1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 3, 2024
INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS 6:00 p.m.
IN CONSIDERATION OF
APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor McMorrin called the special meeting of the City Council – Interview of Applicants in Consideration of Appointments to Various Commissions, Boards, and Committees to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and via Webex.
Present: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Mayor
Daniel O’Brien, Vice Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor McMorrin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff/Updates from Commissions, Boards, and/or Committees
None.
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June 3, 2024
2 Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no Public Comment had been received.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Interview of Applicants in Consideration of Appointment to Various Commissions, Boards and Committees (CBCs)
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk. introduced the item and discussed procedures for applicants making their statements.
Civil Service Commission (CSC)
Hilton Creve, CSC applicant, provided background on himself and his experience; discussed involvement in dispute resolution ; his understanding of the role of a Civil Service Commissioner; and he felt that the Civil Service Commission suited his skills.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Cre ve and Council Members regarding his previous application to the Civil Service Commission; his attendance of Civil Service Commission meetings; and availability to serve.
Yu-ngok Lo, CSC, Planning Commission (PC), Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) and Landlord Tenant Mediation Board (LTMB) applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Chi Ming Gong , current CSC Chair and applicant, provided background on himself; discussed his service on the Civil Service Commission; accomplishments; goals; use of his knowledge June 3, 2024
3 of practices in Los Angeles; monitoring and reducing the list of vacant positions; active employees on probation; his work to facilitate connections; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated that he was the current Chair of the CAC and has served on the Commission for the past three years.
Amberly Washington, CSC, Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC), MLK (Martin Luther King) Juneteenth Committee; LTMB, Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH), Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC), and PC applicant, indicated that her top choices to serve were the CAC or the MLK/Juneteenth Committee; discussed her experience; goals; her understanding of the role of those serving on CBCs; and finding the balance between recommendations and resources.
Dani Zandel, CSC and the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) applicant, indicated that her first choice was to serve on the FAC; she referenced her previous application; acknowledged the dynamic that Chair Gong had brought to the CSC; reported that she was an analyzer; discussed transparency; making changes to increase the desirability of working in Culver City; her Human Resources background; her expectation of member duties; and she expressed eagerness to serve.
Discussion ensued between Dani Zandel and Council Members regarding her Human Resources experience; budget concerns; and concern with lack of transparency and speed with making a recent significant purchase that seemed out of line with the budget without a lot of information before the purchase was made.
Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC)
Andrew Lachman, current member of the FAC and applicant for the CAC and PRCS, indicated that he had thought he had termed out of the FAC ; he provided background on himself; discussed interest in serving on the CAC; continued involvement in the community; accomplishments; appreciation for the efforts of the other FAC member s; and he expressed willingness to serve wherever appropriate.
Council Member Eriksson received clarification that Mr.
Lachman’s preference was to serve on the FAC until the end of his term and then move on to another body unless there might not be positions available in two years.
Responding to inquiry, Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that she would have information about potential future vacancies June 3, 2024
4 on the CAC available for the June 10, 2024 meeting where appointments would be made.
Melissa Sanders, CAC, FAC, and PC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Madison Wellington, CAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Damon Willick, CAC applicant, provided background on himself and his experience; discussed what he felt he had to offer; and his understanding of the charge of the Commission.
Discussion ensued between M r. Willick and Council Members regarding encouragement to write a book about Culve r City; expanding opportunities for the performing arts; the heavy focus on fine arts; the arts as an integrative field; artists that break boundaries; melding or bringing together disciplines; the Summer Concert Series; the UCLA Graduate Arts Studios in Culver City; and working to bring all of the arts together.
Paul Kujawsky, applicant to the CAC and the LTMB, provided background on himself; discussed his experience; wanted to be of service to the community; asked to be considered for the tenant position rather than the at -large position on the LTMB since no one else had applied for that position; he referenced his musical background applicable to serving o n the CAC; and, responding to inquiry, he clarified that he is a practicing attorney and felt best suited to serve on the LTMB.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC)
Marci Baun, PRCSC applicant, provided background on herself; discussed her experience; reasons for applying; the importance of providing affordable enrichment to the community;
accessibility; the advisory nature of the body; her continuing education; the importance of physical activity; and she felt she was well-suited for the position.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Baun and Council Members regarding ways to improve the parks; ensuring that needs are met for the individual parks communities; keeping parks updated;
maintenance of tennis courts at Culver West; and continuing the good things already going on in the parks.
Alexander Brody , PRCSC and FAC applicant, asked to also be considered for the tenant position on the LTMB; noted that his June 3, 2024
5 first choice was to serve on the PRCSC; provided background on himself; discussed the job of those serving; and initiatives to focus on.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Brody and Council Members regarding his previous application to the FAC; implementation of programs to increase parks engagement; improving the reservation system; Mr. Brody indicated being a tenant in Culver City for three years; and he noted that he had not had a chance to review the specific requirements for serving on the LTMB.
John Busby, PRCSC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Dorian Davies, PRCSC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Hector Flores, PRCSC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Aviv Meraro, PRCSC, FAC, PC, and BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Jordan Moses, PRCSC, DAC and BPAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Planning Commission
Nancy Barba, current Planning Commissioner and app licant, indicated that she took her role seriously and had only missed one meeting in all of her years serving; discussed
accomplishments while serving; and goals.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Barba and Council Members regarding potential changes to the current zoning code; zoning code amendments that have been made; and finalization of recommendations as part of the General Plan.
Jackson Brissette , PC applicant and current LTMB Member, provided background on himself; discussed his experience; his understanding of the role of a Planning Commissioner; adding his expertise in development to the Planning Commission; and he indicated wanting to be a part of the adoption of the new General Plan and zoning code.
June 3, 2024
6 Discussion ensued between Mr. Brissette and Council Members regarding clarification that he has three years left to serve on the LTMB; the possibility that Mr. Brissette’s firm could have projects in Culver City; a previous Planning Co mmissioner who had to resign due to conflicts with several projects within Culver City; clarification regarding entitled residential units in Hollywood; and appreciation to Mr. Brissette for his service on the LTMB.
Andrew Flores, PC applicant, reported previously applying to serve on the Planning Commission; provided background on himself; discussed the multi -disciplinary aspect of Planning; his experience and qualifications; public engagement;
challenges with the zoning code; making language readily accessible to residents; and helping planners to increase their passion for helping the public connect.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Flores and Council Members regarding ideas to increase community engagement; the importance of talking to the community to get them interested and excited; participation in P C meetings; and clarification that this is the third application to serve on the Planning Commission for Mr. Flores.
Khin Khin Gyi indicated that she wanted to withdraw her application to the PC and EHRAC and preferred to speak during ACOHH consideration.
Beth Hyatt, current LTMB Member and applicant to the PC, DAC , and LAX Advisory Committee , was called to speak but did not respond.
Dennis Park, PC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Alexander Van Gaalen, PC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that anyone who wished to depart could get their parking validated at the back of Council Chambers and a short break would be provided.
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Recess/Reconvene
The City Council took a brief recess from 7:11 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
June 3, 2024
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Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH)
Howard Adelman, ACOHH applicant, provided background on himself; discussed his experience; issues that cause homelessness; collaboration with other agencies, non-profits, and the private sector; funding; advocating for those experiencing housing issues; his focus on the educational side; and he indicated that he felt qualified for the position.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Adelma n and Council Members regarding feedback and ideas on programs implemented by Culver City over the past few years; difficulty accessing Project Homekey; issues with housing first; the need to invest more time and money in mental health care and addiction; cancelled meetings of the ACOHH; improvements to the homeless situation in the area; ways to make more connections and improvements; facilitating outside connections to the Committee ; and Culver City serving as a model.
Rachel Feldstein, current ACOHH Member and applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Patrick Godinez , ACOHH applicant, provided background on himself; discussed his experience; taking a multi-disciplinary approach to the common thread of substance abuse and addiction; living out of his RV; his understanding of the position; transition; commitment; dedication; and engaging in an evidence- based approach to solutions.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Godinez and Council Members regarding ways to address substance abuse disorders;
strengthening programs to address issues; free resources available; the Pathway Home program; the need for communication between programs; ensuring that the system is more interactive with the participant to see where they are and assess their needs; providing a less restrictive environment to keep people indoors; the value of information; and appreciation for updates from Mr. Godinez and for his w illingness to be part of the process.
Khin Khin Gyi , current ACOHH Member and applicant, indicated wanting to continue her service on the ACOHH; discussed accomplishments; ongoing programs; the multi -modal approach; progress made; funding for the Safe Par king program; and she June 3, 2024
8 clarified that she had withdrawn her applications for other bodies.
Dominique King, ACOHH applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Dana Sayles, ACOHH applicant, provided background on herself; discussed capitalizing on property Culver City owns; interest from the private sector; creating solutions for the problem; current law and policies; involvement in affordable housing projects in Culver City; helping facilitate projects; and she asked that the City Council consider her for the position.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Sayles and Council Members regarding improvement to services provided by Culver City; inclusivity; providing additional budget support to address issues; jurisdiction; improving collaboration with Los Angeles; providing housing and services; and providing opportunities to keep people in the community.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the BPAC and discussed open positions.
J. Marvin Campbell , BPAC senior, resident, or business applicant, was called to speak but was not present.
Ann Easley, BPAC senior, resident, or parent applicant, provided background on herself and discussed goals if appointed.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Easley and Council Members regarding the proposed mobility plan down Overland; ensuring that drivers are not punished when bicycle infrastructure is added; finding a middle ground; and acknowledgement that some amount of change is needed.
Valente Gomez , BPAC youth/student applicant, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak; provided background on himself; discussed his understanding of what is required of the position; reasons for wanting to apply; goals if appointed; and improving Culver City streets for cycling and walking.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Gomez and Council Members regarding the number of people applying for the position and encouragement to reapply if not appointed.
June 3, 2024
9 Rhys Johnson, BPAC youth/student applicant, indicated riding to school daily; discussed his understanding of the role of BPAC Members; working toward a more inclusive Culver City; making Culver City accessible for those not in cars; impacts of transit on the character of a city ; interest in city planning; the Better Overland and Safer Fox Hills Project; and focusing on infrastructure that helps everyone.
Carolyn Libuser , BPAC senior applicant and DAC applicant, discussed awareness of issues affecting pedestrians due to her extensive walking all over Culver City; the intersection of the disabled and seniors; and she indicated that the DAC was her first choice.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Libuser and Council M embers regarding feedback on protected bike lanes; concern with negative affects to parking; the need for disabled parking or available loading zones; and concern that seniors and the disabled are often invisible and not considered.
Daniel Nannini, BPAC senior applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Hunter Salem, BPAC youth/student applicant, provided background on himself; discussed what he understood the duties of the position to entail; the advisory nature of the Committee; the dynamics of political institutions; the importance of citizen involvement in local politics; amplification of diverse voices; collaboration, open mindedness, knowledge, and commitment; his perspective as a cyclist; practical knowledge; prioritization of infrastructure that values pedestrian safety, e ncourages green transportation, and reduces gridlock while respecting the rights of drivers; goals if appointed; and, respo nding to inquiry, he indicated that he primarily bikes to school and would choose to serve on the BPAC rather than continue his internship if a conflict exists.
Miles Silverman , BPAC youth/student, resident applicant, provided background on himself; discu ssed his first -hand experience as a cyclist and pedestrian; his service on the Metro Youth Board; collaboration; bettering Culver City through infrastructure; the importance of building safer and more efficient infrastructure; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated that after graduation he would probably be back in Los Angeles.
June 3, 2024
10 Andrew Steinhauser, BPAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Michelle Weiner, current BPAC Senior Member and applicant, was called to speak and it was reported that she had sent an email indicating that she could not be present at the meeting.
Disability Advisory Committee (DAC)
Marie Albertson, DAC applicant, provided background on herself; discussed her understanding of the role of a DAC Member; goals if appointed; and creation of a use fee.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Albertson and Council Members regarding the previous focus of the DAC on land use issues; appreciation for a different perspective; county vs. Culver City jurisdiction; overlap between CBCs; collaboration; and appreciation for the thoughtful presentation.
Jorge Alvarez, current DAC Member and applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Suilen Bryant, DAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Jessica Burnett, DAC applicant, provided background on herself; discussed the importance of providing options; the new approach being taken by the state; use of federal and state funds for person-centered planning through advocacy; the focus on accessibility; ensuring that education is available; making it clear that parents and children have the power to make their own choices; and she indicated that she would research changes being made by the state and share information.
Robin Langman, DAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Shella Leftridge, current DAC Member and applicant was called to speak but did not respond.
Lisette Palley, current DAC Member and applicant was called to speak but did not respond.
Seth Weisbord, DAC applicant, was called to speak but did no t respond.
June 3, 2024
11 Vice Mayor O’Brien received clarification that there is not a quota for non-resident participants.
Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC)
Hailey Garcia, EHRAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Benicio Mora-Fattorini, EHRAC youth applicant, provided background on himself and his experience; discussed his understanding of the duties of the position; and ensuring that curriculum is responsive to the diverse student body.
Samia Bano, current EHRAC Vice Ch air and applicant, discussed her accomplishments ; goals if continuing to serve; and the importance of education as the foundation to enhance equity and human relations.
Clara Ramos, EHRAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Rebecca Rona -Tuttle, current EHRAC Member and applicant, requested reappointment; provided background on herself; discussed accomplishments; goals if reappointed; and indicated that she was looking forward to continuing her work on the Committee.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Rona-Tuttle and Council Members regarding collaboration with the PRCSC; overlap of the EHRAC with multiple bodies; the Brown Act and protocols that have prevented communication; and the importance of going through staff.
Carlos Valverde, current EHRAC Chair and applicant, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve; discussed
accomplishments; and goals if reappointed.
Mayor McMorrin expressed gratitude to Mr. Valverde for the influx of applications from youth applicants.
Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)
Leigh Austin, current FAC Resident Member and applicant, requested to be appointed to a full term; discussed her appointment on the FAC in January; work being done to
educate the community on what is possible in the arena of affordable housing; consideration of additional affordable June 3, 2024
12 housing opportunities in Culver City; she was looking forward to continu ing her service; and she expressed
gratitude for the diversity of people willing to serve the community.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Austin and Council Member s regarding the budget deficit; ways to increase revenue; concern with increasing the cost of living for residents; taxing those coming into Culver City to take advantage of resources; finding a balance; and support for FAC
consideration of the topic.
Marc Bauer , current FAC Resident Member and applicant, indicated that he was seeking reappointment to the FAC; provided background on himself ; discussed his experience;
accomplishments; the Asset Inventory Subcommittee; and he noted that Culver City was fortunate not to have any debt at the current time.
Jeanne Black, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Jeffrey Cooper, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Mary Haase, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Keith Jones, current FAC Business Member and applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Christopher Lyon, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
King Molder, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Vernon Rosado, FAC applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Omer Sohail, FAC resident applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Vikram Thakur, current FAC Business Member and applicant, indicated currently serving on the FAC; discussed his partial June 3, 2024
13 term; current work being done by the FAC to look at ways to generate revenue; his participation on FAC subcommittees; and he asked to be appointed for a full term.
Liz Ustaris, FAC business applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Gary Zeiss, FAC resident applicant, provided background on himself; discussed his experience; ways to find additional funds to work with; spending efficiently and properly; making adjustments to existing relationships; dealing with suppliers; and his vision of the role of the FAC.
Landlord Tenant Mediation Board (LTMB)
Velma Harrison, LTMB Member-at-Large applicant, was called to speak but did not respond.
Justin Lescoulie, current LTMB Landlord Member and applicant, asked to be reappointed to the LTMB ; discussed his enthusiasm for mediation; the process of bringing two parties together; fostering understanding; the mock mediation held at the last meeting; the importance of listening; goals for the LTMB; expanding the scope of the LTMB; and he indicated that the LTMB was looking for more opportunities to help.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Lescoulie and Council Members regarding clarification that the mediation process is not binding, and support for expanding the role of the LTMB.
Dianna Wheeler -Williams, applicant for the LTMB Landlord Representative and Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee, was called to speak but did not respond.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee
Diana Wheeler-Williams was called to speak but did not respond.
Lorraine Allen was called to speak but did not respond.
Jason Berry provided background on himself; discussed his interest in serving; and goals if appointed.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Berry, staff, and Council Members regarding the address listed on the application; connections to June 3, 2024
14 Culver City; the non-resident policy; clarification that unless there is a specified employee seat; CBC members cannot be paid employees of Culver City; the ability of the City Council to amend the makeup of the Committee to allow for an employee seat; potential conflicts; willingness to participate as an employee; employee retention; and consensus from Mayor McMorrin, Vice Mayor O’Brien and Council Member Puza to agendize consideration of adding an employee seat to the Committee.
Karena Bibbins -McKeever provided backgroun d on herself ; discussed her experience; the role of the Committee; ideas if appointed; and she thanked Wallis Nash for encouraging her to apply for the position.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Bibbins -McKeever and Council Members regarding incorporating business es and community organizations; the Leimert Park MLK March and Juneteenth celebrations; and creating a joint effort.
David Duval provided background on himself and his experience; discussed the role of the Committee; goals if appoint ed; collaborative efforts to work as a team to put on a successful event; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated learning about the opportunity online.
Malik Flournoy-Hooker was called to speak but did not respond.
Lisa Gordon Cain provided background on herself; discussed compassion charettes; celebrity events for mental health; collaboration with organizations such as the Actors’ Gang or Apple’s DNA (Diversity Network Association); and she indicated learning about the opportunity from the Blackbird Ho use Co- Working Space.
Christian Green read a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.; provided background on himself; discussed his understanding of what the position would entail; implementation; and, responding to inquiry, he clarified that he is a non -resident and he discussed ways to work with youth.
Latoya Hearns provided background on herself ; discussed her experience; goals if appointed; and, responding to inquiry, she clarified that she is a resident of Culver City.
Amber Kearney provided background on herself and her experience; discussed her understanding of the role of the Committee; goals if appointed; and she indicated being a non-resident.
June 3, 2024
15 Curtis Raynor provided background on himself; discussed the role of race in history; the vision of Martin Luther King; and goals if appointed.
Art Sims was called to speak but did not respond.
Sharlee Taylor was called to speak but did not respond.
Andrew Weiss provided background on himself; discussed civil rights; race in America; lack of diversity in Culver City; distain among some people about the importance of the holidays; he wanted to be an effective voice; and he indicated having the time and desire to serve on the Committee.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Weiss and Council Members regarding studies indicating the inability of some people to hear issues about race unless they hear it from another white person; commercialization and flattening of holidays; helping educate people who do not understand the importance of the holidays; the fact that the celebrations lift up everyone in the country; and the importance of working together.
Carissa Joy Smith reported that her application was in process; indicated that she is a resident; provided background on herself; discussed her understanding of the role of the Committee; goals if appointed; she thanked Council Members for their service; and, responding to inquiry , she discussed her current employer and the length of time she has lived in Culver City.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the applications received; the process for membership on the newly created body; staggered length of seats; and staff agreed to provide Ms. Smith’s application to the City Council.
LAX Area Advisory Committee
Adam Moore provided background on himself ; discussed his experience; his insight into the process; and his understanding of the role of the Committee.
Council Member Eriksson suggested that Mr. Moore contact the incumbent Committee Members.
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June 3, 2024
16 Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor McMorrin invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal requested data and follow up on the recent Olympics Committee meeting; asked about a timeline and strategies to meet benchmarks; noted the limited time to put things in place for the Olympics, FIFA, the Super Bowl, and NBA All Stars; discussed monetizing the events as a municipality; global strategists in Pennsylvania working to get together a Zoom; earmarking money for different purposes in advance of the budget deficit; and she asked staff to contact her about potential meeting dates.
Discussion ensued between st aff and Council Members regarding staff efforts to compile data from the last meeting and agreement to contact Ms. Neal regarding the next meeting date.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Mayor McMorrin discussed a non -citizen living in Culver City for twenty years who had not been allowed to serve, and people who are part of the community and want to contribute.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding resolution of litigation related to the issue and staff agreement to research the matter and report back to the City Council.
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June 3, 2024
17 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 8:49 p.m., the City Council adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on June 10, 2024.
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Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
YASMINE-IMANI MCMORRIN
MAYOR of Culver City, California
Date: _________________________