MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD MARCH 10, 2026
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD MARCH 10, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The evening's meeting was called to order at 6:06pm.
INVOCATION
City Attorney David Caceras gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The City Manager, Vontry Norris 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; Deputy City Clerk Diana Cucalon
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Recognizing Our Restaurant Week Participants — A. Monteiro
2.
FIFA 2026, Public Safety Update -- Hawthorne Police Department
3.
Good Neighbor Award Presentation — Human Resources Department
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pat Donaldson, announced the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce mixer at Hummus House.
Gordon Michael Mego, shared various concerns.
Joann Varga, shared concerns regarding airplane noise and hangar construction noise.
Kyle Orlemann, shared concerns regarding the veterans commission and Item 8 on the City Council agenda regarding neighborhood parking. Orlemann also inquired about emergency housing voucher reallocation towards HUD VASH program.
Gordon Michael Mego, shared various concerns.
Joann Varga, shared concerns regarding airplane noise and hangar construction noise.
Kyle Orlemann, shared concerns regarding the veterans commission and Item 8 on the City Council agenda regarding neighborhood parking. Orlemann also inquired about emergency housing voucher reallocation towards HUD VASH program.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
4.
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 02/25/2026 to 03/10/2026 for a total of $5,479,364.85.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 02/25/2026 to 03/10/2026 for a total of $5,479,364.85.
5.
Approval of City Council meeting minutes for the regular meeting of February 24, 2026. Motion to approve minutes.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 24, 2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of February 24, 2026.
6.
Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, March 10, 2026’s agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
RESOLUTIONS
7.
Resolution No. 8590 – A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hawthorne, California, authorizing and approving an increase to the Administrative Vehicle Stored/Impound Release Fee.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommend the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8590, amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to increase the Administrative Vehicle Stored/Impound Release Fee from $102 to $200, establish new administrative fee categories of $325 for 30-Day Impound Hold Releases and DUI-Related Impound Releases, and authorize an annual cost-of-living adjustment to these administrative fees based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Mayor Vargas moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Clerk's Consent Calendar (Items 4-7).
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: NONE
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommend the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8590, amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule to increase the Administrative Vehicle Stored/Impound Release Fee from $102 to $200, establish new administrative fee categories of $325 for 30-Day Impound Hold Releases and DUI-Related Impound Releases, and authorize an annual cost-of-living adjustment to these administrative fees based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Mayor Vargas moved, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Clerk's Consent Calendar (Items 4-7).
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, Mayor Vargas.
NOES: NONE
ORDINANCES
8.
ORDINANCE NO. 2261 (SECOND 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 adopt.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Open and Close Public Hearing — Adopt Ordinance No. 2261 on March 10, 2026.
Bill Myers expressed concerns regarding this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Manning seconded to adopt Item 8.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Open and Close Public Hearing — Adopt Ordinance No. 2261 on March 10, 2026.
Bill Myers expressed concerns regarding this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Manning seconded to adopt Item 8.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
BIDS: OPENINGS & RESULTS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
GENERAL MATTERS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
9.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update and request for approval of recommendation.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council provide approval of reallocation recommendation and receive and file the ARPA Economic Development Plan Programs update.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council provide approval of reallocation recommendation and receive and file the ARPA Economic Development Plan Programs update.
10.
Review of the Mid-Year Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive, approve, and file the Mid Year Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive, approve, and file the Mid Year Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
11.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program – Service Fee Reconciliation and Authorization to Remit Funds to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program Service Fee Reconciliation Notice; and2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to remit $105,720 in unspent EHV Service Fees to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in accordance with federal requirements.
12.
Increased Investments in 3-5 year tiered fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities (MBS).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve staff's request to increase investments through MBS and authorize certain designated City of Hawthorne Officers (pursuant to Resolution 8421) to execute transfers of up to $20 million of the City's General Fund to invest in fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve staff's request to increase investments through MBS and authorize certain designated City of Hawthorne Officers (pursuant to Resolution 8421) to execute transfers of up to $20 million of the City's General Fund to invest in fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities.
13.
City Council of the City of Hawthorne, California, Announcing Free Income Tax Preparation Services starting on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and ending on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 am- 2 pm, at the Hawthorne Memorial Center as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (“VITA”) Program
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve free income tax preparation services offered through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the Hawthorne Memorial Center.
Councilmemer Manning pulled Item 12 for discussion
Councilmember Reyes English pulled Items 11 and 13 for discussion.
Councilmember Johnson pulled Item 10 for discussion.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 9.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 10.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 11.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Councilmember Manning seconded to approve Item 12.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 13.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
That the City Council approve free income tax preparation services offered through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the Hawthorne Memorial Center.
Councilmemer Manning pulled Item 12 for discussion
Councilmember Reyes English pulled Items 11 and 13 for discussion.
Councilmember Johnson pulled Item 10 for discussion.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 9.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 10.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve Item 11.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Councilmember Manning seconded to approve Item 12.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
Councilmember Reyes English motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve Item 13.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
14.
Claim for bodily injury by Toni Tabb.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Toni Tabb.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar, Item 14 .
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Toni Tabb.
Mayor Vargas motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar, Item 14 .
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS
COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
Councilmember Johnson gave direction for quarterly reporting of vacant, bordered, leaving, or opening business properties within the corridor of Hawthorne Blvd between El Segundo and Rosecrans.
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reyes English
Councilmember Johnson gave the directive for jewelry and City logo lapel pins, current and vintage to be available on the City's Store.
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve this item.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Manning gave the directive to bring back a presentation within 90 days regarding information about short-term rentals.
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.
Councilmember Manning gave the directive to receive information regarding the process of donation receival by the City in the form of a legal confidential.
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 Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive to look into usage of the water tower more effectively to highlight the city using lights.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive for City Manager Vontray Norris to work with Finance to discuss ideas to increase the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) and bring back a presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive requesting a proclamation for the 2nd opening of the Venice Clinic.
No Vote Necessary for this directive.
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Reyes English
Councilmember Johnson gave the directive for jewelry and City logo lapel pins, current and vintage to be available on the City's Store.
Councilmember Johnson motioned, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro seconded to approve this item.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Councilmember Manning gave the directive to bring back a presentation within 90 days regarding information about short-term rentals.
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.
Councilmember Manning gave the directive to receive information regarding the process of donation receival by the City in the form of a legal confidential.
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 Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive to look into usage of the water tower more effectively to highlight the city using lights.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Manning
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive for City Manager Vontray Norris to work with Finance to discuss ideas to increase the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) and bring back a presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro motioned, Councilmember Johnson seconded to approve this directive.
AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro, and Mayor Vargas
NOES: Councilmember Reyes English
Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro gave the directive requesting a proclamation for the 2nd opening of the Venice Clinic.
No Vote Necessary for this directive.
CLOSED SESSION
(None at this time)
(None at this time)
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 24th day of March 2026.___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk