MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD FEBRUARY 27, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alex Vargas called the City Council meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 4455 W. 126th Street, Hawthorne, California.
INVOCATION
City Clerk Williams-Hunter gave the evening’s invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Treasurer Poindexter-Hornback led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
ROLL CALL-Present: Councilmembers Katrina Manning, Alex Monteiro, David Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Angie Reyes English, Mayor Alex Vargas.
Absent: None.
Also Present: City Manager Vontray Norris, City Attorney Robert Kim, City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter, City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback.
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1. An update of New City Senior Center was presented by Rania Alomar of RA-DA Architectural Firm.
2. A Presentation for New City Maintenance and Parks Yards was made by Rania Alomar of RA-DA Architectural Firm.
3. Scott Rafferty presented an overview of a Charter City.
4. Councilmember Monteiro presented a Proclamation to James Swain for his many achievements as part of Black History Month.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
ORAL COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTIONS
ANY PERSON DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL AND PARKING AUTHORITY SHOULD COMPLETE A
SPEAKER REQUEST CARD AND SUBMIT THE CARD TO THE CITY CLERK/SECRETARY PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PARKING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING.
AFTER OBTAINING PERMISSION TO PROCEED BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER SPEAKERS SHOULD FIRST STATE THEIR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. THEY THEN SHALL STATE THEIR BUSINESS FOR ALL
GOVERNING BODIES BRIEFLY AND COMPLETELY AND UNLESS GRANTED FURTHER TIME BY A GOVERNING BODY SHALL LIMIT THEIR ADDRESS TO THREE MINUTES. THE THREE-MINUTE LIMIT SHALL INCLUDE GOVERNING BODY OR STAFF RESPONSES, IF ANY, TO QUERIES POSED BY SPEAKERS. HOWEVER, THE STATE OPEN MEETINGS LAW (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54950 ET SEQ.) PROHIBITS THE CITY COUNCIL FROM PROVIDING A DETAILED RESPONSE OR ACTING UPON ANY ITEM NOT CONTAINED ON THE AGENDA POSTED 72 HOURS BEFORE A REGULAR MEETING AND 24 HOURS BEFORE A SPECIAL MEETING. ALL REMARKS SHALL BE ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNING BODIES AS A BODY AND NOT TO ANY PARTICULAR MEMBER THEREOF.
THE GOVERNING BODY MAY EITHER DISPOSE OF THE COMMUNICATION AT THE CLOSE THEREOF OR MAY
REFER IT TO AN APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR STUDY, INVESTIGATION, REPORT, AND/OR RECOMMENDATION. DISCUSSION, IF ANY, SHALL BE BY MEMBERS OF A GOVERNING BODY ONLY. (H.M.C.
2.06.180, RESO. NO. 6443)
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT
CALENDAR
5. Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, February 27, 2024’s agenda.
6. City Treasurer requests approval of the warrants.
Warrant Nos.: 24361-24661; 484985 – 485214; 72431 – 72433; 10943; 195950 – 195963;
Totals $896.663.97 $4,016,815.24 $409.22 $17,641.07
Councilmember Monteiro moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve the City Clerk’s consent calendar (Items 5 - 6).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Manning, Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ORDINANCES
7. ORDINANCE NO. 2251 (1st READING) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.30.140 (SALARIES OF THE CITY CLERK AND CITY TREASURER) OF CHAPTER 2.30 (CIVIL SERVICE GENERAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATIONS) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION, CIVIL SERVICE AND PERSONNEL)
OF THE HAWTHORNE MUNICIPAL CODE AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Ordinance 2251 was introduced by title only by Councilmember Monteiro.
GENERAL MATTERS
8. Protocols for Supporting Non-Profits Special Event
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Establishing a selection process for the support of non-profits requesting support for collaboration with the City of Hawthorne.
Councilmember Reyes English requested language be added to assure that non-profits that come before the City are listed as non-profits through the State of California.
Councilmember Reyes English moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the recommended motion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Manning, Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
9. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2023.
10. Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department recognizing the Hawthorne Police Department’s Paramedic Provider Agency Status.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends the City Council approve and ratify the City Manager's execution of the Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department recognizing the Paramedic Provider Agency Status and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and amendments thereto.
11. Allow staff to seek a buyer for the Hawthorne Police Department 1988 MD500E Helicopter (Air55).
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Hawthorne Police Department to begin the process to locate a buyer for the sale of the Hawthorne Police Department 1988 MD500E Helicopter (Air-55).
12. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update and request for approval of recommendations.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council ask questions as necessary, provide approval on the recommendations and receive and file the ARPA Economic Development Plan Programs update.
Item 12 was pulled for separate consideration.
Ken Duran with HdL Companies gave an update on the business assistance programs that are part of the City’s ARPA funding.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve item
12. ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Manning, Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
13. Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and WGJ Enterprises Inc., dba PCI for On-Call Citywide Traffic Striping, Signing and Pavement Markings Services on an as needed basis.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve an agreement with WGJ Enterprises Inc., dba PCI as the primary service provider for traffic striping, signing and pavement markings services on an as needed basis and authorize the Director of Public Works or his designee to enter into and execute the agreement.
14. Zela Davis Park Improvement (City Project #24-04)- Out to Bid.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the plans and Specifications and authorize the Director of Public Works to advertise for construction bids with a return date of March 26, 2024.
15. First Amendment to the Consultant Agreement for Design Services (“First Amendment”) between the City of Hawthorne (“City”) and Rania Alomar Architect, Inc (RADA). (“Consultant”)
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve this first amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the consultant agreement.
16. Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and Draxxon, dba Blackstone Tower Partners, LLC for the Transportation of and Improvements to a City Owned Vehicle.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement between the City and Draxxon and Authorize the Chief of Police to Execute the Agreement and Make Any Necessary Minor Changes to the Agreement
Councilmember Monteiro moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve the City Manager’s consent calendar (Items 9-11, Items 13-16, Item 12 pulled for separate consideration.) ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Manning, Monteiro, Patterson, Reyes English, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
City Treasurer Poindexter-Hornback did not provide any comments.
City Clerk Williams-Hunter announced that notary services are available in the Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Monteiro provided comments regarding a Charter City. Reported on attending the Alley Improvement groundbreaking, Venice Clinic groundbreaking, Beyond Mini Market grand opening, and the Sanitation District Board meeting, Announced more money is coming for City street improvements and the South Bay COG Annual Summit on March 28th, Requested to be excused from the March 12th meeting.
Councilmember Manning announced the Business Expo for March 14th, Women’s History event on March 30th Directed the City Attorney to put together some bylaws for the Women’s Commission. Reminded everyone to vote on March 5th.
Councilmember Patterson encouraged everyone to vote on March 5th. Commended the Finance department on their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report which received an award. Commended the City Treasurer for earning $1.4 million on our money and property.
Councilmember Reyes English reported on attending the Alley Improvement groundbreaking. Congratulated Planning Director Gregg McClain on his Ice Cream Social. Announced the Employee Appreciation Day event, a Hawthorne Job Fair Expo for March 14th , Community Cleanup on March 16th, Earth Day and Service Provider Fair on April 20th, and the Bunny Bonanza Celebration on March 23rd. Provided a clip on the Valentine’s Love our Seniors event. Provided comments regarding a Charter City.
Mayor Vargas provided comments on the City’s accomplishments and finances and its comparisons to other neighboring cities. Provided comments regarding a Charter City.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor adjourned the regular meeting in the memory of Julia Jones at 8:31 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 23rd day of April 2024.
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk