MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Uphoff at 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
Mayor Uphoff led the flag salute.
c. Invocation
Mayor Uphoff gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, and Mayor Uphoff
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attorney Rusin, Assistant City Manager Sugano, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director Hernandez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, Administrative Analyst Gastelum, and Deputy City Clerk Abbott
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, and Mayor Uphoff
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. PRESENTATIONS
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
Lieutenant White of Lomita Sheriff’s Station shared crime (including traffic) statistics from the second quarter of 2024, and compared them to the same periods of time from 2020-2023.
Discussion included the following topics:
• The possibility of funding some DUI checkpoints in Lomita • Ways to curb speeding and other dangerous practices by some e-bike riders • An increase in residential burglaries in the second quarter; 10 of those occurred at the condominium complex on PV Drive North after the fire, with thieves taking advantage of the situation
• Potential inclusion of crime prevention tips in the City’s e-newsletter • An increase in larcenies in the City since Target opened; undercover operations have resulted in the apprehension of some shoplifters
• The importance of reporting suspicious behavior
• Average response times
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Uphoff announced the time for oral communications.
Brandee Keith, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, South Coast Air Quality Management District, announced that the residential gas-powered lawnmower exchange program has been updated to include other zero emissions equipment such as edgers and chainsaws. Rebates of up to $250 are available. More information may be found at [email protected].
There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Uphoff closed oral communications.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL
Councilmember Gazeley read aloud a letter from the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the bargaining unit for deputy sheriffs and district attorney investigators working for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). It outlined ALADS’ opposition to current negotiation practices relative to a proposed settlement agreement, and stated that public safety service levels will suffer if the settlement is approved.
City Manager Vialpando stated that the negotiations involve the County’s jail systems and how they are run. He will read the letter and inquire with the LASD as to whether the City should act.
Councilmember Segawa reported on the following:
• Recent Friends of Lomita Library Tea
• September 21 – Family Fun Day at the Lomita Railroad Museum • Recent Little League Committee Meeting
• September 25 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Fifth Anniversary Celebration • Recent Mayors Cup Golf Tournament Committee Meetings
• October 1 – Circle of Honor Committee Meeting
• Announced Mayors Cup Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 3 Councilmember Waite reported on the following:
• September 12 – League of California Cities (LCC) Meeting with Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco
• September 23 – LCC Meeting with Metropolitan Water District • September 25 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Fifth Anniversary Celebration Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
• October 7 – Upcoming Meeting with L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone Mayor Pro Tem Waronek reported on the following:
• September 19 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting • September 20 – Lomita-Harbor City Kiwanis Club 10th Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser for Lomita Sheriff and Fire Stations
• Recent Mayors Cup Golf Tournament Committee Meetings
• Announced Mayors Cup Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 3 • September 25 – California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Executive Committee Meeting
• September 28 – Community's Child Fundraiser
• September 30 – Lomita Sheriff's Station Foundation Golf Tournament Fundraiser • Announced Mayors Cup Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 3 Mayor Uphoff reported on the following: :
• September 18 – L.A. County Sanitation District No. 5 Board Meeting • September 20 – Lomita-Harbor City Kiwanis Club 10th Annual Spaghetti Fundraiser for Lomita Sheriff and Fire Stations
• September 21 – Family Fun Day at the Lomita Railroad Museum • September 24 – South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Senior Services Working Group Meeting
• September 25 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Fifth Anniversary Celebration • September 26 – SBCCOG Board of Directors Meeting
• September 28 – Community's Child Fundraiser
• October 1 – Circle of Honor Committee Meeting
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando announced the following:
• Mayors Cup Golf Tournament is to take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024 • A fundraiser sponsored by Lomita Station deputies will be held on Wednesday, October 9 at Lomita Park for a former Deputy Explorer and his family who lost their home in a recent fire in the City
• Coffee with the Captain is to be held on Wednesday, October 2 at Corridor Flow • After a two-month search, Interim Public Works Director Hernandez was promoted to Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director; he highlighted her background and experience
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7e be approved.
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, and Mayor Uphoff
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
a. Motion to Waive Full Reading of Ordinances and That They be Read in Title Only RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve motion.
b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings of July 2, 2024, and August 20, 2024 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrant/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register. d. Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Los Angeles Region Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W), Municipal Transfer Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and Superseding Resolution No. 2024-28 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-29, approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Los Angeles Region Safe, Clean Water Program, Municipal Transfer Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and superseding Resolution No. 2024-28 in its entirety.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-29 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE LOS ANGELES REGION SAFE, CLEAN WATER PROGRAM,
MUNICIPAL TRANSFER AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND SUPERSEDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-28 e. Public Works Department Operational Enhancements
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-30 amending the City’s compensation plan for non-represented employees revising the Public Works Director classification to Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director, and amending job titles for Water System Superintendent and Public Works Operations Manager; Adopt Resolution No. 2024-31 revising the full-time employee list and salary schedule for the position of Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director, Water Systems Superintendent, and Public Works Operations Manager; Approve an amendment to the position classification specifications for Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director, Water Systems Superintendent, and Public Works Operations Manager; and Authorize a budget appropriation to the FY 24-25 Adopted Budget from corresponding fund sources to reflect the proposed changes as described.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-30 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR NONREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022-23 THROUGH 2024-25 AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-25
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-31 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A SALARY SCHEDULE AND SALARY
RANGE SCHEDULE FOR EMPLOYEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
a. SET A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AUTHORIZING A DESIGN-BUILD AND
ENERGY SAVING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS AMERICAS, INC. FOR THE LOMITA CITY HALL HVAC UPGRADE PROJECT RECOMMENDED ACTION: Set a Public Hearing on October 15, 2024, to consider authorizing design-build and energy saving services contract with Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc pursuant to California Government Code 4217.10-4217.18 for the Lomita City Hall HVAC Upgrade Project.
City Manager Vialpando presented the item, stating that it is merely routine and administerial. The City’s HVAC system is well past its useful life, and tonight the Council is asked to set the public hearing date per Government code, which requires a two-week public notice prior to the public hearing.
As there were no questions for staff and no requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Uphoff invited discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, and Mayor Uphoff
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02, ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05, ZONING MAP AMENDMENT 2024-02, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 2024-01 – GENERAL PLAN
UPDATE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ZONING MAP
AND TEXT AMENDMENTS TO VARIOUS SECTIONS OF LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING), CHAPTER 1 (ZONING), TO IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE CERTIFIED CITY OF LOMITA 2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-32 and hold a public hearing to introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 863 approving: (1) Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-05, an ordinance amending various sections of Lomita Municipal Code (LMC) Title XI (Planning and Zoning) Chapter 1 (Zoning); (2) General Plan Amendment No. 2024-02 for updating the Land Use Element, Mobility Element, Resource Management Element, Noise Element, Economic Development Element, and Implementation Element of the General Plan; 3) certifying General Plan Update Program Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No. 2024-01; and 4) Zoning Map Amendment No. 2024-02, in order to implement policies and programs of the certified City of Lomita 2021-2029 Housing Element.
Director Fernandez introduced Perry Banner, Principal Planner, De Novo Planning Group, who outlined the City’s General Plan Update process and objectives as follows:
• Background and Timeline, which includes the EIR and Housing Element programs • Approach to Developing the General Plan, including the implementation of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), gathering public input, and adherence to State requirements
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
• Draft General Plan Policy Document, including the City Council-selected variation of Alternative 3: Core and Perimeter, and the Preferred Land Use Plan • Overarching Objectives, including preservation of existing residential neighborhoods and enhancing the downtown area
• General Plan Structure, including an Economic Development Element • New Land Use Designations, mostly along the corridors where mixed use will be allowed, and the creation of a Manufacturing-Commercial (M-C) Zone • Environmental Impact Report, which is based on maximum buildout; just one letter was received during the Public Review phase, which was from Caltrans and was largely supportive; some impacts were addressed – the General Plan Policy Document is self-mitigating
• Draft Zoning Code Update (Phase I), including the creation of new zoning districts and new Lot Consolidation Regulations, which will be finetuned in Phase II As there were no questions regarding the presentation, Mayor Uphoff opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Lara Leitner, Partner, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, LLP and attorney for Laundrorama, LLC, spoke in opposition to what she interpreted as an outright ban on laundromats in the City as a result of the General Plan Update, and stated that fluff and fold operations should at least be allowed.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Uphoff closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. and brought the item back for Council discussion.
There was brief Council discussion relative to adjusting or eliminating certain density and land use requirements on Pacific Coast Highway, the laundromat’s application status with the Planning Commission, and zoning for laundromats in the City.
Director Fernandez clarified that there is no ban on laundromats in Lomita but the zoning code update would mean that some existing ones in commercial districts would become non-conforming; however, they could remain in business as long as they do not cease operations for more than six months. If the Council has any interest in making changes to the zoning code update pertaining to laundromats, such direction could be accommodated this evening and the ordinance when presented for adoption at the next Council meeting would reflect that change.
Additional discussion took place relative to the phases of the zoning code update and when adjustments could be made. Phase II will be more comprehensive and can include discussions relative to adjustments. If the Council wishes to revisit mixed use on Pacific Coast Highway, that topic could be brought back for discussion in the form of a proposed zoning text amendment.
As there was no further Council discussion, Mayor Uphoff invited a motion.
City Attorney Rusin read the title of the ordinance to be introduced.
Mayor Pro Tem Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Segawa, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Segawa, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Waronek, and Mayor Uphoff
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2024
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-32 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024- 02 FOR UPDATING THE LAND USE ELEMENT, MOBILITY ELEMENT, RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT ELEMENT, NOISE ELEMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ELEMENT, AND IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND
CERTIFYING THE GENERAL PLAN FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 2024-01 IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE CERTIFIED CITY OF LOMITA 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT
Introduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 863 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING), CHAPTER 1 (ZONING) TO ADOPT ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05 AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT 2024-02
TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE CERTIFIED CITY OF LOMITA 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02 AND FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 2024-01 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Uphoff adjourned the meeting, in memory of Lisa Patterson, Lomita resident and victim of the 2019 Las Vegas shooting, on the fifth anniversary of the tragedy, at 7:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________
Linda E. Abbott, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Adopted: