INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -JUNE 61 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-58 honoring Anthony Robertson 2 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-59 honoring Hector Estrada-Palencia 2 6C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-60 honoring Tony Coleman 2
6D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61 honoring Melanie Hearns 3
6E. PROCLAMATION Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of MUW Torrance 3 6F. Reappoint Torrance Representatives to the South Bay Workforce Investment Board 3
6G. Appoint Members to Fill Commission Vacancies 3-4
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 9
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. Approve City Council Minutes 9
BB. Accept and Appropriate SB1383 Local Assistance Grant Program Award from Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery 1 0 BC. Authorize Reallocation of FY 2021 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Funds for Tactical and Investigative Equipment 1 0
8D. Approve Second Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Survey of At-Risk Buildings and Preparation of a Seismic Retrofit Ordinance 1 0
BE. Accept and File 2022-2023 Torrance Rose Float Association Annual Report and Financial Statement 1 0
BF. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of April 2023 10 BG. Approve Renewal of Property Insurance Coverage and Authorize Finance Director to Execute Policy 1 0
8H. Approve Renewal of Automobile Physical Damage Insurance Coverage and Authorize Finance Director to Execute the Policy 11
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Determine CEQA Exemption and Adopt RESOLUTIONS
Terminating Covenant Agreements for Real Property 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 11-12 9B. Approve First Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Temporary Housing Program Operations, Accept and Appropriate Funds, and Authorize City Manager to Sign Agreements 12
9C. Review and Approve Policy for a Business Recruiter Program 13 9D. Approve Side Letter Agreement Between Torrance Fire Fighters Association and Management Regarding Appointment Dates of 40-Hour Assignments 13
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of Sign Permit to Allow Replacement of Two Wall Signs and Refacing of Roof Sign on Property Located in Downtown Torrance District, Commercial Sector at 2026 Torrance Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
June 6, 2023
108.
10C.
11. 12.
12A.
128.
12C.
13. 14.
15. Boulevard. The Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA per Guidelines Section 15311-Accessory Structures. SGN23-00009: Mike
Heffernan (SMBD Investments, LP) 4-5, 14
Conduct Second Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan and Adopt RESOLUTIONS Establishing Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan Appropriations, Appropriations Limit and Selection of Annual Adjustment Factors, and Investment Policy
Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt RESOLUTION Approving Proposed Series of Annual Increases for Refuse Collection Rates over a Five-Year Period beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3917
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3918
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3919
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
5-7, 14
8-9, 14
14 14
15 15
1, 15
15 At 11 :55 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for a joint meeting with the Torrance Social Services Commission in the West Annex Commission Room, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, June 13, 2023, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
June 6, 2023
- - ------------
June 6, 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 June 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Absent: 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) REAL PROPERTY -CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, 14B) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, and 14C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957 .6, 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 Sheikh.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Griffiths.
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, May 30, 2023, with the revised agenda posted on Thursday June 1, 2023.
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 Kalani and passed by 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
June 6, 2023
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 10A was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 6G, 8E, 8F, BG, 8H, 10C and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen reminded the public about the implementation of the warning system.
Councilmember Mattucci announced the CEQA public outreach regarding the housing issues.
Councilmember Lewis announced the date of the Strategic Plan Committee meeting .
Council member Sheikh reviewed the meeting of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee.
Council member Kaji discussed the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center open house and the City Yard open house.
Fire Chief David DuMais reminded the public about the Torrance Refinery Company's upcoming alert system test.
Councilmember Lewis received concurrence to bring an item to consider public banners and flags and other state and national events.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-58 HONORING ANTHONY ROBERTSON
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-58 honoring Anthony Robertson of the Transit Department upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-three years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-58.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-59 HONORING HECTOR ESTRADA-PALENCIA RESOLUTION NO. 2023-59 honoring Hector Estrada-Palencia of the Transit Department upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-six years of service MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-59 .
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-60 HONORING TONY COLEMAN
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-60 honoring Tony Coleman of the Transit Department upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-nine years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-60 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
June 6, 2023
6D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61 HONORING MELANIE HEARNS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-61 honoring Melanie Hearns of the Transit Department upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after forty years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-61 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6E. PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF AAUW TORRANCE 6F. REAPPOINT TORRANCE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE
INVESTMENT BOARD
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council reappoint Sanjay Murty and Fran Fulton as representatives to the South Bay Workforce Investment Board for the City of Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 6F. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6G. APPOINT MEMBERS TO FILL COMMISSION VACANCIES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council review applications and appoint members to fill vacancies on various Commissions from a list of qualified applicants. The City Clerk will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed commissioners present.
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Griffiths received concurrence to have an item come back to discuss including decision-making bodies in commission appointment process first before all others .
Councilmember Kalani added to this concurrence a timeline on commission-commission application request which the City Council agreed to.
A member of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the requirements in order to be qualified for the commissions.
G. Rick Marshall was re-appointed to Airport Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Jeffery Love was appointed to Airport Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Jean Adelsman was re-appointed to Civil Service Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Julie Kohus was re-appointed to Civil Service Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Randy Klinenberg was re-appointed to Cultural Arts Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Michael Gunner was appointed to Enviro~mental Quality & Energy Conservation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027)
Keith Montoya was appointed to Environmental Quality & Energy Conservation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027)
Mia Higginbotham was re-appointed to Historic Preservation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027)
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
June 6, 2023
Kurt Weideman was re-appointed to Historic Preservation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027)
Adam Schwartz was appointed ·:o Historic Preservation Commission (term expires 6/30/2025)
Peter Lefevre was appointed to Library Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Sadhna Singh was appointed to Library Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Martin Hoover was appointed to Parks & Recreation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Garrett Wright was appointed to Parks & Recreation Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Greg Anunson was re-appointed to Planning Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Ron Riggs was re-appointed to Planning Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Novelette Witt was re-appointed to Social Services Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Ginny Suruki was re-appointed to Traffic Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Kathryn Endo-Roberts was appointed to Traffic Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Nestor Farao was re-appointed to Traffic Commission (term expires 6/30/2024) *Note: due to votes was NOT re-appointed to a four year term, but was re-appointed to a shorter term; eligible for an additional 4 year term
Sue Siani was re-appointed to Water Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) Dan Thomas was appointed to Water Commission (term expires 6/30/2027) MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve all the appointments. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 8:06 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:22 p.m .
Item 10 was taken out of order at this time .
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF SIGN PERMIT TO
ALLOW REPLACEMENT OF TWO WALL SIGNS AND REFACING OF ROOF SIGN ON
PROPERTY LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN TORRANCE DISTRICT, COMMERCIAL SECTOR AT 2026 TORRANCE BOULEVARD. THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15311-ACCESSORY STRUCTURES. SGN23-00009: MIKE HEFFERNAN (SMBD INVESTMENTS, LP} Recommendation of the Planning Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION denying the appeal and denying a Sign Permit to allow the replacement of two walls signs and refacing of a roof sign on property located in the Downtown Torrance District at 2026 Torrance Boulevard.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
June 6, 2023
Item 1 0A was deferred .
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to continue and move item 10A until June 20, 2023. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 1 OB. CONDUCT SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2023-25
OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND ADOPT RESOLUTIONS ESTABLISHING FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 OPERATING BUDGET AND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN APPROPRIATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT AND
SELECTION OF ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FACTORS, AND INVESTMENT POLICY Recommendation of the City Manager, Finance Director, and City Treasurer that City Council:
1) Conduct the second public hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan; and
2) Adopt the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing the annual appropriation for the Fiscal Year 2023- 24 Operating Budget; and
4) Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing the annual appropriation for the Fiscal Year 2023- 24 Capital Improvement Plan; and
5) Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing the appropriations limit and selection of annual adjustment factors for Fiscal Year 2023-24; and
6) Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing the 2023 Statement of Investment Policy.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the history, the budget, homelessness responses, programs, foundations/associations, additional revenue opportunities, taxes , expenditures, etc.
Councilmember Kalani inquired about moving some operating expenditures to the City Manager's Office operating budget to assist the business assistance program. Finance Director Poisson responded that it could be if City Council decided to go with that direction. She added that if reclassification was not made then there could be more funding looked at for the next fiscal year.
Councilmember Griffiths commented that this program may not have passed if it was known that the expenditures were this high. He concurred with Councilmember Lewis that most or all of the Friendship City money be given to marketing services for Business Economic Development.
Councilmember Sheikh commented about how the city was proposing to reduce costs.
Mayor Chen and staff discussed the procedures for reallocating funds.
Councilmember Mattucci commented that f~nds should be prioritized towards paying unfunded pension liabilities. He stated that the Friendship City program was important because California is not business friendly and that international companies look at the American market as a whole.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
June 6, 2023
Mayor Chen concurred that the Friendship City program was to market Torrance to international companies. This was not favoring domestic or international but to widen Torrance's reach. He stated that the $35K was an estimate for travel and does not have to all be spent.
Councilmember Lewis reiterated that the intent of the program was to draw investments, and she did not know that the $35K was attached to this. She stated that she did was not asking to reallocate money or to get rid of the program but that if it could be transferred out to other economic development ventures.
Mayor Chen stressed that this was offered flexibility in forming relationships with other countries/cities.
Councilmember Kaji stated that the Asian markets are very competitive and that it was important to create a foothold, but also that domestic investing was crucial. He stressed using Torrance residents' connections with other parts of the world in order to reach out more effectively.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
James Henry stated that he would give additional revenue options once his other inquiry was answered.
Isabel Schwartz inquired about ways of lowering the cost of the Friendship City program and using funds to assist other programs.
A member of the public stated that the city was not using funds properly and suggested other programs and initiatives to use the money on.
A member of the public questioned why funds were going to the Police Department and that police should not be working with the homeless, and that case workers should be working with them.
A member of the public stated that the City Council has not done its job shifting funds from the Police Department.
A member of the public stated that the Police Department needed less funds and that a civilian oversight committee should be created.
A member of the public stated that the City Manager should be fired and that others should replace him.
A member of the public stated that the City Council does not prioritize Torrance residents and wants foreign investment instead.
A member of the public stated that the city has not done enough to help renters.
A member of the public stated that the budget and the Police Department are intertwined and that funding for them should be reduced to focus on other areas.
A member of the public stated that money was being wasted trying to get rid of street vendors.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
June 6, 2023
A member of the public opposed more funding to the Police Department, and she did not agree with the budget.
A member of the public stated that the Sister City Association was an incorrect usage of money and that the budget was not reflective of the people.
A member of the public was supportive of the work the Police Department was doing and of what the city had been trying to do.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to close the public hearing . Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-65 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIRST FISCAL YEAR (2023-24) OF THE CITY'S 2023-2025 OPERATING BUDGET.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-66 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIRST FISCAL YEAR (2023-24) OF THE CITY'S 2023-2028 CAPITAL BUDGET.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-67 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE APPROVING THE 2023-24
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT AND SELECTION OF THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FACTORS FOR THE SAME FISCAL YEAR.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-68 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2023 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CERTAIN GUIDELINES. #
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt the proposed fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget and capital improvement plan with the modification to reduce the Friendship City budget to $5K per year with the balance shifted to economic developing marketing fund until results are shown and then it could be increased. He also moved to adopt Resolutions No. 2023- 65, 2023-66, 2023-67, and 2023-68. There was no second and thus the motion failed.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt the budget and adopt Resolutions No. 2023-65, 2023-66, 2023-67, and 2023-68. She stated that the line item Councilmember Griffiths referred to could be left in the budget for one time to be renewed at the next budget cycle.
Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
June 6, 2023
10C. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED
SERIES OF ANNUAL INCREASES FOR REFUSE COLLECTION RATES OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028 Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on a series of annual rate increases; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a proposed series of annual rate increases in the City of Torrance Refuse Collection rates for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028; and
3) Maintain the discount rate for low-income senior and disabled customers.
Sanitation Services Manager Chris Kubert introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the background, objectives, cost of service, findings, projections, refuse rate impacts, etc.
Councilmember Kaji and Sanitation Services Manager Kubert discussed the proposed rates affecting seniors and the disabled.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated that there is a significant factor involving the unfunded mandates from the state and Torrance must bear the brunt of the cost.
Councilmember Mattucci concurred with Councilmember Griffiths. Councilmember Mattucci and Sanitation Services Manager Kubert discussed how this was not a revenue source for Torrance, but rather a revenue neutral area.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Craig Neumann opposed the increase but proposed that sanitation operators could fill the vacancies and then outsource the trash collection to a private operator.
Lary Bichlmeier stated that the rates were going up too high and that the city should consider outsourcing.
A member of the public stated that the rates were going up too high and that the city was not doing enough.
A member of the public stated that fees are fine if it cleans up the waste and added that the state mandates have been there for a while and there was time for the city to properly prepare.
Councilmember Lewis inquired about the outsourcing and if there were any cost savings.
Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian stated that it had been a while but that they could re- investigate. He described how contracting out has been done in the past.
James Henry inquired if outsourcing would reduce costs. Public Works Director Bilezerian stated that serviceability could be lost with an outside party but that they would be investigating more about outsourcing.
A member of the public questioned the numbers of the rates for the households. Sanitation Services Manager Kubert responded that it was $36,450.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
June 6, 2023
A member of the public stated that their refuse rate has been increasing too much and that more transparency would be important.
A member of the public stated that taking money from the Police Department would help reduce the rates.
A member of the public concurred with the last speaker regarding using funds for the Police Department to reduce rates.
A member of the public stated that reducing the street vending would clean the city and decrease refuse.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the number of private companies. Sanitation Services Manager Kubert responded that approximately 20 businesses are involved in the process. He also clarified that the city is not required to have a certain amount in reserves by Proposition 218.
Councilmember Griffiths received concurrence to have staff investigate outsourcing services for single/multi residential waste services.
Councilmember Kaji requested that staff make future staff analyses include clearer explanations of county and state laws. In addition, he recommended that there should be a cap regarding the increases of rates on the seniors and disabled.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-69 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR REFUSE COLLECTION RATES IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-69 and approve item 10C. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
The City Council went to recess at 10:31 p .m . The City Council reconvened at 10:43 p .m .
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of May 9, 2023.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
June 6, 2023
SB. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE SB13S3 LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
AWARD FROM DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council accept and appropriate the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program award in the amount of $205, 140 from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to GRANTOWR Project -Organize Waste Recycling Grant to assist in the implementation and compliance with California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy.
Council member Sheikh inquired about exploring using the money for the giveaway for the residents. Sanitations Services Manager Kubert responded that the money would be used for the education program required by SB 1383, marketing and promotional items, training and equipment costs are included as well. He stated that no bags or other items would be distributed.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 8B. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
SC. AUTHORIZE REALLOCATION OF FY 2021 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS FOR TACTICAL AND INVESTIGATIVE EQUIPMENT
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council authorize the reallocation of FY 2021 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds for tactical response and investigative equipment.
SD. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
SURVEY OF AT-RISK BUILDINGS AND PREPARATION OF A SEISMIC RETROFIT
ORDINANCE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council approve a second amendment to the consulting services agreement with Degenkolb Engineers of Los Angeles, CA (C2021-019) to extend the term for one year through June 30, 2024.
SE. ACCEPT AND FILE 2022-2023 TORRANCE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file the 2022-2023 Torrance Rose Float Association's Annual Report and Financial Statement.
SF. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2023 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of April 2023.
SG. APPROVE RENEWAL OF PROPERTY INSURANCE COVERAGE AND AUTHORIZE
FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE POLICY
Recommendation of the Finance Director that.City Council:
1) Approve renewal of property insurance coverage from Alliant Property Insurance Program (APIP) through Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. of Newport Beach, CA at an amount not-to-exceed $669,363 plus taxes and fees for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending July 1, 2024; and
2) Authorize Finance Director or designee to execute the insurance binder.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
June 6, 2023
8H. APPROVE RENEWAL OF AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE
COVERAGE AND AUTHORIZE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE POLICY Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1) Approve renewal of automobile physical damage insurance coverage from The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. through Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. of Newport Beach, CA at a premium in the amount of $240,687 plus taxes and fees for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending July 1, 2024; and 2) Authorize Finance Director or designee to execute the insurance binder.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve the Consent Calendar except item
88. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. DETERMINE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA} EXEMPTION
AND ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TERMINATING COVENANT AGREEMENTS FOR REAL PROPERTY 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
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Determine the action of terminating covenant agreements does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and does not require further environmental review pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and
2) Adopt RESOLUTIONS terminating covenant agreements by and between T.I.
Commerce Center, LLC, and the City of Torrance for Real Property 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.
Planning Manager Gregg Lodan introduced the item to the City Council. He overviewed the background of the item.
No members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-62 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, TERMINATING
CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS FOR REAL PROPERTY BOUNDED TO THE NORTH BY 190TH STREET, TO THE EAST BY WESTERN AVENUE, TO THE SOUTH BY 190TH STREET, AND TO THE WEST BY GRAMERCY PLACE.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-63 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, TERMINATING
CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS FOR REAL PROPERTY BOUNDED TO THE NORTH BY 190TH STREET, TO THE EAST BY WESTERN AVENUE, TO THE SOUTH BY 190TH STREET, AND TO THE WEST BY GRAMERCY PLACE.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
June 6, 2023
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-64 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, TERMINATING
CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS FOR REAL PROPERTY 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.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-62, 2023-63, 2023-64. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9B. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
TEMPORARY HOUSING PROGRAM OPERATIONS, ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE
FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENTS
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve the first amendment to the consulting services agreement with Harbor Interfaith Services, Inc. of San Pedro, CA (C2022-050) in the amount of $1,740,871 for a new not-to-exceed contract amount of $3,296,869 and extend the contract term for an additional year through June 30, 2024; and
2) Appropriate $339, 161 from the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Grant to GRANTPLHA-Project for Temporary Housing Operating Grant; and 3) Accept and appropriate $750,000 from the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding Economic Development Initiative to GRANTPLHA -Project for Temporary Housing Operating Grant; and
4) Authorize the City Manager as the City's signatory for these agreements and to act on the City's behalf with respect to the agreements and all decisions in connection with the agreements.
Senior Housing Specialist Julia Smith introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci commented that Torrance put in a lot of money into Measure H and it seems as though not a lot was received back. Senior Housing Specialist Smith responded that Measure H was funding many of the site prep activities and deferring to federal and local funding options, but that there was a missed opportunity. Deputy City Manager Viet Hoang added that they did not go after funding because they were fully funded for 2 years already and that they have not engaged with the county on certain requirements. They discussed the different ways to get funding.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about the next time for competitive bids. Senior Housing Specialist Smith stated that it would be June 30, 2025. Councilmember Griffiths stated that he would vote no as the expense was not justified.
Councilmember Sheikh and Senior Housing Specialist Smith discussed the money allocations and future updates. They also delved into the administrative costs.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to concur with the recommendation of the Community Development Department Director on 1-4. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
June 6, 2023
9C. REVIEW AND APPROVE POLICY FOR A BUSINESS RECRUITER PROGRAM Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council review and approve a policy to establish a Business Recruiter Program.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci was supportive of the idea but voiced concern that it could take a while and there may be legal conflicts. He stated that commission only basis would be an issue and would be more supportive of going with a private business bidding process. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that they would have an agreement and parameters and measure it all out to be more efficient, but with up-front expectations. Assistant City Manager Danny Santana stated that they could ameliorate those concerns and explained the intention of the item.
Councilmember Griffiths stated that it was reasonable to go with this and that the concerns could be addressed properly. He added about the importance of the strong marketing Torrance has done to appeal to businesses.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the idea of upgrading facilities so they are more attractive to business. She and Assistant City Manager Santana added information about how businesses are incentivized to come to Torrance and how staff have been making it easier for them to do so. Councilmember Sheikh voiced concern about businesses taking advantage of this. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that there would be requirements such as being required to stay for a certain period of time.
Councilmember Kaji supported the push to get more business into Torrance. He overviewed the difficulties of space in the city, as well as taxes and recent events that have made incentivizing business more difficult.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager and to have staff come back with more information reviewing effectiveness and solutions. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9D. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION AND MANAGEMENT REGARDING APPOINTMENT DATES OF 40-
HOUR ASSIGNMENTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Fire Fighters Association and Management modifying provisions regarding appointment dates of 40-Hour Assignments.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to concur with the recommendation of the City Manager. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 13
City Council
June 6, 2023
10. HEARINGS
Considered earlier.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS-None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3917
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3917 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.
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.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3917. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Griffiths abstaining.
12B. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3918
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3918 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 ammunitions.
Members of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3918 AN 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 AMMUNITIONS.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3918. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Griffiths abstaining.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 14
City Council
June 6, 2023