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 August 22, 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 5:03 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*
*Council Member McMorrin arrived at 5:30 p.m.
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Closed Session
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no public comment had been received.
August 22, 2022
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR LEE THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, FISCH, LEE, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
At 5:04 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 – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – 3 Items
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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CS-2 CC - Conference with Labor Negotiators
City Designated Representatives: City Manager John Nachbar; Assistant City Manager Onyx Jones
Employee Organization: Culver City Employees Association; Culver City Management Group; Culver City Police Officers Association; Culver City Fire Fighters Association; Culver City Police Management Group; Culver City Fire Management
Association; Executive Management Employees
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
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Recognition Presentations
At 6:45 p.m. Mayor Lee reconvened the meeting of the City Council with all Council Members present.
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August 22, 2022
3 Recognition Presentation
Item R-1
CC – Presentations of Commendations to Former Commissioners, Board Members, and Committee Members in Recognition of Their Service to the Culver City Community
Council Member McMorrin presented a commendation to Zoltan Pali for his service on the Cultural Affairs Commission.
Zoltan Pali expressed appreciation for the honor of serving.
Council Member Eriksson presented a commendation to Kay Heineman for her service on the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission.
Kay Heineman thanked the City for the privilege of serving noting that she would continue her involvement in the community.
William Rickards, Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Chair, and Scott Zeidman, PRCS Commissioner thanked Kay Heineman for her leadership and for her service.
Council Member Fisch presented a commendation to Dana Amy Sayles for her service on the Planning Commission.
Dana Amy Sayles thanked the City for the privilege of serving; noted upcoming vacancies; and she encouraged the City Council to make appointments without political agendas, appointing those who have the best interests of the City at heart.
Vice Mayor Vera presented a commendation to Dr. Jay Shery for his service on the Disability Advisory Committee.
Dr. Jay Shery expressed appreciation for the ability to serve and thanked the City for their consistent commitment to serve the community.
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August 22, 2022
4 Item R-2
CC – Presentations of Commendations to The Actors ’ Gang in Recognition of its 40th Anniversary
Mayor Lee presented a commendation to the Actors’ Gang.
Monica Harte, from the Actors’ Gang, thanked the City for the honor of serving through their programs to make a difference and she invited everyone to the 15th year of free Shakespeare in the Park.
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Regular Session
Mayor Lee reconvened the meeting of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, and Culver City Housing Authority Board at 7:04 p.m. with five 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 of Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Council Member McMorrin expressed best wishes to everyone going back to school in the community; reported that August is Black Business month; she encouraged everyone to support local Black businesses; and she reminded everyone that Fiesta La Ballona would be August 26-28.
Council Member Eriksson discussed the world -premiere of an Amazon Prime series noting that Amazon Prime is located in Culver City, and he announced the opening of the Lily Restaurant at the Culver Hotel.
August 22, 2022
5 Council Member Fisch asked that the meeting be adjourne d in memory of Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez; he discussed her life and legacy; and he extended condolences to her constituents and to her family.
Mayor Lee echoed comments in praise and remembrance of Carmen Ramirez; indicated that he had also attended the Amazon Prime premiere; discussed use of the City’s public space; compliance with City rules; the Mayor’s Innovation Conference; and he received City Council consensus from Council Members Fisch and McMorrin to agendize consideration of applying to participate in a guaranteed income pilot program to compliment City programs and help people get back on their feet.
Manuel Cid, Police Chief, introduced seven new Culver City Police Officers.
Francisca Castillo, Recreation and Community Services Manager, provided an update on Fiesta La Ballona 2022 taking place from August 26-28 in Veterans Memorial Park and she thanked sponsors.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the timeframe to apply to participate in the guaranteed income program; the need to add an item to the agenda in order to direct staff to participate; immediate need; the sentiment of the majority; ratifying the grant application at a future meeting; and sta ff interpretation and work with the City Manager.
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Presentations
Item P-1
CC – Presentation to the City Council by the California Department of Insurance of an Overview of the Safer from Wildfires Framework
Arminé Sargsyan, California Department of Insurance, discussed the department’s efforts to save lives and make insurance affordable and available.
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August 22, 2022
6 Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Michael Rochmes was called to speak but did not respond.
Kate Ainslie reported that she had been trying to get the City to trim back ficus on her street; discussed the previous trimming schedule; the one person managing the City’s trees vs. the seven new Culver City Police Department ( CCPD) hires; and she proposed that additional time, attention and funding be directed to support the City’s trees.
Annet Salinas was called to speak but did not respond.
Eileen Chen was called to speak but did not respond.
Elsie Pon indicated that she owned a fourplex in the City; discussed her tenants; safety and quality of life issues related to the encampment across the street; and she asked the City to restore quality of life in the City.
Alejandro Larson spoke on behalf of himself and his neighbors expressing concern with the worsening situation with homeless encampments on the Creek; discussed specific examples of alarming occurrences; individuals who are in need of assistance for mental health issues; and he asked the City for help before something tragic happens.
Carolyn Libuser discussed the homeless encampment under the National Bridge; the Army Corps of Engineer s; Culver City property; debris going into the Creek; security for the federal workers who placed notices regarding the cleanup; the threat caused by the generators running under the bridge; and she expressed concern that Mayor Lee had prevented CCPD from lending support.
Mayor Lee indicated that the City had been reaching out to other jurisdictions for collaboration in cleaning up the Creek, and he clarified that CCPD is empowered to address illegal actions, but not to police poverty.
Melissa Sanders discussed the failure of MOVE Culver City; underutilization of alternative transportation; traffic; she proposed limited hours for the lanes; she wanted the City to August 22, 2022
7 stop paying money to consultants who do not do traffic surveys; and she asked the City to re-think the project.
Bryan Sanders, Common Sense Culver City, provided background on the organization and encouraged everyone to check out
commonsenseculvercity.org; discussed investigations into the public record; he asked Council Memb er Fisch to apologize and acknowledge pain caused by his comments about concentration camps, Palmdale, homeless encampments , and the unhoused; he discussed reactions from Jewish organizations; asked the City to emphasize the importance of apologizing; and he indicated that more than just the Jewish community were upset by the comments.
Council Member Fisch suggested that Mr. Sanders read the quote rather than insinuating that he had said something anti-Semitic.
Adam Rosenblatt proposed off leash hours a t Culver West Alexander Park; discussed current usage of the park; community; and signatures gathered for a petition.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding agreement to have the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission consider the item.
Roger Liu was called to speak but did not respond.
Candance Simmons , Culver City Women in Business, encouraged nominations for the 7 th Annual Women in Business Awards on October 27 and she agreed to email the Mayor.
Mary Daval, with one minute ceded , indicated that Bike Culver City would be providing a free Bike Valet at Fiesta Culver City from August 26 -28; discussed Project Visibility; distribution of safety equipment for low income residents who use alternative methods of transportation; the helmet donation from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for distribution at the Fiesta La Ballona Bike Valet; volunteer time; and appreciation for the support.
Frank Clark discussed neglect of the vagrants in the City; concern that the City do es not provide progress reports; lack of information about the encampments; application of rules to the homeless; the importance of supporting residents, not Council Member interests; a recent CCPD arrest of a gang member in an encampment; increasing numbe rs of people in the
encampments; concern that the City does not ca re about the August 22, 2022
8 situation; and he wanted to see the City prioritize the homeless situation more than bike lanes.
Mayor Lee suggested that Mr. Clark contact Housing Department staff for an upda te; he discussed efforts to address the situation; information gathered about encampments; turnover; lack of housing in the county; jurisdiction along the Creek; cleanups; efforts to ensure that poverty is not a crime; addressing health and safety issues; ability of CCPD to arrest those committing crimes; and work to bring additional housing to the City.
Council Member Eriksson failed to receive City Council consensus to agendize consideration of the Los Angeles Camping Ordinance.
Jim Shanman, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, thanked the City Council for their unanimous support of the program; discussed program efforts and planned events; he noted that each block not driven ma tters; and he encouraged everyone to visit ccwalkandroll.com to provide input on what is important.
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Receipt of Correspondence
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Item C-8 was considered separately at the end of the Consent Calendar.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-7, AND C-9.
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August 22, 2022
9 Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for July 30, 2022 to August 12, 2022
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR JULY 30, 2022 TO AUGUST 12, 2022.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting on August 8, 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 ON AUGUST 8, 2022.
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Item C-3
CC – Approval of a Three-Year Software Services Agreement with Swiftly Inc., for Automatic Vehicle Location Support Services Software for the Transportation Department in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $245,593
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SWIFTLY, INC. FOR AUTOMATIC VEHICLE
LOCATION SUPPORT SERVICES SOFTWARE FOR THREE-YEARS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $245,593; 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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August 22, 2022
10 Item C-4
CC – (1) Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with John L. Hunter & Associates for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Compliance Consultant Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $120,000; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Two Additional One -Year Terms for FY 2023 - 2024 and 2024 -2025 in an Additional Amount Not -to-Exceed $160,000 for Two Years ($80,000 Each Year)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JOHN L. HUNTER & ASSOCIATES FOR NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO- EXCEED $120,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE TWO ADDITIONAL ONE - YEAR TERMS, FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023 -2024 AND 2024 -25, IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $160,000 ($80,000 FOR EACH YEAR); 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-5
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc., in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $290,000 for Environmental Remediation Services on City Owned Property at 3860 and 3900 Sepulveda Boulevard; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement for Unanticipated Costs up to a Contingency Amount (20%) Not -to- Exceed $58,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH INTEGRATED DEMOLITION AND
REMEDIATION INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $290,000 FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 3860 AND 3900 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD; AND,
August 22, 2022
11 2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AM ENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT FOR UNANTICIPATED COSTS IN A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT (20%) NOT TO-EXCEED $58,000; 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-6
CC - (1) Rejection of Bids Received; and (2) Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids, for the 2022 Pavement
Rehabilitation Project, PS-005
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. REJECT THE BID PROPOSALS FOR THE 2022 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, PS-005; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NEW NOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR THE PROJECT.
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Item C-7
CC – Ratification of Fiscal Year 2022 Grant Application Submitted to the US Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Local Solicitation in the amount of $14,468.00
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. RATIFY THE FY 2022 GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO THE US
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM LOCAL SOLICITATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,468.00; 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.
August 22, 2022
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Item C-9
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Culver City Zoning Map, as Referenced in Title 17, Zoning, of the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC), Section 17.200.015 - Zoning Map to Facilitate Construction of Three Additional Vehicle Repair Bays at an Existing Remote Customer Auto Repair Facility at 11039 Washington Boulevard (Project)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONING CODE MAP AMENDMENT P2021-0043-ZCMA.
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Item C-8
(Out of Sequence)
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with California Cart Builder LLC, to Construct One Portable All-Electric Concession Trailer and One Portable All -Electric Restroom Trailer for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $418,215, including Delivery to the Culver City Park Upper Ballfields; and (2) Authorize the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement in a Contingency Amount of up to an Additional $33,589 (7%) for Unexpected Costs, for a Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $451,804
Council Member Eriksson requested information to clarify the issue for the public.
Armando Abrego, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, discussed addressing settling in Bill Botts Field , and flexibility of the trailers.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA CART BUILDER LLC, TO
CONSTRUCT ONE PORTABLE ALL-ELECTRIC CONCESSION TRAILER AND ONE
PORTABLE ALL -ELECTRIC RESTROOM TRAILER FOR THE BASE BID OF $418,215, INCLUDING DELIVERY TO THE CULVER CITY PARK UPPER BALLFIELDS; AND,
August 22, 2022
13 2. AUTHORIZE THE PRCS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT IN A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF UP TO $33,589 (7%) FOR UNEXPECTED COSTS, FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $451,804; 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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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
(1) Introduction of an Ordinance of the City of Culver City Adding Subchapter 3.04.400 to Title 3, Chapter 3.04 of the Culver City Municipal Code, Governing the Use of Military Equipment by the Culver City Police Department and Approving the Military Equip ment Funding, Acquisition and Use Policy Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481; and (2) Provide Direction to the Police Chief as Deemed Appropriate
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS OF MAILING, PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE.
Manuel Cid, Police Chief, provided a presentation on the ordinance; discussed Assembly Bill (AB) 481; development of the policy; definition of military equipment; equipment inventory; guidelines and authorization for use; why the equipment is needed; and recommendations.
Lisa Vidra, Assistant City Attorney, discussed the adoption of the ordinance as it relates to AB481; approval of the policy under state law; and sections and subchapters added to meet requirements of state law.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the two-step process; the ability to make changes and still move forward; Active Shooter Training at the High School; and the inability of any responding agency to use the equipment if the ordinance is not approved.
August 22, 2022
14 MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARR IED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephanie Benjamin, with one minute ceded by She ila Benjamin, discussed the recent Active Shooter Training at the High School; choosing between who gets to live and who gets to die; the importance of providing the safety equipment necessary to law enforcement to protect the community; officers going up against AR15s with only their side arms; the purpose of the Bill to ensure the proper acquisition of necessary tools; following the letter of the law; access vs. usage; trusting CCPD to use their discretion; and she wanted the City Council to support CCPD.
Stephen Jones asked the City Council to not adopt the ordinance; discussed common sense gun laws; reducing weapons in the community; concern with CCPD brin ging more weapons into the community; the fact that teargas is banned from warfare; concern with trusting CCPD to use weapons fairly against citizens marching in protest; multiple policy and law violations by CCPD; concern that CCPD will not respect rules and laws that would rein in uses; evidence that the proposed weapons do not increase officer or civilian safety; evidence indicating that the weapons escalate rather than de -escalate violence; he asked that the weapons be taken away; and he questioned why such weapons would be brought in the City.
Andrew Watt did not feel that CCPD should be allowed to use anything that is classified as military equipment or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) video surveillance equipment ; he discussed drones as weapons; facial recognition technology; trusting the police to hold themselves accountable; the experiences of other cities; th e equipment being proposed for use; the importance of reducing harm done by police; elimination of several sworn officer positions; remaining consistent with the vision of harm reduction; industry standard; over -policing Black and Brown communities; determining what is reasonable and what is not; he noted that just because CCPD already has most of the equipment did not justify its use; and he asked that the City Council seriously consider the policy rather than rubber - stamping it.
August 22, 2022
15 Kelli Estes discussed fear, responsibility, and public safety; standard issue equipment; the non -military personal armored carrier not funded by the City; the ceremonial position of the Mayor; she asked the City Council to approve the tools; expressed embarrassment that CCPD stepped down from helping the Army Corps of Engineers; and she wanted City staff to step up and take responsibility for the oaths they took.
Jamie Wallace echoed comments made by Ms. Benjamin and expressed opposition to comments made by Stephen Jones; she asked that the City Council approve the ordinance noting that if it does not pass, CCPD would be left only with their sidearms; discussed the fact that everything meets th e criteria of AB481;
accountability; officer and civilian safety; assistance from other jurisdictions; usage of military weapons; normal police equipment; and she expressed concern with endangering lives if the ordinance is not approved.
Sebastian Hernandez was called to speak but was not present online.
Prisca Gloor asked the City Council not to adopt the proposed ordinance; indicated that she did not feel safe knowing all the weapons that the police have; asserted that research shows that military equipment is not what the police needs; questioned whether the City was going to be invaded; discussed City Council oversight; implementation of civilian oversight before the use of military weapons is even considered; research indicating that military equipment is detrimental to the people and escalates violence; the mobile crisis intervention program; the ongoing struggle between the residents and CCPD in their thirst for militarization; and she noted that once the City had the desire to be a kind City.
Bryan Sanders, Common Sense Culver City, expressed his full support for CCPD; discussed officer safety; and ensuring that CCPD is prepared.
Margot Bennett asked that the City not approve the ordinance; discussed the Overton Window; studies that indicate the presence of weapons escalates violence; and she asked the City to read and consider the studies before approving the ordinance.
Stephanie Loredo discussed studies indicating that the types of weapons being discussed are not proven to keep the community safer; concern that care to prevent violence is not being fully funded; recognition of the need for harm reduction; the need to August 22, 2022
16 prioritize funding for mobile crisis intervention and implement civilian oversight first; concern with upholding systems that have been proven not to work; and she asked that the City Council not approve the ordinance.
Kelly Kent, CCUSD School Board, spoke on behalf of herself; discussed feedback she received at a recent community meeting hosted by CCPD indicating that it was hard to prove that the proposed weapons would reduce the number of mass shootings, lives lost, or lives criminally altered; comparisons between cities before and after the purchase of weapons; lone shooters; preventing shootings with care , nurturing, and relationship building; she expressed frustration with the use of school shootings as justification for further militarizing the police; and she asserted that there can be viable emergency operations plans that do not increase the caliber of weapons of the police department.
Bubba Fish discussed the request for military equipment; placing the onus on CCPD to provide evidence that the equipment would protect the community and prevent harm; refusal to demonstrate the need for the gear; reimagining Public Safety; the purpose of AB481 to increase transparency and accountability; utilizing the ordinance to begin demilitarizing CCPD; costs to maintain the weapons; the belief that funding the police does not prevent crime; and addressing root causes to affect change.
Khin Khin Gyi requested approval for the armored vans; discussed the situation in El Monte; and the need to protect police officers.
Nancy Barba asked the City to reconsider the policy as written; discussed the spirit and letter of the law; weapons that have already been procured without an approved policy; concern with allowing one person the discretion to use the militarized weapons; the legacy of taking on more equipment; condoning what has already been done despite the objections of many
constituents; investing in the needs of the community; the need for a citi zen oversight committee if the item moves forward; and ensuring that moving forward requires agreement of the Police Chief and the City Manager.
Marc Naylor provided background on himself; expressed
frustration with the City Council; encouraged Council Members to engage with actual police officers; discussed increased crime; using common sense; increased danger in the community; the importance of voting for the community, not for their base; August 22, 2022
17 equipment for situational use rather than for everyday use; he expressed support for military in the community if it keeps people safe; and he wanted to see the City back CCPD.
Freddy Puza discussed the passage of AB481 to increase transparency; creating a culture of fear with military
equipment; studies indicating that increased weaponization does not decrease crime; he did not feel that CCPD should have military equipment even if it is not used every day; he expressed support for continuing to work on the policy; noted the need to provide peer reviewed evidence of efficacy and efficiency on the use of this type of equipment; and he asked the City to continue the dialogue on what makes everyone safe, and to build community and systems of care and respect.
Michele Dumount , Stop LAPD, discussed the organization; acceptance of military equipment; double -speak; the fact that police are rarely held accountable for mistakes or deliberate acts of violence; making residents the ene my; the movement throughout the country to de-arm police officers and lessen the violence that police can do; the ineffectiveness of
restrictions; and she asserted that there was no need to further arm the police and create a militarized situation.
Hamid Khan discussed militarization; mission creep;
legitimizing weapons of violence; tools of trauma; murder at the hands of the state; institution al, structural, cultural, and economic racism; ambush protected vehicles; use of weapons against protestors; he asked that the City be prohibited from participation in 1033 programs; and he expressed concern with massive harm brought to the community.
Deborah Weinrauch asserted that the reality of police department needs is not the same as it was in the past; asserted that tragedy could strike anywhere, anytime; wanted to provide CCPD with all the tools necessary to protect the City; discussed increased crime; the Military Equipment Funding Acquisition and Use Policy Manual; compliance with AB481; equipment that has been used by the City for years; and she asked the City Council to approve the ordinance to ensure the safety of everyone.
Adam Smith discussed the insidious nature of procedural reforms; use of agreeable language; providing a harmful framework for the police to get more weapons; members of the public concerned with issues that need attention and resources; concern with providing more resources and power to the police; calling out the ordinance for what it is rather than what it pretends to August 22, 2022
18 be; meeting and expanding industry standards and calling it progress; the 1033 Program; rejection of the military equipment ordinance; and the need for demilitarization of the police department to steer re sources into community care and
infrastructure like housing to address the needs of the community rather than the police.
Kevin Lachoff congratulated the newest members of CCPD and asked the City Council to keep them safe; discussed policy to outline the responsible use of standard equipment currently used by CCPD; equipping the police to address violence seen on the news; being ready to meet the moment when something happens; creating a new policy to align with state regulations; and he thanked the City for considering putting CCPD in alignment with new requirements for Public Safety.
Gary Irwin urged approval of the policy and ordinance; discussed military equipment included in AB481; increased crime; properly equipping CCPD to provide high level policing services; standard tools; providing less lethal de -escalation options with strategic and tactical advantages; equipment necessary for emergencies and for dealing with dangerous and violent
individuals; allowing for effective first responders; workforce multipliers; and help dealing with critical incidents.
Kate Ainslie provided background on herself; discussed things she appreciates abo ut Culver City; concern with escalating access to items banned in warfare; concern with pouring more money into policing rather than into addressing the need for housing, mental health crisis intervention , and better paid teachers; data indicating that bringing the proposed equipment into the community does not make it safe; she echoed comments from Bubba Fish noting that well-funded policing has not reduced violence to date; she noted that valuing the lives of those who serve is not in conflict with opposition to the proposed policy; she referenced comments by Kelly Kent regarding finding better solutions than adding to the industry standard; and she asserted that BEARCATS (Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Trucks) and flash bang grenades would not have helped in Uvalde or Highland Park, but reduced access to weapons and increased access to mental health resources would have.
Melissa Sanders echoed sentiments of Bryan Sanders, Jamie Wallace and Kevin Lachoff; discussed the thought and respect put into the process; use of inflammatory language; putting the City in danger if the ordinance is not approved; day to day safety of residents; worst case scenario; protecting City August 22, 2022
19 employees; Culver City as being surrounded by the largest City in the state; doing what is best for the City; and she asserted that housing and mental health services were a separate issue.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the correlation between crime and poverty; the ten year investment in CCPD and continued increases to crime; studies indicating that crime is a result of poverty and people not being able to meet basic needs; feedback regarding the unhoused; money invested for the first time in housing from the General Fund; funding as reflecting values; taking the opportunity to think about doing things differently; responding to basic needs not being met; inflation; stagnant wages; societal issues; addressing the reasons for crime and for people being out on the street; changing systems and structures that take away imagination; white sup remacy; the importance of investing in systems of care rather than systems of punishment; costs; harm done; taking a moment to consider change; outreach; concern that the industry standards will not create more care, but will further escalate; adding more accountability to the policy; bringing back a citizen oversight committee; the decision making framework; building trust; staffing changes; the need for transparency; including the City Manager in the process; and providing checks and balances.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the process; equipment already owned by the City; reasoning behind purchases made in 2016; purchase of the robot and the armored vehicles; transparency that has been added to the process; controlling situations in a safe manner; support for the work done and the transparency provided; the importance of use of robots by LAPD; and equipment used to de -escalate situations.
Council Member Eriksson moved to approve the introduction of the ordinance.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the presentation; productive comments; interesting alternatives; support for not tasking CCPD with shuttling around homeless people without a solution; creation of a proposal for a new City department with a Mobile Crisis Response Team similar to the CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance August 22, 2022
20 Helping Out On The Streets) model; the importance of providing homeless outreach; gauging the impacts to the current demand on CCPD; mutual aid rules; lack of effort by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s office to comply with the law; self-reliance as a full-service organization; accountability; equipment
anticipated to come in; the ongoing process; concern with having gas in a situation with children; application of force; the duty of the Chief of Police to engage in threat assessment;
determination of tools to use against riotous crowds; annual reports to demonstrate oversight and accountability; use of flash bangs; maintaining the public trust; and 1033 Programs.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding terminology and words that create fear in the community; clarification on items that the City already has; ramifications of not approving the ordinance; the feeling that it’s better to have things and not need them; c oncern with leaving CCPD or responding agencies ill -equipped to deal with emergencies; appreciation for the level of detail in the policy; acknowledgement that Culver City does not live in a bubble; community concerns; the positive relationship between the City and CCPD; City Council oversight of the Chief of Police; and appreciation for the additional public outreach conducted.
Vice Mayor Vera seconded Council Member Eriksson’s motion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the decision in 2020 to approve mobile crisis units; the review of Public Safety; consultation with other
municipalities with similar programs; the approval of mobile crisis with a budget yet failure to move forward; an observation that policies that reinforce the status quo move forward, while policies that seek to create change move forward slowly or not at all; approval of civilian oversight but no movement forward; clarification that the item being discussed is not policing; inadequate action on previously approved items; m ilitary equipment; tear gas and flash bangs; taking items off the list; less lethal ordinances vs. non-lethal ordinances; permanent harm caused; likelihood of usage of items if they are in the City’s possession; length of time the Chief will be in that pos ition; staff turnover; taking into account concerns of the public; providing another means of accountability; support for long- term decisions made by the civilian oversight committee approved in 2020; putting the prohibition against 1033 and getting rid of flash bangs into the policy or another policy; having a discussion of getting rid of equipment; and appreciation for the work done.
August 22, 2022
21 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY ADDING SUBCHAPTER 3.04.400 TO TITLE 3, CHAPTER 3.04
OF THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY
EQUIPMENT BY THE CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND APPROVING
THE MILITARY EQUIPMENT FUNDING, ACQUISITION AND USE POLICY PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481.
THE MOTION BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, FISCH, VERA
NOES: LEE, MCMORRIN
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the fact that non-lethal weapons can be lethal; restrictions on usage; and training.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Report on and Discussion of Existing Local, State and Federal Firearm Regulation, Policies and Policy Options; (2) (if Desired) Creation of a City Council Ad Hoc Firearms Policy Subcommittee and Appointment of Two City Council Members thereto; and (3) Dire ction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jesse Mays, Assistant 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:
Stephen Jones expressed support for taking action on the issue; cautioned against contributing to the harm directed toward over- policed communities; and he expressed support for liability policies for gun sellers, but he did not want to see the police granted additional surveillance as a pretext to arrest Black and Brown people.
Todd Goodwin, Community Members Advocating for Common Sense Gun Safety (CMACSGS), clarified that they were not calling for the August 22, 2022
22 closure or relocation of any gun businesses in the City; wanted to ensure Culver City does all it can to prevent gun violence at a local level; discussed ensuring that businesses operate as safely as possible; the actions of other cities to keep their communities safe from gun violence; and ordinances requiring gun businesses to operate at least 1,000 feet from sensitive areas.
Laura McMullan asked that the definition of sensitive areas be expanded to include places of worship, bars, all private and public schools, pre-schools and childcare centers, polling locations, nursing homes, hospitals, colleges, libraries, theatres and other locations where families and groups gather; asked that the ordinance be expanded to apply to all gun businesses including smitheries and shooting ranges; discussed improving the community and safety of gun store workers with new standards; required permits and record retention;
communication with the police; and required videotaping of all transactions.
Ti Nghiem proposed prohibiting minors and dangerous persons from gun stores; regular inspections of gun stores; safe storage and security measures for gun stores; liability insurance;
requirements to post additional information; storefront and home signage standards; additional fees or taxes; new standards for citizen public safety; prohibition of firearms and ammunition on public property and at protests; and banning gun shows.
Sarah McMahon discussed not authorizing any new firearm businesses, or expansion o r relocation of existing businesses until new regulatory frameworks are adopted; enacting an urgency ordinance for a moratorium; and she urged the City to protect citizens.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin provided background on herself; asked for consideration of the proposed safety measures, including a moratorium for new gun sellers and businesses; discussed areas in the county with a concentration of gun sellers; reducing the perceived need for controversial purposes; the request from CCPD for armored vans; noted the lateness of the hour for families with children going back to school; and she asked that a timeline for turnaround be established if the item is remanded to a subcommittee.
Maria Vivanco provided background on herself; discussed her daughter; Columbine; intruder drills for students; hope; and having the moral courage to take a stand.
August 22, 2022
23 Kathy Wilson was called to speak but did not respond.
Brian McMahon was called to speak but did not respond.
Gabrielle Zadra provided background on herself; asked the City Council to take action to expand regulations on gun sales and other weapons in the City; and she wanted to see the City expand services in the community rather than gun sales and other firearms.
Patrick Meighan provided background on himself; he echoed calls for common sense regulations on firearm sales in the City wanted a moratorium on all new fire arms sales establishments and an audit on current firearms regulations with swift action for non- compliance; and he noted the national epidemic of gun violence.
Melody Hansen provided background on herself, discussed the small-town feel of Culver City; increases to gun related crime; the need for real gun safety measures; and she echoed calls for common sense gun laws and a moratorium on all new firearms sales establishments.
Julie Alexander was called to speak but did not respond.
Jennifer Carter was called to speak but did not respond.
Angela Graves provided background on herself; asked the City Council to vote for common sense firearms regulations; discussed anxiety experienced by children about violence in schools; the nearby gun store; people who lined up to buy guns during the pandemic; concern that the mosque could be targeted; and she asked the City Council to protect community mem bers from gun violence.
Margot Bennett, Women Against Gun Violence, provided background on the organization; questioned whether the City would react to violence by arming the police with more weapons or by preventing violence; she wanted to see the C ity C ouncil vote for a moratorium on new gun sellers and gunsmiths in the City as well as vote for additional restrictions; she expressed concern that forming a subcommittee to consider further action was a delay tactic; and she asked the City Council to protect the City.
Stephanie Loredo discussed school safety; gun violence; the need for collaboration between the City and CCUSD to address concerns; preventative measures; easy and legal access to guns; August 22, 2022
24 legal means to make restrictions; expansion of the distan ce ordinance from schools and other community gathering places; she asked for a moratorium on new and expanding gun sellers while a review of the regulations are underway; and she asserted that action needed to be taken immediately.
Raymond Mai was called to speak but was not present online.
Kelly Kent, CCUSD School Board, speaking on behalf of herself, discussed previous brave action taken by the City to stop oil and gas drilling; comments made by Margot Bennett; taking action on a moratorium immediately; and leading on something that is said to be impossible while helping to empower Burbank.
Bubba Fish discussed the number and location of gun stores in the City; work put into the proposal; and he asked the City Council to begin the work to enact the proposals.
Nancy Barba echoed requests for a moratorium for a safe distance from schools and community gathering places, and she asked that the item not be sent to a subcommittee noting the need to take swift action.
Karim Sahli expressed support for updating and improv ing firearms regulations; hoped the City Council would work to make the City safer; expressed support for a permanent moratorium on new gun stores; felt that creating a subcommittee would be a slap in the face to parents worried about their children; and he asked the City Council to vote now.
Freddy Puza reported that countries and states with fewer guns had lower homicide rates; discussed things that can be done at the local level; and he expressed support for an emergency moratorium on new gun stores and gun smiths with creation of a comprehensive ordinance to regulate the sale of firearms and ammunition including requiring permits and liability insurance for gun stores and expanding the current list of sensitive uses.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Memb ers regarding appreciation for the community feedback; shared concerns and vulnerabilities; families; support for addressing immediate concerns; organized efforts to bring the matter before the City Council; actionable policy; providing a transparent, tigh t timeline to add accountability if the item goes to subcommittee; support for policy shifts; staff research to return with a draft ordinance; updating the policy to reflect community concerns regarding expansion of sensitive spaces; expanding the
August 22, 2022
25 definition of gun -related businesses ; exploration of local permits; videotaping transactions; concern with the effort for safety turning into a cover for policing Black and Brown people; posting additional information about storage; the timeframe for making changes; staff workload; reliance on staff to make decisions on content if the item does not go to subcommittee; policy decisions; work done by community members; an d
willingness to serve on the subcommittee and move the item forward.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding unacceptable gun violence; treading carefully with the Second Amendment; subcommittee consideration; address ing issues raised by the public; the feeling that not having a subcommittee will take longer; unintended consequences; impacting communities th at have a difficult history with law enforcement; the large number of guns in circulation;
bulletproof backpacks; enacting substantive change on a local level; outreach and lack of r esponse from gun sellers; education; steps required to sell a weapon; ghost guns; improving safety in the community; youth suicides; domestic violence; community violence; the pandemic; stress; policies in the staff report vs. policies proposed by constitu ents; substantive work already done comparing Culver City polices to those from other cities; setting a target date; high capacity gun sales at the gun store in Culver City; having the store be part of the entire community; proximity of the store to sensitive receptors; asking the gun store owner what they can do to change; intimidating lines; people going into the store who already own guns; policy proposals put forward; threats of lawsuits from the NRA (National Rifle Association); policy dictated by the NRA; formation of a subcommittee; input from local businesses on what they can do to make community members more comfortable; clarification that the store was in place before the 1,000 foot ordinance was; willingness of the gun store to work with the City; r esearch on enacting a 45-day moratorium; the need to report out to the public; adding to the existing ordinance; making a zoning code amendment; affects to existing gun sellers; previous examination of sensitive receptors in the City; limited parcels available for gun stores; houses of worship; and patterns of violence.
MOVED BY MAYOR LEE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY
CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CREATE THE AD HOC FIREARMS POLICY
SUBCOMMITEE TO STUDY LOCAL EXISTING GUN ORDINANCES AND RETURN
TO THE FULL CITY COUNCIL WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN UPDATED August 22, 2022
26 ORDINANCE BY DECEMBER 2022 AND APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBERS FISCH AND MCMORRIN THERETO.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding consensus to look into a 45 -day moratorium;
consideration of proposed policies in the staff report and those proposed by constituents and return to the City Council with the proposed updated ordinance by December 12, 2022; and examine additional sensitive receptors and provide a report back on potential zoning issues as a separate item from the regulatory ordinance.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported no additional requests to speak had been received.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member McMorrin received an update from staff on the status of parking minimums.
Mayor Lee reported communication with West Los Angeles College and the CCUSD Superintendent regarding collaboration on the State of the City event on September 15 , and the intent to facilitate community conversation with use of a World Café format.
Council Member Eriksson received clarification regarding the City booth at Fiesta La Ballona; scheduling; staffing; and he discussed Sister City events.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
None.
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August 22, 2022
27 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJORN
THE MEETING IN MEMORY OF VENTURA COUNTY SUPERVISOR CARMEN RAMIREZ.
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August 22, 2022
28 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 10:57 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned in memory of Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez to a meeting to be held on September 12, 2022.
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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: _________________________