INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -NOVEMBER 281 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-110 honoring Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hudson 2 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-111 honoring Police Lieutenant Paul Solorzano 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. Approve Electric Vehicle Charging Services Agreements for Various Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Adopt Categorical Exemption Under CEQA Section 15301 -Existing Facilities (Class 1) 3
88. Approve Reclassification of 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Human Resources Analyst Position 3
BC. Approve Reclassification of 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Administrative Assistant Position 3
8D. Accept and Appropriate $917,210 Fiscal Year 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program Award, Approve Subaward Agreement, and Authorize City Manager as the City's Signatory 4
BE. Approve Fee Agreement for Legal Services 4
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Approve Business Attraction Incentive Program 4
98. Accept and File Update from Office of Economic Development 5 9C. Appropriate Funds and Authorize Purchase Order for Four (4) 2025 Autocar/Heil ACX64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Refuse Trucks as a Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell 6
9D. Accept and File Update Report on City's Progress in Addressing Homelessness in Torrance 6-7
9E. Approve Request to Set Closed Hearing Date to Consider Employee Termination Appeal 7
9F. Receive Update on City Hall Exterior Lighting Project and Provide Direction on Proposed Lighting Test Period Through December 31, 2023 8 9G. Approve Side Letter Agreements Between Torrance City Employees Association (TCEA) and Management and Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and Management 8 9H. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Setting Forth Changes Regarding Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees and Executive and Management Employees 9
91. Review, Discuss, and Provide Direction on Resolution No. 2018-110 Setting Forth Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for the City Treasurer 9-11
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
November 28, 2023
9J .
10. 10A.
10B.
11. 12.
12A.
13. 14.
15. Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code {TMC) Pertaining to Refuse and Rubbish Collection, Scavenging Prohibited, Commercial Solid Waste Reporting, Waste Diversion, Recycling and Graffiti, and Adopt Categorical Exemption Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 -Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment (Class 8) and Section 15061(b)(3)-Review for Exemption, and Approve Ordinance Summary for Publication 11-12
HEARINGS
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 CEQA per Guidelines Section 15303 -New Construction.
PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: Shaunt Nazarian 12
Conduct Public Hearing on Airport Landing Fees, Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Pertaining to Airport Landing Fees, Adopt RESOLUTION Establishing Airport Landing Fee Rate, Approve Ordinance Summary for Publication, and Adopt CEQA Exemption 13-16
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3925
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
16 16
1, 16
17 At 1 :26 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
November 28, 2023
--------
November 28, 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 November 28, 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, 14C) Real Property-Conference With Real Property Negotiator and 14D) Conference With Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation 14E) Conference With Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4), and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2).
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 Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani 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 Sheikh and passed by 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
November 28, 2023
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 10A was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 8B, 9J, 10B and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen congratulated the Torrance High School Football Team for their CIF Southern Section Championship victory. He also announced the Menorah lighting at City Hall. He received concurrence regarding allowing Alert South Bay to conduct a wireless emergency alert test on January 9, 2024, at 11 :20 a.m. He announced that the Federal Legislative Advocacy Committee wo1,.1ld be meeting on December 4, 2023.
Councilmember Kaji relayed to the public about the upcoming Finance and Governmental Operations Committee meeting on December 12, 2023. He received concurrence to have staff postpone the C-Line extension discussion and Police plan until early 2024 to allow more time to discuss the issues with the LA Metro Board as well as the public.
Councilmember Griffiths reminded the public about what citations are enforced and which are not during the holiday period. He also stated that the Torrance Sister City Association was accepting students and guardians for the upcoming trip to Kashiwa.
Councilmember Lewis discussed the concerns about e-bikes and how the Police Department was addressing safety. She received concurrence to have staff to bring an item for a presentation on the Police Department's efforts on e-bikes, state laws and updates on Council meetings set for January 9, 2024.
Fire Chief David Dumais alerted the public about the upcoming Torrance Refining Company community test alert.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-110 HONORING ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF BRIAN HUDSON RESOLUTION NO. 2023-110 honoring Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hudson upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-four years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-110 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-111 HONORING POLICE LIEUTENANT PAUL SOLORZANO RESOLUTION NO. 2023-111 honoring Police Lieutenant Paul Solorzano upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-three years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-111 .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
November 28, 2023
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR
VARIOUS PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AND ADOPT
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT {CEQA) SECTION 15301 -EXISTING FACILITIES {CLASS 1) Recommendation of the City Manager and General Services Director that City Council:
1) Approve an electric vehicle charging services agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Miami Beach, FL to replace, operate, and maintain fourteen (14) Level II public electric vehicle charging stations for a seven-year period beginning December 1, 2023 and ending November 30, 2030 with two (2) seven-year mutual renewal options; and 2) Approve an electric vehicle charging services agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Miami Beach, FL to replace, operate, and maintain six (6) direct current fast charging public electric vehicle charging stations for a nine-year period beginning December 1, 2023 and ending November 30, 2032 with two (2) nine-year mutual renewal options; and 3) 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 exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances; and 4) Rescind the current "One Mile, One Charger'' EV charging station pricing policy. 8B. APPROVE RECLASSIFICATION OF 1.0 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE) HUMAN
RESOURCES ANALYST POSITION
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the reclassification of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) Human Resources Analyst position to 1.0 FTE Principal Human Resources Analyst position in the amount of $33,036.59 per year.
SC. APPROVE RECLASSIFICATION OF 1.0 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT {FTE)
ADMINISTRAT'IVE ASSISTANT POSITION
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the reclassification of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) Administrative Assistant position to 1.0 FTE Human Resources Technician position in the amount of $20,901 per year.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
November 28, 2023
8D. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $917,210 FISCAL YEAR 2022 URBAN AREA
SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) GRANT PROGRAM AWARD, APPROVE SUBAWARD
AGREEMENT, AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY'S SIGNATORY Recommendation of the Fire Chief and Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Accept and appropriate Fiscal Year 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program award in the amount of $917,210 for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) search and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, Regional Training Group -1 Battalion Chief support, Regional Training Center sustainment and firefighter training prop maintenance; and 2) Approve a subaward agreement with the City of Los Angeles for the Fiscal Year 2022 UASI Grant Program award in the amount of $917,210 for the performance period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending May 31, 2025; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to act as the City's signatory for the agreement; to act on the City's behalf with respect to all decisions in connection with the agreement; and to accept and appropriate additional UASI Grant Program funding, if available, from the City of Los Angeles.
SE. APPROVE FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve the fee agreement with the law firm of Stag Liuzza of New Orleans, LA to provide legal services relating to aqueous film forming foams and per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances product liability litigation and/or settlements, beginning November 1, 2023 and ending when all legal services have concluded or either party terminates the agreement.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPROVE BUSINESS ATTRACTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve the Business Attraction Incentive Program.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kaji stated his support for this idea.
Councilmember Griffiths, Economic Development Manager Fulton, and Assistant City Manager Danny Santana discussed the methods to get word out.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed how they would measure the success of the program.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
November 28, 2023
8D. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $917,210 FISCAL YEAR 2022 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE {UASI) GRANT PROGRAM AWARD, APPROVE SUBAWARD
AGREEMENT, AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY'S SIGNATORY Recommendation of the Fire Chief and Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Accept and appropriate Fiscal Year 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program award in the amount of $917,210 for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) search and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, Regional Training Group -1 Battalion Chief support, Regional Training Center sustainment and firefighter training prop maintenance; and 2) Approve a subaward agreement with the City of Los Angeles for the Fiscal Year 2022 UASI Grant Program award in the amount of $917,210 for the performance period beginning September 1, 2022 and ending May 31, 2025; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to act as the City's signatory for the agreement; to act on the City's behalf with respect to all decisions in connection with the agreement; and to accept and appropriate additional UASI Grant Program funding, if available, from the City of Los Angeles.
SE. APPROVE FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve the fee agreement with the law firm of Stag Liuzza of New Orleans, LA to provide legal services relating to aqueous film forming foams and per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances product liability litigation and/or settlements, beginning November 1, 2023 and ending when all legal services have concluded or either party terminates the agreement.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPROVE BUSINESS ATTRACTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve the Business Attraction Incentive Program.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kaji stated his support for this idea.
Councilmember Griffiths, Economic Development Manager Fulton, and Assistant City Manager Danny Santana discussed the methods to get word out.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed how they would measure the success of the program.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
November 28, 2023
9B. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE FROM OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file the Economic Development Update.
Economic Development Manager Fulton introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the Economic Development Update. This included business attraction, properties, wayfinding and signage, special events, business development and more.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired if the final budget has been approved. Economic Development Manager Fulton stated that the budget in the management district plan has likely been agreed upon but could change. They discussed the city contribution number, as well as the pitch Torrance program and its differences between past programs. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that this one was for targeting businesses in Torrance already and that the city should be a testbed for technology.
Councilmember Kalani mentioned that it would be beneficial to create awareness to help make Torrance look better and award those who are keeping the city clean. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez stated that the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission has a program that does something similar and could be directed to investigate this.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to have staff investigate ways to reward businesses in the city who are keeping areas clean.
Per the request of Councilmember Sheikh, Economic Development Manager Fulton described the ways that they have done business retention. Councilmember Sheikh inquired if it was time to tweak and get businesses to take advantage of the program. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that they are refining several aspects for businesses to take advantage of.
Councilmember Lewis stated that developing a type of Pitch Torrance was important.
Councilmember Mattucci described the idea as learning what was out there and without prior knowledge of some of the smaller companies that need exposure and can serve mutually beneficial relationships with Torrance. He stated that giving businesses the knowledge on how to navigate the bonding process.
Councilmember Kaji suggested that it would benefit Torrance to allow foreigners to be able to read business proposals such as this in their own language. He added that there may be companies in nearby cities that could come to Torrance.
Mayor Chen mentioned that the Kashiwa exchange has increased foreign business relations with companies such as Honda.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 98. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
November 28, 2023
9C. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR FOUR (4) 2025 AUTOCAR/HEIL ACX64 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) REFUSE TRUCKS AS
A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE WITH SOURCEWELL
Recommendation of the Public Works Director and General Services Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $2,162,315.32 from the Sanitation Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Sanitation Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Authorize a purchase order with Velocity Truck Centers, LLC of Fontana, CA in the amount of $2,162,315.32, including sales tax, for four (4) 2025 Autocar/Heil ACX64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuse trucks as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell.
Public Works Chris Kubert introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Kubert discussed how old the diesel trucks were and which ones have been replaced.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9D. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE REPORT ON CITY'S PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING
HOMELESSNESS IN TORRANCE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file an Update Report on the City's progress in addressing homelessness in Torrance.
Assistant City Manager Santana introduced the item to the City Council. Assistant City Manager Santana and Deputy City Manager Viet Hoang used slides to overview updates at the village, outreach, faith-based engagement, homeless count, and response dashboard. Deputy City Manager Hoang discussed the goals and operations at the site. Harbor Interfaith Services Site Director Aaron Street described highlights of operational procedures that have been successful. Such highlights include monthly resident meetings, biweekly staff meetings, random unit inspections and more. Deputy City Manager Hoang overviewed the key partners at the site and housing metrics. Management Associate Zulma Gent discussed the collaboration with Torrance faith-based organizations and the outreach program, community engagement, and the dashboard and funding sources. Deputy City Manager Hoang elaborated on the funding sources, noting that most of the funding is from outside the city's general fund. He outlined the next steps and recommendation.
Councilmember Lewis described an anecdote about the process of a Police Officer and a homeless individual and how the homeless outreach has been improving.
Councilmember Mattucci commended the progress but suggested utilizing funding allocated to SST to get homeless individuals into more housing. However, he understood possible legal issues with this. He stated that priority should be given to finding alternative funding sources.
He discussed the anti-camping ordinance and how it was a good tool for the city. He stated that there should be expansion and suggested some ways to have more room.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
November 28, 2023
Per request of Councilmember Sheikh, Management Associate Gent described how they manage individuals who are not from Torrance. She added that program workers have to direct them to other resources for help rather than the Torrance program. In terms of locations, Assistant City Manager Santana enumerated the avenues they have been looking for that can fit, but many issues block a new location. He listed the Regional Transit Facility as a possible option, but it too has issues. ·
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the medically challenged individuals and why not send them to appropriate facilities. Mr. Street responded that they do have medical aides coming to help, but that they are an all-encompassing program. He added that the process prioritizes stability before moving them. Councilmember Sheikh questioned if they are leaving the site, then how can they be approved to be moved on. Mr. Street described the process and procedure for reaching stability and moving forward with medically challenged individuals, including if they are leaving the premises.
Councilmember Kalani and Management Associate Gent discussed how an individual who wants company to their tiny home, and how they can use their vouchers. They discussed getting the word out.
Mayor Chen suggested possible use of the last row of parking lot and work with the County in expanding units into the existing location. He added that using possible triage for those individuals that have been staying a long time. City Manager Chaparyan stated that incentives for landlords to open housing for these individuals was a route that staff was exploring.
Mayor Chen and Management Associate Gent discussed the boards.
Councilmember Lewis inquired if El Camino was included in the stats. Deputy City Manager Hoang responded that Nancy Wilcox's reporting was that El Camino was only included in the SPAS numbers.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 9:30 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:47 p.m.
9E. APPROVE REQUEST TO SET CLOSED HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER EMPLOYEE
TERMINATION APPEAL
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve request to set a date of Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision sustaining the termination of a Police Services Officer.
Civil Service Manager Brianne Cohen introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9E. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
November 28, 2023
9F. RECEIVE UPDATE ON CITY HALL EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROJECT AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PROPOSED LIGHTING TEST PERIOD THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023 Recommendation of the City Manager and General Services Director that City Council receive an update on the City Hall exterior lighting project and 'provide direction on the proposed lighting test period using the existing exterior lighting. system through December 31, 2023.
General Services Director Shant Megerdichian introduced the item to the City Council.
Per the request of Councilmember Kalani, General Services Director Megerdichian explained how the expenditures were zero.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths and General Services Director Megerdichian discussed the safety and security of the lights, and hours of operation.
Councilmember Lewis inquired about the types of lights for the holiday season. General Services Director Megerdichian responded that they could do any color directed by the City Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9F with the color combination with the calendar. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9G. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS BETWEEN TORRANCE CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION {TCEA} AND MANAGEMENT AND TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES-AFSCME LOCAL 1117 {TME-AFSCME} AND MANAGEMENT Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a Side Letter Agreement between the Torrance City Employees Association (TCEA) and Management modifying the pay range for Human Resources Technician; and
2) Approve a Side Letter Agreement between the Torrance Municipal Employees- AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and Management implementing a temporary parking lot sweeping program.
Deputy City Manager Hoang introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9G. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
November 28, 2023
9H . ADOPT RESOLUTIONS SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING HOURS, WAGES,
AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN FULL-TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY
EMPLOYEES AND EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2022-144 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Certain Full-Time Hourly and Salaried Employees, modifying the pay range for Human Resources Analyst; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2023-12 setting forth changes regarding hours, wages , and working conditions for Executive and Management Employees , modifying the language regarding New Hires/Promotions and Benefit Category for Assistant Police Chief.
Deputy City Manager Hoang introduced the item to the City Council.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-112 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 NOVEMBER 26, 2023 .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-113 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 AUGUST 7, 2023.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolutions No. 2023-112 and No. 2023-113. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
91. REVIEW, DISCUSS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 2018-110
SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY
TREASURER
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Mike Griffiths with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council review, discuss, and provide direction on Resolution No. 2018-110 which sets forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for the City Treasurer.
City Manager Chaparyan introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths commended the improvements at the City Treasurer's Office but brought this forward because the City Treasurer is in violation of resolution. He added that the City Council could change this to reflect part-time or follow the terms of the agreement. He listed the actions and statements taken by City Treasurer Goodrich and how it should be taken regarding the violation of the resolution.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that City Treasurer Goodrich has done a good job, even though the resolution was in violation. He added that he would support removing the wordage in the resolution if the work is done.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
November 28, 2023
Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Griffiths, City Manager Chaparyan and City Attorney Sullivan discussed how the previous City Treasurer's pay was cut, and how the duties of the position were modified.
Council member Kalani was in favor of the idea that the City Treasurer's duties were in line with the pay. ·
Councilmember Sheikh and City Attorney Sullivan discussed what was stated in the charter versus the resolution.
Councilmember Kaji stated that work time has changed since COVID. He continued that it should be up to the voters to decide if he did his duties. He added that so long as the work was productive, then hours spent should be second.
Mayor Chen supported striking the language in the resolution and agreed with Councilmember Mattucci. Mayor Chen stated that it should be left up to voters to judge.
Councilmember Griffiths stated that it was important to consider that department heads at Torrance were full-time and none were regularly working remotely.
Councilmember Lewis agreed with Councilmember Mattucci in striking the language and elaborated that cutting pay by half would lead to part-time productivity.
Members of the public spoke.
Answering Councilmember Lewis, City Attorney Sullivan responded that City Treasurer Goodrich could refuse to pay if he so chose.
In response to Councilmember Mattucci, City Attorney Sullivan stated that pay could be changed during the term.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Attorney Sullivan discussed if voluntary pay reduction would transfer to future City Treasurers, the position of Deputy City Treasurer, and department heads that are elected or appointed.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired if City Treasurer Goodrich was able to request a pay decrease of the City Council, to which City Attorney Sullivan confirmed.
City Treasurer Goodrich stated that he did not specify a timeline or an amount for a pay reduction. He admitted that he may have said something at a candidates' forum. He continued that while he had a full-time job, but that he has reduced hours at his other job to work more for the city. City Treasurer Goodrich described his timeline for his goals for the office. He stated that in 6 months, 7 out of 15 strategic items have been completed and 1 out of 5 major projects has been completed. He overviewed the $5M investment that has grown tremendously, and potential increased returns. He cited that greater liquidity pool. He stated that it was an oversight to reduce the hours of the City Treasurer, due to doing 50% of the duties without reassigning the duties, then there was no more work to be done. He added that the pay was already reduced to reflect this. He stated that without knowing future information regarding ongoing items, he would not know the proper amount to reflect the office. He stated that, before the end of his term, he would reduce his pay. He commented that financial work and small groups work well in remote environments, and so comparing the City Treasurer's Office to other departments was not fair.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
November 28, 2023
Councilmember Mattucci stated that a pay reduction should be made prior to the next election or should be voluntary by the City Treasurer.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to bring back a resolution that would strike Article 1 Section 1.1, where the City Treasurer shall devote full-time the interest of the city.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion . The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
9J . ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC)
PERTAINING TO REFUSE AND RUBBISH COLLECTION, SCAVENGING
PROHIBITED, COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE REPORTING, WASTE DIVERSION,
RECYCLING AND GRAFFITI, AND ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15308 -ACTIONS BY REGULATORY AGENCIES FOR PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (CLASS 8) AND SECTION 15061 (8)(3) -REVIEW FOR EXEMPTION,
AND APPROVE ORDINANCE SUMMARY FOR PUBLICATION
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Article 15 entitled "Refuse and RL!bbish Collection," of Chapter 3, Division 3, and amending Article 1 entitled "Scavenging Prohibited," of Chapter 3, Division 4, and amending Article 6 entitled "Commercial Solid Waste Reporting," of Chapter 3, Division 4, and amending Article 7 entitled "Waste Diversion, Recycling and Graffiti" of Chapter 3, Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC); and
2) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 -Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment (Class 8) and Section 15061 (b)(3) -Review for Exemption; and
3) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Public Works Lily Cortez introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the SB1383 timeline, business license update, supplemental license application, commercial solid waste hauler new requirements, penalties, and large item collection.
Mayor Chen and Public Works Cortez discussed if other cities done something similar with the haulers and diversion penalties, and how the code affects the enforcement of diversion penalties. Mayor Chen inquired if there was a penalty every time Torrance put something in if someone violated, it may incentive someone not to comply. Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian interjected that this was phase 1 and that if further modifications to code needed to be made, they would bring that back.
Members of the public spoke.
Public Works Director Bilezerian explained the benefits of this item for Torrance.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
November 28, 2023
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3926 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING ARTICLE 15 ENTITLED "REFUSE AND RUBBISH COLLECTION," OF CHAPTER 3, DIVISION 3 AND AMENDING ARTICLE 1 ENTITLED "SCAVENGING PROHIBITED," OF CHAPTER 3, DIVISION 4, AND AMENDING ARTICLE 6 ENTITLED "COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE AND REPORTING," OF CHAPTER 3, DIVISION 4, AND AMENDING ARTICLE 7 ENTITLED "WASTE DIVERSION, RECYCLING AND GRAFFITI" OF CHAPTER 3, DIVISION 4 TO ESTABLISH NEW
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION TO COMPLY WITH SB 1383 AND CHAPTER 3 OF DIVISION 7 OF TITLE 14 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3926 and the ordinance summary for publication. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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 continue the item to January 9, 2024 .
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
November 28, 2023
10B. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON AIRPORT LANDING FEES, ADOPT ORDINANCE
AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) PERTAINING TO AIRPORT
LANDING FEES, ADOPT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AIRPORT LANDING FEE
RATE, APPROVE ORDINANCE SUMMARY FOR PUBLICATION, AND ADOPT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) E?(EMPTION
Recommendation of the Finance Director and General Services Director that City Council:
1) Conduct public hearing on airport landing fees; and
2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 51.2.30 entitled "Definition of Revenue Operations" and Section 51 .2.31 entitled "Fee for Revenue Operations," and repealing Section 51.2.32 entitled "Refusal for Clearance"; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing an airport landing fee rate; and 4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication; and
5) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption pursuant to Sections 15061, 15273, and 15378 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 21080 of the Public Resources Code.
Councilmember Kalani recused herself at 11 :30 p.m.
Councilmember Sheikh disclosed that he made multiple contacts with owners and residents, but his decisions would be made on evidence presented during the hearing.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson introduced the item to the City Council. She read the report.
Councilmember Griffiths voiced his support for option 3.
Councilmember Lewis agreed with Councilmember Griffiths in her support for option 3 except for the provision of all aircraft. She wanted to hear what the public had to say before making a decision on this.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Peter Broen did not agree that the reason for landing fees was money. He stated that this was about reducing operations. He continued that the City Council needed more transparency.
Michael Lion supported the landing fees in the effort to reduce the number of airplanes in the air.
John Rubowski did not support landing fees. He stated that this would be punitive. He continued that working out the noise and the planes would take time.
Chuck Street criticized that the law was unfairly impacting all who fly in and out of the airport and could kill the airport. He supported option 3.
Kurt Robinson opposed the imposition of landing fees on the airport and on their business.
He acknowledged the noise issues but that the city has an obligation to manage the airport, which supports the city. He supported option 3.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 13
City Council
November 28, 2023
Keith Neumeyer opposed landing fees. He stated that penalties would discourage pilots from performing normal and necessary flights for flying competency and the penalties would compromise safety.
David Smith stated their desire to help reduce noise for residents. He continued that they were looking for growth for Robinson but that fees would impact decisions that they may make.
He reiterated the importance of Robinson to the community.
Tom supported option 3 .
Steve Giffin stated that for many years the airport was fine, but recently the airplanes have started performing routes that make living near the airport bad.
Robin Eagles reminded the public that they were signed on to know that purchasing a house would lead to noise from the airport. She continued that Robinson was beneficial to the community of Torrance. She listed the benefits of helicopters such as medical and safety. She supported option 3 and landing fees for Robinson.
A member of the public was for reducing noise but the landing fees were too much . She read out how she and many others contributed to the economics of the community.
Matlick Nitesky stated that the increase of flights was not unique to Torrance, brought on by the pilot shortage. He continued that they have quieter flight training planes in the works.
Gary Palmer criticized the effort to penalize flight schools and that they were helping some but not others. He implored them to work with the pilots to reduce noise.
Judi Bernetti stated that helicopters are noisy, but they keep to the prescribed flightpath.
She continued that Robinson provides for the community and does not use the TOA runway, so option 3 would be good .
Linda Howard stated that there has been a reduction in noise as the pilots have been trying to fix it. She criticized landing fees and added that it would lead to more flying low.
Bill Tim Chisin stated that landing fees would cause the death of the airport. He recounted the history that could repeat if the airport is killed. He continued that airport revenue exceeds expenses, and that it was a lie that landing fees were needed to offset expenses.
Charles Deleo supported landing fees to bring more revenue in. He disagreed with some that the noise has been reduced, so he supported landing fees.
Robert Beckwith stated that landing fees would affect many negatively and would discourage people from landing in Torrance.
Charles Costello stated that landing fees are common and are prudent fiscal measures.
He added that it would only significantly affect large commercial entities, and that it would make transient corporations pay to use the airport. He supported landing fees and understood special circumstances for Robinson.
Gary Joseph stated that the noise problem was terribly mismanaged, and that he did not support the landing fee.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 14
City Council
November 28, 2023
Jean stated that he and Sling have a lot of demand, and so they have been training many people including people living in Torrance. He discussed the new, quieter aircraft they would be utilizing.
A member of the public discussed the large number of people that have been using the airport. He reiterated that too many flight schools have been using tile airport and criticized how many the city has allowed.
City Attorney Sullivan debunked the notion that the state would come in and rezone property in the event of hypothetical airport closure.
Councilmember Lewis stated that she and the city consulted with Kurt Costanza, so they had expert advice. She stated that outside of the tie down agreements and leases of Torrance residents, she would support fees for transient aircraft. She could not support option 3 as written as a consequence.
Councilmember Sheikh reiterated that they have done a lot of work and time to decipher how to proceed. He continued that given all the research and options, he would support a landing fee and option 3.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kalani recused.
Councilmember Griffiths stated that his decision on landing fees was not to decrease operations, but rather to charge fairly for the amount of use on the airport. His second reason was that it would give the best reporting on the usage of the airport. He stated that the delayed hearing was not due to deception and that he was upset it was delayed. He continued that the airport revenues mainly comes from surrounding real estate which was considered airport property that has been leased in master lease holds. He added that operations have nothing to do with that.
Finance Director Sheila Poisson confirmed Councilmember Griffith's statements and elaborated upon them. She discussed the capital projects designed for the airport and the revenues associated with the airport.
Councilmember Griffiths cited Lori Balance in support of the research that has been done.
He explained why Robinson was an exception. City Attorney Sullivan elaborated that fair and equitable and non-discriminatory was the solution when the exclusion was made. He stated that option 3 was the best option, especially legally.
Councilmember Lewis reiterated that the private pilots in tie-downs should be excluded.
City Attorney Sullivan explained why it was that private pilots had to be treated the same under the fees was a legal issue.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3927 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 51 .2 .30 ENTITLED DEFINITION OF REVENUE OPERATIONS SECTION 51.2.31 ENTITLED FEE FOR REVENUE OPERATIONS AND REPEALING SECTION
51.2.32 ENTITLED REFUSAL FOR CLEARANCE.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 15
City Council
November 28, 2023
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2023-114 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA ESTABLISHING LANDING FEES AT THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to go with option 3 and adopt Ordinance No. 3927 and Resolution No. 114 and approve the ordinance summary for publication. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1 with Mayor Chen voting no, Councilmember Lewis abstaining, and Councilmember Kalani recused.
Councilmember Kalani returned to the City Council at 12:37 a.m.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3925
Members of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3925 Amending Division 2, Chapter 22, Article 1 and Article 2 of the Torrance Municipal Code by Adding New Definitions to Section 222.1.2 and a New Section 222.2.13, Altering Authority, Rules and Regulations, and Definitions of Uniform Occupancy Tax and Approve an Ordinance Summary for Publication.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve Ordinance No. 3925. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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.
14. CLOSED SESSION
At 12:47 a.m., the City Council returned to closed session to confer on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 1 :25 a.m.
Considered earlier, see page 1 .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 16
City Council
November 28, 2023
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 1 :26 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Lewis abstaining.
Attest:
Rebecca Poirier
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on December 19, 2023
17 City Council
November 28, 2023