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 September 18, 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 Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and via Webex.
Present: Albert Vera, Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
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Closed Session
Heather Baker, City Attorney, provided background on how Item CS-3 came to be on the agenda noting that staff had done due diligence to discover potential options if there is an interest in providing amicus support.
September 18, 2023
2 Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council regarding Closed Session Item 3:
Daniel Young discussed the concerning amicus brief the City is considering signing o n to; noted that the court had already decided that it was unconstitutional as it is cruel and unusual to take away people’s belongings if they have no place to sleep and no options; questioned who put the item on t he agenda; discussed intended benefit; and he did not want to see the City be a part of it.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, indicated that the item had come from her office; she discussed the obligation of her office to present requests before the City Council; authority of her office; and sensitive policy issues.
Disa Lindgren discussed the current dominance of Conservative Justices on the United States Supreme Court; criminalization of unhoused people; the alarming and shameful action being considered; the City’s recent prioritization of addressing insufficient housing for people in the community; she questioned what the City’s community values were; noted that by the City signing on to the amicus brief, the City would be asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the case that prevents cities from making it illegal to sleep outside; and she asked the City to reject participation in the item.
Leah Pressman discussed the vote by the City Council to wage war on poor people by prohibiting camping; attempts to get around Boise v. Martin; anticamping laws that violate the Boise decision; adding the City’s name to an appeal to the Supreme Court; the negative reaction to the an ticamping ordinance imposed in Culver City; putting vulnerable members of the City in peril to preserve the comfort of the wealthiest; sullying the City’s reputation; belittling of public comment from unhoused people by City staff; and she expressed hope that the City Council would reconsider moving ahead.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA
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.
September 18, 2023
3 At 5:39 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 Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Existing Litigation (Walker, Rodney v. City of Culver City, et. al.)
Case No. 23SMCV00217
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CS-3 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Initiation of Litigation ( Consideration of Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) participation in City of Grants Pass v.
Johnson, et al., In the Supreme Court of the United States, Petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
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Recognition Presentations
Mayor Vera reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council at 6:35 p.m. with five Council Members present for recognition presentations.
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Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
Presentation of a Commendation in Celebration of the Life of Jozelle Jeanette Lawless Smith
Mayor Vera presented the Commendation in celebration of the life of Jozelle Jeanette Lawless Smith.
Ken Smith expressed appreciation for the proclamation; discussed Jozelle’s service to the City; noted that she had participated September 18, 2023
4 in the design for City Hall; and he thanked those who were helping him plan a celebration at Vets on September 23.
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Item R-2
A Proclamation In Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
Council Member Eriksson read the Proclamation in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023.
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Item R-3
Presentation of a Proclamation Designating September 19, 2023 as National Voter Registration Day
Council Member O’Brien presented the Proclamation designating September 19, 2023 as National Voter Registration Day.
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk accepted the Proclamation and encouraged everyone to register to vote at lavote.gov.
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Item R-4
Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 2023 as “Walktober”
Vice Mayor McMorrin presented the Proclamation designating October 2023 as “Walktober.”
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Item R-5
Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 4, 2023 as “Clean Air Day”
Council Member Puza presented the Proclamation designating October 4, 2023 as “Clean Air Day.”
September 18, 2023
5 Shelly Wolfberg, City Manager’s Office, expressed appreciation for the leadership of the Mayor and City Council , and she encouraged everyone to take the “Clean Air Day ” Pledge at cleanair.org noting that Culver City Bus would be free to ride on that day.
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Recess
At 6:53 p.m., Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, announced a brief recess until 7:00 p.m.
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Regular Session
At 7:00 p.m., 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 with five 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
Heather Baker, City Attorney, stated that Item CS -3 had been placed on the agenda by the City Attorney’s Office in response to a request from the Grant’s Pass Attorney; she indicated that she did not have the authority to make those decisions and so it was brought forward to the City Council for consideration; and she reported that after consideration in Closed Session, the City Council determined not to provide support for any of the amicus briefs being filed.
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The following Item was considered out of order.
September 18, 2023
6 Presentations
Item P-1
CC – Presentation to City Council by Supervisor Holly J.
Mitchell Regarding Partnerships
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell expressed appreciation for the responsiveness of the City Council; discussed quarterly meetings of mayors in her district; partnerships; top priority issues for Council Members in representative cities; county
opportunities that come available; shared concern about the unhoused; managing out of the moral crisis of being u nhoused; appreciation for the work of the Second District; money received by the City since the passage of Measure H; additional monies awarded from the City’s Innovation Fund for Project Homekey; the Homekey Ribbon Cutting; county/city partnerships; citie s that leveraged allocations; appreciation for the work of staff; appreciation for being able to work to secure funding sources from LACASA (Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency); temporary vs. permanent housing solutions; providing sustainable housing that can be maintained; and partnership opportunities between the county and Culver City.
LaTina Jackson, Department of Mental Health (DMH), discussed opportunities for cities to engage ; resources ; treatment ; engaging the unhoused; the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Team (HOME); getting people into appropriate housing and treatment; specialty mental health; the importance of permanent housing solutions; providing structure and care for individuals served; the Veterans Pure Access Network; services provided throughout the county; the two teams in Service Provider Area 5 (SPA 5); opportunities for partnership with the county; the incubation Academy; helping cultivate relationships with businesses not familiar with county contracts; and she indicated being willing to speak with the City further about partnership opportunities.
Discussion ensued between Supervisor Mitchell, Ms. Jackson, staff, and Council Members regarding consensus from the entire City Council to agendize a presentation from DMH on partnership opportunities; concern with overlap ping services; HOME Team services vs. crisis intervention; the pilot program with Street Medicine; ensuring maximum benefit without duplication of efforts; leveraging s ervices; and the importance of
collaboration and communication.
September 18, 2023
7 Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell discussed critical factors that led to the situation; data that indicates governmental action has isolated and ostracized certain communities; implicit bias; outsized percentages of Black communities that are unhoused or in the carceral system; children removed from their homes; systemic issues; objective evaluation of data that penalize s some communities and favor s others; the importance of equity; Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative (ARDI); using countywide data to make sound investment decisions; investment in the hardest hit communities; unfinished communities; those suffering from food and housing insecurities; health deserts; and providing equal opportunity.
Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza, Executive Director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County, indicated leading ARDI; discussed efforts to address challenges for those most impacted by homelessness; disproportionate affects on the Black population; Bla ck veterans; he provided a brief overview of the State of Black Los Angeles report; discussed centering the voices of those with lived experience; prioritizing a framework to achieve tangible outcomes to improve people’s lives; physical and behavioral health; prioritizing utilization and integration of data; recommendations and strategies to help all Angelinos; meeting the needs of those impacted by systems; he indicated willingness to return to talk about the report in additional detail; and he invited everyone to explore the report at [email protected].
Full City Council consensus was achieved to invite Dr. Scorza back to make a more in depth report.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell advised the City Council to review research framework, data collection analysis, highlights , and key findings; discussed the percentage of Black people in Los Angeles county; the direct role of government; the Black population as faring the worst; development of policy to improve outcomes; communities who have been compromised in their ability to thrive; and she expressed eagerness to return for additional conversation.
Discussion ensued between Supervisor Mitchell and Council Members regarding the importance of collaboration, partnership and conversation; apprecia tion for communication with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; acknowledging th e need for regional solutions; and the value of the Mayors’ Quarterly meeting.
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September 18, 2023
8 Community Announcements by Members/ Updates from Commission, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Puza congratulated businesses honored at the Culver City Sustainability Business Certification Fifth Anniversary event; expressed hope for continued participation; discussed annual water and energy savings; he announced that Ballona Creek Renaissance would be hosting a cleanup on September 23 in collaboration with the Heidi Duckler Dance Ensemble; and he discussed available Los Angeles county grants.
Council Member O’Brien announced that the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) was hosting a gun buyback event on September
23. Vice Mayor McMorrin discussed an 8 week Creative Workshop beginning on September 20 at the Teen Center; the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations presentation of the most recent Hate Crime report on September 26 at the Culver City Senior Center; raising awareness; bystander training and tools for when harm does occur; and the Abilities Carnival an d Resource Fair on October 8.
Council Member Eriksson reported serving as a County Library Commissioner within the Second District and he encouraged anyone with pertinent comments to reach out to him.
Mayor Vera expressed appreciation for those colleag ues who joined him at the sustainability event.
Jeremey Bocchino, City Clerk, announced that the youtube feed was down; she encouraged everyone to join via a link on the City website: culvercity.org/agendas; she indicated that the meeting could also be v iewed via various cable channels; and she reported that Item C -1 had been removed from the agenda and would be presented at a future meeting.
Jorge Alvarez, Disability Advisory Committee Chair, invited everyone to attend the 20th Annual Abilities Fair on October 8; discussed the need to RSVP; Disability Awareness Month; planned activities; volunteers; he recognized those helping to make the event possible; and he presented the flier for the event noting that copes were available at the back of Council Chambers.
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September 18, 2023
9 Information Items
Item I-1
CC – Update on Homelessness Emergency Including Project Homekey, Safe Camping, and Other Housing Programs (This update is made pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 8630(c) requiring a periodic review of the local emergency)
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, provided an update on City efforts to address homelessness; indicated that it had been almost one year since groundbreaking; announced the Open House on September 29 at 10:00 a.m.; discussed the Safe Sleep program ; occupancy; average age; average length of homelessness in Culver City; she noted that the majority of residents had been living at Culver and Sepulveda and in the Ballona Creek area; provided an update on Project Homekey noting that Exodus is onsite; discussed furniture and amenities; meal prep for interim stays; she presented photographs of the exterior, outdoor furnishings, and the pet area; and she provided information on ways to make an outreach request.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the presentation; clarification regarding the reference to Cougar Park; responsibility for maintenance; the LAHSA meeting scheduled for September 29 that conflicts with the opening of Project Homekey; the waitlist; case management; the By Name List; those being housed at local motels; the low barrier project; Service Priorit ization Dec ision Assis tance Tool (SPDAT) score ; documentation; preparing people for the transition; the staggered move-in; the secondary By Name List; continued reports to the City Council; the stipulation to enforcement of the Anti-Camping Ordinance; Motel Master Leasing; determining when enforcement begins; meeting pre -conditions; staff preparations to commence enforcement of the Anti-Camping Ordinance; whether the City Council would have a discussion about enforcement before the policy is carried out; and a suggestion to provide a tab on the City page for how to request outreach at culvercity.org/homelessness.
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September 18, 2023
10 Presentations
Item P-1
CC – Presentation by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in conjunction with University of Southern California on the 2023 Homeless Count
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, introduced the item noting that numbers from the 2 023 Homeless Count had recently been released; she provided background on the process; reported that the annual count was a requirement from Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and noted the importance of gathering the data on an annual basis.
Paul Rubenstein, LAHSA, discussed Culver City’s 2023 homeless data; regional challenges; methodology; raw data; and the process to determine the numbers at the SPA level and at the City level.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubenstein, staff, and Council Members regarding the effect of the notices posted requesting people to remove all tents and personal property just before the Annual Count; the inherent transient nature of the
population; the importance of looking at trends over time rather than looking a specific results from a single year; different multipliers based on demographic surveys conducted in SPAs; the 2023 number vs. the 2022 number; the regional nature of the issue and the importance of collaboration ; consistency of raw data year over year; the significant increase in the adjusted value last year; a request from the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness to conduct additional internal counts; coordination of services; outreach efforts; SPA-wide
coordination; work to avoid duplication and overlap; the role of law enforcement to support people into services; and outreach contracted by service partners.
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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:
Chad Smith asked for help to mitigate sound issues related to use of the paddle courts as pickleball courts; he discussed September 18, 2023
11 hours of usage; trash issues; fires from homeless encampments; he noted that the courts were not supposed to open until 8 :00 a.m. but people begin using them at 6:00 a.m.; and he reported lack of signage or a gate to prevent people from using the facilities.
Jim Clarke, Culver Arts Foundation, thanked the City Council for reinstituting the Summer Concert Series; discussed
attendance; location; the partnership between the City and the Foundation; expenses covered by the Foundation; sponsors; in - kind contributions; publicity; and appreciation for the work of the City’s Special Events Manager.
Disa Lindgren commended the City for their work to purchase the Martin B. Retting property.
Judi Sherman discussed the first round of petitions regarding the ill-advised high density designation for Fox Hills; the 100 unit per acre designation; traffic; car emissions; equitable distribution of the state housing requirements; fairness; prioritizing what is pressing; actions taken for expediency; and she asked that the issue be addressed at the October meeting.
Zoila Moreira requested City support for a Dia de los Muertos event on October 29; discussed the intent to create an altar to honor deceased loved ones; percentage of those with Latino heritage in Culver City; and creating a City sponsored
opportunity to provide inclusion.
Patrick Meighan echoed comments made by Disa Lindgren in support of purchasing the Martin B. Retting property and he thanked Council Members for their efforts to help the City.
Andrew Lachman thanked the City for their work on the Economics of Affordable Housing event; discussed participation; benefits of having the conversation; he expressed hope for more
opportunities to educate the community; and he thanked Jesse Mays for his leadership in organizing the first Finance Advisory Committee event.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding consensus from all Council Members to consider sponsorship of the Dia de los Muertos event requested by Zoila Moreira.
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September 18, 2023
12 Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Item P-2 was heard after Report from Closed Session and Item C- 1 was pulled from the agenda.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Adopting an Amended Town Plaza Use Policy (City Council Policy 2302), as Recommended by the Economic Development Subcommittee
This item was pulled from the agenda to be considered at a later date.
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Item C-2
CC - Receipt and Filing of the Biannual Written Reports of Culver City's Commissions, Boards, and Committees
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE BIANNUAL WRITTEN REPORTS OF CULVER CITY’S COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES.
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Item C-3
CC - (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with We Are RALLY for the Period of July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 for Continuation in the Development and Implementation of the City’s Public Communications, Messaging, Education and Engagement Program Regarding
Homelessness; and (2) Authorization of Payment to We Are RALLY for Outstanding Invoices for Services Rendered for the Period September 18, 2023
13 of July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $93,750
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Leah Pressman was called to speak but declined to comment.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH WE ARE RALLY (RALLY) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022, TO DECEMBER 31, 2022, FOR CONTINUATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS, MESSAGING, EDUCATION, AND ENGAGEMENT ABOUT HOMELESSNESS; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO RALLY FOR OUTSTANDING INVOICES FOR SERVICES RENDERED FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022, TO DECEMBER 31, 2022, IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $93,750; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-4
CC - Approval of a Purchase Order with Econolite for 10 Traffic Signal Battery Backup Systems in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $148,790.54
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH ECONOLITE FOR 10 TRAFFIC SIGNAL BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEMS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $148,790.54; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING OFFICER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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September 18, 2023
14 Item C-5
CC - Award of an Off-Cycle, In-Kind Special Event Grant to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Designate the 2023 Out of the Darkness Walk a City-Sponsored Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AWARD AN IN -KIND, OFF -CYCLE SPECIAL
EVENTS GRANT TO THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND DESIGNATE THE 2023 OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK ON OCTOBER 21, 2023, AS A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCI L MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-2 THROUGH C-5.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Consideration of a Request from Leadership Culver City for the City to (A) Participate in the Leadership Culver City Working Group; (B) Designate a Member of the City to the Working Group; and (C) Designate Leadership Culver City as a City - Sponsored Program; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg, City Manager’s Office, provided a summary of the material of record noting that Jim Clarke was available to answer questions.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Disa Lindgren objected to the City becoming a spons or of Leadership Culver City due to bias with participants and organizing of the effort; she discussed participation of the Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange Club; costs; and the limited scholarships available.
Chad Smith was called to speak but did not respond.
Jim Clarke asserted that there was no political agenda to the program; discussed the intent to educate and promote civic engagement; the Working Group; participants; making people aware September 18, 2023
15 of the program; diversity; tuition; scholarships; and cost for similar programs.
Council Member Puza reported being a graduate of the program and working for the Center for Non-Profit Management.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the program; tuition costs; value; concern with City sponsorship; creating a pipeline for Committees , Boards, and Commissions (CBCs); concern with the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce that endorses candidates and hosts political forums; providing an opportunity for the community to understand how the City works and to become more involved; staff time involved; contributions from the Chamber of Commerce that allowed the program to get started; time contributed to the program; getting people interested in becoming involved; allocating staff time to the planning process; power and bias; positions taken by the Chamber of Commerce; furthering the interests of those with means and power; allocating City resources and money as making a statement in support a program closely tied with certain interests; being against working class people in the community; maintaining power; minimizing dissent; previous Council Members that came from the Chamber of Commerce; engaging in more outreach to gain CBC members; supporting leadership in the community; policy decisions; deciding who belongs and who does not; diversity in partic ipation; being able to speak with students on a one on one basis; passion for learning about the inner workings of the City; vilifying the Chamber of Commerce for being involved with certain items and support for them when they sponsor events; looking at how businesses work within the City structure; and the successful program.
Jim Clarke discussed diversity of participants; having a representative group to provide guidance; creating a program that is meaningful for those who go through it; and he indicated that their role was not to indoctrinate students toward a political agenda.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a suggestion to add the Culver City Action Network to be a part of the Working Group; providing balance; political forums held by the Chamber of Commerce and their endorsement of political candidates; and support for the program.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE September 18, 2023
16 LEADERSHIP WORKING GROUP DESIGNATING SHELLY WOLFBERG AND MAKING IT A CITY SPONSORED PROGRAM.
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 of Whether to Review the Penalty Rate Structure for the Nonpayment of Business Tax as per Culver City Municipal Code Section 11.01.205; (2) (If Desired) Creation of an Ad Hoc Business License Penalty Review City Council
Subcommittee and the Appointment of Two Council Members thereto; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Onyx Jones, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the number of delinquent businesses; businesses that may have closed; petitions for financial hardship; people that were not aware that a business license was required; lack of a provision to address instances where the City is not at fault; concerns with the current structure; Measure BL; ensuring businesses continue to file their renewal forms; assistance from Hindeliter de Llamas (HdL); the importance of communication; appreciation to staff for being proactive; the base fee; money to the state; application of the penalty to the minimum required fee; the gross revenue tax; complaints for businesses; the actions of other cities; businesses at the 100% mark; and the due date.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Darrel Menthe , Downtown Business Association, discussed the current process; the 20% penalty for being one month late; constant complaints; lack of discretion; first time offenders; punitive action; concern with negative interaction w ith the City; and consideration of the issue by the Finance Advisory Committee.
September 18, 2023
17 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding lack of information to make a determination ; a suggestion to wait and update after the first year; a suggestion to send a warning letter; clarification that notifications are sent out; reminders; prioritization of outreach to new business entities; and collaboration with business organizations for outreach.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL : NOT REVIEW THE PENALTY RATE STRUCTURE AND LEAVE WITHOUT ACTION.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported no requests to speak.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member O’Brien received full City Council consensus to receive a presentation from the Entertainment Community Fund, an affordable housing organization.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the organization is not specifically limited to those in the arts.
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September 18, 2023
18 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:23 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 a meeting to be held on October 9, 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: _________________________