Torrance City Council Meeting - December 17, 2024

The Torrance City Council held a regular meeting on December 17, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 p.m. and reconvening for public business at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting lasted until approximately 1:07 a.m. the following day. Key actions included adoption of a mobile home space rent stabilization ordinance (SRSO), approval of a 260-unit townhome development (Fashion Square at Del Amo), extension of the city’s 3290 temporary housing program for homeless individuals, and approval of a contract for supplemental parking enforcement. Several consent calendar items were also approved.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8A: Adopted Resolution 2024-90 setting wages and working conditions for Torrance City Employees Association (TCEA) for FY 2024-2028, with a total expenditure of $1,454,464.
• Item 8B: Approved plans, specifications, and a public works agreement for citywide traffic signal improvements at Lomita Blvd and Madison St (T-171), appropriating $537,790 in HSIP grant funds and awarding a contract to PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. for $615,015 (with a 15% contingency), for a two-year period.
• Item 8C: Adopted Ordinance 3940 (second reading) granting a pipeline franchise to Zenith Energy West Coast Terminals LLC.
• Item 8D: Adopted Ordinance 3941 (second reading) amending the municipal code on original art display and establishing a mural policy.
• Item 8E: Approved a cost-sharing MOU with Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach for the Beach Cities Green Streets Project (S-194) and appropriated $550,607 in Measure W funds.
• Item 8F: Authorized submission of Torrance Transit’s Agency Safety Plan for FY 2024-2025.
• Item 8G: Authorized a purchase order with Rush Truck Centers for 34 replacement vehicles ($2,796,887).
• Item 8H: Approved an easement quitclaim deed with Torrance Unified School District for the Hamilton Adult Education Center.
• Item 8I (pulled for discussion): Approved a consulting services agreement with Chee Salette for design and construction administration of the WWII Camp Wall Monument at Columbia Park (not-to-exceed $500,000).
• Item 8J: Approved Transit Department participation in the Statewide Transit Mutual Assistance Compact (TransMAC).
• Item 8K (pulled for discussion): Awarded a contract to ACE Parking Management, Inc. for supplemental parking enforcement services ($565,594) for one year.
• Item 8L: Accepted and filed the Investment Report for October 2024.
• Item 8M: Approved side letter agreements with Torrance Fire Fighters Association (bilingual pay) and Torrance Municipal Employees-AFSCME Local 1117 (parking enforcement).
• Item 8N: Approved City Council minutes of November 19, 2024.
• Item 8O: Approved an eighth amendment to the legal services agreement with Rutan & Tucker LLC ($1,500,000) for Hi-Shear litigation costs.
• Item 8P: Accepted and filed October 10, 2024 meeting minutes of the Community Planning and Design Committee.
• Item 8Q: Approved a consignment agreement with Fitz Contemporary for artwork loan to Torrance Art Museum.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oral Communications (General): Six speakers addressed the council. Topics included:
  • Paul Vallejo urged the city to publicize anti-discrimination ordinances and enhance training for employees and law enforcement to address rising hate crimes, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Joe Edwards called for sustained funding for HIV prevention, PrEP, and support services.
  • Charlie Salinas spoke about misdirected anger and the need for respectful treatment.
  • Carrie and Mary Ann spoke about the death of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell in 2018, demanding an independent civilian police oversight commission; they noted it was the sixth anniversary of his death.
  • One speaker sarcastically praised the council for raising fees and giving $30,000 raises to leaders, expressing concern about affordability.
• Public Hearing 9A (Mobile Home Rent Stabilization): Approximately 15 speakers testified, overwhelmingly in support of the SRSO. Speakers included Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (who urged passage), a representative from Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office (supporting preservation of affordable housing), and numerous residents of Skyline Mobile Home Park. Residents described rent increases ranging from 10% to 18% annually, with one reporting a 91% increase over a year. Many said their fixed incomes (Social Security) could not keep up, forcing them to consider leaving their homes. Mike Masera, representing park ownership, defended the owner’s subsidy program and offered to reopen multi-year leases if the SRSO were not adopted. Several speakers criticized the subsidy as unenforceable and a “smoke screen” for excessive increases. One resident said she was “terrified.”
• Public Hearing 9B (Fashion Square at Del Amo): Two speakers commented. Don Lamb (applicant) presented the project, highlighting its 260 ownership townhomes, compliance with zoning, and traffic impact (estimated 135 additional daily trips). One resident asked for clarification on modifications to variance and development permit boundaries; staff explained the changes align with Del Amo Fashion Center entitlements. One speaker (Andy Porchop) supported the project but raised concerns about drainage from a nearby restaurant.
• Public Hearing 9C (Benevolence Industries Bonds): Two speakers commented, questioning why the council needed to act on a bond issuance where the city has no financial liability. Staff explained it was a federal TEFRA requirement.
• Item 10A (Artesia Blvd Recycled Water): One speaker criticized the use of recycled water for irrigation as a health concern and supported discontinuing it.
• Item 10B (Homeless Update): One speaker (Andy Porchop) criticized the program as spending millions while homelessness persists, noting that some of tonight’s mobile home residents may become homeless.
• Item 10F (Budget Review): One speaker (Andy Porchop) complimented the presentation but criticized tax and fee increases.
• Item 10G (KPIs): Same speaker made comments about boredom and taxes.
• Item 10H (Investment Report): Similar remarks from the same speaker.

Discussion Items

• Item 8I (WWII Camp Wall Monument): Councilmember Kalani noted the project was years in the making and thanked Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for securing a $5 million grant. The item was approved unanimously.
• Item 8K (Supplemental Parking Enforcement): Councilmembers discussed the contract’s scope, revenue neutrality, and consistency with existing street sweeping regulations. Assistance Police Chief Jeff Clark explained enforcement would focus on street sweeping violations but could address other parking issues. Councilmember Matucci initially wanted to table due to lack of information but after discussion made a motion to approve, emphasizing that enforcement should not occur after the sweeper passes. Councilmember Sheikh requested more detail but then supported the motion. The motion passed 7-0.
• Item 9A (Mobile Home Space Rent Stabilization Ordinance): Following the public hearing, council members debated the proposal. Councilmember Sheikh expressed strong support, calling it a “rent stabilization ordinance” (not rent control) and a matter of local control. Councilmember Kalani disclosed meetings with residents and ownership, asking detailed questions about the subsidy program; ownership representative Mike Masera stated that if the SRSO passed, the subsidy program would terminate. Councilmember Lewis asked about lease terms and the impact on future increases. Councilmember Gerson argued that mobile home parks are the safest real estate investments and that the city should not be in the business of negotiating contracts; he said his conscience drove him to support the ordinance. Councilmember Matucci opposed, arguing it strips property rights and noting that Proposition 33 (statewide rent control) failed. The council voted 5-2 to approve the SRSO (first reading, ordinance to return for second reading in January), with Councilmembers Gerson and Sheikh voting no. The motion to close the public hearing passed 7-0.
• Item 9B (Fashion Square at Del Amo Project): Staff presented the 260-unit townhome development on 16 acres at Carson and Madrona. The project includes 37 buildings (3-5 stories), 699 parking spaces (2.7 per unit), and a gated community. The Planning Commission had approved it 7-0. Councilmembers asked about cost, sales price (estimated $850,000 to $1.1 million), and community outreach. The applicant reported one outreach meeting with 11 attendees, mostly supportive. The council voted unanimously to approve the mitigated negative declaration, conditional use permit, development permit, subdivision, modification of variance, and modification of development permit (6 resolutions).
• Item 9C (Benevolence Industries Revenue Obligations): After a brief public hearing, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-98 approving the issuance of up to $37 million in tax-exempt bonds for health facility acquisitions, including a Torrance location. The city has no financial liability.
• Item 10A (Artesia Blvd Recycled Water Discontinuation): Staff presented that due to cross-connection health concerns, the city would permanently stop using recycled water for irrigation on Artesia Blvd parkways between Hawthorne and Western, and return maintenance to property owners. Council unanimously approved.
• Item 10B (Homeless Update & 3290 Extension): Staff provided a comprehensive update: since July 2022, 38 clients from the 3290 temporary housing site have been permanently housed, 53 connected to healthcare, and the street outreach team has responded to 710 outreach requests and permanently housed 34 individuals. The total cost to operate 3290 is $1.867 million annually, funded by federal/state grants and Measure SST as a backup. Councilmembers discussed the need for faster throughput, better outreach response times, enforcement of the anti-camping ordinance, and reliance on county/state funding. Councilmember Matucci expressed frustration that local SST funds might be used in place of county funds. Councilmember Gerson moved to accept the report and extend 3290 through June 30, 2028; the motion passed unanimously.
• Items 10F, 10G, 10H (Finance Committee Items): These items were taken up late in the meeting (after 12:30 a.m.).
  • 10F: First quarter budget review showed a projected general fund increase of $5.5 million and a net increase of $4.2 million across funds. Program modifications were approved.
  • 10G: Approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for city departments and priorities for the FY 2025-27 budget. Councilmember Gerson questioned a KPI regarding increased felony filings; staff explained it was a target to measure prosecution outcomes, not a quota. The motion passed with Gerson voting no.
  • 10H: Accepted the first quarter investment portfolio report, showing a portfolio yield of 4.489% and $3.448 million in earnings.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Mobile Home Space Rent Stabilization Ordinance (SRSO) on first reading (5-2), limiting annual rent increases to 5% plus CPI (max 10%). Second reading and final adoption scheduled for January 2025.
• Approved Fashion Square at Del Amo project (260-unit townhome development) with all six resolutions (7-0).
• Authorized supplemental parking enforcement contract with ACE Parking Management, Inc. for $565,594 (7-0).
• Extended 3290 Temporary Housing Program operations through June 30, 2028 (7-0). Staff to issue an RFP for a new operator contract and continue seeking funding.
• Discontinued recycled water irrigation on Artesia Blvd parkways and returned maintenance to property owners (7-0).
• Approved FY 2024-25 first quarter budget modifications and FY 2025-27 budget priorities and KPIs (6-1, Gerson dissenting on KPIs).
• Approved issuance of $37 million in revenue obligations for Benevolence Health Centers (7-0).
• Deferred item 10C (commission compensation changes) to a future meeting.
• Council concurred to bring back items on memorial services for former officials and an update on e-bike enforcement from police.
• Recognized Torrance High Girls Flag Football team for undefeated Pioneer League champion season.
• Certified results of the November 5, 2024 special municipal election (Measure TTC passed with 44,061 yes votes, 17,855 no).