INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 24. 2026
OPENING CEREMONIES
SUBJECT
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
64. 68.
6C.
6D.
8J.
8K.
81. 7.
8. 84.
88. 8C
8D.
8E.
8F.
8G
8H.
8t.
PAGE
Callto Order/Roll Call I
Flag Salute/lnvocation 1
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems 1
Affidavit of PostingAffaive Further Reading 1-2
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
COMMUNITY MATTERS
lntroduction of the Torrance High School Delegates for Kashiwa Trip 2 Cherry Blossom FestivalAnnouncement 2
Ralph Steadman Exhibition 2
Proclamation declaring March 25,2026 as National Medal of Honor Day in the City of Torrance, California 2
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve City Council Minutes 2
Approve Amendments to Measure R Transit lnvestment FundingAgreements 2-3 Authorize Purchase Order of One (1) Stencil Truck as a Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell 3
Authorize Purchase Order for Three (3) 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrids with ADA Ramp for the Connect Torrance Microtransit Service 3 Approve Side Letter Agreement Between Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and Management Regarding Wireless Technicians and the Torrance Police Department Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program 3
Authorize Purchase Order of Two (2) Animal Control Trucks, One (1) Service Truck, and One (1) Airport Response Truck as a Cooperative Purchase with Sourcewell 3
Approve First Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for the Creation of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) - Fire Station 1 3-4 Approve Memorandum of Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for Police Recruit Training 4
Approve Proposed Class Specification for Project Manager - lnformationTechnology 4 Approve Revised Class Specification for Public Works Supervisor 4 Approve Revised Class Specification for Police Records Technician 4 Accept and File 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Authorize Submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate lnnovation 4
Approve a Mills Act Contract for Historic Landmark #4 (HPC25-00007) for a Residence Located within the Torrance Tract Overlay in a Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zone at 1504 Acacia Avenue and Determine an Exemption from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 4 Approve Revised Fourth Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for Employee Payroll Services 4-5
Accept and File lnvestment Report for the Month of January 2026 5 Accept and File Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 8M
8N
80 8P
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 24,2026
Ended 2024-25, Accept and File FiscalYear 2Q25-26 Mid-Year Budget Review Report, and Approve Proposed Program Modifications and Budget Adjustments 58Q. Approve Tenth Amendment to Fee Agreement for Legal Services 58R. Award Consulting Services Agreement for Owner's Representative Services for New Parking Structure at Transit Regional Center 59. HEARINGS94. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt RESOLUTION to Uphold the Appeal and for the Approval of a Minor Hillside Exemption (MHE24-00037) to allow an as-built rear yard deck on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the Single-Family Residential District (R-1) Zone at 5608 White Court and Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 5-810. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 104. Accept and File the Economic Development Update and Discuss and Provide Direction on Proposed Economic Development lnitiatives 8-9 108. Adopt RESOLUTION Opposing the Essential Services Restoration Act, Los Angeles County General Sales Tax Measure, and Authorize Letter to Oppose Assembly Bill No. 1768 I11. AGENCYAGENDAS 114. Public Housing Agency12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 913. CLOSED SESSTON 1,1014. ADJOURNMENT 10 At 10:45p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, April 7 ,2026, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session with regular business commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 24,2026
March 24,2026
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNGIL
1. CALLTOORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on March 24,2026 at 5:03 p.m
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Present:
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
Councilmembers Gerson, Kalani, Lewis, Mattucci, and Mayor Chen Councilmembers Kaji, Sheikh
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 134) Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, 138) Real Property - Conference With Real Property Negotiator, and 13C) Conference With Labor Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code S54956.9(d)(1), California Government Code 554956.8, California Government Code 554957.6.
Councilmember Kaji arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Councilmember Sheikh arrived at 5:12 p.m.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:53 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
Councilmember Gerson disclosed that he had recused himself due to matters related to TUSD
Councilmember Kaji requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of Chuck Norris
2.FLAG SALUTE/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Boy Scout Troop 378.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Lewis.
WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental materialwas available for items 88, 94, and 114.
4. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved that afierthe 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
3. 1
City Council
March 24,2026
6. such resolution or ordinance in regular order. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kaji and passed by 7-0.
5. COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Chen overviewed the Samurai of the Diamond mural in Torrance, and the unveiling ceremony and proclamation and key to the city for Robert Vargas. He recapped the Federal Legislative Advocacy trip to Washington D.C. and the California Roundtable.
Councilmember Gerson received concurrence to have staff look at the idea of costs and design for modifications at Hickory Park.
City Clerk Poirier stated that there were applications being accepted for City commissions and SST committee. June 23 was the date appointments would take place. Application deadline was May 28 by 5pm and postmarks were not accepted. Applicants must be an elector of the City of Torrance and have completed city commissioner training within 2 years, Commissioners applying for re-appointment must also be current on A81234 and non-supervisory harassment prevention training. She continued that June 2 was the General Municipal Election. March 26 at 8:30am the Chamber of Commerce would host a candidate forum. March 26 at 7pm the North Torrance Neighborhood Association would host a candidate forum for Mayor and City Treasurer candidates. April 1 at 8:30am the Chamber of Commerce would host a Mayor and City Treasurer forum. April 6 at 7pm the Riviera and Seaside Associations would host a candidate forum for Mayor, City Treasurer and District 5 council candidates.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
INTRODUCTION OF THE TORRANCE HIGH SCHOOL DELEGATES FOR KASHIWA TRIP
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT
RALPH STEADMAN EXHIBITION
PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 25,2026 AS NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY ¡N THE CITY OF TORRANCE, GALIFORNIA
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
84. APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council approve the City Council minutes of February 24,2026.
8B APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO MEASURE R TRANSIT INVESTMENT FUNDING
AGREEMENTS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council:
1. Approve amendment to Measure R Transit lnvestment Funding Agreement MR524.06 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), for the purchase of trolleybuses for a new circular service in Torrance (C2022-150) and to extend the term through July 31 ,2026; and
64. 68.
6C.
6D.
7 Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
March 24,2026
8C
8D
8F
8E.
2. Approve amendment to Measure R Transit lnvestment Funding Agreement MR524.07 with LACMTA, for the purchase of expansion revenue buses (C2022-151) and to extend the term through December 31,2027; and
3. Approve amendment to Measure R Transit lnvestment Funding Agreement MR524.08 with LACMTA, for the construction of a parking structure at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center (C2022-152) and to extend the term through June 30, 2028; and
4. Approve amendment to Measure R Transit lnvestment Funding Agreement MR524.09 with LACMTA, for the purchase of vehicles for the microtransit expansion of the Torrance Community Transit Program (C2022-163) and to extend the term through March 31 ,2026; and
5. Approve amendment to Measure R Transit lnvestment Funding Agreement MR524.10 with LACMTA, for the construction of a heavy-duty electric charging station (C2022-164) and to extend the term through December 31,2026.
AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER OF ONE (1) STENCTL TRUCK AS A COOPERATTVE
PURCHASE WITH SOURCEWELL
Recommendation of the General Services Director and Public Works Director that City Council authorize a purchase order with National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, CA, in the amount of $170,704.89, plus a 5% contingency in the amount of $8,535 .24,for a total not-to-exceed amount of $179,240.13, for one (1 ) Stencil Truck as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell.
AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR THREE (3) 2025 TOYOTA STENNA HYBR|DS
WITH ADA RAMP FOR THE CONNECT TORRANCE MICROTRANSIT SERVICE Recommendation of the General Services Director and Transit Director that City Council authorize a purchase order with MobilityWorks of California LLC, in the amount of $222,467.10, plus a 5% contingency in the amount of $1 1,123.36,for a total not{o-exceed amount of $233,590.46 for three (3) 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrids with ADA-equipped wheelchair ramps for the Connect Torrance Microtransit service.
APPROVE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES-AFSCME LOCAL 1117 (TME-AFSCME) AND MANAGEMENT
REGARDING WIRELESS TECHNICIANS AND THE TORRANCE POLICE
DEPARTMENT REGRUITMENT AND RETENTION PILOT PROGRAM
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a side letter agreement between the Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (TME-AFSCME) and Management regarding Wireless Technicians and the Torrance Police Department Recruitment and Retention lncentive Program.
AUTHORTZE PURCHASE ORDER OF TWO (2) ANIMAL CONTROL TRUCKS, ONE (l)
SERVICE TRUCK, AND ONE (T ) ARPORT RESPONSE TRUCK AS A COOPERATIVE
PURCHASE WITH SOURCEWELL
Recommendation of the General Services Director and Community Services Director that City Council authorize a purchase order with Rush Truck Centers of Whittier, CA, in the amount of $495,710.57 plus a 5% contingency in the amount of $24,785.53, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $520,496.10 fortwo (2) animal control trucks, one (1) service truck, and one (1) airport response truck as a cooperative purchase with Sourcewell. 8G. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE GREATION OF AN EMERGENCY OPERATTONS CENTER (EOC) - F|RE STATTON I Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council approve a first amendment to contract services agreement with Williamson Construction Co., lnc., of Lawndale, CA(C2025-278), to increase the contract contingency by $9t,148.S0 for a new Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 3 March24,2026
8J
not-to-exceed contingency amount of $93,445.50 and new project total amount of $404,931.50 for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) - Fire Station 1. 8H.APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR POLICE RECRUIT TRA¡NING
Recommendation of the Chief of Police that City Council approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for police recruit training. 8t APPROVE PROPOSED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR PROJECT MANAGER
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for Project Manager - lnformation Technology.
APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Public Works Supervisor. 8K.APPROVE REVISED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR POLICE RECORDS TECHNICIAN Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the revised class specification for Police Records Technician. 8L ACCEPT AND FILE 2025 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND
AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF LAND USE AND
CLIMATE INNOVATION
Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Accept and file the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report; and
2. Authorize staff to submit the 2025 Housing Element Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
3. Authorize staff to submit the 2025 Housing Element Progress Report to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate lnnovation.
8M APPROVE A MTLLS ACT CONTRACT FOR H|STOR|C LANDMARK #4 (HPC25-00007)
FOR A RESIDENCE LOCATED WITHIN THE TORRANCE TRACT OVERLAY IN A S¡NGLE-FAM|LY RESTDENTTAL (R-1) ZONE AT 1504 ACACTA AVENUE AND
DETERMINE AN EXEMPTION FROM CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (cEaA)
Recommendation of Historic Preservation Commission and Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Determine a Categorical Exemption for the project in accordance with Guidelines for lmplementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Article 19, Section I 5331 (Historic Resource Rehabilitation/Restoration); and
2. Approve a Mills Act contract for a Historic Landmark designated residence within the Torrance Tract Overlay in a R-1 Zone at 1504 Acacia.
8N. APPROVE REVISED FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES
AGREEMENT FOR EMPLOYEE PAYROLL SERVICES
Recommendation of the lnformation Technology Director and Finance Director that City Council approve the revised fourth amendment to the contract services agreement with ADP, LLC of Roseland, NJ (C2018-060), in the amount of $19.61 per employee per month (PEPM) for salaried employees and $20.95 PEPM for hourly employees for a total approximate amount of $920,000, and extend the contract term through December 31, 2027 with up to five annual options for renewal. The revised fourth amendment Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 4 March 24,2026
80. 8P.
incorporates updated contractual terms provided by ADP, including revisions associated with third-party software services utilized as part of the City's payroll processing system.
ACCEPT AND F¡LE INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026 Recommendation of the City Treasurer that City Council accept and file the lnvestment Report for the month of January 2026.
ACCEPT AND FILE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED 2024.25, ACCEPT AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2025.26 MID.YEAR
BUDGET REVIEW REPORT, AND APPROVE PROPOSED PROGRAM
MODIFICATIONS AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Recommendation of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee that City Council:
1. Accept and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended 2Q24-2025; and
2. Accept and file the FiscalYear 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Review Report; and
3. Approve the proposed program modifications in the fiscal year 2025-26 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $31,954 in the General Services Department; and
4. Approve the proposed increase to the Airport Fund's fiscal year 2025-26 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $4,500,000; and
5. Approve the proposed increase to the Self-lnsurance Fund's fiscal year 2025-26 operating expenditure budget in the amount of $2,000,000. 8Q. APPROVE TENTH AMENDMENT TO FEE AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES Recommendation of the City Attorney that City Council approve a tenth amendment to the fee agreement with law firm Rutan & Tucker, LLP of Costa Mesa, CA (C2020-038), to increase the attorney cap rate under the fee agreement to $525 per hour, to cover costs and provide legal services relating to the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Order/Hi-Shear litigation.
8R.AWARD CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE
SERVICES FOR NEW PARKING STRUCTURE AT TRANSIT REGIONAL CENTER Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council award a consulting services agreement to MOCA Systems, lnc. for an amount not-to-exceed $1,809,600, for Owner's Representative services for a new parking structure at the Transit Regional Center, for a period beginning March 24,2026, and ending February 28,2030.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve the Consent Calendar in its entirety Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
HEARINGS
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION TO UPHOLD THE APPEAL AND FOR THE APPROVAL OF A MTNOR H|LLS|DE EXEMPT|ON (MHE24- OOO37) TO ALLOW AN AS.BUILT REAR YARD DECK ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE.FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R.1) ZONE AT 5608 WHITE COURT AND DETERMINE A CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Uphold the appeal; and
I
9A.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 5
City Council
March 24,2026
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION for the approval of MHE24-00037 to allow an as-built rear yard deck on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the R-1 Zone at 5608 White Court; and
4. Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEaA); Article 19, Section 15303(e) (New Construction and Accessory Structures).
Councilmembers Kalani and Sheikh disclosed they visited the sites and met with the owners but would make their decision based on evidence presented during the meeting.
Councilmember Kaji and Mayor Chen disclosed that they visited the sites but would make their decision based on evidence presented during the meeting.
Senior Planner Leo Oorts used slides to introduce the item to the City Council. The slides included project locations, project plans, site photos, Hillside Overlay and a staff recommendation.
Applicant Shuji Yamada and Lori Yamada, owners at the White Court property, overviewed the reasoning for their application and the various photographs demonstrating the view from the property, and explained that the before and after the deck are nearly identical.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time Senise Mones stated that the appeal should be denied and recounted the clearing of mud and floods that have happened since the project. She continued the project was built without permits or reviews. She stated that there would be loss of privacy as well.
A member of the public stated that there were serious safety concerns with the project and that the deck was built without permit. She continued that the privacy was harmed from the deck.
Alina Fu stated that the new deck harmed her privacy. She continued that the deck harms the natural topography of the area.
Ellen C. stated that there is a family that has experienced mental stress from the loss of privacy. She added that it would be hard to find a new tenant if the current tenant moved out.
A member of the public supported denying the appeal. She stated that the deck was oversized and that neighbors would be negatively impacted.
Collin Baker requested that the appeal be denied. He continued this would set a bad precedent that would allow others to create oversized decks. He stated that there would be substantial impact to privacy.
Gongqing Shen stated that the decision made to allow the deck was not fair to future homebuyers.
Paul McNamara stated that his scout group should see the City Council debate the merit of the permit for the deck.
Deborah Dbashi stated that she lived in her house before the deck was built and that she has been harmed by the privacy, She added that now her home is getting flooded after the deck was built.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
March 24,2026
John Krukston stated that no grading plan and geological report then there could be potential problems for homes downhill and uphill.
Matthew Harley stated that the waiver request should be denied. He added there needed to be setbacks.
The proponent stated that all documents and reports have been submitted that were required by the city. She continued that photos indicate that the deck is the same level as the house and that the view was able to be demonstrated from multiple vantage points and so privacy impact would not be significant. She stated that they would continue working with the city.
Community Development Director Ramirez clarified that the applicant would still need to go through safety and meet all of the building code regulations separately. She continued that city staff has not reviewed those so there could be more requirements such as drainage.
Councilmember Lewis and Senior Planner Oorts discussed why permits were not pulled and the process for any corrections if there are any drainage issues, as well as anything that potentially could require the setback to happen if found deficient.
Councilmember Kalani and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed the safety issues such as the water moving down to the neighbors below.
Councilmember Kalani inquired about any grading that was done or any ground extension or modifications when the deck was built. The proponent stated that he did not recall but that they did remove the shrub at the end of the property.
Councilmember Kalani and one of the neighbors of the property overviewed the deck and how privacy was affected.
Councilmember Sheikh and Senior Planner Oorts discussed what was assessed during the field assessments. They overviewed all safety concerns and how they were evaluated. They further discussed the process of the Planning Commission and the complaints that were made.
Community Development Director Ramirez described consequences for violations of municipal code.
Councilmember Sheikh and Senior Planner Oorts discussed some of the addresses that were contacted but no dialogue was able to be established.
Councilmember Sheikh and the residental2OS2T deliberated over the photos that depict the distance from the fence and any potential privacy issues.
Councilmember Mattucci stated that not much has changed in terms of privacy. He voiced concern over the rolls of plastic on the dirt and that if rain water got there then dirt could shift. He overviewed the blue line with Senior Planner Oorts. Him and Senior Planner Oorts discussed how shrub height could be used and if there were recommendations for or against, or if a fence could be utilized.
Councilmember Mattucci argued that in looking at the before and after, then the deck is not adding much height at all. He stated that a permit and proper channels should have been used. Overall, he concluded that there has not been substantial adverse impacts from the additions. Councilmember Mattucci stated that he did not support the way it was done but respected that it follows the code.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
March 24,2026
Councilmember Kaji did not support building without a permit and stated that he would make a decision based on the evidence presented and the debate being had.
Councilmember Gerson stated that the efforts made by the proponent were good. He and Senior Planner Oorts overviewed the blue line and what it represents. They further discussed when the deck was built and the timeline of events.
Councilmember Kalani stated that it does meet code and that she did not see any measurable difference from being at the site. She agreed on concerns about the plastic. Her and Senior Planner Oorts discussed the options for after evaluations are done.
Councilmember Kalani and Senior Planner Oorts overviewed the deck and any possible overextension of property, and that any possible action could be taken after evaluation.
MOTION: Councilmember Kaji moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-27 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 41 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF A MINOR HILLSIDE EXEMPTION TO ALLOW AN AS-BUILT REAR YARD
DECK ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESTDENTTAL D|STR|CT (R-1)ZONE AT 5608 WHTTE COURT.
MOTION: Councilmember Mattucci moved to uphold the appeal, adopt Resolution for approval for MHE24-00037, adopt Resolution No. 2026-27, address the issues with the encroachment, drainage and any other city code issues and including any assess fines.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
The City Council went to recess at 9:32 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:45 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVEMATTERS
104.ACCEPT AND FILE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE AND DISCUSS AND
PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PROPOSED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Accept and file the Economic Development update; and
2. Discuss and provide direction on proposed Economic Development initiatives.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council using slides.
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lewis and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the option of the digital passport.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed any stats on business license increases.
Councilmember Sheikh and Community Development Director Ramirez discussed what factors are not connecting for the commercial façade program. Councilmember Sheikh and Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary I March24,2026
Assistant City Manager Santana discussed methods for encouraging businesses into the program. City Manager Chaparyan overviewed the ways they are encouraging businesses to participate in the program and any investigations of grant programs.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve 104 and to possibly expand options to the commercial façade program to lowering or waiving fees or to increase budget.
Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
IOB. ADOPT RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES RESTORATION ACT,
LOS ANGELES COUNTY GENERAL SALES TAX MEASURE, AND AUTHORIZE LETTER TO OPPOSE ASSEMBLY BILL NO. I768
Recommendation of the City Manager and Finance Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION opposing The Essential Services Restoration Act, Los Angeles County General Sales Tax Measure and Assembly Bill 1768; and
2. Authorize letter to oppose Assembly Bill No. 1768.
Staff Assistant lrene O'Neal introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Gerson noted the higher tax rate of Los Angeles County versus Orange County
City Clerk Poirier read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-28 A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE OPPOSING THE ESSENTIAL
SERVICES RESTORATION ACT, LOS ANGELES COUNTY GENERAL SALES TAX MEASURE AND OPPOSING ASSEMBLY BILL 1768 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalani moved to approve item 108 and to authorize a letter to oppose the assembly bill and adopt Resolution No. 2026-28. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. 1lA.
12. The City Council recessed at 10:23p.m.
AGENCY AGENDAS
PUBLTC HOUSING AGENDA (CONSTDERED SEPARATELY)
The City Council reconvened at 10:31p.m.
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.
Councilmember Mattucci received concurrence to bring back an item to discuss options clarifying concerns about the Hillside Overlay.
Councilmember Mattucci did not receive concurrence to bring back an item to Parks and Recreation to explore waiving the park rental fees for Torrance residents but still keeping the security deposits.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary I City Council
March 24,2026
13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 10:45 p.m. to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 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, March 31,2026 is a City Council Dark Night, Councilmember Kalani seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
the City of Torrance
Foirier Approved on May 5,2026
City Clerk of the eity of Torrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
March 24,202610