CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Dandy De Paula, Mayor Pro Tem
Maria Teresa Del Rio, Councilmember
Luis Roa, Councilmember
Ernie Vargas, Councilmember Victor Farfan,
Mayor
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
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 Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Mayor Farfan.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Del Rio
Councilmember Roa
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula
Mayor Farfan
ABSENT
None
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Frances Rodriguez spoke.
Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
Jesus Mendoza spoke.
Mary Bueno spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke spoke.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
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Jesus Mendoza spoke.
Mary Bueno spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke spoke.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. RECOGNITION OF FEDDE ACADEMY FOR BEING REDESIGNATED AS A STATE AND NATIONAL SCHOOL TO WATCH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mayor Farfan presented a certificate to Fedde Academy.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATION BY ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, REGARDING SCHOOL FACILITIES CAPACITIES AND DECLINING ENROLLMENT
Sophia Tse, ABCUSD President of the Board spoke.
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD Clerk of the Board, spoke
Toan Nguyen, ABCUSD Chief Financial Officer, provided a presentation.
Mayor Farfan requested a future agenda item regarding school capacities and enrollment.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, spoke
Sophia Tse, ABCUSD President of the Board spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve the Agenda Organization.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES0
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Mayor Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve the Agenda Organization.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
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 Councilmember Del Rio, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of January 13 to February 2, 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
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A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0032024, approving the City of Hawaiian Gardens 2024 Title VI Program Update per the United States Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI requirements and guidelines for federally funded subrecipients.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to adopt Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 2024616, amending the Municipal Code regarding possession, service, and consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places; and provide feedback regarding Resolution No. 0042024, establishing a policy regulating Alcoholic Beverages in public places, which will be adopted at the second reading of the Ordinance.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, provided the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
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C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 2024616, amending the Municipal Code regarding possession, service, and consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places; and provide feedback regarding Resolution No. 0042024, establishing a policy regulating Alcoholic Beverages in public places, which will be adopted at the second reading of the Ordinance.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, provided the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve recommendation, as amended, for Resolution No. 0042024 to include a condition that alcoholic beverages be served and consumed in an enclosed location or structure not visible by members of the public.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to award a professional services agreement to Minagar & Associates Inc., for preparation of the Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey report and authorize the Public Works Manager to request additional traffic engineering services from the consultant within the budgeted amount.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
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Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
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)
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided an update on a new generator purchased by the department; and graffiti removal.
Mayor Farfan spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, provided an update on Vote Centers for the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Del Rio thanked Public Works staff for their proactive response during the severe storm; reported that she attended the Independent Cities Association Conference on Public Safety.
Councilmember Roa reported that he attended the Independent Cities Association Conference on PublicSafety
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Primary Election.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Del Rio thanked Public Works staff for their proactive response during the severe storm; reported that she attended the Independent Cities Association Conference on Public Safety.
Councilmember Roa reported that he attended the Independent Cities Association Conference on Public Safety.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula reported that Fergeson Elementary School had read over 1,700 books in a 3 months period; placed 7 out of 19 elementary schools in a recent spelling bee; and received a state grant to hire a literacy coach; Hawaiian Elementary School increase in achievement in state testing for all student groups; and reported that he attended the Independent Cities Association Conference on Public Safety.
Mayor Farfan reported he attended a Public Safety round table with Assemblywoman Sharon QuirkSilva; attended Melbourne Elementary Great Kindness week parade; grand opening of Shor restaurant; Little League pancake breakfast fundraiser; ABCUSD Town Hall meeting; Senior Valentine Day Event; and Rugby Event.
Councilmember Vargas requested that staff look at a survey/solution/suggestions for what other cities are doing to deal with parking issues.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
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 matter of pending litigation:
Californians for Homeownership, Inc. v. City of Hawaiian Gardens, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 23STCP00624
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agencydesignated representative: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 3624 Rank & File Unit Union AFSCME Local 3624 Management Unit Union
John Natalizio, City Attorney, read the Closed Session Items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 8:25 PM
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 9:34 PM.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, stated no reportable action from Closed Session.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 9:35 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM
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The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 9:34 PM.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
John Natalizio, City Attorney, stated no reportable action from Closed Session.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 9:35 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM
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