CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
July 20, 2022
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Architectural Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: July 20, 2022 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER REBECCA PYNOOS
New Commissioner Rebecca Pynoos was sworn in by City Clerk Huma Ahmed.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Pynoos, Meyer, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Mark Odell, Christine Delostrinos, Karen Myron, Huma Ahmed
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as amended, noting that item #5, Cartier, will be continued to a future meeting per a request from the applicant.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Architectural Commission regular meeting of June 15, 2022.
H-1
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 20, 2022
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Meyer, SECONDED by Commissioner Matson to adopt the minutes as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Meyer, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Pynoos
CARRIED
2. RESOLUTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY
HILLS CONTINUING TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(e) AND
MAKING FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS REGARDING THE SAME
Recent legislation was adopted allowing the Architectural Commission to continue virtual meetings during the COVID-19 declared emergency subject to certain conditions, and the proposed resolution implements the necessary requirements.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Meyer, SECONDED by Commissioner Pynoos to adopt the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Meyer, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
3. 9656-9658 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
Commercial Building (PL2200285 and PL2200286)
Request for approval for an architectural review to allow façade modifications. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Project Planner: Christine Delostrinos, Associate Planner Project Applicant: Pacific Wilshire Roxbury, LLC
Project Representative: Cosimo Pizzulli, Pizzulli Associates Inc.
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Meyer, SECONDED by Commissioner Matson to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0).
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 20, 2022
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Meyer, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber
NOES: None
CARRIED
Commissioner Meyer advised that item #4 is less than 500 feet of property in which he has a financial interest. As such, he recused from the item and left the room at 1:54 PM.
4. 327 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Loewe (PL2200301)
Request for approval for an architectural review to allow a construction barricade with lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Project Planner: Christine Delostrinos, Associate Planner Project Applicant: Loewe, LLC
Project Representative: John Warner, Permit Advisors
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Matson, SECONDED by Vice Chair Devlin to adopt the resolution as amended (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber
NOES: None
RECUSED: Commissioner Meyer
CARRIED
Commissioner Meyer returned to the meeting at 2:04 PM.
5. 370 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Cartier (PL2200313)
Request for approval of a one-year extension for an Architectural Review Permit for a new three-story building that includes a Sign Accommodation to allow multiple Business Identification Signs and landscaping on the outdoor terrace. The Architectural Commission previously adopted a Categorical Exemption for the project on September 12, 2018, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act; no further environmental review is required at this time.
Per the applicant’s request, this item was not discussed, and will be continued to a future meeting.
6. 9430 OLYMPIC BOULEVARD
Office Building (PL2200311)
Request for approval of an architectural review to allow façade modifications, minor landscaping, and a Sign Accommodation for a Building Identification Sign. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 20, 2022
Project Planner: Christine Delostrinos, Associate Planner Project Applicant: Klawler and Associates
Project Representative: Joe Campi
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Chair Schreiber, SECONDED by Commissioner Meyer to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Meyer, Matson, Vice Chair Devlin, Chair Schreiber
NOES: None
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
No Items
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION;
Commissioner Matson welcomed new Commissioner Pynoos to the team. Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
o Chair Schreiber provided brief updates from the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting. Meeting video is available online.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
Urban Designer Updates
o On behalf of staff, Urban Designer Mark Odell welcomed new Chair and Vice Chair Schreiber and Devlin, respectively, and also welcomed new Commissioner Pynoos.
7. 2022 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: July 20, 2022 / 2:35 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
SYNOPSIS
July 21, 2022
1:30 PM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: July 21, 2022 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Alpert, Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom Commissioners Absent: Chair Millan
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Debby Dunn, Shana Epstein, Daren Grilley, Michael Hensley, Ilene Knebel, Tristan Malabanan, Rob Welch
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE (Taken between TAB 2 & TAB 3) Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the agenda.
Public Comment: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Chair Nystrom suggested moving TAB 11 forward to recognize Former Commissioner Sharona Nazarian. Roll call was taken with all Commissioners in agreement.
Councilperson Nazarian was presented her framed placard and gift and thanked for her service on the Public Works Commission. She expressed her sincere gratitude to her fellow (former) Commissioners and staff for the successful projects worked on while on the Public Works Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of June 9, 2022.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Greer, SECONDED by Commissioner Alpert to approve the Minutes as presented (3/0).
Public Works Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
July 21, 2022
AYES: Commissioners Alpert & Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chair Millan
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies None.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Status update for the Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Study Utilities General Manager Rob Welch introduced the topic and the consultant, Senior Vice President Rick Simonson from H F & H. Also providing comment were Senior Vice President John Farnkopf and Senior Associate Geoff Michalczyk. The discussion included the Wastewater rate study, the five-year financial projections, alternate & preliminary rate structures, cost of service allocations, customer bill impacts and comparison rates with other agencies.
The Commission inquired about the specifics of the volumetric calculation. The Ad Hoc expressed agreement with Option #2 that has two components – fixed and volumetric for single family and multifamily residences. The Commission agreed that single family residences should not have a cap on the volumetric component. The Commission asked staff and consultants to return with a phased in approach to implement the single family residence rate since that would be the greatest customer impact. Regarding commercial customers, the Commission requested additional information if there were domestic, medium and high strength categories.
Public Works Director Shana Epstein advised a Special Meeting will be scheduled in late August to continue the rate discussion.
3. Ordinance Framework Prohibiting the Use, Sale and Distribution of Single-Use Plastic and Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Goods and Materials
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Manager Josette Descalzo presented the item. This item is to make suggestions to expand the already approved ordinance and specify and what is prohibited for use, distribution and sale as well as other elements. If the Commission supports the elements, staff will begin stakeholder engagement process and draft ordinance.
Public Comment: Public comment was heard from Jason Maybaum, Craig Cadwallader, Newara Brosnan-Faltas.
The Commission supported the new ordinance language and voiced concern at alternative products being available for use once implemented.
The Commission took a break at 3:09 PM
The Commission returned at 3:17 PM
Public Works Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
July 21, 2022
4. Public Works Department Response to COVID-19
Public Works Director Shana Epstein provided a brief update.
NEW BUSINESS
5. Best Practices – Tiny Forests
City Arborist Ken Pfalzgraf reviewed the Tiny Forest Concept. This concept is a means of improving canopy coverage and carbon capture. He outlined the specifics of the project. The Commission inquired if there was a location in the City that this could be implemented Next steps and suggestions include bringing in a consultant, getting public input/outreach at a Farmers’ Market Booth, and/or a possible demonstration garden/local school district collaboration.
6. Support an Official City Complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding the Unreliability of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Distribution System.
Public Works Director Shana Epstein presented this item after a Commission request from the previous month. It has been requested that we speak at a Southern California Edison voting meeting to voice concerns, one of them being the way that outages are recorded. The frequency of outages, not just the duration of the outages should be addressed. In addition, a special meeting will be held at the request of the Trousdale Community on July 27, allowing them to present their observations.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Greer, SECONDED by Commissioner Alpert to support an official city complaint and prepare a Staff Report to forward to City Council (3/0).
AYES: Commissioners Alpert & Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chair Millan
CARRIED
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
7. La Brea Subarea Update
Project Manager Tristan Malabanan gave a brief construction update of the La Brea Subarea Project. The Commission Ad Hoc reported about permitting issues that will preclude getting water from La Cienega Well #1 until the fall. Lab delays for Sand Pit tests were also noted due to staffing shortages.
8. Water Efficiency Update
Utilities General Manager Rob Welch noted that this is an informational item. The Commission inquired about obtaining a report for both commercial and municipal water use and also referenced a program in a neighboring city that has an ordinance that allows a flow restrictor to be installed for a non-compliant heavy user. Staff is aware of both items.
Water Conservation Administrator Debby Dunn reminded the Commission about a “Healthy Garden Tips” class she is teaching at Virginia Robinson Garden.
Public Works Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
July 21, 2022
9. Capital Projects Update
Public Works Assistant Director/City Engineer Daren Grilley gave an update on the Coldwater Canyon Projects: The Water Main and Pavement Reconstruction and Striping.
There will be a public meeting in September to review impacts to the community. A crane is expected to be mobilized at the Burton Way Median Project for six weeks. A more detailed review of this project will be at a future meeting. Community outreach is being for the Robertson Blvd Sidewalk with construction projected to begin in the fall.
10. Specific Information and Department Updates
No comments.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
11. Chair’s Report (partially taken after APPROVAL OF AGENDA and continued below) Vice Chair Nystrom reviewed the most recent Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting, the Climate Action Movie Night and upcoming Climate Action Committee Meeting and their goals.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
12. Director’s Report
Recruitments for vacant/upcoming vacant Commissioner position/s will begin. A Special Meeting will be scheduled in late August for a water rate discussion. Water Storage Ad hoc will be scheduled.
All upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.
Staff are at various public events presenting water conservation tips.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: July 21, 2022 / 4:07 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
July 28, 2022
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: July 28, 2022 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONERS TERRI KAPLAN AND JEFF WOLFE New Commissioners Kaplan and Wolfe were sworn in by City Clerk Huma Ahmed.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Ryan Gohlich, Timothea Tway, Cindy Gordon, Edgar Arroyo, Reina Kapadia, Alexandria Smille, Karen Myron, David Snow, Police Chief Mark Stainbrook
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of June 23, 2022.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 28, 2022
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Ostroff to adopt the minutes as presented (3-0-2).
AYES: Commissioner Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan
CARRIED
2. RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
CONTINUING TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE HELD VIA
TELECONFERENCING PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(e) AND
MAKING FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS REGARDING THE SAME
Recent legislation was adopted allowing the Planning Commission to continue virtual meetings during the COVID-19 declared emergency subject to certain conditions, and the proposed resolution implements the necessary requirements.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Kaplan, SECONDED by Vice Chair Ross to adopt the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
3. DRAFT ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE HEIGHTS FOR WALLS,
FENCES, AND HEDGES IN CERTAIN SINGLE-FAMILY AND ALL MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN THE CITY
A discussion of proposed regulations pertaining to walls, fences, and hedges included in a draft ordinance for recommendation to the City Council.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Reina Kapadia, AICP, Associate Planner Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: Shelly Gros, Bonnie Ellen Kulick, David Gingold Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 28, 2022
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Wolfe, SECONDED by Commissioner Ostroff to adopt the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
4. 9661 BRIGHTON WAY
Conditional Use Permit (PL2200020)
Request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the establishment of a cosmetic spa (Eterne by ProTorc) on the ground floor of a commercial building. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the Planning Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Alexandria Smille, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Sonny Henty, Eterne by ProTorc
Project Representative: Susan Villain, Vue Ventures Inc.
Jonathen Day, Coscia Day Architecture & Design
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Kaplan to adopt the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
5. 1510 LEXINGTON ROAD
Hillside R-1 Permits and Tree Removal Permit (PL1623294) Request for a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow the total of the cumulative floor area developed on a site to exceed 15,000 square feet; a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow more than 3,000 cubic yards of earth material to be exported from a site; and a Tree Removal Permit to allow the removal of 10 protected trees associated with the construction of a new two-story single-family residence. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Edgar Arroyo, Senior Planner
Project Applicant: Lexington Prime Estate LLC
Project Representative: Russell Linch, RAL Design and Management Inc.
Murray Fischer, Law Offices of Murray D. Fischer
Ronald Richards
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 28, 2022
Public Input: Nancy Krasne
Prior to a full discussion of the item, Commissioner Ostroff requested additional information regarding the project’s history. The majority of the Commission supported reviewing this additional information prior to rendering a decision, and continued the project to the next Planning Commission meeting.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ostroff, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe to continue the item to the August 11, 2022 Planning Commission meeting (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
The public hearing on this item remained open.
6. DRAFT ORDINANCE TO AMEND MEDICAL REGULATIONS
An Ordinance of the City of Beverly Hills to amend Beverly Hills Municipal Code sections related to medical use regulations applicable to certain commercial zones in the City. Per the direction of the City Council, the draft medical regulations would replace the Medical Conversion Urgency Ordinance (Urgency Ordinance No. 20-O-2826) that is currently in effect and will expire in November.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Chloe Chen, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: Orna Wolens, Dar Mahboubi, Todd Johnson – Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Kallick – Cedars Sinai
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Kaplan, SECONDED by Vice Chair Ross to adopt the resolution as presented 5-0.
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
None
Vice Chair Ross and Commissioner Ostroff left the meeting at 4:43 PM.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 28, 2022
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
Chair Demeter advised the public that they can opt in to receive email notices on a variety of City matters by signing up at beverlyhills.org/enotice.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
City Planner Updates
o City Planner Timothea Tway advised the Commission of the following:
The appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision regarding operations at Spring Place has been scheduled for the second City Council meeting in November, which is on Tuesday, November 15.
The Public Works Department is conducting a Transit Feasibility Study, and invites Commissioners and the public to take a survey to help them understand how people get around Beverly Hills, and what transit is used. Additional information is available at beverlyhills.org/transitstudy. The Planning Division is hosting an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) community meeting on Wednesday, August 10 at 6:00 PM in the Library Auditorium.
Virtual participation options will also be available.
7. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
8. Building Permit Report - June
o Received and filed
9. 2022 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: July 28, 2022 / 4:47 PM