CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD AUGUST 26, 2025
- Present:
- Mayor Alex Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro; Council Member Katrina Manning; Council Member Angie Reyes English
- Absent:
- Council Member Faye Johnson
- Also Present:
- City Manager Vontray Norris; City Attorney Robert Kim; City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter; City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback
The Chamber is hosting a backpack giveaway event this Friday at 9:00 AM at Kornblum Elementary School, distributing 200 backpacks with supplies thanks to donations from City Clerk Williams-Hunter's contacts.
The Chamber’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for September 29th, with prizes including airfare and a hotel stay in San Francisco, and additional door prizes.
Multiple new Chamber members introduced their businesses:
Kris from Soft Cafe, a family-run, woman-operated café offering free wi-fi and kid-friendly amenities at 12947 Hawthorne Blvd.
Patricia Leck from Tapville, a self-pour craft beer taproom and restaurant at 12520 Crenshaw, across from SpaceX, with validated parking and a family-friendly environment.
Anonymous resident presented a petition to repeal Resolution 7742, which grants preferential permitted parking to a small number of residents on 122nd Street, citing underutilization, unfair restrictions, and lack of necessity given changes since 2015.
There is ongoing community opposition to a proposed metered parking pilot program; residents submitted a change.org petition advocating against paid parking anywhere in Hawthorne. The resident proposed exploring more resident-friendly parking policies, including removing unnecessary permits or using restricted street space for parking during street sweeping days.
Carol Maston shared news of the passing of Dr. Joseph Jackson, a long-serving Senior Citizens' Commissioner, and requested the meeting be closed in his memory. Information about services is yet to be provided.
Lely Fernandez spoke on parking issues and on behalf of Gordon Mego, a long-time community advocate who is in need of financial support to repair his car. She distributed GoFundMe flyers and encouraged contributions to assist him.
Ronny Manson gave an update on his health situation.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the regular City Council meetings of May 13, 2025, May 27, 2025,June 24th, 2025 and the special meeting of June 24, 2025.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the following periods:
07/09/2025 to 08/12/2025 for a total of $9,272,782.68
08/13/2025 to 08/26/2025 for a total of $7,984,950.53.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8548 and authorize the Director of Public Works’ execution of the FAA AIG Resurface Runway 7-25 and Resurface Taxiways and Trench Drain Extension grant documents and any future amendments to the grant.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8549 declaring the property located immediately south of 14115 Cordary Avenue (Assessor Parcel Number 4051-030-902) "exempt surplus” under the Surplus Land Act.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8550.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8551
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends City Council approve Resolution 8553
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
(None at this time)
There were four Bids - All bond accompanied
Martinez Landscape Co., Inc. of Sylmar - $2,658,173.00
DOJA, Inc. of Ontario - $3,683,810.00
S&H Construction, Inc. of Fremont - $2,868,600.00
Klassic Engineering & Construction of Tustin - 4,731,185.00
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Refer bids to staff for study and recommendation.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
(None at this time)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the amendment and authorize the Director of Public Works to enter into the first amendment with Chargie, LLC.
Moved by Council Member Angie Reyes English, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and authorize the City Manager or his designee to enter into and execute the agreement.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Second Amendment and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Second Amendment to the consultant agreement.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Second Amendment and authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the consultant agreement.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with RSG Inc. to prepare a Long-Term Fiscal Model/Financial Plan and approve a blanket purchase order, not to exceed $29,870.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Rael & Letson to provide actuarial consulting services and approve a blanket purchase order, not to exceed $27,500.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive, approve and file the City of Hawthorne’s Investment Report for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 of FY 24-25.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #6 to PCN3 Inc of Los Alamitos, CA
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council award contract to lowest responsible and responsive bidder, Martinez Landscape Co., Inc. of Sylmar, CA pending approval of HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee funds.
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, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve the Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and the Hawthorne Police Management Supervisory Group (HPMSG) amending Section 9.11 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding retention pay to include reserve time in the calculation of eligibility, effective March 27, 2025 and authorize the City Manager to execute the side letter agreement.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #3 and Change Order #1 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc. of Sylmar, CA.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to extend the term and associated reporting deadlines for the LACADA Project through June 30, 2027, and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #9 and #10 and all recommend Change Orders to Klassic Engineering & Construction Inc of Orange, CA.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Moved by Council Member Angie Reyes English, seconded by Mayor Alex Vargas
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the final acceptance of the first street tree trimming contract term and exercise the option pursuant to section 6.1 of the contract agreement to ratify and authorize the first extension from December 2025 through December 2026, the second contract extension from December 2026 to December 2027, and the third extension from December 2027 through December 2028 with a 4% CPI increase to Northstar Landcare of Downey, CA.
Moved by Mayor Alex Vargas, seconded by Council Member Katrina Manning
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Katrina Manning, Council Member Angie Reyes English
All items on the City Attorney's consent calendar were unanimously approved. (Items 33,34,35,36)
Moved -Mayor Vargas, Seconded - Mayor Pro Tem Montiero
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by ICRMA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Luisa Magante.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Additional Funding in the Amount of $30,000 to Administration Receivership Account (Receivership Account No. 100-1501-000-40744) for fiscal year 2024/2025, Encumber for the Same and Approve the Increase of Blanket Purchase Order for Civica Law Group to Reflect the Increase.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Shaunta Whiting.
Moved by Council Member Angie Reyes English, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro
- AYE:
- Mayor Alex Vargas, Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro, Council Member Angie Reyes English
- NAY:
- Council Member Katrina Manning
City Clerk Williams-Hunter
- Reminded residents to sign up online to receive city council agendas via email and highlighted the city website as a resource for press releases and information.
- Encouraged residents to check the website or call the Clerk’s office for public records requests, as many answers are already available online.
- Announced the upcoming redistricting vote in November and clarified the city will not bear its cost.
Councilwoman Katrina Manning
- Reported attendance at several community events, including National Night Out (coordinated with police, recognized by Congresswoman Waters), and shared a Port of Long Beach tour experience.
- Addressed resident concerns about parking on 122nd Street; noted a parking assessment in progress to address these issues for business, commercial, and residential areas.
- Hosted and partnered in local backpack/book giveaways, stressing the importance of reading for children.
- Addressed illegal dumping, noted ongoing installation of signage, and efforts to track/reduce repeat dumping locations; encouraged reporting via city app.
- Announced a court-issued permanent injunction against the local mall, requiring immediate safety/security measures and ordering development or demolition by August 31, 2026.
- Noted the passing of Geneva Frutrel (longtime resident); requested the meeting be closed in her honor.
Councilwoman Angie Reyes English
- Announced Senior Center Luau Dance (August 29) and Crenshaw Village ribbon-cutting (September 9); recognized Soft Cafe and Tapville grand openings.
- Requested regular updates on new business openings and called for a moratorium and inspection of car washes and massage parlors due to overrepresentation.
- Highlighted Chamber golf tournament (September 29) and city appreciation for events like Movies in the Pool and National Night Out.
- Noted increase in coyote sightings in neighborhoods; proposed coyote/wildlife resource signage.
- Expressed congratulations to City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter as "Democrat of the Year" and acknowledged birthdays for Dayna and herself.
Mayor Pro Tem Alex Montiero
- Expressed appreciation to attendees and presenters, highlighting pride in city staff and recent city advancements.
- Suggested planning activities for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Extended condolences for Dr. Joe Jackson, longtime resident and Senior Commissioner.
- Shared details about Clean Power Alliance and CalPINE grant and scholarship opportunities for clean energy and local students.
- Inquired about city plans for a 9/11 Remembrance Event.
Mayor Alex Vargas
- Provided context and background regarding the local mall, its problematic history, and city efforts to ensure development or demolition, commending legal counsel and city staff for progress made.
- Listed and promoted upcoming city events, including State of the City Address (August 28), North Hawthorne picnic (August 30), Halloween contest (October 25), Touch-a-Truck event (October 11), and free preschool availability.
- Recognized staff successes with community events and noted Movies in the Pool event (400 attendees).
- Addressed resident frustrations about the mall and explained the court injunction’s significance.
- Requested improved transparency and communication about legal/development matters and ongoing business regulation efforts.
- Noted recent regional mayoral meeting with the Consul General of Mexico, emphasizing information-sharing among cities regarding immigration and services.
- Closed the meeting by honoring Geneva Fruhtrel and Dr. Joe Jackson with a moment of silence.
(None at this time)
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk