SUBJECT
INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL _ AUGUST 8,2023
OPENING CEREMONIES
Callto Order/Roll Call
Flag Salute/l nvocation
Affidavit of PostinglWaive Further Reading
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements
COMMUNITY MATTERS
lntroduction of the Students Visiting from Kashiwa, Japan 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 2
Approve Revised Class Specification for Deputy City Attorney lll 2 Approve Proposed Class Specification for Budget Supervisor 2 Approve Title Change and Revised Class Specification for Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshal 2
Consider and Approve Utility Box Public Art Pilot Program 3 Authorize Torrance Youth Council to Conduct AnnualWorkshop at THE ATTIC, a Torrance Teen Center 3
Appoint 2023-24 Torrance Youth Council Members 2
Appropriate2022 Citizens Options for Public Safety Grant Funds 3 Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of June 2023 3 Approve Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget Program Modifications 3
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Adopt RESOLUTION to Apply for CalRecycle Grants and Authorize Public Works Director to Execute Grant Documents 4
Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Transfer Station Disposal Services 4
Adopt RESOLUTIONS Setting Forth Changes Regarding Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Executive and Management Employees and Fire Safety Management 4-5
Approve Side Letter Agreements Between Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) and Management and Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management 5
HEARINGS
Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Approval of a Division of Lot to Allow a Flag Lot Subdivision of One Parcel into Four Parcels, on Property Located in the R-1 Zone at2126 238th Street. This Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA per Guidelines Section 15315 - Minor Land Divisions DlV23-00002: MARISELA GARCIA
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3920
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3921
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICAT¡ONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
PAGE
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I
2 2
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
64. 7.
L
84. 88.
8C.
8D.
8E.
8F.
8G.
8H.
81. 8J.
9. 94.
98. 9C.
9D.
10. 104.
11. 12.
12p..
128.
13. 14.
15. 5-7
7-8
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1,8
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Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 8,2023
At 10:11 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, August 22,2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, August 15,2023, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 8,2023
August 8,2023
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 August 8,2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
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, 148) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, 14C) Conferenæ with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Significant Exposure to Litigation), 14D) Conference with Labor Negotiator and 14E) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (lnitiation of Litigation) - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code 554956.8, California Government Code $54956.9(dX1), California Government Code S54956.9(d)(2), California Government Code 554957.6, and California Government Code 554956.9(dX4).
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 WA¡VE FURTHER READING
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier reported that the agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Tonance Boulevard and on the City's website on Monday, July 31,2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani 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 in regular order. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Griffiths and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen Councilmember Lewis
City Manager Chaparyan, Assistant City Attorney Tatia Strader, City Clerk Rebecca Poirier and other staff representatives City Council
August 8,20231
4.WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 98 was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 98, 8C, and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Kalani reported on the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee meeting.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDENTS VISITING FROM KASHIWA, JAPAN Item 8G was taken out of order at this time.
8G APPOINT 2023.24 TORRANCE YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council appoint eighteen (18) members to the 2023-24 City of Torrance Youth Council.
Community Services Department Garrett Craig introduced the item to the City Council MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 8G. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of July 1 1,2023.
APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY III Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Deputy City Attorney lll.
APPROVE PROPOSED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR BUDGET SUPERVISOR Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for Budget Supervisor.
APPROVE T¡TLE CHANGE AND REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR FIRE
PREVENTION MANAGER/FIRE MARSHAL
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the title change and revised class specification for Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshal.
8. 84.
88. 8C.
8D.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
August 8,2023
8E.CONSIDER AND APPROVE UTILITY BOX PUBLIC ART PILOT PROGRAM Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council consider and approve a pilot program to place public art and City branding on select utility boxes.
Councilmember Sheikh requested more elaboration on the process of this item. Cultural Services Manager Monica Hart detailed the plans for the utility boxes, and how it will go from staff and through to the City Council approval. Cultural Arts Commission Vice Chair Toni Sargent added information about research they have done from other cities and programs.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8E. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent. 8F AUTHORIZE TORRANCE YOUTH COUNCIL TO CONDUCT ANNUAL WORKSHOP AT
THE ATTIC, A TORRANCE TEEN GENTER
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council authorize the Torrance Youth Council to conduct their annual workshop on Monday, August 21, 2023, at THE ATTIC, a Torrance Teen Center located at2320 West Carson Street. 8H.APPROPRIATE2022 CITIZENS OPTIONS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT FUNDS Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council appropriate $120,000 of 2022 Citizens Options for Public Safety (COPS) grant funds, and any additional interest, to support Police Department programs.
ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2023 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of June 2023.
APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2023.24 OPERATING BUDGET PROGRAM
MODIFICATIONS
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1) Approve a job classification title revision from Policy and Resources Specialist to Budget Supervisor in the Finance Department's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Approve a job classification title revision from Fire Prevention Manager to Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshal in the Fire Department's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
3) Approve the conversion of 1.0 full{ime equivalent (FTE) Staff Assistant to 1.0 FTE Senior Business Manager in the City Manager's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar except 8E and 8G. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
8t.
8J.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
August 8,2023
94. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ADOPT RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR CALRECYCLE GRANTS AND AUTHORIZE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE GRANT DOCUMENTS
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing the submittal of applications to the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle) for all grants for which the City of Torrance is eligible for a five-year period beginning August 8,2023 and ending August 8,2028; and
2) Authorize the Public Works Director or designee to execute all grant-related documents.
Public Works Department Lily Cortez introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
ln response to a member of the public, Public Works Department Cortez stated that the amounts vary depending on the grant.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-814 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE C¡TY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
APPLICATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, RECYCLING, AND RECOVERY (CALRECYCLE) GRANTS FOR WHICH THE CITY OF TORRANCE lS ELIGIBLE.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-81.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
98.APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
TRANSFER STATION DISPOSAL SERVICES
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC of Sun Valley, CA (C2020-063) in the amount of $11,235,167,1or a new not-to-exceed total of $17,735,167, to provide transfer station disposal services effective June 1 ,2023; and
2) Appropriate $1,365,000 from the Sanitation Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2023-24 operati ng budget.
Item 98 was deferred to a later date.
9C ADOPT RESOLUTIONS SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING HOURS, WAGES,
AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
AND FIRE SAFEW MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2023-12 setting forth changes regarding the hours, wages, and working conditions for Executive and Management Employees relating to the Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshaljob classification; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No 2019-84 setting forth changes regarding the hours, wages, and working conditions for Fire Safety Management relating to the Hazardous Material - First Responder Premium.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
August 8,2023
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. 2023-82 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-12 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JULY 30, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-83 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-84 SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING THE HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 201 5 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-82and Resolution No. 2023-83. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
9D. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS BETWEEN TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOC¡ATTON (TFFA) AND MANAGEMENT AND TORRANCE PROFESSTONAL AND SUPERV|SORY ASSOC¡AT|ON (TPSA) AND MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a Side Letter Agreement between the Tonance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) and Management which updates the Hazardous Premium - First Responder; and
2) Approve a Side LetterAgreement between the Tonance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management which adds the position of Budget Supervisor.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the'item to the City Council Members of the public spoke
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
10. HEARINGS
104.CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A DIV¡SION OF LOT TO ALLOW A FLAG LOT SUBDIVISION OF ONE PARCEL ¡NTO FOUR PARCELS, ON PROPERW LOCATED IN THE R.1 ZONE AT 2126 238TH STREET.
THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15315 - MINOR LAND DIVISIONS. DlV23-00002: MARISELA GARCIA Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a division of lot to allow a flag lot subdivision of one parcel into four parcels, on property located in the R-1 Zone at2126 238th Street.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
August 8,2023
Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Sheikh, Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kaji, and Councilmember Mattucci disclosed that they visited the property and that their decisions would be made based on the presentation during the City Council meeting.
Mayor Chen disclosed that while he had not seen the property recently, he has seen it before and that his decision would be based on the presentation during the City Council meeting.
Planning and Environmental Manager Oscar Martinez introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the location and zoning, aerial photographs, proposed parcel map, site photos and the recommendation.
The appellant James Harrer explained that they did not want this changed to R4 because the area already has too much traffic and not enough parking, among other problems, if they would build more there. He continued that the school contributes to a lot of traffic as well. He overviewed his conversation with someone knowledgeable about the sewage manufacturer. He added that it should not be changed into a four parcel and that they are also afraid of a long drawn out process in which the sewer would not have a usable pump. He warned that it could be dangerous for children at the school to have this go through considering the large trucks that would have to be there.
The proponent Bruce Borneman reiterated all of the ordinances that the project complies with, from local to federal. He stated that they are under the typical density in South East Torrance.
He continued that they had no plans to raise the grade, and that there would be no sewage pumping on the project. He added that gravity flow from the street to the sewer, and that the rainwater would have a totally different system than what the appellant was arguing.
Councilmember Sheikh and Assistant City Attorney Tatia Strader discussed the legal parameters of what the proponent was trying to build.
Councilmember Sheikh and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez discussed what happened at the Planning Commission meeting that led to this.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about zone change. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that the request is not for zone change and that, if approved, the properties would remain in the R1 zone.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Paul Cervantes, a nearby resident, urged the City Council not to approve the project because, while traffic was an issue, he emphasized that four new houses would add more chaos and traffic to the neighborhood. He stated that this would be negative for the residents. He stated that they took on a woman's shelter in the area, so they have done their share of community good.
A member of the public stated that people should be able to do with their property what they will. He added that they should be able to build but if neighbors have a problem with it, then they should abide.
Mr. Harrer, in his response to the proponent, stated that he was talking about a sewage pump at the Planning Commission meeting and that it was a significant difference, and quoted what the manufacturer said.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
August 8,2023
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
Councilmember Mattucci recounted how the state was pushing out single-family housing.
He continued that high-density in an R1 by state law would be worst-case scenario. He stated that it was a large lot that was not being utilized at all, so denying the appeal and creating four homes could be beneficial. He noted that state law made him apprehensive.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired if the lot split could lead to another lot split, even under SB9. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez stated that the lot would not qualify for another subdivision, even under S89.
Councilmember Kalani stated that the project appears to be in line with the community and could be an enhancement.
Mayor Chen concurred with Councilmember Kalani and added that anytime there is construction there inevitably will be construction vehicles.
Councilmember Kaji supported denying the appeal, citing benefits to the community but shared concerns about traffic and SB9. He continued that work from home nowadays should make traffic less of a concern.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-84 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A DIVISION OF LOT AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 29 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ALLOW A FLAG LOT SUBDIVISION OF ONE PARCEL INTO FOUR PARCELS, ON PROPERTY LOCATED fN THE R-1 ZONE AT 2126 238TH STREET.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to deny the appeal and adopt Resolution No. 2023-84. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS - None Scheduled
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A..SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3920
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3920 Adding Chapter 19 Entitled "Smoking in Multi-Family Dwellings" to Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code Entitled "Public Health and Welfare".
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3920 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 19 ENTITLED "SMOKING IN MULÏI-FAMILY DWELLINGS" TO DIVISION 4 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED "PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE".
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
August 8,2023
Members of the public spoke
MOTION: Councilmember Mattuccimoved to adopt Ordinance No. 3920 with amendment that Councilmember Griffiths voted no in the item report and with his name needed correction.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Lewis absent and Councilmember Griffiths voting no. 12B..SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3921
Second and FinalReading of ORDINANCE NO.3921 Amending Torrance MunicipalCode Chapter 5, Article 3 of Division 9 by Amending Section 95.3.20 Pertaining to the Regulation of CarWash Facilities.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3921 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE 3 OF DIVISION 9 BYAMENDING SECTION 95.3.20 PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF CAR WASH FACILITIES.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3921. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Mattueci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Gonsidered earlier, see page 1
The City Council returned to closed session at 8:33 p.m. The City Council returned from closed session at 10:10 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary I
City Council
August 8,2023
I5. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:11 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, August 22,2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, August 15,2023, is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis absent.
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Mayorfof the City of Torrance
Poirier Approved on September 12,2023
Clerk of the City of Tonance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary I
City Council
August 8,2023