MINUTES OF THE
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 21,2024
1. OPENINGCERE]UIONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Uphoff at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, Califomia.
b. Flag Salute
Councilmember Segawa led the salute to the flag.
c. lnvocation
Mayor Uphofi gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers: Gazeley (via teleconference from 25225 Doria Avenue, Lomita, CA 90717), Segawa, Waite, and Mayor Uphoff
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Waronek
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attomey Rusin, Assistant City Manager Sugano, Public Works Director Dillon (via Zoom), Administrative Services Director Kamada, Associate Planner MacMonan, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, Administrative Analyst Gastelum, Senior Management Analyst Hernandez, and City Clerk Gregory
e. Closed Session Report
City Attomey Rusin stated that the Council met in open session at 5:30 p.m. and recessed to closed session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss the following item:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COU NSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Govemment Code section 54956.9(dX2) (one case): Letter from Denise Fellers regarding BKK Landfill All Councilmembers except for Mayor Pro Tem Waronek were present (Councilmember Gazeley participated via teleconference from 25224 Doria Avenue, Lomita, CA 90714, and there was no reportable action.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2024
Councilmember Segawa made a molion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, and Mayor Uphoff NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Waronek
3. PRESENTATIONS
Wells Fargo Bank representatives presented the City with a smaller, framed replica of a mural depicting the early days of Lomita that had been on display at the branch in the City until its recent closure. Mayor Uphoffs wife Karen and Senior Management Analyst Hemandez were instrumental in securing this piece of Lomita history.
The Council presented certificates of recognition to retiring local LAUSD teachers and school staff.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Uphoff announced the time for oral communications Andy Bangash, Lomita resident and Board Director for the Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA), spoke of difficulties he has endured with a proposed poect in the City.
City Manager Vialpando stated that he would set up a meeting with Mr. Bangash to discuss the matter.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, thanked Councilmember Segawa and Mayor Uphoff for attending the South Bay Association of Realtors Mayors Breakfast on May 14. He added that City staff gave a presentation on what makes Lomita "the friendly city." Lucas Simmons, Lomita resident, expressed support for the school loading zone study and the Metro C Line extension into Torrance.
There being no further requests from the public to speak, Mayor Uphoff closed oral communications.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENOANCE REPORTS FROII THE
CITY COUNCTL
Councilmember Gazeley had nothing to report
Councilmember Segawa reported on the following:
. May 8 - Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
. May 14 - South Bay Association of Realtors Mayors Breakfast . Recent Little League Meeting
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2024
. May 16 - American Red Cross Hometown Heroes Event
. May 20 - 60th Anniversary/Founders Day Committee Meeting Councilmember Waite reported on the following:
. May 1 3-14 - South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce Sacramento Trip . May 16 - American Red Cross Hometown Heroes Event
. May 16-19 - Califomia Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Annual Municipal Seminar Mayor Uphoff reported on the following:
. May I - Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
. Recent South Bay Cities Council of Govemments (SBCCOG) Transportation Committee Meeting
o Recent SBCCOG Steering Commiftee Meeting
. May 13 - Get Together Salon Grand Opening/Ribbon Cufting . May 16-19 - CCCA Annual Municipal Seminar
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando announced the City's Memorial Day celebration will take place on Monday, May 27 al l0 a.m. at Veterans Park.
7. CONSENTAGENOA
RECOMMENOED ACTTON: That Consent Agenda ltems 7a-n be approved.
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve the consent agenda items 7a-i and 7k-n, with item 7j pulled for separate discussion by Councilmember Segawa.
IIIOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, and Mayor Uphoff NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Waronek
a. Motion to Waive Full Reading of Ordinances and that They be Read in 1-itle Only RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve motion.
b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 19, 2024 RECOMIYIENOED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. WanantYPayrollRegister
RECOMiIENDED ACTION: Approve and file Wanants/Payroll Register. d. Monthly Report for the Administrative Services Department
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2024
RECOMUENOED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
e. Monthly Report for the City Manager's Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the repo(.
f. Monthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
g. Monthly Report for the Recreation and Facilities Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
h. Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
i. April 2024 Treasury & lnvestment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
k. Authorize Release of Bid Package and Approve CEQA Exemption for the Sidewalk Repair Program Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize staff to release the bid package for the Sidewalk Repair Program Poect, and find the proiect categorically exempt from CEQA. l. Zone G Street Reconstruction Project: Authorize Release of Bid Package for Phase 1 and Approve CEQA Exemption for All Phases
RECOMMENOED ACTION: Authorize staff to release the bid package for the Zone G Street Reconstruction (Phase 1) and Iind all phases of this project categorically exempt from CEQA (Phase 1 to 4).
m. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Tripepi Smith to Conduct Public Outreach Regarding SB 1383 Organics Recycling
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement with Tripepi Smith to conduct public outreach regarding SB '1383 organics recycling.
n. Contract with Fun Services So-Cal for Founders Day 2024 REGOMMENOED ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to approve a crntract with Fun Services So-Cal.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2024
ITEM PULLED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with TDG Engineering, lnc., an affiliate of Toole Design Group, LLC (Toole Design) for Consulting Services for the Citywide School Loading Zone Study in the amount of $260,533 plus an
11.1% contingency amount of $28,967, for a total contract amount of $289,500; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
The Council asked for clarification on the time frame of the study and the specific areas being looked at.
Director Dillon stated that the study is one year in duration and kicks off immediately upon approval. The study area includes four schools in the City, and it will evaluate existing conditions and recommend changes relative to striping and signage, as well as ways to improve safety.
City Manager Vialpando stated that eighty-five percent of the cost of the study is grant funded.
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve the item.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, and Mayor Uphoff NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Waronek
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. PRESENTATION FROM LOSANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENTOFANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL (no staff report)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file
Assistant City Manager Sugano stated that tonight's presentation is in response to a recent request from the Council.
Bradley Kim, Contracts, Grants & Analytics Division Manager, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, gave a presentation on programs and services provided by the agency.
The City recently renewed its contract for five years, commencing on July 1, 2024. He stated that intake is among the highest in the nation for such an agency, and stressed the need for fosters, especially for un-weaned kittens.
There was brief discussion relative to aggressive dogs and the length of time it takes to respond to dead animal pickup requests.
j. Professional Services Agreement with TDG Engineering lnc. (Toole Design) for the Citlnride School Loading Zone Study
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2024
As there were no further questions from the Council, Mayor Uphoff invited public comment.
It was the consensus of the Council to receive and file the report a. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 202'I.01, ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO. 202+01, AND ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 202+03, FOR LOMITA MANOR - 2492$25007 WALNUT STREET (APNS: 7375-01$ 901, 737S01 5-902, 7375-01 5-903, AND 737S01 $904)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct a public hearing, adopt a resolution changing the General Plan's land use designation for Lomita Manor - 24925-25007 Walnut Street and introduce the ordinance on first reading in line with the Planning Commission's recommendation, and find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Associate Planner MacMonan presented the staff report per the agenda material. This item is a reconciliation between Lomita Manods actual uses and its land uses and zoning designation. For this location, a high-density residential use is a more consistent designation for the existing land use. Even though the City owns Lomita Manor, and it serves the public good by providing affordable senior housing, the property's use is a different matter than the ownership. Since Lomita Manor was built, the site has been used exclusively for residential use.
As there were no questions from the Council, Mayor Uphoff opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in favor of the item.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Uphoft closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. and brought the item back for Council discussion or a motion.
City Attorney Rusin stated that the following language should be added to section 4: "The General Plan land use designation for the property at 24925-25007 Walnut Street is changed from public facility/open space to high-density residential-" He then read the title of the ordinance to be introduced.
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve the recommended action, with the following language to be added to section 4 of the resolution: "The General Plan land use designation for the property al 24925-25007 Walnut Street is changed from public facility/open space to high-density residential."
George Kivett, Lomita resident, stated his appreciation for the senior discount on dog licenses and the Vet at the Park events. He expressed dissatisfaction with the timeliness of responding to dead animal pickup requests and policing of off leash dogs.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 21,2O24
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, and Mayor Uphoff NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Waronek
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024.13 . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2O2+O1 CHANGING 24925.25007WALNUT STREET'S GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM
PUBLIC FACILITIES/OPEN SPACE TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND FINDING
THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUAITY ACT.
lntroduced on first reading the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO, 861 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING: (1) ZONING MAP AMENDMENT 202't-01 TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM R-I SINGLE.FAMILY RESIDENTIALTO THE LOMITA MANOR SPECIFIC PLAN; (2) ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 2024-03
AMENDING LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING), CHAPTER 1 (ZONING), PART 2 (ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES) TO CREATE ARTICLE 28 THE 'LOMITA MANOR SPECIFIC PLAN" FOR 24925.25007 WALNUT STREET (APNs 7375-0'15-901, 737s-015-902,737s-01s-903, AND 7375-015-904); AND (3) A DETERMTNATTON THAT THE PROJECT rS CATEGORTCALLY EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AGT (CEOA)
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Uphoff adjoumed the meeting al7:21 p.m Respectfully submitted,
lxJfrW J \JT, l-/\ ,..--,,@
Adopteil: August 6, 2024 (
l1