CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Room 280A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, October 11 2022
10:00am
Recordings of the Arts and Culture Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 11, 2022 / 10:00 am
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Gordy Bristol led the Pledge of Allegiance
CIVILITY STATEMENT
Chair Filipovic read the Civility Statement
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Pamela Beck, Gordy Bristol, Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck, Chair Filipovic
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Jenny Rogers, Patty Acuña, Ben Johnson, Paul Paolone, Adrine Ovasapyan, Aida Thau, Corrina Lesser
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.
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
By order of Chair Filipovic, Tab #4, Grant Policy Development and Guidelines, to be moved ahead of Tab #3, Cultural Festival Event.
H-1
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of minutes from the Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting of September 13, 2022.
2. Resolution of the Arts and Culture 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 Arts and Culture Commission to continue virtual meetings during the COVID-19 declared emergency subject to certain conditions and the proposed resolution implements the necessary requirements.
Motion:To approve the Consent Calendar: MOVED by Commissioner Frank, SECONDED by Gordy Bristol. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Pamela Beck, Gordy Bristol, Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck and Chair Filipovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
PRESENTATIONS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. Cultural Festival Event
Update on proposed Cultural Festival event with direction by the City Council Liaison / Rodeo Drive / Special Events/ Holiday Program Committee at their September 21, 2022 meeting.
Embrace and Celebrate Culture Ad Hoc Commissioners, Gordy Bristol and Frank, updated the Commission on September 21, 2022 liaison meeting.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
- City Council approved the Cultural Festival to move forward initially as a smaller event to be held at the Farmers’ Market and allow it to grow; possibly starting with one aspect for now, suggesting a larger festival in the future. - The time that had been suggested was March which would be highlighting the Spring New Year festivities that take place in many cultures including the Persian New Year celebration Nowruz, among other cultural activities. - Chair Filipovic thanked staff for their hard work in the creation of the festival but noted that the presentation was not given to the Commission for input prior to the liaison meeting. From first glance, it appeared to be a Farmers’ Market event with an emphasis on food.
- The Commissioners discussed and advised that this is the beginning of the Arts & Cultural Festival which will continue to grow and not just be about food, but it will set the stage for a fully realized cultural festival in the future. This is an opportunity to preview what’s to come.
- Chair Filipovic thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and ideas for the festival.
Motion:To move forward with the Cultural Festival with baby steps taken the recommendations of City Council MOVED by Commissioner Frank, SECONDED by Commissioner Pamela Beck. (4/1)
AYES: Commissioners Pamela Beck, Gordy Bristol, Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck
NOES: Chair Filipovic
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED:
4. Grant Policy Development and Guidelines
Art Consultant Karen Constine will present proposed guidelines for art grants development and opportunities.
Art Consultant, Karen Constine, updated the Commissioners on a new task that was presented to the Commission: to review how funding can be expanded, in the City of Beverly Hills, to qualified Arts Organizations and possibly artists, and other cultural agencies.
- The current City of Beverly Hills processes were reviewed. The Human Services Division administers one granting opportunity called the Community Assistant Grant Fund (CAGF), where social services and cultural arts applicants are reviewed by both the Human Relations and Charitable Solicitations Commissions. - Both Commissions have Ad Hoc Committees of two Commissioner Ad Hoc representatives who meet to review grants based on staff’s recommendations.
City Council make the final determination for the final funding allocation.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
- In 2017, a request was granted that Arts & Cultural organizations be included in this process.
- The 2022/23 grants cycle is currently in progress.
- Proposing that in FY 2024/25, the Arts & Cultural Commission work with the Human Relations and the Charitable Solicitation Commissions, along with City Council, to formally grant funding recommendations by the Community Services Arts and Culture Division and the Arts & Culture Commission. - Commissioner Gordy Bristol requested knowing what sister or neighboring cities do to fund their Arts & Culture programs and what their budgets are. This information will be collected.
Jenny Roger, Director of Community Services, explained this item was bought to the Commission as an introductory conversation and the staff report will be included in the November packet for a full presentation and further discussion.
5. Financial Update
a) Fine Art Fund Update Report
Paul Paolone, Senior Recreation Supervisor, provided to the Commission the current status of the Fine Art Fund though September 30, 2022. - A new in-lieu was taken in for $11,700 for 9378 Wilshire Boulevard. - Another payment was made to Kusama for $10,500.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
PROJECT UPDATES
1. Arts and Culture Commission Updates
o Fine Art Collection Maintenance Program
- Adrine Ovasapyan, Recreation Supervisor, informed the Commission that City artworks are currently being cleaned in Beverly Gardens Parks in preparation for the Fall Art Show October 15 – 16, 2022. o Kusama Hymn of Life Refabrication Update
- The Kusama is currently in the fabrication stage which includes molding and stainless steel.
o BH Artwalk Guided Tours
- Aida Thau, Arts and Culture Program Associate, informed the Commission that the first fall tour of the Beverly Hills Art Guided tours was held on October 2, 2022. This fall tour was a partnership with the Beverly Hills Historical Society where the attendees continued down Rodeo Drive with the historic background of Rodeo, the buildings, in addition to the bridle path, was presented.
- The additional tours are Sunday, November 13, at 11am and the last one will be Sunday, December 11 at 11am in front of the Lily Pond.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
- Each season will be a variation of the art tour. The tours and dates can be found on the City’s website in addition to other mailings and social media:
https://www.beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/artwalkguidedtour/ - Commissioner Frank added that the hotels and concierge have been informed and hopefully in the future they can be invited to a tour. - Commissioner Gordy Bristol suggested the founding history of Beverly Hills should also be included in the art walk if historic information is being presented, to specifically include the first owner of Beverly Hills land was Maria Rita Valdez Villa, an African-Mexican widow of a Spanish soldier. - Chair Filipovic informed the Commission of the tour she took with the Historical Society and recommended the organization adding to the history of Beverly Hills to the art tour.
Community Services’ Updates
o Arts and Culture Division Programs and Events
o Beverly Hills Fall Art Show
- Ben Johnson, Recreation Services Manager, reminded the Commission of the Fall Art Show this weekend and thanked staff or their hard work. The Art Show is now back to the full four blocks in addition to the Beer & Wine Garden, the Children’s area in addition to 75 new artists. - The Award Ceremony will be on Sunday from 8:30am – 9:30am. Mayor Bosse will be presenting the awards with support from ACC and RPC Chairs.
- Chair Filipovic suggested that the Arts & Culture Commission have their own booth next year for the 50th Anniversary of the Art Show to meet and greet both artists and the public.
- Staff reminded the Commission to visit Commissioner Pamela Beck’s art booth at the Art Show.
- The Farmers’ Market will be hosting a Fall Funtastic Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 9am – 1pm and will include both a pumpkin carving and decoration and scarecrow contest.
o Holidays at Greystone
- Saturday & Sunday, December 3 – 4, 2022, Greystone Mansion will be celebrating the holidays.
o Embrace and Celebrate Culture
Director’s Report
Information only items
Event Calendar
- Reviewed.
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
Chair’s Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting Highlights
- Reviewed.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
b) Ad Hoc Committees
-Fine Arts (Frank, P. Beck – Rogers, Acuna, Johnson, Thau) -Capital Projects (M. Beck, P. Beck – Rogers, Johnson, Davis, Thau) -Major and Annual Events (M. Beck, Filipovic – Johnson, Davis, Doyle, Ovasapyan)
-Performing Arts, Heritage Initiatives, Community Engagement (Gordy Bristol, Filipovic – Johnson, Paolone, Doyle, Scrimshaw) -Embrace and Celebrate Culture Initiative (Frank, Gordy Bristol – Rogers, Johnson, Davis, Ovasapyan, Thau)
c) Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities.
- Commissioner Gordy Bristol suggested starting to plan for the Martin Luther King Holiday on January 16, 2023.
Motion:To have a discussion about creating an acknowledgment of Martin Luther King holiday as a part of the Arts & Culture Commission MOVED by Commissioner Gordy Bristol, SECONDED by Chair Filipovic. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Pamela Beck, Gordy Bristol, Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck, Chair Filipovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED:
- Chair Filipovic requested adding to the November agenda a discussion on a creation of information booth in Beverly Gardens Park or the business triangle area where residents can receive information on monthly art events. Staff will provide an update at the November Commission meeting.
Motion: Requesting an agenda item to receive an update on a creation of an Informational Booth for the City’s Arts & Culture events MOVED by Chair Filipovic, SECONDED by Vice Chair Maralee Beck. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Pamela Beck, Gordy Bristol, Frank, Vice Chair Maralee Beck, Chair Filipovic
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED:
d) Arts and Culture Commission Upcoming Meetings: Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 11, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 11, 2022 / 11:54 am
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 13, 2022
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 13, 2022 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Alpert, Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom, Char Millan Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Shana Epstein, Daren Grilley, Ilene Knebel, Rob Welch
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
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 Speaker: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Millan advised of an amendment to the posted Agenda.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Nystrom, SECONDED by Commissioner Alpert to approve the Agenda as amended; TABS 10 and 11 will be taken after TAB 5 (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Alpert and Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Milan NOES: None
CARRIED
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission special meeting of August 31, 2022.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 13, 2022
2. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of September 8, 2022.
3. A Resolution of the Public Works 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
Comment: Recent legislation was adopted allowing the Public Works 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 Greer, SECONDED by Vice Chair Nystrom to approve the Consent Calendar items as presented (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Alpert and Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Milan NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District Director Dr. Barry Pressman gave an update on the Emergency Water Conservation Program. The Commission discussed the updates and water usage.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
4. 2021 Water Loss Audit Update
Water Resources / Operations Manager Vince Damasse and Psomas Consultant Mike Swan presented the 2021 water loss audit as required annually by state law
5. Water Meter Replacement Update
Water Resources / Operations Manager Vince Damasse provided an update on the water meter replacement plan. Costs, design, integration and the implementation schedule were presented.
6. Proposed Wastewater Ordinance Amendments
Environmental Compliance and Programs Manager Josette Descalzo provided an update on proposed amendments to the wastewater ordinance.
Public Comment: An email comment from Brianne Archer was read into the record.
7. Daytime Posted Street Sweeping Schedule
Solid Waste Manager James Burnley provided an update on the coordination of a new citywide street sweeping schedule.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 13, 2022
8. Organics Collections Program and Food Recovery Report Update Solid Waste Manager James Burnley provided an update on the implementation of the organics collection program and food recovery program.
NEW BUSINESS
9. Conflict of Interest Code
Public Works Director Shana Epstein presented the Conflict of Interest Code for the Public Works Commission, which must be reviewed yearly per city law.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Alpert, SECONDED by Vice Chair Nystrom to approve the Conflict of Interest Code as presented (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Alpert and Greer, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Milan NOES: None
CARRIED
10. Best Practices - Southern California Gas Company Pathway to Carbon Neutral by 2045 (Item Taken Out of Order, After TAB 11)
Environmental Compliance Manager Josette Descalzo introduced Senior Public Affairs Manager Mike Harriel of SoCal Gas. Manager. Mr. Harriel provided information on the company’s efforts to deliver carbon neutral energy to California by 2045 through hydrogen energy and renewable natural gas (RNG).
The commission took a break at 9:52 AM.
The commission returned from break at 10:02 AM.
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
11. La Brea Subarea Update (Item Taken Out of Order, After TAB 5) Project Manager Tristan Malabanan provided an update on the construction and equipping of LCW-1. Water Resources / Operations Manager Vince Damasse made further comment about LCW-1. Damasse was joined by Policy and Management Analyst Logan Philippo to review the property search for potential new wells.
Public Speaker: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
12. Water Efficiency Update
The Commission discussed non-compliance from community members during the recent water restriction requests and the need for more enforcement.
13. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan briefed the Commission on the recent meetings regarding the Coldwater Canyon Water Main Replacement Project and the Cabrillo Reservoir Project.
14. Specific Information and Department Updates
Public Works Director Shana Epstein informed the Commission the Water Fund Financial Statement will be presented at the November Commission Meeting.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 13, 2022
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
15. Chair’s Report
Chair Milan attended the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting last week. He suggested viewing the video of this meeting for a recap of all Commission Meetings.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
16. Director’s Report
Public Works Director Shana Epstein reported on two liaison meetings regarding water and wastewater rates. There will be more discussion on this topic prior to it being presented to City Council in early 2023.
Information was provided on the public outreach efforts this coming Saturday for the transportation planning of the Clifton-Le Doux location. Follow up for the Transit Study will include proposed routes for public transportation at the December Traffic and Parking Commission Meeting. Upcoming special events were reviewed.
Public Speaker: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: October 13, 2022 / 11:23 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
1 In-person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
Monday, October 24, 2022
4:00 p.m.
OPEN MEETING
Date/Time: October 24, 2022 / 4:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Baker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Rosenthal, Felsenthal, and Baker, Vice Chair Hilborne and Chair Chang
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Deputy City Manager Gabriella Yap, Fire Chief Gregory Barton, Lieutenant Giovanni Trejo, Fire Battalion Chief Michael Hand, EMS Administrator Sean Stokes, Fire Administrator Michael Liongson, Emergency Manager Meena Janmohamed, Management Analyst
Gabrielle Ressa, Program Operations Specialist Gabriel Mier, and Commission Secretary Karen Gutierrez
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.
Myra Demeter provided a public comment on a non-agenda item.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
By order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as amended to postpone item #3, Moment of Mindfulness, to Health and Safety Commission regular meeting of November 28, 2022.
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 24, 2022
2 CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Resolution of the Health and Safety 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 Health and Safety 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 Vice Chair Hilborne, SECONDED by Commissioner Baker to approve the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Rosenthal, Felsenthal, and Baker, Vice Chair Hilborne, Chair Chang
NOES: None
2. Consideration of minutes from the special Health and Safety Commission meeting on October 3, 2022.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Baker, SECONDED by Vice Chair Hilborne to approve the minutes as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Rosenthal, Felsenthal, and Baker, Vice Chair Hilborne, Chair Chang
NOES: None
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) – Beverly Hills Unified School District participated in the ShakeOut Drill. A panel discussion was held regarding the fentanyl drug.
Beverly Hills Police Department – Lieutenant Giovanni Trejo provided a presentation on Halloween safety tips and shared safety information for parents, children and drivers. He spoke on the topic of treats and the dangerous drug fentanyl. Beverly Hills Fire Department – B-Shift Battalion Chief Michael Hand spoke on incidents, strike teams and response metrics, and reported on staff training and continuing education. The first-ever Girls’ Empowerment Camp will be held in November.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. Moment of Mindfulness
Commissioner Erica Felsenthal, PhD, will lead the Commission in a Moment of Mindfulness.
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 24, 2022
3 This is item was postponed to Health and Safety Commission regular meeting of November 28, 2022.
4. Smoking and Tobacco Quarterly Report
Provides informational updates to the Health and Safety Commission on activities related to the dangers of smoking including information on smoking, cessation, outreach, enforcement, and education.
Management Analyst Gabrielle Ressa spoke on tobacco retail enforcement and provided current statistics associated with smoking, vaping, tobacco retail enforcement complaints and investigations. She also reported on smoking ambassador outreach, enforcement, and violations.
5. COVID-19 Update
Provides information and a discussion on a variety of topics related to the COVID-19 emergency and what the community should know.
Emergency Manager Meena Janmohamed reported COVID-19 metrics including cases, vaccination, and statistics specific to the Beverly Hills community. Staff reviewed the current Los Angeles County COVID-19 community levels, Monkeypox cases, the fall and winter outlook for the flu, and the state of emergency.
Public comment provided by David Gingold.
6. Quarterly Active Transportation Programs Update
Information on active mobility to advance a safe and healthy Beverly Hills.
Staff included a report in the Commission packet for informational purposes. No oral presentation was provided at this meeting.
Public comment provided by David Gingold.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Seventh Inning Stretch
A health and safety intermission led by Neuro Activated Advanced Meditation (NAAM) yoga instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad.
This item is a pro-health intermission dedicated to the need to stay active. Neuro Activated Advanced Meditation (NAAM) Yoga Instructors Renata Spironello and Alyssa Gaustad led the Commission in a “Seventh Inning Stretch” via prerecorded video, which addressed the positive aspects of stretch relief, injury prevention, blood circulation and mind rejuvenation.
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 24, 2022
4 8. Anger Management: Prevention, Coping and Seeking Help A presentation by Kathleen Kim, Director of the Briskin|Wilder Welcome Center at the Maple Counseling Center.
Kathleen Kim spoke on anger prevention, anger styles such as dumping, burying and acting-out, and anger warning signs like heart pounding, pacing, shutting down, and becoming aggressive. She also covered myths vs facts and discussed the difference between anger and aggression.
9. National Pediatric Readiness Program
An informational presentation on the Fire Department’s pre-hospital care Pediatric Readiness Program.
EMS Administrator Sean Stokes spoke about the Fire Department’s Pediatric Readiness Program. The National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) is a multi-phase quality improvement initiative designed to ensure that emergency healthcare providers are equipped with guidelines and resources specific to the emergency care of pediatrics, including physician oversight, trained and competent staff, education, policies, equipment and supplies to provide effective care for children. At its launch in 2012, the initial target were Emergency Departments within hospitals across the nation. In 2024, the initiative will focus on the pre-hospital sector.
PROJECT UPDATES
None.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
Chair’s Report
- Chair Chang attended the October 10, 2022 Mayor’s Cabinet meeting.
Highlights will be included in a future Health and Safety Commission packet.
Commissioner Items
- Commission Baker commented on Prop 31, banning the sale of flavored tobacco products.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
Director’s Report
- Staff shared information on upcoming events.
Health and Safety Related Supplemental Information:
1. Beverly Hills Girls’ Empowerment Camp 2022
2. JUST IN CASE BH – Stay Connected, Informed, Prepared for an Emergency
3. Teen Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) 2022
4. Beverly Hills Fire Department Presents: Halloween Safety
5. Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses
6. 10 Tips to Boost your Mental Health
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 24, 2022
5 7. 8 Things to Know About Mind and Body Approaches for Health Problems Facing Military Personnel and Veterans
- Health and safety related supplemental information was included in the packet for Commissioners to read.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 24, 2022 / 6:54 p.m.
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 27, 2022
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 27, 2022 / 1:31 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Ryan Gohlich, Timothea Tway, Cindy Gordon, Alvaro Gomez, Karen Myron, David Snow
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 October 13, 2022.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Kaplan to adopt the minutes as presented (5-0).
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 27, 2022
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
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 Wolfe, 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. 149-159 SOUTH MAPLE DRIVE
Development Plan Review, Density Bonus, and R-4 Permit (PL2100133) A request for a Development Plan Review to construct a six story, 29-unit, multi-family residential building with 72 underground parking spaces, a Density Bonus permit to allow a 50% density bonus in addition to certain incentives/concessions from development standards to provide six affordable housing units, and two R-4 Permits to allow a rooftop bathroom facility and walkway greater than five feet in width within a front yard. 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: Commissioner Ostroff disclosed speaking with Mr. Webb in the past, and advised he remains open-minded on the project. Chair Demeter disclosed speaking with Rich Waldow, and advised she remains open-minded on the project. No other Commissioners had ex parte communications.
Project Planner: Alvaro Gomez, AICP, Associate Planner
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 27, 2022
Project Applicant: Maple Skyline LLC
Project Representatives: Stephen P. Webb, Alan Nissel
Public Input: Rich Waldow, Tim Zebrowski, Mark Elliot, Adriana (no last name provided), Steve Mayer, Joe Safier, David Schneider, Cheryl Pellegrino, Cathy Baker, Mark Babst, Massoud Michael Eshmoili, David Shophet, Sean Nass, Deborah and Bob Hadl, Anne Arenson Winter and Howard Winter, Nicole and Alen Nourian, Daniel Halevy, Thomas White – Municipal League of Beverly Hills, Michael J.
Novack, Kevin Berg, Susan Eisenberg, Becky Hartley Kershman and Kim Hartley Kershman
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Kaplan to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Kaplan, Ostroff, Vice Chair Ross, Chair Demeter
NOES: None
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
None
Vice Chair Ross left the meeting at 4:46 PM.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Timothea Tway advised the Commission of the following:
The City will have three voting centers for the upcoming election on November
8. The City Hall voting center in the Municipal Gallery opens Saturday, October
29. Additional information is available online at beverlyhills.org/elections. On Wednesday, November 2 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, the next Business with Bosse will take place at Sant’olina at the Beverly Hilton The Beverly Hills Police Department will be hosting a Town Hall meeting regarding Residential Preferential Parking Permits on Thursday, November 3 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the Council Chamber
The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration will take place on Thursday, November 17 beginning at 5:00 PM. Additional Details are available at beverlyhills.org/holidaysbh
On Monday, October 17, Planning staff hosted the second community meeting regarding future use of the Gale Staging Yard. The meeting went well, with a mediator assisting with topics of conversation.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 27, 2022
At its formal meeting next week, the City Council will continue its review of the Cheval Blanc hotel project, including discussion of the Development Agreement.
Newly-filed/notable project update:
• A concept review has been submitted for a five-story, nine-unit multifamily building at 232 South Doheny Drive.
4. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
5. 2022 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
6. 2023 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 27, 2022 / 4:49 PM