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 September 23, 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, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order for recognition presentations at 6:41 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
Present: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Mayor
Daniel O’Brien, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
o0o
Recognition Presentation
Item R-1
CC – A Proclamation Designating October 2024 as National Arts and Humanities Month
Vice Mayor O’Brien presented the proclamation designating September 23, 2024
2 October 2024 as National Arts and Humanities Month.
Sally Unsworth, Cultural Affairs Manager, thanked the City for the recognition.
Alicia Ide, Culver Arts Foundation, invited everyone to attend Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana on October 4 and the Arts Walk and Roll Festival on October 5.
o0o
Item R-2
CC – Proclamation in Recognition of Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Month 2024
Mayor McMorrin presented the p roclamation in recognition of Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Month 2024.
Jack Galanty thanked Culver City for having a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee ( BPAC) noting that many smaller cities did not have such a body.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Michelle Weiner expressed appreciation that pedestrians and traffic safety were being recognized; discussed hearing the idea that bike lanes and traffic calming ameni ties along major streets would cause an accident resulting in loss of life; discussed acting as a barrier between pedestrians and traffic; visibility; and she noted that motorists need to watch out for pedestrians in crosswalks just as they would for cyclists in a bike lane.
o0o
Item R-3
CC – A Proclamation in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
Council Member Eriksson presented the P roclamation in
recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024.
Culver City Special Events Manager Edgar Varela expressed September 23, 2024
3 appreciation for the recognition of the rich culture and contributions of the Hispanic community to the Cit y and discussed the Hispanic Heritage event on September 28 from 1 -4 p.m. at Westfield Mall as part of the Love Local program.
o0o
Item R-4
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 2024 as “Walktober”
Council Memb er Puza presented the proclamation designating October 2024 as “Walktober”.
Jim Shanman, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, discussed the importance of volunteers in the Walk to School Day programs; planned events; traffic safety; the recent survey indicating that about half of students were walking or biking to school; and he thanked Culver City for the proclamation and support.
o0o
Item R-5
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 4, 2024 as “Clean Air Day”
Mayor McMorrin presented the proclamation designating October 4, 2024 as “Clean Air Day”.
Deborah Gregory from Ballona Creek Renaissance thanked Culver City for their support; discussed the successful cleanup on the Bike Path; volunteers; making the Bike Path more enjoyable; getting people out of their cars; and removal of asphalt around the playground perimeter and installation of plants and trees to cool the area and support clean air.
o0o
Regular Session
Mayor McMorrin called the regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
September 23, 2024
4 o0o
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor McMorrin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
o0o
Community Announcements by Members/ Updates from Commission s, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member Vera apologized for his absence at the last meeting; thanked Council Member Puza for bringing back gifts from Sicily , and he reported attending ribbon cuttings for Anything Bundt Cake, KBella Pizza, and for the new Assessor’s Office.
Council Memb er Puza reported joining the Sister City Cap o d’Orlando delegation noting that a review of the trip would be provided at an upcoming meeting; announced the upcoming Abilities Carnival and Resource Fair at t he Senior Center on October 6; thanked the Culver City Fire Department Strike Team deployed to the Bridge Fire; and discussed an upcoming
exhibition on surveillance at the Wende Museum from October 13-
19. Mayor McMorrin discussed United vs. Hate Week; ex pressed appreciation to Human Resources and Equity staff for the local programming offered noting that City-hosted events were posted on the Culver City website with additional events happening across Los Angeles county; and she congratulated new Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson noting that she was looking forward to continued partnership.
Jack Galanty, BPAC, discussed the recent BPAC meeting; concerns raised regarding the proposed kiosks; suggestions for a smaller profile so as not to be an obstruction; the importance of prioritizing wayfinding, public service announcements, and City sponsored events in the information displayed; driver
distraction; risks to pedestrians and cyclists; prioritization of location at bus stops, the Metro station, and places people might not have access to smartphones; ensuring the kiosks are located away from crosswalks; visibility; and providing something different than is already accessible via a smartphone.
September 23, 2024
5 Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, discusse d National Voter Registration Day on September 17; the need to register by October 21 in order to receive a vote by mail ballot; the 11 day vote center in City Hall opening on October 26; and she encouraged everyone to go to plan.lavote.gov to make a plan to vote.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding hours that the vote center would be open with encouragement to check information at culvercity.org/vote.
o0o
Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the City Council statement regarding hate speech; noted that Council Chambers is a limited public forum; and she discussed City Council policy prohibiting campaign activity during Council meetings or in Council Chambers and building.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Michael Koppy was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex
Al the Zionist asserted that the Jewish people had the right to live in their homeland; thanked Culver City for hosting the Nova Exhibition; discussed chatter from pro -Hamas antisemites; the alleged genocide; gaslighting; the second holocaust that Hamas is trying to perpetrate; calls for a ceasefire; racism; and appreciation to Culver City for standing up to antisemites.
Steve Siegel discussed the amount of time Council Members take to do their job; appreciation for the service of Council Member Eriksson; people running for office who do not listen to residents; defunding the police; ending single family housing ; and building multi-family housing.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, cautioned against campaign activity that is prohibited in Council Chambers and she noted that advocating for or against a candidate or measure was not September 23, 2024
6 permitted.
Steve Siegel indicated that he had not mentioned names; he felt that the Council priority should be to follow what the majority of residents would like; and he asserted that things would work out well for Culver City if residents were listened to.
Maria Beg discussed her repeated public comment at City Council meetings requesting a ceasefire reso lution; she felt that everything she and the community have advocated for ha d been ignored; discussed going back to listen to the October 23, 2023 meeting; talk of unifying the community; comments made
indicating that even if international change would not be affected, the resolution was important to the local community; deaths of thousands of Palestinians that are being ignored; she asserted that she and the community would be present at every meeting asking to agendize a ceasefire resolution; she asked that the EHRAC (Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee) be allowed to host a community forum t o have a dialog; noted advocacy for dialogue in October 2023; and expressed concern that only a certain portion of the community is heard.
David Metzler, Bike Culver City, reported receipt of a grant from the Coalition for Clean Air; discussed activities for Bike Month; the art competition at the High School in partnership with the Green New Deal Club; the Clean Air Day Pledge available at bit.ly/cleanairculvercity; the October 5 morning ride and the Art Walk and Roll Festival; the candidates forum on September 25 with information available at bit.ly/ccmobility; removal of pedestrian protections in the downtown area; concern that more pedestrian/vehicle conflict zones mean more injuries; expert reports indicating that adding an additional lane of traffic does not alleviate traffic; and he hoped that when the City Council considered the item again, they would listen to experts and invite everyone to weigh in.
Melissa Sanders requested a report on planned sidewalk upgrade projects; discussed changes for MOVE Culver City; ensuring that drop off zones for those with accessibility issues are being taken into consideration; enforcement of the 30 day maximum rule for short term rentals; concern with rules that are not being enforced; people celebrating October 7; she wanted to see Council Member Puza denounce LMUs support for a statement that October 7 marked the start of the genocide; she denied that genocide was happening; and she expressed concern that there was no acknowledgement that Hamas started everything.
September 23, 2024
7 Jared Bailey asked the City Council to direct the EHRAC to hold a community forum to allow for discussion and community healing; discussed consideration of a ceasefire resolution; noted the receptiveness of EHRAC to hosting an event; the need for City Council direction; and he expressed support for allowing people to speak respectfully in a moderated public forum.
Polly Stenberg provided background o n herself; discussed her previous comments to the City Council about her deep desire to be unified with her fellow residents of Culver City in calling for peace with an immediate mutual permanent ceasefire involving all members of the conflict /genocide; no ted that the EHRAC understood the need for a community forum; asked Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Members Eriksson and Vera to refer the matter to EHRAC to help the community heal; and she indicated that the matter was urgent.
Mariah Fontjin provided background on herself; asked for a ceasefire resolution; reported speaking at the last EHRAC meeting to request a community discussion to collaboratively work towards a ceasefire resolution in Palestine/Israel ; she reported that EHRAC Members had unanimously agreed that a ceasefire resolution was necessary toward healing and
reconciliation for the community, especially for those who have felt ignored since the City Council resolution of October 23; discussed the need for specific direction from the City Council in order to proceed; support for holding a community forum as soon as possible; the discussion item on the October EHRAC agenda; planning a forum for November; the requested resolution for a permanent and mutual ceasefire; escalation of the conflict into Lebanon; bombing of civilians seeking safety and shelter; and she asked the City Council to stand with their constituents against unnecessary and unjust deaths being paid for with taxpayer monies.
Gary Zeiss was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Scott Stevens requested that the City Council agendize
consideration of an off -cycle City sponsorship for the Hero Fair; provided background on the event; discussed the non-profit group running games for kids; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated that he was seeking the minimum sponsorship request.
Richard Burns, Western States Carpenters, asked the City Council to endorse Measure A to address community challenges.
September 23, 2024
8 Rick Tuttle discussed his hearing aids; suggested that the City provide a printout of what is being said; and acknowledged the bravery of the police and fire who saved lives on 9/11 and of those who serve Culver City.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that assistive listening devices were available as well as a hearing loop for those with cochlear implants.
Nicholas Conner, Jackson Market, provided background on himself; clarified his previous requests for a mutual ceasefire to end the violence against everyone; discussed concern that the United States is supplying and profiting off weapons and resources used to kill kids; expansion of the conflict; affects to neighbors, community members, and employees; small, ugly, and loud backlash; support from community members; people who come and encourage them not to be afraid; those scared to speak out; being called antisemitic for advocating an end to violence; he noted that those speaking out asking for a mutual ceasefire do not mean harm to anyone; and he expressed concern with not leaving room for rational people.
Michael Koppy, with one minute ceded by Noriko Wada, discussed encouragement from Council Member Eriksson to not be so hard on staff for their lack of response ; provided colloq uies of communication with Troy Evangelho; discussed acting with kindness, integrity, and professionalism; his request for evidence that three community meetings should be cut back; number of projects approved and built over the past 17 years and lack of evidence that e ven one proposed development, developer, or project went to a different city or was delayed due to the requirement for three meetings; lack of an example of the Planning Department being incapable of managing the requirement; he indicated that he would ret urn with something much more pertinent and critical; and he expressed concern with undermining proper democratic government.
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, reminded those who signed up after the item began that they would be called to speak at the end of the meeting when Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda is heard again.
o0o
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER September 23, 2024
9 ERIKSSON AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2024.
o0o
Order of the Agenda
Consent Calendar Items C-3, C-6, C-7, C-8, C-10, and C-11 were considered separately.
o0o
Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for August 31, 2024 to September 13, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR AUGUST 31, 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2024.
o0o
Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting Held on September 9, 2024
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTE S FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2024.
o0o
Item C-3
CC - Approval of Amendment to the Existing Agreement with Commline, Inc., for Support and Maintenance Services for the Mobile Data Computers, Body Worn Cameras, and the Panasonic Arbitrator 360 HD In -Car Mobile/Audio Video Systems in an Additional Amount Not -to-Exceed $120,677.61 and Extending the Term through August 31, 2025
September 23, 2024
10 Jason Sims, Police Chief, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the current cameras are end -of-life; maintenance; transitioning to a new body worn and in-car camera system; clarification that the company is contracted with to maintain the system; and clarification that the current cameras can be maintained for another six months but there needs to be a plan in place to replace them because if a camera go es down it cannot be replaced.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH COMMLINE, INC. FOR SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE MOBILE DATA COMPUTERS, BODY WORN CAMERAS, AND THE PANASONIC ARBITRATOR 360
HD IN-CAR MOBILE AUDIO/VIDEO SYSTEMS IN THE POLICE VEHICLES IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $120,677.61, AND EXTENDING THE TERM THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2025; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-4
CC – (1) Approval of an Agreement with Southland Industries in the Amount of $1,150,367 for the City Yard HVAC Replacement Project; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Amendments to the Agreement in an Amount Not -to-Exceed an Additional $115,037 to Cover Contingency Costs
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHLAND INDUSTRIES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,150,367 TO REPLACE THE CITY YARD HVAC SYSTEM; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED AN ADDITIONAL $115,037 (10%) TO COVER CONTINGENCY COSTS; AND,
September 23, 2024
11 3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-5
CC – Adoption of a Resolution Amending the City’s Conflict of Interest Code Pursuant to the Political Reform Act,
Incorporating the Terms of the Fair Political Practices Commission’s (FPPC) Model Conflict of Interest Code, as Set Forth in Title 2 of California Code of Regulations Section 18730, and Rescinding Resolution No. 2023-R026
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE PURSUANT TO THE POLITICAL REFORM ACT, INCORPORATING THE TERMS OF THE FPPC’S MODEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AS SET FORTH IN TITLE 2 OF CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS SECTION 18730, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-R026. o0o
Item C-6
CC – Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and
Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the Construction of Diversion of Sewer Pipelines to Abandon Fox Hills Sewer Pump Station, PW003
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Committee Members regarding impact to the community , and lack of disruption to sewer service.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL : APPROVE TH E FINAL PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE
INVITING BIDS FOR THE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DIVERSION OF SEWER PIPELINES TO ABANDON FOX HILLS SEWER PUMP STATION, PW003.
o0o
September 23, 2024
12 Item C-7
CC – (1) Ratification of Annual Insurance Policy Renewals for the City’s Insurance Portfolio for Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 with a Premium of Approximately $4,352,142.84 as Presented by City’s Insurance Broker AON Risk Insurance Services West, Inc. (AON); (2) Waiver of Competitive Bidding Procedures Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.07.075.F.3; and (3) Amendment to Existing Professional Services Agreement with AON to Continue Providing Broker Services for the City’s Insurance Programs through December 31, 2024
Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding expectation of continued trending upwards; negotiation of the annual renewal by the broker; overall percentage increases; and the feeling that the increases are in alignment with other agencies.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. RATIFY ANNUAL INSURANCE POLICY RENEWALS FOR THE CITY’S INSURANCE PORTFOLIO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 - 2025 WITH A PREMIUM OF APPROXIMATELY $4,352,142.84 AS PRESENTED BY THE CITY’S INSURANCE BROKER AON RISK INSURANCE SERVICES WEST, INC. (AON); AND,
2. WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.07.075.F.3; AND,
3. AMEND THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AON TO CONTINUE PROVIDING BROKER SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S INSURANCE PROGRAMS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
September 23, 2024
13 Item C-8
CC - (1) Appointment of Artist Sonia Romero for the Art Component of the Farragut Connector Project Based on Recommendation from the Cultural Affairs Commission; and (2) Approval of an Agreement with Sonia Romero for Completion of the Art Component for the Farragut Connector Project in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $60,000
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but was not in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Sally Unsworth, Cultural Affairs Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding location of the installation.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPOINT SONIA ROMERO AS THE SELECTED ARTIST FOR THE ART
COMPONENT OF THE FARRAGUT CONNECTOR PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION; AND,
2. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SONIA ROMERO TO COMPLETE THE ART COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $60,000; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-9
CC - Approval of a General Services Agreement with ABM for Exhaust Fan Replacement Services in an Amount Not -To-Exceed $115,593 ($96,327 Base Plus $19,266 Contingency)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
September 23, 2024
14 1. APPROVE A GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ABM FOR EXHAUST FAN REPLACEMENT SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $115,593; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-10
CC - Approval of an Amendment to Existing Agreement with Vital Medical Services, LLC, to Provide In -House Medical Service Provisions for Arrestees (Pre -Booking Medical Clearances) and Management of the Department’s Naloxone HCI (Narcan) Program, by Increasing the Compensation for an Additional Amount Not-to- Exceed $190,000 for an Aggregate Contract Amount Not -To-Exceed $715,000
Luis Martinez, Police Captain, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members reg arding number of people jailed annually; factors that went into calculations; gaging requests for medical services from July 2020-July 2024; number of people arrested and booked in calendar year 2023; average length of stay; maximum time one can be held in Culver City jail; holidays; number of people that contributed to the amount of time; evaluations of quality by the service provider; standard of care with the contractor vs. care received by a hospital; types of medical services provided; school sites that offer Narcan; comparisons with other community programs; the opportunity for additional evaluation during the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) process for the contract at the end of the year; and reliable, quality services provided over the past nine years.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH VITAL
MEDICAL SERVICES, LLC, TO PROVIDE IN -HOUSE MEDICAL SERVICES
PROVISIONS FOR ARRESTEES (PRE -BOOKING MEDICAL CLEARANCES), AS WELL AS DUI BLOOD DRAWS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S
NALOXONE (NARCAN) PROGRAM, BY INCREASING THE COMPENSATION BY AN September 23, 2024
15 ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $190,000 FOR AN AGGREGATE CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $715,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY M ANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item C-11
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Update to the Culver CityBus Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Rollout Plan
Diana Chang, Chief Transportation Officer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the report and for the work of staff; continued evaluation and assessment; reasons for increased fleet size; clarification on cutaway vehicles; projected increases in maintenance costs; the need to acquire additional land to accommodate the increased fleet size and charging stations; and a suggestion to place a facility near a freeway and incorporate a park and ride program.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATE TO THE CULVER CITYBUS ICT ROLLOUT PLAN.
o0o
Item C-12
CC – Award of $1,000 Off -Cycle Special Events Grant and Designation of the Braham Entertainment’s “Micheaux Film Festival” as a City-Sponsored Event
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AWARD A $1,000 OFF-CYCLE, IN-KIND SPECIAL
EVENTS GRANT TO BRAHAM ENTERTAINMENT AND DESIGNATE THE MICHEUAX FILM FESTIVAL AS A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT.
o0o
September 23, 2024
16 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA , SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-12.
o0o
Public Hearings
Item PH-1
CC - Approval of a Five-Year Agreement with Verra Mobility, to Provide Automated Red Light Camera Enforcement Equipment and Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $4,554,000
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA,
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVIT FOR PUBLISHING A LEGAL NOTICE.
Eden Robertson, Police Lieutenant, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the repo rt; annual revenue from red -light camera tickets; amount of the ticket fine; and amount of money going to the state.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Melissa Sanders indicated that her questions had been answered and she expressed appreciation for the information noting that it sounded like a good idea.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology is not associated with the process; evidence of decreased accidents at red light camera intersections fr om a highway study; anecdotal evidence of reduced accidents with automated red light September 23, 2024
17 enforcement; appreciation for the red light camera presentation at the Civilian’s Police Academy; lack of a program or sliding scale for low income individuals; incentivizing and prioritizing safety rather than pushing people into poverty; jurisdiction; community concerns; surveillance aspects of the enforcement; due process and privacy issues; factors taken into consideration when an officer pulls someone over; addressing issues when a person goes to court; reducing traffic stops by officers; preemptive enforcement; motorist awareness of the cameras; the study by C ochran Collaboration indicating reductions to all injury crashes; support for increased safety and reduced interaction with the police; revenue directed to the General Fund; speeding cameras; a suggestion to direct some of the funding to traffic calming infrastructure; staff investigation to determine whether there would be anything in the state legislature to prohibit that; challenges and limits to decision making associated with designating revenue for specific purposes; and maintaining flexibility as nee ds and priorities change.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding dangers to pedestrians during right turns; support for the item; data indicating the program works to keep people safer; and the minimum speed trigger.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding number of companies offering red light camera services; other area cities with similar programs; the method to determine placement; reevaluation of location s; high -producing
intersections; reduced collisions; average number of red light related collisions; location of the red light collisions; monitoring of data to determine the effectiveness of placement; overlap of red light cameras with Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs); appreciation for the low number of collisions; concern that the red light camera treats something after it has occurred; finding a stated strategy about discouraging
violations; road design; curb extensions; forcing cars to slow down; being mindful of the overall budget; sustainability of the contract amount; support for keeping people safe; finding other mechanisms to support street safety; money in the budget for the contract; net revenue to the City; a request for staff to provide information on the number of red light turn
violations vs. running through the intersection violations; and a suggestion to provide a mechanism to identify new
intersections.
September 23, 2024
18 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that the program does not cost the City, but rather provides a slight revenue.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH VERRA MOBILITY TO PROVIDE
PHOTO ENFORCE MENT SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $4,554,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.01.005 to Increase the Salary of City Council Members from $485.10 Per Month to $1,261.26 Per Month; and (2) FOUR -FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT - Approval of a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $27,162 from the General Fund Unassigned Balance
Heather Baker, City Attorney, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak had been received.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding discomfort in voting for a raise for yourself; putting the item to the residents in a ballot measure; the rule as taking effect after new Council Members are seated; the fact that the compensation does not cover what Council Members do and that the increas e does not make an enormous differen ce; fair compensation; time spent in Council meetings, subcommittees, community events, and meeting with staff; and clarification that the proposed increase would put Culver City in the middle range of cities in California.
September 23, 2024
19 Council Member Eriksson moved to increase the salary of each City Council Member to $1,261.26 per month.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the staff report and work of staff; lack an increase since 1992; the part time position; the necessity for most Council Members to have a day job; the City Council as the only body that can make the determination for the salary increase; annual cost of living increases for Santa Monica Council Members; and the honor and privilege of serving Culver City.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for previous comments; people who do not run for City Council due to the time commitment required and minimal compensation provided; impacts to the ability to earn; freelance workers; the equity issue; the small number of women who have served; intentional work to eliminate barriers to leadership; support for the step in the right direction; a suggestion to add cost of living adjustments; support for regular reevaluation to ensure the salary keeps up with the times; the amount that can be increased under state law without a vote o f residents; and the inability to incorporate automatic increases into an ordinance.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CUL VER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.01.005 TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF EACH CITY COUNCIL MEMBER FROM $485.10 PER MONTH TO $1,261.26 PER MONTH; AND,
2. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING $27,162 FROM
THE GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED BALANCE (BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTH VOTE).
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: VERA
o0o
September 23, 2024
20 Item A-2
CC - Approval of a Ten-Year Agreement with Axon to provide Body Worn Cameras (BWC ), In -Car Cameras (Fleet), Less Lethal Electronic Control Devices (Taser Systems), and Software Products in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $4,900,000
John Ogden, Police Sergeant, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between Alan Slipper with Axon , staff, and Council Members regarding services included; public records requests; time spent to redact information; the support line for problem response; clarification that it is illegal for body cameras to have facial recognition and that none of the software included in the package uses facial recognition either; advice from other cities about negotiating a new contract with Axon; due diligence research; outreach to other agencies; Axon as the most used body worn camera in law enforcement; satisfaction of agencies with the produc t and service provided; length of the contract; repair and maintenance; quick replacement of
malfunctioning cameras; cost savings; locking in pricing; effectiveness of auto tagging and auto transcription; the ability for people to submit home video; allowing homeowners to opt in to allow police department capture of their video; software from Axon to enable the functionality; other cities that have Real Time Crime Centers with live feed video drones as first responders and the ability to listen to calls coming into dis patch in real time with assistance provided to responding units; cooperation with surrounding agencies; required approvals to share requested information; and current procedures.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Stephen Jones discussed the amount of money going toward equipment and maintenance; concern with getting locked into a ten year contract with an AI powered surveillance platform that consumes body camera footage as well as any other surveillance collected by the police; Axon ’s descri ption of video surveillance as a data asset; data mined to make money for Axon investors; repeated lawsuits against Axon for anti -competitive behavior; resignations from the Axon AI Ethics Board due to ethics concerns; biased outcomes with police use of AI; facial recognition; and he asked that the AI surveillance platform be September 23, 2024
21 cut from the contract to save the City millions as he felt that Axon could not be trusted wi th the mass AI surveillance on Culver City citizens.
Melissa Sanders discussed private data taken by Stephen Jones to make a website for rental properties; changing technology; ensuring that upgrades are being made during the contract tenure; support for video evidence to provide transparency; concern with the view that bodycams are a racist tool; looking at what is needed to keep people safe; increased efficiency and use of time; support for letting the police get the equipment needed to keep them safe; a nd she felt if one was not doing anything illegal then they didn’t need to worry.
Nancy Barba asked the City Council not to move forward with the extended contract for the AI enabled surveillance; discussed research being done; she encouraged everyone to read the book Algorithms of Oppression ; noted that the systems were not neutral; the need to be careful about committing to putting systems that could make People of Color in the community more vulnerable; and concern with committing to such a large contract during the City’s current budget situation.
Mayor McMorrin reported receiving email from people indicating that they wanted to make comment but could not get through.
Kenny Stevenson echoed comments made by Nancy Barba and Stephen Jones; asked the Cit y Council not to approve the contract, specifically in regards to AI; discussed his experience working in the field of digital asset management; lack of accuracy with AI; issue with facial recognition for People of Color; he did not want to see the technol ogy used in a haphazard way; he asserted that auto tagging is a work in progress noting that he works with it every day and it is not up to an acceptable standard; discussed costs; inaccuracy; and he asked the Council to consider not approving the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the tagging process; clarification that officers would be tagging their own videos; additional tagging by the system; backend software; ways to organize videos for easier access; state law and C ity policy indicating that using facial recognition in conjunction with body cameras is illegal; AI features to be used in the backend such as with redaction; use of AI in transcription software; and use of AI to work more efficiently, but not to identify anyone.
September 23, 2024
22 Alan Slipper, Axon, discussed facial detection vs. facial recognition, and use of AI to aid in administrative tasks.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the importance of transparency and accountability; burden of proof; concern with leaving things up to the mind of individuals; locking in the rate for ten years; inflation; accountability; use of AI as a tool to save hours of work; automatic tagging to connect the report number with the video; virtual reality t raining; taser training; automatic triggers for the body worn cameras; policy outlining when body cameras should be on; software that helps to ensure against tampering; ensuring that policies are being followed; automatic audit; and investigation by the Professional Standards Unit.
Further discussion ensued between Alan Slipper, staff, and Council Members regarding the nature of AI software and machine learning; improved recognition; updates vs. machine learning; rule based programing; human validation; co ncern with calling the product AI; meta tagging; programming vs. AI; humans who make the improvements; successful use of body worn cameras; length of the contract; investment over time; and ensuring against obsolescence.
Discussion ensued between staff an d Council Members regarding appreciation for the staff report and public comment; previous City Council discussion of body worn cameras; the National Institute of Justice studies about effectiveness; mixed messages from the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union); value; use for evidence in investigations; the issue at hand to decide on the company and what kind of surveillance is wanted; City approval of a lot of surveillance over the past two years; concern with rushing into the new technology; unreliabilit y of facial recognition; issues for People of Color, women, and non -binary individuals; programs built by humans who are biased; support for technology; technology as developing more quickly than the laws to govern it; support for slowing down the process; looking at best practices of peer cities; cost savings; possibility of inherent bias in reporting; hallucinations in AI; convincing and hard to notice falsehoods; misdemeanor cases; concern that there are few guardrails associated with the new technology; concern that use of body worn cameras is veering off the original intent; compromise; concerns about the budget and increased surveillance; and support for Option OSP10 rather than the premium option, with adjustments as needed based on data.
September 23, 2024
23 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the time consuming nature of redaction; public records requests; the amount of data collected; costs; efficiency; advantages; advancing technology; product upgrades over the life of the contract; other agencies using similar technology; the fact that Culver City is the only agency on the westside not using Axon; using the best product available; advantages to being first adopters vs. waiting; broad and narrow definitions of surveillanc e; enhancing collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions; the percentage of people arrested who come from outside jurisdictions; appreciation for the ability to share information quickly; the ability of another Council to cancel the contract; the cancella tion clause; and support for using the valuable tool.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that other westside cities are using Axon cameras but not necessar ily the same subscription; clarification that there is no financial penalty with a 30 day cancellation; current regulations on the software; guardrails around where the data is stored, who accesses it, and whether that has been hacked in the past; the law and City policy related to facial recognition; clarification that the data is owned by the police department and is not shared unless the police department allows it; security; evidence.com; Criminal Justice Information Service standards; tracking of viewing and
duplication of videos; policy for when proc edures are not followed; rectifying tagging errors; the intent to utilize the current policy outlining dos and don’ts for the current system with adjustments; checks and balances in place; accountability; common mistakes; police policy related to prohibiting the use of facial recognition on dash cameras; the ability for policy to change; the process for data release; and data storage in the cloud.
Alan Slipper, Axon, reported that they utilized Microsoft Azure, the most secure cloud platform available, and he indicated that he was not aware of any data breaches.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding consideration of ongoing litigation with Axon as it pertains to price fixing when making the decision to advocate for the m; anti-trust lawsuits filed; one pending lawsuit with multiple cities; resolution of one lawsuit in Axon’s favor; monopoly concerns; field tests of different body worn and in-car camera options; time spent determining which would be the best for the department; technological functionality that Axon has that September 23, 2024
24 Panasonic does not; the ability to livestream videos; critical incidents; the ability of watch commanders to view what is happening; the bundled package offered by Axon; making an apples to apples compa rison; cameras vs. software; getting the best product and saving money by bundling; community policing; My90 software; community engagement; the price difference between the OSP10 and the OSP10 Premium package; costs for the Panasonic bundle; other City departments using AI tools to support their reporting; the emphasis on saving time; plans to make use of officer time that has been saved; long term evaluation of how the City is investing in the department; evaluation of impacts; redaction software; the red light camera program; lessening the workload for the Records Manager position added in the last budget cycle; and appreciation for the information provided.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledging the experience of others and meeting them where they are ; disappointment to hear someone say they don’t do anything to need a body camera so they are not worried; the presumption that if someone has a contact with law
enforcement they are automatically doing somethi ng wrong; disproportionality; expanding the capacity for empathy; different experiences with law enforcement; the talk given by the author of Algorithms of Oppression evaluating technologies; understanding that the internet is not a neutral force; bias that goes into programming; technology that speeds things up; the need to be careful; understanding that technology is not sentient or learning, it is doing what human beings program it to do; failure of the intent of body cameras to lessen police violence; close observation of what people are doing; the explosion of technology and resources for the police department over the past few years; allowing people to feel safer; regular data breaches; concern with a community where everything is recorded; the proposed compromise to move forward, but without the premium program; next steps; selling of data; the many paths to safety available and determining whether the proposal is the best path to safety; whether every bell and whistle is needed for the proposed technology; other departments that are not afforded the same level of support; support for a less
surveillance-based model; recent support for ALPRs and Star Chase; tailoring programs to meet the needs of the community; when it will be enough; and continued expansion.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding adoption of body cameras by a previous City Council; daytime population of Culver City; whether to do away with body September 23, 2024
25 worn cameras; the grant application to pay for the body cameras; the budget process to fund body cameras; and support for continued investment in body worn cameras by the City Council majority.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A TEN-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE TO PROVIDE
BODY WORN CAMERAS, IN-CAR CAMERAS, ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICES,
AND AXON ENTERPRISE PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,900,000; 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.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: MCMORRIN, PUZA
o0o
Item A-3
CC - (1) Discussion and, if Desired, Adoption of the Proposed Statement of Land Acknowledgement Recommended by the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC), or a Different Statement of Land Acknowledgement; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Darrel Menthe discussed the sentiment behind the land
acknowledgment; the historic wrong in the dispossession of native people; Hispanic Heritage month; California history; the dispossession of Spanish speaking p eople; the conquest of California; the legacy of economic and political marginalization September 23, 2024
26 of Spanish speaking people to this day; the small amount of political courage required to apologize to the Gabriel eño and the Tongva; the “sorry/not sorry” aspect of th e statement; political courage to acknowledge to the 40% of California that is Hispanic that this was Mexico; the enduring shame of continuing political and economic marginalization of Latinos; talking about inclusion and Latino power during Hispanic Heritage month; the conquerors; and he asked that the history of California be considered.
Steve Siegel expressed support for the acknowledgement; felt that the verbiage was a little bit long; proposed trimming the language; expressed concern with adding time to already lengthy meetings; suggested reading the acknowledgement once per month or providing the acknowledgement in writing; and getting people to actually listen.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff and the EHRAC for the work done; expansion of the original language; creation of a mural and posting acknowledgement on the wall; disappointment that the EHRAC could not come up with something more practical; land that has changed hands many times in Europe; creating problems with looking back; Russia and Ukraine; the importance of history; performative actions; and involving the High School or the Historical Society.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for outreach to the tribal nations; the need to atone for actions; recognizing and honoring the indigenous people; acknowledging past injustices and promot ing the awareness of history and contributions of the
Gabrieleño/Tongva people who are often overlooked or erase d; providing a stepping stone for future conversations or actions; a suggestion to provide a more brief version of the statement, with the full version included in written documents and other places; and honoring the work of the Committee and staff.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding trust for the work done by staff and the Committee; appreciation for thought put into the process; discontinuing the mission projects in fourth grade due to the celebration of enslavement; the experience of native people in California; the incomplete nature of the action; providing greater context; length of the proposed statement; and validity of the various suggestions proposed.
September 23, 2024
27 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding work done on the three sentence acknowledgement that was originally proposed; an observation that acknowledgement of one group does not mean support for other groups is withheld; advocacy that Culver City support as many communities in the City as possible; a suggestion for people to read Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us that shows that supporting inclusion does not take away from other groups, rather it is better for everyone when more people are seen; appreciation for the outre ach; support of the statement by indigenous groups; support for people who are negatively impacted; tension with honoring those impacted; incorporation of the anti-hate statement into regular meetings; candidate statements; looking at harm and benefits; providing an opportunity for community members to do r esearch to explore history; land and labor acknowledgements read at LAHSA (Los Angeles Housing Services Authority) and Board of Supervisor meetings; disproportionate labor of women and traditionally marginalized groups; taking time to acknowledge how we got here; the proposed edit; taking the time to use the full statement; concern with asking for feedback and then not honoring it; the importance of words; and helping people to feel seen and others to be curious,
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding going through the motions; using a condensed version of the proposed statement; creating something to memorialize in Council Chambers; involving the Artist Laureate; memorializing the intent; the trend to do performative things; the importance of words; origins of the country; regular recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; having a more accurate understanding of the country; the importance of adding context and layers ; and support for having two versions: the abbreviated statement to be read at meetings and the full statement in written form in Council Chambers or City Hall.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the importance of framing; what is communicated when looking at the photographs of former mayors; who is welcome in the space; who is supposed to be an authority in Council Chambers; appreciation for diversity; input from the Historical Society; missing portraits; the importance of the things that can be controlled; the Land Back movement; conversations about reparations around the country; the Racial Equity Action P lan (REAP); a reminder that small things matter; overlap of Hispanic History Month with Indigenous People’s Day ; and bringing September 23, 2024
28 awareness.
Vice Mayor O’Brien moved to adopt the Land Acknowledgement statement as proposed by the EHRAC to be memorialized in written form in Council Chambers or in City Hall, with an abridged version to be read before each City Council meeting.
Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the City Manager, read the abridged version of the Land Acknowledgement statement.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE EHRAC’S PROPOSED STATEMENT OF
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE MEMORIALIZED IN WRITTEN FORM IN
COUNCIL CHAMBERS OR AT CITY HALL WITH AN AB RIDGED VERSION
CONSISTING OF THE FIRST SENTENCE AND THE LAST PARAGRAPH TO BE READ AT COUNCIL MEETINGS.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: ERIKSSON
o0o
Item A-4
CC - Discussion of and Direction to the City Manager on Appointment of a City Historian
Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Ron Ostrin was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding ensuring that the former City Historian’s name is spelled correctly; support for the work of Hope Parrish and a suggestion that she serve as the next City Historian; a suggestion that staff inquire as to whether Hope Parris h is interested in the position and bring the item back to the City Council; the importance of the item and retelling of history; the recent Historical Context study; the direct familial connection of the former Historian; the mission of the Culver City His torical September 23, 2024
29 Society founded in 1980; whether a City Historian is needed in addition to the Historical Society; other cities with historians and their duties; Culver City-specific events or dates; fleshing out the specifics of the role; public comment received from Julie Lugo Cera’s daughter in support of defining the role; looking at other cities and their descriptions; making a formal recommendation; concern that it looked like the position would be given to Ms. Parrish without a process; taking t he
opportunity to formalize a process and add transparency; equity; accountability; ensuring that expectations are clear; letting someone who aspires to the position know what they could do to qualify; supporting the sustainability of the role; establishing a framework ; due diligence; the honorary position; and a suggestion that Ms. Parrish could help define the position for the future.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO INQUIRE
AS TO W HETHER HOPE PARRISH IS INTERESTED IN SERVING AS CITY HISTORIAN AND RETURN TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MCMORRIN
o0o
Item A-5
CC - (1) Discussion to Potentially Adopt a Position, or take no Position on Measure A, the Citizens ’-Initiated Los Angeles County Affordable Housing, Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance, which will Appear on the November 5, 2024 Ballot; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Shelly Wolfberg , Assistant to the City Manager , provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Richard Burns indicated speaking on the topic earlier.
Denise Neal discussed concern that Measure A would impact Culver September 23, 2024
30 City by taking more money out than i t gives back; the ability of the City to opt out; whether Culver City could put away its own monies for resources; reapportioning funds; homelessness in the region; and she expressed concern with putting good money after bad.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the amount allocated vs. the amount generated; capturing and retaining more money for Culver City; services offered; Proposition H; concern with throwing good money after bad; ensuring that the money is being utilized as it is supposed to be; lack of confidence in the process; putting a measure on the ballot in 2026 to indicate that if a sales tax opportunity opens up, it will be adopted; concern as to whether the county will be able to produce w hat they say; the continuing homelessness issue in Culver City and in the region; Measure H; progress made; the need to continue the work; room for improvement; lessons learned; complaints about the length of time to solve issues; providing additional healthcare and addiction treatment as well as creating more affordable housing and preventing low income individuals from falling into homelessne ss; adding accountability and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators); funding provided for many departments without the scrutiny required for funding homelessness; endorsement of Measure A by Supervisor Mitchell; and detriment to cutting off funding.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding Culver City as performing above its peers; money contributed vs. money received; control over a Culver City specific tax; likelihood of Measure A passing; being on the winning side; justified cynicism; discretion over where funding goes; the need to reward cities who are doing it right; the overturning of Grants Pass; acknowledge ment of Culver City’s efforts; support for the Measure; the resource rich City with a severe jobs to homes imbalance; the interconnected nature of the region; impacts and costs if the Measure does not pass; ensuring that resources are allocated and neighbors are supported; people who are one crisis away from experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity; adding language to the motion in support of urging the county to fund cities who show key performance in the metric s that improve the lives of the unhoused; the letter for the Westside COG (Council of
Governments) with direction to the county; and adding
specificity to make it clear that support is not hinging on funding cities who show key performance in the metrics.
September 23, 2024
31 MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: TAKE A SUPPORT POSITION ON MEASURE A, ON THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 BALLOT AND URGE THE COUNTY TO FUND CITIES
WHO SHOW KEY PERFORMANCE IN THE METRICS THAT IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE UNHOUSED.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: ERIKSSON
Council Member Eriksson made it clear that he would carry the message of the majority to the Westside COG.
o0o
Item A-6
CC - Designation of the City’s Voting Delegate and up to Two Alternate-Delegates for the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference; and (2) (If Desired) Consideration of a Position on League of California Cities Resolution on Fair and Equal Treatment o f All Governmental Officials at All Levels, Submitted by the City of Glendora
Shelly Wolfberg , Assistant to the City Manager , provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding Council Member availability; the schedule; and staff agreement to register Council Members who are attending.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DESIGNATE VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN AS THE VOTING DELEGATE WITH_COUNCIL MEMBERS ERIKSSON AND PUZA SERVING AS ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATES.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding authorization to the delegates to support resolution Number 1 even if amended, in order to provide leeway to make a decision.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: TAKE A POSITION IN SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION, EVEN IF AMENDED.
September 23, 2024
32 THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MCMORRIN, PUZA
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Haifaa Moammar was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Hala Khan was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or on Webex.
Denise Neal asked that the Veterans and Bill Botts projects be revived in preparation for the major sports events coming up; discussed the need to monetize events to build finances and avoid the potential budget deficit; reconsideration and reapportionment of the budget to grow funds; and she asked to speak to the ad hoc Olympics Committee and a parks
representative.
Vice Mayor O’Brien indicated that he would speak with Ms. Neal after the meeting.
Mayor McMorrin indicated that there would be a Parks Plan meeting on Tuesday, September 24 at Culver West Alexander Park.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck asked that the City amend the declaration made on October 23, 202 3 where the City stood with one group and did not promote peace with another; wanted to see a ceasefire resolution for Gaza; expressed disappointment in comments made; discussed dismissiveness and disrespect of the history of indigenous people; the violent and painful history with Native Americans; xenophobic comme nts; and she questioned whether people in the room felt that there were immigrants in Culver City that eat cats and dogs.
Ryda Hamida, Culver City Coalition for Peace, noted that since Council Member Vera was not present at the last meeting, there September 23, 2024
33 were not three people to support providing EHRAC with guidance on a forum to hold space for community members concerned with a lack of representation on the City Council ; discussed asking EHRAC to consider a presentation to recommend a ceasefire resolution to the City Council; she apologized for her initial reluctance to start discussions with the EHRAC; expressed appreciation for the positive experience with EHRAC; thanked EHRAC Members for being responsive and empathetic; and she asked the City Council to direc t the EHRAC to hold a meeting in November to consider a potential ceasefire resolution.
o0o
Items from Council Members
None.
o0o
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Puza discussed Domestic Violence Month and received consensus from Mayor McMorrin and Vice Mayor O’Brien to agendize consideration of a Domestic Violence Response Team and Awareness Program to work in conjunction with the Mobile Crisis Team ; he received consensus from Mayor McMorrin and Council Member Vera to agendize consideration of continuing the Small Business Grant program for startups and new small businesses similar to the Sustainable Business Certification Program in a potential partnership with the US Economic Development Administration; and he indicated that interfaith conversations would be returning at the October 14 meeting.
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked for consensus to dire ct the EHRAC to consider holding a moderated public forum in November to help foster peace and dialog in a safe space regarding the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding length of time to agendize interfaith; the request in January; turnaround time for items; effects on the current climate; staff workload; work with the Equity Subcommittee to follow the proper channels to ensure that the community feels supported; work to ensure that the conversation could be fostered in an intentional way; the intention to have two different communities in Culver City equally represented and brought together in conversation; fostering safe communication and dialog in a moderated EHRAC September 23, 2024
34 session; the Interfaith Committee; disappointment in the earlier recommendation from the EHRAC; concern with leaving things open ended; concern with trying to determine what EHRAC should or should not do; and consensus was not achieved to send the matter to the EHRAC.
Mayor McMorrin reported that she and the City Manager had met with the Inglewood Mayor and City Manager to discuss potential opportunities regarding engagement and entertainment that is coming to Inglewood; potential community benefits for Culver City; offering shuttles from Culver City to Inglewood; other opportunities; and she received consensus from Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Memb er Puza to agendize consideration of specific requests for community benefits.
City Council consensus was achieved to agendize the following items for consideration on a future agenda:
• Consideration of a Domestic Violence Response Team and Awareness Program to work in conjunction with the Mobile Crisis Team
• Consideration of continuing the Small Business Grant
program for startups and new small businesses similar to the Sustainable Business Certification Program in a
potential partnership with the US Economic Development
Administration
• Consideration of specific requests for community benefits from a partnership with Inglewood
o0o
September 23, 2024
35 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:34 a.m. on September 24, 2024, the City Council , Housing Authority Board, Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a meeting to be held on October 14, 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 Parking Authority and Culver City Housing Authority Board
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: _________________________