1 MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCTL
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025
OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Waronek at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 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. lnvocation
Mayor Waronek gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attorney Rusin, Assistant City Manager Hernandez, Administrative Services Director Kamada, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Public Works Director Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, and City Clerk Gregory
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the agenda.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
3. PRESENTATIONS
The City Council presented retired LASD Sgt. Jorge J. Juarez with a certificate of recognition Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15,2025
for 29 years of service. Lt. Mike White shared highlights from his career, and Sgt. Juarez spoke of his time at Lomita Station and thanked the Council for the honor.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Waronek announced the time for oral communications.
Winona Phillabaum, Lomita Library Manager, announced the upcoming program at the library.
Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber of Commerce PresidenUCEO, spoke of upcoming Chamber events.
Roy Nakashima, Vickie Sakado, John Condello, Brian Masson and Mark Friedman, all residents of Lomita and Torrance, spoke in opposition of replacing a tennis court with two pickleball courts at Lomita Park.
City Manager Vialpando clarified that the Parks and Recreation Commission is exploring options, but no formal discussion has taken place, and no decisions have been made.
It was suggested that interested parties speak at an upcoming Parks and Recreation Commission meeting when this topic is on the agenda.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, thanked Councilmember Segawa for following up on illegal sidewalk vending in the City. He also suggested some alternate locations for pickleball courts at Lomita Park.
Erica Winston, Prevention Coordinator with Behavioral Health Services, invited participation in the DEA National Rx Take Back Day. Residents can drop off unused items on April 26 at Sam's Club in Torrance.
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:
. April 3 - South Bay Economic Roundtable
. April 4 - Walnut Street Project (Zone G, Phase l) Ribbon-Cutting . April 8 - L.A. County Local Governmental Services Meeting . April 11 - Memorial service for Deputy Daniel Okamoto of LASD marking the one-year anniversary of his passing
. April 1 1 - Concert on the Lawn
. April 14 - South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Transportation Committee Meeting
. April "14
- SBCCOG Steering Committee Meeting
Councilmember Gazeley had nothing to report.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa reported on the following:
. April 4 - Walnut Street Project (Zone G, Phase l) Ribbon-Cutting . April 11 - Memorial service for Deputy Daniel Okamoto of LASD marking anniversary of his passing
o April 1 1 - Concert on the Lawn
the one-year
Mayor Waronek reported on the following:
. April 2 - California Contract Cities Association Executive Board Meeting . April 3 - Lomita Sheriffs Station Foundation Meeting
. April 3 - Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Housing Committee Meeting
. April 4 - SCAG Orientation for the Regional Council
o April 5 - L.A. County Mayors Meeting with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass o April 6-7 - Leadership Torrance's Annual Sacramento Trip . April 9 - Liability Trust Fund Committee Meeting
. Announced the 20th annual Golden Apple Awards sponsored by the Lomita-Harbor City Kiwanis Club on May 9
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando announced the following community events:
. April 19 - Eggstravaganza at Lomita Park
. April 27 - Lomita Railroad Museum Foundation's Annual Tea with Friends . May 10 - Athens Services' Composting and Shredding Event at City Hall o June 16 - 16th Annual Mayors Cup
7. CONSENTAGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda ltems 7a-7pbe approved.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve consent items 7a-j and 7l-p, with the exception of item 7k, which was pulled for separate consideration by Councilmember Warte.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
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 and Special City Council Meetings oi March 4,2025 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15, 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 Manage/s Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
f. N/onthly Report for the Community and Economic Development Department RECOMMENOED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
g. Monthly Report for the Parks and Recrealion Department RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
h. Monthly Report for the Public Works Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the report.
i. March 2025 Treasury and lnvestment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and flle the Treasury and lnvestment Report. j. Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 Quarterly Financial Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024125 Quarterly Financial Report Third Quarter Ending March 31 , 2025.
l. Proclamation Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a Proclamation Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day.
m. Letter to Supervisor Janice Hahn Regarding Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Vacancies
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a letter to Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn from the i/ayor on behalf of the City of Lomita advocating for the reduction of Deputy vacancies in Sheriffs Department.
n. Approval of Additional Funds for Upgrades and Maintenance of the Cypress Water Production Facility
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the emergency purchase from R.C. Foster and appropriate $260,447 from the Water Capital Fund for the emergency purchase and installation of a new vertical line shaft, water-lubricated turbine pump with motor.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April '15, 2025
o. Approval of Final Tract Map No, 83968 forthe creation of nine single-family residential lots and a common lot at 2418 253rd Street
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-09, approving the Final Tract Map No. 83968 to subdivide a 39,428 square foot lot into a planned residenttal development containing nine single-family residential lots and one common lot located at 2418 253rd Street in the Residential-Agricultural zone.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025.09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 83968 TO SUBDIVIDE A 39,428 SQUARE FOOT LOT INTO A PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTAINING 9 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOTS AND 1 COMMON LOT LOCATED AT 2418 2s3ROSTREET IN THE RESIDENTIALAGRICULTURAL ZONE FILED BY LORENZO SCHIAPPA AND LUIGI SCHIAPPA OF LUIGI SCHIAPPA DEVELOPMENT,2O4O LOMITA BOULEVARD, SUITE 1OO, LOMTTA CA 90717
p. Renewal of the General Services Agreement with Los Angeles County RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-10 approving the renewal of the General Services Agreement between the City of Lomita and Los Angeles County.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025.10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE
GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOMITAAND THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
ITEM PULLED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
k. Resolution No.2025-08 Measure M Transportation System and Mobility lmprovements Program - South Bay Local Travel Network & Related Safety Enhancements in Lomita RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-08 to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Contract with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Measure M Transportation System and Mobility lmprovements Program funding for the South Bay Local Travel Network & Related Safety Enhancements in Lomita project
City Manager Vialpando shared some background on the proiect. 5.35 miles of roads in Lomita would be included in the South Bay Local Travel Network and this step would enable the City to finalize our agreements with L.A. County Metropolitan Transpo(ation Authority to receive the $6.6 million in funding for the road enhancements.
Councilmember Waite noted that north-south routes on the Local Travel Network include Pennsylvania and Eshelman Avenues, which both have problems with speeding motorists.
This funding would present the opportunity to make those streets safer and would allow for slower speed vehicles.
Councilmember Waite made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April '15, 2025
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025.08 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR THE MEASURE M TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM AND MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM - SOUTH BAY LOCAL
TRAVEL NETWORK & RELATED SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS IN LOMITA
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE LEASE AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM BY ENTERING
INTO A MASTER EQUITY LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ENTERPRISE FLEET
MANAGEMENT AND APPROVAL FOR THE LEASE OF TEN VEHICLES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the implementation of a Vehicle Lease and Replacement Program and authorize the City Managerto execute a Master Equity Lease Agreement, Assignment Agreement, Consignment Auction Agreement, Full Maintenance Agreement, and Maintenance Management Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management.
Administrative Services Director Kamada introduced Troy Richard, Area Sales Manager, and Eddie Magallon, Account Executive, both with Enterprise Fleet Management, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on the program. They spoke ofthe lease terms (an openended leasing model) and benefits of the program. Maintenance is outsourced by Enterprise to shops in Lomita. The recommended leases were highlighted as well as the onboarding timeline.
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 Waite made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIEO by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
MOTION GARRIED by the following vote:
Brief Council discussion took place relative to alternative fuel vehicle options and the required infrastructure, annual review of options, and projected cost savings.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April '15,2025
b. DISCUSSION AND CONSIOERATION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF INTENT AND
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) AND THE CITY OF LOMTTA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution of lntention to approve an amendment to contract between the Board of Administration California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Lomita to remove cost share for second{ier classic local miscellaneous members in the Unrepresented Executive Management Group, and authorize staff to take any necessary related actions and sign any required forms, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and after conducting a public hearing, and after the City Attorney reads the title, introduce on first reading an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City of Lomita and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System to remove cost sharing as stated above Pursuant to Government Code Section 205'16, and schedule the Ordinance for adoption at the first regular City Council meeting that is at least 20 days after the date the ordinance is introduced.
Administrative Services Director Kamada presented the staff report per the agenda material. ln March 2025, the City Council approved a resolution to initiate the process to remove cost share for second{ier classic local miscellaneous members in the Unrepresented Executive Management Group. This resolution of intent and ordinance to amend the contract with CalPers are the next steps in the process.
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.
City Attorney Rusin read the title of the ordinance to be introduced.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: CouncilmemberUphoff
Adopted the following titled resolution and introduced the following titled ordinance:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025.11- A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN
AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15,2025
ORDINANCE NO 872 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA AND THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT
SYSTEM TO REDUCE COST-SHARING FOR THE UNREPRESENTED EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 20516.
C. PORT OF LOS ANGELES WATERFRONT RED RAILCAR PROJECT OFFERED TO
THE CITY OF LOMITA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss and consider options for the Waterfront Red Railcar offered to the City by loan and provide City staff with direction.
City Manager Vialpando presented the staff report per the agenda material.
Council discussion took place relative to clarification that the trolley car is a replica, made in 2003; the opportunity to improve the park overall as a result of the loan; using the atrium as an event space; and continuing negotiations with POLA to reduce the cost, as well as exploring other available funding options.
As there was no further Council discussion, Mayor Waronek invited public comment George Kivett, Lomita resident, shared concerns relative to the cost but added that if the project could be done in a more cosleffective manner, he would support it. He suggested an alternate location toward the back of the Railroad Museum.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek invited further Council discussion, which centered on concerns about the potential pitfalls of a long-term loan, other options to improve lrene Lewis Park that do not involve the red car, and the car as a possible tourism draw.
Mayor Waronek made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Waite, to continue this item to a future meeting and to direct the ad hoc committee and staff to approach POLA with a request to decrease the overall cost to the City, and explore other options of funding; and to direct staff to bring back an item to consider developing an informal survey to collect community input on potential uses at lrene Lewis Park including the red car.
MOTION FAILED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Waite and Mayor Waronek
NOES: Councilmember Gazeley and Mayor Pro Tem Segawa
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Mayor Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to continue the item to the next meeting when all five Council members are present.
David Popelka, Lomita resident, spoke in opposition to the project, citing costs and the uncertainty of a long{erm loan, as well as the lack of return on investment to the City.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2025
MOTION FAILEO by the following vote
AYES: Councilmember Waite and Mayor Waronek
NOES: Councilmember Gazeley and Mayor Pro Tem Segawa
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
City Attorney Rusin noted that although no action was taken on this item, a Council majority could direct staff to place the item on a future agenda. d, PRESENTATION OF THE NEW FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP FOR THE CITY
OF LOMITA AS IDENTIFIED BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file
Associate Planner Martinez presented the staff report per the agenda material. On March 24,2025, City staff received an official transmittal from the State Fire Marshal of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). State law requires that the revised FHSZ Map be presented and made available to the public for review and comments within 30 days from the date of receipt. He outlined the map findings and stated that such findings can increase insurance rates and result in stricter building codes in certain areas.
Associate Planner Martinez stated that no later than 120 days from receipt of the official transmittal, the FHSZ Map will be brought back to the Council for consideration to adopt an ordinance accepting the revised FHSZ Map, or the Council may expand the area of FHSZ following a finding supported by evidence. ln no case shall the City decrease the level of fire hazard severity.
As there were no queslions for staff, Mayor Waronek invited public comment George Kivett, Lomita resident, recommended not expanding the FHSZ unless there is a compelling reason to do so, as it would make obtaining homeowners insurance very difficult and it would create challenges for development in certain areas.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek invited Council discussion or 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 Gazeley, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL,
LOGOS, INSIGNIAS, AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE MARKINGS
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2025
RECOMMENDED AGTION: Conduct a public hearing and after the City Attorney reads the title, introduce on First Reading Ordinance No. 873 and direct staff to schedule the second reading and adoption of the ordinance for the May 6, 2025, City Council meeting.
Senior Management Analyst lbarra presented the staff report per the agenda material. He shared the background of the item, reasons for the necessity of the ordinance, and how violations would be addressed. A branding guide will be brought back to Council later this year.
After brief discussion of inclusion of the longstanding palm tree logo in the guide, Mayor Waronek opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m.
Councilmember Gazeley left the dais and the meeting at 8:02 p.m George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the ordinance As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek closed the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. and invited further Council discussion or a motion.
City Manager Rusin read the title of the ordinance to be introduced Councilmember Gazeley returned to the meeting and the dais at 8:04 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to approve the recommended action.
AYES: Councilmember Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Gazeley
lntroduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 873 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 17 TO TITLE II PERTAINING TO THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL, LOGOS,
INSIGNIAS, AND OTHER IDENTIFIABLE MARKINGS AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM CEQA
10. ADJOURNMENT
Respe lly submitte
hle Horn
Adopte June 17 , 2025
MC,
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Waronek adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.