INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUN CIL -FEBRUARY 151 2022
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. Proclamation on Black History Month 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Authorize Change Order #1 for Transit Bus Tires 2
BC. Authorize Purchase Order for Bus Transmission Parts and Bus Transmission Rebuilds 2
8D. Terminate Existing Agreement and Approve New Contract Services Agreement with Potential Industries, Inc. for Processing of the City's Recyclable Materials 3
BE. Approve Operating Agreement with Water Replenishment District of Southern California for Operation and Maintenance of Goldsworthy Desalter Located at 20500 Madrona Avenue 3
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Authorize Recognition and Attornment Agreement for Sub-Tenant of City-Owned Property Known as Rolling Hills Plaza Shopping Center 12 9B. Adopt RESOLUTION Authorizing Submittal of Notice of Intent to Comply with SB 1383 Regulations to CalRecycle 12-13
9C. Approve Fourth Amendment to Measure R Funding Agreement and Approve Second Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Pacific Coast Highway at Hawthorne Boulevard Intersection Improvement, T-131 14-15
9D. Adopt RESOLUTION Related to Procedures for Appeals of Finance Director Decisions 15
9E. Award Contract Services Agreement to Provide Artificial Turf Replacement at LA Galaxy Sports Complex 15
9F. Adopt RESOLUTION to Submit for Voter Consideration a Local ½ Cent Sales Tax Ballot Measure on the June 7, 2022 Election 3-6
10. HEARINGS
10A. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Action Upholding Community Development Director's Approval of a Minor Hillside Exemption to Allow a New Surface Grade Tennis Court, via a Series of Retaining Walls, in Conjunction with a Fence Height Exception to Allow an 8ft Tall Fence Around the Perimeter of Said Tennis Court, on Property Located Within the Hillside Overlay District in the R-1 Zone at 23719 Susana Avenue MHE21-00043, FEN21-00002: Obelisk Architects (Igor Nastaskin) 6-11, 15
11. AGENCY AGENDAS 16
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES 16
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 16
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 16
15. ADJOURNMENT 16
At 10:48 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6 :30 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on February 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m . in the Council Chamber at Torrance City Hall and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Chen, Griffiths, Kalani, Mattucci, Walser and Mayor Furey Councilmember Ashcraft
City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan,
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier and
other staff representatives
Agenda item 14 was considered out of order at this time.
14. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council immediately recessed to closed session to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney on agenda matters listed under 14A) Conference with Labor Negotiator, 14B) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation and 14C) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) and California Government Code §54956.8.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:30 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
2. 3.
FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Chen.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Griffiths.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier reported that the agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Torrance Boulevard and on the City's website on Monday, February 7, 2022.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved that after the City Clerk has read aloud the number and title of any resolution or ordinance on the meeting agenda, the further reading thereof shall be waived, reserving and guaranteeing to each Councilmember the right to demand the reading of any such resolution or ordinance in regular order. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Walser and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9F, 1 0A and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
1 City Council
February 15, 2022
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Kalani announced that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee meeting was on February 16, 2022.
Councilmember Griffiths informed the public about the blood drive during the week of April 14-18, 2022.
City Clerk Poirier informed the public about the Torrance General Municipal Election on June 7, 2022.
Councilmember Walser asked to adjourn the City Council meeting in remembrance of Jeffrey Scott Taylor.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING FEBRUARY 2022 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN
THE CITY OF TORRANCE
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of January 25, 2022.
88. AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER #1 FOR TRANSIT BUS TIRES
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council authorize change order #1 with Parkhouse Tires, Inc. of Bell Gardens, CA (PO 2019-00000511) in the amount of $147,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $588,000, to provide transit bus tires on an as-requested basis for an additional two years beginning February 22, 2022 and ending February 21, 2024.
SC. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR BUS TRANSMISSION PARTS AND BUS
TRANSMISSION REBUILDS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council authorize a purchase order to Dartco Transmission of Anaheim, CA for an amount not-to-exceed $300,000 (approximately $100,000 annually) to furnish transmission parts and provide transmission rebuilds on an as-needed basis for a three-year period beginning February 5, 2022 and ending February 4, 2025.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
2 City Council
February 15, 2022
SD. TERMINATE EXISTING AGREEMENT AND APPROVE NEW CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH POTENTIAL INDUSTRIES, INC. FOR PROCESSING OF THE
CITY'S RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Terminate existing agreement with Potential Industries, Inc. (C2016-122); and 2) Approve a new contract services agreement with Potential Industries, Inc. of Wilmington, CA to process the City's collected recyclable materials and pay the City at $15 per ton for a three-year period beginning February 15, 2022 and ending February 14, 2025, with two (2) additional one-year renewal options.
SE. APPROVE OPERATING AGREEMENT WITH WATER REPLENISHMENT DISTRICT
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF GOLDSWORTHY DESALTER LOCATED AT 20500 MADRONA AVENUE
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve an operating agreement with the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) for the performance of operation and maintenance services by City personnel at the Goldsworthy Desalter facility located at the City Service Facility (City Yard) located at 20500 Madrona Avenue for a 10-year period beginning March 1, 2022 and ending February 28, 2032, with one 5-year renewal option.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
Item 9F was taken out of order at this time.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9F . ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT FOR VOTER CONSIDERATION A LOCAL½ CENT SALES TAX BALLOT MEASURE ON THE JUNE 7, 2022 ELECTION
Recommendation of the City Manager and Finance Director that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION to submit for voter consideration the Torrance Public Safety/Essential Services Measure proposal to institute a local ½ cent transaction and use (sales) tax to be spent exclusively for services benefitting Torrance residents.
Councilmember Ashcraft was in attendance via telephone for item 9F at 7:09 p.m .
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Chen asked what the projection for budget versus revenue in the current fiscal year.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson said more will be updated at the upcoming Finance and Governmental Operations Committee. She added that the first quarter projects to approximately breaking even at about $300,000 with revenues more than expenditures in the General Fund.
Councilmember Chen wanted clarification on the unfunded liability. He asked about the "re-finance" of over $307M and if it was accounted for as a debt expense in the General Fund.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
3 City Council
February 15, 2022
Finance Director Poisson said that was correct. She added that when the 2020 lease revenue bonds were issued to pay off most of the unfunded liabilities at $350M, it made it reflect as a debt liability but that the annual expense remains and reflects in salaries as it is pension related.
Councilmember Chen noted the current unfunded actuarial liability was about 97% funded.
Finance Director Poisson concurred. She added that when that was paid off, what was remaining in CalPERS was the $150M. She said the gains occurring in 2021 reduced unfunded liabilities so that Torrance is 98-99% funded starting in fiscal year 2024. She continued that the assumption reduces the liability such that the investment return for the next 20 years is 6.8%.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if the breakeven projection includes one-time funds.
Finance Director Poisson said that it does include them. She said without the one-time funds the projection would estimate to be in a deficit.
Council member Griffiths asked if the breakeven with the one-time funds includes restoring the reserves back to a proper level.
Finance Director Poisson said that it does not do that for this year because it includes know open litigation cases and depends on timing. She said additional revenues is going towards open litigation but that any changes to that up until June can be put towards reserves.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if it was safe to assume that even if Torrance finishes breakeven does not mean Torrance is clear of its problems.
Finance Director Poisson concurred. She continued that as of the current forecast, the anticipated end of fiscal year would end up with 10% of reserves. She said that would be for operating expenditures with recommendation set to 20%. She said exposure to disasters is there as well.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if that does not bring Torrance back to the cuts already made, and that those cuts will remain.
Finance Director Poisson concurred. She added that public safety would be at bay and that the next 1 O years were projected to be at deficit should public safety not meet proposed reductions presented before.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that it would be an amount of $1 OM in a bay in spending the outcome of the sales tax measure.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated the importance of the sales tax measure. He recalled the benefits of the sales tax measure and the need to avoid a third-party taking the tax revenues.
Mayor Furey asked if the budget were balanced would that mean there would be no budget cuts for this fiscal year.
Finance Director Poisson said that was not correct. She said the $12M federal assistance is the last so it cannot be expected going forward and the next 1 O years would have budget shortfalls.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that relying on vacancies to balance the budget was not sustainable. He said they are actively recruiting to lock down multi-year contracts due to people leaving the city .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
4 City Council
February 15, 2022
Mayor Furey asked when the last time there was a raise for non-safety employees .
City Manager Chaparyan said that it was over two years ago .
Mayor Furey posited that that may be the reason for people leaving.
City Manager Chaparyan concurred. He said the main reason was pay and benefits.
Finance Director Poisson said that if the proposed cuts to public safety were not implemented then there would be about a $1 OM budget shortfall. She added the departure rate this quarter matches what would normally be at 12 months. She added that if salaries increased 2% in the General Fund, then that would be an addition $3M which compounds every year after that. She said sales tax is the main revenue generator and that Torrance has seen a 5-10% increase but that is only about $5M. She said 10% is not sustainable and that the current forecast is that next year's sales tax growth would be 0 .6%. She said property tax functions like sales tax as Torrance only receives 12 cents on the dollar.
Councilmember Kalani asked what percentage of sales tax would be paid by non-residents.
Finance Director Poisson said the estimate was about 29%.
Councilmember Kalani asked what it would equate to if someone spent $100 or $1000.
Finance Director Poisson said Torrance would get an additional 50 cents on a $100 purchase and an additional $5 on a $1000 purchase.
Councilmember Chen mentioned that if the trajectory stays the same it could get to 20%.
City Manager Chaparyan said that the $1 OM number is a pending reduction in the base budget. He said the assumption is that the City Council will approving the $1 OM should the tax measure be removed from the equation. He said the reserve is a one-time item. He said the $1 OM is a structural deficit that still needs to be addressed.
Councilmember Chen suggested staff come with a budget proposal that does not show a structural deficit and what it would take to balance it. He wants to see possible options in it.
City Manager Chaparyan said they could give an itemized in which it would show line items of different subsidies and community items. He said the $10M is more significant without the proposed cuts. He said it would be left at community programs and general operations and there would be hard to avoid layoffs of employees.
Finance Director Poisson clarified that if Torrance stays on the same trajectory, then it would not be able to get to 20%. She said if there are no cuts to public safety then there would not be any planned funds to the reserves. She said one-time funds have built it up in the past which will not be the case in the future.
Councilmember Chen said it would be prudent to investigate methods for gaining funds if this measure is rejected by voters.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
5 City Council
February 15, 2022
City Manager Chaparyan stated that there were two scenarios. One was the voters approving the measure with a projected revenue of $18M. He said $10M would be to avoid reductions in public safety and $SM for reserves. He said $3M would go to beautification, homeless response and aesthetic infrastructure projects. He said, with proposed cuts, this plan would enable Torrance to complete a balanced budget. He said the alternative is areas outside of public safety to find cuts. He added that, if the budget is approved by City Council as recommended and if the tax measure is not successful, the next City Council may direct staff to come back without implementation of public safety cuts. He said he would recommend the September revise in that situation. He implored the goal of securing multi-year contracts to retain employees and give breathing room.
Councilmember Mattucci acknowledged Torrance needs funds but said that the city has not been well managed with the funds it uses.
City Manager Chaparyan said that the plans and the scenarios without a sales tax are frameworks presented to the City Council with holds pending outcomes. He clarified that in May there will be a budget with recommendations of reductions. He said other options could be brought as well if desired. He said it will be much harder to find plans that preclude reductions to public safety.
Councilmember Mattucci said he does not believe a new tax is wise with people struggling but that it is up to the voters to decide.
Councilmember Walser stated his support for the sales tax and that need to protect Torrance finances. He said another party will take the sales tax revenue if Torrance does not.
Mayor Furey mentioned other cities that are benefiting from the sales tax measures that they have and the funds they take advantage of for needed services. He said Torrance needs a raise to combat inflation and to respond to emergencies. He said he is in support of the measure.
Councilmember Ashcraft mentioned that essentials such as food and medicine would not be impacted by this. She said she is in support of the measure and that she wants a citizen oversight committee. She added that services would be slower and less effective if the sales tax measure is not implemented.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the recommendation to place a ½ cent on the ballot with an annual audit and an oversight committee. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-21 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE PLACING A MEASURE ON THE
BALLOT FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION CONSOLIDATED WITH THE
STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING A MEASURE IMPOSING A TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX TO A VOTE OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY;
DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEASURE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS
AND SETTING RULES FOR THE FILING OF WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A PROPOSED MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE ELECTION.
The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmembers Chen and Mattucci voting no.
Councilmember Ashcraft left the City Council meeting via telephone at 8:06 p.m .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
6 City Council
February 15, 2022
The City Council took a recess at 8:06 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 8:16 p.m.
Item 1 0A was taken out of order at this time .
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION UPHOLDING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL OF A MINOR HILLSIDE
EXEMPTION TO ALLOW A NEW SURFACE GRADE TENNIS COURT, VIA A SERIES
OF RETAINING WALLS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A FENCE HEIGHT EXCEPTION TO ALLOW AN 8FT TALL FENCE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF SAID TENNIS COURT, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY DISTRICT IN THE R-1 ZONE AT 23719 SUSANA AVENUE MHE21-00043, FEN21-00002: OBELISK
ARCHITECTS (IGOR NASTASKIN)
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt RESOLUTIONS approving a Minor Hillside Exemption to allow a new surface grade tennis court, via a series of retaining walls, in conjunction with a Fence Height Exception to allow an 8ft tall fence around the perimeter of said tennis court, on property located within the Hillside Overlay District in the R-1 Zone at 23719 Susana Avenue.
Councilmember Chen disclosed that he visited all the locations near the project but will make his decision based on evidence presented during the meeting.
Councilmember Griffiths disclosed that he visited the adjacent properties and viewed the project from above but his decision would be based on evidence presented during the meeting.
Councilmember Kalani disclosed that she visited the site from above and below. She said she was called by residents and approached by residents nearby but did not converse with them.
She said her decision would be based on evidence presented during the hearing.
Councilmember Walser disclosed that he viewed a presentation from the architect and visited the site and met with the project owner. He said he visited adjacent properties and viewed different angles from those properties. He said he would make his decision based on evidence presented during the hearing.
Councilmember Mattucci disclosed that he visited the site and the adjacent properties. He said he would make his decision based on evidence presented during the hearing.
Mayor Furey disclosed that he visited the site from above, below and alongside. He said he did not speak to anyone and that his decision would be based on evidence presented during the hearing.
The appellant Jeff Leyton, who lives across the street from the project, stated his opposition to the project. He said that the process with the Planning Commission was not fair in how they voted and feels shortchanged. He said no resident in the area is in favor of the proposal.
He said the tennis court will be very large in relation to the house. He said the rendering the architect did was distorted and inaccurate. He said the letters of support are from out of the neighborhood and city. He said supporters live around tennis courts, so they knew the noise when Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
7 City Council
February 15, 2022
buying, and added that they are further from the courts than what the project here is proposing.
He said residents with three stories will still have a view of the green-screen fence even if it is not at street level. He disagreed with the notion that this project does not violate the Hillside Overlay Ordinance. He presented a slideshow to the City Council.
Assistant City Attorney Tatia Strader clarified that noise has not historically been part of the Hillside Overlay Ordinance.
The proponent Nagy Bakhoum, of Obelisk Architects, gave a presentation to the City Council. Mr. Bakhoum said that his client did door to door outreach, reduced the tennis court size and meets standards set by the HOO as well as modifies items to better accommodate neighbors and the HOO. He said new hedge materials will screen the property for improved views. He said the court is lower than homes around it. He added that an independent appraiser said it created value. He showed how shadows do not create impact in even during Solstices and that in some cases shadows will improve. He requested a denial of the appeal. The client Igor Nastaskin also spoke. He said this would not set a precedent is because multiple conditions need to be met such as minimum square footage, sufficient depth and width, desire and cost. He added that there were already precedents set by other projects. He assured that pickleball will not occur and would be willing to include it as a condition for approval. He also said there would be no li•ghts on the court, no tournaments, or commercial purposes, and he would keep noise down as he has tenants. He said there would also be security cameras which would also aid the neighborhood as there are teenagers that congregate near the area.
Councilmember Griffiths asked to understand better the access to the court from via El Chico.
Mr. Bakhoum answered that there are two pedestrian access ways. One from Susana where there is a walking staircase that would take you through the side yard and another set of stairs from El Chico. Access would be available from top to bottom as proposed.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about the red-curbing on the cul-de-sac.
Planning and Environmental Manager Oscar Martinez said there were red curbing on El Chico on the on-street parking closer to the residences towards the west of El Chico.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if there were any non-red curbing along any of the property of this subject property.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that he did not believe there to be any non-red curbing as the majority area along the south side of the property line is red curbing.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if there was a way to remove that part of the red curbing through petitioning.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said there is a process through Public Works Department to do that.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if there were any restrooms or changing facilities for users of the court.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said this is a private court which does not require any changing facilities as it is not for commercial purposes which is also a condition for approval.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
8 City Council
February 15, 2022
Councilmember Griffiths asked what the owner would do if he needed to use the restroom.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said they would use the bathroom inside the residence.
Assistant City Attorney Strader interjected that the city must not consider the owner or resident as the project is intrinsic to the decision .
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez added that there was a portion of non-red curbing directly behind the subject property.
Councilmember Walser asked about the bleacher area and how that could affect noise.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said there was a bleacher area on the retaining walls on the south of the tennis court.
Councilmember Walser said that could affect the parking in the area and output of noise.
Councilmember Chen asked if the view looking upwards with the flags from the appellant's place represents where the fencing would be.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said this may not fully represent it as it is not a required silhouette , and no certification was provided in terms of height and the location of the silhouette.
Councilmember Kalani asked who placed the silhouettes .
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez replied that it was the appellant and the adjacent property owner to the subject property.
Councilmember Kalani asked if the silhouette could be placed for the whole project.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said minor hillside exemptions typically do not have a silhouette constructed for it. He said it is within City Council purview to request that of the applicant or proponent.
Councilmember Kalani asked if there were photos or other evidence to better understand what can be seen from the seating area.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said there may be renderings that could be provided by the applicant and his representative.
Councilmember Kalani asked about placing noise restrictions.
Assistant City Attorney Strader said that noise is not applicable under the HOO.
Councilmember Kalani asked if it is the same way with the lighting. She asked about using temporary lighting to use in the dark.
Assistant City Attorney Strader said that is there was a condition that there would be no lights then that would be a violation of the conditions of the project. If there was not a condition, then it could be added.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
9 City Council
February 15, 2022
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said there was no condition but that one could be incorporated into the resolution for no permanent or temporary light for the tennis court.
Councilmember Chen asked if there would be easy access or trespassing to the court for the chain-link entrance at the El Chico entrance.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez said they would be upgrading the fencing .
Mr. Bakhoum said the fencing other than protective fencing would be removed. He added post-construction, there would be wrought iron fencing and new hedge material to enclose the rear yard to the Susana home.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Ali Mishadi, a resident of Torrance, said he lives around multiple tennis courts and has no complaint about noise. He said that tennis courts have made others make generous offers on his home.
Natalie Leyton, a nearby resident, is opposed to the project. She said the noise will have negative impacts on her work at her home.
Judy Brunetti, a Torrance resident, is opposed to the project. She said this will be a precedent for the rest of Torrance. She said it violates the HOO. She said that noise should go into the decision-making process.
Matt S., a resident of Torrance, is supportive the project. He added that many activities that are enjoyed by bustling communities will have noise.
Mr. Turdas stated his support for the project. He said the HOO is getting in the way of a resident adding value to the community.
Theresa Calish said she opposed the project. She said it is too large for the space.
Jeff Williams stated their opposition to the project. He said this will impact views for the community.
Jeff Rinna, a nearby resident, said he supported the project. He said this would be positive for the community.
Evan Greene said he has lived near a tennis court, and it has presented no issues for him.
Carl Gaul, a tenant sitting partner, said that noise concerns have been exaggerated. He said it would not be used for events and would be used sparingly 6-8 hours a week.
Robert Cartalano, a resident of Torrance, said that he lives near tennis courts. He said the tennis courts have not been problematic for him .
Robert B ., a resident of Hollywood Riviera, said that the City Council decision should be respected.
Joe Alessi, a nearby resident, said that he supported the project if it fits the legal statutes of Torrance.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
10 City Council
February 15, 2022
John Hooks, a real estate appraiser who lives in the Riviera, said that there would be no negative impact to housing value based on historical precedent.
Jeff D., a resident of Torrance, has lived near tennis courts and said they have not negatively affected him.
Vince Saint, a nearby resident, said he is opposed to the project. He said they have done silhouetting and appraising and would result in negative impacts.
Hope Saint, a nearby resident, said she is opposed to the project. She used various methods to determine what she believes to be negative adverse impacts.
Jill Gilligan, a resident in the Riviera, said that she supported the project. She said the applicant went through the proper process and he has tried to work the neighbors.
Darren Donaldson, a nearby resident, said that he opposed the project. He said that this will not work for the neighborhood.
Jol:m Verbleski , a nearby resident, stated his opposition to the project. He said the applicant did not work with neighbors enough and that the project does not fit the neighborhood.
The appellant Jeff Leyton said that the applicant does not fully know where the tennis court will be. He said the renderings are not accurate and that the fencing is going to be a problem. He said those that are fine with tennis courts bought their properties with the knowledge that there was already a tennis court. He said removing the red-curbing would be a problem as there were people that would come for the view. He said there is an impact. He reiterated his opposition to the project.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
Councilmember Walser noted that this is a property owner and not a resident. He said restrooms or facilities should be added.
Councilmember Kalani said she struggled to see how this project would truly look like. She said she wants actual silhouettes.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that if silhouettes are required then it is up to the applicant and there would be a provision of a certification to verify heights and location of the proposal and how it matches.
Councilmember Griffiths said that the tennis court will be raised up and have significant impact on the western neighbor at 2317 Susana. He said that it is out of character with the neighborhood and that the amount of work to be done is too large. He said he would lean toward opposing the project.
Mayor Furey said that the picture appeared that the project did not fit.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to uphold the appeal and deny the project.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
11 City Council
February 15, 2022
9A. AUTHORIZE RECOGNITION AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT FOR SUB-TENANT
OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY KNOWN AS ROLLING HILLS PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER (C-053)
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council authorize a recognition and attornment agreement by and among Rolling Hills Plaza, LLC, a California limited liability company, Lunasia Group, a California corporation, and the City of Torrance with regard to a sublease of City-owned property located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crenshaw Boulevard, also known as Rolling Hills Plaza Shopping Center (C-053).
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council authorize a recognition and attornment agreement. Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
9B. ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH SB 1383 REGULATIONS TO CALRECYCLE
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing submittal of a Notice of Intent to Comply with SB 1383 Regulations to Cal Recycle.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if the bill that caused this was a bill passed by the state legislature.
Sanitation Manager Jim Keezell said that was correct.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if they provided money to cities to implement this.
Sanitation Manager Keezell replied that it was not initially but that the city has applied for available grant funding if accepted and condition of passing an ordinance from City Council. He said Torrance is eligible for about $191 K.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if costs were expected to be over $700K.
Sanitation Manager Keezell said that was the anticipated year one disposal cost.
Councilmember Griffiths asked how much that would cost the average residential customer.
Sanitation Manager Keezell said there was nothing specific as staff is looking to offset costs and what costs to enforce would be and what staff to hire. He said regulation, reporting and software are all costs staff are taking into account as well.
Councilmember Griffiths reminded the public this is yet another unfunded mandate from the state.
Sanitation Manager Keezell stated other cities are raising their rates to accommodate this.
Councilmember Chen asked what would happen if residents kept throwing trash into the black bin instead of the green bin.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
12 City Council
February 15, 2022
Sanitation Manager Keezell said this requires a level of enforcement whereby monitoring by route what residents are doing.
Councilmember Mattucci asked if the commercial providers are those such as those that service apartment buildings.
Sanitation Manager Keezell said that was correct. He explained that the future ordinance for City Council it will be mainly for the commercial haulers. He said exemptions such as space limitations could apply.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired on apartment buildings that do not apply for exemptions.
He asked if they would have to have a container within a unit and then haul it down.
Sanitation Manager Keezell responded that it would depend on space and the private hauler could offer different sized bins that they would then have to bring down to their collection point.
Councilmember Mattucci asked if a commercial provider would have to add trucks.
Sanitation Manager Keezell replied that he would not know that information. He said it would depend on type of service, what they have been doing previously and where the material is destined for.
Councilmember Mattucci remarked that bills will be going up due to this .
Councilmember Walser asked if industrial use would be affected by this.
Sanitation Manager Keezell said that it would. He added that commercial businesses are indeed affected.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-19 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH SB 1383 REGULATIONS TO CALRECYCLE.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to concur with staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2022-19. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
13 City Council
February 15, 2022
9C . APPROVE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MEASURE R FUNDING AGREEMENT AND
APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AT HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT, T-131
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve Amendment No. 4 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.1 O (C2012-035) with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to provide additional grant funding (Measure R) in the amount of $997,000 for the Pacific Coast Highway at Hawthorne Boulevard Intersection Improvement, T-131; and
2) Upon approval of Amendment No. 4 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.10, appropriate $997,000 of Measure R grant funding in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 to the Pacific Coast Highway at Hawthorne Boulevard Intersection Improvement, T-131, thereby increasing Measure R grant fund appropriations from $19,600,000 to $20,597,000; and
3) Approve a second amendment to the consulting services agreement with Berg & Associates, Inc. of San Pedro, CA (C2019-123) in the amount of $397,360.71, for a new not-to-exceed total of $1,421,092.44, to provide continuing construction support services for the Pacific Coast Highway at Hawthorne Boulevard Intersection Improvement, T-131.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if the money being added here for work being done on relocation of the gas line.
Associate Engineer Brenda Moun answered that it is being paid for by SoCalGas.
Councilmember Griffiths followed by saying they were not requesting funding.
Associate Engineer Moun concurred.
Councilmember Griffiths asked for more information on why $1 M in more funds was being requested.
Associate Engineer Moun replied that it is due to CalTRANS permitting requirements that were unforeseen which included source inspection quality management plan. She continued that the addition cost covers construction management services by Bergen Associates.
Councilmember Griffiths asked why Torrance must pay for money for a management company is the project is delayed due to the gas line relocation.
Engineering Manager Steve Finton interjected that bids were higher than expected. He added that it was an undesirable buffer after the contract was awarded and encumbered. He said they had authority for $8M and $29K plus a 10% contingency which only half of which was encumbered due to fears of no money. He said Metro was able to provide assistance. He said Bergen Associates was hired to assist with the water main construction and the main project. He continued that his staff engaged CalTRANS to get the permit. He continued that CalTRANS required more inspections and reporting which Bergen Associates did for Torrance. He said the consultant did a site source inspection quality management planning report. He said they visited the manufacturing plants creating items such as traffic signal poles. He said staff has needed the consultant assistance to get through the construction and extra CalTRANS requirements.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
14 City Council
February 15, 2022
Councilmember Griffiths asked if any General Fund money was being used for this.
Engineering Manager Finton said it was not being used. He said the money is from Measure R South Bay Highway program grant funds.
A member of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to concur with the recommendation of the Public Works Director. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
9D. ADOPT RESOLUTION RELATED TO PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS OF FINANCE
DIRECTOR DECISIONS
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION establishing procedures for appeals of Finance Director decisions under Chapter 25 of Division 2 of the Torrance Municipal Code.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-20 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ADOPTING PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS OF FINANCE DIRECTOR DECISIONS UNDER CHAPTER 25 OF DIVISION 2 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to concur with the City Attorney's recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2022-20. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent. 9E. AWARD CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ARTIFICIAL TURF
REPLACEMENT AT LA GALAXY SPORTS COMPLEX
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council award a contract services agreement to Sprinturf, LLC of Daniel Island, SC {RFP B2022-04) for an amount not-to-exceed $1,141,750 to provide artificial turf playing surface at the LA Galaxy Sports Complex {FEAP 104 7) from February 16, 2022 to June 16, 2022.
Councilmember Griffiths clarified that this money shows as General Fund money but that it has been pre-budgeted over the years and paid for already to use for turf replacement.
Administrative Analyst Shane Lee concurred.
Mayor Furey added that the funding put in there was from user fees for the people that use the facility.
A member of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to award a contract services agreement.
Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
10. HEARINGS
Considered earlier on pages 6-11 .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
15 City Council
February 15, 2022
AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled . 11.
12. 13.
SECOND READING ORDINANCES -None Scheduled .
CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
In Order, Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Walser, Councilmember Chen, and Mayor Furey spoke.
Councilmember Chen asked for and received concurrence from the City Council to have staff reach out to Olympian Chloe Kim for a celebration of her performances in the Olympics.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:48 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, members of the Torrance City Council and staff may participate in this meeting in person or via teleconference or other electronic means. The Council Chamber is closed to the public in the interest of maintaining appropriate social distancing and in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Members of the public are encouraged to watch the meeting via CitiCable Channel 3 (Spectrum) and Channel 31 (Frontier), streaming on TorranceCA.Gov, Facebook @ City of Torrance CA Government, and YouTube Channel TorranceCitiCABLE.
The public is also encouraged to participate before the meeting by emailing [email protected] or during the meeting by calling 310-618-2404. Tuesday, February 22, 2022 is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Walser moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Ashcraft absent.
Att~
ReccPoirier '
City Cle-rk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
16 Approved on March 15, 2022
City Council
February 15, 2022