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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Torrance City Council Meeting - May 21, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, May 21, 2024
BodyTorrance, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 21, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Speaker 1

3:50

It's five oh four.

3:52

We'll call the city councilman to order.

3:54

City clerk.

3:54

May I have a roll call, please.

Unassigned speaker

3:58

Yes,

Speaker 2

3:59

you're honored, Councilmember Gerson.

4:01

Present.

4:01

Councilmember Kaji.

4:03

Here.

4:03

Council Member Kalani.

4:05

Present.

4:05

Council Member Lewis.

4:07

Present.

4:07

Council Member Matucci.

Speaker 1

4:09

Here.

Speaker 2

4:09

Councilmember Sheikh.

Speaker 1

4:11

Present.

Speaker 2

4:11

Count uh Mayor Chen.

Speaker 1

4:13

Present.

4:13

The council will now recess the closed session to confer with the city manager and city attorney on agenda matters listed under fourteen A.

4:21

Council with legal counsel, existing litigation.

4:25

Real property, conference with real property negotiator.

4:56

And five four nine five seven.

2:21:26

Good evening.

2:21:27

We've been in closed session.

2:21:28

City attorney, do we have any actions to report?

Speaker 3

2:21:31

Yes, Your Honor.

2:21:32

The council voted uh seven zero to deny an appeal and uphold a suspension.

Unassigned speaker

2:21:37

Uh

Speaker 3

2:21:38

that will be brought back for fines of fact and conclusions of law on June 4th.

Speaker 1

2:21:44

Thank you.

2:21:45

We are now reconvening our city council meeting.

2:21:48

I'd like to welcome everyone joining us in the council chambers, along with everyone watching remotely.

2:21:56

Item two, the flag salute and the invocation.

2:22:00

We honor those who make it possible for us to be here today.

2:22:04

If there's anyone here in the audience who is on active duty or a military veteran, please stand or raise your hands so we may recognize

Unassigned speaker

2:22:12

you.

Speaker 1

2:22:17

Please remain standing, and we have the flag salute led by Councilman Kaji, and the non-sectarian invocation by Councilwoman Kalani.

Speaker 4

2:22:27

Right.

2:22:27

Hand over your heart, ready begin.

Speaker 5

2:22:47

Father, we commit this meeting to you as we discuss the affairs of our city.

2:22:54

Enlighten us that we may accomplish our tasks to serve our city, its residents, businesses, and visitors.

2:23:05

Guide our thoughts, words, decisions, and actions towards the correct paths.

2:23:11

We ask this in your name, Hey Man.

Speaker 1

2:23:24

Item three.

2:23:49

Item four announcement withdrawn, deferred, and our supplemental items.

Speaker 6

2:24:03

Uh available on the city website, Torrance A.gov for the following items.

2:24:07

Item seven oral communications, and item eight A from City Treasurer to subtle file investment report for the month of March 2024.

2:24:15

Thank you, Honor.

Speaker 1

2:24:16

Thank you.

2:24:17

Item five, council committee meetings and announcements.

2:24:40

She was a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate who served in various influential roles.

Unassigned speaker

2:25:00

She served on the Minnesota Area Express Policy Steering Committee, Employee Relations Committee, Finance and Government Operations Committee, just to name a few.

Speaker 1

2:25:10

Her commitment to public service was unwavering, and her efforts were recognized when she received the prestigious Jarrett Sidney Torrance Award in 2014.

2:25:22

Jared Sidney Torrance Award recipients are chosen by the mayor to recognize their continued service to the community throughout their lifetime of leadership and education.

2:25:34

Maureen's legacy extends beyond her official duties.

2:25:38

She was a compassionate advocate for all residents, tirelessly working to improve our community.

2:25:46

Her efforts in local government were driven by a deep love for our community and the desire to see it flourish.

2:25:54

With an academic history at Gardena High School, El Camino College, and the University of Southern California, Maureen pursued a career in education, teaching in the LA Unified School District from 1966 until her retirement in year 2000.

2:26:13

She continued to serve the Torrance community in her role as a TUSD school board member from 2001 to 2005, then as a trustee for El Comina College from 2005 to 2013.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████68%
Parade Planning█████████14%
Fiscal Sustainability██3%
International Relations█2%
Public Facilities Naming█2%
Public Engagement█2%
Engineering And Infrastructure█2%
Public Safety█1%
Community Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Torrance City Council Meeting - May 21, 2024

The Torrance City Council met on May 21, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 p.m. followed by a regular business session at 6:30 p.m. The meeting included items related to litigation, real property negotiations, labor negotiations, and a closed hearing on a police officer suspension appeal (upheld 7–0). The public session addressed consent calendar items, administrative matters, and oral communications. Key actions included approval of exemptions for a 2025 Irish Fair and Music Festival (including alcohol sales), adoption of the 2024 Investment Policy, resolutions for the lighting district assessment levy, a school safety construction contract, and friendship city agreements with Oshu and Bizen, Japan.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved consent calendar items unanimously: acceptance of the March 2024 Investment Report; approval of the Meadow Park Parking District maintenance fee ($69.68/space) for FY 2024-25; approval of side letter agreements regarding sick time for AFSCME Local 1117 Crossing Guards, TLEA, and TRREO; and approval of side letter agreements updating language for TFFA Hazard Premium and adding a Fire Prevention Supervisor position in TPSA.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Several speakers addressed the council during Oral Communications #1. Topics included: appreciation for the Armed Forces Day parade; announcement of a new art exhibition at the Torrance Art Museum; promotion of the Torrance Theatre Company's upcoming play; criticism of the council's stance on LGBT Pride events; calls for a civilian police commission and accountability for police misconduct; and a request for the council to proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month (which had not been on the agenda).
  • During the hearing on Item 9A (Irish Fair), two members of the public spoke: Andy Porchop expressed general support and suggested weekly ethnic festivals; Charlie Salinas supported the event but opposed alcohol sales, citing his 25 years of sobriety. The event proponents, Griffin Healy and Aaron Scott, also addressed the council, explaining their 50-year history, safety measures for alcohol service (two-drink limit, own security, police oversight), and plans for cleanup and insurance.

Discussion Items

  • Item 9A – Irish Fair & Music Festival (July 2025): Staff presented a request for TMC exemptions to allow animals (Irish wolfhounds, sheepdog, six sheep for herding), overnight equipment storage, 35 volunteers camping overnight for security, and alcohol sales at Charles H. Wilson Park. Councilmembers questioned cleanup, damages, security, parking (satellite parking and shuttle options discussed), and fire/EMS coverage (private ambulance paid by organizers). The motion to proceed with all requested exemptions (including alcohol) was made by Councilmember Mattucci, seconded by Mayor Chen, and passed unanimously 7-0.
  • Item 9C – 2024 Statement of Investment Policy: Deputy City Treasurer Jasmine Allen presented the resolution adopting CMTA-certified policy changes, including updated language, FINRA requirements for broker-dealers, expanded bond purchase options, and a maximum 20% in money market mutual funds. Councilmember Sheikh confirmed all 102 securities are in compliance. A temporary typographical issue on the certification certificate was explained as a scanning artifact. Resolution 2024-24 was adopted unanimously.
  • Item 9D – Lighting District No. 99-1 Assessments FY 2024-25: Staff presented three resolutions to initiate the levy, approve the Engineer's Report, and set a public hearing for June 18, 2024. The total assessment is $1,866,272 (a $5,927 increase due to SCE rate hikes). Single-family properties would be assessed $20.50. Councilmember Kaji raised concerns about future gas tax funding due to electric vehicle transition. Resolutions 2024-25, 2024-26, and 2024-27 were adopted unanimously.
  • Item 9E – Torrance School Safety and Accessibility Program (Fern & Seaside Elementary): Public Works presented plans to replace sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and install bike lanes; award a $4,297,238 construction contract to Gentry General Engineering (13% below estimate); and approve a temporary easement with TUSD. The project is 86% funded by a 2018 competitive grant. A 10% contingency of $429,724 was authorized. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item 9F – Friendship City Agreements with Oshu and Bizen, Japan: Staff recommended establishing friendship city relations with the hometowns of LA Dodgers stars Shohei Otani (Oshu) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Bizen). Councilmember Kaji noted economic benefits already seen in local retail and hotels. Two resolutions (2024-28 for Bizen, 2024-29 for Oshu) were adopted unanimously.
  • Closed Session Matters: At the start of the meeting, the City Attorney reported that the council voted 7–0 to deny an appeal and uphold a police officer's suspension; a final order with findings of fact and conclusions of law will be brought back on June 4, 2024.

Key Outcomes

  • Police suspension appeal: Denied; suspension upheld (7-0 vote).
  • Irish Fair exemptions: Approved unanimously (animals, overnight equipment/staff, alcohol sales).
  • Investment Policy Resolution 2024-24: Adopted unanimously.
  • Lighting District resolutions (2024-25, 2024-26, 2024-27): Adopted unanimously; public hearing set for June 18, 2024.
  • School Safety construction contract (I-188): Awarded to Gentry General Engineering for $4,297,238 plus contingency; motion passed unanimously.
  • Friendship City resolutions (2024-28 for Bizen, 2024-29 for Oshu): Adopted unanimously.
  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
  • Next regular meeting: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 (closed session at 5:00 p.m., regular business at 6:30 p.m.). May 28, 2024 is a dark night.

Meeting Transcript

It's five oh four. We'll call the city councilman to order. City clerk. May I have a roll call, please. Yes, you're honored, Councilmember Gerson. Present. Councilmember Kaji. Here. Council Member Kalani. Present. Council Member Lewis. Present. Council Member Matucci. Here. Councilmember Sheikh. Present. Count uh Mayor Chen. Present. The council will now recess the closed session to confer with the city manager and city attorney on agenda matters listed under fourteen A. Council with legal counsel, existing litigation. Real property, conference with real property negotiator. And five four nine five seven. Good evening. We've been in closed session. City attorney, do we have any actions to report? Yes, Your Honor. The council voted uh seven zero to deny an appeal and uphold a suspension. Uh that will be brought back for fines of fact and conclusions of law on June 4th. Thank you. We are now reconvening our city council meeting. I'd like to welcome everyone joining us in the council chambers, along with everyone watching remotely. Item two, the flag salute and the invocation. We honor those who make it possible for us to be here today. If there's anyone here in the audience who is on active duty or a military veteran, please stand or raise your hands so we may recognize you. Please remain standing, and we have the flag salute led by Councilman Kaji, and the non-sectarian invocation by Councilwoman Kalani. Right. Hand over your heart, ready begin. Father, we commit this meeting to you as we discuss the affairs of our city. Enlighten us that we may accomplish our tasks to serve our city, its residents, businesses, and visitors. Guide our thoughts, words, decisions, and actions towards the correct paths. We ask this in your name, Hey Man. Item three. Item four announcement withdrawn, deferred, and our supplemental items. Uh available on the city website, Torrance A.gov for the following items. Item seven oral communications, and item eight A from City Treasurer to subtle file investment report for the month of March 2024. Thank you, Honor. Thank you.

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