INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -JANUARY 9, 2024
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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2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. PROCLAMATION honoring Torrance Centenarian Margaret H. Partsch 2 6B. Recognition of the North High Saxon Regiment 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Receive Update on Torrance Police Department's New E-Bike Safety Program ~3
98. Adopt RESOLUTION Approving Application for Grant Funds for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program 3-4
9C. Appoint Deputy City Attorney I 4
9D. Appoint Deputy City Attorney Ill 4
9E. Adopt RESOLUTION Pursuant to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Setting Forth Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) 4
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. Consider Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of Planning Commission Review to Allow Construction of a New Two-Unit Residential Development, in Conjunction with Demolition of a Contributing Structure, and Conditional Use Permit to Allow Development that Exceeds 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 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Guidelines Section 15303 -New Construction. PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: Shaunt Nazarian 5-7
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3928 7
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 7
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 7
15. ADJOURNMENT 8
At 9:40p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, January 16, 2024, is a Council Dark Night
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
January 9, 2024
January 9, 2024
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 January 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Pro Tempore Kaji
Absent:
Present:
Mayor Chen
Assistant City Manager Santana, 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 Labor Negotiator, 14B) Real Property-Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation and 140) Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) 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 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
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, January 2, 2024.
MOTION: Counci lmember 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 Griffiths and passed by 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
January 9, 2024
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9B and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore Kaji went over the Finance and Governmental Operations meeting.
He discussed the Master Plan for the Torrance Civic Center and the community survey. He also overviewed the wireless emergency alert system for South Bay.
Councilmember Mattucci received concurrence to reconsider options for merging the Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission and the Traffic Commission.
Councilmember Griffiths reviewed the landing fees.
City Clerk Poirier reminded the public about the March 5, 2024 General Municipal Election.
She stated that residents from District 2, 4, and 6 would be voting for City Councilmembers and all others would be voting for federal, state, and county offices. If registered as no-party preference, residents will receive non-partisan ballots with no presidential candidates unless requesting a party's ballot. She stated that election workers were being actively recruited for.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION HONORING TORRANCE CENTENARIAN MARGARET H.
PARTSCH
68. RECOGNITION OF THE NORTH HIGH SAXON REGIMENT
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
At 7:25p.m., the City Council went to recess. The City Council returned from recess at 7:48p.m.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR-None Scheduled.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. RECEIVE UPDATE ON TORRANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S NEW E-BIKE SAFETY
PROGRAM
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council receive an update on the Torrance Police Department's new E-Bike Safety Program.
Police Lieutenant Farley introduced the item to the City Council using slides to overview topics one-bikes such as traffic and safety concerns, as well as training and enforcement.
Councilmember Mattucci and Police Lieutenant Farley discussed the various methods of enforcement and what can be legally done. Speed signs and other vehicle codes would be able to be utilized, and these incidents can be case-by-case. Some bikes can be towed and they can also utilize tickets. They discussed how to educate the public regarding the e-bikes and their enforcement.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
January 9, 2024
Councilmember Kalani and Police Lieutenant Farley discussed the requirements safety wise on thee-bikes, including helmets, riding on sidewalks versus roads, and no minimum age requirement.
Councilmember Sheikh and Police Lieutenant Farley discussed the differences between adults and children using e-bikes and what kind of rules apply for either, as well as if there were any outside organizations that could do the education portion. Police Lieutenant Farley stated they were interested in doing it in-house given costs.
Councilmember Lewis suggested using different approaches for public outreach such as QR codes.
Council member Griffiths stated that he uses the bike lane if it is there but uses the sidewalk if there are no bike lanes. He and Police Lieutenant Farley discussed the effects of class 3 e-bikes and the illegal riding of multiple people on one bike.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
98. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE
ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION PROGRAM
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION approving the application for grant funds with the California Natural Resources Agency for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program.
Public Works Luis Ochoa introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths and Public Works Luis Ochoa discussed the parking situation before and after. He inquired if the tree may pose problems for cars underneath it, to which Public Works Luis Ochoa explained the various aspects of the red curbed area that would protect cars.
Councilmember Kalani and Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian discussed the various reasons why it was better to keep the parking down the middle.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Luis Ochoa overviewed the CNRA grant and how the criteria for choosing Cabrillo came about. Public Works Luis Ochoa stated that this was the only location currently, but in the future if criteria changed for other locations, then they could investigate that. Public Works Director Bilezerian described the current mechanisms to achieve the goal of new trees.
Members of the public spoke.
Assistant City Manager Santana stated that $719,252 that the city is applying for.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
January 9, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-01 RESOLUTION
CITY OF TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION (EEM) PROGRAM.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-01.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
9C. APPOINT DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY I
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council appoint Galen Bean to the position of Deputy City Attorney l.
City Attorney Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent. 9D. APPOINT DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY Ill
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council appoint Jennifer Guerrero to the position of Deputy City Attorney Ill.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9D. Councitmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent. 9E. ADOPT RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR TORRANCE
FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION (TFFA)
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for employees represented by the Torrance Fire Fighters Association {TFFA) for the period beginning December 31, 2023, and ending December 31, 2027.
Assistant Finance Director Ian Dailey introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-02 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES
AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION (TFFA) FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 31, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2027, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-96.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024~02.
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
January 9, 2024
10. HEARINGS
10A. CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF PLANNING
COMMISSION REVIEW TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEMOLITION OF A
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT THAT EXCEEDS 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
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 -NEW CONSTRUCTION. PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: SHAU NT 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.
Planning and Environmental Manager Oscar Martinez introduced the item to the City Council using slides. He overviewed the location and zoning, site plan, floor plans, elevation, site photos and recommendations.
Councilmember Griffiths disclosed that he has visited the location but that his decision would be based on evidence presented during the hearing. He requested staff explain what contributing properties were for the public. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez stated that it was indeed for a historical fashion.
Council member Sheikh disclosed that he was in the Planning Commission at the time this item was originally presented. He stated that this version was different than the original version so he would not recuse himself. He also disclosed that he visited the property multiple times but that his decision would be based on evidence presented during the hearing.
Council member Kalani and Mayor Pro Tempore Kaji disclosed their visiting of the location but that their decision would be based on evidence presented during the hearing.
The appellant, Kevork Nazarian, used slides to overview the property sequence of the development proposal and the history up until now. He described how the process of the engineering report went and the development standards and the code. He also went over the FAR comparison of the original and the final revision. He stated that to fix the proposed finishes then they would essentially have to tear the house down because the foundation is failing.
Council member Sheikh, Assistant City Manager Santana, and Mr. Nazarian discussed the topic of where in the report the foundation was reported to be failing.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
January 9, 2024
Council member Mattucci debated the nature of what should be considered historical. Mr.
Nazarian did not know why the property was considered historical. He noted the metrics on the FAR standard on his property, and staff confirmed his statement on the 0.65 including the garage.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez explained the reasoning for this, and the differences in the zoning.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired on the age of the house and the changes. Mr. Nazarian responded that it was built in 1912 and elaborated on some of the modifications made over the years. He stated that he put the wall back up and made it two bedrooms.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public stated that they supported going through with the project and that they have gone through all the proper procedures.
Dave Holt stated he helped Mr. Nazarian in designing. He stated that the home is very old and there are many areas that are failing. He stated they would have done things differently if they had known that it would have been a contributing factor. He stated that they thought they would have support from the city. He concluded that a 112-year-old house is not going to last, and that costs are going to be high. He added that they are trying to be respectful to the community in the changes.
Mr. Nazarian stated that they purchased this home so they could help their son own a home and be in Torrance.
Councilmember Kalani and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez discussed the engineering report that it would need a lot of repairs but that it's not impossible. They further confirmed that while it may not be the same size as desired but that constructions were possible, and what could trigger a Planning Commission review.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Councilmember Mattucci and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez overviewed the consequences of denying or granting the appeal. Councilmember Mattucci stated that the family should be able to rebuild and enjoy their property.
Council member Griffiths supported construction of a second unit in the back, but he would deny the appeal on recommendation of the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that, if the characteristics stayed the same, he would support the project. He inquired about retaining the style of the housing. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that they would have to deny the appeal to prevent the style of the house being removed. Community Development Director Ramirez stated that it would require an entire redesign of the project to force the style to remain the same.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to grant the appeal and put a limit of 0.65 FAR with the alternate version, and to approve the craftsman style presented.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
January 9, 2024
Assistant City Manager Santana reiterated that the design shown before the City Council would be the one staff would be going with. He and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez discussed the CUP and what would be allowed and not allowed.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-2 with Councilmember Griffiths and Councilmember Kalani voting no and Mayor Chen absent.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS-None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3928
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3928 amending Torrance Municipal Code to add Section 31.1.10 to Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 regarding flight schools and approve Ordinance Summary for publication.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3928 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 31.1.10 TO ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 1 OF DIVISION 3 REGARDING FLIGHT SCHOOLS.
Members of the public spoke.
Council member Kalani disclosed that this item did not create a conflict of interest for her.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3928. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Mayor Chen absent.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths, Mayor Pro Tempore Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, and Councilmember Sheikh spoke.
Councilmember Lewis inquired about bringing an item back from staff regarding Amazon Fresh and its status in Torrance.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
January 9, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:40p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 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 Mayor Chen absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on January 23, 2024
8 City Council
January 9, 2024