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, November 12, 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, November 12, 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
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 Pastor Hank Trimble spoke.
Richard spoke.
Jesus Mendoza spoke.
Andrew Hard spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. RECOGNIZING RECENT RETIREES KATHRYN WEBB, JESUS CONTRERAS, FRANK AMARO, AND SANTOS MURGUIA
Mayor De Paula presented plaques to the recent retirees.
Mayor De Paula declared a recess at 6:26 PM.
Mayor De Paula called the meeting back to order at 6:39 PM.
PRESENTATIONS
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NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Page 1
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. RECOGNIZING RECENT RETIREES KATHRYN WEBB, JESUS CONTRERAS, FRANK AMARO, AND SANTOS MURGUIA
Mayor De Paula presented plaques to the recent retirees.
Mayor De Paula declared a recess at 6:26 PM.
Mayor De Paula called the meeting back to order at 6:39 PM.
PRESENTATIONS
There were no Presenations.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda Organization.
A. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
1. Recommendation to hold a Public Hearing and conduct the second reading, by title only, of Ordinance No. 2025621, amending Title 15 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, adopting by reference the 2025 California Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Residential Codes.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, introduced the item.
Dennis Tarango, Transtech Engineers, presented the staff report.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Ordinance No. 2025621.
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 Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
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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 16, except for Item 2.
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 a report summarizing a meeting between City of Hawaiian Gardens staff and the Cerritos Sheriff's station regarding their recently implemented drone program.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, 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: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to approve the waiving of rental fees to support the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Ball to be held at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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 warrants processed during the period of October 11 to October 31, 2025.
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Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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 warrants processed during the period of October 11 to October 31, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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 cancel the Regular City Council meetings and Public Housing Authority meetings of Wednesday, November 26, and December 24, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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 approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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)
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A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember Roa, to adopt the Consent Calendar Items 16, except for Item 2.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0332025, approving, authorizing, and directing execution of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement with the California Municipal Finance Authority.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, introduced the item.
Travis Cooper, California Municipal Finance Authority, spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0332025.
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 review and approve the amended guidelines for the City’s Youth and Adult Scholarship Program.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Roa spoke.
Mayor De Paula spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation, as amended, for the guidelines to include a 10hour Community Service requirement, whether it’s done at the city or elsewhere.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; Farfan, Roa, Del Rio, De Paula
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Vargas
RECUSE: 0;
Motioncarried:4010
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Councilmember Farfan spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Del Rio, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation, as amended, for the guidelines to include a 10hour Community Service requirement, whether it’s done at the city or elsewhere.
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 accept the construction improvements by Sequel Contractors for the Fiscal Year 20232024 Arterial and Residential Street Rehabilitation, Project 112 (CDBG Project No. 60265823); and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion.
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
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 upcoming events:
Turkey Giveaway Drive, November 22; Tree Lighting Event, December 5; Breakfast with Santa, December 6; Youth Volleyball Tournament, December 7; Flag Football Tournament, December 1314; and have begun renovation at C. Robert Lee Activity Center.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, provided a street sweeping schedule and ongoing Public Works Projects updates due to forecasted rain; and announced that the Carson Street Beautification Project Phase 2, has been selected as one of the American Public Works Association APWA Southern California Chapter best award winners in the traffic mobility and beautification category.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced a ribboncutting ceremony for Sushi Forest on November 13.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, provided an update on the fee study, and ERP system.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, announced that the city has partnered with LA Food Bank and Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Office to host a food drive on November 26.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
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Project Phase 2, has been selected as one of the American Public Works Association APWA Southern California Chapter best award winners in the traffic mobility and beautification category.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced a ribboncutting ceremony for Sushi Forest on November 13.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, provided an update on the fee study, and ERP system.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, announced that the city has partnered with LA Food Bank and Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Office to host a food drive on November 26.
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 7:16 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
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