MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JUNE 24, 2025
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JUNE 24, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vargas called this meeting to order at 6:16pm.
INVOCATION
The evening's invocation was given by Pastor Mantalani.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Alex Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro; Council Member Angie Reyes English; Council Member Faye Johnson
- Absent:
- Council Member Katrina Manning
- Also Present:
- City Manager Vontray Norris; City Attorney Robert Kim; Deputy City Clerk Joy Post; City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Proclamation: Kiwanis / Rotary Police Officer and FireFighter of the Year - A. Monteiro
2.
Residential PACE Financing for the City of Hawthorne - K. Mack
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Pat Donaldson, announced June 28th to July 4 Firework stand, Aug 29th Backpack Giveaway, September 29th Golf Tournament at Rio Hondo, announced the passing of Dick Huhn's wife, and introduced Amy Cruz.
Amy Cruz, from Reicore, Inc. Hr consulting and professional staffing and development
Gordon Michael Migo, expressed concerns regarding parking and parking meters. He expressed a desire for enhanced parking enforcement, and encouraged the usage of the center medians on Hawthorne Blvd.
Diane Trviso Seja, expressed safety concerns and a desire to resolve
Sean Cocrahn (Leapz n Bounds) spoke regarding the usage and schedule of the Hawthorne Pool
Eileen Del Fiso, expressed concerns for her neighbors and asked if the Mayor could direct law enforcement to enforce existing laws.
Lely Fernandez, expressed parking concerns and requested a city-wide parking program.
Mr. Fellow Citizen, expressed concerns regarding citizens and requested police bordering around the perimeter of Hawthorne.
Pastor Garr, expressed his thanks for the support of the play "Dear Westmont", asked the council to consider a city-wide prayer revival.
Danel Rafiq, expressed concerns regarding human rights.
Hemma Cruz, Pizza Show is celebrating 67 years in business and will have specials for $6.70
Nicole Rivas, asked the council to take a stand and show the community support
Hansel expressed concerns regarding recent observations of detainment and requested a demonstration of a stance.
Kiara Ventura, demanded a sanctuary city ordinance, a commitment to SB54, full transparency, protect sensitive public locations, provide active resources, mail know your rights cards, and city funding for legal support.
Ricahrd Harrison, encouraged the public to vote, requested dumping signs and enforcement, and expressed concerns regarding the various massage parlors throughout the City.
Anonymous #1, expressed concerns regarding the recent ICE raids
Sariis, demanding support for local businesses, expressed concerns regarding ICE raids, a public statement, and a heavier police presence.
Dulce, shared her experience with individuals
Jaylen Carter, gave a speech regarding the ICE raids and his family history
Crystal (She, Her, Ella), expressed concerns regarding the ICE raids.
Anonymous #2, gave a speech regarding the ICE raids.
Rob Williams, read the 4th amendment and expressed concerns.
Josue, shared the recent impact of ICE raids on him and his community.
Ryan Richard, encouraged the council to address the spoken concerns of the evening.
Amy Cruz, from Reicore, Inc. Hr consulting and professional staffing and development
Gordon Michael Migo, expressed concerns regarding parking and parking meters. He expressed a desire for enhanced parking enforcement, and encouraged the usage of the center medians on Hawthorne Blvd.
Diane Trviso Seja, expressed safety concerns and a desire to resolve
Sean Cocrahn (Leapz n Bounds) spoke regarding the usage and schedule of the Hawthorne Pool
Eileen Del Fiso, expressed concerns for her neighbors and asked if the Mayor could direct law enforcement to enforce existing laws.
Lely Fernandez, expressed parking concerns and requested a city-wide parking program.
Mr. Fellow Citizen, expressed concerns regarding citizens and requested police bordering around the perimeter of Hawthorne.
Pastor Garr, expressed his thanks for the support of the play "Dear Westmont", asked the council to consider a city-wide prayer revival.
Danel Rafiq, expressed concerns regarding human rights.
Hemma Cruz, Pizza Show is celebrating 67 years in business and will have specials for $6.70
Nicole Rivas, asked the council to take a stand and show the community support
Hansel expressed concerns regarding recent observations of detainment and requested a demonstration of a stance.
Kiara Ventura, demanded a sanctuary city ordinance, a commitment to SB54, full transparency, protect sensitive public locations, provide active resources, mail know your rights cards, and city funding for legal support.
Ricahrd Harrison, encouraged the public to vote, requested dumping signs and enforcement, and expressed concerns regarding the various massage parlors throughout the City.
Anonymous #1, expressed concerns regarding the recent ICE raids
Sariis, demanding support for local businesses, expressed concerns regarding ICE raids, a public statement, and a heavier police presence.
Dulce, shared her experience with individuals
Jaylen Carter, gave a speech regarding the ICE raids and his family history
Crystal (She, Her, Ella), expressed concerns regarding the ICE raids.
Anonymous #2, gave a speech regarding the ICE raids.
Rob Williams, read the 4th amendment and expressed concerns.
Josue, shared the recent impact of ICE raids on him and his community.
Ryan Richard, encouraged the council to address the spoken concerns of the evening.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
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 06/11/2025 to 06/24/2025 for a total of $2,010,335.71.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 06/11/2025 to 06/24/2025 for a total of $2,010,335.71.
4.
Approval of the City Council meeting minutes for the regular meetings of March 11, 2025, March 25, 2025, April 8,2025, April 22, 2025 and the special meeting of April 14, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 11, 2025, March 25, 2025, April 8,2025, April 22, 2025 and the special meeting of April 14, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 11, 2025, March 25, 2025, April 8,2025, April 22, 2025 and the special meeting of April 14, 2025.
5.
Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, June 24, 2025's agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
RESOLUTIONS
6.
RESOLUTION NO. 8536
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATION SPENDING LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 IN COMPLIANCE WITH ARTICLE XIIIB OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8536 establishing the City’s appropriations limit computed for the coming fiscal year, as required by the California Constitution. The City’s appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 has been computed at $103,863,108.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATION SPENDING LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 IN COMPLIANCE WITH ARTICLE XIIIB OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8536 establishing the City’s appropriations limit computed for the coming fiscal year, as required by the California Constitution. The City’s appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 has been computed at $103,863,108.
7.
RESOLUTION NO. 8537
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8537.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8537.
8.
RESOLUTION NO. 8540
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT (ENA) AND INITIATE FUNDING COMMITMENT LETTER WITH ABODE COMMUNITIES FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON THE PARCEL IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF 14115 CORDARY AVENUE.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8540 and authorize the City manager to execute an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement and Initial Funding Commitment with Abode Communities for an affordable housing development on the Housing Successor Agency to the Hawthorne Community Redevelopment Agency-owned site located immediately south of 14115 Cordary Avenue.
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT (ENA) AND INITIATE FUNDING COMMITMENT LETTER WITH ABODE COMMUNITIES FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON THE PARCEL IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF 14115 CORDARY AVENUE.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8540 and authorize the City manager to execute an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement and Initial Funding Commitment with Abode Communities for an affordable housing development on the Housing Successor Agency to the Hawthorne Community Redevelopment Agency-owned site located immediately south of 14115 Cordary Avenue.
9.
RESOLUTION NO. 8541
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TO JOIN PUBLIC RISK INNOVATION, SOLUTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT (PRISM) EXCESS LIABILITY PROGRAM
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8541 Approving the City’s Membership with PRISM
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TO JOIN PUBLIC RISK INNOVATION, SOLUTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT (PRISM) EXCESS LIABILITY PROGRAM
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8541 Approving the City’s Membership with PRISM
10.
RESOLUTION NO. 8542
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TO JOIN PUBLIC RISK INNOVATION, SOLUTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT (PRISM) PROPERTY PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8542 Approving the City’s Membership with PRISM
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's consent calendar (Items 3-7, 9, and 10)
Councilmember Reyes English pulled item 8 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
Councilmember Johnson moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve Item 8 (taken separately).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TO JOIN PUBLIC RISK INNOVATION, SOLUTIONS, AND MANAGEMENT (PRISM) PROPERTY PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 8542 Approving the City’s Membership with PRISM
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's consent calendar (Items 3-7, 9, and 10)
Councilmember Reyes English pulled item 8 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
Councilmember Johnson moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve Item 8 (taken separately).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
BIDS: OPENINGS & RESULTS
11.
Bid opening for Resurfacing of the Runway 7-25 and Resurfacing of Taxiways and Trench Drain Extension for Hawthorne Municipal Airport Project (Project # 25-06)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Mayor Vargas motioned, Councilmember Reyes English seconded to approve Item 11.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Mayor Vargas motioned, Councilmember Reyes English seconded to approve Item 11.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12.
PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 8538
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT AMOUNTS AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED, AND AUTHORIZING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM (LANDSCAPING AND STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1972) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council open and close public hearing and approve Resolution No. 8538.
No written communication was received.
No members of the public expressed the desire to speak.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 12.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT AMOUNTS AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED, AND AUTHORIZING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE STREET LIGHTING SYSTEM (LANDSCAPING AND STREET LIGHTING ACT OF 1972) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council open and close public hearing and approve Resolution No. 8538.
No written communication was received.
No members of the public expressed the desire to speak.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 12.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
GENERAL MATTERS
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
13.
Progress Payment #4 in the amount of $497,923.71 due to Martinez Landscape Company, Inc. of Sylmar, CA for General Maintenance (Project # 22-05).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 to Martinez Landscape Company, Inc. of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 to Martinez Landscape Company, Inc. of Sylmar, CA.
14.
HUD Correction to 2021 HOME-ARP Allocation
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
The staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive and approve the correction to the HOME- ARP allocation based on an increase of 3,245 AND
2. Authorize the City Manager or designer to submit documents of compliance to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development AND
3. Authorize the Finance Department to make the proper line item budget changes for FY 24-25 and 25-26 as necessary
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
The staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive and approve the correction to the HOME- ARP allocation based on an increase of 3,245 AND
2. Authorize the City Manager or designer to submit documents of compliance to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development AND
3. Authorize the Finance Department to make the proper line item budget changes for FY 24-25 and 25-26 as necessary
15.
Fiscal Year 2024/25 & 2025/26 Blanket Purchase Orders
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends the Council approve fiscal year 2024/25 Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO’s) for supplies and services in a total amount not to exceed $565,000 and 2025/26 total amount not to exceed $61,458,124.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends the Council approve fiscal year 2024/25 Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO’s) for supplies and services in a total amount not to exceed $565,000 and 2025/26 total amount not to exceed $61,458,124.
16.
A new professional services agreement for continued help related to an affordable housing project and PLHA grant administration.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the contract.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the contract.
17.
Progress Payment #2 in the amount of $1,198,964.22 is due to Martinez Landscape CO., Inc of Sylmar, CA for the City of Hawthorne New City Yard (Project #24-02).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #2 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc. of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #2 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc. of Sylmar, CA.
18.
Agreement with Progressive Solutions, Inc. for Business License Software
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Progressive Solutions, Inc.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Progressive Solutions, Inc.
19.
Grant Agreement between Baldwin Hills Conservancy for the Holly Park Bathroom Remodel Project
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Funding Agreement with minor clerical changes and all future amendments for the Holly Park Remodel project.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Funding Agreement with minor clerical changes and all future amendments for the Holly Park Remodel project.
20.
Agreement With Telehealth Van, LLC., To Provide Virtual Telehealth Resources And Family Support For Low Income and Unhoused Residents.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Telehealth Van, LLC.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Telehealth Van, LLC.
21.
Professional services agreement with MNS Engineer, Inc. to provide temporary staffing to the Planning Department.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve agreement.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve agreement.
22.
Correcting a Typographical Error in Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement Between the City of Hawthorne and U.S. Tow for Non-Exclusive Towing and Storage Services
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Corrections Made to Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement with U.S. Tow for Towing and Storage Services.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Reyes English seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar. (Items 13-19, 21, and 22)
Councilmember Johnson pulled item 20 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 20, with the requirement of prior year's data and a scheduled review of progress/ services provided to the City.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Corrections Made to Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement with U.S. Tow for Towing and Storage Services.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Reyes English seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar. (Items 13-19, 21, and 22)
Councilmember Johnson pulled item 20 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 20, with the requirement of prior year's data and a scheduled review of progress/ services provided to the City.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
23.
Claim for bodily injury by Diane Wade.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Diane Wade.
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar. (Item 23)
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Diane Wade.
Councilmember Reyes English moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar. (Item 23)
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
24.
Hawthorne Aquatic Center Procedures for Rental Permits- A. Reyes English
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback wished everyone a safe and happy fourth of July.
Deputy City Clerk Joy Post thanked everyone for coming out.
Councilmember Faye Johnson thanked the two local businesses that participated in the evening's meet and greet Pacific Property Realty Group and Unify Credit Union, and welcomed Amy Cruz and her business. She also mentioned the pre-approved ADU plan styles.
Councilmember Angie Reyes English announced various upcoming City events and resources available throughout the City. She also requested an update from the Senior Citizen Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro thanked council for approval to host 2028 Cape Verde Olympic Committee. He also thanked all city staff for their participation in the Juneteenth event, and its success. Mayor Pro Tem asked Mayor Vargas to close the meeting in honor of Alice Huhn.
Mayor Alex Vargas encouraged the public to vote and be mindful of who they vote for. Mayor Vargas also inquired about the formation of an adhoc committee to address the concerns voiced by the evening's residents.
Deputy City Clerk Joy Post thanked everyone for coming out.
Councilmember Faye Johnson thanked the two local businesses that participated in the evening's meet and greet Pacific Property Realty Group and Unify Credit Union, and welcomed Amy Cruz and her business. She also mentioned the pre-approved ADU plan styles.
Councilmember Angie Reyes English announced various upcoming City events and resources available throughout the City. She also requested an update from the Senior Citizen Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro thanked council for approval to host 2028 Cape Verde Olympic Committee. He also thanked all city staff for their participation in the Juneteenth event, and its success. Mayor Pro Tem asked Mayor Vargas to close the meeting in honor of Alice Huhn.
Mayor Alex Vargas encouraged the public to vote and be mindful of who they vote for. Mayor Vargas also inquired about the formation of an adhoc committee to address the concerns voiced by the evening's residents.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vargas adjourned the meeting in memory of Alice Huhn at 9:02pm.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 26th day of August 2025.___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk