MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vargas called the City Council meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 4455 W. 126th Street, Hawthorne, California.
INVOCATION
Pastor Greg gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Treasurer, Greg Fallon, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Valentine, Mayor Vargas.
Absent: None.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Councilmember Monteiro presented a check from the Presidents Council to the Police Department K9 Unit.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ryan Richard, President of Holly Park Neighborhood Association, presented two scholarships from the Holly Park Neighborhood Association to Mckayla Mc Vale and Brooklyn Lofton. Tamara Lofton accepted the scholarship on behalf of her daughter Brooklyn. Jasmine Leon Guerrero, District Representative from Senator Steven Bradford's office, invited the community to the Men's 6th Annual Empowerment Summit at Cal State Dominguez Hills on September 17, 2022. Elena Meloni, Executive Director ofNew Star Family Justice Center, gave an update on the New Star Family Justice Center. Marilyn Sanabria, Project Director ofNew Star Family Justice Center, shared information regarding services available through New Star Family Justice Center. Joseph Geumlek requested that the Council consider updating and or repealing the bicycle registration section of the Hawthorne Municipal Code. Patricia Donaldson, CEO Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, spoke about a backpack giveaway event at Kornblum Elementary School, the golf tournament event taking place September 26, 2022, and the upcoming City election. John L. Jefferson, Senior Pastor at Del Aire Baptist Church, spoke regarding services offered through his church. Amie Shepard spoke about a vehicle accident she was involved in and the upcoming City election. Gordon Michael Mego provided comments regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Estela Orozco provided comments regarding a code enforcement case at her residence. Sarah provided comments regarding parking and other issues at her residence. Arlely Fernandez spoke about the upcoming City election. Captain Tomatani thanked the Presidents Council for their donation.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Patterson to waive full readings of resolutions and ordinances on September 13, 2022's agenda.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
3. City Treasurer Fallon submitted a financial statement regarding warrants for August 23, 2022.
Warrant Nos.: 12740- 13029; 478802 - 478834; 10821
195231 - 195265
Warrant Totals: $1,016,976.92; $162,973.91; $3,000.00
4. City Treasurer Fallon submitted a financial statement regarding warrants for September 13, 2022.
Warrant Nos.: 13030- 13308; 478778 -479126; 66418 - 66735; 10822- 10826 195266 - 195293
Warrant Totals: $846,572.18; $2,986,431. 7 4; $880,129.20; $39,365.45 Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Patterson that the warrants, properly audited and signed, be paid.
ROLL CALL A YES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
RESOLUTIONS
5. RESOLUTION NO. 8377
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2022 AS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Patterson that Resolution 8377 be approved and adopted.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
BIDS: OPENINGS & RESULTS
6. Publicly receive, open and declare sealed bids for Tree Trimming Project (City Project #22-07) City Clerk Jimenez announced that sealed bids were publicly received and opened for the Tree Trimming Project (City Project #22-07).
Public Works Department submitted declaration of publication, which was ordered filed. Bidder's bonds were required.
Three bids were received (all were accompanied by bidder's bond).
The prices are as follows:
WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC $516,373
MARIPOSA TREE MANAGEMENT, INC. $355,765
NORTHSTAR LAND CARE $489,305
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to accept bids and refer to staff for study and recommendation.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (FIRST READING AND ADOPTIONS)
7. Public Hearing on the Draft Substantial Amendments to the 20-24 Consolidated Plan, 20-21, 21-22, 22-23 Action Plans for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs
City Clerk Jimenez announced this was the time and place for the Public Hearing for the Draft Substantial Amendments to the 20-24 Consolidated Plan, 20-21, 21-22, 22-23 Action Plans for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs.
No written communications were received for this item.
Mayor Vargas opened the public hearing.
Mayor Vargas called for public comments.
No members of the public provided public comments.
Mayor Vargas closed public comments and closed the public hearing.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Valentine to adopt the 20-24 Consolidated Plan as well as the 20-21, 21-22, and 22-23 Action Plans and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit the plan and any necessary amendments to the plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate, execute, and amend contracts with subrecipients or professional service providers as necessary to implement the CDBG and HOME projects identified.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
8. Public Hearing on the Draft 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs
City Clerk Jimenez announced this was the time and place for the Public Hearing Draft 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs.
No written communications were received for this item.
Mayor Vargas opened the public hearing.
Mayor Vargas called for public comments.
No members of the public provided public comments.
Mayor Vargas closed public comments and closed the public hearing.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Valentine to approve the 2021-2022 CAPER for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to submit the 2021-2022 CAPER to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Valentine, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ORDINANCES
9. ORDINANCE NO. 2234 (1st Reading)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SECTIONS 2.32.010 (POSITIONS NOT INCLUDED) AND 2.32.020 (POSITIONS
INCLUDED) OF CHAPTER 2.32 (CLASSIFIED SERVICE) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION,
CIVIL SERVICE AND PERSONNEL).
Ordinance 2234 was introduced by title only by Mayor Vargas.
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
10. The City of Hawthorne will be receiving the first installment of settlement funds to be used for opioid addiction prevention and abatement. The City is fortunate to have two existing programs that qualify for the funds, which programs will greatly benefit from the additional monies. The existing, qualifying programs are the Hawthorne Police Department's Narcan Program and Los Angeles County Alcohol and Drug Abuse, ("L.A. CADA") a non-profit agency that provides rehabilitation services and education for, among other issues, drug addiction.
11. Dominguez Channel Watershed Management Group Annual Payment
12. Rental and Facility Use Policy Update
13. Progress Payment #2 in the amount of $526,368.88 due to Sequel Contractors, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA for Local Street Improvement Project 2022 (Project# 22-04)
14. Approval of an Additional Funding Request for J. Lee Engineering, Inc. in the Not-To-Exceed Amount of $150,000 for the current fiscal year.
15. Progress Payment #2 in the amount of $353, 112.34 due to Martinez Landscape Company, Inc. of Sylmar, CA for Holly Glen Park and Jim Thorpe Park Improvement Project (Project# 22-03).
16. Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and the Department ofTransportation for Maintenance Services on·State Right of Way within Local Jurisdictional Limits.
Item pulledfor discussion.
Councilmember Valentine commended City staff for their work on this project.
Councilmember Valentine moved, seconded by Mayor Vargas to approve item 16.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
17. Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and the Department of Transportation to conduct a free Dump Day Event
18. Agreement between City of Hawthorne and Southern California Edison for a Vault Replacement at City Hall.
Item pulledfor discussion.
Councilmember Reyes English suggested looking at other options for this type of project in the future.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Patterson to approve item 18.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Reyes English.
19. Membership dues payment to South Bay Cities Council of Governments for fiscal year 2022-2023 Item pulledfor discussion.
Councilmember Reyes English requested to receive more information regarding what services and benefits are included with the City paid membership to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve item 19.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Reyes English.
20. Amendment Number 1 of Professional Services Agreements with LDM Associates, Inc. for the administration of the CDBG and HOME programs to include the FY 2022 Community Project Funding Grant.
21. Fiscal Year 2022/23 Blanket Purchase Orders.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Patterson to approve items 10-21, with the exception of 16, 18, & 19 of City Manager's consent calendar.
ROLL CALL A YES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
22. Claim for Damages submitted by Cecilia Flores.
Deny the claim of Cecilia Flores.
Councilmember Monteiro moved, seconded by Mayor Vargas to approve item 22 on the City Attorney's consent calendar.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas NOES: None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
23. Supporting a Statewide Measure to Repeal Proposition 19 (Valentine) Councilmember Valentine moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to support a Statewide Measure to repeal Proposition 19.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Monteiro, Reyes English, Valentine, Patterson, Mayor Vargas NOES: None.
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
City Treasurer Fallon provided an update on the City's PARS Trust Account.
City Clerk Jimenez provided an update on the City's Election webpage, announced the City Clerk's Office will be hosting a booth at the World Fest Event, provided information on National Voter Registration Day, thanked all the volunteers for helping with the food drive events, welcomed new Deputy City Clerk Juan Esquivel, and welcomed everyone returning back to school.
Councilmember Valentine provided an update the City's homeless count (down by 15%) as reported by the Council of Governments (CoG), efforts by the CoG to provide permanent housing are proving successful, announced that people needing assistance with housing can contact Dulce Medina at the City, enjoyed the closing ofthe time capsule event, and expressed her condolences to Councilmember Reyes English on the passing of her nephew.
Councilmember Monteiro commented on the upcoming City election, congratulated staff on the success ofthe Touch a Truck event, thanked the Hawthorne Presidents Council for their donation, thanked the Lions Club for providing free eye exams and glasses, looking forward to the World Fest Event, thanked City staff for their work, expressed his condolences to Councilmember Reyes English on the passing of her nephew, and requested to look into possible installation of speed humps on Cordary Ave.
Councilmember Reyes English congratulated the Holly Park scholarship recipients, commended New Star Family Justice Center for their programs, thanked Senator Bradford for his upcoming Men's Empowerment Summit, requested City Manager to review the City's bike registration ordinance for a future City Council meeting, congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for their backpack donations event, commended Pastor John Jefferson for his work providing services to families, commended the City's Covid-19 testing and vaccination efforts, congratulated the Police Department on the donation they received, enjoyed the time capsule closing event, requested the City Manager to look into vehicles speeding near the railroad behind Hawthorne Mall on Prairie, looking forward to Operation Gobble, and thanked the Hawthorne Police Officers Association and Police Department with their support regarding her nephew's passing.
Councilmember Patterson expressed his condolences to Councilmember Reyes English on the passing of her nephew, thanked the community for attending tonight's City Council meeting, thanked City staff for their work, thanked HO As, non-profits, etc. for working as partners with the City, looking forward to the City election, looking forward to the community cleanup event on October 8, 2022, requested to look into options for a dog park in the City, enjoyed the basketball clinic hosted by the Police Department, requested to review the short term rental ordinance in the future, and requested outside counsel for the upcoming City Manager and City Attorney employee evaluations.
Mayor Vargas enjoyed the Touch a Truck event, commented that it may be beneficial for the City to host more ofthese type of events, returned back to school to begin teaching, expressed his desire for an amicable City election, and expressed his condolences to Councilmember Reyes English on the passing ofher nephew.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Vargas called for oral comments. No public comments were received.
The City Council except for Mayor Vargas, recessed into Closed Session at 8:12 p.m.
24. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION (Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the California Government Code.) Property APN: 4041-015-016
Property Address: 12547 Hawthorne Boulevard
City Negotiator: Vontrav Norris, City Manager
Negotiation with: Bank o[America
Under Negotiation: Price, Terms Re. Lease
25. Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8: Property: 13100 Yukon Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Agency Negotiator:
- Vontray Norris, City Manager. Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment for the property and conditions of title.
26. Closed Session: Conference with Real Property Negotiator, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8: Property: 12536 Chadron Avenue, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Agency Negotiator: Vontray Norris, City Manager. Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment for the property and condition of title.
Mayor Pro Tern Patterson called the City Council meeting back to order at 9: 13 p.m. following recess with all Councilmembers, except Mayor Vargas.
Assistant City Attorney Stevens reported the City Council was provided with a report for Closed Session items 24, 25, and 26 and guidance was given, and there was no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Patterson adjourned the regular meeting at 9:14 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
Dr. Paul Jimenez, City