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
There was no Public Comment.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code section 54957(b)
4. RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
City Clerk Semenza called roll and reported that all Members of the Council were present.
5. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
When Mayor Cerda asked City Attorney Vasquez if there was anything to report out of Closed Session, City Attorney Vasquez reported that all Members of the Council were present and the Council met with regards to Item 3.A; Council voted 5-0 to uphold the termination of a police officer.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Naomi Orr, 1st grade, and Sebastian Marchan, 3rd grade, both attend Amestoy Elementary School. Naomi is in the Multilingual and Multicultural Magnet Program at Amestoy. She loves reading, drawing, and sports. She just completed her basketball season and currently plays baseball for LA City County at Rosecrans Park. Sebastian is also in the Multilingual and Multicultural Magnet Program at Amestoy. He loves reading, the color blue and playing soccer. His favorite subject is math. He is a gamer and is currently sharpening his skills in our Saturday eSports Club, which is focused on developing a school for 2050.
7. INVOCATION
Joyce Watanabe, of Baha'i Faith, led the Invocation.
8. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena for Janice Winfrey - Bus Operator with the Transportation Department - 20 years of service
Ms. Winfrey accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
6.B. Certificate of Recognition to Samantha Badillo in appreciation of her service to the community as a member of the Youth Commission
Ms. Badillo accepted the Certificate, thanked Council for the recognition and appropriate photos were taken.
6.C. Boards & Commissions Presentation - Human Services Commission
Ms. Valerie Lodeum, Chair of the Human Services Commission, made a presentation.
6.D. 2026 FIFA World Cup Update
Ms. Nikki Sweeney, Interim Director of Recreation, provided an update.
6.E. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
7.A. 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerk's Week - May 3-9, 2026 (to be accepted by City Clerk Mina Semenza)
The Proclamation was accepted by City Clerk Semenza; she thanked the Council for the recognition, and invited everyone to the City Clerk reception.
7.B. Cinco de Mayo Celebration Day - May 5, 2026 (to be accepted by the Cinco de Mayo Committee)
The Proclamation was accepted by Dan and Susana Medina, and the Cinco de Mayo Committee; they thanked the Council and appropriate photos were taken.
10. APPOINTMENTS
8.A. Rent Mediation Board - Carlease Burke (Appointed by Mayor Cerda)
A motion was made by Mayor Cerda and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Appoint Ms. Burke to the Rent Mediation Board. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Cerda, Tanaka, Henderson, Francis and Love).
11. 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, April 14, 2026
CONTACT: CITY CLERK
10.C. Personnel Report P-2026-7 04-28-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, April 28, 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.E. Monthly Investment Report, March 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
10.F. Approval of a Carnival Permit at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (1050 West 163rd Street) to be Held May 15 through May 17, 2026
CONTACT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve the Consent Calendar items with the exception of 10.G. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka and Love).
10.G. RESOLUTION NO. 6734, Adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 funded by SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
** Item was Removed from Consent
Item was pulled by Council Member Love.
Questions and comments were made by Council Member Love. Assistant Public Works Director Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Item 10.G. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson, and Tanaka).
13. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. APRIL 21, 2026 MEETING - Cancelled
14. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
There were no public speakers.
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Semenza if any public comments had been received by email. City Clerk Semenza stated that we received four (4) Public Comments, which have been added to the agenda packet, distributed to Council,and made part of the record.
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
There were no Items.
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
There were no Items.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
There were no Items.
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
There were no Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Award Construction Contract for the Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Pedestrian Safety Project FY 2025-2026, JN 554, to Southern California Precision Concrete inc. in the amount of $677,320.88, Approve the Construction Contingency of $67,732.08 (10%), and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Director of Public Works Rigg commented on the project. Questions and comments were made by Mayor Cerda and Council Members Love and Francis. Public Works Director Allan Rigg and Public Works Assistant Director Kevin Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Construction Contract, Approve Construction Contingency and Declare CEQA Exemption Under Section 15301. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
17.B. Reject All Bids for the Citywide Tree Trimming Maintenance Services and Rebid the Project with Modified Requirements and/or Scope
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love and Mayor Cerda. Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council member Francis and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Reject All Bids and Rebid. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka and Love).
17.C. Approve Four-Year Contract for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Service Contract to Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. in the amount of $560,000.32 and Annual Inflation Up to 5% Based on the Consumer Price Index for $17,250.00.
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Love and Francis and Mayor Cerda. Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve Landscape Maintenance Services. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Love).
17.D. Authorize the Director of Public Works to Enter into Fulfillment Agreement for Unprogrammed Surface Transportation Program-Local (STP-L)
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love. Assistant Public Works Director Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and was seconded by Council Member Love to Approve the Agreement and Authorize the Director of Public Works or his Designee to Sign the Agreement and any Related Documents. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Henderson, Love, Cerda, Tanaka and Francis).
20. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
There were no Items.
21. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19.A. Approve Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to Provide 2026 FIFA World Cup Games Enhance Transit Service
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers and no comments from the Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Approve Agreement. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis and Love).
19.B. Approve Award of Contract to Scaife Protection Services for Security Guard Services at a Cost of $400,739.40 and a Project Total of $440,813.40
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the 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 Tanaka and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Contract and Project Total. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
19.C. Approve Award of Contract for Audio-Visual Upgrade for GTrans Conference Space and Emergency Operations Center at a Cost of $154,198.11 and a Project Total of $169,617.92
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Cerda, Council Members Tanaka and Francis and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. Transportation Director Ernie Crespo and City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Francis and was seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Contract and Project Total. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
22. COUNCIL ITEMS
20.A. Discuss and Consider to Direct Staff in Preparing a Letter of Support for Mama Rosa's Food Pantry
City Attorney Vasquez asked Council Member Tanaka to recuse himself from the dais since he lives within 300 feet of the property that was being discussed.
There was a discussion which included Paul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa's Food Pantry, who clarified the only thing he is asking for is a letter of support, no financial support. Mayor Cerda, Council Members Francis and Love, and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson all spoke their position regarding the letter of support. Interim Director of Recreation Nikki Sweeney and City Manager Osorio, and City Attorney Vasquez answered questions. There was then another discussion when Council Member Love asked to amend the motion and for the sake of time if the letter could be prepared and if there are no implications or liabilities that come back on us if it could be sent. Mayor Pro Tem Henderson did not approve the amendment.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Mayor Cerda to table the item to get clarification from County Supervisor Holly Mitchell's office to make sure we understand the details and what Gardena's contribution would be. The motion failed 2-2 (Yeas: Henderson, Cerda; Noes: Francis, Love).
A motion was then made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to discuss and prepare the letter of support. The motion failed 2-2 (Yeas: Love, Francis; Noes: Henderson, Cerda).
Mayor Cerda then stated that this item would not be moving forward since both motions failed.
23. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
Subject: Provide a Financial Budget Refresher/Training
Purpose – Opportunity for further comprehension of budget, budget process, and CIP process.
Reason – To clarify any questions one may have about either process.
Benefit – Ensure we and our community are informed and to further illustrate our commitment to transparency.
Council Member Tanaka seconded it.
24. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
City Manager Osorio reported that there are 3 memos in the Council's packet: 1) Community Development Department's Monthly Report; 2) A report on the newly installed EV Charges at Justin Plaza; and 3) A memo clarifying a complaint from a resident regarding CDD/Code Enforcement highlighting all the steps that have been taken so Council is aware.
25. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCILMEMBER TANAKA – He participated in the League of Women Voters of Torrance Candidate Forum. He attended a ribbon-cutting grand opening for Mochi Kittos. He congratulated Christy and her family. He thanked everybody who attended his meet and greet. He attended Public Safety Day and the DEA Takeback Day.
2) COUNCILMEMBER LOVE – Since the last meeting, she attended the Chamber round table meeting with Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor at the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce in the City of Westchester. She also attended the Mochi Kittos grand opening; the Communitywide Yard sale; the Public Safety Day; and the DEA Takeback Day.
3) COUNCILMEMBER FRANCIS – She attended the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum, the Beautification Commission, and a photo shoot for their May Home of the Month. She thanked Joyce Watanabe for teaching us about all the famous people who are members of the Baha'i faith. She also congratulated Ms. Janice Winfrey on her retirement after 34 years as a Bus Operator with the Transportation Department. She is glad to hear about the activities and programs during the FIFA World Cup. She reminded everyone that there is a primary election coming up on June 2nd, and the sample ballot should be coming out in beginning of May. She encourages you to vote.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last Council Meeting, she attended her CCGA meeting; her monthly LA County Sanitation meeting; and they had the e-waste pickup day at the Arthur Johnson Park. In fact, LA County commented on how much they appreciated working with Public Works. She attended the Sanitation meeting, she went back to her LA County Board; she was able to show them firsthand just how great their group was in helping to organize the event. She attended the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum; the funeral services for one of our former Commissioners and advocate in our city, Renee Anderson. She also attended Community Day hosted by LA County, and Dave Matthews. We had representatives from the City of Gardena there, and our Homeless Coordinator, Diana. She also attended the grand opening of Mochi Kittos; her monthly Town Hall meeting; the Public Safety Day; a Neighborhood Watch meeting; the DEA Takeback Day; the Memorial Services for one of our GDAP members, Mr. Rich Gomez; the GJIP graduation for the young people who've gone through the process when they get in trouble and have to go through GJIP's classes. She has gotten great compliments from pastors and residents by saying they love the fact that young kids still do the Pledge of Allegiance and the fact that we still have a prayer at the beginning of our meetings. The last thing she wished was our City Manager a Happy Birthday and a Happy belated Birthday to our Assistant City Manager.
5) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – He attended the ribbon-cutting at Mochi Kittos. He thanked the MSRC TAC committee, which is a subcommittee of the South Coast AQMD, for supporting an initiative to support the City of Gardena’s Transportation Department. He attended the SCAG Legislative and Management Committee meeting. He thanked the City Manager for making himself and staff available as needed for issues, concerns, and questions he may have. He attended the Candidates Forum that was held by the League of Women Voters. He did his community and business visits. He let the City Manager know he completed his AI-Driven Leadership course at Stanford University. So, he will be coming in to show his generative AI ideas.
26. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) 40th Annual Cinco De Mayo Parade & Festival, Saturday May 2, 2026 starting at 10:00 a.m. on Gardena Blvd;
2) Recycle used Oil FIlter and get a new one for free, Saturday May 2, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Autozone and Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at O'Reilly Auto Parts;
3) Shine Gardena Graffiti Cleanup Event, Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. starting at Public Works Department;
4) Boys to Men Workshop, Friday May 8, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
5) Sounds & Bites Summer Series, Friday, May 8, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 1112 w. Gardena Blvd. Gardena CA 90247;
6) Free Tire Recycling Event, Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rowley Park;
7) 40th Annual Bonsai Exhibit & Sale, Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center; and
8) Mothers Day Brunch, Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rowley Park.
27. REMEMBERANCES
None.
28. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:15 p.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, May 12, 2026.