CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 N. Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Room 280A
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
5:00 PM
The Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting is a monthly meeting with the Mayor and City Commission Chairs or their representatives. Please note that this meeting is intended to exchange information on commission activities; no official action is taken.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date / Time: September 13, 2022 / 5:00 PM
1. Welcome
Mayor Lili Bosse called the meeting to order.
2. Public Comment
Speakers: No public comment.
3. Resolution
Resolution of the Beverly Hills City Council Mayor’s Cabinet continuing to authorize public meetings to be held via teleconferencing pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e) and make findings and determination regarding the same. a. Recent legislation was adopted allowing the Mayor’s Cabinet to continue virtual meetings during the COVID-19 declared emergency subject to certain conditions and the proposed resolution implements the necessary requirements. o The resolution was read into the record and was unanimously approved.
4. Report from Commission Chairperson
Architectural Commission – Jennifer Schreiber
o Chair Schreiber reported on new restaurants, recent façade renovations and landscaping, construction barricades with new graphics, and renovations on Rodeo Drive including the Dior store.
Arts and Culture Commission – Maralee Beck
o A new Beverly Hills ArtWalk tour has been announced for October through December, which includes a specially–designed tour of the Sculpture Park combined with an Architectural History tour of Rodeo Drive. This tour also includes a guided walking tour down the world-famous Rodeo Drive which will explore the history of the iconic Beverly Hills sign, the historic equestrian bridle path, the last remaining original buildings and storefronts, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only commercial design - Anderton Court Shops, the site of the Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
Brown Derby, and the storied history of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. This tour was developed in collaboration with the Beverly Hills Historical Society. Visit www.beverlyhills.org/artwalk for more information.
o Summer 2022 Concerts on Canon Recap – This past summer, Community Services launched their annual Concerts on Canon series with an eye towards inclusion, diversity and entertainment. Every Thursday night, from June 9 – August 25, our Department hosted 12 weeks of free-outdoor family concerts, and we witnessed an incredible outpouring of community support. Each week locals, seniors, families, tourists, and business leaders came to hang out, dance, listen to music and celebrate. The concerts were well attended with over 300 to 400 community members of all ages and backgrounds. o Annual Fall Beverly Hills Arts Show - Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16, 10am-5pm. Preparation for the Annual Fall Beverly Hills Arts Show is underway, and will return to the four-block footprint. 234 artists have already been selected to participate in the Fall Art Show. This show will also showcase some new enhancements including wine and beer lounges, an expanded children’s area, greater food options, and other experiences. o The Great Outdoors at Greystone – Saturday, September 17, 10-5pm:
September 2021 marked 50 years since Greystone was dedicated as a City of Beverly Hills park. The goal of this event is to create a day filled with opportunities to experience the grounds of Greystone both through selfguided exploration and scheduled activities. Charitable Solicitations Commission – Jodi K. Galen
o The next Charitable Solicitations Commission meeting is on September 14, 2022 and there will be a follow-up report at the next Mayor’s Cabinet meeting on October 10, 2022.
Cultural Heritage Commission
o No report was given.
Design Review Commission – Tony Spann
o Chair Spann reported on a project at the 500 block of Sierra drive. Health & Safety Commission – Dr. Kirk Chang
o The Health & Safety Commission met on August 22, 2022. o The Commission received updates from priority agencies:
BHUSD representative Rachelle Marcus spoke about the District’s Community Pledge and Civility Bylaw and the successful commencement of another school year.
Beverly Hills Police Department Lieutenant Giovanni Trejo provided updates on community outreach programs including Neighborhood Watch and Citizen’s Academy.
Beverly Hills Fire Department A-Shift Platoon Battalion Chief, Timothy Hayes spoke on incidents and response metrics. He also reported on staff training, continuing education and the Active Shooter training exercise held at Hawthorne Elementary School for student safety.
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
o The Commission recognized community Shirley Reitman, Southern Coordinator for the JUST IN CASE BEVERLY HILLS program and member of the Police Department’s Chief Advisory Panel.
o Emergency Manager Meena Janmohamed provided an update on a variety of COVID-19 metrics including cases, vaccinations, and statistics specific to the community. She also provided an informational update on the status of the Citywide Outdoor Warning Siren System.
o A presentation was given by Southern California Edison on electrical power outages and preparedness.
o A presentation was given on the 2021 Water Quality Report for the City of Beverly Hills.
o A progress summary was given for the Climate Action and Adaption Plan including activities completed to date and upcoming steps towards the adoption of the Climate Action and Adaption Plan.
o An update was given on a nationwide campaign held each September on emergency preparedness.
Human Relations Commission – Noelle Freeman
o The Human Relations Commission announced recognizing October as Civility Month in the City of Beverly Hills.
o Civility Month was established to help the community remember to treat others the way we wish to be treated ourselves — with kindness, empathy, and respect.
o The Commission strives to cultivate a community where each person is treated fairly and with mutual respect. Civility is a small step that can go a long way in fostering and nurturing a respectful community for all. o A Day of Giving to benefit deserving non-profit agencies will be held on Sunday, October 23.
o The commission will announce the annual Civility Award winner and they will be publicly recognized during the October City Council Meeting. o The first Critical Conversations Speaker Series was held on August 24, 2022, in partnership with the Beverly Hills Public Library and received great attendance.
o The first speaker was Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, a leader and organizer in the civil rights movement, and close friend and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. o Donzaleigh provided a captivating presentation about lessons learned through her first-hand account of the Civil Rights Movement as a child. She shared personal photos of her father and Dr. King that provided deeper insight into the Civil Rights Movement. Donzaleigh shared a message of nonviolence, equality, and community. A recording of this event is available on the City’s webpage.
Planning Commission – Myra Demeter
o The Commission approved the second of two available requests for one year time extensions for previously approved requests for development plan review.
o The Commission reviewed and provided comments on the revised version of the 2021 – 2029 Housing Element and response to comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
o At the September 8, 2022 meeting, the commission approved a request for a development plan review conditional use permit, in lieu parking, and open aired dining permit for the new Dior building at 313 – 323 N. Rodeo Drive. o The commission will also review a request for a conditional use permit for another electric vehicle dealership at 9777 Wilshire. Blvd. Public Works Commission – John Millan
o There was a special Public Works Commission meeting held to discuss wastewater and water costs studies.
o The commission also met with Council liaisons Vice Mayor Dr. Gold and Councilmember Nazarian to discuss next steps in preparation for making recommendations about new water rates.
o The commission also discussed the Storm Master Plan and Burton Way work currently under construction. The City is using a large tank onsite to collect wastewater to treat and use for irrigation purposes in the future. o The commission also received a report on drinking water and an update on the new water plant which is currently going through the permit process. Recreation & Parks Commission – Amie Sherry
o Chair Sherry reported on recent activities with the City’s youth programs, including the Adventure Camp after school program at Hawthorne and Horace Mann Elementary Schools, and Teen Adventure Camp After School program at Beverly Vista Middle School. The programs had a successful launch to the school year on September 1st with 130 participants receiving after school care with Adventure Camp.
o The Teen Advisory Committee began its 15th year of service by kicking off the 2022-23 school year and held their first monthly meeting on August 30th, with 26 student members ranging from 6th grade to 11th grade. Goals for the committee this year included: community outreach, community engagement and civic engagement. The Teen Advisory Committee will be electing leadership positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Historian – and will form subcommittees to help plan their events and activities that target their three major goals for this school year.
o The Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHAAC) in partnership with the Generations Club at Beverly Hills High School, will offer a Chamber for Charity Concert & Speed Socializing event for seniors, on Sunday October 2nd from 1pm-3pm at Roxbury Park Community Center. The Chamber for Charity ensemble band will entertain the crowd with chamber music, followed by a social event with light refreshments.
o Roxbury Park will host the annual Cedars-Sinai Flu Shot clinic, open to anyone ages 3 and up, on September 29th from 10am-1pm on the outdoor basketball court. COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available at the same time, with Cedars-Sinai offering the Pfizer vaccine for anyone ages 12 and up. o The Farmers Market has been seeing an increased amount of foot traffic throughout the summer and early fall. Staff is currently planning the Fall Funtastic which will be at the Farmers Market on October 30th. The event will host various games and crafts for kids, as well as two contests: a scarecrow making contest and a pumpkin carving/decorating contest.
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
o The Book Discussion Group is reading and discussing The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. Meetings are September 14 in the Library and September 22 via Zoom.
o Fall Storytime begins September 13 at 10am in the Civic Center Plaza on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday in the Library Auditorium. Rent Stabilization Commission – Donna Tryfman
o At the last Commission meeting on October 3rd, the commission continued the discussion of possible amendments to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance for both Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of Title 4 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code regarding surcharges that allow housing providers to pass through costs to tenants relating to water service penalties and/or surcharges, refuse fees, and for Chapter 5 tenants only, capital expenditures, improvement expenses mandated by law, including seismic retrofit, utility expense, and for additional tenants. There was a recommendation to the City Council regarding amendment of the ordinance and it was not passed.
o The commission continues to work on the balance of interests of tenants and landlords and has received public comment addressing the issues on the commission agenda.
Traffic & Parking Commission – Sharon Ignarro, MD
o As part of their monthly educational series, the Commission heard a presentation given by City Engineer Jeremy Cashman from the city of Camel, Indiana. He spoke about their internationally recognized roundabout network which has decreased the number of traffic collisions or injury collisions by about 80%. Collisions overall have decreased by 40%.
o The commission received a quarterly report from the Community Development department on conditional use permits for new car dealerships. o There was a traffic safety analysis completed on the Beverly Canon Lomitas intersection. The consulting firm presented the results of the analysis. The intersection was designed in 1907. The next step is for the consultant to return to the commission in early 2023 with design alternatives for the City to consider to improve traffic safety and efficiency for all road users. o The Commission received an update on the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan from Public Works that involves the Complete Streets Program. o There was a proposal to make the Neighborhood Slow Streets Program a permanent program and it was recommended to continue the program as it has been successful.
o There were further project updates on Clifton/Le Deux corridor study. Staff received a grant to look at Class 3 bike lanes throughout that corridor. There will be a street audit in October for the community to provide input. o The commission is enlisting community engagement for the in-project transit needs assessment for the shuttle. There have been 2 community outreach meetings. The community is encouraged to visit the City’s website at www.beverlyhills.org/transitstudy to fill out a survey. o There will be an community meeting to discuss the upcoming construction work on Coldwater Canyon drive on September 29th from 6:00-7:00pm at Coldwater Canyon park.
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
5. Mayor’s Report
City Council meetings were held on August 23rd and September 12th. The following updates are from the August 23, 2022 City Council meeting:
o Received a report from the Beverly Hills Police Department on their use of technology – including CCTV cameras and drones
o Discussed the current level of service being provided to our community by Southern California Edison and Spectrum Cable.
o Discussed recommendations from the Rodeo Drive/Special Events and Holiday program committee regarding the upcoming Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration and overall Holiday décor.
o Recognized Jeff Wolfe on his appointment to the Planning Commission. o Honored Comoncy Café with a 60 second shout out.
o Heard an appeal of the planning commission’s decision to allow construction of a single family residence at 331 North Oakhurst Drive.
o The appeal was denied and the Commission’s decision stands. o Reviewed a letter from the City Council related to operational changes at Virginia Robinson Gardens.
o Discussed LA County’s Signature Verification Process for the petition to recall District Attorney George Gascõn.
o Approved ‘Next Beverly Hills’ Next Night Street Festival Event scheduled for October 22nd on South Beverly Drive.
o Approved filming of a helicopter scene for the movie Beverly Hills Cop 4 at City Hall on Saturday, September 24th.
The following updates are from the September 12, 2022 City Council meeting:
o Discussed the City entering the Metaverse
o Discussed the City’s Water Operations and Emergency Storage o Considered the extended closure of North Cañon Drive
o Discussed extending the City’s Restrictions on non-pedestrian oriented Ground Floor Commercial Uses to other parts of the City including the Southeast. o Discussed whether to order a Review of the Architectural Commission's Decision Conditionally Approving a Sign Accommodation to Allow the Installation of a Mural Located at 139 South Beverly Drive.
o Recognized former Planning Commissioners Andy Licht and Thomas Hudnut for their service.
o 60 Second Shout Out – Pompadour
o Discussed amending sections of the Municipal Code related to medical use regulations in certain commercial zones of the city.
o Discussed amending sections of the Municipal Code related to maximum allowable heights for walls, fences and hedges in certain single-family and all multi-family residential areas of the City.
o Considered a request related to a Historic Incentive Permit for 910 North Beford Drive. o Discussed the formation of a local public health department. Business with Bosse events were held at Nua restaurant and Euro Caffe. o Tomorrow night, Business with Bosse visits Tatel on North Canon Drive at 5:30 pm. o Erewhon Market recently opened its doors – very successful start! Excited to welcome them to Beverly Hills!
Mayor’s Mental Wellness Series:
o We enjoyed ‘Music and Dance at City Hall on August 18th. Thanks to everyone who attended.
Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
September 13, 2022
Meeting Highlights
o Our next installment in the series will be with the iconic Deepak Chopra on Friday, September 23rd at 11:30 am at City Hall.
We held our latest Live with Lili event on August 25 – thanks to everyone for the wonderful ideas.
o The next one is tonight from 7-8 pm in the Municipal Gallery. The City is also hosting an informational meeting for our ‘Just in Case BH’ emergency preparedness program this Thursday at Greystone Mansion from 6-8 pm. Please join us to learn more about this innovative program.
In partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, we will be holding the ‘Evening with the Mayor/State of the City’ event at Greystone Mansion on Wednesday September 28th. Tickets are available through the Chamber. And finally, our next City Council meeting is Tuesday, September 20, 2022 where we expect to be discussing the Cheval Blanc project.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: September 13, 2022 / 5:51 PM