INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -MAY 23, 2023
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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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. 2023-'50 honoring Richard T. Leet Jr. of the Public Works Department 2
6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-51 honoring Police Sergeant Gordon Smearer 2 6C. Recognition of Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation {TOCA) Board Membe~ 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
88 . Approve Meadow Park Parking District Maintenance Fee for Fiscal Year 2023-24 2
BC . Approve Revised Class Specification for Police Services Supervisor 2-3 8D. Appropriate Asset Forfeiture Funds and Approve Contract Services Agreement for Cooperative Purchase and Installation of Equipment for Real-Time Response Center 3
BE. Award Consulting Services Agreement for Facility Assessment Services for the City of Torrance 3
BF . Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Custodial Services at Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center 4
8G. Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Supplemental Code Enforcement Services 3
8H . Authorize Recognition and,Attornment Agreement for Sub-tenant of City-Owned Property Known as Rolling Hills Plaza (C-053) 4
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Approve Contract for Software and Support for City's Permit, Business License, Request, and Asset Management Software 4
9B . Adopt RESOLUTIONS for Lighting District No . 99-1 Proceedings to Levy Annual Assessments for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and Set Date for Public Hearing 5
9C. Accept and File Military Equipment Use Policy 2022-2023 Annual Report 6 9D . Adopt ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code Prohibiting Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters 6 9E. Adopt ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code Regarding Abandoned and Unclaimed Property and Goods 7
9F. Adopt RESOLUTION Expressing City Council Support and Agreement for the Establishment of a Torrance Unified School District and City of Torrance Strategic Collaboration Agreement and Provide Direction for On-going Collaboration 7-8
9G . Adopt RESOLUTIONS Pursuant to Memorandums of Understanding Setting Forth Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Torrance Library Employee Association (TLEA) and Crossing Guards 8 Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 23, 2023
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 23-00001 Pertaining to Proposed Amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code, Regarding a Land Use Matrix with Performance Standards for the Downtown Torrance District, Commercial Sector, and Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code 9
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 9
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 9
15. ADJOURNMENT 9
At 8:27 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with the regular meeting commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 23, 2023
May 23, 2023
MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in an adjourned regular meeting on May 23, 2023 at 5:00 p.m in the Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Councilmembers Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji
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) Conference with Labor Negotiator, 14B) Real Property -Conference with Real Property Negotiator -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, and California Government Code §54956.8.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:30 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Mattucci.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Sheikh .
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 Monday, May 15, 2023 with the revised agenda posted Thursday, May 18, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis 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 5-0 with Councilmembers Kaji and Griffiths absent.
4. WITHDRAWN , DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 8D, 9F and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
May 23, 2023
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of Gerald Joseph Herbers .
Councilmember Sheikh honored Gloria Molina.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-50 HONORING RICHARD T. LEET JR.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-50 honoring Richard T. Leet Jr. of the Public Works Department upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-two years of service MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-50.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-51 HONORING POLICE SERGEANT GORDON SMEARER RESOLUTION NO. 2023-51 honoring Police Sergeant Gordon Smearer upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-five years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-51.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
6C. RECOGNITION OF TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (TOCA) BOARD
MEMBERS
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke .
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of April 25, 2023.
SB. APPROVE MEADOW PARK PARKING DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FEE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve the Meadow Park Parking District maintenance fee at $75.13 per parking space for Fiscal Year 2023-24 to pay maintenance costs of the parking lots; and 2) Authorize Meadow Park Parking District billing for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
SC. APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR POLICE SERVICES SUPERVISOR Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Police Services Supervisor.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
May 23, 2023
Councilmember Sheikh and Human Resources Analyst discussed the process of background checks.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item BC. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
80. APPROPRIATE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS AND APPROVE CONTRACT
SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
EQUIPMENT FOR REAL-TIME RESPONSE CENTER
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Appropriate $159,636 of asset forfeiture funds for the purchase and installation of equipment for the Real-Time Response Center to a newly created project; and 2) Approve a contract services agreement with CDCE Inc., of Yorba Linda, CA in the amount of $159,636 for the purchase and installation of equipment for the Real-Time Response Center as a cooperative purchase with Omnia Partners for a one-year period beginning May 23, 2023 and ending May 22, 2024.
City Manager Chaparyan, at the request of Councilmember Sheikh, detailed how asset forfeiture funds are utilized. Management Aide Jane Chung added how the Police Department handles the funds, and how it cooperates with the city.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 80. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Kaji and Griffiths absent.
SE. AWARD CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR FACILITY ASSESSMENT
SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF TORRANCE
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council award a consulting services agreement with Kitchell/GEM, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA (RFP B2022-48) for an amount not-to-exceed $219,063.46 for facility assessment services with a one-year term beginning May 23, 2023 and ending May 22, 2024.
At the request of Councilmember Sheikh, Administrative Services Manager Milton Sanabria reviewed how various engineers would be identifying issues and creating solutions. He added how costs would be handled and how staff has been outsourcing. The age of many of the buildings requires review.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8E. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
SF . APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES AT MARY K. GIORDANO REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve the first amendment to the contract services agreement with Commercial Building Management Inc. of Santa Ana, CA (C2022-081) to extend the agreement for an additional one-year term ending May 31, 2024 .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
May 23, 2023
8G. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL CODE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with Willdan Engineering of City of Industry, CA (C2022-188) in the amount of $150,000 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 and extend the contract term for one additional year through June 30, 2024.
SH. AUTHORIZE RECOGNITION AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT FOR SUB-TENANT OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY KNOWN AS ROLLING HILLS PLAZA (C-053) Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council authorize a recognition and attornment agreement by and among Rolling Hills Plaza, LLC, a California limited liability company, Trader Joe's Company, a California corporation and the City of Torrance with a regard to a sublease of City-owned property located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crenshaw Boulevard, also known as Rolling Hills Plaza (C-053).
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to BC, 8D, 8E. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPROVE CONTRACT FOR SOFTWARE AND SUPPORT FOR CITY'S PERMIT,
BUSINESS LICENSE, REQUEST, AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Recommendation of the Communications and Information Technology Director that City Council:
1) Approve a contract with Accela, Inc. of San Ramon, CA, to provide software and support for the City's Permit, Business License, Request, and Asset Management Software at the cost of $1,500 per employee per year with 3% annual increases, plus other fees, for a seven-year period beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2030; and
2) Approve one-time implementation cost of $40,000 and a contingency equivalent to 10% of the total implementation fees, in the amount of $4,000, to cover any unforeseen implementation issues; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to act as the City's signatory with respect to the necessary enrollment agreements and change orders.
Administrative Analyst Jillian Wade introduced the item to the City Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
May 23, 2023
9B. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS FOR LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 PROCEEDINGS TO LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 AND SET DATE FOR PUBLIC
HEARING
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION initiating proceedings to levy assessments within the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Engineer's Report for the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION of Intention to levy assessments within the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 setting the date of June 20, 2023 for the public hearing.
Associate Engineer Jessamine Que introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and Associate Engineer Que discussed maintenance costs and who owns the infrastructure.
Members of the public spoke.
Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian, responding to a member of the public, explained how the gas funds would be used. He overviewed the mission statement.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-52 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND AS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-53 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
REPORT OF THE ENGINEER IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND AS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE XIII D OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-54 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND
AS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-52, 2023-53, 2023-54. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
May 23, 2023
9C . ACCEPT AND FILE MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council accept and file the Military Equipment Use Policy 2022-2023 Annual Report.
Management Aide Chung introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to accept and file item 9C. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
9D. ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Division 4 (Public Health and Welfare) Chapter 5 (Offenses -Miscellaneous) of the Torrance Municipal Code prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic converters; and
2) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption per guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3); and
3) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Management Aide Chung introduced the item to the City Council.
Police Department Lieutenant Ron Harris, in response to Councilmember Mattucci, overviewed the details of the misdemeanors and how they differ from felony criteria. City Attorney Sullivan added that the difference is through theft or unauthorized possession.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired if this was for retail. Police Department Lieutenant Harris responded that it was for individuals in possession of catalytic converters.
Councilmember Sheikh questioned what many comparisons were made, to which Police Department Lieutenant Harris responded that cities such as Irvine and Artesia were comparable.
He detailed the procedures of how officers can determine if there were unlawful actions, and what freedoms they have to make arrests.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3917 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF DIVISION 4 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION TO ARTICLE 6 PROHIBITING THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE CITY.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3917. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
May 23, 2023
9E. ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ABANDONED AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AND GOODS
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code to repeal Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Division 6 in its entirety, to add Article 9 to Chapter 1 of Division 1, and to amend Section 21.2.3 to exempt certain firearms and ammunition from Article 2 of Division 2; and
2) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption per guidelines Section 15061 (b )(3); and
3) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Management Aide Chung introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3918AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA REPEALING ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 2 OF DIVISION 6 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO LOST AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY , ADDING A NEW SECTION TO ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 1 OF DIVISION 1 RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY, MONEY, AND GOODS, AND AMENDING SECTION 21.2.3 OF ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 2 OF DIVISION 2 TO EXEMPT CERTAIN FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve Ordinance No. 3918 and approve an ordinance summary for publication. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent. 9F. ADOPT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT AND AGREEMENT
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TORRANCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND
CITY OF TORRANCE STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AGREEMENT AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION FOR ON-GOING COLLABORATION
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION expressing City Council support and agreement for the establishment of the Strategic Collaboration Agreement with the Torrance Unified School District; and
2) Direct the City Manager to continue on-going collaboration efforts with Torrance Unified School District for existing and new City programming that aligns with the identified Strategic Collaboration areas.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana introduced the item to the City Council .
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
May 23, 2023
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-55 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, EXPRESSING THEIR
SUPPORT AND AGREEMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CITY OF TORRANCE
AND TORRANCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AGREEMENT.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-55.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmember Griffiths and Kaji absent.
9G. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS PURSUANT TO MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING
SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR TORRANCE
LIBRARY EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION (TLEA) AND CROSSING GUARDS Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA) in the amount of $338,332 (9%), for the period of January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and repeal Resolution No. 2019-36 in its entirety; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the MOU setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Crossing Guards in the amount of $53,128 (9%), for the period of May 21, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and repeal Resolution No. 2019-37 in its entirety.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-56A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES AND
WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE TORRANCE LIBRARY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TLEA), AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-36.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-57 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH THE WAGES,
HOURS, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CROSSING GUARD EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY 21, 2023, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-37.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-56, 2023-57.
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
May 23, 2023
10. HEARINGS
10A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON LAND USE STUDY 23-00001 PERTAINING TO
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE, REGARDING
A LAND USE MATRIX WITH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE DOWNTOWN
TORRANCE DISTRICT, COMMERCIAL SECTOR, AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on Land Use Study 2023-00001 pertaining to proposed amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code, regarding a Land Use Matrix with Performance Standards for the Downtown Torrance District, Commercial Sector; and 2) Determine that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15061 (b )(3 ); and
3) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code; and 4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Planning Manager Gregg Lodan introduced the item to the City Council. He reviewed the history of the item.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired on why the commissioner voted no. Planning Manager Lodan responded that the commissioner was concerned about the conflicts with how the city deals with firearms. They discussed the requirements regarding firearms and the downtown district.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time .
A member of the public stated that the downtown area cannot be revitalized and cited the decline of retail businesses.
James Henry inquired if the land use studies would increase revenues to speed the downtown revitalization. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez stated that it was difficult to predict which businesses would come in, but that it would be quicker because they would be permitted by right and no longer have to go through a special development permit.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3919 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 40 OF DIVISION 9 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING A MATRIX
OF PERMISSIBLE USES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE DOWNTOWN TORRANCE DISTRICT, COMMERCIAL SECTOR.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3919. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent, and Councilmember Mattucci voting no.
11. 12.
AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled.
SECOND READING ORDINANCES -None Scheduled .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
May 23, 2023
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:27 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with the regular meeting commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Griffiths and Kaji absent.
-~
Attest ~
Rebecc~L \
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on June 20, 2023
10 City Council
May 23, 2023