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 April 8, 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 5:37 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
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, announced an issue with Granicus that necessitated voice voting during the meeting.
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Closed Session
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak on Closed Session Items had been received.
April 8, 2024
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CIT Y PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 5:38 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority B oard, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Items:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (2 Items)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: City of Los Angeles v. Dickson, etc., et al. (Culver City, Petitioner-Intervenor)
Case No. 19-71581
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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CS-3 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation Re: Moghaddam, Shamsi v. City of Culver City
Case No. 22STCV22970
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 7:12 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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April 8, 2024
3 Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
A Proclamation Declaring April 6, 2024 as Arbor Day in Culver City
Council Member Vera presented a Proclamation designating April 6, 2024 as Arbor Day in Culver City.
Ballona Creek Renaissance representatives thanked Culver City for the Proclamation; discussed native planting projects in process; and enhancements to bans.
Mayor McMorrin expressed appreciation to Ballona Creek Renaissance for their work.
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Item R-2
Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring the Month of April as Autism Awareness Month in Culver City
Vice Mayor O’Brien presented a Proclamation declaring the Month of April 2024 as Autism Awareness Month in Culver City.
Parent Teacher Association representatives thanked Culver City for raising awareness; discussed the significance of the month; understanding and acceptan ce; differences vs. deficits; and creating a more inclusive community with understanding.
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Item R-3
Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Francisca Castillo for her Work to Elevate Girls Sports in Under -served Communities
Mayor McMorrin presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ms.
Francisca Castillo for her work to elevate girls sports in under-served communities.
Francisca Castillo, Recreation and Community Services Manager, expressed appreciation for the recognition.
April 8, 2024
4 Ted Stevens, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, expressed appreciation to Francisca Castillo for her work.
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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
Heather Baker, City Attorney, reported that in Item CS -2 the City Council ha d voted unanimously to initiate litigation against the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or otherwise appeal the FAA’s environmental review of the environmental impacts of the north downwind arrivals.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commission s, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Eriksson highlighted the issue of standing water; discussed the response of Public Works to a report of standing water; and he asked residents to look i n their backyards and eliminate any standing water to prevent creating a breeding ground for mosquitos.
Council Member Puza wished everyone a Happy Eclipse Day ; discussed attending Assembly Member Isaac Bryan’s Town Hall on March 25; the Julian Dixon Library and Library Week from April 7-15; and the upcoming Culver City Symphony Orchestra concert at Robert Frost Auditorium on April 21.
Council Member Vera discussed the retirement party for Petite Konstantin from L.A. Goal at the Getty Center.
Vice Mayor O’Brien discussed the celebration of Petite Konstantin; the Beverly Hills City Council installation; the CCPD (Culver City Police Department) RIPA (Racial and Identity Profiling Act) community meeting; information available on the City website; and Autism Awareness Month.
Mayor McMorrin discussed her participation in Women’s History Month celebrations in March; the Young Democrats Association April 8, 2024
5 event in support of reproductive rights; impacts of changes across the nation on California; the importance o f advocating for reproductive rights and providing support for the critical need; World Health Day on April 7; an upcoming Los Angeles City Council event by Lola Smallwood-Cuevas uplifting the importance of organ donation; she encouraged everyone to partic ipate in the Budget and Office Priorities presentation on April 17 by Supervisor Holly Mitchell; and she reported positive feedback from residents and gratitude toward Parks and Recreation staff Ricardo Nunez and the Mathews Team for their work to support a recent event and to Ms. Cortez , the lead on an electric bus , from a parent of a special needs child.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, discussed the application period for annual appointments to Commissions, Boards and Committees (CBCs) until May 20, 2024 noting that additional information was available at culvercity.org/serve and by calling (310) 253- 5851.
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Item I-1
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© Requiring a Periodic Review of the Local Emergency)
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, discussed accommodation for emotional support animals; efforts to eliminate as many barrie rs as possible; Project Homekey; permanent and interim housing sites; Wellness Village; the Motel Master Leasing Program; current number of residents; the contract with Every Table for meals; number of meals provided; the nutrition program; she shared a me nu for the program; and she introduced Dr. Dan Richardson of the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT).
Dr. Dan Richardson, MCT, provided a short update; discussed efforts to build rapport and connect people with resources; hours of operation; and he indicated that they were available by calling (310) 253-5770.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, stated that information would be provided with every update and that staff was working to wrap the buses.
April 8, 2024
6 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the number of times the anti -camping ordinance has been implemented; service days; camp facility violations;
clarification that enforcement has resulted in placement at Safe Sleep sites, Motel Master Leasing, or Project Homekey; metrics; coordination between Assistant City Manager Michael Bruckner and HHS (Housing and Human Services) and service providers for data collection; streamlining for consistency; creation of a dashboard to provide quarterly reports; job training and job placement organizations; continuing the process of supporting people to move out on their own; Health Care in Action; HCD (Housing and Community Development); measuring efforts to help people get training or connect people to resources; Exodus; support for improving access to income; exit data; appreciation to staff for their efforts; communication; incorporatin g feedback into program administration; agreements that people are required to sign to participate in the programs; concern that people were not gett ing copies of the agreements and d o not understand the process; the entry process; the difficult transition; posting agreements in common areas and in rooms; weekly signing of agreements to emphasize what is expected of them and what can be expected from the program; sharing concerns with case managers; rules that people do not like; and
addressing reasons people are homeless.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, discussed mobile healthcare and invited Healthcare in Action to make a presentation.
Melody Porter, Healthcare in Action, provided background on the mobile street medicine team; discussed services provided; number of people served; the patient satisfaction score; and service areas.
Jason Flores, Healthcare in Action, provided an overview of services and discussed the Primary Care Street Team.
Robbie Finch, Healthcare in Action, discussed medical services provided; meeting people where they are; empowering people to make their own decisions; consistency; safety GPS tra ckers offered to provide consistent care; the partnership with Culver City; and continuity of care.
Melody Porter, Healthcare in Action, introduced the team and presented a video about the organization and services provided.
April 8, 2024
7 Discussion ensued between Robbie Finch, staff, and Council Members regarding appreciation for the presentation and for the program; delineation between Healthcare in Action and the MCT; concern with potential overlap; clarification that MCT meets crises and provides referrals to Healthcare in Action for follow up as Healthcare in Action is not an urgent response model; building in flexibility to accommodate urgent issues;
coordination between the two bodies; and appreciation for the presentation and for the work being done.
Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director, reported that work was being done to secure a mobile dental clinic.
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Presentations to City Council
Item P-1
Presentation by D’Artagnan Scorza, Ph.D, Executive Director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County
Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza, Racial Equity for Los Angeles County, discussed the Inaugural State of Black Los Angeles Report; acknowledged and appreciated the work being done by Culver City; discussed the commitment to addressing homelessness; lived experience informing political leadership; building bridges across differences; addressing resident needs; opportunities to strengthen work being done; cr eation of the Anti -Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative; the charge of advancing equity throughout Los Angeles county to provide for the needs of people where they are; addressing needs for everyone thoughtfully; driving change and building the oppo rtunity to alter material conditions to help everyone thrive; Year One and Year Two State of Black LA Reports; The Era of Regression: A Retreat from Equality; applying an equity lens to planning and neighborhood investment; the Parks Needs Assessment Tool; advancing economic equity; strengthening future opportunities; identification and incorporation of community solutions; focusing on inclusion; utilizing RIPA data to inform and shape solutions; people who do not feel included; cultivating partnerships; accounting for lived experience; and agreement to make the presentation available.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding ways to connect small business and equity; the American Rescue Plan Act; partnerships between larger businesse s and smaller April 8, 2024
8 businesses; benefits of equity to the City; supporting local businesses and local jobs; tools to track racial equity in the county; county-wide goals for equity; information available on the website; demonstrating progress as a region; responsiveness on a City-level; ensuring that leaders do not back away as there is a regression; and doubling down on the work to make sure that Los Angeles county is a place where everyone thrives.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT On the Agenda
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Marco Yanez, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters , discussed Tax Fraud Day of Action; money lost to construction tax fraud that could be used to fund essential programs; prevalence of industry tax fraud; events to raise awareness during the week of April 13 -19; employers evading tax responsibility; worke r intimidation; misclassification of workers; cash-only pay arrangements; reductions to income tax and payroll responsibilities; and employers stealing from Culver City residents.
Juan Luna , Wester n States Regional Council of Carpenters, discussed effects of the construction industry on contractors; fair minded contracting firms that cannot compete with the low labor costs of fraudulent businesses; employers undercutting competition by defrauding workers and absorbing a labor force that could be working for legitimate construction firms; events during the National Tax Fraud Day of Action during the week of April 13-19 to raise awareness about construction industry tax fraud; the importance of getting bad actor employers out of Culver City; and support for building fairly, equitably, and successfully.
Adolfo Beltran, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, discussed wage theft; tax and insurance fraud; helping to protect construction workers and their families by holding corrupt contractors account able; providing support to law enforcement; and he indicated that additional information was available at Stop Tax Fraud on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
Salem Alem was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
April 8, 2024
9 Iziko C . indic ated being an organizer for California Youth Connection and expressed appreciation to Tevis Barnes and Vice Mayor O’Brien for moving the Foster Youth to Independence Vouchers forward.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
Items C-5, C-7, C-9 and C-11 were considered separately.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for March 9, 2024 to March 29, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR MARCH 9, 2024 TO MARCH 29, 2024.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA:PA – Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings Held on March 11, 2024, March 18, 2024, March 20, 2024, and March 21, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL : APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON MARCH 11, 2024, MARCH 18, 2024, MARCH 20, 2024 AND MARCH 21, 2024.
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April 8, 2024
10 Item C-3
CC – Adoption of a Resolution (1) Approving the Engineer’s Report for the Sewer User’s Service Charge, (2) Declaring the Intention to Order the Sewer User’s Service Charge for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, and (3) Setting the Date, Time, and Place for Public Hearing
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE SEWER USER’S SERVICE CHARGE, DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO ORDER THE LEVY OF SEWER USER’S SERVICE CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025, AND SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 10, 2024.
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Item C-4
CC – Authorization of the Donation of Retired Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment to the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE THE DONATION OF RETIRED SELF -CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS EQUIPMENT TO THE OXNARD COLLEGE REGIONAL FIRE ACADEMY; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR THE DONATION; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
CC – (1) Approval of a Purchase Order with Model 1 Commercial Vehicles in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $708,873 ($590,727.54 Base plus $118,145.50 Contingency) to Supply Three Electric Passenger Vans and (2) Approval of a Purchase Order with National Auto Fleet Group in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $177,220 to Upfit Three Electric Passenger Vans for Culver CityRide Service
Vice Mayor O’Brien received clarification that there would be no reduction or increase in service levels.
April 8, 2024
11 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH MODEL 1 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $708,873 ($590,727.54 BASE PLUS $118,145.50 CONTINGENCY) TO SUPPLY THREE ELECTRIC PASSENGER VANS; AND,
2. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP FOR AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $177,075 TO UPFIT THREE ELECTRIC PASSENGER VANS FOR CULVER CITYRIDE SERVICE; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING OFFICER TO ISSUE SUCH PURCHASE ORDERS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-6
CC – Approval of an Application for $200,000 in Grant Funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, FY24 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.00 THROUGH THE FY 2024 LAW ENFORCEMENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACT (LEMHWA) IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS; 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 – Adoption of a Resolution (1) Approving the Engineer’s Report for Higuera Street Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District; (2) Declaring the Intention to Order the Levy of Annual Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (3) Setting the Date, Time, and Place of the Public Hearing
Vice Mayor O’Brien received clarification that armadillos in the ground that had been dislodged in the 8500 -8600 block of Higuera would be added to the project.
April 8, 2024
12 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION:
1. APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE HIGUERA STREET
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, AND,
2. DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO ORDER THE LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025, AND,
3. SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 10, 2024.
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Item C-8
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with Clever Devices Ltd. for Onboard Vehicle Harness Modifications and LMR Radio
Implementation and Integration Services for the Transportation Department in an Amount Not -To-Exceed $250,830 ($227,830 Base Amount Plus Approximately 10% Contingency of $23,000); and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement up to the Contingency Amount
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A CONTRACTUAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CLEVER DEVICES LTD. FOR ONBOARD VEHICLE HARNESS MODIFICATIONS AND LMR RADIO
IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $250,830 (BASE AMOUNT OF $227,830 PLUS APPROXIMATELY 10% CONTINGENCY OF $23,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT UP TO THE CONTINGENCY AMOUNT; 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-9
CC:HA – Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to Fund a Family April 8, 2024
13 Unification Program for Qualified Transitional-Aged Youth Under the Foster Youth to Independence Program
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Dexter O’Connell, Safe Place for Youth, provided background on the organization; thanked Mayor McMorrin, Vice Mayor O’Brien and staff; discussed underutilized Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers; appreciation for the leadership of Culver City; and he noted other cities following the positive example.
Iziko C . expressed appreciation to Culver City for their leadership and was eager to work together.
Jasmine Harris , California Youth Connection, expressed appreciation for the leadership in moving forward with the FYI vouchers; discussed addressing the needs of the community; and ensuring that the most vulnerable population is not forgotten.
Elianna Peña was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Kate Teague , California Youth Connection, expressed
appreciation to Vice Mayor O’Bri en and Tevis Barnes for their hard work and leadership in moving forward with the FYI vouchers; discussed opportunities provided; and she was looking forward to working together.
Vice Mayor O’Brien expressed appreciation for the work of Safe Place for Yo uth and he acknowledged the hard work of Tevis Barnes and her department.
Council Member Vera expressed appreciation for the letter from Ms. Teague and her support for the item.
THAT THE CULVER CITY COUNCIL AND CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD:
1. APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE US
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO FUND A FAMILY
UNIFICATION PROGRAM KNOWN AS THE FOSTER YOUTH TO INDEPENDENCE
THAT WILL PROVIDE RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRANSITIONAL-AGED YOUTH
FACING HOMELESSNESS OR AT -RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS AND HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM; AND,
April 8, 2024
14 2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY/HOUSING AUTHORITY GENERAL COUNSEL TO PREPARE/REVIEW THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY.
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Item C-10
CC – Adoption of a Resolution (1) Approving the Engineer’s Report for Landscape Maintenance District Number 1; (2) Declaring the Intention to Order the Levy of Annual Assessments for Fiscal Year 2024/2025; and (3) Setting the Date, Time, and Place for the Public Hearing
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION:
1. APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR LMD #1, AND;
2. DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO ORDER THE LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025, AND,
3. SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 10, 2024.
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Item C-11
CC – (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing General Services Agreement with MasterCorp Commercial Services for Citywide Janitorial Services and Event Service Workers in an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $810,000 for Contract Year Six (April 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024) and Increase the Hourly Rate for Event Service Workers
Jeremy Bocch ino, City Clerk, noted that the item initially included consideration of filling a position in anticipation of an employee retirement but the department identified an alternative cost savings , no longer intend ed to fill the position, and is currently involved in the process to eliminate the position.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MASTERCORP COMMERCIAL SERVICES FOR YEAR 6 IN AN April 8, 2024
15 ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $810,000 FOR JANITORIAL
SERVICES AND SUPPLIES AND INCREASE THE HOURLY RATE OF EVENT
SERVICE WORKERS, AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXEC UTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-11.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Expanding the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee to Include a Juneteenth Celebration and Approval of the Amended Committee Bylaws
Ted Stevens, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, introduced the item.
Adam Ferguson, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO EXPAND THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION
COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AND APPROVE THE AMENDED COMMITTEE BYLAWS.
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Item A-2
CC - Discussion and, if Desired, Approval of (1) A Budget Transfer of the Independence Day Fireworks Show Budget
Allocation of $34,000 to the Off -Cycle Special Event Grant Contingency Fund; (2) The Additional Allocation of $15,000 to 20th Annual Culver City Car Show Event; (3) An Off -Cycle City Sponsorship to the Downtown Culver City Business Association April 8, 2024
16 for a July 5th Drone Show in the amount of $30,000 and, if Desired Designate this Event as City-Sponsored; (4) An Off-Cycle City Sponsorship and Related Street Closures to Share Our Strength in the Amount of $5,000 and, if Desired, Designate this Event as City -Sponsored; (5) A City -Produced Juneteenth Celebration in the Amount of $20,000; (6) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Applicable City Permits and Agreements Necessary to Produce the Events; and (7) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Luis Gonzalez, Economic Development Project Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Mem bers regarding unused sponsorship funds from past events; in -kind vs. cash grants; the City Council Subcommittee; the City Council policy related to special events; precedent for cash awards; the amount allocated for Juneteenth; and the amount left in the contingency fund.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Darrel Menthe discussed the communal experience of viewing the eclipse; additional funds needed to put on the drone fireworks event due to the last minute nature of the event; appreciation to Culver City for their support; a smaller amount of funding necessary to put on the event next year; and he hoped that the drone fireworks show could be a new tradition for the City.
John Cohn , The Exchange Club, was pleased to see that the Downtown Business Association had chosen to provide an
alternative to the long history of the fireworks show; discussed the 20th anniversary of the Car Show; the growth of the Car Show; excitement about the event and projected attendance; providing options for people to attend the Car Show by alternate means of transportation; relocation of the stage to accommodate the Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast; challenges with putting the event on; excitement at putting on the event in downtown Culver City; and he expressed support for the staff recommendation.
Responding to inquiry Mr. Cohn discussed Exchange Club plans for next year; building enthusiasm for being back downtown; efficiency; aggressiveness in getting more sponsors for the event; and he hoped that in -kind services from the City would remain the same, but other sponsorships would be increased.
April 8, 2024
17 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding community engagement; economic development; use of Economic Development funds; highlighting the downtown area; the need for businesses to rebuild capital after COVID; appreciation to staff for their efforts and for not having to do a budget amendment; adding structure to the process; extra money added to the Car Show this year; the amount allocated to the Car Show vs. allocated for the Pride event; finding a way to fund events in a more appropriate way; visibility of the drones; support for local businesses; adding Juneteenth as an annual event in the budget; traditional City support for the Fourth of July event; the need for more transparency about how and why the City is funding certain events; the amount given to some events and not to others; allowing more opportunities for people to be part of the opportunities; allowing other nonprofits to be a part of the Beer Garden opportunity at Fiesta La Ballona; and providing support in a fair and equitable way.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA , SECONDED BY VIC E MAYOR O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS EVENT BUDGET ALLOCATION OF $34,000 TO THE OFF -CYCLE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT CONTINGENCY FUND; AND,
2. PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE EXCHANGE CLUB FUNDING REQUEST OF THE 20TH ANNUAL CULVER CITY CAR SHOW EVENT; AND,
3. APPROVE AN OFF-CYCLE CITY SPONSORSHIP TO THE DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR A FOR A JULY 5TH DRONE SHOW IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 AND DESIGNATE THIS EVENT AS CITY - SPONSORED; AND,
4. APPROVE AN OFF -CYCLE CITY SPONSORSHIP, AND RELATED STREET CLOSURES, TO SHARE OUR STRENGTH IN THE AMOU NT OF $5,000 AND DESIGNATE THIS EVENT AS CITY SPONSORED;
5. APPROVE A CITY-PRODUCED JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN AN AMOUNT OF $20,000; AND,
6. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS NECESSARY TO PRODUCE THE EVENTS; AND,
7. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
April 8, 2024
18 8. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that no additional requests to speak had been received.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member Eriksson reported the 50 th anniversary of ABBA winning the Eurovision Contest with Waterloo.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Mayor McMorrin received City Council consensus from Council Members Puza and Vera to agendize consideration of local examples of ordinances , including the San Diego ordinance , regarding transparency in construction contracts, and consensus from Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Members Puza and Vera to agendize consideration of a letter of support for an amendment to the California constitution to include that people have a right to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the San Diego ordinance; increased construction coming to Culver City; ensuring that construction business is being done in a fair and transparent way; participating in changes going on in the region; and the ordinances as attached to the report.
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April 8, 2024
19 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:36 p.m., the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on April 29, 2024.
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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
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: _________________________