Mark A. Waronek, Mayor
Cindy Segawa, Mayor Pro Tem
James Gazeley Councilmember
Bill Uphoff, Councilmember
Barry Waite, Councilmember
LOMITA CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
24300 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
Phone: (310) 325-7110
Fax: (310) 325-4024
Next Resolution No. 2025-06
Next Ordinance No. 870
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
6:00 PM
Welcome to a meeting of the Lomita City Council. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne, Avenue, Lomita, California. Meetings are conducted in person and streamed online at https://lomitacity.com/agendas-minutes/. Please note that in person attendance at this public meeting may result in the recording and broadcast of your image.
Comments, input, and interests from the public provide the City Council with valuable information regarding issues of the community. To address the Council, please fill out a speaker card indicating your desire to speak on either a specific agenda item or during oral communications. Speaker cards are located at the entrance of the Council Chambers. Once completed, please give it to the City Clerk and your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. All public comments are limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes unless an extension is granted. No action may be taken on items not on the agenda except as provided by law.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the office of the City Clerk at (310) 325-7110.
Notification at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements.
No meeting of the Lomita Public Financing Authority will be held on this date.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Reg CC Mtg. Page 1
Lomita City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
b. Flag Salute
c. Invocation - Councilmember Uphoff
d. Roll Call
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. PRESENTATIONS
• HOUSING FOCUSED CASE MANAGEMENT – PRESENTED BY RONSON CHU OF
THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to speak on Consent Agenda items or subjects other than those scheduled are requested to do so at this time. In order to conduct a timely meeting, a three (3) minute time limit per person has been established. Government Code Section 54954.2 prohibits the Council from discussing or taking action on a specific item unless it appears on a posted agenda.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL
The City Council may discuss and act upon items described under Council comments; however, items which are not on the agenda will be limited to Council reports, announcements, requests for clarification or factual information, or placement of matters on the agenda for a future meeting.
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
7. CONSENT AGENDA
All items under the Consent Agenda are considered by the Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There may be separate discussions of these items prior to the time the Council votes on the motion. Specific items may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of any Councilmember or staff.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7k be approved. 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 Meeting of February 18, 2025 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Reg CC Mtg. Page 2
Lomita City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register d. Monthly Report for the Administrative Services Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
e. Monthly Report for the City Manager's Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
f. Monthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
g. Monthly Report for the Parks and Recreation Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
h. Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
i. February 2025 Treasury and Investment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
j. Change Order to the Contract with Excel Paving for Construction and Construction Management of the Lomita Boulevard Repair
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a change order to the City’s contract with Excel Paving for the pavement repair of a segment of Lomita Boulevard in the amount of $164,467, plus a 20% contingency of $72,893 for unexpected costs, for a total project amount not to exceed $437,360 inclusive of the previously approved $200,000 in Prop C transportation funds.
k. Professional Services Agreement with Psomas for Engineering Services for Sewer System Management Plan 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Psomas for completion of the Sewer System Management Plan 2025 in the amount of $34,150 plus a 15% contingency amount of $5,123 for unexpected costs for a total project amount not to exceed $39,273; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Reg CC Mtg. Page 3
Lomita City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. LOMITA SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ANNUAL CRIME REPORT (NO STAFF
REPORT)
Presented by Captain Kimberly Guerrero
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
b. SKYPARK COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES UPDATE – PRESENTED BY THE LOS
ANGELES REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD (NO STAFF REPORT) Presented by Lina Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
c. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION OF PARK AND SEWER
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES - PRESENTED BY WILLDAN FINANCIAL
SERVICES
Presented by Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01 – AN UPDATE TO THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING DEFINITIONS,
COMMERCIAL LAND USES AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
FOR IN-HOUSE CLEANUP
Presented by Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct a Public Hearing and by motion adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 870U and Ordinance No. 871, finding the actions to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and direct staff to schedule the second reading and possible adoption of Ordinance No. 871 at the April 1, 2025, regular City Council meeting.
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 870U - AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1.15, 11-1.41.01, 11-1.42.01, 11-1.42.03, 11-1.43.01 AND 11-1.43.05 OF CHAPTER 1 (ZONING) OF TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING) OF THE
LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE, FINDING THE ACTION TO BE CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND
DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Reg CC Mtg. Page 4
Lomita City Council Meeting Agenda March 18, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 871 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1.15, 11-1.41.01, 11-1.42.01, 11-1.42.03, 11-1.43.01 AND 11-1.43.05 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
10. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular City Council meeting will be held on April 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
Written materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting are available for public inspection via the City’s website and copies are available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting at the following locations: Lomita City Hall, Lomita Park, and uploaded to the City of Lomita website https://lomitacity.com/agendas-minutes.
Date Posted: March 13, 2025
_______________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Reg CC Mtg. Page 5
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 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 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa led the salute to the flag.
c. Invocation
Mayor Waronek gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attorney Rusin, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director Hernandez, Administrative Services Director Kamada, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, and City Clerk Gregory
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 Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. PRESENTATIONS (This presentation was heard after item 4) LAUSD District 7 Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin introduced LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. He stated that Lomita is the tenth city in Los Angeles County to establish Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *6
Item No. 7b
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2025
a PACT with LAUSD, and he gave updates on enrollment rates, student scores, and graduation rates. He also shared the district’s goals, including modernizing its schools’ technological infrastructure.
Ms. Ortiz-Franklin introduced local principals and school officials in attendance. She also noted the high engagement of both parents and students in Lomita.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Waronek announced the time for oral communications.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, thanked Director Fernandez for his open-door policy and suggested that allowed uses in the commercial zone be followed up on in the General Plan.
He also expressed concerns about his next water bill due to all the air in the water system as a result of recent leak detection efforts nearby.
Lomita Station’s Lt. Mike White stated that the e-bike-riding criminal in the Lomita/Torrance area was arrested on February 6. The District Attorney filed seven counts of theft on February 10 and the suspect remains in custody.
Suleyma Castillo, Lomita resident, expressed her displeasure at receiving multiple parking tickets recently. She also stated that she has been unable to reach the City’s Parking Enforcement Supervisor to discuss the matter and requested staff follow-up.
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:
• February 10 – South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee Meeting
• February 11 – L.A. County Local Government Services Commission Meeting • February 13 – WSS Soft Opening
• February 15 – League of California Cities Los Angeles Division Meeting Councilmember Uphoff reported on the following:
• February 7 – National League of Cities (NLC) Transportation and Infrastructure Services Meeting
• February 10 – SBCCOG Transportation Committee Meeting • February 11 – Town Hall with Assembly Member Ted Lieu • February 12 – NLC Federal Action Agenda What Local Leaders Need to Know • February 12 – California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Legislative Committee Meeting
• February 12 – SBCCOG Homeless Services Committee Meeting • February 13 – Homeless Policy Committee Meeting
• February 18 – NLC Transportation and Infrastructure Services Meeting Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *7
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2025
Councilmember Gazeley reported on the following:
• February 6 – Southern California Association of Governments Joint Policy Committee Meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa reported on the following:
• February 13 – WSS Soft Opening
Mayor Waronek reported on the following:
• February 5 – CCCA Executive Board Meeting
• February 6 – Los Angeles City Selection Committee Meeting • February 12 – Joint Powers Insurance Authority Liability Trust Fund Meeting • February 13 – WSS Soft Opening
• February 13 – Mayors’ Lunch with L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn • February 18 – Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Region Address • Announced the March 6 Lomita Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Awards
6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando had nothing to report.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7j 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 Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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 Meeting of January 21, 2025 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register. d. Monthly Report for the Administrative Services Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *8
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2025
e. Monthly Report for the City Manager's Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
f. Monthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
g. Monthly Report for the Parks and Recreation Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
h. Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
i. January 2025 Treasury and Investment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
j. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 869 - An Ordinance Addressing Unlawful Camping and Storage of Personal Property on Public Property RECOMMENDED ACTION: Waive second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 869.
ORDINANCE NO. 869 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE III (PUBLIC SAFETY), OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 17, ENTITLED “UNLAWFUL CAMPING”,
ADDRESSING UNLAWFUL CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, AND DETERMINING ITS PROVISIONS TO BE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY OF LOMITA SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the City of Lomita Special Events 2025 schedule; and permit the consumption of alcohol on City-owned properties for five organized City events in accordance with Lomita Municipal Code (LMC) Section 4-3.10.
Parks and Recreation Director Kelley presented the staff report per the agenda material.
Permission for alcohol consumption is requested for the four concerts and the cornhole tournament. She outlined the major 2025 events, including Movies Under the Stars, and stated that National Night Out and Halloween have date changes this year. $320,106 is budgeted for the year’s special events.
Brief Council discussion included how enhancements have increased this year’s budget, consideration of adding a ho-down to the schedule, variety with regard to concerts’ musical genres, whether to keep National Night Out on the regular event date and improving upon last year’s event.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *9
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2025
As there was no further Council discussion, Mayor Waronek invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the recommendation and complimented City staff. He added that he prefers National Night Out take place on its regular day.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek invited further Council discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, to approve the recommended action but with the following direction for staff: Report back to Council on National Night Out date options and the feasibility of a ho-down, and to involve the Parks and Recreation Commission in some recommendations to Council on special events.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None scheduled.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Waronek invited those in attendance to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mayor Pro Tem Segawa and to stay for cake after the meeting. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Waronek adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
Adopted:
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *10
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *11
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *12
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *13
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *14
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *15
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *16
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *17
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *18
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *19
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *20
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *21
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *22
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *23
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *24
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *25
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *26
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Susan Kamada, Administrative Services Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for the Administrative Services Department
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file report.
BACKGROUND
Accounting Activities:
➢ Staff attended “CSMFO Annual Conference 2025”
➢ Staff attended “Eshelman Elementary Afterschool Program City Departments Presentation”
➢ Meeting with HdL – Review 3rd Quarter Sales Tax
➢ Staff attended the WSS Soft Opening Ribbon Cutting
➢ Staff attended the Appian Way Pump Station New Roof Ribbon Cutting Department activity levels for the month of February 2025 are provided below:
Journal Entries/Adjustments 5
Payroll Updates/Maintenance Changes 27 / 0 New Hire/s
Purchase Orders Issued 4
Purchase Orders Paid 30
Invoices Processed for Payment 203
Checks Processed (Demands & Manual) 163
Payroll Checks Processed 191
Business Licenses Issued (New / Renewals) 24/74
Water Utility Bills Mailed/Late Notices Issued Late Notices Issued 564 Service Orders Issued (for Water Accounts) 61
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7d
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *27
2 Human Resources/Risk Management:
The City currently has no recruitments open. Interviews are being conducted for the three (3) recruitments that recently closed: Part-time Office Assistant in the Administrative Services Department and City Clerk Division (2 positions), Part-time Maintenance Aide in the Public Works Department (3 positions), and Part-time Recreation Leader in the Parks and Recreation Department (5 positions).
Staff continues to work closely with representatives from Neogov to implement new payroll and HR software. Implementation is going well. The city expects to transition to the new software in March 2025.
OPTIONS
None. Information only. Receive and file.
FISCAL IMPACT
None. Information only. Receive and file.
Prepared by: Approved by:
________ ____________________________
Susan Kamada Andrew Vialpando
Administrative Service Director City Manager
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *28
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Juan Ibarra, Sr. Management Analyst
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for the City Manager's Department
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND
Information Technology
Numa Networks is currently on-site one day per week to provide as-needed IT support.
During the month of February, Numa Networks assisted with a total of 56 trouble tickets.
Emergency Management
The Lomita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) held a meeting on March 10, 2024, and discussed upcoming CERT trainings, Red Cross Sound the Alarm event volunteer opportunity, and CERT involvement for upcoming special events. On March 12, 2025, staff attended the Alert SouthBay Incident Operator Training hosted by Soraya Sutherlin, Chief Executive Officer of Emergency Management Safety Partners. Staff will attend the Office of Disaster Management Los Angeles County Area G South Bay Emergency Coordinators monthly meeting on March 20, 2025. Cal Water will host this month's meeting, and staff will have the opportunity to tour their Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Communications
During the month of February, 37 posts were shared throughout our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor). The City of Lomita is currently engaging
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7e
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *29
2 in a Communications Assessment administered by Tripepi Smith. The Communication Assessment includes a Website Platforms review, Social Media Platforms review, and Interviews with staff. Upon completing the Communication Assessment, Tripepi Smith will present the results to the City Council.
City Clerk’s Office
• Staff scheduled and attended meetings with consultant hired to update the City’s records retention schedule
• Staff commenced the project with CivicPlus to perform a legal review of the City’s municipal code
Administrative staff continues to provide customer service and support related to processing water payments, parking tickets, Dial-a-Ride, planning counter appointments and business licenses.
City Clerk activity for the month
Council Meeting Agenda & Minutes Prepared 3/2
Council Resolutions Adopted & Processed 1
Housing Authority Agenda & Minutes Prepared 1/1
Contracts/Agreements Processed 6
Ordinances Adopted & Published 1
Certificates of Recognition Prepared 3
Public Records Requests Processed 11
Dial-a-Ride New Cards Issued 10
Dial-a-Ride Payments Processed 29
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda & Minutes Prepared 0 Planning Commission Resolutions Processed 0
Public Safety & Traffic Commission Agenda & Minutes Prepared 1/1
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
Receive and file.
Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *30
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.
DISCUSSION
On March 10, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for a request from a business owner to change the land use table to permit laboratory and office uses on the first floor of commercial buildings in the Downtown Commercial Zoning District. In a 7-0 vote, the Planning Commission adopted the recommendation made by staff to deny the request to the City Council due to conflicts with the General Plan and Downtown Lomita Vision.
On March 10, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a zoning code update to clean up the commercial and mixed-use development standards, commercial land uses and related definitions. In a 7-0 vote, the Planning Commission adopted staff’s recommendation to recommend that the City Council adopt the zoning code amendment with a revision to remove language to permit retail businesses to encroach into the public right-of-way to display merchandise. Outdoor displays will be further analyzed at a later Planning Commission meeting. The zoning text amendment as recommended by the Planning Commission is scheduled for tonight’s City Council meeting.
The City entered into an agreement with Kosmont Companies to augment the City’s efforts in improving economic development. Kosmont Companies is working on setting up meetings with big brand businesses to potentially occupy vacant commercial spaces.
They will also help with preparing handouts for key vacant buildings. Kosmont Companies
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7f
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *31
2 is also working on a void analysis for Lomita. The void analysis identifies gaps in services and other businesses in Lomita
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *32
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for the Parks and Recreation Department
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND
Recreation Services:
• Spring registration for classes began on March 1st for Lomita residents and March 15th for Non-Residents. Registration is available online and in person at Lomita Park.
• Recreation staff has begun the planning and organizing of the Summer Newsletter. • Recreation staff are in discussions with new contract instructors for Baking and Zumba classes for the summer.
• Recreation staff is working with current contract instructors to assist them in promoting their courses through the City’s social media platforms and Enewsletter. • Recreation staff met with a representative of yellow cab taxi to build our relationship and to enhance the Dail A Ride Program in Lomita. • Recreation staff interviewed 14 Recreation Leader candidates. • On February 25th Recreation Supervisor Ritchie and Recreation Coordinator Heaney visited Eshelman Elementary School for Carrer day. • On February 25th recreation staff presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with the following updates:
o Possible mural at Lomita Park, on the outside basketball court walls. ▪ This item will be brought back to the commission with updated proposals in April.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7g
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *33
2 o The selection of Halloween & Holiday Home Decorating Contest. ▪ Halloween Home Decorating Contest Dates:
• October 10th – October 24th
• Voting by Parks and Recreation Commission to take place on October 28th
• Winners to be recognized at the November 4th City Council meeting.
▪ Holiday Home Decorating Contest Dates:
• November 21st – December 11th
• Voting by Parks and Recreation Commission to take place during a special meeting on December 12th.
• Winners to be recognized at the December 16th City Council meeting.
▪ Pickleball update:
• The Parks and Recreation Commission was presented with updated findings and numbers regarding Pickleball in Lomita. • They recommended to staff to gather additional feedback from the community, participants, and the Commission. And increased promotion and expanded hours. Staff will return with these findings on April 22nd.
Facilities Rentals:
In February, Lomita Park & the Lomita Railroad Museum had the following number of rentals.
• Marc Fosnaugh Gym: 10 gym rentals.
• Baseball Field: 16 baseball practices.
• Tom Rico Center: 2 baby showers.
• Picnic Shelters (West, Central, & East): 14 birthday parties & 1 baby shower. • Annex Park: 1 birthday party.
Youth Sports:
• February was a good month for our youth basketball program. Lots of improvement, not just from the kids, but the staff as well. • The Redondo Beach Youth Basketball League reached out to the City of Lomita and invited us to patriciate in a South Bay Youth Basketball tournament. Recreation staff will be sending a Girls Division 2 All-Star team to the tournament in late March.
• Registration for Lomita Park Youth Co-Ed Soccer began on March 1st for Lomita residents and March 15th for Non-Residents. Registration is available online and in person at Lomita Park. Soccer is traditionally our most popular sport, so we hope that continues this season.
• Recreation staff is preparing for the upcoming Youth Co-Ed Soccer season that will start in early April.
Adult Sports:
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *34
3 • Our Men’s Basketball League is currently in the middle of its Winter season taking place on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Winter league will conclude in April.
• Recreation staff received lots of interest in our adult basketball league this Winter season. With many teams on the waiting list. Due to the number of teams on the waiting list, recreation staff will be adding an additional night of adult league play. Starting in Spring we will now have Tuesday night as our new adult basketball night. The goal is to have 4 nights of basketball with 6 teams in each league.
Special Events:
• On February 18th the Lomita City Council approved the 2025 City of Lomita special event calendar. Recreation staff has begun planning and organizing this year's community events.
• All upcoming 2025 Spring and Summer events will be promoted in the upcoming water bill insert.
• Recreation staff is finalizing the following upcoming Spring events:
o Annual Eggstravaganza on April 19th at Lomita Park 9:00 AM ▪ Photo op with our famous Bunny, vendors, craft, and more. o Spring 2025 Concerts on the Lawn taking place:
▪ April 11th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Mariachi Night.
▪ May 9th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Country Night.
o Memorial Day on May 26th at Veterans Park 9:00 AM
• Founders Day preparation 2025 is in full swing with many updates to come in the coming weeks.
Lomita Railroad Museum:
• Museum staff continues to plan and organized “A Night at the Museum” that will take place on June 13th from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• On February 17th Museum staff along with Lomita Railroad Foundation members came together to organize and clean the box car in Annex Park. In preparation for the departure of the box car.
Facilities:
• Facility staff finalized the Stephenson Center drawings with City engineers for upcoming renovations funded using federal earmark money. • Facility staff worked with Rusher Air to repair and replace two ignition controllers for the HVAC at City Hall, acquired quotes for the installation and update of HVAC in the Gymnasium at Lomita Park and Public Work Yard Lounge.
• Facility staff has acquired quotes from multiple companies to replace ballfield lights on the Belba and baseball field at Lomita Park.
• Facility staff coordinated with Ted’s Pluming Services to repair a hot water line in City Hall.
• Facilities staff is coordinating with Public Works to prepare the installation and the return of the Lomita Downtown Clock.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *35
4 • Facility staff is acquiring quote to repaint the caboose and mogul at the Lomita Railroad Museum.
• Facility staff cleaned and organized the Recreation Bay in preparation for any items needed to be relocated from the museum box car.
• Facility staff coordinated and scheduled the exterior window cleaning at City Hall. Cleaning took place in February 2025 and will be cleaned again prior to Founders Day 2025.
• Facility staff assisted with the annual Vet Clinic that took place on March 2nd in the City Hall parking lot.
• Facility staff will assist during the annual Sound the Alarm event taking place on March 22nd at Lomita City Hall.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
OPTIONS
Receive and file the report.
Prepared by: Approved by:
. .
Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Vialpando, City Manager .
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *36
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND
Water Division Updates
Staff and the Hazen and Sawyer teams meet on a weekly basis to discuss updates on the status of parts ordered, shipment dates, and scheduling to get the plant back online.
Two 18" valves that control flow into the reservoir were replaced on February 26th. The electrical that operates the Motor Operated Valve (MOV) wasn’t getting power, has now been addressed along with the check valve before it. The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) that runs our water well has been upgraded to keep up with the new pumping capacity. It was installed and tested for any inefficiencies that may occur during water production.
Matters outside of the well pump such as the main SCADA computer operating system, booster pump troubleshooting and testing the VFD is still ongoing and being addressed.
The meeting with representatives from the Division of Drinking Water to finalize the permit on schedule for Spring 2025 was held on February 26th. There were minor corrections that need to be made to the OMMP and some other information that was missing that needs to be added to get the permit approved.
On February 27th Weekly meetings with West Basin, MWD, and LA Department of Water and Power (DWP) regarding the new emergency connection with LADWP to support a request for a shutdown of a West Basin connection, WB-08A, have been resolved. With the help of Lomita Water staff, MWD will conduct their project without the need of Lomita to do the main replacement project on Alta Vista in MWD’s requested time frame. MWD
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7h
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *37
2 has agreed on exploring one of the three alternative methods to proceed with their valve replacement which the city suggested were better alternatives for both parties.
Water Sources Update – February 2024
Well No. 5 Offline
Groundwater Pumped 0.0 acre-feet
MWD Imported Water 129.4 acre-feet
Water News: https://www.lomitawater.com/news/
Water Quality Reports: https://www.lomitawater.com/oversight/water-quality-reports/ CWPF Tours: https://www.lomitawater.com/water-tours/
Water Division Performance Measures – February 2024
Main Breaks/Leak Repairs 0
Service Connection Breaks/Leaks 0
Water Outages 0
Water Service Requests 50
USA Dig-Alert Tickets 70
Dead-end Fire Hydrant Flushing 15
Meter Maintenance 22
Inspection of Water Facilities Daily
Water Quality Complaints 3
Public Works & Engineering Division Updates
Engineering Division
Capital Improvement Projects updates are available as Exhibit 1 to this report.
Public Works & Engineering Admin. Division Updates – February 2024 Encroachment Permits Reviewed 7
Encroachment Permits Issued 4
Traffic Investigation Requests Reviewed by Technical Traffic Advisory Committee (TTAC) 3
Traffic Investigation Requests Approved for Public Safety and Traffic Commission (PSTC) Review 0
Current Grant Applications 1
Public Safety & Traffic
The Public Safety & Traffic Commission (PSTC) did not meet in January. The Technical Traffic Advisory Committee (TTAC) met on February 25th and reviewed three traffic investigation requests. The Committee acted on one item and recommended adding additional signage on Palos Verdes Drive North, westbound, where traffic merges from three to two lanes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *38
3 City staff has continued to virtually attend the PV Peninsula Project coordination meetings to share information about the Narbonne South project and learn about any projects impacting Lomita.
External Funding
The request for Federal Community Project (CPF) funding was processed during the 118th Congress. Congress only passed a short-term funding bill prior to ending the session on January 2, 2025. CPFs cannot be included in short-term funding bills, therefore it has not been funded as of yet. CPFs could be brought back in the 119th Congress, however the process and outcome remains uncertain.
Public Works Field Operations Division (Parks/Street/Trees) Updates Parks Division – February 2024
Mowed Park Grounds, number of times 31
Playground Safety Inspections 8
Raised Median/Planter Weeding 39
Park Grounds Fertilize 8
Museum/City Hall Grounds Maintenance 15
Sprinkler Repair/Replacement 14
Trimmed Hedges/Trees (City grounds) 58
Streets and Trees Division – February 2024
Trees Trimmed (by Crew) 60
Trees Trimmed (by Contractor) 156
Graffiti Locations Cleaned 119
City Drains Cleaned 89
Street Signs Replaced or Repaired 52
Potholes Filled / Patches 65
New work order requests 55
Backlog of work orders 174
Total Trees Planted 0
ATTACHMENTS
1. Capital Improvement Projects Update
2. Public Works Photo Highlights
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *39
4 Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
.
__________________________
Lina Hernandez
Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *40
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *41
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *42
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *43
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *44
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *45
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *46
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *47
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Susan Kamada, Administrative Services Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: February 2025 Treasury and Investment Report
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the Treasury and Investment Report.
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Section 41004 of the Government Code of the State of California, the City Treasurer is required to submit a monthly report of all receipts, disbursements and fund balances. The first page of the report summarizes the investment activity for the month and distribution by type of investment, held by the City. The second and third page lists all investments with original maturities exceeding one year as of the month ended February 28, 2025. The fourth page of the report provides a summary of the beginning balance, total receipts, total disbursements, the ending balance for all funds, and a listing, by fund, of all month end fund balances.
In summary, all investments of the City of Lomita are in compliance with both the Government Code and our Investment Policy. In addition, the City has sufficient liquidity to meet its expenditure requirements for the ensuing six months.
10.8% of the City’s funds are with the State of California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF). The remaining funds of the City of Lomita are in active checking accounts, money market funds, U.S. Treasuries, Federal Agency Securities, Corporate Bonds, and FDICinsured Negotiable Certificates of Deposit that are in compliance with the California Government Code and the City’s Investment Policy. The current value of each account is obtained from actual monthly statements for the period ending February 28, 2025.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7i
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *48
2 OPTIONS:
None, information only.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENT
1. Treasury and Investment Report for February 2025
Prepared by: Approved by:
____________________________
Susan Kamada Andrew Vialpando
Administrative Services Director City Manager
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *49
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *50
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *51
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *52
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *53
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *54
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *55
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Change Order to the Contract with Excel Paving for Construction and Construction Management of the Lomita Boulevard Repair
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a change order to the City’s contract with Excel Paving for the pavement repair of a segment of Lomita Boulevard in the amount of $164,467, plus a 20% contingency of $72,893 for unexpected costs, for a total project amount not to exceed $437,360 inclusive of the previously approved $200,000 in Prop C transportation funds.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on August 6, 2024, the City Council authorized change orders with two contractors to perform a design analysis and waive the bidding process for an urgent repair of a segment of Lomita Boulevard in an amount not to exceed $200,000 in Proposition C funds. The need for the urgency item was a result of a 300-foot long segment of pavement surface on westbound Lomita Blvd at Lucille Avenue was exhibiting excessive deformation, or rutting, resulting in a 2-inch deep settlement in the pavement.
This was likely a result of compaction or mix design problems as this stretch of Lomita Boulevard was most recently repaved in 2013.
DISCUSSION
For cost savings and efficiency, the design analysis for the Lomita Boulevard Repair Project was approved and performed by Onward Engineering as a change order to their existing contract for the design of the 247th Street Area Water Main Replacement Project.
Similarly, City Council approved the addition of the Lomita Boulevard Repair as a change order to the Public Works Agreement with the pavement contractor for the first phase of the Zone G Street Reconstruction Project. The City entered into that agreement with the pavement contractor, Excel Paving, on September 3, 2024.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7j
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *56
2 The design performed by Onward Engineering is now complete, totaling $24,977. The rutting on Lomita Boulevard has worsened since design began, requiring additional work.
The design engineer recommended full reconstruction beyond the extents of the existing rutting to reduce the potential for future rutting, increasing the length of full reconstruction to 350 feet. In addition, the design includes grind and overlay of the westbound lanes of traffic and median between Lucille Avenue and Lomita Drive to prevent future pavement degradation. Street rutting tends to worsen over time with continued traffic loads due to further compression and material degradation. Repairs are crucial for driver safety, maintaining vehicle control, and prolonging pavement lifespan. The recent cost estimate from Excel Paving for the construction is $293,836 in addition to approximately $45,564 needed for construction management.
Construction is anticipated to begin in April and take approximately 15 working days to complete.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, an additional $164,467 will be appropriated from Prop C funds, plus $72,893 contingency for unexpected costs, for a total amount not to exceed $437,360 inclusive of the previously approved $200,000.
OPTIONS
1. Approve recommended action.
2. Provide Staff with further direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Excel Paving’s Construction Proposal
2. LAE‘s Construction Management Proposal
Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Lina Hernandez
Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *57
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *58
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *59
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreement with Psomas for Engineering Services for Sewer System Management Plan 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Psomas for completion of the Sewer System Management Plan 2025 in the amount of $34,150 plus a 15% contingency amount of $5,123 for unexpected costs for a total project amount not to exceed $39,273; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
BACKGROUND
The City of Lomita has a sanitary sewer collection system that consists of approximately 36 miles of gravity sewer lines. The City’s legal authority to own and operate the sanitary sewer system is derived from its incorporation as a City. Around the time of its incorporation in 1964, the City granted the County of Los Angeles the consent and jurisdiction to annex portions of the sewer system into the Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD). By that action, the City has entrusted the management, operation, and maintenance of its local sanitary sewer system to the CSMD. The City, however, maintains ownership of the sewer system, and is responsible for ensuring that the public sewer infrastructure is correctly designed, adequately sized, and easily maintained.
The 2022 Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems (WDR) includes a requirement for public agencies that own or operate sanitary sewer systems must develop and implement a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Because the CSMD manages, operates, and maintains the City’s sanitary sewer system, some of the information for the management plan will come from the CSMD. However, the City of Lomita must have its own SSMP.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7k
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *60
2 DISCUSSION
On January 21, 2025, staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Engineering Services for Sewer System Management Plan 2025. The RFP was posted on the City’s website, and a notification was emailed to 28 engineering firms specializing in civil and wastewater projects. Two engineering firms responded with proposals. After a review of qualifications, experience with similar projects, and proposed workplans as detailed in the proposals, both firms were considered qualified and were interviewed by the Selection Committee.
After the interviews, the highest-ranking firm was selected.
Psomas was the highest-ranking firm. Psomas prepared the City’s first Sewer System Master Plan in 2024, which is different than the Management Plan being proposed in this report. They have experience working with the CSMD as it relates to the City’s sewer system. Additionally, Psomas has experience writing Sewer Master Plans and Sewer Management Plans pursuant to the Waste Discharge Requirements. Psomas is a fullservice consulting firm, providing water, sewer, and wastewater engineering services.
Founded in 1946, Psomas has about 740 employees in offices in California, Arizona, Washington, and Utah. Psomas will use EEC Environmental as a subconsultant on this project; EEC Environmental specializes in regulatory requirements. Psomas and EEC have partnered on other recent SSMP projects in California.
Based on their proposal and project needs, staff recommends approval of a scope and fees with Psomas in the amount of $34,150 for Engineering Services for preparation of the SSMP. Staff recommends approval of a 15% contingency, in the amount of $5,123 which will be added to the total budget and included in the agreement.
The SSMP is due to the State by August 2, 2025. As such, it is planned for review by the City Council for the July 15 City Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
This project will be funded through the FY 24-25 Sewer Replacement Fund.
OPTIONS
1. Approve recommended action.
2. Provide Staff with further direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with Psomas.
Approved by:
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *61
3 _______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Lina Hernandez
Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *62
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *63
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *64
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *65
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *66
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *67
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *68
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *69
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *70
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *71
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *72
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *73
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *74
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *75
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *76
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *77
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *78
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *79
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *80
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *81
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *82
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *83
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *84
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *85
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *86
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *87
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *88
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *89
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *90
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *91
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *92
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *93
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *94
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *95
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *96
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *97
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *98
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *99
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *100
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *101
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *102
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *103
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *104
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *105
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *106
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *107
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *108
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *109
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *110
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *111
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *112
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *113
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *114
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *115
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *116
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *117
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *118
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *119
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *120
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *121
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *122
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *123
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *124
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *125
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *126
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *127
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *128
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *129
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *130
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *131
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *132
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *133
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *134
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Discussion and Possible Consideration of Park and Sewer Development Impact Fees - Presented by Willdan Financial Services
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on September 1, 2020, the City Council approved agreements with Willdan Financial Services (WFS) to prepare a Comprehensive User Fee and Charges Study and a Water Rate Study. On January 18, 2022, the City Council adopted the fee schedule prepared by WFS.
In addition to user fees, many cities have comprehensive development impact fee programs meant to require new development to offset future impacts on various public infrastructure including parks and recreation, water and sewer. Based on WFS’s review, it was recommended that the parks and recreation facilities fee be updated, and a new sewer facilities fee be established. On February 28, 2022, the City Council amended the contract amendment with WFS to update the existing park and recreation facilities impact fee and establish a sewer facilities impact fee.
DISCUSSION
The Development Impact Fee Nexus Study is attached (Attachment A). This report summarizes an analysis of development impact fees needed to support future development in the City of Lomita through 2045. It is the City’s intent that the costs representing future development’s share of public facilities and capital improvements be imposed on that development in the form of a development impact fee, also known as a
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. SCH 8c
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *135
2 public facilities fee. The public facilities and improvements included in this analysis are divided into two fee categories: parks and sewer facilities. The purpose of this report is to calculate and propose fees that will enable the City to expand its inventory of public facilities, as new development creates increases in service demands.
The presentation provided by WFS this evening will provide the City Council with information on next steps should the City desire to move forward with implementing the fees.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENT
1. Development Impact Fee Nexus Study
Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *136
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *137
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *138
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *139
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *140
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *141
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *142
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *143
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *144
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *145
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *146
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *147
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *148
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *149
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *150
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *151
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *152
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *153
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *154
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *155
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *156
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *157
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *158
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *159
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *160
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *161
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *162
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *163
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *164
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *165
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *166
1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: March 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Discussion and Consideration of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-01 – An Update to the Lomita Municipal Code Regarding Definitions, Commercial Land Uses and Commercial Development Standards for In-House Cleanup
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a Public Hearing and by motion adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 870U and Ordinance No. 871, finding the actions to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and direct staff to schedule the second reading and possible adoption of Ordinance No. 871 at the April 1, 2025 regular City Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
On October 15, 2024, the City Council adopted Phase I of the zoning code update related to the General Plan Update. Phase I included various code updates to implement the policies and programs of the 2021-2029 Housing Element. Some of these changes included rezoning as well as allowing residential/commercial mixed use in commercial corridors. In the summer of 2025, the Planning Commission and City Council will have the opportunity to consider Phase II of the comprehensive zoning code update. This will include objective design standards, lot consolidation incentives and other amendments to fully implement goals, policies and actions in the General Plan.
While implementing Phase I of the zoning code update, staff encountered a few issues that are time-sensitive given the immediate adverse impacts they could have on the community if the code is not revised to address them. These issues included a few land uses that were previously in the land use table but were inadvertently omitted from the current land use table such as barber, beauty and nail salons, there were duplicate land uses with conflicting permitted categories, and the mixed-use development standards that applied equality to mixed use projects (commercial and residential) and standalone
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. PH 9a
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *167
2 residential projects (without commercial) in the Housing Overlay District. The proposed changes are described in more detail in the Analysis section below and Exhibit A of Resolution No. PC 2025-03 shows the redlines of the proposed text amendments.
On March 10, 2025, the Planning Commission discussed and considered the subject item. At the time, the proposed amendment included code revisions to permit retail business to display three articles within the public right-of-way with specific conditions.
During deliberation, the Planning Commission opted to remove this part of the amendment to explore it further. In a 7-0 vote, the Commission recommended the approval of the amendment without the code revisions related to the outdoor display. For Council’s consideration is the zoning code amendment without the outdoor display revisions.
DISCUSSION
As a new zoning code adopted on October 15, 2024, it was anticipated that further finetuning would be expected as issues often arise during the implementation stage. The proposed changes are primarily categorized as definitions, land uses and mixed-use development standards. Other issues were noted but are not urgent and may require additional analysis and/or discussion. To avoid any potential delays to the proposed code updates, staff decided to separately and subsequently process the other code updates.
Definitions
The basement definition has been modified to use the phrase “ground level grade”1 which is separately defined in the code. A basement-related definition for “opening” has also been added to the basement definition for clarity. Three other definitions were added to the two types of laundromats and “bed and breakfast” as these land uses are used in the permitted use table and definitions were added for clarity.
Basement shall mean that portion of a building between floor and ceiling, which is entirely below ground level grade or partly below and partly above ground level grade, but so located that the vertical distance from ground level grade to the basement floor is greater than the vertical distance from ground level grade to the basement ceiling at any one point of the basement’s exterior walls, except for subterranean garages and building code egress which may allow openings for vehicles and/or pedestrian egress openings not to exceed 25 percent of the basement’s linear feet of perimeter walls. Inclusive of the openings, the entire basement exterior wall surface may not average more than 50 percent above ground level grade compared to the portion of the basement below ground level grade. False ceilings are not counted for the distance between grade and the ceiling.
1 Grade, ground level, shall mean the lowest outside finished ground point of a building or structure.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *168
3 Bed and breakfast is an overnight accommodation with up to 10 guest rooms and an onsite or immediately adjacent kitchen that is used to prepare breakfasts for guests.
Laundromat, full-service is a full-service laundry that provides a personalized customer service where the staff members wash, dry and fold clothes and other fabrics, and, in some cases, provides options like pickup and delivery.
Laundromat, self-service is a coin laundry, or coin wash, where the customer washes and/or dries clothes and other fabrics without the need for personalized professional help.
Opening in reference to a subterranean garage door and/or pedestrian egress shall mean any portions of a basement with an exposed exterior wall surface daylighting more than 50 percent.
Permitted Land Uses
The permitted land use table has been updated in order to address an inadvertent omission of barber, beauty and nail salons, include previously approved Determinations of Similarities (DOSs), eliminate unnecessary duplicate and obsolete land uses, and maintain consistency with the Downtown Lomita Vision plan adopted by the City Council in 2019.
DOS is an entitlement that can be granted at the discretion of the Planning Commission for uses that are not listed on the land use table but are similar to other permitted uses and not more obnoxious or materially detrimental to the public. Since 2010 when the Planning and Zoning Code was updated to include DOSs, the Planning Commission and City Council have granted a few DOSs, which have become the official interpretations for all like uses in the same zone. The proposed update to the permitted land use table includes adding all previously granted DOSs.
The Downtown Lomita Vision outlines as existing challenges the mix of downtown retail being too heavily weighted to non-vibrant “neighborhood goods and services” and needs more “food and beverage” and “general retail”. The uses that advance the City’s vision for a more lively and entertaining focus downtown area were modified to be permitted or conditionally permitted. The uses that will hinder the City’s ability to transition into the desired vision were modified to either be permitted only above the ground floor or were modified not to be permitted.
Mixed-Use Development Standards
Neon Tubing or LED strips
Neon tubing, string lights and similar devices are permitted to outline buildings and windows in commercial and manufacturing zones. Staff recommends that the code Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *169
4 section allowing neon tubing, string lights or similar devices be removed. This section of the code is extremely difficult for staff to regulate based on existing requirements in that we would need to establish whether the light source can be visible from a residential zoned property or residential unit as this information is not readily available at the time of application review. LMC Section 11-1.44.01(B) requires all outdoor lighting to be shielded to prevent any direct line of sight between the light source and any residential zoning district or residential dwelling unit. As all commercial zones authorize residential development either as part of mixed-use development or standalone residential project, neon tubing and string lights will be in conflict with the requirement for shielded light source.
Residential Properties in Housing Overlay Zones
In LMC Section 11-1.43.01, a sentence was added to clarify that a standalone residential project within the Housing Overlay does not require a conditional use permit. This is due to the 2021-2029 Housing Element which identified a number of properties to be developed as standalone residential in order to comply with the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers required to be accommodated by the City.
Mixed-use projects and standalone residential projects in commercial zoned properties currently have the same development standards. A mixed-use project requires a minimum allocation of commercial space to be eligible for additional multi-family residential development. The Housing Overlay District permits multi-family residential without any commercial. Residential development is not currently subject to any building size or setback restrictions. The mixed-use height restrictions were established to accommodate both commercial and residential development. A standalone residential project does not need equal height restrictions to a mixed-use project since it does not include any commercial space. It should also be noted that residential development is required to provide a five-foot walkway around the building for fire department access and emergency egress. The mixed-use development standards are proposed to be updated to reflect fire department requirements and limit residential building size and height for standalone residential in anticipation of no commercial space.
Mixed-Use Height Restrictions
Lastly, the maximum height for mixed use development in properties zoned Community Commercial (CC) and Regional Commercial (RC) were reduced from 60 and 75 feet to 45 and 60 feet, respectively. The height reduction was made because staff found that the current heights were more generous than necessary. It is expected that with incentives and concession, affordable multi-family development can obtain exceptions to development standards in order for the project to be economic viability. The City Council may also consider allowing increased height as an incentive for lot mergers. As a result, concessions and/or inceptives may provide heights that are similar to heights currently permitted in these zones.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *170
5 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This ordinance is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The proposed zoning code amendment does not directly approve any development. It will result in updates to definitions, residential land uses and residential development standards. Specific projects will be analyzed for environmental impact when they are proposed. The ordinance is also not a project as defined in Section 15378 and will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Land use and/or development applications that will be subject to these new standards will be individually evaluated for potential environmental impacts at the time the applications are being processed. Furthermore, the adoption of the ordinance is exempt from CEQA because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3).)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of this hearing dated March 6, 2025, was published in The Daily Breeze Newspaper and posted at City Hall and Lomita Park.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
Approve recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Urgency Ordinance No. 870U
a. Exhibit A: Zoning Text Amendment
2. Ordinance No. 871
a. Exhibit A: Zoning Text Amendment
3. Redlined Zoning Text Amendment
Prepared by: Approved by:
_______________________ _____________________
Adrian Fernandez Andrew Vialpando
Community and Economic Development Director City Manager Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *171
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *172
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *173
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *174
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *175
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *176
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *177
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *178
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *179
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *180
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *181
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *182
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *183
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *184
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *185
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *186
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *187
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *188
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *189
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *190
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *191
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *192
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *193
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *194
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *195
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *196
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *197
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *198
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *199
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *200
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *201
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *202
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *203
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *204
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *205
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *206
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *207
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *208
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *209
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *210
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *211
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *212
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *213
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *214
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *215
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Reg CC MTG, Page *216