TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
DECEMBER 19, 2023
REGULAR MEETING
5:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR BUSINESS BEGINS
IN COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 3031 TORRANCE BL.
CITY COUNCIL MAY TAKE ACTION ON ANY ITEM LISTED ON THE AGENDA
REVISED City Council Agenda 12-19-23
*Denotes the item was added after posting of the agenda.
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
14. CLOSED SESSION
14A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (California Government Code §54957.6): Agency Negotiator: Aram Chaparyan Employee
Organization/Association:
1. Torrance Fire Fighters Association
2. Torrance Police Commanders Association (TPCA)
3. Torrance Police Officers Association
14A - STAFF REPORT
14B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)):
1) City of Whittier, et al. v. Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, et al. LASC Case No. 23STCP03579
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
RECONVENED IN PUBLIC SESSION
2. FLAG SALUTE: Councilmember Kalani
NON SECTARIAN INVOCATION: Mayor Chen
6F. Recognition of the El Camino College Men’s Soccer Team.
6D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-119 honoring Teresa Browning upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-eight years of service. (For Presentation) 6D - STAFF REPORT
3. REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK ON THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA The agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Torrance Bl. and on the City’s Website on Thursday, December 14, 2023 /s/ Rebecca Poirier
3 - AFFIDAVIT
MOTION TO WAIVE FURTHER READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES AFTER NUMBER & TITLE – See Council Rules of Order Section 2.11 (Resolution 2006-65)
4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED, AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-116 honoring Fire Engineer Brandi Cumin upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-five years of service. (For Adoption Only)
6A - STAFF REPORT
6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-117 honoring Fire Engineer Robert Sawai upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-five years of service. (For Adoption Only)
6B - STAFF REPORT
6C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-118 honoring Michael Smith upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after thirty-eight years of service. (For Adoption Only) 6C - STAFF REPORT
6E. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-120 honoring Dorothy Ellis upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after forty-two years of service. (For Adoption Only) 6E - STAFF REPORT
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS #1 (Limited up to a 15 minute period) This portion of the meeting is reserved for comment on items under the Consent Calendar or items that are not on the agenda. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, City Council cannot act on items raised during public comment, but may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed; request clarification; or refer the item to staff. Speakers under Orals are limited to either Oral Communications #1 or Oral Communications #2 and no longer than 1 minute per speaker. Time starts when you step up to the microphone.
Speakers please turn off or leave your cellular phone when you come to the microphone to speak. If presenting handout material to Council, please provide 11 copies to the City Clerk before speaking.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED AFTER 5:30 P.M. ON 12/18/23 and before 11:46 p.m. on 12/19/23
RECESS
RECONVENE
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS #1 (Limited up to a 15 minute period) This portion of the meeting is reserved for comment on items under the Consent Calendar or items that are not on the agenda. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, City Council cannot act on items raised during public comment, but may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed; request clarification; or refer the item to staff. Speakers under Orals are limited to either Oral Communications #1 or Oral Communications #2 and no longer than 1 minute per speaker. Time starts when you step up to the microphone.
Speakers please turn off or leave your cellular phone when you come to the microphone to speak. If presenting handout material to Council, please provide 11 copies to the City Clerk before speaking.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed by a Councilmember from the Consent Calendar and considered separately..
8A. City Clerk – Approve City Council Minutes. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of November 28, 2023.
8B. Community Services – Approve Eighth Amendment to Concession Agreement for Las Canchas Tennis Facility and Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 – Existing Facilities (Class 1). Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1) Approve an eighth amendment to the concession agreement with South Bay Tennis Center of Torrance, CA (C2008-243) for the lease and full operation of the Las Canchas Tennis Facility and to extend the term for a five-year period beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2028; and
2) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental 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. 8B - STAFF REPORT
8C. General Services and Fire – Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Fire Station 4 Renovation. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the General Services Director and Fire Chief that City Council approve a second amendment to the contract services agreement with Harry H. Joh Construction, Inc. of Paramount, CA (C2022-097) for Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 302 – Fire Station 4 Renovation to extend the term for a one-year period beginning January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024.
8C - STAFF REPORT
8D. Public Works and General Services – Appropriate Funds and Authorize Change Order #1 to Purchase Orders for Eleven (11) 2024 Ford F-350 XL Vehicles.
Expenditure: $86,917.96 (Non-General Fund).
Recommendation of the Public Works Director and General Services Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $16,654 from the Water Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fund balance to the Water Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 2) Appropriate $14,397.59 from the Sewer Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fund balance to the Sewer Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 3) Appropriate $55,866.37 from the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fund balance to the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 4) Authorize change order #1 to the purchase order with National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, CA (PO #2023-00000381) in the amount of $16,654.00, for a new not-to- exceed amount of $454,520.89, for the purchase of three (3) 2024 Ford F-350 XL chassis with utility truck bodies; and
5) Authorize change order #1 to the purchase order with National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, CA (PO #2023-00000382) in the amount of $70,263.96, for a new not-to- exceed amount of $755,187.67, for the purchase of five (5) 2024 Ford F-350 XL chassis with dump truck bodies and three (3) 2024 Ford F-350 XL chassis with utility truck bodies.
8D - STAFF REPORT
8E. General Services – Appropriate Funds and Approve First Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Facility Assessment Services. Expenditure:
$249,999 (General Fund).
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $249,999 to Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 1153 – Land Management Signing Project; and
2) Approve a first amendment to the consulting services agreement with Kitchell/CEM, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA (C2023-062) in the amount of $249,999, for a new not-to- exceed amount of $469,062.46, to provide additional facility assessment services and extend the term for a one-year period beginning May 23, 2024, and ending May 22, 2025.
8E - STAFF REPORT
8F. City Council Federal Legislative Advocacy Committee – Approve and Concur with Committee’s Recommendation of the 2023-2024 Priority Projects and Federal Legislative Trip. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Council Federal Legislative Advocacy Committee that City Council approve and concur with the Committee’s recommendation of the 2023-24 Priority Projects and Federal Legislative Trip to Washington D.C. 8F - STAFF REPORT
8G. Public Works – Approve Amendments to Measure R Funding Agreements with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).
Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve Amendment No. 5 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.23 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) (C2013-069) for Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 764 – Torrance Transit Park and Ride Regional Terminal Project to extend the lapsing date of fiscal year 2018-19 Measure R funds for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; and
2) Approve Amendment No. 5 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.40 with LACMTA (C2014-056) for the Pacific Coast Highway at Vista Montana/Anza Avenue Intersection Improvements, T-154 to extend the lapsing date of fiscal year 2013-14 Measure R funds for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; and
3) Approve Amendment No. 6 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.10 with LACMTA (C2012-035) for the Pacific Coast Highway at Hawthorne Boulevard Intersection Improvements, T-131 to extend the lapsing date of fiscal year 2014-15 Measure R funds for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024; and
4) Approve Amendment No. 6 to Measure R Funding Agreement #MOU.MR312.60 with LACMTA (C2015-043) for the Crenshaw Boulevard from Del Amo Boulevard to Dominguez Street Improvements, T-157 to extend the lapsing date of fiscal year 2015- 16 Measure R funds for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
8G - STAFF REPORT
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. City Attorney – Appropriate Funds and Approve Sixth Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services. Expenditure: $1,900,000 (Non-General Fund).
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council:
1) Appropriate $1,900,000 from the Airport Fund’s fund balance to the Airport Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Approve a sixth 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 $6,215,000, to provide legal services relating to the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Order/Hi-Shear litigation. 9A - STAFF REPORT
9B. City Clerk - Discuss and Provide Direction on Commission Appointment Process. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council:
1) Discuss and provide direction on the Commission Appointment process; and 2) Create a Policy and Procedure on the Commission Appointment process; and 3) Consider adopting an Ordinance to remove the inconsistency in Torrance Municipal Code versus the action of Mayor and Council.
9B - STAFF REPORT
9B - SUPPLEMENTAL
9C. City Manager - Approve First Amendment to Lease with West Basin Municipal Water District and Adopt RESOLUTIONS Approving Covenant and Agreement Regarding Storm Drain/Channel Over-Build and Grant of Easement for Electrical Supply Systems and Communication Systems on a portion of Lago Seco Park Located at the Northwest Corner of 238th Street and Ocean Avenue (APN: 7529- 017-903). Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve First Amendment to Lease with West Basin Municipal Water District (C2021- 039) for the Lago Seco Park Recycle Water Pump Station Project; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Covenant and Agreement Regarding Storm Drain/Channel Over-Build to Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD); and 3) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Grant of Easement to Southern California Edison (SCE) for electrical supply systems and communications systems on a portion of Lago Seco Park Located at the Northwest Corner of 238th Street and Ocean Avenue (APN:
7529-017-903).
9C - STAFF REPORT
9D. Finance and Governmental Operations Committee – Provide Direction on Various Revenue Enhancement Opportunities. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
1) Provide direction to staff on initiating the process for a proposed increase of one-half of one percent (0.5%) to the uniform occupancy tax rate of the City of Torrance; and 2) Provide direction to staff on initiating the process for a proposed increase of five percent (5%) to the business license tax rate of the City of Torrance. 9D - STAFF REPORT
9D - SUPPLEMENTAL
9D - STAFF PRESENTATION
9E. Finance and Governmental Operations Committee – Accept and File Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Budget Review Report. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council accept and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Budget Review Report. 9E - STAFF REPORT
9F. Finance and Governmental Operations Committee – Accept and File Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Investment Portfolio Report. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council accept and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Investment Portfolio Report. 9F - STAFF REPORT
9G. Finance – Provide Direction Regarding Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan Priorities. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council provide direction on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan Priorities. 9G - STAFF REPORT
RECESS
RECONVENE
9C. City Manager - Approve First Amendment to Lease with West Basin Municipal Water District and Adopt RESOLUTIONS Approving Covenant and Agreement Regarding Storm Drain/Channel Over-Build and Grant of Easement for Electrical Supply Systems and Communication Systems on a portion of Lago Seco Park Located at the Northwest Corner of 238th Street and Ocean Avenue (APN: 7529-017-903).
Expenditure: None.
*The following items were added on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
9H. Finance - Adopt ORDINANCE and URGENCY ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) to Define the Term "Flight School" and Limit the Number of Business Licenses for Flight Schools Permitted in the City, Determine this is Not a Project Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or Alternatively Adopt CEQA Exemption. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) to add Section
31.1.10 to define "Flight School" and limit the number thereof; and 2) Adopt an URGENCY ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) to add Section 31.1.10 to define "Flight School" and limit the number thereof; and 3) Approve Ordinance Summaries for publication; and
4) Determine that this action is not a "project" subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21065, and in the alternative, adopt a CEQA exemption pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. 9H - STAFF REPORT
9I. Finance - Adopt Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in the Appeal of Sling Pilot Academy. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council adopt the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in the appeal of Sling Pilot Academy. 9I - STAFF REPORT
10. HEARINGS – None Scheduled.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS – None Scheduled.
12. 2ND READING ORDINANCES – None Scheduled.
13. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS #2 (Limited up to a 15 minute period) Council Order: Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Mayor Chen This portion of the meeting is reserved for comment on items not on the agenda. Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, City Council cannot act on items raised during public comment, but may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed; request clarification; or refer the item to staff. Speakers under Orals are limited to either Oral Communications #1 or Oral Communications #2 and no longer than 1 minute per speaker. Time starts when you step up to the microphone. Speakers please turn off or leave your cellular phone when you come to the microphone to speak. If presenting handout material to Council, please provide 11 copies to the City Clerk before speaking.
15. ADJOURNMENT
15A. Adjournment of City Council meeting to Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesdays, December 26, 2023 and January 2, 2024 are Council Dark Nights.
15A - STAFF REPORT