Torrance City Council Regular Meeting Summary - October 29, 2024

On October 29, 2024, the Torrance City Council held a regular meeting beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a closed session and reconvening at 6:30 p.m. The council took action on a consent calendar, conducted a public hearing on digital billboard regulations, and approved funding for new pickleball courts. All votes were unanimous.

Proclamations and Legislative Update

• Military Veterans Appreciation Week Proclamation (6A): The council proclaimed November 4–11, 2024 as Military Veterans Appreciation Week. Social Service Commission members and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 53 accepted the proclamation and announced a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon and Resource Fair on November 8, 2024 at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
• Legislative Update (6B): Senator Steven Bradford (35th State Senate District) provided a final legislative update, highlighting bills signed into law on consumer protections, cannabis taxes, energy affordability, and reparations. He noted Torrance will no longer be in his district after the November 5 election and thanked the council for their partnership.

Consent Calendar

• 8A: Approved City Council minutes of October 15, 2024.
• 8B: Adopted Resolution 2024-80 setting hours, wages, and working conditions for executive and management employees, repealing Resolution 2024-66.
• 8C: Adopted Resolution 2024-81 pursuant to MOU with Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees Association (TFEA) for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2028; expenditure of $2,151,876 (approximately $537,969 annually).
• 8D: Determined CEQA exemption, adopted Resolution 2024-82 declaring intent to consider a fuel oil pipeline franchise from Zenith Energy West Coast Terminals LLC, and set a public hearing for November 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
• 8E: Adopted Resolution 2024-83 amending Resolution 2024-69 to memorialize the Torrance Police Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Incentive Pilot Program.
• 8F: Approved first amendment to consulting services agreement with Blais & Associates for grant writing services; $170,223 (new not-to-exceed $323,013 through Nov 7, 2025).
• 8G: Approved side letter agreement between Torrance Professional and Supervisory Association (TPSA) and Management modifying pay ranges and PARS plan.
• 8H: Approved two side letter agreements: one with Torrance Fire Fighters Association modifying longevity pay and vacation accrual for rehired firefighters, and one with Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 implementing an Enhanced Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program.

The consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Communications #1:

  • Janet Payne (Torrance Historical Society) announced museum open days and a "Visit with a Veteran" event.
  • Charlie Salinas promoted the Historical Society’s veteran event.
  • A speaker urged a "no" vote on proposed Charter Amendment TC, arguing it removes accountability for fund sources and disbursement.
  • Andy Portia criticized Civil Service Commissioner Pat Fury’s behavior and questioned council’s appointment.
  • A speaker asked if the city paid a consultant to fine-tune the TC language for council pay raises; City Manager confirmed a consultant was used for ballot language.
  • Luke Mosco (RC Club president) requested communication on a prior agreement but no funding yet.

• Public Hearing on Digital Billboards (9A):

  • Jack, a property owner on Prairie and Artesia, expressed support for digital billboards and requested a half-mile spacing instead of one mile.
  • Andy Portia supported billboards but asked to shield Pat Fury from them.

• Pickleball Facilities (10A):

  • Debbie Martin and Jeff Martin voiced strong support for new pickleball courts, citing community health and bonding.
  • Multiple residents urged more courts, noting Torrance lacks adequate facilities and many travel elsewhere to play.
  • Sean, a player at Serla Brea, supported the Wilson Park courts.

Discussion Items

• Digital Billboard Ordinance (9A):

  • Staff presented proposed amendments to allow electronic/digital billboards along freeways, defining on-premise vs. off-premise signs. Up to 12 potential sites, with 10 meeting criteria, including two city-owned parcels. Revenue estimated at $100,000–$120,000 annually per sign.
  • Council debate focused on controlling proliferation: Councilmember Kalani moved to separate on-premise and off-premise allowances. After discussion:
    • First motion: Strike subsection L from Section 911.6.100 to allow on-premise digital signs. Unanimously approved.
    • Second motion: Restrict off-premise digital billboards to city-owned property only, eliminate the one-acre minimum lot size, reduce required spacing from one mile to half a mile, and remove the conditional use permit requirement (Section 911.10.010.C). Unanimously approved.
  • The ordinance (as amended) was adopted unanimously; staff will bring back development agreements for specific sites.

• Pickleball Facilities (10A):

  • Staff recommended allocating $1,250,000 from the Wilson Park Building Aid Capital Improvement Project to construct eight new pickleball courts at Wilson Park. The existing condemned building will be demolished this fiscal year; future phases will design replacement facilities.
  • Council supported the investment, with Councilmember Kalani noting private-sector interest in indoor/outdoor commercial pickleball venues.
  • A motion to approve item 10A passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: All items 8A–8H approved unanimously.
• Digital Billboard Ordinance: On-premise signs allowed immediately; off-premise signs restricted to city property with new standards (no acre requirement, 0.5-mile spacing). Ordinance 3939 adopted unanimously.
• Pickleball Courts: $1,250,000 allocated from Building Aid fund for eight new courts at Wilson Park; staff to return with contract and operational policy.
• Deferred Item: Item 10B (Commission compensation) was withdrawn and rescheduled for November 19, 2024.
• Meeting Adjourned: To November 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (closed session) and 6:30 p.m. (regular business).