Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary September 24, 2024
INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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 1-2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION on Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Torrance 2 6B. Recognition of the Seaside Heroes Park Volunteers’ 10 Year Anniversary 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve Side Letter Agreements Regarding Implementation of Torrance Police Department Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Incentive Pilot Program 2
8B. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of July 2024 2 8C. Accept and File Update on Torrance Public Library Summer Reading Program 3
8D. Authorize Sole Source Purchase Order to Furnish Water Treatment Chemicals for North Torrance Well Field Facility 3
8E. Approve Side Letter Agreement Between Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and
Management Regarding Temporary Parks Maintenance Contractors 3 8F. Accept and File Updates on Coyote Management Plan and Coyote Abatement Services 3
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. Accept and File Update on Pickleball Facilities and Provide Direction Regarding Wilson Park and Sur La Brea Park Pickleball Facilities and El Retiro Tennis Courts 3-5
9B. Adopt RESOLUTION Amending City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code and Repeal Resolution No. 2023-71 5
9C. Approve Request to Set Date for Public Hearing on Proposed Series of Annual Increases in Municipal Water Rates Over Five-Year Period of 2025 Through 2029 5-6
9D. Approve Measure M Funding Agreements and Appropriate Funds to Torrance Fiber Network and Traffic Signal Optimization, T-195 and Hawthorne Boulevard Right-Turn Lanes at Lomita Boulevard and 182nd Street, T-196 6
9E. Consider and Approve Public Art Mural Policy 6-7 9F. Discuss and Provide Direction on Designs for District Gateways, Digital, and Parks Signage 7-8
9G. Accept and File Update from Office of Economic Development 8 9H. Discuss and Provide Direction on Appropriated Resource Contributions for the Neighborhood Coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display, Discuss and Consider Adopting an ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to Cottage Food, and Accept and File Meeting Minutes 9-11
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary September 24, 2024
9I. Accept and File Update on New Agenda and Meeting Management System, Approve Changes to City Council Meeting Procedures, and Adopt RESOLUTION Amending City Council Rules of Order 11
10. HEARINGS
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3937 12
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 12
14. CLOSED SESSION
15. ADJOURNMENT 12
At 1:13 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, October 8, 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, October 1, 2024, is a Council Dark Night.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 1 September 24, 2024
September 24, 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 September 24, 2024, at 5:10 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
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 Gerson and passed by 7-0.
4. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 8F, 9A, 9H and Oral Communications.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen honored Valdean Clark. He alerted the public about farmers market pie contest. He gave gratitude to the Fire Department efforts for new state-of-the-art vehicles.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to expand the Historic Preservation Society plan and ordinance to include commercial buildings that hold historic value within the original commercial core.
City Clerk Poirier League of Women Voters Torrance Area would be hosting a pros and cons forum on the November 5 election.
Vice Chair of the Civil Services Commission Karen Prior alerted the public about the annual veterans’ appreciation event on November 8.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 2 September 24, 2024
City Treasurer Tim Goodrich stated that they were seeking requests for quotes on qualification on checks and balances audit on the use of technology.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2024 AS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE
6B. RECOGNITION OF THE SEASIDE HEROES PARK VOLUNTEERS’ 10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF
TORRANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT ENHANCED RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
INCENTIVE PILOT PROGRAM
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1) Approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance City Employees Association (TCEA) and Management to implement Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program; and
2) Approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Police Commanders Association (TPCA) and Management to implement Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program; and
3) Approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management to implement Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le, responding to request from Councilmember Kalani, gave an update on the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 8A. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
8B. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2024 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of July 2024.
City Treasurer Goodrich, in response to Councilmember Sheikh’s request, elaborated on the adjustments that were made. Finance Director Sheila Poisson added that they were most likely cash adjustments and explained more on the processes.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8B. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 3 September 24, 2024
8C. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE ON TORRANCE PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING
PROGRAM
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file update on the Torrance Public Library Summer Reading Program.
8D. AUTHORIZE SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER TO FURNISH WATER
TREATMENT CHEMICALS FOR NORTH TORRANCE WELL FIELD FACILITY Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council authorize a sole source purchase order with Carus Corporation of Peru, Illinois for a total not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 to furnish water treatment chemicals for the North Torrance Well Field Facility for a one-year period beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025.
8E. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES-AFSCME LOCAL 1117 (TME-AFSCME) AND MANAGEMENT
REGARDING TEMPORARY PARKS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTORS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve the side letter agreement between TME-AFSCME and Management regarding temporary parks maintenance contractors.
8F. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATES ON COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND COYOTE
ABATEMENT SERVICES
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council accept and file updates on the Coyote Management Plan and coyote abatement services.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of 8A and 8B. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
9A. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE ON PICKLEBALL FACILITIES AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION REGARDING WILSON PARK AND SUR LA BREA PARK PICKLEBALL
FACILITIES AND EL RETIRO TENNIS COURTS
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1) Accept and file an update regarding Park pickleball facilities; and 2) Provide direction for restriping a tennis court at Wilson Park for pickleball and the restoration of the Sur La Brea tennis courts; and
3) Provide direction for the hours of play at Sur La Brea Park tennis & pickleball courts; and
4) Provide direction for staffing at the Sur La Brea Park tennis & pickleball courts. 5) Provide direction for the nighttime hours of lighted play at the El Retiro Park tennis courts.
Community Services Director John La Rock introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 4 September 24, 2024
Councilmember Kalani stated that, while she supports pickleball, the conversion of courts comes with many negatives. She suggested that there should be come committees so that residents and pickleball players can help guide policy. Community Services Director La Rock explained some of the restrictions which lead to some places having courts and some not. They discussed some of the places where issues haven’t arisen, as well as the ease of temporary conversions and other ways such as indoor courts. Councilmember Kalani stressed patience in rectifying the issue.
Councilmember Mattucci supported some restrictions at El Retiro Park such as the lights would help the residents. He continued that temporary conversion would be a waste of money and it’s taking away tennis. He stated that there could be other public locations that could be used.
He suggested emulating Carson may be a good way to go. Him and Community Services Director La Rock overviewed the money aspect and other locations for courts including any enclosed spaces for pickleball. It was about space, cost and time in determining locations. Councilmember Mattucci stressed to explore other locations rather than just parks and utilizing sponsorships.
Councilmember Lewis agreed with utilizing sponsorships. She stated that maintaining the courts should be the top priority. She continued that restricting to 4 p.m. may be too much but that there may be ways to improve the noise. She would not support adding staff just for pickleball and would not support restriping tennis courts. Councilmember Lewis stated that 8p.m. was reasonable but that most parks should be closed earlier. She argued against conversion of courts, and also stated that Carson’s method was worth looking into.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that temporary solutions were not the right way, so restriping would not be good. Him and Community Services Director La Rock discussed resurfacing some locations. Councilmember Sheikh stated that closing around 8 p.m. would make more sense.
Councilmember Kaji stated that there was public land that they could look at, and other locations that can be helped with at corporate areas. He pointed to the various sports areas in Torrance as being examples that they can find solutions.
Councilmember Gerson stated that closing at 8 p.m. was reasonable, and that he did not support restriping.
Mayor Chen supported not restriping Wilson Park, extending Sur La Brea tennis courts, allowing pickleball until 8 or 9 p.m.
Councilmember Lewis argued that 8 p.m. needed to be the cutoff to be considerate of residents.
Councilmember Sheikh recommended 8 p.m. for areas closer to residential.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file item 9A and not restripe Wilson Park. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to restore the hours at Sur La Breas for 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Kaji and Mayor Chen voting no.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 5 September 24, 2024
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to reconsider the hours. Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Kalani and Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to restore hours at Sur La Brea Park 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to restrict use of lights at El Retiro Park to 8 p.m. and restrict the use to tennis. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Gerson and Mayor Chen voting no.
Mayor Chen explained his no vote as there not being many complaints for El Retiro Park.
Councilmember Lewis and Community Services Director La Rock discussed how and what staff are needed to enforce compliance.
The City Council went to recess at 8:57 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:09 p.m.
9B. ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING CITY OF TORRANCE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND REPEAL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-71
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION amending the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code and repeal Resolution No. 2023-71 in its entirety.
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council.
No members of the public spoke.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-77 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY’S
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE, WHICH INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION’S STANDARD MODEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-71.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to repeal Resolution No. 2023-71 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-77. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9C. APPROVE REQUEST TO SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED SERIES
OF ANNUAL INCREASES IN MUNICIPAL WATER RATES OVER FIVE-YEAR PERIOD OF 2025 THROUGH 2029
Recommendation of the Water Commission and Public Works Director that City Council approve a request to set a date of November 19, 2024, for a public hearing on a proposed series of annual increases in municipal water rates over five-year period of 2025 through 2029.
Water Operations Senior Administrative Analyst Chuck Schaich introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the study objectives.
No members of the public spoke.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 6 September 24, 2024
Councilmember Kaji and Water Operations Senior Administrative Analyst Schaich discussed the percentage of water between being self-sufficient for Torrance and importing water, as well as information the de-salter, and low-income and disabled discounts for the public. In response to Councilmember Kaji, Water Operations Senior Administrative Analyst Schaich stated that the Torrance Refinery was the biggest customer of Torrance for water.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9D. APPROVE MEASURE M FUNDING AGREEMENTS AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO TORRANCE FIBER NETWORK AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPTIMIZATION, T -195 AND
HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD RIGHT-TURN LANES AT LOMITA BOULEVARD AND 182ND STREET, T-196
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1) Approve Measure M Funding Agreement #9200000000M550211 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to accept grant funding in the amount of $1,050,000 for Torrance Fiber Network and Traffic Signal Optimization, 2) Upon approval of Funding Agreement #9200000000M550211, appropriate $1,050,000 of South Bay Measure M MSP Funds to the Torrance Fiber Network and Traffic Signal Optimization, T-195; and
3) Approve Measure M Funding Agreement #9200000000M550715 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to accept grant funding in the amount of $1,000,000 for Hawthorne Boulevard Right-Turn Lanes at Lomita Boulevard and 182nd Street, T-196; and
4) Upon approval of Funding Agreement #9200000000M550715, appropriate $1,000,000 of South Bay Measure M MSP Funds to the Hawthorne Boulevard Right- Turn Lanes at Lomita Boulevard and 182nd Street, T-196.
Public Works Brenda Moon introduced the item to the City Council.
No member of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 9D. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9E. CONSIDER AND APPROVE PUBLIC ART MURAL POLICY
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council consider and approve a mural policy for the City of Torrance to govern murals proposed and displayed as public art on public and private properties.
Community Services Department Monica Hart introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Gerson requested to clean up some of the language in the policy and pointed to some errors. He and Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez discussed enforcement of Torrance policy on murals that are not compliant.
Councilmember Gerson clarified that community outreach and ambient lighting may need to be retooled. He added that this felt rushed and needed to be done right if it was going to be done. He suggested tabling the item and bringing it back later.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 7 September 24, 2024
Councilmember Lewis agreed about cleaning up the language. She, Community Development Director Ramirez and Community Services Director La Rock discussed actions Torrance can take to prevent situations such as murals that have nude art.
Mayor Chen and Community Services Director La Rock discussed the policy on fees.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Services Director La Rock overviewed what actions Torrance can take if issues regarding possible advertising came up.
Councilmember Gerson inquired about policies and ordinances. City Attorney Sullivan preferred ordinances but enumerated some ways to get around the lengthy timeframes of those.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to table the item for now. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
9F. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON DESIGNS FOR DISTRICT GATEWAYS,
DIGITAL, AND PARKS SIGNAGE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council discuss and provide direction on design concepts for district gateways, digital, and parks signage.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the concepts of the signs.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the funding and where it’s coming from, and what was done in the past for other gateway signs.
Councilmember Mattucci suggested option 2 from the options given.
Councilmember Kalani and Economic Development Manager Fulton debated over what kinds of designs and styles could go. Councilmember Kalani agreed that option 2 was the best, and that design 3 for the park signs was better.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired on the cost, to which City Manager Chaparyan stated that once the staff formulates everything then the costs would be finalized. City Manager Chaparyan clarified, per request of Councilmember Sheikh, that the locations were existing. They discussed the background of the design choices. Councilmember Sheikh preferred option 1 for a more consistent look. He stated that green with arches and curve for the park sign was good.
Councilmember Lewis and City Manager Chaparyan discussed a city standard that could be made so there is consistency. Community Development Director Ramirez explained that advertisements that deal with the city only was the policy. She added that there are already some design standards for on-site signs that even the city must adhere to, but admitted there was some conflicts existing.
Councilmember Gerson questioned upon the relation to the airport district and the commercial core. He stated that option 1 was the best looking. Economic Development Manager Fulton described the company that helped with the designs. She stated that the district gateway signs are just stylized icons and tweaking them would likely be alright. She continued that the commercial core could also be tweaked but that the Del Amo had inspiration in those signs.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 8 September 24, 2024
Mayor Chen stated that concept 1 for the park signs was good.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to go with concept 1 for the digital signs.
Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Councilmember Mattucci and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed blending the solar panel into the environment better.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to go with concept 1 for the park sign.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9G. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE FROM OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file the Economic Development update.
Economic Development Manager Fulton introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the Downtown Torrance Revitalization and Business Improvement District.
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that combining Pitch Torrance and Select Torrance might dilute both and should be avoided.
Councilmember Sheikh stated that consolidating some of the program could help mitigate confusion about what some of the programs do. He stressed that getting data from the site would help see what businesses are trying to come to Torrance and could help Torrance market it better.
Councilmember Kaji overviewed some of the international relations and updates. He added that residential developments lead to economic benefits for the city and the city should work with those developers to synergize with the local business communities. He suggested using the programs or the chamber to incentive this. He stated that some companies were making announcements for the automotive industry and the involvement for Torrance, and the new technology that’s coming.
Councilmember Gerson and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the 80% occupancy and viability for more room. He stated that health is an important sector in Torrance, and inquired if Torrance includes the economic output of the airport in the same manner.
Economic Development Manager Fulton responded that they do market the airport.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file item 9G. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 9 September 24, 2024
9H. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON APPROPRIATED RESOURCE
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD COORDINATED SEASIDE RANCHOS
HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO COTTAGE FOOD,
AND ACCEPT AND FILE MEETING MINUTES
Recommendation of the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee that City Council:
1) Discuss and provide direction on the appropriated resource contributions to the neighborhood coordinated Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display; and 2) Discuss and consider amending the Cottage Food Ordinance; and 3) Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 415.1.040(b) “Operating Standards” and Repealing Section 415.1.050 “Pilot Program” of Division 4 “Public Health and Welfare”, Chapter 15 “Cottage Food”; and 4) Approve an ordinance summary for publication; and
5) Accept and file the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee meeting minutes from May 15, 2024.
Councilmember Lewis introduced the item to the rest of the City Council. Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le used slides to overview the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis stated that the cost of this was way too high, given that it was just for one community and that the money could be better utilized in other areas. She continued that approving this amendment would cause a slippery slope.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that it would not be right to not fund the police to supervise the area, and that the city did not have the right to tell the neighborhood to not host the event. He continued that it was their duty to fund the police for events like this. He and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the legal parameters and enforcement of the requirements of the cottage food. Councilmember Mattucci and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the legal problems of selective enforcement and the sidewalk ordinances. Councilmember Mattucci stressed that safety was the biggest concern and traffic issues. Community Development Director Ramirez elaborated on the uncommitted vendors and cottage food, and the number of staffing required for enforcement.
Mayor Chen reminded that this was not sanctioned by the city and so that would cause some issues for the city. He added that if they follow clear principles it should work, and that no matter what the event will happen and so they need to act on it.
Councilmember Gerson voiced frustration at the selective enforcement of the hot chocolate and the other street vendors. He and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the rules of street vendors and what would be enforced against, and why they do not allow subletting for this purpose. Councilmember Gerson argued that the cost seemed to imply that the city was in effect sponsoring the event, to which staff objected.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Development Director Ramirez deliberated on the effects on other parts of the city if certain parts of the policy were approved. They further delved into the idea of BIDs and other investment districts, so that the planning is put on them and the city is simply just hired.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 10 September 24, 2024
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about any reports for Police Officers in these kinds of events. Community Development Director Ramirez responded that they are in the area typically, but the code enforcement officers are primarily in this sector. City Manager Chaparyan elaborated on the number of officers that are patrolling and responding to uncommitted vendors and other safety issues. He and Councilmember Sheikh debated on the uses of drones in doing overwatch and assisting patrols. Police Chief Jeremiah Hart elaborated on the processes they use to aid as many neighborhoods as possible, and the problems on maintaining order in terms of special events. Police Sargeant David Koenig further detailed their process in managing special events such as this one. Commissioner Sheikh agreed with Councilmember Mattucci that the lights are going to be there either way and so the Police should be utilized. Police Sargent Koenig stated that the TPOA was entirely voluntary by the officers and not funded by the Police Department.
Councilmember Lewis stated that this should be taken in three ways; resource allocations, cottage food ordinance, and the accept and file of minutes. She agreed with Mayor Chen on trying to figure out how to better manage the cost. She added that funding this and other programs would be a major concern. She stated that she did not want this cancelled, but that a better system would be necessary.
Councilmember Kaji voiced concern that north Torrance would see less police units due to the event. He added that the event has become more unmanageable over the years. He stated that this was an unbudgeted cost to the city, and that this needed to be brought under control for the sake of the budget and the public messaging. He caveated that he was not against what it used to be, but now it is a commercial enterprise and costing the taxpayers of the city with only a few benefitting from it. He noted that, while Torrance safety officials can assist, the event continues to be unsafe. He stated that parking offsite and shuttling, then that could be option to help with traffic.
Councilmember Lewis and City Manager Chaparyan deliberated on modifying the duration of the Christmas lights. Councilmember Lewis stressed there needs to be some ways to reduce the costs, such as supplementing through HOA fees.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that there are benefits to people coming into the city, and spending their money so the large cost is not the whole story. He continued that it was likely around half of the cost was covered by people coming into Torrance and spending. He reiterated the need to provide safety and for allowing, while still enforcing the law, the residents to sell their hot chocolate. City Attorney Sullivan interjected the need to avoid selective enforcement given the comparison to the sidewalk vendors.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to accept and file the Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee meeting minutes. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to go with the resource contributions as placed for this year with mandated studies to come back before agreeing for 2025. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmember Gerson and Mayor Chen voting no.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to not adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 11 September 24, 2024
Councilmember Mattucci stressed that punishing the homeowners at 5 p.m. was not right and the street vendors would come out later at night which is when all the activity happens.
The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Mattucci voting no.
9I. ACCEPT AND FILE UPDATE ON NEW AGENDA AND MEETING MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM, APPROVE CHANGES TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING PROCEDURES, AND
ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING CITY COUNCIL RULES OF ORDER
Recommendation of the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk that City Council:
1) Accept and file update on the new agenda and meeting management system, OneMeeting; and
2) Approve changes to City Council Meeting Procedures regarding consent calendar, order of agenda items, public comment in advance of meetings, and use of electronic speaker cards; and
3) Adopt RESOLUTION amending Sections 2.7 and 2.12(d) of the City Council Rules of Order.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council. He used slides to overview the new agenda management and meeting system.
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis requested cleaning up the language in the Council Rules of Order.
Councilmember Mattucci and Management Associate Huizar overviewed the online component of the public comments, and what was being changed to improve the time on redacting or reducing other errors.
Mayor Chen and Management Associate Huizar discussed what could be removed and what had to be kept regarding vulgar language in the public comments. Management Associate Huizar elaborated that the purpose was to allow members who couldn’t attend the meeting to be able to give their oral communications.
Per the question of Councilmember Sheikh, Management Associate Huizar responded that the messages that go the portal would not be filtered due to the first amendment.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2024-78 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AMENDED CITY COUNCIL RULES OF ORDER AS CITY POLICY NUMBER 2 AS SET FORTH IN TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.7.010.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024-78, accept and file update, approve the changes and procedures, and incorporate the gender-neutral language.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
10. HEARINGS – None Scheduled.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS – None Scheduled.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 12 September 24, 2024
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
12A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3937
Second and Final reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3937 amending Section 95.1.6(c) entitled “Final Determination and Findings” of Chapter 5 “Conditional Use Permits”, of Article 1 “General”, of Division 9 “Land Use”, of the Torrance Municipal Code relating to the mitigation of project-related adverse impacts and approve the ordinance summary for publication. This item is for consideration of adoption of the ordinance only.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3937 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
95.1.6(C) ENTITLED “FINAL DETERMINATION AND FINDINGS” OF CHAPTER 5 “CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS”, OF ARTICLE 1 “GENERAL”, OF DIVISION 9 “LAND USE”, OF
THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE MITIGATION OF PROJECT- RELATED ADVERSE IMPACTS.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3937 and approve the ordinance summary for publication. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
13. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
In Order, Councilmembers Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, Gerson, and Mayor Chen spoke.
14. CLOSED SESSION
None Scheduled.
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 1:13 a.m. to Tuesday, October 8, 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, October 1, 2024, is a Council Dark Night. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Attest: Mayor of the City of Torrance
Rebecca Poirier Approved on October 22, 2024
City Clerk of the City of Torrance