CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Maria Teresa Del Rio, Mayor Pro Tem
Victor Farfan, Councilmember
Luis Roa, Councilmember
Ernie Vargas, Councilmember
Dandy De Paula, Mayor
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Regular Meeting, 6:00 PM
Ernesto Marquez,City Manager
Norma Tabares, City Attorney
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:04 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Mayor De Paula.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember Roa
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio
Mayor De Paula
ABSENT
1 Councilmember Farfan
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Kathleen Wiechelman spoke.
Kyo Kim spoke.
Susy Vigil spoke.
Irene Zapata spoke.
Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
Jesus Mendoza spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
There were no Proclamation or Certificates.
PRESENTATIONS
1. SWEARING IN CEREMONY – JAIME RIVAS, A HAWAIIAN GARDENS RESIDENT WHO
GRADUATEDFROMPEPPERDINEUNIVERSITYANDPASSEDTHEBAR
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Irene Zapata spoke.
Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
Jesus Mendoza spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
There were no Proclamation or Certificates.
PRESENTATIONS
1. SWEARING IN CEREMONY – JAIME RIVAS, A HAWAIIAN GARDENS RESIDENT WHO GRADUATED FROM PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY AND PASSED THE BAR Mayor De Paula administered the Oath for Jaime Rivas.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 PM.
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 6:42 PM.
2. INTRODUCTION TO STAFF OF THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
DEPARTMENT
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, introduced new Recreation Staff Members.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda Organization.
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 Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0122025, approving the Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority; and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0122025, approving the Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority; and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of May 17 to May 30, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
4. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Matrix Consulting Group to provide consulting services to update the City Fee Schedules and prepare a Development Impact Fee Study.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0102025, authorizing an amendment to the agreement
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A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0102025, authorizing an amendment to the agreement for reimbursement for helicopter patrol services by and between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the City of Lakewood – Sky Knight Program.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
6. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, May 28, 2025; and the Special Meeting of Thursday, May 22, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to accept the construction improvements by Hardy & Harper, Inc., for the Carson Street Beautification Phase II, Project 108, and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
Themotioncarriedbythefollowingvote:
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1. Recommendation to accept the construction improvements by Hardy & Harper, Inc., for the Carson Street Beautification Phase II, Project 108, and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to discuss and consider approving a donation to Hawaiian Gardens VFW Post 7243.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Shadic Anderson, Senior Vice Commander, spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation and approve a $5,000 donation to VFW Post 7243.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0112025, adopting a twoyear budget for the fiscal years of 20252026 and 20262027.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
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3. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0112025, adopting a twoyear budget for the fiscal years of 20252026 and 20262027.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0112025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Farfan
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
D. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that the first concert of the Summer Concert Series will take place on June 13, 2025; and that the Youth Soccer Program will hold its Closing Ceremony on June 14, 2025.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced that a Community Block Cleanup will be held on June 14, 2025; and a tire recycle event will be held on June 14, 2025.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, announced that he requested a more proactive effort from LASD to curtail the illegal fireworks activity in the city.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that Public Safety collaborated with Public Works for new digital street signs educating the community of the new illegal fireworks fines.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no Oral City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa thanked staff for their work in approving the twoyear city budget; and announced he stands in solidarity with the immigrant community.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio announced she stands in solidarity with the immigrant community.
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new digital street signs educating the community of the new illegal fireworks fines.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no Oral City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa thanked staff for their work in approving the twoyear city budget; and announced he stands in solidarity with the immigrant community.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio announced she stands in solidarity with the immigrant community.
Mayor De Paula delivered a message that the City of Hawaiian Gardens does not collaborate or participate in any Federal Immigration Enforcement activity.
H. CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
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
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, read the Closed Session items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:42 PM.
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 8:35 PM.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, stated no reportable action from Closed Session.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:36 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
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