1 OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE CULVER CITY
STANDING MOBILITY SUBCOMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE February 12, 2025
CULVER CITY STANDING 6:30 p.m.
MOBILITY SUBCOMMITTEE
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Vice Mayor Puza called the special meeting of the Mobility Subcommittee to order at 6:38 p.m. in the Patio Room at City Hall.
Present: Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor
Bubba Fish, Council Member
Staff Present: Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Traffic Engineering Manager
Diana Chang, Chief Transportation Officer
Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer
Ryan Hund, Transportation Management Analyst
Alicia Ide, Public Works Management Analyst
Kate Saunders-Britton, Transportation
Administrative Secretary
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Pledge of Allegiance
Vice Mayor Puza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Community Announcements from Members
None.
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Information Items from Staff
Standing Mobility Subcommittee
February 12, 2025
2 None.
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Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda
Vice Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
David Coles welcomed Council Member Fish noting the value of someone who regularly rides the bus serving on the Subcommittee; requested an agenda item on parking maximums; discussed disincentivizing the oversupply of parking and incentivizing use of transit; asked for a report from the Culver CityBus (CCBus) team on ridership and projects; discussed the frequency of Bus #4; the MOVE Culver City expansion; the need for a report on implementation of bus cameras; he requested an update on the GoPass program with data on usage; asked for a report about the system outage for RealTime information on buses; noted inaccurate data on arrival times on the transit app and the Next CCBus app; he suggested that the buses should not go dark when they reach the end of their line; expressed concern that children must be removed from strollers before boarding CCBus but other cities do not require that; he presented a photograph of the Circulator at night noting that it looks dark and appears to be out of service; and he asked for an update on the Circulator program.
Mary Daval welcomed new Member Fish; asked that parking maximums be considered with examples of what has worked in other jurisdictions; expressed concern with large developments coming online; discussed increased cost of housing; parking spaces as inviting people to drive; continuing the car-centric culture; things that can be accomplished on the local level; adding more parking with mixed-use developments; drop-off and pick-up zones; and she quoted Donald Shoup: “It is unfair to have cities where parking is free for cars and housing is expensive for people.”
Dorothy Sadd was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
David Metzler welcomed Member Fish; noted the presentation of a bike lane sign to Göran Eriksson at retirement and hoped that upon the retirement of Members Puza and Fish they would receive a commemoration of achievement for bus, bike, pedestrian, and drivers achieving Vision Zero in Culver City; he discussed the Culver City speaker series with Donald Shoup years ago that sparked Standing Mobility Subcommittee
February 12, 2025
3 his interest in becoming educated about how cities work and how things connect; learning from changing ideas; implementation of parking maximums; Measure K; recapturing costs borne by everyone; he proposed taking a comprehensive inventory of all parking in Culver City; discussed businesses requesting alternatives when street parking is reduced; reconfiguration; and the importance of collaboration between Transit, Public Works, and Economic Development.
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Receive and File Correspondence
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, indicated that no correspondence had been received.
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Consent Calendar Items
Item C-1
Approval of Minutes for the Mobility, Traffic and Parking Subcommittee Special Meeting of October 16, 2024
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE STANDING MOBILITY SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 16, 2024.
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Action Items
Item A-1
(1) Receive an Update and Discuss the Complete Streets Design Standards
Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer, provided a presentation on Complete Streets Design Standards; discussed project timeline; engagement events; draft standards and public comment; extension of the public comment period; feedback received; different interpretations of the guidelines; adjustments made in response to Standing Mobility Subcommittee
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4 feedback; graphics in the final guidelines; street types; design elements; the change from using the word optional to context- dependent; ensuring that elements are context-sensitive; the updated illustrations; the overview section; intersections; unification of policies; best practices; creating an actionable guidebook for developers and City staff; the intent to make a public-facing document; consideration of transit priority treatments; Vision Zero; safe roadway design that treats all users equitably and prioritizes vulnerable users; strategies to lower speeds; AB413; the living document to keep in line with best practices; encouragement for further feedback; implementation of Complete Streets projects as opportunities arise; cross-walk striping; daylighting; continental crosswalks; protected intersections; and next steps.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following member of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Mike Angelo expressed appreciation for the inspiring presentation; discussed buses; frequency; bus/bike lanes; signal priority; he asserted that buses needed to be convenient if people were going to take them; discussed average bus operator salary; median rent in Culver City; unreliability of buses; people who depend on the buses; and the need to gather feedback from bus riders.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding appreciation for the work of staff and for community feedback; problems the plan is intending to solve; the importance of coordination; overlooked priorities for unintended reasons; work done to get consensus from user groups; ensuring projects are in alignment with Complete Streets principles; creation of a resource for road design for all departments; the multitude of plans and policies; unification of city documents; incorporation of the BPAP (Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan); references to existing plans; changes to road classifications requested by the public; quick-builds; ensuring that safety is not compromised; the Bikeways Facility Selection Table; conformance to the legal definition of bike facilities in the code; clarification that the bus/bike lane is not considered a bike facility; overlay of the BPAP with the Transit and Bus Plan; Active Transit Priority Corridors defined in the General Plan; the MOVE footprint; allocation of right of way; the desire to see plans laid out all in one place; the 2035 Mobility Plan in Los Angeles; project implementation level; the overview provided; differences in various segments along corridors; being more specific so plans cannot be watered down; overlaying the BPAP map with Active Standing Mobility Subcommittee
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5 Transportation and Transit Priority Corridors; and decisions made when the detailed design is being made.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the amount of time provided for review of the draft before City Council consideration, and number and demographics of survey respondents.
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Item A-2
Receive an Update and Discuss Design of Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements on Overland Avenue, Green Valley Circle, Buckingham Parkway, and Washington Boulevard
Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer, provided a summary of the material of record and discussed improvements planned for the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Zanja and Wade.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the logistics for cyclists travelling through the gap by Washington Place; shared lane markings; clarification on the map; the addition of bollards; a request to notify staff of faded bike markings that need to be refreshed; the median enhancement project; public space beautification as part of the Business Improvement District; collaboration with Economic Development; and a request to include information on the impetus for the changes in the staff report.
Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer, provided a summary of the material of record regarding improvements planned on Overland; discussed the ATP grant; looking at ways to make improvements as quickly as possible; the scaled back footprint; implementation in phases; identification of the most effective place to focus; help with gap closure and connectivity; installation of a mid-block signal by the Julian Dixon Library; tightening up driveway openings; protected intersections; directional curb ramps; mixing areas; yield signs; and efforts to reduce conflict zones.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding consideration of different materials to add protection; costs; lateral separation; impermeable surfaces; outreach; the grant application; feedback on proposed options; the importance of the center turn lane to residents; landscaping in the medians; the policy for tree removal; appreciation for efforts to gain funding for Overland; uncertainty at the federal level; breaking projects into phases in order to move forward; reduced funding at the state Standing Mobility Subcommittee
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6 level; removal of the median; policy regarding notification and outreach; City Council approval; and alignment with the BPAP.
Thomas Check, Senior Traffic Engineer, provided a summary of the material of record on the Safer Fox Hills project; discussed raised crosswalks; lack of a budget for directional curb ramps; bicycle and pedestrian mixing zones; the parking protected bike lane; added parking where space is available; ensuring proper daylighting; speed tables; built out curb extensions; access to Fox Hills Park; and addressing where the fatality took place in July 2022.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the outreach plan; the fully funded project; the timeline for implementation; and appreciation to staff for the work done.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following member of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Mary Daval discussed infrastructure in other cities; asserted that people would not use the proposed bike lanes; discussed safety concerns; benefits of painting lanes green; production agreements; the door zone; traffic calming; a suggestion for a stoplight; finding other places where Class 2 is working better; and the need for a north/south connector.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding consideration of removing the center turn lane and concern that if the lanes are too scary, no one will use them.
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Item A-3
(1) Receive Presentation Regarding Overnight Parking Restrictions on Wrightcrest Drive in Front of Blair Hills Park; and (2) Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff
Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Traffic Engineering Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public input.
No speakers came forward.
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7 Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding public complaints of people parked in cars, playing music, and loitering; one person that voiced concerns on behalf of residents; communication with Culver City Police Department (CCPD) indicating length of time they had received complaints about the issue; public outreach; the normal process for a parking district; next steps if there is no objection to moving forward; requesting services for the unhoused if that is needed; the neighbor request for a red curb to keep the neighborhood more secure; the mini cul du sac that is not attached to the park; access for City service vehicles; concern with making changes without consulting the neighborhood; the need for proper vetting from the community; consideration of the issue by CCPD and the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department; neighborhood feedback; and the recurring issue.
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Item A-4
(1) Receive a Presentation Regarding a Parking Request for Sawtelle Boulevard Under the 405 Freeway; and (2) Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff
Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Traffic Engineering Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding oversized vehicles; the resident petition provided; the need to rectify the striping issue and permits; the desire of the neighbors to be able to park in the area; the original plan that did not include the spaces and the need to submit a revised plan; CalTrans authority; and the freeway widening.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Michael Koppy stated that there was no reason the parking spaces could not be restored other than the CalTrans issue; noted the number of petition signatures received; asked that the neighbors be helped out; expressed support for more bicycle lanes; and he cited a couple of specific neighbors he knew personally who wanted to see the parking restored.
Vincent Sorrentino provided background on himself; stated that parking was needed; noted that they did not need all of the spaces back, but 4-5 spaces would be very helpful; discussed parking Standing Mobility Subcommittee
February 12, 2025
8 spaces lost when the freeway was widened; safety; and he asked that speed bumps be installed.
Salem Yemane provided background on herself; discussed her experiences; difficulty parking; and she asked that parking be restored.
Additional discussion ensued between meeting attendees, staff, and Subcommittee Members regarding difficulty crossing the street and changes made in December 2023.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding costs; preservation of the bike lane; open parking; installation of radar feedback signs and reflectors; the marked crosswalk; adding crosswalk signage; the inability to add traffic calming without going through the normal process of data collection; revisiting the area after a period of time; resident feedback; restoration of the spaces that were removed; concern with people having to cross the bike lane to park; jurisdiction; adding complexity to the CalTrans approval when there is deviation from their standards; and staff agreement to propose a partially protected lane to CalTrans.
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Item A-5
Receive Presentation and Discuss the Public Works Department FY 2024-25 Mobility-Related Projects and Projects Under Consideration for FY 2025-26
Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Traffic Engineering Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding MOVE Phase One; implementation of the western segment; the logical extension on the western side; implementation of grants secured by previous staff members; the importance of co-divisions to help facilitate projects; and development of other projects.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Mary Daval expressed appreciation for the work done; discussed items not on the list including the intersection of Wesley and National; Ballona Creek; previous discussion of signage; a Standing Mobility Subcommittee
February 12, 2025
9 suggestion to put painted signage on the path so that people know where they are; a suggestion to change the narrative that the Ballona Creek Bike Path is the backbone of bicycle infrastructure; the need for street infrastructure; and support for the recreational path.
Dorothy Sadd expressed support for the work of staff; discussed Robertson and National; pedestrian traffic walking between Ivy Station to Washington or down National; adding signage on National; concern expressed by parents of students at Turning Point School; ten-hour parking spaces; the area from Washington to Venice; the plan for buses and bike lanes; and pressure from business owners.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the approved plan to keep on-street parking and remove the two- way left turn lane, and clarification that the project is currently out to bid.
David Metzler discussed the cost of parking; City parking structures; fatalities at Wesley and National; issues with high speeds; concern that changes have not been made to address issues; recent fatalities; length of time to respond to issues; and a suggestion to add quick-build funding into the budget to address issues.
Andrew Maximous, Mobility and Traffic Engineering Manager, reported that updates had been made to the website at
culvercity.org/trafficengineering.
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Public Comment for Items NOT on the Agenda
Vice Mayor Puza invited public participation.
The following members of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Dorothy Sadd received clarification that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) would be consulted regarding the kiosks; she discussed signage; modes of mobility on Ballona Creek; speed of travel down the Creek; and the need for velocity management.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding pedestrians who are alarmed by electric bikes traveling 35-40 miles per hour on the Bike Path.
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10 David Metzler discussed the response of Economic Development to remove items at Washington Place; he proposed that the personal insurance of drivers whose vehicles damage public infrastructure be used to reimburse Public Works for repair; expressed concern that the guidelines from the outdated BPAP are still being followed; and concern with the default to using door zone Class 2 paint on dangerous streets.
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Subcommittee Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Fish asked that the report from discussions about parking maximums in 2022 come back for additional discussion with options presented, and he requested an exploration of a ballot measure for a tax on private parking structures such as has taken effect in Santa Monica with Measure K.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding requirements to enact a tax; whether the proposed tax would be an effective revenue generator; the building permit fund that developers pay into; state and federal cuts; the amount of money generated for Santa Monica annually; deadlines; time sensitive items; appreciation for the suggestion from David Metzler about parking inventory; greater flexibility with parking in the future; prioritization of projects; agreement to table an investigation of parking inventory; plans for AB413; Bike Share stations at the Metro Station; and coordination with Metro on the plan to implement a Bike Share program next year.
Council Member Fish noted that the two items he wanted to agendize were the discussion of parking maximums and the potential parking tax.
Vice Mayor Puza requested examination of a potential quick-build at sites where there were accidents.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding a potential discussion of Wesley and National by the BPAC at their next meeting; consideration of police reports; being proactive rather than reactive; the presentation about data and platforms to figure out known unknowns; targeting speed issues; strategic deployment of countermeasures; and an upcoming presentation on the bus system.
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