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 March 11, 2024
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 McMorrin called the regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, an d Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and via Webex.
Present: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Mayor
Dan O’Brien, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
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Closed Session
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak had been received.
March 11, 2024
2 MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN , SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO C LOSED SESSION.
At 6:02 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Item:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: City of Los Angeles v. Dickson, etc., et. al. (Culver City, Petitioner-Intervenor)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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Regular Session
Mayor Mc Morrin 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 Board at 7:06 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor McMorrin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session.
Mayor McMorrin indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
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March 11, 2024
3 Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commission s, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Puza expressed support of daylight saving time; congratulated the organizers of the Screenland 5K and Vice Mayor O’Brien for his record running time; discussed Women’s History Month; women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion; harms of the patriarchy and toxic masculinity; he reported attending the annual event for the Culver City High School Robotics Team; and he discussed the Community Budget Information Session and Workshop held on March 7.
Council Member Vera discussed the creativity displayed by the Culver City High School Robotics Team; the Soft Story Retrofit Information meeting on March 14; free registration with the Culver City Police Department on March 16 as part of the 12 th Anniversary of the Walk and Rollers; the AVPA production of Mama Mia from March 14-17; and he wished a Happy Birthday to Council Member Puza.
Vice Mayor O‘Brien discussed the Screenland 5K; announced the first round of budget meetings on March 20 -21; and he wished Council Member Puza a Happy Birthday.
Mayor McMorrin wished Council Member Puza a Happy Birthday; reported attending events for the Screenland 5K on March 9 and 10; expressed appreciation to all the organizers and
participants; discussed the annual resource fair at the Culver City Middle School noting the need to amplify the services available; welcomed everyone to participate in the Mayor Book Club and she discussed titles; echoed support and thanks to staff for their Community Budget Presentation on March 7 noting that recordings and slides were available to the public; she wished those who ob served, a festive and thoughtful fast for Ramadan Mubarik; she discussed Women’s History Month,
International Women’s Day, and Equal Pay Day; she read a quote about imagining a gender -equal and unbiased world; and she discussed building an inclusive Culver City for everyone.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, wished Council Member Puza a Happy Birthday; provided an update on an emergency purchase to fix non-functioning elevators in the City; discussed efforts to utilize the current vendor; the new vendor hired to address issues; the importance of providing access to everyone at every facility; and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
March 11, 2024
4 Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer, reported an emergency purchase on February 21, 2024 for temporary traffic controls related to President Biden’s visit to the Julian Dixon Library, and he cited Municipal Code requirements regarding the necessary traffic control plan and services.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT On the Agenda
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the City statement regarding hate speech.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bubba Fish was called to speak but was not present online or in Council Chambers.
Jules Patrick, Culver City Public Theater, provided background on the organization; discussed upcoming performances in the park; and she invited anyone interested in getting involved or seeing a performance to visit ccpt.org for additional
information.
Paul Erhlich discussed money streams collected from developers and funneled to the School District; adoption of the state rate schedule; Culver City as an outlier in not charging developers two of the fee categories; improper use of a fee schedule fr om 2020 allowing developers to rip off the School District; he stated that developers d id not pay their fair share as determined by the state; discussed deterioration of school facilities; City responsibility for part of the problem; the health and safety of school employees and students; he asserted that comments made by City staff that fee schedules were up to date were not true; he noted that he had expected future agendized action to cor rect issues; and he felt the problem needed to be fixed as soon as possible along with a deep review of all schedules.
Marci Baun discussed parks bonds; costs to place a pool on the top of a parking lot; the experience of West Hollywood with their rooftop pool; feedback in opposition to placing a pool on top of parking due to safety issues and the inability to get the proper sized pool; structural engineering necessary to accommodate the needed facilities; and she asked that links to March 11, 2024
5 sign up to speak be included with meeting notice emails.
Rebecca Rona-Tuttle indicated speaking on behalf of the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee to announce the Equity and Human Relations Awards; reported that the nomination period had been extended to March 31, 2024; encouraged anyone listening to honor someone who has been active in promoting equity and better human relations; indicated that additional information and the nomination form was available on the City website; she discussed award categories; medallions provided to the winners; and the awards ceremony.
Melissa Sanders encouraged people to attend School Board meetings to be informed about who to vote for; discussed information to be looked at; comments by Mr. Ehrlich about funds for the Culver City Unified School District; and replacement of crumbling buildings.
Conor Proffitt conveyed best wishes for Ramadan Mubarik and St.
Patrick’s Day; discussed the role of the United States in advocating for peace after 400 years of religious conflict in Ireland; and he asked the City to join over 80 American city councils in calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Samia Bano , Equity and Hum an Relations Advisory Committee, announced a Courageous Conversations Workshop on March 19 in the Veteran’s Memorial Rotunda Room; discussed goals of the workshop; she wished Council Member Puza Happy Birthday; expressed appreciation for the acknowledgement of Ramadan; and she indicated that the flyer for the event had been approved and would be distributed soon.
Mark Graham was called to speak but was experiencing technical difficulties.
Michael Laase, Friends of the Library, invited everyone to a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the library on March 13th, and she discussed the launch of the One Book, One City series.
Jim Shanman, Walk n’ Rollers, thanked everyone for attending Screenland 5K events over the weekend, and he discussed planned activities for the free fundraising event on March 1 6 noting that donations were welcomed.
Ryan Koehl wished Council Member Puza a Happy Birthday and read a story that his sister wrote about being a good citizen.
March 11, 2024
6 McKinley Koehl expressed excitement about the Egg Hunt on March 23 and indicated she loved Council Member Puza and everyone present.
Darrel Menthe discussed his efforts to replace the annual fireworks show; drone shows in other areas; he asked the City Council to agendize sponsorship of an event at Town Plaza; discussed timeframe; efforts of the Downtown Business
Association (DBA) to fund the event; and creation of an annual event.
Mayor McMorrin received clarification that the item about reapportioning funds would return for City Council consideration on April 8.
Dense Neal thanked Ryan and McKinley for their kind words for Council Member Puza; expressed support for a drone show to celebrate July 4 th in the downtown area; reported attending Coffee with a Cop; discussed creation of a multi-agency law enforcement substation at the Ivy property; disputed boundaries; communication with Supervisor Holly Mitchell to look for solutions on how the different agencies can work together; and she requested a community meeting to facilitate collaboration between agencies.
Mark Graham was called to speak but was experiencing technical difficulties.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA , SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR 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-4, C-5 and C-7 were considered separately.
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March 11, 2024
7 Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for February 17, 2024 to March 1, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2024 TO MARCH 1, 2024.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA - Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting Held on February 16, 2024 and the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 26, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING
AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 16, 2024 AND THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2024.
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Item C-3
CC – Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and
Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the Police Station Windows Replacement Project
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding prioritization of Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs);
transparency of process; availability of information to the public; inclusion of information about amendments and
improvements being made in the mid -year report; City Council consideration of amendments; and implementation of a new CIP program with a web portal available to the public.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE March 11, 2024
8 INVITING BIDS FOR THE POLICE STATION WINDOWS REPLACEMENT PROJECT, CIP NO. PF-039.
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Item C-4
CC – Adoption of a Resolution Approving and Confirming the Findings of the 2023 Annual Housing Element Progress Report and 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones, Planning Commission Chair, indicated that he was speaking on behalf of himself; expressed appreciation that the thorough housing partnership work had been submitted on time; discussed progress toward the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) allocation; lower income categories; work toward putting the General Plan and the Zoning Code Update in place; the importance of the affordable housing part of the update; number of permitted units , pre-application developments, and entitled low-income units; and he noted the connection between Item C-4 and Item A-2.
Denise Neal questioned whether the arts corridor was being considered for mixed commercial and residential; discussed funding offered by Apple; the potential for City partnership ; collaboration with Los Angeles; gerrymandered borders; developments with ground floor commercial and very low cost residential above; subterranean parking; the desire of the Cultural Affairs Commission to increase foot traffic; the actions of Santa Monica; holding Lowes accountable for providing their fair share of affordable housing for the Transit Oriented Development (TOD); and ensuring that all developers receive the benefits of developing in the TOD.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding RHNA allocations for low and very low income units; ensuring diversity of price points; meeting RHNA numbers for market-rate housing; number of units being planned that are in the
affordable category; expediting the process once updates to the General Plan and zoning code are in place; confirmation that the arts corridor is included in mixed -use; incentives to encourage affordable housing development; working with Los March 11, 2024
9 Angeles; emphasizing TOD development ; and ensuring that developers are paying their fair share.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE FINDINGS OF THE 2023 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND 2023 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT.
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Item C-5
CC – Authorization of Free Fare Days for Culver CityBus in Association with (1) Bike to Work Day (Friday, May 17, 2024), (2) Clean Air Day 2024 (Wednesday, October 2, 2024) (3) Election Day (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) and (4) New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024)
Council Member Vera discussed free fare days and ensuring that those riding bicycles could be accommodated with bike racks.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding current number of bike racks available on buses; suggestions to riders that they wait for the next bus if the bike rack is full; the absence of issues with capacity in the past; and staff assurance that there is sufficient bike infrastructure in the community.
THAT THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO RIDERS WITH
A BICYCLE AND/OR BIKE HELMET ON BIKE TO WORK DAY, FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024, AND,
2. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS ON CLEAN AIR DAY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024, AND,
3. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, AND,
4. AUTHORIZE CULVER CITYBUS TO OFFER FREE FARES TO ALL RIDERS BETWEEN 9:00 PM AND 1:00 AM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2024.
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March 11, 2024
10 Item C-6
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with Sea Clear Pools Inc. in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $109,905.08 to Replace Pool Heater at the City’s Municipal Plunge
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SEA CLEAR POOLS, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $ 109,905.08 TO REPLACE A WATER HEATER AT THE MUNICIPAL PLUNGE; 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-7
CC – (1) Consideration of a Request from the Walk n’ Rollers to Approve the Closure of Main Street for their 3rd Annual Walk More, Bike More Festival and Fundraiser on March 16, 2024; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Required to Implement the Street Closure
Elaine Gerety Warner, Economic Development Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Council Member Eriksson questioned why the event could not occur in Town Plaza.
Discussion ensued between Jim Shanman of Walk n’ Rollers, staff, and Council Members regarding rules for riding bicycles on Town Plaza; the bike skills activity; communication with downtown businesses; power sources ; p ublic restrooms available; activating the space; the con tained area; pedestrians; notification to businesses about the potential closure; communication with the DBA; processes; use of the bollards; requirements to have a majority of the businesses sign a petition to use amplified sound; figuring out a process to notify business owners when activating the space; work of the new Special Events Manager to revise the Special Event process; coordination of different types of events; and updates to the outreach component.
March 11, 2024
11 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A REQUEST FROM WALK N’ ROLLERS TO CLOSE MAIN STREET TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR 3RD ANNUAL WALK MORE, BIKE MORE FESTIVAL AND FUNDRAISER ON MARCH 16, 2024; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE STREET CLOSURE; 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.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-7.
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
CC - Continuation of Public Hearing from February 26, 2024 Regarding Appeal of Administrative Approval of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Encro achment Permit to Crown Castle for 6292 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City Permit Number U23-0278
Mayor McMorrin noted that this item was being brought back from a previous meeting.
Sammy Romo, Senior Civil Engineer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding issues with using the utility poles on the other side of the street and limited range from the micro-cell site.
Mayor McMorrin reported that the Public Hearing had been opened at the February 26, 2024 City Council meeting and she invited public comment.
March 11, 2024
12 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZ A, SECONDED BY MAYOR MCMORRIN AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL REOPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Brad Ladua, Crown Castle, presented a photo simulation of the proposed changes; discussed the results of their small cell location analysis; coverage objectives; reasons for choosing the particular location; other alternatives evaluated; line of sight; City design guidelines; the absence of affects to health and safety; the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) MPE limits; mitigating a healt h risk that does not exist; and he offered to provide pre- and post-installation RF readings.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Ladua, staff, and Council Members regarding co-location; taking site readings before and after construction; defini tion of complian ce in the resolution; determining whether a site is technically infeasible; the process for resident engagement; consistency of emission range; and frequency of inspections.
Mark Graham discussed Resolution 2022-R019; his correspondence to the City Counc il sent after 3:00 p.m.; conflicts with preferences in Section s 2c1, 2c2, and 2c3 in the design and development standards as well as Section s 2c4 and 2c5 ; the disconnect; concern that staff has not answered the question or addressed the issue; range; misle ading statements made by the applicant on how far the signals travel; he read an excerpt from an interview with Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon about the range of 5G and interference from trees; myths of millimeter wave; and the myth of line of sight and foliage.
Yumi Man dt-Rauch discussed the justification report; the feasibility of installing additional small cells due to reflectivity; sufficient capacity with existing sites; sites that comply with the current ordinance; consistency; concern with thoro ughness of the site selection process; processes employed by the C ity to properly review and vet the request; good faith efforts to provide alternative sites that to do not violate ordinance location requirements; the need for due diligence; approving an exemption only after good faith efforts to exhaust all alternative sites that do not violate ordinance location requirements have failed ; the need for readily accessible documentation that is part of the public record; the notice sent to residents; the need for the City to make it clear that protections are being taken away; the intent of the March 11, 2024
13 corporation to lower the costs and get an exemption; the need for the City to balance the needs of residents with the needs of the corporation; and she asked the City t o give residents time and an understanding the process.
Deborah Wallace , Fox Hills Alliance, discussed the proposed installation of a 5G cell tower; growing concern in the community and opposition to the project due to the direct violation of Resolution 2022-R019; stipulations that wireless facilities are prohibited from being installed in front of or behind residential buildings or within 600 feet of a park; concern with disregard for the well -being and preferences of the Fox Hills community; undermining the authority and decision- making of the City Council; she asked that the City Council review and reverse the approval granted for the project; noted the importance of upholding resolutions without compromise; expressed concern with the installation in such close proximity to residences and parks; and she thanked the City Council for serving the community.
Stephen Farrell indicated that he lived on the same street and had only recently learned the details of the project; he complimented the City Council for their interest and dedication; discussed technically feasible vs. economically feasible; whether another location was considered impossible; attenuation of the signal; interference by trees; the p urported need for coverage; he asked that the City be provided with a map of the area to be served; discussed other available sites that would serve the same range; placement on a higher pole to put the installation above the trees; concern with the applicant’s dismissal of certain proposed site s due to their proximity to the park; emissions; reasoning behind the resolution made in 2022; and he asked the City Council to toll the d eadline to allow residents to explore the situation with additional detail to understand different service areas.
Judi Sherman expressed appreciation to the City Council for taking the time to listen and consider resident concerns; she discussed the missed opportunity by the previous City Council to ensure that the strictest ordinance for the small cell tower placement ordinance was fully implemented; dedicated members of the Fox Hills community who worked to provide optimal
protections for Culver City within the legal parameters of the existing law; the brazen directive of the Crown Castle
representative to do away with the appeals process at the February 26, 2024 City Council meeting; the obligation to ensure that more detailed documentation is submitted by telecom March 11, 2024
14 companies; the need for the City to require exact and specific proof that an applicant is worthy of an exemption or else the resolution is too easy to get around; the exemption granted to Crown Castle; scientific evidence regarding harm to public health; she asserted that the City should never submit to the actions of an aggressive industry; and she noted similarities of the governmental lobby to the tobacco industry.
Selam Alem felt that the City should look into the FCC before anything else; discussed her case in 1996; serious interference; damages; transportation; criminal activities; and she expressed appreciation to the City Council for their work.
Sal Princiotta discussed the dangers of 5G and he encouraged the City to use safer alternatives.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to community members for their input; options available to the City Council; the offer made regarding testing; keeping the public hearing open to allow for further evaluation and agreement from the applicant; the need to make findings that do not have to do with health and welfare; property value; the city of Carlsbad lawsuit regarding reduced property val ues; placement; proximity to parks and playgrounds; reliance on experts to make findings; signal prop agation; range; the need to make a legally defensible finding; concern that options have been exhausted; support for testing before and after
installation; allowable emissions; the decision bound by the FCC: trust in the expertise of the Public Works Director; impossible vs. non-compliant; finding a compromise; willingness of the applicant to toll the shot clock and have the consultant redo the findings; costs involved; potential budget issues; cooperation of the applicant in conducting an evaluation; challenges with defending findings brought forward based on RF emissions; and the feeling that sufficient evidence exists in the staff report and applicant presentation to support approval of the application and denial of the appeal due to the technical infeasibility of the alternate locations.
Brad Ladua, Crown Castle, indicated that Crown Castle would not approve tolling the shot clock.
Additional discussion ensued between Mr. Ladua, staff, and Council Members regarding lack of concrete findings to move forward with; goals for the site; user data regarding dropped calls in the high traffic area; customers that need support ; notification sent to residents within a 500 -foot radius; and March 11, 2024
15 the feeling that the majority of people support filling the coverage gap.
Responding to inquiry regarding willingness to accept a pre- and post-installation RF test, E. Scott indicated that she did not have enough information to make a determination, and that it felt like an after -thought; she discussed the inability to mention health and safety by the appellant, but noted that the applicant mentioned it frequently in asserting that there are no adverse health effects; unfair advantage; the imbalanced process; she felt that if health and safety could not be used as a criteria for a decision, it should be taken off the table on both sides; noted definitive blanket statements in
justification for the installation made by the applicant; and she pointed out the open area by the cemetery that has no competition with trees and is not adjacent to residents.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the inability of the City Council to make their decision based on health and safety concerns; RF emissions that are within the FCC regulations; providing reassurance to the community; the ability of all parties to discuss health and safety; precedent with the Carlsbad case; City acceptance of the offer of pre - and post-installation testing; addressing levels that exceed what is allowable; City review and
monitoring; budget implications; t he existing contract for review of installations; applicant willingness to pay for the inspection; and Conditions of Approval.
Council Member Eriksson moved to approve the application.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding providing a streamlined version of the information and staff email addresses on the City website to make it easier for the public to reach out.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA , SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1.A. DENY THE APPEAL AND APPROVE CROWN CASTLE’S WIRELESS ENCROACHMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 6292 BUCKINGHAM PARKWAY, CULVER CITY PERMIT NUMBER U23 -0278, BASED ON THE FINDINGS SET FORTH IN THE SEPTEMBER 28, 2023, NOTICE OF APPLICATION APPROVAL March 11, 2024
16 (ATTACHMENT 1) AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL SET FORTH IN ATTACHMENTS 5 AND 6 OF THE REPORT; AND ADOPT A FINDING
THAT THE APPROVAL IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES §15303(E) WITH THE ADDITIONAL CONDITION OF THE
RF PRE- AND POST-INSTALLATION TESTING AS WAS DESCRIBED IN THE PUBLIC HEARING; AND,
2. DIRECT PUBLIC WORKS STAFF TO PREPARE AND ISSUE, PURSUANT TO CCMC SECTION 11.20.065.G.2, A WRITTEN NOTICE OF DECISION, SIGNED BY THE MAYOR, CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY COUNCIL’S FINDINGS AN D DECISION SET FORTH IN THE MARCH 11, 2024 RECORD. THE NOTICE SHALL BE ISSUED NO LATER THAN MARCH 13, 2024.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: VERA
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding lack of notice regarding the 600 foot exemption in the public notice and staff agreement to include the notice in the future.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Consideration of a Freestanding Monument Signage Program in Town Plaza; (2) Discussion of Proposed Donation and Installation of Signs by HC 9300 Culver LLC; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Elaine Gerety-Warner, Economic Development Director, provided a summary of the material of record noting that funding was included in the current budget.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that if static signage is chosen, there would not be any changes required to the municipal code and that the signage would not impede any pedestrian or bicycle movement; the required Encroachment Permit; clarification that all of Town Plaza is considered public property; the initial design; the focus on tenants that do not have front-facing visibility toward Culver or Washington Boulevard; ensuring alignment with design March 11, 2024
17 standards for the downtown area; previous City Council consideration of the item; additional work by the subcommittee to narrow the focus of the broad concept originally presented; policy considerations; and the leasing program.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Rebecca Rona-Tuttle was called to speak but was not present online or in City Council chambers.
Ann Treleven was called to speak but was not present online or in City Council chambers.
Cameron Onumah spoke on behalf of the operators of the Culver Theater expressing support for the signage motion, and he wished Council Member Puza a Happy Birthday.
Karim Sahli expressed opposition to the proposal; discussed proportions; violation of the existing City ordinance; threats to standards established by the community; concern with setting an alarming precedent; lack of progress since the last presentation in 2021; the absence of a new proposal to address feedback; disregard for community input and lack of a
collaborative effort; addressing the conflict of interest with the Hackman project; he asked Vice Mayor O’Brien to recuse himself due to his financial connections with the developer; discussed exposing the City to significant liability; the importance of keeping the City free of advertising; efforts to delay and prevent the project; he asserted that downtown Culver City was not a mall and should not be treated as such with signage for cars; and he asked that the project be refused.
Jack Galanty discussed the proposed design; keeping within the design of the area; scaling back the design to be more wayfinding for people who are walking in the pedestrian-focused area; he felt that the signage was larger than it needed to be; and noted that the sign proposed for Ince was car focused while the signage proposed for Culver was too large for the pedestrians who it would be serving.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding compromises made after discussions with stakeholders;
businesses still recovering from the pandemic; drawing in additional customers; benefits of successful businesses to the City; accusations focused on the Vice Mayor relating to his March 11, 2024
18 connections with Hackman Capital; benefits of the Independent Expenditure Committee to Council Member Puza; fake news and facts being pushed rather than focusing on solving City issues; and support for the changes.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for their work on the item and for public comment received; support for the community space created; opposition to the digital signag e option; static signage in the public right of way; visual pollution;
acknowledgement that the businesses in the back are not doing as well as those in the front; and support for providing a space for community rather than advertising.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding size of the signage; people unaware of the active theater in the City; additional information necessary to determine whether the proposal would be violating the sign ordinance; donations made before the l aw took effect; absence of a legal conflict for Vice Mayor O’Brien to participate in the item; compromise made with the applicant; businesses suffering from a lack of visibility; placement of the sign facing Main Street on Culver Boulevard in a planter; th e subjective nature of taste; revenue provided by businesses; appreciation to staff for the report and the community for the input; comments about wayfinding; using signage to amplify City initiatives; supporting businesses while furthering City goals; opposition to digital signage; other paths considered by the team; using the back of the sign for public art; policy; program considerations; receipt of donations; and feedback from community members about the size of signage.
Mike Racine, Hackman Capital, discussed the lengthy process to design the signage to provide visibility for cars and bicycles; ensuring that businesses in the back can be found; and
businesses that have come and gone during the process.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the ability to highlight City resources o n the City -owned signage; amplifying young artists, sustainability, and transit on the back of the signage; lack of support for digital signage; determining who has the r ight to be on the sign age; program considerations; specific addresses that would be eligible for the program; number of tenants vs. space available; allowing the tenant to buy placement at both locations if there is space available; acceptance of the donat ion to cover costs;
incorporating amplification of City goals; length of the March 11, 2024
19 project; additional consideration by the City Council; and the ability to modify the signs.
Council Member Eriksson proposed a motion to direct staff to create a signage program and accept the proposed donation.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the motion to support static signage; consideration of the signage concepts; and general City Council support for concept 2 to provide for consistency.
Mike Racine, Hackman Capital, reported that pricing was based upon the backlit letters that the City Council had requested.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding differences between the two concepts; staff agreement to work with the property owner to adjust the signs; agreement to scale down the sign s and make t hem less busy and more effective; and ensuring visibility.
Karim Sahli questioned whether the City would allow for logos or just words.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need to determine City policy; program considerations; and allowing for a small brand.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO CREATE A TOWN PLAZA MONUMENT
SIGNAGE LICENSING PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF TWO
FREESTANDING STATIC MONUMENT SIGNS IN THE EXPANDED PORTION OF TOWN PLAZA; AND,
2. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO BRING BACK DIRECTION ON THE PROPOSED DONATION FROM HC 9300 CULVER LLC TO FABRICATE AND INSTALL THE STATIC MONUMENT SIGNS.
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Item A-2
CC - (1) Approval and Submission of Joint Application in Partnership with Community Corporation of Santa Monica under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Notice of Funding Availability in an Amount up to $35 million for Capital March 11, 2024
20 and Programming Funds and up to $14 million for City Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transit Infrastructure for the 95 -unit 100% Affordable Housing Project to be Developed at 4464 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, CA; and (2) Approval of and Direction to Staff to Complete the Proposed Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Projects Included in the Grant Application if the Grant is Awarded to the City
Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regardin g grant preference for usage of a Class 4 bike lane on Overland; materials for the sidewalk around Lindberg Park; addressing concerns regarding potential loss of green space in the park; the requirement that the City complete the project if the grant is won; pushback on MOVE Culver City; whether the City can substitute the proposed Class 4 bike path within one mile; points for providing a continuous path; creating a proposal to receive the maximum number of points; the need to resurface and restripe Ballona Creek; the need for a new access point at Ince; addressing the large grade separation; eliminating traffic study issues and lack of controversy by upgrading the Ballona Creek Bike Path; the purpose of the grant to i nstall new bike lanes rather than enhance what already exists; goals of the Strategic Growth Council; the carefully worded grant; the need to engage in their policies to receive the grant; the choice to accept the support and go in that direction or to find other funding; concern with taking a lane of traffic and losing parking spaces; understanding what is being done before committing to it; opening up an additional access point to the Ballona Creek Bike Path; increasing accessibility and usage by adding l ighting; the housing grant; and the importance of careful study.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan adopted in 2020; appreciation to staff for supporting the vision of previous City Councils for the safety and well -being of the community by working to implement the goal of having bike lanes on Overland between Culver Boulevard and Ballona Creek; adoption of Measure HLA by Los Angeles; and applying for grants to encourage safety and mobility in the community.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the painted bike lane from Culver to Ballona Creek; lack of traffic studies done when previous changes were made; trying different things to change behavior; the need for traffic March 11, 2024
21 studies; community outreach for the final scope; incorporating community feedback; analyzing the impact o n Level of Service; the ability to return the money if the study and outreach do not work out; potential withholding of a portion of the grant if there is deviation from the scope of the grant; clarification with the grant administrator; the process for the traffic study; the intent to keep traffic on major arterials; cut -through traffic in residential neighborhoods; presentation of data to the community during the planning and design phase; the importance of not applying for grants that the City Council has no intention of using; slight modification of previous grants; support for the affordable housing component; concern with moving forward without study or outreach; the competitive grant process; determining which projects to substitute for the Class 4 bike lane; highlighting the pros and cons of each
configuration; different impacts to parking; clarification that the grant is not in the design process; and concern with moving forward without specifics.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding amount of time put into the process so far; the previous application for the grant; unanimous City Council support for a bike path on the Sepulveda channel; concern that the area is not in the jurisdiction of Culver City; observations regarding parking usage along different parts of Overland; and the need for proper study.
Mayor McMorrin invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones discussed the importance of the project in bringing affordable housing to the City as the proposed 95 low income units were the only ones in the pipeline; necessary sacrifice to get affordable housing built; concern with watering down the project so the grant is not awarded and sending a clear message that the City is not serious about getting affordab le housing built; the win-win situation with the proposed grant ; providing bikeability, walkability, affordable housing, and transit; the need to build sidewalks on Bentley Avenue; and he asked the City Council to support the item.
Bubba Fish with one minute ceded by Aaron Lieberman, discussed comments he had prepared to congratulate the City Council for their support of the important project; Council Members who are not ready to move forward; reason s protected bike lanes and active transportation infrastructure are so vital; alignment of March 11, 2024
22 state and regional leaders in encouraging more mass transit and active transportation use ; creating sustainable communities; transforming city streets to being friendly to all modes of travel for everyone; concern with Council Members who block all active transportation projects due to personal vendettas against community advocates; providing avenues to get to the Creek; following environmental law; the importance of performing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) when sta te law requires it; risking lawsuits for expediency; community leaders that spoke out encouraging Culver City to keep the first piece of the vital transportation network; passage of Measure HLA in Los Angeles; he asserted that the City Council was out of s tep with the majority of people in the region who want to see active transportation and cycling infrastructure in their
neighborhoods; discussed the housing crisis; average rents in Culver City; the importance of affordable housing projects to maintain diversity in Culver City; meeting RHNA commitments; the competitive grant; and he asked the City to take the grant seriously.
Edward Park provided background on himself; discussed the housing portion of the agenda item; concern that his property would be 1 0 feet away from the proposed six -story building; concern that the Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) had not meaningfully worked with the neighbors in designing the project; developer promises that were not kept to keep to the current footprint of the existing structure, conduct a shadow- casting study, or to minimize windows and balconies overlooking neighbors’ homes; concern that reasonable design changes suggested by neighbors were ignored; the original meeting four years ago where a three-story building on the existing footprint was proposed; and he asked that a condition be imposed that if the developer is not able to secure financing within a certain period, the City withdraw their support.
Mark Herscovitz expressed opposition to the project proposed at the Culver City Methodist Church; discussed the intent of the Methodist Church to get a new facility; concern with changes made to the scope of the project and intentions; bait and switch tactics; lack of regular outreach or attention to suggestions; fire danger to the neighborhood due to lack of access; setting a bad precedent for allowing large buildings in the area; concern with losing the small town feel of Culver City; and he asked the City Council to vote against the funding.
Marci Baun expressed concern with the lack of environmental impact studies for the Class 4 bike lanes on Overland; discussed March 11, 2024
23 stop signs and painting of crosswalks on Elenda; lack of trust in the Public Works Department; problems caused by eliminating parking and traffic lanes; the infeasibility for her to ride a bike home from West Los Angeles College at 10 p.m.; changes in downtown Culver City that sent everyone off into the
neighborhoods; lack of usage of the bike lanes; and she asked the City Council to vote against the item.
Melissa Sanders discussed pulling the bike lane out of the grant; the MOVE Culver City lawsuit; concern with undertaking another project without an EIR; traffic on Overland; the need to retain parking; the desire of the DBA that MOVE Culver City be removed; attracting mo re people with the renovation of Veterans Park; and she expressed support for using grant money to improve the Ballona Creek Bike Path before the Olympics rather than taking away a lane of traffic until Los Angeles county gets good public transportation.
Ross Piro, Lindberg Park Neighborhood Association, speaking on behalf of himself, discussed concern that sidewalks in the area had been thrown into the project without consideration of longer-term development of the park; limited green space; concern with negatively impacting the trees; whether residents really want the sidewalks; support for upgrading the parks but concern that the project is not being pitched for the benefit of residents of Lindberg Park; and he asked the City Council to keep residents in mind when considering different components of the grant application.
Michelle Weiner discussed the divide in the community; the importance of providing fair and equitably placed affordable housing; ensuring that funding is secured for the important project; pedestrians who have to walk in the street as there is no sidewalk; the need for careful consideration of placement and retention of trees and green space; and she reported riding on the terrifyin g, non-protected bike lane on Overland every day.
Disa Lindgren, Culver Pal ms United Methodist Church Council Chairperson, was pleased that the City was considering the application; discussed the diligent work of City staff on the partnership with CCSM; origination of the project; inability to secure major funding; the deadline for submission and concern that the opportunity would be lost if changes are to be made to the application; and the importance of housing and supporting alternative transportation.
March 11, 2024
24 Ann Treleven, Culver Palms United Methodist Church Board of Trustees Chair, thanked staff for their efforts; discussed meetings with CCSM and staff; the grant deadline; procuring good money for affordable housing; commitment; the expectation that those living in affordable housing are not driving cars; the need to provide transportation infrastructure; and commitment to serving the population who needs affordable housing.
Jack Galanty received clarification regarding in the number of lanes on Overland in the area being discussed; City intent to retain the number of lanes for car travel; impacts to on-street parking to accommodate the Class 4 bike lane; the actions of Santa Monica; using parked cars as a buffer to traffic; concern with losing the much neede d funding for low income housing; bringing people who don’t drive cars into the City; and he wanted to ensure that children and families visiting the library have a safe route to get there.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding through lanes and dedicated right and left turn lanes on Overland; clarification that Class 4 bike lanes get a statutory exemption from the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) process; weakening the grant application by choosing a different route; concern with moving forward without knowing potential impacts; a New York Times article on a study of increased pedestrian accidents with cars indicating the cause as increased mobile phone usage; support for using the grant to extend Ballona Creek; examination of program guidelines; the importance of doing things the right way; understanding the consequences before moving forward; resident feedback regarding
responsiveness of the developer; and support for substituting Overland Class 4 bike lanes with Ballona Creek Class 4 bike lanes.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff, CCSM, those who made public comment, and to everyone for their perseverance and dedication; the opportunity to actualiz e goals; concern with deaths on streets and climate disruption; the need for change in order to advance; changes experienced by Fox Hills residents with new development; meeting RHNA goals; proposed alternatives; the need to submit the most competitive app lication possible; fighting for affordable housing; funding toward mobility goals; the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan; creating a safer experience along a busy street; creating a more connected Culver City; support for safety over parking; sidewalks as basic equitable March 11, 2024
25 mobility infrastructure; addressing safety issues; and support for keeping the exciting application competitive.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding considering the quality of life for everyone; impacted residents along the corridor; resident suggestions regarding changing the dynamics of the building; disappointment with the lack of responsiveness from CCSM; parking along the Overland corridor; determining whether alternative parking is available; bifurcating portions of the item; lack of a traffic study before being committed to the project; confirmation that both lanes of traffic on Overland would be maintained but parking would be eliminated in certain areas; the need for outreach; concern with moving forward in light of the limited information available; a suggestion that Class 2 or Class 4 bike lanes be implemented depending on available right of way; and the need for additional communication between CCSM and residents to ensure that concerns are addressed.
Responding to disruption in Council Chambers, Mayor McMorrin expressed appreciation for public input and encouraged members of the public speaking out to communicate with Council Members via email.
Discussion resumed between staff and Council Members regarding support for Class 4 bike lanes that do not have a negative impact; concern with rushing grants and not going through proper processes; and size and scope of the CCSM affordable housing.
Mario Washington, CCSM, thanked the City Council and staff; discussed the application submitted last year; areas identified to improve competitiveness for the current application; ongoing conversations with staff; funding to allow the City to improve infrastructure; acknowledgement of City Council reservations; the by-right entitlement; SB35 approval; adding units to serve more families; and providing one level of subterranean parking and five levels of residential above the parking on the rear portion of the site with the church at the front of the site.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding working out the details as the process moves forward; meetings with the neighbors; listening to feedback from those most impacted; renters who utilize overnight parking; concern with creating a severe impact; bringing the lanes between the parked cars and the curb for the Class 2 lanes on the sec tion between Ballona Creek and Jefferson; concern with removing parking on certain sections on Overland; a request to amend the March 11, 2024
26 application for Class 2 and Class 4 and stipulate that acceptance is contingent upon ensuring that people who need their vehicles are not negatively impacted; alternate cycling routes; Blanco Park; the parking demand study; plans to present the data and alternatives to the community; the process to accept the grant if awarded; people whose livelihoods are based upon their cars; exa mination of Bentley as an alternative for the sidewalk; the eight year commitment for very low and low income housing units; available funding for such projects; plans to replace the potential 95 affordable units if the grant is not received; affordable un its set aside in market -rate buildings; the effect of substitutions on the grant application; the award-winning Complete Streets MOVE Culver City project that achieved its goals; a recent Complete Streets Workshop; making the choice to ensure the community is accessible for everyone; difficulty securing funding for affordable housing; cars as the number one killer of children in Los Angeles county; feedback from residents wanting people to slow down; concerns with continued housing and homelessness; policy choices;
opportunities; decisions made by five people that translate to how many people are on the streets; appreciation for data and real implications of policy choices; average rent in Culver City; climate and sustainability goals; efforts made by City staff and CCSM; the difficulty of change; questioning who is being centered, who has power, who is heard, and whos e needs are being met; the need to ensure that housing is available and streets are safe for everyone; the need to invest in transit alternatives; SB35; the opportunity to participate in regional efforts to address issues; belief in a more abundant Culver City; support for approving the application as it provides the best chance for approval of the project that is years in the making; the importance of bringing neighbors along; support for budget and Complete Streets Workshops; creating partnerships; and support for moving forward with the application for ninety- five 100% affo rdable units, the creation of more Complete Streets, and safe streets for other modes of transit.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the affordable housing component; people who feel that their voice has not been heard; ensuring that CCSM takes concerns voiced by neighbors to heart; cars; concern with negatively affecting people’s livelihoods; understanding needs; concern with getting locked into something whether the community wants it or not; modification of the project to make as much bike lane as possible while meeting community needs and responding to concerns; determining leeway; the ability to refuse the money if the grant is awarded; feedback from the March 11, 2024
27 current parking study; additional information available to the City Council before acceptance of the grant; support for the grant if CCSM reaches out a nd takes community concerns seriously; adding a sentence to indicate Class 2 or Class 4 bike lanes pending the parking study; concern with missing out on funds for the sorely needed housing project; RHNA numbers; and consensus to direct staff to ascertain flexibility pertaining to the bike lane and to investigate Bentley.
Mario Washington, C CSM, agreed to communicate with Council Member Vera and community members before March 18, 2024.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding staff direction to apply for the grant with adjustments that address concerns voiced at the meeting while providing maximum flexibility, examining Bentley, use of a combination of Class 2 and Class 4 bike lanes along Overland to minimize parking impacts, and direction to staff to explore parking alternatives to proactively find solutions.
MOVED BY MAYOR MCMORRIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF A JOINT APPLICATION WITH COMMUNITY
CORPORATION OF SANTA MONICA UNDER THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $35 MILLION FOR CAPITAL AND PROGRAMMING FUNDS AND UP TO $14 MILLION FOR CITY BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 95-UNIT 100% AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT LOCATED AT 4464 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD, CULVER CITY, CA (PROJECT)
WITH INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATION WITH CLASS 2 AND 4 BIKE LANES ON OVERLAND AVENUE AND EXAMINATION OF BENTLEY; AND,
2. APPR OVE OF AND DIRECT STAFF TO COMPLETE THE BICYCLE,
PEDESTRIAN, AND TRANSIT PROJECTS LISTED IN THE STAFF REPORT, SHOULD THE GRANT APPLICATION BE APPROVED; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY/AUTHORITY GENERAL COUNSEL TO
REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AN AGREEMENT
WITH COMMUNITY CORPORATION OF SANTA MONICA REGARDING JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY/AUTHORITY.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
March 11, 2024
28 AYES: MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON, VERA
Council Member Eriksson read a vote declaration for the minutes:
I support the application in most parts but cannot in good conscience commit to taking away parking and potentially lanes on Overland without any kind of traffic and parking data and resident input first. I suggested that we substitute with Ballona Creek Class 4 improvement and with new and improved access points and lighting and resurfacing.
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Item A-3
CC - (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Subchapters
9.10.005, et seq. through 9.10.600, et seq. of Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Chapter 9.10 (Parks, Public Buildings and Property); and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Adam Ferguson, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Membe rs regarding clarification that the only locker room facilities in the City are located at the Plunge.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bubba Fish was called to speak but was not present online or in Council Chambers.
Stephen Jones expressed support for the care and consideration of the item by the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC); encouraged others to attend an EHRAC meeting; discussed the important issue fo r gender non -conforming, non-binary or trans individuals; he applauded the City Council for directing the EHRAC to consider the issue; expressed confidence in the ordinance; and he hoped the City Council would approve the ordinance noting that his faith in the process had been restored.
March 11, 2024
29 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff and the EHRAC for care and consideration given to the item; unfortunate trends of attacking trans and non-binary communities; restrooms as a battleground; preventing sexual misconduct and harms in bathrooms rather than asking staff to police gender; a study indicating no increases in sex crimes after anti-discrimination policies in restrooms; Justice Department data reflecting that 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are usually committed by heterosexuals who know their victims; statistics for sexual assault of transgender persons; the reality that most people have shared a bathroom with a
transgender person and nothing has happened; resources available for those who want to learn more; appreciation for the work done on the item; the upcoming Courageous Conversations event put on by the EHRAC; resources provided by the Trans Law Center; and the importance of ensuring that the community feels seen, heard, and supported.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBCHAPTERS 9.10.005, ET SEQ. THROUGH
9.10.600, ET SEQ. OF CHAPTER 9.10 (PARKS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY).
Council Member Vera indicated that he wanted to sign on in agreement with Council Member Eriksson’s remarks for Item A-2.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following individual addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal expressed appreciation for remarks by the Mayor regarding transit amplification; she wanted to know if Culver City buses could be upgraded to provide WiFi and charging; she recommended making use of a person at the local co-opportunity market to assist with landscaping as part of plans to upgrade the parks; she suggested using the soccer field at Bill Botts as a FIFA training ground and monetizing that usage; discussed creating community pop-up spaces at Culver Steps with shops that are not being used; C CSM; and use of acreage released at the Santa Monica Airport for housing.
March 11, 2024
30 o0o
Items from Council Members
None.
o0o
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Eriksson received full City Council consensus to agendize consideration of a drone fireworks show downtown, and he received City Council consensus from Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Members Puza and Vera to agendize an item to consider options to replace delineators used to separate traffic.
Mayor McMorrin received City Council consensus from Council Members Puza and Vera for an agenda item to consider having a women and girls’ committee or commission to provide a pipeline to leadership.
Council Member Eriksson requested statistics regarding
biological gender of appointments to Committees, Boards, and Commissions.
Mayor McMorrin indicated that however one identifies would be sufficient; asked about the process to address the request from the California Commission of Women and Girls that the City sign on to an Equal Pay Pledge and received City Council consensus from Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Members Puza and Vera to agendize consideration of the item if needed; she asked about her r equest in May 2023 to bring childcare back for City meetings; and she suggested offering childcare on a pilot basis.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding staff agreement to confer with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and the fact that the previous City Council vote in support of providing childcare had not been rescinded.
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March 11, 2024
31 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:52 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024 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 March 18, 2024.
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
YASMINE-IMANI MCMORRIN
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: _________________________