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 February 13, 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 5:34 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
*Council Member Puza arrived at 5:37 p.m.
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Closed Session
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that one person had signed up to speak on Closed Session items but was not present.
February 13, 2023
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON 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, MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: PUZA
At 5:35 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 – Existing Litigation Re: Medina, et al. v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 2:23-CV-00704-E
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Mabus v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 21STCP04028
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC - Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 3725 Robertson Boulevard
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager; Elaine Warner, Acting Economic
Development Manager, Todd Mooney, City Special Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: 3727 Robertson LLC
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 February 13, 2023
3 p.m. with five Council Members present.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, announced that Council Member Puza had arrived at 5:37 p.m.
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Recognition Presentations
Item R-2
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing February 4, 2023 as World Cancer Day
Council Member Puza presented the Proclamation recognizing February 4, 2023 as World Cancer Day.
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Item R-1
A Proclamation in Honor of Black History Month 2023
Vice Mayor McMorrin presented the Proclamation in honor of Black History Month 2023.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Gilbert Fikiri was called to speak but was not present.
Karim Sahli discussed words vs. actions; refusal of Mayor Vera and Council Mem ber Eriksson to support a resolution
acknowledging the racial history of Culver City; talk about compassion while supporting a resolution that will
disproportionately harm Black people; and he asserted that people would see and remember their words and deeds.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Luther Henderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
February 13, 2023
4 o0o
Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Vera indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Council Member O’Brien reported attending the Culver Talks event; discussed the well-planned and organized Homeless Count; Upward Bound House; Safe Place for Youth; and he proposed that staff coordinate with Safe Place for Youth.
Council Member Puza wished everyone a Happy Black History Month noting the opportunity to learn, experience, and reflect on Black history and heritage during February and any time; he discussed making good on the country’s claim to create full equity for all people ; attending the swearing in of state Senator Lola Smallwood -Cuevas; appreciation for comments pointing out that when the most marginalized in the community are helped, everyone is helped; and he asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Tyre Nichols who was killed by the Memphis Police Department.
Council Member Eriksson questioned how the end of the COVID emergency declared by the state would affect Culver City.
Discussion ensued between staff and Counc il Members regarding protocol followed by the City entering into the COVID emergency; following the lead of the county; City Council purview; and an upcoming City Council agenda item.
Council Member Eriksson discussed the earthquake in Syria and Turkey; the need for everyone to check their emergency supplies; Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training; remembering the victims of the earthquake; and the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Winter Seminar.
Vice Mayor McMorrin reported attending the swearing in of state Senator Lola Smallwood -Cuevas; indicated that she would be serving on a panel about the next generation of African American leaders for the greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce; noted that she and School Board Member Triston Ezidore would be hosting a celebration of Black History Month at The Village Well Book Store on February 23 in conjunction with state February 13, 2023
5 Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; stated that she would be hosting a book club on February 26; indicated that the first Black Council Member in Culver City was elected in 2018 and she had followed in 2020 as the first Black woman Council Member; felt it was important to observe systemic barriers to leadership; hoped that the City would remain dedicated to furthering equity, representation, and opportunities for all members of the community to participate; discussed the importance of amplifying what is going on across the diverse groups in the community; she stated that Black history is American history; expressed alarm at efforts at the national level to undercut the
contributions of Black scholars; and she emphasized the importance of uplifting diverse views in words and deeds.
Mayor Vera discussed attending the ICA Winter Seminar; learning about the struggles that other cities are facing; and
collaboration.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, introduced new Deputy City Clerk T'Ana Allen.
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Information Items
Item I-1
CC – Updates on Homelessness Emergency
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, provided an update on the local Homeless Emergency; thanked the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) ; the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD), the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH), and staff for their participation in the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count ; discussed preliminary vs. final numbers; steps taken to address homelessness in the community; lower numbers in all categories; identification of trends; aggressive efforts to get people inside; temporary motel stays; Project Homekey; the Mobile Crisis Intervention Units (MCIUs); staffing; and safe camping.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, provided the site plan for safe camping at the Virginia Avenue parking lot; discussed materials; platforms; tents; shading; lighting; power sources; the pet area; restroom and shower facilities; ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance; picnic areas; trailers for security and City personnel; space reserved for medical February 13, 2023
6 services; ingress and egress points; fencing; and the timeline for completion.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director , discussed weekly laundry service; onsite service providers; mental health providers; helping people get to the next level; the need to provide three nutritious meals per day; dietary restrictions; providing a potable water dispenser; 24-hour services available; ensuring that people are comfortable and safe in a nice environment; softening the site; and adding park benches for people to sit on.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for their efforts; fire access; the main access point on the southwest side; other safe camping sites in the area; efforts to make the safe camping sites more welcoming; standing room; providing cots to sleep on; lighting; meeting basic needs; involving the community in adopting a tent to provide home -like amenities; community buy -in; power for charging phones; the generator; the battery pack to power appliances on site; trash receptacles; lockers for personal belongings; bike racks; ADA compliant bathrooms and shower facilities; number of tents; tent capacity; couples;
coordination with Saint Joseph Center (SJC); providing low barrier housing; accommodations and food for pets; allowing the community to buy items; acceptance of donations; Upward Bound; the expected opening date for Project Homekey; additional funding available if the original deadline could have been met; the reality of buying old motels that needed a complete makeover; roofing issues; SCE (Southern California Edison) issues to be addressed; termites; mold; ensuring that the vulnerable population is protected; number of spaces available for people today; finding spaces based upon the needs of specific individuals; the requirement to use the tents provided; fire ratings; ventilation; sturdiness; storage of existing tents and belongings; emergency plans; including unhoused voices in the process; taking into consideration those who are most directly impacted; the contract with Rally; development of additional methodologies to engage unhoused neighbors; plans to make adjustments in response to feedback from those using safe camping; number of housing units added in 2021; strategizing around housing production and the state of emergency; City facilitation of housing constructed in the private sector; the Housing Element in the General Plan Update; compliance with state legislation; new procedures to streamline processes; the work of newly appointed Planning and Development Director Mark Muenzer; significant changes set in motion; response of the February 13, 2023
7 private sector; and major housing proposals to come before the City Council in the coming months.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the attention to detail displayed by staff; providing meals vs. providing outdoor barbeque cooking facilities; safety concerns; and communication with AT&T regarding phone and WiFi connections.
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Presentations to City Council
Item P-1
CC – Receive a Presentation o f the City ’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan Prepared by Willdan Through a Grant Received from the Southern California Association of Governments
Joe Susca, Senior Management Analyst, provided background on the Citywide Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan; discussed grants; building a network of publicly available charging stations to foster the transition from the internal combustion engine to the electric engine; deliverables that are almost complete; criteria to determine the most suitable sites; and the agreement with Carbon Solutions.
Taylor Briglio, Willdan, provided a presentation on the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan; discussed origin of the regional study; Culver City as part of six regions studied; existing conditions; the Executive Order from the Governor; number of charging stations installed vs. what is needed; state -wide goals; the foc us on Level 2 charging; available funding; the Suitability Analysis; targeting near, mid, and long -term planning; phasing; site evaluation s; the design guide; AB (Assembly Bill) 1236 and AB 970; the Culver City Listening Session; lessons learned; plans to fully electrify transit ahead of the deadline; challenges; funding; awareness of the vehicle charging network; range anxiety; survey results; erasing barriers to ownership; barriers to installing charging stations; tools generated from the study; best prac tices; next steps forward; clarification that the majority of EV infrastructure would be owned by the private sector; the role of the City to encourage de velopment of infrastructure through policy, funding, and coordination; Reach Codes; new construction requirements; EV resources on the City webpage; and targeted outreach to property owners.
February 13, 2023
8 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding resources available on the City webpage at:
www.culvercity.org/EV; clarification that one fast charger is equivalent to five low speed chargers; appropriate installation locations for slower chargers; bundling solar; SCE’s plans to keep up with the load; appreciation to the Transportation Department for their work; next steps; improving the permitting process; outreach by Carbon Solutions to private property identified; criteria for identification of locations; taking advantage of existing infrastructure; equity; and increasing the geographic spread of charging stations.
Mayor Vera invited public input.
Jon Hotchkiss was called to speak but was not present.
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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:
Carlos Gutierrez provided background on himself; expressed appreciation for recognition of Black History Month; discussed Beneficial Owner Identification (BOI); guano; cobalt necessary for electric vehicles; homeless issues; reductions in the bird population; and solar panels.
Stephen Jones with one minute from Jessica Harwood , spoke on behalf of Culver City Action Network (CCAN), discussed the shooting of Guillermo Medina by a CCPD officer in December; the need for mental health professionals trained in care; the ineffectiveness of providing more money to CCPD; background of the officer involved in the shooting; a study by the state of California indicating that Black and Latinos are more likely to be victimized by police violence; state analysis of local data indicating that things are particularly bad in Los Angeles, but even worse in Culver City; the importance of responding with care instead of cops; examination of Public Safety; keeping pace with public consciousness; last year’s crime rate; bad apples vs. bad systems; the fact that Mr. Medina was the third person killed by CCPD in the last few years; the risk of reducing CCPD funds vs. the risk of further po lice violence killing another unarmed father of Color; and risks borne by Black and Latino February 13, 2023
9 people.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin discussed the mass shooting at Michigan State University; requested that the City Council agendize a discussion of recent gun violence prevention measures adopted by unincorporated Los Angeles county as well as measures advocated by Culver 878; new county regulations; common sense gun safety; and she requested a status update on the newly adopted permitting and security requirements for gun sellers in the City and an exploration of new regulations for gun smithery businesses.
Ruth Roofless was called to speak but was not present online.
Melissa Stucky thanked the City for their responsiveness; expressed appreciation for the housing report; and she requested that the City address violence in the schools.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded by Leslie Ostrin, discussed the death of Guillermo Medina; proposed that the City Council consider ways to increase effective communication with residents and stakeholders in the City; he asserted that Culver City had been identified as a target for activists; discussed outside influences; he indicated that he was a resident and a business owner and wanted the City Council to require that speakers identify whether they are a City resident or business
stakeholder; he proposed that MOVE Culver City needed to be modified or terminated; suggested that the Bus Only Lane include High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV); he felt that barbeques were a necessity of life and sh ould be installed at the safe camping site; expressed appreciation to the City Council for getting things done; and asserted that the previous City Council had been callous and indifferent to the needs of the homeless by keeping them in tents without basic necessities.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck discussed gun violence as a public health issue; the number of mass shootings last year; she asked the City Council to review t he unanimous approval of restrictions on gun sales and possession in unincorporated areas by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; echoed the request from Megan Oddsen Goodwin to adopt and implement all gun safety measures recently passed by LA county; asked for a status report on new retail gun retailer permitting and security ordinance s; discussed a smash and grab theft of a firearm from the Big Five store on Sepulveda; proximity of the store to schools; and she asked for a City Council discussion of ordinances to ensure that the City is doing all it can to prev ent gun violence in the February 13, 2023
10 City.
Erin M discussed comments made at the previous meeting about lack of food for those living in motels; accountability; the importance of including unhoused people in the discussion; the practice of only engaging unhoused persons in outreach and enforcement; concern with City staff indicating that unhoused people are not reliable sources of information; the scheduled sweep; promised hotel vouchers that were not d elivered; the feeling that case work is only offered when forced displacement is on the table; safe camping; and she questioned how many mental health professionals would be provided and how people would access those services.
Melissa Sanders echoed comments made by Ron Ostrin; discussed a recent incident with an air soft gun on a Culver City campus; repeated violent fights on campuses; excluding CCPD from issues; the need for CCPD and the City Council to get involved; and she asserted that problems needed to be addressed.
Ndindi Kitonga , Palms Unhoused Mutual Aid Network (PUMA), expressed support for unhoused people in the City; discussed their support of housing first and care first, which the City is not doing; opposition to the anti -camping ordinance as it does not provide a solution to the crisis being faced; she asked that people be fed and given services as well as consistent case work; and she reiterated that if the City puts someone in a motel, they should be fed.
Peter Renkow reported being an owner and manager of the building to the west of the proposed location for safe camping; discussed problems with theft and vandalism by those living in the Creek; money spent to protect the property; he reported that they had just been notified of the plan to have the facility built next to them; expressed concern that the neighbors had been
completely left out of the process; and he requested an opportunity to provide input into selection of the site and the site development plan and to provide for safety and security of residents and those who work in the area.
Council Member Eriksson asked that the City Manager contact the property owners and received clarification that those within a certain radius of the proposed project had been sent notice two weeks prior.
Michael Renkow asserted that tenants and property owners had not been notified; noted that while they supported helping the February 13, 2023
11 homeless, they did not support being left out of the communication process; discussed numerous incidents related to the homeless neighbors; frightened tenants; and he acknowledged serious issues to be addressed.
Jin Li was called to speak but did not respond.
Daniel Behrendt was called to speak but did not respond.
Karim Sahli discussed the opening of the Jackson gate; installation of the bollards; CCPD statistics on traffic violence; the need to implement Vision Zero faster; he expressed support for comments made by Stephen Jones about the shooting of Mr. Medina; and he echoed comments made by Megan Oddsen Goodwin about much-needed gun regulations, asking that an item be placed on the agenda.
Jay Garacochea brought three of his neighbors on Globe Avenue to the podium; displayed photographs to illustrate the condition of the alley; and requested City Council consensus to agendize consideration of paving the alleys in Culver City.
Council Member O’Brien asked for consensus to agendize paving alleys in the City.
Nancy Barba proposed using funds raised from the Real Estate Transfer Tax to support those in the City who are most in need; felt it unfortunate that it took declaring a state of emergency to do things that have been in the works for almost three years; she hoped that the City Council would provide direction for permit streamlining for residential projects quickly; she echoed support for comments made by Stephen Jones on behalf of CCAN and from Megan Oddsen Goodwin on behalf of 878; and noted the importance of dedicating resources and centering the needs of those most in need.
Joe Dougherty was called to speak but did not respond.
Marci Baun asked that the Plunge be fully reopened; echoed concerns about fights going on in the Middle School and the High School; asserted that the School Board was not listening to their concerns; and she reported that a child had been knocked out on the pavement.
Paula Gerez provided background on herself; expressed support for the anti-camping ordinance with a few amendments; she wanted to see enforcement against camping in any area not in the safe February 13, 2023
12 camping site; discussed camping and trespassing in Ballona Creek; the mental health component; keeping everyone safe; families that have to avoid unsafe areas; and s he expressed appreciation for CCPD.
Blakely Robles discussed safety concerns; incidents at the Middle School and the High School; the City issue; insufficient response to an incident between 6th grade students and a security guard hired by CCUSD (Culver City Unified School District); the assessment of the situation by CCPD; safety and prevention; building positive relationships between students and CCPD; the airsoft gun incident; escalation of fighting within the schools; the importance of collaboration between CCPD and CCUSD; and she questioned whether CCUSD was above CCPD.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the effective date of the gun ordinance; the airsoft gun on campus; CCPD follow up on an anonymous tip received via City email; the report from CCUSD that they were unaware of any incident involving an airsoft gun at the Middle School; and encouragement to anyone with any information related to the incident to contact CCPD.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Item R-2 was considered before Item R-1 and Items C-3 through C-7 were considered separately at the end of the Consent Calendar.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1 AND C-2.
February 13, 2023
13 Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for January 14, 2023 to February 3, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR JANUARY 14, 2023 TO FEBRUARY 3, 2023.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on January 23, 2023
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 23, 2023.
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Item C-3
CC - (1) Approval of an Agreement with Innovation Painting Inc. to Wash Exterior Windows and to Pressure Wash, Patch, and Paint City Hall's Exterior Walls and Trim in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $284,000; and (2) Authorization to the Public Works
Director/City Engineer to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement to Cover Contingencies in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $20,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH INNOVATION PAINTING INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $284,000 TO WASH THE EXTERIOR WINDOWS,
REPAIR COLONNETTES, AND TO PRESSURE WASH, PATCH, AND PAINT CITY HALL; AND.
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE INNOVATION PAINTING INC. AGREEMENT TO COVER CONTINGENCIES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $20,000; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
February 13, 2023
14 o0o
Item C-4
CC - Receipt and Filing of Measure CC and Measure C Sales Tax Status Reports (FY2021/2022, Fourth Quarter) and Real Property Transfer Tax Status Report (FY2022/2023, First Quarter) as Approved by the Finance Advisory Committee
Lisa Soghor, Chief Financial Off icer, discussed revenue from Measure RE in the prior year; figures for the current fiscal year; the difficulty of predicting revenue sources; and additional information available in the mid-year report.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding transfer taxes; expectations; use of the significant windfall toward pension obligations; historic numbers on the sales and tax received; increased transfer tax rates for certain
thresholds of value; additional revenue coming to the City; fluctuations in the amount received; decreases as interest rates rise and property values soften; large property sales;
coordination with the Economic Development Department; revenue forecasting; primary sources of information; relationship to the market; and allocation of revenue into the General Fund.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli discussed money made by the City due to the efforts of former Council Member Alex Fisch with Measur e RE; the Emergency Declaration and allocation of the extra money to social services, Public Works, and MCIUs; the different outcome with the recent shooting of a father experiencing a mental health episode if the MCUI had been deployed instead; and the need for a different City budget this year.
Nancy Barba echoed comments made by Mr. Sahli regarding the leadership of former Council Member Alex Fisch; she discussed allocating funding to those most in need, those needing housing, alternative methods of transportation, expediting MCIUs, and expediting the motel conversion ; and she proposed placing the focus less on creating potential internment camps, and focusing more on caring for people in the long-term.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE MEASURE CC, C, AND REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX STATUS REPORTS.
February 13, 2023
15 o0o
Item C-5
CC - Approval of Amendments to the Existing Construction Contracts with Cornerstone Construction Group, Inc. in Amounts Not-to-Exceed $1,127,755 and $1,279,303 for the Renovation of City-Owned Properties (Known as Project Homekey) at 3868 and 3900 Sepulveda Boulevard, Respectively (Totaling $2,407,058)
Council Member O’Brien received clarification regarding savings in operating costs since Project Homekey has not come online yet and capital costs.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTRUC TION CONTRACTS WITH CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., IN AMOUNTS NOT -TO-EXCEED $1,127,755 AND $1,279,303 FOR THE RENOVATION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTIES (KNOWN AS PROJECT HOMEKEY) AT 3868 AND 3900 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD, RESPECTIVELY (TOTALING $2,407,058); 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-6
CC - Authorization of Free Fare Days for Culver CityBus in Association with (1) The 95th Anniversary of Culver CityBus (Friday, March 3, 2023), (2) Bike to Work Day (Friday, May 19, 2023), (3) Clean Air Day 2023 (Wednesday, October 4, 2023) and (4) Election Day (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)
Vice Mayor McMorrin discussed the effectiveness of Fare Free Days; concern with trivializing Rosa Parks; sanitizing Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr; ensuring that people most on the margins are being supported; service jobs that the community relies on; support for expanding Free Fare Days; providing data on the youth program in conjunction with CCUSD; the program as helping sustainability, the environment, and the community; and the fact that helping those most in need helps everyone.
February 13, 2023
16 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS ON THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF CULVER CITYBUS (FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023), AND,
2. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO RIDERS WITH
A BICYCLE AND/OR BIKE HELMET ON BIKE TO WORK DAY, FRIDAY, MA Y 19, 2023, AND,
3. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS ON CLEAN AIR DAY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2023, AND,
4. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023.
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Item C-7
CC - Approval of an Amendment to an Existing Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith and Associates for a Public Communications Program for Various Environmental Programs in the Public Works Department in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $40,000 ($28,635 Base Amount and $11,365 in Contingency)
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Me mbers regarding composting for multi -family; equity issues; ensuring that everyone can participate; awareness; getting the word out about single-use plastics; ensuring the intended impact; and
clarification that the item refers to a stand -alone agreement rather than an amendment to the existing agreement.
Sean Singletary, Environmental Programs and Operations Manager, discussed intent of the item to assist staff with messaging related to SB (Senate Bill) 1383; creation of public outreach materials; assisti ng with events; public engagement; the organics and composting rollout; auditing properties in the City to identify who has bins and who does not; space requirements; and waste generation at each property.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH TRIPEPI SMITH AND ASSOCIATES FOR EDUCATIONAL
OUTREACH SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT February 13, 2023
17 NOT-TO-EXCEED $40,000 ($28,635 BASE AMOUNT AND $11,365 IN CONTINGENCY).
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 COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-3 THROUGH C -7 WITH THE CLARIFICATION FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY THAT C-7 IS A STANDALONE ITEM, NOT AN AMENDMENT.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Adoption of an Ordinance Prohibiting Camping in Public Places Throughout the City; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Council Member Puza received clarification regarding concern by the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH) about their lack of involvement in the process and their
recommendation made during Public Comment in the January 23, 2023 City Counc il meeting and their statement against the criminalization of homelessness.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Philip Lelyveld with one minute ceded by Jamie Wallace , felt that a regional problem required a regional approach; discussed aligning one element of homelessness policy with Los Angeles; support for opposition which leads to alternative approaches, compromise, and a better plan in a more inclusive context; making a strong statement of support with a 5 -0 vote; concern with divisiveness; throwing everything up in the air every two years; concern with wasting the power of the City Council; and February 13, 2023
18 the need to create compromi se policies that garner 5 -0 votes for the good of the entire City.
Stephen Jones with one minute ceded from Jessica Harwood , expressed appreciation for the work done on safe camping; noted that the only part of the program being voted on was originated by the new City Council to take away an unhoused person’s possessions, leaving them only a blanket and pillow; discussed availability of hotel rooms; evidence that enforcement causes harm and renders outreach much less effective; the fact that no evidence has shown that the proposed actions would help people; artificially reduced numbers due to sweeps notices posted just before the Annual Homeless count that encouraged people to move; and people who are still unhoused.
Sebastian Hernandez referenced Ron Ostrin and his suggestion that people identify their relationship to the City; discussed taking a care first approach; not allowing people to vilify and insult the unhoused; he asked the City Council to come to the defense of the homeless as if they were CCPD; discussed enacting a camping ban with a housing contingency vs. a housing plan with a cleanup contingency; ways to support a real care first approach; providing more crisis counselors and less CCPD; the need for clinical professionals to diffuse situations; providing flexibility in a chaotic situation; moving encampments; and he noted that work needed to be continued beyond the scope of the ordinance.
Kate Ainslie discussed the fact that the Emergency Declaration had finally moved things along; providing a safe place for unhoused neighbors to sleep; taking away the ability for people to live wherever they can when there is no available shelter; she noted that housing and shelter are human rights; expressed support for safe camping and hotels; and she noted that making it illegal for people to camp is inhumane and inappropriate for the City.
Jon Hotchkiss was called to speak but did not respond.
Carlene Brown begged the City Council to have compassion; discussed her experience with safe parking; people helping to develop relationship s in the community; picnics with the neighbors in the park; and she expressed concern with terrible language used in the January 23, 2023 City Council meeting.
Ruth Roofless discussed her living situation; neighbors who died because they did not have a tent; a lawsuit in New Orleans on a February 13, 2023
19 Jim Crow era segregation ordinance in the Louisiana Supreme Court to allow people to choose where the y want to live; and the ordinance that the Culver City ordinance is modeled after.
Melissa Stucky expressed support for the process and felt that people should listen to what is actually being said and done rather than creating divisiveness.
Michelle Weiner noted that when Project Homekey is completed, safe camping is implemented, and motel vouchers are available, there w ould still be a shortage of housing; discussed the ordinance that does not allow the homeless on public or private property; people carrying bedding; she questioned why the makeshift shelters of the unhoused were being criminalized, what was being done to address the shortage , and what preparation was being done for the winter of 2024; and she expressed appreciation for efforts to implement safe camping and Project Homekey but did not understand why homelessness was being criminalized.
Bubba Fish, ACOHH Vice Chair, noted that the Committee had expressed previous concern with not being consulted on the issue; reported the 8-1 vote of the ACOHH in opposition to the ordinance and in favor of pursuing a services approach rather than criminalization; the need to address the root causes of homelessness; support for safe camping; people who cannot afford rent; stagnant housing supply; criminalizing people who do not have resources to go or do anything else; and he encouraged a different approach.
Meghan Sahli-Wells discussed the serious error in the attachment of the agenda item indicating in the certification of the resolution that Vice Mayor McMorrin and Council Member Puza voted in favor of the proclamation of the local emergency on homelessness; she expressed concern that the error that had been pointed out in the previous meeting had not been corrected; asserted that the public record should accurately reflect the votes of public officials as the absolute minimum for a functional government ; she expressed support for work to establish safe camping; she noted the disconnect between the ordinance and the presentation; expressed hope that the City Council would move forward with safe camping and the priorities of the previous Council to establish safe parking, Proje ct Homekey, MCIUs, and more housing production; and she hoped that the City Council would not move forward with the ordinance.
Mayor Vera asked that the record be corrected.
February 13, 2023
20 Margaret Peters reported speaking with an unhoused woman who had recently had her car impounded and was being harassed by some men to move on; discussed efforts to connect the woman with services; research done to track down her family who wanted to find supportive housing for her; the assumption that the unhoused need a nudge to ge t off the street; and she asserted that homelessness could happen to anyone noting that the woman’s grandfather was a highly respected astrophysicist and her family loves her.
James Richardson was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeanne Black expressed disappointment that the City Council had chosen to lead with enforcement when programs in the pipeline would not have the capacity to provide even interim shelter to every Culver City resident sleeping on the street, local treatment programs are all full, agencies are short -staffed, and there is no evidence that camping bans do anything but move people from one place to another causing them harm in the process; she discussed the inevitable passage of the ordinance; modification of section 5 to indicate that enforcement be deferred until not only Project Homekey and a safe camping site are open, but also until there are motel contracts for a minimum of 100 beds and supportive services; and she asserted that if the Council cares about homelessness it should be asking what more can be done to accelerate affordable housing.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin expressed appreciation for efforts toward establishing safe camping sites; noted the lack of supports to move forward with the anti-camping ordinance; and she asked the City to cancel or pause the ordinance and focus on trust - building and care-centered practices that will result of people coming inside of their own will when housing is available.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded, discussed the Boise Decision; delayed enforcement until alternatives are available; the necessary ordinance; statements made by Karen Bass on the inhumanity of allowing people to suffer mental illness and die on the streets; expansion of services to help people to get well while respecting their civil liberties; the need for a regional solution; working with neighboring cities; the Housing First Coalition that has increased the disaster and kept people on the streets; he asserted that it was time to move forward; and he suggested that people read The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.
February 13, 2023
21 Danny Young discussed the third instance of informed public comment in opposition the proposal; moving forward despite knowing that the ordinance will not do anything to improve the lives of unhoused neighbors, will not ensure adequate housing or services, and is deliberately designed to punish the poorest in the community; Council majority responsiveness to the aggrieved donor-class and aggrieved business owners vs. to the unhoused who tell their real experience s; assertions that the unhoused are unreliable; and he commented on viewpoints of the Council majority.
Disa Lindgren asserted that the idea that enforcement has any place in a balanced approach to addressing homelessness was wrong; stated that the projects being worked on would not result in enough permanent housing, shelter, or tent spaces; discussed addressing the needs of the vulnerable unhoused residents; escalating harassment, lasting trauma, violence, and death for those who need resources, meaningful support, and permanent housing; and the importance of placing the focus on completing projects underway and creating permanent supportive housing.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin was called to speak but could not be heard.
Catherine Sweet ser discussed the unconstitutionality of the ordinance; other cities in the area; adoption of a 60% standard vs. a less than one -third standard for enforcement of similar criminalization ordinances; number of spots provided vs. number of people counted; the unlawfulness of state created danger; and potential lawsuits against the City.
Matthew Katz was called to speak but did not respond.
Amy Penchansky provided background on herself; reported living in her car in 2001-2002; expressed support for an anti-camping ordinance; spoke on behalf on the nuns at Pauline Books and Media on Sepulveda; discussed security; consulting Father Greg Boyle; the crucial skillset and consequences for the community for serving the homeless; and she asserted that unity must be the motive.
Erin M questioned how the City could pass the ordinance when they know that there is nowhere for people to go; discussed the disconnect between people telling the City that the ordinance will kill peop le and assertions that the ban will help get people off the street; suggesting that people opposing the February 13, 2023
22 ordinance do not have compassion for unhoused neighbors; and “soft” enforcement.
Melissa Sanders was pleased to see the ordinance moving forward noting that it would not be enforced until things were in place; discussed misinformation and lies; looking at additional options for affordable housing; and repurposing the Bed Bath and Beyond.
Ndindi Kitonga was called to speak but did not respond.
Pete Renkow was called to speak but did not respond.
Jon Hotchkiss was called to speak but did not respond.
Khin Khin Gyi provided background on herself noting that she is a member of the ACOHH; indicated speaking as a private citizen; discussed the recent Homeless Count; observations; practicing evidence-based governance; the importance of including safe parking in the plan to provide a safe area for those living in cars; and people that cannot come into shelters because their pets would not be welcome with them.
Karim Sahli agreed that enforcement of the ordinance would be unethical, unconstitutional, and would cause significant harm; questioned whether the Boy Scout Manual allowed for removal of a tent and everything but a blanket and pillow if the kids are not complying; the inability of sandwiches to absolve the harm the ordinance would commit; and he noted that dogs would not be treated in the same way.
Jay Garacochea spoke with one of his neighbors representing the 3900 block of Globe Avenue; discussed daily issues on their block; support for Item A-1; and he hoped that the City Council would move forward with the ordinance.
Meg Sullivan expressed support for the passage of an anti - camping ordinance; discussed a homeless man who died in a fire two weeks ago in a neighboring jurisdiction; the need to compel homeless individuals to accept safer housing situations; housing solutions that go along with the proposed ordinance; the ordinance as a needed inducement to accept offerings; and she expressed appreciation to the City Council for working to make public spaces safer.
Albert Medina felt it was unconstitutional to allow homeless people to camp out in a place not meant for camping; expressed support for the proposed ordinance; discussed safety;
February 13, 2023
23 cleanliness; ensuring that the homeless go to a camping ground; and he felt that those speaking in support of the homeless should stop being hypocritical and take a homeless person home with them.
Monica Richardson was called to speak but was not present.
Marta Valdez spoke in support of the ordinance on behalf of her friends and family and she expressed appreciation to th e City for their efforts to provide services.
Nancy Barba expressed opposition to the ordinance that would put the lives of the homeless at risk and the City at risk of being sued; noted that there were insufficient beds to
accommodate all the people in the City; and she stated that the posting of notices for a sweep was a reason for lower numbers in the annual Homeless Count.
Ron Bassilian discussed the ability of the City to compel homeless individuals to go to a facility; the disinformation campaign; the historic election of Dan O’Brien; the important election; professional activists; and he reported that a person on the 3800 block of Globe Avenue had to go home early but was in support of the ordinance.
Mark St. John apologized for an earlier outburst; thanked everyone for being there; hoped that the issue would be resolved peaceably for both sides; and expre ssed concern with people taking the belongings of other people noting an incident with a homeless woman who lost everything when Los Angeles police took her items.
Cary Anderson discussed his experience living in his car; his service on the Homelessness Committee; the number of fires in 2022; CCAN; and he hoped that the ordinance would pass.
Marci Baun expressed support for the ordinance and thanked the majority for doing something about the homeless issue; noted the need for a carrot and a stick; and she expressed support for provid ing the homeless with a place to live and then transitioning them out.
Paula Gerez expressed support for the ordinance; discussed false statements made by those who oppose the ordinance; income vs. rents; how people spend their money; and the importance of doing something about the naked homeless woman.
February 13, 2023
24 Robert Greenspan provided background on himself and expressed support for moving forward with the ordinance as quickly as possible.
Sunita Patel expressed opposition to the ordinance that would criminalize homelessness; discussed the over-representation of veterans in the unhoused populations; insufficient number of motel rooms and safe camping spots; providing a care first approach that offers an opportunity for housing first; and providing true housing rather than creating an enforcement regime if people do not want to accept what is offered.
Kelli Estes thanked Council Members willing to move fo rward compassionately despite the lies; discussed putting another tool in the City’s toolbox to address people living on the street; the actions of Los Angeles city and county; resources and money spent on the issue; work done on housing; portable housing units; she requested that goals be stated on how long it will take people to move along from the safe camping lot; and she thanked CCPD.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin expressed support for the ordinance; discussed misinformation on the item; care taken in writing the staff report; taking the time to read the ordinance; the goal to bring people inside rather than having them die on the street; the ordinance modeled afte r the one in Santa Monica; and she encouraged people to read the Los Angeles report that outlines reasons that unhoused people die entitled: Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles County.
Discussion ensued between staff and Counc il Members regarding appreciation for those who shared their perspective; the fact that everyone is still recovering from the pandemic;
representation of all voices in the City; acknowledgement of the work done by prior Councils that is coming to fruition; rent control and tenant protections as the foundation for preventing homelessness; inclusionary zoning; streamlined housing
production; increasing housing overall; stagnant population numbers; housing first; MCIUs; approval of Project Homekey funding; delays to construction; focusing on housing before enforcement or punishment; identification of safe camping sites; the current ordinance as the contribution of the current Council to take away everything but a sleeping bag and a pillow and seeing how far they can go without being sued; disagreement with the strategy; appreciation for progress made; focusing on solutions; alignment with Los Angeles city and county to increase funding for housing and services; the fact that Culver February 13, 2023
25 City has not allocated additio nal funding nor prioritized additional housing; the need for an affordable housing overlay, community land trusts, and public banking initiatives; consensus and compromise; Council agreement on advancing services and housing; the focus on enforcement; resident anger; increasing the divide in the City; a recommendation made at the last meeting to put the ordinance aside and prioritize services and housing; providing immediate harm reduction efforts; allowing people to receive lifesaving efforts immediately; access to water, restrooms, showers, and three meals per day; providing a minimum of outreach by mental health professionals two times per week with two MCIUs operating 24/7, 365 days per year; providing two camping sites; streamlin ing housing production; adding one additional Project Homekey; including the voices of the unhoused; making a commitment to look for additional housing grants; permanent supportive housing; compromise; agreement to support the ordinance if the enforcement part of the ordinance is struck; removal of the administrative citation; including a provision that the ordinance would not go into effect until Project Homekey and safe parking are online, motel vouchers are available, MCIUs are included, oversight committees are created to ensure health checks and accountability, unhoused voices are centered in the conversation, and a mechanism is created to ensure that when housing is available at 120% of what the homeless count numbers are, the ordinance would be triggered.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding General Enforcement Provisions; the Admin Citation Provisions; specification of fines for administrative
citations; concern with writing laws containing citations that will never be p aid; the default mechanism; the need for reintroduction of the ordinance if a substantive change is made; modification to section 5 to indicate that no citations would be issued until a certain date or action is made; City discretion in enforcement; provid ing direction about enforcement; staff direction regarding enforcement after the ordinance is adopted; existing leeway in Code Enforcement; specifying who is affected by the ordinance; numbers based upon the number of people in encampments; people currently in motels; the goal of permanent supportive housing; the goal to move people along; assessments; building rapport; clarification that not everyone will go on to permanent housing; people who need treatment or skilled nursing; the ultimate goal to provide permanent, affordable, stable housing; significant number s of resources that are to be supplied by Los Angeles county; positioning the City to encourage the county to provide services to the Culver City homeless population; the inability of the City to pr ovide the February 13, 2023
26 full-range of services; government structure; clarification that people will not be made to leave unless the housing being offered is refused; leading with services and care; requesting that people take down their tents; clarification that people will not be removed; continued work with people to get them into suitable housing that meets their needs if a suitable bed is available; legitimate concern about lack of follow up with daily needs for people who have been provided emergency housing vouchers; onsite support for Homekey and safe camping with three meals provided daily; permanent supportive sites; assistance for the food insecure; coordination with local food providers to supply three meals per day; providing gift cards; people who share spac e at the motels who fall under Los Angeles’
jurisdiction; collaboration with Los Angeles; appreciation to the former City Council for their efforts; the number of people who died on the street; crime; not making people wait on the street for permanent housing; and support for a motion regarding suspension of the citation process in enforcement.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding growth of the encampments; addressing issues; Feed Culver; concern with allowing people to live on the streets while housing is built; efforts to create a pallet shelter site; picking a few things to accomplish at a time; the difficulty of sustaining oneself in an encampment; creation of a safe camping facility; acknowledgement that steps being taken will not solve everything; support for moving forward; and costs involved.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the number of affordable housing units available in the City; units with an affordability covenant vs. total number of units in the City; vouchers; available motel rooms; length of stay; people who exit the program by choice; reasons people leave; confidentiality issues; relapses; expansion; county policy; avoiding displacement; recent data; homelessness as a housing issue; progressive leade rship that protects residents from displacement; preservation of existing affordable housing; support for the production of housing at all levels; the choice of enforcement over housing streamlining and providing services and resources for people where the y are or providing crisis counseling; lack of data indicating the enforcement creates better outcomes; the many requests from homeless individuals, none of which include enforcement; identification of who is being centered in housing policy; putting people out of sight so poverty does not have to be seen; not listening to unhoused neighbors who are struggling; neighbors who are one emergency or paycheck away from being unhoused; vulnerability of seniors; February 13, 2023
27 the January 2023 Rand Study indicating that unhoused people would accept housing but most had not been contacted for move in; concerns with accepting services; housing needs and preferences of the unhoused; the need to concentrate on housing solutions that incorporate privacy and autonomy; lack of effectiveness in expanding congregate shelters to reduce the unsheltered population; following the lead of Los Angeles county; recent action by the county to approve an encampment resolution focusing on offering interim housing, providing services, transitioning peo ple into permanent housing, mental health and substance use disorder services, and the fact that enforcement is not included in the approved process; the number of people identified at various levels of unhoused; insufficient resources; concern with enforc ement being a primary tool; relationships with state and county electeds who support leading in a care first way; studies that indicate enforcement will bring harm to the most vulnerable in the community; and making the choice to not lead with cruelty, but rather with care.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the intent is not to cite people; the practice of meeting people where they are; compromise; moving forward and making adjustments; working with the Board of Supervisors; providing aid; taking a services first approach; outreach; providing keys to the lockers; understanding needs; meeting people where they are; street medicine; providing services; substance abuse medication; getting people to a place where they trust the system and the people implementing policy; wraparound services provided at safe camping sites; options to explore moving forward; establishing a safe camping site in the Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot; money; measuring success; reducing loss of life on the streets; increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for those formerly living in encampments; promoting long -term housing stability; enhancing cleanliness and safety for all residents; cleaning the encampments vs. sweeps; reducing the size of encampments in the City and the time it takes to get people into housing; underlying causes of homelessness; issues that arise when living on the street; increasing interim and permanent housing; providing humane options with services and a care first approach; creating a playbook that other cities can learn from; and adjustments made along the way.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding indicating that the ordinance is not in effect until everything is online; adding a sunset on fines; the separate action regarding fines; the inability to do everything at once; February 13, 2023
28 focusing on services that everyone agrees upon; getting rid of the anti-camping ordinance while moving forward with services; agendizing services moving forward; economic impact; the budget process; the contentiousness of the ordinance; addressing issues; and movi ng forward with addressing safety issues for the housed and the unhoused.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT 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
Council Member O’Brien moved to rescind enforcement of fines normally resulting from the ordinance.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding further direction to the City Manager; the intent that the inappropriate fines never be imposed as people would not be able to pay them and penalties would result; wording for the motion; clarification that if there are no fines, no citations, and no arrest s for those who do not want to give up their possessions, there is no penalty; the presence of law
enforcement for the safety of staff; lack of engagement unless there is a safety issue; the unbalanced power dynamic; people who have very little; the fact that the inequitable policy of respectfully and kindly requesting to store items while law enforcement is present is unnecessary; gaslighting; the attempt to feel that the ordinance is ok because fines will not be imposed until the City Council decides to; the lack of necessity of the ordinance; bringing harm to the most vulnerable; concern that the ordinance is no t needed if it does not do an ything; and violations that do not cost money.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SUSPEND ISSUANCE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS OR RELATED FINES WITH REGARD TO THE ORDINANCE UNTIL OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
February 13, 2023
29 o0o
Item A-2
CC - (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Regulating Sidewalk Vending in the City; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported issues with the request to speak function noting that anyone wanting to speak on any of the remaining items would need to send a question or chat through Webex or come to the front of Council Chambers.
Christina Burrows, Deputy City Attorney, provided a summary of the material of record noting a recommended revision to the ordinance published with the agenda on the second to the last recital on page 3, the fourth line was missing a word and should read: “Safeguarding the ability of the public to safely stay away from dangerous situations.”
Shelly Wolfberg, City Manager’s Office, discussed
implementation and education; development of a sidewalk vending application form; the primary goal of educating vendors and the community; preparation and distribution of educational fliers; information available on the website; and distribution of information related to City and county permitting requirements through the County Department of Public Health.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones with one minute ceded from Jessica Hardwood , expressed appreciation for the intent and care that went into the ordinance; discussed street vendors in Los Angeles; lack of a reference to SB 972 that places further limits on regulations, fees, and fines that cities can place on street vendors; consistency with SB 946; health and sanitation codes; and he asked the City to confirm that di rection is consistent with state law that just went into effect.
Melissa Sanders expressed appreciation for the ordinance; acknowledged the difficulty of balance; and questioned how enforcement would be done.
Nancy Barba was called to speak but did not respond.
February 13, 2023
30 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for their work and the community for their input; the work of the subcommittee; welcoming all people to vend in the City; providi ng entrepreneurial opportunities, access for low-income and immigrant communities to make a living; access to food, drinks, and other cultural items; the fee; costs to implement the ordinance; identification of a funding stream to offset costs; organizing the vendors to learn about best practices and build community; concern with
enforcement fees; enforcement as harassment vs. public safety; delaying fees for 6 months to a year with evaluation of the ordinance at that time; health and safety concerns; County Health Department approval; right of way issues; brick and mortar businesses; prohibitions; inability to heat food with the proposed ordinance; allowing room temperature and
refrigerated items; concern with restrictions on where street vendors can be; community benefit; elimination of sound or bells; ensuring that policies lower barriers to micro - entrepreneurs; lack of access near schools; gun stores allowed near schools but the prohibition on fruit vendors; low income earned; concern with criminalizing the poor, inviting additional scrutiny and raising standards for this group that navigates barriers in policing on a day to day basis; following through on the commitment of Culver City as being a sanctuary City; ensuring a successful policy; barriers incorporated in the policy; making forms available in other languages; concern with the effectiveness of the policy when those impacted are not allowed at the policy table; concern with people being ticketed; ensuring that barriers do not prevent th e actual goal of the policy; allowing staff 90 days for adoption of the ordinance; the difficulty of regulating the content of what is being sold; policy decisions of the City Council; City Council purview; input on the fee resolution; creation of a reduced fee or fee waiver program; and consideration of the portions of the item that are in the Parks code by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission.
Council Member O’Brien moved to introduce the ordinance with a 90 day delay to enforcement. Council Member Eriksson seconded the motion.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a suggestion to amend the motion to delay enforcement for one year and then reconvene with a committee of vendors created to evaluate and inform the City Council at that time; procedure; comments made at the subcommittee meeting that were not reflected in the ordinance; and the amendment was rejected.
February 13, 2023
31 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SIDEWALK VENDING; AND,
2. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING DELAYING ENFORCEMENT FOR 90 DAYS.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the process; concern with the subcommittee voting against the item; Subcommittee comments that were not incorporated; compromise; the different direction offered; the feeling that some of the comments had not been expressed at the subcommittee level; the subcommittee request for lower fees or a grant program, forms in other languages, and the discussion on access near schools; lack of clear direction; the discussion of wanting to consult with str eet vendors; details about reducing locational restrictions; sounds and bells; time spent discussing enforcement by the subcommittee; discrepancy between what the subcommittee and staff feel were discussed at the subcommittee level; and City Council purview to make changes to the ordinance with the support of three Council Members.
o0o
Item A-3
CC - (1) Discussion Regarding the 2023 Culver City Pride Event (Pride Event); (2) If Desired, Designation of the Pride Event as City-Sponsored, Authorization of City Funding (Hard Costs and/or In-Kind Costs), and Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Agreements Needed to Conduct the Pride Event; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg, City Manager’s Office, provided a summary of the material of record and she introduced Bubba Fish, the event organizer.
Mayor Vera invited public input.
February 13, 2023
32 The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bubba Fish, provided background on the event; expressed appreciation to those involved in last year’s event; presented the budget; discussed Culver City expenses charged to the organizers; money allocated to the event; costs that were waived last year; he requested the City waive costs to allow the event to grow; and he asked that the event be placed on the regular special event funding schedule.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the annual special event grant process; the off-cycle request; annual City-organized events; annual appropriation by the City Council; and the inability to bind future Councils.
Nancy Barba was called to speak but did not respond.
Darrel Menthe, Downtown Business Association (DBA), discussed past events; willingness of the DBA to help in any way they can; and participation in the planning process.
Council Member Puza reported consulting with the City Attorney as he had been an organizer in past years; noted that he would be serving as a volunteer for the event; discussed increased attendance and participation by the community; support for the event; and he expressed support for including the event in the special events grants program for next year.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Membe rs regarding past participation; support for the awareness-raising community event; a suggestion to save money by using the Plaza rather than Main Street; Council Member recognition at City-sponsored events; lack of Council Member recognition last year; the general absence of events centering traditionally marginalized communities; the intention with Pride to create spaces for people that have not traditionally had space in the City; providing space for people to be seen and celebrated as part of the community; the diverse community; groups that need to be seen and supported by the City; and being an ally in the struggle for equality and equity.
Responding to inquiry, Bubba Fish noted that holding the event on Main Street gave it a block party feel like the original Pride; he discussed taking up space; benefits to Town Plaza; donations from businesses; continued consideration of the location; he noted that June 3 had been chosen for an evening February 13, 2023
33 celebration; and he indicated that the 501c3 sponsor would continue to be the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.
Additional discussion ensued between Mr. Fish, staff, and Council Members regarding available lighting in the Plaza for an evening event; barricades on Main Street; leeway with the budget; the one -day special event permit for the City; the hydraulic bollards; process; strong support for the event from the City Council; the deadline for going through the 2024 special events process; money saved by using the Pl aza; money requested to cover City fees; costs that were waived last year; clarification regarding the request; crediting for fees; charges last year; waiving fees up to an approximate amount; and agreement to grant the $5,000 in sponsorship and waive any fees that were waived in the prior year.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. DESIGNATE THE 2023 CULVER CITY PRIDE EVENT AS CITY-SPONSORED EVENT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE CITY FUNDING OF HARD COSTS AND/OR IN-KIND COSTS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $5,000, AND,
3. WAIVE ANY FEES THAT WERE WAIVED LAST YEAR, AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT.
o0o
Item A-4
CC - (1) Creation of the Ad Hoc Fiesta La Ballona Subcommittee and Appointments thereto; (2) Appointment of the Mayor’s Designee as the City’s Voting Member on the Baldwin Hills and Urban Watersheds Conservancy Board in the Absence of the Mayor; and (3) Appointment of a Student for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Youth Seat as Recommended by Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD)
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk’s Office, provided a summary of the material of record.
February 13, 2023
34 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding willingness to serve; meeting schedule; work to fill Youth Seats; and creation of the Ad Hoc Fiesta La Ballona
Subcommittee.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. CREATE THE AD HOC FIESTA LA BALLONA SUBCOMMITTEE AND APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBERS ERIKSSON AND O’BRIEN THERETO; AND,
2. APPOINT FRANCESCA CASTILLO AS THE MAYOR’S DESIGNEE A ND THE CITY’S VOTING MEMBER ON THE BALDWIN HILLS AND URBAN WATERSHEDS CONSERVANCY BOARD TO SERVE IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MAYOR; AND,
3. APPOINT SOPHIA LOWEY TO THE YOUTH SEAT ON THE BPAC.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal noticed coverage about a decision made on the news and received clarification from Mayor Vera that he would be open to setting up a meeting to hear her comments and observations.
o0o
Items from Council Members
None.
o0o
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Eriksson re quested City Council consensus to direct staff to bring back consideration of repaving alleys in the City as a budget discussion item under capital improvements.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need for policy discussion; identification of funding; vacation of alleys; options available; assessing residents; consideration of all options; and consensus from Mayor Vera, February 13, 2023
35 and Council Members Eriksson a nd O’Brien to agendize a discussion of the item.
Council Member Puza received City Council consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member Eriksson that increasing free bus fare days be considered by the Mobility Subcommittee as well as consensus from Vice Mayor McMorrin and Mayor Vera to direct staff to bring back a report on the new gun regulations for Los Angeles county and consideration of additional gun measures.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN THE MEETING IN MEMORY OF TYRE NICHOLS.
o0o
February 13, 2023
36 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 12:26 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 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 Tyre Nichols to a meeting to be held on February 27, 2023.
o0o
Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council and SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, 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: _________________________