INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 22, 2023
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
6B.
6C.
6D.
7. 8.
8A.
8B.
BC.
8D.
8E .
8F .
BG .
8H .
81. 8J.
8K.
9. 9A.
9B.
9C.
9D.
9E.
9F.
9G .
9H.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call 1
Flag Salute/Invocation 1
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-85 honoring Police Officer Jason McDonald 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-86 honoring Sandra McJannett 2
Recognition of Service for Retired K9s Gero and Argos 2 Recognition of Torrance Babe Ruth Team 2
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 3
Approve Revised Class Specification for Police Captain 3 Accept and File 2021-22 Living Tree Dedication Program Annual Report 3 Accept and File 2022-23 Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report 3
Approve Public Works Agreement for Toyota Meeting Hall Lighting Project as Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell 3
Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83043, Accept Irrevocable Offer of Dedication, and Accept City Street Easement 4
Approve Final Tract Map No. 83150 4
Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Upgrades 4 Approve First Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Liability Claims Administration Services 4
Accept and File Contract Services Agreement for Supplemental Crossing Guard Services 4
Approve Second Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Beach Cities Green Streets Project, S-194 4
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Transfer Station Disposal Services 5
Approve First Amendment to Agreement for Usage of Recycled Water at Torrance Refinery 6
Receive Update on Donation of Materials to Torrance Public Library 6 Provide Direction Regarding Creation of Community Facilities District 7-8 Adopt RESOLUTION Establishing Streetlight Pole Banner Policy for Streetlight Poles Located Within Public Right of Way 14 Provide Direction on Potential Gateway Entry Signage for Downtown Torrance 14
Appropriate Funds and Award Contract Services Agreement for Replacement of Heavy-Duty Vehicle Lifts 15
Adopt RESOLUTION Approving a Grant of Easements Entitled "Easements for Drainage Under Easement Deed to City" Affecting Real Property Located at 3818 Bluff Street, 3820 Bluff Street, and 3823 Paseo de Las Tortugas 15
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August22,2023
August 22, 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 22, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. 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) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION, 14B) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, and 14C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54957.6, and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4).
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 Monday, August 14, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci 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 Griffiths and passed by 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
August 22, 2023
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 6D was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 8D, BJ, BK, 9G, 9H, 1 0A and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen commended efforts to prepare for Hurricane Hilary. He overviewed the State Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting.
Councilmember Griffiths alerted the public about West Nile virus and the mosquito presence in Torrance, and ways to defend against it. He alerted the public about the community meeting for District 6 on August 28, 6:30-Bp.m., with topics regarding public safety, homelessness, airport, etc.
Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to ensure business outreach efforts were part of the international trips to Japan and South Korea. Councilmember Griffiths clarified that he would not be for this because much of the trip has already been planned out and it would not be prudent to throw it onto staff. He added that if it would not burden the Torrance Sister Association then he would be for it.
Commission on Aging Chair Karen Prior discussed some of the upcoming events and speakers.
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hudson reminded the public about the Torrance Refining Company's alert test on September 6, 2023.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-85 HONORING POLICE OFFICER JASON MCDONALD RESOLUTION NO. 2023-85 honoring Police Officer Jason McDonald upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-six years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-85 .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-86 HONORING SANDRA MCJANNETT
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-86 honoring Sandra McJannett of the Police Department upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-86 .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6C. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE FOR RETIRED K9S GERO AND ARGOS Councilmember Lewis received concurrence to direct staff to bring an item to establish a naming ad hoc committee to name future dog parks in recognition of the Torrance K9 force. 6D. RECOGNITION OF TORRANCE BABE RUTH TEAM
Item 6D was deferred.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
August 22, 2023
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Item 91 was taken out of order at this time.
91. ACCEPT AND FILE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS AND MEETING MINUTES Recommendation of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee that City Council:
1) Receive Update on how Torrance Police Department is supporting school safety for Torrance Unified School District.; and
2) Accept and File Meeting Minutes and Report from the August 4, 2023, Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Council member Kalani introduced the item for the rest of the City Council. Police Sergeant Fujimoto began the presentation regarding school safety. He used slides to overview the mission, school resource officers. Police Detective Brandon Nakashima used slides to overview the mental evaluation team and its responsibilities and methods. Torrance Community Counseling Julie La Mancha provided information about their program which deal with family problems, substance abuse, bullying, etc. She discussed the various programs and events they do. SWAT Team Leader Lee discussed the various ways the team prepares for active shooters, as well as partnerships and equipment. Police Services Supervisor John Newman followed up with information about traffic safety. Police Chief Jeremiah Hart concluded the presentation with credits and confirmations about the information provided.
Mayor Chen and Police Chief Hart discussed the safety and handling of e-bikes, and specifically illegal e-bikes.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 91. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9A. 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 $11,009,059, for a new-not-to-exceed total of $17,509,059, to provide transfer station disposal services effective June 1, 2023; and
2) Appropriate $1,275,000 from the Sanitation Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget.
Sanitation Services Manager Chris Kuebert introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated to the public that this was another state-funded mandate so rates would be going up, against the desires of the city.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
August22,2023
98. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR USAGE OF RECYCLED
WATER AT TORRANCE REFINERY
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve a first amendment to tri-party agreement with Torrance Refining Company, LLC of Torrance, CA and West Basin Municipal Water District (C2021-027) for an amount not-to-exceed $12,000,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $28,000,000, for usage of recycled water and extend the contract term for an additional one-year period beginning September 1, 2023 and ending August 31, 2024.
Water Resources Manager Chuck Schaich introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci and Water Resources Manager Schaich discussed the usage of the purple pipes. Councilmember Mattucci voiced support but hoped for big lines in the future and addressing residential usage. Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian noted some of the projects that are near residential, as well as some of the irrigation projects.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about role of Torrance in this tri-party program. Water Resources Manager Schaich responded that there was no markup, and that the role of Torrance is as a retailer of the water.
Members of the public spoke.
Water Resources Manager Schaich, responding to a member of the public, stated that the rate is the same as all of the customers are charged.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9B. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9C. RECEIVE UPDATE ON DONATION OF MATERIALS TO TORRANCE PUBLIC
LIBRARY
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council receive an update on the donation of materials from Councilmember Jon Kaji to the Torrance Public Library.
City Librarian Heather Cousin introduced the item to the City Council. She overviewed the donations and difficulties of current equipment and staffing, as well as strategies in making it accessible and kept in good condition.
Councilmember Kaji stated that CSU Dominguez Hills was a great place to archive and recommended it. He continued that he was in the process of archiving his collection.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
August22,2023
90. PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING CREATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
DISTRICT
Recommendation of the Finance Director and Community Development Director that City Council provide direction regarding the creation of a Community Facilities District.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson introduced the item to the City Council. She went over the background and the processes of the Community Facilities District. OTA Kudo Aquede used slides to present the analysis and methodology for apportioning service costs by land use, specifically using CFDs with net fiscal impact analysis.
Councilmember Mattucci and Finance Director Poisson discussed examples that would make someone subject to the tax. Councilmember Mattucci inquired about development fees, to which Finance Director Poisson stated that Torrance does have one-time fees called development impact fees. They discussed the example of a 40-unit having to pay more than $5M, which was a one-time payment structure. Impact fees were about $1-2M received for all nine types of fees.
Councilmember Mattucci voiced concern that this was going overboard on the taxing but did acknowledge that revenues are needed for various issues.
Councilmember Griffiths concurred with the concerns over taxing more. He reiterated that this was another unfunded mandate from the state but stated that the reasoning for the item made sense.
Councilmember Kaji also concurred with Councilmember Mattucci and Councilmember Griffiths but stated that this was a good first step.
Councilmember Sheikh, Public Works Director Bilezerian, and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the basis on which funding is acquired and disbursed. Mr. Aquede clarified more about the methodology, and how a tax was considered necessary. He explained how various mechanisms work such as the CFO and how they operate the net fiscal impact analysis.
Councilmember Mattucci overviewed the amount of money that could be placed on a developer. Mr. Aquede listed the different mitigations and options that developers can take and emphasized the flexibility that the City Council has. Councilmember Mattucci doubted the fairness and effectiveness of adding more fees to developers. He suggested business growth rather than more fees. He stated that it was likely that the tenants would end up footing the bill.
The City Council and staff discussed how the unfunded mandates have led to revenue generating measures such as this item. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez stressed that the services that the community needs are only available if there are funds available, and this measure can help with that. Councilmember Griffiths agreed that in order to pay for the unfunded mandates then some measures would need to be taken. He continued that there should be more discussion and studies on this. He added that new development was going to put stress on the maintenance that the city provides, while noting that this new mechanism could cause negative aspects to developers.
Councilmember Sheikh noted that this was a good start, but that staff should be focusing on business growth strategies.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
August 22, 2023
Councilmember Kalani stated that there should be more discussion before a decision, and to see the effects of CFDs that are already in place in other cities as Councilmember Kaji stated.
She stated that sustainability should be a priority.
Councilmember Lewis stated that unfunded mandates were a problem, but that there could be monetary opportunities from the county to help pay. She continued that it was important to find other methods first and to have more research and discussion. She stated that services were great but that if it was too expensive to live in Torrance it would be cause a large burden on the city residents.
Councilmember Kaji stressed that new revenue ideas are important considering the unfunded pension fund obligations.
Members of the public spoke.
In response to a member of the public, Finance Director Poisson stated that it was $8K for the OTA analysis and efforts so far this year.
Councilmember Griffiths described the various ways he and the city have been fighting against the state on unfunded mandates.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to table the item and return it for discussion with the Finance and Government Operations committee. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 10: 10 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 10:26 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
August 22, 2023
Item 1 0A was taken out of order at this time.
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON HOUSING CORRIDOR LAND USE STUDY (LUS23- 00002), ADOPT ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING AMENDMENT (ZON23-00001)
WHICH CREATES AN OVERLAY ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES, ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA23-00001), AND APPROVE
ADDENDUM TO TORRANCE GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Recommendation of the Planning Commission that City Council:
1) Deny the Land Use Study; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION denying the Land Use Study, Zoning Amendment, and General Plan Amendment.
-OR-
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council 1) Approve Housing Corridor Land Use Study (LUS23-00002); and 2) Adopt an ORDINANCE to approve Zoning Amendments (ZON23-00001) which creates an overlay on certain properties; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a General Plan Amendment (GPA23-00001 ); and 4) Approve an addendum to the Torrance General Plan Environmental Impact Report; and
5) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Planning Manager Gregg Lodan introduced the item to the City Council. He, RM Design Group Planner Matt Otterson, and Morris Planning Group Environmental Analyst Colette Morris used slides to overview the purpose, background and process, community outreach and input, overlay discussion, environmental analysis, and the recommendation.
Councilmember Griffiths commented that this item was important to not get penalties from the state on the unfunded mandates. He and Planning Manager Lodan discussed the policies that allow for development that would not have to go through public review. Councilmember Griffiths stated that the public should have the right to have a say in what's being built, and that this item allows Torrance to utilize the best process when having the new state mandated developments.
Councilmember Sheikh and Planning Manager Lodan discussed how the city came about locations and methodologies. Planning Manager Lodan explained how they formulated certain developments and concluded finding the most optimal areas to prevent issues for residents but also fulfill state requirements.
Councilmember Sheikh voiced concern about privacy issues, to which Mr. Otterson responded that there were areas in the analysis that reported how they were planning to improve privacy. Councilmember Sheikh inquired about parking standards. Planning Manager Lodan responded that Torrance has high parking standards and developers have stated that it makes development more difficult. He added that they do not force people to provide parking because of the state requirements. He stated that parking standards have been set forth.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
August 22, 2023
Councilmember Kalani stated that this item was important in helping Torrance given state mandates. She voiced concern about possible higher heights and densities given state requirements and this item would help Torrance deal with that. Planning Manager Lodan concurred and added that that developers would need to choose community density enhancements or state density bonus enhancements. Councilmember Kalani stated that this item would help with keeping cars off the streets. She inquired on behalf of a member of the public, that if one is not within the 500 feet radius, then how would one respond. Planning Manager Lodan responded that numerous different notification methods have been made, as well as City Council announcements and emails.
Councilmember Kaji voiced concern about parking issues on some of the locations. He added that the state has made it difficult for Torrance to act. He suggested developers coming together with regard to their developments.
Councilmember Mattucci had concerns about the height limits and setbacks from the R1 zoning. Planning Manager Lodan explained what they have been doing to limit the heights, such as building setbacks that increase adjacent to R1 property. He added that on certain property if you meet the building code that you can build as high as you would like, and this would rein in some of that. He stated that reducing overall height would impact market feasibility and cautioned against it. Councilmember Mattucci stated that 75 feet in sub area three was high and could harm privacy of homes, as well as shadows being an issue. Planning Manager Lodan explained some of the mitigations they have put in place to help with privacy issues.
Councilmember Mattucci and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the possibilities of high unit developments and the density bonuses. Councilmember Mattucci stated that there may be problems with car overflow. Community Development Director Ramirez noted that developers would need to start consolidating parcels to be able to have bigger units and density. She continued that, while developments can be restricted but then those properties would not be feasible in the market.
In response to Councilmember Sheikh, Community Development Director Ramirez stated -that adding more areas would require going through the entire process again. She added that starting all over would not have the grant money.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Andrew Lin stated that the outreach done that was reported never happened, and that it was misleading. He continued that there were no numbers or supporting evidence in the EIR report, and it was wrong to state that there were no impacts on the community. He disagreed with allowing three story housing to be built and violate privacy.
Wayne Lee stated that the properties in the area would have their privacy violated and their properties would lose value.
Jennifer Cabezas, speaking from a letter from Karen Lee, voiced dissatisfaction with lack of communication and the loss of privacy that will come with high-density building.
A member of the public stated that building high-density would result in a city that becomes worse looking.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
August 22, 2023
Laura Williams stated that she did not agree with how the overlay was made and to reduce the density. The privacy would decrease with these buildings and she stated that parking limitations should be instituted. She continued that more areas should be looked at and that North Torrance should not be singled out.
Doug Maupin stated that the City Council did well in selecting areas and that everyone in Los Angeles drives so the parking restrictions would not be able to sell.
A member of the public supported mixed-use zones and that this program showed promise in creating affordable housing.
A member of the public supported putting new developments in commercial areas and would create a stronger economy.
A member of the public stated that there would be an overcrowding of cars and no way to expand the road. He added that the units may not even sell and so it would create a shadow over his house.
Victoria Kidner stated that she did not agree with towers being built. She added that there would be no light or air, and that parking would be an issue.
A member of the public voiced concern that traffic would be an issue and that privacy would be reduced from three story buildings.
John Sullivan stated that building high-rise buildings would cause issues for surrounding residents and that parking would be negatively impacted.
A member of the public disagreed with building the high-rise buildings and advocated against the governor of California.
Leo Goodell stated that west and south Torrance needed to have overlay areas investigated, and that they were singling out north Torrance. He added that there would be negative environmental impacts from adding this development.
A member of the public stressed that it was important to protect the developments from predatory investors. He added that there should be better outreach.
A member of the public suggested that some of the airport should be used as high-density buildings.
A member of the public stated that the new developments would cause massive parking problems. She suggested to build on the Wilmington border.
Greg Sugiucci disagreed with new development plans for Torrance, but acknowledged that the state has mandated this. She requested the amendments be approved as part of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
August 22, 2023
Councilmember Lewis stated that outreach was done correctly, and added that the City Council has been briefed about new developments in all parts of Torrance and that no district has been targeted. She explained that if they do not find places in Torrance then the state will come in and do it themselves.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated that the state is targeting single-family homes and any lot in Torrance could have multiple units. He stated that the City Council has done everything in its power to fight the state mandates. He continued that these properties will likely not be developed soon, but that the most important thing was for the public to oppose the state politicians. He concluded that he would support the overlay as the consequences of not doing so were severe.
Councilmember Mattucci and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the RHNA numbers with or without the overlay. Community Development Director Ramirez stated that an obscured window would be an option for City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that holding off for now could be an option, given there are some developments in the works. City Manager Chaparyan and Assistant City Manager Danny Santana responded that not having the overlay would make it difficult to meet the policies that California has mandated. Councilmember Mattucci stated that Torrance needs to fight back harder, such as restricting height near single-family homes. He continued that more areas should be looked at.
Mayor Chen and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the various items that are being phased in and what can be investigated more. City Manager Chaparyan elaborated that this was the initial first step and about bringing local control. Assistant City Manager Santana explained that this overlay was about directing where suitable housing can satisfy the requirements of the state.
Councilmember Kaji stated that he concurred with Councilmember Mattucci in focusing on single-family homes that are least impacted and commercial properties that can become mixed-use under state law. Community Development Director Ramirez listed some of the properties that are already mixed-use by right or conditional permit.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the sites of Montgomery Ward, Sears, Gable House, etc. and what the count of those would be. They also discussed the methods of restricting height.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed what residents can do to push back and what appeal processes are not allowed.
Councilmember Griffiths stated that the housing element would be out of compliance if this item did not go through. Community Development Director Ramierz enumerated the various penalties involved with the housing element being out of compliance, such as allowing a developer to do whatever they want in their development. Community Development Director Ramirez recounted one of the developments that they have been resisting and that California HCD was targeting Torrance over. Councilmember Griffiths stated that there were not many places in Torrance to want to build more dense buildings given the housing elements and the state requirements.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
August 22, 2023
Councilmember Lewis stated that single-family homes will inevitably be affected. She continued that going into throughfares may eventually go into R1 zones.
Councilmember Mattucci and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed further into heights and setbacks. They overviewed the idea of buffers such as a hedge covering sightlines. Councilmember Mattucci identified some areas in industrial zones that could be developed. Community Development Director Ramirez explained that HCD would take action if it believed that some areas were chosen and not serious about development. Planning Manager Lodan responded that they would not jump into an industrial area to develop but that they were increasing the residential border of the industrial area. Councilmember Mattucci stated that two stories and 50 feet should be the goal next to single-family homes in R 1 zone areas. He added that if the setbacks at Gramercy and Western were a given then would vote yes.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about 50 foot buildings in the housing element for areas in R1 zone. Planning Manager Lodan explained that there was a 35 feet restriction but it could go higher with conditional approval.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-89 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA TO APPROVE A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AMENDING THE LAND USE ELEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE
CORRESPONDING GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS THAT WILL IMPLEMENT THE HOUSING CORRIDOR OVERLAY ZONE AS AMENDED.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3922 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION
91.3.2 REGARDING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED SECTION 92.5.11 REGARDING SIDE YARDS AND COURT WIDTHS, SECTION 92.30.9 REGARDING BUILDING SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, SECTION 92.20.4 REGARDING MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLINGS, AND SECTION 93.2.3 REGARDING MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENCES AND ADDING SECTION
91.2.178 REGARDING MAJOR TRANSIT STOP AND 91.2.179 REGARDING HIGH QUALITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR TO ARTICLE 2 DEFINITIONS AND CREATING CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 51 OF DIVISION 9 REGARDING HCO HOUSING CORRIDOR OVERLAY ZONE OF TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE AS AMENDED.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to keep Prairie Avenue, Spencer Street as suggested but for Gramercy Place (having 20 foot property line setbacks) to have a total 50 feet and that the height does not exceed two stories within the first 50 feet of the property, and the rest can go to the standard. He added that sub-area 2 leave it as proposed and in sub-area 3 to also do the 20 foot setback with 50 foot at 2 story maximum, with the errata as submitted. He added the rest could be terraced up. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-89 and Ordinance No. 3922 and an ordinance summary and the addendum. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 13
City Council
August22,2023
9G. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AWARD CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
REPLACEMENT OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE LIFTS
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $651,407.60 from the Fleet Services Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Appropriate $651,407.60 to Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 1106 - Heavy Duty Vehicle Lifts Replacement Project; and
3) Award a contract services agreement to Pacific Lift & Equipment Company, Inc. of Pasadena, CA (RFP B2023-09) for an amount not-to-exceed $1,864,915.60 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $186,492 for FEAP 1106-Heavy-Duty Vehicle Lifts Replacement Project for a one-year period beginning August 22, 2023 and ending August 21, 2024; and
4) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301-Existing Facilities (Class 1) and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances.
General Services Milton Sonario introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
In response to Councilmember Mattucci, General Services Sonario explained for the public why staff did not go with the cheapest option. He added that staff goes into the RFP process with plenty of time to get the best deals for Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 9G. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9H. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT OF EASEMENTS ENTITLED "EASEMENTS FOR DRAINAGE UNDER EASEMENT DEED TO CITY" AFFECTING REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3818 BLUFF STREET, 3820 BLUFF STREET, AND 3823 PASEO DE LAS TORTUGAS
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Grant of Easements entitled "Easements for Drainage Under Easement Deed to City" for drainage purposes affecting three single-family lots located at 3818 Bluff Street, 3820 Bluff Street, and 3823 Paseo de Las Tortugas in the City of Torrance.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-88 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO GRANT OF EASEMENTS ENTITLED EASEMENTS FOR DRAINAGE UNDER THE EASEMENT DEED TO CITY.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-88.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 15
City Council
August 22, 2023