MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JUNE 10, 2025
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JUNE 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The evening's meeting was called to order at 6:08pm.
INVOCATION
Steve Mascal of Ocean Gate Baptist Church gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Alex Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro; Council Member Katrina Manning
- Also Present:
- City Manager Vontray Norris; City Attorney Robert Kim; City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter; City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Citywide Parking Study Presentation
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jova Salazar raised ongoing concerns about dog feces in public areas, difficulties in identifying/warning dog owners, potential property penalties for replacing grass with soil, and overgrown trees behind her home from Bicentennial Park.
Several residents, including Valerie Mueller, Lavern Thomas, Aisha Sosa, and others, voiced concerns about ICE raids, police harassment, and a general climate of fear for immigrant and minority residents.
Suggestions included providing informational cards or posters about residents’ rights, city statements condemning recent enforcement actions, and consideration of sanctuary city status or clearer limitations on ICE activities.
Residents described direct experiences and the chilling effects on daily life, such as reduced clinic attendance out of fear and the disruption of basic routines.
Some community members asked for more transparency on any city or police cooperation with ICE and access to related contracts.
Several residents, including Valerie Mueller, Lavern Thomas, Aisha Sosa, and others, voiced concerns about ICE raids, police harassment, and a general climate of fear for immigrant and minority residents.
Suggestions included providing informational cards or posters about residents’ rights, city statements condemning recent enforcement actions, and consideration of sanctuary city status or clearer limitations on ICE activities.
Residents described direct experiences and the chilling effects on daily life, such as reduced clinic attendance out of fear and the disruption of basic routines.
Some community members asked for more transparency on any city or police cooperation with ICE and access to related contracts.
Calls were made for city officials and the police to focus on building trust, goal-driven leadership, and community support, especially with upcoming events like the Olympics.
Pastor Gregory Guich invited all to the Hawthorne Lawndale Ministers breakfast for prayer and community discussions.
Patricia Donaldson (Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce) promoted upcoming chamber events including bingo night, a firework stand with proceeds benefiting a local elementary school, a backpack drive, and an annual golf tournament.
Jose Pereda introduced WaFd Bank’s new El Segundo location and announced its ribbon-cutting and mixer for the community.
The mayor and council acknowledged public concerns and shared personal stories reflecting the broader immigrant experience in the city.
Mayor Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alexander Montero, Councilwoman Katrina Manning and City Clerk Williams-Hunter all expressed empathy and solidarity, emphasizing the need for peaceful activism, unity, and active community engagement.
Pastor Gregory Guich invited all to the Hawthorne Lawndale Ministers breakfast for prayer and community discussions.
Patricia Donaldson (Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce) promoted upcoming chamber events including bingo night, a firework stand with proceeds benefiting a local elementary school, a backpack drive, and an annual golf tournament.
Jose Pereda introduced WaFd Bank’s new El Segundo location and announced its ribbon-cutting and mixer for the community.
The mayor and council acknowledged public concerns and shared personal stories reflecting the broader immigrant experience in the city.
Mayor Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alexander Montero, Councilwoman Katrina Manning and City Clerk Williams-Hunter all expressed empathy and solidarity, emphasizing the need for peaceful activism, unity, and active community engagement.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning,
2.
Approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the regular meetings of February 11, 2025 and February 25, 2025, and the special meeting of February 25, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 11, 2025 and February 25, 2025, and the special meeting of February 25, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 11, 2025 and February 25, 2025, and the special meeting of February 25, 2025.
3.
City Treasurer requests approval of the warrants. Motion to approve the warrants.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 05/28/2025 to 06/10/2025 for a total of $3,229,122.46.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 05/28/2025 to 06/10/2025 for a total of $3,229,122.46.
4.
Approval of waiver of full readings of Resolutions and Ordinances on Tuesday, June 10, 2025’s agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
RESOLUTIONS
5.
RESOLUTION NO. 8534 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND SETTING JUNE 24, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M. AS THE TIME AND DATE OF A PUBLIC HEARING.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8534.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8534.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning
6.
RESOLUTION NO. 8535, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE TOW & STORAGE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE NON-EXCLUSIVE TOWING & STORAGE CONTRACT WITH U.S. TOW.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 8535.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.
Public Hearing pursuant to section 8.14.130 of the Hawthorne Municipal Code regarding the weed abatement and cleaning charges or tax assessed against Union Pacific Railroad Company located at 610 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 for the costs of abatement at 2000 block of railroad in the City of Hawthorne.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the public hearing and make the following determination:
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the public hearing and make the following determination:
- The attached assessed total charge of $60,070 is correct or needs to be modified.
- Authorize a lien in the said amount against Union Pacific Railroad Company.
- The attached 2025 Weed Abatement Report, marked Exhibit “A,” is hereby confirmed and approved, and that the County Tax Collector is hereby authorized to collect the amount of assessments as the same appear on the attached roll.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning,
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
8.
Eucalyptus Park and Ramona Park Improvement (City Project # 24-07) – 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 July 22nd, 2025.
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 July 22nd, 2025.
9.
Agreement with the City of Gardena for Paratransit Services
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the City of Gardena to provide paratransit services for eligible Hawthorne residents from Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, for an amount not to exceed $660,000.00, subject to the availability of funds in each fiscal year.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the City of Gardena to provide paratransit services for eligible Hawthorne residents from Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, for an amount not to exceed $660,000.00, subject to the availability of funds in each fiscal year.
10.
Progress Payment #4 in the amount of $367,520.01 due to PCN3 Inc of Los Alamitos, CA for City of Hawthorne New Senior Center (Project #24-03).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 and Change Order #2 to PCN3 Inc of Los Alamitos, CA
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 and Change Order #2 to PCN3 Inc of Los Alamitos, CA
11.
Progress Payment #11 and Final Acceptance in the amount of $86,908.66 due to DOJA, Inc. of Ontario, CA for Zela Davis Park Renovation (Project 24-04)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #11,Change Orders 9 through 13, and final acceptance to DOJA, Inc of Ontario, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #11,Change Orders 9 through 13, and final acceptance to DOJA, Inc of Ontario, CA.
12.
Agreement and Purchase Order between the City of Hawthorne and Verizon Communications Inc (dba Verizon Connect Fleet USA LLC) for a Fleet Camera System.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Agreement and Purchase Order and authorize the City Manager to enter into and execute it on the City's behalf.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Agreement and Purchase Order and authorize the City Manager to enter into and execute it on the City's behalf.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro,
- Other:
- Council Member Katrina Manning (ABSTAIN)
13.
Harris and Associates Professional Services Agreement for Housing Services to the Housing Department
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Harris and Associates for the period of one year from 07/1/2025 to 06/30/2026 to provide professional services necessary for housing services.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute, amend, and keep a record of documents necessary to administer the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Professional Services Agreement with Harris and Associates.
3. Authorize the Department of Finance to create a blanket purchase order for Harris and Associates not to exceed $39,509 in administrative fees.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Harris and Associates for the period of one year from 07/1/2025 to 06/30/2026 to provide professional services necessary for housing services.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute, amend, and keep a record of documents necessary to administer the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Professional Services Agreement with Harris and Associates.
3. Authorize the Department of Finance to create a blanket purchase order for Harris and Associates not to exceed $39,509 in administrative fees.
14.
SUBJECT:
Request for Payout of Accrued Leave
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Request for Payout of Accrued Leave
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Council to Consider and Decide on Whether to Authorize a Payout of Accrued Leave Time for Robert Kim.
No vote as this item was tabled at the request of City Attorney Kim
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
15.
Claim for bodily injury by Ervin D. Tucker, Jr.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Ervin D. Tucker, Jr.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Ervin D. Tucker, Jr.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, seconded by Mayor Alex Vargas
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning,
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Councilwoman K. Manning- Acknowledgments to local educators and participation in school events. Financial updates on city investments and anticipated market changes. Recognition of local schools' fundraising efforts (e.g., popsicle sales at Eucalyptus Elementary).
Attending significant community events like the Carpenters Union grand reopening and Democratic Party convention.
Councilwoman F Johnson- Councilmembers discussed the ongoing citywide parking study, with praise and requests for residential solutions, inclusion of accessible parking policies, and a desire for continued input as plans develop.
Proclamations for outstanding police and fire department members to be prepared for the next meeting.
Other community shout-outs included recognition for 67 years of Pizza Show restaurant and business introductions at community meet-and-greet events.
Mayor Pro Tem Montiero- Upcoming and ongoing events discussed:Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and Flag Day celebration on June 14th at City Hall. Beach Boys Monument celebration on June 18th. Senior Center activities, including a harbor cruise.
Series of Movies in the Park and newly introduced Movies in the Pool.
Mayor Vargas- The mayor acknowledged public concerns and shared personal stories reflecting the broader immigrant experience in the city.
16.
Illegal dumping signs request - K. Manning
17.
Outside Business Opportunities- F. Johnson
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Passed and approved this 14th day of October 2025.
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk