INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COU NCIL -MARCH 26, 2024
SUBJECT
OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call
Flag Salute/Invocation
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading
Withdrawn , Deferred or Supplemental Items
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements
COMMUNITY MATTERS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
PAGE
1 1
1 1
2 2
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
8A.
8B .
Approve City Council Minutes 2
Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83607, Accept Additional Street Easements, Abandon Two Public Utility and Planting Easements, and Determine that Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 83607 is Categorically Exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15268(b) of the CEQA Guidelines 3
8C . Accept and File 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Authorize Submission to California Department of Housing and Community Development and Governor's Office of Planning and Research 3
8D .
8E.
9. 9A.
Approve Proposed Class Specification for Fire Prevention Supervisor 3 Approve Revised Class Specification for Human Resources Technician 4
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Appropriate Funds and Award Contract Services Agreement for Audio Visual & Control System Upgrades 4
9B. Approve One-Time Exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 46 .5.3b Regarding Hours for Amplified Sound and Approve Amplified Sound Permit for Islamic Center of South Bay Event at Charles H. Wilson Park 4-5
9C. Review and Concur with Provisions of the Downtown Torrance Business Improvement District Management District (BID) Plan, Provide Direction on Assessment Obligations, and Authorize City Manager to Submit Affirmative Petitions for Establishment of Downtown Torrance Business Improvement District 5-6
9D . Approve Seventh Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services 6 9E. Receive Update and Provide Direction on Potential Installation of Live Webcam in Torrance 6-7
9F . Adopt RESOLUTIONS Authorizing Grant of Easement and Settlement and Release Agreement for Portions of City-Owned Vacant Properties 7 9G . Adopt ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code Regarding Changes to Commission Appointments and Terms, and Filling of Vacancies and Determine CEQA Exemption and Discuss and
Provide Direction Regarding Commission Meeting Times and Combining or Disbanding Commissions 8-9
9H . Receive Update and Provide Direction on Potential Installation of New Electronic Message Board 9
10 . HEARINGS
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 26, 2024
-----------
10A. Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 24-00002 Regarding Proposed Amendments to Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to Electronic/Digital
11. 12.
13 .
14. 15.
Billboards, Determine CEQA Exemption, and Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
10-11
12 1, 12
13 At 1 :52 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 9, 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, April 2, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 26, 2024
March 26, 2024
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on March 26, 2024 at 5:01 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Griffiths, Kaji , Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Absent:
Present:
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 Council 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, 148) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE , 14C) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, 14D) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR and 14E) REAL PROPERTY - CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54957, California Government Code §54957(b)(1 ), California Government Code §54957.6 and California Government Code §54956.8. '
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:44 p.m. City Attorney Sullivan stated that the City Council adopted its findings of 7-0 to terminate the employee.
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 POSTIN G O~ THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
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 7-0.
4. WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED O R SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9G, 10A, 12A and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
March 26, 2024
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Kaji reminded the public about the Civic Center master plan and city proposals.
Councilmember Sheikh called for peace in the humanitarian crisis in the lsrael-Hamas war. He did not receive concurrence to have staff prepare a resolution to join other cities to request a peaceful resolution and a return of hostages. Councilmember Kalani and Councilmember Lewis stated that the UN resolution was the right way to do it rather than an agenda item.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that raising awareness that they are united on the issue was important. Councilmember Lewis explained that the city's resolution was before the UN resolution, and that she supports a ceasefire but that the UN should handle international incidents.
Councilmember Sheikh responded that the City Council has acted on international incidents before.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the Torrance Refining Company community alert.
Councilmember ~riffiths alerted the public about the Torrance Sister City Association and the upcoming Bunka-Sai event. He received concurrence to have the city make a letter opposing AB2560 regarding the coast commission's ability to manage housing and zoning, and that this was taking away control of housing again.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
None Scheduled
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke .
The City Council went to recess at 7:19 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 7:39 p.m.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of February 27, 2024.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
March 26, 2024
88. APPROVE FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 83607, ACCEPT ADDITIONAL STREET
EASEMENTS, ABANDON TWO PUBLIC UTILITY AND PLANTING EASEMENTS, AND DETERMINE THAT APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 83607 IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15268(8) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83607; and
2) Accept additional street and highway easements at the following locations:
3) Abandon two unneeded Public Utility and Planting easements along the north side of 195th Street; and
4) Determine that approval of Final Parcel Map No. 83607 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15268(b) of the CEQA Guidelines.
SC. ACCEPT AND FILE 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND
AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF PLANNING AND
RESEARCH
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Accept and file the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report; and 2) Authorize staff to submit the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and 3) Authorize staff to submit the 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
Councilmember Griffiths gave a brief overview of the RHNA housing requirements the state has forced upon Torrance. He stated Torrance is well below the requirements and would be penalized if Torrance continues declining new housing prqjects. Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez corroborated Councilmember Griffiths statements and elaborated on how Torrance can be judged on how it handles affordable housing and the penalties associated with not complying. Councilmember Griffiths stated Torrance is in danger of being penalized for the lack of affordable housing being built in the RHNA cycle and may cause Torrance to accept any housing project that comes up.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to approve item BC. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0 .
SD. APPROVE PROPOSED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR FIRE PREVENTION
SUPERVISOR
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for Fire Prevention Supervisor.
Councilmember Sheikh and Fire Chief Dumais discussed the role of the Community Risk Reduction Division and the role of the Fire Prevention Supervisor. City Manager Chaparyan elaborated that this role informs on fire prevention and uses educational methods. He stated this is a non-sworn position .
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8D . Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
March 26, 2024
SE . APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES
TECHNICIAN
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Human Resources Technician.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve the Consent Calendar except item 8C and 8D. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND AWARD CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
AUDIO VISUAL & CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Appropriate $237,092.60 from the Public, Educational, and Governmental Access Fund's fund balance to the Public, Educational, and Governmental Access Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget; and
2) Appropriate $578,092.60 from the Public, Educational, and Governmental Access Fund's fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget to Facility, Equipment, and Automation Plan (FEAP) 950 -City Council TV Production Control Room, Cameras, Robotics project; and
3) Award a contract services agreement to Triton Technology Solutions, Inc. of San Juan Capistrano, CA (RFP B2023-44) for an amount not-to-exceed $578,092.60 to provide audio visual and control system upgrades in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber for a one-year period beginning March 26, 2024, and ending March 25, 2025.
Senior Interactive Communications Officer Johnny Romo presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh, Senior Interactive Communications Officer Romo, and Assistant City Manager Santana discussed the usage of funds associated with this.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9B. APPROVE ONE-TIME EXEMPTION TO TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) SECTION 46.5.3B REGARDING HOURS FOR AMPLIFIED SOUND AND APPROVE
AMPLIFIED SOUND PERMIT FOR ISLAMIC CENTER OF SOUTH BAY EVENT AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a one-time exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) section 46.5.3b regarding hours for Amplified Sound; and
2) Approve an Amplified Sound Permit for the Islamic Center of South Bay-Lomita for prayer services to be held on April 10, 2024 at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton presented the item to the City Council.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
March 26, 2024
►
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about complaints from neighbors about sound. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that they have not received complaints.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9B. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9C. REVIEW AND CONCUR WITH PROVISIONS OF THE DOWNTOWN TORRANCE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (BID) PLAN,
PROVIDE DIRECTION ON ASSESSMENT OBLIGATIONS, AND AUTHORIZE CITY
MANAGER TO SUBMIT AFFIRMATIVE PETITIONS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF
DOWNTOWN TORRANCE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Review and concur with the provisions of the Downtown Torrance Business Improvement District (BID) Management District Plan; and 2) Provide direction on assessment obligations for City owned properties; and 3) Authorize the City Manager to submit affirmative petitions supporting the establishment of a Downtown Torrance Business Improvement District.
Economic Development Manager Fulton presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated his support for this item. Councilmember Kalani agreed that this item was important to support.
In response to Councilmember Mattucci, Economic Development Manager Fulton explained that business improvement districts are set for a period and the plan could include allowing increases that the governing board would need to approve, or whatever set within the Management District plan could not be changed until the plan was renewed. She continued that there was an opportunity to change. They discussed who gets appointed to the board.
Councilmember Mattucci stated Temecula was a good example to follow. City Manager Chaparyan stated that this item would allow the city to have a spot on the board, and that they have other avenues to increase activity in the downtown area. Economic Development Manager Fulton stated that the purpose of the board is to make it helpful to communicate with each other and the city. She added that it is also a process of proving itself.
Mayor Chen and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed how Temecula put their bid proposal together.
Councilmember Kaji stated that he supported the idea of a business improvement district, but that for it to work it would require capital improvements, and much parking and accessibility.
He also voiced concern over how the funding will be allocated.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the time frame .
Councilmember Griffiths stressed the importance of the bid process, and the flexibility of the board.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
March 26, 2024
Members of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen stated that even though they have 12.67% of the vote, the membership only gives one vote like everyone else. Assistant City Manager Santana added that the city rate would increase as all other rates would for any of the assessments.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0 . 9D. APPROVE SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a seventh amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Rutan & Tucker, LLP of Costa Mesa, CA (C2020-038) in the amount of $1,758,371.70, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $7,973,371.70, to cover costs and provide legal services relating to the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Order/Hi-Shear litigation.
City Attorney Sullivan presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the high cost, and the requirement of experts.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9E . RECEIVE UPDATE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL INSTALLATION OF LIVE WEBCAM IN TORRANCE .
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci, it is the recommendation of the City Manager and Communications and Information Technology Director that City Council receive an update and provide direction on the potential installation of a live webcam in Torrance as a means of promoting the City in a visual medium.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chen presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that this was a relatively small investment for what would be a large gain for the city and give Torrance good visibility.
Councilmember Griffiths agreed with Councilmember Mattucci, but voiced concern about possible vandalism. He inquired about being able to change the view of the camera. City Manager Chaparyan responded that they could, and as they build it out there would be more features.
Councilmember Kalani and Councilmember Sheikh stated their support for the item.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Manager Chaparyan discussed if there would be recording features.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
March 26, 2024
Members of the public spoke .
Assistant City Manager Santana stated that the camera positioning shows only the city lights and landscape, and the valley below.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9E. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9F. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING GRANT OF EASEMENT AND SETTLEMENT
AND RELEASE AGREEMENT FOR PORTIONS OF CITY-OWNED VACANT
PROPERTIES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt findings that portions of city-owned vacant properties (7532-011-900 and 7532- 011-901) are exempt surplus land under the California Surplus Land Act as defined by California Government Code, Section 54221; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest to grant of easement entitled Easement Agreement with Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for portions of city-owned vacant properties (7532-011- 900 and 7532-011-901); and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest to a Settlement and Release Agreement between the City of Torrance and the property owners of 4805 Paseo de las Tortugas to cure an encroachment dispute.
Assistant City Manager Santana presented the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-10 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO GRANT OF EASEMENT
ENTITLED EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND
RESTRICTIONS AND ADOPT FINDINGS DECLARING THAT PORTIONS OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ARE EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SURPLUS LAND ACT.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-11 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO A SETTLEMENT AND
RELEASE AGREEMENT TO CURE AN ENCROACHMENT DISPUTE BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 4805 PASEO DE LAS TORTUGAS.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-10 and No. 2024-
11. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
March 26, 2024
9G . ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
CHANGES TO COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND TERMS, AND FILLING OF
VACANCIES AND DETERMINE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION AND DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING
COMMISSION MEETING TIMES AND COMBINING OR DISBANDING COMMISSIONS Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council:
1) Discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Code to consider changes to Commission appointments and terms of members and filling of vacancies; and 2) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Sections 13.1.2, 13.2.2,
13.3.2, 13.4.2, 13.5.2, 13.9.2, 13.10.2, 13.11.2, 13.15.2, 13.16.2, 13.18.2, 13.20.020 and 13.21.030 all titled "Appointment and Terms of Members" and Sections 13.1.3,
13.2.3, 13.3.3, 13.5.3, 13.9.3, 13.15.3, 13.16.3, 13.18.3, 13.20.030 and 13.21.040 all titled "Filling of Vacancies; and
3) Determine the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061 (b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and 4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication; and
5) Discuss and provide direction regarding meeting times and combining or disbanding Commissions .
City Clerk Poirier presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kalani noted the importance of the work that was done for this item, but stated she did not want to see these changes.
Councilmember Griffiths agreed with Councilmember Kalani on the Historic Preservation Commission and added that he was not in favor of changing the number of times all the commissions meet nor combining commissions. He stated that the liaison should be directing how often they meet.
Councilmember Sheikh agreed with Councilmember Kalani and Councilmember Griffiths.
Councilmember Mattucci clarified that the changes are about streamlining and being efficient rather than saving money. He continued that the Historic Preservation Commission does bring value but having 6 meetings per year with the possibility of adding meetings would be wise.
He favored reducing meetings at the very least, excluding Planning and Civil Service.
In response to Councilmember Kalani, City Clerk Poirier explained that commissioners do not drive the workflow of city staff and therefore were not consulted on these changes. Only internal staff were consulted.
Mayor Chen stated that the purpose of the commissions would not change if there was to be some streamlining.
Assistant Finance Director Ian Dailey clarified some of the costs regarding the adopted FY2023-24 for commissions.
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Griffiths stated that it is easier to cancel a meeting than to schedule a meeting.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
March 26, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3932 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS
13.1.2, 13.2.2, 13.3.2, 13.4.2, 13.5.2, 13.9.2, 13.10.2, 13.11.2(A), 13.15.2, 13.16.2, 13.18.2,
13.20.020, AND 13.21.030 ALL TITLED "APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF MEMBERS" AND SECTIONS 13.1.3, 13.2.3, 13.3.3, 13.5.3, 13 .9.3, 13.15.3, 13.16.3, 13.18.3, 13.20.030, and
13.21.040 ALL TITLED "FILLING OF VACANCIES OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS .
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3932 and approve items 1, 2, 3 and 4. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to cut down meetings from 12 to 6 for all commissions except for the Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission. Due to a lack of a second, the motion failed.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to make no changes to the meeting schedules nor combining commissions, and to leave scheduling of commission meetings up to the staff liaison. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2, with Councilmember Mattucci and Mayor Chen voting no.
9H. RECEIVE UPDATE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON POTENTIAL INSTALLATION OF
NEW ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Mike Griffiths with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager, General Services Director, and Public Works Director that City Council receive an update and provide direction on the potential installation of a new electronic message board near the southwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway intersection.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chen presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated why he originally wanted this done, but now he requested the City Council to vote no on this due to being a bad proposal. He stated he would like to see other options such as the center-median of Hawthorne.
Councilmember Mattucci favored this sign, but not at this location. He supported seeing other options.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to reject this proposal but to have staff bring back a future item with other options/locations to consider. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 9:33 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:43 p.m.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
March 26, 2024
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON LAND USE STUDY 24-00002 REGARDING
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO
ELECTRONIC/DIGITAL BILLBOARDS, DETERMINE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA} EXEMPTION, AND ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on Land Use Study 24-00002 regarding proposed amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code pertaining to Electronic/Digital Billboards; and
2) Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and 3) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 911.6.100 entitled "Prohibited Signs" of Chapter 11, Article 6, Division 9; repealing Article 10 entitled "Enforcement" of Chapter 11, Division 9; adding Article 10 entitled "Electronic/Digital Billboards" to Chapter 11, Division 9; adding Article 11 entitled "Enforcement" to Chapter 11, Division 9; and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Planning and Environmental Oscar Martinez presented the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the background, proposed amendments, and recommendations.
Councilmember Kalani inquired if the 100 feet setback was enough and if there were time limitations. Planning and Environmental Martinez responded that there are standards to require dimming in the evening and night but there are no restrictions on hours of operation. He added that other jurisdictions commissions did not feel that 100 feet was enough. Council member Kalani inquired on the 1-mile separation. Planning and Environmental Martinez responded that other jurisdictions commissions did not comment on that.
Councilmember Mattucci voiced concern about the 100 feet also. He and Planning and Environmental Martinez discussed how the 1-acre number came about, and how a 200-foot minimum and half-acre would function. He stated that dimming the lights should be a must.
Councilmember Griffiths stated he would not support freeway signs, even if it were to generate revenue.
Councilmember Kaji stated that dealerships could generate more revenue from billboards.
Councilmember Kaji stated that this could even enhance Torrance's image by attracting more commercial traffic. He stated that he would support this.
Councilmember Sheikh stated he was concerned about the size. Community Development Director Ramirez responded that CalTRANS allows the face of signs to be up to 1,200 square feet, so this would be less. City Manager Chaparyan and Assistant City Manager Santana discussed how they could implement limitations and codify them. Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the control and guidance on the brightness level between the city and the owner. Assistant City Manager Santana described the tools that Torrance has in order to manage the brightness level.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
March 26, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the maintenance and the timeframe. City Manager Chaparyan stated that it is part of the entity's business model to meet their contractual obligations and maintain the signs to generate revenue. In response, Community Development Director Ramirez responded that the development agreement could include the time to make repairs.
In response to Councilmember Sheikh, Community Development Director Ramirez responded that there would be cost share the entity would be paying for and that if a billboard is on city land, then there would be a lease. She added that the sign also has its own fee.
In response to Mayor Chen, City Manager Chaparyan stated Torrance branding would be implemented.
Councilmember Griffiths and Planning and Environmental Martinez discussed the static signs at the Del Amo Fashion Center, and how they are only allowed on-site advertising. They deliberated on revenue-generation on the electronic sign by the Del Amo Fashion Center.
Councilmember Mattucci, Community Development Director Ramirez, and Planning and Environmental Martinez discussed putting limitations on obscene material, but that under freedom of speech it may become impossible to make some restrictions .
Councilmember Mattucci stated that the billboards should have some kind of architectural look.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that 200 feet from residential would be sufficient and that 500 or 1,000 feet from the freeway corridor to create a zone for billboards.
Councilmember Griffiths reiterated his opposition to the signs. He continued that there were many outstanding issues that are unknown and present many risks. He would rather this be split into two items, freeway signs and electronic signs.
Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez stated that this item would be applied to a limited number of properties along the freeway. He added that the electronic message center signage was applicable throughout the whole city, which are ones that advertise on-site.
Councilmember Kalani requested some examples of how this could be implemented and how much revenue it could bring in. Community Development Director Ramirez noted that the revenue would be determined between the City Council and the sign company in the development agreement.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to continue this item to a date uncertain.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Griffiths voting no.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
March 26, 2024
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3931
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3931 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
91.37.3(A) OF CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE 37 OF DIVISION 9 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO REGULATE THE APPROVAL PROCESS AND PLACEMENT OF PICKLEBALL COURTS IN THE P-U (PUBLIC USE) ZONE.
MOTION: Councilmemb~r.Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3931. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Griffiths and Mayor Chen voting no. >
13. 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.
Councilmember Griffiths received concurrence to give the outside trash haulers the opportunity to present a proposal to the city on what they think can be done better than how Torrance is doing things. He added that it should include potentially consolidating the trash services involving the multi-family and commercial. He continued that in any proposal from an outside vendor the city employees are protected. City Manager Chaparyan clarified the actions of staff in not receiving proposals.
14. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council returned to closed session at 11: 15 p.m. to confer on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 1 :51 a.m. There were no actions to report.
Considered earlier, see page 1.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
March 26, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
At 1 :52 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 9, 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, April 2, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
MOTION: Councilmember Griffiths moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Lewis and Councilmember Sheikh voting no. --'-....
Attest:
Rebec ~
City Cl e rk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on April 23, 2024
13 City Council
March 26, 2024