GARDENA CITY
COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda
Council Chamber at City Hall
1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California
Website: www.cityofgardena.org
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Closed Session 7:00 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 832 2624 2089, 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 CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. 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)
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Denker Avenue Elementary School
Noah Garcia
5. INVOCATION
Calvary Life
Pastor Jimmy Orrellana
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena for Brian Messina - Police Lieutenant with the Gardena Police Department - 25 years
6.B. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena for Jennifer Abro - Financial Services Manager with the Transportation Department - 8 years
6.C. Housing Trust Presentation - Presented by Ronson Chu and Jacki Bacharach of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments
6.D. Gardena Events Video Presentation
7. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. "City of Gardena's 96th Anniversary Day" - September 11, 2026 (To be proclaimed only)
7.B. "26th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day" - September 19, 2026 (To be proclaimed only)
8. APPOINTMENTS
Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)
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, August 25, 2026 CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, September 8, 2026 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.D. Personnel Report P-2026-14 09-08-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Consideration of a Bingo License for Gardena Buddhist Church at 1517 West 166th Street CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.F. Consideration of A New Fortunetelling Permit - Psychic Readings by Nana located at 15716 Crenshaw Blvd
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.G. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1892, An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Amending Portions of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code Relating to 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)
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.H. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1893, An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Amending Chapter 18.13 of the Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Action Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.I. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 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
CONTACT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
10.J. Approval to Amend the Blanket Purchase Order for Phoenix Group Information Systems to Increase the Amounts from $172,500 to $248,208 to Pay for Parking Administrative, and Law Enforcement Processing Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
CONTACT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
10.K. Approve Contract Amendment with Trapeze Software Group, Inc. for Continuing Maintenance and Support Services
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATION
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. September 1, 2026 - 6.A ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. PC 11-26 AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO APPROVE THE MODIFICATION TO AMEND SITE PLAN REVIEW #1-19, ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT #3-26, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #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 AVENUE PER SECTION 18.50.020.A OF THE GARDENA
MUNICIPAL CODE, AND FINDING THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332 (CLASS 32 – FOR AN INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT)
On August 18, 2026, 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 and directed staff to prepare an approval resolution for consideration at the next Planning and Environmental Quality Commission meeting.
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 –infill development project).
APPLICANT: Samantha Merchant
LOCATION: 2129 W. Rosecrans Avenue (4061-028-049)
Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 11-26, approving the 2nd Modification/Amendment to Site Plan Review #1-19 and Administrative Adjustment #3-26, by a vote of 5-0.
City Council Action: Receive and file; OR Call for review (by way of two votes from the City Council)
11.B. September 1, 2026 - 7.A CONSIDERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #8-26; ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT #3-26; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #4-24; TO OPERATE A RELIGIOUS FACILITY AND TO ALLOW A 6% REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING SPACES WITHIN AN EXISTING 15,456 SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING LOCATED IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE (C-3) AT 1045 REDONDO BEACH BOULEVARD
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission heard public comments and continued the public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a new religious facility in Suites 100-140 within an existing 15,456 square-foot building space located in the General Commercial Zone (C-3) zone, and an administrative adjustment to the off-street parking requirements for the site for a 6% reduction in the number of required spaces (from 577 to 544 spaces) per Section 18.50.020.A of the Gardena Municipal Code.
Environmental Consideration: The project is being considered for a categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1- Existing Facilities).
APPLICANT: Mario A. Hodge (Representative on behalf of City of Refuge) LOCATION: 1045 W. Redondo Beach Boulevard (6114-028-050) Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission continued Environmental Assessment #8-26, Administrative Adjustment #3-26, and Conditional Use Permit #4-24 to an unspecified future Planning and Environmental Quality Commission meeting date by a vote of 5-0.
City Council Action: No City Council action required.
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 (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Adopted Biennial Budget
Staff Recommendation: Receive and File
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Authorization to Purchase the 2027 Ford F-550 Super Duty Cab with Roadline Graffiti Truck from National Auto Fleet Group, Inc in the amount of $185,700.66 Staff Recommendation: Approve Purchase
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
18.A. INTRODUCTION ORDINANCE NO. 1889, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Gardena, California, Repealing and Readopting Title 11 of the Gardena Municipal Code Relating to Parks, Recreation and Human Services
Staff Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance No. 1889
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1. COUNCIL MEMBER FUKASAWA
2. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS
3. COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON
4. MAYOR CERDA
5. MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
25. REMEMBERANCES
Doris Jean Austin, longtime Gardena resident.
Wonder Deneece Watt, 65 years of age and former Part-Time, On-Demand Operator with the City of Gardena's Transportation Department.
Alfonso Velasco, 81 years of age, real estate broker in the City of Gardena and longtime community member.
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 22, 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: September 4, 2026