INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 5, 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 Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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
6A. Introduction of Students from Kashiwa, Japan Participating in Torrance Sister City Student Cultural Exchange Program 1
68. Launch of the City Academy of the Arts 1
6C. Something Rotten! -2025 Summer Musical 1
6D. Proclamation Declaring August 7, 2025 as Purple Heart Day 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes .; 2
8B. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of May 2025 2 BC. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3951 2
8D. Adopt ORDINANCE 3953 Amending Torrance Municipal Code Relating to Compensation of Commissioners 2
8E. Approve Revised Class Specifications for Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Specialist, Fire Prevention Supervisor, and Senior Fire Prevention Specialist 2
8F. Approve Revised Class Specification for Lead Maintenance Worker 3 BG. Award Public Works Agreement for the Cabrillo Urban Forestry Project, Approve Plans and Specifications, and Adopt Finding that the Project is Categorically Exempt Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 3
8H. Approve the Transit Department's Submittal of Annual Claim for Transportation Development Act and State Transit Assistance Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 3
81. Adopt a RESOLUTION Establishing a Mills Act Application Process and Review Procedure and Determine this Item is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 3
8J. Approve Assignment and Assumption of Ground Lease and Ground Lessor Estoppel Certificate for City-Owned Property Located at 3455, 3511 and 3525 Pacific Coast Highway 3
8K. Approve Fifth Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services 3-4
9. HEARINGS
9A. Conduct a Public Hearing on Land Use Study 25-00001 Regarding Proposed Amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code Pertaining to the Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, Determine a Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code 4
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. SECOND READING ORDINANCES
13. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 5
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 5, 2025
14. 15.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT 5
At 6:04 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August5,2025
August 5, 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 August 5, 2025 at 5:04 p.m .
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen
Absent:
Present:
None
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. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 8D, BJ and Oral Communications .
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 Lewis and passed by 7-0.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Sheikh did not receive concurrence to have staff bring back an item to reconsider the entirety of the item regarding the cottage food.
Councilmember Sheikh received concurrence to have staff bring back an item regarding the three commission vacancies.
Councilmember Mattucci updated the public about the Torrance transit program for trips to the SoFi Stadium.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. INTRODUCTION OF STUDENTS FROM KASHIWA, JAPAN PARTICIPATING IN
TORRANCE SISTER CITY STUDENT CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
68. LAUNCH OF THE CITY ACADEMY OF THE ARTS -TORRANCE
6C. SOMETHING ROTTEN! -2025 SUMMER MUSICAL
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
August 5, 2025
60. PROCLAMATION DECLARING AUGUST 7, 2025 AS PURPLE HEART DAY IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE, CA
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 June 03, 2025, June 10, 2025, June 17, 2025, June 24, 2025 and July 08, 2025. 8B. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2025 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of May 2025.
SC. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3951
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3951 amending Section 91.3.2 regarding districts established of the Torrance Municipal Code and adding Article 52 of Chapter 1 of Division 9 regarding religious and higher education institution housing overlay zone.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3951 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
91.3.2 REGARDING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING ARTICLE 52 OF CHAPTER 1 OF DIVISION 9 REGARDING RELIGIOUS AND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE.
80. ADOPT ORDINANCE 3953 AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO COMPENSATION OF COMMISSIONERS
The City Clerk recommends that City Council adopt ORDINANCE 3953 -an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Torrance, California, amending Sections 13.1.1 ( c), 13.2.1,
13.3.1, 13.4.1, 13.5.1, 13.9.1, 13.10.1, 13.11.1, 13.15.1, 13.16.1, 13.18.1, 13.20.010, and
13.21.020 all titled "Created, Composition, Compensation, and Qualifications" of the Torrance Municipal Code relating to Compensation of Commissioners and adopt an ordinance summary for publication.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3953 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTiONS
13.1.1(c), 13.2.1, 13 .3.1, 13.4.1, 13.5.1, 13.9.1, 13.10.1, 13.11.1, 13.15 .1, 1~.16.1, 13.18.1,
13.20.010, AND 13.21.020 ALL TITLED "CREATED, COMPOSITION, COMPENSATION, AND QUALIFICATIONS" OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO COMPENSATION OF COMMISSIONERS.
SE. APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR FIRE PREVENTION
MANAGER/FIRE MARSHAL, FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST, FIRE PREVENTION
SUPERVISOR, AND SENIOR FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council:
1. Approve a revised class specification for Fire Prevention Manager/Fire Marshal; and
2. Approve a revised class specification for Fire Prevention Specialist; and
3. Approve a revised class specifi_cation for Fire Prevention Supervisor; and
4. Approve a revised class specification for Senior Fire Prevention Specialist.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
August5,2025
BF. APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR LEAD MAINTENANCE WORKER Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Lead Maintenance Worker.
BG. AWARD PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT FOR THE CABRILLO URBAN FORESTRY
PROJECT, APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND ADOPT FINDING THAT
THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT {CEQA)
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1. Award a Public Works Agreement to Gentry General Engineering, Inc. of Colton, CA (B2024-16), in the amount of $1,253,944, with a 15% contingency of $188,091.60, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,442,035.60, for the Cabrillo Urban Forestry Project(! 198- RW0001) for a one-year period beginning August 6, 2025, and ending August 5, 2026; and
2. Approve the plans and specifications for the Cabrillo Urban Forestry Project; and
3. Adopt a finding that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) ..
SH. APPROVE THE TRANSIT DEPARTMENT'S SUBMITTAL OF ANNUAL CLAIM FOR
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT AND STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve the Transit Department's submittal of the annual claim to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for $7,267,655 in Transportation Development Act funds and $1,819,692 in State Transit Assistance funds for fiscal year 2025-26.
81. ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A MILLS ACT APPLICATION PROCESS
AND REVIEW PROCEDURE AND DETERMINE THIS ITEM IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION establishing a Mills Act application process and review procedures; and
2. Determine that this item is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 -Historic Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-41 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A MILLS ACT APPLICATION PROCESS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES.
BJ. APPROVE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF GROUND LEASE AND GROUND
LESSOR ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3455, 3511 AND 3525 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Approve an Assignment and Assumption of Ground Lease from JAS Madison I, LLC ("Assignor''), to KLM Madison, LLC ("Assignee") for lease of City-owned property located at 3455, 3511, and 3525 Pacific Coast Highway; and
2. Approve a Ground Lessor Estoppel Certificate to JAS Madison, I, LLC for lease of City owned property located at 3455, 3511 and 3525 Pacific Coast Highway.
BK. APPROVE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
August 5, 2025
Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a fifth amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Liebert Cassidy Whitmore of Los Angeles (C2023-115), in the amount of $7,327 .27, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $362,327.27, to provide the City · with legal services pertaining to Civil Service Appeal Matter #A23-000790.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt the Consent Calendar in its entirety and adopt Ordinance No. 3951, 3952 and Resolution No. 2025-41. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. •
9. HEARINGS
9A. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON LAND USE STUDY 25-00001 REGARDING
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING
TO THE REGULATION OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, DETERMINE A STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), AND ADOPT AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing on Land Use S'tudy 25-00001 regarding proposed amendments to the Torrance Municipal Code pertaining to the regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units; and
2. Determine the proposed amendments are Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 21080.17 of the California Public Resources Code; and
3. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code; and
4. Approve Ordinance Summary for publication.
Planning Associate Adrian Perez introduced the item to the City Council using slides that overviewed updates and proposed updates for AB2533, SB1211, SB1077, and other updates.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Joe Buck explained some of the information that was not made clear in reports from Planning Commission.
A member of the public followed that up with more information that was not broadcasted well regarding the ADUs and the JADUs.
A member of the public spoke about the importance of the barricade in safety of the ADUs.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3954 AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2, ARTICLE 2 OF DIVISION 9 BY AMENDING SECTION 92 .2 .10 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 2 OF DIVISION 9 BY DELETING SECTION 92.2.11 REGARDING JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve all subsections 2, 3, and 4, the CEQA exemption, the Ordinance No. 3954, ~md approve summary for publication . Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion . The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
August 5, 2025
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MA TIERS -None Scheduled
11. AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled .
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kaji, Councilmember Kalani, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Mattucci, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Chen spoke.
13. CLOSED SESSION -None Scheduled.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:04 p.m. to Tuesday, August 12, 2025 , at 5:00 p.m. for closed session in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. Th~ motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Attest:
{vfZ-R ebec '
City Cle rk y of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Mayorf the City of Torrance
Approved on September 9 , 2025
5 City Council
August5,2025