MINUTES OF THE
LOMITA CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 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, July 7, 2026, in the Council Chambers at Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, California.
b. Flag Salute
A local youth member of the audience led the salute to the flag. c. Invocation
Mayor Segawa gave the invocation.
d. Roll Call
PRESENT: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Vialpando, City Attorney Rusin, 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, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
3. PRESENTATIONS
The City Council presented certificates of recognition to the following:
• 2026 Founders Day Sponsors.
• Lomita Park Youth Sports Soccer Team Champions.
• A proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month to Parks and Recreation staff.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mike Rivas, Lomita resident, spoke of illegal parking and other problems related to a new group home in his neighborhood.
John Thomas, Lomita resident, spoke of problems related to a new group home in his neighborhood.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke of 4th of July illegal fireworks enforcement, and he spoke in support of City Council term limits.
Winona Phillabaum, Lomita Library Manager, announced upcoming programs and events.
Sikander Bangash spoke of challenges with opening a care home in the community and he announced the opening of his café in Lomita.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL
Councilmember Gazeley reported on the following:
• 4th of July Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Efforts
• June 21 – June 27 – National Mosquito Control Awareness Week Councilmember Waronek reported on the following:
• June 17 – California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Executive Board Meeting • June 27-28 – Founders Day Weekend
• July 1 – California Contract Cities Association Executive Board Meeting • July 2 – Southern California Association of Governments Policy Committee Meeting • July 7 – Founders Day Committee Meeting
• July 7 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Legislative Meeting Mayor Pro Tem Waite reported on the following:
• June 18 – CitiPac Function at The Magic Castle
• June 24 – Cal Cities L.A. County Division Meeting
• June 25 – South Bay Cities Council of Governments Board Meeting • June 27-28 – Founders Day Weekend
• July 7 – California Geographic Information Association Policy Committee Task Force Meeting
Mayor Segawa reported on the following:
• June 24 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Lotus Joy Crystals • June 27-28 – Founders Day Weekend
• July 7 – Founders Day Committee Meeting
6. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (information only)
City Manager Vialpando announced upcoming summer events and spoke of 4th of July illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. He introduced new Assistant Planners, Kaylee Lee and Ben Johnson, and recently promoted staff, Water Technician I Jose Rocha and Senior Management Analyst Rachel Bucklew.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
7. CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Consent Agenda Items 7a-7k be approved.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve consent agenda items 7a-7k.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa 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 Meetings of June 2, 2026 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve minutes.
c. Warrants/Payroll Register
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve and file Warrants/Payroll Register d. Resolution Reciting the Facts of the Special Municipal Election Held on June 2, 2026, and Authorize Mayor to Attest to Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing ¼ Cent Sales Tax
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt resolution and authorize the Mayor to attest to the voters’ adoption of an ordinance establishing a (1/4 cent) transactions and use (sales) tax.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-37 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON JUNE 2, 2026, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW
e. Resolutions Authorizing the Examination of Transactions and Use Tax Records and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for Implementation of a Local Transactions and Use Tax RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolutions authorizing the examination of transactions and use tax records and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for implementation of a local transactions and use tax.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-38 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LOMITA
AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES OR TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES
RECORDS
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-39 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND/OR HIS
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOCAL
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
f. Notice of Completion for the 247th Street Area Water Main Replacement Project RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the Notice of Completion accepting the work performed by Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc. for the 247th Street Area Water Main Replacement Project; Authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion (NOC) with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office; and, Authorize the Public Works Director to sign the NOC and release the 5% retention payment in the amount of $66,902.02 to Stephen Doreck Equipment Rentals, Inc. 35 calendar days after recordation of the NOC by the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office contingent upon no claims being filed on the project.
g. Professional Services Agreement with GeoLogic Associates, Inc. for Geotechnical Engineering Services for Palos Verdes Drive North Hillside Stabilization RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with GeoLogic Associates, Inc. for geotechnical engineering services in an amount of $129,773, plus a contingency amount of $30,000 for unexpected costs, for a total amount not to exceed $159,773; and appropriate $30,000 of Proposition C funds for the project. h. Purchase of Public Works Equipment and Installation of Automated Security Access Gates
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Public Works Agreement with Ed’s Fencing, Inc. for the installation of two automated security access gates at the Public Works Yard and Cypress Water Production Facility in an amount not to exceed $45,208.00; and authorize the following purchases:
1. Vermeer SC48TX Stump Grinder through Sourcewell Contract No. 010925-VRM in an amount not to exceed $90,839.39;
2. Replacement of the dump bed and hydraulic system on the City’s 2013 Freightliner dump truck by Superior Trailer in an amount not to exceed $48,250.00;
3. CAT Model 260 Skid Steer Loader through Sourcewell Contract No. 011723-CAT in an amount not to exceed $108,710.12; and,
4. Toku TNB-6M Hydraulic Breaker Attachment in an amount not to exceed $13,481.00. i. Professional Services Agreement with Ron’s Maintenance Inc. for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Catch Basin Cleaning Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Ron’s Maintenance Inc. for Fiscal Year 2026-27 catch basin cleaning services for an amount not to exceed $50,400; and appropriate an additional $29,400 from the Special Revenue Fund (Gas Tax).
j. Human Resources Technician Position Specifications
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the Human Resources Technician Position Specifications.
k. Cooperation Agreement Between the City of Lomita and the County of Los Angeles for Continued Participation in the County of Los Angeles Urban Community Development Block Grant Program
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor or designee to execute the agreement for the time period of July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2030.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-40 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES
URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM
8. SCHEDULED ITEMS
a. UPDATE ON THE 2026 SISTER CITY DELEGATION VISIT, HOSPITALITY AND
RELATED ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the update regarding the 2026 Sister City delegation visit, hospitality, and related activities.
Director Kelley presented the update. 2026 is the 45th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership and the 60th anniversary as a city for Takaishi. She noted various activities taking place July 25-August 6 during the delegation’s visit.
Councilmember Waronek announced that the Lomita-Harbor City Kiwanis Club will be hosting a special dinner for the delegation on July 28, and he reflected on his visit to Takaishi as part of Lomita’s delegation in 2016.
As there was no further City Council discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
There were no requests from the public to speak on this item As this item was informational-only, no action was taken. b. SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH DAVID EVANS & ASSOCIATES
FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - ZONE G FOR PHASES 3 AND 4
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the Second Amendment to Agreement No. 2022- 31 with David Evans & Associates (DEA) for additional engineering design and construction support services associated with Phase 3 and 4 of the Zone G Street Reconstruction Project for an additional amount of $71,870, plus a contingency amount of $7,500 for unexpected costs, for a total amended contract amount of $397,258.
Director Fraley presented the staff report per the agenda material. She outlined the background, additional scope, coordination efforts, and budget.
City Manager Vialpando stated that street work priority has shifted to category-based rather than zone-based. This agreement is for construction support; the award for the construction itself is coming soon, so approval of this amendment will speed up the process.
As there was no further City Council discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment.
As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to approve the recommended action.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
c. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR ON-CALL CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve Professional Services Agreements between the City of Lomita and Psomas, David Evans and Associates, Inc., Mark Thomas, KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc., General Technologies and Solutions Inc., and Transtech Engineering, Inc. for Capital Improvement Project Civil Engineering services for threeyear terms, with the option to extend for two additional one-year terms, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 over three years for each agreement; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements.
Director Fraley presented the staff report per the agenda material. She outlined the purpose of the services, process, and procurement.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding why five different firms are needed for the services.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited public comment. As there were no 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, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. UPDATE TO ZONING CODE STANDARDS RELATED TO PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, DIVISION OF LAND, AND SENIOR HOUSING AND MULTIPLEFAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO CONFORM WITH THE CITY’S HOUSING
ELEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Ordinance approving Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-03 to amend Sections 11-1.15.02, 11-1.30.17 and 11-1.30.14 of Lomita Municipal Code (LMC) Title XI (Planning and Zoning) Chapter 1 (Zoning), and LMC Title XI (Planning and Zoning) Chapter 2 (Division of Land), and finding the action to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. He outlined background; planned residential development (PDR) revisions; division of land revisions; and senior citizen and multi-family home revisions.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. As there were no requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. and brought the item back for discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Introduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 895 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2026-03 TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-1.15.02, 11-1.30.17 AND 11-1.30.14 OF LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING) CHAPTER 1 (ZONING) AND LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING) CHAPTER 2 (DIVISION OF
LAND), AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
b. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PARKS AND SEWER FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PUBLIC ART ON PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT INLIEU FEE RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Resolutions approving parks and sewer facilities development impact fees, and public art on private development in-lieu fee.
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. He outlined background, single-family comparable chart, current development impact fees, and maximum justified impact fee schedule.
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, stated that the proposed park fee was too high and would discourage development.
Sikander Bangash stated that such fees should be reduced to encourage development.
Mayor Pro Tem Waite stated that he more supports a sewer fee than a park fee.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding whether the fees apply to just residential development, looking into whether flipping is occurring since only a couple of firms have been building residential in Lomita, and fees comparisons to cities like Lawndale.
As there was no further discussion, Mayor Segawa invited a motion.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Segawa, to approve the recommended action.
MOTION CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, and Mayor Segawa NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Waite
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Adopted the following titled resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-41 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKS AND SEWER FACILITIES
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-42 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE
A PUBLIC ART IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN-LIEU FEE AND FINDING THE
ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
c. UPDATES TO THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING AFFORDABLE
HOUSING IN-LIEU REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing, and after the City Attorney reads the title, introduce on first reading an ordinance to approve Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2026-04 to remove Section 11-1.43.07 (Affordable housing in-lieu requirements) of Lomita Municipal Code (LMC) Title XI (Planning and Zoning) Chapter 1 (Zoning) and finding actions categorically exempt from the California Environmentally Quality Act (CEQA).
Director Fernandez presented the staff report per the agenda material. He outlined background, new development fees, and inclusionary housing.
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
George Kivett, Lomita resident, spoke in support of the item.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. and invited discussion or a motion.
Councilmember Gazeley asked for specifics regarding the definition of affordable housing. Director Fernandez stated that he would return with that information at the next City Council meeting.
Councilmember Gazeley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waite, to approve the recommended action.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Introduced the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 896 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2026-04 TO REMOVE SECTION 11-1.43.07 OF LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE XI (PLANNING AND ZONING) CHAPTER 1 (ZONING) AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
d. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3-17 OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO CAMPING AND STORAGE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
RECOMMENDED ACTION: After conducting a public hearing, and after the City Attorney reads the title, introduce on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 3-17 of the Lomita Municipal Code relating to camping and storage on public property, waive further reading, and schedule the ordinance for second reading and adoption at a subsequent City Council meeting.
City Attorney Rusin requested continuation of this item.
Councilmember Waronek made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gazeley, to continue this item to a future meeting.
MOTION CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gazeley, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
ORDINANCE NO 897 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA AMENDING CHAPTER 3-17 OF THE LOMITA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO CAMPING AND STORAGE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
e. PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE CHARGES AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE COUNTY ASSESSOR TO PROCESS
DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS FOR ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES (DBA ATHENS
SERVICES)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026- 43, authorizing and directing the Los Angeles County Assessor to process delinquent accounts for Arakelian Enterprises (dba Athens Services) as a special assessment to include delinquent refuse bills to be collected at the same time and in the same manner as Los Angeles County taxes.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2026
Senior Management Analyst Ibarra presented the staff report per the agenda material.
The City reports delinquent accounts to the County Tax Assessor and the unpaid balances are added to the property tax bills.
As there were no questions for staff, Mayor Segawa opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m.
(No name given) stated displeasure with the City collecting arrears accounts on behalf of Athens Services and stated that the account he received notice about does not belong to him.
As there were no further requests from the public to speak on this item, Mayor Segawa closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. and invited discussion or a motion.
Brief City Council discussion took place regarding how disputes over financial responsibility are handled.
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, Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Waite, and Mayor Segawa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Uphoff
Adopted the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-43 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOMITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE COUNTY ASSESSOR TO PROCESS DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
FOR ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES (ATHENS) AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO
INCLUDE DELINQUENT REFUSE BILLS TO BE COLLECTED AT THE SAME TIME
AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS COUNTY TAXES
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Segawa adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________________________
Kathleen Horn Gregory, MMC, City Clerk
Adopted: September 1, 2026