MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California wascalled to order at 7:12p.m. On September 8, 2026 , in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162ndStreet, Gardena, California, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Fukasawa. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Treasurer Kale Morita; City Clerk Becky Romero; Acting Assistant City Clerk Katherine Rhee; and Acting Records Management Coordinator Victor Villarreal.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
There were no Public Comments.
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
Council returned from Closed Session at 7:46p.m. and City Clerk Romero reported that all Members of the Council were present.
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 and the Council met with regards to Item 3.A, but no reportable action was taken.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Noah Garcia, in the 5th grade at Denker Avenue Elementary School, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Noah has overcome many hurdles in his life. He grew up just like any other average child here in the City of Gardena. In second grade he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer/leukemia. That did not stop Noah from persevering and continuing on with his studies. He pushed himself even more and was able to return to Denker to finish off his third grade year. Since then, he continues to be involved with school. He enjoys sports, art, and learning.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Jimmy Orrellana, of Calvary Life Church, led the Invocation.
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 Chief Fox spoke about Lt. Messina's achievements. Mayor Cerda read the Certificate of Commendation. Lt.
Messina was not present to accept the recognition.
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
Assistant Director of Transportation, Dana Pynn, spoke about Ms. Abro's achievements. Mayor Cerda read the Certificate of Commendation. Ms. Abro was not present to accept the recognition.
6.C. Housing Trust Presentation - Presented by Ronson Chu and Jacki Bacharach of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments
A PowerPoint presentation was made by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Housing and Homeless Director Ronson Chu and Interim Executive Director Jacki Bacharach to invite the City of Gardena to consider joining the South Bay Regional Housing Trust.
6.D. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. "City of Gardena's 96th Anniversary Day" - September 11, 2026 (To be proclaimed only) City of Gardena's 96th Anniversary Day was proclaimed only.
7.B. "26th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day" - September 19, 2026 (To be proclaimed only) 26th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful 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 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
** Item was Removed from Consent
Item 10.K was pulled. Staff was not ready to move forward with this item.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Consent Calendar Items with the exception of Item 10.K. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson, and Fukasawa).
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) This Item was Received and Filed.
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.
No City Council Action was required.
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) 1) Andrea Simental, Library Manager of the Gardena Mayme Dear Library, came to give updates on both the Gardena Mayme Dear and Masao W. Sato Libraries;
2) Jay Martinez, commercial real estate broker, came to ask for guidance regarding a CUP modification for Zoning C3 - General Commercial; and
3) David Matthews, resident; came to share news regarding the street takeover operation on Figueroa St. and Alondra Blvd.
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Romero if any comments had been received from the public. City Clerk Romero stated that we received a total of thirty four (34) Public Comments. Thirty one (31) Public Comments were received before the posting of the agenda and were added to the agenda packet. Three (3) Public Comments were received after the posting of the agenda, copies were made and distributed to Council and a copy has been placed in the Public Review Binder and will be made part of the record.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. Acceptance of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Adopted Biennial Budget
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman spoke regarding the Award.
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 Henderson, Mayor Cerda and City Manager Osorio.
Director Beeman answered all questions.
This Item was Received and Filed.
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
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 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 Tanaka, Council Member Francis and Mayor Cerda. City Manager Osorio and Acting Director of Public Works Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Henderson to Approve Purchase. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Fukasawa).
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
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report and commended Acting Director of Recreation and Human Services, Nikki Sweeney, for taking ownership and seeing this into fruition.
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 Members Henderson and Francis. Acting Director Sweeney answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Fukasawa to Introduce Ordinance No. 1889. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Fukasawa, Cerda, Tanaka and Henderson).
Ordinance No. 1889 was Introduced by Council Member Francis.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
No Items.
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
No Items.
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka
Subject: Staff to consider joining the South Bay Housing Trust and include appointing representative.
Purpose - Consider taking advantage of Measure A monies available Reason – With the demand of affordable and housing numbers required – gives City financial options Benefit – Help in fulfilling affordable housing issues within the City Seconded by Council Member Francis.
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 FUKASAWA – Council Member Fukasawa had no remarks. 2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Council Member Francis started off her remarks by thanking Noah Garcia for leading the pledge of allegiance and Pastor Jimmy Orianos for his prayers. She congratulated Lieutenant Brian Messina for his retirement; Jennifer Abro, financial services manager, who's leaving the transportation department; Ray Beeman and staff for winning an award. She announced the 26th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day is coming up, and she wanted to thank all our volunteers in advance and for their efforts and work on this day. She encourages everyone if you have young people at home to encourage them not to write on property that does not belong to them.
Lastly, she says she looks forward to seeing everybody on Keep Gardena Beautiful Day. 3) COUNCIL MEMBER HENDERSON – First, Council Member Henderson thanked City Manager Clint for always allowing city staff to be available for him. He also thanked all the department heads, managers, supervisors, and operators for answering his questions. Since the last meeting, he attended the Southern California Association of Governments meeting; the California Contract Cities Association, fall emporium. Lastly, he ended off by stating that our body submitted some recommendations to the task force to consider as they move forward and reconstitute our county government.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last council meeting, she recognized the owner of the Korean Cultural Arts Center Community Room. She attended Serra High School's first football game; the National CERT Conference; the Wedding Anniversary of two Gardena residents; the New Neighborhood Watch Group, the Atkinson’s group in District 2; the First Citizens Leadership Academy that just started up this past Thursday; the Gardena Valley Lions Club installation ceremony; the Induction Ceremony for Compton High School; the 2026 Ktown International Film Festival that was hosted at Gardena Cinema. Lastly, she informed about the new zigzag lights being up on Gardena Boulevard and suggested everyone drive down Gardena Blvd. 5) MAYOR PRO TEM TANAKA – Since the last meeting he attended the West Basin Water Board meeting; the Gardena High School All Class Picnic; the Celebration of Life for retired service officer Anita Chang who passed away. He attended the 40-Year Celebration of being in business for the jewelry shop, the Captain's Treasure Chest.
He thanked Ray Beeman and the finance committee for all their hard work. Lastly, he ended his remarks by saying that he appreciates all the things that our city staff do.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) 911 Commemoration Ceremony, Friday, September 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. located at the city hall complex. 2) 26th Annual Keep Gardena Beautiful Day, Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 3) Aqua Safety Workshops at the City of Gardena Aquatic Center. For more information check www.cityofgardena.org/events or call (310)217-9537.
4) Free Compost Giveaway, Saturday, September 12, 2026, located at Rowley Park. For more information, visit home.wm.com/Gardena or call (888) 467-7600.
5) Movie Night Series 2026, Zootopia 2 on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at a city hall complex.
6) Annual Gardena Food, Wine, and Brew Festival, Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located at the City Hall Complex. Get your tickets at www.cityofgardena.org/events.org/events.
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; and Mr. Robert West, longtime Gardena resident.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:14p.m, Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:30p.m. on September 22, 2026.
BECKY ROMERO
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor
By:__________________________________
Katherine Rhee, Acting Assistant City Clerk