INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL - JULY 21. 2026
SUBJECT
OPENING CEREMONIES
Callto Order/Roll Call
Flag Salute/l nvocation
Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental ltems
Affidavit of PostingAffaive Further Reading
Council Committee Meetings and Announcements
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Friends of the Torrance Theater Company Check Presentation Review Applications and Appoint Members to Fill Commission and SST Committee Vacancies
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT CALENDAR
8C
8D
Approve a One-Time Exemption to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 2, Section 49.2.1 Regarding Hours of Operation for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event at Charles H. Wilson Park
Approve a One-Time Exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 46.5.3b Regarding an Extension of Amplified Sound Hours and Approve an Amplified Sound Permit for the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce Event to be Held at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard
Approve Proposed Job Description for Production Assistant l/ll Approve Request for Subsidy of City Fees for Use of Wilson Park by Pakistan Chamber of Commerce
Award Design Build Agreement for a Parking Structure at Torrance RegionalTransit Center and Approve a First Amendment for Owner's Representative Services
HEARINGS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Discuss and Provide Direction on Filling the District 4 Councilmember Unscheduled Vacant Seat
Appoint Members to Outside Regional Boards and Agencies Select and Appoint Chairs and Members to City Council Committees
AGENCY AGENDAS
COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNIGATIONS
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
8E.
At 11:19 p.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, August 11,2026, 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, July 28, 2026 and Tuesday, August 4,2026 are City Council Dark Nights.
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Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
July 21,2026
July 21,2Q26
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALLTOORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on July 21, 2026 at 5:01 p.m. in the Leroy J. Jackson City Council Chambers at Torrance City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Present:Councilmembers Gerson, Lieu, Lewis, Kartsonis, Sheikh, and Mayor Kalani
None
City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan,
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier and
other staff representatives
Absent:
Present:
Agenda item 13 was considered out of order at this time
13. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council immediately recessed to closed session at 5:02 p.m. to conferwith 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, 13C) Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation and 13D) Conference With Labor Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code S54956.9(dX1), California Government Code S54956.8, California Government Code 554956.9(dX2) and California Government Code 554957.6.
The City Council reconvened in public session at 6:31 p.m. No formal action was taken on any item considered in closed session.
2.FLAG SALUTE/ ¡NVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Kartsonis.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Lewis.
WITHDRAWN. DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
None.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA/ MOTION TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson 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 6-0.
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Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Council
July 21,20261
6. 5.COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Social Services Chairman Karen Prior discussed the annual back-to-school drive.
Fire Chief David Dumais alerted the public about the Torrance Refinery test alarm
COMMUNITY MATTERS
FRIENDS OF THE TORRANCE THEATER COMPANY CHECK PRESENTATION
REVIEW APPLICATIONS AND APPOINT MEMBERS TO FILL COMMISSION AND SST
COMMITTEE VACANCIES
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council No members of the public spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Arohi Sharma to the term of 2030 and Adam Bettino the of term expiring in 2029, both for Planning Commission. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Tremaine White to the Civil Services Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Lieu seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to appoint Russell Akiyama and Paul Fox to the Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission. Councilmember Kartsonis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Kameron Henson to the Historic Preservation Committee ending in 2030. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Councilmember Kartsonis recused himself at 6:58 pm
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Adam Razak and Gary Safarian to the Airport Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Lieu seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
Councilmember Kartsonis returned to the City Council meeting at 7:01 pm.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to direct City Clerk to re-advertise openings on the Commission on Aging. Mayor Kalani seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 2- 4 with Councilmembers Gerson, Kartsonis, Lieu, and Sheikh voting no, MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Kenneth Lew and Christopher Truman to the Airport Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Lewis abstaining.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Alix Truman and Judith Gerber to the Cultural Arts Commission ending in 2030, and Pascale Cardozo to the Cultural Arts Commission ending in 2028. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
64. 68.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 2
City Council
July 21,2026
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Joy Sun and Tyler Stivers to the Library Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Steven Leys to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to appoint Brian Mendez to the Social Services Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Councilmember Kartsonis recused himself at 7:13 pm.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Phil Ho¡g and Mia Kartsonis to the Traffic Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Lieu seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
Councilmember Kartsonis returned to the City Council meeting at 7:15 pm MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to appoint Charles Deemer to the Water Commission ending in 2030. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to appoint Patrick Furey to the SST Citizen's Oversight Committee. Councilmember Lieu seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to appoint Michelle Polcari to the SST Citizen's Oversight Committee ending in 2030 and Christopher Truman to the SST Oversight Committee ending in 2029. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke
CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVE A ONE-T|ME EXEMPTTON TO THE TORRANCE MUNtCtpAL CODE (TMC) ARTICLE 2, SECTION 49.2.1 REGARDING HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council approve a one- time exemption to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Article 2, Section 49.2.1regarding an exemption to hours of Operation for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Event on Friday, August 7th, Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th at Charles H. Wilson P ark,' 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
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84. Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 3
City Council
July 21,2026
8C.
8D.
88.APPROVE A ONE-TIME EXEMPTION TO TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE (TMC) SECTION 46.5.38 REGARDING AN EXTENSION OF AMPLIFIED SOUND HOURS
AND APPROVE AN AMPLIFIED SOUND PERMIT FOR THE PAKISTAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT TO BE HELD AT CHARLES H. WILSON PARK, 22OO CRENSHAW BOULEVARD
Recommendation of the Community Services Director that City Council:
1. Approve a one-time exemption to Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) section 46.5.3b regarding an extension of amplified sound hours; and
2. Approve an Amplified Sound Permit for the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce Event to be held on August ïth, 2026 at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard.
APPROVE PROPOSED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PRODUCTION ASSISTANT I/II Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed job description for Production Assistant l/ll.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR SUBSIDY OF CITY FEES FOR USE OF WILSON PARK BY
PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ln response to an oral request by Councilmember Asam Sheikh with City Council concurrence, it is the recommendation of the City Manager and Community Services Director that City Council approve the request for a 25% subsidy of city fees, for an amount not-to-exceed $10,000, for use of Wilson Park by the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce for its Pakistani lndependence Festival to be held on Saturday, August 8,2026.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve the Consent Calendar with exception of item 8E. Councilmember Kartsonis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
ITEM 8E WAS REMOVED AND CONS¡DERED SEPARATELY
8E.AWARD DESIGN BUILD AGREEMENT FOR A PARKING STRUCTURE AT
TORRANCE REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER AND APPROVE A FIRST AMENDMENT
FOR OWN ER'S REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES
Recommendation of the General Services Director that City Council:
1. Award a Design Build Agreement for the Torrance Regional Transit Center Parking Structure with McCarthy Building Companies, lnc. of Sacramento, CA in the amount of $32,662,154 and authorize a 10o/o contingency of $3,266,215.40 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $35,928,369.40 for a three-year period beginning July 21,2026, and ending July 20, 2029; and
2. Approve a first amendment to contract services agreement with MOCA Systems, lnc. for Owner's Representative Services for the Torrance Regional Transit Center Parking Structure in the amount of $717,896.74 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $2,527,496.74.
Administrative Services Manager Milton Sanabria introduced the item to the City Council Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Sheikh, Administrative Services Manager Sanabria, and City Manager Chaparyan overviewed the logistics.
Councilmember Kartsonis supported the rooftop solar and stated that working on any expiring grants to support that.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 8E. Councilmember Lieu seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary 4 July 21,2026
9. HEARINGS - None Scheduled
ADMI NISTRATIVE MATTERS
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON FILLING THE DISTRICT 4
COUNCILMEMBER UNSCHEDULED VACANT SEAT
Recommendation of the City Clerk that City Council discuss and provide direction on filling the District 4 unscheduled vacant seat (term expiring March 7, 2028) created by the election of District 4 Councilmember Sharon Kalani to Mayor.
10. t0A.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary
City Clerk Poirier introduced the item to the City Council No members of the public spoke
ln response to Councilmember Kartsonis' question about the cost of a Special Election, City Clerk Poirier stated the cost.
Councilmember Sheikh questioned why the November election could not be utilized. City Clerk Poirier responded that the election would have had to been called before the installation so it was not possible.
Councilmember Gerson supported the direction of nomination for fiscal responsibility. He requested changes to the list of questions on the supplemental questionnaire.
Councilmember Sheikh inquired about a potential person applying for the appointment stating they would not run for the seat and then deciding to run for election. City Attorney Sullivan responded Council could not impose that, it would only be up to the voters to decide. ln response to Councilmember Sheikh, City Clerk Poirier stated the City Clerk does not have any investigative or enforcement authority. The only check is to verify the applicant lives in District 4 and is registered to vote at the address on the application.
Councilmember Lewis supported questions on the list but not number three on Councilmember Gerson's list could discourage individuals from applying. She and Councilmember Gerson were okay to strike the item.
Councilmembers Sheikh, Kartsonis, Lieu, and Mayor Kalani supported the updated version.
The City Council made the following changes: Separating question 1 and2, keep as is for question 2, question 10 on Councilmember Gerson's list was added, question 11 on existing questionnaire was a strike, on question I striking out "next year", question 12 on existing questionnaire was changed from an open-ended question to a closed question, question 13 on existing was voted on to change, and on question 14 on existing questionnaire was changed.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve to appoint by application and update the questionnaire. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
5 City Council
July 21,2026
IOB. APPOINT MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE REGIONAL BOARDS AND AGENCIES Recommendation of the Mayor that City Council:
1. Concur with the appointments as voting delegate and/or member and alternate to National League of Cities; League of California Cities; the Sanitation Districts of LA County; the Southern California Association of Governments; South Bay Cities Council of Governments; lndependent Cities Association; US Conference of Mayors, West Vector Control District of LA County and Torrance Sister City Association; and
2. Direct the City Clerk to update and post Form 806 on the City website.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced the item to the City Council. 'MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to approve item 108. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0. l0c.SELECT AND APPOINT CHAIRS AND MEMBERS TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council select and appoint chairs and members to City Council standing and special standing committees in accordance with the City Council Rules of Order.
Management Associate Huizar introduced the item to the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh selected Chair for Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee.
Councilmember Lewis selected Chair for Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Gerson selected Chair for Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Councilmember Lieu selected Chair for Strategic Plan Committee.
Councilmember Kartsonis selected as Chair for Community Planning and Design Committee.
Councilmember Kartsonis selected Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Councilmember Lieu selected Transportation Committee.
Councilmember Gerson selected Citizens Development and Enrichment Committee.
Councilmember Lewis selected Citízens DeveÍopment and Enrichment Committee.
Councilmember Sheikh selected Strategic Plan Committee.
Councilmember Sheikh selected Transportation Committee.
Councilmember Lewis selected Community Planning and Design Committee.
Councilmember Gerson selected Strategic Plan Committee.
Councilmember Lieu selected Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 6
City Council
July 21,2026
Councilmember Kartsonis selected Finance and Governmental Operations Committee.
Future District 4 appointee was selected for Community Planning and Design Committee, Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee, and Chair of Transportation Committee.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 10C. Councilmember Kartsonis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0. '11. AGENCY AGENDAS - None Scheduled.
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Kartsonis, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Lieu, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Kalanispoke.
Mayor Kalani received concurrence to have staff bring back a resolution reaffirming City Council commitment to serving the entire City of Torrance.
13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Kartsonis moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 11:19 p.m. to Tuesday, August 11,2026, 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, July 28, 2026 and Tuesday, August 4,2026 are City Council Dark Nights. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Sheikh voting no.
Attest:Mayor of the City of Torrance
Approved on September 15,2026
City C the City of Tr¡rrance
Aleksander Alderete
Minutes Secretary 7
City Council
July 21,2026