MINUTES OF THE
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
1. OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Call Meeting to Order
The adjourned regular meeting of the Lomita City Council was called to order by Mayor Segawa at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
The City Council led the salute to the flag.
c. Invocation
Councilmember Uphoff gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
Mayor eja Councilmembers Gazeley. Uphort, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tom Waite, and ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, Assistant City Attorney Castillo, Assistant City Manager Hernandez, Deputy City Manager/Administrative Services Director Kamada, Public Works Director Fraley, Community and Economic Development Director Fernandez, Parks and Recreation Director Kelley, and City Clerk Gregory
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waronek, 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
The City Council presented certificates of recognition to the St. Margaret Mary School Girls' basketball team for its first CYO championship in school history.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Segawa announced the time for oral communications.
Heidi Butzine, President/CEO of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Council and City staff for their attendance at the annual installation and community awards event on March
5. She also announced upcoming Chamber events.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke about CERT training that took place over the weekend.
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 Uphoff reported on the following:
• March 5 - Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Committee Meeting
• March 5 - Lomita Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Community Service Awards
• March 5 - Cal Cities L.A. County General Membership Meeting • March 11 - Cal Cities Mayors and Councilmembers Roundtable March 11 - California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) Legislative Meeting • March 12 - L.A. County District Attorney Homelessness Advisory Board Meeting Mach 15-18 - National League of Cities Congressional City Conference • March 21 - Town Hall Meeting with Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi Councilmember Gazeley reported on the following:
• March 12 - L.A. County West Vector Control Meeting
• March 18 - L.A. County Sanitation District No. 5 Meeting Councilmember Waronek reported on the following:
March 4 - CCCA Executive Board Meeting
March 5 - SCAG Regional Policy Committee Meeting, Housing Committee Meeting • March 5 - Lomita Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Community Service • March 6 - Read Across America at Lomita Magnet
• March 7 - Lomita Little League Opening Day
• March 9 - Founders Day Committee Meeting
• March 10 - National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Meeting • March 11 - Liability Trust Fund Meeting
• March 13 - Read Across America at Eshelman Avenue Elementary • March 13 - Special California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) Executive Board Meeting
• March 16-18 - NLC Congressional City Conference
• March 18 - CCCA Board of Directors Meeting
• March 19 - Carson State of the City Address
• March 19 - Los Angeles Political Roast Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association
• March 20 - Redondo Beach State of the City Address
Mayor Pro Tem Waite reported on the following:
• March 15-18 - NLC Congressional City Conference
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
Mayor Tem Segawa reported on the following:
• March 5 - Lomita Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Community Service Awards
• March 6 - Read Across America at Lomita Magnet
March 9 - Founders Day Committee Meeting
March 13 - Read Across America at Eshelman Avenue Elementary March 21 - Town Hall Meeting with Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi March 24 - Ribbon Cutting for Zone G, Phase II Project Completion • March 24 - Mayors Cup Golf Tournament Meeting
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando invited residents to Eggstravaganza, to be held on April 4 at the Lomita Railroad Museum. The City was awarded a $500,000 grant to support planning and design efforts for new park space at the Navy Fields site. Last week he met with the U.S.
Department of the Navy, Real Estate Division, to discuss the acquisition. He introduced Deanna Fraley, the City's newly appointed Public Works Director.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7h be approved.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve consent agenda items 7a-7h, with the exception of item 7g, which was pulled for separate discussion by Councilmember Uphoff.
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 February 3, 2026 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register d. February 2026 Treasury and investment Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Treasury and Investment Report. e. Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for City Engineer Services RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for City Engineer Services for a three-year term ending March
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
31, 2029, with the option to extend the agreement for two additional one-year terms, in an amount of $125,000 per year, plus an additional 10% contingency for unexpected work, for a total amount not to exceed $137,500 per year. f.. City of Lomita Coyote Management Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the City of Lomita Coyote Management Plan. h. Renewal of the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC) for Highly Accurate Digital Aerial Imagery and Elevation Datasets and Geographic Information System (GIS) Module
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the Participation Agreement with the County of Los Angeles of the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition for an amount of $23,554 for three years.
PULLED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
g. Exchange of Proposition A Funds between the City of Lomita and the City of Commerce RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the execution of the Proposition A Assignment Agreement for the sale of $1,214,582 of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Prop A funds to the City of Commerce in exchange for $850,000 of unrestricted General Fund.
City Manager Vialpando stated that this is a routine transaction for cities like Lomita. The rate of about 70%, which is determined by LACMTA.
As there was no City Council discussion, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
Councilmember Uphoff made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waronek, 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
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. PRESENTATION OF CONCEPT DESIGNS FOR LOMITA'S LOCAL TRAVEL
NETWORK
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the Concept Designs for Lomita's Local Travel Network and direct Staff to finish project design.
City Manager Vialpando introduced the item and shared the project background. sEshelman Avenue and wayfinding signs are prioritized tonight for City Council approval.*
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
Adam Vest, Engineering Director with Toole Design, gave the presentation. Topics included Micromobility; Lomita Local Travel Network (LTN) Design Process; Project Design Goals; Traffic Calming Treatments; Community Feedback; and Corridor Enhancements.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding next steps, implementation time, and building the project in phases to reduce impact on residents.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, shared opinions about the concept designs.
Carol Graf, Lomita resident, expressed disappointment that speed humps on Eshelman Avenue near Lomita Park were not included in the concept designs.
Daniel David, Senior Civil Engineer with Toole Design, stated that speed humps are still being considered on Eshelman Avenue near Lomita Park.
Mike Graf, Lomita resident, spoke of the need for traffic calming on Eshelman Avenue between Lomita Boulevard and Lomita Park.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the possibility of traffic calming in one location creating a problem in another.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to move forward with the design for Eshelman Avenue and wayfinding signage; to authorize the consultants to continue to review the stretch from Lomita Boulevard to Lomita Park to see if any additional alterations could be implemented based on feedback from the community workshops; and to have staff return to City Council for additional feedback regarding Pennsylvania Avenue.
MOTION CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Uphoff, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN ENGINEERING FOR
BUILDING AND SAFETY SERVICES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Lomita and Willdan Engineering (Willdan) for Building and Safety Services in an amount not to exceed $602,940, inclusive of a 15 percent contingency amount for unexpected costs; Approve a one-time purchase of $46,170 for permitting software; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. The City has contracted with the County for building and safety services since its incorporation.
Common complaints over the last couple of years include the length of time it takes for plan check, poor customer service, and high permit fees. The County is in the process of terminating their building and safety services to all their contract cities.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the County continuing to serve unincorporated areas, and having a dedicated permit tech for Lomita.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the change from County to City permitting
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa invited further discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Uphoff 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. FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the recommendations contained in Attachment 1 and direct staff to make necessary expenditure and revenue budget adjustments to implement the recommendations.
Deputy City Manager/Director Kamada presented the staff report per the agenda material. She outlined City Council Goals as Adopted in 2025; Purpose of a Mid-Year Budget Review; Highlighted Adopted Budget Facts FY 2025-26; Proposed Amendments for FY 2025-26; General Fund Revenues and Expenditures for FY 2025-26; and a Tentative Budget Calendar.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding amendments to water capital, the Mayor's Cup golf tournament, and building and safety services.
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 Waronek, 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:
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOMITA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS USE AND APPROVING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT (LASD) PROPOSAL FOR THE 2026
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS SUPPRESSION ENFORCEMENT
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing, and after the City Attorney reads Ordinance by title only, introduce on first reading an ordinance amending and adding sections to the Lomita Municipal Code related to fireworks use, waive further reading, and schedule the ordinance for second reading and adoption at a subsequent City Council Meeting; and approve the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) proposal for 2026 Illegal Fireworks Suppression Enforcement for $30,913.
Community Safety Manager Lawson presented the staff report per the agenda material.
Topics included Background; Fireworks: Public Nuisance and Documented Dangers; Dash Cam Pilot Program; Fireworks Reporting Reward Program; and Proposed Changes.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the value of the new Community Safety Division, the dash cam pilot program, property owner responsibility, altering the supplemented enforcement period to a more concentrated timeframe, and whether enforcement is effective.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the amendment except for the property owner responsibility portion.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m., and brought the item back for further discussion or a motion.
Assistant City Attorney Castillo read the title of the ordinance to be introduced.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Uphoff, 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
Introduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 885 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 4-16.04 AND ADDING SECTIONS 4-
16.05 AND 4-16.06 TO TITLE IV OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
FIREWORKS USE WITHIN THE CITY AND FIND THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
b. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF
LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE REGULATIONS FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING
VIOLATIONS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing and after the City Attorney reads the Ordinance by title only, introduce on first reading an ordinance amending and adding sections to the Lomita Municipal Code related to illegal dumping,
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
waive further reading, and schedule the ordinance for second reading and adoption at a subsequent City Council meeting.
Community Safety Manager presented the staff report per the agenda material. Topics included Background and Current Challenges; Visual Evidence of Illegal Dumping; Proposed Ordinance Amendments; and Comprehensive Solutions and Outreach.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding consideration of having a dedicated truck run on trash day to pick up bulky items, reporting illegal dumping on the City's app, and whether an illegal dumping fine is always appropriate.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m.
Carol Graf, Lomita resident, spoke of a recent illegal dumping incident in her neighborhood
George Kivett, Lomita resident, felt the fines could be excessive in certain circumstances and supported the idea of a dedicated truck running on trash days for bulky items.
Assistant City Attorney Castillo read the title of the ordinance to be introduced.
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
Introduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 886 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE IV - PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS, AND CONDUCT TO ADD CHAPTER 18 - ILLEGAL DUMPING
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
c. AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE APPLICATION FEES FOR
OVERSIZED VEHICLE PERMITS AND VACANT BUILDING/PROPERTY
REGISTRATION
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolution 2026-13 amending the Master Fee Schedule to include application fees for City staff to process oversized vehicle permits, and vacant building and property registration.
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. In late 2025 the City Council adopted ordinances regarding these two matters, and this item is to establish fees related to processing the permits and the registry.
City Manager Vialpando stated that while it is important to recover costs, an amendment to the recommended application fee of $304 for oversized vehicle permits is desired. As • the City has other fees that can be waived or significantly decreased, it is recommended
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
to charge in the range of other City-subsidized business fees. The Council is tasked with determining the oversized vehicle permit fee this evening.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the duration of the permit and not wishing to burden residents who wish to proactively apply for the permit.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, stated that City fees were getting to be a bit much, and he suggested a 24-hour grace period without requiring a permit.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. and brought the item back for further discussion or a motion.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding the time necessary to prepare an RV for a trip, consideration of a free day, then a nominal permit fee such as $25 if needed, and having staff research adequate permit duration and reasonable fees.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve only the vacant building/property registration fee, and to direct City staff to return with additional discussion regarding duration and fees for oversized vehicle permits.
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. 2026-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE
AN APPLICATION FEE FOR CITY STAFF TO PROCESS VACANT BUILDING AND
PROPERTY REGISTRATION
d. 2025 ANNUAL GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORTS RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the City's 2025 Annual General Plan and Housing Element Progress Reports.
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. The Housing Element Progress Report is due to the California Department of Housing and Community Development on April 1, 2026, and it includes the General Plan Progress Report. A total of 109 new residential units were developed in Lomita over the last four years, but the City still needs 720 additional units to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements.
As there was no discussion, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 8:29 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, stated that he would like to see more smart development in Lomita.
City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. and brought the item back for discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Waronek 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:
10. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to discuss, Mayor Segawa adjourned the meeting, in memory of former Lomita Mayor and Councilmember Mike Savidan, at 8:35 p.m.
Zarlen
Adopted: May 19, 2026