MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE,
CALIFORNIA HELD FEBRUARY 25, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Alex Vargas called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 4455 W 126th Street, Hawthorne, California 90250.
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Katrina Manning gave the evening's invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Herminia Balboa led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmembers Faye Johnson, Alex Monteiro, Angie Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Katrina Manning and Mayor Alex Vargas.
Also Present: City Manager Vontray Norris, City Attorney Robert Kim, City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter, and City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback.
Also Present: City Manager Vontray Norris, City Attorney Robert Kim, City Clerk Dayna Williams-Hunter, and City Treasurer Marie Poindexter-Hornback.
PROCLAMATIONS/CERTIFICATES/PRESENTATIONS
1.
Minority Psychology Network - Successful Brim
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Gary Anderson of the SBA announces the deadline for organizations to apply for assistance closes on March 10th.
Commissioner Carol Maston thanked city staff for their efforts in cleaning up a nearby alleyway. She voiced concerns about illegal dumping that occurs in alleyways.
Olivia Valentine praised city staff for their social media presence and voiced concerns about a new apartment complex located on Crenshaw Blvd and El Segundo Blvd in the City of Gardena.
Commissioner Carol Maston thanked city staff for their efforts in cleaning up a nearby alleyway. She voiced concerns about illegal dumping that occurs in alleyways.
Olivia Valentine praised city staff for their social media presence and voiced concerns about a new apartment complex located on Crenshaw Blvd and El Segundo Blvd in the City of Gardena.
CITY CLERK'S CONSENT CALENDAR
2.
Approval of waiver of full readings of resolutions and ordinances on Tuesday, February 25, 2025's agenda. Motion to waive full readings.
3.
City Treasurer requests approval of the warrants.
Warrant Nos.: 32654-32964; 196447-196454; 4893658-489377; 489378-489378;
489379-489381; 489382-489509;
Totals: $1,023,595.05; $1,086,842.12; $22,518.44 $800.00
Councilmember Reyes English moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Clerk’s consent calendar (Items 2-3).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
Warrant Nos.: 32654-32964; 196447-196454; 4893658-489377; 489378-489378;
489379-489381; 489382-489509;
Totals: $1,023,595.05; $1,086,842.12; $22,518.44 $800.00
Councilmember Reyes English moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Clerk’s consent calendar (Items 2-3).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
ORDINANCES
4.
Ordinance No. 2255, an Ordinance of the City of Hawthorne, California amending Section 12.31.010 (Deposit of Bulky Waste on Sidewalks, Streets or Public Right-Of-Way) of Chapter 12.31 (Bulky Waste On Sidewalks or Streets) to Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks) of the Hawthorne Municipal Code and Making a Finding of Exemption in Compliance with CEQA in Connection Therewith.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Introduce Ordinance No. 2255 on February 25, 2025, and adopt Ordinance No. 2255 on March 11, 2025.
Ordinance 2255 was introduced by title only by Mayor Alex Vargas.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Introduce Ordinance No. 2255 on February 25, 2025, and adopt Ordinance No. 2255 on March 11, 2025.
Ordinance 2255 was introduced by title only by Mayor Alex Vargas.
CITY MANAGER'S CONSENT CALENDAR
5.
Agreement between the City of Hawthorne and American Wholesale Lighting for Police Department Lighting Project
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agreement with American Wholesale Lighting and authorize the City Manager or his designee to enter into and execute the agreement.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agreement with American Wholesale Lighting and authorize the City Manager or his designee to enter into and execute the agreement.
6.
Second Amendment to the Consultant Agreement for Design Services ("Second Amendment") between the City of Hawthorne ("City") and Office Untitled ("Consultant").
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.
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.
7.
Increased Investments in 1-5 year tiered fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities (MBS).
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the City Treasurer’s request to increase investments through MBS and authorize certain designated City of Hawthorne Officers (pursuant to Resolution 8010) to execute transfers of up to $10 million of City's General Fund to invest in fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager’s consent calendar (Items 5 &7).
Councilmember Reyes English pulled Item 6 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve Item 6.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve the City Treasurer’s request to increase investments through MBS and authorize certain designated City of Hawthorne Officers (pursuant to Resolution 8010) to execute transfers of up to $10 million of City's General Fund to invest in fixed investments through Multi-Bank Securities.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Monteiro to approve the City Manager’s consent calendar (Items 5 &7).
Councilmember Reyes English pulled Item 6 for discussion.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve Item 6.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
CITY ATTORNEY'S CONSENT CALENDAR
8.
Claim for bodily injury by Steve Hibbert.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Steve Hibbert.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Steve Hibbert.
9.
Claim for personal injury by Carlos Montenegro.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Carlos Montenegro.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Carlos Montenegro.
10.
A second claim for bodily injury by Carlos Montenegro.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Carlos Montenegro.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Carlos Montenegro.
11.
Claim for bodily injury by Tellie Gay Jr.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Tellie Gay Jr.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Tellie Gay Jr.
12.
Claim for bodily injury by Luis Adrian Marin-Blanquet.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Luis Adrian Marin-Blanquet.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar (Items 8-12).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the claim by Luis Adrian Marin-Blanquet.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Councilmember Reyes English to approve the City Attorney's consent calendar (Items 8-12).
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Monteiro, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: None.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
13.
City Manager's Employment Agreement (K. Manning)
14.
Elected Officials' Expense Allotments for City Business Related Activities (A. Vargas)
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
The City Council to Discuss and Decide on the Adjustments to the Currents Allotments of Expenses Related to City Business Activities.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning to approve Discussion/Action Item (Item 14).
Elected Official Delegate Travel Stipend to increase from $1,500 to $5,000.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: Councilmember Monteiro
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
The City Council to Discuss and Decide on the Adjustments to the Currents Allotments of Expenses Related to City Business Activities.
Mayor Vargas moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manning to approve Discussion/Action Item (Item 14).
Elected Official Delegate Travel Stipend to increase from $1,500 to $5,000.
ROLL CALL AYES: Councilmembers Johnson, Reyes English, Mayor Pro Tem Manning and Mayor Vargas.
NOES: Councilmember Monteiro
15.
Meet & Greet prior to City Council Meeting - F. Johnson
16.
League of California Cities Veterans Committee - F. Johnson
ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Treasurer Poindexter-Hornback thanked the Council for approval of her agenda item. She informs the community that in the years 2027, 2028, and 2030, the City will not be receiving as much interest income. She also informs the community that rates are still trending at a 4.75% - 5%. Treasurer Poindexter-Hornback
City Clerk Williams-Hunter invites the community to the City's Black History Month social event. She welcomes the public to call the City Clerk's office if there are any issues receiving the City Council Agenda through email. City Clerk Williams-Hunter reminds the community that the City Clerk's Office offers notary services upon appointment.
Councilmember Monteiro thanks the community for attending the City Council meeting. Councilmember Monteiro directs City Manager Norris to contract with Kosmont for economic development. He also announced that the City will be hosting an Autism Walk on April 26th. Councilmember Monteiro is directing Hawthorne PD's Sgt. Jerome to present on the Special Needs Awareness Program. Councilmember Monteiro directs City Manager Norris to ensure someone is attending to the Building & Safety phone calls. He requests a proclamation for American Red Cross Month. Councilmember Monteiro reminds the community of the Earth Day/ Service Provider fair on April 12th and invites the community to the Celebration of Life event for Former Councilmember Pablo Catano.
Councilmember Johnson expresses gratitude for the Hawthorne Homeless Count and to Homeless Services Coordinator, Dulce Medina, for her efforts towards the event. She encourages residents to utilize MyHawthorne311 App to submit service requests. She directs staff to include trash cans/bulky items left in front of apartment buildings as a Discussion/Action item.
Councilmember Reyes English notified the residents of various city-sponsored events. She directs staff to include the Minority Psychology Network to participate in said events as well. Councilmember Reyes English also requested Hawthorne Police Department and Homeless Service Coordinator, Dulce Medina, to report on outreach efforts regarding the homeless population. She also commends Hawthorne Business Connect for their efforts towards ribbon cuttings in the city and commends City staff for all of their work.
Mayor Pro Tem Manning expressed support for the Special Needs Awareness Program. She also commends City staff for their efforts towards homeless services. Mayor Pro Tem Manning notified the community of the upcoming Hawthorne Business Expo, Women's History Month Celebration, and Mother's Day Brunch events. She also directed staff to add the Commercial Facade Program as an agenda item and requested for LA Sparks to be added as a Discussion/Action Item.
Mayor Vargas thanks community members for attending the Council Meeting. He clarifies that the Action/Discussion item regarding the Council's Travel Stipend to increase from $4,000 to $5,000 and also included increasing the City Clerk's and City Treasurers Travel Stipend from $3,000 to $4,000. Mayor Vargas expresses interest in finding new ways to monitor code enforcement citations. He also directed staff to add property maintenance of apartment buildings as an Action/Discussion item. Mayor Vargas directed staff to market the MyHawthorne311 app, and requested for it to be added as an Action/Discussion Item.
City Clerk Williams-Hunter invites the community to the City's Black History Month social event. She welcomes the public to call the City Clerk's office if there are any issues receiving the City Council Agenda through email. City Clerk Williams-Hunter reminds the community that the City Clerk's Office offers notary services upon appointment.
Councilmember Monteiro thanks the community for attending the City Council meeting. Councilmember Monteiro directs City Manager Norris to contract with Kosmont for economic development. He also announced that the City will be hosting an Autism Walk on April 26th. Councilmember Monteiro is directing Hawthorne PD's Sgt. Jerome to present on the Special Needs Awareness Program. Councilmember Monteiro directs City Manager Norris to ensure someone is attending to the Building & Safety phone calls. He requests a proclamation for American Red Cross Month. Councilmember Monteiro reminds the community of the Earth Day/ Service Provider fair on April 12th and invites the community to the Celebration of Life event for Former Councilmember Pablo Catano.
Councilmember Johnson expresses gratitude for the Hawthorne Homeless Count and to Homeless Services Coordinator, Dulce Medina, for her efforts towards the event. She encourages residents to utilize MyHawthorne311 App to submit service requests. She directs staff to include trash cans/bulky items left in front of apartment buildings as a Discussion/Action item.
Councilmember Reyes English notified the residents of various city-sponsored events. She directs staff to include the Minority Psychology Network to participate in said events as well. Councilmember Reyes English also requested Hawthorne Police Department and Homeless Service Coordinator, Dulce Medina, to report on outreach efforts regarding the homeless population. She also commends Hawthorne Business Connect for their efforts towards ribbon cuttings in the city and commends City staff for all of their work.
Mayor Pro Tem Manning expressed support for the Special Needs Awareness Program. She also commends City staff for their efforts towards homeless services. Mayor Pro Tem Manning notified the community of the upcoming Hawthorne Business Expo, Women's History Month Celebration, and Mother's Day Brunch events. She also directed staff to add the Commercial Facade Program as an agenda item and requested for LA Sparks to be added as a Discussion/Action Item.
Mayor Vargas thanks community members for attending the Council Meeting. He clarifies that the Action/Discussion item regarding the Council's Travel Stipend to increase from $4,000 to $5,000 and also included increasing the City Clerk's and City Treasurers Travel Stipend from $3,000 to $4,000. Mayor Vargas expresses interest in finding new ways to monitor code enforcement citations. He also directed staff to add property maintenance of apartment buildings as an Action/Discussion item. Mayor Vargas directed staff to market the MyHawthorne311 app, and requested for it to be added as an Action/Discussion Item.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vargas adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
Passed and approved this 10th day of June 2025.
___________________________
Dayna Williams-Hunter
City Clerk