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 March 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 Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no public comment had been received.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, reported a need to take immediate action on an item that came to the City’s atte ntion after the posting of the agenda and she requested that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2), the City Council add Item CS-3, Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – Significant Exposure to Litigation – 1 Item , California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) to the agenda.
March 28, 2022
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2(B)(2), THE CITY COUNCIL ADD ITEM CS-3 TO THE AGENDA: CONFERE NCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION – 1 ITEM CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2).
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON 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.
Closed Session
At 5:34 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 – Existing Litigation Re: Karine Newman v. City of Culver City et al.
LASC Case No. 20STCV07468
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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CS-3 CC- Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation – 1 Item
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(d)(2)
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March 28, 2022
3 Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
CC - A Proclamation Declaring March 31, 2022 as Cesar Chavez Day in Culver City
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, presented the proclamation declaring March 31, 2022 as Cesar Chavez Day in Culver City.
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Item R-2
CC – Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to Family Self Sufficiency Program Graduates Maria Castillo, Debra Jackson, and April Merlin
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that the item would be postponed to a later date.
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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.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, reported making a request to the City Council prior to Closed Session to add an item that had arisen after the posting of the agenda, pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2), and by a vote of 5-0 the City Council determined there was a need to take immediate action and the March 28, 2022
4 need for action came to the City’s attention subsequent to the posting of the agenda, and Item CS-3 was added to the agenda:
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – Significant Exposure to Litigation – 1 Item California
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Eriksson announced the upcoming Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar meeting.
Vice Mayor Vera reported that he would also be attending the upcoming Independent Cities Association Winter Seminar meeting.
Mayor Lee reported that the City Council had been invited to a celebration of Ramadan on April 23; he discussed broadening City celebrations beyond Christmas; he received City Council consensus to agendize a discussion of making the celebration a Culver City sponsored event; discussed allowing for worker co- ops when revisiting the business lice nse process; reported meeting with Council Member McMorrin and District Attorney Gasçon regarding collaboration with the City; he received City Council consensus to agendize a discussion on a Neighborhood Court program focusing on restorative justice and resolution of conflicts at the lowest possible level; he personally
acknowledged that the meeting was being held on the land of the Gabrielino-Tongva peoples; discussed the celebration of Cesar Chavez Day and the important roles of Dolores Huerta and Larry Itliong to advance justice in workers’ rights; and he noted the importance of acknowledging the current struggles of farmworkers and affirming their rights.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bryan Sanders noted that it was not too late to turn things around and he encouraged everyone to visit
commonsenseculvercity.org noting that Common Sense Culver City is a Political Action Committee (PAC) with the intent to increase citizen engagement in local issues; he discussed March 28, 2022
5 concern with the lack of a traffic study for MOVE Culver City; investigation of the public record; and the need for City Council discussion of crime in neighborhoods.
Lorri Horn expressed concern with the length of the meeting agendas; limits placed on public participation; increased crime in the City; the need to support the Culver City Police Department (CCPD); helping people to feel safe in their neighborhoods; the impo rtance of having conversations when necessary; and helping improve access to meetings.
Beth Lane discussed the Screenland 5K held on March 27; upcoming live meetings; the Rancho Higuera Neighborhood Association; the NTMP (Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan); the follow -up assessment for Phase One; the need for accountability; Phase Two; concerns about mobility, traffic and safety; the Hayden Tract; addressing traffic issues; the opening of the Obama Boulevard Bridge; cut-through traffic; the request for ingress and egress plans off of Higuera Boulevard; and she asked for City Council consideration of the 500 foot radius notice requirement.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, indicated that staff would follow up with the Rancho Higuera Neighborhood Association.
Ronald Ostrin discussed a City survey that was not distributed equitably; the Prytaneum Project; threats to property and homeowners in the City; current document and transfer tax rates; concern with inc reasing homeless issues in the City; the importance of taking a human and common sense approach; concern with continuing to increase taxes on homeowners; and he asserted that the Culver City Action Network had taken over the Culver City Democratic Club.
Fran Segura, Madison Marquette, discussed oversight of marketing activations at the Culver Steps ; the plan to drive traffic to the tenants; she requested consideration of sponsorship for the use of the lower plaza by the Special Event Subcommittee; and she noted their intent to host activation in May.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding whether the request is for a new type of event or for different usage; the efforts of staff to put together an annual calendar of events for the Town Plaza expansion area; setting criteria on how to utilize the Plaza; concern with setting a calendar that limits other uses even if space is available; the City policy that only sponsored activities are allowed in the Town March 28, 2022
6 Plaza; Brown Act issues with discussing a non -agendized item; criteria; habitual activation; events vs. advertising what is available at The Steps; and City Council consensus that the item go before the Economic Development Subcommittee.
Murat Gur spoke on behalf of the Muslim community in the region; discussed Ramadan; the focus on bringing communities together; appreciation to Mayor Lee for his response; and he invited the City to the event at the Senior Center on April 21.
Ken Alexander discussed racism displayed by Council Member Fisch with his response to criticism of the Mayor; moral agency; individual accountability; and he called for Council Member Fisch to resign.
Colin Diaz , Culver City Chamber of Commerce, discussed the partnership wi th Optimum Seismic; the Soft -Story Retrofit ordinance; enhancing earthquake safety in the area; he indicated that additional information was available by contacting Jonathan Salazar at [email protected] or (323) 412 -4233; and he thanked everyone for their support and collaboration through the years noting that he would be leaving the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Lee thanked Mr. Diaz for his work and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Melissa Sanders thanked Colin Diaz for his years of service and wished him luck; echoed earlier sentiments indicating the need to allow CCPD and the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) to do what is necessary to keep the City safe for everyone; discussed the need for appropriate, human solutions; expressed concern with continuing violence and increased crime; and she wanted Culver City to be made safe again.
Laurel Szeto asked about the sidewalk widening at the 405 and Washington Boulevard and expressed concern with increased crime.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that the topic would be discussed in Item C-7 and indicated that she would be called to speak at that time.
Charles Summerour discussed those who want to defund the police; he expressed concern with danger to students due to homeless encampment fires near Farragut Elementary School; he wanted to see the illegal encampment cleared; and he discussed comments made by Mayor Lee about the police.
March 28, 2022
7 Maria Jacobo thanked Colin Diaz for his service; asked the City Council to continue their support of small businesses; discussed the hard work of small business owners; and concern with what is taking place under the 405 bridge.
Jamie Wallace expressed concern with too many disparate ite ms being put together within the Consent Calendar or Action Items; discussed items presented by a lob byist; insufficient
information provided to the public; length of the meetings; items not discussed until midnight; and concern that the meetings are not an example representative democracy.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEM BER 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 R-2 was deferred to a future agenda, Items C-3, C-11 and C-7 were considered separately at the end of the Consent Calendar, and Items A -2 and A -3 were deferred to a future meeting.
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Consent Calendar
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported correction of a clerical error on the first page of the Cash Disbursements in Item C-1.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, provided clarification that the Side Letter Agreement with the POA (Police Officer’s
Association) was the finalized version.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, C-6, C-8, C-9 AND C-10.
March 28, 2022
8 Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for March 5, 2022 to March 18, 2022
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR MARCH 5, 2022 TO MARCH 18, 2022.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of March 7, 2022, March 8, 2022 and March 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 S OF MARCH 7, 2022, MARCH 8, 2022 AND MARCH 14, 2022.
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Item C-4
(Out of Sequence)
CC – (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreements with Absolute International Security to Continue Transportation and PRCS Security Services for an Additional Three-Month Period for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed $40,296; and (2) Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with AG Coast DBA California Panther Security for an Initial Two-Year Price-Fixed Term and Three Negotiable One-Year Options for a Total Amount Not -to-Exceed $332,596 for the First Two Years
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFES SIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE-MONTH PERIOD FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $40,296; AND,
2. APPROVE A TWO -YEAR PRICE -FIXED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH AG COAST DBA CALIFORNIA PANTHER SECURITY, WITH
THREE NEGOTIABLE ONE-YEAR OPTIONS, FOR A TOTAL TERM OF NO MORE THAN FIVE-YEARS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $332,596 FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS. AND,
March 28, 2022
9 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. 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 Event Grant in the Amount of $1,788 and Designation of the Culver City Car Show as a City- Sponsored Event, as Recommended by the Fiscal Ye ar 2021/2022 Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD AN OFF -CYCLE SPECIAL EVENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,787.76 AND DESIGNATE THE CULVER CITY CAR SHOW AS A CITY - SPONSORED EVENT, AS RECOMMENDED BY T HE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MA NAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT.
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Item C-6
CC – Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Avante Technologies for the Design, Removal, and Installation of the Network Cabling Replacement Project in the Police Department Facilities in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $150,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AVANTE
TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE DESIGN, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION OF THE
NETWORK CABL ING REPLACEMENT PROJECT LOCATED IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FACILITIES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $150,000. THIS March 28, 2022
10 AMOUNT INCLUDES A 15% CONTINGENCY FOR UNFORESEEN ISSUES WHICH MAY ARISE DURING THE 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.
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Item C-8
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Side Letter of Agreement with the Culver City Police Officer s' Association Relating to Holiday In-Lieu Pay and Subsequent Clarification of Language in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CULVER CITY POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION RELATING TO HOLIDAY IN-LIEU PAY; 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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Item C-9
CC – Receipt and Filing of Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Year-End Report and Audit Summary and the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE ATTACHED FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR-END REPORT AND AUDIT SUMMARY AND THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 ACFR.
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March 28, 2022
11 Item C-10
CC – Approval of an Agreement with MuniServices, LLC for Utility Users' Tax Auditing and Consulting Services for a Three -Year Period with Two One -Year Extension Options, in an Amount Not - to-Exceed $75,000 Per Fiscal Year
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A THREE -YEAR AGREEMENT WITH MUNISERVICES, LLC FOR UTILITY USERS’ TAX AUDITING AND COMPLIANCE SERVICES AT AN ANNUAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $75,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO APP ROVE TWO ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR OPTIONS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-3
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Receipt and Filing of FY2021/2022 1st Quarter Measure CC and C Sales Tax Status Reports and Measure RE Property Tax Report as Approved by the Finance Advisory Committee
In response to inquiry from Council Member McMorrin, Erica Melton, Financial Systems and Purchasing Manager, discussed the regular r eport and the most recent update indicating that revenue has returned to pre-COVID levels in all areas.
Lisa Soghor, Chief Finance Officer, indicated that the reports presented were for the first quarter and she noted that the mid- year figures continued the positive trend.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE MEASURE CC, C AND RE STATUS REPORTS.
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March 28, 2022
12 Item C-11
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Pursuant to AB361, Adoption of a Resolution to Hold a Teleconferenced City Council Meeting on March 28, 2022 for City Council, and any City Commission, Board and Committee Meeting Prior to Resuming in-Person Meetings in April 2022
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli discussed increased public participation since the public has had the ability to participate online; statements from the City Manager that running hybrid meetings for all City bodies was too resource -intensive; the waste of staff time by requiring staff members to wait on-site for their chance to make a short presentation; allowing staff to accomplish things while waiting to participate online; encouraging public
participation; upcoming large and controversial projects; avoiding massiv e backlash; removing t he public from public meetings; he requested that more staff be allocated to the City Clerk’s office to make all meetings hybrid; suggested that other software be used if Webex is too complicated; and he expressed appreciation to the City Council and to City staff.
Mayor Lee noted that City Council and Planning Commission meetings were planned to be hybrid and he proposed that Mr.
Sahli work with others to advocate increased staffing to enable hybrid meetings.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO HOLD A
TELECONFERENCE MEETING FOR CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 28, 2022, AND
ANY CITY COMMISSION, BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING PRIOR TO RESUMING IN-PERSON MEETINGS IN APRIL 2022.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-3 AND C-11.
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March 28, 2022
13 Item C-7
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Authorization to the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Design and Construct a Sidewalk Extension Along the North Side of Washington Boulevard Under the 405 Freeway to Increase Pedestrian Access
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that there were 3 4 speakers interested in speaking on the Item many of whom were also interested in speaking on Item A-3.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bryan Sanders expressed surprise at the proposal to add space for people living on the streets to inhabit; questioned why the item had not gone through prop er discussion and was placed on the Consent Calendar; discussed safety; and the railing to be installed between those living on the street and pedestrians.
Kimberly Ferguson concurred with the comments by the previous speaker; felt like the proposed ban d-aid would not work; suggested reopening access by spending the allocated money on housing people instead; she felt the item should not have been put on the Consent Calendar but rather open to a public discussion; and she expressed appreciation to everyone for their work.
Alex Freund discussed a disturbing incident where his neighbor’s daughter was followed home from school; the inability of CCPD to act; the citizen’s arrest by a neighbor; safety issues; legal risks; the need for solutions, not band -aids; the amount allocated vs. the annual cost for Upward Bound House; the amount spent on first respond er calls for homelessness ; and he asked that the funds be used more efficiently to better protect the community.
Jeff Schwartz congratulated the City on Project Homekey funding; discussed the Mobile Crisis Intervention Program; the Safe Parking Program; asked the City to continue to develop non - punitive approaches to homelessness; discussed sweeps; the Ninth Circuit Ruling in Martin vs. Boise; the requirement to provide adequate shelter; litigation; advocates of criminalizing homelessness; and he noted references made to the latest book from Michael Shellenberger who is a climate denier.
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14 Marta Valdez expressed concern with adding to homelessness under the bridge on Washi ngton; noted problems on Venice; and she expressed support for housing the homeless but opposition to extending the sidewalk.
Anthony Guerrero provided background on himself; discussed finding out about the item from Protect Culver City; concern with degrading City safety, health, infrastructure and
reputation; biohazards; the mentally unstable; loss of business in the City; and costs to the City.
John Wacker was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeff Cooper felt that expanding the sidewalk was crazy; proposed that if people do not take services offered, that they be moved out; noted the importance of prioritizing constituents; discussed St. Josephs; increased crime; the criminal element embedded in the homeless population; and he asked the City Council to listen to residents who are asking to be protected first.
Lizbeth Mendez asserted that sweeps and police enforcement are never a solutio n to end homelessness ; she wanted to see the community come together to provide food and shelter; and she indicated that the Advisory Committee on Housing and
Homelessness was working on solutions to address issues.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin reported tha t her child had experienced a similar incident with being followed home from school and noted the harm done by such incidents; she did not see the proposed solution as a responsible choice; discussed support for unhoused neighbors; Martin vs. Boise; she felt the item should not be on the Consent Calendar; and she proposed that other solutions be explored.
Nancy Barba provided background on herself; noted that policing did not house the unhoused; asserted that the only thing that helps the homeless is providing housing; discussed Project Homekey; resources secured to house the community; and the need to provide support rather than to remove the homeless from the street.
Bubba Fish was called to speak but could not be heard.
Michelle Weiner noted the complexity of the issue , and she expressed appreciation to the City for the work being done to March 28, 2022
15 undo problems and for not being swayed by the actions of surrounding cities.
Lorri Horn expressed concern with the proposed bulbout; length of time there have been large numbers of homeless individuals on the street and acceptance of the situation as normal ; and she felt that homes needed to be found.
Khin Khin Gyi felt it was not good policy to leave people o ut in the rain and that housing triage should be the first order of business rather than building a sidewalk extension that would take weeks and months.
Ronald Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
Stephen Jones discussed ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) complaints about available width of the sidewalk; potential litigation; forced displacement of unhoused people;
appreciation for choosing the absurd thing rather than the inhumane thing; petitions filled with misinformati on; and clarification that the annual amount spent on Upward Bound and on homelessness is much more than has been indicated by previous speakers.
Disa Lindgren noted the importance of prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable; expressed concern with the villainization of the unhoused; and she expressed support for the efforts the City is taking to address issues.
Kelli Estes discussed the removal of meters and redirection of foot traffic; those who are homeless by choice; she felt it was cruel to leave people on the street; asserted that if people would not accept help, the City should move them along using the City ordinance; she discussed the situation in Seattle; and she felt the proposed action was cruelty pretending to be empathy.
Jamie Wallace indicated that at times she could not hear comments made by Council Member McMorrin; she felt the proposed solution did nothing to improve safety and security for anyone; she questioned how the railing would impact emergency access and how the action complied with the order of the judge not to house people in freeway underpasses due to health, sanitation and security reasons; and she felt the money should be spen t more effectively to get people off the streets.
March 28, 2022
16 Kevin Lachoff expressed concern that the item had been placed on the Consent Calendar; discussed the number of people on both sides of the 405 at Washington that have popped up in the past six weeks; ignoring actual needs; sanctioning the growth of the encampment; safe access; felt that keeping the underpass cleared of encampments made more sense than creating an ADA compliant path of travel; he proposed using the parking revenue and money allocated to the project to help the six individuals in need; and he asserted that any action taken at this location would set precedent for other underpasses in the City.
Jennifer Wong was called to speak but could not be heard.
Timothy Shea was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Herb Friedman was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Pierre del Moral was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Bubba Fish was called to speak but could not be heard.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
Bubba Fish acknowledged that people are scared by the degree of suffering they see; he noted that unhoused individuals were far more likely to be the victims of violent crime than housed individuals; he stated tha t open space did not invite
homelessness; discussed policies in Finland that eradicated homelessness; the need for systematic change; proven ways to get the housing market under control; mental health issues as a result of being unhoused; and he asked the City to pursue solutions that are proven to work.
Colin Diaz, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, questioned why the item was not an Action Item and why the solution did not address the real problem of homeless encampments; discussed costs; lost parking; so lving access issues; the ineffective way of addressing the complex challenge of homelessness and aligning with supportive resources; and he wanted to see the City spend the money more wisely to address the root causes of
homelessness.
Richard Kaufman was called to speak but could not be heard.
Angela Mueller spoke on behalf of the Senior Center Community; discussed lost business; people who do not feel safe; homeless March 28, 2022
17 individuals coming from all over; and she felt that there was a better solution rather than creating a bulbout.
Ron Ostrin felt t he proposed action was an example of how progressives ruin cities; asserted that creating more space would increase the problem rather than decrease it; discussed complexity of the issue; urban campers; the homeless industrial complex; attracting people th at make the lifestyle choice not to work; pathological altruism; citizens on autopilot; promotion of progressive policies by the Culver City Action Network; and he asserted that it was time for common sense Culver citizens to take back the City in November 2022.
Misha Crispen was called to speak but was not on Webex.
Jennifer Wong felt the money should be used to house the unhoused rather than expanding the pedestrian walkway, and she discussed concern with increasing crime.
George Robertson reported that he owns the second property west of the 405 on the north side of Washington Boulevard; expressed concern with lack of notification; acknowledged the d ifficult problem; discussed financial impacts; smashed windows and pipes; ongoing issues for the past several years; and the need to clean up trash and human waste in front of his building every day.
D. Scheipe, property owner on Washington by the 405 fr eeway, discussed time spent getting a building permit; money spent; concern with the City putting a homeless encampment in front of his building; the elimination of parking spots; and the short notice about the meeting and short time allowed to speak.
Rebecca Rona Tuttle, provided background on herself; expressed concern with demeaning characterizations of homeless people; discussed difficult issues to solve; she wanted to see the City united in attempts to achieve solutions; and she noted the need to have compassion for unhoused people.
Melissa Sanders discussed fiscally irresponsible, unsafe ideas; support for spending the money to provide housing, jobs, medical assistance and whatever is needed to get the people off of the streets rather than decreasing parking and safety; harm to businesses; reimbursing the people being affected by the changes; and she asked that the City listen to people speaking on the issue.
March 28, 2022
18 Thomas Taubman provided background on himself; noted that the City Council is elected by the people; felt that the City was not representing what the majority of people want to do, but rather putting a band -aid on the situation; and he wanted to see the City take responsibility for their actions.
Laurel Szeto asserted that the Council Members looked bored; reported that her daughters were scared to walk by the encampment; discussed statements by the Fire Captain that it was not safe in that area; and she asked the City Council to listen to residents and protect the community.
Noe Solano asserted that extending the sidewalk would be useless as the additional area would be occupied by the homeless and people would not use the walkways; discussed enabling the homeless to stay on the street; safety and hygiene issues; harm to the streets and local businesses; asked that the City be proactive rather than reactive; wanted to see the money used on the community; and expressed concern with the homeless tapping into power and water lines and causing fires.
Richard Hoffman was called to speak but did not respond.
Maria Jacobo expressed concern for residents who may have to walk past the encampment; she e mpathized with the unhoused; discussed the dangers of routing people to wal k into oncoming traffic; and she translated her remarks for any Spanish language speakers who might be in the meeting.
Mark Blackbird was called to speak but he could not hear the meeting.
Dorothy Parsons was called to speak but did not respond
Lissett Pic hardo Gonzalez was called to speak but did not respond.
Charles Summerour proposed that the City invite the unhoused into their own homes rather than spending money on the proj ect under consideration.
Mark Blackbird asserted that he has been an advocate for the homeless for many years but he opposed the bulbout and he offered to assist the City in any way he could.
Lissett Pichardo Gonzalez expressed opposition to letting the homeless population take over Washington Boulevard ; discussed March 28, 2022
19 the rights of those who pay rents and mortgages; the need to punish criminal actions; and she asserted that Council Members were City officials elected to represent constituents.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding differences between Item C-7 and Item A-3; appreciation for the community input; people who step away during a long meeting to use the bathroom or get a drink of water; the issue to be considered; previous p olicy decisions; support for additional access; options for lighting and p lanters; opportunities for permanent supportive housing; creating a temporary build out; cost differences; safety concerns; criminal behavior; permits required from Caltrans; maintaining the existing bike lane; the fiscal analysis; increased costs for timb er and steel; true costs; limited staff resources; lack of input from the unhoused who need to be centered in the conversation; work to provide resources to the unhoused; sweeps; costs of police interaction; and the staff presentation.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the history of homelessness; efforts to control the population through the zoning code; the correlation between low numbers of homes per capita and homelessness; issues of caste and race; poor choices made in the past; steps toward fulfilling regional goals; the need to lead; clarification that the City is acting due to being threatened with litigation; ensuring that people with disabilities are able to move freely about the City; changing the regional a pproach to housing; working to unwind the fundamental problem; the need to support AB253 to introduce a social housing agency to build mixed income social housing to solve the problem; increased exposure to litigation; the short term solution; concern with further expansion; the cost of enforcing the new space; and limiting the space to allow for mobility but not for a shelter to be built.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concern with building a bulb out rather than helping the 5-6 homeless individuals in the encampment; length of time to build the project; lack of votes to approve the funding; money spent on St. Josephs; number of people housed through the program; the cle an up on Venice by Council Member Bonin; focusing on the issue and engaging the county; showing
compassion by helping people to find the housing services they need; and comments from Council Member Bonin in support of spending money on ending homelessness rather than perpetuating it.
March 28, 2022
20 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding additional costs for adding lighting and planters; partnerships with Caltrans; jurisdiction; funding; concern with promoting more encampments; deteriorating quality of life for unhoused individuals and the neighbors; working with the MET Team to get people the housing they need; addressing both concerns; lack of community input for disability access in other situations; acknowledgement that the proposed action is not the solution to homelessness; programs in process to address issues;
clarification that shelter is not housing; and support for moving forward as the lawsuit would be much more expensive.
Mayor Lee moved to authorize the design and construction of a sidewalk extension along the north side of Washington Boulevard under the 405 Freeway to increase pedestrian access.
Further discussion ensued between Council Members regarding clarification that the vote is for direction to the Ci ty Manager; concern with asking staff to put in a lot of work on something that will not be funded; a suggestion to direct staff to assist the homeless; fixing the problem in two weeks; focusing resour ces on immediate problems; and trusting the guidance of the experts vs. business owners.
Council Member Eriksson proposed an amendment to the motion to direct the City Manager to concentrate City resources including homeless resources and St. Josephs in coordination with county resources to find transitional housing and services that those individuals need.
Council Member Fisch proposed an amendment to the amendment to indicate: “provided that such action does not jeopardize the successful opening of Project Homekey rooms by October.”
Additional discussion ensued between Council Members regarding confidence in St. Josephs to get the job done and work being done by staff on a daily basis.
MOVED BY MAYOR LEE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO DESIGN
AND CONSTRUCT A SIDEWALK EXTENSION ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF WASHINGTON BOULEVARD UNDER THE 405 FREEWAY TO INCREASE
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS; AND,
March 28, 2022
21 2. DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER, IN COOPERATION WITH SOCIAL SERVICES,
TO CONCENTRATE OUTREACH EFFORTS AND CONNECT PEOPLE TO SERVICES
THAT LEAD TO HOUSING, PROVIDED THAT IT NOT BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE PROJECT HOMEKEY WORK WITH ST. JOSEPHS CENTER.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, FISCH, LEE, MCMORRIN
NOES: VERA
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC – (1) Discussion of a Request from “Vote 16 Culver City” to Lower the Voting Age to 16 for Culver City Municipal Elections; (2) Recommendation from the City Council Ad Hoc Voting -Related Ballot Measures Subcommittee to Place a Ba llot Measure on the November 2022 Election Ballot to Amend the City Charter to Lower the Voting Age to 16 for Culver City Municipal Elections; (3) Discussion of Additional Potential Ballot Measures – Approval Voting and Allowing Non -U.S. Citizens to Vote i n Culver City Municipal Elections; and (4) Direction to the City Man ager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Julia Ro ttenberg, Vote 16, Culver City High School (CCHS) student, expressed support for expanding the voting age to 16- and 17 -year-olds as well as to non-residents in municipal elections; discussed the impacts of legislation on teachers and classmates; the desire of youn g activists to affect progress; cultivating sustainability and inclusivity; allowing organized change within existing civic systems; creating habitual voters; the importance of democratic engagement; and non-citizen voters directly impacted by legislative choices that they do not have a say in.
Vanessa, Vote 16, was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
March 28, 2022
22 Celeste Nu ñez, Vote 16, CCHS student, shared reasons for supporting lowering Culver City’s vot ing age to 16 ; discussed the California Youth in Go vernment Program; opportunities for teen activism; teens who pay bills and taxes; active
participation in the community; and creating involved adults.
Cynthia Hart was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Ava Frans Vote 16, CCHS student, discussed complex decision making processes; a study indicating that long -term decision making is developed by the age of 16; she felt that non-citizen residents should be permitted to vote as they are just as impacted as U.S. citizens; discussed core voting rights values to expand and strengthen democracy; and she hoped the issues would be placed on the ballot in November.
Ada Meighan-Thiel advocated for lowering the voting age for municipal elections to 16 and extending voting rights to non - U.S. citizens; felt that the issue should be placed on the November ballot; discussed improving access; democracy; other areas in the country allowing non -citizens and youth to vote ; youth suffrage; and the importance of yout h and non -citizen engagement.
Tristan Ezidore expressed support for Vote 16 as a whole and for putting it on the ballot; discussed restoring faith in local government; working in the public interest; allowing people to help shape policies that they are impacted by; youth activism; increased engagement in other areas that have lowered the voting age; and bringing lived experiences to the voting booth.
Caitlin Polesetsky discussed youth who work and pay taxes; non- U.S. citizens who live and work in the cou ntry but are active community members; and demonstrating care for the immigrant population.
Vanessa was called to speak but could not be heard.
Bryan Sanders questioned whether every 16 -year-old viewed themselves as ready to vote and noted that it could be reasonable on a case-by-case basis.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin expressed pride in the articulate nature of some of the youth speakers and the civic engagement; expressed concern with costs; she encouraged people to register to vote when they are 16 so they are ready to vote at 18; and she felt that it was ok to wait.
March 28, 2022
23 Nancy Barba expressed support for the item; discussed the benefits of community engagement; and items currently under consideration that will affect future generations.
Bubba Fish expressed support for the youth activists who spoke previously and for the ballot measure; questioned why interested youth voters would be discouraged; discussed overall lack of engagement in City elections; and he asserted that the measure would be important for voter participation.
Michelle Weiner expressed support for lowering the voting age to 16 and opening voting to non -U.S. citizens for municipal elections; felt the youth speakers did a fine job building a case; wanted to see the franchise expanded; and she noted that when the state required cities with low voting rates to consolidate, some Council Members tried to instruct the City Attorney to find ways to block that.
Lorri Horn expressed opposition to allowing 16 -year olds to vote; discussed mentoring s tudents; offering internships and opportunities to learn in mock elections; acknowledged that while eloquent speakers, 16 -year-olds were not finished learning; and she noted that 16-year-olds were not ready to get married.
Khin Khin Gyi discussed the defeat of Proposition 18 in 2020; she proposed conducting a poll or survey to gage support of a ballot measure; and she felt that allowing non-U.S. citizens to vote in municipal elections should be a separate item.
Ronald Ostrin noted that Culver City would have to bear the cost of elections due to separate qualifications for state and federal elections and he cited research suggesting that the pre- frontal cortex is still being developed during the teenage years.
Stephen Jones echoed previous comments made by members of Vote 16; felt that non-citizens should have a say in the jurisdiction governing them; discussed basic principles of democracy; the history of allowing non-citizen voting; and he expressed support for approval voting which would incentivize a great field of candidates.
Disa Lindgren expressed support for allowing those 16 and older to vote, approval voting and voting for non -U.S. citizens; March 28, 2022
24 discussed her respect for 16 - and 17-year-olds; and she noted the importance of enfranchising immigrants.
Kelli Estes discussed defeat of a measure to allow 16-year-olds to vote in 2020; some who are mature beyond their years, but others who are not; she expressed support for allowing non-U.S. citizens to vote; she felt that too many things were packed into the agenda item; and she stated that the one-minute time limit for speaking indicated that the City Council was not really interested in receiving public comment.
Melissa Sanders encouraged the teens who spoke to continue to be politically active no matter the outcome of the issue; wished the City would stop pushing costly City -wide items forward; preferred to see consideration of county-wide measures; and felt that allowing 16 and up voting was a separate issue from allowing non-U.S. residents to vote.
Celeste Nuñez was called to speak but indicated that she had already spoken.
Vanessa, CCHS student, discussed effective implementation of Vote 16 in other cities and countries all over the world; evidence of increased voter turnout in the long run; the Civics program at the High School; creating a generation of habitual voters; the historical low turnout for municipal elections; increased legitimacy of democracy with increased voting; and she asked that the item be placed on the ballot for 2022.
John Wacker was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Lizbeth Mendez, former Board Member of Vote 16, discussed the importance of young voices; youth activism; increased civic engagement and voter turnout; and youth knowledge of government and American hi story; and she expressed s upport for lowering the voting age to 16 and above , and for allowing non -U.S. citizens to vote.
Cynthia Hart was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Karim Sahli expressed support for anything that increases voter participation which he felt was essential; expressed support for approval voting; and he felt that tax -payers should be allowed to participate by voting.
Meghan Sahli -Wells thanked Culver City students for their efforts; expressed admiration for the organiz ers of Vot e 16; March 28, 2022
25 discussed her children; and the importance of instilling permanent voting habits.
Marta Valdez expressed support for the youth engagement and felt that voting should be tied to enlisting in the military.
A Bad MFer responded to comments from Bryan Sanders indicating that 16-year-olds do not have the cognition to vote asserting that 95% of 16-year-olds were capable of making better decisions than Mr. Sanders.
Dr. Kelly Kent discussed her experience working with teenagers; acknowledged work done on the item since 2018; felt that it was inequitable to deny taxpaying non-citizens the right to vote; noted that the targeted age group was the most likely to challenge paradigms; discussed the importance of listening to those whose future is being decided; and the importance being open to making connections between the old and the new.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for Vote 16 and appreciation for the engagement and advocacy; the impacts of policy decisions; the difficult process to become a citizen; taking other ordinances that could be on the ballot into consideration; equity; ensuring that there are no barriers to voting; ensuring the legitimacy of democracy; the importance of expanding access to the ballo t box; the benefits of having young people vote in municipal elections; concern with staff time; a suggestion to change the City Charter to authorize the City Council to pass an ordinance that implements 16- and 17-year-old municipal voting and an ordinance finding a secure and no exposure to ICE method for non-citizen voters to vote; support for approval voting as it enhances democracy; best addressing the will of the electorate; vote splitting; opposition to placing the large and complicated issues on the ballot; the importance of democracy and letting the people decide; the need for more research; prioritization of items to be considered; providing a side-by-side comparison of approval vs. rank choice voting; and taking separate motions for the items.
Mayor Lee moved that the City Council add approval of the request from Vote 16 Culver City to lower the voting age to 16 for Culver City municipal elections and direct staff to do
everything they need to ensure that happens in November 2022.
Council Member McMorrin seconded the motion.
March 28, 2022
26 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding money involved; actual logistics; separate ballots and countings; costs per ballot measure added; uncertainty as to whether the county would consolidate the election or require the City to hold a separate one; unknown costs; timing; concern with changing the election cycle again and undoing work previously done to consolidate elections to improve voter turnout; and the feeling that more time should be taken to gain information before moving forward.
MOVED BY MAYOR LEE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADD APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FROM VOTE 16 CULVER CITY TO LOWER THE AGE TO 16 FOR CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
TO THE BALLOT AND DIRECT STAFF TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN IN NOVEMBER 2022.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISCH, LEE, MCMORRIN, VERA
NOES: ERIKSSON
Mayor Lee moved to place a measure on the ballot to allow non- U.S. residents to vote in municipal elections and Council Member Fisch seconded the motion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding additional ballot items; strategies for moving forward to bring items back for the next Council to approve in 2024; the allowable number of issues on the ballot at one time; concern with staff time; placing the focus on Vote 16 with pursuit of electoral reform in the future; moving the discussion forward legislatively for other items; staff research needed on charter amendments; placing an item on the ballot regarding making use of charter amendments; allowing the City Council more authority; concern with insufficient time to address multiple items; and City Council authorization for staff to work with the
subcommittee prior to coming before the full City Council.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE STAFF TO WORK WITH THE
CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BALLOT MEASURE TO BRING BACK TO THE FULL CITY COUNCIL.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISCH, LEE, MCMORRIN
NOES: ERIKSSON, VERA
March 28, 2022
27 Mayor Lee received clarification regarding the number of people waiting to speak on remaining agenda items; he felt that Item A-3 could be the subject of an entire meeting; and he asked the Item A-4 be moved forward on the agenda.
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Item A-4
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Discussion and Review of Options for the Future Use of Main Street, Between Culver Boulevard and the City Boundary South of Venice Boulevard, and the Inst allation of Bollards; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Transportation Manager, provided a presentation on the options for the future of Main Street between Culver Boulevard and the City boundary south of Venice Boulevard.
Council Member Eriksson received clari fication regarding installation costs for the bollards.
Mayor Lee announced that Item A-2 would be deferred to another meeting and Item A -3 would possibly be explored at a special City Council meeting due to the complicated nature of the topic.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones asserted that cars do not belong on Main Street anymore; discussed traffic issues; the M ain Street Pedestrian Plaza; thriving businesses in the area; and he asked that the street not be closed so that Hackman could have one more entrance to their parking structure.
Bryan Sanders expressed support for Option 1b and he felt that support from downtown businesses owners for Option 1b should be centered and included in the conversation.
Jamie Wallace pointed out that kids could play on the Plaza; felt that the street should be reopened; discussed increased traffic when things get back to normal; the temporary solution to an unprecedented problem; the amount of money invested into expanded parking under the Steps; agreement by the Studio to March 28, 2022
28 direct traffic on to northbound on Ince and on to Washington; and she expressed support for Option 1b.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin expressed support for Option 1b; discussed the importance of Main Street access; respect for the Downtown Business Association (DBA); and tax revenue.
Disa Lindgren ceded her time to David Coles.
David Coles, Bike Culver City, reported that the organization supports Option 1a to keep Main Streetcar-free; expressed support for the installation of bollards; discussed noise, exhaust and danger that come with cars; he asserted that the parking garage should have never been built across the street; and the importance of showing courage and vision to make the downtown area even better.
Darrel Menthe reported that the DBA Board had voted to support Option 1b; indicated that Town Plaza already pr ovided a pedestrian area; discussed access to Amazon; and support for the weekend closure.
Ryan Smith was called to speak but could not be heard.
David Saeta reported working with the City and Hackman Capital on the location for ingress and egress to the Culver Steps; discussed the aim to quickly dissipate traffic out of the City; money spent by the City for parking under the Plaza; and he asserted that for the benefit of the community and the City, it was important to keep the street open.
Sarah Cha, IBS Real Estate Group , provided background on the organization; discussed the confusing rollout of MOVE Culver City; parking at the Culver Steps and Culver Studios; struggling retailers; rent relief; lack of vehicular access; and she asked that Main Street be opened as it was pre-pandemic.
Kathryn Lundeen, Lundeen’s Gifts, asked that Main Street be re- opened and she asserted that downtown businesses did not need any more deterrents to business by removing access in and out of town.
Carolyn Allport was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Bubba Fish noted that not everyone drives a car; discussed ways to access the Culver Steps parking garage; the number of car - March 28, 2022
29 free streets; felt those speaking in support of opening the street to cars were financially invested in the parking garage while those speaking in support of keeping the street open to pedestrians wanted to patronize businesses; discussed the climate crisis; minimizing VMT (Vehicle Miles Travelled) counts; and he noted that cars don’t buy things, people do.
Ron Ostrin discussed flexibility afforded by the bollards and gridlock created by keeping the street closed.
Eric Tunell asserted that modifications to Main Street had created a more enjoyable place for people to support businesses; he discussed adding m ore public spaces for people; balancing private equity with public needs; concern with catering to commuters; and he urged support for Option 1a to make Main Street accessible for everyone.
Kelli Estes wanted to see Main Street open to e veryone as it was before the pandemic; felt that closing the street made it exclusive to those who live nearby; noted that residents alone could not sustain the downtown businesses; and she wanted to see the street opened on weekends as well.
George Plato was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Michelle Weiner reported that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) arrived at consensus and provided a statement in support of Option 1a; did not want to see the beautiful plaza turned into a driveway for the businesses; discussed the potential for a beautiful space; and she noted that the crosswalks were crowded with people and should be respected.
Mary Daval wanted to see the current situation maintained while bollards are designed an d installed and th e return to work situation is studied to see if changes are necessary; discussed the lack of evidence that car traffic needs to return to Main Street to access Amazon; incentives to encourage active transportation; lack of evidence regard ing business healt h before, during , or after the pandemic; the law of induced demand; and she noted that if more space is made for cars, cars will come.
Jeff Cooper discussed his work on the project to take the needs of the neighbors into consideration; a sked for compromise and ensuring that Main Street not be shut down 100% of the time; he felt that the recommendation from the BPAC was biased; asked March 28, 2022
30 that traffic and impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods be taken into account; and he asked the City Council to serve the greater good of constituents by opening Main Street.
Melissa Sanders was called to speak but was not on Webex.
Sean McLemore, Aldea Home and Baby, discussed the closing of the street; business lost; people coming from outside of the area; he expressed support for Option 1b as an alternative; and he wanted to see the street opened again.
Ken Kaufman was called to speak but did not respond.
Greg Maron was called to speak but did not respond.
Cailyn Polesetsky was called to speak but w as not present on Webex.
Kevin Lachoff asked that the City Council focus on
recommendations from staff, the Mobility, Traffic and Parking (MTAP) Subcommittee, and the DBA in support of Option 1b; discussed protecting those closest to harm; Main Street businesses; the nearby Town Plaza; MOVE Culver; reducing cut - through traffic; the vital artery for downtown employees; and he felt the closure of M ain Street would cause thousands of additional car trips.
Maria Marill, Culver Studios, urged the City Council to support the staff recommendation to allow employees to access their jobs; discussed work done with the City and neighbors to minimize impacts to the community; allowing cars to exit quickly and keep cars out of the neighborhood; and employees returning to the lot.
Robert Barbet was called to speak but was not on Webex.
Charlyn Barton provided background on herself; expressed support for Option 3 to return Main Street to pre -pandemic status; discussed the mixed business street; different criteria to satisfy customers; forcing one solution on all types of business; financial impacts; and allowing businesses to continue providing services to the community.
Rob Barber discussed his business; the closure of Main St reet for outside dining; difficulty being experienced by businesses; lack of visibility for the businesses; and he wanted to see Main Street opened back up to cars and parking.
March 28, 2022
31 Colin Diaz, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, expressed strong support for keeping Main Street open to traffic as proposed in Option 3; discussed decreased business; challenges during the Farmers Market; keeping Main Street open during peak hours; transitioning employees in and out of the City; and he suggested that the City of Los A ngeles be approached to share the costs for bollards.
Kathy Johnson was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Eric Shabsis expressed support for Option 1b; discussed the modernization of Culver Studios; collaboration with residents, businesses, and transportation stakeholders on a comprehensive mobility and transportation plan which prominently featured Main Street; direct access to local jobs; opening Main Street for the health of residential neighborhoods; investment made by Hackman Capital Partners; support for MOVE Culver City and Town Plaza; and keeping studio traffic outside of residential neighborhoods.
Andrew Weissman provided background on himself; expressed support for Option 1b; discussed providing balance and
flexibility; improvements made; incentives; and he asserted that Option 1b allowed businesses to continue to operate.
Monica Trepany was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Phil Olson was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Maria Jacobo asked th e City Council to open Main Street; asserted that the closure was crippling to businesses; discussed the closure for the Farmers Market; Culver Steps; and the need to access downtown Culver City.
Johanna Bialkin was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Eric Sims expressed support for Option 1b as he felt it provided the most flexibility; noted that Town Plaza provided a beautiful pedestrian plaza across the street; discussed the need for vehicle access during the week for employees and downtown businesses; the investment of businesses in the City ; and he noted that businesses were in support of flexible usage of the street with bollards.
March 28, 2022
32 Deborah Gregory, Ballona Creek Renaissance, provided background on the organization and discussed reasons fo r her support of Option 1a , including options for en hanced greenspace and improving walkability.
Karim Sahli discussed the need for bollards for protected bike lanes on the Culver Boulevard side of Main Street; determining whether Main Street is necessary for cars; asserted that Option 1a was the best option; discussed Vision Zero goals; alignment with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan ; support from the BPAC; the climate crisis; positive effects to businesses; reducing induced demand; and alternative entrances for the Studio.
Meghan Sahli-Wells expressed support for Option 1a; discussed arguments from anoth er era; relieving congestion by removing cars; training employees to drive to work; investments in transit; climate reality; and she felt that Main Street should be a place-making people street rather than a driveway.
David Metzler expressed support for Option 1a; discussed studying a permanent design once the bollards are installed; the actions of the City of Ventura; support for continuing the outdoor dining program; and the process for moving the Steps parking garage to Main Street.
Sylvia Bianchi, DBA, discussed requests from businesses on Main Street to open the street and she listed businesses who ha d expressed support for Option 1b.
Nikki Kenter, DBA, read a written statement from Stu Freeman of Freeman Properties in support for reopening Main Stre et and providing background on the development of the downtown area.
Vivian Cermeno was called to speak but was not present on Webex.
Dylan Gottlieb spoke in favor of Option 1a; asserted that pre- pandemic there was a large business turnover, minimal fo ot- traffic, and extreme car traffic; he stated that closing the street some of the time would be confusing to people; noted that efforts to beautify the area would be stalled; stated that downtown was busy and thriving when the street was closed; and he ex pressed concern with turning the City into a large intersection again.
Ken Kaufman provided background on himself; discussed the growth of the City; excellent management of the growth of the City by March 28, 2022
33 the City Council; fostering a sense of community; changes since MOVE Culver City went in; he expressed support for the staff recommendation; and he felt that inconvenience would drive people and businesses away from the City.
Ryan Smith was called to speak but did not answer.
Kathy Johnson , The Culver H otel, asked that Option 1b be supported to enhance flexibility; discussed the vote of downtown business community to have the ability to open and close the street at will; the importance of access; and frustrations expressed by guests.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the public comment; equity; support for businesses; the commercial moratorium; the climate; VMT; investments made in alternative mobility and tr ansit options; support for keeping the street closed to vehicular traffic to support a more healthy and vibrant downtown and get people out of their cars; the importance of investing in outdoor space; appreciation for the leadership of the BPAC; the Plaza space; expanding on pedestrian space; support for Vi sion Zero goals; continuing to invest in the health and sustainability of the community; changing patterns; introducing new ways to get around the City; facts about how people are utilizing space; data about parking on Main Street; the new parking lot; the feeling that there is an abundance of parking downtown; support for using manual bollards to save money; studying traffic patterns after the bollards are installed; designating downtown as a pedestrian priority zone; safety concerns; induced demand; incre ased greenhouse gases; TDM (Traffic Demand Management); providing flexibility with bollards; concern with using staff time to raise and lower bollards; hydraulic bollards ; CCFD; an observation that there are not a lot of tables on Main Street; the limited amount of space to drop off and pick u p people; support for data to help understand the effects of having the street closed on traffic and on businesses; retail vs.
restaurant on the street; public transportation; public comment received; concerns of business owners; partnering with Los Angeles; allowing outdoor dining to persist in larger quantities than before; the fact that Main Street is the shortest one in the country; issues that come with the new To wn Plaza; public/private partnerships; outs ized influence on public decisions by private entities; actually addressing the needs and concerns of the public; relative business traffic; the need for actual data to make a decision; personal preferences; creative interpretation of statistics and data; keeping Main March 28, 2022
34 Street as it is and then studying data; the availability of numbers and data from businesses; support for Option 1b with a report in 6-12 months; and inclusion of data from MOVE Culver.
Council Membe r Eriksson moved to support Option 1b with hydraulic bollards.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding bollard type; costs; fiscal responsibility; competing interests around mobility; labor costs vs. capital costs; length of time to do the changeover; vehicle arrestin g barriers; and taking ease of use for CCOD and CCFD into consideration.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO REOPEN MAIN
STREET TO A LL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON WEEKDAYS AND CLOSE IT ON FARMERS’ MARKET TUESDAYS AND WEEKENDS , INSTALL HYDRAULIC/ MECHANICAL BOLLARDS AND MONITOR THE DATA.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, FISCH, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, LEE
o0o
Item A-2
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Action Item (1) Approval of a Conceptual Plan for the Revitalization of Media Park; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
o0o
Item A-3
CC – (1) Discussion of the City’s Policies and Programs to Address Homelessness in the City; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
This Item was deferred to a future meeting.
o
March 28, 2022
35 Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no additional requests to speak had been received.
o0o
Items from Council Members
None.
o0o
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member McMorrin received clarification that City Council consensus had been achieved to consider the Neighborhood Court program from District Attorney Gasçon and that there was consensus to consider Item A-3 at a special meeting.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that the next meeting on April 11 would be held in-person with an option for the public to attend, as technically feasible, via Webex.
o0o
March 28, 2022
36 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:37 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022 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 April 11, 2022.
o0o
Jeremy Bocchino
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
DR. 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: _________________________