CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Council Chamber
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
March 7, 2023
7:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(e)(3), members of the Beverly Hills City Council and staff may participate in this meeting via teleconference/video conference. In the interest of maintaining appropriate social distancing, members of the public can access City Council meetings telephonically, through live webcast, and BHTV Channel 10 on Spectrum Cable.
City Council meetings are broadcast on local Beverly Hills television and on other media platforms.
Anyone who participates at the meeting and/or enters the City Council Chamber is subject to having their image displayed. These recordings will remain publicly accessible in perpetuity.
The City Council may act on any item listed on the agenda.
The City Council Regular Meeting was called to order by Mayor Bosse at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Beata Po±niak
A. ROLL CALLS
Present: Councilmember Nazarian, Councilmember Friedman, Councilmember Mirisch, Vice Mayor Gold, Mayor Bosse
Absent: None
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. PROCLAMATION — Requested by Mayor Bosse to recognize Beata Po±niak who introduced the first bill in the history of the U.S. Congress to officially recognize International Women’s Day in the U.S.
Mayor Bosse, along with the entire City Council, presented a plaque of recognition to Beata Po±niak who introduced the first bill to recognize International Women’s Day in the U.S.
2. 60 SECOND SHOUT OUT — Grill on the Alley
Mayor Bosse along with the entire City Council presented a shout out recognition to Bob Spivak, founding partner of Grill on the Alley located at 9560 Dayton Way. Grill on the Alley is open Monday through Friday for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and dinner starting at 5:00 p.m.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
3. TEXT BH — Text messages on any City-related topic may be sent to (310) 596-4265.
City staff will acknowledge receipt of the text message within one business day, however, resolution of issues may take longer.
If you would like to receive updated text alerts from the Beverly Hills Police Department, please text “BHPDalert” to 888777. Text alerts will keep you informed of any Police activity within the City.
Councilmember Nazarian announced that text messages on any City-related topic may be sent to (310) 596-4265, and to text BHPDalert to 888777 if interested to receive text alerts from the Beverly Hills Police Department.
C. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE CALL-IN: (310) 288-2288
Members of the public are invited to listen to the meeting telephonically or share oral communications on this phone line.
1. Laura Velkei re: Robertson Blvd trees
2. Diana Nicole re: Robertson Blvd trees
3. Steve Mayer re: Robertson Blvd trees
2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS. Any person wishing to address the City Council on any matter on the agenda may do so through email or in-person. However, the State open meetings law (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.) prohibits the City Council from providing a detailed response or acting upon any item not contained on the agenda posted 72 hours before a regular meeting and 24 hours before a special meeting. If you wish to address the City Council at this time, please email or provide an in-person speaker card to the City Clerk prior to or during the meeting. Please limit your email remarks to three (3) minutes in length (350 words) that can be read, so others may have the opportunity to participate as well.
Speakers:
1. Randy Simon re: Robertson Blvd trees
2. Tiffany Paige re: Robertson Blvd trees
3. Anne Chavez re: Robertson Blvd trees
4. Wendy Klenk re: Robertson Blvd trees
Written Comments Read into the Record:
1. Janine Milne re: Robertson Blvd trees
2. Greystar Tenants re: Robertson Blvd trees
3. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Laurence Weiner announced in the case of Casa Greene vs. the State of California, the City Council unanimously decided to appeal the parcel denial.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
4. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER
None
5. CITY COUNCILMEMBER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COMMENTS Councilmember Nazarian reported March is Women’s History Month and tomorrow is International Women’s Day. Councilmember Nazarian also reported that female students across Iran have been victims of continued chemical violence.
Councilmember Mirisch announced Jewish History Month is upcoming and antisemitism continues to be on the rise. Councilmember Mirisch requested to agendize a resolution against companies working with antisemites to promote their products.
The Council spoke about antisemitism.
D. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
FISCAL IMPACT REPORT
MOVED by Councilmember Mirisch, seconded by Vice Mayor Friedman to approve all items on the City Council consent calendar, and direct that the appropriate accounts be charged on Items D-1 and D-2
Minutes
None
Demands Paid
1. REVIEW OF BUDGETED DEMANDS PAID, covering dates February 14, 2023 to February 27, 2023.
ITEM D-1: APPROVED
2. PAYROLL DISBURSEMENT REPORT, covering dates February 14, 2023 to February 27, 2023.
ITEM D-2: APPROVED
Other Business
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS:
3. AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO REMOVE CERTAIN CURBSIDE PICKUP
ZONES, READOPTING CITY MANAGER AUTHORITY TO ISSUE PERMITS FOR
OUTDOOR DINING, READOPTING WAIVER OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FEES City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
AND REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 4 OF TITLE 4 OF THE BEVERLY HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE; AND
MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. (Second Reading — for Adoption)
Comment: This ordinance codifies certain COVID-19 emergency regulations related to: (1) currently designated curbside pickup zones that were established as a result of COVID-19; (2) establishing maximum fees a third-party food delivery service may charge restaurants and customers; (3) issuance of street closure permits and other permits necessary to allow outdoor dining; and (4) continuing waiver of fees and minimum period for filing an application for a special event permit for outdoor dining and participants in OpenBH until the City Council formally approves a long-term program related to the issuance of permits, adoption of fees, and establishment of design & operating standards associated with the OpenBH program.
Written Comments Read into the Record:
1. Kabob by Faraj Management
2. Lily Rocha
3. Andy Scherer
4. William D. Smart
5. Janet Hernandez
Telephone Public Comment:
1. Courtney Torres
ITEM D-3: ADOPTED, ORD# 23-0-2873
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS:
4. AUTHORIZING THE GRANT APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE, AND EXECUTION
FOR THE LA CIENEGA PARK WELLS PROJECT AND ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI)/ AUTOMATED METER READING (AMR) PROJECT.
Comment: It is recommended that City Council adopt the resolution, and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute any and all necessary agreements and other grant-related documents to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The Urban Community Drought Relief Grant administered by the DWR requires a minimum non-state cost share of 25% of the total application costs. The City is requesting $9,324,000 from the State with the City’s cost share portion at $3,108,000.
ITEM D-4: ADOPTED, RES# 23-R-13453
5. ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF THE
BEVERLY HILLS FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
ANNUAL INSPECTION OF CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
Comment: Annual requirement by the State Fire Marshal to enforce building standards and requirements for annual inspections of identified hotels; apartment houses; motels; lodging houses; including private and public schools; per the California Health & Safety Code, Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3.
ITEM D-5: APPROVED, RES# 23-R-13454
APPROVAL OF:
6. REQUEST FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER A FREE-USE DAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR ON APRIL 4, 2023 AT THE WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Comment: This item is a request for the City Council to consider an approval for a free-use day of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to host the Installation of the Mayor and Vice Mayor on April 4, 2023.
ITEM D-6: APPROVED
7. AGREEMENTS WITH KOLAR & ASSOCIATES AND CARPENTER, ROTHANS & DUMONT, LLP FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL SERVICES.
Comment: The City Attorney recommends that the City Council approve Agreements between the City of Beverly Hills and Kolar & Associates and the City of Beverly Hills and Carpenter, Rothans & Dumont LLP, for special counsel services.
ITEM D-7: APPROVED, AG# 104-23, AG# 105-23
8. AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO RAMCO FOR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 1ST AND FLOOR REMODEL PROJECT - PHASE 1; AND
APPROVAL OF A CORRESPONDING PURCHASE ORDER IN THE NOT-TOEXCEED AMOUNT OF $199,670; AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA.
Comment: Staff recommends that City Council move to 1. Approve the award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder Ramco for the Public Works Facility 1st and 2’ Floor Remodel Project - Phase 1 in the amount of $191,070; and 2. Approve a construction contingency in the amount of $8,600 (4.5%); and 3. Approve a purchase order in the not-to-exceed amount of $199,670; and 4. Approve the plans as detailed in the bid documents, which are adopted and approved with respect to design criteria; and 5. Consider finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
ITEM D-8: APPROVED, AG# 169-23
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
9. APPROVAL OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS AND RAYMOND B. TAYLOR TO SERVE AS THE INTERIM DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF RENT STABILIZATION.
Comment: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the employment agreement between the City of Beverly Hills and Raymond B. Taylor to serve as the Interim Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization until a permanent Deputy Director of Rent Stabilization is selected.
ITEM D-9: APPROVED, AG# 106-23
10. REQUEST FOR THE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER A FREE-USE DAY FOR A CELEBRATION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL’S INDEPENDENCE AT THE WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
Comment: This is a request by the Consul General of Israel for the City Council to consider an approval for a free-use day at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for a celebration of the 75ti Anniversary of the Independence of Israel.
ITEM D-10: APPROVED
Vote on the City Council Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Councilmember Nazarian, Councilmember Friedman, Councilmember Mirisch, Vice Mayor Gold, and Mayor Bosse.
Noes: None.
CARRIED
E. CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
TO SET:
None
TO CONSIDER:
1. CONSIDERATION OF A CONTINUANCE REQUEST RELATED TO THE APPEAL HEARING SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 18, 2023 TO CONSIDER THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S AUGUST 26, 2021 DECISION DENYING A HISTORIC INCENTIVE
PERMIT TO ALLOW WAIVERS OR DEVIATIONS FROM THE BEVERLY HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 910 NORTH BEDFORD DRIVE.
Comment: On August 26, 2021, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution denying a Historic Incentive Permit to allow certain waivers/deviations from the Beverly Hills Municipal Code for the property located at 910 North Bedford Drive. An appeal of this decision has been timely filed seeking City Council approval to allow City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
certain waivers/deviations from the Beverly Hills Municipal Code, and appeal fees have been paid. On October 26, 2021, the City Council set the appeal hearing for the first meeting in April 2022, which was subsequently continued on multiple occasions to the first meeting in April 2023 at the request of the property owner. The property owner has submitted a third request to continue the appeal hearing for an additional six month period as a Certificate of Appropriateness for a revised, code-compliant project is under consideration and will be presented to the Cultural Heritage Commission in April 2023.
Director of Community Development Timothea Tway presented information related to this item.
ITEM E-I: BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR, ABSENT OBJECTION, THE APPEAL
HEARING IS CONTINUED TO THE FIRST CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN OCTOBER 2023
F. CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED AND NEW BUSINESS
BEVERLY HILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT PREFERENTIAL
PARKING PROGRAM UPDATE.
Comment: The Beverly Hills Police Department will provide an update on the new Preferential Parking Permit Program.
Lieutenant Robert Maycott and Sergeant David Tomlin presented information related to this item.
Telephone Public Comment:
1. David Gingold
Written Comments Read into the Record:
1. Rosa Berman
2. David Gottlieb
Council provided their questions and comments.
Lieutenant Robert Maycott and Sergeant David Tomlin responded to Council questions.
ITEM F-I: NO ACTION TAKEN
G. COMMISSION SYNOPSIS
1. RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION -Regular Meeting of February 1, 2023 TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION -Regular Meeting of February 2, 2023 PLANNING COMMISSION -Regular Meeting of February 9, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION -Regular Meeting of February 9, 2023 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION -Regular Meeting of February 19, 2023 ITEM G-1: NO ACTION TAKEN
H. OTHER BUSINESS
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
There being no further business, Mayor Bosse, with the consent of the City Council, adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
PASSED, Approved and Adopted
this 21st day of November, 2023
(
L I )F
HUMA AHMED, City Clerk
JULIAN A. GOLD, M.D., MAYOR
This meeting was broadcast on live television, on City of Beverly Hills municipal government television access Channel BHTVIO Spectrum Cable.