Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary April 22, 2025
INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL – APRIL 22, 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. Recognition of 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Recipients 2 6A. Resolution No. 2025-14 Honoring Anthony Valenzuela 2 6A. Resolution No. 2025-15 Honoring Steven Frame 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Adopt a RESOLUTION for Elected Officials 4
8C. Adopt RESOLUTIONS Pursuant to Memorandums of Understanding 3 8D. Approve Side Letter Agreement 3
8E. Approve Annual Membership Renewal 3
8F. Accept and File Investment Report 3
8G. Approve Public Works Agreement 5
8H. Accept and File 2023-24 Annual Report 3
8I. Concur with Committee's Recommendation 4
9. HEARINGS
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. Approve Updated Public Health Services Contract 6 10B. Approve Schematic Design for World War II Monument Project 7-9 10C. Adopt ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code 9-10
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 10
13. CLOSED SESSION 1, 10
14. ADJOURNMENT 10
At 10:39 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 1 April 22, 2025
April 22, 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 April 22, 2025, at 5:02 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd.
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
Agenda item 13 was considered out of order at this time.
13. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council immediately recessed to closed session at 5:03 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 Labor Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8 and California Government Code §54957.6.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:48 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 Gerson.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Kaji.
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Items 10D and 10E were deferred. Supplemental material was available for items 8B and 8C.
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. Motion carried unanimously.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 2 April 22, 2025
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Kaji announced The Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee meeting.
Mayor Chen announced the Social Services Commission Toiletry Drive.
City Clerk Poirier announced Accepting Commission Applications.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RECOGNITION OF 2025 HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER RECIPIENTS.
Mayor Chen introduced the item.
Jill Reed presented to the City Council.
6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-14 HONORING ANTHONY VALENZUELA UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY OF TORRANCE AFTER FORTY YEARS OF SERVICE.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-14 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE HONORING ANTHONY
VALENZUELA UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY AFTER FORTY YEARS OF SERVICE.
6C. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-15 HONORING STEVEN FRAME UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY OF TORRANCE AFTER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-15 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE HONORING STEVEN FRAME UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Kalani pulled items 8B and 8G.
8A. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of March 25, 2025 and April 8, 2025.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 3 April 22, 2025
8C. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS PURSUANT TO MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING
SETTING FORTH HOURS, WAGES, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR TORRANCE
LIBRARY EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION (TLEA), TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES AFSCME LOCAL 1117 (TME-AFSCME), AND CROSSING GUARDS.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA) in the amount of $653,648 (17%), for the period of April 20, 2025 to June 30, 2028 and repeal Resolution No. 2023-56 in its entirety; and
2. Adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Torrance Municipal Employees Association (TME-AFSCME) in the amount of $7,935,049 (17.86%), for the period of April 20, 2025 to June 30, 2028 and repeal Resolution No. 2023-44 in its entirety; and
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION pursuant to the MOU setting forth the hours, wages, and working conditions for Crossing Guards in the amount of $99,039 (16%), for the period of April 20, 2025 to June 30, 2028 and repeal Resolution No. 2023-57 in its entirety.
8D. APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TORRANCE
PROFESSIONAL AND SUPERVISORY ASSOCIATION (TPSA) AND MANAGEMENT ADDING WASTE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management which adds the position of Waste Management Coordinator.
8E. APPROVE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL WITH CALIFORNIA TRANSIT INDEMNITY POOL (CALTIP) FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2025-26.
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a fee agreement with law firm Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP of Los Angeles, CA, for an amount not -to-exceed $400,000, to provide the City with legal services pertaining to civil litigation matter Victoria Willis vs. City of Torrance.
8F. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025.
Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of February 2025.
8H. ACCEPT AND FILE 2023-24 TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (TOCA) ANNUAL REPORT.
Recommendation of the Cultural Arts Commission and General Services Director that City Council accept and file the 2023-24 Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) Annual Report.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 4 April 22, 2025
8I. CONCUR WITH COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION ON A CITY POSITION REGARDING STATE LEGISLATION AND ACCEPT AND FILE MEETING MINUTES.
Recommendation of the City Council State Legislative Advocacy Committee that City Council:
1. Concur with the Committee’s recommendation on a City position regarding State legislation; and
2. Accept and file the City Council State Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting minutes from April 14, 2025.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety with the exception of 8B and 8G. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sheikh. Motion carried unanimously.
8B. ADOPT A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH CHANGES REGARDING HOURS, WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION setting forth changes regarding hours, wages, and working conditions for Elected Officials; and
2. Approve modifying the City Clerk pay point in the amount of $15,799 which increases the salary by 9.5%; and
3. Repeal Resolution No. 2023-29 in its entirety.
Councilmember Kalani requested that items 1, 2, and 3 be voted on separately. She requested clarification on the expenditure which does not reflect the wages of the elected officials.
Ian Dailey Finance Director clarified that the expenditure is inclusive of the budget impact for the City Clerk pay point adjustment. It does not include the elected officials minimum wage payment adjustment. That amount was previously approved so the item does not list.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-16 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH WAGES,
HOURS AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 3, 2025 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-29.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-16. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerson Motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Kalani explained that items two and three she agreed with, but she does not support Council Salary increases.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 5 April 22, 2025
8G. APPROVE PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN-BUILD CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK AS A COOPERATIVE
PURCHASE WITH SOURCEWELL, APPROPRIATE FUNDS, AND ADOPT
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 AND SECTION 15323.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve a public works agreement with FieldTurf USA, Inc. of Calhoun, GA, in the amount of $1,387,381 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $138,738 for design-build construction of New Pickleball Courts at Charles H. Wilson Park (PRK0033-4030-LI0002) for a one-year period beginning April 22, 2025 and ending April 21, 2026 as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell; and
2. Appropriate $276,119 from the Capital Improvement Fund’s fund balance to project PRK0033-4030-LI0002 – Construct Pickleball Courts; and
3. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 – Existing Facilities and Section 15323 – Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings.
Councilmember Kalani requested an estimated timing of the project.
Senior Business Manager Krystle Covarrubias stated that the timeline in the staff report is conservative, but they will work on completing it sooner. They estimated four to six weeks for design development, then the plan review process, and twelve weeks approximately for construction and inspections.
Mayor Chen commented on the timing of the project and requested staff attempt to explore if it is possible to expedite the process.
City Manager Aram Chaparyan stated their aim is to open as soon as possible.
Senior Business Manager Covarrubias stated Community Services has received support from other departments to help complete projects as soon as possible and this project is no different.
Councilmember Sheikh requested clarification on how conservative the expenditure is and if the project can be completed with that amount.
Senior Business Manager Covarrubias stated staff is confident in the amount. The budget will be refined as the project moves forward. There is also a contingency amount that staff is hoping not to utilize.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 8G. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerson and passed unanimously.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-17 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA SETTING FORTH
HOURS, WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED
BY THE TORRANCE LIBRARY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (TLEA), AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-56.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-18 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH HOURS,
WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES–AFSCME, LOCAL 1117, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-44.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 6 April 22, 2025
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-19 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE SETTING FORTH THE WAGES,
HOURS AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR CROSSING GUARD EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 20, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-57.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-17, Resolution No. 2025-18, and Resolution No. 2025-19. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lewis.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. HEARINGS
None Scheduled.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. APPROVE UPDATED PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve the updated public health services contract with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department for continual public health services and delegate the execution of the contract to the City Manager.
Management Assistant Eirenne O'Neill presented the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen questioned staff regarding seeking the ability to have the City conduct enforcement by modifying the language of the contract.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez clarified that the language requiring that enforcement can only be done by a member of the public health department is state law so a modification of the contract at the county level would still require a modification at the state level.
Mayor Chen questioned if the state were to change the law, would it require the contract to be reopened.
Community Development Director Ramirez responded that if the county changed the law, it would allow City staff to enforce the law themselves so no change would be required. The City would still require the assistance of the county, because the City would likely not have enough staff to handle it.
Mayor Chen requested clarification on a termination of convivence clause in the contract that would allow the City to terminate the contract with a 6 month notice prior to July 1 of the following year.
Eirenne O'Neill confirmed that is correct.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 10A. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kalani. Motion carried unanimously.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 7 April 22, 2025
10B. APPROVE SCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR WORLD WAR II CAMP WALL MONUMENT PROJECT AT COLUMBIA PARK, APPROVE PROJECT INCLUSION IN 2025 STATE
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY PRIORITY PROJECTS, PROVIDE DIRECTION ON GRANT
EXTENSION AND FUNDING REQUEST, AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.
Recommendation of the Community Services Director and General Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve schematic design prepared by Chee Salette for the World War II Camp Wall Monument project at Columbia Park; and
2. Approve the project to be included in the 2025 State Legislative Advocacy Priority Projects; and
3. Provide direction on request for extension of Grant Agreement #GF2126-0 with the California Natural Resources Agency through December 31, 2026; and
4. Provide direction on the project’s funding shortfall; and
5. Authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of construction plans and specifications.
Senior Business Manager Krystle Covarrubias presented the item.
Tina Chee of Chee Salette presented their design for the project.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kaji commented on the cost of the project.
In response to Councilmember Shiekh, Ms. Chee stated that Italian and German names were not included in the project.
Community Services Director John La Rock stated that the state legislation that awarded the City the grant funds for the monument speaks specifically for those of Japanese decent.
Assistant City Manager Danny Santana stated that does not preclude the City from expanding the monument in a future phase to include Italian and German names. There would be a need to identify accurate sources of those names and additional funding for the project. In order to honor the grant from the state, staff and the guiding committee have advanced the design based on the state legislation and grant appropriation.
Councilmember Sheikh clarified he spoke to an advisor committee member who expressed they wanted to include Italian and German names.
The advisory committee member clarified the legislation specified Japanese Americans only. Another member went on to clarify that there is no academically verifiable source of names other than those of Japanese heritage. That does not mean other groups were not incarcerated, but the source does not exist.
Councilmember Kalani expressed concern about the cost increase and hopes they can get additional funding from the state. She questioned if while staying within the original guidelines, could there be a statement on the wall honoring those who are unknown and recognizing those who may have been missed.
Ms. Chee stated the display panels at the entrance of the monument would be the appropriate place to include a statement.
Councilmember Kalani stated she was concerned about where the granite will be sourced due to the tariffs.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 8 April 22, 2025
Ms. Chee stated early in the process they identified two fabricators in Northern California and a broker who can source from throughout the United States and internationally. They are advising to source the stone locally not just because of the tariffs, but also due to lead time to fit the tight schedule of the project and ease of repair if needed in the future.
Councilmember Kalani asked if it was possible to downsize the project.
Administrative Services Manager Milton Sanabria stated they have looked at many variations of the project including options to remove certain features to downscale the project.
The majority of the costs of the project are unavoidable.
Councilmember Kalani asked if it was possible for the original wall committee outside of the City to start a funding source to raise additional funds.
Senior Business Manager Covarrubias stated any organizing is more than welcome to fundraise to contribute to the project.
Councilmember Kalani asked if it was possible for the City to loan the money to the original wall committee.
City Manager Aram Chaparyan responded that the City can explore it, the purpose of the item is to seek Council’s direction on how to proceed with bridging the funding gap.
In response to Councilmember Kalani, City Manager Aram Chaparyan responded that it would be the responsibility of the City.
Councilmember Lewis asked how much space is remaining in the design to add additional things to the monument.
Ms. Chee responded that must be determined. They have an approximation of the layout, but they are still in process of obtaining the names. They believe at this time every panel will not be full allowing names to be added in the future if some are missing.
Councilmember Lewis asked if outreach to other camps has been done to see if they have verified lists of Italian and German names.
Ms. Chee stated they have not. The process they were instructed to follow was to meet with an advisory group whose source is the Irei Project.
Senior Business Manager Covarrubias provided clarification that the group is connected to the Irei Project and that they have concerns over the accuracy of Italian and German names.
They are unable to provide an accurate list.
Councilmember Lewis clarified that their question was if any outreach has been done to other camps to see if they have that information or names that may have been missed.
A member of the advisory committee stated that outreach has been done to other camps, but there is still no academically verified list.
Councilmember Lewis asked if the entire advisory committee was involved in these discussions and that was confirmed. She wants to ensure the history is accurately reflected and that the cost is covered.
Councilmember Kaji asked staff if there is a time constraint with the appropriation.
John La Rock stated the current grant performance period is through March 2026. Part of the City’s advocacy next week would be to request an extension through December 2026.
Councilmember Kaji stated finding more time to complete the project and utilize the time to find other funding sources including fundraising should be the goal.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 9 April 22, 2025
Councilmember Kalani expressed the commitment the City is putting toward the project by utilizing a large portion of its park resources.
Councilmember Gerson hopes the delegation to Sacramento gets the additional funding from the State, but searching for more local funding sources should be an objective too.
Mayor Chen called upon a member of the public who stated there is a verified list of Japanese, Germans, Italians, and Peruvians that exists.
Mayor Chen stated Council supports the project, they are worried about the budget.
Fundraising should be explored to at least get the first phase of the project started.
Danny Santana stated that changing the design at this point would delay the project and stated item 4 of the recommendation requests the Council provide direction on the budget shortfall.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 10B. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerson. Motion carried unanimously.
10C. ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) TO REPEAL SECTION 8 OF ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 3 OF DIVISION 4.
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) to repeal Section 8 of Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Division 4 in its entirety; and
2. Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Policy and Resources Specialist Liliana Myers presented the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Shiekh asked what the number of calls a household can make to pick up unwanted items.
Policy and Resources Specialist Myers responded that it is one per year, up to 20 items.
Public Works Director Craig Bilezerian clarified that is one free collection of 20 items, but additional pickups residents would have to pay extra.
Councilmember Shiekh asked if there was a way to increase those numbers.
City Attorney Patrick Sulliven stated that the purpose of the item was to clean up the City’s Ordinance, because it conflicts with State law. Changing the number of pickups would increase the budget needs of the public works department so would have to be discussed then added to the budget.
Public Works Director Bilezerian clarified that scheduled large item pickups are not considered illegal dumping. The item is intended to address people leaving items out that shouldn’t be left out.
Councilmember Shiekh clarified that the reason for his question was to see if allowing more pickups would result in less illegal dumping.
Councilmember Mattucci commented on the pickup limits including a request they made to explore expanding the once-a-year pickup to apartment dwellers and absorb that cost through a per unit fee.
Public Works Director Bilezerian responded that the City cannot have someone pay for services they are not actually receiving. It would have to be based on a per service cost.
Robert Williams City Council
Minutes Secretary 10 April 22, 2025
Sanitation Services Manager Chris Kuebert stated that in the last Ordinance change related to SB1383 the City required haulers to provide pickups for apartment and condo residents there is a charge associated with it.
Councilmember Mattucci commented on large item pickups and wished the fines for illegal dumping were higher.
Mayor Chen asked if the fines were increasing or if there just were not any fines before now.
Sanitation Services Manager Kuebert stated a fine of $50 versus the bail schedule, but it conflicted with State penal code which preempts the community code, so the penal code is used.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3947 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA REPEALING SECTION 8 OF ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 3 OF DIVISION 4 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3947. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kalani and passed unanimously.
Item 10D and 10E were pushed to a future date.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
None Scheduled.
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Gerson spoke.
City Council recessed back to closed session at 9:38 PM.
City Council reconvened back to open session at 10:39 PM.
13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 10:39 p.m. to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).
Attest: Mayor of the City of Torrance
Rebecca Poirier Approved on June 3, 2025
City Clerk of the City of Torrance