INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -MARCH 25, 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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 1-2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Accept and File 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report 2-3 8C. Adopt RESOLUTION Approving Blanket Authority 3
80 . Accept and File Investment Report 3
9. HEARINGS
9A. Conduct Public Hearing to Consider Appeal of Planning Commission's Approval of a Precise Plan of Development 3-5
9B. Conduct Public Hearing, Approve Engineer's Report and Adopt RESOLUTION Establishing Underground Utility District No . 21 5-6
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 6
13. CLOSED SESSION 1, 6
14. ADJOURNMENT 6
At 9:03 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, is a City Council Dark Night.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 25, 2025
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March 25, 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 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m . 1n the LeRoy J . Jackson Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, Lewis, Martucci, and Mayor Chen
Absent: Councilmember Kaji and 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 5:00 p.m. to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney on agenda matters listed under 13A) Real Property -Conference with Real Property Negotiator, 13B) Conference with Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8, and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1 ).
Councilmember Sheikh arrived at the City Council meeting at 5:19 p.m .
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:32 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 Councilmember Mattucci.
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS -None.
4. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO WAIVE
FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson 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 Kaji absent.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced Scorpius Space Launch.
Councilmember Sheikh announced National Library Week 2025.
Councilmember Kalani announced Beautification Awards .
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 25, 2025
Councilmember Mattucci failed to receive concurrence to have staff bring back an item to authorize the reallocation of their travel budget allocation for remainder of the current fiscal year to Mayor Chen.
City Clerk Poirier announced Accepting Commission Applications.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
Lauren Allen presented the 2024 Year in Review.
Fire Chief Dumais went out of order and provided an update from CalFire on its 2025 recommend Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for Local Responsible Areas.
Lauren Allen presented Stay Connected with Us -Update from the Communications Division.
City Clerk Poirier introduced Item 6C Commission Appointments, then introduced the applicants.
Members of the public spoke.
Mia Kartsonis was appointed to the Civil Service Commission to a term ending June 30, 2028.
Keith Montoya was appointed to the Commission on Aging to a term ending June 30, 2028.
Kim Wang was appointed to the Commission on Aging to a term ending June 30, 2028.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve the appointments. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Kaji absent).
City Clerk Poirier administered the Oath of Office.
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 25, 2025 and March 4, 2025.
8B. ACCEPT AND FILE 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND
AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH.
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Accept and file the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report; and
2. Authorize staff to submit the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
March 25, 2025
3. Authorize staff to submit the 2024 Housing Element Annual Project Report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le introduced the item to the City Council.
SC. ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS
FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN
SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND SUBMIT ALL GRANT-RELATED DOCUMENTS.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the blanket authority to file applications for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Measure A funding for projects and programs; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate, execute, and submit all grant-related documents.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-10 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE BLANKET
AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE
A FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
SD. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2025.
Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of January 2025.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety and to adopt Resolution No. 2025-10. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Kaji absent).
9. HEARINGS
9A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT (PRE24- 00012) TO ALLOW ONE AND TWO-STORY ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ONE STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A WAIVER (WAV24- 00007) OF THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE R-1 ZONE AT 671 CALLE MIRAMAR (APN 7514-019- 013), ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND DETERMINE A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Conduct public hearing; and
2. Deny the appeal; and
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Precise Plan of Development as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 1, Article 41 of the Torrance Municipal Code to allow one and two story additions to an existing one-story single-family residence on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the R-1 Zone at 671 Calle Miramar; and
4. Adopt a RESOLUTION approving a Waiver as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 4, Article 2 of the Torrance Municipal Code to allow a reduction of the setback Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
March 25, 2025
requirements on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the R-1 Zone at 671 Calle Miramar; and
5. Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 19, Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15305 (Minor Alterations).
Councilmember Kalani disclosed that she visited the location.
Councilmember Sheikh disclosed he visited the site and spoke to a few residents.
Mayor Chen disclosed he visited the site .
Community Development Department Leo Oorts introduced and presented the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh asked staff about the deck and windows creating a concern for privacy.
Senior Planner Leo Oorts responded that the planning commission approved the project without any changes to address privacy and clarified staff's position mirrors the planning commission's position.
Mayor Chen called for the appellant to present.
The appellant spoke and presented their argument against the project.
Mayor Chen called for the applicants to present.
The applicants spoke and presented their argument for the project.
Council member Sheikh asked a question for staff regarding public comment. Then, asked the applicant and appellant about their communications with each other.
The applicant gave an overview of their communications with the appellant.
Councilmember Sheikh asked if a compromise was offered.
The applicant responded.
The appellant stated they never got the email and offered to talk over the phone.
Councilmember Sheikh asked staff about the setback requirement waiver.
Staff responded providing some clarification on the reasoning why it is needed and that it is common.
Councilmember Kalani asked staff if opaque windows and a screening or wall on the balcony were possible . Senior Planner Oorts responded that it is possible .
The applicants responded that it is something they could consider.
Senior Planner Oorts made an additional suggestion on the window height.
The applicants and their architect responded that they could change the window height.
Councilmember Kalani made a clarifying point that they are not trying to force the applicants to do anything. Senior Planner Oorts clarified the height of the balcony.
Councilmember Mattucci spoke about compromise.
Councilmember Gerson disclosed he spoke to the chair of the planning commission.
Mayor Chen spoke and summarized what he believes the position of the applicants is after all the council's comments.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
March 25, 2025
Councilmember Kalani expressed her appreciation for the accommodations the applicants are willing to make and thanked everyone for their willingness to compromise.
Councilmember Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the accommodations the applicants.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani asked staff regarding SB9, SB 10, and other ADU Laws.
Staff responded that the project does not involve any of these laws.
Councilmember Kalani expressed her appreciation for their design choices.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez clarified that if anyone from the public wanted to build an ADU there would be no appeal process due to state legislation.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-11 as amended A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 41 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW ONE
AND TWO-STORY ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ONE-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A WAIVER OF THE FBONT YARD, SIDE YARD,
AND REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN
THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ZONE AT 671 CALLE MIRAMAR.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-12 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A WAIVER AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE 2 OF THE
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW A REDUCTION OF THE FRONT YARD,
SIDE YARD, AND REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH
A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT TO ALLOW ONE AND TWO-STORY
ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING ONE-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE R-1 ZONE AT 671
CALLE MIRAMAR
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-11 and 2025- 12 . Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Kaji absent).
98. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING, APPROVE ENGINEER'S REPORT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 21.
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council.
1. Conduct a public hearing to determine whether public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires, associated overhead structures and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar services in Underground Utility District (UUD) No. 21 - Madrona Ave from Civic Center Dr to Torrance Blvd; and
2. Approve the Engineer's Report; and
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing UUD No. 21.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
March 25, 2025
Deputy Public Works Director Shin Furukawa introduced and presented the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Sheikh left the meeting at 8:58 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 (Councilmember Sheikh absent).
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-13 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING
MADRONA AVENUE FROM CIVIC CENTER DRIVE TO TORRANCE BOULEVARD AS UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 21 AND ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF
POLES, OVERHEAD WIRES AND ASSOCIATED OVERHEAD STRUCTURES WITHIN THE DESIGNATED AREA AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 77.1.21 OF THE TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL CODE
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-13.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 (Councilmembers Kaji and Sheikh absent).
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS -None Scheduled.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Lewis and Mayor Chen spoke.
13. CLOSED SESSION -Considered earlier, see page 1.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 9:03 p.m. to Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, April 1, 2025 is a City Council Dark Night. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 (Councilmembers Kaji and Sheikh absent) .
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
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Mayo of the City of Torrance
Approved on April 22, 2025
6 City Council
March 25, 2025