MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD FEBRUARY 24, 2026
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD FEBRUARY 24, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION
Pastor Golani gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Balboa led the pledge of allegiance.
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; City Attorney David Caceres; City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Celebrating Black History Month - A. Monterio
2.
Los Angeles Dream Center Presentation- Housing Department
3.
LA Metro I-105 Project Update Presentation - K. Manning
4.
LA CADA for Homeless Outreach and Related Services- Hawthorne Police Department
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brian Markarian, thanked the council for including the educators in the black history month celebration and Hawthorne PD for hosting the watch party for the students. He also provided an update on Hawthorne School District events.
Jose Ochoa, shared Senator Laura Richard's committee assignments for the year.
David Smith, expressed concerns about Cordary apartments and parking.
Liliana, expressed concerns regarding licensing fees.
Kyle Oreman, expressed various concerns.
Leyli Fernandez, expressed concerns
Rueben Sanchez, expressed various concerns.
Richard Harrison, requested council to consider creating two committees: Hawthorne Public Works Commission and Hawthorne Business Innovation Commission.
Jose Ochoa, shared Senator Laura Richard's committee assignments for the year.
David Smith, expressed concerns about Cordary apartments and parking.
Liliana, expressed concerns regarding licensing fees.
Kyle Oreman, expressed various concerns.
Leyli Fernandez, expressed concerns
Rueben Sanchez, expressed various concerns.
Richard Harrison, requested council to consider creating two committees: Hawthorne Public Works Commission and Hawthorne Business Innovation Commission.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
5.
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 02/11/2026 to 02/24/2026 for a total of $4,015,891.13.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 02/11/2026 to 02/24/2026 for a total of $4,015,891.13.
6.
Approval of City Council meeting minutes for the regular meeting of February 10, 2026. Motion to approve minutes.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 10, 2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 10, 2026.
7.
Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, February 24, 2026’s agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
RESOLUTIONS
8.
Resolution 8589 to Authorize the City of Hawthorne to Apply for the Prohousing Designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt the resolution.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's Consent Calendar (Items 5-8)
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt the resolution.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Mayor Vargas seconded to approve the City Clerk's Consent Calendar (Items 5-8)
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ORDINANCES
9.
ORDINANCE NO. 2261 (FIRST READING) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 10.36 (STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING) OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE HAWTHORNE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH PARKING METER ZONES, OPERATIONS, FEES AND PROCEDURES. (Motion to Introduce.)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Introduce Ordinance No. 2261.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro introduced this item.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Introduce Ordinance No. 2261.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro introduced this item.
BIDS: OPENINGS & RESULTS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
GENERAL MATTERS
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
10.
RETIREE HEALTHCARE PLAN June 30, 2025 GASBS 75 Disclosure Report
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and file the OPEB Disclosure Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, and approve the contribution to OPEB Trust.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and file the OPEB Disclosure Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, and approve the contribution to OPEB Trust.
11.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025.
12.
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles Dream Center for Homelessness Response Collaboration.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hawthorne and the Los Angeles Dream Center; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU in a form approved by the City Attorney.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Hawthorne and the Los Angeles Dream Center; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU in a form approved by the City Attorney.
13.
Approval of Agreement with LA CADA for Homeless Outreach and Related Services; Appropriation of $100,000.00 from Opioid Settlement Funding.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the one-year agreement between the City of Hawthorne and LA CADA (Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse) for homeless outreach and transportation services, and appropriating $100,000.00 from Opioid Settlement funding.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the one-year agreement between the City of Hawthorne and LA CADA (Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse) for homeless outreach and transportation services, and appropriating $100,000.00 from Opioid Settlement funding.
14.
Progress Payment #2 in the amount of $167,152.50 due to Jermax Construction Inc. of San Fernando, CA for Holly Park Restroom Renovation (Project #25-07).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
City staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #2 for Jermax Construction Inc. of San Fernando, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
City staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #2 for Jermax Construction Inc. of San Fernando, CA.
15.
First Amendment to the Agreement Between the City of Hawthorne and MNS Engineers, Inc.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the First Amendment to the MNS Engineers, Inc. contract with the City.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the First Amendment to the MNS Engineers, Inc. contract with the City.
16.
Acquisition of a portable, self-contained camera system for deployment in areas experiencing spikes in SB1383 Illegal dumping and contamination areas.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the purchase of a “Wanco Portable Surveillance Camera Trailer” from “WANCO Inc.,” for the related cost of $47,860.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the purchase of a “Wanco Portable Surveillance Camera Trailer” from “WANCO Inc.,” for the related cost of $47,860.
17.
Progress Payment #7 in the amount of $905,942.73 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 #7 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc of Sylmar, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #7 to Martinez Landscape Co. Inc of Sylmar, CA.
18.
Hero Housing Empowerment Recovery And Outreach Community Services Memorandum Of Understanding
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
City Council to approve the MOU for Street Outreach and Case Management, and also a Homeless Housing Coordinator to assist our Homeless Services Division.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Items 10-18).
Councilmember Reyes English abstained from Item 12.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
City Council to approve the MOU for Street Outreach and Case Management, and also a Homeless Housing Coordinator to assist our Homeless Services Division.
Mayor Vargas moved, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Items 10-18).
Councilmember Reyes English abstained from Item 12.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
DISCUSSION ITEMS
19.
Hawthorne Municipal Airport News & Developments — F. Johnson
20.
Establishing a Public Works Commission — K. Manning
21.
Proclamation for Fair Housing Month (April) — A. Monteiro/K. Manning
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Councilmember Manning seconded to approve Item 21.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro moved, Councilmember Manning seconded to approve Item 21.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
22.
Donation of a Vehicle from SpaceX to the City of Hawthorne — F. Johnson
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 22.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 22.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS
COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Councilmember Manning gave the directive to distribute $250 stipends to the following organizations: Anointed Feet, Cuban Festival, Hollypark Little League, and Star Justice.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive and made a motion for the Rotary Club proclamation, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro also gave the directive and made a motion requesting a feasibility study regarding City-wide free Wi-Fi through a donation from Starlink, seconded by Mayor Vargas.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Reyes English gave a directive and motioned requesting legal confidentials for all councilmembers regarding all non-profit organization registration and legitimacy. Mayor Vargas seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Johnson gave a directive and made a motion for the creation of a dedicated "Airport Information" tab on the front page of the City's website and to reach out to the FAA requesting a representative to do a presentation about the City's airport, Mayor Vargas seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English.
Mayor Vargas gave a directive and made a motion requesting information regarding donations of stipends to organizations that are not non-profits, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas also gave and made a motion requesting the status of the previously City-owned and operated summer camp in Wrightwood, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive and made a motion for the Rotary Club proclamation, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro also gave the directive and made a motion requesting a feasibility study regarding City-wide free Wi-Fi through a donation from Starlink, seconded by Mayor Vargas.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Reyes English gave a directive and motioned requesting legal confidentials for all councilmembers regarding all non-profit organization registration and legitimacy. Mayor Vargas seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Johnson gave a directive and made a motion for the creation of a dedicated "Airport Information" tab on the front page of the City's website and to reach out to the FAA requesting a representative to do a presentation about the City's airport, Mayor Vargas seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English.
Mayor Vargas gave a directive and made a motion requesting information regarding donations of stipends to organizations that are not non-profits, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas also gave and made a motion requesting the status of the previously City-owned and operated summer camp in Wrightwood, Councilmember Johnson seconded.
AYES: Councilmember Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
The evening's meeting was adjourned at 9:32pm.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 10th day of March 2025.___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk