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 November 13, 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 5:02 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and via Webex.
Present: Albert Vera, Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
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Closed Session
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that the one person who had signed up to speak could not be found as available to address the City Council.
November 13, 2023
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY, REDEVELOPMENT
FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 5:04 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 Real Property Negotiators
Re: 9240 Culver Boulevard
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager; Elaine Warner, Economic Development Director
Other Parties Negotiators: The Brothers Sushi
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment or both, including use restrictions, d evelopment obligations and other monetary related considerations
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Friends and Families for MOVE Culver City v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 23STCP03833
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Yes In My Backyard v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. B321477
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-4 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Recognition Presentations
Mayor Vera called the City Council back to order at 6:52 p.m. with all Council Members present for Recognition Presentations.
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November 13, 2023
3 Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating November 12, 2023 - November 18, 2023, as Culver City United Against Hate Week 2023
Council Member Puza presented the Proclamation designating November 12, 2023 – November 18, 2023 as Culver City United Against Hate Week 2023.
Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director, accepted the
proclamation.
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Item R-2
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating November 2 5, 2023 as Small Business Saturday 2023
Mayor Vera presented a Proclamation designating November 25, 2023 a Small Business Saturday 2023.
Candance Simmons thanked the Mayor and City staff for their work to help small businesses in the City; discussed brick and mortar businesses; and she encouraged everyone to experience Culver City small businesses on November 25, 2023 and every day.
Cedric Joins pledged support for all small businesses in the City on behalf of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce.
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Item R-3
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation De claring the Month of November 2023 as Movember in Culver City
Council Member O’Brien presented the Proclamation declaring the month of November 2023 as Movember in Culver City.
Jason Sims, Police Chief, accepted the Proclamation on behalf of everyone who supports the important cause; discussed suicide as the leading cause of death for police officers in the United States; and he encouraged anyone interested in participating to look for more information on Culver City Police Department (CCPD) social media.
November 13, 2023
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Item R-4
CC – Presentation of a Procl amation Designating November as Family Court Awareness Month 2023
Council Member Eriksson presented the Proclamation designating November as Family Court Awareness Month 2023.
Sandy Ross expressed appreciation for the Proclamation; discussed the importance of bringing awareness to the issue; efforts to make people aware through proclamations; a law recently signed by Governor Newsom on October 13, 2023 intended to require traini ng and reporting; and addressing predatory therapy programs.
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Regular Session
At 7:11 p.m., Mayor Vera reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority with five Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Vera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Vera indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commission, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Jason Sims, Police Chief, presented new CCPD employees.
November 13, 2023
5 Council Member Puza reported attending the Downtown Business Association (DBA) Hip and Historic Halloween event; discussed Halloween and Dia de los Muertos; and attending the opening for new exhibits at the Wende Museum.
Council Member Eriksson discussed being appointed to the California League of Cities Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Public Works.
Council Member O’Brien discussed the Asian World Film Festival; the new exhibit at the Wende Museum; Walk and Roll to School Day on November 15; Movember; increased risk of dying by suicide for men; the need to support mental and physical health for men; and the importance of regular health screenings.
Vice Mayor McMorrin wished a Happy Diwali to those who
celebrate; discussed a Veteran’s Day event at Sofi Stadium; the history of Thanksgiving; support for sharing stories; practicing empathy; she encouraged people to learn about the Wampano ag Tribe and acknowledge the histor y; wanted to see additional support for neighbors; discussed examining systems that result in people requiring additional support; and the importance of supporting neighbors at all times.
Mayor Vera received City Council consensus to adjourn the meeting in memory of Jeffrey Tademy.
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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 H uman Services Director, discussed accomplishments toward addressing homelessness; expanded partnerships; Item A-4 to approve bringing mobile health care to unhoused neighbors; staffing, training, and activation of the Mobile Crisis Team; the update for the residents of Atlantic Avenue; monthly reports from Police and Fire; 24-hour security at the hotels; monitoring and case management; reduced numbers of calls for September and October; continued monitoring to ensure a downward trajectory; transitioning unhoused neighbors; November 13, 2023
6 and she presented a video highl ighting a homeless individual who made use of Safe Sleep and then transitioned to Project Homekey.
Mayor Vera reported attending the cleanup; commended staff for their care and compassion; discussed empathy and patience; and he thanked everyone for going above and beyond.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that staff is not permitted to offer compensation for the individual in the video; protecting the agency of neighbors; the process for participation in the video; the signed release though Urban Alchemy, St. Josephs and Exodus; willingness to share their story to let others know that the situation is not hopeless; whether there would be a series of videos; providing a stipend for participation in promotiona l materials; profiling progress being made; sharing stories of neighbors as they transition; benefit to the City ; average program participant; the similar approach taken for other City services provided; City interest in amplifying stories; people navigating extreme conditions; concern with process and policy; the need for Council direction to move forward; staff direction vs. taking time deliberating as a City Council; concern with violating the Brown Act; the policy of not compensating severely impoverished neighbors; the competing narrative regarding a lack of transparency and those who did not get a bed; projected data points about people not offered bedding; an event that occurred at the 405 and Venice coordinated by Los Angeles City Mayor Bass; the Insights Safe Program; Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA); Department of Mental Health (DMH); those at the location who accepted housing and were transported to the undisclosed housing location; protecting privacy for those who accepted housing; outreach and services provided on the Culver City side of the underpass; ten individuals housed that were formerly staying at Venice and the 405; staffing at Project Homekey; occupancy at Safe Sleep; the estimate for full occupancy at Project Homekey; diff iculty with transition for some; waitlists; the By Name List; and the Backup List.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding Tuesday Cleanups; the informational flyer; the Anti- Camping Ordinance; Service Days; implementation of the Camping Facilities Ordinance on November 14; items to be removed; services and shelter offered to those at the targeted site; repeated contact over the past year; City Council consensus was achieved from Vice Mayor McMorrin and Counci l Members O’Brien and Puza to notify the City Council when the Anti -Camping November 13, 2023
7 Ordinance is being enforced; timing for Council notification; further discussion when the item appears on a future agenda; and introduction of Mobile Crisis Team hires to the commu nity at the December meeting.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); duplication of services; the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) definition of chronically homeless; and appreciation for the support given to those experiencing homelessness to learn to live independently.
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Presentations
Item P-1
CC – Presentation from the Culver City Sister City Committee Regarding Recent Delegation Visit To and From Sister City Iksan City, Republic of Korea
Lisa Saperston, Culver City Sister City Committee, introduced a presentation on events to celebrate the 40 year Sister City relationship with Iksan City, South Korea.
Claire Ramos discussed the student Iksan Program; highlights of the visit by five Iksan students in August; the value of connection; learning opportunities; and the benefits of hosting.
Pula Hibbs, Iksan City Chair, discussed hosting the Mayor of Iksan City and city delegates; the invitation to Iksan City as part of an official City delegation; the exchange of symbolic gifts; participation in events and visits to different sites in Iksan City; the speech and proclamation delivered by Mayor Vera; the importance of cultural exchanges; and appreciation to the City and the community for their continued support of the Sister City program.
Mayor Vera ex pressed appreciation for the once -in-a-lifetime experience.
Council Member Puza agreed with the Mayor’s comments; thanked the students for stepping up and being involved in the program; he expressed hope that the friendships developed would last a lifetime; discussed building peace and ensuring vibrancy for the future; and he thanked the Sister City Committee for their excellent work and organization of the experience.
November 13, 2023
8 Mayor Vera thanked the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) and the Exchange Club for their efforts to create a memorial event at Vets for Veterans Day.
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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 congratulated the City on their successful public relations effort around the 405 sweep last month; discussed the press release and videos; people who were told they would lose everything unless they boarded a bus to a destination they did not know; those who ended up in congregate shelters in Los Angeles county and in run -down motels; people who are already back on the streets; the fact that the majority of the people would not get housing as a result of the operation; pushing aside Culver City residents; and he asserted that the City did not want the public to know what they were doing.
Osaze Griffin discussed confusing wording used for the last item on the agenda; discontinuing live public comment; and the amount of live participation vs. remote participation.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that the current item was to hear comment for Items NOT On the Agenda.
Jamie Wallace asked that Items A-5 and A-6 be moved forward on the agenda.
Wendy Marin discussed the homelessness situation in Culver City; the need to hire additional social workers; significant increases in homelessness after the pandemic; distrust of political leaders and law enforcement; and she encouraged increasing the use of social workers in non-emergency and non- criminal matters.
Luther Henderson reported completing the Culver City Citizens Police Academy and encouraged everyone to sign up for the course; commended Police Chief Sims and staff for the valuable opportunity; discussed the need to educate social justice advocates who call for defunding the police ; common sense enlightenment; and he recommended reading Social Justice November 13, 2023
9 Fallacies by Dr. Thomas Sowell that he previously provided to the City Council.
Kelli Estes discussed the proposed Overland Bike Lane Project; MOVE Culver City; a duplex on Galvin; concern that proposed changes w ould make conditions worse for school traffic on Overland; driveways and on -street parking; making use of existing resources such as the rarely used north/south bike lane on Sawtelle; and she asked the City to take a realistic look at planning, at how time is being spent, and at whether goals are aligned with real life.
Chad Smith was called to speak but did not respond.
David Metzler discussed the decision made at the previous meeting to allow for easy removal of community volunteers from Committees, Boards, and Commissions (CBCs); concern with lasting implications to community and to City engagement; the ability to purge community volunteers every election cycle; undermining core governing values; staggered terms to preserve experience and continuity; Council power to ignore recommendations; free speech; allowing people to be heard without fear of reprisal; good ideas that come from the diverse com munity; threat of removal as having a chilling effect; today’s unpopular ideas that can be tomorrow’s core values; and he asked the City Council to revisit the decision and restore the 4/5 vote required for removal of CBC members.
Keith Jones was called to speak but did not respond.
Melissa Sanders thanked the City for recognizing proliferating antisemitism; expressed concern with the lack of recognition by the Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD); support for attending the Culver City Citizen’s Police Academy; concern with the Vice Mayor’s recognition of things outside of the City rather than things inside the City; and she discussed the need to listen to constituents and focus on the City.
Frank Clark thanked the City for making his block feel like home again; discussed the cleanup at Venice and the 405; people who are not participating in certain areas of the City; the need for strong leadership; concern with divisiveness; and he wanted to see all Council Members become part of the solution rather than the problem.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but did not respond.
November 13, 2023
10 Bubba Fish echoed comments by Jamie Wallace regarding the order of the agenda; expressed concern that the item regarding the future of remote participation was placed at the end of the agenda when the fewest number of people w ould be able to participate; requested that the agenda be reordered to allow for greater participation; agreed with the request from Jamie Wallace to also move up It em A-5; and he noted impacts to how people participate for the foreseeable future.
Marci Baun discussed The Plunge; the new Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director; pool availab ility and providing additional flexibility; and she thanked the City for the cleanup under the 405 freeway noting the positive difference in the area for residents and businesses.
Karim Sahli discussed the homelessness crisis; the helpful quarterly report from CCPD; he requested a comparable report for information sessions including the total number of people registered, utilization of accommodation resources, and number of people who have secured housing; he echoed concerns expressed by Stephen Jones regarding the policy of removing shelter items from people who may have a good reason for not following along; and he questioned whether those actions would define the Mayor.
Jane Leonard thanked the City for participating in the Tribute to Heroes event; discussed the flags displayed; proceeds of sponsorship put toward ending veteran homelessness; and the reading of letters at the successful event.
Carolyn Libuser discussed the CCUSD vote to place a $360 million bond on the March 5 ballot; costs to property owners; number of non-residents in CCUSD; concern with subsidy of students whose parents do not pay taxes in the City; the inability of CCUSD to spend its money wisely; the percentage of money spent on teachers; the fine from the state; and the inability to pay for repairs.
Arif Sayed discussed blockage of the street by Southern California Edison (SCE); expressed appreciation to the Mayor and Council Member O’Brien for ensuring accessibility to the mosque; and he thanked CCPD for their work to protect and serve the community.
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November 13, 2023
11 Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Items C-3, C-5, C-9, C-10, C-13, C-14, and C-15 were considered separately, and Item A-6 was considered before Item A-5.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for October 14, 2023 to November 3, 2023
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR OCTOBER 14, 2023 TO NOVEMBER 3, 2023.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on October 23, 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 23, 2023.
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Item C-3
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Town Plaza Use Policy (City Council Policy 2302), as Recommended by the Economic Development Subcommittee
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
November 13, 2023
12 The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Bubba Fish expressed appreciation for consideration of allowing cycling and other modes of transportation through Town Plaza and he asked that the 3 mile per hour (mph) speed limit be reconsidered noting the difficulty of going that slowly without falling over.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AMENDING TOWN PLAZA USE POLICY (COUNCIL POLICY 2302).
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Item C-4
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Setting the Regular Meetings of the City Council for the Calendar Year 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION SETTING THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024.
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Item C-5
CC - (1) Rejection of a Bid Submitted by Superior Pavement Markings Inc. for the MOVE Culver City 2023 Project (Bid 2411); and (2) Authorization to Publish Multiple Notices Inviting Bids for the Modified MOVE Culver City - Downtown Corridor Pilot Project Western Segment, PS017
Vice Mayor McMorrin indicated that she would not be voting in support of the item.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. REJECT A BID SUBMITTED BY SUPERIOR PAVEMENT MARKINGS, INC.
FOR BID 2411; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF MULTIPLE NOTICES INVITING BIDS
FOR THE MODIFIED MOVE CULVER CITY - DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR PILOT PROJECT WESTERN SEGMENT, PS017.
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November 13, 2023
13 Item C-6
CC – (1) Rejection of Bids Received; and (2) Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids, for the Farragut Connector Demolition and Replacement Project, PS-014
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. REJECT THE BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE FARRAGUT CONNECTOR PROJECT, PS-014; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NEW NOTICE INVITING BIDS TO BUILD THE PROJECT.
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Item C-7
CC – (1) Approve a Waiver Relative to the Maximum Number of Special Events Allowable in a Calendar Year for The Culver Steps, Town Plaza and Ivy Station Properties Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 17.520.015.B; and (2) Designate Events Occurring at The Culver Steps and Town Plaza as City - Sponsored Events
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. WAIVE THE RESTRICTION ON THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPECIAL EVENTS (12) ALLOWABLE IN A CALENDAR YEAR FOR TOWN PLAZA (CITY - PROPERTY), THE CULVER STEPS (PRIVATE PROPERTY) LOCATED AT 9300
CULVER BOULEVARD AND IVY STATION (PRIVATE PROPERTY) LOCATED AT 8840 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD; AND,
2. DESIGNATE EVENTS AT THE CULVER STEPS AND TOWN PLAZA (CITY - PROPERTY), AS CITY-SPONSORED EVENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT EVENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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November 13, 2023
14 Item C-8
CC - Approval of Amendment to the Agreement with Sustainable Management Services, LLC., to Adjust the Annual Budget and Incentive Fee Calculation for the Management of the Culver City Farmers' Market
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC., INCREASING THE MANAGEMENT FEE NOT - TO-EXCEED AMOUNT BY $60,009 TO $687,449; AND ADJUSTING THE INCENTIVE FEE CALCULATION TO 30% FOR FIRST $50,000 NET REVENUES AND 45% OF NET REVENUES ABOVE $50,000 AND APPLY NEW FEE STRUCTURE RETROACTIVELY TO OCTOBER 2023; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-9
CC - Approval of the Adjusted Salary Schedule for the Culver City Police Management Group (PMG) and the Culver City Police Officer's Association (POA) Effective Retroactive to July 17, 2023, in Accordance with the Salary Initiative Ordinance
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace discussed the vote that CCPD salary should follow what Los Angeles is doing and she felt that the item should be administrative.
Marci Baun echoed comments made by Jamie Wallace; expressed support for the item; and she thanked CCPD for their assistance.
Karim Sahli reported that he had attended the Police Academy; discussed comments made by the former Police Chief that half of their job involved mental health and homelessness; people caught in a cycle of recurring issues; low risk missions that do not require a sworn officer; deescalating crisis without a police November 13, 2023
15 officer; use of the Mobile Crisis Team; the goal of ensuring long-term financial stability; and the need for cuts to CCPD once the Mobility Crisis Unit takes over in January.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding overtime; the CCPD budget; transparency; estimates as to how overtime would be configured over the coming year; opposition to increasing the CCPD budget; the need to value all workers; separating CCPD above all other departments; the need to examine the entrenched culture of deference and lack of questioning; the fiscal matter; the fact that most things in the community do not require someone with a gun; looking at how to balance the budget and respond to data in reports; and the salary ordinance passed by the voters.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE ADJUSTED SALARY SCHEDULE FOR
THE CULVER CITY POLICE MANAGEMENT GROUP (PMG) AND THE CULVER CITY POLICE OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION (POA) EFFECTIVE RETROACTIVE TO JULY 17, 2023, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SALARY INITIATIVE ORDINANCE.
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Item C-10
CC - (1) Waiver of Formal Competitive Bidding Procedures; and (2) Approval of Professional Services Agreements with Various Temporary Staffing Agencies
Tiffany Johnson, Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Vice Mayor McMorrin expressed appreciation for the report given noting that she had not seen a corresponding staff report attached to the item which is why she had pulled it.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli discussed Items C-10 and C-14 noting that it was a red flag that there was not staff report or documentation attached for either item, and he urged the City Council not to vote for Items C-10 or C -14 as there was no way to make a decision for items that they know nothing about.
November 13, 2023
16 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the accessibility of an attachment for Item C-14; concern that there is no item linked for the public agenda; and appreciation for the staff explanation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. PURSUANT TO CCMC SECTION 3.07.075.F.3, WAIVE FORMAL
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES; AND,
2. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH VARIOUS TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW AND PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-11
CC - (1) Approval of the Community Block Grant Fund Allocation for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the Funding Application
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE FUNDING FOR THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 CDBG PROJECTS; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 CDBG APPLICATION, INCLUDING ALL CERTIFICATIONS; AND,
3. DESIGNATE THE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY OFFICIAL TO EXECUTE
AND FILE ALL DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE CDBG PROGRAM, INCLUDING
MAKING MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE ACTUAL FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 CDBG ALLOCATION; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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November 13, 2023
17 Item C-12
CC - Approval of an Amendment to an Existing Professional Services Agreement with AG Coast, Inc. dba California Panther Security in an Additional Amount Not -to-Exceed $100,000.00 through June 30, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE OF AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AG COAST, INC. DBA CALIFORNIA PANTHER SECURITY IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $100,000 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-13
CC - (1) Award of Construction Contract to Concept Consultant Inc. as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $108,004.51 for the Galvin Street Parkway Expansion Project, PS-022; (2) Authorization for the Public Works Director to Approve Change Orders to the Contract in an Amount Not -to- Exceed $10,800.40 to Cover Contingency Costs (10%); and (3) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $34,144.91 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to CIP PS-022 for Construction Costs
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Kelli Estes discussed money allocated for the tree; other areas in the City where trees have rendered sidewalks unusable; parts of the City that get ignored; money spent to redes ign the sidewalk in 2020 to accommodate the tree roots; she questioned why it was a bigger deal than other City trees; and discussed consequences to other properties of promoting growth.
November 13, 2023
18 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CONCEPT CONSULTANT, INC. AS
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $108,004.51 FOR THE GALVIN STREET PARKWAY EXPANSION PROJECT, PS-022; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS, IF NECESSARY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,800.40 TO COVER CONTINGENCY COSTS (10%); AND,
3. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE $34,144.91 FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE TO CIP PS-022 (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 DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-14
CC - Approval of Amendment to the Agreement with Sustainable Management Services, LLC., to Adjust the Annual Budget and Incentive Fee Calculation for the Management of the Culver City Farmers' Market
Karim Sahli made comment on Item C -14 as part of his co mments for Item C-10.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CONCEPT CONSULTANT, INC. AS
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $108,004.51 FOR THE GALVIN STREET PARKWAY EXPANSION PROJECT, PS-022; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS, IF NECESSARY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $10,800.40 TO COVER CONTINGENCY COSTS (10%); AND,
3. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE $34,144.91 FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE TO CIP PS-022 (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE); AND,
November 13, 2023
19 4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-15
CC - Approval of an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Culver City Downtown Business Association (DBA) for City-Sponsored Events to Allow Closure of Main Street During Events
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
David Metzler was called to speak but did not respond.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE AMENDED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
CULVER CITY DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO ALLOW CLOSURE OF MAIN STREET DURING SPECIFIED CITY-SPONSORED EVENTS; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-16
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Professional Health Services, Inc. in an Annual Amount Not -to- Exceed $56,640 to Provide Onsite Annual Physicals to Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) Firefighters
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC. IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $56,640
TO PROVIDE ONSITE ANNUAL PHYSICALS TO CULVER CITY FIRE
DEPARTMENT (CCFD) FIREFIGHTERS; AND,
November 13, 2023
20 2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-17
CC - Approval of a Purchase Order with Foothill Communications for Replacement Portable and Mobile Radios in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $349,497.64
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH FOOTHILL COMMUNICATIONS FOR
THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT PORTABLE AND MOBILE RADIOS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $349,497.64; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING OFFICER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-18
CC - Approval of an Agreement with LAC Heating & Air, LLC to Install a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System and Upgrade the Electrical Panel to a 400 -AMP Panel at Lindberg Park’s Stonehouse for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $68,945; and (2) Authorize the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement in a Contingency Amount of up to an Additional $6,895 (10%) for Unexpected Costs, for a Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $75,840
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH LAC HEATING & AIR, LLC TO INSTALL
A HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND UPGRADE THE ELECTRICAL PANEL TO A 400 -AMP PANEL AT LINDBERG PARK’S STONEHOUSE FOR AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $68,945; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE TH E PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
DIRECTOR TO APPROVE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT IN A
CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $6,895 (10%) FOR November 13, 2023
21 UNEXPECTED COSTS, FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $75,840; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-19
CC - Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.03.200 Pertaining to Powers and Duties of the Cultural Affairs Commission to Reinstate Language that Was Removed When Equity Policy Language Was Added in 2020
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CCMC SECTION
3.03.200 PERTAINING TO POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION TO REINSTATE LANGUAGE THAT WAS REMOVED IN 2020. o0o
Item C-20
CC - Receive and File the Fiscal Year 2022 -2023 Unaudited Financial Report for the General Fund
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 2023 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE GENERAL FUND.
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Item C-21
CC - (1) Approval of a Three -Year Agreement with Courval Scheduling (CSched) to Provide Runcutting and Scheduling Services for Culver CityBus in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $355,000 with an Option for an Additional Two-Year Term in an Amount Not- to-Exceed $253,000; and (2) Authorization for the City Manager to Approve Amendments to the Agreement in an Additional Aggregate Amount Not -to-Exceed $152,000 (25% Contingency) for Unanticipated Costs
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
November 13, 2023
22 1. APPROVE A THREE -YEAR AGREEMENT WITH COURVAL SCHEDULING (CSCHED) TO PROVIDE RUNCUTTING AND SCHEDULING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $355,000 WITH AN OPTION FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO-YEAR TERM IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $253,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CI TY MANAGER TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT IN AN ADDITIONAL AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $152,000.00 (25% CONTINGENCY) FOR UNANTICIPATED COSTS.
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-22
CC - 1) Approval of Delegating Policy Ideas from the July 2023 Olympics Kick-off Public Workshop, to Relevant City Council Subcommittees and the Cultural Affairs Commission; and (2) Direction to the City Manager to Convene a Special Meeting in Spring 2024 with the Ad Hoc 2028 Olympic Preparation
Subcommittees of the City Council, Cultural Affairs Commission, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission and O ther Organizations as Directed
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. DELEGATE POLICY IDEAS AS INDICATED IN THE STAFF REPORT TO
VARIOUS CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES AND THE OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION; AND,
2. DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING IN SPRING 2024 WITH THE CITY COUNCIL, CULTURAL AFFAIRS, PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONS AD HOC 2028
OLYMPIC PREPARATION SUBCOMMITTEES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AS DIRECTED.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCI L MEMBER
ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-4, C-6 THROUGH C-8, AND C-10 THROUGH C-22.
November 13, 2023
23 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEM C-5.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEM C-9.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN
ABSTAIN: PUZA
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
CC - (1) Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the 2024 Annual Work Plan and Levy of Assessments for the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District; and (2) Appointment of Members to the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District Advisory Board for Calendar Year 2024
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE
AND FILE THE AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF PUBLIC
HEARING NOTICES AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES.
Elizabeth Garcia, Economic Development Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding vacant spaces to be filled and lack of protests received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
November 13, 2023
24 Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk indicated that no requests to speak had been received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER E RIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD’S ANNUAL REPORT AND THE LEVY
OF THE CULVER CITY ARTS DISTRICT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024; AND,
2. APPOINT THE 2024 ADVISORY BOARD AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CULVER CITY ARTS DISTRICT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Discussion and Direction Regarding Vacancies on the Finance Advisory Committee; the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission; and the Fiesta La Ballona Committee; (2) Discussion and Direction on Whether to Keep or Dissolve the Fiesta La Ballona Committee, and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding whether the vacancies were negatively affecting the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC); inability to achieve a quorum in November; appreciation to those who serve on CBCs; the need to move forward with the work plan; the CCUSD direct appointment November 13, 2023
25 to the FAC; the current makeup of the roster; encouragement for more diversity an d ensuring more representation on the FAC; valuable perspectives; outreach; and costs for advertising an interim recruitment.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jane Leonard provided background on her experience serving the City; noted the importance of regular meeting attendance; discussed the need for dedication and commitment; support for immediate recruitment; and she felt that the City should collaborate with the Events Manager for Fiesta La Ballona.
Karim Sahli asserted that the Fiesta La Ballona Committee (FLBC) had been in crisis for a long time; discussed Members who quit the Committee due to differences with staff; the importance of the FLBC; volunteers who tried to help at the past event; oversights that could have been avoided with the participation of a Committee; the importance of attending meetings if one commits to a C BC; and he indicated that he would like to participate in the FLBC.
Crystal Alexander indicated speaking on behalf of herself though she serves on the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC); discussed the workload; and different models to consider with Fiesta La Ballona.
Margaret Peters discussed her previous application to serve on the PRCSC; her continued interest in serving; items to be addressed in the parks; inclusivity; and she provided
suggestions on how to improve the parks.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members re garding support for the appointment of Margaret Peters; confirmation that appointments can be made at the current meeting; the ability to engage in a special recruitment; outreach to those who had previously applied for appointments; difficulties achieving a quorum with the F LBC; staff work to put the event on; outreach to subcommittees; creation of a body for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration; the ad hoc subcommittee; the original configuration where the FLBC handled most of the work for the event; a City Council decision made several years back that staff would take a larger role; the new Event s Planner; the importance of public input and engagement; the need to try something different moving forward; determining the role of the November 13, 2023
26 FLBC to enhance and improve the event before populating the Committee; a suggestion to dissolve the FLBC and have staff seek input from other Commissions; specialized components to Fiesta La Ballona; the value of a Cultural Affairs Commission
subcommittee for entertainment; Special Events Grants;
consulting with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Bike Valet ; sustainability; making use of existing CBCs and their staff liaisons to address components of the event; oversight of entertainment by the PRCS Department; concern with delegating a lot to CBCs; workload; overlap; and grant requirements.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work of staff; the number of survey responses received for 2023 Fiesta La Ballona ;
attendance; feedback from community members; concern with dissuading people from participating; the importance of allowing inclusivity and lowering barriers for participation; concern with monitoring and policing speech; the potential chilling impact of the vote to change City policy to remove people from CBCs; the choice to decrease community participation or a pipeline for leadership; strategic goals; sending the wrong message to take away opportunities to foster leadership and service in the community; concern with taking away the FLBC; the opportunity to reconfigure in a way to serve the community; concern with walking back community engagement; frustration by Committee Members who thought they would have full say over what happens at Fiesta La Ballona ; oversight of contracts and agreements; control over the event; the entertainment component; conflict with rules and structure for vendor selection; and staff capacity to handle the event.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. BEGIN THE IMMEDIATE RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR THE FINANCE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BRING BACK FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND,
2. APPOINT MARGARET PETERS TO SERVE ON THE PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION, SEAT NUMBER 5 FOR A PARTIAL TERM TO COMPLETE FORMER COMMISSIONER CUFFE‘S TERM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DISSOLVE THE FISTA LA BALLONA November 13, 2023
27 COMMITTEE AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO THE CITY MANAGER REGARDING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIESTA LA BALLONA EVENT.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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Item A-2
CC - (1) Receive a Report on the Budget Process for Fiscal Year 2024-2025; (2) Discuss the Proposed City Council Strategic Goals for 2024-2029; and (3) Adopt Strategic Goals for 2024 -2029 to Help Inform the Budget Process
Lisa Soghor, Chief Financial Officer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones expressed support for the priorities; noted the irony of the goal to increase community engagement while cutting participation in public comment in half; discussed the goal to promote Public Safety while throwing away a document that expresses how residents think Public Safety can be achieved in the City; and he asked that the City Council keep strategic goals in mind when moving forward.
Karim Sahli expressed support for the stated goals but concern that climate change mitigation is not part of the list, and he noted the need for clear quantifiable objectives to ensure that real progress is made rather than symbolic action.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the report; advanced environmental
sustainability and climate action on the list; previous full day City Council retreats to dive deeper into the discussion; the timeline; the complicated budget documen t; the living document that represents the City’s values; unanimous City Council consensus was achieved to hold a Town Hall in addition to the regular budget meetings to provide an opportunity for the public to learn more; providing clarity on things that cannot be changed; differen t requirements within City funds; November 13, 2023
28 changes to wording to ensure integration rather than just permission; improving housing and homeless ness services; support for considering housing separately from homelessness; the jobs/housing imbalance; communities falling into
homelessness; providing housing at wider income levels; losing track of the larger issue; ensuring that other housing needs are being addressed; support for a working session; sub bullet points included in the next version that fit within the broader strategic goals; and holding a working session.
MOVED BY MAYOR VERA , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC GOALS FOR 2024 -2029 TO HELP INFORM THE BUDGET PROCESS.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the amount of time needed to hold a working session and effort involved.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED , THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE A
WORKING SESSION TO DISCUSS STRATEGIC GOALS PRIOR TO THE PUBLISHING OF THE GOALS IN A FORMAL MANNER.
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Item A-3
CC - Adoption 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
Lisa Soghor, Chief Financial Officer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli expressed concern with bending to the request of one business and felt that the tax should be maintained.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.32.025.E TO DECREASE THE CANNABIS November 13, 2023
29 BUSINESS TAX RATE FOR CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION FROM 2% TO 0% EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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Item A-4
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Health Care in Action for the Period of December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $400,000 for Street-Based Medical Services for Unhoused Residents
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Hu man Services Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Kelli Estes discussed feel good actions ; duplication of services; unsustainable services; services that the county should be offering; and she requested information regarding the total cost to the City for programs implemented in the last year.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the item is for one year at which time the program can be evaluated as to whether it should be extended ; appreciation for the presentation; and ensuring that the City is prepared for upcoming rain.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HEALTH CARE IN ACTION FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 1, 2023, TO NOVEMBER 30, 2024 IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $400,000 FOR STREET -BASED MEDICAL SERVICES FOR UNHOUSED RESIDENTS; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
November 13, 2023
30 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item A-6
(Out of Sequence)
CC - (1) Review of the Current Online Meeting Participation Practice Including Determination of Whether or Not to Continue Allowing Virtual Public Comments; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that a reference to “Zoom Bombing” was incorrect; the different platform being used; the Harvard University definition; appreciation for the report; required registration; capturing correct information; the inability to find out who originates the registration; efforts of other cities to address the issue; removal of the option to provide general public comment while still allowing comment on specific items; practical issues; consistency with application of the subject matter rule; going off topic about non -offensive things; determining what is relevant to specific agenda items;
enforcement challenges; creating an agreement form to follow professional protocol and refrain from certain types of speech; the need to remain viewpoint neutral; and identification of specific types of speech.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones indicated that his duties as a parent would likely preclude him from being able to make public comment if virtual comment is eliminated and that changing policy would affect other parents as well.
Osaze Griffin expressed hope that the City Council would not discontinue virtual public commenting; discussed maintaining and encouraging community involvement; the actions of other cities; concern for those people who cannot attend in person; providing the ability to a ddress agenda items; health
November 13, 2023
31 situations; and he asked what the work around would be if that ability to make public comment virtually is discontinued.
Luther Henderson was called to speak but did not respond.
Jessica Harwood asked that the City Council not allow bad actors to scare and silence others; discussed the equity issue for people with children, those who work at night, and those with transportation, mobility, or medical issues; punishing those who rely on virtual public comment; meetings that go late into the night; she asked that the City put in safeguards to limit bad actors; noted that half of all participation is virtual; she did not want to see half of the community silenced; and she asked that the ability to mak e remote public comment be maintained.
Kelli Estes expressed concern with a knee -jerk reaction to an issue that does not exist; inappropriate comments made in person and remotely; uncomfortable comments made in City government; issues in northern California; redefining and enforcing cut-off rules; issues with free speech and limits when there are no guidelines; those continuing to wear masks; health concerns; and desire expressed by the City for hybrid meetings.
Craig Cadwallader was called to speak but did not respond.
David Metzler was called to speak but did not respond.
Khin Khin Gyi expressed appreciation for City sponsorship of the free vaccination on N ovember 14 at Vets; discussed hybrid meetings as a preventative measure to address the spread of the flu; she recommended continuing the practice of conducting virtual sessions until summer 2024 and addressing the issue at that time; and she felt that discontinuing the ability to attend meetings virtually in the middle of flu season was counter - intuitive.
Melissa Sanders discussed silver lining s of the pandemic including the ability to make virtual public comment; allowing people to multi -task and to be with their families; being included in discussions; she did not want to see virtual comment discontinued; and she expressed appreciation for allowing access to those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded by Leslie Ostrin, acknowledged that the issue had brought people together in their support of hybrid meetings; discussed the need to provide accessibility; November 13, 2023
32 allowing all resi dents to register to participate remotely; creating a general policy regarding decorum and obscenity to enable staff and the Mayor to cut off those who display ba d manners or hate; noted that he had been cut off numerous times for arguing against the elim ination of R1 zoning; he did not feel that the City should be timid; and, at the very least, he wanted some elements of virtual comment to be maintained.
Gladys Delgadillo was called to speak but did not respond.
Michelle Weiner discussed the difficulty of listening to racists and antisemitic hate speech at the last meeting ; the need to stand united against hate; not allowing the haters to silence the community; standing together amongst differences; she felt certain that the City Council would allow virtual public comment to continue; and she felt it would be wrong to eliminate that avenue of participation.
Bubba Fish expressed appreciation for attempts to cut off offensive participation; discussed offensive comments made in person; regularly espoused stereotypes; punishing those who are only able to participate in governme nt because remote
participation exists; appreciation for efforts to think through solutions; concern with removing public comment for non - agendized items; he noted that SB411 allows Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles to meet remotely if approved by 2/3 of the body; and he proposed that CBCs be allowed to meet remotely if the majority chooses to.
Kelly Bruce was called to speak but did not respond.
Jack Galanty expressed concern with restricting comments from residents who cannot attend meetings in person ; discussed limiting access to future City Council meetings; ensuring that people are heard; concern with harming the already fragile democracy in the United States; negative consequences for public discourse; keeping the City government more democratic and accessible for all; communication; and the importance of dialog.
Marci Baun acknowledged the importance of being heard; discussed the ability to email; effect iveness of email vs. spoken comments; and she felt that the ability to make virtual comment should be maintained.
Karim Sahli discussed racist comment made at the previous meeting; free speech as working both ways; taking a stance against hate speech when it happens; not allowing hate speech November 13, 2023
33 to influence ways of working; successful hybrid meetings; money saved; bringing together people with generally disparate viewpoints in support of hybrid meetings; and he asked the City Council to continue allowing virtual comments.
Kenny Stevenson urged the City Council not to get rid of virtual commenting at City Council meetings; discussed virtual and in person instances of terrible, offensive language; concern with punishing people who cannot attend in person; ensuring that Culver City is a n accessible City; accessibility vs.
exclusivity; he noted that discontinuing virtual public comment could reduce participation by as much as 50%; he stated that comments submitted electronically were never read in Chambers or released to the public; and he felt that the City should implement safeguards, but not remove remote participation.
Nancy Barba joined unanimous public comment in support of retaining the ability to provide virtual public comment; noted support from people with a wide variety of viewpoints; and the importance of maintaining the ability to listen to constituents.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding consideration of the issue by the California League of Cities; the organized effort; the inability to put in guard rails; the First Amendment; the Brown Act; the value of public comment; extending the length of the meeting by allowing public comment; the price of democracy ; the number of cities that have shut hybrid public comment down; the need to examine the situation if hate speech becomes a real problem; appreciation to those who came to speak; public consensus in support of virtual commenting; an observation that most comments had been made virtually; clarification that shutting down virtual commenting would not shut down the hate; the equity issue; opposition to shutting down virtual commenting; the need to engage people; supporting people who are experiencing hate fro m others; addressing hate speech when it occurs; reading a value
statement; offering support to those listening that the City tries to keep the space safe; harboring hate for other groups; getting to the heart of why people are engaging in hateful behavior; providing education; finding a way to create control; email as the alternative prior to calling in to make comment; and a suggestion to have the City Clerk read email submitted if virtual commenting gets out of hand and is not viable.
MOVED BY MAYOR VER A, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: CONTINUE TO ALLOW VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT.
November 13, 2023
34 Vice Mayor McMorrin received unanimous City Council support for crafting a public statement to be read by the Mayor in the event of hate speech to provide reassurance to members of the public that the City Council does not support or encourage hate speech.
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Item A-5
CC - (1) Discussion of and Possible Direction Regarding the General Plan Reimagining Public Safety Element; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Mark Muenzer, Planning and Development Director, introduced the item noting that the General Plan process began five years ago; he discussed the timeline and process; and outreach.
Troy Evangelho, Advance Planning Manager, provided highlights of the process; discussed state requirements; optional Elements included; the ro bust development process; circulation of the draft Elements; vetting; the Safety Element vs. the Reimagining Public Safety Element; amendments to the consultant contract to include a policing survey and development of policy for Reimagining Public Safety; the initial outline and scope of work; and direction from the General Plan Subcommittee.
Mark Muenzer, Planning and Development Director, discussed certification of the Housing Element; requirements to update the General Plan and corresponding zoning code changes by October 15, 2024; project timelines; ramifications of not meeting deadlines; state housing designations; the intent to avoid B uilder’s Remedy development projects; Elements under review; and a recommendation that the Reimagining Public Safety Element be delayed until after the General Plan and zoning code is updated, or incorporating the findings and recommendation s in the Element into another process.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding departmental review of relevant Elements; lack of review of the Reimagining Public Safety Element as it was received later than the others; the selection process for the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC); appreciation for the presentation;
clarification that the deadline for the General Plan Update (GPU) and the zoning review are tied to the October 24 date; zoning code implementation of the changes in the GPU; public meetings and review o f the Elements; length of time for November 13, 2023
35 department heads to review Elements; variations in Element complexity; implementatio n plans; concern with the process; number of people who filled out the Policing Survey in 2020; centering the needs of people who do not always feel seen; inclusion of the optional Elements; the focus on certifying the Housing Element; the draft of the Rei magining Public Safety Element delivered in May 2023; decreased attendance by Members of TAC meetings; the informal committee with informal meetings; outreach done for TACs; extenuating circumstances that prevent attendance; the process; TAC appointments; and attention given to the Land Use Element.
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones asserted that if the Reimagining Public Safety Element is removed from the General Plan, it would be a vote to remove the policies; he discussed sober and incremental reforms requested by residents; the state report indicating that CCPD had the most racist record when it comes to use of force; lack of action by the City to address the problem; concern with voting no on civilian oversight of CCPD, civilian investigation of use of force, exploring alte rnatives to incarceration, regularly assessing disparities in arrests, searches, and uses of force; support for redirecting money from the police budget; common sense policies demanded by the community; the vote to throw demands away without examining them ; behind-the-scenes direction; and he asserted that despite the vote, people in the City would not let the policies die.
Jamie Wallace provided background on herself; expressed disagreement with the previous speaker; asserted that the General Plan was not meant to be about policy; discussed the time-consuming process; the important topic to be discussed; noted that moving forward did not take people’s rights way; she indicated that the Element had not been vetted; and she stated that the GPAC did not appoint the TAC.
Jessica Harwood asked that the Reimagine Public Safety Element be included in the General Plan; discussed other items included; she asked that the safety of all neighbors be prioritized by including the Plan to Reimagine Public Safety Element in the General Plan.
John Nachbar, City Manager, reported email found indicating that staff had appointed TAC Members.
November 13, 2023
36 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding staff appointment of all Members of all TACs.
Keith Jones expressed agreement with comments made by Jamie Wallace; discussed the summer of 2020; knee -jerk reactions to defund police departments; actions to reimagine CCPD; diversity and education in CCPD; money spent studying issues; staffing levels; and old issues of racism levied against CCPD.
Khin Khin Gyi quoted the Reimagining Public Safety document regarding addressing the root causes of violence and crime; discussed progress made since the document was drafted; and she felt that the General Plan should be a more evidence -based document with updates to recognize progress made.
Melissa Sanders expressed agreement with comments made by Jamie Wallace; discussed comments made by Jessica Harwood; asserted that the Reimagining Public Safety Element did not belong in the General Plan; questioned why the item was coming forward; expressed concern that the consultants were doing things out of the agreement; stated that a conversation about CCPD should be done another time; and she felt that police, fire and emergency responders should be consulted regarding the Element.
Ron Bassilian with time ceded by Frank Clark was called to speak but did not respond.
Ron Ostrin with time ceded by Leslie Ostrin, stated that the item was a concession in return for the attempt to eliminate R1 housing; asserted that the item sought to defund the police; discussed good governance vs. ideological word salad; focusing on what makes the City special; antisemitism; pain felt by the Muslim community; praise for the police; idealogues; those who vote against the police every time; those who seek to fue l dissention; the socialist manifesto foisted on the City; and he asked the City Council to vote it out.
Crystal Alexander reported serving on one of the TACs; she concurred with the statement by the City Manager that TACs were appointed by staff; she took issue with comments made by Stephen Jones regarding people who submitted comments; stated that CCPD had no input into the document; and she felt the document should not be brought forward without input from CCPD.
Michelle Weiner challenged the idea that the Reimagining Public Safety Element did not belong in the General Plan; felt that November 13, 2023
37 comments disparaging the document were insulting to those who worked hard on the documents and those who weighed in on the survey; felt that if th e item did not belong in the General Plan, the consultants would have indicated that; wanted to see the City truly reimagine policing; discussed restorative justice; and she expressed support for letting CCPD weigh in and moving forward with the process.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin discussed transparency and
accountability; the need for thorough review; impact on City policy; concern that the public just found out about the Element last week; lack of a vote on the item by the City Council; lack of meeting attendance by TAC Members; lack of review by the GPAC; she recommended a more inclusive and democratic process with a proper timeline; noted the need to ensure sufficient public and stakeholder input with more time allowed for a thorough understanding; and she requested that the item not be included in the General Plan.
Bubba Fish stated that the Reimagining Public Safety Element was a document of ideas commented upon by 2 ,500 people; discussed civilian oversight; housing; mental health
professional response rather that police officer response; the fear over different ideas; the fact that people will not forget about issues if the Element is removed; the detailed and evidence-based account of issues; serving as a model for taking a proactive approach to Public Safety; creation of a non - carceral crisis team; he noted that the future of safety is care; expressed concern that the Element would be thrown out after all the work done; and he h oped that the process would continue.
Marci Baun discussed fights and violence at the Middle School and the High School; direction from the CCUSD not to call CCPD; people trying to deal with issues that they were not trained for; police response to a recent incident where a middle school student was jumped by high schoolers; the importance of having trained people diffuse situations; and she asked that the document be withheld to allow the community a chance to have a say in the process.
Karim Sahli asserted that including the Reimagining Public Safety Element of the General Plan was a vital forward-thinking move to address past issues and to dive deeper into societal problems; he discussed making lasting, positive changes to community safety; settin g an example for other cities; overlooking the hard work of staff and community members by November 13, 2023
38 dismissing the document ; the deep commitment to change and justice; ensuring that the Element stays in the General plan to honor efforts and commitment to a safer fu ture; being a true ally; and he asked the City Council to expedite the review and include the Element in the General Plan.
Kenny Stevenson was called to speak but did not respond.
Maria Lopez provided background on herself; discussed the safety of her community; requested that language regarding defunding CCPD be removed from the plan; felt that the current plan was inappropriate and should be removed; stated that the Public Safety document did not relate to land use; she wanted to see CCPD involved as they were not consulted on the document; noted the importance of composing an appropriate document that fits the General Plan; and she wanted to see safety brought back to the City.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the blueprint of the City; the plan for 2045 vs. the three year Strategic Plan; evolving dynamics of policing and the community; changing technologies and community needs; changes made since 2020; changing case law; community input; the process begun in 2020; changes in CCPD leadership; the Supervisors and Management Retreat; work with the consultant; the plan moving forward for robust community engagement; expansion of the Chief’s Advisory Panel (CAP); the City Council subcommittee; open forum meetings; allowing for public participation; lack of input into the Reimagining Public Safety document from the CCPD; and input and involvement from other departments;.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding different viewpoints; increased discussion about Public Safety in 2020; the need to cont inue the conversation; the Culver City Civilian’s Police Academy; communication with the Chief; purpose and goals of the General Plan; non -required Elements; congratulations that Public Safety is considered worth including in the General Plan; appreciation to those on the Public Safety TAC who worked on the Element and on the GPU; transparency; the importance of discussing all aspects of policing; impacts to different groups; racial inequity; investing in people and systems; acknowledging where policing is working; concern with overburdening the police with other responsibilities; addressing root causes of violence and crime; engaging the community in long-term discussion; the intersection of land use, housing, mobility, and environmental justice; access to h ousing; building and repairing trust between the November 13, 2023
39 community and CCPD; being a leader and a model for other cities; including the non-required Element; concern that there was no review of the Element by the department head; sufficient opportunity for public engagement that was not done; and studies that were done and discussed in multiple public forums.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledging areas where CCPD is a leader; the relationship between housing and crime; percentage of arrests made of non-residents; the process; concern with an imbalanced composition and viewpoint of the TAC; the tenor of the
Committee’s goals; lack of transparency; the document produced by experts in four meetings without public input; the survey; pre-determined biases; the 3 -5 year strategic plan; the fact that there is no other jurisdiction that has a compar able document and the need for rigorous review of such a document; acknowledgement of the effects of the pandemic on the GPAC process; rapidly changing laws and technology; the out of date document drafted in 2020; comparisons between arrests and City demographics; the RIPA (Racial and Identity Profiling Act) Report; red light camera data; those driving in and out of Culver City vs. City demographics; information available at culvercitypd.org; the experience of people in marginalized communities; lack of da ta to demonstrate a systemic issue; evolution of CCPD over time; concern that the Element did not go through the proper process; the need for flexibility with a 20 year document; allowing for full public discourse and feedback from CCPD; the feeling that t he document is already out of date; and the ability of a future City Council to add the Element.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding agreement with previous statements indicating that the Reimagining Public Safety Element should not be included in the General Plan; lack of convincing arguments for including the Element in the General Plan; the document created three years ago that is already out of date; bias of the TAC; and the City Council as providing civilian oversight of CCPD.
Council Member Eriksson moved to not include the Reimagining Public Safety Element in the General Plan.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff and the community for their efforts; the choice of City leadership to center CCPD in the conversation to reimagine Public Safety; the difficulty of reimagining policing if one considers things are fine exactly November 13, 2023
40 as they are; time limits to public speaking during the public meetings; sharing stories that are not often lifted up; people who are allowed to finish their comments and those who are not; wielding of power by institutions; who gets to be heard and a part of processes; the difficulty of speaking up; keeping the critical issue at the forefron t; continued police violence in the City and surrounding areas; a recent incident reported; systemic racism; lived experiences of different communities; those who do not have to live in fear; the capacity to hold different opinions and experiences in good faith and not stamp them out; concern that anything other than 100% support of CCPD is attacked; the fact that the CCPD budget and salaries have never been larger and there has never been any defunding; fear of Mobile Crisis Units and other departments wor king together to meet the needs of community members; continued consistent clear data indicating disproportionate outcome; fear of different possibilities; the need to continuously self - evaluate; engaging the entire community to ensure that all departments reflect City values; support for diversifying the safety toolbox; the fact that safety involves much more than just CCPD; solving systemic racism; honoring a 400 person survey to remove protective bike lanes, but not those who weighed in on the 2,500 person survey; honoring those with lived
experiences; appreciation to those who have hope in leadership to do something different and to create other spaces to allow for other views to be heard; the importance of willingness to listen to other viewpoints; wanting everyone to be safe; and fear that prevents anything different than the status quo.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding fear of engaging in a one-sided conversation; documents created without consulting professionals; com munity input into the Strategic Plan; creating a transparent process; the need for compromise; and support for removing the Reimagining Public Safety Element and putting in a three year Strategic Plan.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: NOT INCLUDE REIMAGINING PUBLIC SAFETY AS AN ELEMENT IN THE GENERAL PLAN.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
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November 13, 2023
41 Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Karim Sahli discussed comments made by Mayor Vera in the State of the City Speech regarding updates to the MOVE Culver City Project and the lawsuit; community support to save the project; the transparent Go Fund Me campaign; he indicated that the group supporting the lawsuit was known to the Mayor and not anonymous; discussed the predic table and avoidable lawsuit; providing dignity and safety for all parents taking their children to school using any means of transportation; failing residents and putting people in harm’ s way; and he asserted that traffic violence killed more people than regular crime.
Council Memb er Eriksson received clarification that those donating to the Go Fund Me campaign were the people behind the lawsuit.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member O’Brien reported that it was his 25 th wedding anniversary.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
None.
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November 13, 2023
42 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 12:21 a.m., Tuesday, November 1 4, 202 3, the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned in memory of Jeffrey Tademy to a regular meeting to be held on December 11, 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: _________________________