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 October 9, 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 C ouncil, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Pa rking Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and S uccessor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Boar d to order at 5:34 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City H all 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
*Vice Mayor McMorrin joined the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
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Closed Session
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that Corrine Walder had signed up to speak but was not present.
October 9, 2023
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN 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.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
At 5:35 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 conside r the following Closed Session Items:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: WCAB Case No. ADJ14294363
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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Regular Session
At 7:17 p.m., Mayor Vera reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Cu lver 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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October 9, 2023
3 Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Vera indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
The following item was considered out of sequence.
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Presentations
Item P-1
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Presentation by Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan
Isaac Bryan, Assembly Majority Leader, discussed hi s previous appearance before the City Council; communication r egarding efforts to build affordable housing and to promote the cultural wonders of the City; finding resources for Culver City during a budget deficit; money to electrify the bus depot; m oney to build; collaboration on the Homekey Project; apprec iation to the City Council for calling on him; innovation in Culver City that can be modeled in Los Angeles and spread throu ghout the state; challenges; he reported that he had become M ajority Leader; and he thanked the City and the community f or their support.
Mayor Vera presented tiles to the Assembly Majority Leader.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Member s regarding appreciation to Isaac Bryan for his support.
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Recognition Presentations
Item R-7
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation of a Commendation to The Achievable Foundation for Their Contributions to Culver City Community Member s with Disabilities and their Families
Mayor Vera presented the Commendation to The Achiev able Foundation.
Alan Kenney, The Achievable Foundation, thanked the City for the recognition; provided background on the organiz ation and October 9, 2023
4 their services; and he expressed eagerness to continue to serve the community.
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Item R-8
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation of a Commendation to Jazz Hands for Au tism for Their Contributions to Culver City Community Member s with Disabilities and their Families
Mayor Vera presented the Commendation to The Achiev able Foundation.
Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Jazz Hands for Autism, provided background on the organization; thanked the City for their support and for their inclusivity; and discussed shifting the narrative in the entertainment industry.
Jazz Hands for Autism representatives discussed the work of the organization and expressed appreciation for City support.
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Item R-6
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 2023 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Vice Mayor Mcmorrin presented the Proclamation desi gnating October 2023 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Item R-1
Proclamation in Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day 2023
Council Member O’Brien presented the Proclamation in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day 2023.
Carlos Valverde, Equity and Human Relations Advisor y Committee (EHRAC) Chair, accepted the proclamation on behalf of Bob Ramirez, President of the Gabrelino Tongva Springs Foundation and he provided background on the Foundation.
October 9, 2023
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Item R-4
(Out of Sequence)
Proclamation in Recognition of Pedestrian and Traff ic Safety Month
Council Member Eriksson presented the Proclamation in
recognition of Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Month.
Jack Galanty, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commi ttee (BPAC) Vice Chair, expressed appreciation for the recognition and hoped that the City would continue the tradition of being a walkable City for residents, visitors, and workers.
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Item R-2
A Commendation to BioScienceLA in Celebration of La bioTechWeek on October 9-14, 2023
Council Member Puza presented the Commendation.
David J. Whelan, BioscienceLA, expressed appreciati on for the Commendation and provided background on the organization.
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Item R-5
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation a Proclamation Designating October 2023 as National Arts and Humanities Month
Council Member Puza presented the Proclamation desi gnating October 2023 as National Arts and Humanities Month.
Tania Fleischer, Cultural Affairs Commission Chair, introduced other Cultural Affairs Commissioners present; thanked the City Council for their support; and encouraged everyone to celebrate their creative spirit and to support arts offerings in the City.
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October 9, 2023
6 Item R-3
(Out of Sequence)
Presentation a Proclamation Designating October 202 3 as Disability Awareness Month
Council Member Puza presented the proclamation desi gnating October 2023 as Disability Awareness Month.
Jorge Alvarez, Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Chair, discussed upcoming events for Disability Awareness Month; invited anyone interested to attend an upcoming DAC meeting; and pointed out a disability awareness display at t he Julian Dixon Library this month.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that Item P- 2 contained additional information about building an accessible community in Culver City.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Com mission, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member O’Brien announced a community meeting at Veterans Memorial Complex about the future of Veterans Park and Bill Botts Parks on October 19 and he noted that additional meetings would be held on the subject; encouraged everyone to participate in the 5K Run Walk to End Shoelessness on October 1 4 at West Los Angeles College; and he noted that Art Walk and Roll would be also held on October 14.
Council Member Puza indicated that October was Filipino American History Month; discussed LGBTQ History Month; Natio nal Coming Out Day on October 11; the launch of the modern day gay rights movement; and the celebration of Isaac Bryan being appointed majority leader at the Wende Museum on October 8.
Council Member Eriksson asked that the City Manager consider displaying blue and white on Veterans Tower in supp ort of Israelis in defending themselves.
Vice Mayor McMorrin expressed gratitude for recogni tions; announced that October is National Women Small Busi ness Month; discussed the Chamber of Commerce; upcoming events; continued support of small businesses; International Day of t he Girl on October 11; Domestic Violence Awareness Month; incr easing October 9, 2023
7 community safety; different types of domestic and f amilial violence; and she announced a County Budget Workshop put on by Supervisor Holly Mitchell on October 16.
Mayor Vera read an excerpt from a statement from Sydney Kamlager Dove unequivocally condemning the Hamas te rrorist attack on innocent civilians, and he received unani mous City Council consensus to light up Veterans or City Hall in blue and white, and to craft a resolution in support of Israel.
Diana Chang, Chief Transportation Officer, discussed the recent emergency purchase for the Transportation facility roof repair.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, discussed a r ecent emergency purchase to repair an elevator at the Cul ver City Police Department (CCPD).
Jack Galanty, BPAC, invited everyone to attend the Higuera Bridge Reopening on October 30.
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Information Items
Item I-1
CC – Update on Homelessness Emergency Including Project Homekey, Safe Camping, and Other Housing Programs (This upda te 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, presented a video of the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Project Homekey on September 29, 2023; discussed work with Saint Jo seph Center (SJC) and Exodus Recovery; the By Name List; reside nts of the site; the phased opening; the warm hand off from SJC to Exodus; the move-in kit; the interim housing side; the permanent housing side; access to supplies; gift cards for additional home items; accountability to the neighbors on Atlantic Avenue; she thanked Council Members for attending the ceremony and staff for their tireless efforts; and she noted that the video was also available on the City website.
Dr. Daniel Richardson, Human Services and Crisis In tervention Manager, provided an update on Emergency Homeless S ervice in the City; discussed Camp Facility Action and Engage ment Protocol; identifying and responding to locations in the City; October 9, 2023
8 procedures to facilitate the removal of tents and m akeshift structures, and provision of supportive services, h ousing, and shelter; the definition of camping facilities; depa rtments involved in the process; and the four step City response to camp facilities.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that after four attempts to provide s ervices, a notice would be posted about the intent to remove i tems, with disposal of any belongings not claimed after 90 day s;
collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department; communication; the ability to extend the storage timeframe; the abilit y to allow additional attempts to provide services before removal of items; appreciation for the presentation and staff efforts; the Mobile Crisis Team; the training period; field work; imple mentation; the phased move-in; concern with discretionary poli cy; the 72 hour notice; instances where immediate action is ne eded; the record of response time; sweeps; notification; avai lable resources; consistent service and outreach on Tuesdays; average number of interactions; service resistant individua ls; number of touches specified on procedures vs. actual numbe r of interactions; barriers to services; number of interactions over the years; services provided during the transitiona l state; options offered; the wait list; drug use; staff tim e involved with Camp Facility Engagement and Action Protocol; lack of a plan for auditing and accounting of time spent on t he action protocol; understanding the time spent on Code Enfo rcement; understanding the investment being made in the new program to evaluate success of the program; ensuring transpare nt policy; time spent by different departments; establishing an accounting system; enforcement as part of efforts to get peopl e indoors; and City Council consensus was achieved from Vice Mayor McMorrin and Council Members O’Brien and Puza to direct staff to evaluate the amount of staff time being spent on Camp Facility Engagement and Action Protocol.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Coun cil Members regarding reasons for reluctance to accept services; efforts to address barriers; trust; those who are not ready to accept services; helping people transition; and appreciation to staff for their efforts to reduce barriers.
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October 9, 2023
9 Item P-2
CC – Presentation of a Video Entitled “Culver City: Building an Inclusive, Accessible Community”
Mayor Vera introduced the item; he presented the video: “Culver City: Building an Inclusive, Accessible Community”; and he expressed appreciation to the everyone for their efforts.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones reported that the updated interactive map at ccrentals.org was available including new rental units that had registered for the first time; he discussed concern s that the availability of information would reduce registrati on; putting information in the hands of tenants; shifting infor mation asymmetry that leads to higher rents; and he indica ted that additional information was available by writing to
[email protected].
Corrine Walder was called to speak but did not respond.
Kelli Estes expressed agreement with the need for a ccounting related to the homeless plan; discussed the MOVE Cu lver City Project; the Overland bike lane; changes proposed b y staff; difficulty making a left turn on Galvin; she assert ed that closing a lane of traffic would make matters worse; noted that Overland is a neighborhood with many driveways and off street parking; discussed pass through traffic in the City ; the need to take a realistic look at planning and utilize wh at already exists; the little-used north/south bike lane on Sa wtelle; taking a realistic look at buses; and she felt that continued restrictions would lead to unintended consequences.
Jesse Nuñez, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for their support of women business and community l eaders, and invited everyone to the 8
th Annual Women in Business Leadership
Awards on October 26 at the Four Points Sheraton.
Rebecca Rona, Equity and Human Relations Advisory C ommittee, invited everyone to the Latino Heritage Month Celeb ration at October 9, 2023
10 the Teen Center on October 10; indicated that flier s were available; and she discussed planned activities.
Ron Bassilian, Protect Culver City, indicated that Richard Glazer had ceded him a minute, provided background on himself; discussed the need to make the City a safe place fo r everyone; hosting vagrant camps; funding CCPD; unscrupulous a ctivities; dubious legal claims; personal attacks; he and he felt that the best thing the City Council could do as a friend to Israel would be to keep Culver City a safe place.
Melissa Sanders reminded everyone that the Farragut Fall Festival would be on October 21 and she discussed p lanned activities.
Ronald Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
Khin Khin Gyi, Citizens Coalition for a Safe Commun ity, reported attending a recent community meeting where issues of concern were discussed including: the relocation of parking spots related to a proposed bike path from Ballona Creek to Jefferson; concern with implementing a bike path wi thout a traffic study; and she felt the issue should be age ndized for reexamination.
Carlos Valverde was called to speak and Rebecca Ron a indicated that she had spoken on his behalf.
Chad Kroeger discussed disarray in Congress and he asserted that Taylor Swift could reunite everyone by dating the n ext Speaker of the House.
JT Parr echoed comments made by the previous speaker and sang a portion of Taylor Swift’s song, “Blank Space.”
Andrew Lachman reminded the City Council that the F inance Advisory Committee (FAC) has two openings that need to be filled; announced the El Marino Fall Festival on Oc tober 28; discussed current events; and thanked the City for standing by Israel during a difficult time for the community.
Bubba Fish discussed efforts to lower the voting ag e; civic engagement and advocacy; research indicating the ability of 16 year olds to vote responsibly; and he asked the City Council to bring the ballot measure back for the next election.
October 9, 2023
11 Karim Sahli echoed comments made by the previous s peaker; discussed democracy; visionary leaders; allowing pa rticipation in the future; guaranteeing stronger and more infor med participation; the right to express an opinion on d emocracy; the ability of 16 year olds to drive; and he wanted the Vote 16 Measure placed on the ballot again.
Keith Jones discussed approval of police military e quipment; terrorism in Israel; the need to be able to protect citizens and businesses; he wanted to defend, not defund CCPD;
Jack Galanty was called to speak but did not respond.
Julia Rottenberg, Culver City High School Senior, n oted that due to the narrow margin of defeat, Vote 16 warrant ed
reconsideration; discussed voter turnout during the last election; evidence that voting in one election incr eases the probability of future voting; raising a generation of habitual voters; and she noted that democracy was stronger w ith more participation.
Nancy Barba requested that the City Council support agendizing reconsideration of the Vote 16 measure for the 2024 ballot; discussed the importance of civic engagement; the narrow margin; and demonstrated community interest on the matter.
Rick Tuttle discussed difficult times in the Middle East and expressed appreciation for indications of support for Israel.
Nava Waisman, Culver City High School student, expressed support for adding Vote 16 to the 2024 November election; discussed the slim margin of defeat; the number of people partic ipating in the election; creating a generation of habitual, ci vically minded voters; increasing the probability of voting ; local legislation that directly affects teenagers; and the need for a generation of political awareness and advocacy.
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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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October 9, 2023
12 Order of the Agenda
Item P-2 was heard after Report from Closed Session; Recognition Items were heard in the following order: R-7, R-8, R-6, R-1, R- 4, R-2, R-5, and R-3; and Item C-8 was considered separately at the end of the Consent Calendar.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for September 2, 2023 to September 29, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE C ASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 29, 2023.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular Ci ty Council Meetings Held on September 11, 2023 and on September 18, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PAR KING
AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMEN T AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 AND ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2023.
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Item C-3
CC - 1) Approval of Five-Year Professional Services Agreement with LG Master’s Business Solutions, LLC, for Fulfi llment Services and to Support City Staff in the Day-To-Day Operations and Management of the City’s Residential Permit Parking Program (PPP) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $548,580; and 2) Authorization to the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Appro ve a 10% Contingency in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $10,972 Annually
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
October 9, 2023
13 1. APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH LG MASTER’S BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC, TO FULFILL ALL PARKING PERMIT
ORDERS BY MAILING THEM TO RESIDENTS, AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE DAILY SUPPORT TO STAFF IN THE PPP, (AS PER RFP #2410), IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $548,580 ($109,716 ANNUALLY); AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE A 10% CONTINGENCY IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $10,97 2 ANNUALLY; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE TH E NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUM ENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-4
CC - Approval of a Purchase Order with Foothill Com munications for Replacement Portable and Mobile Radios in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $167,327.31
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH FOOTHILL COMMUNICA TIONS FOR
THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT PORTABLE AND MOBILE RAD IOS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $167,327.31; AND
2. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING OFFICER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
CC - Approval of Respective Amendments to the Exist ing On-Call Agreements with Mike Prlich and Sons, Inc., Clarke Contracting Corporation, and Mladen Buntich Construction Company, Inc., for Emergency Sewer Repair Services in an Additional Ag gregate Amount Not-to-Exceed $600,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE RESPECTIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE EXISTING ON -CALL AGREEMENTS WITH MIKE PRLICH AND SONS, INC., CLARKE CONTRACTING October 9, 2023
14 CORPORATION, AND MLADEN BUNTICH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., FOR
EMERGENCY SEWER REPAIR SERVICES IN AN ADDITIONAL AG GREGATE AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $600,000, AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE TH E NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUM ENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-6
CC – (1) Award of a $1,000 Off-Cycle Special Events Grant and Designation of the Center Theater Group’s “Dog Man: The Musical” as a City-Sponsored Event; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A $1,000 OFF-CYCLE, IN-KIND SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AND DESIGNATE THE CENTER THEATER GROUP’S DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL AS A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY A PPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO COND UCT THE EVENT.
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Item C-7
CC – (1) Approval of the Transfer of the Existing Lease Agreement for 9240 Culver Boulevard to Gentani Aper Sushi, db a The Brother’s Sushi; and (2) Approval of an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement and Other Related Documents to Effectuate the Transfer
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT FOR 9240 CULVER BOULEVARD TO GENTANI APER SUSHI, DBA THE BROTHER’S SUSHI; AND,
October 9, 2023
15 2. APPROVE AN ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT A ND OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE TRANSFER; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE TH E NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUM ENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-8
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initia ted Zoning Code Amendment P2023-0097-ZCA amending Title 17 Zon ing Chapter
17.400.095 Residential Uses - Accessory Dwelling Units to Align with State Law by Revising Various Sections Including, but not Limited to, the Total Number of ADUs Allowed on a Lot Citywide, Including in the Culver Crest Neighborhood
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones asked that the City promote the abili ty of residents to build up to 3 ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) on their single family lot including in the Culver Crest.
William Kavadas, Planning Assistant, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding legal compliance.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE ORDINANCE, ZONING CODE AMENDMENT P2023-0097-ZCA AMENDING TITLE 17 ZONING C HAPTER
17.400.095 RESIDENTIAL USES - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO ALIGN
WITH STATE LAW BY REVISING VARIOUS SECTIONS INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ADUS ALLOWED ON A LOT CITYWIDE, INCLUDING IN THE CULVER CREST NEIGHBORHOOD.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNC IL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUN CIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-8.
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October 9, 2023
16 Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.03.200 Pertaining to Powers and Duti es of the Cultural Affairs Commission to Reinstate Language t hat Was Removed When Equity Policy Language Was Added in 2020.
Christine Byers, Cultural Affairs Manager, provided a summary of the material of record
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin, Cultural Affairs Commiss ioner, thanked Christine Byers and Commissioners for their work; requested City Council support of the item; noted that the Vice Chair of the Commission had spotted the oversight; discussed clarifying the role of the Commission; the importan ce of the work of the Commission; and she encouraged everyone to visit the Arts and Culture page at culvercity.org for mor e
information.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL INTRODUC E AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CCMC SECTION 3.03.200 PERTAINING TO POWERS
AND DUTIES OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION TO RE INSTATE LANGUAGE THAT WAS REMOVED IN 2020.
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Item A-2
CC - (1) Consideration of Khary Cuffe’s Request to be
Reappointed to Seat No. 5 on the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission; and (2) (If Desired) Re appointment of Khary Cuffe to Seat No. 5 on the PRCS Commission
Adam Ferguson, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the illness exemption; reasons given for absences; lack of notification; and lack of a quorum for the August m eeting due October 9, 2023
17 to the absence of Mr. Cuffe who had indicated that he would attend.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Crystal Alexander, Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commissioner, spoke on behalf of herself noting that she had not met Mr. Cuffe; discussed the robust Commiss ion work program and the need for all Commissioners to be present; newly created subcommittees; and she asked about off-cycl e
appointments.
Ronald Ostrin expressed appreciation for comments m ade by Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin; discussed the importance of active participation by Members; and he hoped that the Cit y Council would take the matter seriously noting the amount of work that needs to be done.
Jane Leonard, PRCS Commissioner speaking on behalf of herself; discussed time, effort, thought, consideration, and commitment; lack of notification; professional courtesy and res pect; and the important leadership role.
Council Member Eriksson moved to the deny the request from Khary Cuffe to be reappointed to the PRCS Commission and Mayor Vera seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for those who raise their hand to serve; those with children; those impacted by policy decisions; providing notice; representation; the important perspective provided; rules; number of meetings missed vs. consecutive meetings missed; residency; clarification that Mr. Cuffe had attended 50% of the meetings held since his appointment; and concern th at despite being notified about the current item, he was not present.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DENY THE REQUEST FROM KHARY CUFFE FOR REINSTATEMENT TO SEAT NUMEBR 5 OF THE PARKS, RECREA TION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN
October 9, 2023
18 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding vacancies on other bodies and off-cycle appointments.
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Item A-3
CC - (1) Review and Approval of the 2022-2023 Culver City Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report Pursuan t to Government Code Section 7071(e)(2); (2) Review and Renewal of (i.e., Continuation of) Ordinance No 2022-005, Codi fied as Subchapter 3.04.400 of the Culver City Municipal Code, Governing the Use of Military Equipment by the Culver City Po lice Department, Pursuant to Government Code Section 7071(e)(1); and (3) Direction to the Police Chief as Deemed Appropriate
Jason Sims, Police Chief, provided a summary of the material of record noting that five drone deployments had inadvertently been left off the report.
Lieutenant Ryan Thompson presented the annual report.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that there would not be any new purch ases until 2024; amount spent on ammunition and training; the number of specialized firearms; the decrease in the number of sworn positions; issuing firearms to specific officers; e nsuring ownership and maintenance; the 1033 program; reclas sification of positions; clarification that there was no defunding of CCPD nor were people cut from CCPD; current number of va cancies; surplus rifles; and drone deployments.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones discussed the CCPD budget; drone usag e; tracking errors; violation of policy; resident oversight; co ncern with unwillingness to admit mistakes; compliance with tr ansparency laws; state law; lack of complete or required infor mation regarding training; ammunition inventory discrepanc ies; bare minimum reporting that does not meet requirements; limits on usage unless for a deadly shooter or hostage situat ion; usage against unarmed individuals; Guillermo Medina; resp onsibility of those who voted to approve the guns; gun related deaths in October 9, 2023
19 the City at the hands of CCPD; and he asked that the City Council vote no and get the guns out of the City.
Corrine Walder was called to speak but did not respond.
Deborah Weinrauch was called to speak but did not respond.
Jamie Wallace noted that the law was passed and CCP D had met the requirements, and she felt that the City Counci l should approve the annual report and reauthorize usage.
Melissa Sanders provided background on herself; echoed comments made by Jamie Wallace; wanted additional security; trusted CCPD and their reporting; expressed gratitude for having a dedicated police and fire department noting that those who di d not appreciate that could move to Los Angeles; and she asked the City Council to approve the item.
Ronald Ostrin reported reading the report; felt tha t the equipment was making people safer; noted hearing the same voices expressing prejudice and bias against CCPD; acknowledged a sad incident; discussed the need to supply necessary eq uipment to ensure preparedness; and he hoped the City Council would not listen to biased voices.
Bubba Fish discussed approval of the previous request from CCPD; money spent to close a gun store; concern with reauthorizing an arsenal of military grade rifles in the City; the percentage of homicides committed by the police nationwide vs. in Culver City; Guillermo Medina; usage against people of color; a state report indicating CCPD had the worst discrepancies of any in the state; he echoed concerns voiced by Stephen Jones; and not ed CCPD’s lack of compliance with state reporting requirements.
Karim Sahli expressed opposition to the militarization of CCPD; discussed the murder of George Floyd; demonstration s; ensuring that Culver City does not become the next Ferguson, Missouri; fearmongering; the unprecedented homeless crisis; f ailed enforcement; and he felt that the City needed to prioritize the department most involved in alleviating the crisis.
Keith Jones thanked the City Council for their effo rts; discussed the misnomer of military weapons; usage b y everyday citizens; weapons that are not considered military style; usage to protect citizens; continuing the ability to defend the City; policing neighborhoods without guns; other cities that are not October 9, 2023
20 safe; and he wanted the City Council to approve the item to continue to provide protection for the citizens.
Nancy Barba echoed comments from previous speakers requesting that CCPD be held responsible for the report; discussed reports from other cities; the community meeting and concer n that response to community questions was direction to go to the website; the need for complete and detailed reports ; lack of compliance; and she encouraged the City Council to examine the reports from Santa Monica.
Jeff Cooper expressed appreciation for the comprehensive report and for addressing information about drone usage; discussed the importance of providing tools to protect everyone; hope the tools would not have to be used; and he looked forw ard to City Council approval of the report.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding litigation related to the officer involved shooting; additional information available at culvercitypd.org; the crit ical incident video; the public meeting; quarterly reports available online; transparency; making information available to the community; concerns related to ammunition; the inventory report; reclassification of ammunition; utilization for tra ining; providing copies of the quarterly report; and conce rn that if the item is not passed, tools for de-escalation wou ld be removed.
Mayor Vera moved to approve the 2022-2023 Culver Ci ty Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding decisions about what type of military equ ipment is used; utilization criteria; officer discretion; usage protocol; AB 481; specialized firearms; instances when rifles have been used; clarification on what constitutes a deadly th reat; lack of transparency; deployment of different weapons; de-escalation tactics; less lethal options; acknowledgement that descriptions could be more descriptive; those who want to move f rom systems of punishment and criminalization to systems of car e and investment in people and in the community; the budg et as reflecting community values; crime happening despit e the investment being made; addressing symptoms rather t han root causes; the Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit; providing services; providing more transparency and accountability; tru st issues between CCPD and the community; communication; meet ing minimum requirements vs. going beyond in order to address trust issues; October 9, 2023
21 expenses; the feeling that the more weapons there are, the more they will be used; purchase of the Martin B. Retting Gun Store; and making a commitment to reduce weapons.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Coun cil Members regarding the feeling that the report satisfied the requirement; staff responsiveness; lack of trust; the public mee ting; ensuring a functioning police department; the location of Culver City in the middle of Los Angeles; people arrested who are not Culver City residents; and encouragement for people to join the Citizen’s Police Academy.
Council Member Eriksson seconded the motion to appr ove the report.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the difficulty of addressing root causes of crime when most of those arrested are not from Culver City; ad option of the ordinance last year; review of the report by th e City Council; incorporating lessons learned into the process for next year; type and capacity of weapons; different tools available; use in specific circumstances; improving the report with feedback; providing in depth information; the Annua l Usage Report; RIPA (Racial Information Profiling Act) reporting; and availability of staff to address concerns.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the report and for comments from the community; the history of policing; the feeling that if people get to know the officers they will understand the system; found ing of the policing system in the country from slave patrols; enforcement of Jim Crow laws and segregation; Culver City as a Sundown Town; the relationship between policing and state sanctioned violence; lived experience; acknowledging how residents exper ience the system; United States as having a largest prison po pulation; costs to keep people in prison; incarcerating as a way to provide safety; the fact that police protect power and property; effects to the most marginalized; access; spending money to keep people safer with traffic calming; accountability; continu ed issues with ensuring a framework for decision making; the short community meeting; additional work to build trust a nd engage neighbors; accountability and responsiveness to all neighbors; the process for making a complaint; concern that no thing has been done with the RIPA data to shift the dispropor tionate outcome in use of force; CCPD as having the worst r ecord for use of force against Black people in the state; fin ding a way to address disproportionate harm; accountability; c omparing October 9, 2023
22 numbers with people interacting in the community an d the residential population; providing an accurate repre sentation; arrests generated by the public; use of force in ar rest situations; providing context; discrepancies; confu sion with the data; the importance of providing clarification with the RIPA data from 2021; opposition to militarization of the police; concern with using military tools on civilians; reducing access to weapons designed for the battlefield of war since Culver City is not part of a war zone; and support for a more s treamlined complaint process, more transparent reports, and providing more community engagement with a more robust exchange with neighbors moving forward.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the Use of Force policy; the Government A lliance on Race and Equity (GARE); triggering a documentation requirement; the Use of Force review process; tracking procedure s;
identification of training and policy issues; inter nal investigations; data collection issues on the state use form; lack of trust that is not conducive to dialogue; ta king less than lethal weapons out of service; the racist past of the City; celebrating progress made; the need for compromise; and acknowledgement of work to be done.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. REVIEW AND APPROVE THE CCPD ANNUAL REPORT; AND,
2. APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF (I.E., CONTINUATION OF) O RDINANCE 2022-005, CODIFIED AS CCMC SUBCHAPTER 3.04.400 GOVE RNING THE USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT BY THE CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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Item A-4
CC - (1) Report on and Discussion of Potential Development of a Culver City Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) that is Similar to the City of Los Angeles’ Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO); (2) Approval of a Professional Service Agreement with Berkeley E conomic Advising and Research (BEAR) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $145,000 October 9, 2023
23 for conducting an Economic Impact Study of a Potent ial Minimum Wage Ordinance and Project Management; (3) If Desired: Approval of a Professional Service Agreement with Berkeley E conomic Advising and Research (BEAR) in an Additional Amoun t Not-to- Exceed $37,000 to Study the Economic Impact of Impl ementing a Potential Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) Similar to t he City of Los Angeles’ Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO); (4) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Budget Amendment Appropr iating an Additional Amount of $37,000 from General Fund Unas signed Fund Balance; and (5) Direction to the City Manager as D eemed Appropriate
Onyx Jones, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item.
Punit Chokshi, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Onyx Jones, Assistant City Manager, discussed review by the ad hoc subcommittee; consensus to review the City of L os Angeles Minimum Wage Ordinance; and potential next steps.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones was called to speak but did not respond.
Corrine Walder was called to speak but did not respond.
Jesse Nuñez, Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for approval of the professional service agreements with BEAR.
Jamie Wallace was called to speak but did not respond.
Melissa Sanders was called to speak but did not respond.
Ronald Ostrin discussed the necessity of a study; p aying a minimum wage similar to that in Los Angeles; the im portance of jobs for young people; allowing a lower wage to be paid for young people for a longer period of time; providing flexibility for businesses; and he expressed concern with the City spending money for studies that often have a predestined, po litical conclusion.
Karim Sahli thanked staff for the presentation; exp ressed agreement with comments made by the previous speake r regarding the necessity of the study; expressed disagreement with paying October 9, 2023
24 younger workers less money; discussed the study bei ng done by Los Angeles; saving money and time by not paying fo r another study; resources that could be used to address home lessness; the need for a $27 minimum wage to live in Los Ange les; and moving forward in a faster and more efficient manner to resolve issues.
Keith Jones was called to speak but did not respond.
Nancy Barba was called to speak but did not respond.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding poverty; low wages that create obstacles for people; crime; the increased cost of living; wage inequality; homeless ness; achieving stability; willingness to align with Los Angeles; the requirement that a study be conducted in order to move forward; the need to remain competitive with neighboring cit ies; restaurants losing servers because they cannot keep up with wages; and tying the minimum wage to the City of Los Angeles.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Coun cil Members regarding regulatory work done in Los Angeles; the need for specialists in order to establish a division in Cul ver City; costs to run a program; revenue related to fines an d penalties with non-compliant businesses; assistance with regu lation from government agencies; understanding what is involved with making changes; consideration of impacts to businesses; specific costs related to doing business in Culver City; creating a carve out for servers who earn more money per hour than other employees; differing viewpoints on studies; the need for consi stency; and execution of an unbiased and fair assessment.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the public comment and e fforts of staff; car-dependent infrastructure; increased cost of gas; the ability to help working class families; a groundbre aking study done by UC Berkeley on small business and minimum w ages; lack of evidence that raising the minimum wage harms bus inesses; California as the epicenter of wage theft; average housing costs in Culver City and in Los Angeles; challenges for w orking families and students; support for tying the minimu m wage to that of Los Angeles; costs for the study; examining the success of West Hollywood; non-profits and other institutions that might have a hard time; and the ability to take immediate action to help working families.
October 9, 2023
25 Vice Mayor McMorrin moved to tie the minimum wage in Culver City to the minimum wage paid in Los Angeles.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Coun cil Members regarding the current agenda item; the need for an item to return specific to raising the minimum wage to that of Los Angeles; procedures for placing an item on the Consent Calendar; political expediency; agreement that the minimum wage should be increased; insuring everyone is paid a livable wage ; ensuring equity for the economy; the experience of businesse s in West Hollywood; changing business models; labor layoffs; the importance of listening to everyone; previous discu ssion and consensus about having a discussion of linking the ordinance to Los Angeles; and the need for an ordinance in order to move forward.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT STAFF TO BRING BACK AN ORDINANCE TYING THE MINIMUM WAGE TO THAT OF LOS ANGELES WITHOUT A STUDY.
THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
NOES: O’BRIEN, VERA
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON
Heather Baker, City Attorney, noted that two procedural motions had not been included in the staff report but authorization for City Attorney review and City Manager execution of the documents should be included in the motion.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the timeline and a suggestion to take the budget am endment separately.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE ENTERING INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGR EEMENT WITH
BERKELEY ECONOMIC ADVISING AND RESEARCH (BEAR) IN AN AMOUNT NOT- TO-EXCEED $145,000 FOR CONDUCTING AN ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY FOR A POTENTIAL MWO AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE TH E NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
October 9, 2023
26 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUM ENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON, MCMORRIN
Vice Mayor McMorrin received clarification that the $37,000 budget amendment would be in addition to the $145,0 00 already approved.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROP RIATING AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $37,000 FROM GENERAL FUND UNAS SIGNED FUND BALANCE (FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT).
THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON, MCMORRIN
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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.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Vice Mayor McMorrin requested and did not receive C ity Council consensus to reconsider Vote 16 or to consider the Unhoused Bill of Rights which helps ensure that unhoused neighbors understand what their rights are.
October 9, 2023
27 o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:16 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financ ing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on October 23, 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: _________________________