These ACTION Minutes are provided as a courtesy to the public until the official Minutes are approved.
Minute action may differ due to review of the recordings and notes taken.
For further information on any item, contact the originating department, City Manager's office or City Clerk's office.
The meeting is available online at https://www.torranceca.gov/government/council-agendas-minutes or DVD is available at any Torrance library.
ACTION MINUTES
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
March 12, 2024
*Denotes the item was added after posting of the agenda.
OPENING CEREMONIES (05:05 pm)
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER (05:05 pm)
ROLL CALL (05:06 pm)
: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
14. CLOSED SESSION (05:06 pm)
14A.PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE (California Government Code §54957) (05:06 pm)
14B.CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (California Government Code §54957.6):
Agency Negotiator: Aram Chaparyan Employee Organization/Association: (05:06 pm)
1. Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees
2. Certain Part-Time Hourly Employees
3. Crossing Guards
4. Elected Officials
5. Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees Association
6. Executive & Management Employees
7. Police & Fire Trainees
8. Safety Management Employees
9. Torrance City Employees Association
10. Fire Safety Management
11. Torrance Fire Fighters Association
12. Torrance Library Employees Association
13. Torrance Municipal Employees/AFSCME Local 1117 AFL-CIO
14. Torrance Police Commanders Association (TPCA)
15. Torrance Police Officers Association
16. Torrance Professional Parks & Recreation Employees Organization
17. Torrance Professional & Supervisory Association
18. Torrance Recurrent Recreational Employees Organization
19. City Treasurer
20. City Clerk
21. City Attorney
22. City Manager
14C.PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE (California Government Code §54957) (05:06 pm)
14D.PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (California Government Code §54957(b)(1)): Title: City Attorney (05:06 pm)
14E.REAL PROPERTY – CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (California Government Code §54956.8): (05:06 pm)
1) Property: Assessor Parcel Numbers 7352-015-005 and 7352-015-900, Torrance, CA 90503 Agency Negotiator: Aram Chaparyan Negotiating Parties: City of Torrance and Prologis, Inc. (Nicol Torstvet) Under Negotiation: Price and terms and conditions of lease and easements
*The following item was added on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 14F.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (05:06 pm)
(California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)): 1) Claudette Leslie, et al. v. Meridian Management Associates, LLC, et al. LASC Case No. 21STCV42993 10B.City Manager – Conduct Closed Hearing on the Appeal of the Civil Service Commission Decision Sustaining the Termination of a Police Officer (7). Confidential under Penal Code 832.7 and Copley Press v. Superior Court 39 Cal. 4th 1272 (2006). 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. Expenditure: None. (05:08 pm)
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 Officer (7), 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.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) (05:19 pm)
RECONVENED IN PUBLIC SESSION (06:36 pm)
2. FLAG SALUTE: Councilmember Kalani (06:37 pm)
NON SECTARIAN INVOCATION: Councilmember Lewis (06:38 pm)
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 Tuesday, March 5, 2024 /s/ Rebecca Poirier (06:39 pm)
MOTION TO WAIVE FURTHER READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES AFTER NUMBER & TITLE – See Council Rules of Order Section 2.11 (Resolution 2006-65) (06:39 pm)
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Kalani, seconded by Councilmember Sheikh to waive further reading MOTION TO WAIVE FURTHER READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES AFTER NUMBER & TITLE – See Council Rules of Order Section 2.11 (Resolution 2006-65)
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED, AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS (06:39 pm)
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (06:40 pm)
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS (06:55 pm)
6A.Recognition of $10,000 Donation from Torrance Refining Company, LLC for Torrance Police Department’s John J. Neu Leadership Academy. (06:55 pm)
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. If presenting handout material to Council, please provide 11 copies to the City Clerk before speaking. (06:59 pm)
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. (07:14 pm) 8A.Police – Appropriate Funds and Authorize Change Order #2 to Purchase Order for Police Vehicle Outfitting. Expenditure: $4,998.68 (Non-General Fund).
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1) Appropriate $4,999.68 from Asset Forfeiture Fund’s fund balance to Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 1132 – Police Vehicle Outfitting Project; and 2) Authorize change order #2 to the purchase order with Dana Safety Supply of Canoga Park, CA (PO# 2023-00000049) in the amount of $4,998.68, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $288,026.29, to provide police vehicle outfitting. 8B.City Treasurer – Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of January 2024.
Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of January 2024.
8C.Community Services – Accept and File Update on City’s Animal Control Program.
Expenditure: None. (07:15 pm)
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file update on the City’s Animal Control Program.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to approve Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file update on the City’s Animal Control Program.
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
Present: Councilmember Griffiths; Councilmember Kaji; Councilmember Kalani; Councilmember Lewis; Councilmember Mattucci; Councilmember Sheikh; Mayor Chen Other Staff Present: City Manager Chaparyan; City Clerk Poirier; City Attorney Sullivan MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Kalani, seconded by Councilmember Sheikh to approve 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.
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS (07:30 pm)
9A.City Manager – Approve Request to Set Closed Hearing Date to Consider Employee Termination Appeal. Expenditure: None. (07:30 pm)
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve request to set a date of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 to conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission’s decision sustaining the termination of a Police Officer (6).
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to concur with staff recommendation Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve request to set a date of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 to conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission’s decision sustaining the termination of a Police Officer (6).
VOTE: Motion carried 6-0.
Yes: Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh, and Mayor Chen.
Abstain: Councilmember Griffiths.
9B.City Manager - Discuss and Determine Action to Address Request for Subsidy of Rental Fees for Use of El Retiro Park by Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club (HRSC).
Expenditure: $500 (General Fund). (07:35 pm)
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Mike Griffiths with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and determine action to address the request for subsidy in the amount of $500 for use of El Retiro Park by the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman's Club (HRSC) for its 48th Annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held on March 30, 2024.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Griffiths, seconded by Councilmember Mattucci to approve In response to an oral request by Councilmember Mike Griffiths with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and determine action to address the request for subsidy in the amount of $500 for use of El Retiro Park by the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman's Club (HRSC) for its 48th Annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held on March 30, 2024.
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
9C.Finance and Governmental Operations Committee – Accept and File Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended 2022-23 and Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Review Report, Approve Proposed Program Modifications, and Appropriate Funds.
Expenditure: $499,528 (General Fund and Non-General Fund). (07:46 pm)
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
1) Accept and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended 2022-23; and
2) Accept and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Review Report; and 3) Approve the proposed program modification in the City Clerk’s fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $2,474 per year; and 4) Approve the proposed program modification in the City Manager’s fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $85,427 per year; and 5) Approve the proposed program modification in the Community Services Department’s fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $54,723 per year; and
6) Approve the proposed program modification in the Finance Department’s fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget for a savings of $54,332 per year; and 7) Approve the proposed program modification in the Finance Department’s fiscal year 2023-24 Self-Insurance Fund operating budget in the amount of $78,557 per year; and 8) Approve the proposed program modification in the General Services Department’s fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $54,339 per year; and 9) Approve the proposed program modification in the Police Department’s fiscal year 2023- 24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $278,340 per year; and 10)Increase the Section 8 Housing Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating revenue budget by $850,000; and
11)Appropriate $850,000 to the Section 8 Housing Fund’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating expenditure budget.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Kalani, seconded by Councilmember Sheikh to concur with staff recommendation Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Sheikh, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to accept and file Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
9D.Transportation Committee – Accept and File Report on Public Safety at Transit Stations and Terminals and Provide Direction on Official Position Regarding LA Metro C-Line Extension to Torrance. Expenditure: None. (07:58 pm)
Recommendation of the Transportation Committee that City Council:
1) Accept and file a report on public safety at transit stations and terminals; and 2) Provide direction on the City’s official position regarding the LA Metro C-Line Extension to Torrance.
10C.Community Services and Community Development – Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001 Regarding Proposed Amendment to Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to the Approval Process and Placement of Pickleball Courts in the P-U (Public Use) Zone, Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code, and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001 regarding proposed amendment to Torrance Municipal Code pertaining to the approval process and placement of pickleball courts in the P-U (Public Use) Zone; and
2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 91.37.3(a) of Chapter 1 of Article 37 of Division 9 Entitled “Land Use”; and 3) Determine the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
9E.City Manager - Discuss and Determine Action to Address Request for Subsidy of Landing Fees by Flabob Aviation Associates and Torrance Unified School District for S.T.E.M. Day at Torrance Municipal Airport - Zamperini Field. Expenditure: Not-to-Exceed $100 (General Fund). (10:50 pm)
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Bridgett Lewis with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and determine action to address the request for subsidy of landing fees for an amount not-to- exceed $100 by Flabob Aviation Associates and Torrance Unified School District for a Douglas DC-3 aircraft that will participate in a static aircraft exhibit at a S.T.E.M. Day event to be held on March 29, I2024.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to approve In response to an oral request by Councilmember Bridgett Lewis with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and determine action to address the request for subsidy of landing fees for an amount not-to-exceed $100 by Flabob Aviation Associates and Torrance Unified School District for a Douglas DC-3 aircraft that will participate in a static aircraft exhibit at a S.T.E.M. Day event to be held on March 29, I2024.
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
RECESS (09:31 pm)
RECONVENE (09:45 pm)
9D. Transportation Committee – Accept and File Report on Public Safety at Transit Stations and Terminals and Provide Direction on Official Position Regarding LA Metro C-Line Extension to Torrance. Expenditure: None. (09:46 pm)
Recommendation of the Transportation Committee that City Council:
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Kalani, seconded by Councilmember Lewis to accept and file Recommendation of the Transportation Committee that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 5-2.
Yes: Councilmember Griffiths, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Sheikh, and Mayor Chen.
No: Councilmember Kaji, and Councilmember Mattucci.
10. HEARINGS (10:58 pm)
10A1. Special Counsel - Discuss and Determine Action on Potential City Charter Amendments Related to the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Treasurer.
Expenditure: None. (10:58 pm)
Recommendation of the Special Counsel that City Council:
1) Conduct the first public hearing on potential amendments to the City Charter regarding the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Treasurer; and 2) Discuss and determine action on potential amendments to the City Charter; and 3) Set the date of the second Public Hearing.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Griffiths, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to close the public hearing Recommendation of the Special Counsel that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Griffiths, seconded by Councilmember Lewis Recommendation of the Special Counsel that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Kaji reCONSIDER
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
10A2. City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney - Conduct First Public Hearing on Potential City Charter Amendments. Expenditure: None. (12:00 am)
Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
1) Conduct the first public hearing on potential amendments to the City Charter; and 2) Discuss and determine action on potential amendments to the City Charter; and 3) Set the date of the second Public Hearing.
10C.Community Services and Community Development – Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001 Regarding Proposed Amendment to Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to the Approval Process and Placement of Pickleball Courts in the P-U (Public Use) Zone, Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code, and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. Expenditure: None. (09:49 pm)
Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001 regarding proposed amendment to Torrance Municipal Code pertaining to the approval process and placement of pickleball courts in the P-U (Public Use) Zone; and
2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 91.37.3(a) of Chapter 1 of Article 37 of Division 9 Entitled “Land Use”; and 3) Determine the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Sheikh to close the public hearing Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Lewis to accept and file Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 5-2.
Yes: Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, and Councilmember Sheikh.
No: Councilmember Griffiths, and Mayor Chen.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Lewis to adopt Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 5-2.
Yes: Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, and Councilmember Sheikh.
No: Councilmember Griffiths, and Mayor Chen.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS – None Scheduled.
12. 2ND READING ORDINANCES – None Scheduled.
10C.Community Services and Community Development – Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001 Regarding Proposed Amendment to Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to the Approval Process and Placement of Pickleball Courts in the P-U (Public Use) Zone, Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code, and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption. Expenditure: None. (10:56 pm)
Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Mattucci Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to concur with staff recommendation Recommendation of the Community Services Director and Community Development Director that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 5-2.
Yes: Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, and Councilmember Sheikh.
No: Councilmember Griffiths, and Mayor Chen.
RECESS (12:01 am)
RECONVENE (12:08 am)
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Kalani REOPEN VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
10A2. City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney - Conduct First Public Hearing on Potential City Charter Amendments. Expenditure: None. (12:09 am)
Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Kalani, seconded by Councilmember Sheikh to close the public hearing Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Councilmember Lewis to accept and file Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
13. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS #2 (Limited up to a 15 minute period) Council Order – Lewis, Mattucci, 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. If presenting handout material to Council, please provide 11 copies to the City Clerk before speaking. (12:39 am)
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) (12:46 am)
RECONVENED IN PUBLIC SESSION (01:50 am)
15. ADJOURNMENT (01:50 am)
15A.Adjournment of City Council meeting to Tuesday, March 26, 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. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, is a Council Dark Night. (01:50 am) MOTION: Moved by Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Kalani to adjourn 15A. Adjournment of City Council meeting to Tuesday, March 26, 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. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
VOTE: Motion carried 7-0.
Rebecca Poirier
City Clerk