INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNC¡L - JULY 11. 2023
SUBJECT
OPENING CEREMONIES1. Call to Order/Roll Call2. Flag Salute/lnvocation3. Affidavit of PostingMaive Further Reading4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements6. COMMUNITY MATTERS 1 1
1 2
2 PAGE
City Council
July 1 1,2023
64. 68.
7. 8.
84. 8B.
8C.
8D.
8E.
8F.
9. 94.
98. 9C.
9D.
9E.
9F.
9G.
PROCLAMATION recognizing Alice Ruth Hoyt 2
PROCLAMATION declaring July 2023 as Parks and Recreation Month 2 ORAL COMMUN¡CATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 2
Approve Conceptual Float Design for 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade 2
Accept and File 2O22Torrance Sister City Association (TSCA) Annual Report and Financial Statement 3
Authorize Change Order #2 to Purchase Order for New and Remanufactured Original Equipment Manufacturer Bus Engines andParts 3 Approve Request for Subsidy of Rental Fees for Use of George Nakano Theater by Sensory lntegration Education Resource Foundation (SIERF) 3
Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of May 2O23 3
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Accept and File Update from Office of Economic Development 4 Approve Fiscal Year 2023-24 Merit Pool at 4o/o For Executive and Management Employees 4
Accept and File Update on Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program 4-5 Adopt RESOLUTION to Enter into Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with Los Angeles RegionalAgency and Authorize City Manager to Execute Agreement 5
Consider Adoption of RESOLUTION Urging Los Angeles County, State and Department of Justice to lnvestigate Lack of Health Equities in the Japanese Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic 6-7 Approve Side Letter Agreement Between Torrance Library Employees Association and Management 7
Adopt RESOLUTION Setting Forth Changes Regarding Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees 7-8
HEARINGS
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
COUNC¡L ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
10. 11.
12. 13.
14. 15.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
I
1,8I
At 9:49 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, July 18,2023, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
July 1 1,2023
July 1 1,2023
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 July 11,2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen Councilmember Mattucci
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 Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, 148) Public Employee Performance Evaluation, 14C) Threat to Public Services or Facilities, 14D) Conference with Labor Negotiator and 14E) Real Property - Conference with Real Property Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code S54956.9(dX1), California Government Code S54957(bX1), California Government Code 554957, California Government Code 554957.6 and California Government Code 554956.8.
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 Kaji
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kalani
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOT¡ON TO WA¡VE 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, July 3,2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved that afterthe 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 ín regular order. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Griffiths and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
1 City Council
July 1 1,2023
64. 7
4. W¡THDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL IIEI'/IS
Item 88 was pulled to consider independently. Supplemental material was available for items 9E, 9G, and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Social Service Commissioner Debbie Bickford encouraged the community to support the annual school supply drive.
Councilmember Sheikh received concurrence to have an update for the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee on Torrance Police Department and TUSD safety measures.
Councilmember Kaji reported about the next Transportation Committee meeting.
Councilmember Griffiths reminded the public that the item regarding the airport would be delayed to the July 25, 2023 City Council meeting.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZ¡NG ALICE RUTH HOYT AS A CENTENARIAN IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE
68. PROCLAMATION DECLARING JULY 2023 AS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH IN
THE CITY OF TORRANCE
ORAL COMMUN¡GATIONS
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 June 6, 2023.
8B APPROVE CONCEPTUAL FLOAT DESIGN FOR 2024 PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF
ROSES PARADE
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve the conceptual float design as the City's float entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Rose Parade on January 1,2024.
Social Services Manager Monica Hart introduced the item to the City Council. Torrance Rose Float Association President Bev Findlay added more background to the design contest and the support received.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 88. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
July 1 1,2023
8C ACCEPT AND FILE 20z2TORRANCE SISTER CITY ASSOCTATTON (TSCA) ANNUAL
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Recommendation of the Community Services Directorthat City Councilaccept and file the 2022Torrance Sister City Association (TSCA) Annual Report and Financial Statement.
Councilmember Kaji stated that he would be following up with the Finance Department.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to accept and file item 8C. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0. 8D AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER #2 TO PURCHASE ORDER FOR NEW AND
REMANUFACTURED ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER BUS ENGINES AND PARTS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council authorize change order #2with Rush Truck Center of Long Beach, CA (PO# 2022-00000533) in the amount of $432,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $1,260,000, to provide new and remanufactured Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Cummins engines and parts on an as-needed basis through February 4,2025.
Councilmember Sheikh and Transit Department Art Estrada discussed the reasons for the needed repairs and the coinciding of the electric bus requirements.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8D. Councilmember Kalani secondedthe motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 8E APPROVE REQUEST FOR SUBSIDY OF RENTAL FEES FOR USE OF GEORGE
NAKANO THEATER BY SENSORY INTEGRATION EDUCATION RESOURCE
FOUNDATTON (STERF)
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve the request for subsidy in the amount of $578 for use of the George Nakano Theater by Sensory lntegration Education Resource Foundation (SIERF) for the Back-to-School Giveaway event to be held on Saturday, August 19,2023.
8F ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2023 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of May 2023.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the strategy on investing. Deputy City Treasurer Jasmine Allen responded that there were long-term and liquid investment types. She added that when the market returns there will still be funds to invest, and they are constantly monitoring the markets.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to accept and file item 8F. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve the Consent Calendar except for items 88, 8C, 8D, and 8F. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
July 1 1,2023
94. 9. ADMINISTRI\TIVE MATTERS
ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE FROM OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file the Economic Development update.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton, using slides, overviewed the item to the City Council. The presentation relayed business attraction/retention, marketing/branding, retail/tourism, and additional updates.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed strategies such as looking for a licensed broker to improve business attraction. She added that there would be incentives to hire qualified people.
Mayor Chen described the positive effects of some of the international ventures.
Councilmember Lewis inquired if a company could opt out in the property route. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that the company has the choice of business or property based and that decision would affect allthe businesses and properties within that area.
Members of the public spoke
Economic Development Manager Fulton, responding to a member of the public, stated that the contract with the consulting firm was being funded with assistance of the Economic Development assistance funds to not exceed about $68K and the contract was through 2025.
Depending on the choice of business, the contract could be terminated and only services rendered to that point would be paid for.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to accept and file item 94. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
98.APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2023.24 MERIT POOL AT 4% FOR EXECUTIVE AND
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a fiscal year 2Q23-24 merit pool of 4% for Executive and Management Employees in the amount of $636,452.52.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 98. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9G. ACCEPT AND F|LE UPDATE ON PUBLTC ACCESS DEFTBRTLLATOR (PAD) PROGRAM Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council accept and file update of the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
July 11,2023
Assistant Fire Chief Adam Brown introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the program, the background, locations, components, oversight, and training.
Councilmember Lewis inquired on public outreach efforts. Assistant Fire Chief Brown stated that they have expanded that front with items such as the MyTorrance app.
Councilmember Sheikh and Assistant Fire Chief Brown discussed the strategy on the locations. This was guided by usage statistics and where it would see the most priority, and that there was flexibility in replacement and moving.
Mayor Chen and Assistant Fire Chief Brown discussed how the components were going to be used, stored and the technology behind them, as well as which version of component would be used and where. Fire Chief David DuMais added that they were looking at more ways to obtain devices as Torrance Memorial has been pulling back on their program. Assistant Fire Chief Brown explained the pricing between various models.
Assistant Fire Chief Brown, in response to a question from Councilmember Kaji, stated that this falls under oversight of the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services.
Councilmember Lewis stated that there were apps the public could use to find AEDs.
Councilmember Sheikh reminded the public that many corporations own their own AEDs as well
Mèmbers of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file item gC. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9D ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES REGIONAL AGENCY AND AUTHORIZE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION to enter into an Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement with the Los Angeles Regional Agency; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement - Los Angeles Area lntegrated Waste Management Authority.
Sanitation Services Manager Chris Kuebert introduced the item to the City Council Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-75 A RESOLUTION OF ÏHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL AGENCY.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-75.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion canied by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
July 11,2023
9E.CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUT¡ON URGING LOS ANGELES COUNTY, STATE
AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO INVESTIGATE LACK OF HEALTH EQUITIES IN THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID.I9 PANDEMIC
ln response to an oral request by Councilmember Kajiwith concurrence of City Council to consider the adoption of a RESOLUTION urging Los Angeles County, State, and Department of Justice to investigate a lack of health equities in the Japanese Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Management Aide Kimberly Masse introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Lewis and Councilmember Sheikh disclosed that they did previous research at a location in Gardena but that their decision would be based on information presented during the meeting.
Councilmember Kaji overviewed the reasoning for his bringing this item up and the importance of creating a precedence that what happened at the facility should never happen again.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani and Councilmember Sheikh stated their support and that there should be solutions to what happened. Councilmember Sheikh added that there should be more investigations into other facilities and communities. He recommended that the item should be brought back to change the wording so that all communities could be involved.
Councilmember Lewis voiced concern about going out of scope on the item but agreed with Councilmembers Kalani and Sheikh. She stated that it could be handled tonight rather than brought back. She discussed legal definitions between having a letter versus a resolution.
Councilmember Kalani clarified that it should be a letter of support for the actions that are already in place by Congressman Liu and Assemblyman Muratsuchi.
Councilmember Kaji agreed that widening would be beneficial but that it should be a follow-up resolution at a later date. He stated that this particular facility needed specific scrutiny.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to include other communities in Torrance and possibly sending a letter of support. The motion failed.
Councilmember Lewis suggested the follow-up resolution to be the option that would be most beneficial.
Councilmember Griffiths was in support of going with this resolution and then doing a follow-up resolution for investigating facilities in Torrance.
Councilmember Kalani agreed over a follow-up resolution.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired as to why there was not more inclusion in the resolution.
Councilmember Kaji explained that he was not for dis-including anyone, but that this particular group has had historic traumas and that given the amount of deaths that there needs to be special attention from all levels of government.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
July 1 1,2023
Councilmember Lewis stated that a formal letter may help matters.
Mayor Chen suggested going forward with this and coming back later with a letter or resolution.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to move forward on voting on the resolution'in the item. The motion failed.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to have a letter signed from the City Council and Mayor adopting the language of the resolution. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Councilmember Lewis received concurrence to have staff bring an item researching affected similarly situated facilities in Torrance.
9F APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TORRANCE LIBRARY
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION AND MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA) and Management in the amount of $1,356 regarding cash in lieu of health benefits.
Assistant to the City Manager Le introduced the item to the City Council Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9F. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9G.ADOPT RESOLUTION SETT¡NG 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. 2022-144 setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees in the amount of $21 1,699 relating to the Ambulance Operator class specification.
Assistant to the City Manager Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kalani and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the benefits from not having to rely on a third party. Fire Chief DuMais added that many young people have been joining up with ambulance operators. City Manager Chaparyan confirmed that this was covered within the budget.
Members of the public spoke
Mayor Chen, responding to a member of the public, stated that the progt-am is self- sufficient. City Manager Chaparyan added that many private entities have struggled with staffing issues.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
July 1 1,2023
Mayor Chen, responding to members of the public, stated that as long as the revenue are positive then the program is doing well. Furthermore, Mayor Chen and City Manager Chaparyan explained that payment infrastructure is the same as when they were paying private operators.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-76 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 144 SETTING FORTH CI-IANGES REGARDING THE HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CERTA¡N FULL TIME AND SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JULY 2,2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-76.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
10. 11
12. HEARINGS - None Scheduled.
AGENCY AGENDAS - None Scheduled.
SECOND READING ORDINANCES - None Scheduled
J
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:49 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, July 18,2023, 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 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
the City of Torrance
Approved on August 8,2023
City C of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary I
City Council
July 11,2023