MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California was called to order at 7:35 p.m. on March 10, 2026, in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.
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; Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero; and Records Management Coordinator Katherine Rhee. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.
RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Alexis Gonzalez and Dwayne Fuqua, both in the 12th grade, attend Junipero Serra School. Alexis is part of the Student Council and is the President Ambassador. Alexis enjoys playing video games and spending time with loved ones. Alexis plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. Dwayne is the ASB Vice President. During Youth in Government, Dwayne was named honorary Mayor of Gardena. Dwayne enjoys listening to music, playing games and hanging out with friends. Dwayne plans to major in International Business.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Dwight Dudley, of Calvary Life Church, led the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. Certificate of Recognition to Micaela Bryant in appreciation of her service to the community as a Tenant Representative Member of the Rent Mediation Board
Mayor Pro Tem Henderson spoke regarding Ms. Bryant's achievements.
6.B. Certificate of Recognition to Naresh Solanki for his service to the community as a member of the Gardena Economic Business Advisory Commission
Mayor Cerda spoke regarding Mr. Solanki's achievements.
6.C. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.
7. PROCLAMATIONS
None.
8. APPOINTMENTS
None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no public comments.
10. 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 CLERK10.B. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, February 10, 2026
CONTACT: CITY CLERK10.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, February 24, 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES10.D. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, March 10, 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES10.E. Monthly Investment Report, December 2025
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES10.F. Monthly Investment Report, January 2026
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES10.G. Personnel Report P-2026-4 03-10-26
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES10.H. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Gardena for GTrans Solar Energy Generation / Bus Fueling Infrastructure Project
CONTACT: TRANSPORTATIONA motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve the Consent Calendar Items. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET
11.A. MARCH 3, 2026 MEETING - Cancelled
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD)
12.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1) Gerald Collins, resident; came to ask Council to consider implementing a dog park;
2) James Hayes, president of the Redondo Beach Village Homeowners Association; came to ask Council to consider changing the parking on Redondo Beach Boulevard from Van Ness Avenue to the end of the Redondo Village Community, from all day parking to overnight parking only, due to the Roadium swapmeet traffic;
3) Gary Oishi, resident at the Redondo Beach Village; came to express concerns over customers from the Roadium swapmeet parking around the Redondo Village Community and leaving trash;
4) Paul Randall, Director of Mama Rosa's Food Pantry; came to request a letter of support from the Council and asked the Mayor if he could get the name of the person she spoke to at the LA Food Bank regarding him not having a 501(c)(3); he also encouraged the spaying and neutering of pets;
5) Carla Brown, resident at the Redondo Beach Village; came out to support Mr. James Hayes, and to express concerns over parking on Redondo Beach Boulevard and Van Ness Avenue and the increase in drivers running red lights; and
6) Nobuku del Valle, came to announce that her church is putting on their Inaugural The Good Neighbor Health Fair on Saturday 3/14/2026 at El Camino College and would like to extend the invite to all members of the Council, staff, and viewers of the meeting.
Mayor Cerda asked City Clerk Semenza if any public comments had been received. City Clerk Semenza stated that we received four (4) Public Comments before the deadline which have been added to the agenda packet and one (1) Public Comment received after the deadline. All Public Comments were distributed to Council, and made part of the record.
13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
13.A. RESOLUTION NO. 6717, Establishing the Multiple Employer Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) 115/Pension Trust Administered by Shuster Advisory Group, LLC; Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Required Agreements and Documents; Approve the Transfer of the Current Balance in the City's California Employers' Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT); and Authorize the Transfer of $550,000 in Contributions Included in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to the Trust
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 Council.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Adopt Resolution No. 6717; Authorize the City Manager to execute all required agreements and documents; Approve the Transfer of the Current Balance in the City's California Employers' Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) account; and Authorize the Transfer of $550,000 in Contributions included in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to the Trust. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Francis; Abstain: Love).
13.B. RESOLUTION NO. 6731, (1) Establishing the Police Managers Unit and (2) Certifying the Gardena Police Managers Association ("GPMA") as the Exclusively Recognized Employee Organization to Represent the Police Managers Unit
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, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and Council Member Tanaka. City Manager Osorio and City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt Resolution No. 6731. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
14.A. PUBLIC HEARING: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1888, An Ordinance of the City of Gardena, California, Adopting By Reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24), Except for the Fire Code, And Making Amendments thereto; Adoption of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code; and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3) and RESOLUTION NO. 6729 - A Resolution of the City of Gardena, California, Setting Forth Findings for Required Amendments to the 2025 California State Building Code Relative to Local Climatic, Topographic and Geologic Conditions
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m and 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 Council. Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Adopt ORDINANCE NO. 1888, and Finding the Action Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3) and Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6729. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson, and Tanaka).
14.B. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NO. 6730 - Approving an amendment to modify Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #9-04 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 per Section 18.32.030.B. of the Gardena Municipal Code located at 2169 West Redondo Beach Boulevard (4063-014-020).
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A presentation was made by Assistant Community Development Director, Jo-Anne Burns.
Mayor Cerda opened the Public Hearing at 8:40 p.m. and 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 Love and Francis. Beth Aboulafia, the Applicant's representative and Assistant Community Development Director Burns answered all questions. Mayor Cerda then closed the Public Hearing at 9:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Adopt Resolution No. 6730, approving an amendment to modify Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #9-04; Find the Project exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 153101 (Class 1 - Existing Facility); and Direct Staff to file a Notice of Exemption. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 (Yea: Henderson, Tanaka, Cerda, and Love; Noe: Francis).
15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES
15.A. Approval of One-Year Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc., for Legislative Advocacy and Grant Funding Services in the Amount of $87,000
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
A presentation was made by Niccolo De Luca of Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
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 Pro Tem Henderson, Council Members Francis and Love. City Manager Osorio answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Cerda and seconded by Council Member Tanaka to Approve Agreement. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 (Yea: Cerda, Tanaka, Henderson, and Francis; Noe: Love).
16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
No Items.
17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
17.A. Award Construction Contract for the Annual Sewer Improvements FY 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Project, JN 546/555, to Southwest Pipeline and Trenchless Corp. in the amount of $3,116,092, and Construction Management and Inspection Services to Cannon in the amount of $230,702. Additionally, approve the Project Plans and Specifications, Budget Appropriation, Project Contingency of $320,000 (10%), and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption
City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.
Director of Public Works Allan Rigg presented two slides and a video and explained the project.
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 and Mayor Cerda. Director of Public Works Rigg answered all questions.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Francis to Award Construction Contract; Approve the Project Plans and Specifications; Approve Budget Appropriation and Project Contingency; Approve Construction Management and Inspection Services; and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. (Yea: Henderson, Francis, Cerda, Tanaka and Love).
17.B. Award Construction Contract for the Gardena Boulevard Decorative Street Lighting Project, JN 506, String Lighting Phase to Oppenheimer National, in the amount of $108,108. Additionally, Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Project Contingency of $32,500 (30%), Approve a Budget Appropriation of $130,636 (Lighting District Funds) 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.
Assistant Director of Public Works Kevin Kwak presented two slides.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Cerda and Council Member Francis. Assistant Director of Public Works Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Love and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Construction Contract; Approve the Project Plans & Specifications; Approve Project Contingency; Approve Budget Appropriation; and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Love, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Tanaka).
17.C. Award Construction Contract for the Northbound Crenshaw Boulevard Improvements Project, JN 988, from Rosecrans Avenue to 129th Place, to Dash Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $494,548.50. Additionally, award Construction Management and Inspection Services to Cannon, in the amount of $100,844, and the Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Testing Consultant Services to Terracon Consultants Inc. in the amount of $6,061. Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Project Contingency of $75,000 (15%), 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.
Questions and comments were made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. Assistant Director of Public Works Kwak answered all questions.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Award Construction Contract; Award Construction Management and Inspection (CMI) and Geotechnical Soil Testing Consultant Services; Approve the Project Plans & Specifications; Approve Project Contingency; and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
No Items.
19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION
19.A. Approve Purchase and Installation of Flooring for the GTrans Building at a Cost of $205,572 and a Project Total of $226,129
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. City Attorney Vasquez asked Mayor Cerda if she could add the contingency language to the motion.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Purchase with Contingency. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
19.B. Approve Purchase of Two (2) Electric Double Deck Buses from Alexander Dennis at a Cost of $4,594,307 and a Project Total of $5,742,883
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, Mayor Cerda, Council Members Tanaka and Love. Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo answered all questions. City Attorney Vasquez asked Mayor Cerda if she could add the contingency language to the motion.
A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Purchase with Contingency. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Francis, Cerda, Henderson and Love).
At 10:05 p.m. Mayor Cerda announced that she would be leaving the meeting and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson would be taking over.
20. COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
None.
22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS
There is a memorandum in the Council's packet that responds to a directive made by Council Member Francis from our February 10, 2026 Council Meeting.
23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – He sent prayers out to the family of the civil rights icon Jesse Jackson. Since the last meeting, he attended the SCAG Community Economic and Housing Development Committee; the Regional Council Meeting; the BizFed Governance Committee Meeting; the ICA Winter Seminar. He wants us all to put our U.S. Service men and women in our prayers. He thanked all the parents who drive their children to our community events and all our youth programs. He thanked all the volunteer parents at all our sports programs. It takes up your time to just do that work for free, but he appreciates it.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – He gave his condolences to the Reverend Jesse Jackson's family. He attended the Emperor of Japan's Birthday Celebration at the Japanese Consulate’s residence; the Funeral Services of our beloved Planning Commissioner Steve Langley's wife, Nancy; the badge pinning of our new officer, Jonathan Barco; the West Basin Water meeting; the COG Transportation meeting; and the COG Steering Committee meeting; which they are having the Annual General Assembly in Manhattan Beach. If you would like to attend, make sure to register. Lastly, he thanked Director Rigg for the new directional signpost in front of City Hall that shows us where our Sister Cities are.
3) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Since the last Council meeting, she attended the 21st anniversary of the Sun Goddess Beauty Salon on Van Ness. She congratulated Council Member Paulette Francis on co-hosting the Town Hall Meeting. She sent her condolences to Ms. Tammy Kemp on the passing of her husband. She has asked the community to continue to pray for our military, and mentioned being a mother of a military service member, who can be called up to duty at any moment, can be kind of tasking on the mind. She asks the community to pray for what's going on with this war, what’s going on in D.C., and pray for our City. Pray that during these next few months, during the election season that we can all run a decent, clean, non-negative, non-divisive campaign. She encourages you all to get involved and learn who your candidates are.
4) MAYOR CERDA – She was not present during council remarks.
5) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – She thanked Alexis Gonzalez and Dwayne Fuqua from Junipero Serra High School for leading us in the Pledge. She attended her Town Hall meeting with Council Member Love. She attended the Christian Church Black History Month Program; the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District meeting; and the 21st Anniversary of Sun Goddess Beauty Salon on Van Ness. As Council Member Love mentioned, we lost a great leader, Jesse Jackson. She was able to watch the funeral and it makes you wonder where we go from here.
24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) State of the City 2026, Thursday, March 12, 2026 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center;
2) Casino Night, Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
3) Girl-Boss Workshop, Friday, March 20,2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Nakaoka Community Center;
4) 50th Annual Koi Show, Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City Hall Complex;
5) Spring Equinox, Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Johnson Park & Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve;
6) Youth in Government Day, applications will be accepted March 2, 2026 through March 20, 2026 at www.cityofgardena.org/events; and
7) Paper Shredding Event, Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at City Hall Complex.
25. REMEMBERANCES
Mr. Jerry L. Oliver, 59 years of age. Beloved husband of Tamara "Tammy" Kemp, Children's Program Dance, Cheer, and Modeling Director at the On Your Toes Dance Studio here in Gardena.
26. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:23 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, March 24, 2026.