By Brett Callwood
At the City Council meeting on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, Item 15A saw the council approve the use of police equipment that has been classified “military,” a now-annual procedure.
The item called on the Council to adopt, “ a Military Equipment Use Policy of the City of Gardena, California Governing the Use of Military Equipment Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.”
After a few standard questions about what actually constitutes military equipment, the item passed unanimously.
Item 16A called on the council to, “Award Construction Contract for the Local Streets Improvement 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, for various locations, JN 525 and 544, to LCR Earthwork & Engineering, Corp. in the amount of $3,388,850.00. Additionally, award Construction Management and Inspection Services contract to Onward Engineering, in the amount of $111,270.00, and the Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Testing Consultant Services contract to Terracon Consultants Inc. in the amount of $20,000. Approve the Project Plans & Specifications, Contingency, and declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.”
That passed unanimously, as did 16B: “Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer’s Report dated March 24, 2025, for the Gardena Artesia Boulevard Landscape Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2025-2026,” and 16C: “Confirming the Diagram and Assessment contained in the Engineer’s Report dated March 24, 2025, for the Gardena Consolidated Street Lighting Assessment District and ordering the levy of assessments on the same for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.”
16D, an Audit for the City’s Refuse Hauler, Waste Resources of Gardena, was received and filed, before 16E passed unanimously: “Award Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Contract for the Pedestrian Safety Project FY 2024-2025, JN 545, to Southern California Precision Concrete Inc. in the Amount of $147,693.24, approve 10% construction contingency, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.”
Moving on to the Recreation and Human Services department, Item 17A called for the Council to, “Ratify Administrative Approval of Professional Services Agreement between the City of Gardena and MDG Associates, Inc. for Grant Management Consulting Services for FY22 Community Project Funding Grant No. B-22-CP-CA-0033 for the Community Aquatics and Senior Center.”
That passed unanimously, as did 17B: “Authorize Purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford Transit – 350 MR Passenger XL RWD Vehicle from Airport Marina Ford in the Amount of $64,357.90,” and 17C: “Authorization to Purchase a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring ADA Commercial Mini Van with Folding Ramp from Mobility Works of California, LLC. in the amount of $71,551.06.”
The final two items were for the Transportation department. 18A called on the Council to, “Approve Purchase of Bus Stop Amenity Equipment from Tolar Manufacturing Company in the amount of $62,376 and a Project Total of $68,613.” That passed unanimously, as did 18B: “Approve Purchase of Safety Barrier Components at a Cost of $57,018 and a Project Total of $62,720.”
The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 27.
