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
November 14, 2024
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 14, 2024 / 1:32 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Milkowski, Ross, Demeter, Vice Chair Wolfe, Chair Kaplan
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Michael Forbes, Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Chloe Chen, Alexandria Smille, Minjee Hahm, Patrick Achis, Karen Myron, David Snow, Josette Descalzo
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
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission special meeting of October 15, 2024.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Milkowski, SECONDED by
Commissioner Ross to adopt the minutes as presented (5-0).
H-1
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Ross, Demeter, Vice Chair Wolfe, Chair Kaplan
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
2. CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN (CAAP) – ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION
MEASURES UPDATE
Staff is seeking the Planning Commission recommendation to prioritize adopting a reach code to decarbonize new and substantially remodeled buildings and water conservation measures as the primary greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures. Staff is also seeking the Commission’s recommendation to prioritize a home hardening program as its primary climate change adaptation measure.
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Programs Manager Josette Descalzo provided a presentation on reach codes as a CAAP measure and requested the Planning Commission recommend their prioritization. After questions and brief discussion, the Commissioners indicated support for prioritizing reach codes. The reach code introduction is anticipated to return to the Commission in the Spring of 2025 for further discussion.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
3. 1131 TOWER ROAD
Hillside R-1 Permits (PL2200400)
Request for a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow the import and export of earth material to exceed 1,500 cubic yards from a site in the Hillside Area immediately adjacent to a street that is less than 24’-0” wide; a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow the cut and fill of earth material to exceed the maximum landform alteration permitted for the site; a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow the cumulative floor area off the existing level pad to exceed 1,000 square feet; a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow walls of no more than 6’-0” to encroach into a front yard without otherwise complying with the City’s open to view requirements; and a Hillside R-1 Permit to allow a series of walls that deviate from the cumulative height and landscape area requirements.
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.
City Planner Masa Alkire advised the Commission of staff’s recommendation to continue the item to the January 30, 2025 Planning Commission special meeting in order to allow sufficient time for issues regarding easement encroachment authorization to be resolved. Applicant representative Jason Somers requested that the item be continued to the January 14, 2025 meeting instead, with the understanding that due to time constraints at that meeting, the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
Commission’s review of the item may need to be further continued. The majority of the Commission agreed to continue the item to the January 14 meeting.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Milkowski to continue the item to the January 14, 2025 Planning Commission special meeting (4-1).
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Ross, Vice Chair Wolfe, Chair Kaplan NOES: Commissioner Demeter
CARRIED
4. 450 NORTH ROXBURY DRIVE
General Plan Amendment, Zone Text Amendment, and Development Plan Review (PL2300383)
Request for a General Plan Amendment (GPA) and Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) to amend the City of Beverly Hills General Plan land use map and Beverly Hills Municipal Code to allow properties within the Business Triangle to increase the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) as a result of the conversion of the ground level of an existing parking structure abutting a public street to retail business(es), subject to the approval of a Development Plan Review, and a Development Plan Review to allow the conversion of 6,797 SF of an existing parking area into retail floor area. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Commission will consider adopting the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the project. The Planning Commission will also consider forwarding a recommendation to the City Council regarding the General Plan Amendment and Zone Text Amendment and will consider the Development Plan review proposal to allow for the conversion of existing parking area located on the ground floor of an existing parking structure at 450 North Roxbury Drive to retail uses.
Ex Parte Communications: All Commissioners disclosed attending Brown Act-compliant site visits with members of the Applicant team as well as City staff, and advised they remain openminded on the project.
Project Planner: Minjee Hahm, AICP, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: 450 Roxbury Properties LLC / 450 Roxbury Properties II LLC Project Representative: Tom Levyn, Glaser Weil; Chris Rallo, Crest Real Estate Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Demeter to adopt the resolution approving the request for a Development Plan Review, as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Ross, Demeter, Vice Chair Wolfe, Chair Kaplan
NOES: None
CARRIED
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Ross, SECONDED by Commissioner Demeter to adopt the resolution recommending to the City Council Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
an ordinance for the requested General Plan Amendment and Zone Text Amendment, as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Ross, Demeter, Vice Chair Wolfe, Chair Kaplan
NOES: None
CARRIED
5. A DRAFT ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS AMENDING SHORT TERM
RENTAL REGULATIONS (TRANSIENT USES) FOR SINGLE FAMILY AND MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND THE MIXED USE OVERLAY ZONE, AND OTHER RELATED
AMENDMENTS, AND MAKING A DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
This item was continued from the July 11, 2024 and the August 8, 2024 Planning Commission meetings.
Ex Parte Communications: Commissioner Demeter disclosed speaking with Kathy Bronte, and advised she remains open-minded on the matter. No other Commissioners had ex parte communications.
Project Planner: Chloe Chen, Principal Planner
Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: Darius Moezinia, Deborah Blum, Maura O’Neill – Better Neighbors LA, Mark Elliot, Earle Hyman – Crown Management Corp., Vito Teruna – Kape Property Management, Michael Mavadat –
Southland Realty, Kathy Bronte, Donna Gallik
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Milkowski, SECONDED by
Commissioner Demeter to adopt the resolution as presented (3-2).
AYES: Commissioners Milkowski, Demeter, Chair Kaplan
NOES: Commissioner Ross, Vice Chair Wolfe
CARRIED
Vice Chair Wolfe noted that his vote of no is due to the 6-month minimum lease term for multifamily residences. The Commission also expressed a desire to review home occupation regulations at a future date.
The Commission took a recess at 4:41 PM
The Commission reconvened at 4:55 PM
STUDY SESSION
6. DIRECTOR-LEVEL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND INTRODUCTION TO OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (ODS) – STUDY SESSION Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
Staff requests the Planning Commission’s preliminary feedback during this study session on executing ODS and Housing Element Implementation Program 12.1.
Project Planner: Patrick Achis, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: Steve Mayer
The Commission received the staff report and public comment, asked questions, and provided preliminary feedback regarding the development of Objective Design Standards (ODS). Due to the complexity of the potential standards, the Commission expressed interest in forming an Ad Hoc Committee to work with staff; members of the Ad Hoc will be established at a future meeting of the Planning Commission. No formal action was taken on the item at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire advised the Commission of the following:
▪ The 2024 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration is currently underway and is scheduled to run until 8:00 PM.
▪ At its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 19, the City Council will consider adoption of the draft ordinance updating regulations for special needs housing types, which was recently recommended by the Planning Commission.
7. Current Development Projects List
o Received and filed
8. 2024 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
9. 2025 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: November 14, 2024 / 5:44 PM
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
November 14, 2024
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 14, 2024 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Ritterbush (arrived at 8:18 AM), Commissioners Kimura, Nystrom, Vice Chair Nehoray
Commissioners Absent: Chair Millan
Staff Present: Vince Damasse, Josette Descalzo, Samer Elayyan, Shana Epstein, Melissa Gomez, Ilene Knebel, Ken Pfalzgraf
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Chair advised of moving TAB 3 prior to TAB 2, per staff’s recommendation.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Kimura, SECONDED by Commissioner Nystrom to modify the agenda order, hearing TAB 3 prior to TAB 2 (3/0).
AYES: Commissioners Nystrom, Kimura, Vice Chair Nehoray NOES: None.
CARRIED.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of October 10, 2024.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nystrom, SECONDED by Commissioner Kimura to approve the Consent Calendar item (3/0).
AYES: Commissioners Nystrom, Kimura, Vice Chair Nehoray NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Director, Dr. Barry Pressman reported on current and future stored water, Lake Mead levels, issues with Northern California water and tunnels, and brief comments about an audit of the agency. The Commission inquired about the 100-year contract and how the change in federal administration might have an effect. Finally, he spoke about the next MWD State Water Project Trip in February 2025.
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Programs Manager Josette Descalzo introduced Richard Holzer, a professional engineer who presented on the topic of “Electrification with Heat Pumps.” He spoke about electrification, heat pumps and how they work, and their efficiency and economics. He concluded that heat pumps are more expensive than their gas counterparts, but more energy efficient and they are an effective decarbonization tool.
The Commission asked about current incentives to install heat pumps.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Legislative Update
Senior Management Analyst Melissa Gomez presented the Legislative Update focusing on those bills that the City of Beverly Hills took a position on and reviewed their status. The overview included passage of AB 1827, SB 1053 and AB 2236, AB 1890, AB 2286, AB 2797, AB 3179, SB 915, SB 972, SB 1255, SB 1461, which were not approved. She identified the 2025 State Legislative Schedule and the Federal Legislative Update.
The Commission asked about the addition of a safety and security component and to consider more AI based technology as focuses of the Legislative Lobby Committee.
The commission took a break at 9:21 AM.
The commission returned from break at 9:30 AM.
3. Willaman Eucalyptus Street Tree Master Plan (TAB taken out of order) City Arborist Ken Pfalzgraf reviewed the history of the trees on Willaman Drive and the Street Tree Master Plan process. He also spoke about the release of beneficial insects to reduce the pest insects. He presented photos of the conditions of the street trees. A petition has been received requesting tree replacement, that represents over 50% of the addresses on North Willaman Drive. Ken praised the Street Tree Ad Hoc Liaison for their comments and suggested a meeting on the street with sample trees.
Six emailed Public Comments were read into the record from residents voicing their concern over the current trees and the desire to replace them.
Public Speaker: Tina Wiener and Nayereh Khankhanian
The Commission asked about the soil in the area, specifics about Eucalyptus Trees and fire danger. The Commission recommended balancing the wants and needs of the residents and they requested a checklist that considers cost for water usage and defoliating/type of tree. It is recommended that a street tree meeting is to be scheduled on a Sunday in mid-January.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
4. 9800-9900 South Santa Monica Ficus Tree Assessment
City Arborist Ken Pfalzgraf reviewed the technical report and thanked the Street Tree Ad Hoc for their participation. He reviewed the considerations for replacement trees, and existing conditions.
One emailed Public Comment was read into the record supporting the tree replacement.
The Commission agreed with the recommendation of a continuation of the planting theme to the east on South Santa Monica Boulevard. All properties in the area will be noticed about the project and the item re-agendized in January 2025.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES AND STATUS ITEMS
5. Water Conservation Report
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Programs Manager Josette Descalzo spoke about the Bureau of Reclamation and Metropolitan Water District and other western water agencies, signing a short- and long-term conservation agreement as part of the lower basin conservation program. He briefly reviewed the drought map and noted a new addition, a bar graph showing daily water usage in the City of Beverly Hills.
The Commission expressed interest in Public Works disseminating information about water security and recycling through videos and articles to notify the public of our processes and successes.
6. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave a brief update on various CIP Projects including the RMS Project, Coldwater Cañon Rehabilitation Project and the alley and street improvement project.
The Commission inquired about zone testing and analysis at the Le Doux Well and the Burton Way Median Project.
7. Specific Information and Department Updates
This item was for information only. The Commission had no comments.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
8. Chair’s Report
Vice Chair Nehoray noted the Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting highlights provided to the Commission and Commissioner Nystrom voiced her concern over the use of fireworks for an upcoming city celebration and suggested drone usage for future events.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Director’s Report
Director of Public Works Shana Epstein announced upcoming events and noted the upcoming calendar meeting dates.
ADJOURNMENT
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
November 14, 2024
Date/Time: November 14, 2024 / 10:23 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
Thursday, November 21, 2024
9:00 AM
Recordings of the Human Relations Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 21, 2024 / 9:14 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Pam Kraushaar led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Rose Kaiserman read the Civility Statement
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Batista, Chair Margo Commissioners Absent: Vice Chair Nisim
Staff Present: Joana Torres, Michael Muse, Christina Garcia, and Lori Tanner
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
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
Chair Margo approved the Agenda as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of the Minutes from the Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting of October 17, 2024. (4-0)
Human Relations Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 21, 2024
Commissioner Kraushaar noted corrections on her comments for the October Meeting Minutes.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Batista, SECONDED by Commissioner Kaiserman to approve the minutes with noted corrections.
AYES: Commissioners Kraushaar, Kaiserman, Batista, Chair Margo NOES:
ABSENT: Vice Chair Nisim
ABSTAIN:
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Taken out of Order
Beverly Hills School District
Beverly Hills Unified School District Board Member, Noah Margo, provided an update:
- The Beverly Hills Unified School District aims for 95% attendance goals. - Beverly Hills High School Noble Norman honors students and staff weekly. - Several donation drives have been successfully conducted, including a shoe drive and a Thanksgiving canned food drive at BHHS.
- BHHS Connections Program is designed to foster inclusivity and compassion within our school community.
- Various community and school events were held, including BVMS completion of their MultiCultural Month Celebration, celebration of Dia de los Muertos, BVMS WEB program celebrated World Kindness Day, participation in a Walk to End Alzheimer's, Student Spotlight Lunch, HM celebrated their PBIS Silver Award, Kindness Wednesday, Thanksgiving can food drive, El Rodeo had a special performance from UCLA Competitive Diwali Dancers, El Rodeo Election Experience, and more. These events are designed to build community and promote student engagement.
Return to Order
Beverly Hills Police Department
Beverly Hills Police Department Sergeant Billy Fair provided an update:
- The statistics year-to-date were reviewed.
- Crime is down 6%.
- The year-to-date crime comparison for 2023-2024 shows a 15% decrease. - Arrest statistics year-to-date arrests are up 25%.
- The Mental Health Evaluation Team continues to provide outreach services. They coordinated with Human Services and BHOT for follow-up and additional resources.
PRESENTATIONS
2. Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles
Yossi Segelman, Executive Director of Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA), provided an overview of the organization's efforts to recruit volunteers who cook and package meals for individuals facing food insecurity in Los Angeles County. OBKLA focuses on producing high- Human Relations Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 21, 2024
quality kosher meals in a joyful environment, uniting volunteers to make a positive impact in the community. As a current partner of the Community Action Grant Fund (CAGF), OBKLA plays a crucial role in supplying vital food assistance to social service organizations for distribution to those in need. Through its community-run, non-denominational kitchen, OBKLA is dedicated to alleviating food hardship in the area. - Currently have over 17,000 volunteers and will be delivering over 120,000 family meals in 2024.
- 6.5% of the volunteers are from the Beverly Hills area. - OBKLA fosters a spirit of volunteerism and inspires and encourages all residents to volunteer.
3. Electric Bicycles
Renato Moreno, Police Lieutenant, and Joel Givens, Police Officer with the Beverly Hills Police Department, presented the increasing prevalence of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in the city and emphasized the importance of educating the community about the potential hazards associated with e-bikes.
- Officer Joel Givens provided an overview of the definition and regulations governing ebicycles, sharing firsthand experiences from officers involved in traffic enforcement. - Safety recommendations for e-bike riders were discussed, including the importance of wearing helmets, adhering to traffic rules, and avoiding distractions while riding. - The presentation also highlighted the dangers posed by high-speed e-bikes and the need for parental awareness regarding their use.
4. Beverly Hills Ambassadors Program
Chair Laura Margo
Chair Laura Margo presented the Above & Beyond Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to the community through the Beverly Hills Ambassador Program. - Ambassador Christopher Johnson was presented with the Human Relations Commission’s Above & Beyond Award for his outstanding dedication and contributions as an Ambassador to the Community. His commitment was notably demonstrated when he intervened to stop traffic and protect a young child running into the street, ensuring her safety. This act of bravery exemplifies the values of the program and the city.
5. Overview of Legislative Process
Mandy Jiang, Sr. Management Analyst
Mandy Jiang, Senior Management Analyst with the Policy and Management Department, provided an overview of the legislative process and the roles involved in presenting matters before the City Council.
- The presentation detailed the stages of how a bill becomes a law, from introduction to the Governor's desk, including committee hearings and amendments.
NEW BUSINESS
6. Embrace Civility Logo
Joana Torres, Community Services Manager
Joana Torres, Community Services Manager, opened the discussion on the redesign of the Embrace Civility banners displayed throughout the city in October. The Commission discussed revamping the Embrace Civility logo to better reflect its mission. The Commission deliberated on revamping the Embrace Civility logo to better reflect its mission.
Human Relations Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 21, 2024
- Suggestions included incorporating symbols such as hands or hearts and enhancing inclusivity within the design.
- An ad hoc meeting will be scheduled to review feedback and explore new concepts.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
7. 2025 Kindness Week Planning Update
Joana Torres, Community Services Manager, provided an update on activities, vendors, and events suggested during the ad hoc meeting for Kindness Week 2025. - Kindness Week will take place from Sunday, February 9, to Saturday, February 15. - Plans for the Kindness Matters campaign were discussed, with new additions including a kickoff at the Farmers Market featuring additional organizations, the BHAAC Valentine's Dance, Storytime with the Library, Walk to School Wednesday, kindness recognition initiatives, and social media campaigns to highlight acts of kindness.
8. Anti-Hate Initiative Update
Michael Muse, Recreation Services Manager provided an update on the Anti-Hate Initiative.
The Anti-Hate Ad Hoc Committee convened to discuss the Critical Conversations work plan. - Anti-Hate Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss the Critical Conversations work plan. - The theme for 2025 will be "Unity and Diversity: Stronger Together." - A proposed date for the event is January 23, 2025, in the Municipal Gallery. - Staff are currently working on securing speakers for the event and will provide further updates at the next ad hoc meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Manager’s Report
a) BHACC Thanksgiving was held on November 18, 2024 at Roxbury Community Center. b) Holidays at Greystone at Greystone Mansion & Gardens, Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM. Tickets are required. c) Yappy Hour with Santa Paws at Beverly Hills Community Dog Park, Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
d) Holiday Craft & Cookie Bake Contest at Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on Sunday, December 16, 2024 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
e) Community Services Events Calendar
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
10. Chair Report
a) Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
b) 2024 Commission Work Plan
c) Ad Hoc Committees
d) Review Commission Meeting dates
e) Good and Welfare. Other items, brief announcements, requests for information, and brief reports on activities
Human Relations Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 21, 2024
11. Kindness Matters
Commissioners will recognize a member of the Beverly Hills community for their kindness efforts and positive acts of service.
- Commissioner Kaiserman recognizes David Ecija, General Manager of The Beverly Hilton, for this month's kindness recognition for his contributions to the community and support for local events.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: November 21, 2024 / 11:09 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
2:00 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: November 26, 2024 / 2:01 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dana Beesen, Communication and Marketing Coordinator led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chair Sherry read the Civility Statement.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Rubins, Riceberg, Dzubak, Vice Chair Termeie, Chair Sherry
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Patty Acuña, Joana Torres, Adrine Ovasapyan, Michael Muse, Evan Doyle, Dana Beesen, and Lori Tanner
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: Bill Gersh
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
With the concurrence of the Commission, the Chair may choose to amend the order of the items on the agenda.
By order of the Chair the agenda was approved as presented.
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 26, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes from the Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting of October 22, 2024 (4-0)
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Dzubak, SECONDED by Commissioner Riceberg to approve the minutes as presented.
AYES: Commissioners Rubins, Riceberg, Dzubak, Chair Sherry NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Vice Chair Termeie
CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
2. Overview of Legislative Process
Mandy Jiang, Sr. Management Analyst with the Policy and Management Department will deliver a presentation on the legislative process and the roles involved in bringing matters before City Council.
Mandy Jiang, Sr. Management Analyst with the Policy and Management Department presented the detailed stages of how a bill becomes a law, from introduction to the governor's desk, including committee hearings and amendments.
3. Doggy Daze Recap
Evan Doyle, Interim Senior Recreation Supervisor, and Dana Beesen, Communication and Marketing Coordinator, will provide a recap on the Beverly Hills Doggy Daze 90210.
Evan Doyle, Interim Senior Recreation Supervisor, and Dana Beesen, Communication and Marketing Coordinator, provided a recap of Doggy Daze 90210 event which was held on November 3, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- The event featured 27 pet-related vendors, 6 adoption agencies, 6 city partners, food trucks, and various activities, including a pet parade and talent contest. - The Teen Advisory Committee facilitated the kids' area with a candy donation collection, donated dog bones, kids' crafts, and face painter.
- 300 Doggy Daze swag bags were given to attendees.
- Doggy Daze 90210 marketing and outreach included street pole banners, print and digital postcards, posters, valet signs, yard signs, print and digital ads, website, press release, social media, e-blasts, newsletters and more.
4. Farmers’ Market – Fall and Winter Events
Evan Doyle, Interim Senior Recreation Supervisor, will provide a recap on the Fall Funtastic event held on October 27, 2024 and the upcoming Holiday Craft Fair with Cookie Baking Contest.
Evan Doyle, Interim Senior Recreation Supervisor, provided a recap of the Fall Funtastic event, which was held on October 27, 2024 from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market.
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 26, 2024
- The special event combined the Fall harvest celebration, Halloween parade and pumpkin decoration contest, Pacifico Ballet Company Performance and Workshop, Spooky Storytime, Diwali and Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities.
The annual Holiday Craft Fair and Cookie Baking Contest will be held on December 15, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market. - The Holiday Craft Fair hosts artisan craft vendors who can sell commodities for the Holiday Season.
- The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market will also be hosting the 3rd annual Holiday Cookie Bake to see who bakes the tastiest cookie in Beverly Hills.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
5. Pickleball Update
Michael Muse, Recreation Services Manager
Michael Muse, Recreation Services Manager, provided an update on the progress of the pickleball pilot program.
- Permanent portable pickleball nets have been purchased. - In response to community concern a sound study was conducted and findings presented. o The noise level at Roxbury Park and court 1 at La Cienega Tennis Center exceeded the County of Los Angeles Noise Standards.
o The noise level at court 8 and La Cienega Tennis Center did not exceed the county standard.
- The Ad Hoc is recommending:
o Roxbury Park:
▪ dedicate the current pickleball/tennis court 1 as pickleball courts. o La Cienega Tennis Center:
▪ Remove pickleball from tennis court 1 and return as a dedicated tennis court.
▪ Move the pickleball courts from tennis court 1 to tennis court 12 as dedicated pickleball courts.
▪ Dedicate the current pickleball/tennis court 8 as dedicated pickleball courts. ▪ Add a set of pickleball courts by converting tennis court 7 to dedicated pickleball courts.
Public Input: Ned Low, Steve Walfish, Rebecca Damavandi, Lili Damavandi, Albert Solis, Debbie Farahnik, Charlene Negari, Jessica Azizzadeh, Andrea Bardack, Anne Griffin, Susan Warner, Fay Gauthier The Commission received the staff report and public comment. After discussion, the Commission proposed the following recommendations, and the following motion was made:
MOTION by Chair Sherry, SECONDED by Commissioner Dzubak: to return court 1 at La Cienega to be the tournament tennis court and to permanently stripe courts 8, 7, and 12 and to permanently stripe Roxbury court 1 as dedicated pickleball courts.
AYES: Commissioners Riceberg, Dzubak, Vice Chair Termeie, Chair Sherry (4/1)
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 26, 2024
NOES: Commissioners Rubins
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CARRIED:
The recommendation will move forward to the City Council liaisons for approval.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
6. PROJECT UPDATES
• Manager’s Report/City Staff Projects
- BHUSD Construction Impacts
- Will Rogers Update
• Recreation & Parks Commission Priorities
• Community Services Events
- BHAAC Thanksgiving Luncheon Recap
- Yappy Hour – Santa Paws
o Scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Beverly Hills Community Dog Park.
- Family Dances
o Greystone Gala: Family Dance is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Greystone Mansion & Gardens. o Registration is open www.beverlyhills.org/bhrec
• Community Services Events Calendar
7. 2024 Workplan Review
• 2024 Work Plan Chart
Adrine Ovasapyan, Recreation Services Manager, reviewed the Recreation and Parks Commission priorities which will be an agenda item for future Commission meetings.
Recreation and Parks Commission 2024 priorities include:
1. La Cienega Park Playground and Restroom Restoration (City Council Priority)
2. Beverly Hills Dog Park Surface Composition
3. Pickleball Pilot Program Conclusion
4. Beverly Hills Day of Wellness Event
5. Large Park Signage & Rules
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
8. Chair Report
a. Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
- Meeting Minutes
b. Ad Hoc Committees
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Synopsis
November 26, 2024
- Capital Projects & Park Improvements (Dzubak, Sherry) - City / CS & BHUSD Partnership (Termeie, Rubins)
- Community Events & Recreation Programs (Dzubak, Sherry) - Health & Wellness (Riceberg, Rubins)
- Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) (Termeie, Riceberg)
c. Recreation and Parks Commission
- Review calendar and attendance
d. Other items brief announcements, request for information, and brief reports on activities e. For more information about Community Services visit beverlyhills.org/csevents. For general questions regarding the City of Beverly Hills, please visit beverlyhills.org/askBH or call 310-285-1000.
NEXT MEETING: December 16, 2024 - 9:00 AM Special Meeting
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: November 26, 2024 / 3:42 PM