INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUN CIL-OCTOBER 17 1 2023
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 2
4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION declaring October 2023 as Italian American Heritage Month 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Approve Contract Services Agreement for Construction, Entry, Display, and Operation of City of Torrance 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Float 2
BC . Approve Reclassification of 2 .0 Full-Time Equivalent Legal Assistant I Positions 3
8D. Appropriate Funds and Authorize Purchase Order for One (1) 2028 Ford F550 Aerial Lift Truck as a Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell 3 BE. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of August 2023 3 8F . Accept and File Torrance Youth Council 2022-23 Annual Report 3 BG . Approve Third Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Housing Element Implementation Program and Housing Corridor Study 3 8H . Approve Assignment and Assumption of Lease of City-Owned Property at 2901 Airport Drive 3
81. Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301 and Approve a Consent to Alterations for Proposed Work to Comply with Incorporated Lease Provision at 2800 Skypark Drive
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Appropriate Funds and Approve Fifth Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services
9B. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Implementing Changes Relating to Employer Paid Member Contributions (EPMC) to California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) and Fire Safety Management
9C . Discuss and Consider Adopting ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code Allowing Charitable Gambling and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption
9D. Approve Side Letter Agreements Regarding Use of Sick Time 9E. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Regarding Use of Sick Time
9F. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Calling 2024 General Municipal Election on March 5, 2024
9G . City Council Consideration of a Ban on Touch and Goes at Torrance Municipal Airport -Zamperini Field
10 . HEARINGS
11 . AGENCY AGENDAS
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
4 4
5 5-6
7 7-8
8-9
9-10
10 10
City Council
October 17, 2023
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12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3923
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
14. CLOSED SESSION
15. ADJOURNMENT
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1, 11
11 At 11 :01 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
October 17, 2023
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MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
October 17, 2023
The Torrance City Council convened in an adjourned regular meeting on October 17, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Chambers .
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, and Mayor Pro Tempore Sheikh
Absent: Mayor Chen
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) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, 148) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, 14C) REAL PROPERTY - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, 14D) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION, 14E) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, 14F) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -ANTICIPATED LITIGATION -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1 ), California Government Code §54957 .6, California Government Code §54956.8 and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54956.9{d){2), 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 Kalani.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Lewis .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
October 17, 2023
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, October 9, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved that after the City Clerk has read aloud the number and title of any resolution or ordinance on the meeting agenda, the further reading thereof shall be waived, reserving and guaranteeing to each Councilmember the right to demand the reading of any such resolution or ordinance in regular order. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kalani and passed by 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
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4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9C, 9F, 9G and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore Sheikh discussed the Great Shakeout earthquake preparedness event.
City Clerk Poirier announced the nomination period for the upcoming Torrance Municipal General Election on March 5, 2024.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 2023 AS ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
Council member Griffiths left the City Council meeting at 6:03 p.m. Councilmember Griffiths returned to the City Council meeting at 6:06 p.m.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of September 12, 2023.
8B . APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION, ENTRY, DISPLAY, AND OPERATION OF CITY OF TORRANCE 2024 PASADENA
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE FLOAT
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve a contract services agreement with the Torrance Rose Float Association (TRFA) of Torrance, CA for an amount not-to-exceed $125,000 for the construction, entry, display, and operation of the City of Torrance 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Float from October 17, 2023 to January 31, 2024.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
October 17, 2023
8C. APPROVE RECLASSIFICATION OF 2.0 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT LEGAL
ASSISTANT I POSITIONS
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the reclassification of 2.0 full-time equivalent Legal Assistant I positions to 2.0 full-time equivalent Legal Assistant II positions. 8D. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR ONE (1) 2028 FORD F550 AERIAL LIFT TRUCK AS A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE WITH
SOU RC EWELL
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $285,073 from the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Authorize a purchase order with Altec Industries, Inc. of Pomona, CA in the amount of $285,073, including sales tax, for one (1) 2028 Ford F550 chassis with an Altec AT37G aerial lift truck device as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell. 8E. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2023 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of August 2023.
8F. ACCEPT AND FILE TORRANCE YOUTH COUNCIL 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT Recommendation of the Torrance Youth Council and Community Services Director that City Council accept and file the Torrance Youth Council 2022-23 Annual Report. 8G. APPROVE THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM AND HOUSING CORRIDOR STUDY
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $50,000 from the SB 2 Grant Award (Agreement #19-PGP-13392) to GRANT 07 -Housing Corridor Districts; and
2) Approve a third amendment to the consulting services agreement with RRM Design Group of San Juan Capistrano, CA (C2021-026) in the amount of $51,606, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $310,000 to provide additional consulting services for the city's Housing Element Implementation Program and Housing Corridor Study through February 28, 2024.
8H. APPROVE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 2901 AIRPORT DRIVE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve an Assignment and Assumption of Lease from William Stirton, as Trustee of the Mark Robinson Trust, dated November 14, 2007 (Mark's Trust) and William Stirton, as Trustee of the Cindy Robinson Trust, dated November 14, 2007 (Cindy's Trust); collectively known as "Assignors", to Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc. (Assignee) for a lease of City-owned property located at 2901 Airport Drive.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
October 17, 2023
81. ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT {CEQA) SECTION 15301 AND APPROVE A CONSENT TO
AL TERA TIONS FOR PROPOSED WORK TO COMPLY WITH IN CORPORA TED LEASE PROVISION AT 2800 SKYPARK DRIVE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption pursuant to Guideline Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
2) Approve a Consent to Alterations with South End Racquet and Health Club (C-1990), located at 2800 Skypark Drive, to proceed with the proposed clubhouse expansion work while maintaining existing lease rate terms.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.
Council member Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT
FOR LEGAL SERVICES
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council:
1) Appropriate $1,500,000 from the Airport Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Approve a fifth amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Rutan & Tucker, LLP of Costa Mesa, CA (C2020-038) in the amount of $1,900,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $4,315,000, to provide legal services relating to the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Order/Hi-Shear litigation.
City Attorney Patrick Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Attorney Sullivan explained that this was a contamination issue that involves the airport so it should be involved with the Airport fund.
Councilmember Kaji and Finance Director Sheila Poisson discussed the sources of the majority of the revenue, such as the land lease revenue.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
October 17, 2023
9B. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING CHANGES RELATING TO EMPLOYER
PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS (EPMC) TO CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) FOR TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS
ASSOCIATION (TFFA) AND FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION implementing California Government Code Section 20636(c)(4) pursuant to Section 20691 relating to Employer Paid Member Contributions (EPMC) to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for the Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA); and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION implementing California Government Code Section 20636(c)(4) pursuant to Section 20691 relating to Employer Paid Member Contributions (EPMC) to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for Fire Safety Management.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-95 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 139 IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 20636 (c)(4) PURSUANT TO SECTION 20691 RELATING TO EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) FOR TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION (TFFA} EFFECTIVE MARCH 8, 2011.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-96 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2019- 84 IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 20636 (c)(4) PURSUANT TO SECTION 20691 RELATING TO EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) FOR FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE MARCH 8, 2011
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-95 and No. 2023-96. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
9C. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE AMENDING TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL CODE ALLOWING CHARITABLE GAMBLING AND ADOPT CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION
Recommendation of the Community Development Director and Finance Director that City Council:
1) Discuss and consider establishing a Charitable Gambling Ordinance; and 2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 31.7.3 "Approval of License Review Board" of Chapter 1 of Article 7 of Division 3 and Article 5 Entitled "Exhibitions, Contests, Amusement and Gambling Devices" of Chapter 5 of Division 4, and adding Article 18 to Chapter 5 of Division 4 entitled "Charitable Gambling; and 3) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption per guidelines §15061(b)(3); and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
October 17, 2023
9D. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS REGARDING USE OF SICK TIME Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and 2) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Engineers Association and Torrance Fiscal Employees Association (TFEA) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and 3) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance City Employees Association (TCEA) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and 4) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and
5) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and 6) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Professional Park and Recreation Employees Organization (TPPREO) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time; and
7) Approve Side Letter Agreement between Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management modifying the use of Sick Time.
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 9D. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent. 9E. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS REGARDING USE OF SICK TIME
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2018-109 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for the City Attorney, which updates language regarding use of sick time; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2020-97 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for the City Manager, which updates language regarding use of sick time; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2022-144 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees, which updates language regarding use of sick time; and 4) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2023-12 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Executive and Management Employees, which updates language regarding use of sick time; and 5) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2019-84 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Fire Safety Management, which updates language regarding use of sick time; and
6) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2019-82 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Police Safety Management, which updates language regarding use of sick time.
Assistant to the City Manager Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
October 17, 2023
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-97 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2018-109 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No: 2023-98 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2020-97 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-99 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-144 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING
CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN FULL-TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-100 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 OCTOBER 17, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-101 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-84 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2023.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-102 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2019-82 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR POLICE SAFETY MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-97, 2023-98, 2023- 99, 2023-100, 2023-101, and 2023-102. Council member Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
9F. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS CALLING 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON MARCH 5, 2024
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION calling a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 for the purpose of electing three Council members for Districts 2, 4, and 6; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION requesting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to agree to consolidate the election on the Statewide Direct Primary Ballot; and 3) Adopt a RESOLUTION stating policy and regulations for candidate's statements.
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kalani and City Clerk Poirier discussed the costs associated with languages on the ballot.
Members of the public spoke .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
October 17, 2023
Responding to a member of the public, City Clerk Poirier stated that the only items on the ballot in question were elections for councilmembers in districts 2, 4 and 6 and the expenditure is calculated by the LARCC based on how many cities are on the ballot and how many items the city has on the ballot.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sheikh, Councilmember Mattucci, and City Clerk Poirier discussed word count on candidate qualifications and the costs of the elections.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-92 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-93 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO §10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-94 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING
REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES
STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-92, 2023-93, and 2023-94. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
The City Council went to recess at 8:01 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 8:11 p.m.
9G. CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A BAN ON TOUCH AND GOES AT TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT -ZAMPERINI FIELD
Recommendation of the City Manager and City Attorney that City Council consider whether or not to ban touch and goes at Torrance Municipal Airport Zamperini Field.
Councilmember Kalani recused herself for this item at 8: 13 p.m .
City Attorney Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths stated his support for a ban.
Councilmember Lewis disclosed that she did more research and visited more locations, but that her decision would be based on evidence presented during the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sheikh disclosed that he had discussions with community and business members, but that his decision would be based on evidence presented during the meetings.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
October 17, 2023
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that shortage of pilots was an airline problem, not a Torrance problem. He stated his support of the ban but doubted the amount in reduction of planes overhead.
Councilmember Griffiths and General Services Director Shant Megerdichian discussed the voluntary letter of agreement, of which no flight school has submitted a signed letter of agreement. Councilmember Griffiths and City Attorney Sullivan discussed making it clear for the public to see what policies have been approved, what has been implemented and when, and the delays. CEQA regulations are the main cause of the delays. Councilmember Griffiths outlined his actions in trying to help Torrance residents and inquired on date implementations. City Attorney Sullivan responded that it would be 8-12 months from the July date given the regulations and analyses.
Councilmember Lewis inquired about the noise regulation lifting claim. Community Development Director Ramirez responded that no regulations were lifted. Councilmember Lewis, City Attorney Sullivan and General Services Director Megerdichian discussed the possibility of the Airport Commission dealing with matters regarding the noise issues. Councilmember Lewis described the process on how this will go so the public has a clear picture. She added that, while revenue streams were noted, peace of mind for the residents was more important. She stated that she would support the ban.
Councilmember Kaji, Community Development Director Ramirez and General Services Director Megerdichian discussed the information regarding the flight schools, and the amount there was and how it exceeded the proper limit. He stressed that prioritizing the residents was paramount in helping fix the noise issues. He stated his opposition to touch and go's.
Members of the public spoke.
General Services Director Megerdichian listed the flight schools at the airport. He stated that the schools that exceed the limit are Sling Pilot Academy, Hikari Aviation, Giving Kids Wings Flight Academy, and Prod and Aircraft Works.
Mayor Pro Tempore Sheikh explained his reasoning for returning this item, in that it was not accurate that the academy owners were not listened to. He added that the City Council did their due diligence on this and that even though the City Council were not airplane experts, they were there to represent the constituents. He noted that they were not restricting any safety with these measures.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to ban touch and go's from Torrance Airport.
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmember Kalani recused and M~yqr. Chen absent.
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Councilmember Kalani returned to the City Council meeting at 9:28 p.m.
10. HEARINGS-None Scheduled.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
October 17, 2023