INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -MARCH 4 1 2025
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
4. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 1
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
88. Adopt RESOLUTION Setting Forth Hours, Wages, and Working Conditions for the City Manager 2
BC. Approve Subsidy for the 2025 Irish Fair and Music Festival 2 8D. Approve First Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services 2
9. HEARINGS
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. Accept and File Committee Meeting Minutes, Provide Direction on Security Measures for the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration and Appropriate Funds 3
108 . Accept and File Research Update and Discuss and Provide Direction Regarding the Establishment of a Public Health Department 3-4 10C. Approve Purchase of Tickets and On-field Experience for 2025 Torrance Dodger Day and Provide Direction on Game Date Selection and Ticket Resale to Torrance Community Members 4
10D. Accept and File Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended 2023-24, Accept and File Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Review Report, and Approve Proposed Program Modifications 5
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 5
13. CLOSED SESSION 1, 6
14. ADJOURNMENT 6
At 9:07 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, is a City Council Dark Night. --
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 4, 2025
March 4, 2025
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on March 4, 2025, at 5:01 p.m . in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Councilmembers Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, and Mayor Chen Councilmember Sheikh
Present: City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan , City Clerk Rebecca Poirier and other staff representatives
Agenda item 13 was considered out of order at this time.
13. 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 13A) Conference with Labor Negotiator, 13B) Real Property-Conference With Real Property Negotiator -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6, and California Government Code §54956.8.
Councilmember Sheikh arrived at the City Council meeting at 5:11 p.m.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:41 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 Kaji.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kalani.
3. WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLE MENTAL ITEMS-None.
4. 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.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced California Arbor Week.
Councilmember Kalani announced International Women's Day.
Councilmember Mattucci received concurrence to have staff bring back an ordinance to ban Mylar Balloons in Torrance.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 4, 2025
Councilmember Sheikh reminded the public about the Community Services Department design workshop for Columbia Park and that it is open to the public.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS-None Scheduled.
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 February 4, 2025, and February 11, 2025.
88. ADOPT RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING
CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY MANAGER
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council adopt a RESOLUTION setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for the City Manager repealing Resolution No. 2020-97 in its entirety.
Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-09 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH THE HOURS,
WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2020-97.
SC. APPROVE SUBSIDY FOR THE 2025 IRISH FAIR AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a subsidy in an amount not-to-exceed fifty percent of the City fees, up to a cap of $20,700, to partially offset permit fees for the 2025 Irish Fair and Music Festival at Charles H. Wilson Park.
80. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a first amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore of Los Angeles, CA (C2023-070), in the amount of $390,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $639,000, to provide the City with legal services pertaining to civil litigation matter Martin Hutto vs. City of Torrance.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety and to adopt Resolution No. 2025-09. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. HEARINGS -None Scheduled .
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
March 4, 2025
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
1 OA. ACCEPT AND FILE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES, PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SECURITY MEASURES FOR THE 2025 ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE AND
CELEBRATION AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS
Recommendation of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee that City Council:
1. Accept and file the January 6, 2025 Committee Meeting Minutes; and
2. Provide direction on additional safety measures on the parade perimeter for an amount estimated at $180,000; and 3. Appropriate $180,000 from the General Fund's fund balance to the fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chen introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis and Torrance Police Lieutenant Charles Fischer discussed the potential of not having to utilize the entire $180K if it was possible. Finance Director Ian Dailey explained the process regarding vendor selection and procurement procedure.
Councilmember Kalani and Finance Director Dailey overviewed the budget for the parade.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 1 OA. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 1 OB. ACCEPT AND FILE RESEARCH UPDATE AND DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file research update and discuss and provide direction regarding the establishment of a Public Health Department.
Management Assistant Irene O'Neill introduced the item to the City Council. She used slides to overview the minimum requirements, West Covina update, local health department examples, potential public-private partnerships, financial considerations and more.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kaji recounted how LA County was very poor in rolling out vaccines whereas places like Pasadena were able to do it more efficiently. He continued that having a local health department would allow better response and coordination. He stated that it was best to wait and see what happens with West Covina first. He and Management Assistant O'Neill discussed the redundancies and processes with West Covina, as well as funding sources.
Councilmember Mattucci agreed that waiting for West Covina was best.
Councilmember Sheikh and Management Assistant O'Neill discussed the funding sources and the grant funding requisites and the lack of consistency. Assistant City Manager Santana detailed the staff time associated with a health department and the facility size.
Councilmember Sheikh and Management Assistant O'Neill discussed the medical litigations associated with the major hospitals.
Mayor Chen and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the extent of the research.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
March 4, 2025
Councilmember Kaji and Management Assistant O'Neill discussed the City of Vernon and the research that has been done on it. Councilmember Kaji stated that City of Vernon might have a better model for Torrance to look at and wanted to see more research done on their efforts and the limited scope or the model.
Councilmember Lewis and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the funds used and correspondence with LA County regarding inspections on food vendors, and what would come of inspections if Torrance had its own Hea1th Department.
The City Council went to recess at 8:08 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 8:25 p.m.
Councilmember Lewis and Management Assistant O'Neill discussed if Torrance would have authority to make public health decisions on a more limited scope. They also overviewed the research on the fee services and if they were revenue neutral in Pasadena and Long Beach.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file item 1 OB and halt the research efforts on proposing the establishment of a public health department. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Kaji and Mayor Chen voting no.
10C. APPROVE PURCHASE OF TICKETS AND ON-FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR 2025
TORRANCE DODGER DAY AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON GAME DATE SELECTION
AND TICKET RESALE TO TORRANCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of 1,050 tickets to a 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers game; and
2. Approve the purchase of a VIP on-field photo op; and
3. Provide direction in selecting the game date for the ticket purchase; and
4. Provide direction to authorize staff to resell the tickets to Torrance community members at a subsidized cost
Community Services Director John La Rock introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci disagreed with subsidizing the tickets and stated that reselling at the same prices paid for would be better and put the funds back into the general fund.
Councilmember Kalani stated she supported the subsidy because it is good advertising for Torrance. She suggested for the on-field VIP photo op to draw tickets from those that bought tickets.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to have the date of July 20 for purchase and reselling at full price and an additional 500 if there is any interest and approving the purchase of on-field VIP photo op contest and random selection of 30 people. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Lewis, and Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
March 4, 2025
10D. ACCEPT AND FILE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED 2023-24, ACCEPT AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MID-YEAR
BUDGET REVIEW REPORT, AND APPROVE PROPOSED PROGRAM
MODIFICATIONS
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
1. Accept and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended 2023-24; and
2. Accept and file the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Review Report; and
3. Approve the proposed program modification in the Community Development Department's fiscal year 2024-25 General Fund operating budget; and
4. Approve the proposed increase to the General Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating revenue budget in the amoynt of $250,000; and
5. Approve the proposed increase to the General Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $250,000; and
6. Approve the proposed increase to the Airport Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating revenue budget in the amount of $2,000,000; and
7. Approve the proposed increase to the Airport Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $2,000,000; and
8. Approve the proposed increase to the Water Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating revenue budget in the amount of $3,900,000; and
9. Approve the proposed increase to the Water Fund's fiscal year 2024-25 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $3,900,000.
Councilmember Kaji introduced the item to the rest of the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Per request of Councilmember Kalani, Finance Director Ian Dailey enumerated the various benefits that the SST has given Torrance.
Councilmember Lewis overviewed the safety department funding issues and how SST has helped, and that has enabled the Police Department and Fire Department to have everything they need. She continued that by working with the Finance Department they have never defunded the Police Department.
Councilmember Sheikh explained the various aspects of the city that have continued to be funded due to the SST passing, and the benefits.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 1 OD. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. 12.
AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
March 4, 2025
13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 9:07 p.m. to Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for clos..ed f,ession in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 is a City Council Dark Night. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
RebeccaPoirier
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Approved on March 25, 2025
6 City Council
March 4, 2025