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, September 24, 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, September 24, 2025 at 6:00 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
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio
Mayor De Paula
ABSENT
None
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Irene Zapata, Hawaiian Gardens Library Manager, spoke.
Bianca Viegas spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
There were no Proclamations or Certificates.
PRESENTATIONS
1. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABC School District Vice President of the Board, spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda Organization.
APUBLICHEARING(S)/HEARING(s)
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PRESENTATIONS
1. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABC School District Vice President of the Board, 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 Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of August 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of August 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
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NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of August 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of August 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
5. Recommendation to receive and file Treasurer's Report for July 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
6. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of August 16 to September 12, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
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NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
6. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of August 16 to September 12, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
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 month of August 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
8. Recommendation to approve a rightofway use agreement between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for the installation, maintenance, and operation of the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network; and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
9. Recommendation to approve Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between
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A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
9. Recommendation to approve Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Los Angeles Regional Integrated Water Management Joint Powers Authority and the City of Hawaiian Gardens for administration and cost sharing to prepare and implement a Watershed Management Program and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit Order No. R420210105 and subsequent Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (“MS4 Permit”); and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
10. Recommendation to opt into Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors, Purdue Pharma, L.P. and Sackler Family, whereby the County of Los Angeles will receive the city’s designated share of settlement funds; and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
11. Recommendation to opt into Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors, Alvogen Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Apotex Corp., Hikama Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Indivior, Inc., Mylan, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Inc. and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., whereby the County of Los Angeles will receive the city’s designated share of settlement funds, and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
AmotionwasmadebyCouncilmemberFarfansecondedbyCouncilmemberRoatoadoptthe
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NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
11. Recommendation to opt into Settlement Agreement with opioid distributors, Alvogen Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Apotex Corp., Hikama Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Indivior, Inc., Mylan, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Inc. and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., whereby the County of Los Angeles will receive the city’s designated share of settlement funds, and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
12. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items Nos. 112, except for Item No. 8.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to discuss ABC Unified School District plan to consolidate and reconfigure schools to address declining enrollment; and to send a letter to ABCUSD on behalf of the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Francisco Noyola spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
CouncilmemberVargasspoke
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SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Francisco Noyola spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to direct staff to conduct additional research on how to assist our City nonprofit groups.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, presented the staff report.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to allow staff additional time to do further research on different ways and strategies that we can work with our local nonprofit groups and report back at a future council meeting.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. Recommendation to approve Amendment No. 2 to the City Manager Employment Agreement between Ernesto Marquez and the City of Hawaiian Gardens.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
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3. Recommendation to approve Amendment No. 2 to the City Manager Employment Agreement between Ernesto Marquez and the City of Hawaiian Gardens.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to appoint Councilmember Victor Farfan and Councilmember Luis Roa to an Ad Hoc Investment Advisory Committee.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to form an Ad Hoc Investment Advisory Committee and appoint Councilmember Victor Farfan and Councilmember Luis Roa to the committee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
D. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that the ATGM and youth sports Friday Nights Flag Football program have begun; announced the dates for three events in October: Golf Tournament, October 13; Red Ribbon Rally, October 22; Halloween Spooktacular, October 31.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced that the trimming of all palm trees along Norwalk Boulevard and residential neighborhoods has been completed; that on October 2 there will be a bid opening for SCAG STBG Street Rehabillitation; that the LA County Sanitation District sewer trunk improvement program is moving forward; and provided an update on the reroofing project.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that she will be representing the City next week at the International Council of Shopping Centers.
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E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that the ATGM and youth sports Friday Nights Flag Football program have begun; announced the dates for three events in October: Golf Tournament, October 13; Red Ribbon Rally, October 22; Halloween Spooktacular, October 31.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced that the trimming of all palm trees along Norwalk Boulevard and residential neighborhoods has been completed; that on October 2 there will be a bid opening for SCAG STBG Street Rehabillitation; that the LA County Sanitation District sewer trunk improvement program is moving forward; and provided an update on the reroofing project.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that she will be representing the City next week at the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, announced that AquaTots was added as a worksite to the YEP program; provided an update on the ERP project and fee study; and that the city received a GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced that the ballot dropbox will open on October 4 for the upcoming Statewide Special Election.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, announced that LA County Sheriff’s Captain Daniel Holguin will provide an update at the next City Council meeting.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no Oral City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Roa thanked Elise McCaleb for representing the city.
Councilmember Vargas spoke regarding ICE.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember Roa requested an agenda item for the next City Council meeting regarding potential assistance the city can provide to the community in the event of an ICE raid.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
H. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:12 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
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