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, July 22, 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, July 22, 2026 at 6:01 PM.
INVOCATION
The invocation was led by Pablo Rubio, City Clerk.
FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was led by Councilmember De Paula.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Councilmember De Paula
Councilmember Farfan
Councilmember Vargas
Mayor Pro Tem Roa
Mayor Del Rio
ABSENT
None
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENTS GENERAL OR ITEMS ON OR OFF THE AGENDA Celene Pineda spoke.
Jose Mendoza spoke.
PROCLAMATIONS AND CERTIFICATES
1. HONORING ESTELA VEGA, RESIDENT OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS ON HER 99TH BIRTHDAY Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate to Estela Vega.
Estela Vega spoke.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:18 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:28 PM.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda Organization.
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1. HONORING ESTELA VEGA, RESIDENT OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS ON HER 99TH BIRTHDAY Mayor Del Rio presented a certificate to Estela Vega.
Estela Vega spoke.
Mayor Del Rio declared a recess at 6:18 PM.
Mayor Del Rio called the meeting back to order at 6:28 PM.
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 Resolution No. 0212026, authorizing the recording of liens against various real properties in the City of Hawaiian Gardens for delinquent rubbish collection charges due to Waste Management, Inc.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0212026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. 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 September 9, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
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Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
3. 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 September 9, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. 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 September 9, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to approve recommendation to continue the Public Hearing to the City Council meeting of Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
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 Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the
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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 Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
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 June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
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 June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
4. Recommendation to receive and file the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
5. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of June 27 to July 10, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
6. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
7. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
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Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
7. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
8. Recommendation to receive and file the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting minutes for the months of May and June 2026.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember Farfan, to adopt the Consent Calendar as presented, in its entirety.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
C. DISCUSSION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to accept construction improvements by Bridgerock Construction Inc., for the City Hall Restroom Renovation, Project 124, 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 Mayor Pro Tem Roa, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
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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 Roa, to approve recommendation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
2. Recommendation that the city council consider adopting Resolution No. 0222026, placing a business license tax measure on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot.
SUGGESTED ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 0222026 calling for the placement of a general tax measure on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot for the submission to the qualified voters of a proposed ordinance amending section 5.04.100 of Chapter 5.04 and various sections of articles I and II of Chapter 5.06 of the City’s municipal code as it relates to business license taxes; requesting the County of Los Angeles to consolidate said election with the Statewide General Election of even date; and setting rules and deadlines for arguments and rebuttals for and against the measure.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Linda Hollinsworth, Finance Director, spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, seconded by Councilmember De Paula, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0222026, calling for the placement of a general tax measure on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot for the submission to the qualified voters of a proposed ordinance amending section 5.04.100 of Chapter 5.04 and various sections of articles I and II of Chapter 5.06 of the City’s municipal code as it relates to business license taxes; requesting the County of Los Angeles to consolidate said election with the Statewide General Election of even date; setting rules and deadlines for arguments and rebuttals for and against the measure; authorizing Mayor Del Rio and Councilmember Farfan to prepare, sign, and timely file the ballot argument in favor of the measure on the ballot; and authorize the same individuals to prepare and file a rebuttal argument if one becomes necessary.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
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measure on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot for the submission to the qualified voters of a proposed ordinance amending section 5.04.100 of Chapter 5.04 and various sections of articles I and II of Chapter 5.06 of the City’s municipal code as it relates to business license taxes; requesting the County of Los Angeles to consolidate said election with the Statewide General Election of even date; setting rules and deadlines for arguments and rebuttals for and against the measure; authorizing Mayor Del Rio and Councilmember Farfan to prepare, sign, and timely file the ballot argument in favor of the measure on the ballot; and authorize the same individuals to prepare and file a rebuttal argument if one becomes necessary.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: 5; De Paula, Farfan, Vargas, Roa, Del Rio
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)
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced the dates for two upcoming events: July 29Ice Cream with a Deputy; and August 4National Night Out.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Director, reported that Public Works staff painted all locations regarding the AB 413 daylighting law; and provided an update on the citywide Curb Address Project.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, announced that they will start using an online development application (OpenGov) on August 3 .
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
There were no City Attorney Reports.
G. ORAL COUNCIL REPORT(S)
Mayor Pro Tem Roa reported that he attended the ICA conference.
Councilmember Farfan reported that he attended the ICA conference.
Councilmember De Paula reported that he attended the ICA conference.
H. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting in memory of former Mayor Leonard Chaidez at 7:08 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM. rd
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I. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned the meeting in memory of former Mayor Leonard Chaidez at 7:08 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
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