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, August 26, 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, August 26, 2026 at 6:06 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 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 Jesus Mendoza spoke.
Lauraine spoke.
PRESENTATIONS
1. APPRECIATION TO COMMANDER DANIEL HOLGUIN FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
Mayor Del Rio presented the certificate.
Commander Daniel Holguin, Los Angeles County Sherrif’s Department, spoke.
2. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD President of the Board, spoke.
3. CONGRATULATORY PRESENTATION TO THE HG RUGBY TEAM FOR WINNING THE NORTH
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1. APPRECIATION TO COMMANDER DANIEL HOLGUIN FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
Mayor Del Rio presented the certificate.
Commander Daniel Holguin, Los Angeles County Sherrif’s Department, spoke.
2. ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES BY FRANCISCO NOYOLA, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Francisco Noyola, ABCUSD President of the Board, spoke.
3. CONGRATULATORY PRESENTATION TO THE HG RUGBY TEAM FOR WINNING THE NORTH AMERICAN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN UTAH
Mayor Del Rio presented the certificates.
Cristian Rodriguez, Neighborhood Counselor, spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
4. 2026 CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS VIDEO Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, spoke and presented a video.
AGENDA ORGANIZATION
A. PUBLIC HEARING(S) / HEARING(s)
1. Recommendation to (1) open and conduct a majority protest hearing for a proposed rate increase for waste services to commence on October 1, 2026, in compliance with Proposition 218; and (2) adopt Resolution No. 0262026 authorizing the rate increase for waste services after concluding the city did not receive a majority protest.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Norma Tabares, City Attorney, spoke.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Director, presented the staff report.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Bevan Thomas, Municipal Affairs Manager, Waste Management, spoke Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
A discussion ensued between the City Council.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced there was no majority protest.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0262026.
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Ernesto Marquez, City Manager, spoke.
Bevan Thomas, Municipal Affairs Manager, Waste Management, spoke Reynaldo Rodriguez spoke.
A discussion ensued between the City Council.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, announced there was no majority protest.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0262026.
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 adopt Resolution No. 0282026, approving a condominium conversion application and conditional use permit (CUP) Case No. 20260048 and a tentative tract map (TTM 83883) Case No. PLNG20260049; thereby, allowing for the conversion of six (6) existing detached singlefamily residential dwellings into six (6) condominium units, for property located at 22001 Claretta Avenue, and determining that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Elise McCaleb, Community Development Director, spoke.
Kevin Nguyen, Associate Planner II, presented the staff report.
Councilmember Farfan spoke.
Mayor Pro Tem Roa spoke.
Councilmember Vargas spoke.
Maria Fernandez spoke.
Councilmember De Paula spoke.
Mayor Del Rio spoke.
A motion was made by Councilmember Farfan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Roa, to approve recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 0282026.
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
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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
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 adopt on second reading by title only, Ordinance No. 2026626, adding Chapter 12.22 to Title XII of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, regulating the use of electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices on public property and within the public rightofway.
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, Building & Safety Division Report for the month of July 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;
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Division Report for the month of July 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, Code Enforcement Division Report for the month of July 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 the Community Development Department, Planning Division Report for the month of July 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 adopt Resolution No. 0292026, amending the 20262027 fiscal year budget and authorizing an increase in annual membership dues to the California Cities for SelfReliance Joint Powers Authority.
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;
RECUSE0
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6. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0292026, amending the 20262027 fiscal year budget and authorizing an increase in annual membership dues to the California Cities for SelfReliance Joint Powers Authority.
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 receive and file Treasurer's Report for 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
8. Recommendation to receive and file warrants processed during the period of August 1 to August 14, 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
9. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0272026, authorizing an amendment to the agreement for reimbursement for helicopter patrol services by and between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the City of Lakewood, Sky Knight Program.
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;
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9. Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 0272026, authorizing an amendment to the agreement for reimbursement for helicopter patrol services by and between the City of Hawaiian Gardens and the City of Lakewood, Sky Knight Program.
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
10. Recommendation to receive and file the Public Works Department Permits Report for the month of July 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
11. Recommendation to declare the 2003 Ford Escape and 1996 Chevrolet stake bed truck used by the Public Works Department and 2006 Ford Starcraft 19 passenger bus and 2010 Honda Odyssey van used by Recreation and Community Services Department as surplus; and authorize City Manager to donate, sell or dispose of vehicles as necessary.
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
12. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, August 12, 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:
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ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 5–0–0–0
12. Recommendation to approve the minutes for the City Council meeting of Wednesday, August 12, 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 approve plans and specifications and award a construction contract to AMS Roofing & Construction, Inc. in the amount of $138,395.64 for the Public Safety Center Roof Replacement, Project 125.
SUGGESTED ACTION: Approve Recommendation.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Director, 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: 0;
NOES: 0;
ABSENT: 0;
RECUSE: 0;
Motion carried: 0–0–0–0
D. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
E. ORAL STAFF REPORT(S)
Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that September 18 is the last summer concert series and graduation banner pickup; youth volleyball and football are open for registration; and provided an update on available programming and workshops at the Teen Center.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that they are enforcing all parking laws; and reminded residents that the city has a home security camera rebate program.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Director, announced the completion of the citywide curb painting project; and announced that a block cleanup event will be held on September 19.
F. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT(S)
TherewerenoCityAttorneyReports
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Joe Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director, announced that September 18 is the last summer concert series and graduation banner pickup; youth volleyball and football are open for registration; and provided an update on available programming and workshops at the Teen Center.
Steve Gomez, Public Safety Director, announced that they are enforcing all parking laws; and reminded residents that the city has a home security camera rebate program.
Neema Ghanbari, Public Works Director, announced the completion of the citywide curb painting project; and announced that a block cleanup event will be held on September 19.
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 8:09 PM to the next Regular City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
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