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 January 23, 2023
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 Vera 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 5:04 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
Present: Albert Vera, Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor*
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member**
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
*Vice Mayor McMorrin arrived at 5:47 p.m.
**Council Member Puza arrived at 5:29 p.m.
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Closed Session
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that several people had signed up to speak on Closed Session items.
January 23, 2023
2 The following members of the public were called to speak but did not respond:
Hasaan Ali Awan
Ruth Rooflesser
Michael Rosen
Ray Fossati
Aubreon Edgerson
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN 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.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN, PUZA
At 5:06 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 Items:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (2 Items)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Yes In My Back Yard, et al. v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 20STCV43253
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC - Conference with Labor Negotiators
City Designated Representatives: City Manager John Nachbar; Assistant City Manager Onyx Jones; Human Resources Director Dana Anderson
Employee Organizations: Culver City Employees Association; Culver City Management Group; Culver City Police Officer s Association; Culver City Firefighters Association; Culver City Police Management Group; Culver City Fire Management Association Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
January 23, 2023
3 CS-4 CC - Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 9240 Culver Boulevard
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager; Elaine Warner, Acting Economic
Development Manager
Other Parties Negotiators: K-ZO Restaurant
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment or both, including use restrictions, development obligations and other monetary related considerations
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
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Regular Session
Mayor Vera 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 7:00 p.m. with five Council Members present.
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Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Lauryn Kinsella, Haifa Maung and Benjamin Scully for their work on a pop-up art installation in recognition of United Against Hate Week
Mayor Vera presented the Certificates of Recognition to Lauryn Kinsella, Haifa Maung, and Benjamin Scully for their work on a pop-up art installation in recognition of United Against Hate Week.
Benjamin Scully expressed appreciation for the recognition noting that they are participants of AVPA at Culver City High School and they would be happy to do it again.
Lauryn Kinsella echoed previous comments and expressed
appreciation to be able to make their pieces during such an important time.
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January 23, 2023
4 Item R-2
Presentation of a Commendation to Alexey Steele for his Service and Accomplishments as Artist Laureate for the City of Culver City
Council Member O’Brien presented the Commendation to Alexey Steele for his service and accomplishments as Artist Laureate for the City of Culver City.
Alexey Steele discussed the importance of the unique Artist Laureate Program; vision; understanding what art can do as part of critical services and basic necessities; art as a bridge to embrace the past, present and future; and he noted that everyone had worked together.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Ken Mand spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Culver Arts Foundation thanking Alexey Steele for his years of service and he indicated that they were excited to welcome Katy Krantz as the new Artist Laureate for the City.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Boy Scouts Leonid Steele and Peter Steele l ed the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Vera indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that Vice Mayor McMorrin had arrived at 5:47 p.m. and Council Member Puza had arrived at 5:29 p.m. and indicated that Items P-1 and A-3 had been removed from the mee ting agenda to be brought forward at a future meeting.
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January 23, 2023
5 Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Council Member O’Brien reported attending the Baldwin Hills Conservancy Ceremony on January 21 with the Vice Mayor; noted the importance of accessibility for all communities; and he encouraged support of the Conservancy and of other non-profits.
Council Member Puza wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year; he referenced the recent mass shooting in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community over the weekend; recommended reading Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan Metzel; discussed mass shootings; white supremacy culture; and societal issues.
Council Member Eriksson extended condolences to the families of the victims of the mass shooting in Monterey Park.
Vice Mayor McMorrin acknowledged the 50th anniversary of Roe v.
Wade; discussed access to healthcare; Korean American Day on January 13; she wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year; expressed condolences to the victims of the Monterey Park shooting; reported on the Half Moon Bay shooting noting others across the nation ; discussed the death of Keenan Anderson at the hands of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) law
enforcement; ensuring that policy choices are proactive and that the Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU) pilot program would respond to mental health crises as quickly as possible; impacts of events in neighboring areas; the importance of the anti-hate speaker series with the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC); white supremacy; investment in bystander training; campai gns on gun safety and suicide awareness; providing tools to keep the community safe rather than just responding; the fact that there are more guns than people; guns as the largest factor for child death in the past year; the need to make an investment as a City; making intentional efforts around anti -Blackness and antisemitism; partnering with the EHRAC; work of the Equity Subcommittee; and she received Council consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Members O’Brien and Puza to agendize consideration of anti-hate and programs.
Mayor Vera thanked Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) department staff for their work on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event; announced a performance by Benita Bike’s Dancers on January 28 at the Senior Center; and he rea d a statement that he had released earlier in the day on the mass shooting in Monterey Park noting that City flags had been lowered to half-mast.
January 23, 2023
6 Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, introduced the newest police officer, Eusiff Badour.
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Information Items
Item I-1
CC – Updates on Homelessness Emergency
Tevis Barnes, Housing and H uman Service s Director, provided background on the declaration of the local emergency and an update on the greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, Project Homekey, safe camping, and MCIUs.
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Presentations to City Council
Item P-1
CC – Presentation to the City Council of the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Unaudited General Fund Financial Report
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that the item had been removed from the agenda to be heard at a future meeting.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones indicated wanting to skip his request to speak.
Sebastian Hernandez discussed the need to examine Culver City RIPA (Racial and Identity Profiling Act) data; the practice of stopping young People of C olor without citation; stopping for suspicion rather than violation; and he noted the importance of addressing the situation revealed by the data.
Fern Lim was called to speak but could not be heard.
January 23, 2023
7 Bubba Fish voiced support for MOVE Culver City; discussed his use of the bus lane; he encouraged the C ity Council to wait until appropriate data had been provided before making decisions about MOVE Culver City; noted the explosion in micro-mobility, transit, and cycling; and he encouraged the City Council to lean on staff.
Fern Lim was called to speak but could not be heard.
Ruth Rooflesser was called to speak but was not present online.
Erin Mauffray discussed Project Homekey; concern with people who have been displaced and are not being fed while waiting for Project Homekey; lack of concern about those not being fed; misleading comments about sweeps ; the sweep on September 15, 2022 that displaced about 15 people; criminalization of people waiting on the street for their spot in the program ; and illogical and inhumane processes.
Michael Rosen spoke representing residents on the 6100 block of Melvil Street, asking that the City Council reconsider opening the street and removing items including the green bus.
Council Member Eriksson indicated that he would bring up agendizing the closure of Melvil Street at the end of the meeting.
Sean McLemore discussed the clo sure of Main Street; lack of street activation; affects to his business; businesses that have shut down on Main Street; and he asked the City to reopen the vital street.
Mayor Vera indicated that he would stop in to speak with Mr.
McLemore.
Council Member O’Brien indicated that he would bring up agendizing consideration of reopening Main Street at the end of the meeting.
Kelli Estes was called to speak but could not be heard.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that there were sound issues with those speaking on Webex.
Andrew Lachman, Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Chair, discussed a letter from the FAC shared with the previous City Council indicating willingness to work together on a variety of January 23, 2023
8 issues around funding and finance; opportunities for engagement that were previously missed; a recently passed Bill in Congress that could help with funding for parks; appreciation to Council Member McMorrin for her encouragement of increased participation by all bodies; general opportunities to interact with the Council and the community; and, responding to i nquiry, he indicated that the FAC was working on their work plan.
Rebecca Rona reported on her experience having COVID and thanked everyone wearing a mask; invited residents to attend the January 24 EHRAC meeting; encouraged people to nominate a deservin g person for an Equity and Human Relations Award not ing that nominations would be accepted until January 31, 2023; discussed award categories; and indicated that applications were available on the City website.
Luther Henderson commended the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) for their excellent response when his wife needed assistance.
Marci Baun wished everyone a Happy New Year; asked that MOVE Culver City be discontinued; discussed turning restrictions on public streets; local access; she wanted to see the pool fully reopened; and she thanked staff, CCFD, and the Culver City Police Department (CCPD).
Frank Clark discussed Council Member response to the anti - camping ordinance; the importance of unity and working together to solve problems; and statements regarding white supremacy made by Council Member Puza regarding the Monterey Park shooting.
Michael Hobson was called to speak but did not respond.
Carlene Brown discussed her experience attending the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration this year; White centering; the need to center Black and Brown voices instead; and she reported that the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee had been disbanded.
Fern Lim was called to speak but could not be heard.
Jim Shanman, Walk-n-Rollers, facilitator for the Safe Routes to School program, requested that the City Council agendize consideration of support for their upcoming 11 th Anniversary Celebration on Main Street
January 23, 2023
9 Jamed Richardson thanked the City Council for being willing to help the homeless and residents of Culver City; discussed the importance of listening; divide and conquer tactics; white supremacy; and he indicated that he would be nominating Lisa Skelley at Grace Lutheran Church for the Equity and Human Relations Award.
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, reported that the time limit for public speaking had been reached and online speakers could still not be heard.
Michael Hopson indicated that he works in the City but did not feel safe; discussed the connection between police brutality and mass shootings; the death of Keenan Anderson at the hands of the police; sweeps; the dispropor tionate number of Black homeless individuals; people who were killed because of sweeps on the westside this year; he wanted to see services provided; noted the need to reimagine Public Safety; he felt that the way Black people in Culver City are treated is heartbreaking; he expressed support for life affirming resources that do not involve the police; and he discussed disrespect for the AAPI community noting that he stood in solidarity with them.
Daniel Behrendt provided a brief report on the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACHH) noting that most information had been covered by Tevis Barnes in her update; he discussed objectives of the Cit y appointed body; a n ACHH recommendation to the City Council to continue pursuit of a services approach to homelessness as opposed to further criminalization and enforcement of an anti-camping ordinance; he encouraged the City Council to collaborate with the ACHH to come to unique and effective solutions; he invited everyone to attend the next ACHH meeting on February 21; he was looking forward to working together and suggested quarterly updates from the ACHH to the City Council; and he noted that he would see Council Members at the Annual Homeless Count on January 25.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that all Committees, Boards, and Commissions (CBCs) provided biannual updates to the City Council with the next one coming on February 27, 2023.
Fern Lim discussed her positive experiences with MOVE Culver City; appreciation for the bus lanes that help her to make connections on time; relief she experiences when cycling in a protected lane; bus drive rs trained in sharing the road with cyclists; her prioritization of businesses along bus and bike lanes; and she indicated that she valued MOVE Culver City.
January 23, 2023
10 Jeanne Black expressed appreciation for the update from Tevis Barnes; discussed people living by the Senior Center and on the median at Vets Park; notices indicating that camps, tents, huts, temporary structures, and personal belongings must be removed by January 24, 2023; the By Name List; and she questioned why those waiting to get into Project Homek ey would have to be moved, where those affected would be given shelter, and how long they would be displaced.
Melissa Sanders felt that the plastic bollards in the protected bike lanes provided no protection for cyclists; welcomed Jason Sims as the Inte rim Chief of Police; and she expressed appreciation to CCPD and CCFD.
David Coles presented a video of leaf blowers used at City Hall; discussed the leaf blower ordinance passed in 2017; the five year timetable for enforcement; compliant leaf blowers; he expressed concern with non-compliance; and he encouraged anyone seeing a violation to call Code Enforcement at (310) 253-5940.
Ronald Ostrin with one minute ceded by Leslie Ostrin, discussed creating more effective communication with resident
stakeholders; identification of the City as a target for activists; repeat and scripted comments; he suggested having speakers indicate whether they are residents, and if not, what their interests are; he proposed delegating additional time for speakers to allow a spokesperson a chance for an in -depth discussion; he wanted to see MOVE Culver City modified or terminated; he proposed use of the lane for high occupancy vehicles; and he asserted that the Clerk should treat speakers fairly noting that he had not being allowed to speak on an item at a previous meeting.
Dr. Heidi Fahringer, Main Street Optometry, asserted that having Main Street closed was bad for business and accessibility, and she asked tha t the issue be placed on an agenda for
consideration.
Jeff Schwartz, Culver City Democratic Club, provided background on the organization; discussed a recent meeting; Democrats on the City Council; and he welcomed Council Member O’Brien and anyone else who wanted to join.
Aubreon Edgerson was called to speak but was no longer present online.
January 23, 2023
11 Ruth Rooflesser stated that anti-homelessness was coded racism; noted the disproportionate number of Black people who are homeless; discussed systemically preventing unhouse d people from owning homes or possessions; protected socio -economic status; carrying out hate on a systemic basis; categorically disabled homeless people with simultaneous disabilities; the document distributed by the EHRAC; an d she reported that the complaint form on the City website was not working noting the importance of that for people to file claims when their possessions are taken away.
Jennifer Stravros was called to speak but could not be heard.
Jay Garacochea encouraged everyone to check for standing water from the recent rains not ing that more rain was coming; discussed cold weather; anticipated increases to mosquito activity; and he encouraged anyone with questions to reach out to him or to the District.
Karim Sahli reported that the Jackson Gate was being closed illegally and creating unsafe conditions; he pointed out that CCPD had determined that the opening of the Gate had not created significant issues; and he noted that the person locking the gate could face fines.
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, reported that an announcement had been sent out indicating that staff would be closing the Jackson Gate during finalization of infrastructure improvements and installation of the bollards with the Gate expected to be reopened by February 1, 2023.
Mayor Vera encouraged Carlene Brown to share her concerns with staff and he received clarification regarding the bike signal and signage.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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January 23, 2023
12 Order of the Agenda
Items P-1 and A-3 were pulled from the agenda for consideration at a future meeting.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for December 31, 2022 to January 13, 2022
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public were called to speak but did not respond:
Hasaan Ali Awan
Michael Rosen
Aubreon Edgerson
Jamed Richardson
Jim Shanman
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR DECEMBER 31, 2022 TO JANUARY 13, 2023.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on January 9, 2023
Vice Mayor McMorrin noted that the attachment in Item A -1 did not reflect the minutes which had indicated that the vote on the item had been 3-2, and staff agreed to correct the
attachment.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public were called to speak but did not respond:
Hasaan Ali Awan
January 23, 2023
13 Michael Rosen
Aubreon Edgerson
Jamed Richardson
Jim Shanman
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 JANUARY 9, 2023.
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Item C-3
CC - (1) Adoption of a Resolution Amending City Attorney Authority to Settle Claims Against the City and Litigation in Amounts up to $50,000; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Amending Settlement Authority for Workers’ Compensation Claims and Litigation to Add a Level of Authority for the Human Resources Director, in Consultation with the Risk Manager, in Amounts up to $25,000
Vice Mayor McMorrin discussed transparency and requested clarity on the need for the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the item granted a lower-level threshold to the Human Resources Director in consultation with the Risk Manager but did not change the City Attorney authority; issues related to Workers’ Compensation matters; procedures; reporting processes; thresholds for bringing matters before the City Council; the small adjustment upward to expedite matters that can be settled reasonably; consultation with the City Manager; clarification that settlements are a matter of public record, but not done in a public setting; and reports to the City Council.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, reported that those who requested to speak were not present at the meeting.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY ATTORNEY’S AUTHORITY TO
SETTLE CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY AND LITIGATION IN AMOUNTS UP TO $50,000; AND,
January 23, 2023
14 2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND LITIGATION TO ADD A LEVEL OF
SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE RISK MANAGER, IN AMOUNTS UP TO $25,000.
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Item C-4
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Attorney to Initiate Certain Types of Litigation and Respond to Requests for Amicus Curiae Participation or Assistance
Responding to inquiry from Vice Mayor McMorrin, City Attorney Heather Baker discussed initiation of liti gation for public health and safety concerns when there is insufficient time to get into Closed Session ; updates to the City Council;
consistency with prior Council authority; and solidifying policy for transparency purposes.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Ruth Rooflesser questioned whether matters would be determined by the City Attorney rather than going through the City Council.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, clarified that sensitive policy issues would still need City Council approval noting that the change was for more routine matters in consultation with the City Manager.
Karim Sahli felt it essential that all amicus briefs signed by the City Attorney be posted on the City website within 24 hours to allow for easy public access and transparency, and he asked that all previous amicus briefs be listed on the page as well.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO INITIATE CERTAIN TYPES OF LITIGATION AND RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR AMICUS CURIAE PARTICIPATION OR ASSISTANCE.
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January 23, 2023
15 Item C-5
CC - Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Sidewalk Uplift Replacement and Curb Ramps Project [CDBG Project No. 602297 -21 and 602467-22], PS-011 and Barman Avenue Drainage Improvements, PZ-428
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Ruth Rooflesser expressed support for the previously considered sidewalk bulb-out and asked that the matter be re-opened.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE
INVITING BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SIDEWALK UPLIFT REPLACEMENT AND CURB RAMPS PROJECT [CDBG PROJECT NO. 602297-21 AND 602467-22], PS-011 AND BARMAN AVENUE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, PZ-428.
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Item C-6
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Architectural Resources Group (ARG) in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $100,000 for the Preparation of a Historical Context Study of the City of Culver City
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Kelli Estes questioned why the money would be awarded for a report that would restate what is already known; discussed work done by the state and county; she proposed that the money instead be redirected to Pr oject Roomkey, Vets, or the pool ; and she wanted to see the matter deferred to next year or until the outcome of the state study.
David Bergman felt that revisions to the scope should be made; discussed the lack of an analysis of the architectural history of the City or physical development patterns ; future CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) analysis; academic interest; and he asked that the study be expanded and made more January 23, 2023
16 useful with a staff report requested on the use of the study and what problem it would solve in City processes.
Karim Sahli was called to speak but declined.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the historical context study conducted by West Hollywood; reparations work being done by the subcommittee; value of looking at the historic context of what occurred in Culver City; ensuring that critical equity work is being done; concern with delaying work further; bolstering the study; and clarification that the purpose of the study is not historical preservation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $100,000 FOR THE
PREPARATION OF A HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDY FOR THE CITY OF CULVER CITY; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-7
CC - (1) Adoption of a Resolution Approving Salary Schedules for the Culver City Fire Management Group (CCFMG), Culver City Firefighters Association (CCFFA), Culver City Police Management Group (CCPMG), and Culver City Police Officers Association (CCPOA) Effective January 2, 2023; (2) Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Salary Schedule f or City Attorney Effective December 4, 2022; and (3) Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Salary Schedule for Non -Benefited Employees (NBNE) in Accordance with the State of California Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2023
Vice Mayor McMorrin d iscussed hourly rates for various employees; being fiscally responsible and imaginative in providing services to meet needs; and disparate hourly rates paid.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
January 23, 2023
17 The following members of the public were called to speak:
Luther Henderson discussed hourly wages for Police and Fire; felt that the City was getting an excellent return on the investment; and he asserted that the City benefitted from the excellent service to the community.
Nancy Barba discussed salary ranges and noted how much further funds could go in providing care to the community by focusing on care rather than criminalization.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARY SCHEDULES FOR THE CULVER
CITY FIRE MANAGEMENT GROUP (CCFMG), CULVER CITY FIREFIGHTERS
ASSOCIATION (CCFFA), CULVER CITY POLICE MANAGEMENT GROUP (CCPMG), AND CULVER CITY POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CCPOA) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SALARY INITIATIVE ORDINANCE; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR CITY
ATTORNEY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT; AND,
3. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR NON -
BENEFITED EMPLOYEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE.
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Item C-8
CC - Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Marina Landscape Services, Inc., to Continue City -Wide Landscape Maintenance Services for an Additional Four-Month Period in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $77,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MARINA LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC., FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $77,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
January 23, 2023
18 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-9
CC - (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc., in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $80,000 for Additional Environmental Remediation Services on City Owned Property at 3860 and 3900 Sepulveda Boulevard
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Kelli Estes questioned how work could be completed by March if money had not already been allocated and she wanted to see Item C-6 tabled to a future meeting to allow Council Members time to consider whether it is still necessary, with those funds redirected to Project Homekey.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH INTEGRATED DEMOLITION AND REMEDIATION INC., (IDR) IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $80,000 FOR ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 3860 AND 3900 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-10
CC - Approval of an Application for $127,080.00 in Grant Funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) through Fiscal Year 2024
Vice Mayor McMorrin expressed concern with RIPA data; discussed lack of implementation of the policy directive from former January 23, 2023
19 Police Chief Cid to decrease contact; Public Safety reviews in 2020-2021; grants; studies indicating that increased contact perpetuates harm on those stopped; concern with the expansion into emergency medical services; disparate salary scales; KPIs (Key Performance Indicators); how the RIPA data intersects with funding; and concern that increased contact aimed at Black and Brown residents did not yield disproportionate outcomes of crime or any wrongdoing.
Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, discussed the request to apply for grant funding; previous receipt of the grant; use of the funding to pay for staff time to impact violations of traffic and safety rules throughout the City; positive impact s on traffic safety in Culver City; and types of violations specific to the grant funding.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding discretion; additional contact with police related to traffic stops; the directive from former Chief Cid regarding minor violations; hazardous moving violations; money allocated to DUI (Driving Under the Influence) enforcement; impacts to the ability to do the work if the grant is not received; and staff agreement to research the average number of DUIs in the City.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Margaret Peters thanked the Sanitation Department for their excellent service; expressed concern with how the program would be used; discussed unfair targeting of People of Color; unsolved crimes resulting from unwillingness of targeted communities to interact with the police when something important happens; the need for actual oversight; concern with the reputation of the City as white supremist; and she proposed targeting additional traffic enforcement around schools for drop off and pick up.
Karim Sahli stated that traffic violence is the number one reported killer on City streets; noted that the opportunity for CCPD to improve safety in the community with the Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) could be used for safety or for discrimination; discussed the need for departmental reports on progress made in achieving goals; ensuring transparency and accountability; and allowing the community to see positive impacts of the funding on traffic safety in the City.
January 23, 2023
20 Nancy Barba proposed that the grant was a wonderful opportunity to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety; discussed goals of the program to reduce the number of injuries to pedestrians under the age of 15; parents asking the City Council for safer routes to school; and concern that the majority of the funding would be focused on punitive criminalization that makes it harder for people who are already marginalized to exist.
Janee Lennox expressed support for comments made by previous speakers; discussed reports on the number of people killed by the police during traffic stops; a recent person killed during an interaction that did not require police presence; she noted the need for creative thinking to find alternatives to
criminalizing people for minor traffic infractions; and she stated that interactions with the police did not make her feel safe and she lives in the community.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $127,080.00 THROUGH THE FY 2024 CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY, SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP); 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.
MOVED BY COUN CIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-6, C-8 AND C-9.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOVE ITEM C-7.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOVE ITEM C-10.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
January 23, 2023
21 NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
o0o
Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Prohibiting Camping in Public Places Throughout the City; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jesse Mayes, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Manager, discussed preserving the dignity of the unhoused community; the practice of leading with shelter and housing first; the Saint Joseph Center (SJC) outreach team; notice provided; voluntary
compliance; staff involved; police presence in the background for the protection of staff; the storage and retrieval process; items that the City will not take; and she clarified that Enforcement Services, not CCPD , administers citations in the case of repeated violations and CCPD does not take individuals into custody for non-compliance.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the report; accountability updates; privacy issues; inclusion of the unhoused in the planning process; daily outreach; understanding needs; those who want services and want to come inside; impacts to homeless families; families recently encountered and placed into motels until placement in Upward Bound House; defining homelessness; program funding; tracking placement and success; quarterly updates to the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACHH) from SCJ and Upward Bound; number of individuals sleeping on the street in the City; federally recognized data from the 2022 Homeless Count; Los Angeles Housing Services Authority (LAHSA) adjusted numbers; raw data; the point in time count; number of encampments; storage procedures; ensuring that people keep their documents so that they can apply for programs and services; assistance with document restoration; affidavits; reporting procedures for violations and complaints; park prohibitions on restroom usage of persons over the age of 10 by the opposite sex; gender non- conforming members of the community; the update to the existing municipal code; outdated provisions; providing context for the new prohibition being added; and medication and prescriptions.
January 23, 2023
22 Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Hasaan Ali Awan was called to speak but did not respond.
Stephen Jones expressed appreciation for the emphasis on shelter and services, but noted that was not what was being considered in the agenda item; discussed the directive to seize people’s possessions leaving behind a blanket and pillow ; citation s; comments made about assistance with medication and that CCPD would not be involved which are not included in the ordinance; evidence that the proposed actions impair outreach efforts; he asserted that the enforcement was unnecessary; requested reliable evidence that could be cited indicating that the proposed actions would do anything but impair outreach; and he questioned the justification for declaring that homelessness is an emergency and then making it worse.
Sebastian Hernandez presented a video of homeless constituents expressing their views; discussed the difficulty of holding onto things during a sweep; loss of identification; and concern that sweeps set people back and make things harder.
Catherine Sweetwater reported that as a homeowner who lives on the Creek, she walked by her unhoused neighbors daily during the pandemic and had not seen the harms being described in the ordinance; she discussed the importance of treating everyone with dignity; trauma and harms to health created by the ordinance; the need to provide a walk -in option to retrieve items; difficulty charging phones; insufficient number of units available to house everyone; and she asserted that the ordinance should not be passed.
Jessica Chang was called to speak but was not present online.
Jessica Harwood expressed concern that seizing the belongings of the unhoused w ould make the situation worse and less safe for everyone by causing further hardship to the most vulnerable residents who need services, and she noted the cruel timing of conducting sweeps during the wintertime.
Cynthia Hart with one minute ceded by Jeff Schwartz, presented a resolution in opposition to criminalizing homelessness that was unanimously approved at the January 11, 2023 General Meeting of the Culver City Democratic Club ; she discussed forced January 23, 2023
23 displacement; harm caused by sweeps; loss of essential items; destabilization of unhoused students ; diverting staff and funding from effective support launched by previous City Councils; and she noted that the Democratic Club advocated for a housing first approach.
Ms. Hart’s comments were cut short by a loss of connectivity and she was encouraged to submit her comments in writing.
Bubba Fish, ACHH Vice Chair, noted that the City Council did not go through normal processes t o seek input from the ACHH before moving forward; he reported the 8-1 vote of the ACHH to recommend that the City continue to pursue a services approach to homelessness as opposed to criminalization and enforcement with an anti -camping ordinance; speaking for himself, he questioned why ACHH was not consulted; he discussed reliability of policy and analysis vs. the influence of certain residents or corporations; money spent by Los Angeles on sweeps from 2019- 2022 vs. the number of people housed; he asserted that sweeps were what was being proposed; and he noted that the wording of the ordinance criminalizing camping in all public spaces was worse than he had expected.
Jamie Wallace discussed using the same words for different things; the sanitation issue; picking up trash; washing the sidewalks; those serving the homeless who get to know people on the street; what Culver City is doing vs. what Los Angeles is doing; information from staff indicating that they are leading with services; she indicated that she had run the Backpacks for Kids program at school and asserted that homeless students were not living on the street, but rather living in garages, cars, or couch surfing; and she asked that sweeps be defined.
Elias Platt-Bermeo expressed disappointment in the three Council Members who called for the ordinance rather than investing in the issues at the root of the problem; discussed the need for housing and support for renters and true housing first policy; cruelty; stripping people of all their belongings except bedding; looking at demographics of unhoused residents; the City’s Pride Celebration; choices; allocation of the budget and of staff time; setting up solutions to get people into homes; and he hoped the City Council would make the right choice.
Ruth Rooflesser discussed her experience being unhoused; domestic violence; eviction; having her stuff thrown away multiple times; mental health issues she experienced with losing everything; the need to bring the 328 unhoused people to the January 23, 2023
24 table on the issue; the definition of camping as being related to being on vacation; and she asked that the City Council scrap the ordinance and put it in the recycling bin.
Luke Brown was called to speak but did not respond.
Kate Ainslie was called to speak but did not respond.
Sanjay Gaur was called to speak but did not respond.
Erin Mauffray echoed comments from the previous speaker indicating that the people targeted by the ordinance were living, not camping; she asserted that sweeps and
criminalization killed people and d id not provide housing or shelter; she discussed lack of space for everyone; the ultimatum to go with the people conducting the sweep, or disappear; police harassment and intimidation; empowering CCPD to catch and release; limited control over what CCPD and sanitation do; fear and mistrust; perpetuating violence; threat of a rrest; people in hotels currently not being fed; and lack of faith that there is a humane plan for people.
Karen Hilsberg was called to speak but did not respond.
Kelli Estes expressed support for the anti-camping ordinance as another tool to compel home less people to accept shelter and services and keep everyone safe and healthy; she asserted that it was not kind or compassionate to keep people on the street; she questioned why Ruth Rooflesser was still on the street after 20 years; she discussed the Boise Ruling; getting people into programs to fit their needs; aggression by LAPD; the need for CCPD to take action to prevent more violence to people and property as well as deaths related to doing no thing; she felt that current processes were not working; and she expressed support for the ordinance and empathy for Housing and Human Services Manager Tevis Barnes whose comments she felt were being discounted.
Jeanne Black discussed a recent conversatio n she had with an unhoused person who expressed appreciation for outreach by SJC, indicated that he had not been offered alternative shelter, was unable to get into a treatment program, and he did not think there were any motel vouchers available so he was going to leave the City; she did not want to see the City Council adopt an ordinance that would turn supportive relationships into adversarial ones; discussed the waste of staff time; potential lawsuits; allowing bedding but prohibiting tents; denying January 23, 2023
25 someone shelter from the elements; and she expressed support for an ordinance for safe camping and safe parking but opposed an ordinance punish ing people on a waiting list for promised housing.
Disa Lindgre n discussed showing kindness vs. being cruel; responsibility of the City Council; taking everything but a blanket from a neighbor; she asserted that anti -camping ordinances caused death; urged the City Council to vote against the proposed ordinance and instead focus efforts on projects already underway to create housing in the community; and she stated that permanent affordable supportive housing is the solution to homelessness, sweeps are not.
Danny Young indicated that he had not been impressed by the new Council majority leadership; he questioned what would happen to people after they were removed since there is not enough shelter or housing to accommodate people on the streets; he discussed intended consequences; money spent on police salaries to harass people; he wanted to see housing and services provided; felt that the majority Council did not care whether people were put in jail or died; and he asserted that people were going to die as a result of their vote to enact the ordinance.
Melodie Hansen expressed disappointment that the City would push around people as though they were not living human beings with basic needs and rights; discussed engaging in efforts that have failed elsewhere; consideration of the feelings of people with no options; the need to put housing first; the insufficient number of beds available; the need to keep people warm with safe camping, showers, running water, food , and needed treatment; and she begged the City Council not to adopt the inhumane ordinance.
Danielle Garcia was called to speak but was not present.
Shelly Rosekelly discussed sweeps currently happening in the City; assurances at the December emergency City Council meeting that there would be no enforcement until alternatives were available; consideration of penalties and enforcement before solutions; lack of movement forward on safe parking or safe camping; insufficient housing available; studies showing that sweeps and enforcement are ineffective in getting people into housing; and she asked everyone to work together to find solutions and vote no on Item A-1.
January 23, 2023
26 Jeff Cooper asserted that the previous majority City Cou ncil had not done anything to take care of the homeless, but rather kept them in inhumane conditions with out giving them options; he expressed support for the strength of the current majority to move the item forward; and he asked Vice Mayor McMorrin and Council Member Puza to listen to their constituents and reduce inhumane conditions.
Melissa Sanders expressed support for the ordinance; felt it was inhumane to leave people on the street; discussed the need to adopt an ordinance to force people to accept services; Culver City as going above and beyond what other cities have done; people who have had bad experiences and the rights of residents to walk safely in the City; and she hoped that safe camping and parking come forward soon, along with more housing.
Margaret Peters reported living close to the 405 encampment and experiencing no issues with the homeless individuals in the neighborhood; she felt that the City should be doing something to help; discussed the responsibility to address the issue; ineffectiveness of enacting an anti -camping ordinance without providing housing; the fault of the City in not building sufficient housing; bringing housing costs down; pushing problems across the street; residents living on the borders; and she felt the ordinance was a waste of tax dollars.
Ronald Ostrin with one minute ceded by Leslie Ostrin, discussed recent rain storms; using all solutions to protect the homeless from the elements; the former majority that prevented pal let housing; ideologically-driven public policy that thwarts ending the homeless catastrophe; anti -social and dysfunctional personal behavior; limiting camping to safe camping areas; transitional housing; safe parking; development of methods for mental health treatment; the inhumanity of allowing people to suffer mental illness and die in the street; and he wanted Culver City to join Los Angeles.
Phil Ansell with one minute from Michael H ersch was called to speak but could not be heard.
Patrick Meighan was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin thanked Housing and Human Services Manager Tevis Barnes for her staff report noting public comment that did not match what she said; discussed the number of people experiencing homelessness worldwide; the state of emergency declared by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; the need for a massive January 23, 2023
27 group effort; consideration of the Santa Monica ordinance; responding to the crisis with care; the imperfect ordinance; the need to provide relief; and the importance of allowing everyone to feel safe.
Cary Anderson discussed piles of trash on Venice Boulevard near the 405; he read from the staff report regarding the increased number of CCFD calls related to the unhoused; he indicated that the situation had been going on for years; and felt that something should be done.
Ndindi Kitonga indicated participating in work with the unhoused for 20 years; expressed support for the unhoused; stated that housing was a fundamental human right; noted that the government cannot deny housing and them criminalize people for being unhoused; expressed appreciation for response from three Council Members to her email highlighting conditions for people living in interim Culver City motels including the lack of food and services; noted that about 1% of Culver City is unhoused; she questioned how the City could consider an anti-camping ordinance without having housing to offer; discussed those in service provider limbo; and she observed that the Mayor had offered to meet with someone else who spoke earlier in the meeting and she asked the Mayor to meet with her tomorrow too.
Aubreon Edgerson was called to speak but did not respond.
Phil Ansell, retired director of the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative with one minute ceded by Michael Hersh, noted that while the ordinance was framed as a package with safe parking and safe camping in the City, there was no requirement in the ordinance for implementation of the programs; he discussed creating a situation where homeless individuals will be forced to sleep on the sidewalk without a tent; he recommended modifying the draft ordinance to make implementation contingent on the availability of sufficient alternative opportunities; he noted that as drafted, people would die in the City in the cold weather; and he felt there would likely be litigation against the City under the Boise Decision if t he ordinance is implemented as is.
Meghan Sahli-Wells concurred with comments made by Phil Ansell; quoted from the proposed ordinance noting that, as written, people were not allowed to keep anything but bedding; she discussed delays to the opening of Project Homekey ,
implementation of MCIUs , safe camping , and safe parking; January 23, 2023
28 diverting time and money into punishing poverty; and she noted that there were no exceptions for wheelchairs or walkers.
Megan Oddsen asked that the City Council consider compassionate alternatives or that action be postponed until there are enough places to go; discussed concern with the image of the City; the spirit of the City; and values passed on to children.
David Metzler discussed community; the message being sent that if you lack resources , you are not welcome in the City; the crisis of failed policies; resistance to building housing; victim-blaming; taking away the only protection the homeless have from the elements; the ordinance legalizing theft from the poor; the need for permanent housing; and he advocated for using emergency powers to work toward the goal of creating homes rather than for criminalizing poverty before resources are available.
Michelle Weiner discussed framing of the proposed anti-shelter ordinance as being compassionate; she noted that the ordinance had already been enacted as notice has already been given that all things need to be removed by January 24 on Overland; she pointed out the ill-timed item during the winter; she requested honesty regarding the housed-person-centered ordinance; and she questioned how removing shelter from people living on the street was compassionate.
Jesse Nunez, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the complex issue; discussed balancing the needs of all residents and businesses in the community; and support for the efforts to provide an enforcement mechanism to encourage the unhoused to utilize services and potentially save lives in the City.
Jennifer Stavros reported she had been previous ly unhoused in the City and received zero help; she felt that those advocating for the ordinance, especially after the recent downpours, should be ashamed of themselves; she asserted that sandwiches and kumbaya statements did not help; noted that effective assistance to get into housing was needed; she reported that the only reason she was able to be successful and advocate for the homeless now, was because a stranger was able to house her; she stated that assistance and housing was needed for the homeless population, not criminalization; she asserted that the ordinance was a death sentence; and she proposed that those who felt it was so easy should go try it and see how well they do.
January 23, 2023
29 Dr. Kelly Kent, CCUSD Board of Education, speaking on behalf of herself, indicated that she trusted that Council Members who supported the ordinance felt that they were doing something humane; she expressed concern that nothing in the ordinance reflected services offered or any guarantees of respect and kindness being promised ; discussed Council Members who have expressed genuine concern; lack of evidence to indicate that anything short of providing permanent housing w ould help; she asked that the ordinance not be passed; requested that Council Members promise to attend the swe ep planned for January 24 to witness the experience; and discussed her efforts to engender empathy for the over 100 unhoused CCUSD students.
Jay Garacochea expressed support for the staff report and for the ordinance; asserted that the former Council majority had failed the City; discussed enabling criminal activity, violence, and narcotics usage on Venice Boulevard; overdoses; death; disease; and he encouraged the City Council to come together to support the item which he felt was a move in the right direction.
Andee Blakley was called to speak but was not present.
Rebecca Rona commented on the remarkably inhuman e ordinance being proposed; discussed voting your conscience; people who state things that are incorrect; constituents who see the item through a cruel lens; addressing problems in a creative rather than cruel way; and removal of tents.
Marci Baun commended the City Council majority and hoped that they would stand firm; discussed progress made by the new City Council vs. what had been done in the past four years; and dangers to people living on the street.
Prisca Gloor was called to speak but could not be heard.
Gary Silb iger quoted Bob Dylan; discussed compassion vs. selfishness; stereotypical views; he noted that the homeless need the help of everyone; discussed support for all Culver City residents; and he asked that the City Council find housing and medical care for the unhoused and reject the ordinance.
Frank Clark was called to speak but did not respond.
Karim Sahli questioned why the City Manager and the City Attorney took two years to deliver an organizational chart for the MCIU program, and just four weeks to deliver the anti - camping ordinance that he felt was a waste of time and money January 23, 2023
30 and exposes the City to liab ility; he discussed putting lives at risk; constitutionality; concern about the allocation of resources and priorities within the City; noted that MCIUs had still not been put in action; he felt the vote would determine the next election and decide who runs daily business in the City in the future; he asserted that no amount of sandwiches would outsell the harm done by passing the ordinance; discussed double-speak; and second chances wasted on criminal enforcement.
Janee Lennox asserted that the ordinan ce lacked empathy, compassion, and love for the community; discussed those experiencing homelessness; Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr.; criminalizing people rather than giving them basic care that everyone deserves; and she expressed opposition to the
ordinance.
Shannon Theus was called to speak but was not present.
Michael Hopson reminded the City Council that the City was making policy choices and still operating as a Sundown Town; discussed the historic prohibition of Black people owning homes in the City and the disproportionate numbers of Black homeless individuals in the City ; the unconstitutionality of sweeping people without providing housing; he echoed concerns that the policy would get people killed noting people who had already died on the streets; he expressed opposition to criminalization; wanted to see support for providing services rather than sweeps; he noted that people liked to quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but not to embody his values; and he asked Council Members not to vote for the ordinance.
Mathew Hing provided background on himself; registered medical concern and strong opposition to the proposed ordinance; he reported first-hand experience with how sweeps harm his patients; discussed recent research indicating severe negative effects of forced displacement; life expectancy of unhoused individuals; public health consequences of the proposed ordinance; needless harm and injury; avoidable mortality; deaths that have occurred after sweeps; certainty of increased deaths if the proposed ordinance is passed; and he noted that coercion and scare measures were a threat to public health rather than an asset as proponents like to claim.
Carlene Brown indicated that she had been ashamed for people to know that she slept in her car for four months a few years ago; she expressed gratitude that she had a car to sleep in and that she was led to services at SJC where she got to sit in a room, January 23, 2023
31 eat meals, and speak with homeless individuals who did not have a car to sleep in; she discussed safe parking; people who cared about the homeless, came to visit, and asked her to speak at Neighborhood Council meetings where people asked what they could do to help, not what they could do to criminalize the homeless; and she begged the City Council to do what those people did.
Jeffrey Tropp with one minute ceded from Carol Oblath, reported being disabled, homeless, and living in a tent ; discussed the lack of housing available to help; winter weather; sleeping outside without protection; trench foot; safety and security provided by tents; disabilities that prevent people from staying in shelters; curfews that prevent people from working; full - time unionized employees who cannot afford anything on the market; those who would lose their jobs if they had to live in a shelter; criminalizing people for being poor; making i t illegal for people to get through the night ; asserted that restrictions on camping were cruel and unusual punishment; and dared those listening to take a minimum wage job, see if they could make rent, or spend two days sleeping outside and still look good enough to go to work.
Brian Tenate reported being homeless and working at a grocery store; serving Council Members ; paying off a student loan and other debt to try to get off the street; stated that the proposed anti-camping ordinance would hurt them more by making it more difficult to keep clean; and bureaucracy preventing the use of Section 8 vouchers.
Jamed Richardson was called to speak but did not respond.
Daniel Lee was called to speak but could not be heard.
Nancy Barba discussed the many reasons for not supporting the ordinance; the frightening amount of gaslighting and doublespeak in Council Chambers; the fact that there is no housing to put people into; taking the last remaining belong ings away from people and leaving them out in th e cold; and she implored the City Council to vote no on the item and instead focus on how to help people and actually care.
Shifra Teitelbaum was called to speak but was not present.
Matthew Katz discussed working with the community under the bridge for the past few years; the recent sweep carried out by Los Angeles; human misery and suffering caused by sweeps; the inability of cities to solve the problem created by the system; January 23, 2023
32 the ability to make the problem worse; the myth of service resistance; he aske d the City Council to consider the vote noting that people would suffer and die if the ordinance is approved; and he pointed out that people could not be compelled to take services, but they could be banished to another part of the City, go to prison, or die.
Jessica Chang was called to speak but was not present.
Lauren Textor provided background on herself; echoed previous comments voicing concerns about the ordinance; discussed data indicating harm as a direct result of such ordinances;
criminalizing homelessness; restricting mobility; forced treatment or services; medicine lost in sweeps that can be critical to a recovery plan; delicate relationships between patients and providers; sweeps coded with terms like “proper notice, staff safet y, and voluntary compliance ”; ruining progress and setting everyone back; life and death stakes of the ordinance; punishment; survival strategies in the face of abandonment by the government; people who turn to each other to survive; criminalization of poverty; and she asked each Council Member to imagine themselves in a similar situation with possessions and liberty taken away from them.
Mark St. John reported growing up in the City; did not feel that people should be able to take things away from others; discussed self-respect; harassment by security forces; asked the City Council to reconsider their plan to adopt the ordinance; did not want possessions taken away; noted that bad things happen to good people sometimes; and did not want to see bad things happen to anyone else.
Michal David was called to speak but was not present.
Prisca Gloor urged the City to provide services to unhoused neighbors in the City; asked that the City not take away anything from those who already have so little; requested that the City not adopt the anti-living ordinance; questioned why people had to be grateful that documents and medications were not being taken away and that items were being stored somewhere; she asked how Council Members would feel if that were being done to them; discussed actions throughout COVID showing that the right wing does not care about facts and science; studies indicating that the proposed ordinance does more harm than good; and she asked that the City focus on affordable housing and not pas s the proposed ordinance.
January 23, 2023
33 Daniel Lee discussed the number of people who die on the streets of Los Angeles County every day and more in the winter; medical conditions developed from living on the street; susceptibility to illness; the continuing pandemic; the goal to have people respond to negative enforcement by leaving the City; the outcome of people dying; he asserted that it was not a crime to be poor and people deserved to live; he stated that the City needed to provide places for people to go; and he indicated that there was not enough shelter space available.
Allison Dove asserted that it was beyond cruel and inhumane to remove everything but bedding from unhoused people; questioned how the City could consider committing to the ordinance in the winter without providing ho using solutions for those being displaced; she proposed focusing on programs already in process; felt the draft should modified to be contingent on availability of sufficient alternative housing opportunities and be in effect only as long as alternatives are available for all; discussed legalization of theft from the poor; criminalization of poverty; increasing the likelihood of litigation from resulting deaths; the push for people to accept housing that does not exist; evidence indicating that sweeps do not help place unhoused neighbors into permanent housing; and she asked that the City Council not approve the anti-living ordinance.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding notices posted at the Senior Center and at Vets; clarification that the clearing would not take place on January 24; nutrition; Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards; continued outreach work with unhoused residents at Vets and the Senior Center;
individuals staying at local hotels until housing that meets their needs is found; Project Homekey; the By Name List; people staying at hotels that are not part of the Culver City program; SJC distribution of gift cards for grocery stores and nearby restaurants; work to bring people hot meals; people with mobility issues; seizing of items; current cleanup procedures; individual decisions on storage of items; storage of items left behind; and providing a second set of keys.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to those who provided comments and to staff for their work ; historical context; the pandemic; the economic downturn; the complex issue; accomplishments of the prior City Council who did not create the problem; actions of Los Angeles to enact tenant protections; the importance of a care first approach and not punishing peop le for existing; consensus that services and housing are needed immediately; the January 23, 2023
34 feeling that the ordinance is premature and cruel; construction delays; support for long -lasting solutions; the out of sight, out of mind mentality; discomfort with seeing failings of the system; poverty; working on the process with those who have lived experience; studies indicating that the situation is caused by lack of affordable housing; the need for immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions; expediting and allocating resources to streamline the process to build affordable housing at all levels; implementation of an affordable housing overlay; using the emergency declaration to fast -track resources to housing; ensuring that the MCIUs, Project Homekey, safe camping, and safe parking are up and running rather than focusing on punishment; providing immediate harm reduction efforts to support the unhoused; access to water, bathrooms, showers, consistent meals, and trash collections until other ser vices are online; allocating the budget to services and housing; lower costs to provide services than for providing enforcement; assessing results; safety; clarification that there are no separate rules for housed or unhoused people; ways to reimagine Public Safety so that the police are not relied upon for everything; equitable distribution of resources rather than an enforcement/criminalization approach; and further harm created by ticketing the unhoused.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding bullet points preceding the ordinance that include items requested in public comment; access to stored items; enforcement; making sure that the law is realistic; citations; taking people into custody for non -compliance; inhumane conditions; unhoused people have who die d on Culver City streets; service calls to CCFD; violent crimes committed upon unhoused people; a recent assault between homeless people at the Senior Center; issues with the homeless and the day camp at Vets Park; la ck of experience with homelessness; dangerous conditions; application of the ordinance to structures erected on sidewalks and public space; the current number of people impacted by the ordinance in Culver City; different categories in the Homeless Count; p eople who are on the concrete; number of spaces provided by Homekey, safe camping, and motel vouchers; acknowledgement of the gaps in services and that those with connections are more likely to get help; bureaucracy; the need for 24/7 assistance; number of employees dedicated to housing and homelessness; the need for an ordinance, housing, services, and enforcement; the process; agreed upon language; enforcement of the ordinance after Homekey and safe camping are in effect; coordination with other service p roviders; participation by Southern California Hospital; concern with leaving people in January 23, 2023
35 unsafe conditions; clarification on statistics; and likelihood that the City would be able to accommodate those displaced.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding different interests playing into the process; finding solutions that work for most; outreach; lack of progress on pallet shelters; concern that focusing on housing first perpetuates people living on the street; improving things while housing is being found; enforcement; reading too much into the ordinance; the highly qualified and compassionate sta ff; the emergency declared by Los Angeles; statements made by the Los Angeles Mayor; collaboration with Los Angeles; long-term contracts on hotel rooms; safe camping; opposition to having people live on concrete while they wait for long-term solutions; upsetting people by trying to paint a different picture of what will happen; use of the same ordinance currently being used successfully in Santa Monica; and support for staff getting components in place as soon as possible.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the definition of sweep s, camping, camp facilities, and care; SPDATs (Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tools); linking people to services in response to assessments; time required to build trust; services being offered; outreach by SJC; cleanups and provision of services; the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) definition of encampments; paths available to gaining housing; contact information for concerned community members wanting to help homeless individuals; hours that staff are available; CCPD involvement in housing placement; differences between the stories from the unhoused vs. the stories from staff; stori es being shared from other cities; reliability of sources; ensuring the unhoused voices are part of the policy process; accountability; number of housing units created in Culver City in 2021; number of beds, safe parking spaces, or safe camping spots currently available in the City; lack of policy direction from the City Council precluding the ability to offer showers, laundry, or food; resources for disabled homeless individuals; connecting people with services through the service provider; typical length of motel stays; success-rate of motel stays; those awaiting placement in Project Homekey; storage of people’s belongings; access; enforcement without housing in the ordinance; discretion; Council direction; the previous ordinance and the addition of enforcement in the new ordinance; cancellation of the cleanup that was planned for January 24; providing addition al time to connect people to services; the Annual Homeless Count scheduled for January 25; the importance of understanding words being used, th e current January 23, 2023
36 situation, and services being offered; a suggestion to read a book called Homelessness is a Housing Issue by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern considering what drives homelessness; available housing and rental rates; the importance of education; support for accomplishments and work done by the City Council over the past few years; MCIUs; opposition to the anti -camping ordinance; the choice to provide care or to provide punishment; gratitude to the housed neighbors who came out to support their unhoused neighbors; appreciation to those past and presently unhoused who came to share their stories; harm in City spaces; the budget as a value statement; unconscionable criminalization of homelessness during unprecedented storms; enforcement paid for using tax dollars and staff time; the need for harm reduction rather than enforcement that will create more harm and
potentially cause death; cruelty; justification for money spent on a militarized armored van; the need to center unhoused voices in current processes; equity; proposed pallet housing; centering those closest to the harm; using resources and energies for life-affirming care; concern with removing everything but a blanket and a bed from people who are struggling ; citations leading to potential warrants; people who need housing; offering laundry, food, restrooms, and showers; employing street medicine and mental health services; streamlining housing like Los Angeles is doing; being proactive rather than reactive; a nd voting against the anti -living, harm -creating anti -neighbor ordinance.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding alignment with the actions of nearby cities with compassion; caring for the unhoused; money from Prop HHH; building housing; harm created each day someone lives on the street; taking a balanced approach; affecting immediate change; the need to be proactive; opposition to pallet shelters; the importance of getting people off the street; wraparound services provided; supplying affordable housing; harm created by waiting; difficulty of moving people out of their comfort zones; proposed actions to help the unhoused, not criminalize them; actions of the Santa Monica Cit y Council to support a balanced ap proach; helping people as they wait for housing; people who do not trust the system; allowing access to stored property; respect; limitations on erecting structures in certain areas; opposition to enforcement before housing and services come online; the feeling that ticketing causes more harm in the long -term; expecting people who do not have anything to pay fines; allowing the City Council discretion on locations for safe camping sites; updating pre-existing language on restrooms to make them more friendly to transgender and non-binary members of the community; January 23, 2023
37 connecting people to resources to help them become self - sufficient; work to provide housing; delays to Project Homekey; appreciation to staff for their efforts; exploring options for moving forward to build permanent supportive housing; outreach; building trust; the difficulty of change; trust in staff; safe camping; providing shelter and services; and support for moving forward with the ordinance to bring people indoors.
Further discussion ensued be tween staff and Council Members regarding providing discretion to staff regarding safe camping in parks; making specific edits to the ordinance; providing clear direction on enforcement in the ordinance; including care first in the recitals of the ordinanc e; making changes to the recitals; amending Section 9.10.700d to remove the exception of parks; the inability to establish camping areas in a prohibited place unless language is removed; precluding permitted camping; overnight camping events in parks; Boy Scout camping as not included in the ordinance; camping for the purpose of living accommodations in a park ; current prohibit ions; removal of language in the ordinance; the issue of the restrooms; adding subsection F; the current Code; and comprehensive review of the Code.
Council Member Eriksson moved to approve the ordinance
prohibiting camping in public places in the City as written and Council Member O’Brien seconded the motion.
Council Member Puza proposed a substitute motion that the City Council create a real care first option and ensure its long - term success by including voices of the unhoused people, providing immediate harm reduction efforts to provide lifesaving services including access to water, restrooms, showers , three nutritious meals a day, two MCIUs that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, twice a week outreach by medical and mental outreach clinicians, streamlin ing housing
production, adding one additional Project Homekey , commitment to look for additional housing gr ants, and a report back from staff on the results. Vice Mayor McMorrin seconded the motion.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding adding proposed items in the work plan; budget issues; adding safe camping sites to the motion; support for a housing first policy direction; direction to staff by the previous City Council in September to explore additional safe camping sites; clarification that staff had already identified an additional site; items to return on a future agenda ; the current agenda item; Brown Act issues; using the substitute motion to provide January 23, 2023
38 comments and notes on the ordinance; providing amendments on the ordinance; programs; items that would not be included in a codified ordinance; making the public aware of what is to be discussed at the meeting; the first motion to introduce the ordinance as presented; the substitute motion by Council Member Puza requesting initiation of programs; clarification that enforcement is not included in the ordinance; general
enforcement provisions of the General Code; the prohibition of camping in certain public p laces; voting on the substitute motion for the purpose of bringing back the programs for consideration; clarification that if Council Member Puza’s motion passes, the ordinance would not be passed; concern that giving direction on programs is not on the ag enda;
appropriateness of the substitute motion; the scope of the item; introduction of a prohibition of camping in public places; related issues; the broader scope of the unhoused discussion; delaying the vote on the substitute motion; providing care rather than taking things away; and making the programs as a condition of enforcement.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE
PROHIBITING CAMPING IN PUBLIC PLACES THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
Mayor Vera asked for order in Council Chambers as members of the public voiced their disagreement with the motion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding enforcement of the ordinance contingent upon offering Project Homekey, safe camping, and other additional hotel rooms that can be negotiated with hotel owners in the City.
Council Member Puza proposed a motion that enforcement of the ordinance be contingent on creating a care first approach including listening to voices of the unhoused, prov iding harm reduction efforts and allow ing access to lifesaving services, water, restrooms, showers, three meals a day, two MCIUs that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, twice a week outreach by medical and m ental outreach clinicians, streamlining housing production, two or more safe camping sites, one additional Project Homekey , commitment to look for additional housing grants, and direction to staff to bring a January 23, 2023
39 report back on progress. Vice Mayor McMorrin sec onded the motion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding procedure; previous dismissal of the substitute motion made by Council Member Puza without a vote; services proposed; Council consensus; providing clear direction on enforcement with a motion; clarification that offering Project Homekey, safe camping, and other additional hotel rooms negotiated with hotel owners in the City had already been approved by the previous City Council; previous directives to staff; reports from unhoused neighbors regarding gaps in services; a recent incident where someone was killed while experiencing a mental health crisis; severe issues with nutrition; claims of compassion and kindness; things that can be done; allocation of power and resources; making a choice to ensure that care is provided; voting to ensure resources are being allocated to address the state of emergency by providing care; building upon groundwork; meeting people where they are; clarification that nothing is preventing provision of care for people in the community that are already known to staff; the power of Council Members to either further care or further harm; and issues related to enforcement.
Council Member Eriksson proposed a substitute motion to provide direction that enforcement be contingent on the opening of Project Homekey, having safe parking up and running, and a long- term contract with a hotel is established.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the number of uni ts that would be provided with the substitute motion, lack of investment in permanent housing; clarification that nothing in the motion ensure s that staff would work on additional Homekey grant applications, additional projects, or additional grants ; missed opportunities in the past; the false choice being provided; changes to the narrative; the choice to make sweeps and then back off from that language; creating the issue and then agreeing not to take away structures until approximately 100 units are avail able; the harm created by throwing people’s belongings away; data indicating harm and marginalization caused by cleanups and forceful exchanges or the presence of law enforcement ; the unnecessary choice being made by the City Council; average stay in tempo rary shelters; the need to invest in long -term strategies; the Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee; the slow pace of work being done; number of staff working on the issue; the ability to do more; and shameful choices of the City Council.
January 23, 2023
40 Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the importance of meaningful dialogue; identifying potential sources of revenue to fund the proposed projects; and the motion on the floor.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DIRECT STAFF TO MAKE ENFORCEMENT
CONTINGENT ON PROJECT HOMEKEY BE ING OPEN, SAFE PARKING SPACES
BEING UP AND RUNNING, AND ESTABLISHING CONTRACTS WITH MOTELS FOR LONG-TERM STAYS.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
City Council consensus was received from Mayor Vera and Council Members O’Brien and Puza to di rect staff to come back with a future agenda item to consider creating a care first approach including listening to voices of the unhoused, providing harm reduction efforts and allowing access to lifesaving services, water, restrooms, showers, three meals a day, two MCIUs that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, twice a week outreach by medical and mental outreach clinicians, streamlining housing production, two or more safe camping sites, one additional Project Homekey , commitment to look for additional housing grants, and direction to staff to report back on progress.
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Item A-2
CC - (1) Consideration and Discussion of the Development of an Ordinance Setting the Minimum Wage Rate of $16.04 in the City of Culver City; (2) (If Desired) Authorization to the City Manager to Hire a Consultant to Conduct an Economic Impact Study and/or Hire a Consultant as Project Manager; (3) FOUR -FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Budget Amendment up to the Amount of $150,000 from the General Fund’s Unassigned Fund Balance; (4) (If Desired) Appoint Two Council Members to the Ad Hoc Minimum Wage Subcommittee or, in the Alternative, Dissolve the Subcommittee; and (5) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
January 23, 2023
41 Mayor Vera received City Council agreement to move forward with consideration of Item A-2 despite the lateness of the hour.
Onyx Jones, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding proper study necessary to provide effective understanding of the process; enforcement; ramifications; the decision made not to spend money on a study; work being done by staff; length of the process; the recommendation to improve efficiency by utilizing a project manager with specialized professional expertise and experience in the process; components of the ordinance; consultation with other cities that have gone through the process; and identification of points to be considered.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace expressed support for bringing Culver City in line with Los Angeles with a minimum wage of $16.04; requested data on impacts to local businesses; noted different ways to address the issue; felt the item needed research; questioned whether there is a time limit, when the minimum wage would go up , and who would be included; asked about enforcement; and she agreed that people needed a living wage.
Kelli Estes was called to speak but was no longer online.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin was called to speak but was no longer online.
Luther Henderson was called to speak but was no longer online.
Darrel Menthe indicated owning businesses; discussed employment law; multiple items tied to minimum wage; exemptions; problems created for small businesses; payroll; potential lawsuits; and he proposed doing what Los Angeles has done as he felt Culver City was too small to do their own ordinance.
Karim Sahli questioned the need to spend $150,000 on a consultant; expressed support for copying processes used by other cities; he noted that people needed more money to survive; January 23, 2023
42 and he did not feel that another study and another delay was necessary.
Nancy Barba was called to speak but did not respond.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the connection between Items A -1 and A -2; inequality; people who work in the City but cannot afford to live here; cost of living in Culver City; the living wage calculator developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); ensuring that a reduction in employment or hours is not created for employees by any changes made; support for the one-year waiver in the West Hollywood ordinance; staff concern s; implications of the complicated issue; Culver City as a small City surrounded by Los Angeles; support for consistency with salary levels in Los Angeles; cost of enforcement; a recent Los Angeles Business Journal survey indicating that out of 50 cities studied, Culver City is the most expensive for businesses; costs of enforcement rather than helping people with living wages; police salaries ; consistency with Los Angeles; people struggling to survive; service workers who are the lifeline of the City having to work multiple jobs; businesses that already pay more than the minimum wage; people having difficulty staying housing secure; hearing from voices who are not privileged; the importance of the $1 difference to t hose on the edge; the need for empathy; inflation; being sensitive to the needs of businesses; providing a hardship exception; the importance of retaining businesses; taking the opportunity to help community members; the importance of paying a living wage; the need to engage the community and conduct a proper study; concern with enacting what Los Angeles has without studying the issue; engaging with experts in the field; carving out for tipped employees; younger workers; and bringing all stakeholders to the table.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A BUDGET OF $150,000 TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT AN ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY.
THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: ERIKSSON, MCMORRIN, PUZA
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding decision points to be made; the need for a subcommittee or a January 23, 2023
43 special Council meeting to consider the item; conducting a study and mov ing forward in the right way; finding City Council consensus; the process; support for an ad hoc subcommittee to consider items in the staff report prior to coming to the City Council; bringing recommendations forward; layers to be discussed; estimated timeline for the work with a subcommittee; and Council Member availability and preparedness.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBERS O’BRIEN AND PUZA TO SERVE ON THE AD HOC MINIMUM WAGE SUBCOMMITTEE.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON
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Item A-3
CC - (1) Presentation of the City of Culver City Coyote Study and Management Plan by Loyola Marymount University/Los Angeles Center for Urban Resilience; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
This item was deferred for consideration at a future meeting.
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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:
Ken Mand felt that previous City Council direction to staff to investigate creation of a park on Melvil Street should be included in the requested agenda item to consider current conditions on Melvil at an upcoming meeting.
Denise Neal asked that the City Council hold a par ticipatory meeting to consider the anti-camping ordinance and proposed that conditions and provisions be put in place before enforcement to quell unrest and situations that could occur; discussed her experience as a sworn Commissioner in Santa Monica; the anti- January 23, 2023
44 camping ordinance in Santa Monica; exacerbating the homeless problem; the importance of involving the voices of the unhoused; enlisting help with the design and creation of an urban nomad program for those who do not trust the system and cannot be housed right away; and she offered to help.
Mayor Vera indicated willingness to get together with Ms. Neal and Housing and Human Services Manager Tevis Barnes.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Vice Mayor McMorrin acknowledged comments made by Carlene Brown about the recent Martin Luther King , Jr. event noting that others had not felt comfortable coming to the City Council meeting to express similar views and she received consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member Puza to consider reactivating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee; she referenced comments made by Jim Shanman regarding activating Main Street for the 11 th Anniversary Walk-N-Rollers event and received consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to refer the matter to the Special Events Grant Subcommittee for consideration; and she received agreement from staff to return with information on when Culver City Pride would be coming back.
Council Member O’Brien noted requests from business owners to discuss the weekend closure of Main Street and received support from Mayor Vera to agendize discussion of the matter; discussed the proposed extension of Ballona Creek to Cochran and Venice and received consensus from Council Members Eriksson, O’Brien and Puza to agendize consideration of contributing to the study to assist with the extension of Ballona Creek; and he discussed youth representation on Commissions and received consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member Puza to agendize consideration of youth representation on CBCs.
Council Member Eriksson noted comments from Ken Mand regarding Melvil Street and he received consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to agendize a discussion of plans for Melvil Street; he discussed renovations that stalled with the January 23, 2023
45 rent control ordinance; grandfathering in The Meadows to enable completion of renovations; attainable one and two bedroom apartment complexes in the City; and he received consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to agendize a discussion of assisting The Meadows and others to allow for the completion of renovations.
Mayor Vera asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory o f Carole Diamond, wife of active community member, Ira Diamond.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF CAROLE DIAMOND.
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January 23, 2023
46 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 1:43 a.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 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 in memory of Carole Diamond to a meeting to be held on February 13, 2023.
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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: _________________________