INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -MAY 21 1 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 2
3. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 2
4. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
BA. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of March 2024 3 8B. Approve Meadow Park Parking District Maintenance Fee and Authorize Fee Assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 3
BC . Approve Side Letter Agreements Regarding Sick Time 3 8D . Approve Side Letter Agreements Between Torrance Fire Fighters Association (TFFA) and Management and Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management 3
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MA TIERS
9A. Discuss and Provide Direction on Certain Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Exemptions for Proposed 2025 Irish Fair and Music Festival at Charles H. Wilson Park 3-4
9B. Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement with Bank of America 4
9C . Adopt RESOLUTION Establishing 2024 Statement of Investment Policy 4-5 9D. Adopt RESOLUTIONS for the Levy and Collection of Assessments within the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Set Date for Public Hearing 5-6
9E. Approve Temporary Construction Easement Deed, Approve Plans and Specifications, Award Public Works Agreement, and Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301(c)-Existing Facilities (Class 1) for Torrance School Safety and Accessibility Program, 1-188 (Fern Elementary and Seaside Elementary) 6
9F . Approve Agreement with Oshu, Japan; and Bizen, Japan and Adopt RESOLUTION for Each City Authorizing Establishment of Friendship City Relations 7
10. HEARINGS
10A. Conduct Closed Hearing on the Appeal of the Civil Service Commission Decision Sustaining the Suspension of a Police Officer (10). Confidential Under Penal Code 832.7 and Copley Press v. Superior Court 39 Cal. 4th 1272 (2006). Consideration of Public Employee Discipline Will Be Conducted in Closed Session Per California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1 ), Unless Employee Requests to Have Appeal Conducted in Public Session. The Deliberation of this Matter by the City Council Will Occur in Closed Session.
11 . AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
14. CLOSED SESSION
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
"'
1, 7
8 1, 8
City Council
May 21, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT 8
At 11 :52 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, June 4, 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 28, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
May 21, 2024
May 21, 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 21, 2024 at 5:02 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 - Existing Litigation, 148) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Labor Negotiator, 14D) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release, 14E) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release, 14F) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957.6 and California Government Code §54957.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 7:22 p.m. 1 0A. CONDUCT CLOSED HEARING ON THE APPEAL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION DECISION SUSTAINING THE SUSPENSION OF A POLICE OFFICER (10). CONFIDENTIAL UNDER PENAL CODE 832. 7 AND COPLEY PRESS V.
SUPERIOR COURT 39 CAL. 4TH 1272 (2006). CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CLOSED SESSION PER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(6)(1 ), UNLESS EMPLOYEE REQUESTS TO HAVE APPEAL CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC SESSION. THE
DELIBERATION OF THIS MATTER BY THE CITY COUNCIL WILL OCCUR IN CLOSED SESSION.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision sustaining the suspension of a Police Officer ( 10), unless the employee requests to have the hearing in public session and that the City Council's deliberation of this matter shall occur in closed session.
City Attorney Patrick Sullivan stated that the City Council voted 7-0 to deny an appeal and uphold a suspension and that it would be brought back.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
May 21, 2024
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Kaji.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kalani.
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 Sheikh and passed by 7-0.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 98 was deferred. Supplemental material was available for items BA and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen requested to adjourn the City Council meeting in honor of Maureen O'Donnell. He announced that Torrance had begun upgrading electric vehicle charging facilities.
Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to have Torrance co-host the ICDLA mixer.
Councilmember Lewis disclosed that she was an employee for the Port of Long Beach and also sits on the Advisory Board for the Women in International Trade.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to accept the mural donation and house it at a city location.
Councilmember Sheikh urged the public to participate in the Metro board meeting regarding the C-Line extension.
Councilmember Lewis reminded the public about mental health awareness month and how Torrance is supporting awareness.
City Clerk Poirier reminded the public about the program that was honoring the Torrance service personnel that gave their lives in military actions. She reported the new names and name corrections of military members.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the Torrance Refinery Company community alert system test.
6. 7 .
COMMUNITY MATTERS -None Scheduled .
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
May 21, 2024
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2024 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of March 2024.
8B. APPROVE MEADOW PARK PARKING DISTRICT MAINTENANCE FEE AND AUTHORIZE FEE ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Approve the Meadow Park Parking District maintenance fee for fiscal year 2024-25 in the amount of $69.68 per parking space to cover parking lot maintenance costs; and 2) Authorize the assessment of the Meadow Park Parking District maintenance fee for fiscal year 2024-25.
8C. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS REGARDING SICK TIME
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a side letter agreement between AFSCME Local 1117 Crossing Guards and Management regarding sick time; and
2) Approve a side letter agreement between Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA) and Management regarding sick time; and
3) Approve a side letter agreement between Torrance Recurrent Recreation Employees Organization (TRREO) and Management regarding sick time. 8D. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS BETWEEN TORRANCE FIRE FIGHTERS'
ASSOCIATION (TFFA) AND MANAGEMENT AND TORRANCE PROFESSIONAL AND
SUPERVISORY ASSOCIATION (TPSA) AND MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Fire Fighters Association {TFFA) and Management which updates language pertaining to Hazard Premium - First Responder; and
2) Approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association {TPSA) and Management which adds the position of Fire Prevention Supervisor.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON CERTAIN TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) EXEMPTIONS FOR PROPOSED 2025 IRISH FAIR AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and provide direction on certain Torrance Municipal Code {TMC) exemptions for the proposed Irish Fair and Music Festival at Charles H. Wilson Park in July 2025.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
May 21, 2024
Members of the public spoke.
Economic Development Manager Fulton recounted the history of events and why there was a delay.
Mr. Healey described the precautions they have for drinking at the event and stated that there has never been an issue.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the cleanup after the event finished. Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that it's part of the agreement in the special event permit and that they also plan to have a written agreement in particular with some of the exemptions.
She added that there have not been problems in the past. They also discussed any possible damage and the use of a special deposit. Mr. Healey elaborated on the cleaning process/damage insurance, and how the stages of the event will go.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the security and police involvement given there are going to be many volunteers staying overnight.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana clarified how the city was handling the concerns.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Services Director John La Rock discussed how the event would sync with other events such as the farmers' market.
Councilmember Lewis and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed parking issues and the use of satellite parking and shuttles. City Manager Chaparyan discussed the impact of the budget, and privatizing shuttling, as well as the process for safety such as EMS.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A including all of the requests. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9B. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
BANK OF AMERICA
Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with Bank of America, N.A., with its principal offices in Charlotte, NC (C2019-033) in the amount of $273,000 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $1,638,000 to provide banking and merchant services and to extend the agreement term for an additional one-year period beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
Item 98 was deferred .
9C. ADOPT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2024 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION establishing the 2024 Statement of Investment Policy.
Deputy City Treasurer Jasmine Allen introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Sheikh and Deputy City Treasurer Allen discussed the securities and regulations.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
May 21, 2024
Councilmember Kaji voiced concern about the heading of the certificate, including typographical errors. Deputy City Treasurer Allen showed the original without errors and stated it may have been a digital conversion issue on the tablet.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE 2024 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CERTAIN GUIDELINES.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-24.
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9D. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 AND SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION initiating proceedings for the levy and collection of assessments within the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for fiscal year 2024- 25; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the Engineer's Report in connection with the levy and collection of assessments within the City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for fiscalyear2024-25;and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within City of Torrance Lighting District No. 99-1 for fiscal year 2024-25, and appointing the date of June 18, 2024 for a public hearing.
Public Works Department Jessamine Que introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Kaji and Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian discussed the shifting of funds as the state moves away from the sale of gas-powered vehicles, given much infrastructure is derived from gas taxes.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Director Bilezerian overviewed the funding sources, and how the general fund is affected.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-25 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND AS PROVIDED BY ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-26 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
REPORT OF THE ENGINEER IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND AS PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
May 21, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-27 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF TORRANCE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 99-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND
AS PROVIDED FOR BY ARTICLE XIIID OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-25, No. 2024- 26, and 2024-27. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9E. APPROVE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT DEED, APPROVE PLANS
AND SPECIFICATIONS, AWARD PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT, AND ADOPT
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) SECTION 15301(C) -EXISTING FACILITIES (CLASS 1) FOR TORRANCE SCHOOL SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM, 1-188 (FERN
ELEMENTARY AND SEASIDE ELEMENTARY)
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve a temporary construction easement deed by and between the City of Torrance and Board of Education, Torrance Unified School District (District) granting the City a non-exclusive, temporary access easement in and over the District property on Sharynne Lane in front of Seaside Elementary; and
2) Approve the plans and specifications for the Torrance School Safety and Accessibility Program, 1-188 (Fern Elementary and Seaside Elementary); and 3) Award a public works agreement to Gentry General Engineering, Inc., of Colton, CA (B2024-03) in the amount of $4,297,238 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $429,724 for construction of the Torrance School Safety and Accessibility Program, 1-188 (Fern Elementary and Seaside Elementary) for a two-year period beginning May 21, 2024 and ending May 20, 2026; and
4) Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (c) -Existing Facilities (Class 1) and that there are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class, and therefore, there are no unusual circumstances.
Public Works Department Shin Furukawa introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9E. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
May 21, 2024
9F. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH OSHU, JAPAN; AND BIZEN, JAPAN AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION FOR EACH CITY AUTHORIZING ESTABLISHMENT OF FRIENDSHIP
CITY RELATIONS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve Friendship City Agreements with the cities of Oshu a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan; and Bizen, a city located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan; and 2) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing the establishment of friendship city relations with Oshu, Japan; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing the establishment of friendship city relations with Bizen, Japan.
Management Aide Gabrielle lmay introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kaji stated that Torrance is doing right by pushing for more Japanese cooperation and cited the Shohei Ohtani effect on the city.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-28 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A FRIENDSHIP CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH BIZEN, OKAYAMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-29 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A FRIENDSHIP CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH OSHU, IWATE PREFECTURE, JAPAN.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-28, 2024-29.
Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
10. HEARINGS
1 0A. CONDUCT CLOSED HEARING ON THE APPEAL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION DECISION SUSTAINING THE SUSPENSION OF A POLICE OFFICER (10). CONFIDENTIAL UNDER PENAL CODE 832. 7 AND COPLEY PRESS V.
SUPERIOR COURT 39 CAL. 4TH 1272 (2006). CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC
EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CLOSED SESSION PER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957{8)(1), UNLESS EMPLOYEE REQUESTS TO HAVE APPEAL CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC SESSION. THE
DELIBERATION OF THIS MATTER BY THE CITY COUNCIL WILL OCCUR IN CLOSED SESSION.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council conduct a closed hearing to consider an appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision sustaining the suspension of a Police Officer (10), unless the employee requests to have the hearing in public session and that the City Council's deliberation of this matter shall occur in closed session.
Considered earlier, see page 1.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
May 21, 2024
12 .
13. SECOND READING ORDINANCES -None Scheduled.
CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, Gerson, Kaji, and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council returned to closed session at 8:57 p.m. to confer on matters listed earlier.
The City Council returned from closed session at 11:47 p.m. There were no items to report.
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: At 11 :48 p.m., Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting to Tuesday, June 4, 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 6-1 with Councilmember Kalani voting no.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Reb ca Poi rier
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
f the City of Torrance
Approved on June 4, 2024
8 City Council
May 21, 2024