INDEX
TORRANCE CITY C O UNCIL -FEBRUARY 6 1 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
7 .
8. BA.
8B.
BC .
9. 9A.
9B .
9C.
9D.
9E.
9F.
9G.
9H.
91. 9J.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call 1
Flag Salute/Invocation 1
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
PROCLAMATION declaring February 2024 as Black History Month 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 2
Approve Change in Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission Meeting Start Time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2 Accept and File January 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes and Concur with Committee's Recommendation on a State Delegation Trip 3
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Adopt RESOLUTION Approving 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 Adopt RESOLUTION Denying Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of 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 3-4
Discuss and Provide Direction on Potential Expansion of Existing Noise Monitoring System at Torrance Municipal Airport 4-5 Adopt RESOLUTION Setting Forth Changes to Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Fire Recruit 5-6
Adopt RESOLUTION Setting Forth Changes to Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Certain Part-Time Hourly Employees 6 Approve Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Funding Agreement for Transportation Open Space Corridor Multi-Use Trail Project and Accept and Appropriate $650 ,000 Grant Award 6
Discuss and Determine Action on Councilmember Sheikh's Request for Excused Absences 6-7
Authorize Purchase Orders for Gasoline and Diesel Fuel 7 Appropriate Funds, Approve Master Equity Lease Agreement for the Lease of (54) Unmarked Police Vehicles as a Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell and Authorize City Manager to Execute and Administer Agreement 7-8
Discuss and Provide Direction on Potential Gateway Entry Signage for Downtown Torrance 8
Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee -Accept and File Committee Meeting Minutes, Provide Direction and Approve Committee's Recommendations for the 2024 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration 9
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
February 6, 2024
10. 10A.
11. 12.
12A.
13. 14.
15. HEARINGS
Conduct Closed Hearing on the Appeal of the Civil Service Commission Decision Sustaining the Termination of a Police Services Officer. Consideration of Public Employee Discipline will be Conducted in Closed Session per California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1 ), unless the Employee Requests to have the Appeal Conducted in Public Session. The Deliberation of this Matter by the City Council will occur in Closed Session
AGENCY AGENDAS .
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3929
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
9 9-10
10-11
1, 11
11 At 12:26 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Leroy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesdays, February 13, 2024, and February 20, 2024 are Council Dark Nights.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
February 6, 2024
February 6, 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 February 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, and Mayor Chen Councilmember Sheikh
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 Labor Negotiator, 148) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release, 14C) Public Employee Performance Evaluation, 14D) Real Property-Conference With Real Property Negotiator and 14E) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54957, California Government Code §54957(b)(1), California Government Code §54956.8 and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ).
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:30 p.m. Items 10A and 148 have been continued to February 27, 2024.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Kaji.
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, January 30, 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 Griffiths and passed by 5-0 with Councilmember Sheikh and Councilmember Lewis absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
February 6, 2024
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 10A was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 9B, 9H, 91, 12A and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen requested to adjourn the City Council meeting in honor of June Rossberg.
He also commented on the historic storm and thanked all who assisted the community's needs.
He reminded the public about the Civic Center master plan survey and economic feasibility study.
Councilmember Lewis returned to the City Council meeting at 7:06 p.m.
City Clerk Poirier reminded the public that there were more options to cast votes, with the General Municipal election coming soon. She stated that more voting centers would be at Walteria Park, D. Hardison Sports Center and the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center. She added that the Herma Tillman Senior Center would also be a voting center and there would be a 24-hour drop box near the Torrance HR Department at 3231 Torrance Boulevard.
Commission on Aging Commissioner Julie Dojiri announced that the· commission was accepting applications for the annual Older American Award.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the community alert siren system on February 7 at 11 :30 a.m.
Mayor Chen received concurrence to have staff bring an item to rejoin Cal Cities. City Manager Chaparyan explained the reasons the city withdrew some of its participation with Cal Cities, and the negatives and pros of being a part of them.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING FEBRUARY 2024 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN
THE CITY OF TORRANCE
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of January 23, 2024.
SB. APPROVE CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING START TIME FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M.
Recommendation of the Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission and Community Development Director that City Council approve a change in start time for the commission meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
February 6, 2024
BC. ACCEPT AND FILE JANUARY 24, 2024 MEETING MINUTES AND CONCUR WITH
COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION ON A STATE DELEGATION TRIP
Recommendation of the State Legislative Advocacy Committee that City Council:
1) Accept and file January 24, 2024 State Legislative Advocacy Committee Meeting Minutes; and
2) Concur with the Committee's recommendation on a State Delegation Trip.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion . The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING 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 ADOPT RESOLUTION DENYING APPEAL
OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF 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 AND STATUTORILY EXEMPT PER GUIDELINES SECTION 15270 -PROJECTS WHICH ARE DISAPPROVED.
PCR21-00001, CUP21-00010: SHAU NT NAZARIAN
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the appeal and approving 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 T'C>rrance Tract Overlay in the R-2 Zone at 1724 Arlington Avenue; and
2) 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.
Members of the public spoke .
City Attorney Sullivan explained that the City Council did vote on this project, but they need to memorialize their decision with resolutions.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
February 6, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-04 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
APPEAL AND APPROVING A PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 49 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE 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.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-05 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, DENYING AN APPEAL
AND DENYING WITHOUT PREJUDICE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 3, ARTICLE 3 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH A FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) EXCEEDING 0.65 ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE TORRANCE TRACT OVERLAY IN THE R-2 ZONE AT 1724 ARLINGTON AVENUE.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-04 and No. 2024-05. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion failed by a ·vote of 3-3, with Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kalani, and Councilmember Lewis voting no, and with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-04 and No. 2024-05. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-2, with Councilmember Griffiths and Councilmember Kalani voting no, and with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL EXPANSION OF EXISTING
NOISE MONITORING SYSTEM AT TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council discuss and provide direction on the potential expansion of the existing noise monitoring system at the Torrance Municipal Airport based on a noise study completed by Casper Airport Solutions.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez introduced the item to the City Council. Casper Representatives Dan Gordon and Zach Miller used slides to overview the noise study. They noted the history of Casper, what Casper does, the background of the research and events leading up to now, site testing, report generation and delivery, baseline, equipment used, and more.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired about the cost of the study, to which Casper Representative Gordon responded that it was about $12,500 for the study. Councilmember Griffiths and Casper Representative Miller discussed how many incidents of noise that were violating the ordinance and were detected at the test sites. Councilmember Griffiths commented that there was no point in putting a monitor where there was not likely to be violations that Torrance could enforce upon. He reviewed with Casper Representative Miller the noise happening at night and if those planes were coming from Torrance airport. Casper Representative Gordon stated that the noise monitors around Zamperini Airfield were well-placed for studying potential noise violations.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
February 6, 2024
Councilmember Griffiths voiced concerns about pilots trying to find loopholes around the noise monitors and violations.
Councilmember Lewis agreed with Councilmember Griffiths on the purpose of the system not actually capturing what the main flights were. She stated that she would support option 3.
Mayor Chen, Casper, and staff deliberated on some of the logistics and terms on the noise study, in particular El Retire Park and Paradise Park and the scales on noise. Furthermore, they elaborated on the reasons some of the sites were chosen and studied. Mayor Chen noted that some of the information in the study, while interesting, could have been detailed more clearly and efficiently. He also stated that the noise monitoring locations made sense.
Council member Mattucci was not opposed to more noise monitoring, but that increases in traffic and traffic pattern could affect the noise monitoring. He suggested waiting about 6 months to see about traffic and patterns and then bring it back.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Griffiths stated that some places that were recommended such as between the gaps of 1 and 2 and 1 and 7. He stated that this would capture the violators at a high traffic area. He added that Alta Loma Park should have some noise monitoring systems due to its altitude.
Councilmember Kalani inquired if this should be sent to the Airport Commission.
Community Development Director Ramirez responded that the study was directed by the City Council so the study comes back to the City Council. Councilmember Kalani supported additional studies at those 3 locations, but that for this portion of the study they should file it for now.
Mayor Chen recommended filing the report. He stated that there may be a willingness to work it out between the parties.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt option 3. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no, and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9C. ADOPT RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH CHANGES TO HOURS, WAGES, AND
WORKING CONDITIONS FOR FIRE RECRUIT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2023-06 setting forth changes to the hours, wages, and working conditions for Fire Recrui,t regarding pay ranges and health insurance contributions.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023- 06 SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING THE HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR POLICE TRAINEE AND FIRE RECRUIT EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 11, 2024.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
February 6, 2024
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-06.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9D. ADOPT RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH CHANGES TO HOURS, WAGES, AND
WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN PART-TIME HOURLY EMPLOYEES Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No. 2022-145 setting forth changes to the hours, wages, and working conditions for Certain Part-Time Hourly Employees in the amount of $7,908 per year to comply with the State's minimum wage laws.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 145 SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING HOURS, WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN PART-TIME HOURLY EMPLOYEES.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-07.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9E. APPROVE MEASURE M MUL Tl-YEAR SUBREGIONAL FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR
TRANSPORTATION OPEN SPACE CORRIDOR MULTI-USE TRAIL PROJECT AND ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE $650,000 GRANT AWARD
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve Measure M Multi-Year Subregional Funding Agreement #9200000000M460107 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for the Transportation Open Space Corridor Multi-Use Trails Project; and
2) Upon execution offunding agreement #9200000000M460107, accept and appropriate a grant program award in the amount of $650,000 to the Transportation Open Space Corridor Multi-Use Trails Project.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez 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 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent. 9F. DISCUSS AND DETERMINE ACTION ON COUNCILMEMBER SHEIKH'S REQUEST
FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and determine action on Councilmember Sheikh's request for excused absences for February 6, 2024, February 27, 2024 and March 12, 2024 Council Meetings.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana introduced the item to the City Council.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
February 6, 2024
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about changing the charter regarding medical absence.
City Attorney Sullivan responded that it would need a charter amendment. Councilmember Mattucci recommended changing the charter when it comes up again. Councilmember Mattucci voiced concern if future councilmembers disliked a councilmember who had left for a while and used the opportunity to remove them. City Attorney Sullivan stated that the public could express their displeasure at such a scenario.
Members of the public spoke.
City Attorney Sullivan, responding to a member of the public, stated that Section 601 of City Charter only applies to the City Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9F. Councilmember Griffiths seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent. 9G. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDERS FOR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL Recommendation of the General Services Director, Fire Chief, and Transit Director that City Council authorize purchase orders with Pinnacle Petroleum, Inc . of Muntington Beach, CA (B2023-45) for an amount not-to-exceed $5,300,000, including taxes and fees, to provide unleaded gasoline and renewable diesel for a three-year period beginning March 1, 2024 and ending February 28, 2027.
Fleet Services Manager Jasun Botiller introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9G. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent. 9H. APPROPRIATE FUNDS, APPROVE MASTER EQUITY LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE LEASE OF (54) UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES AS A COOPERATIVE
PURCHASE WITH SOURCEWELL AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AND ADMINISTER AGREEMENT
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Appropriate $1,100,000 from the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund's fund balance to the Fleet Vehicle Replacement Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and 2) Approve a master equity lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. of Anaheim, CA in the amount of approximately $2,611,611.32 for the lease of (54) unmarked police vehicles as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell; and 3) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and administer the master equity lease agreement on behalf of the City of Torrance; and
4) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and administer the open-end (equity) lease schedules for individual motor vehicles, and to implement and manage ongoing fleet management program options for designated unmarked police vehicles; and
5) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and administer automatic lease renewals for designated unmarked police vehicles .
Assistant Police Chief Robert Dunn introduced the item to the City Council. Using slides, he outlined the systems, stability, structure and recommendations.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
February 6, 2024
Councilmember Griffiths and Assistant Police Chief Dunn discussed staggering the implementation. It could take 6-8 months to complete the process. They also deliberated on the warranties on these new cars, and the decreases in the work done by General Services.
Councilmember Lewis and Assistant Police Chief Dunn discussed the bills with Enterprise in association with this.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that authorized vendors being used would allow the warranties to remain in place when putting equipment in the vehicles.
Councilmember Kaji inquired about the history of purchasing and structured leasing with vehicles. Assistant Police Chief Dunn stated that historically they have purchased vehicles.
Councilmember Kaji and Finance Director Poisson deliberated on the most optimal way to go regarding going with a lease.
Members of the public spoke.
Responding to a member of the public, Finance Director Poisson explained that Sourcewell was a cooperative purchasing agency. She continued that Torrance uses their services so they will help administrative overhead for Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9H. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
91. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL GATEWAY ENTRY SIGNAGE
FOR DOWNTOWN TORRANCE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council discuss and provide direction on potential gateway entry signage for Downtown Torrance.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths disclosed that he visited the OTA meeting where this was presented, but that his decision was based on what was presented during the City Council meeting.
Mayor Chen and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the work that has been done on making sure these are at the right height for particular vehicles.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve the three signs as recommended.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
February 6, 2024
9J. ARMED FORCES DAY SPECIAL STANDING COMMITTEE -ACCEPT AND FILE
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES, PROVIDE DIRECTION AND APPROVE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2024 ARMED FORCES DAY
PARADE AND CELEBRATION
Recommendation of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee that City Council:
1) Accept and file the February 1, 2024 Committee meeting minutes; and 2) Provide direction on eliminating the Friday afternoon military band concert; and 3) Approve the Committee's recommendation to designate the 2024 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration as a special exhibit under Section 46 .8.10 of the Torrance Municipal Code which exempts such events from aircraft noise regulations; and 4) Approve the Committee's recommendation to subsidize landing fees for aircraft flyovers in the amount of $500.
Councilmember Mattucci introduced the item to the rest of the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9J. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONDUCT CLOSED HEARING ON THE APPEAL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION DECISION SUSTAINING THE TERMINATION OF A POLICE SERVICES OFFICER. CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE WILL BE
CONDUCTED IN CLOSED SESSION PER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(8)(1), UNLESS THE EMPLOYEE REQUESTS TO HAVE THE APPEAL CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC SESSION. THE DELIBERATION OF THIS MATTER
BY THE CITY COUNCIL WILL OCCUR IN CLOSED SESSION
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision sustaining the termination of a Police Services Officer, unless the employee requests to have the hearing in public session and that the City Council's deliberation of this matter shall occur in closed session.
Item 1 0A was def erred .
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3929
Councilmember Kalani recused herself at 9:26 p.m.
Councilmember Lewis inquired why the ordinance did not have anything to do with emergency procedures. Community Development Director Ramirez responded that Section
51.5.4 had the language in it to exempt emergency situations. She added that there were other sections that had language covering emergency procedures.
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
February 6, 2024
Mayor Chen and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the options for those that have made a violation and what avenues they have.
Councilmember Lewis inquired if there was a pilot on the committee for the violations.
Community Development Director Ramirez responded that there was not. City Attorney Sullivan stated that a pilot could not be there because this was appealable to the City Council. Community Development Director Ramirez stated that the city has pilots that they can possibly use.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3929 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. 3929. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 3-2 with Mayor Chen and Councilmember Lewis voting no, Councilmember Kalani recused and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Councilmember Lewis stated that the emergency procedures were not clear enough so she voted no. City Attorney Sullivan stated they could consult with outside counsel for this.
Community Development Director Ramirez elaborated on the process of the emergency procedures and how it is written in the ordinance, and how the FM restricts what can and cannot be done. General Services Director Shaunt Megerdichian explained how a pilot can make the emergency maneuvers and if there was an issue they can appeal, and they have many ways to mitigate issues with emergencies.
Councilmember Mattucci suggested a possible second round of this, but stated that this was a well-written ordinance. Councilmember Mattucci and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the logistics on coming back to this later.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated that this was written in such a way that it takes emergency situations as paramount concern and exempting those.
Councilmember Kaji understood the concerns but recommended moving forward with this.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3929. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1 with Councilmember Kalani recused, Mayor Chen voting no, and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Councilmember Griffiths inquired when this would be implemented. Community Development Director Ramirez responded that it was 30 days from the day after the meeting.
Councilmember Kalani returned to the City Council meeting at 9:56 p.m.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, and Mayor Chen spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
February 6, 2024