Torrance City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Torrance City Council held an adjourned regular meeting on December 16, 2025. Closed session began at 5:04 PM and open session reconvened at 6:38 PM, adjourning at approximately 10:42 PM. The meeting included recognitions, public comment, approval of the consent calendar with routine items, and discussion and action on commission efficiency, bicycle regulations, budget priorities, and reconsideration of the Armed Forces Day Parade. Public speakers on multiple items emphasized the importance of civic engagement and safe infrastructure.

Consent Calendar

• Items 8A–8C, 8E–8M, 8O–8P were approved unanimously. Notable approvals included:
  • Ratification of Resolution No. 2025-69 amending City Treasurer compensation.
  • Second reading of Ordinance No. 3962 amending municipal code enforcement.
  • Award of a consulting agreement to Teri Black & Company for policing reform implementation (not-to-exceed $1,250,000).
  • Amendment to ACE Parking Management contract for supplemental parking enforcement ($708,103).
  • Roof replacement at City Yard (not-to-exceed $1,382,184).
  • Amendments to on-call architectural design service agreements (total not-to-exceed $3,000,000).
  • Design-build agreement for electrical improvements at Torrance Municipal Airport – Zamperini Field (not-to-exceed $5,333,333).
  • Purchase of one Firematic Ford F550 Hazmat vehicle ($558,791).
  • Award of contract for transit on-board video surveillance ($1,024,663).
  • Approval of second amendment to Goldsworthy Desalter site lease with WRD and waiver of permit fees (estimated $3,300,000).
  • Acceptance of additional HSIP grant funds ($100,010) for traffic signal improvements at Lomita Boulevard and Madison Street.
  • Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2025–26 First Quarter Budget Review Report and approval of $3,672,663 in program modifications.
  • Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2025–26 First Quarter Investment Portfolio Report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Neemeyer thanked outgoing Community Services Director John LaRocca for his service and responsiveness.
• Adam Schwartz reported that the city’s facade improvement program is not viable due to prevailing wage requirements, describing it as a “false promise.”
• David Carzonis thanked John LaRocca and expressed appreciation for the Torrance Police Officers Association’s Santa visiting tradition.
• Sheila Richardson (Exclusive Systems president/CEO) invited the council to her office walkthrough on December 29.
• On Item 10A (commission consolidation): Former commissioner Kurt Wiedemann urged against merging planning and historic preservation, citing dissimilar responsibilities and the risk of diluting focus. Several commissioners and residents (Julie Dogiery, Joy Sun, Rosie Mayfield, Dana Berman, and others) spoke in opposition to combining commissions, stressing that commissions provide essential local involvement and expertise.
• On Item 10B (bicycle ordinance):
  • Andrew Blackney (Lawndale resident) called for a regional approach via South Bay Council of Governments, warning that inconsistent local rules discourage cycling across cities.
  • Kyle Richardson (parent and North Torrance Bike Bus founder) requested that the ordinance target unsafe behavior (gear) rather than ban specific classes of e-bikes; he noted that Class 3 e-bikes are used responsibly for family transportation.
  • Several speakers advocated for the creation of protected bike lanes as a necessary complement to restrictions on sidewalk riding.
  • One speaker strongly supported the ordinance, citing reckless behavior on sidewalks and streets.
• On Item 10D (Armed Forces Day Parade): Edward Apadaka, Mark Troy, and Michelle Brooks urged the council to reconsider the location decision, citing strong community support for the traditional parade route.
• Oral Communications #2: Mark Choi raised concerns about crime in North Torrance and asked for updates on mall security measures following a recent incident.

Discussion Items

• Item 9A – Torrance Del Amo Project: A public hearing on a 272-unit residential condominium development at 2325 Crenshaw Boulevard was continued at staff’s request; no action taken.
• Item 10A – Commission Efficiency Discussion: City Clerk Rebecca Puyee presented options to combine commissions or adjust meeting frequencies, noting staff time and training burdens. Public comment opposed reductions. Council discussed empowering the City Clerk with enforcement authority over commissioner training and attendance, and requested a financial analysis of potential savings. A motion passed 6–1 (Mayor Chen dissenting) directing staff to bring back a report on costs, attendance, and options.
• Item 10B – Bicycle and E-Bike Ordinance: Lieutenant Charles Fisher presented two options: staff’s full ordinance (adding unsafe speed, stunt riding, handheld device prohibitions, and Class 3 e-bike restrictions on sidewalks and in parks) and a limited version recommended by the Traffic Commission. Public comment focused on behavioral enforcement and protected lanes. Council adopted the full ordinance (Option 1) on a 6–1 vote (Councilmember Gerson dissenting).
• Item 10C – FY 2026–27 Budget Priorities: Councilmember Kaji, chair of the Finance and Governmental Operations Committee, presented the recommended eleven priorities for the upcoming budget cycle. Council unanimously approved the priorities.
• Item 10D – Reconsideration of Armed Forces Day Parade: The City Manager requested reconsideration of the December 2 council action on parade location. Council unanimously voted to reconsider, and set a special meeting for Friday, December 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the council chamber to discuss the matter further.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar (items 8A–8C, 8E–8M, 8O–8P) approved unanimously.
• Item 8D (Police consulting agreement for DOJ reform) approved after discussion (unanimous).
• Item 8N (Strategic Plan Committee update) accepted and filed (unanimous).
• Community matters: Resolutions honoring retirees Mark Simons (39 years), Rhonda Cleveland (39 years), and Lenora Duncan (29 years) adopted unanimously. Donations from Torrance Refining Company for the CERT program and the John J. Neu Leadership Academy ($10,000) were accepted. The Torrance High School football team was recognized for its first undefeated regular season (10–0 record, Pioneer League champions).
• Item 9A continued to a future meeting.
• Item 10A: Motion passed 6–1 to direct staff to analyze costs, attendance, and enforcement options for commissions.
• Item 10B: Full bicycle/e-bike ordinance adopted 6–1.
• Item 10C: FY 2026–27 budget priorities approved unanimously.
• Item 10D: Unanimous vote to reconsider December 2 action; special meeting scheduled for December 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM.