INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -June 17, 2025
SUBJECT PAGE
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
6A.
68. 7.
8. BA.
8B.
BC.
80. BE.
BF.
81. BJ.
BK.
BL.
BM.
8N.
80. BP.
SQ.
BR.
9. 9A.
98. 10.
10A.
108 .
11. 12.
13. 14.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Call to Order/Roll Call 1
Flag Salute/Invocation 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 2
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Presentation Of Torrance Police Foundation Grant Award 2 Introduction Torrance Students Sister City Student Cultural Exchange 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Adopt Resolution Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-26 2 Adopt Categorical Exemption 15301 3
Approve Agreements for On-Call Expedited Plan Check Services 3 Approve Fourth Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement 3 Approve Funding Agreement the Torrance Unified School District 4 Approve Transfer Agreement Under Safe, Clean Water Program 4 Approve Premium Renewal with Public Risk Innovation 4
Approve Renewal of Property Insurance Coverage 4
Approve Renewal of Automobile Physical Damage Insurance Coverage 4 Authorize Purchase Order 5
Accept And File Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement 6 Accept And File Investment Report for The Month of April 2025 5 Approve One-Time Exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) 5 Award Consulting Services Agreement 5
Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act 7 SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3949 6
HEARINGS
Conduct A Public Hearing 417 Via Anita
Conduct Public Hearing 22209 Susana Avenue
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
8-9
9-10
Renew Ordinance 3902 Approving The Military Equipment Use Policy 11 Discuss And Consider Adopting Ordinance Regulating Touch (And Stop) 7
AGENCY AGENDAS
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 11
CLOSED SESSION 1, 11
ADJOURNMENT 11
At 10:56 p.m., the City Council adjourne9 to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
City Council
June 17, 2025
June 17, 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 June 17, 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, Deputy City Clerk Cammarota 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 Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation, 13B) Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation, 13C) Real Property -Conference with Real Property Negotiator, 130) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation and 13E) Conference with Labor Negotiator.-Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1), California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4), California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2), and California Government Code §54957.6.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:42 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 Kalani.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Lewis .
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Items BG and 8H were withdrawn.
Supplemental material was available for item 1 OB.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
City Council
June 17, 2025
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 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen announced the City Yard Open House.
Mayor Chen announced the TorranceNow Sirens Test.
Councilmember Kalani announced Purple Heart City.
6 . COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. PRESENTATION OF TORRANCE POLICE FOUNDATION GRANT AWARD FOR UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) EQUIPMENT.
68 . INTRODUCTION OF TORRANCE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN 2025 SISTER CITY STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH KASHIWA, JAPAN.
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Kalani pulled item 8M .
Mayor Chen pulled item 8Q.
8A. ADOPT RESOLUTION ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 AS FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS.
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION adopting a list of projects for fiscal year 2025-26 as funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act to identify the Residential Pavement Improvement, 1-159 as the project to be funded; and
2. Appropriate Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds in the amount of $376,385 to the Residential Pavement Improvement, 1-159.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
June 17, 2025
88. ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION 15301, APPROVE SECURITY AGREEMENT,
ADOPT RESOLUTION AND APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE
AGREEMENT {2004-0154) FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2600 SKYPARK DRIVE.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
2. Approve Security Agreement by and between Hi-Shear Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, and the City of Torrance; and
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION determining certain City-owned property is not required for City purposes and that extending an existing ground lease of the property is in the public interest; and
4. Approve a second amendment to Ground Lease (C2004-154) with Hi-Shear Corporation for City-owned property located at 2600 Skypark Drive in the City of Torrance.
SC. APPROVE AGREEMENTS FOR ON-CALL EXPEDITED PLAN CHECK SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTME~T ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Approve a consulting services agreement with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. of Plano, TX (RFP B2024-15) in an amount not-to-exceed $2,500,000, for on-call expedited plan check services for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030; and
2. Approve a consulting services agreement with m6 Consulting, Inc. of Moorpark, CA (RFP B2024-15), in an amount not-to-exceed $2,500,000, for on-call expedited plan check services for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30,2030;and
3. Approve a consulting services agreement with True North Compliance Services, Inc. of Long Beach, CA (RFP 2024-15), in an amount not-to-exceed $2,500,000, for on-call expedited plan check services for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.
SD. APPROVE FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONSUL TING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SEISMIC RETROFIT ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTATION.
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council approve a fourth amendment to the consulting services agreement with Degenkolb Engineers of Los Angeles, CA (C2021-019), to extend the contract term for an additional seven months beginning July 1, 2025 and ending February 8, 2026.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
June 17, 2025
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8E. APPROVE FUNDING AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TORRANCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF TORRANCE, APPROPRIATE $10.63 MILLION
TOWARDS THE EL NIDO PARK RENOVATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO INITIATE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve funding agreement by and between the Torrance Unified School District and the City of Torrance; and
2. Appropriate up to a $10.63 million Torrance Unified School District contribution toward a new El Nido Park Renovation Capital Improvement Project, subject to the prescribed terms; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to initiate community engagement with El Nido Tract residents and North Torrance Little League on the final design of park and public improvement elements.
8F . APPROVE TRANSFER AGREEMENT UNDER THE SAFE, CLEAN WATER MUNICIPAL PROGRAM.
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council approve the Transfer Agreement #2024MP80 with the Los Angeles Coynty Flood Control District, to receive annual funding through the Safe, Clean Water Municipal Program, for the -period beginning June 17, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028 .
81. APPROVE PREMIUM RENEWAL WITH PUBLIC RISK INNOVATION, SOLUTIONS,
AND MANAGEMENT (PRISM) FOR EXCESS LIABILITY AND EXCESS WORKERS'
COMPENSATION COVERAGE AND AUTHORIZE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE COVERAGE BINDERS.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1. Approve the annual premium renewal of excess liability coverage from Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM) in the amount of $4,662,000, plus a 10% contingency in the amount of $466,200, for a total not-to-exceed $5, 128,200 for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending July 1, 2026; and
2. Approve the annual premium renewal of excess workers' compensation coverage from PRISM in the amount of $522,844, plus a 10% contingency in the amount of $52,284, for a total not-to exceed $575, 128 for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending July 1, 2026; and
3. Authorize Finance Director or designee to execute the coverage binder. 8J . APPROVE RENEWAL OF PROPERTY INSURANCE COVERAGE AND AUTHORIZE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE INSURANCE BINDER.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1. Approve renewal of property insurance coverage from Alliant Property Insurance Program (APIP) through Alliant Insurance Services Inc. of Irvine, CA, for an amount not-to-exceed $641,686.51 for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending July 1, 2026; and
2. Authorize Finance Director to execute the insurance binder.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
June 17, 2025
SK. APPROVE RENEWAL OF AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE
COVERAGE AND AUTHORIZE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE INSURANCE BINDER.
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1. Approve renewal of automobile physical damage insurance coverage from The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. through Alliant Insurance Services Inc. of Irvine, CA, at a premium in the amount of $335,482 plus a 10% contingency in the amount of $33,548, for a total not-to-exceed $369,030 for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending July 1, 2026; and
2. Authorize Finance Director or designee to execute the insurance binder.
SL. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR ONE (1) MEDIC BUil T REMOUNT TYPE Ill RP-90 ON A rORD E-350 CHASSIS AS A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE WITH HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL (H-GAC).
Recommendation of the General Services Director and Fire Chief that City Council authorize a purchase order with Republic EVS of Huntington Beach, CA, in the amount of $151,524.08, plus a 10% contingency in the amount of $15,152.41, for a total not-to exceed amount of $166,676.49, to purchase 011e (1) 2025 Ford E-350 Medic Built Remount Type Ill ambulance as a cooperative purchase with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC).
8N. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2025.
Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of April 2025.
80 . APPROVE ONE-TIME EXEMPTION TO TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) SECTION 46.5.38 REGARDING HOURS FOR AMPLIFIED SOUND AND APPROVE
AMPLIFIED SOUND PERMIT FOR PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK.
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Approve a one-time exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) section 46.5.3b regarding an extension of amplified sound hours; and
2. Approve an Amplified Sound Permit for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event for prayer services to be held on August 2, 2025 at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
8P . AWARD CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE
ADVOCACY CONSULTANT SERVICES AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT. EXPENDITURE: $180,000 (GENERAL FUND:
APPROXIMATELY $60,000 ANNUALLY).
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Award a consulting services agreement to Joe A. Gonsalves & Son of Sacramento, CA (RFQ 2024-0312), for a not-to-exceed amount of $180,000, to provide state legislative advocacy consultant services for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
June 17, 2025
SR. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3949
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3949 adding Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Division S adopting the fire hazard severity zones map to designate moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in the City of Torrance.
Deputy City Clerk Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-36; A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AS FUNDED BY SB 1:
THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
Deputy City Clerk Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE. CALIFORNIA,
DETERMINING CERTAIN CITY-OWNED PROPERTY NOT REQUIRED FOR CITY PURPOSES AND THAT LEASING THE PROPERTY IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of SM and SQ and to adopt Resolutions No. 2025-36 and 2025-37. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kaji and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent. 8M. ACCEPT AND FILE TORRANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT UPDATE REPORT FOR 2024, SB1205 COMPLIANCE REPORT FOR 2024, AND MEETING MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 24, 2025 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. '
Recommendation of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee that City Council:
1. Accept and file the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Reportfor2024; and
2. Accept and file the SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024; and
3. Accept and File the meeting minutes from the April 24, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Kalani introduced the item.
Fire Chief David Dumais presented the item .
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item SM. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lewis and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
June 17, 2025
SQ. ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), AND APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTIES AS BASEBALL FIELDS AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS.
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption pursuant to Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
2. Approve license agreements with Ambassador High School and Garciaparra Baseball Group, for use of City-owned properties as high school and youth baseball fields for ten-year terms, beginning September 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2035; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements.
Recreation Services Manager Garrett Craig presented the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 8M. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lewis and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent. 10B. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING TOUCH (AND STOP) AND GO, FULL
STOP-TAXI BACK, AND LOW APPROACHES AT THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND ADOPT CA~FORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT EXEMPTION.
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council:
1. Discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Airport (Airport) Ordinance to regulate touch (and stop) and go, full stop-taxi back, and low approaches at the Airport; and
2. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 5 "Touch (and Stop) and Go, Full Stop-Taxi Back and Low Approaches" of Chapter 1, Division 5; and
3. Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CEQA Guidelines); and
4. Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
City Attorney Patrick Sulliven presented the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Mattucci made a statement against an Ordinance change.
Councilmember Kalani made a statement against an Ordinance change.
Councilmember Lewis made a statement against an Ordinance change.
Councilmember Kaji made a statement against an Ordinance change.
Councilmember Gerson made a statement against an Ordinance change.
Mayor Chen made a statement in support of Touch and Go flights.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to not amend the Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kalani and passed by 5-1 with Mayor Chen voting no and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
June 17, 2025
9. HEARINGS
9A. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE DENIAL OF A VARIANCE REQUEST TO EXEMPT A PROPOSED NEW TWO-STORY, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE FROM ENFORCEMENT OF ARTICLE 41, CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 9, OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE, HILLSIDE AND LOCAL COASTAL
OVERLAY ZONE, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE R-1 ZONE AT 417 VIA ANITA AND DETERMINE A STATUTORY EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Adopt a RESOLUTION for the denial of a Variance request to exempt a proposed new two-story, single-family residence from enforcement of Article 41, Chapter 1, Division 9, of the Torrance Municipal Code, Hillside and Local Coastal Overlay Zone, on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the R-1 Zone at 417 Via Anita; and
3. Determine a Statutory Exemption for the denial of a Variance request in accordance with the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 18, Section 15270 (Projects Which Are Disapproved).
Councilmember Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Kaji, Gerson, Mayor Chen all made disclosures.
Mayor and Council made disclosures.
Senior Planner Leo Oorts presented the item.
The proponent spoke.
John Canullo stated they are opposed to the project.
A member of the public stated they have a strong objection to the request due to the intrusion on their privacy, air, view, light, and land.
A member of the public stated that this project does not match the neighborhood.
A member of the public stated that there is currently a housing crisis yet the City prevents people from building two story homes, just because a law from the 1970s.
A member of the public stated that the Ordinance might need to be reinstated or backed up with clarity on the guidelines.
The proponent spoke.
Mayor Chen asked if the staff recommendation implies that the City of Torrance is removing the Hillside Overlay Ordinance.
Senior Planner Oorts replied that is correct. The item is about the denial of a Variance request that is requesting an exemption from the Hillside Overlay.
Mayor Chen asked if upholding the Hillside Overlay means that two story homes cannot be built.
Senior Planner Oorts stated that is incorrect. The Hillside Overlay establishes a discretionary process on a case-by-case basis that evaluates certain criteria to determine if they are allowed to be built.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
June 17, 2025
Mayor Chen asked if the proponent met these standards if it would be possible for them to have a two-story home and Senior Planner Oorts responded potentially they could.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerson and passed by 6-0 with Councilmembers Sheikh absent.
Deputy City Clerk Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-38; A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE 1 OF THE TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL CODE, FOR THE DENIAL OF A VARIANCE TO EXEMPT A PROPOSED
NEW TWO-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE FROM ENFORCEMENT OF ARTICLE 41, CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 9, OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE,
HILLSIDE AND LOCAL COASTAL OVERLAY ZONE, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE R-1 ZONE AT 417 VIA ANITA.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 9A and to adopt Resolutions No. 2025-38. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kaji and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
9B. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING TO CONilDER APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT (PRE23- 00013) TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE WITH ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU), ON PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-1) ZONE AT 22209 SUSANA AVENUE (APN 7515-001-025), DENY THE APPEAL,
ADOPT RESOLUTION 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 denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission approval of PRE23-00013 as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 1, Article 41 of the Torrance Municipal Code to allow the construction of a new two story single-family residence, on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the R-1 Zone at 22209 Susana Avenue; and
4. Determine a Categorical Exemption from the CEQA; Article 19, Sections 15303 (New Construction).
Planning Manager Robert Garcia presented the item .
The appellant spoke.
The proponent spoke.
Councilmember Kalani asked what are the City Council's options and Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez responded that due to the additional unit, the Housing and Accountability act must be followed which only allows objective standards to be applied.
Council member Mattucci asked staff to explain what losing our Community Development Department certification could mean, what are the consequences, and do they know of any communities that have lost their certification.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
June 17, 2025
Community Development Director Ramirez responded if the State found out the City was not complying with their established housing laws including the Housing Accountability Act it would subject the City to the Builder's Remedy which means any development could bypass the City and be approved automatically. One City that was decertified was the City of Norwalk.
Councilmember Mattucci asked the applicants if they were willing to make changes to their plans. They responded that they believe the time has passed after they had reached out early in the process asking about their neighbors' concerns.
Judy Burnetti stated in previous meetings they attended adding an ADU to a property made it impossible for the planning department to deny their project.
Joe Buck stated that they believe the Hillside Overlay has the provisions or objective standards needed to regulate these matters.
A member of the public stated they believe the owners of this development tried twice prior to have their project approved then added an ADU to go around the Hillside Overlay and asked that the Hillside Overlay be updated to have additional objective standards.
A member of the public stated that the Hillside Overlay has not kept up with evolving State laws. This ADU loophole strongarms the City into doing -things they do not want to do. They suggested pausing this and other major projects related to the Hillside Overlay and update the Ordinance to keep up with the State laws.
A member of the public stated they support the project and reject the appeal. They believe the proponent has put in a good faith effort to work with their neighbors.
A member of the public stated that just because this project can be done doesn't mean it ' should be done and asked that everyone be neighborly and kind.
A member of the public stated that it is very expensive to live in Torrance now, because there is not enough available housing. The State should not need to have laws in order to secure their rights to build two story homes.
The appellant spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lewis and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Deputy City Clerk Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-39; A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA,
DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 41 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, ON
PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ZONE AT 22209 SUSANA AVENUE (APN 7515-001-025).
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to deny the appeal, to adopt Resolutions No. 2025-39, and refund the appeal fee to the appellant. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerson and passed by 5-0 with Councilmember Matuucci voting no and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary 10
City Council
June 17, 2025
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. RENEW ORDINANCE 3902 APPROVING THE MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY.
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council:
1. Determine based on the Military Equipment 2024-25 Annual Report whether each type of equipment has complied with the standards for approval set forth in Government Code section 7071 (d); and
2. Renew Ordinance 3902 approving the Police Department's military equipment use policy.
Sergeant Michael Estrada presented the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis asked Assistant Chief Robert Dunn if the Torrance Police Department owns any tanks and they responded they do not.
Councilmember Lewis asked Assistant Chief Dunn to explain the difference between a tank and a tactical response vehicle like a bearcat. ..
Assistant Chief Dunn stated that tanks are typically used in offensive situations and can shot ordinance while a bearcat is used defensively for active shooter or hostage situations.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 10A. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kaji and passed by 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
None Scheduled.
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmembers spoke.
13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
1~ ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 10:56 p.m. to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Councilrnember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Sheikh absent.
Attest~
Rebe~'\
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Robert Williams
Minutes Secretary
Approved on August 5, 2025
11 City Council
June 17, 2025