Torrance City Council Regular Meeting Recap - March 12, 2024

The Torrance City Council met on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The meeting opened with a closed session at 5:05 p.m. and resumed in open session around 6:59 p.m.; it continued past 1:50 a.m. on March 13, 2024. The agenda included closed-session personnel, labor, real property, and litigation matters; recognition of a $10,000 donation; consent calendar approvals; an animal control program update; a police termination appeal hearing date; financial reports and budget changes; a LA Metro C-Line extension position; a pickleball court zoning ordinance; two fee subsidies; and the first of multiple hearings on City Charter amendments. The meeting adjourned to Tuesday, March 26, 2024, with closed session at 5:00 p.m. and regular business at 6:30 p.m.

Opening, Announcements, and Donation

• Torrance Fire Department received reaccreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International on February 27, 2024, for a five-year period.
• The council recognized Women's History Month, Honda executive leadership changes, the Civic Center Master Plan survey extended to March 31, 2024, small cell site policy updates, Pitch Torrents on March 19, 2024, a proposed police substation at Westgate Shopping Center, and the Bunkasai Japanese Cultural Festival on April 20-21, 2024.
• Item 6A: The city recognized a $10,000 donation from Torrance Refining Company LLC for the Torrance Police Department's John J. Neu Leadership Academy, funding two programs in 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dennis King reported that 90% of Wilson Park lights are non-functional and asked about a notice requiring organic waste in paper bags rather than biodegradable plastic bags.
• Charlie Salinas expressed appreciation for city employees.
• A speaker named Mary Ann called for an independent civilian police oversight commission, referencing the death of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell and stating that closed hearings are not sufficient.
• Susan echoed the call, citing racist text messages exchanged by Torrance PD members.
• A speaker asked why the Torrance Fire Department has not released a hazard analysis for the Torrance Refining Company and questioned PBF Energy's certification of financial responsibility.
• Ann Minder invited the council to the sixth annual STEM Day at the airport, with 150 students, including Madrona Middle School students.
• Glory Gutierrez of the League of Women Voters Torrance announced a March 28, 2024 panel on community solutions to racism, bias, and discrimination.
• James Henry raised questions about the North Torrance Girls Softball League and the Torrance Teachers Association.
• A final oral-communications speaker criticized the meeting's opening time and a warning about removal, comparing Torrance unfavorably with Redondo Beach.
• Public comments on later agenda items are summarized under the relevant discussion items below.

Consent Calendar

• Items 8A and 8B were approved unanimously: appropriation of $4,998.68 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund and authorization of change order #2 with Dana Safety Supply for police vehicle outfitting, increasing the purchase order not-to-exceed amount to $288,026.29; and acceptance/filing of the January 2024 Investment Report.
• Item 8C was pulled for separate discussion and is summarized below.

Discussion Items

Item 8C — Animal Control Program Update

• The council accepted/filed the update unanimously after discussing dog licensing enforcement, adoption follow-up, microchipping clinics, weekend ranger coverage, and no-kill shelter options.
• Staff said outreach is being expanded through social media, veterinary offices, and DocuPet follow-up for lapsed licenses. The city currently staffs two Saturdays per month and is considering four. LA County remains the only shelter provider that can handle the city's volume, and a city-run sanctuary would require substantial space, staff, and budget.

Item 9A — Police Officer Termination Appeal Hearing Date

• The council set a closed hearing for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. to consider a Civil Service Commission decision sustaining termination of a police officer. The motion carried with Councilmember Griffiths abstaining.
• City Attorney Patrick Sullivan explained that personnel discipline may be closed under the Brown Act and Peace Officer Bill of Rights, and the officer has the option to request an open hearing.

Item 9B — Hollywood Riviera Sportsman's Club Easter Egg Hunt Subsidy

• Staff reported that the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman's Club's 48th annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 30, 2024, at El Retiro Park had previously been charged a general picnic fee, but this year it qualified for the $500 special event fee.
• The club's representatives said the free community event runs about two hours, total expenses last year were about $730, and the $500 fee would nearly double their budget.
• Councilmember Griffiths moved to provide the full $500 subsidy. The motion carried unanimously.

Item 9C — Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Mid-Year Budget Review

• The council accepted/filed the FY 2022-23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and FY 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Review, approved program modifications totaling $499,528, and increased the Section 8 Housing Fund revenue and expenditure budgets by $850,000.
• Staff highlighted a projected $2.9 million increase in the General Fund operating fund balance, a $12.7 million increase in the major SSD fund, an additional $4.8 million to reserves, and 159.1 vacant full-time equivalent positions. Revenues were projected $1.7 million below budget, primarily due to sales tax.
• James Henry questioned the need for an additional payroll specialist given ADP; staff responded that automated systems cannot replace the expertise needed for complex MOUs and payroll processing. Another speaker asked about the math; staff clarified that the $499,528 is the total of program modifications, while the Section 8 increase is a budget-only action.
• The motion carried unanimously.

Item 9D — Transit Safety and LA Metro C-Line Extension Position

• Staff reported on the proposed 4.5-mile C-Line extension from Redondo Beach to the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center, with stations near South Bay Galleria and the transit center. Alternatives include right-of-way, trench, elevated Hawthorne Boulevard, and no-build.
• Staff said the Hawthorne option would disrupt businesses, cause traffic changes, and cost the city over $1 million per year in tax revenue. The right-of-way option raises noise and vibration concerns for nearby residents.
• Staff identified three awarded grants tied to the extension: $35 million for a parking structure/police substation, $6.3 million and $9.6 million for zero-emission buses. A no-build decision could jeopardize these funds.
• Torrance Police proposed a 24/7 transit detail consisting of 12 officers, two sergeants, an analyst, a substation, and technology, with a projected 2033 cost of $3,633,007 including assumed 2% CPI increases. Metro representatives said security funding arrangements would be worked out but did not commit to a specific amount.
• Councilmembers expressed divergent views: Councilmember Mattucci advocated a no-build position and described safety, homelessness, and cleanliness problems; Councilmember Griffiths expressed concern but supported the right-of-way option; Councilmember Kaji raised budget and end-of-line impacts; Councilmember Sheikh asked about alternatives and crime statistics; Councilmember Kalani and Mayor Chen noted benefits and the need for fare enforcement.
• Public comment was predominantly supportive of the right-of-way option and light rail extension. Some speakers opposed the right-of-way due to impacts on homes, and one speaker emphasized the need for a safe system.
• The council voted 5-2 to accept and file the report and continue the city's current position supporting the right-of-way and accepting the C-Line extension into Torrance, with Councilmembers Kaji and Mattucci voting no.

Item 10C — Pickleball Court Ordinance Amendment

• The council held a public hearing on Land Use Study 24-00001. Staff proposed amending Torrance Municipal Code Section 91.37.3(a) to require new pickleball courts in the P-U zone to obtain a conditional use permit and be at least 500 feet from the center of the court to residential parcel lines, while exempting existing courts.
• Public testimony included residents supporting the setback, pickleball players opposing the 500-foot restriction, and comments about quiet pickleball, sound mitigation, and the sport's health/community benefits.
• Councilmember Mattucci moved to reduce the requirement from 500 feet to 250 feet. The motion carried with Councilmembers Griffiths and Chen voting no. The council then adopted Ordinance 3931, and after a reconsideration motion, added the CEQA exemption and ordinance summary language. The final adoption carried with Councilmember Griffiths and Mayor Chen voting no.

Item 9E — STEM Day Landing Fee Subsidy

• The council approved a not-to-exceed $100 subsidy for landing fees for a Douglas DC-3 aircraft participating in the S.T.E.M. Day event at Torrance Municipal Airport - Zamperini Field on March 29, 2024, requested by Flabob Aviation Associates and Torrance Unified School District.
• Staff said the remaining fee subsidy budget was $8,222 before this action and would be $8,122 after. The motion carried unanimously.

Item 10A1/10A2 — City Charter Amendment Public Hearings

• For Item 10A1, the City Attorney and City Manager recused themselves. Special counsel Peter Brown presented recommendations concerning the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Treasurer.
• The current charter makes the City Manager removal process highly restrictive and treats the City Attorney as a civil-service protected employee. Special counsel recommended making both positions at-will, using employment contracts for future hires, removing outdated charter language, and updating minimum qualifications/removal provisions for the city clerk and treasurer.
• The City Clerk recommended minimum qualifications such as a bachelor's degree and certification for future clerks. The City Treasurer supported minimum qualifications, removal provisions, and gender-neutral language, and said he would bring a survey of other cities to the next hearing.
• The council directed special counsel to prepare language making the City Manager and City Attorney at-will with removal by majority vote, and to align removal provisions for the City Clerk and City Treasurer. The motion carried unanimously.
• For Item 10A2, the City Attorney reviewed other charter topics, including appointed versus elected clerk/treasurer, election dates, council compensation, runoff elections, residency requirements, independent expenditure regulation, and cleanup of outdated language.
• Public comment included a proposal to require public release of public health/safety information within 30 days with redactions and a request for paper-ballot, voter-ID elections.
• The council directed the City Attorney to return with charter language based on the discussion, with second and third public hearings set for April 23, 2024 and June 4, 2024. The motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar items 8A and 8B and accepted/filed the Animal Control Program update.
• Set June 18, 2024 for the closed police termination appeal hearing; Councilmember Griffiths abstained.
• Approved the full $500 subsidy for the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman's Club Easter Egg Hunt.
• Approved financial report acceptance, mid-year budget modifications totaling $499,528, and the $850,000 Section 8 Housing Fund budget increase.
• Approved 5-2 a position supporting the Metro C-Line extension via the right-of-way, with Kaji and Mattucci opposed.
• Adopted Ordinance 3931 with a 250-foot setback for new pickleball courts and CEQA exemption, with Griffiths and Chen opposed.
• Approved the $100 STEM Day landing fee subsidy.
• Directed drafting of City Charter amendments for at-will City Manager/City Attorney status and related clerk/treasurer provisions; second hearing April 23 and third hearing June 4.
• Adjourned to March 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. for closed session and 6:30 p.m. for regular business.