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
January 12, 2023
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: January 12, 2023 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Greer, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Manu Dhaliwal, Debby Dunn, Samer Elayyan, Shana Epstein, Ilene Knebel, Tristan Malabanan, Rob Welch
PRESENTATION
City Staff was recognized for their assistance with the Holiday Décor Program.
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
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Alpert, SECONDED by Commissioner Greer to amend the Agenda as requested by staff (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Greer, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom NOES:
CARRIED
H-1
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 12, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of December 8, 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 Commissioner Alpert, SECONDED by Commissioner Greer to approve the Consent Calendar items as presented (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Greer, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom NOES:
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Director Dr. Barry Pressman presented updates on the hydrologic conditions concerning the water shortage emergency in light of the recent bomb cyclones. The commission asked about various methods of retaining water from the recent storms and issues with the Colorado River’s lessening water levels.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. Update on the Proposed Ordinance Prohibiting the Use, Sale, and Distribution of Single-Use Plastic and Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Goods and Materials (Item was taken out of order – after TAB 4)
At the request of Chair Nystrom, staff re-presented this item from last month’s meeting.
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Manager Josette Descalzo provided updates on the ordinance and staff outreach efforts to restaurants in Beverly Hills. The commission commented and inquired about focusing on banning polystyrene goods first, then single use plastic later.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Monthly Educational Speaker Series – Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (Item was taken out of order – after REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES) Utilities Director Rob Welch introduced Joe McDermott, P.E., the Director of Engineering and External Affairs at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD). He presented an overview of the flow restriction program used for drought responses in the Las Virgenes water district, including flow restriction devices with penalties and reduced individual water budgets.
The commission commented and asked about the program and restrictions.
Public Speaker: Public comment was heard from David Gingold.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 12, 2023
The commission took a break at 9:43 AM.
The commission returned from break at 9:53 AM.
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
5. La Brea Subarea Update
Water Resources/Operations Manager Vince Damasse and Project Manager Tristan Malabanan provided an update on the construction of LCW-1. The final inspection was completed in December 2022. The commission asked about city use of the Hollywood Wells and for updates on the two new wells approved at La Cienega Park.
6. Water Efficiency Update
Utilities Director Rob Welch introduced Water Conservation Administrator Debby Dunn, noting it would be her last presentation to the commission and thanked her for her efforts while working for the city. She provided an update on the drought and weather predictions for 2023.
The commission thanked her for her work and wished her luck on her next endeavor.
7. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan provided an update on the reservoir management system and the Burton Way median green streets project. He then introduced Associate Project Manager Manu Dhaliwal, who presented an update on the Robertson Boulevard sidewalk improvement project. The commission asked about the implementation of the reservoir management system and parking on Robertson.
8. Specific Information and Department Updates
Public Works Director Shana Epstein answered questions on the Water Fund financial statement for the first quarter of FY 2022-23 (July 2022 to September 2023). The commission asked about some specifics of the financial statement.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
9. Chair’s Report
Chair Nystrom provided updates on the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting from November 14, 2022 and noted that her intention for the educational speaker series in 2023 is to focus on environmental awareness.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
10. Director’s Report
Public Works Director Shana Epstein announced that Earth Day will be celebrated on April 23rd with a return to a citywide celebration with shredding and composting. Future meeting dates were also discussed. The commission requested quarterly reports about the water treatment plant.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: January 12, 2023 / 11:01 AM
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
January 19, 2023
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: January 19, 2023 / 9:00 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pam Kraushaar, led the Pledge of Allegiance
SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER PAM KRAUSHAAR
Huma Ahmed, City Clerk, swore in new Human Relations Commissioner Pam Kraushaar Chair Freeman read the Human Relations Commission’s Civility Statement
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Patricia Acuna; Christopher Paulson, Stephanie Harris, Enisha Clark, Corrina Lesser, Lisa Crespo and 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. The Chair approve the agenda as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 15, 2022.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 19, 2023
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.
MOTION by Nisim, SECONDED by Freeman to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, and Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Beverly Hills Police Department
Captain Giovanni Trejo updated the Commission on the following:
- The Golden Globes took place January 10, 2023 with no significant incidents. - Thanked staff in the police department for their work in apprehending individuals at large. - Introduced Police Sergeant Jeffrey Newman, who is replacing Police Lieutenant Jesse Perez’s as Community Relations officer. Perez has been promoted to a Lieutenant and Watch Commander.
Beverly Hills Unified School District
Beverly Hills Board of Education member, Dr. Amanda Stern, provided an update on the following:
- Kosher lunches are now being offered to students from LA Kosher Grill. - The schools were closed in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. - Noah Margo is the new Board President with herself being the Vice President.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Hate Crime Report
Marshall Wong, Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, will be providing a report.
- Marshall Wong, from the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, presented the findings of the 2021 Hate Crime Report. Mr. Wong is the Commission’s Hate Crime Coordinator and principal author of the annual Hate Crime Report. - The executive summary of the 2021 Hate Crimes Report highlights the overall increase in hate crimes reported. The full report is available at https://hrc.lacounty.gov/.
NEW BUSINESS
4. 2023 Human Relations Commission Work Plan
The Commission was asked to review the status of the existing work plan for adoption at the February 2023 Commission meeting. New work plan items that require funding must be included in the 2023-24 budget process and therefore must be added to the City Council Priority setting exercise in early spring.
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 19, 2023
The Commission has ongoing City Council priorities, ongoing Commission agenda items, and successful ongoing community programming that were developed through prior work plans. Staff is asking the Commission to review the current (2022) work plan and any newly proposed work plan items and prioritize the 2023 work plan to no more than five items. It is advised that commissioners evaluate the work plan using the SMART goals framework.
Consider if the plan in its entirety is Specific and well defined, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
After much discussion, the Commission made the following motions:
MOTION by Nisim, SECONDED by Kraushaar to add an Anti-Hate Initiative to our 2023 Work Plan. (5/0)
AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, and Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED
MOTION by Freeman, SECONDED by Nisim to consolidate Tab 6 Beverly Hills Unified School District Engagement Project into the new Anti-Hate Initiative. (5/0) AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, and Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED
MOTION by Freeman, SECONDED by Kaiserman to consolidate the Commissions Tabs as follows: 1) Civility, which is Kindness Week, Kindness Matters, Civility Month. 2) AntiHate Initiative, which is DEI, Embrace & Celebrate Culture. 3) Community Assistant Grant Fund (CAGF), & 4) Homeless Initiative & Mental Health. (5/0) AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Nisim, and Vice Chair Margo, Chair Freeman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED
Chair Freeman reviewed and updated the ad hocs and assigned Commissioners.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
5. FY 2023-24 Community Assistance Grant Funding (CAGF) Enisha Clark, Human Services Specialist, reminded the Commission of the CAGF process and the approaching January 23, 2023 at 5pm deadline for submission. - Applications can be located online at: www.beverlyhills.org\cagf Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 19, 2023
- Next Steps include meeting with the CAFG ad hocs to review the program proposals. - The Charitable Solicitations Commission will be reviewing the financial components. - A joint ad hoc session will then be scheduled to fully review the program proposals.
6. 2023 Kindness Week Planning
Vice Chair Margo and Commissioner Kaiserman updated the Commission on the scheduled events of Kindness Week that runs from Sunday, February 12, 2023 through Friday, February 17, 2023.
- Sunday, February 12, 2023: Kickoff at the Farmers’ Market: Kindness for a Cause. 9am - 1pm. Collecting donations for Cancer Charities.
- Monday, February 13, 2023: Be Kind to Seniors. Senior Valentines Dance from 1pm - 3pm at the Roxbury Community Center.
- Tuesday, February 14, 2023: Be Kind and Connect. The Human Relations Commissioners will distribute cards designed by local children in addition to roses sponsored by Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHHAC) to older adults in senior living communities.
- Wednesday, February 15, 2023: Teach Kindness to Kids. Walk to School Wednesday at Horace Mann & Hawthorne Elementary. Students are encouraged to walk to school and participate in a kindness themed community art project. - Kindness Story Time in the Beverly Hills Public Library at 10:30am in Library Auditorium. - Thursday, February 16 & 17, 2023: Be In The Business of Kindness. Support local establishments participating “In The Business of Kindness” during this 2-day event where participating businesses will spread kindness by offering special discounts to customers.
- Friday, February 17, 2023: National Random Acts of Kindness Day. “In the Business of Kindness” continues with the Human Relations Commissioners inviting the public to support the participating Beverly Hills businesses who will be offering a Kind gesture to customers who patronize their business on these days
7. Mental Health Awareness
Lisa Crespo & Corrina Lesser, Recreation Supervisors, will be providing an update on the January 29, 2023 Youth Mayor’s Mental Wellness Event.
Lisa Crespo and Corrina Lesser, Recreation Supervisors, presented information on the upcoming Mayor’s Youth Mental Wellness Event that will be held in partnership with the Teen Advisory Committee (TAC).
- The event is scheduled on Sunday, January 29, 2023 from Noon to 3pm and will be held outdoors on the Crescent side of City Hall. The event is free to attend.
8. Beverly Hills Unified School District Engagement Project Tabled.
9. Beverly Hills Homeless Initiative
- Enisha Clark, Human Services Specialist, reminded the Commission, along with Community members to contact the centralized unhoused hotline number if they encounter someone in need at (310) 285-BHOT (2468).
Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 19, 2023
- Staff is preparing for the 2023 Los Angeles Homeless Count being held in the City of Beverly Hills on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Internal staff, Police, Rangers, BHOT and Ambassadors will be participating.
- Community Services procured a software system to track data on homelessness in Beverly Hills and is moving forward with Apricot 360. Staff anticipates deploying the software on mobile devices to outreach teams in March 2023.
10. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awareness Initiative
Chair Freeman and Commissioner Nisim updated the Commission on the details of the next Critical Conversations Speaker panel scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 7pm – 8pm in City Hall.
11. Kindness Matters
- Commissioner Kraushaar gave a shout-out to a colleague who returned from a pilgrimage to India and informed the Commission of the Kindness she provided to a child. - Chair Freeman gave a shout-out to Dion Jackson, who runs a fitness program, a kind heart & soul who remembers and acknowledges everyone’s birthday.
STATUS REPORTS
12. Beverly Hills Ambassador Program
- Johnthon Hunter, Beverly Hills Ambassadors Operations Manager, updated the Commission on the following:
- The Ambassador Team had several outreach referrals in December 2022. - Typically during the holiday season staff sees an increase in panhandling activity. These referrals were families, including children, being involved. Since staff interactions, those families are no longer panhandling.
- The third referral was an elderly woman in need of services. Staff provided her with a tap card for bus services in addition to a food voucher.
- Chair Freeman requesting providing an update or feedback to the caller the result of the interaction of the person they called or texted about; such as “handled.” - Vice Chair Margo suggested placing the success stories at some location. Staff informed the Commission that these success stories have been printed in the quarterly Community Services newsletters, department newsletters and will be including more.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
13. Chair Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
- Reviewed
b) Ad Hoc Committees
c) Review Commission Meeting dates
d) Good and Welfare. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
14. Administrator’s Report
Christopher Paulson, Interim Administrator, updated the Commission on the following; Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 19, 2023
• Mayor’s Initiatives
- Business with Bosse:
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 11:30am – 12:30am, Mr. Brainwash Art Museum, 465 N.
Beverly Drive
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 5pm – 6:30pm, L’Restaurant at “L’Emitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way
Monday, February 27, 2023, 5pm – 6:30pm, Hideaway Beverly Hills, 421 N. Rodeo Drive - Live with Lili:
- Monday, February 13, 2023, 7pm – 8pm, City Hall Municipal Gallery - Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Youth Live With Lili, 7pm – 8pm, City Hall Municipal Gallery If you cannot attend in-person, Live with Lili can be watched at beverlyhills.org/live • Community Services Events
- Art Walks – Sunday, February 5, 2023, 11am, Beverly Gardens Park Lily Pond - Valentine’s Day Dance – Monday, February 13, 2023, 1pm, Roxbury Community Center
ADJOURNMENT
January 19, 2023 at 11:33 a.m.
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, January 23, 2023
4:00 p.m.
OPEN MEETING
Date/Time: January 23, 2023 / 4:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Hilborne led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Baker and Chang, Vice Chair Felsenthal, Chair Hilborne
Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Rosenthal
Staff Present: Senior Policy and Management Administrator Gabriella Yap, Fire Chief Gregory Barton, Deputy Fire Chief Alfred Poirier, Police Captain Giovanni Trejo, Fire Battalion Chief David Perusse, EMS Administrator Sean Stokes, Fire Administrator Michael Liongson, Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter, Transportation Planner Martha Eros, Management Assistant Austin Brault, Project 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.
No public comment.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 23, 2023
2 By order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as amended to defer item 5 – Smoking and Tobacco Quarterly Report, to the February 27, 2023 meeting.
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 Commissioner Baker, SECONDED by Commissioner Chang to approve the resolution as presented (4-0).
AYES: Commissioners Baker and Chang, Vice Chair Felsenthal, Chair Hilborne ABSENT: Commissioner Rosenthal
NOES: None
2. Consideration of minutes from the special Health and Safety Commission meeting on December 19, 2022.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Chang, SECONDED by Vice Chair Felsenthal to approve the minutes as presented (4-0).
AYES: Commissioners Baker and Chang, Vice Chair Felsenthal, Chair Hilborne ABSENT: Commissioner Rosenthal
NOES: None
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) – Beverly Hills Unified School District representative Rachelle Marcus announced that she will continue to be the school district liaison for the Health and Safety Commission. Discussion highlights included wellness and mental health for students and parenting group support sessions for parents. Beverly Hills Fire Department – C-Shift Battalion Chief David Perusse spoke on incidents and response metrics. He reported on the Golden Globes event and after-party held in the City. He stated that it went smoothly without incidents. There were no Red Flag activations or Strike Team Deployments to report.
Beverly Hills Police Department– Captain Giovanni Trejo provided an update on the department’s quarter four statistics, average response time, and activities. He provided a summary report of the Golden Globe event and the recent trespassing incident in the Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 23, 2023
3 north-end of the City that led to an arrest. He also announced enrollment opportunity for the Citizen’s Police Academy.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. Quarterly Active Transportation Programs Update
Information on active mobility to advance a safe and healthy Beverly Hills.
Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter spoke on the current Active Transportation Programs and the progress of the Complete Streets Plan. Highlights included bicycle support facilities, the newly-installed bike racks and repair stands, the newly-enhanced pedestrian crossings, and the Clifton – Le Doux Corridor Mobility Study.
She announced the 2023 Transportation Safety Campaign, which aims to teach all road users how to travel safely. Transportation Planner, Martha Eros, provided an overview on the Transit Feasibility Study. She also spoke about the next steps, to include planning and implementation, local transit opportunities, and transit pilot phases.
4. Moment of Mindfulness
Vice Chair Erica Felsenthal, PhD, will lead the Commission in a Moment of Mindfulness.
This is a monthly recurring agenda item. Vice Chair Felsenthal spoke on ways to help reduce inflammation and led the Commission in a guided exercise titled Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
5. 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.
This item was deferred to the February 27, 2023 meeting.
6. COVID-19
Provides information and a discussion on a variety of topics related to the COVID-19 emergency and what the community should know.
Management Assistant Austin Brault spoke on on the latest COVID-19, cases, vaccination, and statistics, specific to the Beverly Hills community. Staff reviewed the current Los Angeles County COVID-19 levels and the extension of the Public Health Emergency, and shared important resources. He also spoke on the current health order and the City’s continued response to the pandemic.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Resolve to be Ready for an Emergency
Provides information on City programs related to emergency preparedness and other helpful tips.
Health and Safety Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
January 23, 2023
4 Project Operations Specialist Gabriel Mier provided a presentation on the various community outreach programs that the Beverly Hills Fire Department offers: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Business Emergency Response Team (BERT), eCERT, Teen CERT, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) Training, Stop the Bleed, and JUST IN CASE BH (JICBH). He also shared emergency preparedness and readiness tips for natural disasters and emergencies.
PROJECT UPDATES
None.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
Chair’s Report
- Commissioner Chang attended the November 14, 2022 and December 12, 2022 Mayor’s Cabinet meeting. Highlights to the November meeting were included in the packet for Commissioners to read.
- Chair Hilborne attended the January 9, 2023 Mayor’s Cabinet meeting.
Highlights will be included in a future Health and Safety Commission packet along with the December highlights.
Commissioner Items
- Vice Chair Felsenthal and Commissioner Baker commended the staff for their service to the City of Beverly Hills.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
Director’s Report
- Staff shared information on upcoming events.
Health and Safety Related Supplemental Information:
1. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Newsletter January 2023
2. Beverly Hills Fire Department Presents - Fire Safety and Fall Prevention for Seniors
3. Car Fire Safety
4. Heating Safety
- Health and safety related supplemental information was included in the packet for Commissioners to read.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: January 23, 2023 / 6:22 p.m.