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 23, 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 5:34 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and via Webex.
Present: Albert Vera, Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Absent: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor
o0o
Closed Session
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
October 23, 2023
2 Mary Daval reported receipt of an email press release regarding one of the Closed Session items; expressed concern with impropriety and establishing a precedent; and noted the importance of allowing the City Council private time for discussion, careful evaluation, and direction to staff.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, indicated that the press release was to announce that the City had received a lawsuit , not to invite participation in Closed Session and she asserted that nothing that was done had a reflection of impropriety.
Melissa Sanders was called to speak but was not present or available on Webex.
David Metzler was called to speak but could not be heard.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the new Communications Manager; City policy regarding lawsuits; the decision of the City Manager to send out the notice; the challenge of creating a policy regarding press releases; the need to trust the judgement of the City Manager; staff
discretion; MOVE as a very consequential item in the City; and community awareness of the item.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PUZA 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 5:42 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 – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
October 23, 2023
3 CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Glaser, Michael & Karren v. City of Culver City
Case No. 21STCV14344
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Friends and Families for MOVE Culver City vs. City of Culver City, et. al.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
o0o
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 four Council Members present (absent Vice Mayor McMorrin).
o0o
Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
Commendation to Marie Petrelli of George Petrelli Steakhouse in Celebration of the Restaurant’s Many Years of Service to the Culver Community
Mayor Vera presented the Commendation to Marie Petrelli.
Members of the Petrelli family thanked the dedicated and loyal staff and those who have patronized the restaurant for decades.
o0o
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Vera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
o0o
Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Vera indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
October 23, 2023
4 o0o
Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commission, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Puza reported travelling with the Mayor and a delegation to Sister City, Iksan, South Korea; discussed creating a more prosperous and peaceful future; and he announced the Halloween Bike Ride on October 28 hosted by Walk and Rollers, and the West Los Angeles College Climate Action -Polluza from October 24-26.
Council Member O’Brien discussed many events that occurred on October 19 including the General Plan Update community meeting; the Bill Botts /Veterans Park Feasibility meeting; the online survey; the California Great Shakeout and City -wide Disaster Drill; the Downtown Business Association (DBA) Hip and Historic Halloween Trick or Treat Night on October 29; and the Halloween Party at the Teen Center on October 27.
Council Member Eriksson discussed attending the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) Girl Camp Graduation; the National Women in Fire Organization; and the Eighth Annual Women in Busine ss Leadership Awards on October 26 put on by the Culver City Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Vera discussed visiting Sister City Iksan, South Korea; and he reported that gifts from Iksan would be presented at the next meeting through the Sister City delegation.
o0o
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, presented a video of the first residents moving into Project Homekey; she noted that additional people were moving in and staff would be providing updates; discussed the role of Urban Alchemy; people transitioning from Safe Sleep to Project Homekey; she presented the activities calendar for the Safe Sleep program; reported a October 23, 2023
5 question from Urban Alchemy as to whether the name Safe Sleep could be changed to Wellness Vi llage; he discussed the importance of taking a wholistic view of a person’s life; services offered; updates for neighbors regarding the motels; the installation of 24/7 security and Urban Alchemy at the motels; monthly reports on calls for service from the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) and CCFD; and providing updates for the neighbors on Atlantic.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the authority of the City Manager to approve a name change; current number of residents at the motels; gratitude expressed by those moving in; and acceptance and trust with the transition from the street to Safe Sleep to Project Homekey.
o0o
Presentations
Item P-1
CC – Entertainment Community Fund Affordable Housing
Presentation – City-Owned Virginia Avenue Site
Keith McNutt, Entertainment Community Fund Western Region, provided background on the organization and their mission; introduced their team; discussed assistance provided during the pandemic and the strikes; the Glorya Kau fman Vision Fund; services offered; people served; current projects; and bringing their next affordable housing development to Culver City.
Brian Wickersham, Entertainment Community Fund, discussed their request that the City Council authorize their conti nued study of project feasibility with staff; the site analysis; their vision; providing a high quality 100% affordable housing project for artists; use of density bonus incentives; landscaping; environmental and sustainability goals of the project; and th e roof garden and garden boxes.
Discussion ensued between project representatives, staff, and Council Members regarding the Hollywood facility; clarification that the lot under consideration is the current site of the Safe Sleep program; providing long-term affordable housing; the long- term lease with one of the neighbors; length of the process; appreciation to those involved in bringing the concept forward; providing services to the community and funding 100% affordable housing; timing of the lease; other projects by the Glorya October 23, 2023
6 Kaufman Foundation; and clarification that the project would not need any additional land other than the Virginia parking lot.
o0o
Item P-2
CC – Presentation of a Sustainable Solutions Award by SoCal Regional Energy Network to the City of Culver City
Tessa Charnofsky, Southern California Regional Energy Network, provided background on the organization; discussed the
Sustainable Solutions Award presented to Culver City for their commitment to sustainability; accomplishments of Culver City; and she presented the award t o Public Works Energy Champion, Joe Susca.
o0o
Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Dr. Luther Henderson discussed consideration of the minimum wage ordinance; the social justice agenda; statistical disparities; confiscation and redistribution of wealth; politics; effects of higher wages on businesses; he requested empirical evidence rather than theory or rh etoric; felt rent control should be reconsidered; and he provided copies of Social Justice Fallacies by Dr. Thomas Sowell that he asked Council Members to read.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded by Leslie Ostrin, acknowledged the difficulties of democracy; discussed the importance of serving constituents; making the City less safe and less kind; appealing to natural compassion; hidden agendas; dark money Libertarianism; neo-Marxist policies; creating an environment for high cost housing; the lawsuit to prevent making adjustments to the MOVE Culver City pilot program; the Streets for All grant request to study demolishing the 90 freeway to build a park and housing; the letter of support rescinded by Karen Bass; he requested that the City Council rescind their letter of support; cautioned the City Council to carefully examine all requests from outside agencies asking for support; and he asserted that not all studies were harmless.
October 23, 2023
7 Stephen Jones discussed the planned sweep for the encampment on Venice under the 405 freeway; citing of the new anti -camping ordinance in the notice; delayed enforcement until housing came online; the fact that the number of available beds is less than the number of people on the street; characterization of people who were deemed inel igible as service resistant; service resistant vs. housing resistant; sweeping people away rather than providing a place to live; effectiveness of the sweep if people refuse to come out of their tents; fines; and he asked that the sweep be cancelled and th at the City find out what people need and help them rather than just getting them out of sight.
Nancy Barba thanked the City for leading the country in voting to protect communal public health from oil drilling; she requested transparency on the initiative, asking that residents be told how much longer they will be exposed to the hazard; discussed the extension of the deadline; she asked that an update be agendized; hoped to see Culver City remain a national leader in the fight to protect public health from oil drilling; and she noted that it was not clear that Sentinel Peak Resources (SPR) was in the process of phasing out the oil drilling.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, reported that progress was being made; discussed the publicly approved settlement framework; details needed for a final agreement; and she expressed hope that the matter would be settled within the next month.
Melissa Sanders was looking forward to seeing more information about the affordable housing project; discussed the MOVE Culver City lawsuit; and she asked that people associated with the lawsuit who serve on City appointed Commissions and Committees be removed.
Bryan Sanders was called to speak but did not respond.
Khin Khin Gyi provided background on herself; reported attending the recent community meeting and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting; discussed the proposal to remove parking spots on Overland from Kelmore to Hannum Avenue; current inaccessibility of the parking spots; chaos at the Ranch/Kelmore/Overland intersection; the need for a traffic light; loss of a crossing guard; the last City Council review of the BPAC proposal; increased t raffic since 2020; and she wanted the City Council to agendize the matter before it is implemented.
October 23, 2023
8 Marci Baun indicated that she would not be able to attend the next BPAC meeting but was concerned with consideration of a bike lane that would affect resi dents on Franklin and Elenda; discussed the potential removal of trees and parking spaces; opening of the Jackson Gate to allow children to ride on the Bike Path; and she asserted that those who live on the affected streets did not support the proposed changes.
David Haake , Sierra Club, provided background on himself; requested improved transparency with regard to the settlement agreement with the oil operator of the Inglewood Oil Field; discussed the history of uncontrolled releases of toxic chemicals into the community; he noted that Culver City was a model for Los Angeles city and county; and he thanked the City Council for their efforts.
Heather Baker, City Attorney, asserted that the negotiations were confidential but work was being done on the framework that was publicly passed; she thanked the public for their patience; and she indicated that information would be shared when it was possible.
Nicole Levin, National Sierra Club, noted that the community had been waiting too long for the phase out of oil drilling; she asserted that drilling should have never been allowed; discussed impacts of oil drilling to public health; reported much concern from the community; noted length of the process; was looking forward to the updates; and she thanked the C ity for their leadership.
Colby Devitt , Sierra Club Clean Break Committee, expressed gratitude to the City for their efforts to phase out oil drilling; she shared impatience and frustration expressed by previous speakers; expressed concern with the extens ions; requested transparency; and she wanted to know when the oil drilling would end.
Ruth Roofless reported being unhoused; discussed actions by the City to make being homeless illegal; impending enforcement; she noted that homeless individuals generate complaints, but had never given children cancer like the oil field; noted that oil pumps had more rights than people as a house would be built around an oil pump on the sidewalk; she proposed that the oil drilling ban be enforced like they plan to enforce the homeless ban; and she noted inaccuracies with the Homeless Count.
October 23, 2023
9 Council Member Eriksson noted that the Homeless Count is taken by a large group of volunteers in Culver City including Housing staff and CCPD and CCFD.
Meg Sullivan with one minute ced ed by Steve Roe , provided background on herself; requested regular, dependable, and professional trash pickup along the Bike Path; discussed current issues; usage of the Bike Path; Metro’s jurisdiction over the area; she reported contacting various entities for support and concern that she was getting the run around; and she felt the bike path was an important resource that should not be
neglected.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a request that staff investigate the issue and report back; the City agreement with the Flood Control District; responsibility for maintenance, operation, and upkeep ; deployment of the sanitation crew if the area is within the City jurisdiction; and City Council consensus was achieved from all Council Members present to agendize consideration of creating an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Metro and the City to have more control over keeping the area clean.
James Richardson was called to speak but did not respond.
Michael Rochmes expressed concern with the quality of the environment in the City; discussed clean air; climate change; the vote to end oil drilling in the City; and he expressed pride in the award received for being a sustainable city noting that is the kind of city he wants to live in.
Robert Zirgulis reported living in the vicinity of the Jackson Gate; noted concerns of residents who want to see the gate closed at night; and he wanted to see additional police patrols in the area.
Karim Sahli discussed freedom of spee ch; asserted that any Commissioners are allowed to send redress to the government and they should not be told what to do; and he stated that the Jackson Gate had not been any source of trouble in the year that it has been open.
Council Member Eriksson rec eived City Council consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to direct staff to return with a report on any CCPD issues with regard to Jackson Gate as well as information on resources required to close the gate from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
October 23, 2023
10 o0o
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Order of the Agenda
Items C-4, C-5, C-6 and C-7 were considered separately.
o0o
Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for September 30, 2023 to October 13, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 TO OCTOBER 9, 2023.
o0o
Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on October 9, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING
AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 9, 2023.
o0o
October 23, 2023
11 Item C-3
CC - Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc., Modifying the Scope of Services for the Objective Design Standards, to Incorporate Single -Family, Duplex, and Triplex Residential Development Types, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $72,085
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC., TO PREPARE OBJECTIVE
DESIGN STANDARDS TO INCORPORATE SINGLE FAMILY, DUPLEX AND
TRIPLEX RESIDENTIAL TYPES AND PREPARE ASSOCIATED ZONING CODE
AMENDMENT AND MATERIALS TO CODIFY AND IMPLEMENT THE ODS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $72,085; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY M ANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-4
CC - (1) Approval of an Agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (ACMS) through June 30, 2024, to Provide Crossing Guard Services in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $254,388.60; (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Extend the Agreement for Two Additional One-Year Periods, with Additional Funding to be Approved as part of the City’s Annual Budget Process; and (3) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Proposed Budget Amendment Appropriating an Additional $70,298.60 from General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Cover the Higher Hourly Billing Rate Costs
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
David Metzler discussed the amount of money being spent on crossing guards vs. what was spent on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Pla n for the previous year; the need to allocate significant resources to finish the plan ; money spent to put band-aids on infrastructure; allowing people to ride their October 23, 2023
12 bicycles safely at all hours of the day; people and childre n who use the streets all the time, not just when the area is staffed by crossing guards; and he asked the City to fund permanent solutions.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ACMS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024, TO
PROVIDE CROSSING GUARD SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $254,388.60; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT FOR TWO
ADDITIONAL ONE -YEAR PERIODS, WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO BE APPROVED AS PART OF THE CITY’S ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS.
3. APPROVE A PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $70,298.60 FROM GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE
TO COVER THE HIGHER HOURLY BILLING RATE COSTS (REQUIRES A FOUR- FIFTHS VOTE); AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUME NTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-5
CC - Recommendations from the Ad Hoc City Council Policies Subcommittee, Including: (1) Adoption of a Resolution Amending Council Policy Statement No. 3002 (City Commissions, Boards and Committees; Appointed Representatives to Outside Agencies and Boards); (2) Adoption of a Resolution Rescinding Council Policy Statement No. 4001 (Anti-Nepotism) Due to Redundancy with Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.05.070; and (3) Adoption of a Resolution Rescinding City Council Policy No. 4201 (Employee Education and Train ing) and Transitioning Such Policy into Amended Administrative Policy II -08 (Employee Training, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program)
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Nancy Barba was called to speak but did not respond.
October 23, 2023
13 Ruth Roofless expressed support for requiring a 4/5 majority vote in order to remove a Member of a Committee, Board or Commission (CBC); expressed disagreement with the removal of Bubba Fish; discussed a gentleman who was displaced from the Safe Parking program who Bubba Fish helped; people stranded in Culver City; pipelines of homeless people into Culver City; sabotage of permanent supportive housing by Exodus; and she indicated that those desiring additional information could email her a [email protected].
Council Member Eriksson stated that Bubba Fish was not removed, rather his tenure was not extended.
Bubba Fish expressed concern with efforts to require a simple majority rather than a 4/5 vote to remove members of CBCs; noted the importance of providing alternative points of view; concern with removal of Board Members who don’t share the same point of view as whichever Council is in place; removal of problematic Members who should not serve the City anymore; he questioned whether there had been any issues to warrant the change; and he expressed concern with setting a dangerous precedent.
Nancy Barba provided background on herself and her experience in the City; noted that her comments were not being made on behalf of the Planning Commission; discussed the importance of representing diverse views in connection with City
accomplishments; making a City where everyone feels they belong; valuing people’s thoughts; the fact that many things that are now considered a step forward, were opposed in the past; and she emphasized the importance of diverse thoughts.
Stephen Jones, Planning Commission Chair, speaking on behalf of himself, discussed concern that the City was trying to make a large change without anyone noticing by burying the item in routine items in the Consent Calendar; the fact that the original staff report did not mention the significant change and indicated that the Policy Subcommittee unanimously supported the change, which is not correct; previous removals; lack of a demonstrated issue; making removals political when they have not been; and the need to provide justification for the change.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the original staff report; the objection of Vice Mayor McMorrin on the subcommittee; the reason f or the change as being consistency with the municipal code; the change at the
recommendation by staff to address issues that have arisen; October 23, 2023
14 Members as serving at the pleasure of the City Council; the 4/5 majority as a higher standard to meet, making it more difficult to enact changes; clarification that there is no downside to not making the change; bifurca ting the motion to separate out the vote on removal of CBC Members; the importance of keeping a high bar for CBC appointments; term length and limits ; and eligibility requirements for minors.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT NO. 3002 (CITY COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES; APPOINTED
REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES AND BOARDS); AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION RESCINDING COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT NO. 4001 (ANTI -NEPOTISM) DUE TO REDUNDANCY WITH CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (CCMC) SECTION 3.05.070; AND,
3. ADOPT A RESOLUTION RESCINDING CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 4201 (EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND TRAINING) AND INCORPORATING SAID POLICIES INTO AMENDED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY II -08 (EMPLOYEE TRAINING, EDUCATION AND TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM).
o0o
Item C-6
CC – (1) Approval of the Downtown Culver City Business
Improvement District Advisory Board’s Annual Work Program and Budget; (2) Conduct a Public Meeting to Allow Public Testimony Regarding the Proposed Increased Assessment; and (3) Adoption of a Resolution Declaring the Intent to Levy the Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District Assessment for 2024 and Setting a Public Hearing for December 11, 2023
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
James Richardson was called to speak but did not respond.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE DCCBID ADVISORY BOARD’S 2024 ANNUAL REPORT AS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK OR AS AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND,
October 23, 2023
15 2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO LEVY THE DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT FOR 2024 AND SETTING DECEMBER 11, 2023, AS THE DATE FOR THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING.
o0o
Item C-7
CC – (1) Approval of the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District Annual Work Plan and Budget; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Declaring Intent to Levy the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District Assessment for 2024 and Setting a Public Hearing on November 13, 2023
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Meg Sullivan was called to speak but did not respond.
Steve Roe was called to speak but did not respond.
James Richardson was called to speak but did not respond.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE CCADBID ADVISORY BOARD’S 2024 ANNUAL REPORT AS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK OR AS MODIFIED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT TO LEVY THE CULVER
CITY ARTS DISTRICT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT FOR 2024 AND SETTING NOVEMBER 13, 2023 AS THE DATE FOR THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING.
o0o
Item C-8
CC - (1) Rejection of Protest Received on Request for Proposals #2352 Transportation Facility Vehicle Lift Replacement Project; and (2) Approval of an Agreement with Southwest Lift &
Equipment, Inc. in an Amount Not -To-Exceed $889,113 ($776,850 Base and $112,263 Contingency) for the Replacement of Vehicle Lifts at the Transportation Facility
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. REJECT AUTOLIFT SERVICES’ PROTEST; AND,
October 23, 2023
16 2. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHWEST LIFT & EQUIPMENT, INC.
FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE LIFTS AT THE TRANSPORTATION FACILITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $889,113 ($776,850 BASE AND $112,263 CONTINGENCY); 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.
o0o
Item C-9
CC - (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with KOA Corporation, in an Amount Not -to- Exceed $15,750 for Additional Construction Management Services on City Owned Property at 3900 Sepulveda Boulevard, and (2) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with Blue Line, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $5,300 for Additional Plumbing Services at 3900 Sepulveda Boulevard
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH KOA CORPORATION, (KOA) IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $15,750 FOR ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 3900 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD; AND,
2. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL S ERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLUE LINE, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $5,300
FOR ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 3900 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD; 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.
o0o
October 23, 2023
17 Item C-10
CC - Approval of a Five -Year Professional Services Agreement with Enterprise Security, Inc. for On -Call Installation, Maintenance, and Repair of the City’s Hirsch Access Control System in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $308,380
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A FIVE -YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ENTERPRISE SECURITY, INC. FOR ON -CALL INSTALLATION,
MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF THE CITY’S HIRSCH ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM IN FISCAL YEAR 2024 IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $108,380, AND $50,000 ANNUALLY IN FISCAL YEAR 2025 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2028, FOR AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $308,380; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-11
CC - (Receipt and Filing of Measure CC and Measure C Sales Tax Status Reports (FY2022-2023, Third Quarter) and Real Property Transfer Tax Status Report (FY2022 -2023, Fourth Quarter), as Approved by the Finance Advisory Committee
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE MEASURE CC, C, AND REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX STATUS REPORTS.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-4.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
Heather Baker, City Attorney, noted that any changes to requirements to remove CBC Members in Item C-5 would apply to all CBCs.
October 23, 2023
18 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the implications of changing rules; changes in power dynamics; ensuring that changes are not being done for political purposes; the ability of the City Council to appoint Members with three votes; consistency; power delegated to certain bodies; alignment of CBCs with the City Council; having the conserving affect or allowing changes to occur more quickly; voters as choosing the direction of the City; reflecting the will of the voters through the City Council and CBCs; the value of streamlining; the voter approved municipal code; maintaining integrity in the process; making a declaration of dissent; bifurcating the motion for Item C-5; voting on the resolution for the amended policy as a whole; and getting dissent specifically on the record.
Council Member Puza moved that the City Council retain the 4/5 voting requirement in order to remove a Committee, Board, and Commission Member. The motion died for lack of a second.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEM C-5.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
ABSTAIN: PUZA
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-6 THROUGH C-11.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Consideration of a Resolution Condemning the Recent Attacks on Israel and Standing in Solidarity with Israel and its People, and Expressing Deep Concern for the Innocent Civilians in Gaza; and (2) If Desired, Adoption of the Proposed October 23, 2023
19 Resolution and Direction to the City Manager to send a Letter with a Copy of the Adopted Resolution to President Joseph R.
Biden, the Secretary of the United States Department of State, Anthony Blinken, and Culver City’s Elected Representatives
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager , provided a summary of the material of record
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace was called to speak but did not respond.
Tal Oren provided background on himself; expressed support for standing with the people of Israel and the innocent victims in Gaza; discussed the opportunity to rise above politics and ideology; the moral spectrum of right and wrong; commitment to democracy and human rights; condemning Hamas; solidarity with Isreal; bringing attention to the heartbreaking suffering of the people in Gaza; support from the governor of California; and he asked Culver City to condemn terrorism.
Dr. Lut her Henderson expressed support for the resolution; discussed the behavior of people on college campuses; lack of civics and history education in K-12; antisemitic views; concern with mirroring a policy of the National Socialist German Workers Party; and he thanked the City for putting forth the resolution.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded, discussed the horrific actions of Hamas on October 7; the occupation of Hamas in Gaza; the inability of certain segments of the political spectrum to differentiate; criticism of Isr aeli policy vs. antisemitism; reactions of the super far left; appreciation for living in Culver City; and the need to be a leader and a voice for denouncing evil.
Stephen Jones echoed comments made by Mr. Oren and he proposed updating the resolution to include the number of Pal estinians killed to date.
Darrel Menthe discussed the act of terrorism; the need to take the side of humanity; antisemitism in the community; the intent to destroy the Jewish people; and the need to recognize Israel to exist as a Jewish state.
October 23, 2023
20 Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin expressed support for the resolution; discussed fear and sadness; the importance of standing with Jewish friends and neighbors; she asked that the resolution call out opposition to using the war crime of rape against women; and she proposed adding language to indicate that the number of deaths is as of the date of the resolution.
Melissa Sanders expressed support for the resolution; discussed the humanitarian issue; the fact that civilians should not be part of the war; the importance of having the City condemn the violence and stand with Israel; the failure of the School District to support the Jewish community; and she thanked the City.
Rick Tuttle indicated that he had understated the situation last time he addressed the City Council; thanked the Mayor and Council Member Erik sson for their comments; and he hoped the City Council would adopt a clean resolution without amendment.
Bryan Sanders expressed appreciation that the City was moving forward with the important resolution and he hoped that the war would end soon.
Ruth Roofless noted that the voices of Palestinian people have been absent because they have been under attack; asserted that genocide was taking place against the Palestinian people; indicated that she did not a dvocate violence; noted the importance of recognizing the Palestinians as an indigenous people being forced out of their homes and out of existence; and she asked that the resolution be updated to reflect that.
Rami Frankl provided background on himself; requested support for the resolution; discussed the events of October 7; and he thanked the City for standing with Israel and the Jewish community.
Robert Zirgulis did not feel that the resolution was strong enough; discussed the unimaginable atrocities o f Hamas; questionable statistics; use of citizens as human shields; and he felt that anyone making excuses for Hamas should be
condemned.
Deborah Weinrach provided background on herself; expressed a belief in peace and a two-state solution; discussed terrorists and civilians; ongoing horrors; innocent victims; the need to fight terrorism and believe in peace; and she asked the City Council to support the resolution.
October 23, 2023
21 Andrew Lachman thanked the City Council for the work done to put together the resolution; discussed the horrors of war; use of citizens as shields; aid being taken to build weapons of terror; he noted that they all wanted peace; and he wished that the city of Richmond would take a similar unifying action.
Eric Shabsis provided background on himself; thanked the City Council for taking action to denounce the actions on October 7; discussed growing up in a diverse, accepting community; the hostages; those who condone the violence; antisemitism; and he thanked the City for standing by Israel and the Jewish people.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding pride in the City for drafting a strong message; including language in the resolution to indicate that the numbers are "as of today"; acknowledgement that rape is a war crime in line 10; acknowledging Israel as a Jewish state in section two of the recitals; acknowledging the pain and suffering of Palestinians and that Hamas is the enemy; replacing the word numerous with thousands to acknowledge those killed; the right of Israel to defend itself; providing support for local communities; families impacted by senseless acts of cruelty and terror; allowing people to grieve, mourn, and heal; condolences to Temple Akiba and the Mosque; resiliency; hope for the future; advocacy for peace; violence dialogue, education, and soft power as tools for a peaceful society; the impact of the resolution on a local scale; the anti -hate speaker series; the alarming rise of antisemitism; the importance of fighting hate in all its forms; support for proposed changes; following the lead of the Board of Supervisors and Barack Obama in including language that calls for all parties involved in the conflict to abide by
international law; adding a sentence in section four to indicate that the City advocates for continued and increased support to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza; the feeling that the existence of Hamas is incompatible with peace, freedom and democracy; innocent victims being used as human shiel ds; the challenging situation for Israelis; alignment with United Nations Resolution 181; a suggestion to acknowledge that Israel is a Jewish state in section three rather than in section two; the Geneva Convention; appreciation for the public input; and City Council agreement to the proposed amendments.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
October 23, 2023
22 1. ADOPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS
ON ISRAEL AND STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE
AND EXPRESSING DEEP CONCERN FOR THE INNOCENT CIVILIANS IN GAZA,
INCLUDING THE VERBIAGE AS A JEWI SH STATE, UPDATING THE DEATH
COUNT, ADDING THE RAPE OF WOMEN, THOUSANDS OF PALESTINIANS
KILLED, AND LANGUAGE THAT CALLS FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE
CONFLICT TO ABIDE BY INTERNATIONAL LAW, AND INCREASED SUPPORT TO PROVIDE HUMANITATIAN AID TO CIVILIANS IN GAZA; AND,
2. DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO DISTRIBUTE A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR AND A COPY OF THE R ESOLUTION TO CULVER CITY’S ELECTED
REPRESENTATIVES.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Item A-2
CC - Consideration of (1) the Designation of November 12, 2023- November 18, 2023, as “Culver City United Against Hate Week”; (2) Designating the “Culver City United Against Hate Week” as a City-Sponsored Campaign; (3) Authorizing the City Manager to Administratively Approve Agreements, Permits and Licenses Needed as Deemed Appropriate for this Campaign to Promote Hate Crime Reporting Awareness and the Message of Unity Against Hate and Hate Crimes within the Culver City Community; and (4) FOUR- FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approving a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $10,500 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Cover City Costs
Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director, introduced the item.
Jeannine Houchen, Human Resources Equity Analyst , provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Melissa Sanders wanted to ensure that areas around the schools were targeted and to see the program expanded throughout the entire City.
October 23, 2023
23 Ruth Roofless discussed a hate crime at Saticoy Elementary School; a homeless person who was beaten unconscious; the ban of homeless persons within 500 feet of schools while oil drilling is allowed on campuses; putting up signs in the public right of way where entire groups of people are banned from being; practicing anti -hate rather than just enacting
legislation; she reported calling 211 to ask for shelter during the hurricane and receiving no help; and she asked the City to stop enacting people bans because that is hate.
Robert Zirgulis discussed Hamas propaganda; apologists; blaming Israel for the murders; and he proposed including going after people spreading malicious propaganda and lies in the campaign.
Michael Whitmann felt it was crazy that people were sticking up for Israel; discussed the bombing of hospitals and churches; horrific things done to anyone who is not Jewish; and slave camps with Palestinian children.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE DESIGNATION OF NOVEMBER 12, 2023 -NOVEMBER 18, 2023, AS “CULVER CITY UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK”; AND,
2. DESIGNATE THE “CULVER CITY UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK” AS A CITY-SPONSORED CAMPAIGN; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
AGREEMENTS, PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE
FOR THIS CAMPAIGN IN ORDER TO PROMOTE HATE CRIME REPORTING
AWARENESS AND THE MESSAGE OF UNITY AGAINST HATE AND HATE CRIMES WITHIN THE CULVER CITY COMMUNITY; AND,
4. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING $10,500 FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE TO ACCOUNT #10122100.517000 (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE).
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
October 23, 2023
24 Item A-3
CC - (1) Consideration of the Finance Advisory Committee’s Recommendation to Decrease the Cannabis Business Tax Rate for Cannabis Distribution from 2% to 0%; (2) If Desired,
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Section 11.32.025.E to Decrease the Cannabis Business Tax Rate for Cannabis Distribution from 2% to 0%, Effective January 1, 2024; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed
Appropriate
Staff provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding information considered by the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC).
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Austin Hice thanked the City Council for considering the issue; responding to inquiry , he discussed financial hardship as a result of the tax; the illegal market as outperforming and outcompeting economically; the high risk of severe penalties; and he indicated that they were forced to move their operations out of the City due to the tax.
Andrew Lachman, Finance Advisory Committee Chair, discussed the in-depth report provided by staff; their deliberation on the item; the opportunity to be a center for the industry in the future; the feeling that the item should be reevaluated if the businesses do not invest in the City and bring their operations to the City; increased business license tax; accountability and monitoring to remain competitive; and benefits from sales tax and business license tax.
Michael Whitmann questioned why businesses wo uld want to come to the City and he proceeded to use hate speech and profanity.
Council Member Eriksson discussed other cities that have discontinued the ability to make public comment via Webex; organized efforts to spew hate speech; free speech; limits with regard to acceptable language in Council Chambers; and he indicated that he would ask Council Members to consider agendizing a discussion of discontinuing public comment over the internet at the next meeting.
October 23, 2023
25 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding hopes for a more in -depth analysis of the matter by the FAC; allocating the tax to address reparations; the feeling that places with a robust legal market industry do not face struggles due to regulation and taxation ; allowing the illegal industry to survive; the tax as providing for a more premium and regulated experience; that fact that there is not a City within 100 miles that is at 0%; the fact that Los Angeles is at 1%; providing a level playing field; support for the small business community in the City; support for a temporary exemption o f the
distribution ta x for 2 years to reconcile the hardship; activating and generating more business to come into the City at a reduced rate; revenue type; taxes and fees; additional taxes placed on the cannabis industry; permit fees based on staff time and additional review required; compliance; cost recovery; taxes set by the voters; expectations; the competitive and challenging industry; the goal to attract another
distributor; the fa ct that the business already left; the inability of the City to require a business to stay; concern with setting a precedent with other businesses; other businesses that need help; and alignment with Los Angeles.
Mayor Vera moved to introduce an ordinance amending Culver City Municipal Code Section 11.32.025.e to decrease the cannabis business tax rate for cannabis distribution to 0% for a two year period at which time it comes back to the City Council for review.
Discussion ensued between staff and Counc il Members regarding the option to leave the code as is and to direct staff to return with a resolution to suspend the tax for two years; putting sunset language in the code rather than relying on staff to bring it back in two years; suspending the tax via resolution vs. via the code; whether businesses would be attracted to the City knowing that the suspension would only last two years; business entry points; lack of a relationship with businesses that choose a location because it is cheaper; and the feeling that tax benefits are not a long term solution.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.32.025.E TO DECREASE THE CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX RATE FOR CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION TO 0% FOR A TWO YEAR
PERIOD AT WHICH TIME IT COMES BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR REVIEW.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
October 23, 2023
26 AYES: O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: ERIKSSON
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Item A-4
CC - (1) Adoption of an Ordinance Regulating Sidewalk Vending; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager , provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding outreach methods; the poor response; ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility issues in certain parks; clarification there is currently no business license permitting for sidewalk ven dors in the City; state law; people who had permits before state law was changed and continue to carry them; vendors who take up the entire sidewalk on weekends; and enforcement.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Ruth Roofless discussed recognition of the ADA; protections for the disabled not sidewalks; providing an alternative route within 200 feet; more and more restrictions on public space; targeting people who cannot make money in other ways; people who do not want to have contact with the police; sandwich delivering robots; making public spaces less public overall; and she stated that municipal improvements were not improvements unless they expanded access for the public.
Karim Sahli expressed agreement with comments made by the previous speaker; discussed giving away public space to high tech businesses but not to street vendors; street vending as a part of the local history for 150 years; stimulation of the local economy; support for local businesses; culture; unique products reflecting diverse heritage; offering affordable products for everyone; opportunities for the marginalized; the safety argument; prioritizing people and the community over cars; making more spac e for people; recognizing vendors as essential for the fabric of the community rather than sidewalk October 23, 2023
27 obstructions; and vendors as turning an area into a hub of activity.
Denise Neal asked about the logistics; wanted to know what type of vending would be allowed; discussed county health permits; training; the Temporary Sales Site (TSS) form; service
businesses; ADA issues; park usage; and safety concerns.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding SB 946; the focus of County Public Health and Environmental Health; City responsibility for enforcement of the permit; removing barriers for street vendors to do business in the City; education before enforcement; use of Enforcement Services rather than CCPD; ensuring that fees are not a barrier; City costs; Council determination of cost recovery; penalties; adding a written warning before a fine; reducing fees; food safety and handling; carts nea r schools; lack of heating mechanisms on carts; safety; accountability; ensuring adherence to Health and Safety regulations; concern with the ability of people to pay the proposed fines; concern with treating street vendors any different from any other business in the City; volume of sales; grading businesses on profitability; providing different rates for less profitable businesses; the regular practice of people losing money during the first two years of business; equity; use of a progressive scale; peopl e who have been targeted or subject to harassment from the community and the police; a suggestion that the first fine be written and the fine structure be $150, $250, and then $500; the need to reintroduce the ordinance if changes are made; and the desire to get the ordinance finalized.
Council Member Eriksson moved to approve the ordinance as written.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding incorporation of written warnings; discretion exercised by Code Enforcement; fine amounts; leading with education and warnings; the general penalty structure used for all code violations; and the importance of having things in writing so that things are not left up to discretion.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SIDEWALK VENDING.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
October 23, 2023
28 NOES: PUZA
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Item A-5
CC - (1) Discussion and Direction Regarding a Request from Unibail-Romanco-Westfield (“Westfield”) to Amend the Design for Development to Broaden the Definition of Allowable Signage to Include Off-Premises Advertising, and Potential Amendments to the Sign Ordinance; and (2) If Desired, Creation of an Ad Hoc Signage Subcommittee and Appointment of Two Council Members thereto
Staff provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between Westfield representatives, staff, and Council Members regarding use of the word may vs. would, language indicating that the update may require external consultation when in fact it would require external
consultation; community benefit; the City revenue share agreement; clarification that the threshold for additional revenue had never been met, but figures had come close; industries more likely to use billboard space than those that are onsite; and clarification that signage would not be added, nor would signage type change.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace was called to speak but did not respond.
Karim Sahli noted that billboards had been deemed blight for decades which had helped City aesthetics and reflected
collective value; discussed the exception granted by a past City Council; he noted that no one appreciated the signage that is a scar on the urban landscape; Westfield repeatedly broke the City agreement and illegally cut nearby trees; he asserted that the change was not worth the money; discussed the current request that contradicts City standards; the relic of a less informed decision; and he asked tha t t he City reject the request, reconsider the prior exception, and reaffirm the commitment to preserving the visual charm of Culver City.
October 23, 2023
29 Denise Neal questioned whether the signage would be on easements, be blinding to people driving, obstruct views , or whether the signage would bother people with light and color sensitivity.
Mayor Vera indicated that no new signage was proposed and none of the signage would be digital, rather the scope of what could be advertised would be expanded.
Robert Bowers made inappropriate comments including racial slurs and profanity.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding lack of community support to increase advertising; potential income generated; the fact that no additional billboards are being requested; requiring Westfield to provide a community benefit; the threatened mall concept; financial viability; brick and mortar stores; and timing issues.
Council Member Eriksson moved to pursue an amendment to the sign ordinance update to include potential amendments to allow for offsite signage.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of community concerns and support for the community benefit requested.
Mayor Vera seconded Council Member Eriksson’s motion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding bifurcating the motion ; ensuring that the item only applies to the Westfield Mall; offsite signage; and significant legal issues involved with what is being contemplated.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: PROVIDE DIRECTION TO PURSUE AN AMENDMENT TO
THE SIGN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER OFF -SITE SIGNAGE ON A SEPARATE
TRACK FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATE, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE EXTERNAL CONSULTATION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
October 23, 2023
30 Item A-6
CC - (1) Discussion and Direction Regarding Digital Kiosk Program and Potential Sign Ordinance Amendments; and (2) If Desired, Creation of an Ad Hoc Signage Subcommittee and Appointment of Two Council Members thereto
Elaine Gerety Warner, Economic Development Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding negotiation of a revenue share; the importance of following the money; and utilization of a subcommittee fo r the sign code amendment in general.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace was called to speak but did not respond.
Candice Taylor was called to speak but did not respond.
Jessica Yas Barker , Ike Smart City, indicated that they were interested in bidding on the RFP (Request for Proposals); provided background on the organization; discussed the demonstration during the Summer Sunset series; and she thanked staff for their guidance through the process.
Karim Sahli with one minute ceded by David Metzler , discussed the fact that the kiosks are advertising in spaces where advertising is thoughtfully restricted; the importance of preserving spaces free from commercial bombardment; lack of input into kiosk content; concern that the kiosks would be obsolete in a few years; he urged the City Council to consider the long term implications and true motivations; and he asked that if the kiosks are approved that a clause be in cluded to phase them out if the experiment is deemed a failure.
Michelle Weiner expressed opposition to the current ordinance to allow digital signage; discussed the uniqueness of the City due to being free from advertising; leaving the City vulnerable; broken kiosks; permitting junk on the sidewalk in the hopes of gaining revenue fr om advertising with a small amount of community benefit in public space that is at a premium; public October 23, 2023
31 space dedicated to restaurant seating; and she expressed concern with the number of kiosks proposed and length of the contract.
Denise Neal questioned whe ther the kiosks were interactive; discussed placement; the ability to upgrade the kiosks; usage in FIFA 2026 and the 2028 Olympics; and she questioned whether the kiosks would be interactive.
Discussion ensued between IKE representatives, staff, and Council Members regarding the interactive nature of the kiosks; upgradable software components; the importance of facilitating communication; content; the interactive mode; lack of
advertising in the applications; the advertising loop; 25-30% art and City content; maintenance; contracts with other cities; content control; installation; the need for electricity; national ads; discounts for local businesses; non -profit content; obsolescence; the design to resemble an I-phone; access to information and technology; equity; number of companies submitting bids; the survey after the presentation; positive feedback; concern with transparency; people in the City who have a very different idea about revenue sharing; concern with the process; disagreement with increasing advertising in the City; lack of a compelling argument for additional value brought to the City by the kiosks; providing better access to information; observation that kiosks are not used very much and many are out of service; novelty vs. convenience; less expensive ways to get information to people; wayfinding; real time information available with Culver Cit yBus; subcommittee consideration of what can and cannot be advertised; short term opportunities; ensuring the kiosks are well -maintained; figuring out how to change the sign ordinance; previous Council consideration of the item; creation of the subcommittee; and placing people who support the item on the subcommittee.
Council Member Eriksson moved to create a subcommittee.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding allowing Council Member Puza to serve on the
subcommittee in order to provide counter arguments and a different opinion; positive experiences with digital kiosks in other cities; monitoring content; the interactiveness of the machines; ADA accessibility; having members of the Economic Development Subcommittee serve on the new subcommittee; establishing an ad hoc signage subcommittee to deal with other off-site signage requests; timing; including Public Works in the conversation; moving forward toward a proposal that the whole City Council can discuss; the importance of having October 23, 2023
32 different thoughts on the ad hoc subcommittee that will be considering items for the entire City; and consideration of Westfield and the kiosks.
Council Member Puza expressed his strong desire to serve on the ad hoc subcommittee.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO PURSUE AN AMENDMENT TO THE SIGN
ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR A KIOSK PROGRAM ON A SEPARATE TRACK FROM
THE COMPREHENSIVE SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATE, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE EXTERNAL CONSULTATION; AND,
2. CREATE AN AD HOC SIGNAGE SUBCOMMITTEE TO ADDRESS OFF -SITE
SIGNAGE RELATIVE TO A KIOSK PROGRAM AND OTHER OFF SITE SIGNAGE REQUESTS AND APPOINT MAYOR VERA AND COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THERETO.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: PUZA
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal requested a meeting to get answers regarding the Safe Sleep space and the bus upgrade plans with the MOVE project.
Council Member O’Brien agreed to meet with Ms. Neal.
Karim Sahli expressed concern with the previous votes on the billboard and the kiosks; wanted reassurance from the City Attorney that the subcommittee would not be able to gut out the billboard ordinance; and questioned what would prevent the installation of signage by Hackman Studios.
Mayor Vera asserted that the subcommittee recommendation would have to come back before the City Council noting the
October 23, 2023
33 subcommittee function to expedite the process and make a recommendation.
o0o
Items from Council Members (Continued)
None.
o0o
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Eriksson reported that area cities had shut down call-in functions in an effort to control hate speech and he received City Council consensus from Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to direct staff to explore the elimination of public comment via Webex.
o0o
October 23, 2023
34 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 11:49 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 regular meeting to be held on November 13, 2023.
o0o
Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council and SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority, 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: _________________________