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
November 10, 2022
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 10, 2022 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Alpert, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Millan Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Greer
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Debby Dunn, Shana Epstein, Daren Grilley, Ilene Knebel, Tristan Malabanan, 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; TAB 6 will be taken after TAB 2 (3/0).
AYES: Commissioners Alpert, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Millan NOES:
CARRIED
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of October 13, 2022.
H-1
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 10, 2022
2. 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 Vice Chair Nystrom, SECONDED by Commissioner Alpert to approve the Consent Calendar items as presented with adjustments (3/0).
AYES: Commissioner Alpert, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Millan 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 Water Inspection Tour that took place recently, the Water Surplus and Drought Management Report (WSDM) and the Water Shortage Emergency Conditions. The Commission discussed the updates and artificial turf.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
6. Best Practices - Water Replenishment District Strategic Plan for the West Coast and Central Basins (Item Taken Out of Order, After TAB 2)
Public Works Director Shana Epstein introduced Water Replenishment District (WRD) Assistant General Manager Rob Beste. He presented on WRD’s use of recycled water in replenishing the West Coast and Central Basins. The Commission discussed the system and desalination plants.
The Commission took a break at 9:22 AM
The Commission returned from break at 9:31 AM
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
3. Proposed Stormwater Ordinance Amendment
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Program Manager Josette Descalzo presented three proposed amendments to the stormwater ordinance. The amendments would affect prohibited discharges, requirements for existing projects, and the LID criterion on development projects. The Commission discussed the proposed amendments.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Nystrom, SECONDED by Commissioner Alpert to approve the proposed amendments in lowering the Low Impact Development (LID) thresholds to comply with the current MS4 Permit and require simple LID BMPs on smaller development projects that do not trigger the LID. The amendments should also include allowing pool filter backwash to be discharged to the sewer system. (3/0).
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 10, 2022
AYES: Commissioner Alpert, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Millan NOES: None
CARRIED
4. Quarterly Legislative Update
Senior Management Analyst Melissa Gomez provided an update on state legislation related to the Public Works Department or that the city of Beverly Hills took a position on. The Commission discussed the updates.
NEW BUSINESS
5. Metropolitan Water District’s Colorado River Municipal Conservation Memorandum of Understanding
Utilities General Manager Rob Welch presented an update on MWD’s request for the city of Beverly Hills to join a multi-agency MOU designed to reduce reliance on the Colorado River and on providing a recommendation to City Council on adopting an ordinance to restrict nonfunctional turf. The definition of non-functional turf was discussed with additional comments by Water Conservation Administrator Debby Dunn. The ordinance will be presented at a future date. The Commission discussed the MOU.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Alpert, SECONDED by Vice Chair Nystrom that the Public Works Commission recommends to City Council to support the MWD MOU on the Colorado River (3/0).
AYES: Commissioner Alpert, Vice Chair Nystrom, Chair Millan NOES: None
CARRIED
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
7. La Brea Subarea Update
Project Manager Tristan Malabanan provided an update on construction and equipping of LCW-1, and the design stages of LCW-2 and LCW-3. The Commission discussed the updates and inquired about the development timeline.
8. Water Efficiency Update
Water Conservation Administrator Debby Dunn provided an update on changes in the drought climate, water reduction levels, and drought education.
9. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan provided an update on the Coldwater Canyon water main replacement project. The Commission requested an update on the Burton Way project.
10. Specific Information and Department Updates
The Commission had comments about the Water Fund Financial Statement included in the packet. She introduced Director of Finance Jeffrey Muir, who explained the reasons for billing issues. The Commission discussed the updates.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 10, 2022
11. Chair’s Report
Vice Chair Nystrom reported on attending the MWD inspection tour.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
12. Director’s Report
Public Works Director Shana Epstein discussed the upcoming shredding and electronic waste collection events at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market. The Commission was notified about the holiday lighting event on November 17 and Team Beverly Hills’ upcoming visit to the Public Works Department in February 2023. An update on the next CAAC Meeting was presented.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: November 10, 2022 / 11:01 AM
Link to November Public Works Commission Video:
https://beverlyhills.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=8892 Link to November Public Works Commission Meeting Transcript:
https://beverlyhills.granicus.com/TranscriptViewer.php?view_id=58&clip_id=8892
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
November 17, 2022
9:00 a.m.
Recordings of the Human Relations Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 17, 2022 / 9:00 a.m.
Chair Freeman read the Human Relations Commission’s Civility Statement
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Jenny Rogers, Patricia Acuna; Rachel L. Evans, Enisha Clark, Linda Kyriazi
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.
None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda. Chair Freeman moved up Tab #4 to accommodate presenter.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 20, 2022.
2. Resolution of the Human Relations 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 Human Relations Commission to continue virtual meetings during the COVID-19 declared emergency subject to certain conditions and the proposed resolution implements the necessary requirements.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 17, 2022
MOTION by Nisim, SECONDED by Margo to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. (4/0)
AYES: Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Beverly Hills Police Department
Lieutenant Giovanni Trejo updated the Commission on the following:
- Halloween had no significant incidents.
- November 5, 2022, the Crescent side of City Hall became the stage of a large gathering for Women’s Lives & Freedom, with no reports of any incidents. - November 17, 2022 will be the City’s Holiday Lighting Celebration. An operational plan is in place.
Beverly Hills Unified School District
Staff from the Beverly Hills Unified School District was unable to attend.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Emergency Management Presentation
Meena Janmohamed, Emergency Management Manager, updated the Commission on the current emergency and earthquake safety procedures.
NEW BUSINESS
4. FY 2023-24 Community Assistance Grant Funding (CAGF) Karen Constine, one of the City’s arts consultants, provided a presentation that was made to the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) on November 8, 2022 regarding a proposed plan to include the ACC in the cultural arts component in future CAGF processes. - Commissioner Nisim expressed, as a member of the CAGF Ad Hoc, that the Arts & Culture submissions were challenging and felt this addition would be a benefit to the process. - Rachel Evans, Human Services Administrator, informed the Commission that the 2023 CAGF application will be sent out to all current recipients on December 1, 2022 which will include outreach in the local papers. The application period will remain open until January 23, 2023.
5. 2023 Kindness Week Planning
Kindness Week in 2023 starts on Sunday, February 12 through Saturday, February 18, 2023.
The Commission reviewed what has been done in prior years in addition to suggesting new ideas.
- Commissioner Nisim suggested this year to engage the local businesses. - Commissioner Kaiserman suggested a food donation on February 14, 2022. - Vice Chair Margo suggested several ideas including Critical Conversation where kindness played a factor, visit a retirement community and bring along a project, assist with carrying groceries at a market, and organizing a Kind Squad that has monthly projects.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 17, 2022
- The Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHAAC) has members from 55 +, suggesting the Commission bring someone in the 70s – 80s range to the BHAAC who has not attended.
Neighbor to Neighbor helping; write a card to someone who isn’t well, free ice cream from an ice cream truck.
- Chair Freeman informed the Commission of a monthly calendar that the Random Acts of Kindness Organization suggests. All of Vice Chair’s suggestions could be placed on this calendar. The Commission agreed to keep the branded days. - A peace pole or Kindness Tree was discussed.
- Rachel Evans, Human Services Administrator, suggested having one of this events at the Farmers’ Market in addition to continuing to work with Library staff on a Story Time event.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
6. Civility Month Review
Enisha Clark, Human Services Specialist, reviewed the successful events that were scheduled for October, Civility Month, which included highlights from the first annual Day of Giving in addition to the 2022 Embrace Civility Award presentation. - Chair Freeman thanked Vice Chair Margo for her vision of the Day of Giving.
7. Mental Health Awareness
Enisha Clark, Human Services Specialist, updated the Commission on the local mental health services for the Community:
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s calendar for the months of October and November were reviewed which included online mental health services.
8. Beverly Hills Unified School District Engagement Project Tabled.
9. Beverly Hills Homeless Initiative
Rachel Evans, Human Services Administrator, updated the Commission on the November 15, 2022 City Council agenda item on the unhoused.
- There is a 24-hour centralized phone number for all unhoused issues: 310-285-2468. - Photos can be sent to: [email protected]
- NASTEC will have an overnight patrol team in addition to handling the telephone service. - Step-Up on Second team will provide expanded coverage. - A consultant will be reviewing for any gaps in services. - A City Council Ad Hoc was created consisting of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor. - The Police Department will be contracting with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health for the Mental Health Evaluation Team (MET).
- The Homeless Count will be take place on January 25, 2023.
10. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awareness Initiative
Chair Freeman updated the Commission on the productive Ad Hoc meetings which consists of herself and Commissioner Nisim.
- The next event is being scheduled for Kindness Week 2023. - The Commission will review their current anti-hate statement.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 17, 2022
- Commission Nisim suggested the Commission collaborate with the State, in addition to other Commissions, by reviewing their policies and implementing items and possibly creating new standards in the City.
- The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations staff will return for their updated Hate Crime report.
11. Kindness Matters
- Commissioner Kaiserman acknowledged Vice Chair Margo in addition to a student who’s experiencing a health issue. The Community gathered together and Vice Chair Margo contributed to the items that were sold at a rally to assist the family. - Commissioner Kaiserman additional acknowledged Danielle Lieber who joined Vice Chair Margo in organizing a luncheon at the BHUSD in a short time. - Chair Freeman acknowledged Shawn Saeedian, owner of Beverly Hills Market, as always giving and ready to assist the community.
STATUS REPORTS
12. Beverly Hills Ambassador Program
Johnthon Hunter, Beverly Hills Ambassadors Operations Manager, updated the Commission on the following:
- Since the Ambassador Team started, there has been an increase in the transient population with new unhoused coming into the City. There has currently been a decrease due to outreach interactions.
- Outreach referrals have increased from last year due to new transients.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
13. Chair Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
- Reviewed
b) Review Commission Meeting dates
- Reviewed
c) Good and Welfare. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
14. Administrator’s Report
Rachel Evans, Human Services Administrator, updated the Commission on the following:
- Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration
- Holidays at Greystone
- Farmers’ Market Holiday Craft Fair & Cookie Baking Contest - Business with Bosse
- Live with Lili
15. Overview of Current and Pending Agenda Items
- Reviewed.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 17, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
November 17, 2022 at 10:45 a.m.
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
SYNOPSIS
December 1, 2022
9:00 AM
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: December 1, 2022 / 9:02 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Afra-Maghen Geller, Schwartz, Vice Chair Shalowitz, Chair Ignarro
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Jessie Holzer Carpenter, Sergeant Dale Drummond, Martha Eros, Daren Grilley, Ilene Knebel, Christian Vasquez
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, Mark Elliot, and Kory Klem
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 Traffic and Parking Commission special meeting of November 3, 2022.
2. A Resolution of the Traffic and Parking 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
Traffic and Parking Commission Special Meeting Synopsis December 1, 2022
Comment: Recent legislation was adopted allowing the Traffic and Parking 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 Shalowitz, SECONDED by Commissioner Geller to approve the consent calendar items as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Afra-Maghen, Geller, Schwartz, Vice Chair Shalowitz, Chair Ignarro
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
3. Police Department Report
Sergeant Dale Drummond reviewed traffic and road safety updates from the Police Department. The Commission asked about motor officers and ticketing.
Public Speaker: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
4. Monthly Educational Speaker Series – Safe Routes to School Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter introduced Consulting and Program Support Director Michelle Lieberman of the Safe Routes Partnership to provide an overview of the program’s history, including the benefits of the program and the strategies involved to increase the number of students walking to school. The Commission asked about funding for the program and how they adapt the program to each individual school.
5. Planning Quarterly Report
Principal Planner Cindy Gordon provided updates on projects relevant to the Commission.
The Commission asked for an update on parcels 12 and 13 and for an update on the future of outdoor dining. The Commission also discussed guidelines on ADUs.
NEW BUSINESS
6. 2023 Transportation Safety Educational Campaign
Transportation Planning Analyst Christian Vasquez provided an update on the 2023 Transportation Safety Educational Campaign and the plan on communicating the need for safety with the public, including media ads, monthly themes, and slogans. The Commission asked about ways to promote cycling and traffic safety for all members of our community.
7. Stop Sign Installation Request at Whitworth Drive and South Palm Drive Senior Transportation Engineer Kevin Riley presented a request from the residents of Beverly Hills for stop signs at the intersection of Whitworth Drive and South Palm Drive. The proposed all way stop signs would be place at the northeast and southwest corners of the intersection. The Commission asked about other stop signs along Whitworth Drive and the process for installation requests.
Traffic and Parking Commission Special Meeting Synopsis December 1, 2022
Public Comment: Public comment was read into the record from Sarah Rahel, Christopher Heath, Navid Paktan, Christian Jarry, Steven S. Davis, Stan Hausner.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Shalowitz, SECONDED by Commissioner Schwartz to support the four-way stop sign request at Palm and Whitworth as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Afra-Maghen, Geller, Schwartz, Vice Chair Shalowitz, Chair Ignarro
NOES: None
CARRIED
8. Proposed Agenda Items January – June 2023
Transportation Planner Martha Eros presented the proposed agenda items for the first six months of 2023. The Commission suggested additional topics, traffic safety around schools, micro-mobility and scooters.
PROJECT UPDATES AND FOLLOW-UP ITEMS
9. Project Updates and Follow-Up Items
Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter provided updates on current projects, including the Clifton Le-Doux mobility study, the Metro purple line extension and station naming. Transportation Planner Marta Eros provided and update to the Transit Feasibility Study. The Commission asked about revised opening dates for the new Metro purple line stations and hours for the micro transit and micro mobility programs.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
The Commission inquired about the naming for the Wilshire-Rodeo Metro purple line station. Staff will provide further information once released by Metro. The entire Traffic and Parking Commission commended Chair Ignarro for her leadership through 2022. Chair Ignarro thanked the commission and team for their support.
COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
City Engineer/Public Works Assistant Director Daren Grilley thanked Chair Ignarro for her service.
The next ad hoc meeting for OpenBH Design and Operating Guidelines will be held December 12 at 3:00 PM. A free community shredding and compost event will take place December 4 at the Farmers Market. All are encouraged to see the nightly holiday light show projected on City Hall and at the Lily Pond.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: December 1, 2022 / 10:36 AM