1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE February 28, 2022
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Lee called the regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
Present: Daniel Lee, Mayor
Albert Vera, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Alex Fisch, Council Member
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member
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Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Jeremy Green, City Clerk, indicated that no public comment had been received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
February 28, 2022
2 Closed Session
At 5:32 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Items:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Yes In My Back Yard, et al. v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 20STCV43253
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Regular Session
Mayor Lee reconvened the meeting of the City Council, the Culver City Housing Authority Board and the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board at 7:00 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Lee led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Lee indicated nothing to report out from Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Mayor Lee acknowledged that the City is on the ancestral land of the Gabrielino Tongva people.
Council Member McMorrin sent prayers and good energy to the people of Ukraine; invited everyone to learn more and support February 28, 2022
3 where they can; she reported attending a Racial Justice Learning Exchange held by Supervisor Holly Mitchell on February 25; and she encouraged everyone to check out a documentary called “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” noting the potential for community screenings.
Council Member Fisch announced th at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Walk and Rollers at the Wende Museum on March 19 was sold out but walkup tickets were available with additional information available at walkmorebikemore.org.
Council Member Eriksson discussed parental concerns with unhoused camping in the 405 underpass creating issues for children walking to school; Safe Routes to School; increased aggressiveness by Los Angeles on their camping ordinance; concern with providing access from the eastside to the westside of the City without encountering encampments in the underpasses; and he asked for City Council consensus to discuss the issue.
Discussion ensued between Council Members regarding the broader discussion of homelessness; concern with pitting people’s interests against each other; the position of Los Angeles; dealing with the issue expediently; the long-term process; and City Council consensus for a broader discussion of is sues related to homelessness.
Council Member Eriksson discussed Russia’s attack on Ukraine; cities around the world displaying the colors of Ukraine; he received City Council consensus to agendize discussion of displaying blue and yellow on Vets Tower; and he reported that due to recent eye surgery, he might need to turn off his video to rest his eyes from time to time during the meeting.
Vice Mayor Vera recognized Parks, Recreation and Community Services staff for their work to transform the Little Leag ue fields and he invited everyone to come out and see a game.
Mayor Lee discussed concern about events between Russia and Ukraine; the international consensus against the attacks; sanctions against Vladimir Putin; hope that there w ould be a resolution; and concern with damage being done.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
February 28, 2022
4 The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Jeannine Wisnos ky Stehlin was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Michael King played a recording requesting the reinstatement of the original pool room program at the Senior Center; discussed lack of access to play pool for seniors in the surrounding area; the Culver City Fire Department Pool Tournament; email sent on February 16 to the City; concern with the way the pool program was cancelled; and he felt that Human Resources should
investigate actions by certain staff members.
Discussion ensued between Council Members regarding working with Mr. King to find the best solution.
Bubba Fish , Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACHH), discussed the removal notice for the public right of way under the 405 freeway at Washington Boulevard; the Annual Homeless count; planned cleanup of encampments along the Expo Bike Path; displacement of unhoused neighbors; he asserted that sweeps do nothing to solve the housing crisis a nd only exacerbate already difficult conditions for neighbors in crisis; reported passage of a unanimous motion by the ACHH to eliminate all parking minimums and institute parking maximums near transit or where alternate transportation is easily accessed; discussed the actions of other cities ; addressing the root causes of unaffordable conditions; and he asked that the City Council pass an urgency ordinance to eliminate parking minimums.
Ndindi Kitonga provided background on herself; discussed work to hel p unhoused individuals; the planned sweep o f the Washington Boulevard/405 underpass; appreciation for the work of City staff to help homeless individuals; concern with displacing homeless neighbors; providing options; taking people’s possessions; making problems worse with sweeps; safety; fear mongering; higher instances of violence faced by unhoused people; and the need for additional harm reduction policies.
Disa Lindgren expressed concern with the vilification of unhoused neighbors; discussed the remova l of possession s of unhoused neighbors; ineffectiveness and cruelty of displacement of the unhoused; the suggestion made earlier in the meeting to adopt an aggressive policy; support for comments made by Bubba Fish; the need to adopt the Hartford model whe n it comes to February 28, 2022
5 parking minimums; and the importance of finding solutions to provide more housing.
Council Member Eriksson clarified that he was not asking for more aggressive procedures but rather proposing that Culver City get prepared to deal with changes being made in Los Angeles.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that Culver City is conducting cleanups that do not involve taking people’s possessions; signage posted regarding cleanup actions; health and safety as an excuse to clear people away; and clarifying City policies with regard to homelessness.
Michelle Weiner expressed concern with the notice posted at Washington and the 405; felt it was unfair to ask people to be present all the time in order to protec t their possessions; discussed the lack of a crisis response team or social worker; issues with the proposed action; hope that the City would take a different approach; support for the work and recommendation of the ACHH; and the need for affordable housin g for low and very low income people.
Colin Diaz, Chamber of Commerce, thanked Council Members who planned to attend the 2022 Installation Gala and Centennial Celebration, and he discussed concerns voiced by business owners about continued closure of the downtown area to traffic.
Freddy Puza asked the City Council to pass an urgency ordinance to eliminate parking minimums and establish parking maximums near transit; discussed housing issues; environmental impacts; fighting climate change by reducing vehi cle miles travelled; investing in mobility and transportation; providing options; and he cited the United Nations Report indicating that people are already dying as a result of climate change.
Andrew Perrine was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Jim Shanman discussed the upcoming 10 year celebration for Walk and Rollers; the work of the organization; the high school art contest; and he asked people to share their experiences with the program at walkmorebikemore.org.
Karim Sahli discussed the climate crisis; commercial projects in the pipeline; parking provided; the need to change the parking code immediately; support for following the resolution of the ACHH and the goals of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action February 28, 2022
6 Plan; and he wanted to see the elimination of parking minimums and establishment of parking maximums.
David Metzler asked the City Council to immediately pass an ordinance eliminating parking minimums and establishing parking maximums using the policy of Hartford, Connecticut as a template; discussed effects of those changes on housing, transportation, the environment, and quality of life in the City; gridlock; traffic that flows into neighborhoods; concern with forcing developers to build more parking and incentivizing people to drive alone in their cars; street capacity; concern with building parking next to high quality transit ; and he asserted that the situation would worsen as the pandemic lifts and people return to work.
Linda T questioned why the City is harassing people and taking away their posses sions; discussed finding solutions -oriented ways to help unhoused neighbors; the Project Roomkey
application; contradicting what the City has invested time and effort on; concern with comments made regarding balancing the needs of people living under the freeway and the people walking; modeling Culver City’s tactics like the more aggressive tactics of Los Angeles; the City shelter that was closed years ago; she questioned where people were expected to go; and she expressed opposition to parking minimums and support for the elimination of front setback requirements for residential development.
Szi Kiat Lee was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Meghan Sahli -Wells echoed previous comments asking for an urgency ordinance eliminating parking minimums and establishing parking maximums in the City; she discussed the IPCC Report released on February 28, 2022; fossil fuels; climate change; money invested into public transportation; ambitious plans to get people out of their cars; concern with continuing the status quo of too much parking; she expressed hope that compassion and real long -term solutions w ould be enacted rather than dispossessing people of the few possessions they had; and she thanked the City Council for their hard work.
Jeannine Wisnosk y Stehlin was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Stephen Jones appreciated the clarification from the City Manager regarding the proposed clean up under the Washington/405 underpass; discussed other posted notices for cleanups that are just a pretext for sweeps and for criminalizing the unhoused; February 28, 2022
7 the Martin v. Boise decision; the need to work directly with the homeless; he noted that if a cleanup is occurring, there should be no need for enforcement; asserted that sweeps did not address homelessness but instead just move unhoused people from one place to another; asked that the City not allow sweeps; he pointed out that the City would likely not clear cars parked under the underpass unless people were living in them ; noted that the City had space for cars, just not for people; and he reiterated the need for parking maximums, not minimums, as soon as possible.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding City endorsement of AB (Assembly Bill) 1401 ; City Council consensus to agendize consideration of a potential endorsement for AB 2097 ; support for consideration of parking maximums rather than minimums; work on a comprehensive parking code amendment; the timeline; and staff shortages.
Mayor Lee indicated that he would observ e the Washington/405 cleanup noting that in the past staff has done what they have indicated and nothing more.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Item C-3 was removed from the agenda for consideration at a later date, and Items C-6 and C-7 were considered at the end of the Consent Calendar.
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Consent Calendar
Jeremy Green, City Clerk, indicated that Item C -3 would be removed from the Consent Calendar with those who wished to speak notified when the item returns, and she reported one request to speak for Item C-7.
February 28, 2022
8 Council Member Fisch indicated that out of an abundance of caution, he would recuse himself from consideration of Item C -
6. MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C- 1, C-2, C-4, C-5, C-8, C-9 AND C-10.
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for February 5, 2022 to February 18, 2022
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2022 TO FEBRUARY 18, 2022.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of February 14, 2022
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTE S FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 14, 2022.
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Item C-3
CC – (1) Approval of a Conceptual Plan for the Revitalization of Media Park; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
This item was removed from the agenda for consideration at a later date.
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Item C-4
CC – 1) Adoption of a Resolution to Enter into a Cooperative Implementation Agreement (CIA) with Caltrans to Receive Grant Funds in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $230,000 to Construct the Mesmer Low-Flow Stormwater Diversion Project; (2) Approval of February 28, 2022
9 the Cooperative Implementation Agreement (CIA) with Caltrans; and (3) FOUR -FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION
AGREEMENT (CIA) WITH CALTRANS TO RECEIVE G RANT FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $230,000 TO CONSTRUCT THE MESMER LOW-FLOW STORMWATER DIVERSION PROJECT; AND,
2. APPROVE THE COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CULVER CITY AND CALTRANS; AND,
3. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT (REQUIRES A FOUR -FIFTHS VOTE); AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
CC – (1) Award of an Off -Cycle Special Events Grant in the Amount of $10,000.00 and Designation of the Screenland 5K as a City-Sponsored Event, as Recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (2) Approve the Necessary Street Closures and Issuance of a Street-Use Permit; and (3) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD 10,000.00 IN AN OFF -CYCLE SPECIAL EVENT GRANT AND DESIGNATE THE SCREENLAND 5K AS A CITY -SPONSORED EVENT, AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE; AND,
2. APPROVE THE NECESSARY STREET CLOSURES AND ISSUANCE OF A
STREET-USE PERMIT AND,
February 28, 2022
10 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE
EVENTS, PROVIDED SUCH PERMITS AND LICENSES ARE CONSISTENT WITH
THE SCOPE OF THE EVENT AS SET FORTH IN THE GRANT APPLICATION (SUCH AUTHORITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE REQUIRED SPECIAL EVENTS
PERMIT, WHICH SHALL CONTINUE TO BE ISSUED BY THE COMMITTEE ON PERMITS AND LICENSES).
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Item C-8
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Sections 17.400.046, 17.230.015 (Table 2-8) and 17.260.035 (Table 2-11), Relating to Emergency Shelters
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT P2022-0002-ZCA, AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 17.400.046, 17.230.015 (TABLE 2 -8) AND 17.260.035 (TABLE 2- 11), RELATING TO EMERGENCY SHELTERS.
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Item C-9
CC – (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with NBS Government Finance Group for Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study Services in an Amount Not - to-Exceed $34,020; and (2) Authorization to the Chief Financial Officer to Approve Additional Amendment(s) to the Agreement up to an Amount of $5,000 for Unanticipated Costs
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH NBS FOR COST ALLOCATION PLAN AND USER FEE STUDY SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $34,020; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL AMENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $5,000 FOR UNANTICIPATED COSTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
February 28, 2022
11 4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGE R TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-10
CC:SA - Adoption of Respective Resolutions Authorizing
Designated Representatives to Deposit and Withdraw as Well as Make Account Changes with the State Local Agency Investment Fund on Behalf of Culver City and the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD : ADOPT
RESPECTIVE RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES
TO DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAW FUNDS, AS WELL AS MAKE ACCOUNT CHANGES, WITH THE STATE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND.
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Item C-6
(Out of Sequence)
CC – (1) Adoption of a Resolution to Enter into a Grant Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to Receive Grant Funds in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $233,157 for the Citywide Bioretention Basin Project
Council Member Fisch recused himself and exited the meeting.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD TO RECEIVE GRANT FUN DS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $233,157 FOR THE CITYWIDE BIORETENTION BASIN PROJECT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Council Member Fisch returned to the meeting.
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February 28, 2022
12 Item C-7
CC – Approval of an Agreement with the Los Angeles County Development Authority to Participate in the Small Business Grant Program funded with Community Development Block Grant Funds
Elizabeth Garcia, Economic Development , provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Colin Diaz, Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support o f the proposed partnership and asked the City Council to approve the item.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM FUNDED WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS; AND
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC – (1) Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Design and Development Standards for Installation of Wireless Facilities in the Public Rights-of-Way Related to their Preferred Placement Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 11.20.065.E.4, and Finding such A mendments to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Standard Conditions of Approval for Wireless Encroachment Permits Related to Insurance Policy Coverage Requirements for Installation of Wireless Facilities in the Public Rights -of-Way Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 11.20.065.H.1, and Finding such Amendments to be Exempt from CEQA
Joe Susca, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
February 28, 2022
13 Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Hilary Haran was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
David Kairo discussed evaluation of insurance policy requirement details as part of the application review process; concern with insurance being treated as an insignificant part of the process; holding the parent telecom company as a liable party; the City as ultimately responsible for any wireless claims; he urged the update of the resolution before approval; reported submitting public comment outlining the proposed changes; and he wanted to see changes to the Culver City wireless ordinance to protect residents similar to what has been done in neighboring cities.
Lina Baras discussed written comments she had emailed to the City Council; combining residential zones with commercial zones; she did not want to see the resolution approved in the current format; discussed regulation of placement; assurances from staff that they wanted the ordinance to be as protective as possible; time spent gaining information that she provided to the City; concern that approving the proposed resolution would be an endorsement of poorly constructed and structurally hazardous wireless facilities; and she questioned why the City is reluctant to employ the full force of law and power given to them.
Mark Graham discussed email he had sent to Council Members; the resolution based on laws in effect in other California cities; attempts to protect the City and residents; watered down rules; the Front Yard Rule proposed in Culver City vs. what is in place in Elk Grove; misuse of the word “directly” in the Culver City resolution; aesthetic harm; the ability to regulate aesthetics; the conflict between the Preferred Zone sections and the Front Yard Rule; and failure to identify evidence and criteria required for proof that a preferred option is available and technically feasible.
Ursula Moran thanked staff for their time working with the industry on the amendment and indicated that she was available for questions.
Judi Sherman discussed the amended design; protecting Culver City to the fullest extent allowable; present FCC (Federal Communications Commission) emission guidelines as one of the February 28, 2022
14 highest limits in the world; the failure to update 25 year old guidelines; evidence to justify installations; exemptions; concern that the City Council has shown little interest in reaching out to residents about the issue; work of the industry to discredit and dispel concerns expressed; other environmental issues affecting the welfare of citizens taken more seriously by the City Council; other cities that are not bullied by the telecom companies; clear l ack of control in the governance of the City if the changes are approved; the opportunity to direct staff to get a second opinion from lawyers who have been successful in writing more comprehensive a nd protective ordinances; and taking more advantage of the authority afforded by the law.
Leah Ross was called to speak but could not be heard.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for comments from concerned individuals; continued community concern about the issue; amendments made by staff to ensure that the ordinance is as protective as possible; liability with potential amendments to the design guidelines; the process to address resident concerns; incorporating resident comments while ensuring not to violate FCC guideli nes; the heavily regulated business; instruction from the federal government not to prohibit installation of 5G antennas; and the modifications put forward by staff.
Deb Wallace asserted that AT&T is not a team player; felt that Fox Hills residents deserved help from the City to get the 5G antennas moved away from their homes; noted the need for an ordinance to stop AT&T from putting antennas in front of homes; discussed safety and welfare of citizens; wanted unannounced inspections by independent RF engin eers to ensure that FCC emission guidelines are being followed; expressed concern with too much latitude being given to telecom companies in the unchecked development of wireless facilities; and concern with the proximity to the Pacifica Montessori School.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of the hard work that went into the process; the work of staff to compile all requests and concerns from all stakeholders; addressing issues as far as possible within advice from legal counsel; past willingness of the City to push forward without a track record of action from other cities and governmental entities; the current situation where other cities have pushed forward with stronger policies; ensuring that the telecom company is listed as a responsible February 28, 2022
15 entity in terms of insurance; the emphasis put on aesthetics; the Front Yard Rule; ensuring direct liability for the telecoms; the need for more 5G placements in order for the technology to operate in the way that it is intended; requiring evidence of gaps in service; downgraded service vs. gaps in service; support for making the ordinance stronger; consideration of areas with apartments and condos as residential areas; concern with the consequences and implications of a blanket Front Yard Rule; the difficulty of applying an objective standard while protecting residents and allowing the towers; taking positive steps while continuing to work to improve the process; prohibiting 80% of the City from having antennas with the Front Yard Rule; appreciation for the work done by staff to balance legal aspects and resident safety; the mandate not to inter fere with cell phone tower activity; the long -term partnership with the City and residents; information provided to address resident concerns; relocation of the tower proposed outside of a resident’s bedroom window; the inability to relocate the other three towers; closing the coverage gap; disenfranchisement of Fox Hills; the importance of protecting the health and safety of the community; support for the strictest regulations possible; providing substantive insurance; the wealth of evidence around microwave and cell phone radiation; gaps with instituting the Fron t Yard Rule; density in the City; the ability to make changes if there is new information available or changes to federal policy; efforts made to address concerns; revisiting the issue with the new Risk Manager; the mechanism in place to verify emissions levels; sharing information with residents; leeway of the Public Works Director to make
administrative and minor changes; consideration of resident requests to increase insurance requirements by the new Risk Manager and City Attorney; notification to telecom companies if allowable levels are violated; and regular verification of emissions levels.
MOVED BY MAYOR LEE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS FOR WIRELESS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF-WAY PURSUANT TO CCMC SECTION 11.20.065.E.4, AND FINDING SUCH AMENDMENTS TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
ENCROACHMENT PERMITS ISSUED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SMALL CELL
EQUIPMENT IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF-WAY RELATED TO INSURANCE February 28, 2022
16 COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO CCMC SECTION 11.20.065.H.1, AND FINDING SUCH AMENDMENTS TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA; AND,
3. DIRECT THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO FILE RESPECTIVE NOTICES OF EXEMPTION, ACCORDINGLY.
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Item A-2
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with MOEV, Inc. (MOEV) for Charge Management Software and Development Services in an Amount not to Exceed $527,244; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Certifying the Transportation Facility Electrification Project will be Completed by a Skilled and Trained Workforce and Determining an Exempt ion from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is Appropriate for Receipt of Awarded Grant Funds
Nick Szamet, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli expressed support for the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the leadership of the department , forward movement and efforts to secure grants ; addressing greenhouse gas goals; electrification; first in the nation accomplishments; motivation around sustainability; substantive financial savings with innovations; and becoming a more efficient and economically sustainable City.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMB ER FISCH , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH MOEV FOR CHARGE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $527,244; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND,
February 28, 2022
17 4. ADOPT A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED
BY A SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE AND DETERMINING AN EXEMPTION FROM CEQA IS APPROPRIATE FOR RECEIPT OF AWARDED GRANT FUNDS.
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Item A-3
CC – Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Culver City Transportation Department 2022 -2026 Short Range Mobility Plan (SRMP) and Finding the SRMP to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Michael Tobin, Deputy Transportation Officer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones expressed support for the item; encouraged the City to increase frequency on all lines; discussed the Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica; support for the circulators; creating a longer term plan; the Fare Equity program; the current program for low income riders; he urged the City to dedicate significant funds to the system to operate a high quality service without collecting any fares; and he acknowledged the vision of the department, but felt there was a lot more to be done.
Jeanne Black congratulated staff for their collaborative efforts to produce such a comprehensive plan; she suggested defining mobility goals in terms of measurable outcomes; discussed collection of pertinent data; distinguishing between future modifications and things that should be fixed sooner; setting the tone for more sustainable mobility options; appreciation for fixing issues; and the need to prioritize traffic light timing.
Michelle Weiner, Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Chair, spoke on behalf of herself; discussed the Values and Behaviors Matrix; the Fare Equity Program; the Life Program; secured funding for Comp lete Streets; project prioritization; separated Class 4 bike lanes; dedicated bus lanes; crosswalk improvements; additional shared bus and bike lanes, and mobility lanes in the future; BPAC and public input regarding private February 28, 2022
18 micro-mobility access; and the importance of finding a balance for shared lanes.
Karim Sahli thanked staff for their efforts; discussed coordination to implement the infrastructure; the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan; implementation of higher class bike lanes where possible; the traditional transportation hierarchy; restricted truck access in the City; prioritization of
pedestrians and bicycles in every project; the Jefferson Corridor; implementation of protected crosswalks and bike lanes; and ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists are kept in mind when moving forward.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work of staff; equity initiatives; the importance of alternative mobility options; the environment; people who are served by sidewalks, buses and bike lanes; re- centering the Vision Zero policy; pedestrian fatalities; the intersection of public space, race , and equity; design; collaboration between Public Works and Transportation; the Complete Streets Policy; ensuring that public space is safe for everyone; the General Plan Update Technical Advisory Committee; the problem as bigger than the City; mobility within the City that stops in Los Angeles; concern with vilifying people who need their vehicles; fin ding a balance; creating a connective and cohesive system; identification of funding; micro-mobility; private transportation; the circulator experiment; other routes; driver recruitment; ways to better serve the needs of residents and stakeholders; altering routes; incentives to retain and attract drivers; the Culver City Employees
Association; community benefit; providing a safe service for people; multi-benefit use; stormwater remediation; increasing park space and parklets; support for mobility improveme nts, protected bus and bike lanes, and connectors to bike lanes; departmental collaboration; shared goals; expanding mobility and sustainability; getting people out of their cars; asking that developers add to existing bicycle , pedestrian, and mass transportation infrastructure; encouraging active and mass transportation; and embracing complete streets.
Rolando Cruz, Chief Transportation Officer, clarified that items discussed were a summary of approved activities; he noted that some items were being studied and everything has to come before the City Council for approval; he discussed the required document to summarize items and ensure that projects fit in a regional, state , and federal plan; funding; collaboration; working with future developments; reexamination of the route February 28, 2022
19 system; driver pay; conducting a comprehensive service analysis; the future of micro -mobility; Vision Zero policy; Complete Streets; connectivity; and equity.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding estimating the cost of a comprehensive service analysis; potential savings for the City with the implementation of a comprehensive service analysis; involving the BPAC in the micro-mobility conv ersation; the General Plan Update; City Council priorities; money focused on driver comfort;
vilification of bus riders; bus riders who live below the poverty line; cyclists assaulted by cars; lack of protection for cyclists; meeting the needs of everyone; the time for sacrifice by those who have large amount s of money spent on them; and the importance of safety.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CULVER CITY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 2022-2026 SHORT RANGE MOBILITY PLAN (SRMP); AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS AND
INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE SHORT RANGE MOBILITY PLAN, INCLUDING:
A. FILE AND CLAIM FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE FEDERAL TRANSIT
ADMINISTRATION (FTA), TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA),
STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS (STA), THE PROPOSITION A & C AND MEASURE R LOCAL RETURN PROGRAMS; AND
B. SUBMIT ALL REPORTS MANDATED BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW THAT PROVIDE FUNDS TO THE CITY’S TRANSPORTATION ENTERPRISE FUND.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Jeremy Green, City Clerk, indicated that no additional requests to speak had been received.
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February 28, 2022
20 Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding City Council consensus to consider prioritizing the discussion of parking minimums and Laura Friedman’s parking reforms.
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February 28, 2022
21 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 10:04 p.m. the City Council, Housing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on March 7, 2022.
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Jeremy Green
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council and SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, and Culver City Housing Authority Board
Culver City, California
DANIEL LEE
MAYOR of Culver City, California and CHAIR of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, and Culver City Housing Authority Board
Date: _________________________