INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -OCTOBER 24, 2023
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-103 honoring Fire Engineer Michael Enfield 2 6B. PROCLAMATION declaring November 2023 as Torrance Education Foundation Month 2
6C. PROCLAMATION declaring November 5-11, 2023 as Military Veterans Appreciation Week 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Authorize Purchase Order for Network Security Software Maintenance and Support 2-3
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Determine City Council Dark Nights 3
9B. Approve Torrance Transit System Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan and Authorize Submission to the California Air Resources Board (GARB) 3 9C. Accept and File Committee Meeting Minutes and Review City's Resource Contributions to Seaside Ranchos Holiday Light Display 4
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of a Planning Commission Review to Allow Construction of a New Two-Unit Residential Development, in Conjunction with Demolition of a Contributing Structure, and a Conditional Use Permit to Allow Development that Exce.eds a 0.65 Floor Area Ratio, on Property Located Within the Torrance Tract Overlay in the R-2 Zone at 1724 Arlington Avenue. The Project is CEQA per Guidelines Section 15303-New Construction. PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: Shaunt Nazarian 5
1 OB. Conduct Public Hearing on Development of Substantial Amendment to Five-Year Consolidated Plan Covering Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-27 and Annual Action Plan Covering FY 2024-25 5-6
11. AGENCY AGENDAS 6
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3924 6
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 7
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 7
15. ADJOURNMENT 7
At 12:35 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 and November 7, 2023 are Council Dark Nights Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
October 24, 2023
October 24, 2023
MINUTES OF AN A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in an adjourned regular meeting on October 24, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Absent:
Present:
None
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) Real Property-Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Labor Negotiator and 14D) Conference With Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1), California Government Code §54956.8, 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 .
City Attorney Patrick Sullivan reported that during closed session, the City Council voted unanimously to join the City of Whittier in the lawsuit against the zero bail schedule that was put out by the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Lewis.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Mattucci.
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
The agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Torrance Boulevard and on the City's website on Monday, October 16, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved that after the City Clerk has read aloud the number and title of any resolution or ordinance on the meeting agenda, the further reading shall be waived. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kalani. Motion was unanimous.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 1 0A was deferred to November 28. Supplemental material was available for items 98 and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
October 24, 2023
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Griffiths reminded the public about the Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot.
Councilmember Mattucci reminded the public about Make a Difference Day. He reported about developments in the downtown sign code amendments and the myTorranceCA app.
Councilmember Sheikh received concurrence to bring an item to explore adding sidewalks, gutters and curbs to areas that need it.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to have staff review the allowable radius of dual use courts and the noise concerns.
City Clerk Poirier stated that the next Torrance General Municipal Election would be held on March 5, 2024. She added that residents living in districts 2,4, and 6 would be eligible to vote for the councilmember in their district. Those interested should contact the City Clerk's office.
Actual nomination period opens by appointment only on November 13 and ends December 8.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the community alert siren system test from the Torrance Refining Company on November 1, 11 :30 a.m.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-103 HONORING FIRE ENGINEER MICHAEL ENFIELD RESOLUTION NO. 2023-103 honoring Fire Engineer Michael Enfield upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-103 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous. 6B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 2023 AS TORRANCE EDUCATION
FOUNDATION MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
6C. PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 5-11, 2023 AS MILITARY VETERANS
APPRECIATION WEEK IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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 September 26, 2023.
8B . AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR NETWORK SECURITY SOFTWARE
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
Recommendation of the Communications and Information Technology Director that City Council authorize a purchase order with ConvergeOne of Bloomington, MN for an amount not-to-exceed $185,660.11 to provide CISCO SMARTnet network security software maintenance and support for a one-year period beginning October 12, 2023 and ending October 13, 2024.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
October 24, 2023
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety .
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. DETERMINE CITY COUNCIL DARK NIGHTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council dec1are the following Tuesdays as City Council Dark Nights from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024: January 2, January 16, January 30, February 13, February 20, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, and June 25.
Management Aide Benjamin Brown introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Lewis suggested ideas so that issues important to the public could be done earlier. City Manager Chaparyan stated that staff could investigate and that City Council had directive to change how meetings could be done.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that important public matters should be done earlier.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
98. APPROVE TORRANCE TRANSIT SYSTEM ZERO EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN
AND AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION TO THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB)
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Approve the Torrance Transit System Zero Emission Bus Roi lout Plan; and 2) Authorize submission of the Torrance Transit System Zero Emission Rollout Plan to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Transit Department David Ma introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths argued that these environmental mandates are costing Torrance whereby using taxpayer dollars and raising cost of living.
Councilmember Sheikh and Transit Department Ma discussed the number of CNG and zero-emission vehicles in fleet, as well as the plan for phase-outs and what is done with phased- out vehicles. They further discussed how the mandates affect hybrid vehicles in terms of requirements.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated the large cost of this considering the negligible effect for the community.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9B. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Mattucci and Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
October 24, 2023
9C . ACCEPT AND FILE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES AND REVIEW CITY'S
RESOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS TO SEASIDE RANCHOS HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY Recommendation of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee that City Council:
1) Accept and file the May 18, 2023 Committee meeting minutes; and 2) Review appropriated resource contributions to the neighborhood coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the background and appropriated resources.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired if citizens could sell small things such as hot chocolate and if they could be penalized for that. Community Development Director Ramirez explained that they would be notified of the process and to stop selling, and later would be inspected to ensure there was no selling. She added that the public was notified of this change. Councilmember Griffiths inquired about public reaction to the new vending changes. Community Development Director Ramirez stated that it was a mixed reaction but that there was understanding.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired if anyone has requested permits. Finance Director Sheila Poisson responded that there has not been any yet.
Mayor Chen inquired if Torrance and the Police Department did something different in this process. Management Associate Huizar noted that this was not a city sponsored event, but that the city ensures safety and order. He continued that this was budgeted under each appropriate department under labor costs, so the exact Police Department budget is unknown but that there was no expenditure for this event because it has already been budgeted.
Council member Kalani inquired about revenue generation. Management Associate Huizar responded that it would only be from administrative citations, but that stopping signs are essentially at a loss with no cost recovery.
Members of the public spoke.
Finance Director Poisson, responding to a member of the public, stated that the home occupation business license was about $280 annually.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
October 24, 2023
10. HEARINGS
10A. CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF A PLANNING
COMMISSION REVIEW TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEMOLITION OF A
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURE, AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT THAT EXCEEDS A 0.65 FLOOR AREA. RATIO, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE TORRANCE TRACT OVERLAY IN THE R-2 ZONE AT 1724 ARLINGTON AVENUE. THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15303-NEW CONSTRUCTION. PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: SHAUNT NAZARIAN Recommendation of the Planning Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Deny the appeal; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION denying the appeal and denying without prejudice a Planning Commission Review to allow the construction of a new two-unit residential development, in conjunction with the demolition of a contributing single-family residence on property located within the Torrance Tract Overlay in the R-2 Zone at 1724 Arlington Avenue; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION denying the appeal and denying without prejudice a Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a new two-unit residential development that exceeds a 0.65 floor area ratio on property located within the Torrance Tract Overlay in the R-2 Zone at 1724 Arlington Avenue.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to have this matter heard at a date certain November 28, 2023. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous. 10B . CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN COVERING FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2023-27 AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN COVERING FY 2024-25
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council conduct a public hearing and take public testimony on the development of a substantial amendment to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan covering the period July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2028, and the Annual Action Plan covering the period July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
Community Development Department Business Manager Julia Smith introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kaji inquired about how many units Torrance has delivered given the block grants. Community Development Department Business Manager Smith responded that historically the funding has been used for sidewalk repair and accessibility improvements, so none has been allocated for affordable housing units.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the benefits of bringing this in house. Community Development Department Business Manager Smith responded that the main benefit was the retention of the administrative funding. They discussed the amounts of retention, as well as the reports of the assessment of management performance and tracking results.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
October 24, 2023
Community Development Director Ramirez explained the process· and how the City Council will be able to read future updates. She clarified that the funds are shown how they can be divided, not a recommendation on how they should be spent. She continued that, in response to Councilmember Sheikh, the $51 K can go towards the salaries, supplies, consultants, etc. She explained how the funds can be utilized.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Direcfor Ramirez discussed how the funds were utilized efficiently given that the funds were not at the required amounts to do an affordable housing project. She continued that staff sees opportunities in the affordable housing sector, but that directions will come from the City Council. They discussed some of the income limit thresholds and that it would be for tenants or first-time homebuyers.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the amount used on sidewalk repair projects, which was about $700K.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired more about the money no longer being withheld for the administrative costs. Community Development Department Business Manager Smith responded that the county retained 20% of the administrative costs for their own internal administrative costs of administering the grant for Torrance before this change. Community Development Director Ramierz clarified that retaining the 20% was important but also the control aspect.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the 20% toward the CDBG funds and the $0.5M is for the home funds.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public stated that police officers should be involved in cleaning up the streets and using affordable housing. He continued that the airport should be investigated to help get funds in order.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3924
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3924 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 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 ENTITLED "CHARITABLE GAMBLING" TO CHAPTER 5 OF DIVISION 4 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION: Council member Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No . 3924. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
October 24, 2023
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
In response to Councilmember Lewis, Community Development Director Ramirez stated that Amazon Fresh was planning fixes to their plan and that staff could have an update provided.
14. CLOSED SESSION
, The City Council reconvened to closed session at 8:39 p.m. on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 12:34 a.m.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 12:35 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m . for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 and November 7, 2023 are Council Dark Nights.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous . .....
Attest: '
Rebec.LV\
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Mayor
Approved on November 14, 2023
7 City Council
October 24, 2023