INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -APRIL 23 , 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Sall:lte/I nvocation 1
3 . Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-16 honoring Councilmember Mike Griffiths 2 6B . PROCLAMATION declaring the month of April as OMV/Donate Life Mo~h 2
6C , PROCLAMATION declaring April 21-27, 2024 as National Volunteer Week 2
6D . Recognition of 2024 Hometown Heroes Banner Recipients 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Approve Annual Membership Renewal with California Transit Indemnity Pool (CalTIP) for Program Year 2024-25 2
BC . Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of February 2024 3 8D . Approve Request for Subsidy of Rental Fees for Use of Toyota Meeting Hall by California State Legislature on Behalf of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi 3
8E . Approve Request to Set Closed Hearing Date to Consider Employee Suspension Appeal 3
8F. Approve Torrance Transit Fiscal Year 2023-25 Short Range Transit Plan and Authorize Submission to Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority 3
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Discuss and Provide Direction on Proceeding with Forensic Review of Financial Processes 3-4
9B. Adopt RESOLUTION Approving and Establishing Citywide Governance by District Elected Policy 5
9C . Discuss and Provide Direction on Declaring City Council Dark Nights 5-6 9D . Select and Appoint Chairs and Members to City Council Committees 6-7 9E. Review Applications and Appoint Members to Advisory Committee for World War II Camp Wall Monument Project at Columbia Park 7 9F. Discuss and Provide Direction on Establishing Off-Leash Dog Park at Columbia Park 7-8
9G . Adopt RESOLUTION Setting Forth Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for Executive and Management Employees 8
9H . Approve City Clerk's Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget Program Modification 9
91. Receive Update on City Hall Exterior Lighting Project and Provide Direction on Installing Permanent Multi-Color Lighting System at City Hall 9 9J. Provide Direction Regarding Purchase of Additional Tickets for Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Game and Authorize Resale of Tickets to Torrance Community Members 9-10
Aleksander Alder12te
Minutes Secretary
City Council
April 23, 2024
9K .
9L.
9M.
10. Discuss and Consider Proposed Amendments to Downtown Torrance Signage Standards, Adopt RESOLUTION Amending Downtown
Torrance Signage Standards, and Determine that the Project is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3)
Accept and File City of Torrance 2023 Year in Review
Appoint Members to Outside Regional Boards and Agencies
HEARINGS
1 0A-1 . Special Counsel -Conduct Second Hearing on Proposed Amendments to City Charter Concerning City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and 10 10-11
7 City Treasurer Positions 11-13
1 0A-2 . City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney -Conduct Second Public Hearing on Potential City Charter Amendments 13-15
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 15
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 15
15. ADJOURNMENT 16
At 2:01 a.m., the City Council adjourned to May 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with the regular meeting commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Leroy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, April 30, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
April 23, 2024
April 23, 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 April 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Absent: None.
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 Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, 148) Conference With Labor Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation, 14D) Public Employee Performance Evaluation, and 14E) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)), California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1), California Government Code §54957(b)(1), and California Government Code §54956.8.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:42 p.m. No formal action was \aken on any item considered in closed session.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Sheikh.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Gerson .
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh 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 Kalani and passed by 7-0 .
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9C, 9E, 9M and Oral Communications.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
April 23, 2024
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen detailed the "Earth Day" events in Torrance and Al Muratsuchi's events for climate change initiatives. He overviewed the habitat restoration of the Madrona Marsh event. He reminded the public about the upcoming wireless emergency alert test from Alert South Bay and about the alert systems already in place in Torrance.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to have staff bring a resolution to formally recognize June as "Pride Month" in Torrance and to honor all members of the LGBT community.
Councilmember Mattucci explained that he voted no because it was overstepping the proclamation process and that one's signature should not be placed on a resolution if one does not support it and that the resolution needs to be signed by the mayor.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the monthly test of the community alert siren system from the Torrance Refining Company.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-16 HONORING COUNCILMEMBER MIKE GRIFFITHS Resolution No. 2024-16 honoring Councilmember Mike Griffiths for his many years of dedicated service to the community.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-16.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 6B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS OMV/DONATE LIFE
MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
6C. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 21-27, 2024 AS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER
WEEK IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
6D. RECOGNITION OF 2024 HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER RECIPIENTS
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 March 12, 2024 and March 26, 2024.
SB. APPROVE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL WITH CALIFORNIA TRANSIT INDEMNITY POOL {CAL TIP) FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2024-25
Recommendation of the Finance Director and Transit Director that City Council approve the annual membership renewal with California Transit Indemnity Pool (CalTIP) for an amount not-to-exceed $543,193 for a one-year period beginning May 1, 2024, and ending May 1, 2025.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
April 23, 2024
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SC. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of February 2024.
SD. APPROVE REQUEST FOR SUBSIDY OF RENTAL FEES FOR USE OF TOYOTA
MEETING HALL BY CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE ON BEHALF OF
ASSEMBL YMEMBER AL MURATSUCHI
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a request for subsidy of rental fees in the amount of $680 for use of the Toyota Meeting Hall by the California State Legislature on behalf of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for a Homeless Townhall to be held on May 11, 2024.
SE. APPROVE REQUEST TO SET CLOSED HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER EMPLOYEE
SUSPENSION APPEAL
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve request to set a date of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, to conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision sustaining the suspension of a Police Officer (10).
SF. APPROVE TORRANCE TRANSIT FISCAL YEAR 2023-25 SHORT RANGE TRANSIT
PLAN AND AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN
AUTHORITY
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Approve the Torrance Transit Fiscal Year 2023-25 Short Range Transit Plan; and 2) Authorize submission of the Torrance Transit Fiscal Year 2023-25 Short Range Transit Plan to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
At request of Councilmember Kalani, Transit Department Administrative Analyst Ryan Plumb reviewed the additional services such as "Senior-to-Ride" and "Dial-a-Taxi", and details on how to find those resources.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 8F. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve the Consent Calendar except for 8F .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PROCEEDING WITH FORENSIC REVIEW
OF FINANCIAL PROCESSES
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council discuss and provide direction on proceeding with a forensic review of the City's financial processes from fiscal year 2014-15 through fiscal year 2022-23 in the amount of $68,090, pending City Council approval.
Deputy Finance Director Jason Nishiyama introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci and Deputy Finance Director Nishiyama discussed the big gaps in the charges. Councilmember Mattucci stated that it was a necessary, though large, investment.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
April 23, 2024
Finance Director Sheila Poisson explained the best practices, recent awards, and transparency in the budgeting per the request from Councilmember Kalani. She detailed the public workshops they do, the technology used for transparency, the key performance indicators, as well as debt policies and internal/external audits. Councilmember Kalani stated that staff has been transparent and clear without this new tool, and the expense was too high to justify.
Councilmember Sheikh and Finance Director Poisson discussed the scope of this forensic audit. Councilmember Sheikh and BDO's representative Shirley Komada overviewed a possible reduction in cost if the years were decreased. She stated that looking at the procedures would be important in deciding how many years to look at. Councilmember Kaji explained that he chose that number of years to decipher why the reserves had become so low and the purpose was to maintain proper levels of fund balance. He continued that it was to assure the public and the investment community, and to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. Councilmember Sheikh questioned how many years back they should go, given the adjustments by staff already. He asked what the benefit would be to go that far back since the cost is so high. Deputy Finance Director Nishiyama responded that during the planning phase they can decide how many years are needed.
Councilmember Lewis reminded the public that the refinery incident, cyber-attack, and the pandemic were all factors in draining funds from Torrance. She noted that staff changes and processes and SST have fixed many of those issues. City Manager Aram Chaparyan confirmed this and elaborated on the processes they changed, including the improvements to transparency and the minimum floor of the reserve. Councilmember Lewis and Finance Director Poisson discussed what the resources required and burden to staff would be due to an audit. BDO's representative Komodo overviewed the process of how they would work with staff and provided examples from the work she has done with other cities.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that having an outside party look at the issues in the city can be beneficial in terms of different perspectives and would not be a criticism of the staff.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that an audit would add a valuable perspective .
Per request of Councilmember Kalani, Finance Director Poisson explained what the scope of this audit was about, and how other cities were responding to these audits.
Mayor Chen reiterated that this audit was to discover how the reserves were depleted .
Members of the public spoke .
Deputy Finance Director Jason Nishiyama explained how they procure vendors and the certification and documentation they gather from vendors. They scrutinize each one for qualifications. Mayor Chen added that some of the firms that have worked with the City often knew about city processes better.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
April 23, 2024
98. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING CITYWIDE GOVERNANCE
BY DISTRICT ELECTED POLICY
In response to an oral request by Mayor George K. Chen with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION approving and establishing Citywide Governance by District Elected Policy.
Management Aide Gabriella Imai introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Gerson voiced concern that the wording in the document could be corrupted and imply that councilmembers may not be working in the interest of their constituent districts.
Mayor Chen noted his history as a councilmember where constituents understood that he was representing all of Torrance.
Councilmember Lewis reiterated that this resolution was made in response to breaking into districts, and to assure the public that they work for a// of Torrance.
Councilmember Mattucci agreed with Councilmember Lewis and added that it had simplicity and unity.
Councilmember Gerson stated that he agreed with the intent of the item, but that it could be corrupted. He voiced concern over the "at large" language.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-17 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING CITYWIDE GOVERNANCE BY-DISTRICT ELECTED POLICY.
Councilmember Lewis stated that the state forced Torrance to divide into districts.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-17.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON DECLARING CITY COUNCIL DARK NIGHTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and provide direction on declaring City Council Dark Nights for July to December 2024.
Management Aide Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Kalani suggested closed meetings to circumvent all-nighter meetings.
Councilmember Lewis suggested full meetings for just closed-session items.
Members of the public spoke .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
April 23, 2024
Mayor Chen stated that the number of meetings was determined by whether they were getting the job done.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9C including adding additional nights by staff as needed within the required posting limits. She added to the motion to hold discussion for potential charter amendments on July 2, 2024. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 8:28 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 8:42 p.m.
9D. SELECT AND APPOINT CHAIRS AND MEMBERS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council select and appoint chairs and members to City Council standing and special standing committees in accordance with the City Council Rules of Order.
Management Aide Gabriella Imai introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Lewis requested that the record reflect the correct committees that she is in .
Councilmember Mattucci was appointed chair to the Transportation Committee .
Councilmember Kalani was appointed chair to the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Sheikh was appointed chair to the Strategic Plan Committee.
Councilrhember Kaji was appointed chair to the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Councilmember Lewis was appointed chair to the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee.
Councilmember Gerson was appointed chair to the Community Planning and Design Committee.
Councilmember Gerson was appointed to the Citizen Enrichment and Development Committee.
Councilmember Lewis was appointed to the Transportation Committee.
Councilmember Kaji was appointed to the Strategic Plan Committee.
Councilmember Sheikh was appointed to the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Kalani was appointed to the Transportation Committee.
Councilmember Mattucci was appointed to the Community Planning and Design Committee.
Councilmember Mattucci was appointed to the Citizens Development and Enrichment Committee.
Councilmember Kalani was appointed to the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Councilmember Sheikh was appointed to the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Kaji was appointed to the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Lewis was appointed to the Community Planning and Design Committee.
Councilmember Gerson was appointed to the Strategic Plan Committee.
The appointments were confirmed.
9M. APPOINT MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE REGIONAL BOARDS AND AGENCIES Recommendation of the Mayor that City Council:
1) Concur with the appointments as voting delegate and/or member and alternate to National League of Cities; League of California Cities; the Sanitation Districts of LA County; the Southern California Association of Governments; South Bay Cities Council of Governments; Independent Cities Association; US Conference of Mayors, West Vector Control District of LA County and Torrance Sister City Association; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to update and post Form 806 on the City website.
Management Aide Huizar introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9M. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9E . REVIEW APPLICATIONS AND APPOINT MEMBERS TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOR WORLD WAR II CAMP WALL MONUMENT PROJECT AT COLUMBIA PARK Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council review applications and appoint three (3) members to fill the five-member advisory committee for the World War II Camp Wall Monument Project at Columbia Park.
Community Services Director John La Rock Introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
Community Services Director La Rock overviewed the grant agreement and the funds reimbursement.
Russell Akiyama, Lisa Akiyama Robinson, and Stacy Tota were confirmed to the appointments.
9F. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON ESTABLISHING OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
AT COLUMBIA PARK
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council discuss and provide direction on establishing an off-leash dog park at Columbia Park in the amount of approximately $88,829, pending City Council approval.
Community Services Director La Rock introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that enforcement of off-leash dogs in other places should be increased given this item. He and Community Services Director La Rock discussed situations where there were dog fights and how those situations were handled, as well as fence heights.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Services Director La Rock discussed the contents in the expense, the hours of the park, the distance from residences, and citations. In response to Councilmember Sheikh, Community Services Director La Rock explained the resources that staff will be using to handle such a large area and how the public can get assistance.
Councilmember Lewis stated that registering and micro-chipping the dogs would make it easier to reunite owners with their pets.
Councilmember Kalani stated that 20 hours of maintenance was high. She and Community Services Director La Rock discussed the rules that they may want implemented such as rules regarding aggressive dogs. They overviewed the possible coyote presence and how other cities experienced dealing with this. Community Services Director La Rock detailed the complaints from citizens. They deliberated over the liabilities that could be associated with this.
Councilmember Kaji stated that this dog park would be beneficial, and he would seek initial data on the park.
Mayor Chen inquired about dog poop and owners not picking it up. Community Services Director La Rock stated that this dog park would allow Torrance to encourage dog owners to bring their dogs to the new park and re-educate them to follow the new rules. Community Services Director La Rock detailed the purpose of the location.
Per request from Councilmember Kalani, Community Services Director La Rock overviewed the other city parks and how they handle dogs. He stated that the park can be flexible in its implementation.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9F. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9G. ADOPT RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING
CONDITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Executive and Management employees; and
2) Repeal Resolution No. 2023-12 in its entirety.
Deputy City Manager Ian Dailey introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-18 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH THE HOURS,
WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE APRIL 21, 2024 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-12.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-18 .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
April 23, 2024
9H. APPROVE CITY CLERK'S FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 OPERA TING BUDGET PROGRAM
MODIFICATION
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council approve the program modification in the City Clerk's fiscal year 2023-24 General Fund operating budget in the amount of $122,794 per year.
Per a request from Councilmember Mattucci, Finance Director Poisson stated that this was a restoration of a position from before the pandemic.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Clerk Poirier discussed the qualifications and responsibilities of this position, as well as the annual compensation.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9H. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
91. RECEIVE UPDATE ON CITY HALL EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROJECT AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION ON INSTALLING PERMANENT MULTI-COLOR LIGHTING SYSTEM AT
CITY HALL
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council receive an update on the City Hall exterior lighting project and provide direction on installing a permanent, multi color lighting system at City Hall to allow the City to celebrate various holidays and acknowledgements throughout the year in the amount of $21,414, pending City Council approval.
General Services Director Shant Megerdichian introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Lewis and General Services Director Megerdichian discussed options for adding on.
Per Mayor Chen's question, General Services Director Megerdichian overviewed the different colors they had and how they can control them.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 91. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Gerson and Mayor Chen voting no.
9J. PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL TICKETS FOR
LOS ANGELES DODGERS BASEBALL GAME AND AUTHORIZE RESALE OF
TICKETS TO TORRANCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1) Provide direction regarding the purchase of up to 500 additional tickets for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game on July 21, 2024 for an amount not-to exceed $18,000, pending City Council approval; and
2) Authorize the resale of 500 Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game tickets to Torrance community members at $15.00 per ticket.
Community Services Director La Rock introduced the item to the City Council.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Mattucci and Community Services Director La Rock discussed the cost and how Torrance is reselling.
Mayor Chen stated that they should sell it at price.
Councilmember Lewis, Community Services Director La Rock, and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed how the city can utilize its transportation system to help facilitate transporting the public to the event.
Members of the public spoke .
In response to a member of the public, Mayor Chen stated that Torrance was paying half the cost.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9J. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9K. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO DOWNTOWN
TORRANCE SIGNAGE STANDARDS, ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING
DOWNTOWN TORRANCE SIGNAGE STANDARDS, AND DETERMINE THAT THE
PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(C)(3) AND 15061 (8)(3) Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Discuss and consider the proposed amendments to the Downtown Torrance Signage Standards; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION amending the Downtown Torrance Signage Standards; and 3) Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3).
Planning and Environmental Manager Oscar Martinez introduced the item to the City Council. He read from slides and gave an overview of the background, downtown Torrance District map, proposed Downtown Torrance signage standard amendments, and the recommendation.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez clarified the interior and exterior distinction for the signage .
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-19 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE DOWNTOWN TORRANCE SIGNAGE STANDARDS.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-19 .
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9L. ACCEPT AND FILE CITY OF TORRANCE 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file the City of Torrance 2023 Year in Review annual report.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
April 23, 2024
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Assistant City Manager Danny Santana introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the Torrance 3rd edition year-in-review.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9L. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 10:16 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 10:23 p.m.
10. HEARINGS
10A-1. CONDUCT SECOND HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CITY CHARTER
CONCERNING CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY CLERK AND CITY
TREASURER POSITIONS
Recommendation of the Special Counsel that City Council:
1) Conduct the second Public Hearing on potential amendments to the City Charter regarding the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Treasurer; and 2) Direct the Special Counsel to draft City Charter amendment language that modernizes the City Manager and City Attorney Charter language to (1) comply with the law; (2) use gender-neutral language; and (3) eliminate any unnecessary terms; and 3) Determine what voting requirements, if any, should be included in the City Charter for the termination of the City Manager and City Attorney and direct the Special counsel to draft language to effectuate this determination; and 4) Determine what termination procedure, if any, should be included in the City Charter for the City Manager and City Attorney positions and direct the Special Counsel to draft language to effectuate this determination; and
5) Set the date of the third Public Hearing.
City Attorney Sullivan elaborated on the process for this public hearing and recused himself at 10:25 p.m. to avoid conflict of interest. City Manager Chaparyan also recused himself at this time.
Special Counsel Peter Brown introduced himself to the City Council and reviewed the staff report. The report described the various methods that the City Council could modify the given positions. He noted that the City Manager and City Attorney positions would not have the charter amendments apply to them unless they opted into that. He reminded the City Council that the City Clerk and City Treasurer positions were elected positions and public wants it to stay that way. He explained what the process of changing that would be if the City Council desired it.
Mayor Chen inquired how these positions were compared to other cities. Special Counsel Brown stated that Clerks and Treasurers were often elected, and no City Managers were elected and there are very few elected City Attorneys. He added that what was unusual was the City Attorney being a part of the Civil Service system. He continued that certain protections needed lend itself to being able to replace the City Attorney. He stated that no employer contract for City Manager was more unusual and detailed how the charter city status affected this.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Kalani inquired about termination voting. She supported contract-based employment for City Attorney and City Manager, and also a supermajority for terminations.
Special Counsel Brown overviewed how a supermajority termination process would be given an employment contract. He continued that a city charter gives power to the citizens, but that the flexibility of an employment contract is lost. At-will employees would be the item going into the city charter.
Mayor Chen and Special Counsel Brown discussed what would change for the City Manager after passing this. The City Manager, assuming he would opt for it, would work out an employment contract with the City Council. He confirmed that the next City Manager would have no choice but to enter into contract negotiations.
Councilmember Kaji and Special Counsel Brown deliberated on how the City Attorney was civil service protected, so they would be entitled to due process and could not be terminated normally. He stated that come November the Clerk and Treasurer ballots would be in two separate areas.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about how many votes should be required to terminate.
Special Counsel Brown explained that the City Council may desire a certain number of votes to terminate. They discussed the vacation hours, and the accumulation of vacation hours and cashing out. They deliberated on the contract tenure length, and the typical term of a possible employment contract. Special Counsel Brown emphasized that the City Attorney is given due process rights to decide on an employment contract or termination, and that the City Manager would have to waive rights in order to become a true at-will employee. He stated that the employment contract would likely need to provide a level of security for the employee in negotiations.
Council member Sheikh questioned what the process would be for termination in the case of City Manager or City Attorney going to prison. Special Counsel Brown explained the severance that would be required in employment contracts, and that in the case of criminality the termination would have a "for-cause" clause and severance would be lost.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Clerk Poirier clarified how large the voting percentages were for the City Clerk and City Treasurer elections.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about the majority and supermajority, given that new City Councils come in and may want to remove employees. Special Counsel _Brown responded that 4 votes would still be needed to change the contract. In response to Councilmember Mattucci, Special Counsel Brown stated that there should be no issue to adding a requirement in the contract for a supermajority in order to allow council members to modify the contract.
Special Counsel Brown recommended cleaning up the language in the charter for the City Clerk and City Treasurer, but that he would need direction on modifying further.
Councilmember Sheikh and Special Counsel Brown overviewed the charter provision that requires the City Manager to live in the city, which was in non-compliance with the California Constitution.
Councilmember Gerson inquired if moving to a contract would give the city a better opportunity for more qualified City Managers. Special Counsel Brown confirmed that to be the case.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
April 23, 2024
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public stated that positions like City Manager should be elected positions.
Councilmember Kalani supported having City Attorney and City Manager appointed, and under a contract. She continued that it should state a 5-2 supermajority vote is required to terminate in the city charter.
Councilmember Sheikh reiterated that the accumulation of vacation hours should be 2 years maximum.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 2, to approve item 3 but to have it outside of the charter, to approve item 4 with minimum of 4 votes to terminate and in the contract add more votes and set the date for the third public hearing as June 4, 2024. For items 3 and 4, the termination/voting process is in an at-will contract. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Kalani voting no.
The City Council went to recess at 11 :20 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 11 :26 p.m. City Attorney Sullivan and City Manager Chaparyan both returned from their recusal at this time .
1 0A-2. CONDUCT SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON POTENTIAL CITY CHARTER
AMENDMENTS
Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
1) Conduct the second 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 third Public Hearing.
City Attorney Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council, which included enumerating options such as election changes, residency requirements, regulation of independent expenditures, Council compensation, positions by appointments and elections, charter language cleanup, and more.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about changing the election in November in terms of savings. City Clerk Poirier responded that there was no number but that most cities have consolidated in November, and the more agencies on the ballot the lower the cost.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about the costs of runoffs, and that he would support it, if it were a mail-in ballot, as the costs are too high otherwise. City Clerk Poirier responded that mail in ballot would be in-house election counting and reported the various processes and concerns that go with in-house elections.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that a fixed amount for Council compensation would be a problem. He suggested having a minimum wage and 40-hour week. He supported the City Clerk and City Treasurer being appointed so to have more control over quality. He added that the residency requirement was covered by the City Attorney and independent expenditures would be good to have but if not then it would not be too bad.
Councilmember Lewis inquired about the Board of Education and whether some of the language should be removed. City Attorney Sullivan responded that he would investigate.
Councilmember Lewis emphasized fixing that language.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 13
City Council
April 23, 2024
Council member Kalani and the City Attorney discussed the possible extension of terms if postponing the election. Councilmember Kalani voiced concern about complications in clocking in and out for minimum wage. City Attorney Sullivan stated that removing language from the charter was an option to create more flexibility. Councilmember Kalani stated that she supported making the City Treasurer and City Clerk appointed. She also opposed combining City Treasurer and Finance Director positions.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the process for hiring if the City Treasurer and City Clerk were made appointed positions.
Mayor Chen recounted how people like to come help the city with the elections, and it would be worth considering running in-house elections. He stated that November would be better if runoffs were not a good option for the rest of the City Council. He added that he was okay with no runoffs and with taking Council compensation out of the charter amendments. However, he emphasized his position regarding what the right amount of compensation should be.
Councilmember Mattucci clarified that he supported a moving scale, so it adapts over the years.
City Clerk Poirier supported giving voters the choice to make the City Clerk appointed.
She stated that educating the public about the complexities of the position would help, and to prevent someone coming in who does not have the knowledge and who allows staff to pick up the slack.
City Treasurer Goodrich was agnostic about switching City Treasurer into appointed or elected, as there were pros and cons to both. He recommended a provision for removal if there are elected officials that are unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties. He also recommended that minimum qualifications for City Treasurer be to have a bachelor's degree. He added that some of the charter language needed changing due to the role of City Treasurer changing.
Mayor Chen recounted how staff had already taken on the responsibility of the City Treasurer in the past when the City Treasurer was not fulfilling their duties.
Councilmember Lewis and City Attorney Sullivan discussed how, in the event of collective agreement of the City Council, the removal of a department head would proceed given possible interference with civil service protected employees. Councilmember Lewis suggested future proofing issues regarding the removal process in the event of poor-quality department heads.
Councilmember Mattucci inquired about quote costs from vendors to which City Clerk Poirier responded that vendors wanted set dates to give quotes or simply refused to give a quote.
She added that it takes about 5 vendors to run a standalone election. City Attorney Sullivan suggested alternative options such as researching places like Redondo Beach who experimented with ranked choice voting. He and Councilmember Mattucci deliberated on the process and popularity of ranked choice voting.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that an estimate on a standalone election was crucial. He noted that the biggest benefit of it would be knowing the final vote very quickly. City Clerk Poirier reiterated the difficulty of getting a vendor and the need for more direction before proceeding.
Councilmember Sheikh and City Clerk Poirier discussed turnout of standalone elections versus the November election, and how there was no guarantee that standalone elections would gain turnout. They also reviewed the increases in election costs, and how they get passed onto the City. Councilmember Sheikh supported having a November election.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 14
City Council
April 23, 2024
Councilmember Kaji supported cleaning up the language and having a November election .
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public argued that Council members should also be appointed.
A member of the public stated that one should be in their district for more than 30 days to run. She argued that the City Council would not do what the public wants.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to remove city election date from the charter and make it an ordinance recommending November, remove from charter the Council compensation and change to an ordinance, change City Treasure and City Clerk to appointed positions, and set the next hearing date as June 4, and cleanup the wording. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled.
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES-None Scheduled .
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci received concurrence to have staff bring an agenda item on May 7 to cancel the Airport Commission of May 9, and to call a special meeting of the Torrance Airport Commission to address and retract a non-agendized action taken by the commission and to provide Brown Act training to the Airport Commission prior to the Airport Commission returning to their regularly scheduled meetings.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
The City Council returned to closed session at 11 :50 p.m. to deliberate on matters listed earlier.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 15
City Council
April 23, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 2:01 a.m. to Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Leroy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, April 30, 2024, is a Council Dark Night. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
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City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on June 4, 2024
16 City Council
April 23, 2024