CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 1
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, December 11, 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, December 11, 2024 at 6:01 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 Armando Soto, AFSCME President, Local 3624, spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATIONS TO MAYOR VICTOR FARFAN AND THE MAYOR’S FAREWELL
COMMENTS
Liliana Jimenez, Senior Field Representative, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva, spoke.
Lauren Yokomiza, Field Deputy, Supervisor Janice Hahn, spoke.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 2
Daniel Holguin, Captain, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, spoke.
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD Clerk of the Board, spoke.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, read a certificate from Congresswoman Michelle Steel.
David Arellano, City of Lakewood Councilmember, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Farfan spoke.
A. BUSINESS ITEMS
1 Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 039-2024, declaring the results of the General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, provided a staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 039-2024.
The motion 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 Administer the Oath of Office to the Newly Elected Members of the City Council: Victor Farfan and Ernie Vargas.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to newly re-elected City Councilmember Ernie Vargas.
Frank Farfan administered the Oath of Office to newly re-elected City Councilmember Victor Farfan.
3 Reorganization of Members of the City Council.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, opened the nominations for the position of Mayor and all committees the Mayor serves on such as Public Housing Authority, Successor Agency to the RDA, and Public Financing Authority.
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 3
Councilmember Del Rio nominated Mayor Pro Tem De Paula for Mayor.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, closed nominations for Mayor.
A motion was made by Councilmember Del Rio, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem De Paula as Mayor.
The motion 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
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, opened the nominations for the position of Mayor Pro Tem and all committees the Mayor Pro Tem serves on such as Public Housing Authority, Successor Agency to the RDA, and Public Financing Authority.
Councilmember Vargas nominated Councilmember Del Rio for Mayor Pro Tem.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, closed nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
A motion was made by Councilmember Vargas, to appoint Couuncilmember Del Rio as Mayor Pro Tem.
The motion 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 Roll Call of the New City Council.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Farfan
Councilmember Roa
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio
Mayor De Paula
ABSENT
None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 4
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced quorum.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes made to the agenda organization.
B. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
1. Recommend to (1) adopt Resolution No. 035-2024, adopting the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element; (2) adopt Resolution No. 037-2024, adopting the Initial Study for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update; (3) Conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-620, amending Sections 18.30, 18.40, 18.50, 18.55, 18.60, 18.70, 18.90, 18.100 and 18.110 of the City of Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, and amending the Zoning Code Map; and (4) adopt Resolution No. 036-2024, adopting the amended General Plan Land Use Element and Map.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Tonya Pace, Senior Planner, introduced the item.
Grant Henninger, Mobius Planning, provided a presentation.
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Farfan recused himself for site #5, the Auto Zone site.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve inclusion of Site 5, the Auto Zone site, as a Housing Element housing site and reflect that inclusion in the General Plan Land Use Element Map and Zoning Code Map.
The motion Carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 1; Farfan
Motion Carried: 4–0–0–1
A motion was made by Mayor Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolutions Nos. 035-2024, 036-2024, 037-2024; and declare Ordinance No. 2024-620, read the first time and laid over to the next regular meeting for final reading, as amended, for the referenced ADU Code Section 18.90.080 to be identical to Ordinance No. 2024-618.
The motion Carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Del Rio, Roa, Vargas, De Paula, Farfan
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 5
Motion Carried: 5–0–0–0
C. 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 Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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 conduct second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-618, amending Section
18.90.080 of the City of Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and finding the action to be statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code § 21080.17.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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 approve Order Form pursuant to the OpenGov Software Agreement.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 6
The motion 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 adopt Resolution No. 038-2024, to write-off loans from the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the Hawaiian Gardens Housing Authority to the Hawaiian Gardens Successor Agency, as a result of a determination by the State Department of Finance (DOF) to deny approval of the loans as enforceable obligations of the Hawaiian Gardens Successor Agency.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
5. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of November 2 to November 29, 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
6. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to modify the use of ARPA funds for the Carson Street Beautification Project, or other projects, as needed to replace the use of General Fund Reserves.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 7
Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
7. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the months of October and November 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
8. Recommendation to accept construction improvements by Crosstown Electric & Data Inc. for the HSIP Cycle 8 Carson Street Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 106 (Federal Project No. HSIPL-5387-012), and authorize the City Clerk to file the notice of completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
9. Recommendation to accept construction improvements by Crosstown Electric & Data Inc. for the HSIP Cycle 8 Norwalk Boulevard Signal Hardware Improvements, Project 107 (Federal Project No. HSIPL-5387-013), and authorize the City Clerk to file the notice of completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 8
Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
10. Recommendation to accept construction improvements by Ran Enterprises Inc., for the C.
Robert lee HVAC Replacement, Project 103, and authorize the City Clerk to file the notice of completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
11. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024; the Special Meeting of Wednesday, November 20, 2024; and the Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission of Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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
12. Recommendation to receive and file various minutes for the Public Safety Commission for the month of October 2024; and the Recreation and Parks Commission for the month of November 2024.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 9
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion 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. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 040-2024, approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO, Local 3624, Council 36, Rank and File Unit.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Del Rio, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 040-2024, as amended, for Section 2 to read as follows: The Mayor and the City Manager are authorized to execute the attached MOU, and the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1, which will have effect according to the terms when signed by the authorized representatives of all parties, at that time the expired MOU and all other side letter agreements between the parties shall be deemed superseded and rescinded; and for Section 3 to read as follows: The City Manager is directed to continue to work with AFSCME on any required side letter to clarify or explain any unforeseen or unresolved issues as deemed necessary.
The motion 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 adopt Resolution No. 041-2024, adopting a revised salary schedule for employees within the American Federation of the State, County, and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO, Local 3624, Council 36, Rank and File Unit Rank & File Unit.
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REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024 Page 10
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, 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
E. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
F. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director reported that they held a successful tree lighting event; that registration is open for youth winter camp and youth basketball league; and announced that the deadline for the youth scholarship program is December 19, 2024.
G. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
H. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio thanked staff who participated in tree lighting event; and thanked Supervisor Janice Hahn for donating a float.
Councilmember Farfan thanked staff for their work for the holiday events.
Mayor De Paula thanked the community and the City of Hawaiian Gardens for the opportunity to serve.
I. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
J. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:34 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM.