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, November 14, 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, November 14, 2023 at 6:03 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pastor Dr. Reginald Lawrence, Church of Deliverance International.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Lesly Silva, Teen Center President.
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 There were no Public Comments.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. TEEN CENTER RECOGNITION FOR HAUNTED MAZE EVENT
Mayor Del Rio presented certificates to the Teen Center Haunted Maze volunteers.
Eric Leon, Recreation Coordinator, spoke.
Lesly Silva spoke.
Gabriel spoke.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:27 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:37 PM.
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1. TEEN CENTER RECOGNITION FOR HAUNTED MAZE EVENT
Mayor Del Rio presented certificates to the Teen Center Haunted Maze volunteers.
Eric Leon, Recreation Coordinator, spoke.
Lesly Silva spoke.
Gabriel spoke.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:27 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:37 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 Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 adopt Resolution No. 0352023, authorizing the City Manager to declare Unit 43 as surplus.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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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 adopt Resolution No. 0352023, authorizing the City Manager to declare Unit 43 as surplus.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 approve salary adjustments for the Neighborhood Counselor and Special Events Coordinator positions.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 adopt Resolution No. 0362023, extending the deadline to establish an online permitting system for postentitlement phase permits under California Government Code Section 65913.3.5 (AB 2234).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 warrants processed during the period of October 14 to November 3, 2023.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 warrants processed during the period of October 14 to November 3, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 install parking signs to designate reserved parking for Military and Veterans at City Parking Lots.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
7. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
7. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, 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 conduct second reading of Ordinance No. 2023613, adding Chapter 5.97 to Title 5 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, imposing regulations on Mobile Food Vending.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, provided the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Ordinance No. 2023613.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0382023, which (1) Approves an Amendment to the City of Hawaiian Gardens Flexible Benefit Plan;
(2) Adopts the City of Hawaiian Gardens Health Reimbursement Arrangement; (3) Approves the retention of MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, LLC (“MidAmerica”) to provide administrative services in connection with the Retiree HRA; and, (4) Authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to duly execute the amended and restated adoption agreement to the Plan, the Retiree HRA, and any documents necessary to retain MidAmerica to provide administrative services in connection with the Retiree HRA.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
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(4) Authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to duly execute the amended and restated adoption agreement to the Plan, the Retiree HRA, and any documents necessary to retain MidAmerica to provide administrative services in connection with the Retiree HRA.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Rosario Pozoli, HR Manager, spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmemeber Roa spoke.
Isabel Safie, Best Best & Krieger Partner, spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0382023.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0372023, authorization the Service and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at a City Facility for the December 2nd Boxing Event.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided the staff report.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
A discussion ensued between Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director and Mayor Del Rio.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
A discussion ensued between Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, and Councilmember Vargas.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
CouncilmemberDePaulaspoke
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Mayor Del Rio.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
A discussion ensued between Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, and Councilmember Vargas.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas abstained from Agenda Item No. C3.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Farfan, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0372023.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Del Rio, Farfan, Roa, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file a presentation regarding Citywide Development Projects.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan 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;
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Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Farfan 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 Recreation staff for their hard work; announced that the Annual Tree Lighting Event will be held December 1, 2023, Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 9, 2023.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided an update on the Pioneer Park Renovation Project, playground equipment will be shipped to the city in December; and that a block cleanup program will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 (depending on weather).
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember De Paula announced that he attended the Teen Center Haunted Maze.
Mayor Del Rio thanked staff who participated in the recent City events; and thanked veterans.
I. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
Name of Case: A. Linda Suniga and Claudia Raya vs. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV17355
B. Californians for Homeownership, Inc. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 23STCP00624
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957
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I. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
Name of Case: A. Linda Suniga and Claudia Raya vs. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV17355
B. Californians for Homeownership, Inc. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 23STCP00624
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957
Title: City Attorney
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager Employee Organization: AFSCME Rank & File Unit
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, read the Closed Session Items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:33 PM
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 10:06 PM.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney, stated no reportable action from Closed Session.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 10:07 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
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