CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Victor Farfan, Mayor Pro Tem
Dandy De Paula, Council Member
Luis Roa, Council Member
Ernie Vargas, Council Member Maria Teresa Del
Rio, Mayor
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Regular Meeting, 6:00 PM
Ernesto Marquez,City Manager
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 6:01 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Councilmember De Paula.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Mayor Del Rio
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan
Councilmember Roa
Councilmember De Paula
Councilmember Vargas
ABSENT
None
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Beatriz Aguilar, Hawaiian Gardens resident, spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. RECOGNITION OF DR. MAYRA LOZANO, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL SERVICES FOR ABCUSD Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate to Dr. Mayra Lozano.
Dr. Mayra Lozano spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION OF ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, SUPERINTENDENT, DR. GINA ZIETLOW; AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, FRANCISCO NOYOLA
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD Boardmember, spoke.
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1. RECOGNITION OF DR. MAYRA LOZANO, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL SERVICES FOR ABCUSD Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate to Dr. Mayra Lozano.
Dr. Mayra Lozano spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION OF ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, SUPERINTENDENT, DR. GINA ZIETLOW; AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, FRANCISCO NOYOLA
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD Boardmember, spoke.
Dr. Gina Zietlow, ABCUSD Superintendent, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:30 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:41 PM.
2. UPDATE BY MR. NEM OCHOA, GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY GENERAL MANAGER:
REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION’S DECISION TO APPROVE GOLDEN STATE WATER COMPANY’S 2020 GENERAL RATE CASE FOR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS AND NEW WATER RATES FOR 2022, 2023 AND 2024 Nem Ochoa, Golden State Water Company General Manager, spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
3. PRESENTATION BY ANJELIQUE GRANADOS, COMMUNITY LIBRARY MANAGER, HAWAIIAN GARDENS LIBRARY
Anjelique Granados, Community Library Manager, Hawaiian Gardens, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve the Agenda Organization.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
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Councilmember Vargas spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve the Agenda Organization.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
A. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
There were no Public Hearings.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA That the City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to approve donation to nonprofit organizations.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
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Councilmember Vargas spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
5. Recommendation to receive and file the Beautification Program updated report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
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SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
6. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
7. Recommendation to receive and file worksite experience sponsor agreement with Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO WDB).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Sandra Michel, SELACO representative spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES:0;
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Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
8. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of July 29 to August 11, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
9. Recommendation to receive and file Treasurer’s Report for July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
10. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
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Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
10. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of July 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
11. Recommendation to approve an agreement between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority and the City of Hawaiian Gardens for cost sharing for the installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutant TMDL.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
12. Recommendation to approve the construction plans and specifications and authorize the Public Works Manager to advertise and seek public bids for the HSIP Cycle 8 Carson Street Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 106.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
13. Recommendation to approve the construction plans and specifications and authorize the Public Works Manager to advertise and seek public bids for the HSIP Cycle 8 Norwalk Boulevard Signal HardwareImprovements,Project107.
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recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
13. Recommendation to approve the construction plans and specifications and authorize the Public Works Manager to advertise and seek public bids for the HSIP Cycle 8 Norwalk Boulevard Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 107.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
14. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar Items 1 – 14, except for Items 2, 7, and 12.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0312023, a Resolution of the City of Hawaiian Gardens, County of Los Angeles, State of California, awarding contracts to AMTEC Security and Network Solutions and Eagle Star Security to provide security camera installation services for the City of Hawaiian Gardens Community Development Department’s Business Revitalization Program.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0312023.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
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City of Hawaiian Gardens Community Development Department’s Business Revitalization Program.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0312023.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
D. COMMITTEE REPORT(S)
There were no Committee Reports.
E. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
F. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that the Teen Center will be hosting a Teen Center Resource Night on Thursday, September 7 ; an Open Street Fair will be held on Saturday, September 23 ; and the Alternative to Gangs Membership Program is working with the Youth Sports Department to offer an all girls division for flag football.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that the Code Enforcement Division is working with the auto body shop mentioned during public comment to address parking concerns; that the Community Safety Officers are patrolling to respond to observed violations; and invited residents to Boba Tea with a Deputy on Wednesday, August 30 at Eightfold Tea Shoppe.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager announced that the first community block clean up program was a great event for the community; and thanked the community and the Public Works team for their reaction to weather events.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez spoke.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember De Paula announced that he visited couple schools, to explore ways to encourage community members to sign up for dual enrollment, for high school students to get the opportunity to take collegecorses
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Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez spoke.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember De Paula announced that he visited couple schools, to explore ways to encourage community members to sign up for dual enrollment, for high school students to get the opportunity to take college courses.
Councilmember Vargas announced that he met with Principals at elementary and middle schools to followup on the ATGM program.
Mayor Del Rio thanked staff for their reaction to the recent weather events.
I. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) to confer with its legal counsel with regard to the following one matter of existing litigation:
Suniga, et al. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 21STCV17355
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3) to confer with its legal counsel with regard to a matter of significant exposure to litigation.
Number of Potential Cases: One (1) – A letter was sent to the City Attorney’s office, dated August 15, 2023, from Denise Fellers at the law firm of Morgan Lewis representing the BKK Working Group in a dispute over liability from a cleanup of a landfill in West Covina. The letter requests the City enter into a tolling agreement with respect to the threatened dispute. The letter is attached to the agenda and is also available for review upon request at the City Clerk’s Office, where it is on file.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, read the Closed Session Items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:35 PM
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 8:17 PM.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, reported out of closed session that there was no reportable action for the existing litigation item regarding Suniga, et al. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens; and that the City Council authorized the City to enter into a tolling agreement for the anticipated litigation item.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:17 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
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Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, reported out of closed session that there was no reportable action for the existing litigation item regarding Suniga, et al. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens; and that the City Council authorized the City to enter into a tolling agreement for the anticipated litigation item.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:17 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
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