INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 23, 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-92 honoring Beverly Joyce Bell 2 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-93 honoring Ernest Gallo 2
6C. PROCLAMATION declaring August 22-28, 2022, as Rugby Week 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 6
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 6
8B. Accept and File 2021-2022 Civil Service Commission Annual Report 6 BC. Accept and Appropriate $20,000 Donation for Police K-9 Program 6 8D. Accept and Appropriate FY 2021 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant, Approve Sub-Award Agreement, and Authorize City Manager as the City's Signatory 6
8E. Award Consulting Services Agreement for Materials Testing Services for Stormwater Basin Expansion, 1-179, and Miscellaneous Water Main Replacements, 1-153 (405/North High Neighborhood) 7
8 F. Accept and Appropriate Donation for Facility Improvements at Wilson Park Community Sports Complex 7
BG . Approve Contract Services Agreement for Construction, Entry, Display, and Operation of City of Torrance Float in 2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade 7
8H. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of June 2022 7
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Appointment to Fill District 2 City Council Vacancy 3-6, 7 9B. Discuss and Determine Position on League of California Cities Resolution and Proposed Bylaws Amendments 7-8
9C . Adopt RESOLUTION Amending Resolution No. 2021-89 Setting Forth Changes Regarding Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees 8
10. HEARINGS 8
11. AGENCY AGENDAS 8
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES 8
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 9
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 9
15. ADJOURNMENT 9
At 9:54 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 23, 2022
August 23, 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 August 23, 2022, at 5:00 p.m . in the Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Councilmembers Mattucci, Sheikh, Griffiths, Kalani, Kaji, and Mayor Chen None
Present: 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) Threat To Public Services Or Facilities, 148) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Labor Negotiator and 14D) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957, California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957.6 and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ).
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 Kaji.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Mattucci .
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 Torrance Boulevard and on the City's website on Tuesday, August 16, 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 Mattucci and passed by 6-0.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 8D, BG, 9A and Oral Communications .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
1 City Council
August23,2022
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced the State Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting for August 30, 2022, from 11 :00 a.m. to noon in the City Hall Assembly Room. He said an item would be presented to City Council during the meeting on September 13, 2022.
Council member Mattucci talked about the some of the new metro and public access rails that are being planned, and the Transportation Committee support for right of way alignment. He described the measures that LA Metro is taking to make this happen and there would be a public input meeting on September 28, 2022, from 6 p.m. at the Leroy Jackson City Council Chambers.
Councilmember Griffiths gave the report of the Independent Cities Association conference. He said it had discussions on drugs, clean energy, fire department functionality, land use controls, pensions, networking, etc. He said he was nominated and voted in to be a new board member of the ICA Board of Directors.
City Clerk Poirier said Torrance is taking applications for the Civil Service Commission.
Appointment will take place at the City Council meeting on September 13, 2022 and the application deadline is August 31, 2022 by 5 p.m.
Deputy Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the monthly tests of the Torrance Refining Company of the alert system on September 7, 2022 at 11 :30 a.m.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
Item 6C was taken out of order at this time.
6C. PROCLAMATION DECLARING AUGUST 22-28, 2022 AS RUGBY WEEK IN THE CITY
OF TORRANCE
6A. RESOLUTION HONORING BEVERLY JOYCE BELL
Resolution No. 2022-92 honoring Beverly Joyce Bell of the Community Services Department upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-two years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-92 .
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
68. RESOLUTION HONORING ERNEST GALLO
Resolution No. 2022-93 honoring Ernest Gallo of the Communication and Information Technology Department upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-one Years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-93 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
2 City Council
August23,2022
Item 9A was taken out of order at this time .
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPOINTMENT TO FILL DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL VACANCY Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council take action to fill the District 2 vacancy on the City Council by appointment from a list of qualified applicants.
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item and recommendation to the City Council. She enumerated the regulations and described the appointment process.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired on disqualification of applicant due to failure to provide information that was requested.
City Attorney Sullivan said there was an applicant who did not do the requirement of disclosing a prior conviction but noted that the applicant did have an expungement.
Councilmember Griffiths asked why the person would not be automatically disqualified.
City Attorney Sullivan said the disqualification belongs to the City Council and not the City Attorney or the City Clerk.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to disqualify Arthur Schaper from consideration due to his failure to include the information that was asked for.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that he was under the impression from the City Attorney that the City Clerk was the one who determines who qualifies or does not qualify.
City Attorney Sullivan replied that under Elections Code, the City Clerk determines eligibility for the position, which means that they are an elector or a registered voter and whether they live in District 2. He continued that the penal code covers the applicant's expungement and that in almost every situation one can answer the question of prior conviction by saying no. He said the three exceptions are when trying to get a license from the state, county or city, the California State Lottery and finally that the applicant who was expunged must still disclose the prior conviction in response to a question contained in applications for public office. City Attorney Sullivan disclosed that this was not offering an opinion on any perjury.
Councilmember Kaji requested a reading of the question that was on the application.
City Clerk Poirier read the question aloud.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Mattucci voting no.
The applicants were called up at this time.
Charles Deemer gave his presentation. He was seeking to help with the financial issues of the city and utilizing assets to extract more revenue for the city.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
3 City Council
August23,2022
James Hill gave his presentation. He mentioned affordable housing, green spaces, compost/recycling programs.
Bridgett Lewis gave her presentation. She talked about her past experiences in civil service and city government. She continued that community engagement was paramount.
Alan Masnek gave his presentation. He said public safety, homelessness and financial strength were the top issues he would seek to improve. He mentioned his work in domestic and international work as well as his city work.
Robert Lippert gave his presentation. He discussed his management experience and education and customer service relations. He said he was a community engager.
Elizabeth Pino gave her presentation. She talked about her education and experience.
She listed her work on the Cultural Arts Commission and the Planning Commission. She talked about her work as a Community Engagement Specialist with seniors for Wider Circle.
Members of the public spoke .
Mayor Chen said his deliberations to replace his vacant seat was to nominate Alan Masnek.
Councilmember Griffiths stated his review led to two qualified candidates, but that he would nominate Elizabeth Pino.
Councilmember Mattucci concurred with Mayor Chen's nomination.
Councilmember Kalani said she talked with each candidate except one. She said she looked for experience, diversity and bring balance to the City Council. She nominated Bridgett Lewis.
Councilmember Sheikh said he talked with each candidate except one. He took into account input from the public. He said he looked at qualifications as well. He nominated Bridgett Lewis.
Councilmember Kaji said he reviewed the backgrounds and speaking to the colleagues of those candidates on commissions. He concurred with Mayor Chen's nomination.
Councilmember Kalani reasoned that Bridgette Lewis's education and experience was important when considering the RHNA numbers and SB9 and SB10. She said her commission and job experiences are well rounded and strong when considering the City Council position.
Councilmember Sheikh said he worked with both Bridgette Lewis and Elizabeth Pino. He said they would be strong potential councilmembers and well-qualified. He said the experience they both have is what is needed.
Mayor Chen said that the qualities that the voters trust are and what is important and being an independent thinker, rather than just commission experience.
City Attorney Sullivan enumerated the options the City Council has to break the tie.
City Clerk Poirier said the LA County Register Recorder provided a quote of $546K for a special election for District 2.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
4 City Council
August23,2022
Mayor Chen said that this would open up the entire process for everyone in District 2 starting all over again.
City Clerk Poirier said it was anyone who was eligible under Election Law which is a registered voter in District 2.
Mayor Chen said that those who did not apply this time could apply for the special election.
City Clerk Poirier concurred and added that they would file a candidate intention statement, campaign statement, etc.
Councilmember Kalani asked if the two candidates could be re-interviewed.
City Attorney Sullivan replied that the matter could be continued to another date, call a special meeting with Brown Act notice.
Council member Griffiths asked if that special election estimate was for a city-wide election or for District 2 only.
City Clerk Poirier responded that it was for a District 2 one council seat only.
Councilmember Griffiths said that was a very high amount. He asked if it was possible to reconsider a mail-in special election at a future meeting.
City Clerk Poirier said that this special election would not be able to have an all-mail ballot.
Torrance would have to consolidate with the county, and they do not do all-mail ballots. There is Election Code for those that need help with their ballots in another language.
Councilmember Griffiths asked how other cities can do mail in ballots.
City Clerk Poirier replied that Redondo Beach challenged it in court and so they do stand-' alone elections so they have the provision in place whereas Torrance would not have that in place in time. She continued that it could happen for future elections but not this one. She said Torrance would consolidate with the county and then run it like a normal election held in either December or January if a special election is called.
City Attorney Sullivan added that it would require adopting an ordinance with two readings in 30 days so it would be past the cut-off in September.
Mayor Chen chose August 31, 7:00 p.m. as the date for a special City Council meeting to re-vote. If the tie is not broken at the special meeting, a vote for a special election or a coin toss could be made.
City Manager Chaparyan said that a decision would be helpful for staff to prepare a funding source for City Council consideration but noted that the reserves could be used as a mechanism.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to continue the item to August 31, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. and to not allow it to go to a coin toss and to include Alan Masnek, Bridgett Lewis and Elizabeth Pino for consideration. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Mattucci voting no.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
5 City Council
August23,2022
Councilmember Mattucci explained his vote. He said that not including a coin toss would lead to a special election which would cost Torrance over half of a million dollar out of the general funds, which he said was money Torrance could not afford to use.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke .
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of July 26, 2022.
88. ACCEPT AND FILE 2021-2022 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and the Civil Service Manager that City Council accept and file the 2021-2022 Civil Service Commission annual report. 8C. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $20,000 DONATION FOR POLICE K-9 PROGRAM Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council accept and appropriate a $20,000 donation from a Torrance resident to the Police K-9 Program.
Councilmember Sheikh asked to recognize William Redican's donation of $20K to the K-9 program.
Police Chief Jeremiah Hart recited William Redican's accomplishments and his help in the community.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to accept and appropriate $20,000 donation from Mr. Redican for the Police K-9 program. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
8D. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE FY 2021 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE
GRANT, APPROVE SUB-AWARD AGREEMENT, AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER
AS THE CITY'S SIGNATORY
Recommendation of the Fire Chief and the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Accept and appropriate the FY 2021 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant in the amount of $594,292 and allocate the award for Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, Personal Protective Equipment, Regional Training Group -1 Battalion Chief, and Regional Training Center sustainment and training prop maintenance, and Fire Ground Survival Training; and
2) Approve a Sub-Award Agreement with the City of Los Angeles; and 3) Authorize the City Manager as the City's signatory for the agreement; to act on City's behalf with respect to all decisions in connection with the agreement; as well as to accept and appropriate additional UASI funds, if available from the City of Los Angeles.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
6 City Council
August 23, 2022
SE. AWARD CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES FOR STORMWATER BASIN EXPANSION, 1-179, AND MISCELLANEOUS WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS, 1-153 (405/NORTH HIGH NEIGHBORHOOD) Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council award a consulting services agreement to RMA Group of Carson, CA (B2022-30) for an amount not-to-exceed $91,805 to perform materials testing services for Stormwater Basin Expansion, 1-179, and Miscellaneous Water Main Replacements, 1-153 (405/North High Neighborhood) for a two- year period beginning August 23, 2022 and ending August 22, 2024.
SF. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE DONATION FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT
WILSON PARK COMMUNITY SPORTS COMPLEX
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and appropriate a $30,000 donation from the LA Galaxy for improvements at the Wilson Park Community Sports Complex.
SG . APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION, ENTRY, DISPLAY, AND OPERATION OF CITY OF TORRANCE FLOAT IN 2023 PASADENA
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1) Approve a contract services agreement with Torrance Rose Float Association (TRFA) of Torrance, CA for an amount not-to-exceed $125,000 to pay for the construction, entry, display, and operation of the City of Torrance Float in the 2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade from August 23, 2022 to January 31, 2023; and 2) Allocate $125,000 to TRFA on or by the dates indicated on the agreement for services rendered by T.W. Estes and Associates, Inc., dba Fiesta Floats (Fiesta Floats) of Irwindale, CA as per the agreement.
SH . ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2022 Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of June 2022.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve the Consent Calendar except BC .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPOINTMENT TO FILL DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL VACANCY Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council take action to fill the District 2 vacancy on the City Council by appointment from a list of qualified applicants.
Considered earlier, see page 2-5.
9B . DISCUSS AND DETERMINE POSITION ON LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
RESOLUTION AND PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council review and take a position on the League of California Cities resolution and proposed bylaws amendments being presented at their annual conference in Long Beach, CA on September 7 through September 9, 2022.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
7 City Council
August 23, 2022
Management Associate Eleanor Jones introduced the item and recommendation to the City Council. She discussed the actions that the organization takes during conferences. She said this year there will be one resolution and proposed amendments to the bylaws. She noted that Mayor Chen was the voting delegate with Councilmember Mattucci as the alternate. She listed the ways that the League of California Cities has improved its structure and its output for cities. She discussed the new nomination processes proposed and the adjustments to appointments and titles.
A member of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to concur with the recommended position for the League of California Cities resolution and proposed bylaw amendments. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0. 9C . ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-89 SETTING FORTH
CHANGES REGARDING HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR
CERTAIN FULL-TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2021-89 setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Certain Full-Time and Hourly Employees in the amount of $42,430 which updates the salary steps for the Area G Executive Director. --Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item and recommendation to the City Council. She described the duties of the Area G Executive. She explained Torrance's role in the Area G. She said this update was to attract and retain qualified talent.
A member of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen clarified that Area G covers most of the areas of the South Bay and multiple agencies/cities contribute to fund the emergency operating director. He said the pay for this position has stagnated and needs to be updated to attract talent as this position has been vacant.
City Manager Chaparyan concurred. He added that the cities have made a pending offer subject to approval of this item. Additional increase in costs is distributed among member cities in the Area G.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2022-94 A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-89 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN FULL-TIME AND SALARIED EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 28, 2021.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2022-94.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
10. HEARINGS-None Scheduled .
11. AGENCY AGENDAS-None Scheduled.
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES-None Scheduled.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes ~ecretary
8 City Council
August 23, 2022
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
In Order, Councilmember Mattucci, Sheikh, Griffiths, Kalani, Kaji, and Mayor Chen spoke .
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
The City Council returned to closed session at 8:46 p.m. to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 9:53 p.m.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:54 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The special meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays, August 30 and September 6, 2022, are Council Dark Nights.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adjourn the City Council meeting .
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Prn rier ,_ \
!e rk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Mayo the City of Torrance
Approved on September 13, 2022
9 City Council
August23,2022