INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29,2022
SUBJECT
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
64. 7.
8. 84.
88. 8C,
8D,
8E.
8F.
10. 104.
11. 12.
13. 14.
15. OPENING CEREMONIES
Callto Order/Roll Call
Flag Salute/l nvocation
Affidavit of Posting/VVaive Fufther Reading
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Proclamation on National Library Week
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes
Approve Second Amendment for Construction Support Services for Torrance Transit Park and Ride RegionalTerminal, FEAP 764 and Crenshaw Boulevard lntersection lmprovements and 208th Street Extension, T-157
Approve Agreement for ln-Service Firefighter Training Program Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of December 2021 Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of January 2022 Approve Contract Services Agreement to lmplement Child Passenger Safety Program
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Provide COVID-19 Recovery Update and Determine Direction on Orders from the County of Los Angeles and the State of California Regarding COVID-19
Accept and File Torrance Municipal Airport (Zamperini Field) Noise Abatement Update
Provide Direction Regarding 2O22lndependence Day Fireworks Display Adopt RESOLUTION Authorizing Vifiual City Council, Commission, Committee, Board, and Other City Bodies Meetings Under AB 361 Budget Overview Session One of Two for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget and Capital lmprovement Plan
HEARINGS
Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Approval of Conditional Use Permit and Precise Plan of Development to Allow the Construction and Operation of an Automatic Carwash on Property Located in the C3-PP Zone at 2880 Sepulveda Boulevard
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
1 1
1 1
2 2
2 5
PAGE
6-9
9-11
11 1 1-15
5 5
5 5
5 9.
94. 98.
9C.
9D.
9E.
6 At 11:54 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 12,2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m.
2-5,16
16 16
16 1, 16
16 City Council
March 29,2022
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
March 29,2022
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on March 29,2022, at 5:00 p.m in the Council Chamber and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Ashcraft, Chen, Griffiths, Kalani, Mattucci, Walser and Mayor Furey
None
City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan,
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier and
other staff representatives
City Council
March 29,2022
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 144) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation and 148) Conference with Labor Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code S54956.9(d)(1) and California Government Code 554957.6.
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. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Mattucci.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by John Ross Hernandez and introduced by Councilmember Walser.
3. 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 Tonance Boulevard and on the City's website on Monday, March 21,2022, with the revised agenda posted on Thursday, March 24,2022.
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, reseruing and guaranteeing to each Councilmember the right to demand the reading of any such resolution or ordinance in regular order. ïhe motion was seconded by Councilmember Ashcraft and passed by 7-O.
WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental materialwas available for items 94, 98, 9C, 104 and OralCommunications. 4 Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
1 5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Ashcraft detailed the meeting of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Councilmember Walser reminded the public about the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee meeting and that the meeting has shifted to 3-4 p.m.
Councilmember Griffiths announced the Torrance Sister City Japanese Festival that is being held April 23 and April24 from 1 1-5 p.m. at the Ken Miller Recreation Center.
Mayor Furey announced the Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival at Columbia Park. He also detailed the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. He added that the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is planning a festival of their own as well. He introduced Bruce McCullen to present the Distinguished Conservation Award project.
Social Services Commissioner Victoria Funes reminded the public about the Annual Toiletry Drive.
City Clerk Poirier reminded the public about the Torrance General Municipal Election on June 7, 2022. Reminded voters to become informed by attending the upcoming Candidate Forum.
Deputy Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the Torrance Refining Company monthly alert siren testing.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 3.9, 2022 AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK IN
THE CITY OF TORRANCE
7 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Agenda item 10 was considered out of order at this time
10. HEARINGS
104.CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT AND PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF AN AUTOMAT¡C CARWASH ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE C3.PP ZONE AT 2880 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD. THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXËMPT FROM CEQA PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15332 -lN-FILL DEVELOPMENT. CUP21-00008, PRE21-00006: PM DESIGN cROUP (PEGAH FAZELT)
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines Section 15332 (ln{ill Development); and 3) Adopt RESOLUTIONS approving a Conditional Use Permit and Precise Plan of Development to allow the construction and operation of an automatic carwash on property located in the C3-PP Zone a|2880 Sepulveda Boulevard.
64. Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
2 City Council
March 29,2022
The project owner Pegah Fazeli spoke to the City Council. She explained the changes made since the last City Council meeting with the bailout change being the primary concern.
The appellant Ali Saiar said the main problem he saw was that there would only be a right turn exit out of the car wash east towards Crenshaw and Sepulveda. He said this would lead the next light being a U-turn with increased traffic that neighbors would not appreciate.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Jose 4., a nearby resident, was supportive of the project and said this would add value to the community.
Charles B. was against the project stating the noise as being an issue for him.
Tony R., a nearby resident, was against the project stating the redundancy of more car washes, the chemicals, and traffic.
Valerie H., who lives in the Hickory Park area, said she opposed the project and that her concern was with the traffic especially the Sepulveda road area.
Marianne A. stated her opposition to the project saying that the car wash was not needed for the concerns she has. She said she wants in-person public again.
Annie K. said that she opposed the project and said this proposal is not comparable to other car washes.
Martin A. said that he was in favor of the project.
Ray A. stated his concern of the chemical waste, the traffic and noise. He has concerns for his children.
Steven A. said that he supports the project as he has to travel further for car washes and out of the city as well. He said this will add value to the community and city.
Mark M., a nearby resident, said that the community does not need another car wash. He noted the traffic and noise concerns.
Lauren said that she does not support the project
Shawn R. said that he does not support the project due to noise and traffic.
Porkchop stated his support for the project adding that it would add value and jobs to the community.
A caller going by the name of Maddul stated his opposition to the carwash noting the water waste, traffic and noise. He said radios and car exhaust would be issues. He said there would be less space in the city with the car wash.
A called going by the name of Nancy said that she does not support the project citing the number of car washes already in her area. She said the noise would be disruptive.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
3 City Council
March 29,2022
Mark N. stated that there are childcare facilities nearby and the pollution will negatively impact them. He added that there are already car washes. He concluded that he was in opposition to the project.
A caller going by the name of DA said that he opposed the project due to pollution and environmental issues. He added there would be increased traffic.
A caller going by the name of Wona opposed the project due to the issues with the value of the community. She said safety would be affected and the traffic would increase. She added that this would negatively impact the environment. She asked why this was exempted from the CEQA saying that there were toxic chemicals.
Ron B. said that he opposed the project and that past car wash proposals were defeated before.
Mrs. Fazeli said the opposition has been misled by a single person who has spread misinformation about the car wash. She said this property is family property and that she takes environmental impacts seriously and that there would be no impact. She added that there are no VOCs used in the wash. She said acidic chemicals are used by touchless car washes which this is not. She said there are more VOCs used in typical retail stores or restaurants due to MDMS wood use. She said the soap is contained within the structure and sprayed in the middle of the tunnel and not the end. 1OO% of the water is recaptured and 80% is completely recycled and the remaining 20% being used for other purposes such as soap. She said other washes waste more water, do not have quiet blowers and do not allow quick washes along with vacuum use. She said traffic and pollution would not be an issue since it would be a quick detour for cars already driving on Sepulveda and half the time the cars would be off while using the vacuum. She said studies suppotl the idea that only local passerby would be using the car wash rather than increased traffic.
She said the car wash is below residential noise study standards at 55 decibels. She said they have made effotls to decrease noise even more as they are aware of the youth centers nearby.
She said there will always be an attendee to monitor noise from the cars such as the radios.
The appellant Mr. Saiar pushed back on the assertion that he did graffiti or signage on the property. He said he did not coerce anyone. He reiterated his original arguments against the project. He would prefer something else to take the place of the car wash.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Mayor Furey clarified that the city does not build car washes and does not ask businesses to place car washes in the city. He noted that car washes use less water than people washing their car at home. He added that it is up to a restaurant developer to put a restaurant in that spot.
He added that adding other types of buildings could increase traffic as well. He said that this was covered under guidelines Section 15332 as it is an infield development.
Councilmember Griffiths disclosed that he visited the property multiple times and inspected the interaction with the neighboring propeñies. His decision would be based on evidence during the hearing. He said he shared concerns with those who opposed the facility as there would be noise that will inevitably be there. He added that he had concerns with traffic ingress and egress coming off Sepulveda as it is in the middle of a block. He said there are safety hazards there. He said the children's' playground and preschool nearby would be affected by the pollution from the cars. He concluded that he was opposed to the project and asked that a berm be installed in the middle of Sepulveda to prevent left turns in and out of the project should the project be approved.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
4 City Council
March 29,2022
84. 88.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to uphold the appeal and deny the project.
Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana stated that a resolution would be brought forward later to reflect the item.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of March 1,2022.
APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TORRANCE TRANSIT PARK AND RIDE REGIONAL TERMINAL, FEAP 764 AND CRENSHAW BOULEVARD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AND 2O8TH STREET EXTENSION, T.157
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve a second amendment to the consulting services agreement with the S/UA/M Collaborative, lnc. of Venice, CA (C2020-121) in the amount of $250,000, for a new not-to-exceed total of $993,785, to continue providing construction architectural and engineering services for the Torrance Transit Park and Ride RegionalTerminal, FEAP 764 and Crenshaw Boulevard lntersection lmprovements and 208th Street Extension T-157, and extend the term through December 31, 2022.
8C.APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR IN.SERVICE FIREFIGHTER TRAINING PROGRAM Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council approve an agreement with El Camino Community College District for in-service firefighter training program for a one-year period beginning September 1,2021and ending August 31,2022, with four (4)optionalone-year renewal periods.
ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER2O2l Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of December 2021.
8E.ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2022 Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of January 2022.
8F.APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT TO IMPLEMENT CHILD
PASSENGER SAFETY PROGRAM
Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council approve a contract services agreement with Safety Belt Safe U.S.A. of Altadena, CA for an amount not{o-exceed $120,000 to implement the Office of Traffic Safety Occupant Protection Grant for the Child Passenger Safety Program for a one-year period beginning October 1, 2021 and ending September 30,2022.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote o17-O. 8D
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
5 City Council
March 29,2022
94. 9. ADM¡NISTRAT¡VE MATTERS
PROVIDE COV¡D-lg RECOVERY UPDATE AND DETERMINE DIRECTION ON
ORDERS FROM THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REGARDING COVID.I9
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Receive COVID-19 Recovery Update (for Discussion Only); and 2) Determine whatever action deemed appropriate for responding to Orders from the County of Los Angeles and the State of California Regarding COVID-19.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to accept and file item 9A. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote oÍ 7-0.
98.ACCEPT AND FILE TORRANCE MUNTCTPAL ATRPORT (ZAMPER|N| FTELD) NO¡SE
ABATEMENT UPDATE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council accept and file the Torrance Municipal Airport (Zamperini Field) Noise Abatement update.
Councilmember Kalani recused herself from the City Council at 8:22 p.m.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about the early left turn. He asked what the FAA would do to Torrance if the city went ahead with enforcing the early left turn.
City Attorney Patrick Sullivan responded that the FAA and/or the pilots could sue the city.
He said Torrance could seek a consultant to craft a noise ordinance that complies with the FAA.
Councilmember Mattucci requested alternatives for staff to look at.
City Attorney Sullivan said that staff could investigate.
Councilmember Mattucci asked about enforcement of noise monitoring violations.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez replied that the noise monitoring system is for enforcement.
Councilmember Mattucci recalled the vote to stop the program. He said he felt the noise monitoring system in place at the time was not sufficient because the vendor said there were no guarantees of a backup if the system were shut down for a period of around 10 days. He added that there was no fair public bid process also. He said the city gambled right as taxpayers are being saved money from that gamble. He continued that noise could get loud with the early left turns and wants it minimized.
Councilmember Chen asked about the conflicting requirements.
City Attorney Sullivan replied that the distinction for the FAA is that the noise ordinance is a noise ordinance. He continued that there would be no telling the pilot what altitude to fly or what to do. He said the FAA has a problem with the left turn which is telling the pilot what they can do in air. He said the Airpofi Association wants to collaborate with the city and suggested staff could investigate that more.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
6 City Council
March 29,2022
Councilmember Chen suggested that the pilots and residents could have a meeting to discuss amelioration methods until there is something more concrete. He asked if the early left turn ordinance applies to helicopters.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez said that it applies to the noise ordinance, so it does.
Councilmember Chen asked if the helicopters would get some sort of a notification.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez said that there is but that staff has worked hard with helicopters so there have been no recent complaints about helicopters.
Councilmember Chen asked why there not as many complaints about helicopters compared to airplanes.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez said that it could be that there were not as many helicopters in the air as there are airplanes.
Councilmember Griffiths recalled his vote against turning off the old system. He continued that the noise would have been better if the old system had been in place while waiting for a replacement. He commented that there was a beneficial reduction in helicopter traffic, but that airplane noise has been an issue. He explained the airplanes can be obtrusive with the hillside to the left of the airport. He said a way to re-tailor the ordinance to make it a quieter flight rather than directing flight to better enforce the noise abatement.
Councilmember Ashcraft asked how long it would take to return to the City Council if the early left turn ordinance taken out from the section it is in and put into the noise section.
City Attorney Sullivan said he could do it quickly but clarified that the FAA is going to be looking for findings in the study to see why the city is doing it. He said the FAA may not interpret it as a noise ordinance and will want rules, processes, rulemaking, and studies. Moving sections would not be sufficient. He added that there were no findings or rulemaking in the rising hillside on the left. He said the city would need specialized aviation counsel to making findings.
Councilmember Ashcraft was concerned about the amount of time it is taking for this to move forward. She added that placing signs would have no effect and thus be a waste of money.
She asked how long a survey, or a process would take.
City Attorney Sullivan replied that he could communicate with aviation counsel before the next meeting.
Councilmember Ashcraft said that she does not want litigation against the city for anything Torrance could put in place. She wants to go as quickly as possible with this.
Councilmember Walser said that Torrance should investigate other airport situations and working with the FAA on the safety issues on any technicalities.
City Attorney Sullivan said staff could try but that the FAA has investigated the topography and does not find it to be a safety concern.
Councilmember Walser said that it was reliant on somebody's arbitrary ruling Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
7 City Council
March 29,2022
City Attorney Sullivan clarified that it was from the FAA senior attorney in Washington D.C., and they simply held off on the formal letter because the city was prepping. He continued that they were preparing to send a formal letter.
Mayor Furey said that getting rid of the old system without a replacement was the wrong move. He added that Torrance would struggle trying to enforce the no left turn as the FAA would disagree. He commented that the helicopter noise diminishing was beneficial.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if city staff has met with airplane training schools to discuss no left turns and what the results were if there were any discussions.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez replied that Community Development Department has not met with them but that there are plans to do so. She added that members from the Torrance Airport Association have reached out to try and work with the city on the noise issues.
Councilmember Griffiths said it would be good to have discussions and disagreed with the idea that signs would not be effective. He said visiting pilots especially would not know the issues within the community and this would be a polite way to help the issue.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez said that the training schools typically go in a circular motion so there is no technical left turn. She continued that the city would not be able to enforce that since the circular motion which is on a training path has been approved by the FAA. She said it is different from air flight that is taking off rather than the take off and touching down.
Mayor Furey noted that the signs are good polite way to help the issue. He added that a flight school was not happy with the enforcement but that their spot was filled when they left.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths said that while the no left turn is technically not enforceable, that does not mean the city cannot send a notice.
City Attorney Sullivan said that was correct and that the FAA said that they would encourage the pilots to fly with respect for the neighborhoods as well as allow notices.
Councilmember Griffiths asked how many left turn infractions there were on average.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez replied that there were 380 complaints in 2021 of which it was found that there was one violation. She added that many were dealing with planes in the flight school which were doing the circular motion. She said in 2022 there have been 4 complaints and no violations.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to have staff, when there is a notification or complaint from the system detection, send a fly friendly notice saying the City of Torrance would appreciate if possible that planes avoid making left turns when reaching altitudes of 1500 feet and that legal counsel investigate options for changing the ordinance to push this into a noise enforcement issue rather than a flight direction enforcement. He added to the motion to get a more formaldetermination from the FAA. Councilmember Mattucciseconded the motion.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez asked if the letter was also being requested to be sent when the left turn has been authorized by the FAA.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
8 City Council
March 29,2022
Councilmember Griffiths asked if the city would be in position to know when the FAA authorized the left turn.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez said that Torrance would be notified of the that.
Councilmember Griffiths asked for typical reasons for that authorization.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez replied that it could be different factors such as flight patterns, safety reasons or other planes in the area.
Councilmember Griffiths said that it is reasonable to send out the notifications. He added to the motion that the City of Torrance put signage to remind pilots from anywhere to alert them of the issues such as the left turn and to fly friendly.
The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kalani recused Councilmember Kalani returned to the City Council meeting at 9:04 p.m 9C PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING 2022 INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS
DISPLAY
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council provide direction to staff regarding a display of live fireworks on the Monday, July 4, 2022lndependence Day holiday.
Councilmember Mattucci was in favor of investigating the illegal fireworks and suggested not to spend money on fireworks this year considering budget strains.
Councilmember Griffiths said that this is budgeted for already and that this would go a long way to supporting the residents' happiness. He said he wants to see better enforcement of illegal fireworks.
Councilmember Chen asked for estimates on total costs.
Community Services Director John La Rock replied that the vendors are $35K, supporting equipment costs are about $9K. He added that the Police Department, even though it says $10K in the report as sunk funds due to deployment being on a weekday, is about $1K in actual direct overtime. He continued that the weekday constitutes a non-overtime situation. He said additional costs would be deployment at the beach which has yet to be determined.
Councilmember Chen asked if it would be less than $100K.
Community Services Director La Rock estimated that it would be less.
Senior Business Manager Jane Chung responded that projections show less than $100K but unforeseen consequences resulting from City Council decisions could rise that cost.
Councilmember Chen asked if that included the vendor cost.
Senior Business Manager Chung said that they were only referring to the Police Department costs.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
I City Council
March 29,2022
Councilmember Chen asked if $1K was a good deterrence when trying to reduce illegal fireworks.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez replied that it was a good deterrence but due to Fire Code law that is the maximum allowed.
Councilmember Walser asked for the pending location to be used Community Services Director La Rock said the shooting location was the same as last year but that the city is trying to adjust the vendor shooting location to move more westward due to prevailing winds that could bring fallout to the Police Departments. He said it would be the main parking lot behind the plunge and the library.
Councilmember Walser asked if that allowed residents to observe or if they are stuck in their driveways.
Community Services Director La Rock said in addition to residential viewing locations around the civic center there would be the sports complex and the parking lot in front of the courthouse.
Councilmember Walser said that this would be good for the community and would be worth it to include within the budgetary constraints.
Councilmember Kalani asked about the drones.
Community Services Director La Rock responded that it would cost about 3-4 times the cost of the fireworks due to how many drones would be necessary. There would also need to be audio components which the cost has not yet been explored.
Councilmember Ashcraft asked what the cost for Torrance Police Department to deploy to the beach in the past.
Community Services Director La Rock answered that in 2019 there was 1 show but there was no such data. ln 2020, there were no fireworks due to the pandemic and it was a Sunday so there was a higher premium cost. ln 2021 , beach deployment was just over $20K. Entire cost for 2019 was $16,402 and in 2O2O il was the $6,400 for neighborhood enforcement due to no show being held.
Councilmember Ashcraft asked if Redondo Beach was doing a beach event.
Community Services Director La Rock said their plans were currently to do 2 events, one off the avenue and one off the seaside lagoon and both waterborne.
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated that, while he appreciates what the fireworks do for the public, the costs are too high considering the cuts that other needs are getting such as the Police Department.
City Manager Chaparyan clarified that this was for budget updates and not for Council action as far as staffing reductions. He said that will be in the future.
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated the cost benefit analysis of the harsh cuts that are coming and how the Council needs to consider where it can save money.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
10 City Council
March 29,2022
Councilmember Walser stated that fireworks attract visitors and keep residents which spurs spending in the city.
Mayor Furey said the city fireworks were a way to take the place of the illegal fireworks.
Councilmember Griffiths asked about corporate sponsorships for the firework program.
Community Services Director La Rock said staff is exploring sponsorship with the sports complex programming with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He added that the goal would be to have a fully subsidized program.
Councilmember Griffiths suggested getting more companies to contribute to city programs.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to direct staff to proceed with the fireworks at the civic center as in the past, to explore corporate sponsorships for the future and to update the municipal code with regards to illegal fireworks to give Torrance more ability to enforce via penalty.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmembers Chen and Mattuccivoting no.
9D.ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VIRTUAL CITY COUNC¡L, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, BOARD, AND OTHER CITY BOD¡ES MEETINGS UNDER AB 361 Recommendation of the City Manager and City Attorney that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION making findings and determinations under AB 361 for the continuation of vifiual meetings and authorizing virtual City Council, Commission, Board, and other City meetings pursuant to AB 361; and
2) Approve continuation of waiver to conduct virtual meetings; and 3) Report 30 days findings to continue virtual meetings in compliance with AB 361.
A member of the public spoke
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-29 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE CALIFORNIA TO IMPLEMENT
TELECONFERENCING REQUIREMENTS DURING A PROCLAIMED STATE OF EMERGENCY
FOR ALL CITY COUNCIL, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, BOARD AND OTHER CITY MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361.
MOTION: Councilmember Ashcraft moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-29.
Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
9E BUDGET OVERVIEW SESSION ONE OF TWO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022.23
OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Recommendation of the City Manager and Finance Director that City Council receive department updates and provide feedback on the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget and Capital lmprovement Plan.
Mayor Furey pointed out that the surplus is not really a surplus because Torrance is for service not profit making. He said there are obligations to fillfunding and anomalies can occur.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
11 City Council
March 29,2022
Finance Director Sheila Poisson took note of the over $7M that Torrance received that will support the Transit and Public Works Funds. She said the General Fund is where the priority is, and they are funded by taxes and charges for services through fees. She said enterprise funds are outside General Funds which are primarily funded by charges for utilities and that transit is mostly funded by grant funds. She continued that the internal service funds support the city, and they are funded primarily from contribution from the General Fund itself. She said the $24M consists of $14M surplus in enterprise which needs to be put aside. She continued that there was a loss in the internal service fund of over $5M and $13.4M in the General Fund. She said $2.6M of the $Z¿lt¡ figure was from the restricted assigned fund which houses replacement funds and the Section 115 pension trust. She added that $1.8M of that was a contribution mostly from the General Fund to save for future losses in pension cost. She said the remained essentially was the ARPA money. She said the vacancy efforts saved about $10-1 1 M but that it was offset by the self-insurance fund. She concluded that not until the reserve minimum has been funded 2oo/o, îot until the negative $SgN/ self-insurance fund balance is in the positive and not until the fleet services which are about negative $6M is in the positive then Torrance is in the red. She said the self-insurance fund is not able to be contributed to until FY2029.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that staff is working to create a community financial dashboard to better engage the community on budgetary issues. He added that it will have about 10 various indicators. He said 65% of the budget is in public safety and the remaining are people who make the city efficient.
Councilmember Chen requested some more information describing some of the figures, so it is clearer. He said the description of the city's finances made the vote to approve $100K worth of fireworks not fiscally responsible. He criticized that fact that some of the items already in the budget if Torrance is in the red. He asked if the projected unassigned fund balance of about $36.3M was a forecasted reserve that was likely to be hit.
Finance Director Poisson concurred that it was the anticipated reserve or unassigned projected at the end of this fiscal year. She said in 2020, it had been built up from $600K but primarily in FY2O21 and in FY2O21 the unassigned fund balance of $22.6M. She added that in 2021 lhe $ZZ.Z¡r¡l was comprised of much one-time sources. She said this fiscal year Torrance projects to add $13.6M with $12M being one-time sources.
Councilmember Chen asked what the number to the left of the $36.3M.
Finance Director Poisson responded that it would be $22.6M which was the end balance of FY2O21.
Councilmember Chen asked what number Torrance got the rating from.
Finance Director Poisson said it was the $600K.
Councilmember Chen cited the 836.277M, saying it was a good number Finance Director Poisson said it was a significant increase due to the one-time sources but that the city still has not reach the bare minimum.
Councilmember Chen asked if there would be more freedom to choose how much to put in unassigned going forward.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
12 City Council
March 29,2022
Finance Director Poisson said that only a planned surplus would allow the city to be able to add to unassigned fund balance. She added that given current staffing levels and revenue growth projections then that would put Torrance in a deficit assuming fully staffed. She said she would not recommend increasing revenues if it is not going to be there. Unless there are further cuts then there will not be a surplus.
Councilmember Chen requested clarification that the 2022-23 column forecasts are based on fully staffed.
Finance Director Poisson said that was correct and that the city is intentionally doing this to maintain a positive position.
Councilmember Chen stated it may not be realistic that every department understaffed would become 100% staffed in FY2O22-23.
Finance Director Poisson said there is a natural vacancy rate even pre-pandemic that occurs and that in FY2019 the salary savings were about $3M.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that there were always natural open vacancies, and that Torrance would rely on the year end carryover as a balancing mechanism mostly to fund the capital project. He said the sales tax and expenses projections are ongoing and that the reserve is a one-time number. He said if there were windfalls or reduction in expenses and the target o12O"/" is hit then the Council may want to go higher. He concluded they want 15% in case of an anomaly and then dedicate the funding to other areas. He added that the 2"/" is very modest compared to the environment created by COVID-19. He said the city is investigating ways to get more efficient employees and maximize the output of workers and it is one reason for the dashboard.
Councilmember Chen asked if the 10-year forecast considered the half percent sales tax increase.
City Manager Chaparyan replied that it does not. He added that $10M would erase the pending cuts so projected balance of $8M would dedicate $5M towards the reserve. He continued that the balance of the $3M would go towards unanticipated cyber security, homeless response, and other community enhancement projects.
Councilmember Chen clarified that his question was about the 1O-year forecast table City Manager Chaparyan reiterated that it does not. He added that if it did, they could build up the reserve sooner. He said the sales tax measure gets Torrance to the base line status quo but does not address multi-year contracts.
Councilmember Chen asked if the $24.6M city-wide surplus and the $13.8M generalfund number are real numbers.
City Manager Chaparyan concurred.
Councilmember Chen asked how the City Council salaries changed from 103.7 to 93 in FY 2O2O-21 and FY 2021 -22.
Mayor Furey replied that each department increased due to funding for the pension. He said although City Council does not have a large pension there are people who in the City Council office who are pensioned, and they pay pension.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
13 City Council
March 29,2022
Finance Director Poisson concurred and added that it was only anticipated to occur in that fiscalyear.
Councilmember Chen asked about the money owed for the e-scribe system City Clerk Poirier responded that there is a recurring fee every year for the maintenance of the system.
Councilmember Chen asked if the fee was still being paid as the city works how to get the system up and running.
City Manager Chaparyan clarified that currently the city wants to move away from Granicus due to the high costs compared to e-scribe. He added that e-scribe is working to get the final product to Torrance and to go through testing. He said outstanding balance would be released once the city tests and transitions to e-scribe. He concluded that the city is not currently paying e-scribe during this transition phase in which the city is still using Granicus.
Councilmember Chen asked if the current City Treasurer did the budget.
Finance Director Poisson stated that the Finance Department prepared it for her review and that it was assumed to be approved by her since there were no changes.
Councilmember Chen asked about the parking citation item.
Finance Director Poisson explained that it is about expanding online payments for other types of charges, and she said it is mentioned because the payments currently collected can be through online methods.
Councilmember Chen asked if it was not about capturing the citation.
Finance Director Poisson said it was not as Torrance already has that service Councilmember Chen clarified that he meant capturing through photographs from a vehicle such as a street sweeper.
Finance Director Poisson replied she was simply referring to the billing portion.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that next meeting the update with Public Works would include Councilmember Chen's inquiry.
Councilmember Griffiths asked if the City Treasurer was asked to participate in the department reports.
Finance Director Poisson said that they reached out to her and that there was no response.
Councilmember Mattucci recalled the fluctuating numbers on the vacancies. He asked for more clarification on the number of 150 open positions yet are budgeted for.
Finance Director Poisson concurred that it is a moving target. She continued that the General Fund had 133 vacancies, enterprise funds had 93 vacancies, internal service had 4.5 vacancies and capital had 3 vacancies. That was 234 positions vacant city-wide in all funds.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
14 City Council
March 29,2022
Councilmember Mattucci mentioned that he heard it may be more than 150 now.
Finance Director Poisson clarified that she mentioned that number because it tends to fluctuate throughout the year.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired on any possible estimates on how much that represents.
Finance Director Poisson estimated it was over $9M in salary savings.
Councilmember Mattucci stated his surprise at the $976K deficit considering the $35M going into the reserves.
Finance Director Poisson said that it was a $35M reserve balance. She continued that $22M was pun back last year and $t gÍvl is anticipated to be put back this year.
Councilmember Mattucci asked if there was any way to adjust the reserves by $976K so that it can be a balanced budget.
Finance Director Poisson explained that next fiscalyear does not have a planned addition to the fund to fund balance. She said the only method to have that is through a planned surplus.
She continued that in FY2O24 there is the ability to add $l.Stt¡. She said that line fluctuates year to year based on what it is determined the surplus to be.
Councilmember Mattucci asked if the $10.7M in self-insurance fund was not something the city had to do every single year. He asked if they were certain circumstances.
City Manager Chaparyan replied that the unfunded self-insurance is $55M which is costing the city about $9M every year. He further elaborated that the $10.7M was based on a project of the litigation and the payouts that the city expects for the upcoming year. He said it is paid at the front end or the $SSlvl grows.
Finance Director Poisson interjected that even without the $9M then the self-insurance budget is at a deficit.
Councilmember Mattucci explained that the federal grants were to pay for shutdowns and that Torrance can make up for those costs by returning to normal. He said Torrance has been seeing rebounds in resale tax revenue.
Finance Director Poisson responded that it was about 20"/" rebound this year. She said this rebound was not seen since the DelAmo Mall remodel. She added that this increase was not sustainable and so next year the projections are about 5-6% increase and then after that tapered down to 2-3"/" per year.
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated the idea that Torrance is in an uptrend and that the loss of one-time sources is not going to hinder the city substantially.
A member of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to accept and file item 9E. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
15 City Council
March 29,2022
10. HEARINGS
Considered earlier on pages 2-5.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS - None Scheduled.
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES - None Scheduled
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUN¡CATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
ln Order, Councilmembers Walser, Ashcraft, Chen, Griffiths, Kalani, Mattucci and Mayor Furey spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:54 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 12, 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 TorranceOA.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, April 5, 2022is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Walser moved to adjourn the City Council meeting Councilmember Ashcraft seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Attest:Mayor of
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Poirier
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on April 26,2022
16 City Council
March 29,2022