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, October 24, 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, October 24, 2023 at 6:06 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pastor Dr. Reginald Lawrence, Church of Deliverance International.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Roa.
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 Rene Rodas spoke.
Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
Unidentified speaker on behalf of Rene Rodas spoke.
Ramie Torres spoke.
Alberto Herrera spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. STUDENT AWARDS FOR THE RED RIBBON POSTER CONTEST
Mayor Del Rio presented the awards to the 2023 Red Ribbon Poster Contest winners.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:38 PM.
MDlRilldhibkd645PM
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 1
Unidentified speaker on behalf of Rene Rodas spoke.
Ramie Torres spoke.
Alberto Herrera spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. STUDENT AWARDS FOR THE RED RIBBON POSTER CONTEST
Mayor Del Rio presented the awards to the 2023 Red Ribbon Poster Contest winners.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:38 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:45 PM.
PRESENTATIONS
There were no Presentations.
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 as presented, in its entirety.
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 receive and file warrants processed during the period of September 30 to October 13, 2023.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 2
Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 receive and file warrants processed during the period of September 30 to October 13, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of September 2023.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 3
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 approve a Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Romo Planning Group, Inc. for “As Needed Professional Planning and Other Professional Services”.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with SC Consulting, for Information Technology Services
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 4
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 the Public Works Department Engineering Division CIP Status Report for September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0322023, authorizing submittal of individual grant applications for all grant programs for which the City of Hawaiian Gardens is eligible through the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula, Vargas
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 5
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 receive and file the Beautification Program updated report for the month of September 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 minutes for the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 introduce Ordinance No. 2023613, adding Chapter 5.97 to Title 5 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, imposing regulations on mobile food vending; Declare that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, as it is not a “project” and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15378(a). Further, this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA as there is no possibility that this Ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment. 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3); and
Set Ordinance No. 2023613 for adoption at the November 14, 2023, City Council meeting.
SUGGESTEDACTION:ApproveRecommendation.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 6
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 2023613, adding Chapter 5.97 to Title 5 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, imposing regulations on mobile food vending; Declare that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, as it is not a “project” and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15378(a). Further, this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA as there is no possibility that this Ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment. 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3); and
Set Ordinance No. 2023613 for adoption at the November 14, 2023, City Council meeting.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Discussion between Councilmember Roa, John Natalizio, City Attorney, and Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
Discussion ensued between Mayor Del Rio and Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 7
Discussion ensued between Mayor Del Rio and Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Discussion ensued between John Natalizio, City Attorney; and Mayor Pro Tem Farfan.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, 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
2. Recommendation to award a construction contract to Crosstown Electric & Data Inc., in the amount of $795,778 for the HSIP Cycle 8 Carson Street Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 106 (Federal Project No. HSIPL5387012).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
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 award a construction contract to Crosstown Electric & Data Inc., in the amount of $463,765 for the HSIP Cycle 8 Norwalk Boulevard Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 107 (Federal Project No. HSIPL5387013).
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 8
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 award a construction contract to Crosstown Electric & Data Inc., in the amount of $463,765 for the HSIP Cycle 8 Norwalk Boulevard Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 107 (Federal Project No. HSIPL5387013).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
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
4. Recommendation to receive and file an Update on Phase 2 of the Implementation of MOU Health Benefit Terms.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Discussion ensued between Councilmember Vargas and Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councimember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
IsabelSafieBestBest&KriegerPartnerspoke
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 9
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councimember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, 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
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, thanked the Councilmembers for participating in Red Ribbon Rally Walk; announced that the Teen Center is hosting a Haunted Maze on October 27 – 28 from 6 – 9 PM; and the annual Halloween Spooktacular event will be held on October 31, 2023.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event; and announced his resignation as an Alternative Boardmember from the LA County Sanitation District.
Councilmember De Paula announced that he visited Fedde Academy, and that the City has enhanced the relationship with the schools to assist with safety and safe passages.
Mayor Del Rio thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
Councilmember Vargas thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
ICLOSEDSESSION
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 10
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event; and announced his resignation as an Alternative Boardmember from the LA County Sanitation District.
Councilmember De Paula announced that he visited Fedde Academy, and that the City has enhanced the relationship with the schools to assist with safety and safe passages.
Mayor Del Rio thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
Councilmember Vargas thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan thanked staff for the Red Ribbon Rally Walk event.
I. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:55 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2023 Page 11