1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE December 12, 2022
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, 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, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 6:31 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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Closed Session
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
December 12, 2022
2 At 6:32 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Item:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Regular Session
Mayor Lee reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Housing
Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority Board at 7:03 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 discussed Latina Equal Pay Day; concern with anti-Semitism in the City; instances of hate; a suggestion that the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee bring in a speaker for public education and discuss White Supremacy; concern with pitting groups against each other; the need to build more community; and the intent to have a safer community for everyone.
Council Member Eriksson expressed agreement that anti-Semitism is a bad thing and he proposed that the new City Council lo ok December 12, 2022
3 at whether there is anything to be done with the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee(EHRAC) about the issue.
Council Member Fisch reported being invited to attend the Menorah Lighting on December 18.
Mayor Lee personally acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on unseated land of the Gabr ielino-Tongva people; noted the importance of acknowledging indigenous ancestors; invited everyone to the Kwanzaa celebration and Night Market at the Ivy Station on December 16; dis cussed sponsorship; events; activities; participants; and he invited everyone to a holiday celebration at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
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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:
Melissa Sanders expressed concerns with the way a recent Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting had been run; discussed Brown Act Violations; the need for training; she proposed that the City Attorn ey or Council Members observe meetings now and then to ensure they are run properly; and she felt that if the City Council is taking advice from these bodies, the meetings should be run correctly.
Mayor Lee reported that Brown Act training is required eve ry two years for all members of Committees, Boards, and Commissions (CBCs) and he encouraged the speaker to contact the staff liaison running the meeting with specific concerns.
Rosi Gabl was called to speak but was not present.
Dr. Suzanne De Benedittis discussed the divisiveness and hatred displayed during the current election; the importance of focusing on the common good; climate issues; negativity and animosity; the need for resilience and creativity; the City of Kindness designation; the EHRAC; find ing common ground to transform words into livable action; and she noted that political polarities had worked together for the common good to address fracking.
December 12, 2022
4 Jim Shanman thanked Mayor Lee and Council Member Fisch for providing support and guidance during their tenure and for their ongoing support of the Safe Routes to School Program; discussed examples of leadership; and indicated that he was looking forward to working with new Council Members O’Brien and Puza.
Rebecca Rona thanked Mayor Lee and Council Member Fisch for their leadership and dedication.
Thomas Small thanked Mayor Lee for his service; expressed eagerness for the Kwanzaa celebration on December 16; discussed serving alongside Council Member Fisch ; he read a quote by Raymond Chandler that he felt applied to the performance of Council Member Fisch; and he expressed gratitude to Council Member Fisch for his accomplishments in the City and with outside organizations.
Rick Tuttle thanked Council Member Fisch and Mayor Lee for their service and read a quote from Theodore Roosevelt regarding giving credit to the person in the arena.
Charles Douglas , Performing Arts for Life and Education Foundation, thanked Performing Arts Associate Lee Lawlor for her support; discussed a grant awarded them by the City; past and future performances; and he read a press release for their upcoming performance on December 23 at Vets.
Andrea Hancock, Culver City Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, read a resolution to celebrate Mayor Lee’s tenure.
Douglas Frederick was called to speak but was not present online.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMB ER
MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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December 12, 2022
5 Order of the Agenda
Consent Calendar Items C -4 and C-5 were considered separately at the end of the Consent Calendar, and Item A-1 was considered after the Consent Calendar and again during Items from Council Members at the end of the meeting.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C- 1 THROUGH C-3 AND C-6.
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for November 5, 2022 to December 2, 2022
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2022 TO DECEMBER 2, 2022.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on November 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 ON NOVEMBER 14, 2022.
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Item C-3
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 11.19 to the Culver City Municipal Code to Establish Permitting and Security Requirements for Retail Establishments Selling Firearms and Ammunition
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11.19
TO THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT LICENSING AND December 12, 2022
6 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS SELLING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
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Item C-6
(Out of Sequence)
CC - (1) Award of a Construction Contract to R2BUILD, as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $4,055,000 for the Construction of Phases 1 & 2 of the CityBus Electrification Infrastructure Construction Project; (2) Authorization of Ch ange Order Authority to the Chief
Transportation Officer in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $405,500 (10%) to Cover Contingency Costs; (3) Adoption of a Resolution Certifying the Transportation Facility Electrification Project will be Completed by a Skilled and Trained Workforce and Finding the Project Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.25; and (4) Approval of a Professional Service Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates for Environmental M onitoring and Compliance Services Related to the Project in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $90,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,055,000 TO R2BUILD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASES 1 & 2 OF THE CITYBUS ELECTRIFICATION INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT; AND,
2. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE TRANSPORTATION
FACILITY ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY A SKILLED
AND TRAINED WORKFORCE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.25; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER AUTHORITY TO THE CHIEF TRANSPORTATION OFFICER IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $405,500 (10%) TO COVER CONTINGENCY COSTS; AND,
4. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SER VICE AGREEMENT WITH KIMLEY -HORN
AND ASSOCIATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE
SERVICES RELATED TO THE PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $90,000; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
December 12, 2022
7 6. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-4
(Out of Sequence)
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 11.19 to the Culver City Municipal Code to Establish Permitting and Security Requirements for Retail Establishments Selling Firearms and Ammunition
Mayor Lee invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Sarah McMahon, Culver 878, thanked the City Council and staff for responding decisivel y to enact stricter gun control and retail regulation, and she expressed appreciation to Council Member Fisch and Mayor Lee for their leadership and service to the City.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbek was called to speak but was not present.
Melissa Stucky discussed the sale of weapons by the United States to other countries; concern with harming a family -owned business by restricting them; failure to stop school shootings; people who know nothing about guns; and the number of guns currently in circulation.
Marci Baun expressed concern with targeting and harming a law abiding business with a knee -jerk reaction, and she asserted that most gun owners were law abiding citizens.
Vice Mayor Vera expressed support for the ordinance; noted that a specific business was not being targeted; discussed the intent to make residents safer against gun violence; revisiting the inventory requirement to help the business; and working to impact gun violence in the nation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 11.19
TO THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT LICENSING AND
SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS SELLING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
December 12, 2022
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Item C-5
(Out of Sequence)
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Comprehensive Plan (P2022-0144-CP) and Zoning Map Amendment (P2022 -0144-ZMA) to allow a Creative Office Development on a 4.46-acre site at 8833 National Blvd and 8888 W. Venice Blvd (Project)
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Melissa Sanders noted the need for any development coming before the City to include housing; discussed infill development; proximity to transit; concern with hurting the City by approving office space without housing; concern with continued approval of massive office development near mass transit; and she stated that the City Council has t o approve housing if they say they are pro-housing.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT 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,
ESTABLISHING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONE NO. 17 (ZONING MAP AMENDMENT, P2022-0144-ZMA) AND APPROVING A CO MPREHENSIVE PLAN (P2022-0144-CP) FOR THE PROJECT, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
MOVED BY COUN CIL MEMBER FISCH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MOMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOVE ITEMS C-4 AND C-5.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing a $25.00 Per Hour Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers at Covered Healthcare Facilities
Shelly Wolfberg, City Manager’s Office, provided a summary of the material of record.
December 12, 2022
9 Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Kniter, Los Angeles County Business Federation, discussed speaking at the previous City Council meeting; specific facilities that would be excluded by the ordinance ; placing other facilities at a disadvantage that could lead to short staffing; concern with the discriminatory ordinance being proposed; and potential negative impacts of piecemeal wage policy.
Victor Reyes, Valley Industry and Commerce Association, reported previously expressing deep concerns about the potential ordinance; discussed the exclusion of 82% of healthcare workers in the City; arbitrary discriminat ion by targeting one group; copy and paste lang uage used; lack of a proper analysis; potential costs; enforcement; and concern with deepening inequality and disparities.
Kelli Estes noted that just because she could not name all the healthcare facilities in the City that would be impacted, did not mean that she was lying; she discussed support for the unions; the job of the union to negotiate wages; costs; litigation risks; governance; financial impacts; concern that moving forward is careless rather than bold; and she expressed hope that the item would come forward in the future with more thought given to it.
Noe Castro, Los Angeles Metro Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, felt the proposed ordinance was problematic; discussed exclusion and discrimination; potential increases to healthcare costs; and he asked the City to conduct a study on the potential impacts of such a move.
David Voncannon echoed previous comments and expressed concern that the item was being pushed through at the last meeting where a Council majority would exist to pass it.
Melissa Sanders echoed previous comments against the ordinance; discussed private text messages from the union to Council Members during consideration of the Hero Pay ordinance in April 2021 indicating provision of legal support if needed; conflict of interest; the ongoing lawsuit; and she expressed concerns with ethics.
December 12, 2022
10 Jesse Nuñez , Culver City Chamber of Commerce, expressed opposition to the proposed ordinance; discussed the appropriate role of local government; and concern with setting a precedent by getting involved with labor disputes.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin reported being a union member; felt the issue should be handled by the labor union; expressed concern with a conflict of interest; discussed donations to Council Member election campaigns; and she asked that certain Council Members recuse themselves.
Mayor Lee indicated that he was not running for reelection and had never received a donation or endorsement from either SEIU (Service Employees International Union) or UHW (United
Healthcare Workers).
Barbara Neefs, Southern California Hospital, encouraged the City Council to defer the action and conduct additional research; discussed misinformation about the privately -owned hospital; government subsidies; losses; necessary cost -cutting if the ordinance goes through; impacts to service; and she encouraged the action to be deferred pending additional study.
Theresa Carlisle , Southern California Hospital, expressed concern with potential impacts to the hospital and services provided; discussed practical perspectives; the implementation schedule; timing; resources needed to handle the proposed changes; wage adjustments; wage compression; and she encouraged the City to amend the language and work with the hospital on a practical timeline.
Adena Tessler asserted that the proposed ordinance was inequitable and would cause a deep divide within the workforce; expressed concerns wi th impacts of the mandated increase ; discussed rates set by the state and federal government; and concern with harm to certain communities.
Deborah Howard, California Senior Advocates League, provided background on the organization; expressed concern wit h exacerbating inequalities; discussed reduced access for seniors; and increased costs without a measurable improvement in healthcare outcomes.
Theresa Scott was called to speak but was not present.
Ana Alvarenga, Southern California Hospital employee for 33 years, discussed difficult years working through the pandemic; December 12, 2022
11 long hours without breaks; staffing issues; and she felt the pay raised was deserved.
Christopher McGinley, Southern California Hospital, felt th e ordinance would harm the hospital; discussed providing care for the underserved; government sponsored clients; Medi-Cal rates; concern with eliminat ion of services if the ordinance is implemented; the need for the hospital to break even; and serving the community.
Jamal McDaniel, Southern California Hospital, spoke in support of the item; discussed work on the frontlines of COVID -19; staffing issues; pushing workers to the breaking point; loss of staff; the need for skilled healthcare workers; addressing the current healthcare crisis; and providing quality healthcare in the community.
Melissa Stucky felt it was criminal for the City to force a vote on an issue that should be resolved between the hospital and the union; discussed conflicts of interest; and money received by Council Member Fisch.
Dorothy Meadows was called to speak but was not present.
Roydell Caesar provided background on himself; discussed value; the importance of workers; and setting a precedent.
Scott Goodin , Southern California Hospital, expressed
opposition to the ordinance because he felt it would be inequitable; he discussed effects to services; annual costs for the hospital to comply; additional COVID -related costs; hospitals operating at a loss; and investments made to improve the hospital.
Marie Aragon, Southern California Hospital, proposed that the decision be put off until a thorough study could be conducted on the impacts of increasing the minimum wage to the hospital and the community; discussed the role played by the hospital in the community; financial struggles; significant investment in the hospital; and concern that the increase would impact their ability to offer critical services.
Maria Jacobo, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, felt the proposed ordinance was arbitrary; she questioned why the City Council was picking private sector winners and losers and why certain workers were being chosen for the increase while others were left out; she wanted to see the potential impacts and
December 12, 2022
12 ramifications analyzed; and she asked the City Council not to move forward as she felt the results would be disastrous.
Cary Anderson was called to speak but could not be unmuted.
Larry Kringen, Southern California Hospital, noted that many workers at the hospital had to work numerous jobs to survive; he discussed COVID exposure; and wage disparity.
Kathleen Pittman, Southern California Hospital, discussed loss of staff at the hospital due to stress and the need to work several jobs to get by; gas prices; shift length; commute time; quality patient care; maintaining dedicated staff; and she asked for investment in the employees who invest in the City.
LaRhonda Smith, Southern California Hospital, expressed support for the item; discussed understaff ed and overworked frontline workers; employees leaving the industry; the need for skilled healthcare workers to provide continuity of care; the current crisis of revolving door staff; and she asked the City to approve the ordinance.
Kurt Scott discussed wages; inflation; COVID surges; asking workers to work harder for less while they risk more; the race to the bottom; trauma, burnout, and turnover; and deterioration of hospital service.
Maky Peters discussed misinformation; advocating for working people; the staffing crisis; struggles of working people; the bottom line for the hospital ; ownership of the hospital by a private equity firm; employees working long hours and pressured to work overtime to do the job of multiple people; full -time workers living in their car or in shelters; those who lost their lives by working through COVID; bringing wages in line with the cost of living; paying a living wage to attract and retain workers; and she asserted that healthcare workers deserve d a living wage.
Khin Khin Gyi discussed the state law increasing the minimum wage with inflation; Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases; the feeling that the proposed increase is unsustainable in the high inflationary period; equity and inclusivity; concern that the City is advocating for employees other than their own; and she advised against supporting the ordinance.
Marci Baun stated that the issue was not the increase, but the way the increase was being handled for a small portion of the December 12, 2022
13 community; asserted that the issue was between the union and the hospital; expressed concern with the City forcing something it should not be involved in; and she felt the work ers should be angry with the union, not anyone else.
Beverly Espinoza was called to speak but was not present.
Giovonni Martin asserted that the wages were necessary for people to continue to do their job; discussed people leaving the industry or passing away due to getting COVID on the job; and asked the City to pass the ordinance.
Meghan Sahli-Wells expressed solidarity with healthcare workers and support for the proposed minimum wage; discussed the importance of healthcare workers; asserted th at healthcare workers had stood up for the City and the City needed to stand up for them; she thanked those Council Members who previously supported the ordinance; and she encouraged all Council Members to support the item.
Anthony Castrellano was called to speak but was not present.
Yolanda Yearby was called to speak but was not present.
Greg Maron expressed support for Item A-1; discussed the job of management to resolve the item; meeting the needs of the employees; going up against powerful interests; and the role of government to do what other people cannot do.
Cary Anderson discussed political payback; local companies; contributions; conflicts of interest; he questioned what the City Attorney had to say on the matter; and he noted that some Council Members were minutes away from stepping down.
Theresa Scott was called to speak but was not present.
Norva Williams , Southern California Hospital, discussed co - workers who passed away; nurses struggling to get staff to help them; inflation; she questioned why a minimum wage was hard to ask for or to receive; and she asked the City Council to consider an increase to the minimum wage.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the public input and for those who continue to work during the pandemic; current high COVID transmission levels; the feeling that it is always the right time to do the right thing; support for workers; the issue between the union December 12, 2022
14 and the owners; City Council purview; campaign cont ributions; financial interest; recusal requirements; the opinion of the City Attorney that Council Member Fisch is able to participate in the item; appearances; support for the unions; jurisdictions in Los Angeles county where the ordinance has passed; the role of the City Council; unintended consequences; concern with being exclusionary; private hospitals showing losses; concern with telling people how to run their businesses; providing raises for bus drivers and other exposed City employees; concern with moving forward with a lame-duck City Council; the preference to do what is right rather than what looks right; hospitals for wealthy people that made a lot of money; a n article in Pro Publica on Southern California Hospital; support for extending the medical minimum wage ordinance to all medical workers; taking care of those who take care of others; ensuring that those providing care are not overworked and overtired; companies claiming that they will have to go out of business; and stalling tactics vs. debate tactics.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A $25.00 PER HOUR MINIMUM WAGE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT COVERED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, FISCH, LEE, MCMORRIN
NOES: VERA
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Item A-2
CC - Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Culver City, California, Certifying and Reciting the Fact of the General Municipal Election Held on November 8, 2022 and Stating the Results of Such Election in Accordance with the City Charter
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, provided a summary of the material of record noting that Dan O’Brien and Freddy Puza had been elected to serve on the City Council, Measure BL had passed, and Measure VY had failed.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
December 12, 2022
15 Suzanne De Benedittis indicated that she preferred to speak on the next two items.
Melissa Stucky congratulated newly elected Council Members; hoped for positive changes in the City; expressed appreciation for the work of Council Members; and s he expressed hope that the City Attorney would address illegal campaigning that occurred.
Denise Neal congratulated those who were elected; thanked Council Members for their service; and expressed hope for working to make the City even better.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISCH AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A
RESOLUTION CERTIFYING AND RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 AND STATING
THE RESULTS OF SUCH ELECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY CHARTER.
Mayor Lee congratulated the incoming Council Members.
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Item A-3
CC - Departure of Council Members Whose Terms have Ended
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, presented a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Nancy Barba thanked departing Council Members for their service and commended them for their work ; discussed continuing collaboration; highlights and accomplishments of their terms; and she expressed gratitude for their leadership.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin congratulated the incoming Council Members, and she thanked outgoing members for their leadership and accomplishments.
Mary Daval thanked outgoing Council Members for their leadership during difficult times; discussed their accomplishments; and December 12, 2022
16 thanked Council Members for their contributions to the future life of Culver City.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbek was called to speak but did not respond.
Disa Lindgren expressed gratitude for the service of outgoing Council Members and discussed their accomplishments.
Suzanne De Benedittis thanked outgoing Council Members for their accomplishments and pioneering work.
Donna Kent thanked outgoing Council Members for their
accomplishments; expressed hope that they would no longer have to experience the hatred, homophobia, and racism that was leveled at Council Members; she felt the community needed to grow up; and she was sorry to see the outgoing Council Members leave.
Cary Anderson discussed pushback; political payback;
misstatements made about the Fire Department; the importance of admitting when one is wrong; and participation of Daniel Lee in other campaigns.
Meghan Sahli-Wells thanked outgoing Council Members for their dedication, leadership , and accomplishments; acknowledg ed sacrifices made; discussed hateful mailers and hypocrisy in the election cycle; money put in by a single corporate developer; concern with precedent for elections moving forward; she expressed best wishes for the Council moving forward; and support for incoming Council Member Freddy Puza.
Karim Sahli congratulated incoming Council Members; thanked outgoing Council Members for their service and bold actions; and he expressed gratitude to the family and friends who supported the outgoing Council Members.
Denise Neal thanked outgoing Council Members for their service and hoped to continue working with them, and she expressed hope that incoming Council Members would take on the challenges.
Mike Bonin, former Los Angeles City Council Member , expressed gratitude to outgoing Council Members for their leadership and inspiration to larger jurisdictions noting their governance in a time of discord.
Council Members expressed appreciation for the work of outgoing Council Members; discussed the difficulty of going against the December 12, 2022
17 status quo; providing a voice for those not traditionally at the table; creation of more equitable systems; dismantling systems of harm; accomplishments; appreciation for the hard conversations; mentorship; support; breadth of know ledge and expertise; perspective; the time and preparation necessary to sit on the dais; appreciation for the support of their families; unanimous votes; productive Closed Session discussions; best wishes to outgoing Council Members; and similar goals in making the best possible City.
Vice Mayor Vera apologized to Mayor Lee for doubting his ability to juggle being Mayor with earning a doctorate noting that he had done a commendable job; he felt that Mayor Lee and Council Member Fisch had brought character to the City Council; and he indicated that he would reach out to both outgoing Council Members for guidance.
Council Member Fisch expressed pleasure at being able to serve and appreciation to City staff noting their professionalism; he discussed crises to be addressed; his accomplishments; future budgets; costs for Culver City Police Department (CCPD) officers vs. for afterschool programs; progress made on housing, climate change, reallocation of street space , and success in phasing out urban oil drilling; local culpability for state issues; the importance of local governance; he expressed congratulations and best wishes to incoming Council Members; and he thanked Mayor Lee for his service.
Mayor Lee discussed the election of the first Black Council Member and Mayor in the City; the importance of more younger people running for office ; younger School Board Members being elected; the number of women who run for the City Council; negativity he encountered that had nothing to do with his votes; the importance of acknowledging issues; working across the political spectrum; the importance of honesty; uncomfortable experiences; agism; those working on Vote 16; the pandemic; difficult times; those asking for substantive police reform; critiquing policies that need to change; people who have been excluded from the process; the obligation to speak up for those not in the room; cautious optimism with the new City Council; different perspectives; accomplishments; people who spoke up for others in the community; dramatic changes in the City; he indicated that it had been an honor to serve; and he expressed hope that he would be able to serve the City in another capacity in the future.
December 12, 2022
18 Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, invited outgoing Council Members to receive a presentation from Vice Mayor Vera.
Vice Mayor Vera presented outgoing Council Members with plaques in appreciation for their dedicated service.
Mayor Lee and Council Member Fisch exited the dais.
Vice Mayor Vera took over the meeting.
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Item A-4
CC:FA:HA:PA:SA - (1) Administration of the Oath of Office to the Council Members-Elect; (2) Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor; and (3) Confirmation by the Financing Authority/Housing Authority/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency that the Mayor and Vice Mayor of the City Shall Serve as Chair and Vice Chair of these Bodies,
Respectively
Vice Mayor Vera introduced the item.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Dan O’Brien and Freddy Puza ; took roll call; and explained voting procedures.
The new City Council was seated at 9:35 p.m.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ELECT
VICE MAYOR VERA TO SERVE AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CULV ER CITY, CALIFORNIA.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ELECT COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN TO SERVE AS VICE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD, HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD: ADOPT RESPECTIVE MOTIONS CONFIRMING THAT THE MAYOR AND
VICE MAYOR SHALL SERVE AS CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR OF THESE BODIES, RESPECTIVELY.
December 12, 2022
19 Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Ron Bassilian , Protect Culver City with one minute ceded, welcomed new Council Members; provided backgroun d on the organization; he asked that false accusations and innuendo end; discussed rent control; honesty; old Tweets that he made years ago; he disavowed his actions as anonymous troll; discussed continued focus on issues; he invited collaboration with Members McMorrin and Puza; and he encouraged anyone interested in more information to visit protectculvercity.org.
Richard Glase was called to speak but was not present.
Kelli Estes congratulated new Council Members ; expressed hope that they would move forward thoughtfully on behalf of the City; and she wished good luck to current and former Council Members.
Mary Daval welcomed new Council Members; discussed campaign commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion; the difficulty of firsts; and she was looking forward to working with the new Council Members.
Rosi Gabl congratulated Albert Vera on becoming Mayor; welcomed new Council Members; discussed a new honest future for Culver City; and she expressed concern with campaigning at Culver City High School by Freddy Puza and hope that he would follow the rules as a Council Member.
Disa Lindgren congratulated new Council Members; thanked Council Members for their willingness to serve; discussed meeting Council Member Puza during work done to bring rent control and tenant protections forward; changes to the City; challen ges faced; the importance of reflecting the community; the Culver City Pride Ride and Rally; and she thanked Council Member Puza for his service to the community.
Suzanne De Benedittis congratulated the Mayor and Vice Mayor on their new positions and the newly elected Council Members; discussed building bridges to understanding; making Culver City a City of Kindness; addressing sustainability and housing issues; and she offered her support in finding common ground.
Amy Ellzey provided background on herself; welcomed new Council Members; discussed ethics and transparency; and ensuring public safety.
December 12, 2022
20 Cary Anderson discussed trust; pushback; changes that he was responsible for; Policy 3404; and he wanted to see boring meetings for Mayoral rotation not political payback.
Denise Neal welcomed new Council Members and indicated that she was looking forward to working together.
Council Member Eriksson expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new Council Members.
Council Member Puza expressed appreciation for those who came to the meeting and to those who spoke; he was eager to serve the community and appreciative of the previous leadership; discussed the importance of working together to achieve meaningful change; diversity, equity, and inclusion; work to be done; responding to the urgency of climate change; community engagement; crafting new policies; embracing change; tapping into collective creativity and imagination to solve pressing issues; gratitude to LGBTQ+ pioneers; he thanked his father and expressed appreciation to his campaign team and campaign manager as well as to the volunteers; and he invited everyone to attend a celebration party on December 17 at Chico’s Tacos.
Council Member O’Brien thanked the outgoing Council Members for their service; discussed pushing the envelope; room to come back to the middle; diligence; depth of knowledge; eagerness to work with the rest of the City Council ; he congratulated the Mayor and Vice Mayor on their new positions; expressed appreciation to his campaign team and his wife; thanked Ms. Neal for her prayers and Mr. Anderson for his comments about pushback ; discussed good decision making that comes with adversity; impacts of decisions made; ensuring all voices are heard; openness to admitting mistakes and apologize; he encouraged communication; discussed a recent visit to Washington, DC and the Capital; and he promised to listen to all perspectives and do his best for the City.
Vice Mayo r McMorrin expressed appreciation for everyone’s comments; discussed achieving more equity for the City; firsts for Council Members servi ng; School Board Members; ensuring a seat at the table for progressive, disabled, LGBTQ, and different religions and races; appreciation to former Mayor Lee for his example and sacrifice; she hoped for more diverse representation from the community; expressed appreciation that Council Member Puza ran again in 2022; noted the importance of seeing people from different backgrounds in power; and she December 12, 2022
21 expressed appreciation to staff and to her colleagues for their vote of confidence.
Mayor Vera indicated that i t was an honor to be Mayor noting that he would serve to the best of his ability ; he thanked outgoing Council Members for their service and wished them the best; he discussed his troubled earlier years; opportunities ahead for the diverse City Council; the challenge to work together to come up with solutions; acknowledging all points of view; listening to constituents; core beliefs that influence how issues are viewed; his commitment to try to find common ground whenever possible; the importance of compromise in good government; combining talent and experience to effectively serve the community; representative government; working toward to common cause to improve the City; regular Meet the Mayor events; providing a place for sharing feedback and ideas; the importance of staff; and finding a way to move forward.
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Item A-5
CC - Appointment of Two Council Members to the Oil Drilling Subcommittee and the Baldwin Hills Community Standards District (CSD) Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
Heather Baker, City Attorney , presented a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the feeling that newly seated Council Members should not serve.
Mayor Lee invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Suzanne De Benedittis felt that the Oil and Gas Subcommittee should be involved in the Climate Action Plan being put out by Los Angeles County as the majority of the Oil Field does not belong to the City.
Denise Neal was called to speak but was not present.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPOINT
MAYOR VERA AND VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN TO THE OIL DRILLING December 12, 2022
22 SUBCOMMITTEE AND THE BALDWIN HILLS COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT COMMUNITY ADVISORY PANEL.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal expressed appreciation for the diversity on the City Council.
Mr. Medina apologized to CCPD for statements made by the former Mayor; discussed increased crime; he wanted the City Council to show compassion to residents before those not from the City; he asserted that the City was lost under the old City Council; he asked for help from the new Council; and he wanted to see CCPD allowed to do their job.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member Eriksson asked that Item A-1 be reconsidered.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, clarified that a motion from earlier in a meeting could be reconsidered if a person who voted in the majority on the original motion moves to reconsider.
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Item A-1
(Continued)
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing a $25.00 Per Hour Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers at Covered Healthcare Facilities
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECONSIDER ITEM A-1.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
December 12, 2022
23 Council Member Eriksson moved to not adopt the ordinance establishing a $25.00 per hour minimum wage for healthcare workers at covered healthcare facilities and Council Membe r O’Brien seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of the struggles of healthcare workers; concern with the City Council setting ceilings or floors on wages for specific industries; the Universal M inimum Wage discussion; equity; helping those that need it; risks for healthcare workers; other ways to increase the minimum wage for different sectors; the need to help healthcare workers, especially when transmission rates are high; abdication of responsibility; those who sacrificed for their community; concern with the action being taken after everyone has left the meeting; people who do not have a seat at the table being repeatedly told to wait their turn; establishing a standard of care for people in t he community; costs to live in the community; crafting a letter of support for SEIU; doing things the right way; lack of
signatures; pushing through items at the last minute; and reexamining the discussion about raising the minimum wage in the City overall.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: NOT ADOPT THE ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING A $25.00 PER HOUR MINIMUM WAGE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT COVERED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Eriksson discussed the emergency on homelessness declared by Los Angeles and impacts to Culver City; he received consensus from Council Member O’Brien and Mayor Vera to agendize and amend the April 26, 2021 Six Points Policy regarding Public Safety Review; and he received consensus from Council Member O’Brien and Mayor Vera to agendize consideration of a tent encampment ordinance modeled after the city of Santa Monica.
December 12, 2022
24 Council Member O’Brien received Council consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member Eriksson to agendize consideration of forming an Olympic Ad Hoc Subcommittee to look at programming and community assets to improve accessibility and green space for Ballona Creek, as well as to improve performing arts facilities and athletic space.
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December 12, 2022
25 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 10:43 p.m., the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a meeting to be held on December 21, 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, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority Board Culver City, California
ALBERT VERA
MAYOR of Culver City, California and CHAIR of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board,
Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Housing
Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority Board
Date: _________________________