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, May 27, 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, May 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Mayor Pro Tem Roa.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember De Paula
Councilmember Farfan
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem Roa
ABSENT
1 Mayor Del Rio
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA
PRESENTATIONS
1. 2026 SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAMS PRESENTATION – CITY OF HAWAIIAN
GARDENS
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided a presentation.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
2. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD President of the Board, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa declared a recess at 6:24 PM.
MayorProTemRoacalledthemeetingbacktoorderat6:31PM.
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Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
2. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD President of the Board, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa declared a recess at 6:24 PM.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa called the meeting back to order at 6:31 PM.
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 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
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 April 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
3 RecommendationtoreceieandfiletheCommnitDeelopmentDepartmentCodeEnforcement
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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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
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 April 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
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 April 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
5. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of May 2 to May 15, 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
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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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
6. Recommendation to receive and file Treasurer's Report for April 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
7. Recommendation to award a professional services agreement to Michael Baker International, Inc. to provide administrative services for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in a not to exceed amount of $27,930 for a period of one year, with the option to renew for four additional oneyear periods at the discretion of the City Manager, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
8. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0082026, approving an amendment to Agreement 106008 between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board to increase funding by $35,830 for FY 20252026 “Youth@Work” Program and to update the FY 202526 city budget to appropriate these funds.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
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8. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0082026, approving an amendment to Agreement 106008 between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board to increase funding by $35,830 for FY 20252026 “Youth@Work” Program and to update the FY 202526 city budget to appropriate these funds.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
9. Recommendation to authorize the Mayor to send on behalf of the City of Hawaiian Gardens a letter in opposition to Assembly Bill (AB) 1383 and a letter in opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 866.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
10. Recommendation to approve excused absences from City Council meetings for Mayor Maria Teresa Del Rio due to medical reasons for meetings held between May 19, 2026 through June 30, 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
11. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0092026, declaring certain City personal property as surplus and authorizing the disposal thereof.
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:
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RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
11. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0092026, declaring certain City personal property as surplus and authorizing the disposal thereof.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
12. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, May 13, 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
13. Recommendation to receive and file the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Minutes for the month of March 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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to approve appointments/reappointments to the Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Recreation Commission.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to approve recommendation.
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ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to approve appointments/reappointments to the Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Recreation Commission.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
2. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0072026, adopting a new City Council policy addressing a disruption of telephonic or internet service during City Council meetings.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0072026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 4; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 1; Del Rio
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 4–0–1–0
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, presented the staff report.
D. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that C. Robert Lee Activity Center will be a Vote Center.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that a Neighborhood Safety meeting will be held on June 3.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that Cielo FraustoLupo has joined the Community Development Department as a new employee.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced the vote center hours.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
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E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that C. Robert Lee Activity Center will be a Vote Center.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that a Neighborhood Safety meeting will be held on June 3.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that Cielo FraustoLupo has joined the Community Development Department as a new employee.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced the vote center hours.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Councilmember Vargas requested an update on boat sales item.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, reported that the boat sales item is scheduled to come back on June 10th.
Councilmember De Paula congratulated the class of 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Roa reported that he attended the Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar.
Councilmember Farfan reported that he attended the Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, reported there was a concern about the Memorial Day event.
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, spoke about feedback received about the Memorial Day event and reported on how they will improve to reach out to our veteran community.
H. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting at 6:48 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
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