Torrance City Council Meeting - October 21, 2025\n\nThe Torrance City Council met on October 21, 2025, in closed session at 5:00 PM and reconvened for regular business at 6:41 PM, adjourning at 10:28 PM. The meeting included community recognitions, public hearings on the CAPER and Fire Code, selection of utility box art, and extensive public comment on bicycle safety infrastructure. The council approved the consent calendar (with item 8G pulled and voted separately), adopted resolutions for labor agreements and the Fire Code, and selected 12 artworks for the Utility Box Public Art Program Phase 2.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Items 8A-8F were approved unanimously, including: approval of September 23, 2025 minutes; consulting agreement with Onward Engineering ($315,400) for Hawthorne Blvd right-turn lane design; purchase order with Blue Angel International LLC ($2,501,766.75) for asphalt concrete; CEQA exemption and consent to alterations for South End Racquet and Health Club; side letter agreement with TPOA regarding special pay premiums; and resolutions setting hours/wages for Torrance Police Commanders Association ($139,089 annually) and Police Safety Management ($47,910 annually), repealing Resolution 2024-65.\n- Item 8G was pulled from the consent calendar and voted separately. The council adopted Resolution 2025-64 setting the city attorney's monthly pay point at $22,978.50 (an 8.1% increase effective May 4, 2025) and repealing Resolution 2024-34. The motion carried unanimously.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Oral Communications #1 (bicycle safety): A total of 14 speakers (residents of Torrance, Lawndale, and Redondo Beach) urged the council to support the Redondo Beach Metro Active Transport Project – a 3.3-mile climate-resilient bike path from Redondo Beach through Torrance to El Camino College. Speakers emphasized the need for protected, physically separated bike lanes (Class IV) rather than painted lanes, citing safety concerns, close calls, and a desire for family-friendly active transportation. One speaker noted 144 campaign signatures in support. Another mentioned the project's design currently includes unprotected bike lanes. Speakers referenced Torrance's General Plan supporting such infrastructure.\n- Oral Communications #2: Two additional speakers continued urging improved bike infrastructure, noting that current painted lanes are insufficient and that the council's will is needed to upgrade.\n- Public Hearings: No public speakers appeared for the CAPER (9A) or Fire Code (9B) hearings.\n- Utility Box Art (10A): Two speakers commended the program; one suggested adding the fifth military service to a design (later addressed by council).\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Item 9A – CAPER Public Hearing: Community Development staff presented the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), submitted to HUD on September 26, 2025. The city did not expend HOME funds in FY 2024-25 but anticipates funding a future affordable housing project. CDBG funds were used for a sidewalk improvement project (13,000 sq ft, 32 ADA-compliant curb ramps) and a fair housing contract serving 131 Torrance residents. The city's Section 8 program assists 487 households. Councilmember Shea asked clarifying questions about Section 8 processes. No public comment. The hearing was closed unanimously.\n- Item 9B – 2025 California Fire Code: Fire staff presented the state-mandated code update (every three years). The council adopted Resolution 2025-65 justifying local amendments due to unique geological, topographic, and climatic conditions, and Ordinance 3960 adopting the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments. Councilmember Kaji inquired about ember-resistant vents for high fire risk areas; staff noted no current mandate but that state codes for fire hazard severity zones take effect January 2026. The motion to adopt the resolution and ordinance (including CEQA exemption) passed unanimously.\n- Item 10A – Utility Box Public Art Program Phase 2: Community Services staff presented 12 recommended artworks from the Cultural Arts Commission (selected from over 30 new submissions, plus 6 from the MKG Leadership Academy). Locations were identified per council district. Following a brief public comment, each council member selected two artworks for their district (12 total). Selections included: District 1: page 8 (Blink) and page 9 (Ocean Depths); District 2: page 26 (military-themed with Space Force addition) and page 5 (The Wave); District 3: pages 13 and 14 (MKG Leadership Academy designs); District 4: page 15 (Happy to Help) and page 12 (Wild Haven); District 5: page 100 (children's map) and page 79 (Great things never come from comfort zone); District 6: page 14 (airport-themed) and page 7 (Santa Fe). Staff noted one location originally misassigned; they will work with Councilmember Matucci to identify an alternative site in District 5.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Consent Calendar approved (8A-8F) unanimously; Resolution 2025-64 (city attorney salary) adopted unanimously.\n- CAPER public hearing closed; no further action required.\n- 2025 California Fire Code adopted via Resolution 2025-65 and Ordinance 3960 (unanimous).\n- Utility Box Art Selections approved: 12 artworks chosen by council members for Phase 2 installation, with first wraps expected by end of January 2026 and all by end of April 2026. Staff will adjust one location in District 5.\n- Closed Session (labor negotiations with 21 employee organizations): No reportable actions.\n- Next Meeting: November 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, regular business at 6:30 PM. October 28 is a dark night.