MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Waronek at 01 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Ha 1300 Narbonne Avenue Lomita. Californ
b. Flag Salute
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa led the salute to the flag.
c. Invocation
Councilmember Uphoff gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
3. PRESENTATIONS
The Council presented certificates of recognition to the winners of the 2024 Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Recreation Coordinator Heaney shared photos of the winning homes as selected by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
Dr. Heather Karuza, Narbonne High School Principal, was recognized for being named a Cahn Fellow for the 2023-2024 school year. Dr. Karuza thanked the Council for the recognition and thanked colleagues and her husband for their support.
The Council recognized retired Parking Enforcement Officer Mary Gomez for 24 years of service with the City of Lomita. Ms. Gomez thanked City staff for their support over the years.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Waronek announced the time for oral communications.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke about the ADA-compliant ramps near the County yard and a nearby trashcan that had been removed. He also spoke of the need for the Lomita reservoir to be filled in light of the ongoing wildfires.
Don Smith, Lomita resident, stated that he has a low-cost solution to the City's issues relative to after-school traffic.
There being no further requests to speak, Mayor Waronek closed oral communications.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL
Councilmember Waite reported on the following:
January 6-8 - California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Annual Legislative Tour • January 13 - CERT Meeting
He also encouraged everyone to support those impacted by the wildfires, and spoke of the importance of disaster preparedness
Councilmember Uphoff reported on the following:
January 6-8 - CCCA Annual Legislative Tour
January 13 - South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Transportation Committee Meeting
• January 13 - SBCCOG Steering Committee Meeting
• January 16 - Lomita School Loading Zone Study Workshop Mayor Pro Tem Segawa reported on the following:
• December 16 - Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Debriefing Meeting • December 18 - State Senator Ben Allen's VIP Holiday Celebration • December 19 - City of Lomita Annual Open House
• January 16 - Lomita School Loading Zone Study Workshop Mayor Waronek reported on the following:
• January 6-8 - CCCA Annual Legislative Tour
• January 15 - Lomita Station LASD Foundation Meeting/Open House; he encouraged residents to donate
• Announced that Tara Nierenhausen, Executive Director of Community's Child, will appear at the Lomita-Harbor City Kiwanis Club tonight to discuss how the organization is helping wildfire victims, and he encouraged residents to help however they can
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando announced three new hires: Luis Pelayo (who was not in attendance), Maintenance Worker I-Parks; Juan Ibarra, returning to the City as Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager's Office; and Van Mesa, Water Systems Superintendent.
City Manager Vialpando shared the three employees' backgrounds and experience, then asked Superintendent Mesa to provide a brief update on the City's disaster preparedness relative to its water systems.
Superintendent Mesa outlined Lomita's water-related disaster preparedness efforts. He added that the City is monitoring the current wildfires and is taking all necessary precautions.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7o be approved.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
a. Motion to Waive Full Reading of Ordinances and That They be Read in Title Only.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve motion.
b. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register c. Monthly Report for the Administrative Services Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
d. Monthly Report for the City Manager's Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
e. Monthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
f. Monthly Report for the Parks and Recreation Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
g. Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
h. December 2024 Treasury and Investment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Treasury and Investment Report. i. Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 Quarterly Financial Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/25 Quarterly Financial Report Second Quarter Ending December 31, 2024. j. Amendment to Compensation Plan for Non-Represented Employees and the Part-time and Temporary Employment Policy and Compensation Plan and Revise the Full-time Employee List and Salary Schedule
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-01 amending the City's compensation plan for non-represented employees as described; adopt Resolution No. 2025-02 amending the City's Part-time and Temporary Employment and Compensation Plan as described; and appropriate an additional $65,650 to the FY 24-26 Adopted Budget from the corresponding Fund available balance sources to reflect the proposed changes as described.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-01 - 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. 2025-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE PART-TIME AND TEMPORARY
EMPLOYMENT POLICY AND COMPENSATION PLAN, ADOPTED IN RESOLUTION NO. 2015-34, AND ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED POSITIONS AND A SALARY
SCHEDULE FOR PART-TIME AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026
k. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-07 Updating the Lomita Municipal Code Regarding Definitions, Residential Land Uses and Residential Development Standards for In-House Clean Up RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 868 and find the action to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA).
ORDINANCE NO. 868 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1.15, 11-1.30.01, 11-
1.30.02, 11-1.30.03, 11-1.30.04 AND 11-1.30.05 OF CHAPTER 1 (ZONING) OF TITLE
XI (PLANNING AND ZONING) OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE, AND FINDING
THE ACTION TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
I. Resolution No. 2025-03 Authorizing the Los Angeles County Measure A Grant Application
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-03 authorizing the City to file application(s) for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Measure A funding for projects and programs.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALFORNIA APPROVING THE BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING FOR
PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
m. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) to Conduct a Community Priority Survey RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates (FM3) in an amount not to exceed $33,250 to conduct a resident budget and priority survey, and appropriate $33,250 to the City Manager's Department from General Fund Available Balance. n. Installation of a Parking Time Limit at 25600-25616 Pennsylvania Avenue RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the installation of a two-hour parking time limit from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, directly in front of Hathway Park located along the east side of 25600-25616 Pennsylvania Avenue.
0. Approve Funds for Emergency Sidewalk Repair
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve funds in the amount not to exceed $5,000 for emergency sidewalk repair with Rojas Construction.
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. UPDATE ON THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES WATERFRONT RED RAILCAR LOAN
TO THE CITY OF LOMITA AND APPOINTMENT OF AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS RECOMMENDED ACTION: Appoint two members of the City Council to a Red Car Ad Hoc Committee for a term expiring on June 30, 2025.
City Manager Vialpando presented the staff report per the agenda material. While negotiations are ongoing, staff are concerned with some details surrounding transport of the car. In addition, there are two such replica cars; a visit to the site where they are currently housed is required to determine which one would be loaned to the City. The Port of Los Angeles will coordinate delivery but not actual placement, which will be left up to the City and is logistically complex. Expiration date of the term can be extended if necessary.
Brief Council discussion took place relative to the negotiations, logistics, and preparation of a site to house the red car at the Lomita Railroad Museum.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
Mayor Waronek invited volunteers for appointments. Councilmembers Uphoff and Waite expressed interest in serving on the committee.
As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item, and there was no further Council discussion, Mayor Waronek invited a motion.
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Mayor Waronek, to appoint Councilmembers Uphoff and Waite to the Red Car Ad Hoc Committee.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
b. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04
AMENDING THE CITY'S ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY ON TRAVEL AND
REIMBURSEMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve Resolution No. 2025-04 adopting the City's Administrative Policy related to Travel and Reimbursements.
Administrative Services Director Kamada presented the staff report per the agenda material. She stated that the policy was last updated in 2006. Key updates include to the policy include lodging eligibility will depend on a minimum distance or time of travel; per diem stipends of $55.00 per day of travel and 50% or $27.50 per day for the first and last day of travel; reimbursements for prepaid expenses (airfare, conference registration, lodging, etc.) will be issued within thirty days before or after travel is completed; and the deadline for submittal for reimbursement has been increased to 45 days after travel.
As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item, and no Council discussion, Mayor Waronek invited a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TRAVEL POLICY AND REPEALING AND
RESCINDING ANY PREVIOUS POLICIES OR ADMINISTRATIVE MEMORANDA
RELATED TO TRAVEL
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
c. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
FOR THE DOWNTOWN LOMITA STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve an appropriation for an additional $230,000 from the General Fund available balance toward the procurement, installation, and construction of Downtown Lomita Streetscape Upgrades as described.
Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director Hernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. She outlined the recommendations to enhance the public space and to create a more active and delineated downtown area. The following four components comprise the proposed project: Installation of thermal coated street logo intersection paint at Lomita Boulevard and Narbonne Avenue; replacement of four worn/faded street signs at Lomita Boulevard and Narbonne Avenue; upgraded landscaping of three medians on Lomita Boulevard east and west of Narbonne Avenue; and an overhead string lighting along Narbonne Avenue between 241st and 247th Streets. Director Hernandez provided additional details for each component, including the work timeline and estimated costs. She also outlined other improvements in progress in the downtown area.
Brief Council discussion took place relative to quickly replacing bulbs on the string lights when they burn out, consideration of diagonal parking, and seeking grants and other funding sources for drought resistant plants in the medians.
Mayor Waronek invited public comment.
George Kivett spoke in support of the enhancements, and suggested that an additional public parking lot be built, ideally south of Lomita Boulevard.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek brought the item back to Council for further discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, to approve the staff recommendation.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Gazeley
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None scheduled.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Waronek adjourned the meeting, in memory of Tony Bonello, at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2025
Kathlaw on Ger
athleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Sle
Adopted: February 18, 2025