8A
Date: October 6, 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 - Supplemental #1 for Agenda Item 8A
DISCUSSION
Subsequent to the posting of the item, staff became aware of a scrivener's error in the September 1, 2026, City Council Minutes. The revised September 1, 2026, City Council Minutes have been attached.
ATTACHMENT
1. Revised September 1, 2026, City Council Minutes (Subject to Approval) 1 Aleksander Alderete City Council
Minutes Secretary September 1, 2026
INDEX
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
SUBJECT PAGE
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. Call to Order/Roll Call 1
2. Flag Salute/Invocation 1
3. Withdrawn, Deferred or Supplemental Items 2
4. Affidavit of Posting/Waive Further Reading 1-2
5. Council Committee Meetings and Announcements 2
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8A. Adopt RESOLUTION to Deny the Appeal and Denial of a Minor Hillside Exemption to Allow a Proposed 694 Square Foot Attached Garage Located on the North Side of an Existing One-Story Single-Family Residence, on Property Located within the Hillside Overlay (R-H) in the Single-Family Residential District (R-1) Zone at 439 Via Linda Vista; (APN 7514-012-028), and Determine a Statutory Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 3-4
8B. Approve Transfer and Appropriation of Funds for Airport Site Remediation 2
8C. Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement C2024-170 with Hometown Manufacturing, Inc. for the Purchase of Ten (10) Rubber Wheel Trolleys 4
8D. Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Approve and Authorize Mayor to Execute Temporary Construction Easement Located on City-Owned Property at 20500 Madrona Avenue for the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion Project 2 8E. Approve Amendment to Measure M Funding Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) 2 8F. Adopt Categorical Exemption Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301, Adopt RESOLUTION Determining Certain City-Owned Property is Not Required for City Purposes and that Leasing the Property is in the Public Interest and Approve a Lease Agreement for City-Owned Property at 23860-3870 Madison Street 3
8G. Approve Third Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement for Torrance Civic Center Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study 3 8H. Approve Proposed Class Specification for Landscape Architect/Park Development Manager 3
9. HEARINGS
9A. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt RESOLUTIONS to Deny an Appeal and Uphold the Planning Commission’s Approval of a Precise Plan of Development, in Conjunction with a Waiver of Setback Requirements, to Allow First and Second Story Additions and Attached Basement Level One-Car Garage to an Existing Three-Story Single Family Residence at 459 Via El Chico (APN: 7531-016-054) and Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 4-6 9B. Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a RESOLUTION to Deny an Appeal and Uphold the Planning Commission’s Approval of a Modification (MOD26-00001), to Allow First and Second Story Additions to an Existing Two-Story Single-Family Residence at 317 Calle Mayor 2 ATTACHMENT 1
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(APN: 7514-020-044) and Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 6-8
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. Accept and File Economic Development Update 8-9
11. AGENCY AGENDAS
12. COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 9
13. CLOSED SESSION 1, 9
14. ADJOURNMENT 9
At 12:12 a.m., the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, September 15, 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, September 8, 2026 is a City Council Dark Night. 3 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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September 1, 2026
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Torrance City Council convened in a regular meeting on September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Leroy J. Jackson City Council Chambers at Torrance City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Gerson, Kartsonis, Barnett, Lewis, Sheikh, and Mayor Kalani
Absent: Councilmember Lieu
Present: City Manager Chaparyan, City Attorney Sullivan, Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota 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 5:01 p.m. to confer with the City Manager and the City Attorney on agenda matters listed under 13A) Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, 13B) Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, 13C) Real Property – Conference With Real Property Negotiator and 13D) Conference With Labor Negotiator - Litigation pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2), California Government Code §54956.9(d)(4), California Government Code §54956.8 and California Government Code §54957.6.
Councilmember Kartsonis recused himself from item 13A at 5:01 p.m.
Councilmember Lieu arrived at the City Council meeting at 5:10 p.m.
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/ INVOCATION
The flag salute was led by Councilmember Sheikh.
The non-sectarian invocation was given by Councilmember Gerson.
3. WITHDRAWN, DEFERRED OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS
Supplemental material was available for items 9A and 9B. 4 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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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 Kalani requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mark Christensen.
Mayor Kalani reminded the public of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the lives lost at the front of City Hall.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota stated that the General Election would be November 3 and information would be sent to voters. Vote by mail would begin being sent no later than October
5. Vote centers would be open October 24. She also stated that applications were open for Commission on Aging, Civil Service Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission. Applications are due by September 17. She continued that LA County Registrar Recruiter announced that they were recruiting bilingual community members to server as election workers for the upcoming General Election.
6. COMMUNITY MATTERS – None Scheduled.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public spoke.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8B. APPROVE TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR AIRPORT SITE
REMEDIATION
Recommendation of the Finance Director that City Council:
1. Approve transferring $3,000,000 of Airport Capital Funds from the Airport Site Remediation project (OP95-6002-OP0003) to the Capital Improvement Fund; and
2. Appropriate $3,000,000 of Capital Improvement Funds to a newly created capital project.
8D. ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AND APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT LOCATED ON CITY-OWNED
PROPERTY AT 20500 MADRONA AVENUE FOR THE GOLDSWORTHY DESALTER
EXPANSION PROJECT
Recommendation of the City Manager and Public Works Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption pursuant to Guideline Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
2. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a non-exclusive Temporary Construction Easement to the benefit of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) located on a portion of City-owned property located at 20500 Madrona Avenue for work related to the Goldsworth Desalter Expansion Project.
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8E. APPROVE AMENDMENT TO MEASURE M FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) Recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to Measure M Funding Agreement No. 9200000000M460107 with LACMTA (FTIP#: LA9919281) for the Measure M Grant (MM4601.07) - Transportation Open Space Corridor Multi-Use Trail project (I 194-RW0001) to extend the funding lapse date to June 30, 2027.
8F. ADOPT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) SECTION 15301, ADOPT RESOLUTION DETERMINING
CERTAIN CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CITY PURPOSES AND
THAT LEASING THE PROPERTY IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND APPROVE A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 23860-3870 MADISON STREET
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council:
1. Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption pursuant to Guideline Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
2. Adopt a RESOLUTION determining certain City-owned property is not required for City purposes and that leasing the property is in the public interest; and
3. Approve a new lease agreement made by and between the City of Torrance and Coastline Covenant Church, for City-owned property located at 23860-3870 Madison Street for a three-year (3) period beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2029 with an option to extend for an additional two-year (2) period. 8G. APPROVE THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
TORRANCE CIVIC CENTER MASTER PLAN AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council approve a Third Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Gruen Associates of Los Angeles, CA (C2023- 105) to extend the contract term for an additional seventeen (17) months through December 31, 2027.
8H. APPROVE PROPOSED CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECT/PARK DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Recommendation of the Civil Service Commission and Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed class specification for the Landscape Architect/Park Development Manager.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-78
DETERMINING CERTAIN CITY OWNED PROPERTY NOT REQUIRED FOR CITY PURPOSES AND THAT LEASING THE PROPERTY IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
MOTION: Councilmember Lieu moved to approve the Consent Calendar and adopt Resolution No. 2026-78, except items 8A and 8C. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
ITEMS 8A AND 8C WERE REMOVED AND TAKEN AT THIS TIME
Councilmembers Lieu and Kartsonis recused themselves at 6:54 p.m. 6 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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8A. ADOPT RESOLUTION TO DENY THE APPEAL AND DENIAL OF A MINOR HILLSIDE EXEMPTION TO ALLOW A PROPOSED 694 SQUARE FOOT ATTACHED GARAGE
LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF AN EXISTING ONE-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY (R-H) IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-1) ZONE AT 439 VIA LINDA VISTA; (APN 7514-012-028), AND DETERMINE A STATUTORY EXEMPTION FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Based on the City Council’s direction at their meeting date of August 11, 2026, it is the recommendation of the Community Development Director that City Council:
1. Adopt a RESOLUTION to deny the appeal and deny Minor Hillside Exemption (MHE25- 00051) to allow a proposed 694 square foot attached garage located on the north side of an existing one-story single family residence, on property located within the hillside overlay (R-H) in the Single-Family Residential District (R-1) Zone at 439 Via Linda Vista; and
2. Determine the project is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA State guideline, Section 15270(a) – Project Which Are Disapproved.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-77 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA,
DENYING AN APPEAL AND DENIAL OF A MINOR HILLSIDE EXEMPTION AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 41 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR A PROPOSED 694 SQUARE FOOT ATTACHED GARAGE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF
AN EXISTING ONE-STORY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE, ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-1) ZONE AT 439 VIA LINDA VISTA.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-77.
Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Kartsonis and Lieu recused.
Councilmembers Kartsonis and Lieu returned to the City Council meeting at 6:57 p.m. 8C. APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT C2024- 170 WITH HOMETOWN MANUFACTURING, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF TEN (10)
RUBBER WHEEL TROLLEYS
Recommendation of the Transit Director that City Council approve the Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement C2024-170 with Hometown Manufacturing Inc. of Crandon, WI, for the purchase and delivery of ten (10) rubber wheel trolley buses and to extend the term to December 31, 2026.
Transit Director Kim Turner and Fleet Services Manager Art Estrada introduced and overviewed the item for the City Council.
Councilmember Sheikh and Fleet Services Manager Estrada discussed the deadline of December as well as the extension and how it related to no more new funds being added.
Mayor Kalani and Mr. Mock discussed the routes for the trolley.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to approve item 8C. Councilmember Kartsonis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 7 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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9. HEARINGS
Councilmember Kartsonis recused himself from items 9A and 9B at 7:05 p.m. 9A. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT RESOLUTIONS TO DENY AN APPEAL AND UPHOLD THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN
OF DEVELOPMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A WAIVER OF SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS, TO ALLOW FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITIONS AND ATTACHED BASEMENT LEVEL ONE-CAR GARAGE TO AN EXISTING THREESTORY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 459 VIA EL CHICO (APN: 7531-016-054)
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
3. Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 19, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15305 (Minor Alterations); and
4. Adopt RESOLUTIONS for the approval of Precise Plan of Development (PRE25-00005) to allow the construction of first and second story additions and attached basement level one-car garage to an existing three-story single-family residence, in conjunction with Waiver (WAV25-00003) of the setback requirements, on property located within the Hillside Overlay (R-H) District, in the Single Family Residential (R-1) Zone (APN: 7531- 016-054).
Councilmember Sheikh disclosed that he met with the appellant and applicant but would base his decision on evidence presented during the hearing.
Mayor Kalani disclosed that she visited the subject property and other properties submitted and spoke with a neighbor. She stated that she would base her decision on evidence provided during the meeting.
Councilmember Barnett disclosed that she visited the sites and surrounding areas and talked with a neighbor. She stated she would vote based on evidence provided during the hearing.
Planning Associate Yolanda Gomez introduced the item to the City Council using slides outlining project location, background, appeal overview, site plan, 3D aerial view, elevations and recommendations.
The appellant stated that his main goal was reasonable privacy modification involving the new second floor that can see his property. He stated that he respects the Planning Commission’s judgment but that the hillside findings don’t ask about the impact and its substantial nature. He continued that he wants the clear portion of the east second floor windows to start 5.5 feet above finished floor and with some obscuring window paneling. He stated that this would not prevent Mr. Grablowski from getting his wanted additions. He added that there were compromises that both parties could make.
The proponent, represented by Mr. Negi Bakum, explained that the lot was unusually shaped and they tried to mitigate where possible. There were tall buildings around that look around and through their building. He added that they worked with neighbors to minimize and not create anything significant. He stated that the privacy issue was not significant due to the long distance and even with Hillside Overlay would not consider this a privacy issue. He continued that his client got many support letters and that they did a lot of flagging. 8 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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Mr. Grablowski commented that for reasons that his family has grown that he requires more space. He continued that he discussed with neighbors and made sure to get approval from each. He explained that the garage was because he has 4 kids and the street parking is gone.
He stated that he has made modifications to the project in order to accommodate. He stated that the privacy issue is due to him having an ADU in the front/side-yard. He enumerated the ways his family have been good neighbors and that they have worked hard to be accommodating.
No members of the public spoke.
The appellant Mr. Nostowski denied ignoring Mr. Grablowski’s calls to work with him, and that Mr. Bakum was also his architect. He stated that the neighbors should be working with each other in the HOO. He reiterated that he needed one minor compromise.
Councilmember Sheikh and Planning Associate Gomez discussed the privacy impacts, as well as the hardship clause. Mr. Bakum, in response to Councilmember Sheikh, explained the topography and the difficulties, which led to the design as it was. They overviewed the privacy aspect of the construction. City Attorney Sullivan elaborated on the legal aspects of substantial impact to light, view, air, and privacy. Councilmember Sheikh and Mr. Bakum discussed the multiple adjustments made that the applicant mentioned, such as reducing the height of the building and modifying the gable roof design by eliminating it.
Councilmember Gerson stated that his opinion had not changed from how the Planning Commission originally determined the project.
Councilmember Lieu stated that a property should be able to avoid restrictions of the HOO while also invoking its protections. She agreed that both the ADU and SB9 were not subject to the HOO subjective development standards. She continued that the appellant’s original home would have minimal impacts and she would deny the appeal.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Sheikh seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-79 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA,
DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A
PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A WAIVER OF SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 41 OF THE
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ALLOW FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITIONS AND
ATTACHED BASEMENT LEVEL ONE-CAR GARAGE TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY DISTRICT (R-H) IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE AT 459 VIA EL CHICO.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-80 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE CALIFORNIA, DENYING
AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A WAIVER TO
ALLOW LESS THAN THE REQUIRED SETBACK REQUIREMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT AS PROVIDED FOR IN DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE 2 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW BASEMENT ONE AND TWOSTORY ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING THREE-STORY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ON
PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY DISTRICT RH IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL R1 ZONE AT 459 VIA EL CHICO.
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MOTION: Councilmember Lewis moved to deny the appeal and uphold Planning Commission approval of precise plan of development, determine categorical exemption for CEQA, adopt Resolution MOD 26-001, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-79 and 2026-80.
Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0 with Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
9B. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO DENY AN APPEAL AND UPHOLD THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL OF A MODIFICATION (MOD26-00001), TO ALLOW FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 317 CALLE MAYOR (APN:
7514-020-044) 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
3. Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Article 19, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); and
4. Adopt a RESOLUTION for the approval of MOD26-00001 of a previously approved PP83-42 to allow first and second story additions to an existing two-story single-family residence, on property located within the Hillside Overlay in the Single Family Residential (R-1) Zone at 317 Calle Mayor.
Planning Assistant Ulysses Vazquez used slides to overview project location, background, appeal overview, project plans, site photos, and recommendations.
Mayor Kalani disclosed she visited the site and walked the area.
Councilmember Barnett and Councilmember Sheikh disclosed they visited the site.
The appellant, Jillen Danis, requested that a small portion of the project be modified to protect the privacy of her home. She stated that the master bedroom view window and the balcony addition and sliding glass doors were the largest concerns. She stated that she was concerned about the size and proximity of the master bedroom window. She continued that the project already has views from a balcony and that this was excessive given the privacy concerns. She overviewed the various negative factors causing privacy loss such as the glass door, and that her home was now in view of the balcony.
William Beverly, speaking in support of Ms. Danis, stated that the staff report had misrepresentations such as the description of the deck. They argued that the addition of the railing is making the once unusable deck accessible, which does create a new vantage point. They also argued that the code is not clear and that regardless of that clarity, the project does pose a greater than minor impact.
Members of the public were allowed to speak at this time.
Michael Forbes stated that the privacy would be greatly impacted negatively from the project.
Todd Van Der Plein stated that there was an abuse of the codes and that he hopes that there is an approval.
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Mr. Beverly stated that the good things they were doing were not credit against things they should not be doing. He requested the Council uphold the appeal and deny the project. Ms. Davis stated that no one came to her house to look at the vantage points.
Councilmember Gerson and Mr. Beverly overviewed the point of the sundeck and its usage due to the railing, as well as the vantage points.
Councilmember Lieu and Planning Assistant Vazque discussed the wordage of living space and the logistics of railings. Community Development Director Ramirez elaborated on the building checks.
Councilmember Lieu recounted a resident that found the project would adversely impact her property, and that the HOO was designed to protect its residents from negative impacts. She continued that if the project goes through, that the applicant fulfill the promise to cut down the trees. She added that she disagreed with staff findings, and that the appellant’s privacy would be violated under the HOO. She stated she would vote yes on the appeal.
The City Council went to recess at 8:41 p.m. The City Council returned from recess at 9:02 p.m.
Councilmember Gerson and the applicant overviewed the pictures. She stated that she gathered all possible issues and fixed them in collaboration with neighbors. In response to Councilmember Gerson, the applicant stated that the current height 25.8 feet for proposed and the west end was 24.8 feet. The applicant explained the reasoning for the theme and other factors to help neighbors with their requests. Low roof and views were the most important factors for her team.
Councilmember Sheikh and the applicant discussed the modifications that were made.
Councilmember Sheikh suggested to reduce by one foot, and the applicant responded that they were willing to be flexible.
Mayor Kalani and Ms. Davis discussed the views that are causing privacy concerns. Mayor Kalani and Planning Assistant Vazquez overviewed the site visit that verified the silhouette locations and certification. Mayor Kalani stated she did not see a significant different in existing roof height from the silhouettes.
Councilmember Barnett received clarification about the railing and the balcony. She added that she saw no significant difference.
Councilmember Lieu and the applicant discussed the removal of the trees. He stated that cutting the trees was something the community had been wanting and they were obstructing views.
MOTION: Councilmember Sheikh moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
Deputy City Clerk III Cammarota read the number and title for Resolution No. 2026-81 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 MODIFICATION (MOD26-00001) OF A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT (PP83-42) TO ALLOW FIRST AND SECOND
STORY ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, ON 11 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE HILLSIDE OVERLAY (R-H) IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-1) ZONE AT 317 CALLE MAYOR.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to deny the appeal, determine a categorical exemption from CEQA, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-81. Councilmember Barnett seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1 with Councilmember Lieu voting no and Councilmember Kartsonis recused.
Councilmember Kartsonis returned to the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
10A. ACCEPT AND FILE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Recommendation of the City Manager that City Council accept and file the Economic Development Update.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton introduced the item to the City Council.
Members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Lieu and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the marketing tools that are being refreshed.
Councilmember Sheikh and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the façade program such as economic development funding usage, as well as efforts to retain business in Torance. Councilmember Sheikh and Finance Director Dailey overviewed any online sales inclusion in the reports. Economic Development Manager Fulton echoed City Manager Chaparyan’s comments on the safe and clean initiative. Councilmember Sheikh and Finance Director Bailey discussed the process of where the good was purchased and how Torrance is affected.
Councilmember Kartsonis and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the passport program and having it be in the spring and district based.
Mayor Kalani and Economic Development Manager Fulton overviewed the office hours and the ways to contact, including the Placer AI. Economic Development Manager Fulton stated businesses can work with the information from that. Mayor Kalani requested to make the data sharable and to create a dashboard.
Mayor Kalani and Economic Development Manager Fulton discussed the potential of a research incubator.
MOTION: Councilmember Gerson moved to approve item 10A. Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
11. AGENCY AGENDAS – None Scheduled.
12. CITY COUNCIL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No members of the public spoke.
Councilmember Gerson, Councilmember Lieu, Councilmember Barnett, Councilmember Lewis, Councilmember Kartsonis, Councilmember Sheikh and Mayor Kalani spoke. 12 Aleksander Alderete City Council
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13. CLOSED SESSION
Considered earlier, see page 1. The City Council returned to closed session at 10:25 p.m. to confer on matters listed earlier. The City Council returned from closed session at 12:11 a.m.
14. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Councilmember Barnett moved to adjourn the City Council meeting at 12:12 a.m. to Tuesday, September 15, 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, September 8, 2026 is a City Council Dark Night. Councilmember Gerson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Attest: Mayor of the City of Torrance
Rebecca Poirier Approved on October 6, 2026.
City Clerk of the City of Torrance
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