INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNC IL -JULY 2, 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING C ERE MONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2 . Flag Salute/Invocation 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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. Appoint Members to Fill Commission Vacancies 2-3
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 3
88. Approve License Agreement for Use of Parking on City-Owned Property Located on Cravens Avenue Between 1511 and 1529 Cravens Avenue 3
8C . Accept and File 2023-2024 Torrance Rose Float Association Annual Report and Financial Statement 3
8D. Authorize Parks and Recreation Commission to Conduct Regularly Scheduled Meeting at Charles H. Wilson Park 3
8E. Accept and File Projected Capital Improvement Project Procurements for Period Beginning June 1, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024 4
8F. Approve Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease with South End Racquet and Health Club, Inc. for City-Owned Property Located at 2800 Skypark Drive 4
8G . Approve Expenditure Increase to City-County Municipal Services Agreement for Sole Source Animal Care and Control Services 4
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Award Contract Services Agreement for Unarmed Security Services 4-5 98 . Approve Second Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services 5 9C. Approve Metro ExpressLanes Net Toll Reinvestment Grant Funding Agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and Appropriate Funds for Line 4X 5
9D. Approve Metro ExpressLanes Net Toll Reinvestment Grant Funding Agreements with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and Appropriate Funds for Line 1 and Line 6 6 9E. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Calling 2024 Special Municipal Election on November 5, 2024 Regarding Amendments to City Charter 6-8
10. HEARINGS
10A. Conduct Public Hearing on Substantial Amendment to Five-Year Consolidated Plan Covering Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-27 and Annual Action Plan Covering FY 2024-25, Approve and Authorize Submission of Substantial Amendment to FY 2023-27 Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-25 Action Plan, and Authorize City Manager to Execute Documents 8-9 1 OB . Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt RESOLUTIONS Authorizing and Directing Los Angeles County Assessor to Include Delinquent Solid Waste, Sewer Discharge, and Water Usage Fees as a Special Assessment 9-11
Aleksander Aldereie
Minutes Secretary
City Council
July 2, 2024
11. 12.
13 .
14. 15 .
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECOND READING ORDINANCES
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
11 1, 11
12 At 12:43 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the West Annex Commission Meeting Room. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
July 2, 2024
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
July 2, 2024
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on July 2, 2024, at 5:09 p.m. in the Toyota Meeting Hall at 3330 Civic Center Dr.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Councilmember Kaji
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 at 5:10 p.m. to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney on agenda matters listed under 14A) Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation, 14B) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 14C) Conference With Labor Negotiator, 14D) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release and 14E) Public Employee Performance Evaluation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ), California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54957, and California Government Code §54957(b)(1).
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:40 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
2. FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
3. The flag salute was led by Councilmember Sheikh .
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Gerson .
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO WAIVE
FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis 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 c:::h!:111 h~ W!:li\/orf roc:pruinn ~nrf n11~r..:1ntooinn tn o~l"'h f'ru 1nt"'ilmomh..o.-fh.n .-i-h,f, f-n ,-,1'"'_... __ ,_, ,....., __
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen alerted the public about changes to the City Council agenda printed copies.
He overviewed the school supply drive for TUSD. He helped to introduce the Sister City students.
Councilmember Sheikh received concurrence to review city commissioner compensation and what to increase it by.
Councilmember Mattucci received concurrence to have staff review municipal charter after the SCOTUS decision on the City of Grants Pass decision . He discussed the Armed Forces Day Parade event.
Fire Chief David Dumais reminded the public about the Torrance Refinery Company alert test.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. APPOINT MEMBERS TO FILL COMMISSION VACANCIES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council review applications and appoint members to fill vacancies on various Commissions from a list of qualified applicants. The City Clerk will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed commissioners present.
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Megan Turner, Mario Obejas, and Dominic Borgialli were appointed to the Planning Commission.
Cinda Herring and Laura Lohnes were re-appointed to the Civil Service Commission.
Nida Ahmed and Feng Zhang were appointed to the Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission.
Marifrances Trivelli was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Carolyn Snyder was re-appointed to the Commission on Aging.
Andres Cabrera and Sacha Ohara were appointed to the Cultural Arts Commission. lndrani Chatterjee was appointed to the Library Commission.
Deborah Bickford was re-appointed to the Social Service Commission.
Melissa Wright, Karen Pryor, and Teresa Furey were appointed to the Social Service Commission.
Isabel Schwartz and William Nichols were appointed to the Traffic Commission.
Ehsan Mazinani and John Stecker were appointed to the Water Commission.
AIAksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
July 2, 2024
Donald Hammond was appointed to the Airport Commission.
Shamindra Manbahal was re-appointed to the SST Citizens' Oversight Committee.
Cynthia Scotto was appointed to the SST Citizens' Oversight Committee.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve all appointments. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
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 June 4, 2024, June 11, 2024, and June 18, 2024.
8B. APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF PARKING ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED ON CRAVENS AVENUE BETWEEN 1511 AND 1529 CRAVENS AVENUE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council approve a license agreement with Gaburi Chicken USA Inc. of Torrance, CA for the use of six parking spaces on City-owned property located on Cravens Avenue between 1511 and 1529 Cravens Avenue (APNs 7355-022-902 and 7355-022-903) for a five-year period beginning May 1, 2024 and ending on April 30, 2029, in conjunction with the operation of a restaurant located at 1437 Marcelina Avenue.
SC. ACCEPT AND FILE 2023-2024 TORRANCE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file the 2023-2024 Torrance Rose Float Association's Annual Report and Financial Statement.
Councilmember Lewis and Chairperson of the Rose Float Association Beverly Finley discussed the vendors and price changes, and fundraising efforts.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item BC. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 8D. AUTHORIZE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO CONDUCT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council authorize the Parks and Recreation Commission to conduct the regularly scheduled meeting on July 10, 2024 at Charles H. Wilson Park.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
July 2, 2024
SE. ACCEPT AND FILE PROJECTED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PROCUREMENTS FOR PERIOD BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2024 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council accept and file the projected Capital Improvement Project procurements for the period beginning June 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024.
SF. APPROVE THIRD AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LEASE WITH SOUTH END RACQUET AND HEALTH CLUB, INC. FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2800 SKYPARK DRIVE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a third amendment to the amended and restated lease with the South End Racquet and Health Club, Inc. of Torrance, CA (C-1990) for City-owned property located at 2800 Skypark Drive, to consolidate the original lease into one comprehensive document and set forth certain agreements concerning the second Fair Market Valuation Period effective July 1, 2024.
Councilmember Sheikh alerted the public about keeping costs down for this item and efforts made.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item BF. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 8G. APPROVE EXPENDITURE INCREASE TO CITY-COUNTY MUNICIPAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR SOLE SOURCE ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL SERVICES Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve an expenditure increase to the city-county municipal services agreement (C2019-043) with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control in the amount of $100,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $785,000, to provide sole source animal care and control services for the period beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve the Consent Calendar except BC and BF. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. AWARD CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR UNARMED SECURITY
SERVICES
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council award a contract services agreement to Nationwide Guard Services, Inc. of Rancho Cucamonga, CA (RFP B2024-05) for an amount not-to-exceed $1,708,640.85 to provide unarmed security services for the Transit Department for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027.
Transit Department James Lee introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and Transit Department Lee discussed the number of security guards present, amount requested with the vendor,
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
July 2, 2024
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 9B. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a second amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore of Los Angeles (C2023-114) in the amount of $216,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $466,000, to provide the City with legal services pertaining to Civil Litigation Matter Blake Williams vs. City of Torrance.
City Attorney Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9B. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 9C. APPROVE METRO EXPRESSLANES NET TOLL REINVESTMENT GRANT FUNDING
AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR LINE 4X
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Approve Metro ExpressLanes Net Toll Reinvestment Grant Funding Agreement #920000000MX202320 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for incremental transit service on the 1-110 Harbor freeway; and 2) Upon execution of Agreement #920000000MX202320, appropriate $3,220,000 to a newly created Grant Project for incremental transit service on the 1-110 Harbor freeway.
Transit Department David Ma introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
July 2, 2024
9D. APPROVE METRO EXPRESSLANES NET TOLL REINVESTMENT GRANT FUNDING
AGREEMENTS WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR LINE 1 AND LINE 6 Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council: ' 1) Approve Metro ExpressLanes Net Toll Reinvestment Grant Funding Agreement #920000000MX202305 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (LACMTA) for the Line 1 Service Enhancement project; and 2 Upon execution of Agreement #920000000MX202305, appropriate $3,066,435 to a newly created Grant Project for the Line 1 Service Enhancement project; and 3) Approve Metro ExpressLanes Net Toll Reinvestment Grant Funding Agreement #920000000MX202309 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for the Line 6 Service Enhancement and Expansion to Dignity Health Sport Park project; and
4) Upon execution of Agreement #920000000MX202309, appropriate $3,693,874 to a newly created Grant Project for the Line 6 Service Enhancement and Expansion to Dignity Health Sports Park project.
Transit Department David Ma introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Sheikh and Transit Department Ma discussed the process of securing the funds and better services that will go to the community. Councilmember Sheikh added that this will increase reliability. Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the plans for the funds. Transit Department Ma responded that it would currently be for service enhancement and public outreach.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 9E. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS CALLING 2024 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO CITY CHARTER
Recommendation of the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney that City Council:
1) Adopt a RESOLUTION calling a Special Municipal Election on November 5, 2024 for the purpose of submitting proposed City Charter amendments to a vote of the qualified electors of the City of Torrance; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION requesting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to agree to consolidate the election on the Statewide General Election Ballot; and 3) Give direction to the City Clerk on whether the City Council would like to select a letter or letters for the ballot measure.
City Attorney Sullivan introduced the item to the City Council and reviewed the events prior to this item.
MP.mbers of the public spoke .
City Clerk Poirier overviewed the updates for designees on the purchasing bids, gender neutral language and various terminology.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
July 2, 2024
City Treasurer Goodrich reviewed the updates and recommendations that would help prevent situations with absentee City Treasurers.
Councilmember Gerson stressed that the elected being present for meetings should stay a priority.
Councilmember Gerson inquired about how to address PACs. City Clerk Poirier responded that PACs need to file with the City Clerk if they are within Torrance, but if they are not, they have to file with Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk. Councilmember Gerson, City Clerk Poirier, and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the filing of campaign materials going through the city filing for transparency.
Councilmember Sheikh, City Clerk Poirier, and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the procedure with candidates who are running and campaigning for two different offices at the same time.
Mayor Chen and City Attorney Sullivan deliberated on procedure with council compensation, as well as council vacancy language changes and redundancies. They continued on modifications and deletions on further items regarding amendments.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve the draft charter that was attached to the initial agenda item and the supplemental with lobbying, revolving door restrictions, negotiating future employment, and modified power of duties. It includes the changes suggested by Mayor Chen . Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6- 0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve the Council compensation as written in the amendment. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 3-3 with Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kalani, and Councilmember Lewis voting no, and Councilmember Kaji absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve the PAC regulation addition.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
Councilmember Mattucci stressed that getting a better wage for future councilmembers was important so that future councils would not be led by wealthy or retired people primarily.
Councilmember Kalani argued that giving more compensation to the City Council would prevent more funds to the Police Department which are more important. She continued that she works a full-time job along with the City Council position and that it will not affect the type of people that become council members.
Councilmember Gerson stated that he would be okay with changing his vote if it were pushed to an open session that would allow Councilmember Kaji to vote on it.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to reconsider the vote of council compensation on July 16. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no and with Councilmember Kaji absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
July 2, 2024
The City Council went to recess at 8:58 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:13 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to reconsider item 9E for the two resolutions and the letter. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve letter C first, TC second, and CC last.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-47 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE ORDERING, CALLING AND
PROVIDING FOR AND GIVING NOTICE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING
A PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CHARTER TO A VOTE OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHARTER AMENDMENT; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF PRIMARY AND REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING
RULES FOR THE FILING OF WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE ELECTION AS AMENDED.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-48 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO §10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE AS AMENDED.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-47 and 2024-48.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
10. HEARINGS
10A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN COVERING FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2023-27 AND ANNUAL ACTION PLAN COVERING FY 2024-25, APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO FY 2023-27 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND FY 2024-25 ACTION PLAN, AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
DOCUMENTS
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing and take public testimony on the Substantial Amendment to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan covering the period July 1, 2023 -June 30, 2028, and the Annual Action Plan covering the period July 1, 2024 -June 30, 2025; and 2) Approve and authorize submission of Substantial Amendment to the FY 2023-27 Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-25 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute all appropriate and necessary documents to receive funding and implement approved uses.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
July 2, 2024
Community Development Department Julia Smith introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public stated that housing was very expensive and did not understand where the funds were going to.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about the $BOOK and what the funds would go towards.
Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian responded that a portion would be from CDBG funding, and it would be curb ramps, gutter, sidewalk. CDBG would be strictly used only for sidewalk removal/replacement. They discussed the amounts from previous years and how much was spent. Leftover amounts were put towards future years. Public Works Director Bilezerian explained why there are different options in the report on moving forward with sidewalk removal/replacement.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to concur with the recommendation of the Community Development Director. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent. 10B. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO INCLUDE DELINQUENT SOLID
WASTE, SEWER DISCHARGE, AND WATER USAGE FEES AS A SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing; and
2) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Los Angeles County Assessor to include delinquent solid waste fees as a special assessment to be collected at the same time and in the same manner as county taxes; and
3) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Los Angeles County Assessor to include delinquent sewer discharge fees as a special assessment to be collected at the same time and in the same manner as county taxes; and 4) Adopt a RESOLUTION authorizing and directing the Los Angeles County Assessor to include delinquent water usage fees as a special assessment to be collected at the same time and in the same manner as county taxes.
Finance Department Joe Pham introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public delinquent bills goes to the property owner and that sets a bad precedent. He stated that property owners are taxed enough as it is.
A member of the public stated that the city needs money and if people do not pay then services will go down.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
July 2, 2024
Council member Mattucci explained the process for tenants of a single-family unit. Finance Department Pham stated that property owners are responsible for the bill on delinquent bills.
Public Works Director Bilezerian stated that for those that do not pay their water bill they make multiple notices and if they do not pay the bill after a certain amount of time then the water is shut off. He further elaborated on the sewer charge and trash fees, and how the bills help keep fees low. Councilmember Mattucci relayed his experience as a property owner and how the non-paying tenant was responsible for the non-payment penalties. Public Works Director Bilezerian overviewed the difficulties of discerning between the tenant and property owners in delinquent bills, and stated they could investigate changing the way collections are made. He added that legal investigations would likely need to be made as well, and if there is a change then they may need to subsidize with non-rate payer funds.
Councilmember Kalani and Finance Department Pham discussed methods for people to pay the bills. Councilmember Kalani stated that direct pay with debit would help reduce the list.
Public Works Director Bilezerian describes some other ways such as the autopay function.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Director Bilezerian discussed credit scores and not paying bills as a tenant, and the process for alerting the account holder of the delinquent bills and at what point water is turned off or not. Councilmember Sheikh stated that it was unfair to the landlords if they do not know what is going on. Public Works Director Bilezerian and City Manager Chaparyan detailed the successes of their strategies and work in this sector, and that there have been no complaints from landlords.
Councilmember Lewis stated that if after staff work there are still delinquent bills then the landlord and the tenant need to work it out. Public Works Director Bilezerian added that no sewer valves get shut off.
Councilmember Mattucci stated they need to continue collecting and suggested 90 days delinquency and then alert the landlord on file. Public Works Director Bilezerian responded that some of his departments may not be equipped to do that, but they were in the process of a 5-year rate which could include changes. Councilmember Mattucci stated that while the rate is low right now, it would be right to at least alert them ahead of time. Mayor Chen, City Attorney Sullivan and Public Works Director Bilezerian overviewed the full process of account holder, landlord, tenant alerts and tax rolls effects and penalties.
Mayor Chen and a member of the public discussed the perspective of property owners and how it may not be known when sending alerts, that the property owner may not be the account holder.
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated the suggestion of sending a notice to the property owner sooner rather than later. Public Works Director Bilezerian added that they could include the property owners in the process by staff. Councilmember Mattucci signaled willingness to keep the process of attaching it to the property tax, but that the property owner should be notified ahead of time. City Attorney Sullivan interjected that these are property-based fees which is why they are tied to the property tax.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
July 2, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Works Director Bilezerian late fees associated with the delinquent bill, and possibilities of building that into the bill and calculating any additional fee in collecting the money into the late fee.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-49 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO INCLUDE DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE
COLLECTION FEES AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO BE COLLECTED AT THE SAME TIME AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS COUNTY TAXES.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-50 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO INCLUDE DELINQUENT SEWER DISCHARGE
FEES AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO BE COLLECTED AT THE SAME TIME AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS COUNTY TAXES.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-51 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO INCLUDE DELINQUENT WATER USAGE FEES AS
A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO BE COLLECTED AT THE SAME TIME AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS COUNTY TAXES.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-49, 2024-50, 2024-
51. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kaji absent.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS-None Scheduled.
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES-None Scheduled.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1. The City Council returned to closed session at 11 :02 p.m. to deliberate on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 12:43 a.m.
City Attorney Sullivan reported that the City Council voted 6-0 to uphold the termination of a police office.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
July 2, 2024
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 12:44 a.m. to Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the Toyota Meeting Hall.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, is a Council Dark Night. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no, and Councilmember Kaji absent.
Rebecca Poirier '
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
###
y of the City of Torrance
Approved on August 13, 2024
12 City Council
July 2, 2024