INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -MAY 7, 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
68. 6C.
60. 6E .
6F.
6G .
6H .
61. 6J.
6K.
7. 8.
8A.
9. 9A.
98. 9C .
90 .
9E.
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Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items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
Proclamation declaring May 7, 2024 as National Teacher Day in the 1 1
1 1
2 City of Torrance 2
Proclamation declaring May 11, 2024 as Fire Service Day in the City of Torrance 2
Proclamation declaring May 5-11, 2024 as Public Service Recognition Week in the City of Torrance 2
Proclamation declaring May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Torrance 2
Proclamation declaring May 2024 as National Preservation Month in the City of Torrance 2
Proclamation declaring May 2024 as Older Americans Month in the City of Torrance 2
Recognition of 2024 Older Americans Award Recipients 2
Recognition of Bishop Montgomery High School Girl's Basketball Team 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-20 declaring May 17 through May 19, 2024 for Observance of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-21 expressing appreciation to
Colonel Michael S. Hopkins for serving as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Observance 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-22 expressing appreciation to Lieutenant General Philip A. Garrant of the United States Space Force for serving as Grand Marshal of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Observance 3
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes of April 9, 2024 3
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Accept and Appropriate Grant Allocation from State of California for Community Resource and Response Center Rehabilitation 4 Receive Announcement of Torrance Fire Department Reaccreditation and Accept and File Committee Meeting Reports and Minutes from March 7, 2024 4-5
Adopt RESOLUTION Approving and Formally Recognizing the Month of June as Pride Month 5-6
Approve Second Amendment to Master Services and Purchasing Agreement for Body-Worn and In-Car Cameras with Integrated Cloud-Based Solutions 6-7
Discuss and Determine Action Regarding Airport Commission 7-10 Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 7, 2024
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. Conduct First Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan 9-10
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNJCATIONS
14. CLOSED SESSION 1, 10
15. ADJOURNMENT 11
At 2:20 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, May 21, 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, May 14, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 7, 2024
May 7,2024
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on May 7, 2024 at 5:37 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
14. ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
None.
City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan,
Deputy City Clerk Ill Samantha Cerda and other staff representatives Agenda item 14 was considered out of order at this time.
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 -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1), 148) Conference with Labor Negotiator, 14C) Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1),14O) Real Property-Conference with Real Property Negotiator, and 14E) Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2).
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:50 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Gerson.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kaji.
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF 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 Mattucci. The motion carried 7-0.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9C,9O, 9E, 10A, and Oral Communications.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
May 7, 2024
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced that the City had held its 18th Annual "Students and Government Day" earlier that day. He thanked public servants for all they do for the community and commended the students that participated for committing to learning more about local government.
Mayor Chen reminded the public to participate in the 32 nd Anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive", which was to take place on Saturday, May 11th.
Mayor Chen invited the community to celebrate May as "Cal Fresh Awareness Month" and reminded the public that the Torrance Farmers' Market accepts CalFresh benefits.
Councilmember Martucci reminded the public to maintain the sidewalks and gutters on their property and thanked the Public Works Department for their service.
Councilmember Sheikh invited the public to celebrate May as "National Tennis Month" and encouraged the community to take advantage of the 7 community parks with tennis courts.
Deputy City Clerk Ill Samantha Cerda reminded the public that the City was accepting Commission applications through May 9th at 5 p.m. and listed the training requirements. She confirmed that appointments would take place at the City Council meeting on June 4th.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 7, 2024 AS NATIONAL TEACHER DAY IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
6B. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 11, 2024 AS FIRE SERVICE DAY IN THE CITY
OF TORRANCE
6C. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 5-11, 2024AS PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
6D. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2024 AS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
6E. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2024 AS NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
6F. PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2024 AS OLDER AMERICANS' MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE.
6G. COMMISSION ON AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES -RECOGNIZE 2024 OLDER AMERICANS AWARD RECIPIENTS.
Recommendation of the Commission on Aging and Community Services Director that City Council recognize Carolyn Pohlner, Celina Henderson , Dan Delfoss, Laurie Love and Pamela Popovich as the 2024 Older Americans Award recipients.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
May 7, 2024
6H. RECOGNITION OF THE BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL GIRL'S BASKETBALL TEAM.
61. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-20 DECLARING MAY 17 THROUGH MAY 19, 2024 FOR OBSERVANCE OF THE 62ND ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION.
Resolution No. 2024-20 Declaring May 17 through May 19, 2024 For Observance of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution 2024-20.Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
6J . RESOLUTION NO. 2024-21 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO COLONEL MICHAELS.
HOPKINS FOR SERVING AS THE HONORARY GRANO MARSHAL OF THE 62ND ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE ANO OBSERVANCE.
Resolution No. 2024-21 Expressing Appreciation to Colonel Michael S. Hopkins For Serving as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Observance.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution 2024-21.Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
6K. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-22 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL PHILIP A. GARRANT OF THE UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE FOR SERVING AS GRANO MARSHAL OF THE 62ND ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE ANO OBSERVANCE.
Resolution No. 2024-22 Expressing Appreciation to Lieutenant General Philip A. Garrant of the United States Space Force for Serving as Grand Marshal of the 62nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Observance.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adopt Resolution 2024-22.Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of April 09, 2024.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
May 7, 2024
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GRANT ALLOCATION FROM STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR COMMUNITY RESOURCE AND RESPONSE CENTER REHABILITATION.
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Development Director that City Council accept and appropriate a grant funding allocation from the State of California to a newly created Grant Project in the amount of $5,500,000 for the rehabilitation of the Community Resource and Response Center located at 2300 Carson Street.
Community Development Business Manager Julia Smith introduced the item to the City Council. She provided the history and background of the property and explained how grant funding was obtained.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis left the Council Chamber at 7:59 p.m. and returned at 8:01 p.m.
Councilmember Sheikh asked staff to elaborate on how the site would be utilized.
Community Development Business Manager Smith stated the County's intent is to return to its original usage as County Public Health Services or have another county department occupy it.
She added that on the City of Torrance's side, there have been discussions of having the Public Housing Agency and Homeless Outreach Team occupy it together.
Mayor Chen reiterated that the vacant property is on Carson street and that it had previously been used as the LA County Public Health Building but has been closed for many years and the City is looking into ways to utilize the property for both the County and City of Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
98. RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENT OF TORRANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT
REACCREDITATION AND ACCEPT AND FILE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS AND MINUTES FROM MARCH 7, 2024.
Recommendation of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee that City Council:
1) Receive announcement of achieved reaccreditation of the Torrance Fire Department by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; and 2) Accept and file the Torrance Fire Department's Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover for 2023; and
3) Accept and file the Torrance Fire Department's Annual Quality Improvement Update Reportfor2023;and
4) Accept and file the Torrance Fire Department's SB 1205 Compliance Report for 2023; and 5) Accept and file the Committee meeting minutes from March 7, 2024.
Councilmember Kalani introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
May 7, 2024
Chief Dumais announced that the Fire Department received a class one ISO rating for the 29th year in a row.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9B. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9C. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING AND FORMALLY RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS PRIDE MONTH.
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Sharon Kalani with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Council that City Council adopt a RESO LUT ION approving and formally recognizing the month of June as Pride Month to honor all members of the LQBTQIA+ community.
Councilmember Kalani introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Manager Chaparyan and Assistant City Manager Santana, in response to inquiries for clarification from Councilmember Sheikh, confirmed that if the resolution passed it would not mean the City would fly the Pride flag, organize events for LGBTIQQ+ organizations, or hold a "Pride Parade" as strict regulations related to those topics had already been adopted by Council via Resolution and/or Ordinance.
Councilmember Sheikh suggested putting the item on the ballot and allowing the Torrance residents to decide. He then made a motion to bring the item back to be placed on the ballot and let the voters decide. There was no second and the motion died.
Mayor Chen advised as there was already a concurrence to bring the item back at the last City Council meeting, they would need to move forward with making a decision. Councilmember Sheikh requested clarification from the City Attorney on if they could make that motion to bring the item back to be put on the ballot.
City Attorney Patrick Sullivan responded stating that yes, he could put the motion in but voiced his concern regarding the expense of $200-300,000 to do so. City Manager Chaparyan concurred with the City Attorney's assessment.
Councilmember Lewis stated she disagreed with the idea of putting the item on the ballot as it would not be a good use of taxpayer money and staff time .
Councilmember Kaji expressed his support for passing the resolution.
Councilmember Mattucci expressed his opposition to passing the resolution .
Councilmember Kalani expressed her support for passing the resolution.
Mayor Chen expressed his opposition to passing the resolution .
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
May 7, 2024
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Lewis, City Attorney Sullivan stated that traditionally ordinances and resolutions are signed by the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Attorney.
Currently, there is no stipulation that allows the Mayor Pro Tern to sign in cases where the Mayor chooses not to sign due to religious beliefs. The only allowances are for if the Mayor is out of town or unable to due to health reasons.
Mayor Chen commented that when there was a "no confidence" resolution for Mayor Gascon, Mayor Furey had refused to sign and asked the Mayor Pro Tern to sign it. He confirmed if the resolution passed, he would not be signing it.
City Attorney Sullivan stated that the signatures from City Attorney, City Clerk and Mayor are a formality, it would not change the fact that a resolution or ordinance was adopted.
Deputy City Clerk Ill Cerda read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-23 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND FORMALLY RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS PRIDE MONTH.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-23.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmember Sheikh, Councilmember Mattucci and Mayor Chen voting no.
The City Council went to recess at 10:08 p.m. and returned at 10:28 p.m. 9D. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO MASTER SERVICES AND PURCHASING
AGREEMENT FOR BODY-WORN AND IN-CAR CAMERAS WITH INTEGRATED CLOUD-BASED SOLUTIONS.
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council approve a second amendment to the master services and purchasing agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ (C2022-184) in the amount of $10,649,140.21 to provide body-worn and in-car cameras with integrated cloud-based solutions for a 10-year period beginning May 7, 2024 and ending May 6, 2034.
Assistant Chief of Police Robert Dunn introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to give background and history of the original agreement as well as on the issues that would be correct by the second agreement. He gave an overview of the products, services and benefits made available by the second amendment.
Members of the public spoke.
The City Council went to recess at 10:45 p.m. and returned at 10:53 p.m.
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Sheikh, Administrative Services Manager for the Torrance Police Department Jane Chung, stated that with the original contract they had offset the burden on the general fund by identifying asset forfeiture as the original funding source and then with the support of Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein, they were awarded $1.6 million to cover the program. She stated that with regards to the second amendment, they would again be working with representatives to get federal funding.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
May 7, 2024
Assistant Police Chief Dunn responded to an inquiry by Councilmember Kaji regarding the ability to expand the programs storage capacity stating that Axon currently uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) which is "pay-as-you-go" and has the ability to grow with the data. He also advised that the program meets all compliance requirements (NCIT, HIPAA, etc.).
In response to Councilmember Kalani's request for clarification regarding additional costs, Finance Director Sheila Poisson confirmed that the City had used forfeiture funds to absorb the costs for the original agreement but for the amendment, in addition to reaching out for Federal Grand Funding, the City would be using the police officer salary savings. If for any reason, the City's attempt at getting federal assistance failed, the City would then have to build the cost into the future budget.
Councilmember Kalani requested clarification regarding the savings mentioned during the presentation, Assistant Police Chief Dunn explained that currently Torrance PD runs a host of legacy systems that are kept for evidentiary/court purposes and to maintain that data and comply with evidentiary regulations they pay annual storage fees to multiple vendors. This amendment would allow them to transfer all existing data spread across different vendors and condense to just one.
Mayor Chen voiced concerns regarding having a sole source supplier handling all the data storage and the potential of it disrupting the Cities operations if that supplier ever changed terms, went out of business, etc. Assistant Police Chief Dunn responded that this vendor is well known and used by a majority of law enforcement, and that currently there are several active contracts spread across several vendors which has created difficulties and time delays for staff when tasked with updating and/or amending agreements especially when they are experiencing staff shortages. He added that a project manager, provided by the vendor, would assist with the transfer of data and training of staff if the amendment were approved.
Mayor Chen inquired how this transition would affect staffing reduction and workflow efficiency, Assistant Police Chief Dunn responded that the transition would take place over a 2 to 3-year period and no reduction in staffing would be realized at this time but once the transition was completed the focus would then shift to optimizing staffing and streamlining the workflow.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9E. DISCUSS AND DETERMINE ACTION REGARDING AIRPORT COMMISSION.
In response to an oral request by Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci with concurrence of the City Council, it is the recommendation of the City Council that City Council discuss and determine direction regarding the Airport Commission acting on an item not on the agenda.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana introduced the item to City Council and invited City Attorney Sullivan to share his review of the Commission's meeting tape.
City Attorney Sullivan confirmed Commissions are advisory bodies, that their duties are set out in the municipal code, and they serve at the pleasure of the Council. The agenda for the April 11, 2024 Airport Commission meeting had two essential items under Administrative Matters and both items were "accept and file" only, they weren't to take action, conduct investigation, or set up meetings and that is staff's concern.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
May 7, 2024
He went on to say that Brown Act training is provided by the City Clerk to commissioners and the commissioners on the Airport Commission had received multiple trainings, as most of them had served on multiple commissions and the violation of the Brown Act was very concerning from an attorney's point of view, since the action went beyond the Brown Act. It would be considered "ultra-varies act" or an act beyond the powers of the Airport Commission, As they do not have the power to investigate the staff, the City Manager or the Mayor, and they do not have the right to demand meetings or answers in writing. They were responding to an inquiry from Mr.
Jim Gates, who is a member of the Torrance Airport Association, a registered agent for the association, and the Treasurer. This association is currently in active litigation with the City, and he recommends not meeting with Mr. Gates while they are in litigation.
During public comment, Jack Costello from the Coalition for Torrance Airport Reform (COTAR) expressed his support for the Airport Commission.
A member of the Airport Commission stated that he did not consider the action to be outside of the agenda as the item brought up questions and they are looking for a way to get those questions answered whether that be a joint meeting with Council or a special agenda.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani inquired if staff was present and if so, if they were able to intervene and potentially stop the motion from being taken. City Attorney Sullivan confirmed staff was present, but he was not, he went on to say that he listened to the audio recording and that staff did encourage the Commission to reach out to the department head or the City Manager and then advised them to reach out individually by email or phone but they proceeded down the motion route, staff then suggest that "if' they were going to make a motion that they would forward it on.
City Attorney Sullivan agreed staff should have been stronger and told the Commissioners they could not make the motion. He reiterated that several of the Commissioners have had multiple Brown Act trainings, and should be aware that they went beyond their authority.
Councilmember Gerson provided background regarding his neutrality and disclosed that he had shown support for Torrance Airport during his campaign and that he too listened to the audio recording from the meeting. He expressed his concern that a Commissioner who is involved in a lawsuit against the City has a conflict of interest and his belief that the conflict has resulted in the violation of the Brown Act. He expressed his concern that the Commission Chair gave preferential treatment to Mr. Gates, including granting additional time to speak which was not given to the rest of the public and that the Commission took a motion to compel the Mayor and City Manager into a meeting that may have put the City at greater legal risk . He then provided his recommendations that the Airport Commission should convene immediately to reverse the action taken, they should then be suspended until all Commissioners go through and complete Brown Act training, if any are unwilling to do, they should be given the option of resigning their position, and finally to have staff bring back an item once all trainings have been completed so that they can reactivate the Commission.
City Attorney Sullivan confirmed that the formal process according to the Brown Act would be that the City would send a letter to the Commission called a "Cure and Correct Letter" and the Commission would have 30 days from the receipt of the letter to reverse the action or face potential litigation.
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
May 7, 2024
Councilmember Mattucci stated he does not believe the Commission intended to act maliciously.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9E with the following requirements:
1) Require the Airport Commission to reverse action taken within 30 days, 2) Temporarily suspended Airport Commission activities for 120 days. 3) Any issues that arise should go to the Transportation Committee. 4) All Airport Commissioners required to retake Brown Act training. 5) After 120 days, an item should be brought forward to Council for an update and to review steps taken to reverse the action.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmembers Sheikh and Councilmember Gerson voting no.
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONDUCT FIRST PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 OPERA TING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
Recommendation of the City Manager and Finance Director that City Council conduct the first public hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.
Finance Director Poisson introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the history of the budget, budget outlook, homeless response, programs, foundations/associations, additional revenue opportunities, taxes, expenditures, etc.
Members of the Public spoke .
In response to an inquiry from the public, Finance Director Poisson stated the City Treasurers Department is not a revenue generating department, however, their investment earnings are included in the use of money and property category in the general fund.
In response to an inquiry from the public, Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez, stated that information regarding the proposed capital improvements and future budgets for Downtown Torrance can be found on pages 195 and 210, including upgrading the parking structure and the lights to LED lights. She confirmed that previous grants have already been allocated and are being used on projects such as updating planters, benches, trash cans, and signs.
In response to an inquiry from the public, Mayor Chen stated that next public hearing will be held earlier in the meeting to ensure more public attendance and participation. City Manager Chaparyan confirmed that they will ensure that the budget information is disseminated via social media.
Motion: Councilmember Mattucci moved to close the public hearing; Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion . The motion carried 7-0 .
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
May 7, 2024
Councilmember Mattucci and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the Housing Specialis positions/job duties, the voucher program funding and the housing waitlist cycle.
Councilmember Mattucci, Finance Director Poisson, Deputy City Manager Dailey and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the current number of temporary/permanent vacancies and the approach being taken to mitigate disruptions in service.
Councilmember Kaji expressed his concerns over high-risk items such as Pension Obligations, OPEB Funded Status and Self-Insurance Funded Status as well as CalPERS obligations. He requested that staff identify revenue sources in order to give a better cushion in the budget.
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Sheikh, Finance Director Poisson stated that the first set of contributing factors to the City's positive Bond Rating of "AA" are what the recurring revenue sources are, the trend of those revenue sources, and the financial trend of the City. She then stated the second set of factors are management's and City Council's policies and processes.
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Sheikh, City Manager Chaparyan discussed how the City plans on leveraging the new norm of high turnover and attrition rates, including investing in safety elements which would create an environment that attracts businesses.
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Sheikh, Finance Director Poisson stated that Human Resources vacancies are due to a large number of recruitments along with an increasing trend in grievances and investigations. She also discussed the budget for Business Assistance Economic Development.
In response to an inquiry by Councilmember Sheikh, Deputy Public Works Director of Operations Matthew Knapp, discussed the decision to remove the intern position and replace it with the Operator 1 position by removing application restrictions.
11. 12.
13. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled.
SECOND READING ORDINANCES -None Scheduled.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
The City Council went recessed to closed session at 1 :08 a.m .
The City Council returned from closed session at 2:19 a.m .
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
May 7, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: At 2:19 a.m., Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting to Tuesday, May 21, 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. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion . The motion carried by a vote of 3-3 with Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, and Councilmember Sheikh voting no and Councilmember Kaji abstaining.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Gerson and Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Attest · --
Reb~
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Crystal Cammarota
Minutes Secretary
lL·~
Mayo~ of the City of Torrance
Approved on June 4, 2024
11 City Council
May 7, 2024