Torrance City Council Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Torrance City Council held an adjourned regular meeting on December 2, 2025, beginning with closed session at 5:00 PM and reconvening for open business at 6:49 PM. The council addressed a range of items including consent calendar approvals, a new ordinance regulating tarps and canopies on private property, enforcement amendments for the municipal airport noise ordinance, a discussion on renaming Columbia Park, planning for the 2026 Armed Forces Day parade and celebration, funding for the 2027 Rose Float, and a conceptual plan for commemorating America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Several votes were taken and direction was provided to staff.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council minutes of November 4, 2025.
• Approved a second amendment to a property use agreement with West Basin Municipal Water District, extending the term through December 11, 2035.
• Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments.
• Accepted and filed the 2024‑25 Parks and Recreation Commission Annual Report.
• Accepted and filed investment reports for August and September 2025.
• Approved a new class specification for Information Technology Manager – Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Approved a second amendment to a consulting services agreement with Blais & Associates for grant writing (extends term to November 7, 2027).
• Approved a first amendment to the EMS billing services agreement with Wittman Enterprises, LLC, for a new not‑to‑exceed total of $2,957,303 through January 11, 2031.
• Accepted Federal Transit Administration grant awards (Section 5307 for $1,431,700 and Section 5339B for $6,280,000) and appropriated the required local match funds.
• Awarded a contract to Decals by Design, Inc. for transit fleet decals, amount not‑to‑exceed $355,010, for a one‑year term beginning December 2, 2025.
• Appropriated funds and approved a master software and services agreement with Versaterm Public Safety US, Inc. for a Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, total approximately $7,604,992 over a ten‑year term.
• Approved a first amendment to the contract with Nomad Transit, LLC for microtransit operations, increasing the not‑to‑exceed amount to $3,336,536 and extending the term through December 9, 2026, with an option for an additional seven months.
• Item 8H (discussing combining or dissolving commissions) was moved to the December 16, 2025 agenda and not considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Railroad tracks trash pile: A resident reported a large mess on railroad tracks near Torrance Boulevard and requested the city help coordinate cleanup with the railroad.
• Santa’s return: A speaker thanked the Torrance Police Department, Torrance Police Officers Association, Torrance Police Foundation, Robinson Helicopter, and Van Lingen towing for bringing Santa to Torrance streets and skies.
• Commissions delay: A resident expressed appreciation for citizen involvement through commissions and noted the item on commissions had been postponed.
• Tarp and canopy ordinance: Several residents and business representatives commented on the proposed ordinance. Harry Stuver raised concerns about using tarps to cover vehicles and requested setback modifications. Another speaker worried about impacts on vintage car owners and Old Torrance properties. Donna DuPron (Torrance Chamber of Commerce) asked for clarification on how the ordinance would affect businesses. Cameron Henson suggested focusing on nuisance rather than blanket restrictions.
• Airport noise enforcement: Multiple speakers (Chuck Costello, Richard Root, Tom, Michael Lyon, Kathleen DeLeo) urged the council to adopt the enforcement amendments, noting that violations of the existing ordinance occur and that enforcement is needed. One speaker (representing plaintiffs in ongoing litigation) argued the current ordinance provisions are preempted by federal law and urged postponing the vote.
• Columbia Park renaming: Approximately 15 speakers addressed the item. Corey Shizaki, Robert Horsting, Kelvin, Les, Mike Miyamoto, Steve Moriyama, Hana Ishi, Adiato Saimas, a JCL representative, Rosie Mayfield (parks commissioner), a resident historian, and others expressed support for renaming the park after Medal of Honor recipient Ted T. Tanouye. Others, including Janet Payne and Lynn Robinson, opposed the name change, suggesting alternative ways to honor Tanouye (e.g., a plaza) or arguing the park’s current name has historic value. John Tanouye (unrelated) and a descendant’s letter were also read in support.
• Armed Forces Day parade: Several residents spoke. One suggested combining the parade with a Fourth of July event. Another urged keeping the parade in Old Torrance. David Carzonis emphasized the importance of the traditional Torrance Boulevard route. Adam Schwartz liked the airport option for safety and cost. Others expressed attachment to the traditional format.
• Rose Float funding: Harry Stuver and Lynn Robinson encouraged the council to approve the $60,000 request, noting the float’s promotional value for the city.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance on Tarps, Canopies, and Pop‑Up Structures (Item 9A): Staff presented the draft ordinance, which would restrict temporary structures in front yards, allow them in summer months and limited times otherwise, and include safety standards. After public comment, council debated. Councilmember Kalani asked about enforcement complaints and outreach. Councilmember Lewis argued against over‑regulation and emphasized using existing code enforcement for nuisances. Councilmember Matucci supported the ordinance to protect community appearance. Councilmember Gerson and several others found the ordinance too restrictive. The council ultimately voted unanimously (7‑0) to accept and file the ordinance without implementation, effectively rejecting the proposed changes.
• Airport Ordinance Enforcement Amendment (Item 10A): Staff recommended adopting an ordinance to clarify enforcement procedures for noise and training violations at Torrance Municipal Airport. Councilmember Sheikh asked about liability for aircraft owners versus pilots. Staff explained that violations are sent to the plane’s owner, who can identify the actual pilot. The council voted unanimously (7‑0) to adopt Ordinance No. 3962 and determine it CEQA‑exempt.
• Renaming Columbia Park (Item 10B): Staff provided a timeline of the renaming request (originally to honor Ted T. Tanouye) and a recap of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting where commissioners recommended further research and community outreach. Public comment was divided. Councilmember Kaji, who made the initial motion to rename, emphasized Tanouye’s sacrifice and the park’s connection to the future World War II camp wall memorial. Councilmember Gerson expressed concerns about transparency and the short time the public had to learn about the proposal; he preferred sending the item back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for more community engagement. Councilmember Kalani noted the park’s history but leaned toward honoring Tanouye in another way (e.g., a plaza). Councilmember Lewis suggested a separate plaza rather than renaming the park. Councilmember Sheikh argued there was no rush and that more community input was needed. Councilmember Matucci urged a direct vote, stating the item had been public for many months. After a motion by Kaji to rename the park failed (3‑4: Gerson, Lewis, Kalani, Sheikh voting no), Councilmember Gerson made a substitute motion to accept the report and refer the item back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further recommendation. That motion carried 4‑3 (Kaji, Lewis, Matucci voting no).
• Armed Forces Day Parade 2026 (Item 10C): Staff presented four options—(1) traditional Torrance Boulevard route, (2) reimagined parade to downtown, (3) one‑day community parade on Sky Park Drive, and (4) all‑inclusive event at Torrance Airport—with costs ranging from $191,200 (option 4) to $707,236 (option 2). Public comments favored both the traditional format and the airport option. Council debate centered on tradition, cost, military participation, safety, and logistics. Councilmember Matucci moved to adopt option 1 with enhanced marketing to a 50‑mile radius; the motion passed 4‑3 (Gerson, Kalani, Sheikh voting no). After some discussion, the council later voted unanimously to reconsider, and then made a substitute motion to adopt option 1 while giving staff flexibility to refine the Friday night mixer and other elements within the existing budget. The final motion carried (no further specific vote split given).
• Rose Float Funding (Item 10E): The Torrance Rose Float Association requested a $60,000 advance from the General Fund for the 2027 float, to cover entry fees and early costs beginning in January 2026. The total anticipated cost for the 2027 float is approximately $235,000. Staff noted the association has raised funds for the 2026 float but depleted reserves. Several councilmembers expressed support for the promotional value of the float. The motion to approve the $60,000 appropriation carried unanimously (7‑0).
• America’s 250th Birthday Commemoration (Item 10D): Staff presented a conceptual plan “Torrance Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday,” including banners, events, digital campaigns, and a community service challenge. Estimated costs were $30,835 for banners and $6,000 for commemorative items. Council discussion suggested keeping the 250th anniversary banners up for the entire year and exploring additional locations. The motion to accept the report and provide direction to staff to coordinate the banner program passed unanimously (7‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Tarp and Canopy Ordinance: Rejected (voted to accept and file, effectively killing the ordinance).
• Airport Enforcement Ordinance: Adopted (7‑0).
• Columbia Park Renaming: Referred back to Parks and Recreation Commission for further study and community outreach (4‑3).
• Armed Forces Day Parade 2026: Directed staff to proceed with the traditional Torrance Boulevard route (option 1) with enhanced marketing and flexibility to modify Friday and Saturday events within budget (motion carried, no specific tally reported after reconsideration).
• Rose Float Funding: $60,000 appropriated from General Fund to support the 2027 float (7‑0).
• America’s 250th Birthday: Conceptual plan accepted; staff directed to implement banner program and work out details (7‑0).
• The meeting adjourned to Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM for closed session.