for Microgrid Management Software at a Cost of $235,000 and a Project Total of $258,500
Staff Recommendation: Approve Contract and Project Total
19.B. Approve Proposed Modification of GTrans Line 7X From All Sundays to Game Day Sundays Only Staff Recommendation: Approve Service Modification
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
20.A. Designation of Voting Delegate / Representative for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo - September 23-25, 2026
Staff Recommendation: Designate Voting Delegate / Representative
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS
2. COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON
3. MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA
4. MAYOR CERDA
5. COUNCIL MEMBER FUKASAWA
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
25. REMEMBERANCES
Mrs. Betty Ozawa; 101 years of age, beloved mother of Gardena Valley News editor, Gary Kohatsu.
26. ADJOURNMENT
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 8, 2026.
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.
/s/ BECKY ROMERO
BECKY ROMERO, City Clerk
Date Posted: August 21, 2026