1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE May 8, 2023
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY,
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, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successo r Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 5:31 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 Eriksson joined the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
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Closed Session
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, reported no requests to speak on Closed Session items.
May 8, 2023
2 Council Member Eriksson joined the meeting.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER
CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 5:33 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority , 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 Labor Negotiators
City Designated Representatives: City Manager John Nachbar; Assistant City Manager Onyx Jones; Director of Human Resources Dana Anderson
Employee Organization: Culver City Employees Association; Culver City Management Group; Culver City Police Officers Association; Culver City Fire Fighters Association; Culver City Police Management Group; Culver City Fire Management Association Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: WCAB Case No. ADJ12628763
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC – Public Employee Appointment
Title: Police Chief
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.7
CS-4 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Childs, Matthew vs. City of Culver
Case No. 20STCV30587
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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Reconvene
Mayor Vera reconvened the meeting of the City Council at 7:03 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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May 8, 2023
3 Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
Presentation of a Commendation to Herb Wesson for his service to the Culver City Community
Mayor Vera presented a Commendation to Herb Wesson for his service to the Culver City community.
Herb Wesson thanked the City for the honor; discussed his history in Culver City; and he observed that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
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Item R-2
Presentation of a Commendation to Ron Gorman, 2023 Senior of the Year
Mayor Vera presented the Commendation to Ron Gorman as 2023 Senior of the Year.
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Item R-3
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition for Charles Jackson and Associates of JVS SoCal and Amazon for good works
Mayor Vera presented Certificates of Recognition for Charles Jackson and Associates of JVS SoCal and Amazon for good works.
Charles Jackson and the a ssociates from JVS SoCal , Robert Gagnier, and Amazon, Amanda Gonzalez, expressed gratitude for the recognition; discussed opportunities to Culver City and Los Angeles; and developing relation ships with employers who normally don’t give second chances.
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May 8, 2023
4 Item R-4
Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month
Council Member Puza presented a proclamation designating May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Rebecca Rona Tuttle expressed appreciation for the Proclamation.
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Item R-5
Presentation of Proclamation Designatin g May as Historic Preservation Month
Council Member O’Brien presented the Proclamation designating May as Historic Preservation Month.
A representative from the Culver City Historical Society expressed appreciation for the designation; discussed the work of the Historical Society; continuing the work of the late City Historian, Julie Lugo Cerra; growth of the museum; and
appreciation for support from the City.
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Item R-6
Presentation of Proclamation Designating May as Older Americans Recognition Month
Council Member Eriksson presented the Proclamation Designating May as Older Americans Recognition Month.
Jane Leonard, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commissioner and Culver City Senior C itizens Association Liaison, discussed programming for seniors in the City and she thanked the City for the Proclamation.
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May 8, 2023
5 Item R-7
Presentation of Proclamation Designatin g May 17, 2023 as National Employee Health and Fitness Day
Vice Mayor McMorrin presented the Proclamation designating May 17, 2023 as National Employee Health and Fitness Day.
Michelle Hamilton, Senior Human Resources and Equity Manager, accepted the Proclamation on behalf of Human Resources Director, Dana Anderson and in honor of City employees.
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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 at 7:38 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Vera led 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.
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff
Mayor Vera reported losing a bet with Mayor Higgins from Sister City, Lethbridge, Canada and noted that he would have to wear a special jersey.
Council Member O’Brien reported attending the Culver Cit y Education Foundation’s Taste of Culver City; discussed work done by the Education Foundation; and event attendance.
May 8, 2023
6 Council Member Puza discussed the mass shooting at a mall in Texas; work to be done to create safe communities; organizing done by Local 878 and Moms Demand Action to advocate around sensible gun safety and prevention policy; Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month; Bike Month; Fridays with Freddy at The Village Well Bookstore on May 12; and the Culver City Pride Ride and Rally on June 3.
Council Member Eriksson discussed the lawsuit regarding overflights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the partnership with Los Angeles; environmental impacts of the new flight track; the Education Foundation event; and the Culver City Car Show on May 13 at West Los Angeles College.
Vice Mayor McMorrin discussed attending meetings of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the Clean Power Alliance; AAPI Heritage Month and Jewish Heritage Month; celebrating the contributions of neighbors; National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women on May 5; Mental Health Awareness Month; Free Fare Bus, Bike, Rail, and BikeShare Day on Metro on May 18; Teacher Appreciation Week; Mother’s Day; she reported that in the United States, 1 in 25 people would experience some form of homelessness in their life; discussed the public murder of Jordan Neeley; the importance of education and bystander tools for a safe
community; the Ant i-Hate Speaker Series and Bystander Tools agendized in January; she read a quote about criminal societal failures; and she asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Jesse Samuels, an unhoused neighbor who died over the weekend.
Mayor Vera discussed attending the celebration for the 75 th Anniversary of La Playa Co-op Nursery School at the Stonehouse.
Mimi Ferrel, City Clerk Specialist, discussed the annual recruitment to fill vacancies on Committees, Boards, and Commissions (CBCs) ; acceptance of applications online at www.culvercity.org/serve up until May 15; youth outreach; available positions; opportunities to serve; and she indicated that information was available on the website or by calling (310) 253-5851.
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May 8, 2023
7 Information Items
Item I-1
CC – Update on Homelessness Emergency (Including Project Homekey, Safe Camping, and Other Housing Programs)
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, discussed the Safe Sleep Site; fencing; lighting; the pet area; seating to encourage socialization; the power generator; meals; projected opening date; site management by Urban Alchemy; platforms; suites; site capacity; on-site security; and efforts to pro vide a homelike environment.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and H uman Services Director, discussed pallet shelters dedicated to staff space and food service; the picnic area; the pet area; lighting; the platforms; the Master Leasing Program; next steps; and she p resented photographs of the project.
Marna Johnson, Project Manager, discussed the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team; staffing; the Human Services and Crisis Intervention Division; job functions; ideal candidates; and she encouraged all interested and qualified individuals to apply by May 18, 2023.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding protocol for individuals experiencing difficulties with Saint Joseph Center (SJC); frequency of engagement; the process; availability of rooms; treatment; readiness of the individual; funding received by the Exchange Club; providing enrichment for guests; programming; consideration by the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Housing and Homelessness; feedback from Urban Alchemy; vetting; privacy; and taking a holistic approach toward mental health and recovery.
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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:
Jeff Schwartz was called to speak but did not respond.
May 8, 2023
8 Mary Daval discussed the action of the City Council to add more car lanes to MOVE Culver City, remove protected bike lanes, and mandate that cyclists share the bus lanes; questioned when the City Council would clarify goals for the new configuration; discussed the need for parameters to determine success; data collected to support decision making; instructions for the configuration to be in place for up to two years; triggers to warrant a reexa mination by the City Council and analysis by staff; she requested that the City Council instruct staff to continue collecting data relevant to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on the City website and continuing posting monthly reports; noted the impor tance of access to the data revealing impacts of the new configuration; indicated that the City was participating in National Bike Month; and she invited everyone to participate in National Bike to Work Day on May 18.
Stephen Jones discussed the April 27 Culver City Police Department (CCPD) meeting on RIPA (Racial Information Profiling Act) data; the state analysis; increased likelihood of being searched if one is Black as compared to other cities, except Oakland; use of force disparity for Black vs. white individuals; he questioned why the City did not see the data as an emergency and jump to fix the racist pattern; discussed RIPA
recommendations to take police out of traffic enforcement; the need to outlaw pretextual searches and consensual searches; and he wanted to see the City agendize changing policies
immediately.
Dr. Luther Henderson discussed the coronation of King Charles III; diverse citizenry in the United Kingdom; the invasion of the United States by illegal aliens; divisive rhetoric; coercion of freedom of speech; inflammatory tactics; the assault on First Amendment rights; he noted the importance of uniting as Americans; encouraged the City to heed the words of Theodore Roosevelt regarding immigrants and America ns; discussed assimilation; discrimination; becoming an American; divided allegiance; and he expressed support for use of the American flag and the English language.
Melissa Sanders discussed violen t in cidents in Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) schools; a homeless person living above the High School cafeteria; concern with the performance of the current Superintendent; and issues that need to be addressed.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin expressed pride in being a Korean-American in the City; discussed A API Heritage Month; the importance of May 8, 2023
9 gun safety education, awareness, and common sense regulation; asked that the City prioritize issues brought up by Culver 878 in February and adopt a resolution supporting specific federal gun violence prevention efforts; expressed appreciation for Culver City’s adoption of an ordinance for safe storage of firearms in 2019 but concern with public awareness, enforcement, and implementation; proposed a gun safety weekend in partnership with Women Against Gun Violence; noted the opportunity to lead, keep the community safe, and put local differences aside to work to protect children; and she asked that a moment of silence be taken to honor mothers and children lost to gun violence on Mother’s Day.
Monica Richardson thanked the City Coun cil for getting rid of the designated bus lane; discussed crime on Washington Boulevard across from Sony; local issues for businesses in the area; issues with RVs (recreational vehicles) on Jasmine;
jurisdiction; people screaming at law-abiding citizens; the need to get help for people on the street; and she felt that the area needed to be cleaned up to allow businesses to thrive.
Bubba Fish discussed the death of Guillermo Medina at the hands of CCPD in December while experiencing a mental health crisis; the vigil to honor Mr. Medina on what would have been his 40 th birthday scheduled for May 13 at the location where he died; and he indicated that donations to support the family who lost their provider could be sent to Culver City Action Network (CCAN).
Sebastian Hernandez was called to speak but did not respond.
Peter Sebastian indicated that he wanted to speak on a different item.
Janeé Lennox discussed the loss of Guillermo Medina; victim blaming; lack of empathy; taking years to establish a mobile crisis unit that could have save his life; responsibility for the failure; she asked the City Council to do something different and invest i n the community; noted the need for compassion, empathy, and love to do what is right for everyone; she wanted to see a significant amount of funding allocated to a 24 -hour mobile crisis unit; asked for accountability; discussed the importance of ensuring that CCPD is not present at crisis scenes ; and she asked that something be done immediately.
May 8, 2023
10 Rebecca Rona Tuttle spoke as a member of the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) invit ing everyone to a special Community Conversation on Agism on May 23 at the Senior Center followed by a brief EHRAC meeting; discussed the broad issue of ageism; panelists; she indicated that fliers for the event were available; and she encouraged anyone interested to apply to serve on the EHRAC noting the deadli ne to submit applications was May 15.
Jay Garacochea, West Vector Control District and Vector -Borne Disease Control, provided an update on West Nile Virus activity; discussed the need to address standing water; indicated that pamphlets were available at the back of Council Chambers with a checklist of potential locations for standing water ; he noted that standing water on public property could be addressed by calling the City or the District; discussed ticks; proper clothing; ways to protect oneself; he encouraged anyone who sees dead crows to contact the District; and he indicated that anyone with questions could get additional information at
www.lawestvector.org.
Michelle Weiner expressed concern with issues on Jasmine near St. Augustine Church; discussed jurisdiction; loss of life; elders perishing for lack of a safe place to be; concern that Los Angeles would be trying to move people who are parked in the area and contact would be lost; lack of action by the City; the By Name List; lack of implementation of the Safe Parking Program; people dying in their cars or RVs; and she asked the City to take action.
Kelli Clift indicated that she had not received a settlement from her experience being assaulted at the Denny’s; discussed parties involved; the murder of her father; and she provided background on herself.
Rick Solomon indicated that his comments were for a different item.
Denise Neal was called to speak but indicated that she wanted to speak at the end.
Marci Baun discussed concerns with issues at CCUSD; scheduling issues with mee tings and following proper procedures; the Measure K Oversight Committee; concerns with the actions of the Superintendent; and Committee Member resignations.
May 8, 2023
11 Jeff Schwartz, Culver City Democratic Club (CCDC), announced a Zoom event on May 10 for UCLA Law Professor Joanna Schwartz and her book, Shielded: How the Police Became Untouchable ; he encouraged anyone interested to become a member of the CCDC noting that more information was available on their webpage; discussed civic education and critical discourse; he personally expressed concern with the appointment of Police Chief Jason Sims without a public process and concern with ethics and conflicts of interest with Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien; discussed minimal effort made to fill the position; the need to engage in a competitive national search to find the best candidate; the message that the City is fine with the status quo; lack of hope and imagination; and he felt that the City deserved better.
Denise Neal asked about overlapping issues and collaboration with surrounding cities; discussed attending regional events; working together with larger entities to gain state and federal funding for overlapping issues; and collaboration to combine resources.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN , SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
A separate vote was taken for Items C-14 and C-16 at the end of the Consent Calendar.
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May 8, 2023
12 Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for April 15, 2023 to April 28, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR APRIL 15, 2023 TO APRIL 28, 2023.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on April 24, 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 APRIL 24, 2023.
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Item C-3
CC - (1) Award of Construction Contract to Hardy & Harper Inc., as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $2,065,000 for the 2022 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, PS- 005; and (2) Authorization to the Public Works Director to Approve Change Orders to the Contract in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $516,250 to Cover Contingency Costs and Paving of Additional Streets (25%)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO HARDY & HARPER INC., AS
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,065,000 FOR THE 2022 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT, PS - 005; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $516,250 TO COVER CONTINGENCY COSTS AND PAVING OF ADDITIONAL STREETS (25%); AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
May 8, 2023
13 4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EX ECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-4
CC - Approval of an Amendment to Existing Professional Services Agreement with Melanie Doran Traxler, DBA Planning PLUS/P+ for Continued Planning and Project Management Services for Inglewood Oil Field-Related Projects in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $41,200
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MELANIE DORAN TRAXLER, DBA PLANNING PLUS/P+, FOR
CONTINUED PLANNING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR INGLEWOOD OIL FIELD-RELATED PROJECTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $41,200; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code Pursuant to the Political Reform Act,
Incorporating the Terms of the Fair Political Practices Commission’s (FPPC) Model Conflict of Interest Code, as Set Forth in Title 2 of California Code of Regulations Section 18730, and Rescinding Resolution No. 2021-R096
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE PURSUANT TO THE POLITICAL REFORM ACT, INCORPORATING THE TERMS OF THE FPPC’S MODEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AS SET FORTH IN TITLE 2 OF CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS SECTION 18730, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-R096.
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May 8, 2023
14 Item C-6
CC:SA:HA:PA - (1) Receipt of the City Manager’s/Executive Director’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024; and (2) Setting the Date and Time of the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for June 12, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENC Y, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND PARKING AUTHORITY BOARDS:
1. RECEIVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024; AND,
2. SET THE TIME AND DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR JUNE 12, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS MAY BE HEARD.
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Item C-7
CC - (1) Approval of an Agreement with Reliable Monitoring Services, Inc. in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $227,751 to Replace the Police Station Fire Alarm System and to Maintain the New System for Five Years; and (2) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Coffman Engineers Inc., Increasing the Amount from $37,500 to $62,500 to Oversee Installation of the New Fire Alarm System
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH RELIABLE MONITORING SERVICES, INC.
IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $227,751 TO REPLACE THE FIRE ALARM
SYSTEM AT THE POLICE STATION AND TO MAINTAIN THE NEW SYSTEM FOR FIVE YEARS; AND,
2. APPROVE A $25,000 AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH COFFMAN ENGINEERS INC. INCREASING IT FROM $37,500 TO $62,500 TO OVERSEE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW FIRE ALARM SYSTEM; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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May 8, 2023
15 Item C-8
CC - (1) Approval of Financial Assistance Consisting of Funds in the Amount of $34,000; Fire, Police, and Public Works Department In-Kind Support; and Waiver of the Banner Application Fees, for the 53rd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show Charitable Fundraising Event Produced by the Exchange Club of Culver City, a Non-Profit Organization, to be Held on the Campus of West Los Angeles College on July 4, 2023; (2) Designation of the 53rd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show as a City -Sponsored Event; and (3) Approval of a Related Memorandum of Understanding
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CONSISTING OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,000; FIRE, POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN- KIND STAFF SUPPORT; AND WAIVER OF BANNER APPLICATION FEES, TO THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF CULVER CITY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.
FOR ITS 4TH O F JULY FIREWORKS EVENT ON JULY 4, 2023 AT WLAC; AND,
2. (IF AT LEAST $1,000 IN SUPPORT IS PROVIDED) DESIGNATE THE 53RD ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW AS A CITY -SPONSORED EVENT; AND,
3. APPROVE A RELATED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-9
CC - (1) Award of a $1,000 Off -Cycle Special Events Grant and Designation of The Compass Group USA’s Summer Movie Vacation, which will take place on Saturdays between May 27, 2023, and July 29, 2023, as a City-Sponsored Event, as Recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively May 8, 2023
16 Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A $1,000 OFF-CYCLE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AND DESIGNATE THE COMPASS GROUP USA’S SUMMER MOVIE VACATION, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAYS BETWEEN MAY 27, 2023, AND JULY 29, 2023 AS A
CITY-SPONSORED EVENT, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM CITY COUNCIL AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT (SUCH ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY WOULD NOT INCLUDE A SPECIAL EVENT
PERMIT, IF NEEDED, WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ISSUED IN THE USUAL COURSE OF BUSINESS).
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Item C-10
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for the West Washington Benefit Assessment District No. 1 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Thereon for Fiscal Year 2023/2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS
TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE WEST WASHINGTON BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF THE ENGINEER’S REPORT THEREON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024.
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Item C-11
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for the West Washington Benefit Assessment District No. 2 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Thereon for Fiscal Year 2023/2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS
TO LEVY AND COLLECT AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE WEST WASHINGTON BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT THEREON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024.
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May 8, 2023
17 Item C-12
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Initiating Proceedings to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for the West Washington Benefit Assessment District No. 3 and Ordering the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report Thereon for Fiscal Year 2023/2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS
TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE WEST WASHINGTON BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 3 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT THEREON FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024.
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Item C-13
CC - (1) Award of $89,352 in Grants and Designation of 15 Events as City-Sponsored through the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Special Events Grant Program as Recommended by the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (2) Authorization of up to $2,648 in Contingency for Special Event Liability Insurance and Off -Cycle Event Support; (3) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Events; and (4) Appr oval of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s
Recommendation to Increase the Total Allocation for the Special Events Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget by $30,000 to Increase the Remaining Contingency for Off Cycle Grant Requests and Related Costs
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD $89,352 IN GRANTS AND DESIGNATE 15 EVENTS AS CITY - SPONSORED THROUGH THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE UP TO $2,648 IN CONTINGENCY FOR SPECIAL EVENT LIABILITY INSURANCE AND OFF-CYCLE EVENT SUPPORT;
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE
EVENTS, PROVIDED SUCH PERMITS AND LICENSES ARE CONSISTENT WITH
THE SCOPE OF THE EVENT AS SET FORTH IN THE GRANT APPLICATION (SUCH AUTHORITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE REQUIRED SPECIAL EVENT
PERMIT, WHICH SHALL CONTINUE TO BE ISSUED IN THE USUAL COURSE OF BUSINESS); AND,
May 8, 2023
18 4. APPROVE THE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION TO INCREASE THE TOTAL ALLOCATION IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 BUDGET FOR THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM BY $30,000 TO INCREASE THE
REMAINING CONTINGENCY FOR OFF CYCLE GRANT REQUESTS AND RELATED COSTS.
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Item C-14
CC - Second Review and Confirmation of the Need for Continuing the Local Emergency Declared on January 3, 2023 by the City Manager, as Director of Emergency Services, under City of Culver City Emergency Authority, Due to the Homelessness Crisis
Vice Mayor McMorrin indicated that she did not support the State of Emergency without housing and without centering the voices of the unhoused in the process and she expressed appreciation for attempts made.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 8630,
CONDUCT A REVIEW AND CONFIRM THE NEED FOR CONTINUING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARED ON JANUARY 3, 2023 BY THE CITY. MANAGER, AS
DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, UNDER CITY OF CULVER CITY EMERGENCY AUTHORITY, DUE TO THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS.
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Item C-15
CC - (1) Approval of a New 5 -Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Culver City Sister City Committee, Inc. (CCSCC) to Perform CCSCC Services, Consistent with the Goals of the City; and (2) Consideration and Direction on CCSCC’s Budget Request in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $57,460 for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024
Heather Baker, City Attorney, clarified that the action taken would be to approve the budget request by the Sister City Association for inclusion in the budget.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A NEW FIVE-YEAR MOU WITH CCSCC; AND
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND
May 8, 2023
19 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND
4. AUTHORIZE AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $57,460 FOR THE MOU FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024.
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Item C-16
CC - (1) Approval of a New Three -Year Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith for Communications and Social Media Support in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $149,690 Annually; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Amendments to the Agreement for Two Additional One-Year Terms
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A THREE -YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TRIPEPI SMITH AND ASSOCIATES IN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $149,680 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROV E TWO ADDITIONAL ONE - YEAR TERMS; 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.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-13 AND C-15.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM C-
14. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN AND PUZA
May 8, 2023
20 MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM C-16.
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
CC - (1) Set Aside the City Council’s Decision of October 11, 2021 Upholding the Appeal of the Public Works Director’s Decision to Approve a Request for Removal of Two City -Owned Ficus Trees Located in the Galvin Street Parkway Adjacent to 10729-31 Northgate Street as Ordered on March 15, 2023 by the Los Angeles County Superior Court; (2) Reconsider the Appeal of the Public Works Director’s Decision to Approve a Request to Remove Two City-Owned Ficus Trees Located in the Galvin Street Parkway Adjacent to 10729-31 Northgate Street as Ordered by the Court; and (3) Uphold the Appeal by Adopting a Resolution Containing Findings to Support Preservation of Both Trees
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Craig Jablin, Appellant and Member of the Ad Hoc Committee to Save the Northgate Galvin Trees, asked the City Council to adopt Resolution 2023-R, and he expressed gratitude to staff for their work and to the City Council for consideration of the matter.
Peter Sunukjian, Applicant Attorney, discussed objections to the resolution; the City Council decision of October 11, 2021 based on the same evidence and arguments presented; new consideration and evidence not originally presented or available at the original hearing; the proposed resolution; contempt of the original court’s order; the original decision of the Public Works Director; content of the court’s order; failure to satisfy Municipal Code Section 9.08.2 1 c and f ; lack of substantial evidence of an error in fact or disputed findings; relying on documents not made available to the public; additional
determinations by the Public Works Director; expansion of the Galvin Street parkway; Public Works Director authority vs. the authority of the City Arborist; inconsistencies and
contradictions with the definition of terms; lack of notice and May 8, 2023
21 reasonable opportunity for the applicant to present evidence in support of her position; the conclusion of the City Arborist in April 2023; concrete repair; recurrence of damage; and
additional and new damage at the site.
Khin Khin Gyi provided background on herself; applauded the decision of the City to save the trees; discussed the climate crisis; and the importance of trees.
Peter Sebastian, Appellant, expressed support for the new Public Works Director; asserted that the trees were not causing the alleged danger; thanked the City Council for keeping the trees alive and allowing for a review; encouraged the City Council not to be intimidated by the Applicant’s Attorney; thanked the City Attorney for writing an intelligent finding; and he urged the City Council to save the trees and carry out the plan of the Public Works Director.
Andrew Flore s requested that the City Council support the resolution to preserve the trees; expressed pride in the neighborhood support of the trees ; and appreciation for the explanation from the Public Works Director and for staff efforts to collect evidence and present it to the City Council.
William Gutnik was called to speak but did not answer.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, stated for the record that staff disagreed with the attorney; he read responses to points raised by Mr. Sunukjian; discussed requirements of the court’s order; requirements to reconsider the decision; the draft resolution; reliance upon the inspection by the City Arborist on April 13, 2023; demonstrating an error of fact in the original decision; the Municipal Code; evidence considered when the first decision was made; the unfairness of only relying on one inspection when two are available; the ability of the City Council to continue the hearing to allow Ms. Mavis to pre sent new evidence for staff evaluation; recommendation for a site visit; and City Council consideration of tree removal.
Additional discussion ensued between the Mr. Sunukjian, staff and Council Members regarding addressing concerns with notice given; allowing additional time to the applicant; continuing the hearing to allow staff consideration of additional evidence; clarification that the claim of defect in the notice would not be waived; consent by the Appellant to City staff to go on to the property to verify claims of new damage; and Mr. Sunukjian agreed to provide contact information.
May 8, 2023
22 Craig Jablin, Appellant and Member of the Ad Hoc Committee to Save the Northgate Galvin Trees, urged the City Council to vote on the item noting that they had been wor king on the item for three years with no end in sight, and he asserted that the City had allowed sufficient time for everyone to inspect the property.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding taking the safe route by continuing the it em for two weeks to review materials and verify any additional information with a decision made on May 22.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO MAY 22, 2023.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Approval of a Five -Year Contract with Flock Safety Group to Provide an Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) System in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $668,200; and (2) Discussion of the Police Department’s Automated License Plate Recognition Policy
Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, introduced the item.
Andrew Bellante, CCPD Lieutenant, provided a presentation on Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs); discussed community benefits; real life situations; and an overview of the proposed policy with an emphasis on protecting privacy.
Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, discussed internal processes.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification on how the system would protect privacy issues for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and for those seeking abortions or gender affirming care; prohibitions on sharing of in formation; state law; and limiting information sharing to within the state.
Hector Sol iman-Gualvez, Flock Safety, discussed stopgaps to ensure that department policy is adhered to; data owned by CCPD; May 8, 2023
23 necessary authorizations; state law; system requiremen ts; reasons required in order to perform a search; good policy plus an ethical system; audits; logs; and compliance.
Additional discussion ensued between Flock Safety, staff, and Council Members regarding CCPD ownership of the data; the Flock standard contract; discretion; use of anonymized data to improve machine learning; legal review; ensuring that the agreement is consistent with City policy; auditing for compliance; data analysis; review by the Professional Standards Unit;
clarification that pictures are taken of the back of vehicles; access with full implementation; requirement of a case number to conduct a search; and limiting use of the database to sworn personnel only.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jeff Schwartz asked that the item be tabled and the staff report discarded until consulting the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) report on Flock that refutes their claims and the staff report; discussed police tracking and logging of information; mass surveillance; privacy; civil liberties; information in the staff report describing what CCPD will do with the information, but not what Flock does with the information; Flock data-sharing with federal databases; deniability; use for immigration enforcement; violation of the Sanctuary City policy; the need to set aside money for lawyers and settlements if ALPRs are approved; enforcement of state anti -abortion, anti-trans, and anti-gay laws; the inability to trust police to responsibly handle data; he encourage d the City Council to take time to verify dubious legal and technological claims in the staff report, just as they are allowing two additional weeks to consider whether to retain trees; he asked that the City commission an outside review of all City progra ms that share data with outside agencies and cloud services; and he requested that the City pre-emptively deny all forms of mass surveillance.
Stephen Jones read actual language from the Flock contract; discussed City policy vs. the standard contract that lets Flock share data no matter what the City policy says; misleading statements made by the Flock representative; the inability to ensure compliance; the business to sell the data; those who pay for access to the data; the AP (Associated Press) Study in 2016 showing police agencies across the country misusing data with few consequences; use in red states; he stated that approving May 8, 2023
24 the system would be approving sharing of City data with agencies across the state with no real oversight; he noted that the auditing discussed is for CCPD, not for Flock; and he asked that unchecked mass surveillance not be allowed into the City.
Kelli Estes expressed trust in the City Attorney to ensure that the contract is good; she did not believe the data would be misused; discussed allowing minors to obtain care without a parent’s consent; felt that technology was key to solving crime; noted that we are already surrounded by cameras; and she expressed support for the approval of Jason Sims as Police Chief for Culver City.
Gary Zeiss expressed appreciation for the inclusion of concerns regarding gender-affirming and abortion care; discussed putting a plate number on the hot list; other jurisdictions; and he wanted to make sure the policy was water-tight.
Bubba Fish expressed opposition to the use of license plate readers in the City; discussed negative impacts to privacy and civil liberties; creation of a mass surveillance system; data collected by Flock across the country; comments made by Stephen Jones; disproportionate impacts to communities of color; cost of implementation; waste of public resources; he proposed directing money to programs that can help people instead; noted the importance of creating systems of care that keep people safe; and he asked that the mass surveillance technology not be approved.
Margaret Peters echoed previous comments in opposition to installing cameras all over town; discussed claims of being responsible for the data; pa st issues with CCPD being
responsible investigating themselves; the ability of other law enforcement agencies to have access to the data; the inability to ensure that other agencies will comply with Culver City policy; policies of different administrations ; taking a dystopian view of what can happen; and funding for the cameras.
Jay Garocochea was called to speak but did not respond.
Michelle Weiner asked that the process be slowed down; discussed the need to consider the policy more closely; recommendati ons made by the ACLU about Flock; recent RIPA data indicating a skewed response by CCPD; concern with exacerbating problems; the policy of New Hampshire to delete data after 3 minutes; the ability of Flock to add data to a national database; protecting the civil rights of people in the City; she expressed strong May 8, 2023
25 opposition to having an ALPR system in the City; and she noted that there were many things to look at so the item should be postponed.
William Gutnik, pastor, provided background on his ministry; discussed wanting the best for the community; providing tools to CCPD; safer streets; keeping the community safe; he expressed support for ALPRs; and he felt that CCPD was a positive force for the City.
Deborah Weinrauch discussed mass shootings; examples of ALPRs helping the police track down shooting suspects; built -in transparency; and she asked the City to approve the contract.
Rick Solomon provided background on himself; discussed his knowledge of ALPRs from a residential standpoint; use of ALPRs on private property; lack of facial recognition; and he expressed support for police department use of ALPRs.
Marci Baun expressed conflicted emotions about the cameras; discussed concerns with other states havi ng access to
information; current monitoring of cars in downtown Culver City parking structures; the ability to subpoena data; and support for ALPRs if due diligence is done to protect the data.
Melissa Stucky expressed support for anything t o help CCPD do their job as long as it does not lead to government overreach; discussed camera-based systems already being used everywhere by the government; appreciation for the City for providing a caring outreaching network alongside constant division; and she thanked CCPD and small business for supporting the community.
Dr. Luther Henderson thanked CCPD for their service; expressed support for approving the item; he read a quote from 1791 regarding the right of the people to secure their persons, houses, papers, and possessions against unlawful search and seizure; and he questioned how use of the equipment did not violate the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, discussed public outreach conducted related to the progra m; the Chiefs Advisory Panel (CAP); the City Council Subcommittee; community meetings; valuable feedback received; meaningful discussion; guidance in drafting the policy; consultation with the City Attorney; sharing of information with other states; the authority of CCPD to choose who data is shared with; sharing with California law May 8, 2023
26 enforcement agencies; creation of a Flock hotlist; alerts; and he indicated that there was no issue with the Fourth Amendment.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Membe rs regarding appreciation for all of the comments shared by the public; community members with deep concerns about increasing the police state and increasing the network mass surveillance system; the ability to track bicycles and ATVs; the goal of Flock to increase their services from domestic to international access; uprisings and racial reckonings after Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were murdered; the history and evolution of policing; creation of a more equitable and inclusive budget; the budget as a reflection of values; investing in people, communities, and resources; working on a care -first budget; solving issues through prevention measures; progress made by CCPD; adjustments made on the item; community concerns; the need to examine the final policy and language; inclusion of language from the New Hampshire law; the ACLU report; and significant budget issues.
Additional discussion ensued between the representative from Flock, staff, and Coun cil Members regarding concerns about privacy; comments about the ACLU; data retention; allowing enough time to investigate crime; striking a balance;
consistency with retention and audits; hot list alerts; language in the contract about sharing data; Culve r City ownership of the data; ensuring that the City is comfortable with contract language; clarification that Flock cannot share data with any other law enforcement agency; the thorough legal review to ensure consistency with the policy; modification of any unclear language; adherence to California state privacy laws; budget approval in the prior year; Partners in Policing (PIP) community meetings; residents who are concerned about crime; residents who do not report crime; access to data only by specifical ly trained and sworn personnel; protections provided;
clarification that license plates are public documents affixed to vehicles; potential for human error in the process; stolen vehicle stops; concern that people would pick Culver City to commit a crime in if there are not ALPRs installed; sharing data with neighboring jurisdictions; the lengthy process; issues addressed; community outreach; catalytic converter theft; reportable crimes; crime committed in stolen vehicles; and potential victims.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding Culver City as being the last in the area to implement the technology; organized and dangerous catalytic converter theft rings; acknowledgement of mass surveillance concerns but May 8, 2023
27 confidence in the development of the policy; length of the process; and support for the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the importance of considering power and who is centered in policy; consistent and documented concerns from people of color regarding CCPD; the recent RIPA meeting; RIPA data confirming increased likelihood of stops and /or use of force for Black people in Culver City; lack of interrogation of documented bias from the state; transparency; lack of public conversation about bias; the need for access to recent quarterly reports;
prevention; support for anti -theft devices; making it more difficult to sell catalytic converters later; reasons why people feel the need to steal; monthly reports; potential for data to be used for harm; civil liberties; exercising prudence; room for error; promoting accountability and transparency; lack of accountability with data; opening the door to something that can have real consequences for people in the community; actions of other jurisdictions; removal of bike lanes; lack of
consistency; being professional while still upholding biased systems; putting the needs of the entire community first; looking at red flags; RIPA data; lack of transparency fo r the public; the need for additional consideration; and the feeling that moving forward with ALPRs is a mistake.
Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief, indicated that the latest quarterly report was available on the website; noted the report for the first qua rter of 2023 was coming soon; discussed the amount of work involved to complete the reports; state RIPA data vs. City RIPA data; the RIPA reports on the CCPD website; differences in data; data collection processes; communication with members of the public; and he agreed to provide a copy of the report.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding providing tools to address bad people; the process and policy put forward; catalytic converter theft; conflating RIPA with ALPRs; and transparency.
Further discussion ensued between the Flock representative, staff, and Council Members regarding availability of the policy to the public; data on how many hot vehicles are being pursued; daily updates; including information in quarterly re ports; appreciation for incorporation of community concerns; meeting needs moving forward; surveillance video that assisted in solving the murder on the east end of town; availability of data; and safeguards.
May 8, 2023
28 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A FIVE -YEAR AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK SAFETY GROUP TO
PROVIDE AN AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR) SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $668,200; AND,
2. DISCUSS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION POLICY; 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.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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Item A-2
CC - (1) Discussion Regarding a Potential Request for Proposals for a Feasibility Study for Bill Botts Fields and Veterans Memorial Park; (2) Discussion Regarding a Potential Request for Proposals for a Parks Master Plan; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Armando Abrego, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, introduced the item.
Adam Ferguson, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record ; discussed the feasibility study; a sample Request for Proposals (RFPs); scope of services; other municipalities; parks usage; the Parks Master Plan; future plans; tying in all parks; and feasibility studies.
Armando Abrego, Parks, Recreation and Communi ty Services Director, discussed proposed upgrades; levels of upgrades; reconfiguring the parks to meet current needs; a conceptual design done in 2006; costs; tree removal; equity; facilities vs. community parks; ensuring that every park becomes a community park; providing a community resource for everyone; May 8, 2023
29 breaking the cap of the landfill at Bill Botts Field; and plans for creation of an aquatics complex with a picnic area.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Crystal Alexander discussed bringing different cultures together; intergenerational and intercultural opportunities provided by parks; bringing the community together; lessons learned from the General Plan; outreach; financing; and impacts of things happening in the region.
Kara Block provided background on herself; expressed support for the renovation of Bill Botts Field; discussed consideration of the unique needs of baseball; the surrounding environment; creation of a facility that concentrates all Culver City Little League games at Bill Botts Park; safely storing field
maintenance equipment; building community; maintaining priority for youth field use; including Culver City Little League users in the planning; the importance of making the best and most efficient use of all City facilities; and working to improve what the City already has.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin , Cultural Affairs Commissioner, indicated that she was speaking on behalf of herself; requested that the Cultural Affairs Commission be included in the process; discussed use of parks by performing arts groups; aging parks; support for a feasibility study; she agreed with focusing on Veterans Park and Bill Botts Park; she wanted to see improved facilities for all sports and the addition of a performing arts component; noted the need for greenspace and an upgrade to the pool; and she observed that people walking by The Plunge could be hit by balls.
Margaret Peters indicated being a Culver City Little League parent; felt that a full Master Plan of all parks was needed; discussed aging playground equipment; the need for inclusive parks; adding a kiddie pool; support for a full redo; and the importance of involving kids in the process.
Blake Silvers, Culver City Little League, discussed the long overdue process; identification of needs; Bill Botts;
flexibility; uncertainty as to what may be included; best serving youth sports communities; making the kids proud of the facilities; dedicating fields solely for baseball and softball; the need for collaborative planning; consideration of a May 8, 2023
30 baseball-only footprint and a soccer -only footprint; and he asked that staff be directed to examine efficient use of greenspace across the City.
Will Rickards, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Commissioner, discussed the critical role of the department in serving diverse and multiple communities; recognized challenges and opportunities; planning and building service structures; unique City context; investing in a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation; support for community involvement and engagement; and he encouraged the City Council to look at possibilities.
Heather Ferrier wanted to see real change; discussed issues at Bill Botts; having facilities tha t people are excited about going to; lack of bathrooms; simple things that would make the parks better; support for a baseball/softball-only facility and soccer-only facilities to use and share with youth and adults; and she felt that the parks in the City were lacking.
Jane Leonard, PRCS Commissioner, discussed items for the City Council to consider including PRCS Commission budget
recommendations for 2023-2024; opportunities for Culver City to receive Olympics infrastructure funding to serve associated Olympic functions; the need to have plans developed and in place to solicit funding; the City Council Olympics Subcommittee; focusing on two parks vs. a comprehensive Master Plan; equity; phasing upgrades; review and evaluation of all park assets; the Asset Replacement Fund; and she asked that staff be provided with adequate support, especially for public outreach.
Garrett Williamson discussed travelling cities coming to Bill Botts Field; injuries due to uneven fields; the importance of parks; and he felt that whatever could be done to facilitate improvements would be amazing.
Rafael Alvarez, Culver City Football Club; wanted to advocate for providing a safe place for kids to play; discussed youth access; proper field desig n; the need for lighting; ensuring that parks are usable; and he wanted to see plans in place for where people can go when parks would be closed for remodeling.
Palvi Mohammed, PRCS Commissioner, expressed support for going forward with the Parks Master Plan; discussed longstanding needs; a joint meeting last year between the PRCS Commission and the Finance Advisory Committee to identify funding for the parks; maximizing capabilities; and he noted that the fields and facilities were overused.
May 8, 2023
31 Rick Solomon reported being present as a player; quoted former PRCS Director Corey Lakin about thriving leagues in the City; discussed issues with combining baseball and soccer; and he asked that soccer be separated from baseball and softball.
Kevin Lachoff discussed the importance of Culver City Little League and AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization); volunteer opportunities; benefits to the important investment in City parks; best use of Culver City Park; and ensuring that the park continues to work for all community members and many more.
Marci Baun reported being an avid swimmer; discussed City policy; use by the Olympians in 1984; issues with people trying to use the pool; support for adding a smaller pool for children; taking the swim community into consideration; lap swimmers; and the importance of providing an opportunity for people to stay in shape physically and mentally.
Kristi Colocho, Culver City Football Club, provided background on himself; noted there was not one field in the City dedicated to soccer; discussed parking issues at Fox Hills; safety issues with access; lighting; support for all sports; the World Cup in 2026; the semi-pro team in the City; he suggested that other parks be addressed; he asked the options provided for everyone; and he wanted to see the future for the children improved.
Ken Mand expressed support for comments made by PRCS
Commissioners; discussed the many functions that parks serve; and he asked the City to move forward with the Master Plan for all park spaces.
Denise Neal discussed the importance of reasses sing
accessibility for all levels and ages; upcoming major world sporting events; training; adaptive P.E.; loss of the skating rink; indoor facilities; considering all types of sports; making an effort to become all things for all people; and finding a venue for the Olympics through changes being made.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need for a Master Plan and a feasibility study for Veterans Park and Bill Botts; the Olympics as the impetus to move things forward; the subpar parks facilities in the City; the best efforts of staff; the need for a state of the art performing arts events space; the historic Veterans Memorial facility; wasted space; parking; making Bill Botts a multi-plex; community charettes; the importance of community input ; putting out an May 8, 2023
32 RFP for a Master Parks Plan; fast -tracking Bill Botts and Veterans Memorial Building and Park; neighborhood parks; unique assets; the Special Olympics; engaging in a Master Plan process; and working to bring things online by 2028.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding park usage; non -athletic usage; accommodating the Olympics; the need for a Master Plan to unders tand needs and potential; prioritization of development for consistent future planning; appreciation to the Commission and staff for including the item in the work plan; moving forward in a methodical, fair, and transparent manner; developing trust; finding out why people do not use the parks; and support for moving forward with a Master Plan.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding smaller cities with nicer parks facilities; being careful and smart with City-controlled land; need at Bill Botts; Veterans Park; previous discussions with CCUSD about building another pool; funding; support for a feasibility study for Bill Botts Field and Veterans Memorial Park; the need for a bond or parcel tax; having facilities ready for 2028; financing; timing for doing a Master Plan for the other parks; having facilities ready for the 2028 Olympics; use of other parks for team sports; neighborhood serving parks; reasons to move forward quickly ; and available options.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for the presentation and community members for their input; money allocated to CCPD in the last item; the budget as a value statement; departments that suffer when another department takes a disproportionate share of funding; investing in community by allocating money to parks to provide a safe and healthy community; decision making to invest in one department at the expense of another; support for a Parks Master Plan to provide a needs analysis; community input advocating for specific parks; the need for a deeper participatory process; ensuring that the needs of all of the community are met; the quick turnaround for the item; the need for consistent planning to provide key expec tations for rollout; grant eligibility; clarification of short and long -term goals; and support for a Parks Master Plan.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding field conditions; private fundraisers to improve facilities; public/private partnerships; naming rights; comparing Culver City parks to other area parks; policy; the May 8, 2023
33 City Charter; concern with vi lification of CCPD; aging facilities; the need for another pool; dedicated fields for Little League and for soccer; better serving the community; creating a state of the art facility; Bill Botts; the Olympic Preparations Subcommittee; approving a Master Plan and direction to put out an RFP for a feasibility study on Bill Botts and Veterans Memorial Park to ensure an expedited timeline; consideration of an overhaul while addressing historical concerns; increasing the footprint; and moving forward as quickly as possible.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A PARKS MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR BILL BOTTS FIELDS A ND VETERANS
MEMORIAL PARK WITH STAFF GRANTED DISCRETION AS TO WHETHER THAT
IS PART OF THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS OR DONE SEPARATELY IN AN
EXPEDITED FASHION IN ORDER TO GET ESTIMATED COSTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE DECISION MAKING.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRING, PUZA
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CREATE AND APPOINT A SUBCOMMITTERE TO EXPEDITE THE PARKS PROCESS.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN
ABSTAIN: PUZA
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, reported no requests to speak.
o0o
May 8, 2023
34 Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Vice Mayor McMorrin received full Council consensus to agendize City sponsorship of the Juneteenth event; received clarification that staff would explore the resumption of child care previously offered by the City during City Council meetings; questioned when information on the anti-hate speaker series would come back noting comments made by a public speaker asserting that English should be the only language sp oken and people should give up everything to be American; she felt that rhetoric should not be allowed to go unchecked in City spaces; discussed the importance of education; judging who is deemed American; increases in hate crimes in 2022; putting resources into making City spaces as safe as possible; speech that has a chilling effect on others; and she noted the previous request to agendize the item in January 2023 that had still not come forward.
Council Member Eriksson clarified that the public speaker had been quoting a president.
Council Member Puza received Council consensus to agendize an item to adopt an ordinance to require gender-neutral restrooms in all new buildings in the City , and he referenced a request from a speaker earlier in the meeting to agendize legislation regarding gun safety measures including an assault weapons ban, safe storage law, and universal background checks.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding previously passed legislation for safe gun storage; City Council consensus was achieved to agendize consideration of providing a letter of support for the federal legislation; consideration of naming something to honor Herb Wesson; current policy that does not allow for commemorative naming for living individuals; and the ability of the City Council to change policy.
Vice Mayor McMorrin provided a remembrance of Jesse Samuels.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED , THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN THE MEETING IN MEMORY OF JESSE SAMUELS.
May 8, 2023
35 o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 1:09 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, the City Council , Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financing
Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned in memory of Jesse Samuels to a meeting to be held on May 15, 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, 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
Date: _________________________