MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 3, 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 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, , Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
Councilmember Gazeley led the salute to the flag.
c. Invocation
Councilmember Waite 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, Assistant City Manager Hernandez, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Public Works Director Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, and City Clerk Gregory
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, 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
The City Council honored LAUSD retiring teachers and staff. Principals introduced the retirees from their schools and each was presented with a certificate of recognition.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
The City Council recognized winners of the annual "Follow Me, I'm Gang and Drug Free" Walk poster contest and presented each with a certificate. Mayor Waronek thanked the event sponsors and guest speakers.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Waronek announced the time for oral communications.
Winona Phillabaum, Lomita Library Manager, announced upcoming programs and events.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke about Founders Day; thanked LASD deputies for traffic enforcement efforts in the City; and asked the City to oppose any efforts to limit gas appliances which are currently pretty clean burning, as requiring a change to electric appliances would be burdensome to many residents.
As there were 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:
• May 22 - South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Board Meeting • May 28 - L.A. County Division Cal Cities Meeting
• May 30 - CitiPAC Fundraiser at Magic Castle
• June 3 - South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce Meeting • Announced Night at the Railroad Museum Event on June 13 Councilmember Uphoff reported on the following:
• May 22 - SBCCOG Board Meeting
• May 22 - "Follow Me, I'm Gang and Drug Free" Walk
• May 28 - California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Legislative Committee Meeting • May 30 - L.A. County District Attorneys Homelessness Advisory Board Meeting • June 3 - National League of Cities Federal Advocacy Call - Federal Legislation Update and Impact to Local Governments
Councilmember Gazeley reported on the following:
• May 26 - Memorial Day Observance
Councilmember Gazeley remarked that the City seems to be falling behind on some street improvements and other infrastructure work. He added that some streets could be unfunded projects.
City Manager Vialpando stated that staff regularly looks at ways to firm up the general fund; much street work is funded with regional grants, gas taxes and other such sources.
City staff will look at the pavement management plan to see which streets we can add and which can be moved up ahead of time. The slurry seal process is much less expensive than full street reconstruction, but some streets are not candidates for slurry. He will look into this and return to Council with additional information at a future meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa reported on the following:
• May 22 - "Follow Me, I'm Gang and Drug Free" Walk
• May 23 - Vietnam Moving Wall at Green Hills
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
• May 24 - Placement of Flags on Veterans' Graves at Green Hills • May 26 - Memorial Day Observance
• May 29 - St. Margaret Mary School Second Grade Class Tour of City Hall • Recent Founders Day Committee Meeting
Mayor Waronek reported on the following:
• May 22 - "Follow Me, I'm Gang and Drug Free" Walk
• May 26 - Memorial Day Observance
• May 31 - Sheriff Council Academy
• June 4 - Annual Leadership Conference Hosted by L.A. County Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Office, and Quality and Productivity Commission • June 4 - CCCA Executive Board Meeting
• Recent Founders Day Committee Meetings
• June 16 - Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament
• June 28-29 - Founders Day Weekend
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando stated that he will request to pull Consent Agenda item 7d in order to correct a minor typo.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7d be approved.
Mayor Pro Tem Segawa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve consent items 7a-7c, with the exception of item 7d, which was pulled for separate discussion by City Manager Vialpando.
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 Special City Council Meeting of May 13, 2025 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register.
PULLED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
d. First Amendment to the Agreement with David Evans & Associates for Engineering Design Services for Street Reconstruction Project - Zone G
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the First Amendment to Agreement No. 2022-31 with David Evans & Associates (DEA) for additional Engineering Design Services for Street Reconstruction Project-Zone G in an amount of $302,750, plus a 5% contingency for unexpected costs in an amount of $15, 138, for a total amount not to exceed $317,388; and appropriate an additional $96,053 from the City Street Improvements Fund.
City Manager Vialpando noted that the additional funding request is for $96,053, rather than $63,053 as erroneously stated on the agenda.
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, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. LOMITA SHERIFF'S STATION QUARTERLY CRIME REPORT (no staff report) RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information only.
Captain Guerrero of Lomita Sheriff's Station presented the report. She shared traffic and crime statistics from the first quarter of 2025 and compared them to the same time periods in 2023 and 2024. Her presentation also addressed street vendors in the public right of way, LASD 4'h of July-related fireworks suppression efforts, and ways residents can safeguard their homes.
b. CITY COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Consider the nomination and appointment of applicants to fill two expiring seats on the Parks and Recreation Commission, two seats on the Planning Commission, and one seat on the Public Traffic Safety Commission for four-year terms ending June 2029.
City Clerk Gregory presented the staff report per the agenda material. A special meeting was held this evening to interview all applicants who had not previously been interviewed.
As there were no questions for staff and no requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek invited Council discussion.
After brief Council discussion relative to the high caliber of candidates, Councilmembers Waite and Gazeley, and Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, all nominated Cristina De Leon Allred and Katy Tamer for reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to reappoint Cristina De Leon Allred and Katy Tamer to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Uphoff and Mayor Waronek nominated Johnny Medina to the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.
Councilmembers Gazeley and Waite, and Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, nominated Mike Cozzolino for reappointment to the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.
Councilmember Waite made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, to reappoint Mike Cozzolino to the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Councilmembers Gazeley and Uphoff, and Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, nominated Steve Cammarata and Bob Steinbach for reappointment to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waite, to reappoint Steve Cammarata and Bob Steinbach to the Planning Commission.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
c. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution 2025-17 approving Amendment No. 1 to the May 1, 2024, City Manager Employment Agreement.
City Attorney Rusin presented the staff report per the agenda material.
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Waronek invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, commended the Council for reappointing the City Manager.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek invited Council discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-17 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE CITY
MANAGER'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF LOMITA'S LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing, adopt Resolution 2025-18 approving Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 fees for FY 2025-26.
Public Works Director Gonzalez presented the staff report per the agenda material.
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Waronek opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and invited Council discussion or a motion.
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, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-18 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF LOMITA'S LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 CHARGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 b. AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO COMPLY WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
PROPOSITION A AND MEASURE A GRANT PROGRAM NON-DISCRIMINATION
POLICY REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing, adopt Resolution No. 2025-19 amending the City's Master Fee Schedule to comply with Los Angeles County Proposition A and Measure A grant program Non-Discrimination Policy requirements.
Parks and Recreation Director Kelley presented the staff report per the agenda material.
Brief Council discussion took place relative to what other cities charge compared to Lomita for similar programs, and available scholarships and grants for those who cannot afford to pay for the programs.
Lomita City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2025
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Waronek opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, supported keeping fee increases to a minimum and priority sign-up for Lomita residents for recreation programs.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Waronek closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and brought the item back for further discussion or a motion.
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, Uphoff, Waite, Mayor Pro Tem Segawa, and Mayor Waronek
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-19 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE (RESOLUTION NO. 2024-02) TO ADJUST FEES FOR RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND FACILITY
RENTALS AND REMOVE ALL DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENT AND NON-
RESIDENT FEES FOR PARK RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PARK FACILITY
RENTALS
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Waronek adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.