MINUTES OF THE
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Segawa at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
Councilmember Uphoff led the salute to the flag.
c. Invocation
Councilmember Waronek gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attorney Rusin, Assistant City Manager Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Administrative Services Director Kamada, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, Interim Public Works Director Ansari, and City Clerk Gregory
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve the agenda
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. PRESENTATIONS
None scheduled.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Mayor Segawa announced the time for oral communications.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke positively about the recent street work.
As there were no further requests to speak, Mayor Segawa closed oral communications.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL
Councilmember Gazeley had nothing to report.
Councilmember Waronek reported on the following:
• February 4 - Lomita Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee Inaugural Meeting
• February 5 - Lomita Chamber of Commerce Officers Installation • February 12 - Founders Day Committee Meeting
Announced Liability Trust Fund Meeting on February 18; California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Board of Directors Meeting on February 19; and Lomita Station Foundation Gala and Fundraiser on February 28
Councilmember Uphoff reported on the following:
• February 4 - National League of Cities (NLC) Small Cities Council Meeting • February 5 - Southern California Association of Governments Transportation Committee Meeting
• February 9 - South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Steering Committee Meeting
• February 11 - Legislative Committee Meeting
• February 12 - CCCA Transportation/Communications/Public Works/E-Bikes Task Force Meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Waite reported on the following:
• February 4 - NLC Small Cities Council Meeting
• February 4 - Meeting with LAUSD Superintendent
• February 13 - L.A. County Local Governmental Services Commission Meeting Mayor Segawa reported on the following:
• February 4 - Meeting with LAUSD Superintendent
• February 12 - Founders Day Committee Meeting
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando stated that Public Works crews are hard at work due to the storms.
He urged residents to use the Lomita Connect app to report any hazards or other issues.
Councilmember Gazeley commented on a coyote killing a cat in his neighborhood, and he urged residents to take precaution.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7f be approved.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to approve consent agenda items 7a-7f.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
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 December 16, 2025 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register. d. January 2026 Treasury and Investment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Treasury and Investment Report. e. Zoning Text Amendment No. 2025-02 - An update to the Lomita Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units to Comply with Recent Changes in State Law
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 883 and direct the City Clerk to file a copy of the Ordinance with the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
ORDINANCE NO. 883 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11-1.30.06 RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17
f. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Lomita Municipal Code Granting Community Safety Officers Authority to Initiate Vehicle Tows and Establishing Vehicle Removal, Abatement, and Impound Procedures
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 884 amending Lomita Municipal Code Sections 8-1.05, 8-2.05, and 8-5.02 and adding Chapter 8-2.5 related to vehicle towing and abatement authority.
ORDINANCE NO. 884 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 8-1.05, 8-2.05, AND 8-5.02 OF TITLE 8 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING CHAPTER 8-2.5 RELATED TO VEHICLE ABATEMENT AND TOWING
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
AUTHORITY, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTH BAY REGIONAL
HOUSING TRUST BY THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approval of the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) authorizing the City to join the South Bay Regional Housing Trust (SBRHT); Authorize the Mayor to execute the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA); and, Appoint a member of the City Council to serve as the City's Delegate to the 2026 SBRHT Board.
City Manager Vialpando presented the staff report per the agenda material. This item is an extension of a recent presentation by Jacki Bacharach, Executive Director of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG). The trust would manage and so noong strong the , administer affordable housing efforts in the region, and it would also have lending authority for programs such as soft development loans and aid for first-time homebuyers.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the launch date of the trust and the deadline to join.
Kevin Umaña, Housing Project Coordinator of the SBCCOG, stated that they plan to wait as long as possible to give adequate time for all other potential members to join but the deadline will be sometime in March. Trust meetings will begin soon after and will most likely take place prior to SBCCOG Board of Directors meetings.
As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item and no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to appoint Councilmember Uphoff as Lomita's delegate to the 2026 SBRHT Board.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
b. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ACTON ARCHITECTURE FOR
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND PLANNING SERVICES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Acton Architecture, Inc. (ACTON) for design services in an amount of $219,548, plus a contingency amount of $20,000 for unexpected work, for a total amount not to exceed $239,548; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
Interim Public Works Director Ansari presented the staff report per the agenda material.
The second floor of City Hall was not originally intended as office space but over the years it has been altered to create more room for employees. A remodel would create an updated office layout, making better use of available space, thereby allowing Community Development offices to relocate to the second floor. This would free up space on the first floor for other uses. He summarized the Initial Design Concept; Conceptual Layout Plan; and the Architect Selection Process.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the turnaround time for the design services and the agreement cost.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in opposition to the project as he felt the money could be better spent in other ways.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
c. UPDATE ON WATERFRONT RED CAR OFFERED TO THE CITY ON LOAN BY THE
PORT OF LOS ANGELES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss and consider options for Waterfront Red Car offered to the City on loan by the Port of Los Angeles.
City Manager Vialpando presented the staff report per the agenda material. He summarized the history of the project and the status of the MOU between the City of Lomita and the Port of Los Angeles (POLA).
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the City's total cost after potential grants/gifts, other funding avenues to offset costs, contract terms, and potential revenue from an event space related to the project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Additional discussion took place regarding tabling the community survey until the City is ready to make improvements to Irene Lewis Park, so as to not create confusion among residents about various park upgrades in the City.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the project.
David Popelka, Lomita resident, spoke in opposition to the project as he felt the money could be better spent.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa invited further discussion or a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Waite made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, to direct staff to pursue design and cost estimates for the alternative site, to return with the MOU at the next meeting, to submit the grant applications, and to table the community survey until the City is ready to make improvements to Irene Lewis Park.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, and Mayor Pro Tem Waite NOES: Mayor Segawa
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 84865, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 1223, MODIFICATION NO. 2, AND HEIGHT VARIATION PERMIT NO. 119 FOR A NEW
THREE-STORY, FOUR-UNIT TOWNHOME AND DEMOLITION OF EXISTING
BUILDINGS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) No. 84865, Site Plan Review (SPR) No. 1223, Modification (MOD) No. 2, and Height Variation Permit (HVP) No. 119.
Assistant Planner Molina presented the staff report per the agenda material. It was noted that titles in Section 2, Findings of the Resolution are worded incorrectly; the word "not" should be removed from the title lines of Section 2, Findings, 1 through 4 and it should be added to the title lines of Section 2, Findings, 5 through 7.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding setbacks, consistency with the Zoning Code, and the possibility of conversion into ADU's onsite.
The City Council had no ex parte communications to disclose.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
City Clerk Gregory noted that an email from the California Housing Defense Fund in support of the project had been received
David Popelka, Lomita resident, spoke in opposition to the project.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
Lorenzo Schiappa, representing the property owner, stated that the California housing crisis will bring higher density to Lomita. 25 feet of separation exists between the new building and neighbors' homes, and the 27-foot height is consistent with other single family homes.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the project plans and whether the applicant spoke to neighbors.
Laura Jeremica, Lomita resident, spoke in opposition to the project.
Mr. Schiappa was given the opportunity to make a rebuttal. He stated that development must be mindful, and this project is consistent with the allowed density.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. and brought the item back for discussion.
After brief City Council discussion regarding Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers in Lomita, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to approve the recommended action, noting the corrections to be made to the final resolution: the word "not" should be removed from the title lines of Section 2, Findings, 1 through 4, and it should be added to the title lines of Section 2, Findings, 5 through 7.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 84865, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 1223, MODIFICATION NO. 2 AND HEIGHT VARIATION PERMIT NO. 119 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF A 1,430 SQUARE FOOT
PRIMARY RESIDENCE AND TWO DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR, THREE-STORY TOWNHOMES AT THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 27 FEET, INCLUDING A TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP FOR A
CONDOMINIUM SUBDIVISION OF THE FOUR NEW TOWNHOME UNITS, A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND MODIFICATION FOR TWO CARPORTS, LOCATED AT 26205 OAK STREET IN THE RESIDENTIAL - MEDIUM DENSITY (R-2) ZONE AND FINDING
THE ACTION TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
b. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08 TO INITIATE AMENDMENTS TO GENERAL PLAN LAND
USE AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS OF SEVERAL LOTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt resolution initiating a General Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment to consider changing the General Plan land use and zoning designations of several lots throughout the City; and Direct the Planning Commission to
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
hold a public hearing to provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding the subject item.
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material.
As there was no City Council discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, expressed varied opinions about the amendment.
Dave Popelka, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the amendment.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. and invited City Council discussion or a motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Waite made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES:
ABSENT: None
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, TO INITIATE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS OF SEVERAL LOTS THROUGHOUT THE
10. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to discuss, Mayor Segawa adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted/
Kathan Done
Adopted: April 21, 2026