INDEX
TORRANEE CITY COUNCIL - MAY 10,2022
SUBJECT
L
2. 3.
4. 5.
6. 64.
68. 6C.
6D.
6E.
6F.
6G.
6H.
7. 8.
84. 88.
8C.
8D.
8E.
8F.
8G.
8H.
81. 9.
94. 98.
9C.
9D.
PAGE
OPEN¡NG CEREMONIES
Callto Order/Roll Call
Flag Salute/lnvocation
Affidavit of PostingAtVaive Further Reading
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Appoint Torrance Representative to South Bay Workforce lnvestmentBoard 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2022-40 honoring Neerja Verma 3
PROCLAMATION on National Tennis Month 3
PROCLAMATION on Older Americans Month 3
PROCLAMATION on Asian American & Pacific lslander Heritage Month 3 PROCLAMATION on Salvation Army Week 3
Recognize 2022Older Americans Award Recipients 3
PROCLAMATION on Observance of Armed Forces Day and Torrance's Salute to the U.S. Military 3
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 3
Appropriate Asset Forfeiture Funds and Authorize Purchase Order for Personal Protective Equipment for SpecialWeapons and Tactics and Tactical Emergency Medical Support Personnel 4
Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Roof Replacement at Fire Station 4 4
Award Consulting Services Agreement for Residential and Arterial Pavement lmprovement, l-159/l-139 4
Approve Change in Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Start Time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 4
Appropriate Funds and Approve Up to Six2022 "Beat the Odds"Scholarships 4 Approve FinalTract Map No. 83162 4
Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of February 2022 4 Award Contract Services Agreement for Purchase of Analytics Software System that Collects, Analyzes, and Displays Automatic Vehicle Location Data 5
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Appropriate Funding and Approve Third Amendment to Fee Agreement with Rutan & Tucker, LLP to Provide Legal Services 5
Accept and Appropriate Grant Awards from Los Angeles County Development Authority's Emergency Solutions Grant-CARES Act and Measure H Funding to Torrance Temporary Housing Program, FEAP 1121 and Authorize City Manager to Sign Agreements 5-6
Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement to lncrease Funding for Artificial Turf Field at LA Galaxy Sports Complex 6 Adopt RESOLUTION Amending Resolution No. 2019-89 for Executive and Management Employees to Add Positions of Human Resources Director and Deputy Finance Director 6
1 1
1 1
2 Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 10,2022
9E
9F
9G
9H
Provide City's Policy and Practice on Use of Photographs That lnclude Elected Officials 6-8
Adopt ORDINANCE Allowing Leases of City Property of Up to Ninety-Nine Years 8-9
Review And Determine Need to Extend Local Emergency Related To Covid-19 9-10
Adopt Ordinance Relating to Parking, Vehicles, and Other Matters At Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center 10
HEARINGS
Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration, and Approval of Conditional Use Permit to Allow Construction of Five Light lndustrial Buildings, in Conjunction with Division of Lot to Allow Subdivision into Five Parcels, on Property Located in the M-2Zone Bounded to the North by 190th Street, to the East by Western Avenue, to the South by 195th Street, and to the West by Gramercy Place (APNs 7352-016-040, 7352-0 1 6-0 42, and 7 352-0 1 G044) EAS2 1 -00002, CUP21 -00022, DlV21-00010: Patrick Russell 2,10
Conduct First Public Hearing on Proposed FiscalYear 2022-23 Operating Budget and Capital lmprovement Plan 10-13
AGENCY AGENDAS 13
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3899 13
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 13
CLOSED SESSION 1, 13
ADJOURNMENT 14
10. 104
108.
11. 12.
12A.
13. 14.
15. At 1Q:27 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, May 24,2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 10,2022
May 1A,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 May 10, 2022, at 5:00 p.m in the Council Chamber and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL
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
Absent:
Present:
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, 148) Threat to Public Services or Facilities, 14C) Real Property - Conference With Real Property Negotiator and 14D) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code 554957.6, California Government Code 554957, and California Government Code 554956.8 and Government Code S54956.9(dX1).
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 SAL INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Griffiths.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kalani
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON NG 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, May 2,2022,with the revised agenda posted on Thursday, May 5,2022.
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 Chen and passed by 7-0.
4.WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental materialwas available for items 88, 8H, 108 and Oral Communications Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
1 City Council
May 10,2022
10. Agenda item 10 was considered out of order at this time
HEARINGS
t0A.CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND APPROVAL OF CONDIT¡ONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, IN
CONJUNCTION WITH DIVISION OF LOT TO ALLOW SUBDIVISION INTO FIVE PARCELS, ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE M.2 ZONE BOUNDED TO THE NORTH BY 19OTH STREET, TO THE EAST BY WESTERN AVENUE, TO THE SOUTH BY 195TH STREET, AND TO THE WEST BY GRAMERCY PLACE (APNS 7352-016-040, 7352-016-042, AND 7352-016-0441 EAS21-00002, CUP21-00022, DlV21-00010:
PATRTCK RUSSELL (T.1. COMMERCE CENTER, LLC)
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION eidopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Torrance Gateway Project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and 3) Adopt RESOLUTIONS approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of five light industrial buildings, in conjunction with a Division of Lot to allow a subdivision intofive parcels, on property located inthe M-2Zone bounded tothe north by 190th Street, to the east by Western Avenue, to the south by 195th Street, and to the west by Gramercy Place (APNs 7352-01 6-0 40, 7 352-016-042, and 7352-0 16-044).
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to continue item 104 to a date certain of June 14, 2022. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
5. GOUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETI NGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Furey appointed the Ad Hoc Facility Naming Committee of Councilmembers Kalani, Ashcraft and Walser. He ordered the committee to meet as soon as possible tô consider renaming the Victor E. Benstead Plunge by June 14 with the recommendation of the committee.
Councilmember Griffiths announced the Bike To Work Day event. He reported from the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Conference and voted as the Council directed on the SKAG issues up for vote and learned of the many issues in the region that are being worked on.
Councilmember Ashcraft reminded the public about the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation Annual South Bay Festival of the Arts.
Councilmember Mattucci requested and received concurrence from the City Council that the Community Development Department prepare a review of the city's car wash zoning and development standards against other comparable cities and present the findings to the Planning Commission to formulate potential zoning code modifications.
City Clerk Poirier alerted the public about Torrance's open applications for various commissions. She also alerted the public about the upcoming municipal elections on June 7.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
2 City Council
May 10,2022
64. 6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
APPOINT TORRANCE REPRESENTATIVE TO SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE
INVESTMENT BOARD
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council appoint Paul Russell as representative to the South Bay Workforce lnvestment Board for the City of Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to appoint Paul Russell as representative to the South Bay Workforce lnvestment Board for the City of Torrance. Councilmember Ashcraft seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6B RESOLUTION NO. 202240 HONORING NEERJA VERMA OF THE COMMUNITY
SERVICES DEPARTMENT UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY OF TORRANCE AFTER THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF SERV¡CE
Resolution No.2022-40 honoring Neerja Verma of the Community Services Department upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-one years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to adopt Resolution No.2O22-40. Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2022 AS NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2022 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2022 AS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC
ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 9-15,2022AS SALVATION ARMY WEEK IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE
RECOG NIZE 2022 OLDER AM ERICANS AWARD RECI PI ENTS
Recommendation of the Commission on Aging and the Community Services Director that City Council recognize Jean Adelsman, Mary Hoffman, and Fern Ruiz as the 2022 Older Americans Award recipients.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 21, 2022 FOR OBSERVANGE OF ARMED FORCES DAY AND TORRANGE'S SALUTE TO THE U.S. MILITARY
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of April 12,2022.
6C.
6D.
6E.
6F.
6G.
6H.
7 I
84. Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
3 City Council
May 10,2022
88.APPROPRIATE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER
FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIAL WEAPONS AND
TACTICS AND TACTICAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Appropriate $134,993.79 of asset forfeiture funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) personnel to a newly created Facilities, Equipment, Automation Plan (FEAP); and
2) Authorize a purchase order with Aardvark Tactical Corporation of La Verne, CA in the amount of $134,993.79 for the purchase of ballistic entry vests and hard armor plates. 8C APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT AT FIRE STATION 4
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with CommercialWaterproofing Systems, lnc. dba ERC Roofing and Waterproofing of Santa Ana, CA (C2021-105) in the amount of $2,628.37, for a new not-to-exceed contract amount of $102,851.37, including the previous contingency of $4,773 for Roof Replacement at Fire Station 4. 8D AWARD CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL AND ARTERIAL PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENT, I.I 59/I-139
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council award a consulting services agreement to Z&K Consultants, lnc. of Orange, CA (82022-08) in an amount not-to-exceed $177,131 .50 to perform construction inspection services for the Residential and Arterial Pavement lmprovement, l-159/l-139 project for a one-year period beginning May 10,2022 and ending on May 9,2023.
8E APPROVE CHANGE IN PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING START TIME FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 6:30 P.M.
Recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Community Services Director that City Council approve a change in the Parks and Recreation Commission start time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
8F APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE UP TO SIX 2022 "BEAT THE ODDS''
SCHOLARSHIPS
Recommendation of the Torrance Youth Council and the Community Services Director that City Council:
1 ) Appropriate funding in the amount of $6,000 from the Youth Council Donation Account; and
2) Approve up to six (6) 2022"Beatthe Odds" scholarships to be issued in the amount of $1,000 each.
8G. APPROVE FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 83162
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve FinalTract Map No. 83162; and
2) Determine that approval of Final Tract Map No. 83162 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEOA) pursuant to Section 15332, Class 32 - ln-Fill Development Projects. The Final Tract Map (Attachment A) allows for a fifteen-unit condominium development on a one lot subdivision. This project, subdivided by Ennio Schiappa Homes, is located at 18419 Western Avenue, and substantially conforms to and meets all conditions of approval of the Tentative Map.
Aleksander Alderete 4 City Council
Minutes Secretary May 10,2022
8H
8l
ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRU ARY 2022 Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of February 2022
AWARD CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF ANALYTICS
SOFTWARE SYSTEM THAT COLLECTS, ANALYZES, AND DISPLAYS AUTOMATIC
VEHICLE LOCATION DATA
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve a contract services agreement with Swiftly, lnc. of San Francisco, CA (RFP 82022-10) in the amount of $458,820, to design and build a software solution to collect and analyze automatic vehicle location data for operations for a three-year period beginning May 10, 2022, and ending May 9,2025
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
APPROPRIATE FUNDING AND APPROVE THIRD AMENDMENT TO FEE
AGREEMENT WITH RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council:
1) Appropriate $650,000 from Airport Fund Balance; and
2) Approve a third amendment to fee agreement with the law firm of Rutan & Tucker, LLP of Costa Mesa, CA (C2020-038) in the amount of $650,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,765,000 to provide legal services relating to the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Order/Hi-Shear Litigation MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to appropriate funding and approve third amendment to fee agreement with Rutan & Tucker, LLP to provide legal services. Councilmember Ashcraft seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9B.ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GRANT AWARDS FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIW'S EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT.CARES ACT
AND MEASURE H FUNDING TO TORRANCE TEMPORARY HOUSING PROGRAM, FEAP 1121 AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENTS Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Accept and appropriate a grant award of $450,000 from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) Emergency Solutions Grant-CARES Act (ESG-CV) to Torrance Temporary Housing Program, FEAP 1121, for temporary housing unit purchase and installation; and
2) Accept and appropriate a grant award of $27,000 from LACDA ESG-CV to FEAP 1 121 for ESG-CV program administration; and
3) Accept and appropriate $450,000 in LACDA Measure H funding to FEAP 1121 for temporary housing program site improvements; and
4) Authorize the City Manager as the City's signatory for the LACDA ESG-CV and Measure H funding agreements and to execute all documents necessary for participation on behalf of the City of Torrance.
A member of the public spoke
94. Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
5 City Council
May 1 0,2022
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to concur with the recommendation of the Community Development Director. Councilmember Ashcraft seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no. 9C APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRAGT SERVICES AGREEMENT TO
INCREASE FUNDING FOR ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELD AT LA GALAXY SPORTS
COMPLEX
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with Sprinturf, LLC, of Daniel lsland, SC (C2022-023) to increase the not-to-exceed amount by $87,617, for a new not-to-exceed total amount of $1 ,229,367, to provide logo inlays at the new LA Galaxy Sports Complex artificial turf field.
A member of the public spoke
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve first amendment to contract services agreement to increase funding for artificial turf field at LA Galaxy Sports Complex. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9D. ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.2019.89 FOR EXECUTIVE AND
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES TO ADD POSITIONS OF HUMAN RESOURCES
DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2019-89 for Executive and Management Employees to add the positions of Human Resources Director and Deputy Finance Director.
A member of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-414 RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-89 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager and adopt Resolution No. 2022-41. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9E PROVIDE CITY'S POLICY AND PRACTICE ON USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS THAT
INCLUDE ELEGTED OFFICIALS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Accept and file informal policy when photographing elected officials or candidates for office during the official election season; or
2) lnstruct staff to return with a formal policy when photographing elected officials or candidates for office during the official election season.
Councilmember Mattucci asked about the process and if it would essentially end up being picking and choosing what can and cannot be used.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
6 City Council
May 10,2022
Cable & Community Relations Manager Michael Smith reported that it was based on the Fair Political Practices Rules which limited mailing during the 60-day period prior to an election.
Video and still photography were not included if it was a feature item. He said this was done to keep it fair for all candidates during events such as open mic night produced by the city. He added that funds were derived from the public access funds but that in 2008 the law changed so that public access funds were only for capital funds, so operations are now in the general fund.
Councilmember Mattucci said policy should be across the board. He said he was okay with removing open mic night.
Councilmember Walser said this fix was needed due in part to advent of social media. He said simple photos at a ribbon ceremony would not incur expenses and Councilmembers should be recognized for doing their job, rather than being interpreted as a campaign. He stated public funding would not be going towards Councilmembers for events that are part of their job.
Councilmember Griffiths concurred that elected officials should not be discriminated against for doing their job and having photos taken of them. He said adding the photos to campaign type items should be restricted.
City Manager Chaparyan clarified that this was mostly about perception rather than reg ulatory implications.
Councilmember Chen concurred with Councilmembers Walser, Griffiths, and Mattucci. He said it should be kept as usual and that killing open mic night would work.
Councilmember Ashcraft agreed with that it is part of the job to be photographed at public events. She added that interviews for TV purposes should be restricted as other candidates may not get that time.
Mayor Furey said that instructing staff to return with a formal policy would be the most appropriate route. He added that open mic was a great service for the city. He requested for legal to inquire with the Fair Political Practices Commission about such policy and anything that would preclude Councilmembers.
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith clarified that open mic night modifications or removal would lead to other questions such as the handling of the League of Women Voters Forum. He said dropping the open mic night would necessitate dropping the League of Women Voters Forum.
Mayor Furey reiterated his support for the open mic night.
Councilmember Walser said he had no problem with open mic and that it gives the public more information about candidates but that removing elected officials from photos would end up making them appear in a negative light in the effort to appear fair.
Councilmember Kalani concurred with Councilmember Walser's argument. She asked if non-candidate sitting Councilmembers have an opportunity to speak during open mic.
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith responded that it is for anybody who is running for office and identified by the City Clerk. He said there is a list of the candidates and includes any measures that may be on the ballot.
Councilmember Mattucci asked for costs before jumping into anything Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
7 City Council
May 10,2022
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith replied that open mic had a range of around $1500 which consists of 2 employees doing t hours a day for 3 days during their normal work periods. He said the city is not paying additionalfunds. He said this works the same way with the League of Women Voters
Councilmember Mattucci requested a motion with a cost analysis to have on paper for discussion.
City Manager Chaparyan said that it could be included on the follow-up to the budget on the 24th.
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith said that staff could continue its current tasks or abandon the previous practice and then continue as normal and publish any inclusion of elected officials during their normal business.
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that staff would comply with FPPC requirements.
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith clarified that pictures are always taken of everyone at every event. He said they are kept for historical purposes.
Councilmember Ashcraft said that this should brought back for tweaking, and it would be clear for the next Council. She added that open mic should continue and the filming of forums as well.
Councilmember Griffiths said that he supported the open mic and the forums for benefit to the public.
Cable & Community Relations Manager Smith said that open forums for the public and all candidates are part of the criteria previously used. He continued that if a group came first and were not inviting all candidates then there would be no recording.
Councilmember Walser reiterated his earlier point. He highlighted the importance of acknowledging what public officials can or cannot do in their position.
Members of the public spoke
MOTION: Councilmember Walser moved to relax the interpretation of the Fair Political Practice Rules for now, subject to confirmation that they are consistent with their rules in the future and providing a breakdown of the cost of the forms part of the budget. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9F ADOPT ORDINANCE ALLOWING LEASES OF CITY PROPERTY OF UP TO NINEW.
NINE YEARS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council
1) Approve an ORDINANCE allowing for leases of city property for up to ninety-nine years; and
2) Determine that this action does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of California Environmental Quality Act (CEOA) and does not require further environmental review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines section 15378; and
3) Approve an Ordinance summary for publication.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
8 City Council
May 10,2022
Councilmember Walser voiced concerns about the problems associated with long-term leases, such as getting stuck in unwanted leases. He said legislation could change things drastically and that the uncertainties could be problematic.
Mayor Furey clarified that this simply enables the City Council to utilize 99-year leases.
Councilmember Mattucci asked if stipulations could be included on leases that are above 55 years so that there would be adjustments due to inflation.
Assistant City Manager Santana replied that it could, stating that in Section 84 of the draft ordinance under terminology periodic review.
Councilmember Mattucci said that there was no specific time frame listed Assistant City Manager Santana said that such a provision would be negotiated and contingent on the deal, while being subject to City Council review and approval under a publicsetting. , Councilmember Griffiths said any lease beyond 55 years would always go to City Council for approval.
Assistant City Manager Santana confirmed Councilmember Griffiths statement.
A member of the public spoke.
Councilmember Ashcraft asked for a reason for extending to 99 years.
Assistant City Manager Santana responded that it would the City Council to consider favorable terms in lease negotiations for the city and public in exchange for consideration of extended term.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3900 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE BYADDING CHAPTER 9 TO DIVISION 1 ALLOWING LEASES OF CITY PROPERTY UP TO NINETY-NINE YEARS.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager and adopt Ordinance No. 3900. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Walser voting no. 9G. REVIEW AND DETERMINE NEED TO EXTEND LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO covtD-19
Recommendation of the City Attorney and City Manager that City Council: 1) Review the need for extending the local emergency related to COVID-19 that was proclaimed on March 12,2020; and 2) Approve a RESOLUTION extending the local emergency.
A member of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-42 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING AND EXTENDING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING COVID-19 IN THE CITY OFTORRANCE.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
I City Council
May 10,2022
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Attorney and City Manager and adopt Resolution No.2022-42. Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9H.ADOPT ORDINANCE RELATING TO PARKING, VEHICLES, AND OTHER MATTERS AT MARY K. GIORDANO REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Adopt an ORDINANCE relating to parking, vehicles, and other matters at the Mary K. Giordano RegionalTransit Center; and
2) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3901 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE 13 TO CHAPTER 1 OF DIVISION 6 RELATING TO PARKING AND OTHER MATTERS AT THE MARY K. GIORDANO REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER.
MOTION: Councilmember G/iffiths moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3901. Councilmember Ashcraft seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council took a recess at 8:28 p.m. The City Council returned to the chambers at 8:46 p.m.
I O. HEARINGS
Considered earlier on pages 2,10-12.
1OB. CONDUCT FIRST PUBLIG HEARING ON PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2022.23
OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Recommendation of the City Manager and Finance Director that City Council conduct the first public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget and Capital lmprovement Plan.
Councilmember Chen asked for more clarification on the historical structural deficit on some items.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson answered the self-insurance fund has such a large liability balance, so the general fund did not have the budget to contribute the $55M. She said it has been a pay as you go basis. She said if a report said liabilities are at $65M, then the city would need to true up the net position from 55 to 65. ln this example, this is non-cash but still degrade the fund balance on the reports. She continued that pay as you go pays for actual settlements and insurance premiums where cash needs to go out that year. She said this would attempt to dig out from the negative position.
Councilmember Chen asked how long staff consider "historically" to be.
Finance Director Poisson replied that it was at least 10 years Councilmember Chen asked about the fleet services
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
10 City Council
May 1Q,2022
City Manager Chaparyan interjected that even though it is 10 years, the city would use year-end carryover or infusion of windfall to manage that. He said rebuilding the balances would be ideal but at the competing interests of other categories such as doing business with contracts of material supply or negotiated contract raises for employee group. He presented the recommendation to dedicate the annual funding to the reserve and once 20% is hit then reducing self-insurance balance would be prioritized.
Councilmember Chen recited the chart reading -58 full time FTE versus the 234 number.
City Manager Chaparyan made the distinction between enterprise fund and generalfund.
He added that the vacancy list includes all positions.
Councilmember Chen asked if that was in reference to the 58 or the 234 Finance Director Poisson stated that the vacancy reports from2018 showed slightly above 70 positions vacant in the generalfund.
Councilmember Chen asked if a typical year could be 70.
City Manager Chaparyan said that was true but that there has never been a moment where staffing was at full staffing due to situations such as retirements. He reiterated the usage of vacancies as a balancing strategy and in the past have used it for capital projects.
Councilmember Chen asked about the proposed budget having no useless reserves due to not having reserves to balance the budget.
City Manager Chaparyan replied that intentional vacancies have been used to avoid use of reserves, which has strained departments in the process.
Councilmember Chen asked if the Fire Department March report -8 number was sworn or combined.
City Manager Chaparyan answered that they are sworn. He said it was the elimination of a rescue unit.
Councilmember Chen said about 4.5 vacancies of the 8 that were proposed from Fire Department. He stated that Police Department had -44 but that sworn officers fully staffed was around 220. He continued that active duty sworn was around 150 which meant about 70 down.
City Manager Chaparyan said that was all correct.
Councilmember Griffiths asked about the annual wage growth factor of 2o/o and it was derived
Finance Director Poisson said that the 2o/o was recommended by the City Manager which was what could be maintained to keep a balanced budget. She added that adding another 1% would create another 1.7M so there would need to be other reductions to accommodate that. She said application are salaries, the current steps programmed by MOU plus the 2o/o às well as 2o/o that are out of contract.
City Manager Chaparyan elaborated that the 2% balances the budget but compared to other agencies in the market is not what employee groups would consider ideal.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
11 City Council
May 10,2022
Councilmember Griffiths voiced concern that this would hamper the city's ability to negotiate contracts with up-and-coming groups.
City Manager Chaparyan concurred but stated that 2o/o is a modest balancing outcome.
He said department heads have been informed that anything beyond the2o/o would need to come from efficiencies/restructuring and not to rely on the general fund. He said $5M has been recommended to pay for useful city needs but that there was no expectation for any of that funding going towards collective bargaining agreements. He said with increase to health insurance premiums and the CPI numbers then the 2% is a good faith extension.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about the Police budget in recent years and voiced concern over the decrease. He continued that the Fire budget has a similar problem in the lopsided disparity in the Fire budget to Police.
City Manager Chaparyan said that Fire was caused in part by the conversions in the hybrid schedule for assistant chiefs to give greater depth in organization. He added that it was positive that the strategic plan, accreditation and maintaining the ISO class one status.
Mayor Furey asked if it was possible to get crossing guards into the school's budget rather the city's generalfunds to get funding from the state to the school.
City Manager Chaparyan said they could investigate that, mindful of the school year and reach out to other agencies in which the other district is providing the coverage.
A member of the public spoke.
Councilmember Chen asked if the $581K number was that same data as when the last California state auditors output stating Torrance was fourth from the bottom.
Finance Director Poisson concurred and stated that the ranking was based on that particular year.
Councilmember Chen reiterated his thought process on TOCA spending as financial discipline rather than depriving the arts. He asked if there were some fees to look at so ïorrance can break even for the subsidized items.
Finance Director Poisson replied that it was to be included in the upcoming fee study in the following year so the programs will be re-evaluated. She said re-evaluation would include looking at participation rate and balancing the increases.
Councilmember Chen said that a fee study would be useful and that especially when times are tougher than the events should try to be paid for rather than subsidized by everyone as a percentage of people that participate.
Finance Director Poisson said that would be included as well as comparisons with other agencies and charges for like-classes.
Mayor Furey stated a fee study should be necessary. He said a follow-up should be done because when fees are raised then the activity diminishes so then there will be more debt. He stressed that Torrance needs to compete with other cities and that participation has been hurt due to the pandemic.
Councilmember Ashcraft asked how long the EV charging program has been subsidized Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
12 City Council
May 10,2022
Assistant City Manager Santana stated that the initial contract with ChargePoint has expired and that they were trying to recapture some of the initial losses that they were assuming over the initial five-year period. He said the last 12 months have not been net neutral to the budget.
He said a primary factor was the electricity costs and overall upkeep of the stations such as software. He explained that there have been incidental benefits in Torrance from these stations such as the Tesla showroom, sales tax generation, economic commerce, and additional permit revenues.
Councilmember Ashcraft was doubtful about the subsidies effects as a benefit to Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Chen moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing to the May 24th date.
Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS - None Scheduled.
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3899 AMENDING DIVISION 4 BY AMENDING SECTION 45.6.6
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3899 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING DIVISION 4 BY AMENDING SECTION 45.6.6.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3899. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
I3. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
ln Order, Councilmember Kalani, Mattucci, Walser, Ashcraft, Chen, Griffiths, and Mayor Furey spoke.
Councilmember Kalani requested and received concurrence from the City Council to have staff bring forth an update in reasonable time on the Downtown Torrance revitalization project and what steps are needed.
14. CLOSED SESSTON
Considered earlier, see page 1
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
13 City Council
May lQ,2Q22
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:27p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, May 24,2022 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, May 17,2022 is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Walser seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Mayor n
Poirier Approved on 14,2022
City Clerk of,the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 10,2022
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