INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COU NC IL -AUGUST 19, 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3~ Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1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. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-50 honoring Police Chief Jeremiah Hart 2 6B. Proclamation honoring Torrance Centenarian Billy Slonecker 2 6C. Appoint Members of the 2025-2026 Torrance Youth Council 2 6D. Torrance Art Museum's Exhibition Opening August 23, 2025 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3953 2-3
8B. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE. NO. 3954 3
BC. Accept and File Fiscal Year 2024-25 Measure SST Citizens' Oversight Committee Annual Report 3
8D. Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Encampment Prevention Overnight Security Guard Services 3 8E. Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Shelf-Ready Library Materials 3
8F. Authorize Torrance Youth Council to Conduct an Annual Workshop at THE ATTIC, a Torrance Teen Center 3
8G. Approve Third Amendment to Agreement for Usage of Recycled Water at the Torrance Refinery 4
8H . Accept and Appropriate 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program Subrecipient Agreement and Associated Funding 4
81. Approve Agreement to Promote Torrance Cultural Arts Center 4
9. HEARINGS
9A. Conduct Public Hearing and Adoption of RESOLUTIONS For Denial of an Appeal of the Planning Commission's Approval of Conditional Use Permits (CUP24-00012, CUP24-00013) to Allow the Construction of Two Industrial Buildings Totaling276,300 Square Feet on a
14.02-Acre Site , in Conjunction with a Division of Lot (DIV24-00004) ,o Consolidate Three Existing Parcels into Two Parcels, and Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration(EAS24-00001) on Property Located in the Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2 Zone) at 2160 West 190thStreet (APNs 7352-016-001, 7352-016-002, and 7352-016-003); and Deny the Appeal, Adopt RESOLUTIONS, Upholding the Planning Commission's Actions, and Affirming the Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration 4 9B . Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of RESOLUTION for Denial of an Appeal of Planning Commission's Approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP24-00028) and Development Permit (DVP24-00004) on Property Located within the Hawthorne Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan-Del Amo Business Sub District Two (H-DA2 Zone) at 3475 Torrance Boulevard (APN 7524-014-110) and Determine a Categorical Exemption From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 5-6 9C . Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Adoption of RESOLUTION for Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August19,2025
10. 10A.
108 .
11. 12.
13. 14.
the Denial of a Modification (MOD23-00010) of a Previously Approved Division of Lot (DIV14-00006) to Amend an Open Space Easement (Note A) for Purposes Related to Solar Panels and Associated Equipment and Perimeter Fencing, on Property Located within the Hillside Overlay in the Open Area -Planting -Parking District (P-1) Zone at 2550 Pacific Coast Highway and Determine a Statutory Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 6-9
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request to Set Date for a Public Hearing on Proposed Local Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code 9
Accept and File Columbia Park Community Engagement and Concept Design Project Report 10
AGENCY AGENDAS
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 11
CLOSED SESSION 1, 11
ADJOURNMENT 10-11
At 11 :06 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.rh. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and Tuesday, September 02, 2025 are City Council Dark Nights.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
August 19, 2025
August 19, 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 19, 2025 at 5:03 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
Agenda item 13 was considered out of order at this time.
13. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council immediately recessed to closed session at 5:04 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, 138) Conference With Labor Negotiator, 13C) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release, 13D) Conference With Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation, and 13E) Conference With Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation -Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957.6, California Government Code §54957, California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4) and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2).
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:36 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 and the non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Lewis.
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 9Awas withdrawn. Supplemental material was available for items 6A, 81, 9A, and 98 .
4. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis 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 Sheikh and passed by 7-0.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen updated the public on the Project Homekey+ application. He reviewed the concerns residents and businesses had, and enumerated the work being done. He stated that Weingart Center had formally withdrawn its application for the project in Torrance.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 1
City Council
August 19, 2025
Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to direct staff to utilize city marketing support for the fundraising concert organized by World War 2 Camp Wall committee.
Councilmember Kalani received concurrence to have staff identify funding for improvements and possible expansion of bathrooms at Wilson Park.
Councilmember Gerson and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the differences in how the capital improvement plans were in contrast to bringing it as a concurrence item .
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-50 HONORING POLICE CHIEF JEREMIAH HART Resolution No. 2025-50 honoring Police Chief Jeremiah Hart upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after twenty-eight years of service
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-50.
Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
68. PROCLAMATION HONORING TORRANCE CEN'fENARIAN BILLY SLONECKER 6C. APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE 2025-2026 TORRANCE YOUTH COUNCIL Jeanette Berga, Celine Chang, Kaylee Cho, Fabiana Hanoun, Nathan Han, Kyeongmtn Ra, Ananya Rege, Zoey Rosen, Priyanshu Sharma, Aanya Tripathi, Aidan Alzayat, Kaya Ann, Jayden Kim, Nichole Choi, Tanner Donald, Jubin Hong, Gwyneth V. Leys, and Cori Song were appointed to the 2025-2026 Torrance Youth Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adopt 6C. Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
6D. TORRANCE ART MUSEUM'S EXHIBITION OPENING AUGUST 23, 2025: SUR
BIENNIAL
7 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke .
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
SA. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3953
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3953 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 approval of the Ordinance Summary for publication. This item is for consideration of adoption of the ordinance only. The item was previously discussed, and action was taken at a prior council meeting.
88. SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 3954
Second and Final Reading of ORDINANCE NO. 3954 amending Torrance Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article 2 of Division 9 by amending Section 92.2.1 O; and amending Chapter 2, Article 2 of Division 9 by deleting Section 92.2.11 regarding junior accessory dwelling units and approval of the Ordinance S'ummary for publication. This item is for consideration of Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
August 19, 2025
adoption of the ordinance only. The item was previously discussed, and action was taken at a prior council meeting.
BC . ACCEPT AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MEASURE SST CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
Recommendation of the Measure SST Citizens' Oversight Committee and Finance Director that City Council accept and file the fiscal year 2024-25 Measure SST Citizens' Oversight Committee annual report. '
BD. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
ENCAMPMENT PREVENTION OVERNIGHT SECURITY GUARD SERVICES Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve a second amendment to the contract services agreement with Absolute International Security, Inc. of Irwindale, CA (C2023-124), in the amount of $200,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $619,912.32, to provide encampment prevention overnight security guard services at various city parks and facilities and extend the contract term for a one-year period beginning September 12, 2025 and ending September 11, 2026.
Council member Sheikh and Senior Business Manager Crystal Coveria discussed the non inclusion of park rangers from this item and the metrics on effectiveness.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8D. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
BE . APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
SHELF-READY LIBRARY MATERIALS
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve a second amendment to the contract services agreement with Ingram Library Services, LLC of La Vergne, TN (C2020-070), in the amount of $80,000, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $980,000, to provide shelf-ready library materials.
BF . AUTHORIZE TORRANCE YOUTH COUNCIL TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL
WORKSHOP AT THE ATTIC, A TORRANCE TEEN CENTER
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that the City Council authorize the Torrance Youth Council to conduct their annual workshop on Monday, August 25, 2025, at THE ATTIC, a Torrance Teen Center located at 2320 West Carson Street.
BG . APPROVE THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR USAG~ OF RECYCLED
WATER AT THE TORRANCE REFINERY
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that the City Council approve a third amendment to a tri-partyagreement (C2021-027) with the Torrance Refining Company, LLC (TORC) of Torrance, CA and West BasinMunicipal Water District for an additional amount of $6,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26, for a new not-to-exceed amount of $46,000,000, for the usage of recycled water at the TORC Refinery during the contractperiod, which extends the contract term for an additional five-month period beginning September 1, 2025 andending January 31, 2026.
BH. ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE 2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI)
GRANT PROGRAM SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT AND ASSOCIATED FUNDING Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council accept and appropriate the Fiscal Year 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program award in the amount of $458,032.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
August 19, 2025
81. APPROVE AGREEMENT TO PROMOTE TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council approve an agreement with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation of Torrance, CA, in the amount of $338,800, to promote the Torrance Cultural Arts Center for a two-year period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027.
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, 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.
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 CHAPTER 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 UNITS.
"'
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar with exception of item SD and approving Ordinance No. 3953 and 3954. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9 . HEARINGS
9A. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS FOR DENIAL OF
AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS (CUP24-00012, CUP24-00013) TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TOTALING276,300 SQUARE FEET ON A 14.02-ACRE SITE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A DIVISION OF LOT (DIV24-00004) TO CONSOLIDATE
THREE EXISTING PARCELS INTO TWO PARCELS, AND ADOPTION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION(EAS24-00001) ON PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE HEAVY MANUFACTURING DISTRICT (M-2 ZONE) AT 2160 WEST 190THSTREET (APNS 7352-016-001, 7352-016-002, AND 7352-016-003); AND DENY THE APPEAL, ADOPT
RESOLUTIONS, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S ACTIONS, AND AFFIRMING THE ADOPTION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (EAS24- 00001)
Item 9A was withdrawn .
9B. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR
DENIAL OF AN APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP24-00028) AND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (DVP24- 00004) ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN-DEL AMO BUSINESS SUB DISTRICT TWO (H-DA2 ZONE) AT 3475 TORRANCE BOULEVARD (APN 7524-014-110) 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 a public hearing; and
2. Deny the appeal; and
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 4
City Council
August19,2025
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission's approval of CUP24-00028 and DVP24-00004 as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 5, Article 1 and Division 9, Chapter 2 , Article 36 of the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) to allow the demolition of the existing medical office building and the construction of a new mixed-use development consisting of 106 residential units and 12,226 square feet of medical office floor area, on property located in the Del Amo Business District (H-DA2 Zone);and
4 . Determine a Categorical Exemption from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 19, Section 15332 (In-Fill Development.
Planning Manager Robert Garcia introduced the item to the City Council using slides. He overviewed the location, background, appeal, CEQA, site plan, massing diagram and recommendation .
Councilmembers Kalani, Sheikh, Kaji, Lewis and Mayor Chen disclosed that they visited the site and met with the developer and stated that they would make their decision based on information provided.
The appellant Hayley Uno spoke on behalf of SAFER. She stated that the City Council should require a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report before project approval. She continued that the project will have negative adverse impacts and argued how CEQA exemption does not apply. She detailed the noise and vibration impacts that would exceed the 80 decibel limit and that ambient noise thresholds would be exceeded. She continued that the air quality analysis was inaccurate and that there would be negative air quality impacts. She also cited that there would be negative health impacts from the formaldehyde issues.
The proponent Jim Sur, partner with the property owner, stated his goals. He stated that they worked with staff to meet all tests that conform with the law. He used slides to depict that there were no negative impacts in health and other factors. He showed how sunlight and air were made better and detailed the circulation. He listed the modifications made to secure the property and improve from the original property uses. Megan Keemer, representing the applicant, added information about the various assessments that were done to approve the project. She stated there was no evidence of negative impacts and that SAFER has not provided any.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
A member of the public stated that the Planning Commission should have voted against the project given the prob lem s, an d th at the project should have fo llowed thJe pre vious projects.
He lis ted how the dev elo per was try ing to cut corn ers o n the proj ect. He continu ed th at t hese types of properties do not fit Torrance.
The appellant Ms. Uno stated that they have provided all sources and qualifications for each study. She added that SAFER wants to make sure that the project is safe to be built.
Councilmember Sheikh and Planning Manager Robert Garcia discussed what evidence SAFER has provided.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani 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 Resolution No. 2025-51 -A Resolution of the City of the City Council of the City of Torrance, California, denying an appeal and approving a conditional use permit as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 5, Article 1 of the Torrance Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 5 August 19, 2025
Municipal Code approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow the demolition of the existing medical office building and the construction of a new mixed-use development consisting of 106 residential units and 12,226 square feet of medical office floor area, on property located in the Del Amo Business District (H-DA2) zone at 3475 Torrance Boulevard.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025-52 -A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Torrance, California , denying an appeal and upholding the Planning Commission approval of a development permit as provided for in Division 9, Chapter 9, Chapter 2, Article 36 of the Torrance Municipal Code, approving a development permit to allow the demolition of the existing medical office building and the construction of a new mixed-use development consisting of 106 residential units and 12,226 square feet of medical office floor area, on property located in the Hawthorne Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan -Del Amo Business District Two (H-DA2) zone at 3475 Torrance Boulevard.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to deny the appeal and adopt Resolution No . 2025-51 and 2025-52 and determine the project is categorically exempt from CEQA .
Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 9C. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDE.RADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR THE DENIAL OF A MODIFICATION {MOD23-00010) OF A PREVIOUSLY APPROVEDDIVISION OF LOT {DIV14-00006) TO AMEND AN OPEN SPACE
EASEMENT (NOTE A) FOR PURPOSES RELATED TOSOLAR PANELS AND
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND PERIMETER FENCING, ON PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN THEHILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE OPEN AREA -PLANTING -PARKING DISTRICT {P-1) ZONE AT 2550 PACIFIC COASTHIGHWAY AND DETERMINE A
STATUTORY EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT {CEQA)
party .
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 MOD23-00010 of previously approved DIV14- 00006 to amend an open space easement (Note A) for purposes related to solar panels and associated equipment and perimeter fencing, on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the P-1 Zone at 2550 Pacific Coast Highway; and
3. Determine a Statutory Exemption for denial of MOD23-00010 in accordance with the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 18, Section 15270 (Projects Which Are Disapproved.)
Councilmember Lewis disclosed that she toured the site and spoke ~ith both parties.
Councilmember Kalani disclosed that she toured the site and spoke with the requesting Councilmember Kaji disclosed that he visited the site and spoke with the ownership.
Councilmember Sheikh disclosed that he visited the site but did not meet with the developers.
Councilmember Mattucci disclosed that he visited the site and spoke with the proponent.
Councilmember Gerson stated that the project was in his district but he had not done any conversations with any party recently.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
August 19, 2025
Mayor Chen disclosed that he visited the site and spoke with the party that wanted the solar panels.
Senior Planner Leo Oorts introduced the item to the City Council and used slides to overview the project location, land use designation, zoning designation, open space easement, proposed modification, and recommendation.
The proponent Mike Misera with Skyline reviewed Ordinance 3944 and amounted tt-rat the power generated from the solar panels fits the law and that this is privately funded. He continued that the Geotech reports have been submitted to the City Council and some of the misinformation from the leaked report. He stated that they reduced the height of the panels and addressed the concern over the glare and solar radiation. He stated that this power system would help Torrance save energy.
Greg Powers, special counsel to the proponent, reviewed the legal parameters to how a solar system can be installed. He listed the ways in which this project is approved under the laws and regulations. He stated that the only way to deny it was through health and safety that cannot be mitigated and that it was not in the Planning Commission's decision and not in the draft resolution. He addressed the open space easement is~.\Je that was a reason for denial. He requested the City Council honor the solar ordinance.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
John Paulson, nearby homeowner, stated that the plan should be keep the open space easement and for use of the community and not for profit.
The owner of the property that Mr. Misera was referring to stated that an exemption on the appeal should not be granted and stated that this was not for the community but rather for profit.
City Attorney Sullivan disclosed that the previous speaker and him had known each other 5 years ago.
Councilmember Mattucci disclosed that Attorney Paulson was a longtime friend of his family but that it would not affect his decision.
Mika, a homeowner next to the project, voiced concern over the easements . She was not in favor of the size of the arrays and the heat.
Ed Stroble, a nearby resident, stated that this solar farm would be poor for the community aesthetic. He added that the state has plenty of solar power and that it has been wasteful.
Jane Salic, a nearby resident, voiced her concerns about the open space should this project go in. She added that the authority control would be outside of Torrance and that this would be an eyesore for the community. She criticized the company for how they do maintenance.
Marily Carter, a nearby resident, was opposed to the solar farm which would obstruct her view .
Mr. Misera clarified that this would not be touching anyone's backyard. He added that they would have authority over the park and that it was not true that they would not have control over maintenance and issues. He stated that their other properties have shown appropriate control and maintenance. Mr. Powers reiterated that the City Council should follow the Solar Rights Act.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 7 August 19, 2025
Councilmember Gerson agreed that the Skyline group has not operated properly but that he would need to follow the law in his decision. He stated that the 2014 EIR would be the important factor.
Councilmember Sheikh and Mr. Misera discussed the frequency of meetings there were with residents, and the plans of usage on the panels and power. The billing of the master metered systems, and SoCal Edison holds the master meter. Mr. Misera stated that SoCal Edison' rates were what would be used.
Councilmember Sheikh and Senior Planner Oorts discussed other locations where this many panels were being used, and what the health impacts could be.
Councilmember Kaji and City Attorney Sullivan discussed the legal parameters of the boundaries between Rolling Hills Estates and Torrance, and how the easements were affected.
They overviewed the definition of open space and the legal framework of that. He questioned the inconsistency from the two easement agreements, and voiced concern over the liability of approving the solar array. Mr. Misera responded that he would have to get more information and legal advice.
Councilmember Lewis and Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez discussed the consequences of granting the appeal or not, and the indemnification.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that there were not much legal avenues to deny the project, and the power increase from the panels would have benefits.
Councilmember Kalani and Senior Planner Oorts reviewed the slides to get a clearer picture of the project. Councilmember Kalani and Senior Planner Oorts discussed other ways to relieve Torrance of liability. Mr. Powers did not agree at the time for an environmental review when they have already been approved under the law.
Councilmember Gerson, Assistant City Manager Santana, Senior Planner Oorts, and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the extent of the involvement of Rolling Hills Estates and the contract and EIR. They discussed the involvement of the Chandler family.
Councilmember Gerson agreed that there was a legal issue and that every party has a good claim . He continued that a new EIR should be made so that a neutral source could be developed.
Councilmember Kaji and City Attorn ey Sullivan discussed the Sola r Rjghts Act and CEQA review in terms of the p roject. They overvi ewed the issue at hand was t he ope n space, and if there was an administrative review. Councilmember Kaji stated that he wanted to avoid liability.
MOTION : Councilmember Gerson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved for continuance in order to appear for a review in environmental analysis as described in the Chandler-Rolling Hills Estates-Country Club project EIR and through an amendment to EIR to consider modifying original project and clarify open space and include indemnification in favor of the City of Torrance. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Lewis and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the amendments in the motion and timeframe of the studies. Councilmember Lewis stated that was enough studies regarding this.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 8
City Council
August19,2025
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated that these types of projects are exempted from CEQA, and Torrance may be creating more liability by denying the project. He understood protecting the city but that this project has no restrictions, especially given the modifications. He supported upholding the appeal and bring back a resolution to approve the project.
Councilmember Mattucci and Councilmember Gerson disagreed with the role of direction of the City Council on denying the appeal. ,
Councilmember Kalani stated that she would vote in the manner of what was presented legally .
The motion failed by a vote of 2-5 with Councilmembers Mattucci, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, and Mayor Chen voting no .
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to uphold the appeal, bring back resolution approving the project and determining the project exempt from CEQA. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmembers Gerson and Sheikh voting no.
The City Council went to recess at 9:37 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:46 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. REQUEST TO SET DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council set the date of September 9, 2025 for a public hearing to consider a proposed Urgency Ordinance and regular Ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building Code with Local Amendments.
No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 1 0A. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 10B. ACCEPT AND FILE COLUMBIA PARK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONCEPT
DESIGN PROJECT REPORT
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Counoil accept and file the Columbia Park Community Engagement and Concept Design Project Report.
Senior Business Manager Krystle Covarrubias introduced the item to the City Council.
Adriana Carias-Sison, Senior Design Associate with Kounkuey Design Initiative, used slides to overview the plan.
Councilmember Gerson and Ms. Carias-Sison discussed the methodology of the collection of data from the community survey .
Councilmember Kaji and Assistant City Manager Santana discussed SoCal Edison and the easement and the future of it, as well as with respect to the AES.
Councilmember Kalani and Ms. Carias-Sison overviewed the usage of zones and the priority. Councilmember Kalani inquired' about the $15M and what the amount represents and Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 9
City Council
August19,2025
what was included. Senior Business Manager Covarrubias confirmed that the monument was excluded from the amount but that it includes the new amenities. She detailed more of the listed items. They discussed the additional maintenance costs .
Councilmember Sheikh and Senior Business Manager Covarrubias discussed the possible increased foot traffic with the new amenities.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to accept and file item 1 OB. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
AGENCY AGENDAS -None Scheduled. 11.
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
Considered earlier, see page 1. The City Council returned to closed session at 10:29 p.m . to confer on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 11 :02 p.m.
Councilmember Mattucci left the City Council meeting at 11 :01 p.m.
City Attorney Sullivan reported that the City Council voted to uphold the suspension by a vote of 4-1 with Councilmember Mattucci voting no and Councilmembers Lewis and Sheikh abstaining.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 11 :06 p.m. to Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the LeRoy J . Jackson Council Chamber . Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and Tuesday, September 02, 2025 are City Council Dark Nights. Council member Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Mattucci absent and Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
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Attest .
Rebec~1/]
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
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Approved on October 7, 2025
10 City Council
August19,2025