MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JANUARY 27, 2026
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JANUARY 27, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
This meeting was called to order at 6:08pm.
INVOCATION
Pastor Woody Robinson led the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Alex Vargas; Mayor Pro Tem Alex Monteiro; Council Member Katrina Manning; Council Member Angie Reyes English; Council Member Faye Johnson
- Also Present:
- City Manager Vontray Norris; Intertim City Attorney David Caceres; City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Presentation by a representative of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) on the formation of the South Bay Regional Housing Trust — Administrative Services
2.
California Penal Code - 171b - Prohibited Weapons - Hawthorne Police Department
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was one written communication received from Rueben Sanchez on behalf of North Hawthorne Community Association.
Pat Donaldson, announced various upcoming events at the Chamber of Commerce.
Marco Treijo, presented City Manager, Vontray Norris with a championship belt in appreciation and recognition for the continued support of the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce.
Olivia Valentine, expressed concerns regarding drone delivery companies and operations.
James Radic, expressed parking concerns.
Daniel Granados, announced various upcoming Hawthorne library events.
Valerie, expressed concerns regarding ICE.
Reverend Garr, expressed his concerns regarding council behavior.
Raymond Vergara, expressed concerns.
Ronnie, provided an update regarding St. George's church.
Rueben Sanchez, expressed concerns.
Lely Fernandez, expressed appreciation for the "Hawthorne Eats" week.
Pat Donaldson, announced various upcoming events at the Chamber of Commerce.
Marco Treijo, presented City Manager, Vontray Norris with a championship belt in appreciation and recognition for the continued support of the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce.
Olivia Valentine, expressed concerns regarding drone delivery companies and operations.
James Radic, expressed parking concerns.
Daniel Granados, announced various upcoming Hawthorne library events.
Valerie, expressed concerns regarding ICE.
Reverend Garr, expressed his concerns regarding council behavior.
Raymond Vergara, expressed concerns.
Ronnie, provided an update regarding St. George's church.
Rueben Sanchez, expressed concerns.
Lely Fernandez, expressed appreciation for the "Hawthorne Eats" week.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
3.
The Finance Department 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 01/14/25 to 01/27/2026 for a total of $5,723,360.08.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 01/14/25 to 01/27/2026 for a total of $5,723,360.08.
4.
Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, January 27, 2026’s agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
RESOLUTIONS
5.
RESOLUTION NO. 8577 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE BALDWIN HILLS CONSERVANCY FOR PROPOSITION 1 FUNDING FOR CITY YARD PROJECT.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8577.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8577.
6.
RESOLUTION NO. 8582 - AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS FROM THE HAWTHORNE HOUSING AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE PROVIDED IN 24 CFR §908.101.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 8582
7.
RESOLUTION NO. 8583 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING DAVID L. CACERES AS THE CITY ATTORNEY, APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AND ADOPTING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE POSITION OF INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY ATTORNEY
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution 8583 appointing David L. Caceres as the City Attorney, approving an Employment Agreement, and adopting the salary schedule for the position of Interim City Attorney and City Attorney.
Item 7 was taken out of order after Item 23.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 7.
AYES: Couniclmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reyes English
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution 8583 appointing David L. Caceres as the City Attorney, approving an Employment Agreement, and adopting the salary schedule for the position of Interim City Attorney and City Attorney.
Item 7 was taken out of order after Item 23.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 7.
AYES: Couniclmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reyes English
8.
RESOLUTION NO. 8584 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CITY’S SALARY SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE THE SALARIES OF THE CITY ATTORNEY AND POLICE CHIEF.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8584, amending the City’s Salary Schedule to include the salaries of the positions of City Attorney and Police Chief.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8584, amending the City’s Salary Schedule to include the salaries of the positions of City Attorney and Police Chief.
9.
RESOLUTION NO. 8585 - AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A DISPOSITION, DEVELOPMENT, AND LOAN AGREEMENT (“DDLA”) WITH ABODE COMMUNITIES, A CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON REAL PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF 14115 CORDARY AVENUE (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 4051-030-902).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 8585 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a DDLA, including all related documents and amendments, with Abode Communities for the development and operation of affordable housing on City-owned property, and finding the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.66 (enacted by SB 130).
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's consent calendar Items 3-6,8 and 9.
AYES: Councilmembers Johonson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 8585 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a DDLA, including all related documents and amendments, with Abode Communities for the development and operation of affordable housing on City-owned property, and finding the project statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.66 (enacted by SB 130).
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's consent calendar Items 3-6,8 and 9.
AYES: Councilmembers Johonson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ORDINANCES
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
BIDS: OPENINGS & RESULTS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
GENERAL MATTERS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
10.
Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to participate in the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve joining the SBRHT and authorize the Mayor to execute the JPA, which will help fund the development and construction of affordable housing in the South Bay.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve joining the SBRHT and authorize the Mayor to execute the JPA, which will help fund the development and construction of affordable housing in the South Bay.
11.
General Services Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Hawthorne.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the General Services Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Hawthorne.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the General Services Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Hawthorne.
12.
Final Acceptance of the First Contract Term and award of the Park Maintenance Services Contract extension to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the final acceptance if 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 Martinez Landscape Co. of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the final acceptance if 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 Martinez Landscape Co. of Sylmar, CA.
13.
Progress Payment #6 in the amount of $1,393,758.04 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 #6 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #6 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc of Sylmar, CA.
14.
Amendment of Measure A Memorandum
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hawthorne and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) regarding the use of Los Angeles County Measure A funds for homelessness-related services; authorize the Mayor to execute the MOU; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute future amendments, exhibits, or administrative modifications to the MOU, subject to non-substantive changes and funding availability.
Mayor Vargas moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar Items 10-14.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hawthorne and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) regarding the use of Los Angeles County Measure A funds for homelessness-related services; authorize the Mayor to execute the MOU; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute future amendments, exhibits, or administrative modifications to the MOU, subject to non-substantive changes and funding availability.
Mayor Vargas moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar Items 10-14.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
DISCUSSION ITEMS
15.
C Line Extension - Supervisor Holly Mitchell Proposal - A. Monteiro
16.
Hawthorne Municipal Pool - Group Rental Use During Public Recreation Swim - A. Reyes English
17.
Protocols for Requests for Recognitions and Proclamations - K. Manning
Mayor Vargas motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded, to outsource the limited production of individual council-requested certificates of recognition by selection of council through the rfp process and establish a budget.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmembers Manning and Reyes English
Mayor Vargas motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded, to outsource the limited production of individual council-requested certificates of recognition by selection of council through the rfp process and establish a budget.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmembers Manning and Reyes English
18.
Review and Revision of Requirements for City-Sponsored and Council-Hosted Events - K. Manning
Councilmember Manning withdrew the request for discussion of this item.
Councilmember Manning withdrew the request for discussion of this item.
19.
Proposed Leafletting Ordinance - A. Vargas
20.
Request for Study Session - Code of Conduct for Elected Officials - F. Johnson
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS
COUNCIL DIRECTIVES / ACTION ITEMS
21.
Black History Month Recognition — Proclamation(s) for the February 24, 2026, Council Meeting — A. Monteiro
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this item.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this item.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
22.
Annual Autism Walk — April 26, 2026 - A. Monteiro
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this directive.
AYES:Councilmember Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Manning requested contact with Edison to schedule appointments with residents for service.
There was no motion, but a vote was taken to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Manning requested research for the cost of a vehicle and a participation fee for City Elected Officials to participate in the 2027 Annual MLK parade
Councilmember Manning motioned, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas requested a proclamation for Kathy Neville.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas requested a copy of the map for the C-line Extension.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this directive.
AYES:Councilmember Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Manning requested contact with Edison to schedule appointments with residents for service.
There was no motion, but a vote was taken to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Manning requested research for the cost of a vehicle and a participation fee for City Elected Officials to participate in the 2027 Annual MLK parade
Councilmember Manning motioned, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas requested a proclamation for Kathy Neville.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas requested a copy of the map for the C-line Extension.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
CLOSED SESSION
23.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of Case: Jesus Ruan v. City of Hawthorne, et al.
LASC Case No. 25TRCV00438
Item 23 was taken out of order after roll call.
Interim City Attorney David Caceres reported there was nothing to report out.
(Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of Case: Jesus Ruan v. City of Hawthorne, et al.
LASC Case No. 25TRCV00438
Item 23 was taken out of order after roll call.
Interim City Attorney David Caceres reported there was nothing to report out.
ADJOURNMENT
The evening's meeting was adjourned at 11:04pm.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 10th day of February 2025.___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk