8A
Date: January 13, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk
By: Robert Williams, Deputy City Clerk I | [email protected] Subject: City Clerk – Approve City Council Minutes. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of December 2, 2025.
FUNDING
None required.
ATTACHMENT
1. December 2, 2025, STA City Council Minutes
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INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 2, 2025
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 1
4. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 1-2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. Recognition of Torrance Industries Honored as “Good Corporate Citizens” by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) 2 6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-73 honoring Kenneth Evans upon his retirement 2
6C. PROCLAMATION honoring Torrance Centenarian Ruth Kimiko Inadomi 2
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Approve City Council Minutes 2
8B. Approve Second Amendment to Property Use Agreement (C2006-232) Between the City of Torrance and the West Basin Municipal Water District 2
8C. Approve and Authorize the Mayor to Execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. 2
8D. Accept and File 2024-25 Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report 3
8E. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of August 2025 3 8F. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of September 2025 3 8G. Approve Proposed Class Specification for Information Technology Manager – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 3
8H. Discuss and Consider Combining or Dissolving Commissions 3 8I. Approve Second Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Grant Writing Services 3
8J. Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement to Provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Billing Services for the City of Torrance Fire Department 3
8K. Accept Federal Transit Administration Grant Awards and Appropriate Funds 3-4
8L. Award Contract Service Agreement to Furnish and Install Decals 4 8M. Appropriate Funds and Approve a Master Software and Services Agreement for Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System 4
8N. Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement (C204-165) with Nomad Transit, LLC 4
9. HEARINGS
9A. Discuss and Consider Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code, Determine California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, and Adopt an ORDINANCE Adding "Tarps, Canopies, and Pop-Up Structures on Private Property" to Division 9, Chapter 2, Article 32 of the Municipal Code 4-6
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. Discuss and Consider Amendment to the Torrance Municipal 2 ATTACHMENT 1
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Airport Ordinance, Determine California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption, and Adopt an ORDINANCE Amending the Torrance Municipal Code as Related to Enforcement of the Airport Ordinance 6 10B. Accept and File Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes and Discuss and Provide Direction on Community Outreach Efforts for the Renaming of Columbia Park 7-8
10C. Accept and File Committee Meeting Minutes and Provide Direction on Committee’s Recommendations Regarding 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration 8-10
10D. Accept and File the Conceptual Report and Discuss and Provide Direction on Citywide Commemorative Programming 10-11 10E. Discuss and Provide Direction on Funding Request from Torrance Rose Float Association for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Float Entry and Appropriate Funds 10
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 11
13. CLOSED SESSION 11
14. ADJOURNMENT 11
At 12:19 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session.
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December 2, 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 December 2, 2025 at 5:02 p.m.
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 1 3A) Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, 13B) Real Property – Conference With Real Property Negotiator, 13C) Conference With Labor Negotiator and 1 3D) Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), California Government Code §54956.8, California Government Code §54957.6 and California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4).
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:49 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 Sheikh.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Rabbi Pinson.
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Item 8H was withdrawn. Item 6A was deferred. Supplemental material was available for item 9A.
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 Sheikh and passed by 7-0.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen reminded the public about the Menorah Lighting Ceremony. 4 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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Councilmember Kaji received concurrence to create an MOU between Torrance and the WWII Camp Wall Committee Non-Profit Organization. This would be to have a framework for the WWII Japanese -American Incarceration Camp Wall Monument project. He also received concurrence to have the City Attorney with the City Clerk and City Manager prepare an item with ordinances implementing City Charter Sections 905, 907, 908, and 909.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
6A. RECOGNITION OF TORRANCE INDUSTRIES HONORED AS “GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENS” BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS (LACSD)
Item 6A was deferred.
6B. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-73 HONORING KENNETH EVANS
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-73 honoring Kenneth Evans upon his retirement from the City of Torrance after forty-three years of service.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2025 -73 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, HONORING KENNETH
EVANS UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CITY AFTER FORTY -THREE YEARS OF SERVICE.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025 -73.
Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
6C. PROCLAMATION HONORING TORRANCE CENTENARIAN RUTH KIMIKO INADOMI
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of November 4, 2025.
8B. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROPERTY USE AGREEMENT (C2006 -232)
BETWEEN THE CITY OF TORRANCE AND THE WEST BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER
DISTRICT
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a second amendment to property use agreement (C2006 -232) between the City of Torrance and West Basin Municipal District, extending the agreement through December 11, 2035.
8C. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE FIFTH AMENDED AND
RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE SOUTH BAY CITIES COUNCIL
OF GOVERNMENTS
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), which allows the City of Los Angeles to designate a non-elected senior staff member as an alternate to the SBCCOG Governing Board representative.
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8D. ACCEPT AND FILE 2024 -25 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT
Recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Community Services Director that City Council accept and file the 2024-25 Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report.
8E. ACCEPT AND FILE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2025 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of August 2025.
8F. Accept and File Investment Report for the Month of September 2025 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the Investment Report for the month of September 2025.
8G. APPROVE PROPOSED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER – GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for Information Technology Manager – Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
8H. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER COMBINING OR DISSOLVING COMMISSIONS Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Code to consider changes to City Commissions by combining Commissions, disbanding them, or changing how often they meet.
Item 8H was withdrawn.
8I. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
GRANT WRITING SERVICES
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a second amendment to the contract services agreement with Blais & Associates of Dallas, TX (C2022 -177), to extend contract the term for an additional two -year (2) period beginning November 8, 2025, and ending November 7, 2027.
8J. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT TO
PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) BILLING SERVICES FOR THE
CITY OF TORRANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council:
1. Approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement with Wittman Enterprises, LLC of Rancho Cordova, CA (C2021-004), in the amount of $1,764,340, for a new not-to-exceed contract total of $2,957,303, to provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) billing services for the City of Torrance Fire Department and exercise the option to extend the term for a five-year (5) period beginning January 12, 2026 and ending January 11, 2031 with the same terms and conditions; and
2. Authorize the City Manager as the City’s signatory for the agreement.
8K. ACCEPT FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION GRANT AWARDS AND
APPROPRIATE FUNDS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1. Accept the Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 Grant Award for CA-2025-121 and appropriate $1,431,700 grant award and $380,579 local match funds to newly established or ongoing grant projects; and
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2. Accept the Federal Transit Administration Section 5339B Grant Award for CA-2025-148 and appropriate $6,280,000 grant award and $1,570,000 local match funds to newly established or ongoing grant projects; and
3. Accept the Federal Transit Administration Urbanized Formula Section 5307 Grant Award for CA-2025-166 and appropriate $7,409,521 grant award and $379,130 local match funds to newly established or ongoing grant projects.
8L. AWARD CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT TO FURNISH AND INSTALL DECALS Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council award a contract service agreement to Decals by Design, Incorporated of Corona, California (B2025 -18), in the amount of $355,010, to furnish and install decals on the current transit fleet, for a one-year (1) period beginning December 2, 2025 and ending December 1, 2026.
8M. APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE A MASTER SOFTWARE AND SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH (CAD) SYSTEM
Recommendation of the Information Technology Director that City Council:
1. Appropriate $592,704 from the Capital Improvement Fund, $350,000 from the Measure SST Fund, and $1,142,955 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to the Computer Aided Dispatch Implementation project (OP50-OP0014); and
2. Approve a master software and services agreement and related service schedules with Versaterm Public Safety US, Inc of Delaware, for an amount of approximately $7,604,992, for the acquisition, implementation, and annual subscription of a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System to support Torrance Public Safety, for a ten -year (10) period beginning December 3, 2025, and ending December 31, 2035.
8N. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT (C204-165)
WITH NOMAD TRANSIT, LLC
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve a first amendment to the contract services agreement (C204-165) with Nomad Transit, LLC, in the amount of $1,451,546, for a new not-to-exceed-amount of $3,336,536, to operate Connect Torrance Microtransit and extend the contract term for a one-year (1) period beginning December 10, 2025 and ending December 9, 2026, with an option to extend the agreement for a seven-month period through June 30, 2027.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve the Consent Calendar except item 8H. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
9. HEARINGS
9A. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE,
DETERMINE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION, AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ADDING "TARPS, CANOPIES, AND POP -UP STRUCTURES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY" TO DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 32
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Code by establishing a Tarps, Canopies, and Pop-Up Structures on Private Property Ordinance; and
2. Determine the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and Section 15378 of the California Code of Regulations; and
3. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code to add Article 32 entitled "Tarps, Canopies, and Pop -Up Structures on Private Property” to Division 9, Chapter 2 of the Torrance Municipal Code; and
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4. Approve Ordinance Summaries for publication.
Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Harry Stoover stated that he had an issue with the proposed ordinance on the usage of vehicle storage. He added that the setback should be 3 feet.
A member of the public voiced concerns about the car ports and negative impacts on the vintage car events. She added the 6 feet from structure and 5 feet from property line were issues too, as well as issues concerning the tents. She stated that weighing down structures was good but that there were issues associated with the beautification proposals.
Cameron Henson stated that this was limiting and that there were sail cloths and such items for the sun. She continued that it should be about nuisance and to not put restrictions on people.
Donna Dupron voiced concerns from businesses and the lack of information and if certain businesses were being targeted.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed how many complaints were being received and the content of the complaints , as well as what is allowed under the code and the nuisance codes. They also overviewed possible outreach measures. Community Development Director Ramirez stressed that they do informing and not going straight to code enforcement. They overviewed the limitations of using tarps on a car.
Councilmember Lewis stated that she did not want Torrance to go down such stringent regulation. She continued that she would support tents and canopies to be removed for now and later on could revert. She stated that the code enforcement officers can succeed in their job in reference to the unsightly use of the canopies. She supported the ordinance for the tarps and any reference to storing items in tents can remain, but she was not supportive of the popups.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that the intent was to protect the community curb appeal.
He added that this was protect against those who put up a canopy in the front yard indefinitely.
He stressed that he supports the city looking clean and so the fronts of homes should be clean.
Councilmember Lewis agreed that it should not be put up permanently but that reducing the restrictions in the document was important because not everyone can afford to build a permanent cover or car port. She stated that governments should not dictate to businesses and residents on how they conduct their business, and that code enforcement can help manage the blights to the community. Councilmember Lewis and Community Development Director Ramirez overviewed what was being regulated and what was not being regulated. Councilmember Lewis stated that the restrictions were too much given the short-term versus the long-term.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the uniformity and attractive streetscape concerns, as well as the clarification of restrictions and how the city knows how many times needed to monitor and using the complaint system. They overviewed the special event permit.
Mayor Chen stated that the definition of nuisance was difficult to create fairly. Him and Community Development Director Ramirez clarified the s ituation and process in which a call 8 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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where someone stated that a vehicle was covered with a tarp and the citations and nuisance hearings. They discussed the possibility of colored tarps and how that would be handled. Mayor Chen stated that he would not want to regulate the issue and that it could cause issues for when people would call on each other.
Councilmember Gerson stated that this was overly restrictive and did not support th e ordinance.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to close the public hearing . Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3961 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 92.32.7 “TARPS, CANOPIES, AND POP-UP STRUCTURES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY” TO DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 32 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file but to not proceed with the ordinance. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 8:11 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 8:26 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. DISCUSS AND CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
ORDINANCE, DETERMINE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
EXEMPTION, AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TORRANCE
MUNICIPAL CODE AS RELATED TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE AIRPORT
ORDINANCE
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Discuss and consider amending the Torrance Municipal Airport Ordinance as related to enforcement of the Airport Ordinance; and
2. Determine the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and
3. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending Torrance Municipal Code Article 7 “Enforcement” of Chapter 1, Division 5; and
4. Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
Community Development Director Ramirez introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed pilots who were not the owner of the plane and who is sent the violation. They overviewed the job of the hearing board and the Casper system.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Ordinance No. 3962 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 7 “ENFORCEMENT” OF CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 5 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3962 and approve an ordinance summary for publication . Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
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10B. ACCEPT AND FILE AD HOC NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES AND DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON COMMUNITY
OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR THE RENAMING OF COLUMBIA PARK
Recommendation of the City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee and City Manager that City Council:
1. Accept and file the September 2, 2025, Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee meeting minutes; and
2. Discuss and provide direction on community outreach efforts regarding the renaming of Columbia Park.
Management Aide Breanna Hart introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kaji described the timeline of the item and how the item came forward.
He stated that he supported the committee’s decision to rename the park.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to approve item 10B . Councilmember Mattucci seconded the motion.
Councilmember Gerson and Management Aide Breanna Hart overviewed the agenda posting of the October 7 City Council meeting. Councilmember Gerson stressed that it was important to move forward quickly and rename the park . He stated that the people of Torrance did not have adequate knowledge of the renaming of the park. He added that the item should be sent back to honor what the commission said and give the people of Torrance be a part of the process.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that the item was being presented in different ways and manners for the public to see and that the City Council should not keep bouncing it around and waiting. He added that some people just will not care. He stated that important to vote yes immediately.
Councilmember Lewis overviewed the importance of honoring important families. She stated that the camp wall should have an important focus as well and that spending some more money on the history and story would be good. She stated that a plaza would be a great addition.
She noted that renaming a park would add to the expense and that the expense would be better suited for a plaza that shares the story and memorial. She supported taking the items separately.
The motion failed by a vote of 3-4 with Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, Lewis and Sheikh voting no.
Councilmember Kalani reiterated that the Parks and Recreation Committee should finish what they started and that they need to honor Mr. Tanouye properly.
Mayor Chen stated that the City Council was very transparent about educating the public about this item. He stated that the cost of naming the park was minimal in cost and that the plaza could be a phase 2.
Councilmember Sheikh recounted the stories of Mr. Tanouye and stated how much Torrance supports him, but that the Parks and Recreation Committee had a divided vote and that they wanted to hear more from the community. He argued that there should not be a rush and that the community should be heard more.
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Councilmember Gerson and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed the Seaside Heros Park timeline.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to accept and file the report and to send it back to the Parks and Recreation Committee until they come to a decision . Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmembers Kaji, Lewis, and Mattucci voting no.
Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, Sheikh and Mayor Chen declined on reconsidering the motion after Councilmember Lewis stated that she had an alternative motion.
10C. ACCEPT AND FILE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING 2026 ARMED FORCES DAY
PARADE AND CELEBRATION
Recommendation of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee, City Manager, and Chief of Police
that City Council:
1. Accept and file the July 1, 2025 Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee meeting minutes; and
2. Provide direction on preferred planning options for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.
Councilmember Mattucci introduced the item to the City Council.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun used slides to overview the item.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani and Public Engagement Manager Chun discussed the estimated costs. She and General Services Director Shant Megerdichian discussed the possibility of a concert or drone show at the airport . Councilmember Kalani stated that the airport could have great benefits from this and supported option 4.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that he supports option 1. He continued that it was not a good idea to experiment on a huge milestone. He enumerated some of the issues with the parking situation and ways to fix it such as advertising areas. He stated that outreach radius should be larger. He added that they should not experiment with a new route yet.
Councilmember Kaji and Police Lieutenant Charles Fisher discussed the decline in military participation, which comprised of format fatigue and resource allocation.
Mayor Chen supported option 1, and he stated that Heroes Games helped with recruiting so for the mixer there could be a high school band to play on the grass by the Marriot.
Councilmember Sheikh and Public Engagement Manager Chun discussed declining participation from the public and what parts of the parade the public enjoys the most.
Councilmember Sheikh, Police Chief Robert Dunn, and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed the possibility of combining July 4 and the Armed Forces Day Parade.
Councilmember Sheikh and Finance Director Ian Dailey discussed the wage and non - wage cost. Councilmember Sheikh, Assistant City Manager Santana, and Public Engagement Manager Chun overviewed the parking situation. Councilmember Sheikh supported option 4. 11 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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Councilmember Gerson and Police Lieutenant Fisher discussed the lack of resources rumor due to politics. Councilmember Gerson overviewed the options and the pros and cons of each.
Councilmember Kalani stated that option 4 was the best option and suggested that the drone show would be a great addition. She added that Battle of the Bands would also be a great addition.
Mayor Chen, Police Lieutenant Fisher, City Manager Chaparyan discussed the pros of option 4 for more military equipment. Mayor Chen and General Services Director Megerdichian discussed if military equipment was dropped on the airport area and the effects on runways.
Councilmember Kaji and Police Lieutenant Fisher discussed fleet week and the Port of Los Angeles underwriting and where the military personnel are stationed when here. They discussed how the payment was for the military personnel to be staying in Torrance.
Councilmember Lewis described the fleet week and the logistics of it.
Police Lieutenant Fisher stated that donations at the PD range from $15K in 2019 to $9,300 in 2025.
Councilmember Kalani and Public Engagement Manager Chun discussed the luncheon.
Councilmember Lewis and Public Engagement Manager Chun discussed option 4 and the need for cars on loaners from dealerships and also the parade route and the acoustics of the band.
Councilmember Mattucci reiterated that changing a venue is very difficult.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to approve item 10C and go with option 1 and to have more robust marketing in 50 mile radius in other cities. Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion.
Councilmember Gerson inquired about budgeting for the radius, to which City Manager Chaparyan responded that it would not add significant cost.
The motion carried by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, and Sheikh voting no.
Mayor Chen and Finance Director Ian Dailey discussed the budget and the options presented.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to reconsider. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Councilmember Lewis stated that there were many variables making it difficult to consider given the budget issues and other factors. She and Mayor Chen suggested ways to cut down on the cost, and staff gave guidance on steps to reduce cost while keeping the community engaged.
Councilmember Kalani suggested that the banquet in the hangar would be a good option.
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MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to go with option 1 and have the 50 mile radius with a cap on the marketing and to remain in budget and have flexibility. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Mattucci withdrew his motion.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to go with option 4 . Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-3 with Councilmembers Mattucci, Kaji, and Mayor Chen voting no.
The City Council went to recess at 11:27 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 11:40 p.m.
Item 10E was taken out of order at this time.
10E. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON FUNDING REQUEST FROM TORRANCE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATION FOR THE 2027 PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES
PARADE FLOAT ENTRY AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS
Recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Discuss and provide direction on funding request from Torrance Rose Float Association for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade float entry; and
2. Appropriate $60,000 from the General Fund’s fund balance to the General Fund’s fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget, if Council direction is to approve the funding request.
Cultural Arts Manager Monica Harte introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Kalani stated that from a marketing perspective that given how many viewers watch the parade it is cost effective. She supported the request.
Councilmember Kaji, Finance Director Dailey, and Cultural Arts Manager Harte discussed the contents of the budgeting, and the increases going forward. Councilmember Kaji stated that he understands increasing costs but that any other groups currently supported would need to justify increases that arise. He added that any increases should be budgeted instead of mid cycle.
Councilmember Sheikh and Roseanne discussed the $60K advance and the entry fee.
Councilmember Sheikh and Cultural Arts Manager Harte overviewed the possibility of sponsors from major corporations, as well as other fundraising efforts.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 10E . Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
10D. ACCEPT AND FILE THE CONCEPTUAL REPORT AND DISCUSS AND PROVIDE
DIRECTION ON CITYWIDE COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMMING
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council: 1. Accept and file the conceptual report “Torrance Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday”; and 2. Discuss and provide direction on proposed programming, legacy projects, and community engagement initiative to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Public Engagement Manager Chun introduced the item to the City Council.
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No members of the public spoke.
Mayor Chen and Public Engagement Manager Chun discussed the vision of which banners would come down and go up. Mayor Chen suggested keeping the banners up and add in the new banners with them.
Councilmember Kalani and City Manager Chaparyan discussed the placement of the middle banner in the downtown area and a downtown banner program.
Councilmember Gerson suggested another row of banners closer to the airport, PCH, or Hawthorne so it’s close to the parade. City Manager Chaparyan stated that PCH and Hawthorne were state highways but that they would explore other options. Councilmember Gerson suggested patches in addition.
Councilmember Sheikh, City Manager Chaparyan, and Public Engagement Manager Chun overviewed banners and lights in front of City Hall.
Councilmember Kaji and Assistant City Manager Santana overviewed a digital sign along the I-405.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 10D with the flexibility for staff to coordinate the banners . Councilmember Kaji seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS – None Scheduled.
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 12:19 a.m. to Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session . Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
14 Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 12 December 2, 2025
Attest: Mayor of the City of Torrance
Rebecca Poirier Approved on January 13, 2026
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
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