CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Room 280A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Recordings of the Arts and Culture Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 / 10:02 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Sara Scrimshaw, Venue Coordinator – Historic Site, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CIVILITY STATEMENT
Chair Maralee Beck read the Civility Statement.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Pamela Beck, Liliana Filipovic, Deborah Frank, Vice Chair Karla Gordy Bristol, Chair Maralee Beck
Commissioners absent: None
Staff Present: Stephanie Harris, Patty Acuña, Matthew Brown, Paul Paolone, Brandy Scott, Sara Scrimshaw, David Borunda, 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.
Chair Maralee Beck approved the agenda as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of minutes from the Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting of January 9, 2024.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 13, 2024
MOTION by Deborah Frank, SECONDED by Vice Chair Gordy Bristol to approve the minutes as presented.
AYES: Commissioner Pamela Beck, Liliana Filipovic, Deborah Frank, Vice Chair Gordy Bristol, Chair Maralee Beck (5/0)
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED:
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
2. Beverly Hills City Clerk, Huma Ahmed, will provide an update on the upcoming City Council election.
Huma Ahmed, City Clerk, informed the Commission on the upcoming March 2024 Beverly Hills General Municipal Elections.
- Beverly Hills has two current City Council seats up for election. - Beverly Hills has consolidated its election process with Los Angeles County. - Vote by Mail ballots have been mailed to all registered voters in Beverly Hills. - Voting Options are: Vote by mail - USPS, Vote by Mail - Drop Boxes & Vote Center(s) - In Person Voting
- The Voting Centers are: The Beverly Hills Library Auditorium for 11 days, February 24th – March 5th, Roxbury Park, Clubhouse, 4 days, March 2nd – March 5 th, La Cienega Tennis Center, Rodeo Room, 4 days, Horace Mann Elementary School, 4 days.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Venue Coordinator – historic site, Sara Scrimshaw, will provide a presentation on the Spring 2024 Greystone in the Movies Season.
Sara Scrimshaw, Venue Coordinator – Historic Site, informed the Commission of the upcoming movies scheduled to be shown during the Spring 2024 Greystone In The Movies Program held in the Greystone Theatre:
- March: The Golden Child starring Eddie Murphy (1986)
- April: The Big Lebowski (1998)
- May: The Trouble with Angels (1966)
CONTINUED BUSINESS
4. Financial Update
a. Fine Art Fund Update Report
Paul Paolone, Senior Recreation Supervisor, provided the Commission with updates on the status of the Fine Art Fund as of January 31, 2024:
- A small in-lieu payment was received at the end of the month. - RLA restoration will be taking place on some of the art pieces located within the Burton Way median, as part of the Green Street project completion.
Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 13, 2024
- Building permits have been pulled that staff is tracking for construction projects in the future.
5. Staff will provide an update on lighting and landscaping options for Judy Chicago’s Trinity.
Arts and Culture Program Associate, Brandy Scott, updated the Commission on the status of the acquisition of Trinity by Judy Chicago.
- On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, City Engineer, Ji Kim, presented lighting and landscaping options to the Public Art/Fine Art ad hoc along with the artists’ gallery for review. Staff plans to meet with the Wallis Annenberg staff to share the options as the next step of the approval process.
- The acquisition is scheduled to be presented to the full City Council during the Formal meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Project Updates
• Staff will provide an update on RLA conservation work on the Burton Way Median and Rexford Mini Park.
- RLA Conservation began providing a light routine cleaning on the five pieces of artwork installed on the Burton Way Median and Rexford Mini Park to celebrate the completion of Burton Way Median Green Street Project.
- Staff have invited a Public Works Engineering team member to attend a future meeting.
- More information on the project can be found at the Public Works website: beverlyhills.org/burtonwaymedian
• Manager’s Report
• Staff Update with an introduction to the new Recreation Coordinator. - Matthew Brown, Recreation Services Manager, introduced Community Services’ new Recreation Coordinator, David Borunda.
• Information only items
o Artwalk Guided Tours – next tour is on March 3, 2024
o Music in the Mansion – final concerts on March 10, 2024 o Inside the Mansion – next self-guided tour is on March 2, 2024 o Beverly Hills Art Show – next show on May 18 & 19, 2024 • Event Calendar
o Human Services Kindness Week February 11-17, 2024
o Remembering Lives Lost - Flag Art Installation in Beverly Gardens Park through February 25, 2024
o Department Showcase on March 10, 2024, at the Farmers’ Market o Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2024. The schedule can be viewed at: www.beverlyhills.org/jewishamericanheritagemonth Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 13, 2024
- The first Art Workshop is Unfolded Narratives, Family Fortune-Making Workshop. The event is free, and the next session is Tuesday, March 5, from 5pm – 8pm at Roxbury Park Community Center.
7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Chair’s Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting Highlights
- Chair Maralee Beck provided information from the February 12, 2024, Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting:
1. Mayor Gold attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
2. The Beverly Hills Police Department’s Real Time Watch Center has become an attraction for other cities in the security field.
3. The impact of the subway construction.
4. The water & power rates are going up.
b) Ad Hoc Committees
- Fine Arts/Public Art (Frank, P. Beck – Scott)
- Heritage Initiative (M. Beck, D. Frank – Paolone)
1. The Heritage ad hoc met with Andy Horowitz, Senior Project Coordinator, City of Los Angeles, who shared their south Los Angeles map guide as a way for Beverly Hills to proceed with highlighting their locations for diverse cultural activities. - Performing Arts and Annual Events (Gordy Bristol, Filipovic – Lesser)
1. Vice Chair Gordy Bristol updated the Commission on the Liaison meeting they had regarding Festival Beverly Hills. The location of Roxbury Park was discussed in addition to date options. The Liaisons supported the event and the ad hoc will meet again to select a date. A full presentation will be scheduled for a City Council meeting.
- Embrace and Celebrate Culture Initiative (M. Beck, Gordy Bristol – Paolone)
c) Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities.
1. Frieze Los Angeles is returning on February 29 – March 3, 2024, at the Santa Monica Airport.
2. After a discussion of subjects the Commission requested, it was agreed for staff to return with:
- A presentation on the Public Art Program process, which includes an explanation of the variety of installations that take place, in addition to the work the Consultants provided.
- The role for the Commission in Public Art.
- The role for the Commission in Community Servies and City ongoing programs such as: Art Show, Concerts on Canon and Music in the Mansion.
Vice Chair Gordy Bristol acknowledged that February is Black History Month. This year’s theme speaks to our Commission which is African American and the Arts, which offers a unique lens to Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 13, 2024
explore the profound impact African American artists have had on the cultural landscape of the United States. In commemoration of Black History Month, the Beverly Hills Public Library explores the rich tapestry of Black history through recommended readings and an inspiring window display, honoring the remarkable contributions of notable African Americans. More information can be found at:
ASALH.org, the Founders of Black History Month.
The Arts & Culture Commission looks to represent many cultures and we look to bring more initiatives that do so.
Learning the cultures of others helps bring us together through understanding for more inclusion and kindness.
- Commissioner Filipovic informed the Commission of the upcoming Jean-Michel Basquiat Made on Market Street exhibit opening in Beverly Hills on March 7 – June 1, 2024, at the Gagosian Gallery, 456 North Camden Drive.
d) Arts and Culture Commission Upcoming Meetings: Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
e) For more information about Community Services visit
beverlyhills.org/artsandculture
ADJOURNMENT
• Date / Time: February 13, 2024 / 11:26 a.m.
Decisions of the Arts and Culture Commission may be appealed to the City Council within 14 days of the Arts and Culture Commission’s Action by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk. Appeal forms are available in the City Clerk’s office. Note: Appeal Fee Required.
If there are any questions about this agenda, please contact Matthew Brown, Recreation Services Manager, 310-288-2254, [email protected]
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
February 22, 2024
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: February 22, 2024 / 1:31 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Milkowski, Wolfe, Demeter, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Chloe Chen, Christine Delostrinos, Philip Coronel, Karen Myron, David Snow, Huma Ahmed
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: Masoud Sodaify
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 Planning Commission regular meeting of February 8, 2024.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Kaplan, SECONDED by Commissioner Milkowski to adopt the minutes as presented (5-0).
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 22, 2024
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Wolfe, Demeter, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
• MARCH 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION
City Clerk Huma Ahmed will provide an update on the Beverly Hills Election process.
City Clerk Huma Ahmed provided information regarding the upcoming election. Complete information is available at beverlyhills.org/elections.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
2. 419 ROBERT LANE
Trousdale R-1 Permit (PL2300185)
Request for a Trousdale R-1 Permit to allow two accessory buildings to be located on any part of the existing level pad. 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: Philip Coronel, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: NCF Enterprises LLC
Project Representative: Jason Somers, Crest Real Estate Public Input: Karen Platt
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by Vice Chair Kaplan to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0)
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Wolfe, Demeter, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
3. 2023 DRAFT GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL REPORT An informational item to provide an opportunity for the Planning Commission to review the status of the General Plan Programs, and the Draft General Plan and Housing Element Annual Report for the 2023 calendar year reporting period.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 22, 2024
Project Planner: Christine Delostrinos, Associate Planner Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: None
The Commission received the staff report, and asked clarifying questions regarding the information provided; no formal action was taken. The report is scheduled to be presented to the City Council at its March 18, 2024 meeting, and will then be submitted to the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The Commission took a recess at 3:18 PM
The Commission reconvened at 3:24 PM
4. 400-408 NORTH RODEO DRIVE (CHANEL)
An informational report on the six-month operation of the alternative parking facility approved through a Conditional Use Permit for the project site located at 400-408 North Rodeo Drive.
Ex Parte Communications: All five Commissioners disclosed attending site visits – Commissioners Demeter and Milkowski jointly, and Commissioner Wolfe, Vice Chair Kaplan, and Chair Ross individually – of the parking facility, and advised they remain open-minded on the matter.
Project Planner: Cindy Gordon, AICP, Principal Planner
Project Applicant: TMINE, Inc.
Project Representative: Robert Demartini, Chanel
Claire Lloyd, MBH Architects
Public Input: None
The Commission expressed satisfaction with the alternative parking facilities provided, and indicated that no modifications are necessary at this time. In accordance with the project’s original conditions of approval, a second review of the of the parking facilities will take place in six months.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioner Milkowski inquired about the City’s In-Lieu Parking program’s general parameters and fees.
• Commissioner Wolfe commented that setback information for all areas of the City would be a valuable online tool, and encouraged its addition to the City’s website.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire advised the Commission of the following:
▪ At its Study Session on Tuesday, February 20, The City Council considered, at the request of Councilmember Mirisch, a request to call up the Planning Commission’s decision on the project at 9229 Wilshire Boulevard. After Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
February 22, 2024
discussion, the City Council determined there was not sufficient support to do so.
▪ At its Formal meeting on Tuesday, February 20, the City Council granted an amended approval of the project at 9884 South Santa Monica Boulevard. ▪ As a reminder, the Planning Commission will conduct a special meeting on Thursday, February 29th at 11:00 AM to consider revisions to the City’s 2021- 2029 Housing Element.
▪ Beginning Monday, February 26 at 10:00 PM, the 400 block of North Crescent Drive will be closed for the construction of tent used for the Vanity Fair postOscars party on Sunday, March 10.
5. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
6. 2024 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: February 22, 2024 / 3:50 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
SYNOPSIS
February 29, 2024
11:00 AM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: February 29, 2024 / 11:10 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Milkowski, Demeter, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Wolfe
Staff Present: Michael Forbes, Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Chloe Chen, Karen Myron, David Snow, Veronica Tam (Consultant: Veronica Tam & Associates)
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, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
None
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
Planning Commission Special Meeting Synopsis
February 29, 2024
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
1. AMENDMENTS TO THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN ADOPTED FOR THE 6TH CYCLE PLANNING PERIOD FROM 2021 TO 2029; AND AN ADDENDUM TO AN
ADOPTED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE HOUSING ELEMENT
AMENDMENTS
The Planning Commission will review an amended version of the 2021-2029 Housing Element that was adopted on February 21, 2023, which has been revised in response to comments provided by the State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The Planning Commission will consider a resolution recommending adoption of an amended Housing Element of the General Plan to the City Council. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Commission will also consider recommending adoption of an Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to the City Council.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Chloe Chen, Senior Planner
Project Applicant: NCF Enterprises LLC
Public Input: Steve Mayer, Darian Bojeaux
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by
Commissioner Milkowski to adopt the resolution as amended (4-0- 1),
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Demeter, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Wolfe
CARRIED
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire reminded the Commission that its next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 14.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: February 29, 2024 / 12:35 PM