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, October 22, 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, October 22, 2025 at 6:03 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.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. STUDENT AWARDS FOR THE RED RIBBON POSTER CONTEST
Mayor De Paula presented the awards to the Red Ribbon Poster contest winners.
2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO HONOR DANIEL TOVAR FOR HIS EXHIBITION AT THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Mayor De Paula presented a certificate to Daniel Tovar.
Daniel Tovar spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
FranciscoNoyolaABCSchoolDistrictVicePresidentoftheBoardspoke
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2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO HONOR DANIEL TOVAR FOR HIS EXHIBITION AT THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Mayor De Paula presented a certificate to Daniel Tovar.
Daniel Tovar spoke.
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)
1. Recommendation to conduct a Public Hearing and adopt one of the following resolutions as Resolution No. 0292025: 1. A Resolution affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a Minor Use Permit for a proposed boat sales business located at 12347 E. Carson Street and determining that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); or
2. A Resolution overturning the Planning Commission’s decision and denying a Minor Use Permit for a proposed boat sales business located at 12347 E. Carson Street and determining that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Either affirm the decision of the Planning Commission and approve the MUP subject to the same or different conditions of approval or overturn the Planning Commission’s decision and adopt appropriate findings to deny the MUP.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, explained the hearing process.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, spoke.
Andrew Hard, applicant, provided a presentation.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ramon Chavez, provided a public comment.
Elizabeth Vasquez, provided a public comment.
David Marlow, provided a public comment.
Mayor De Paula closed public testimony.
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Andrew Hard, applicant, provided a presentation.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ramon Chavez, provided a public comment.
Elizabeth Vasquez, provided a public comment.
David Marlow, provided a public comment.
Mayor De Paula closed public testimony.
Andrew Hard, made closing comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Vargas, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to reopen the Public Hearing and continue the item to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
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
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 Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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 conduct the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2025621, amending Title 15 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code and adopting by reference the 2025 editions of the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Residential Codes, with local amendments based on climatic, geological, and topographic conditions; and schedule a Public Hearing and the second reading of the Ordinance No. 2025621 on November 12, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
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Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation to conduct the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2025621, amending Title 15 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code and adopting by reference the 2025 editions of the California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Residential Codes, with local amendments based on climatic, geological, and topographic conditions; and schedule a Public Hearing and the second reading of the Ordinance No. 2025621 on November 12, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 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, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 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, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 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 the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
5. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 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 September 27 to October 10, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
7. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0302025, amending the donation policy for local schools.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
8. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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AYES: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
8. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of September 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
9. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 5; Farfan, Roa, Vargas, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
10. Recommendation to receive and file the minutes for the Finance Committee meeting of Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, 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: 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 adopt Resolution No. 0312025, consenting to the assignment of the Exclusive Solid Waste Services Franchise Agreement with Waste Resources, Inc. to USA Waste of California, Inc. and approving Amendment No. 3 to the Franchise Agreement substantially in the formattachedasExhibitBandauthorizetheCityManagertoexecuteallnecessarydocuments,in
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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 adopt Resolution No. 0312025, consenting to the assignment of the Exclusive Solid Waste Services Franchise Agreement with Waste Resources, Inc. to USA Waste of California, Inc. and approving Amendment No. 3 to the Franchise Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0312025.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0322025, amending the adopted 20252026 and 20262027 citywide budgets.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0322025.
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 plans and specifications and award a construction contract to Sequel Contractors in the amount of $1,335,200, and construction inspection and material testing services to Ardurra Group, Inc., in the amount of $93,080 for the SCAG STBG Street Rehabilitation, Project 121 (Federal Project No. STPL5387017).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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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 plans and specifications and award a construction contract to Sequel Contractors in the amount of $1,335,200, and construction inspection and material testing services to Ardurra Group, Inc., in the amount of $93,080 for the SCAG STBG Street Rehabilitation, Project 121 (Federal Project No. STPL5387017).
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
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
4. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to approve the proposal submitted by Z Best Hardwood Floors, to resurface the basketball gymnasium and three racquetball courts.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Roa 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: 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 the dates for two events:
Halloween Spooktacular, October 31; and the Veterans Day event on November 7.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced a TrunkorTreat event on October 24.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced a Block Clean Up event on November 15, 2025; and provided an update on the beautification projects.
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D. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced the dates for two events:
Halloween Spooktacular, October 31; and the Veterans Day event on November 7.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced a TrunkorTreat event on October 24.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced a Block Clean Up event on November 15, 2025; and provided an update on the beautification projects.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced the dates and times the vote centers will be open for the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
There were no Oral Council Reports.
H. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:27 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
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