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, July 23, 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, July 23, 2025 at 6:02 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 Farfan
Councilmember Roa
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio
Mayor De Paula
ABSENT
1 Councilmember Vargas
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Irene Zapata, Hawaiian Gardens Library Manager, spoke.
Jesus Mendoza spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
There were no Proclamation or Certificates.
PRESENTATIONS
1. UPDATE ON THE YOUTH@WORK PROGRAM – KRISTINA TORREYSON, YEP COORDINATOR Kristina Torreyson, YEP Coordinator, spoke.
Marco spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
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JULY 23, 2025 Page 1
PRESENTATIONS
1. UPDATE ON THE YOUTH@WORK PROGRAM – KRISTINA TORREYSON, YEP COORDINATOR Kristina Torreyson, YEP Coordinator, spoke.
Marco spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
Agenda Item No. C3 was considered before Agenda Item No. C1.
A. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
1. Recommendation to conduct a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 0212025, for approval of the 20252026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and budget.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Mayor De Paula closed the Public Hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
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JULY 23, 2025 Page 2
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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of June 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of June 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of June 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
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4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of June 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to approve a Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Incorporated, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney’s office.
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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
6. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement between SDI Presence LLC and the City of Hawaiian Gardens in an amount not to exceed $591,600 to provide consulting services for procurement and implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning System.
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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
7. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of June 14 to June 27, 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
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Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
7. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of June 14 to June 27, 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
8. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of June 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
9. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, July 9, 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; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to consider a recommendation from the Public Safety Commission that the City Council consider directing staff to conduct a Traffic Study.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided update.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
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RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to consider a recommendation from the Public Safety Commission that the City Council consider directing staff to conduct a Traffic Study.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided update.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to create a speed hump policy and direction to pursue a Traffic Study.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to discuss and provide direction regarding community concerns about federal immigration enforcement in the City; and immigrationrelated resources available to residents.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, provided the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to create a plan of action.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to disclose the cost of providing a retirement incentive program to eligible employees as required by Government Code Section 7507.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Isabel Safie, Best Best and Krieger, provided the staff report.
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AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to disclose the cost of providing a retirement incentive program to eligible employees as required by Government Code Section 7507.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Isabel Safie, Best Best and Krieger, provided the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
No Action Taken/Required.
4. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0222025, modifying the effective date of the Salary Schedule approved by Resolution No. 0042025 and adopting a revised Salary Schedule for employees within the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Rank and File Unit.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Rosario Pozzoli, HR Manager, presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0222025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to approve Plans and Specifications and award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric Inc., in the amount of $303,313 for the Norwalk Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Project 117 (HSIPSL5387016).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
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SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
6. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for citywide tree maintenance services.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
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 the start of youth baseball; that the swimming lessons program has served over 188 kids; in June, we served 1,307 lunches to the youth in our community; both sessions of the summer camp program have been filled; the concert in the park will be held on August 8, 2025; and the events in October will be the golf tournament and Halloween events.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no Oral City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa reported that he attended the ICA Independent Cities Association Summer Conference.
CouncilmemberFarfanreportedthatheattendedtheICAIndependentCitiesAssociationSummer
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in our community; both sessions of the summer camp program have been filled; the concert in the park will be held on August 8, 2025; and the events in October will be the golf tournament and Halloween events.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no Oral City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa reported that he attended the ICA Independent Cities Association Summer Conference.
Councilmember Farfan, reported that he attended the ICA Independent Cities Association Summer Conference; and was able to attend the teen overnight camp in Bishop with the rugby team and teen center.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio reported that she attended the annual Car Show.
Mayor De Paula reported that he attended the ICA Independent Cities Association Summer Conference; and attended the annual Car Show.
H. CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Manager
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, read the Closed Session items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:36 PM.
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 8:12 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 8:13 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
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