CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Luis Roa, Mayor Pro Tem
Dandy De Paula, Councilmember
Victor Farfan, Councilmember
Ernie Vargas, Councilmember Maria Teresa Del Rio,
Mayor
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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, March 11, 2026 at 6:02 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Farfan.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember De Paula
Councilmember Farfan
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Del Rio
ABSENT
1 Mayor Pro Tem Roa
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. 2026 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER: DENISE MACIAS, PRINCIPAL, FEDDE ACADEMY
Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate.
Denise Macias, Principal, Fedde Academy, spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATION FROM RECREATION DEPARTMENT WITH UPDATES REGARDING PARADE AND SELECTED PROGRAMS
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, spoke.
Christian Rodriguez, Neighborhood Counselor, spoke.
EricLeonSpecialEventsCoordinatorspoke
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Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate.
Denise Macias, Principal, Fedde Academy, spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATION FROM RECREATION DEPARTMENT WITH UPDATES REGARDING PARADE AND SELECTED PROGRAMS
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, spoke.
Christian Rodriguez, Neighborhood Counselor, spoke.
Eric Leon, Special Events Coordinator, spoke.
Juan Serrano, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor, spoke.
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda Organization.
A. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
1. Recommendation to continue the Public Hearing for the Minor Use Permit (MUP) for a proposed boat sales business located at 12347 E. Carson Street, to the meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to continue the Public Hearing for the appeal of business license denial for Chavez Unlimited Construction, Inc., for property located at 12347 E. Carson Street, to the meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
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of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to continue the Public Hearing for the appeal of business license denial for Precision Roofing dba A Precision Construction, for property located at 12347 E. Carson Street, to the meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
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 De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of February 14 to February 27, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
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NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of February 14 to February 27, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3. Recommendation to declare cardio and strength equipment from fitness room as surplus and authorize City Manager to sell or dispose as necessary.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
4. Recommendation to authorize the City Manager to approve RAN Enterprises, Inc. proposal for the removal and replacement of two wallmounted Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units at the Teen Center.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt
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AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to receive and file the Willdan Engineering updated traffic calming study for Claretta Avenue between 214th Street and 211th Street, and authorize staff to implement traffic calming measures and recommendations.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to approve recommendation to authorize staff to implement traffic calming measures and recommendations: 1) increase enforcement; 2) establish a Citywide speed hump policy; 3) update school crossing assembly signs for the uncontrolled crosswalk at Claretta Avenue and 213 Street; and 4) implement a pilot program installing rubber speed cushions along Claretta Avenue between 214 Street and 211 Street.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to accept the construction improvements by Courtney Inc., for City Hall Roof Replacement, Project 118, and authorize the City Clerk to file the notice of completion.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, presented the staff report. th
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AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
2. Recommendation to accept the construction improvements by Courtney Inc., for City Hall Roof Replacement, Project 118, 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 Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Roa
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 grand reopening of the gymnasium on March 14; and the Easter Egg Hunt on April 4.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that they will hold a Junior Safety Fair on March 20 and March 27.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Manager, announced that the Golden State Water Main Replacement project is scheduled to begin on March 23; that the Norwalk Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Project is starting; and that Public Works staff began refreshing red curb markings.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that a grading permit was pulled for an 18unit housing project proposed on Hawaiian Ave.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, provided an ERP selection update; announced a Fee Study Workshop on March 19; and provided a YEP program update.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember De Paula reported that he participated in the Community readaloud at Hawaiian Elementary School and Furgeson Elementary School.
Councilmember Vargas asked questions about the YEP program.
H. CLOSED SESSION
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F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember De Paula reported that he participated in the Community readaloud at Hawaiian Elementary School and Furgeson Elementary School.
Councilmember Vargas asked questions about the YEP program.
H. CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Agency designated representative: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 3624 Rank & File Unit Union Norma Tabares, City Attorney, read the Closed Session items into the record.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:04 PM.
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session at 7:10 PM.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, conducted a roll call and announced a quorum.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, reported out of Closed Session that an update was provided and no final action was taken.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 7:11 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
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