CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Room 280A
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
Thursday, August 3, 2023
9:00 AM
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: August 3, 2023 / 9:01 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Geller, Afra-Maghen (arrived at 9:16 AM), Ignarro, Vice Chair Schwartz, Chair Shalowitz
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Martha Eros, Daren Grilley, Jessie Holzer Carpenter, Ilene Knebel
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 Comment: Public comment was heard from David Gingold, Steve Mayer and Lynne Brookman.
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 regular meeting of June 1, 2023
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ignarro, SECONDED by Commissioner Geller to approve the consent calendar item as presented (3/0).
AYES: Commissioners Geller, Ignarro, Vice Chair Schwartz NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: Chair Shalowitz
CARRIED
Traffic and Parking Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis August 3, 2023
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
2. Police Department Report
Sergeant Jay Kim and Officer Michael Garrido were available for Commissioner comments and questions. The Commission thanked Officer Garrido for his help with commercial enforcement and inquired about the increase in collision injuries from May to June 2023.
3. Monthly Educational Speaker Series – Speed Management Strategies in San Francisco Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter introduced Uyen Ngo, SFMTA Vision Zero Program Manager. She gave a presentation on San Francisco’s efforts to reduce and eliminate pedestrian traffic accidents, including the various changes to traffic control implemented under the Vision Zero program. The commission thanked her for the presentation and asked about the most effective tools for reducing speed, deciding which intersections should have “no turn on red” signs, and if the higher number of collisions in San Francisco’s “Tenderloin” neighborhood was due to the unhoused population.
Public Comment: Public comment was heard from Julie Glucksman.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Coldwater Cañon Drive (aka Coldwater Canyon Drive) Left-Turn Pocket Removal and Crosswalk Analysis
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Daren Grilley introduced Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter, who gave a presentation on the city’s efforts to reduce speeding and passing on Coldwater Cañon. She introduced Sarah Brandenberg, Transportation Consultant from Fehr & Peers, who gave a presentation on the firm’s transportation assessment study on Coldwater Cañon. The study recommended keeping the left-turn pockets and installing crosswalks with safety enhancements. There are three locations recommended for further consideration of crosswalk installation.
Public Speakers: Public comment was heard from David Salomon, Ralph Herzig, Steven Hopher, Barry Bernstein, David Fisher, Larry Murphy, Ethan Chase, Julie Glucksman, Christina Noonan, Tim Noonan, Jack Nourafshan, Ellie Yadegar, Melanie Staggs, David Gingold, Abigail Anshell, Sylvia Shapiro and Peter Ostroff.
Public Comment: Public comment was read into the record from Curtis Tamkin, Nadina Szew, Scott Vanzo, Joshua Deutsch, Victoria Natkin Goodman, Fernando Szew, Julie Salomon, John Cohen, Gary Goodman, Dina Morrone, Matthew O’Sullivan, Stephen Rivkin, Kamall Shaikh, Raghav Khanna, Jamshid Mehdizadeh, Paul
Markovits, Shiva Rahimizadeh, Anne Ostroff, Franny Rennie, Susan Niman, Casper Daugaard, Kathy Murray, David and Jan Martin, Jackie Diamond, Daniel Fink, Ron Manusand Renee Cunning, David Cohan, David Shapiro, Dorrie Markovits, Roberto Alcantara, Robert and Ella Omidi, Rozita Yacobi, Michael Manshel and Tobey Cotsen.
Traffic and Parking Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis August 3, 2023
Staff recommended maintaining all left-turn pockets and that more detailed proposals for the three crosswalks be made for further consideration. The commission noted their support for staff’s recommendations and asked about any studies done for parking on Coldwater and what the next steps for more detailed designs for proposed crosswalks would involve.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ignarro, SECONDED by Commissioner Afra-Maghen to present staff’s recommendations to City Council (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Geller, Afra-Maghen, Ignarro, Vice Chair Schwartz, Chair Shalowitz
NOES: None.
CARRIED
The commission took a break at 11:48 AM.
The commission returned from break at 11:57 AM.
5. Transportation Demand Management Policy Framework
Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter introduced CivicSparks fellow Elizabeth Morris, who gave a presentation on the city’s current Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ordinance, which was adopted in 1993. The City’s Complete Streets Plan aims to revise the ordinance to better reflect current needs and increase sustainability. The commission asked about the gas tax’s funding of the ordinance, how much City Council would support in updating in ordinance, and which ways the ordinance could be updated.
PROJECT UPDATES AND FOLLOW-UP ITEMS
6. Traffic Engineering Quarterly Report
This item was skipped due to time constraints. This item is available online to the public.
7. Project Updates and Follow-Up Items
This item was skipped due to time constraints. This item is available online to the public.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
The commission noted the city’s network bicycling score of 37 from the nonprofit organization PeopleForBikes, which is above the national average. The commission thanked staff for their work on traffic signage on Coldwater.
COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: August 3, 2023 / 12:27 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
SYNOPSIS
August 7, 2023
6:00 PM
Recordings of the Rent Stabilization Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: August 7, 2023 / 6:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Bronte, Gurman, Lindsey-Cerqueira, Miller, Tryfman, Vice Chair Baseman, Chair Milkowski
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Nestor Otazu, Cameron Kesinger, Vardan Vardanyan, Robin D.
Harris
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: Alan Bronowicz, Mark Elliot
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair and absent objection from the Commission, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Rent Stabilization Commission regular meeting of June 7, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Tryfman, SECONDED by Commissioner Lindsey-Cerqueira to adopt the minutes as presented (6-0).
AYES: Commissioners Bronte, Lindsey-Cerqueira, Miller, Tryfman, Vice Chair Baseman, Chair Milkowski
Rent Stabilization Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
August 7, 2023
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
2. PRESENTATION FROM COMMUNITY PRESERVATION DIVISION REGARDING
ENFORCEMENT OF HABITABILITY AND SUBSTANDARD HOUSING VIOLATIONS
RELATED TO MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS
Staff requests that the Commission receive a presentation from the Community Preservation Division providing an overview of issues related to habitability and substandard housing violations in properties subject to the Rent Stabilization ordinance, as well as the role of Code Enforcement Officers in applying enforcement and preserving the quality of life, safety, and functionality of aging housing stock.
Staff Presenter: Vardan Vardanyan, Code Enforcement Officer Public Input: Max Sherman, Mark Elliot
The Commission received the presentation from staff, asked questions regarding the procedures of Code Enforcement Officers in various situations and the responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and provided suggestions for future conversations regarding habitability.
Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization Nestor Otazu indicated that staff would return with a list of habitability issues which was distributed at previous Commission discussions related to the topic, as well as more information on the viability of presenting habitability-related data sorted by new categories, including the number of cases opened by property, by landlord or tenant, and from the same individual. There was no formal action on this item.
PROJECT UPDATES
3. Rent Stabilization Division Monthly Staff Reports for May and June 2023 Staff seeks to inform the Rent Stabilization Commission on the Rent Stabilization Division’s monthly activity.
Public Input: None
o Report received and filed.
Rent Stabilization Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
August 7, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioner Miller expressed her gratitude that all the Commissioners were gathered again, thanked staff for their work, and communicated that she was hopeful that the two vacancies on the Commission would be filled soon.
• Commissioner Bronte thanked staff for the presentation and wished the community a happy Labor Day and return to school.
• Commissioner Tryfman thanked the Commissioners and members of the public for their contributions and outlined her and Commissioner Gurman’s scheduling challenges in participating in the interview selection process for new commissioners on the Rent Stabilization Commission over the next few weeks.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Deputy Director Otazu advised of the most recent calculations for Chapter 5 and 6 allowable rent increases, presented a reminder about registration, and advised that more information would be forthcoming regarding a rent subsidy program pursuant to discussions with a City Council Ad Hoc Committee
• Deputy Director Otazu also introduced Customer Service Representatives Angie Ventura and Gigi Villarreal, and thanked them for the assistance they provide to the Rent Stabilization Division.
4. 2023 Meeting Schedule
• Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: August 7, 2022 / 7:04 PM
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
August 24, 2023
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: August 24, 2023 / 1:31 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Judy Gutierrez, Alexandria Smille, Karen Myron, Cynthia Owens, David Snow, Zachary Heinselman
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, and absent objection from the Commission, the agenda was approved as amended, taking City Planner Updates immediately after the Consideration of Minutes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of August 10, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by
Commissioner Wolfe to adopt the minutes as presented (5-0).
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
August 24, 2023
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
Taken Out of Order
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire introduced new Associate Planners Philip Coronel, Aaron Savage, Patrick Achis, and Deborah Hong; and reintroduced current Principal Planner Ray Balderas and Associate Planners Didier Murillo and Minjee Hahm; and explained their new roles within the Planning Division.
Return to Order
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
2. 9882 SOUTH SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
Extended Hours Permit Renewal/Amendment and Conditional Use Permit (PL2300002) A request to renew the existing Extended Hours Permit to allow the continued operation of the hotel’s rooftop and ground floor dining areas and to amend the Extended Hours Permit to remove the condition requiring periodic renewal, and a Conditional Use Permit to allow an addition to an existing hotel. 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: None
Project Planner: Alexandria Smille, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: The Belvedere Hotel Partnership
Project Representatives: Michael Tenner
Offer Nissenbaum
Daniel Clinger, AIA
Public Input: Ari Eisenberg – Impact Real Estate Group LLC, Randy Steinberg Motion: MOVED by Chair Ross, SECONDED by Vice Chair Kaplan to continue the item to the October 26, 2023 Planning Commission regular meeting (5-0).
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
August 24, 2023
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
The public hearing on this item remained open.
Citing property ownership less than 500 feet from the subject project, Vice Chair Kaplan recused from item #3 and left the room at 2:36 PM.
3. 9460 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
Conditional Use Permit (PL2300098)
Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a vehicle sales use to occupy the ground floor of an existing multi-tenant building for the establishment of a vehicle showroom. 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: None
Project Planner: Judy Gutierrez, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: 9460 Wilshire Blvd (BH) Owner, L.P. & 9460 Wilshire Blvd (BH) GP, LLC
Project Representatives: Murray D. Fischer, Law Offices of Murray D. Fischer Mark Hershman
Thomas O’Gara
Public Input: David Gingold, Rico Clement
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by
Commissioner Ostroff to adopt the resolution as amended (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Chair Ross NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Kaplan
CARRIED
The Commission took a recess at 3:36 PM.
The Commission reconvened at 3:46 PM, with all five Commissioners present.
4. NON-STOREFRONT, DELIVERY-ONLY MEDICAL CANNABIS RETAIL BUSINESSES An ordinance of the City of Beverly Hills amending Article 47 of Chapter 3 of Title 10 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code establishing non-storefront, delivery-only medical cannabis retail as a conditionally permitted use for properties located in portions of the C-3 zone and adding Article 23 to Chapter 2 of Title 4 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code establishing regulatory and operational restrictions for such retailers and making a determination of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
August 24, 2023
Project Planner: Cynthia Owens, Municipal Affairs Program Manager Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by
Commissioner Wolfe to adopt the resolution as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
Commissioner Demeter left the meeting at 4:16 PM.
STUDY SESSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
5. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
6. Building Permit Report – July
o Received and filed
7. 2023 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed; Vice Chair Kaplan will not be present at the November 9 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: August 24, 2023 / 4:17 PM