CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Room 280A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
2:00 p.m.
Recordings of the Recreation and Parks Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 28, 2023 / 2:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Lisa Castaneda led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chair Lurie read the Civility Statement.
Chair Lurie requested a moment of silence to remember Dr. Charles Aronberg, former twice Mayor of Beverly Hills, who recently passed away.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Dzubak, Termeie, Vice Chair Sherry, Chair Lurie Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Patty Acuna, Matthew Brown, Adrine Ovasapyan, Joana Torres, Evan Doyle, Lisa Castaneda, 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.
Four public comments were submitted. Nancy Mancini spoke on Pickleball. Recording Secretary, Linda Kyriazi, read a public comment submitted by Barbara Miller on the Dog Park. David Gingold spoke on Tab #2 Beverly Hills Unified School District and Tab #4 the Farmers’ Market.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Chair Lurie approved the Agenda as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes from the Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting from 10/24/2023.
MOTION by Termeie, SECONDED by Vice Chair Sherry to approve October 24, 2023 Meeting Minutes as presented. (4/0)
H-1
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis November 28, 2023
AYES: Dzubak, Termeie, Vice Chair Sherry, Chair Lurie
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
2. Beverly Hills Unified School District
Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) members Mary Wells and Judy Manouchehri updated the Commission on programs and activities being held at the schools:
- The School Board unanimously passed a resolution in support of Israel and against antisemitism.
- BHUSD feels confident in the updated security system that has been implemented at the high school and district campuses, along with enhanced communication with the Beverly Hills Police.
- Tina Wiener is the new president of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) and was acknowledged by the Human Relations Commission this year as she was presented with the 2023 Embrace Civility Award.
- BHUSD students had an exhibition at the Beverly Hills Art Show supported by the Art Instructors in addition to the students. It was a great experience for everyone. - Construction at El Rodeo elementary school is planned for completion by the end of this year.
- Middle School athletics, along with afternoon programs, have become more robust with 18 teams now at Beverly Vista Middle School.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Embrace Civility Award
Christopher Paulson, Human Services Administrator, will provide an update.
Christopher Paulson, Human Services Administrator, presented the division’s process for their yearly Embrace Civility Award in addition to presenting the events for October being Civility Month:
- The nomination process, through advertising and publicity, which directed nominators to an online form to submit, was reviewed. A record amount of nominations were submitted.
- The City displayed numerous banners and posters that reminded the City that October is Civility Month.
- The 2023 Embrace Civility Award winner was Tina Wiener who was presented with the award along with a proclamation at the City Council formal session on November 7, 2023.
4. Fall Funtastic at Farmers’ Market
Evan Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, will provide an update on the Farmers’ Market’s Fall Funtastic event & upcoming Craft Fair with Cookie Baking Contest Evan Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, presented a recap of the Fall Funtastic Event in addition to a preview of the Holiday Craft Fair scheduled for December 10, 2023 at the Farmers’ Market:
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis November 28, 2023
- The Fall Funtastic was held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market from 8:00am - 1:00pm and in the Beverly Hills Library from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
This special event combined the fall harvest celebrations, Halloween, along with Dias de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities.
- The Farmers’ Market event provided family-friendly crafts, paper carnation making along with performances from Cortines High School. An Indigenous Ceremony featured Aztec Dancers.
- The screening of the Disney movie Coco, was held in the Beverly Hills Public Library. - The Holiday Craft Fair & Cookie Baking Contest will be held on December 10, 2023, at the Farmers’ Market from 8am – 1pm.
- The Holiday Craft Fair is an annual fair at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market where artisan craft vendors can sell commodities for the Holiday Season such as jewelry and succulent plants.
- For more information please visit: BeverlyHills.org/FarmersMarket - To sign up for the Cookie Contest please go to: BeverlyHills.org/CookieBakingContest
5. Beverly Hills Doggie Daze 90210
Evan Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, will provide a recap of Beverly Hills Doggie Daze 90210
Evan Doyle, Recreation Supervisor, provided a recap of Beverly Hills Doggie Daze 90210:
- The 13th annual Doggy Daze 90210 celebration was held Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 11:00am-3:00pm at Roxbury Park.
- The event had 30 pet related vendors, 5 Adoption/Rescue Agencies, a pet parade along with a pet talent contest, a Kid’s Area, entertainment and plenty of giveaways.
6. Beverly Hills Active Adult Club Thanksgiving Update
Lisa Casteneda, Senior Recreation Supervisor, will provide an update.
Lisa Casteneda, Senior Recreation Supervisor, provided a recap of the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon that was held at Roxbury Community Center on November 13, 2023.
- 2023 celebrated 31 years of the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. The luncheon was first launched in 1993 and is open to the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHHAC) members only.
- The luncheon is provided through a partnership between the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHAAC), the Beverly Hills Firefighters Association and FTA Events & Marketing. - The annual Thanksgiving lunch tradition continued during the pandemic. The Beverly Hills Fire Department helped deliver Thanksgiving meals in 2020 and distributed Thanksgiving meals for pick-up at the Roxbury Park Community Center in 2021. - The Thanksgiving basket tradition was started by BHAAC Board member Donna Goldstein. In her memory, Michelle Gold and her volunteer committee, continue the tradition each year of giving back. Each basket comes with all the supplies for a complete Thanksgiving meal, plus a gift card to purchase a turkey or ham. Eight Thanksgiving baskets were raffled off to BHAAC members.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Community Services Showcase
Adrine Ovasapyan, Recreation Services Manager, will be providing an update.
Adrine Ovasapyan, Recreation Services Manager, provided an update on the plans for the 2024 Community Services Department Showcase which will be held on Sunday, March 10th, from 8:00am – 1:00pm at the Beverly Hills Farmers Market.
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis November 28, 2023
The Department Showcase provides an opportunity for families to ask questions of Summer Camp vendors as they prepare to register for Summer Camps. The 2024 Showcase will include stage demonstrations, vendor booths and an opportunity to redeem a discount towards the 2024 Summer Camp registration.
To optimize this upcoming year’s Summer Camp registration, staff received the Community’s feedback, as well as our Commissioner’s recommendations, and have planned for the following:
- The showcase will continue with showcasing the summer camp vendors. Those who attend the event must visit the Information Booth to receive a per family discount towards their account for Summer Camp registration.
- Registration for residents of Beverly Hills will be held April 10, 2024 and nonresidents on April 17, 2024. Registration will be online only, as was recommended.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None.
STATUS REPORTS
8. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
PROJECT UPDATES
• Manager updates
- Dog Park Update
Joana Torres, Community Services Manager, provided additional information to the Commission:
- Out of the 476 Key Fobs, 404 belong to residents and 72 to non-residents - For the shade structure, the City Architect will be receiving drawings from a 2nd vendor prior to the end of the year. Staff plans to present to the Commission in January 2024.
- Staff is working on scheduling a City Council Liaison Meeting • Recreation & Parks Commission Priorities
- This will move forward in January 2024.
• Community Services Events
- Holidays at Greystone
- Scheduled for December 2nd & 3rd, 2023 from 10am – 4:30pm at Greystone Mansion. The event is currently filled.
- Greystone Gala: Family Dance
- Scheduled for Saturday, December 9 from 6pm – 9pm at Greystone Mansion that includes dinner, dancing along with games.
- There is a fee and one must register at [email protected] - Registration has closed for the event.
- Roxbury Variety Show
- The 2nd Annual Roxbury Variety Show is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, 1pm at Roxbury Community Center.
- This event showcases the performances from senior participants in the Roxbury Senior classes and programs.
• Community Services Events Calendar
Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis November 28, 2023
- The Commission is welcome to attend the Beverly Hills Active Adult Club’s Senior Holiday Dance on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 1pm at Roxbury Community Center.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
9. Chair Report
a. Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
- Meeting Minutes
The last two Mayor’s Cabinet Meetings have been cancelled due to conflicts. b. Ad Hoc Committees
- Chair Lurie, along with Commissioner Dzubak, provided an update on the Community Events & Recreation Programs Ad Hoc productive meeting, along with staff, to review and discuss Pickleball.
- The next Ad Hoc meeting will be scheduled in December. - Vice Chair Sherry commented on the Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) - the students have been active in creating their own agenda for programs and activities that they would like planned out for the year. c. Recreation and Parks Commission Upcoming Meetings
- Review calendar and attendance
d. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities
- Chair Lurie reminded all to bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive to the Holidays at Greystone event.
NEXT MEETING: December 19, 2023 – 10am Special Meeting
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: November 28, 2023 / 3:44 p.m.
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
December 14, 2023
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: December 14, 2023 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Kimura, Nehoray, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Samer Elayyan, Shana Epstein, Michael Hensley, Ilene Knebel, Tristan Malabanan, Rob Welch
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
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 Public Works Commission regular meeting of November 9, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Millan, SECONDED by Commissioner Nehoray to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioners Kimura, Nehoray, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom.
NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 14, 2023
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies MWD Director Barry Pressman gave an update on the State Water Project, including a review of the last 12 months with the reversal of drought conditions, near-record breaking snowpack, and 100% allocation as reservoirs improve. The commission asked about water allocation, lawsuits concerning the “big gulp tunnel,” and limiting high water level crops.
Environmental Compliance Manager Josette Descalzo introduced the guest speakers from Humpback Hydro. CEO Colonel Brian Green, CTO Mark Legacy, and John Kelly (Stakeholder Relations) gave a presentation on the company and its abilities in hydro energy creation and storage. They reviewed the company’s unique advantages amongst its competitors in terms of delivering low cost, high volume hydro energy that also provides food security, energy security, and water security. The Commission asked about water treatment, the cost of the operation, how much liquid flow is needed, and applications in Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton gave a presentation on the city’s ISO rating regarding the city’s water supply and flow. The Commission asked about testing fire hydrants, how city limits are applied in the review, how insurance companies determine eligibility, and the use of swimming pool water.
The commission took a break at 9:23 AM
The commission returned from break at 9:33 AM
NEW BUSINESS
2. Proposed Agenda Items for January through June 2024 Meetings Public Works Deputy Director Michael Hensley presented the proposed agenda items for January through June of 2024. The Commission asked if the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation item could be moved up to an earlier date than April. The Commission also suggested thinking in advance about using reusable items at City Events.
3. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan – Adaptation Measures Environmental Compliance Manager Josette Descalzo presented the adaptation measures from the city’s Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The adaptation measures include community awareness, emergency response and mitigation strategies. Fifteen adaptation measures have been assigned to Public Works, the majority of which focus on resilient infrastructure. The Commission asked about drought measures and water storage, tree removals and the necessity for permits, and the limitations, priorities, focus and proposed timelines for the plan. There was also a suggestion to form an Ad Hoc Committee to plan mitigation projects.
Public Comment: Written public comment was read into the record from Peter Ostroff.
4. Water Treatment Plant Update (July – November 2023)
Water Operations Manager Vince Damasse gave an update on the last five months of operations at the city’s water treatment plant in terms of finished water production and quality, which remains high and consistent. The Commission asked about the state of the wells, what happens to filtered out materials from the treated water, well rehabilitation, and how much of the city’s daily water usage comes from the water treatment plant.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 14, 2023
CONTINUED BUSINESS
5. La Brea Subarea Update
Water Operations Manager Vince Damasse and Project Manager Tristan Malabanan gave an update on the La Brea Subarea and the Le Doux/Gregory wells. The Commission asked about the advertised cost estimate for well drilling/operation and the viability of the sandpit site per guidelines from a federal letter.
6. Water Efficiency Update
The Commission asked General Utilities Manager Rob Welch about hiring for the Water Conservation Administrator position, water waste notices, and the conservation efforts during the MWD shutdown in November.
7. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan and Project Manager Tristan Malabanan gave an update on the Coldwater Canyon Water Main replacement project and the reservoir management system project. They also gave a presentation updating on the Burton Way median project. Landscaping has been completed and is established as part of the city’s ecosystem. There are delays on the controller assemblies due to supply chain issues; the subcontractor hopes to have all parts delivered by mid-January 2024. The Commission asked about testing the tanks with the upcoming storms and delays with supply orders.
8. Specific Information and Department Updates
Public Works Director Shana Epstein gave an update from a recent City Council Meeting where a large vehicle purchase and permanent parklets were approved. The Burton Way Median will be maintained by our contractor moving forward. The public hearing for modification of water rates will be held on February 20, 2024. Meeting notices will be sent well in advance. If you have a community group that wants to meet, please advise and a meeting will be scheduled.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
The Commission thanked Vice Chair Alpert for his 6 years of service on the Commission and presented with him an honorary plaque.
9. Chair’s Report
Chair Nystrom gave an update on the Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting including a mention of “Just in Case Beverly Hills,” as a resource to get a fire extinguisher.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
10. Director’s Report
Public Works Director Shana Epstein gave updates to the calendar. The next City Council Study Session will be held on January 11, 2024. The last menorah lighting will be held on December 14, 2023. Street closures will be in effect for the Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024. A new Public Works Commissioner will be installed during the January 11, 2024, meeting. Director Epstein thanked the Commission for participating in the city’s holiday events and Chair Nystrom for her service as chair this year. Staff also thanked Vice Chair Alpert for his six years of service on the Public Works Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: December 14, 2023 / 11:28 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
and
Teleconference Location:
Assemble Park City
1389 Center Drive, Suite 200
Park City, UT 84098
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
December 20, 2023
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Architectural Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: December 20, 2023 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Mark Odell, Deborah Hong, Karen Myron
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 with the consensus of the Commission with Vice Chair Meyer recused, the agenda was approved as amended, moving item #3, 337 North Rodeo Drive – Loro Piana, and item #4, 366 North Rodeo Drive – Tory Burch to the Consent Calendar.
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 20, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Architectural Commission regular meeting of November 15, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Schreiber, SECONDED by
Commissioner Pynoos to adopt the minutes as presented (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
NOES: None
CARRIED
3. 337 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Loro Piana (PL2300507)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a construction barricade with lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architecturla Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Pynoos, SECONDED by Commissioner Schreiber to adopt the resolution as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Chair Devlin NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Meyer
CARRIED
4. 366 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Tory Burch (PL2300516)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a construction barricade with lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architecturla Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Matson, SECONDED by Commissioner Schreiber to adopt the resolution as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Chair Devlin NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Meyer
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 20, 2023
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Citing a financial interest in real property less than 500 feet from the project at 242 North Rodeo Drive, Vice Chair Meyer recused from the item and left the teleconference meeting room at 1:38 PM.
2. 242 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Michael Kors (PL2300511)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a Sign Accommodation for multiple Business Identification Signs and construction barricades with lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Deborah Hong, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Capri Holdings Limited
Project Representative: RMOD Consultants
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Schreiber, SECONDED by Chair Devlin to adopt the resolution as amended (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Chair Devlin NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Meyer
CARRIED
Vice Chair Meyer returned to the teleconference meeting room at 1:50 PM Vice Chair Meyer advised that he has a financial interest in real properties less than 500 feet from the project at 401 North Rodeo Drive, but because those interests face a different street or are not visible from the subject property, he does not believe there will be a material impact.
Additionally, he has a financial interest in other real properties located more than 500 feet but less than 1,000 feet from the project site, and has considered whether the proposed project would change the Development potential; Income producing potential; Highest and best use; Character by substantially altering traffic levels, intensity of use, parking, view, privacy, noise levels, or air quality; or Market value of the real property in which he has a financial interest. Based on the nature of the proposed project, he finds that it would not change any of the previously stated factors, and thus will participate in the consideration of the matter.
5. 401 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Bulgari (PL2300512)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a construction barricade with lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
December 20, 2023
(CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Deborah Hong, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Bulgari Corporation of America
Project Representative: Chris McFaul, Gruen Associates
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Schreiber, SECONDED by
Commissioner Matson to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
NOES: None
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
o The Commissioners wished Happy Holidays to all, and safe travels to those who will be traveling.
o Chair Devlin provided a brief report from the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting; meeting video is available online.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Urban Designer Updates
o On behalf of staff, Urban Designer Mark Odell wished Happy Holidays to all, and thanked the Commissioners for their hard work in 2023.
6. 2024 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: December 20, 2023 / 2:08 PM