MAYOR’S CABINET MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
January 9, 2023
5:00 PM
IN-PERSON / TELEPHONIC / VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETING
Please be advised that pre-entry metal detector screening requirements are now in place in City Hall. Members of the public are requested to plan visits accordingly.
In the interest of maintaining appropriate social distancing, members of the public can view this meeting through live webcast at www.beverlyhills.org/live and on BH Channel 10 or Channel 35 on Spectrum Cable, and can participate in the teleconference/video conference by using the link below.
Written comments may be emailed to [email protected] and will also be taken during the meeting when the topic is being reviewed by the Mayor’s Cabinet committee. Beverly Hills Mayor’s Cabinet meetings will be in-person at City Hall. https://beverlyhills-org.zoom.us/my/cabinet
Meeting ID: 985 883 7201
Passcode: 90210
Or by telephone:
+1 669 900 9128 US
+1 833 548 0282 Toll-Free
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Welcome
2. Public Comment
a. Members of the public will be given the opportunity to directly address the Committee on any item listed on the agenda through email at [email protected]
3. Report from Commission Chairperson
a. Architectural Commission – Jennifer Schreiber, Chair Report
2 1. No continued business, last meeting held on 12/21/22.
2. 6 applications, all approved:
a. 8633 Wilshire Blvd: Request for architectural review for the new office building with rooftop uses, minor landscaping, and sign accommodation.
b. 313- 323 N. Rodeo Dr. (Dior): Commercial three-story building with rooftop uses.
c. 317 N. Rodeo Dr. (Cartier): Commercial new three-story building, construction barricade with lifestyle graphics.
d. 301- 305 N. Rodeo Dr. (Burberry): New business signs. e. 357 N. Rodeo Dr. (Ferragamo): New business signs.
f. 248 N. Rodeo Dr. (Dolce & Gabbana) – Sign accommodation for multiple business signs.
b. Arts and Culture Commission – Liliana Filipovic, Chair Report
1. New art walk January through April, entitled Beverly Hills Art Walk, Public Art Connoisseur Number Two.
2. 29th Annual Music in the Mansion Festival returns on April 20 – April 23, 2023.
3. 50th Anniversary of the Beverly Hills Art Show
4. Rachmaninoff festival information can be found on the L.A. Philharmonic website including ticket sales.
c. Charitable Solicitations Commission – Kathy Melamed, Vice Chair Report
1. 7 financial statements and 14 permits were issued at the December commission meeting.
2. 2021 CSC annual report was taken to City Council study session and approved.
The report is available online.
3. The commission will be a part of the Community Assistance Grant Funding Ad Hoc Committee, and will work with Human Relations.
4. Thank you to law enforcement, January 9
th is Law Enforcement Day.
d. Cultural Heritage Commission – Kimberly Reiss, Chair Report
1. The next commission meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2023.
2. No new business items and one continued business item is to adopt three resolutions for three golden shield sites.
3. There are four golden shields awaiting installation with no date set yet. The businesses as of now are Nate’ n Al’s, Lawry’s, Geary’s and Giorgio Armani.
4. There are six plaques awaiting completion from the City’s bronzer vendor.
5. City Council has approved eighteen total plaques, eight are pending agenda assignment for Council approval and eleven waiting presentation to Council after January 11, 2023.
3 e. Design Review Commission – Terri Smooke, Vice Chair Report
1. The 513 N Sierra Dr. project was reviewed and approved. The project was first reviewed in September and referred to the ad hoc committee for further work with the applicant and architect.
2. There are three current vacancies. Applications have been re-opened and due by 5:00 PM on January 13, 2023. One of the vacancies is for a licensed architect or landscape architect and doesn’t need to be a resident to participate.
f. Health & Safety Commission – Lee Hilborne, Chair
Report
1. The Nurse practitioner program is continuously being reviewed.
2. There are plans to create a cohesive engagement plan for residents, businesses and staff to champion for health and safety issues.
3. Promotion of vaccination and boosters to protect residents.
4. Continue to develop and disseminate mental health first aid cabinet in conjunction with other activities in the city.
5. Examination of successes in smoking ordinance.
g. Human Relations Commission – Noelle Freeman, Chair
Report
1. The commission met on December 15, 2022 and had a presentation from Dr.
Mary Ann Callahan of the Maple Counseling Center. The presentation included updates and information on all the various mental health programs they provide to the community.
2. Received an update on the City’s new homeless outreach number, available 24 hours a day - (310) 285-2468.
3. The ambassador program operations manager updated the commission on current activities.
4. Community assistance grant funds applications are now open through January 23, 2022, and must be submitted by 5:00 PM.
5. Critical Conversations series returns February 9, 2023 with a panel of women discussing the state of women’s rights.
6. Human Services staff member Rachels Evan departed the organization and new employee Pam Kershaw will begin in a few weeks.
7. Kindness Week 2023 is planned for February 12- February 17. h. Planning Commission – Myra Demeter, Chair
Report
1. The commission previously discussed raising the height permitted of fences, walls and hedges. Recommendations were given to City Council and approved for rear of buildings. There will now be public hearing to discuss what’s permitted in the front and sides of buildings. This meeting will be held on January 12, 2023 at 1:30 PM.
4 i. Public Works Commission – Wendy Nystrom, Chair
Report
1. Christmas tree pick- up is available.
2. Recognition of Public Works staff for work done to install holiday decorations.
3. A reminder was given that the community is still in a drought - turn off sprinklers and continue to conserve water.
4. The Public Works department is still addressing fallen trees, backed-up storm drains, and backed-up sewer systems.
5. The commission is working with the community on a plastics and Styrofoam ban.
6. The asset management system for the central warehouse has been implemented resulting in budget savings.
7. Environmental awareness and water conservations will be the focus of the next commission meeting.
j. Recreation & Parks Commission – Myra B. Lurie, Chair Report
1. The last commission meeting was held on December 20, 2022. An award to Clark Dykman was presented in recognition of his contribution to the community.
2. Over twenty camp programs will be available.
3. A teen mental health awareness event planned with the Mayor will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2023. Topics will include resources available, outlets and wellness education for young people.
4. Upcoming library events are now live and in-person.
5. Alyssa Ronstandt was recognized for her contribution to the commission as her term comes to an end.
6. The Beverly Hills Active Adult Club is re-launching the Valentine’s Dance program on February 13, 2023.
7. The Library Story Time winter/spring session begins on January 10, 2023.
8. Stay and Play is a free early childhood development class offered to caregivers and kids and begins on February 3, 2023.
9. Beverly Hills school visits to the library have resumed.
10. Jim J’s Jukebox program resumes via Zoom on February 1, 2023.
11. Greystone Mansion will be offering programs in January that include selfguided tours inside the mansion. k. Rent Stabilization Commission – Lou Milkowski, Chair Report
1. The commission passed a motion to extend incurring an additional cost for an extra tenant for Chapter 6 tenants, mirroring Chapter 5.
2. The commission passed a motion to pass through 50% of the cost of a seismic retrofit.
3. The commission is working to fill a vacantseat due to a commissioner resigning in December.
5 l. Traffic & Parking Commission – Ron Shalowitz, Chair Report
1. Michael Lisky of Laguna Beach spoke during the Speaker’s Series portion of the last commission meeting.
2. A quarterly update was given on traffic engineering projects. Construction of grant funded pedestrian projects are scheduled to begin on Robertson, Wilshire and Palm, Beverly, Camden and Bedford.
3. Speed humps will be installed on Palm Drive and Arnaz Drive in early January.
4. There is a collaboration with West Hollywood on a crosswalk at Doheny Drive near Elevado Drive and Cynthia Drive. Flashing lights will be added when a pedestrian is walking across street.
5. An update on the City’s transit and feasibility project was given.
6. The second community survey was initiated in December and open until January 13, 2023.
7. The January 2023 Transportation Safety Educational campaign will include pedestrian safety as the theme for the month.
8. The commission applied for League of American Bicyclist Bicycle Friendly Community Program and an honorable mention was given.
4. Mayors’ Report
Approved commission reappointments for Charitable Solicitations Commission, Design Review Commission, Health and Safety Commission and Human Relations Commission.
Received an update on Fiscal Year 2021-22 Audited General Fund Financial Results.
At the request of Councilmember Mirisch, received information on protections for renters displaced by redevelopment.
Honored former City Manager George Chavez ahead of his retirement on December 29, 2022.
60 SECOND SHOUT OUT program honored Walter’s restaurant. Considered a recommendation by the Rent Stabilization Commission to prohibit landlords from bringing an action to recover possession of an apartment unit for the purpose of major remodeling.
Approved a police department signing bonus program.
Considered a request on exploring the adoption of an ordinance establishing the forfeiture of nuisance vehicles engaged in motor vehicle speed contests. Considered a request by Councilmember Mirisch to discuss whether or not to order the review of the Planning Commission’s decision conditionally approving two hillside R-1 permits and a tree removal permit to allow for the construction of a new single-family residence at 1510 Lexington Road. 60 SECOND SHOUT OUT program honored Juice Crafters.
Appointed new Deputy City Manager, Keith Sterling.
Retirement celebration for former City Manager George Chavez. Menorah Lighting Celebration in Beverly Gardens Park. Live with Lili tonight at 7:00pm in the Municipal Gallery. 6 Golden Globes at Beverly Hilton LIVE on January 10, 2023 on NBC at 5:00 pm. US Conference of Mayor’s in Washington, D.C.
Youth Mayor’s Mental Wellness Event on Sunday, January 29th from 12:00 – 3:00 pm on Crescent side of City Hall.
5. Next Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting – February 13, 2023
6. Adjournment