INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 20, 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
6B.
7. 8.
BA.
9. 9A.
9B.
9C.
9D .
9E .
9F.
9G .
9H .
91. 9J.
9K.
9L.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call 1
Flag Salute/Invocation 1
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 1-2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-59 honoring Luz Fierro 2
PROCLAMATION honoring Torrance Centenarian Joseph H. Gerson 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve Proposed Job Description for Capital Projects Construction Superintendent 2
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Adopt RESOLUTION Approving Deed Restriction for City-owned Property Located at 2001 Santa Fe Ave, Commonly Known as Torrance Park 2-3
Appoint City Manager, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director as Authorized Agents of the City of Torrance to Engage in Matters with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and Adopt RESOLUTION Appointing the City Manager, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director as Authorized Agents 3
Accept and File Update Regarding Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Long-Term Health Care Facilities Located in the City of Torrance 3-4 Accept and File August 6, 2024 Meeting Minutes 4
Approve Contract Services Agreement for Rubber Wheel Trolleys as a Cooperative Purchase 4
Authorize Submission of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Federal Transit Administration Grant Application and Appropriate Funds 5 Approve Transit Department's Submittal of Annual Claim for Transportation Development Act and State Transit Assistance Funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25 5
Approve Contract Services Agreements for Compressed Natural Gas and Zero Emission Buses as a Cooperative Purchase 5-6
Approve Side Letter Agreement Between Torrance Police Officers Association (TPOA) and Management 6
Adopt RESOLUTION Amending Resolution No. 2023-144 for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees to Add the Position of Capital Projects Construction Superintendent 6-7
Approve Second Amendment to Tri-party Agreement for Usage of Recycled Water at Torrance Refinery 7
Approve Funding Agreement for Visionary Project Seed Funding, Appropriate Funds, Authorize Implementation of "Connect Torrance" Micro Transit Pilot Project, Approve Contract Services Agreement for "Connect Torrance" MicroTransit Pilot Demonstration, and Approve Consulting Services Agreement for Data Collection and Analysis 8 Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 20, 2024
10. 10A.
11. 12.
12A.
12B .
13. 14.
15. HEARINGS
Conduct Public Hearing on Land Use Study 24 -00002 Regarding Proposed Amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to Electronic/Digital Billboards, Determine California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, and Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code
AGENCY AGENDAS
SECO ND READING ORDINANCES
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3933
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3934
COUNC IL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
9-11
11 11-12
12 1, 12
12 At 11 :04 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, 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, August 27, 2024 and Tuesday, September 3 , 2024 , are Council Dark Nights .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August20,2024
August 20, 2024
MINUTES OF AN REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on August 20, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Councilmembers Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen Councilmember Mattucci
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 5:01 p.m. to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney on agenda matters listed under 14A) Conference with Labor Negotiator, and 148) Real Property -Conference With Real Property Negotiator -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, and California Government Code §54956.8.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:38 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 Lewis.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Mayor Chen.
3. 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 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 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
4. WITHDRAWN 1 DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 6A, 98, 1 0A and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen alerted the public that the American Red Cross needed more volunteers .
Councilmember Lewis discussed the Tryst and Nomad events at the Del Amo Crossing.
She stated that the Transit Department launched the 2024 Sofi Stadium service.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
August 20, 2024
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
August20,2024
Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to co-sponsor the CPEX seminar.
Council member Gerson received concurrence for staff to design and bring back a logo to represent the Torrance Municipal Regional Airport.
Hamilton Cloud, representative for Maxine Waters, announced the town hall meeting that Congresswoman Waters would be attending at the Hawthorne Memorial Center on August 24.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-59 HONORING LUZ FIERRO
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-59 honoring Luz Fierro upon her retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-one years of service.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-59.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
68. PROCLAMATION HONORING TORRANCE CENTENARIAN JOSEPH H. GERSON
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8 . CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE PROPOSED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT
Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed job description for the Capital Projects Construction Superintendent.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING DEED RESTRICTION FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2001 SANTA FE AVE, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
TORRANCE PARK
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Deed Restriction to and for the benefit of California Natural Resources Agency for a 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program Award on City-owned property located at 2001 Santa Fe Ave, commonly known as Torrance Park (APN: 7357-006-900).
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
A!eksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
August20,2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-60 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO A DEED RESTRICTION TO
AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR A 2018 PARKS BOND ACT PER CAPITA GRANT PROGRAM AWARD.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-60.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
98. APPOINT CITY MANAGER, FINANCE DIRECTOR, AND DEPUTY FINANCE
DIRECTOR AS AUTHORIZED AGENTS OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE TO ENGAGE
IN MATTERS WITH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER, FINANCE DIRECTOR, AND
DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR AS AUTHORIZED AGENTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Appoint City Manager, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director as authorized agents of the City of Torrance to engage in matters with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; and 2) Adopt RESOLUTION appointing the City Manager, Finance Director, and Deputy Finance Director as authorized agents.
Management Assistant Tadashi Masumoto introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-61 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING CITY
MANAGER, FINANCE DIRECTOR, DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR AS THE AUTHORIZING
AGENTS OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE TO ENGAGE IN MATTERS WITH THE FEDERAL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-61.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
9C . ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE REGARDING IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON
LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE In response to a follow-up request by Councilmember Bridgett Lewis, it is the recommendation of the City Manager and Fire Chief that City Council accept and file an update regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Long-Term Health Care Facilities located in the City of Torrance.
Fire Assistant Chief of EMS Adam Brown, using slides, introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Counpil
August20,2024
Councilmember Kaji noted the loss of quality under the management of the private corporation. He stressed that the city needs to stamp out any malpractice in the facilities in Torrance.
Councilmember Lewis stated that these ratings are professionally based. Fire Assistant Chief of EMS Brown elaborated on the lengthy process that the inspectors go through in order to come to the ratings. He also noted the timeframe that is used.
Councilmember Sheikh, City Attorney Sullivan, City Manager Chaparyan discussed the options for fixing and handing out any punishments for such low quality, and also the next steps.
Councilmember Kalani and Fire Assistant Chief of EMS Brown discussed methods for the public to check on facilities where their loved ones may be at.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9D. ACCEPT AND FILE AUGUST 6, 2024 MEETING MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Council Transportation Committee that Ci_ty Council accept and file August 6, 2024 City Council Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes.
Councilmember Lewis introduced the item to the rest of the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9E. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR RUBBER WHEEL TROLLEYS
AS A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve a contract services agreement with Hometown Manufacturing Incorporated of Crandon, WI, as a cooperative purchase with the State of Georgia (agreement no. 99999-SPD-SPD0000212-0002) in the amount of $3,001,062.02 and authorize a 2% contingency in the amount of $60,021.24, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $3,061,083.26, for the purchase and delivery of (1 0) rubber wheel trolley buses for the period beginning August 20, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025.
Transit Department James Lee introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis and Transit Department Lee cleared up possible misinformation regarding the item.
Councilmember Kalani and Transit Department Lee overviewed a proposed route.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9E. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
August20,2024
9F. AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION GRANT APPLICATION AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Authorize the submission and execution of the Transit Department's Fiscal Year 2023- 24 Federal Transit Administration, Urbanized Formula (Section 5307) grant application in the amount of $4,078,040; and
2) Appropriate $4,078,040 to a newly established grant project for the purchase of replacement buses.
Transit Department Lee introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Per request of Councilmember Sheikh, Transit Department Lee explained local match and no general fund usage.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9F. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9G. APPROVE TRANSIT DEPARTMENT'S SUBMITTAL OF ANNUAL CLAIM FOR
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT AND STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve the Transit Department's submittal of the annual claim to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for $8,742,281 in Transportation Development Act funds and $1,747,993 in State Transit Assistance funds for fiscal year 2024-25.
Transit Department Ryan Plum introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 9G. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9H. APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR COMPRESSED NATURAL
GAS AND ZERO EMISSION BUSES AS A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Approve a contract services agreement with New Flyer of America, Inc. of Manitoba, Canada as a cooperative purchase with the State of California (agreement no.1-19- 23-17B) in the amount of $5,754,362.78, and authorize a 5% contingency in the amount of $287,718.14, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $6,042,080.92, for the purchase and delivery of (2) battery electric buses and (2) hydrogen fuel cell buses for the period beginning August 20, 2024 and ending December 31, 2026; and 2) Approve a contract services agreement with New Flyer of America Inc. of Manitoba, Canada, as a cooperative purchase with the State of Washington (agreement no. 06719-01) in the amount of $17,016,039.84, and authorize a 5% contingency in the amount of $850,801.99, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $17,866,841.83, for the purchase and delivery of (20) compressed natural gas buses for the period beginning August 20, 2024 and ending December 31, 2026.
Transit Department Lee introduced the item to the City Council.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
August20,2024
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis supported going with more CNG as electric buses do not have the infrastructure to support them just yet. She noted that high quality transit helps with housing element and grant opportunities.
Councilmember Gerson and Transit Department Lee discussed the hydrogen and electric test periods, and the differences in metrics between them and CNG.
Per request of Councilmember Sheikh, Transit Department Lee detailed the state mandate program by 2040 and the reliability of the bus schedules.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9H. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 91 . APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TORRANCE POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION (TPOA) AND MANAGEMENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Police Officers Association (TPOA) and Management to implement Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Incentive Pilot Program.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke .
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 91. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent. 9J . ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-144 FOR CERTAIN FULL
TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES TO ADD THE POSITION OF CAPITAL
PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending Resolution No . 2023-144 for Certain Full-Time Salaried and Hourly Employees to add the position of Capital Projects Construction Superintendent.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen clarified that expenditures were $8,758 as written .
Per request of Councilmember Lewis, Assistant to the City Manager Le clarified the facts about the item for the public.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
August 20, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-62 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-144 SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING
CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN FULL-TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 25, 2024.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-62 .
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
9K. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO TRI-PARTY AGREEMENT FOR USAGE OF
RECYCLED WATER AT TORRANCE REFINERY
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve a second amendment to a tri-party agreement with the Torrance Refining Company, LLC of Torrance, CA and West Basin Municipal Water District (C2021-027) for an additional amount not-to-exceed $12,000,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $40,000,000 for the usage of recycled water, and to extend the contract term for an additional one-year period beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025.
Public Works Department Chuck Schaich introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
Per request of Councilmember Sheikh, Public Works Department Schaich overviewed possibly having a mark-up for this in the future to leverage more benefits for Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 9K. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
August20,2024
9L. APPROVE FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR VISIONARY PROJECT SEED FUNDING, APPROPRIATE FUNDS, AUTHORIZE IMPLEMENTATION OF "CONNECT TORRANCE" MICROTRANSIT PILOT PROJECT, APPROVE CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR "CONNECT TORRANCE" MICROTRANSIT PILOT
DEMONSTRATION, AND APPROVE CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1) Approve Measure M Grant Agreement #VSF2023001 for Visionary Project Seed Funding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("LAC MT A"); and
2) Appropriate Measure M Visionary Project Seed Funding grant award in the amount of $1,000,000 to a newly created Grant Project; and
3) Authorize the implementation of a one-year MicroTransit pilot project known as "Connect Torrance" to be administered by the City of Torrance Transit Department; and
4) Approve a contract services agreement with Nomad Transit, LLC of New York, NY to provide a turnkey pilot demonstration for an on-demand shared ride service for an amount not-to-exceed $1,884,990 following the mutually agreed upon launch date and is subject to extension by mutual agreement of the parties on terms to be agreed; and 5) Approve a consulting services agreement with CALSTART, Inc. of Pasadena, CA for the data collection and analysis of the Connect Torrance Micro Transit pilot project for an amount not-to-exceed $120,400 following the mutually agreed upon launch date and is subject to extension by mutual agreement of the parties on terms to be agreed; and
6) Appropriate $765,390 to the Transit Enterprise Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget.
Transit Director Kim Turner introduced the item to the City Council. Using slides, Transit Department David Mock overviewed the transportation program and the various funding.
Members of the public spoke .
Councilmember Sheikh and Transit Department Mock discussed the vouchers and the dial-a-taxi program, and the share program with the $5 fee.
Mayor Chen and Transit Department Mock clarified some aspects of the program for the public.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 91. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
The City Council went to recess at 8:54 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:04 p.m.
10. HEARINGS
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
August20,2024
1 0A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON LAND USE STUDY 24-00002 REGARDING
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING
TO ELECTRONIC/DIGITAL BILLBOARDS, DETERMINE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION, AND ADOPT ORDINANCE
AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1) Conduct a public hearing on Land Use Study 24-00002 regarding proposed amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code pertaining to Electronic/Digital Billboards; and
2) Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and 3) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 911.6.100 entitled "Prohibited Signs" of Chapter 11, Article 6, Division 9; repealing Article 10 entitled "Enforcement" of Chapter 11, Division 9; adding Article 1 O entitled "Electronic/Digital Billboards" to Chapter 11, Division 9; adding Article 11 entitled "Enforcement" to Chapter 11, Division 9; and
4) Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Planning and Environmental Manager Oscar Martinez introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the proposed amendments, revenue, showcase pictures and go over the recommendation.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Jocelyn Gobler, Vice President of Development of Simon Property Group, expressed the company's support for this initiative. She stated that this would market the city to lots of investment and engagement to the public, which would create revenue for Torrance.
A member of the public expressed their support for this so that it could advertise the good aspects of Torrance and increase revenues.
A member of the public stated that some of the digital billboards are too distracting from the brightness, and that the city should limit them.
Councilmember Kalani stated that digital billboards can get out of control, and that when billboards come, they will multiply. She added that the content of the billboards could become difficult to regulate. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that the content would be handled by the development agreement and then approved by the City Council. He added that the number of billboards would depend on who goes first, and a one-mile separation would be about 2-3 billboards along 1-405. He clarified that city-wide was because of the standards adopted in 2021, only related to on-premises messaging.
Councilmember Kaji and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez discussed the results of other cities in this type of initiative, and the details of private versus public property in the item. They overviewed regulating the hours of operation. Community Development Director Ramirez explained the requirements of getting approval from Caltrans before also needing the approval of Torrance.
Councilmember Sheikh and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez clarified between some of the existing billboards, and if the city can control the contents of those and not others. City Attorney Sullivan explained that Torrance-controlled billboards can be regulated on content but private ones like Del Amo billboards cannot be. Councilmember Sheikh supported Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
August20,2024
city-owned billboards so Torrance could advertise itself and control the content. Community Development Director Ramierz responded that negotiating a development agreement with the companies and the city would enable Torrance to have more control and say in how the billboards are used and can have fees. City Manager Chaparyan stated some of the other ways that Torrance can exert control and have fees.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about public areas where Torrance can control everything . Community Development Director Ramirez responded that there was one location with the specifications that Councilmember Sheikh requested. She added that increasing a lot of restrictions can make the project more expensive. Community Development Director Ramirez, Assistant City Manager Santana, and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed the process of how Torrance can maximize revenue, control and other factors while not restricting Torrance to only city owned assets. Councilmember Sheikh reiterated that protecting residents' concerns was paramount, and that having control for Torrance would be important. He stated a more conservative approach would be better.
Councilmember Kaji recounted that auto dealers were interested in more signs. He added that sales tax revenues would increase substantially with more signs. He stated that long-term contracts would cause companies to self-regulate the content of the billboards due to the large amounts of money at stake. He continued that having a community presence with these signs was important too, where they could message about emergencies or events.
Mayor Chen and Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez discussed the city-wide code effects and offsite digital billboards along the 1-405. They discussed the areas in which billboards would be restricted to only advertising businesses within the mall premises.
Councilmember Kalani and Planning, Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez, and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the parameters where businesses can advertise and the locations in which they can advertise their own business. Councilmember Kalani inquired about possibly separating what is on the freeway versus what is within the city for approvals. Planning and Environmental Manager Martinez responded that electronic billboards would only be along the 1-405 and electronic message centers would be city-wide.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3935 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE 6 OF DIVISION 9, BY AMENDING SECTION 911.6.100 PERTAINING TO PROHIBITED SIGNS; REPEALING ARTICLE 10 ENFORCEMENT; ADDING ARTICLE 10 ELECTRONIC/DIGITAL BILLBOARDS; AND ADDING ARTICLE 11 -ENFORCEMENT.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3935, adding item 2 exempting the project from CEQA section 1506183 and approve an ordinance summary for publication. Mayor Chen seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 3-3 with Councilmembers Kalani, Lewis, and Sheikh voting no, and Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 11
City Council
August20,2024
Councilmember Lewis recommended more clarity on the signs if the item comes back in the future.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to have staff come back later with more clarity on distinctions between the signs and locations and content and have reports including identifying development agreements from other agencies. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Kalani voting no, and with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3933
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3933 amending Division 4 by amending section 45.6.6 of the Torrance Municipal Code prohibiting camping in public places, amending section 49.2.2 of the Torrance Municipal Code prohibiting fires in parks, adding section 45.3.33 to the Torrance Municipal Code prohibiting fires in public places, adding section 45.1.9 to the Torrance Municipal Code regulating shelters in public places, and adding section 45.1.10 to the Torrance Municipal Code prohibiting loitering at bus stop sites and approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Members of the public spoke.
Council member Lewis overviewed the lack of options for addressing homeless individuals with mental health issues or drug/alcohol issues, but she did support the anti-camping ordinance.
She stated that the solution should be regional otherwise it will just create a negative cycle.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3933 AN ORDINANCE OF " THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING DIVISION 4 BY AMENDING SECTION 45.6.6 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING CAMPING IN PUBLIC PLACES, AMENDING SECTION 49.2.2 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING FIRES IN PARKS, ADDING SECTION 45.3.33 TO THE
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING FIRES IN PUBLIC PLACES, ADDING SECTION
45.1.9 TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING SHELTERS IN PUBLIC PLACES, AND ADDING SECTION 45.1.10 TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING LOITERING AT BUS STOP SITES.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt Ordinance No . 3933. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
12B. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3934
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3934 approving a Development Agreement between the City of Torrance and Gable House Development, LLC related to a development at 22501 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, California (Assessor's Parcel Number 7368-001-015) and approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 12
City Council
August 20, 2024
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3934 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF TORRANCE AND GABLE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT LLC RELATED TO A DEVELOPMENT AT 22501 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD, TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 7368-001-015).
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3934. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion . The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
In order, Councilmembers Mattucci, Sheikh, Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, and Mayor Chen spoke .
14. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council returned to closed session at 10:31 p.m. to confer on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 11 :03 p.m.
There were no items to report.
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 11 :04 p.m. in honor of Charles Payne to Tuesday, September 10, 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, August 27, 2024 and Tuesday, September 3, 2024, are Council Dark Nights. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Mattucci absent.
Attest:
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on September 10 , 2024
13 City Council
August 20, 2024