1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None
3. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.
4. RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
None
5. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Edwin Delgado, who is in the 11th grade at Gardena Senior High School, JROTC led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Cadet Delgado is in his first year of JROTC and is a member of the Color Guard and Cadet Staff. He is looking forward to his senior year and graduation in 2027.
7. INVOCATION
Reverend John Iwohara of Gardena Buddhist Church, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Recognition to Damilola Ogundimu for Her Service to the Community as a Member of the Youth Commission
Ms. Ogundimu accepted her Certificate and appropriate photos were taken.
6.B. Boards & Commissions Presentation - Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission (GEBAC)
Mr. Josh Bettencourt, Chair of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission, presented a PowerPoint that gave an update and information about the commission.
6.C. 53rd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the 53rd Annual Celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King parade.
6.D. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
None
10. APPOINTMENTS
None
11. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
There was no Public Comment on Consent Calendar.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.B. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, January 13, 2026
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Receive and File Minutes - Regular Meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, December 2, 2025
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, January 27, 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Personnel Report P-2026-2 01-27-2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Local Streets Improvement 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Projects, for Various Locations, JN 525 and 544
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve the Consent Calendar items. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Love).
13. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #19-24, SITE PLAN REVIEW #4-24, AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP #2-24;
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request to approve Environmental Assessment (EA #19-24), Site Plan Review (SPR #4-24), and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM #2-24; Tentative Parcel Map No. 85142) to allow the construction of four (4) three-story condominium units in the Medium Density Multi-Family Residential (R-3) zone portion of a split zoned R-3 and Single-Family Residential (R-1) property to a date certain of March 3, 2026. APPLICANT: Steve Stepakis LOCATION: 1031 Magnolia Avenue, APN (6113-035-015). Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission continued the public hearing for Environmental Assessment #19-24, Site Plan Review #4-24, and Tentative Parcel Map #2-24, to a date certain of March 3, 2026, by vote of 3-0, with two commissioners absent. City Council Action: No City Council action required.
No City Council action was required.
11.B. AMENDMENT TO MODIFY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #9-04 AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT #13-25
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a request to approve an amendment to modify Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #9-04 per Section 18.32.030.B of the Gardena Municipal Code, to allow the sales of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-site consumption and on-site instructional tastings located in an existing retail store in the General Commercial (C-3) zone. Environmental Consideration: The project was considered for a categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities). APPLICANT: Target Corporation, Representative Beth Aboulafia LOCATION: 2169 West Redondo Beach Boulevard (APN: 4063-014-020) Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 2-26, by vote of 3-0, with two commissioners absent, to approve Modification of Conditional Use Permit #9-04 and Environmental Assessment #13-25, subject to the conditions of approval, and directed staff to file a notice of exemption. City Council Action: Receive and file OR Call for Review (By way of two votes from the City Council).
When Mayor Cerda asked if any member of the Council would like to Call for Review; Council Member Francis stated she would like to Call for Review and made a motion. Council Member Love seconded the motion.
11.C. ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT #3-25
The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission reviewed a recommendation to amend Title 18 (Zoning) of the Gardena Municipal Code relating to the review process and development/design standards for mechanical/robotic parking structures, and on-site/off-street parking standards for commercial uses on Gardena Boulevard between Normandie Avenue and Vermont Avenue pertaining to the parking in-lieu fee. Environmental Consideration: The Zone Text Amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The ordinance would not result in physical change in the environment and does not involve any construction or additions to any existing structures. LOCATION: City Wide Commission Action: The Planning and Environmental Quality Commission adopted Resolution No. PC 3-26, by vote of 3-0, with two commissioners absent, recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance for Zone Text Amendment #3-25. City Council Action: No City Council action required. Zone Text Amendment #3-25 will be reviewed and considered by the City Council at a future City Council meeting.
No City Council action was required.
14. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
1) Paul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa's Food Pantry, came out to speak and distribute their final food distribution report for 2025.
2) James Sandoval, Representative of SMART Union, came out to acknowledge that their union had started negotiations with the City, and gave a quick update; he mentioned that employees of Gtrans had come to the meeting to support their union.
3) Travis Hernandez, Community Library Manager of Masao W. Satow Library, came out to give information and updates on both the Mayme Dear and Masao W. Satow Libraries.
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Semenza mentioned that we received an e-mail communication which was included in the agenda packet and made part of the record.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
There were no Items.
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14.A. Award Contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Professional Services to Prepare an Amendment to the City's General Plan Community Resources Element in the Amount of $137,430
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers, and no questions or comments from Council.
It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Review and Approve the Award of the Contract. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Love).
14.B. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 1887 - An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Amending Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 15.36 (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) Pursuant to State Law
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Love. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Introduce Ordinance No. 1887. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka and Love). Ordinance No. 1887 was Introduced by Council Member Francis.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15.A. Calling for the June 2, 2026, General Municipal Election, Requesting Consolidation with the Statewide Primary Election to be Conducted by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters and Providing Regulations for Candidates; Adoption of Resolution Nos. 6719, 6720 and 6721
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers, and there were no questions or comments from Council.
It was moved by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Introduce Adopt Resolutions Nos. 6719, 6720 and 6721. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson and Francis).
15.B. Tax Measure - Placement of Transactions and Use Tax (Local Sales Tax) Measure on the June 2, 2026 Ballot RESOLUTION NO. 6718, Ordering that the City of Gardena Services Measure be Submitted to the Voters at the June 2, 2026, General Municipal Election; Requesting the Assistance of the County of Los Angeles in Connection with that Election and Requesting that the Election be Consolidated with the Statewide Primary Election Being Held on that Date INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 1886, An ordinance of the People and City Council of the City of Gardena Adding Chapter 3.46 to the Municipal Code to Impose a Transactions and Use Tax to be Administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
City Manager Osorio and Director of Administrative Services Ray Beeman presented a PowerPoint Presentation. City Manager Osorio emphasized that this merely is an educational presentation, stating we are not here to advocate, we are here to inform you of what will be on the ballot for the June 2, 2026 Election.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Love. City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez commented and answered all questions; City Attorney Vasquez stated this item will require 4 out of 5 votes in order for it to be put on the ballot for the June 2, 2026 Election.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6718 and Introduce Ordinance No. 1886. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka). Ordinance No. 1886 was introduced by Council Member Love.
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
There were no Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Award Construction Contract for the Pedestrian Safety Improvement FY 2024-2025 (Phase 2), JN 545, to Miramar General Engineering in the amount of $213,260.80, Approve the Project Specifications, Construction Contingency of $43,000 (20%), and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Francis. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Construction Contract; Approve Project Specifications; Approve Construction Contigency; Declare CEQA Exemption Under Section 15301. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
20. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
There were no Items.
21. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19.A. Approve Contract for Asset and Maintenance Management Software with MaintStar, Inc. for a Total of $156,500, Authorize Years 2-6 of Additional Maintenance and Support for $375,000 and Authorize a Project Total of $584,650
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had asked to speak on this item and if Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers, and no questions or comments from Council.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Contract. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, Francis and Love).
22. COUNCIL ITEMS
There were no Items.
23. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: To have staff work on the nomination of our City Clerk team to receive an Award of Distinction from the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA).
Purpose – To further acknowledge and recognize the important community work our City Clerk does for our community.
Reason – To honor their good work and support of our community.
Benefit – It illustrates our support of another city department and deepens our community pride.
Council Member Tanaka seconded it.
24. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio stated there were none.
25. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – She attended a lot of events. She thanked Councilwoman Francis for an amazing job on the 43rd Annual MLK parade. She encouraged the residents and the people in general to just keep their heads up; she knows a lot is going on in the world, and continued to say but nonetheless, we serve a God who is aware of everything and knows all things. She encouraged her colleagues and other elected officials to stand with the people; she is not just talking about her colleagues on this dais, but all elected officials who hold the power to make a difference and change what we see going on in this world.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – She thanked Council Member Love, and stated she really couldn't have done the whole parade by herself, she has an amazing committee and also thanked staff for all their hard work. She thanked Miss Tiffany Haddish, who was the Celebrity Grand Marshal, Brandon Jennings, who was the Grand Marshal, and Susana Medina, who was the Community Grand Marshal. She mentioned she also attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Program, and she thanked Jackson Toler, who was the 1st place essay contest winner, and Mary Holbert, who was the 2nd place winner and Ca'maya Langley, who was the 3rd place winner. She then mentioned she participated in the homeless count with the Gardena Police Department. She thanked Mr. Paul Randall for the Mama Rosa’s Food Pantry. She thanked the Gardena Friends of the Library for helping maintain the library system here in the City of Gardena.
3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – He commented that he wanted to start with some gratitude and thanked the City staff, the Department Heads, the City Attorney, and the City Manager for working with them as a body as they work to continually improve the community. He just wanted to share his gratitude.
4) MAYOR CERDA – She thanked the staff in advance for all the things that they do. She attended the Installation of the 2026 president of the South Bay Association of Realtors; the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Yas Market. She mentioned the South Bay City Council of Governments received funding to help 25 businesses in Gardena, and they were able to give them over $100,000 in upgrades. She attended the Barbecue Cookoff, and she congratulated GTrans for winning; she attended the MLK commemorative program she had to leave early to go to another meeting; she attended the Ballot Initiative presentation meeting; the Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai 40th anniversary; the official parade of the MLK; the Battle of the Bands; the Okinawa Association of America's New Year's Eve party; her monthly CCGA and LA County sanitation meeting; and lastly the 2026 homeless count. She announced that this Friday, she will have her town hall meeting at the Toss Up Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Chief Todd Fox. She then responded to a comment that was made by Mr. Randall. She never said that she was punishing Mama Rosa's food pantry for not partnering with the City of Gardena. She stated that we tried to offer a suggestion to them so that maybe they wouldn't have to worry about paying the additional fee. They chose not to, and that was their right to do. But she never tried to punish anybody for anything like that. She commends them for wanting to help those who are dealing with food insecurities. She just wants all food pantries within the City to be safe.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – He attended the Yas Market's ribbon-cutting. He mentioned it was quite an event because CalREN gave that grant, and they provided water heaters, refrigeration, lighting, and that business has really been appreciative of the stuff that we did for them; he attended the Gardena Barbecue, and he congratulated the winners; he attended the Police Department Battle of the Badges blood drive; the MLK parade; the South Bay Regional Communications board meeting; the South Bay COG monthly meeting; and the homeless count. He mentioned he had a COG meeting that night, so he was a little late for the count, but he did show up to give support. Lastly, he gave his condolences to Mayor Pro Henderson's family and his wife, and also to his Planning Commissioner, Steve Langley, on the loss of his beautiful wife, Nancy.
26. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) The City of Gardena Senior Services Division is looking for volunteers to assist with its activities and programs, Stop by the Nakaoka Community Center or call (310) 217-9552 for more information;
2) New Aquatic Center Job Opportunities, for more information visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgardena;
3) Glow in the Dark Youth Kickball Game, Saturday, February 21, 2026 starting at 5:30p.m. for ages 5-8 and 6:30p.m. for ages 9-12 at Rush Gymnasium;
4) Teen Night, Friday, February 6, 2026 from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
5) Too Toxic to Trash Household Hazardous Waste, Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. at Arthur Johnson Park; and
6) Semi-Annual Clean up Event, if your normal trash day is Mondays cleanup day will be Feb. 14, for Tuesdays it will be Feb. 21, for Wednesdays it will be Feb. 28, for Thursdays it will be Mar. 7, and for Fridays it will be March 14.
27. REMEMBERANCES
Mrs. Dorothy Dawson; a longtime resident of Gardena and a member of the Homeowners Association.
Mr. James Hunter; 85 years of age, and the father of LACCD Trustee Nichelle Henderson and father-in-Law of Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson.
Mrs. Nancy Langley, beloved wife of Planning & Environmental Quality Commissioner Stephen Langley, a longtime resident of Gardena and a member of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church.
28. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:26p.m. Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.