MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JANUARY 28, 2025
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD JANUARY 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
This meeting was called to order by Mayor Vargas at 6:08 pm.
INVOCATION
City Manager Vontray Norris gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Former Councilmember Olivia Valentine led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning, Mayor Vargas.
Absent: Councilmember Reyes English
Absent: Councilmember Reyes English
Also Present: City Manager Von Norris, City Attorney Robert Kim, City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter, City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Proclamation for Peggy Holt (Retirement - ITS Department)
2.
Recognition of Hawthorne Police Department Response to Regional Wildfires
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Olivia Valentine encouraged web accessibility regarding disaster preparedness resources given the recent fires and inquired about evacuation shelters.
Gordon Mego spoke regarding a new mall and hospital and suggested that the City be involved in the Rose Parade. Thanked everyone involved in fighting and responding to the recent California wildfires.
Delbra Sturdivant from Love Beyond Autism requested support from Council for a second Autism Awareness Walk in the City of Hawthorne.
Dion Rambo gave an update on the TeleHealth Van program.
Frank Di Pasquale thanked Staff for their efforts in trying to address safety concerns related to the McDonald's project and looks forward to working with McDonald's to address any future issues.
Ruben Sanchez of the North Hawthorne Community Association thanked the Code Enforcement Department for their efforts in resolving trash issues in the North Hawthorne community. Inquired on the cost of maintaining the TeleHealth program. Provided comments regarding the recently unhoused fire victims.
Gordon Mego spoke regarding a new mall and hospital and suggested that the City be involved in the Rose Parade. Thanked everyone involved in fighting and responding to the recent California wildfires.
Delbra Sturdivant from Love Beyond Autism requested support from Council for a second Autism Awareness Walk in the City of Hawthorne.
Dion Rambo gave an update on the TeleHealth Van program.
Frank Di Pasquale thanked Staff for their efforts in trying to address safety concerns related to the McDonald's project and looks forward to working with McDonald's to address any future issues.
Ruben Sanchez of the North Hawthorne Community Association thanked the Code Enforcement Department for their efforts in resolving trash issues in the North Hawthorne community. Inquired on the cost of maintaining the TeleHealth program. Provided comments regarding the recently unhoused fire victims.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
3.
City Treasurer requests approval of the warrants.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 12/11/2024 to 01/28/2025 in the total of $12,770,151.01.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council approve the warrants issued for the period of 12/11/2024 to 01/28/2025 in the total of $12,770,151.01.
4.
Approval of waiver of full readings of Resolutions and Ordinances on Tuesday, January 28, 2025’s agenda.
RESOLUTIONS
5.
RESOLUTION NO. 8507
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A DRIVE-THRU AT 13324 S. INGLEWOOD AVENUE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8507.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A DRIVE-THRU AT 13324 S. INGLEWOOD AVENUE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND MAKING FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 8507.
6.
RESOLUTION NO. 8509
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION OF THE KHHR COMMUNITIES NETWORK COMMITTEE AND CLARIFYING THE ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8509
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Clerk’s consent calendar (Items 3-6).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION OF THE KHHR COMMUNITIES NETWORK COMMITTEE AND CLARIFYING THE ELECTIONS AND TERMS OF THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8509
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Clerk’s consent calendar (Items 3-6).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Manning, Mayor Pro Tem Monteiro and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
7.
Progress Payment #3 in the amount of $131,021.08 due to Sequel Contractors, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA for 120th St Improvements - Crenshaw Blvd to Felton Ave, Phase II (Project #21-03)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progres Payment #3 to Sequel Contractors, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progres Payment #3 to Sequel Contractors, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA
8.
Retiree Healthcare Plan June 30, 2024 GASBS 75 Actuarial Report
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and file the OPEB Valuation Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024, and approve contribution to OPEB Trust.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and file the OPEB Valuation Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024, and approve contribution to OPEB Trust.
9.
Publicly receive, open, declare sealed request for bids and award of Section 3 Contract for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Hawthorne Crenshaw Village Commercial Rehabilitation Project #CRP-2401.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council publicly receive, open, declare sealed request for bids and award the Section 3 Contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Dan Contractor of Riverside, CA.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council publicly receive, open, declare sealed request for bids and award the Section 3 Contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Dan Contractor of Riverside, CA.
10.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update and request for approval of recommendation
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council provide approval of the reallocation recommendation and receive and file the ARPA Economic Development Plan Programs update.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council provide approval of the reallocation recommendation and receive and file the ARPA Economic Development Plan Programs update.
11.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the City of Hawthorne for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024.
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, 2024.
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, 2024.
12.
Progress Payment #6 in the amount of $171,000 due to DOJA, Inc. of Ontario, CA for Zela Davis Park Renovation (Project #24-04)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #6 to DOJA, Inc. of Ontario, CA
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #6 to DOJA, Inc. of Ontario, CA
13.
Approval of the sale of a crane, platform, and tugs that were purchased and utilized by the Police Department’s Air Unit to assist with the maintenance, movement, and housing of related equipment.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve as follows:
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve as follows:
- The Sale of the crane and two tugs in the amount of $6,000.00 and $1,000.00 respectively and the proceeds of the sale to be deposited into the expense account 100-2102-215-00-40514 for the Hawthorne Police Department (Detective Bureau Contract Services)
- The sale of the platform in the amount of $3,000.00 and the proceeds of the sale be deposited in the expense account 230-2102-244-4740 for Hawthorne Police Department (Asset Forfeiture Machinery & Equipment).
14.
Aerodome change order for drone dock and radar system for Drone First Responder (DFR) in the amount of $175,550.00, and $67,600.00 for services provided by NASTEC International, Inc.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Aerodome Change Order in the amount of $175,550.00; and
Approval and also appropriation of a BPO not to exceed $67,600.00 for Nastec International, Inc from the specified asset forfeiture account for the Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder program.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Aerodome Change Order in the amount of $175,550.00; and
Approval and also appropriation of a BPO not to exceed $67,600.00 for Nastec International, Inc from the specified asset forfeiture account for the Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder program.
15.
An agreement between the Hawthorne Police Department and Action Target for maintenance and necessary upgrade of the Hawthorne Police Department range in the amount of $155,000.00
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the agreement with Action Target for maintenance and necessary upgrades to the Hawthorne Police Department Range in the amount of $155,000.00 and authorize the Chief of the Police Department to execute the agreement and make minor amendments thereto.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the agreement with Action Target for maintenance and necessary upgrades to the Hawthorne Police Department Range in the amount of $155,000.00 and authorize the Chief of the Police Department to execute the agreement and make minor amendments thereto.
16.
Agreement with Hawthorne Airport LLC Regarding Taxiway Rehabilitation at the Hawthorne Municipal Airport
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Hawthorne Airport LLC Regarding Taxiway Rehabilitation at the Airport.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council Approve the Agreement with Hawthorne Airport LLC Regarding Taxiway Rehabilitation at the Airport.
17.
Master Equity Lease Agreement between the Hawthorne Police Department and Enterprise.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Master Equity Lease Agreement and a purchase Order in the Not to exceed amount of $224,364.00 to Enterprise for the lease of police vehicles from the Police Department Asset Forfeiture Fund (230-2100-2102-000-4740).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Master Equity Lease Agreement and a purchase Order in the Not to exceed amount of $224,364.00 to Enterprise for the lease of police vehicles from the Police Department Asset Forfeiture Fund (230-2100-2102-000-4740).
18.
Progress Payment #4 in the amount of $1,320,396.12 due to Pardess Air Inc of Los Angeles, CA for Hawthorne Memorial Center HVAC System Upgrade (Project #23-08)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 and Change Orders #5 through #18 to Pardess Air Inc of Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Items 7-15 and 17-18).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Item 16). This item was pulled for discussion by Mayor Pro Tem Manning.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this Progress Payment #4 and Change Orders #5 through #18 to Pardess Air Inc of Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Items 7-15 and 17-18).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager's consent calendar (Item 16). This item was pulled for discussion by Mayor Pro Tem Manning.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
19.
Claim for bodiliy injury by Dionte McCall.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the Claim by Dionte McCall.
Councilmember Monteiro moved, seconded by Mayor Vargas to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar (Item 19).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the Claim by Dionte McCall.
Councilmember Monteiro moved, seconded by Mayor Vargas to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar (Item 19).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
ABSENT: Councilmember Reyes English.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
20.
Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy Authorizing Proposition 40 Funds in the amount of $750,000 for the Holly Park Bathroom Project - K. Manning
21.
Decorum - Code of Conduct During Council Meetings - K. Manning
22.
Black History Month 2025 - A. Monteiro
23.
Should the City Adopt an Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Gas Powered Leaf Blower? - A. Vargas
24.
Telehealth Scheduling and Locations - A. Vargas
25.
Community Usage of the Hawthorne Aquatic Center - A. Vargas
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
City Treasurer Marie Poindexter- Hornback, wished Peggy Holt the best of luck on her retirement and thanked her for her many years of service. Thank you to Hawthorne Police Department for providing their assistance during the Eaton fires. Three CDs have been rolled over, all over 4.5%. Thankful to City Staff, Poindexter-Hornback donated canned goods to the food drive and books to the book drive. Issued thanks to the City Manager and all department heads. Asked if there is anything stating she can't be apart of the Telehealth committee as an elected official?
City Clerk Dayna WIlliams-Hunter congratulated Peggy Holt on her retirement, provided an overview of the clerk's responsibilities, and thanked the Hawthorne Police Department.
Councilmember Faye Johnson thanked Peggy Holt, thanked the Hawthorne Police Department, shoutout to Von and Public Works for making it possible for the rescue workers to park their vehicles while staying at the hotel, and requested to close the meeting in honor of Guy Hocker.
Councilmember Alex Monteiro, wishes Peggy Holt goodluck in all her new adventures. Thank you to Hawthorne Police Department and Chief Tomatani for the frequent updates while assisting first responders during the Eaton fires, Thank you to City Manager Von Norris and all city departments during the Eaton fires. In agreement with former councilmember Olivia Valentine, he requested more accessibility on the city's website regarding emergency preparedness.
Recommendations:
City Clerk Dayna WIlliams-Hunter congratulated Peggy Holt on her retirement, provided an overview of the clerk's responsibilities, and thanked the Hawthorne Police Department.
Councilmember Faye Johnson thanked Peggy Holt, thanked the Hawthorne Police Department, shoutout to Von and Public Works for making it possible for the rescue workers to park their vehicles while staying at the hotel, and requested to close the meeting in honor of Guy Hocker.
Councilmember Alex Monteiro, wishes Peggy Holt goodluck in all her new adventures. Thank you to Hawthorne Police Department and Chief Tomatani for the frequent updates while assisting first responders during the Eaton fires, Thank you to City Manager Von Norris and all city departments during the Eaton fires. In agreement with former councilmember Olivia Valentine, he requested more accessibility on the city's website regarding emergency preparedness.
Recommendations:
- Celebration of Life: Remembrance of Pablo Kitano
- Committee Assignment Delegation
- Cape Verdean Olympic Committee inquiry, 2028 Olympics resource
Mayor Alex Vargas announced upcoming events: Food Drive January 31, 2025 and drop-off locations, Community Clean-up day March 15, 2025, Hawthorne City View available online, Annual Homeless Count Feb 20, 2025, Holly Park Book exchange January 14, 2025. Thanked Peggy Holt for serving the community and city hall staff with her dedicated support. Addressed enforcement towards homeless individuals blocking businesses. Mayor Vargas expressed sentiments towards (former) Mayor Guy Hocker and Pablo Kitano. Mayor Vargas requested to close the evening's meeting in their honor.
Recommendations:
- Memorial: Guy Hocker
- Memorial: Pablo Kitano
ADJOURNMENT
Passed and approved this 27th day of May 2025.
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk