INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -JANUARY 23, 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
6B.
7. 8.
8A.
88. 8C.
9. 9A.
9B.
9C.
90. 9E.
9F.
9G.
9H.
91. 9J.
10. 11 .
12. 13.
14. OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call 1
Flag Salute/Invocation 1
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
PROCLAMATION honoring Torrance Centenarian Catherine Uchenwa Ogbuka 2
Appoint Member to Fill Unscheduled Planning Commission Vacancy 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes
Appropriate Funds and Authorize Change Order #1 to Purchase Order #2023-00000388 for Nine (9) 2024 Ford F-150 Trucks
Approve Changes to Employee Referral Program
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Review Findings of Land Use Study for 13 City-Owned Properties and Provide Direction on Potential Property Disposition Opportunities Discuss and Provide Direction on Potential Land Use Study for Torrance Municipal Airport -Zamperini Field
Adopt RESOLUTION Approving and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Execute Cooperative Implementation Agreement and Accept and Appropriate $2,000,000 Settlement Contribution for Torrance Airport Storm Water Basin Project, 1-174
Approve First Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Torrance 2 3
3 3-4
4-6
6 Airport Storm Water Basin Project, 1-174 6
Approve Specifications, Appropriate Funds, Award Public Works Agreement, and Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301(c)-Existing Facilities (Class 1) for Sidewalk Repair for Disabled Accessibility, 1-135 7 Approve Grant Agreement, Accept and Appropriate $5,000,000 Grant Award, and Appoint Members to Advisory Committee for World War II Camp Wall Monument Project at Columbia Park 8
Approve Committee's Recommendations Regarding Various Revenue Enhancement Opportunities and Creation of Community Facilities District 8-9 Discuss and Consider Adopting ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code Regulating Touch (and Stop) and Go, Full Stop-Taxi Back and Low Approaches at Torrance Municipal Airport and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act Exemption
Appoint Chair and Members to City Council Ad Hoc Facility Naming Committee
Receive Update on Public Health Department Research
HEARINGS
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
9-10
10 10-11
11 1, 11
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
January 23, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT 11
At 1 :57 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, January 30, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
January 23, 2024
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
January 23, 2024
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on January 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
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 Councll 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) REAL PROPERTY -CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, and 14C) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1), California Government Code §54956.8, and California Government Code §54957 .6.
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 Mattucci.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Sheikh.
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 Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
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 Lewis and passed by 7-0.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9A, 9B, 9G, 9H and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
January 23, 2024
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced the meeting of the State Legislative Advocacy Committee.
Councilmember Mattucci announced the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee meeting.
Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to consider two new cities in Japan for the Friendship City program application process. He added that residents near El Camino College were concerned about the Groundbreaking project causing issues. He discussed the importance of the Public Safety programs at El Camino College and the benefits. He received concurrence to have staff return an item on creating a sound barrier system on the south side of Redondo Beach Boulevard.
City Clerk Poirier reminded the public about the March 5, 2024 Municipal Election. She added that districts 2, 4, and 6 would be voting for City Councilmembers and all residents would be voting for federal, state and county offices. She announced the first Torrance City Council candidates' forum.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the Torrance Refining Company's alert system test on February 7.
Commission on Aging Commissioner Mary Hileman and Chairwoman Karen Pryor announced the meeting of the Commission on Aging on February 6.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION HONORING TORRANCE CENTENARIAN CATHERINE UCHENWA OGBUKA
6B. APPOINT MEMBER TO FILL UNSCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council review applications and appoint member to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission from a list of qualified applicants. The City Clerk will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed commissioner if present.
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to appoint Megan Turner as the newest member of the Planning Commission. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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 December 12, 2023, December 18, 2023, December 19, 2023 and January 9, 2024.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
January 23, 2024
8B. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER #1 TO PURCHASE ORDER #2023-00000388 FOR NINE (9) 2024 FORD F-150 TRUCKS Recommendation of the Public Works Director and General Services Director that City Council:
1) Appropriate $1,827.52 from the Sewer Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Sewer Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 2) Appropriate $43,828.11 from the Sanitation Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Sanitation Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
3) Appropriate $3,655.04 from the Water Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Water Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 4) Appropriate $7,310.10 from the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 5) Authorize change order #1 with National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, CA (PO#2023-00000388) in the amount of $56,620.77, including sales tax, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $378,005.31, for the purchase of nine (9) 2024 Ford F-150 trucks.
BC. APPROVE CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM
Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the changes to the Employee Referral Program in the amount of approximately $66,400 through January 31, 2025.
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. REVIEW FINDINGS OF LAND USE STUDY FOR 13 CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES AND
PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL PROPERTY DISPOSITION OPPORTUNITIES Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Review Findings of Land Use Study for 13 City-Owned Properties; and 2) Provide Direction on Potential Property Disposition Opportunities.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council. Real Estate Consultant Bill Lee was in attendance for any questions. Management Associate Huizar used slides to overview the background, land use study, land value trends, city-owned properties, potential property disposition strategies, etc.
Councilmember Kaji reviewed the background, and how the state has imposed requirements on Torrance. He continued that this was about trying to create better opportunities for Torrance to be able to pay off those unfunded mandates. He supported option 2.
Councilmember Griffiths also supported option 2. He discussed the parking situation near at parcel 10 with Management Associate Huizar and Community Services Director John La Rock.
At property 12, Councilmember Griffiths inquired if it had to be transit related. Management Associate Huizar responded that they had different strategies, but that one option was utilizing conditions for additional infrastructure supporting electric vehicles. They also discussed property 13, and what would happen to Las Conchas in the event of a change to the access road.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
January 23, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh and Management Associate Huizar overviewed the demand for more cell towers and the repurposing of property to accommodate. The idea is to avoid placing cell towers in bad locations for residents. Management Associate Huizar added that there were benefits to the budgeting process as well. Management Associate Huizar noted the various locations that have been selected, and the reasoning behind them. Councilmember Sheikh and staff discussed the usage cases of the properties and leasing them.
Councilmember Mattucci agreed that option 2 was the better option. He inquired about interest in parcel 13 and the steep slope it has. City Manager Chaparyan responded that in the past they worked with a broker exploring some options. He added that the price has increased over the years, but that they had not developed the land due to various reasons. Councilmember Mattucci inquired if the city would be able to sell the plot in the event of the city purchasing the plot. Assistant City Manager Santana responded that it would be subject to the Surplus Land Act requirements, but that it would be possible.
Councilmember Kalani and Management Associate Huizar discussed the definition of Transit-oriented, what would come back to the City Council, and the options that were being presented.
Members of the public spoke.
Assistant City Manager Santana, responding to a member of the public, stated that the property is owned by the city and the city used Metro funds to help acquire it and allow it to be developed.
Assistant City Manager Santana, responding to a member of the public, stated that the City Council has greater authority to modify the looks and size of the cell towers to help with residents' concerns.
Councilmember Sheikh and Assistant City Manager Santana discussed what authorities the City Council would have in the event of selling.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve option 2. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL LAND USE STUDY FOR
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT -ZAMPERINI FIELD
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Jon Kaji with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and provide direction on options for a potential Land Use Study for the Torrance Municipal Airport - Zamperini Field.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to continue this at a future date if there is a concurrence to have this come back again for another date. Council member Kalani seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 3-4 with Council members Kaji, Mattucci, Sheikh and Mayor Chen voting no.
Mayor Chen explained that he voted no because this was already on the agenda and wanted to give the public the choice to voice their opinions.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
January 23, 2024
Management Associate Huizar introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kaji debunked some of the rumors about plans at the airport. He stressed that the rumors were untrue, and that the city needed to look for different avenues for revenue.
Councilmember Kalani stated her support for tabling this for now but added that staff should create a vision plan for this land and include all involved parties in the planning process.
Councilmember Griffiths viewed the airport as an asset, but that the use has become unbalanced. He stated that until the balance is restored, then this item should be tabled. He would be against spending so much money to do a land use study at this time.
Councilmember Sheikh stated the importance of the airport, and that it was irreplaceable.
He stated that he would never vote to replace the airport.
Councilmember Mattucci agreed that he supported the airport but added that more information was needed to make decisions. He continued that the land use study was designed to find the best opportunities for Torrance, and that does not necessarily mean replacing the airport. He stressed that they needed ways to generate revenue without raising taxes.
Councilmember Lewis stated that the intent of this was not to shut down the airport, and it was not to build real estate at the airport. She would not support shutting down the airport but admitted that there was some value to a land use study although she agreed that a land use study was not necessary at this time. She agreed with putting this on pause and the idea of a vision plan.
Mayor Chen emphasized that they were making decisions to better the residents of all of Torrance. He added that there needs to be better dialogue between all parties given the heated nature of the debate. He stated that the land use study could include a wide range of items, and that the land use study has value.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kaji reiterated that they are not looking to close the airport and that he is not planning to do any development of real estate. He stated that the only cause of this whole study was from the noise issues, and that his only goal was to reconcile all parties involved and investigate all possible opportunities for Torrance.
Councilmember Kalani suggested setting aside funds for an independent facilitator to oversee communications between airport representatives and residents, as well as reiterating her support for a vision plan.
Councilmember Lewis suggested deferring the land use study and agreed with Councilmember Kalani on the vision plan and independent facilitator.
Councilmember Mattucci suggested tabling this as the scope was becoming more complicated and expensive when bringing outside people in.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
January 23, 2024
Council member Lewis responded that they would not need to bring in outside people, and rather just use in-house experts and staff and discuss with the pilots.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to accept and file item 9B. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Kaji voting no.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence for staff to bring an item regarding a vision plan for the airport, and to bring together all parties and possibly use outsourced resources.
The City Council went to recess at 9:43 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:57 p.m.
9C. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $2,000,000 SETTLEMENT CONTRIBUTION FOR TORRANCE AIRPORT STORM WATER BASIN PROJECT, 1-174
Recommendation of the Public Works Di rector that City Cou nci I:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving and authorizing the Public Works Director to execute cooperative implementation agreement #D43CIATOA0001 with the California Department of Transportation for the Torrance Airport Storm Water Basin Project, l-174; and
2) Upon execution of cooperative implementation agreement #D43CIATOA0001, accept and appropriate a settlement contribution in the amount of $2,000,000 to the Torrance Airport Storm Water Basin Project, 1-174.
Public Works Engineering Manager James Flannigan introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Engineering Manager Flannigan discussed the different parts of this item, and the different funding sources.
Members of the public spoke.
Assistant City Manager Santana stated that the settlement was between two parties that were not Torrance, but Torrance was working to reduce TMVLs. Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian stated that Torrance was benefitting from this at no cost to Torrance.
Public Works Director Bilezerian explained that separation of water from the basin.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and titte for Resolution No. 2024-03 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO EXECUTE THE COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH CAL TRANS.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheik moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-03.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
January 23, 2024
9D. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR TORRANCE AIRPORT STORM WATER BASIN PROJECT, 1-174
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve a first amendment to the consulting services agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. of Irvine, CA (C2022-009) in the amount of $46,430, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $832,352, to provide preliminary and final design services for the Torrance Airport Stormwater Basin Project, 1-174 and to extend the term for an additional two-year period beginning January 25, 2024 and ending January 24, 2026.
Public Works Engineering Manager Flannigan introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 90. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9E. APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS, APPROPRIATE FUNDS, AWARD PUBLIC WORKS
AGREEMENT, AND ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) SECTION 15301 (C) -EXISTING FACILITIES (CLASS 1) FOR SIDEWALK REPAIR FOR DISABLED ACCESSIBILITY, 1- 135
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve the specifications for the Sidewalk Repair for Disabled Accessibility, 1-135 (B2023-36); and
2) Appropriate $106,598 of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds to the Sidewalk Repair for Disabled Accessibility, 1-135, and authorize any future interest earned on these funds to also be appropriated to the project; and 3) Award a public works agreement to Kalban, Inc. of Santa Clarita, CA (B2023-36) in the amount of $1,018,950 and authorize a 15% contingency in the amount of $152,842.50 for construction of the Sidewalk Repair for Disabled A~cessibility, 1-135 for a two-year period beginning January 23, 2024, and ending January 22, 2026; and 4) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c)-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.
Public Works Engineering Manager Shin Furukawa introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item 9E. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
January 23, 2024
9F. APPROVE GRANT AGREEMENT, ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $5,000,000 GRANT
AWARD, AND APPOINT MEMBERS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR WORLD WAR 11 CAMP WALL MONUMENT PROJECT AT COLUMBIA PARK
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1) Approve grant agreement #GF2126-0 with the California Natural Resources Agency for the World War II Camp Wall Monument project at Columbia Park; and 2) Upon execution of grant agreement #GF2126-0, accept and appropriate a grant program award in the amount of $5,000,000; and
3) Appoint three (3) members to fill the five-member advisory committee to provide consultation for the project.
Community Services Director John La Rock introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kaji stated that he reached out to individuals who could possibly serve to the Advisory Committee, but he was awaiting response.
Council member Sheikh and Community Services Director La Rock discussed if any of the councilmembers could serve as members.
Members of the public spoke.
Assistant City Manager Santana stated that this item was awaiting City Council action to get documentation to the state and then allowing the money to be disbursed to Torrance.
Councilmember Lewis, Assistant City Manager Santana and Community Services Director La Rock discussed some of the promotional methods they could use.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the process of the funds. Community Services Director La Rock stated that if the grant agreement was approved and the funds are appropriated then the paperwork would go to the state. He added that the Advisory Committee was not a requirement of the funding.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve items 1 and 2. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9G. APPROVE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVENUE
ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CREATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
DISTRICT
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
1) Approve the Committee's recommendation regarding various revenue enhancement opportunities; and
2) Approve the Committee's recommendation regarding the creation of a community facilities district.
Councilmember Kaji introduced the item to the rest of the City Council. Finance Director Sheila Poisson read from the report.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
January 23, 2024
Councilmember Kalani inquired about the funds. Finance Director Poisson responded that the funds that are received from this special task would be in a separate fund, and that every year the city would report back on eligible expenses being paid using those funds.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated that the state has created unfunded mandates and that this item would help Torrance.
Members of the public spoke.
Finance Director Poisson stated that this item started from Councilmember Kaji and the expenditure was approved at the time of concurrence. She added that no expenditure related is because this item is asking for Council direction to create the district, not to approve a contract or purchase order. She continued that this was coming out of the general fund.
Mayor Chen and Finance Director Poisson discussed if there was a tax increase to any existing homeowner.
Councilmember Mattucci showed support for the item. He made it clear that he was not favoring the tenant or the property owner but that the tenant always ends up paying.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 9G. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9H. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE AMENDING TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING TOUCH (AND STOP) AND GO, FULL STOP-TAXI
BACK AND LOW APPROACHES AT TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND ADOPT
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT EXEMPTION
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Airport (Airport) Ordinance to regulate touch (and stop) and go, full stop-taxi back, and low approaches at the Airport; and
2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 5 "Touch (and Stop) and Go, Full Stop-Taxi Back and Low Approaches" of Chapter 1, Division 5; and 3) Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption per guidelines §15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Councilmember Kalani recused herself at 10:49 p.m.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen stated that touch-and-go was a necessary part of flying and flying safe, and that they were overregulating this. He stressed that more work done with the pilots needed to happen. He did not support banning touch-and-go's.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
January 23, 2024
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated that the decision has already been made and they needed to follow through.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3930 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 5 "TOUCH (AND STOP) AND GO, FULL STOP-TAXI BACK AND LOW APPROACHES" OF CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 5 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3930, approve an ordinance summary for publication and adopt CEQA exemption pursuant to §15378 and 15061 (b)(3). Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Kalani recused and Mayor Chen voting no.
Councilmember Kalani returned to the City Council meeting at 11 :14 p.m .
91. APPOINT CHAIR AND MEMBERS TO CITY COUNCIL AD HOC FACILITY NAMING
COMMITTEE
Recommendation of the City Manager that the Mayor appoints Chair and Members to City Council Ad Hoc Facility Naming Committee. ·
Management Aide Gabriella Imai introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 91. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9J. RECEIVE UPDATE ON PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESEARCH Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council receive a Public Health Department Research update.
Management Aide Benjamin Brown introduced the item to the City Council. Using slides, he overviewed the research intent, Torrance Public Health Department responsibilities, city updates, council information requests, benefits and limitations, and next steps and council options.
Councilmember Mattucci suggested going with option 1. He added that this would give Torrance added flexibility. He stated that the goal should be revenue neutral or revenue positive.
Councilmember Kalani and Assistant City Manager Santana discussed what could be done for a public health department without first having the 3 investigatory efforts and receiving approval from the State Department of Public Health.
Councilmember Griffiths suggested option 3 or 1. He stated that getting away from the county on public health was good but noted that this would be another bureaucracy to upkeep.
Mayor Chen suggested options 1 and 2, and stated the West Covina research was important to see first. He added that communicating with the two biggest hospitals in Torrance.
He continued that querying cities in the COG would be beneficial as well. He stated that losing revenue from this would not be the way to go.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
January 23, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the various cities in Los Angeles public health departments.
Councilmember Kaji stated that he saw benefits in having a public health department in Torrance. He continued that he wanted to see what a successful venture into this would be. He stated that option 1 looked the best to him, but that he did not want to see this fail due to being a loss of revenue.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to go with option 1 and incorporate the questions from the City Council once option 1 is activated and West Covina has completed their process at the one year mark, and get inputs from the hospitals. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
10. 11.
12. 13.
HEARINGS -None Scheduled .
AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
SECOND READING ORDINANCES -None Scheduled.
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 11 :55 p.m., the City Council returned to closed session to confer on matters listed earlier.
At 1 :56 a.m., the City Council returned from closed session.
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 1:57 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Tuesday, January 30, 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 7-0. ###
Atte~ -
Rebec a Poirl e~}q
City ~y of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Ma y$t~f;:; Torrance
Approved on February 6, 2024
11 City Council
January 23, 2024