1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY
THE CULVER CITY STANDING SUSTAINABILITY SUBCOMMITTEE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE February 27, 2025
CULVER CITY STANDING SUSTAINABILITY 6:00 p.m.
SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Vice Mayor Puza called the special hybrid meeting of the Standing Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council to order at 6:07 p.m. in the Dan Patacchia Meeting Room at City.
Present: Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member
Staff Present: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director
Sean Singletary, Environmental Programs and
Operations (EPO) Manager
Wallis Nash, Senior Management Analyst
Michael Cobden, Deputy City Attorney
Luis Gonzalez, Economic Development Project
Manager
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst
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Pledge of Allegiance
Vice Mayor Puza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Community Announcement from Members
None.
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Information Items from Staff
Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
2 Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, discussed the application for a Clean Power Alli ance grant noting that a report would be forthcoming at the next meeting.
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Public Comment - Items NOT On the Agenda
Vice Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
David Coles noted the challenging context to work within; discussed the stance of the federal administration; appreciation for Culver City’s consumption of clean energy; the need to work hard to produce clean energy; solar energy on municipal buildings; battery storage; the need for locally generated green power; powering electric buses; lack of composting at the Farmers Market; the composting requirement in Culver City; he asked that Melody Winter from the River Project be invited back to present to the Subcommittee; he discussed using green solutions rather than gray solutions to address stormwater; use of natural processes; rain gardens; cost savings; and providing a presentation to Council Members who were not present last time.
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Receipt of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE STANDING SUSTAINABILITY SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
Approval of Minutes for the Sustainability Subcommittee Special Meeting on November 18, 2024
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE SUSTAINABILITY SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 18, 2024.
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Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
3 Action Items
Item A-1
(1) Receive and Discuss a Presentation Regarding the Plant Based Treaty; and (2) Provide Guidance to Staff
Samantha Lau, Plant Based Treaty (PBT), provided background on the organization.
Daniel Moreno, PBT, provided a presentation on Plant Based Treaty initiatives; discussed goals; efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions; partnerships; promotions; encouraging people to choose more sustainable and healthier options; Los Angeles Climate Week; Youth Advocates for Change; partnerships; the program with West Hollywood; the Plant-Based by Default policy; people who may not be living a complete plant -based diet but are pushing for a better future; the challenge to go vegan for 30 days in Veganuary; tax-credits for local businesses to offer more plant -based options; public information campaigns to raise awareness about the climate and environmental and health benefits of plant -based foods; transitioning schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, universities and government institutions to a plant-based diet by default; health benefits; the epidemic of chronic disease; prevention; he proposed that Culver City introduce a motion within the next six months to endorse the Plant Based Treaty and add plant-based initiatives to sustainabili ty programs; discussed creation of policies for inclusion in the 2045 General Plan to lower ghg emissions ; updating the Culver Cit y Best Practices Activities Guide to include plant -based initiatives; introducing Plant Based by Default for City-sponsored events and facilities; spreading awareness through outreach and advocacy campaigns; distribution of plant-based eating guides; and public information campaigns with Public Works.
Cesar Asebedo, PBT, expressed appreciation for the ability to present and he discussed the intent to help Culver City be leaders by example.
Paige Parsons Roache, PBT, clarified that meat would not be taken away and she discussed the focus on education to help have more plants on your plate to meet sustainability goals for Culver City.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the Committee:
Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
4 David Coles indicated support of the general concept; encouraged PBT representatives to contact the School Board; discussed support for education; lack of emphasis on plant -based diets in the cafeteria food; the importance of focusing the effort on schools; and he proposed that PBT reach out to the Environmental Sustainability Committee to provide a presentation to them as well.
Kim Delgado King provided background on herself ; discussed her experiences and activism in Culver City; expressed support for PBT; noted the importance of the work by PBT; and she indicated that more information was available at www.plantbasedtreaty.org.
Joey Gaber indicated being a volunteer campaigner for PBT; discussed helping Culver City meet sustainability goals with a Plant Based Treaty; the recent Los Angeles fires; the climate art gallery in Culver City for L.A. Climate Week; Youth Advocates for Change; engagement of the local community; plant-based eating as a low effort but high impact solution; quick implementation with education and veg by default programs; and he hoped to be a part of what Culver City would build on for the future.
Rajay Kumar Ph.D, provided background on himself; indicated being a volunteer for PBT; expressed gratitude to Culver City and the Sustainability Subcommittee for all they do; discussed the recent fires; climate change; research indicating that food systems have the most impact; the ability to restore the environment; personal experience with turning things around; and he felt that with everyone working hard together, a better future could be built.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding feasibility; the single -use ban in Culver City; operations; education; implementation; feasibility with direction from the City Council; a request for staff reports and resolutions from the City of West Hollywood to provide a framework; the motion proposed by PBT; encouragement to connect with the Green New Deal Club at Culver City High School and with the Environmental Sustainability Committee; making an impact in Culver City; coordination with CCUSD (Culver City Unified School District) ; renewed interest in the Climate Emergency; being intentional with commitments to sustainability in the community; support for bringing the item before the full City Council; coordination with West Hollywood to examine best practices; leaving the decision as to vegan food up to staff; and support for overall climate goals.
Additional discussion ensued between PBT representatives, staff, and Subcommittee members regarding a suggestion for PBT to connect with West LA College; possibilities for a hybrid approach; support for everyone to go vegan, but the importance of everyone being Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
5 able to make their own decision; clarification that the Plant- Based by Default program means food served is vegan, but requests for meat products can be made; messaging about how plant -based food is more sustainable; expanding menus to provide more options; plant-based food as being more inclusive; meat-based products as excluding a portion of the population; the number of animals and gallons of water saved in one night by serving plant-based meals at an event; the reduction of ghg emissions by 75% for plant-based meals; less water and less land use for plant -based meals; the fact that the more plant-based food is on your plate, the lighter the footprint; measuring success and impact of the 36 cities that have signed the treaty; assessment of what cities are doing as part of the 40 proposals; and support for the program.
A PBT representative discussed the cost of eggs; provided coupons for Just Eggs, an egg alternative made of mung beans, the superfood of protein; the low carbon impact; and availability of recipes.
Further discussion ensued between PBT representatives, staff, and Subcommittee Members regarding next steps in the process; the 40 proposals; the ability to educate; lack of control over anything but the City; campaigns to encourage plant -based eating; collaboration with West LA College; opposition to telling businesses what they need to do; eagerness of PBT to collaborate and to participate in the Public Works Sustainability event in May as part of the outreach and education campaign; investigation of being part of the Sustainability Business Program; Green Business measures as part of the Sustainable Business Program; discussions with the West LA College Climate Center; and ongoing work with other colleges and universities in the area.
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Item A-2
(1) Receive a Presentation Regarding a Ban on the Sale and Use of Glue Traps; and (2) Discuss and Provide Guidance to Staff
Jakob Shaw, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), provided background on himself; distributed materials to Subcommittee Members; discussed bans in West Hollywood and Ojai, California; other cities considering bans; characteristics of typical glue traps; the design to catch animals rather than to deter or instantly kill them; different types of animals caught in the traps; human health concerns related to glue traps; cruelty to animals; certain things that should not be accepted as they cause too much suffering; better alternatives to deter or instantly kill mice and rats; the fact that killing one animal does not address Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
6 the root cause; 180 different species of animals that have been caught or killed by glue traps; and inadvertently killing animals that are predators of mice and rats and keep the population under control in the first place.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Deborah Gregory discussed her negative experience using a glue trap; her vow to never do it again; and she expressed support for the ban.
Jakob Shaw, PETA, reported that he had called three hardware stores in Culver City today and verified that they all sell glue traps.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Shaw, staff, and Subcommittee Members regarding appreciation for the presentation and information provided; cost; openness to looking at the issue; financial impact; agreement to provide language for the ordinances in West Hollywood and Ojai to Sustainability Subcommittee Members; willingness to recommend the item for full City Council consideration; enforcement; effective alternatives to glue traps; and potential health risks associated with glue traps.
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Item A-3
(1) Discuss 4B Plastic Reduction Proposals from Ballona Creek Renaissance to Ban Single-Use Plastic Beverage Bottles, Balloons, Smoking, Astroturf, and Single-Use Bags not Exempted by California Public Resources Code; and (2) Advance Committee Recommendations to City Council
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, indicated that it was the last chance for public speakers to sign up to speak.
Wallis Nash, Senior Management Analyst for the Environmental Programs and Operations Division, provided a summary of the material of record; discussed options for implementation of the proposed 4B Plastic Reduction Proposals; implementation strategies and timeline; beverage bottles; balloons; the ban on outdoor smoking with smoking zones specified; educational outreach; plastic carryout bags; stores that do not fall into specified categories; astroturf; and enforcement.
Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
7 Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding enforcement; the experience of other cities; civilian enforcement; complaint-based enforcement; similarities to the current smoking ban; changing societal norms; staff enforcement; trash receptacles and bins available in Culver City where people congregate; and bag recycling.
Craig Cadwallader, Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR), discussed outstanding research done by City staff on items in the staff report; the effective overview; the surveys; the unusually large number of responses; concern that people are answering questions about items they are not aware of; responses that may not be relevant to what is being proposed by BCR; single -use plastic bottles; historical perspective of recycling of plastics in the United States; the number of bottles used but not recycled in Culver City annually; Creek cleanup efforts; clarification that a change in packaging is being recommended; availability for emergency uses; benefits of using aluminum over plastic; storage; switching packaging to aluminum cans as opposed to plastic bottles; the efforts of Council Member Vera at his store to eliminate plastic water bottles; examples shown; elimination of plastic bottle beverages at San Francisco Airport; adoption of an ordinance banning all single-use plastic beverage bottles at city facilities in Coronado; plans to expand the ban city -wide; elimination of balloons; alternatives to balloon decorations sold; lack of evidence that not selling balloons will harm businesses; expansion of the outdoor smoking prohibition; the experience of Hermosa Beach; people who did not use cigarette bu tt receptacles donated by the Surfrider Foundation; removal of receptacles and expansion of the smoking ban to be city-wide; the recommendation to ban the sale of all tobacco and tobacco-related products as has been done in Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills; exclusion of cigar smoking and cigar lounges; lack of evidence of long-term harm to businesses that have eliminated tobacco sales; the offer to move the 100% smoke shop in Manhattan Beach across the street to Redondo Beach; Small Business Administration f ree technical support offered by the Chamber of Commerce to help shift product mix; the single-use plastic bag ban as an extension of SB270 modified by SB283; the inability make changes at the local level; filling in the loopholes in the state-wide ban to address other businesses not covered by the statewide bans such as Home Depot; the small number of respondents regarding astro turf; harms of astro turf; urban legend that bans create harm to businesses; recommended changes to types of packaging; SB54; warnings about health dangers related to micro- plastics; lack of success with public education on sustainable tactics; ad campaigns to make the public feel responsible for the litter; product packaging; bans in other jurisdictions; Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
8 development of the Los Angeles comprehensive food ware ordinance; the ban on balloon sales and release in multiple beach cities; forest fires created by mylar balloons shorting out power lines; well-documented harms to wildlife; the ban on the sale of tobacco products in other cities without harm to the city; the plastic ban extension; recommendations from BCR; timelines in line with other cities; number of ordinances in the state; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated that BCR recommended adoption of the extended bag ban, as written, that supplements the missing elements in the statewide ban.
Vice Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
David Coles expressed support for the bans; discussed the proposed ban on plastic water bottles; the aluminum tariff; support for a retroactive ban on astroturf; he noted that it was not common practice to get a permit for astroturf; expressed appreciation for addressing loopholes for the plastic bag ban; and he felt that the option for civilian enforcement was not a good idea.
Maria Stockham, Coalition for Responsible Celebration, provided background on the organization; discussed impacts of the proposed balloon sales ban; residents who would shop outside of Culver City to get around the ban; education and responsible practices as the real solution; focusing on preventing balloons from ending up in unintended places regardless of where they are purchased; support for a ban on the release of balloons instead of a ban on balloons themselves; protecting the environment while allowin g people to celebrate with balloons; consumer behavior; the fact that the majority of balloon use is indoors; the need for a solution balancing environmental goals with community values; development of educational materials that municipalities can use to guide responsible balloon use; communication with residents; available resources; and keeping balloons a part of celebrations without harming the environment or loyal businesses.
Jennifer Silberman was called to speak but did not respond.
Duncan McFetridge, Joker Party Supplies, provided background on the business; thanked staff for their efforts; expressed support for a ban on balloon release as he felt a ban on all balloons was completely unworkable; and he discussed difficulty of enforcement.
Suzie Huddleston, Mayflower Distributing; expressed concern with the proposed balloon ban; advocated for a more balanced approach; discussed the role balloons play in local businesses and Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
9 celebrations; support for a ban on the intentional release of balloons; allowing for the continued use of ballons while addressing environmental concerns; partnership to create and distribute educational materials to promote proper balloon handling and disposal; and she urged Culver City to adopt an education-first approach to ensure that balloons can continue to be used.
Alec Mesropian was called to speak but was not present online or in person.
Andrew Simon was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Candace Simmons, All That and More, provided background on herself; recognized the importance of supporting environmental
sustainability; discussed the role of small businesses; education and collaboration; providing practical alternatives; the importance of activating t he community; green business certification; having customers take the green pledge;
transitioning from plastic and paper bags to reusable totes; making an impact with an informed community; she felt that bans caused people to resist; she did not want to lo se revenue to sustain Culver City; and she expressed support for informing, educating, and activating to take the pledge as opposed to enacting a ban.
Amir Mehraban, Juicefly Wine and Spirits, expressed concern with proposals on the meeting agenda; discussed his business as an important asset to Culver City; impacts to his business; emotions and financial struggles; other more importan t issues to be considered by Culver City; numerous items sold in single -use plastic bottles that lack alternative kinds of bottling; and government overreach.
Clark Graham was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Juan Camacho, American Beverage Association, discussed time and effort dedicated to discussing the proposals; concern that the local business and resident perspective is not included in the process; harm to local businesses; the importance of bottled water, particularly in emergencies; emergency exemptions; he proposed recognizing the sustainability of recycled PET bottles; discussed the 76% recycling rate; state law mandating recycled content; undermining progress in creating a circular economy; restrictions that limit choice; he encouraged a focus on education supporting sustainability without unintended harm; welcomed continued Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
10 collaboration; and expressed appreciation for the City’s commitment to thoughtful environmental policy.
Deborah Gregory, Ballona Creek Renaissance, expressed appreciation for the work of staff; discussed the two year anniversary of work on the 4Bs; trash that the interceptor cannot catch; the problem of microplastics; plastic as a silent killer; the plastic pollution pandemic; Japan as being able to celebrate without balloons; support for sentiments expressed by Plant Based Treaty regarding celebrating opportunities; and she proposed celebrating potential solutions.
Brian Thomas, Costco Wholesale, discussed their commitment to sustainability; principles that emphasize their responsibility to the world; operations in Culver City; number of employees and people served; distribution of water during the recent wildfires; tariffs that will drive up the price of aluminum; and the ability to serve the community.
Wendy Coldesina, Costco, indicated that they prioritize a holistic sustainability approach; discussed unintended ramification s of eliminating plastic; financial impact; the need to move more product; higher prices; tariffs for aluminum; efforts to move toward 100% recyclable plastics; and changes to the footprint on the environment with the proposed modifications.
Jennifer Silberman, Dollar Tree, provided background on herself; discussed negative impacts of a balloon sales ban; her discussion with Senator Smallwood-Cuevas; impacts to vulnerable businesses; affordable celebration options; those who would shop outside of Culver City for their balloons; sales tax revenue from balloon purchases; support for banning the release of balloons and allowing responsible balloon sales; support for promotion of public education to customers; and she advocated taking a more balanc ed approach to reduce environmental impacts without causing unnecessary harm to the economic health of Culver City.
Andrew Simon, LA Balloons, provided background on the business; expressed concern about the proposed ban; he noted that they did not sell balloons for release; discussed support for taking a more balanced approach; indoor usage of balloons; small businesses that rely on affordable supplies; providing simple and affordable celebrations; happiness that balloons bring to the community; education on how to enjoy balloons in a safe and environmentally conscious way; people who regularly recycle ballons; support for a ban on the release of balloons; allowing responsible balloon sales with proper handling and disposal ; their commitment to sustainability; providing affordable joy while protecting the Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
11 environment; he noted that Japan did still use balloons; he acknowledged reliance on income that balloons supply; and noted their support of those affected by the fires.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding appreciation for public comment and the work of staff; costs; environmental cost; affects to health; empathy for stakeholders; continued consumption of micro -plastics; adjustments to the unpredictability of the new federal administration; being strong on the commitment to sustainability; best practices from neighboring jurisdictions who have made similar commitments; administration of programs; differing information; the need for concrete fa cts regarding impacts of the modifications to businesses; utensils; offsetting costs; interest in being environmentally friendly if cost is not a factor; neighboring agencies; acknowledgement of work done on the different initiatives; differing information available online; Martha’s Vineyard as one of the only places that has banned single -use plastic bottles; Lake Tahoe; participation and enforcement; the Keep Tahoe Blue campaign; Code Enforcement work load in Culver City; the smoking ban; items that may s till be sold in cities; closure of Party City nationwide; and competing pressures on businesses.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding lack of evidence that any cities have gone beyond what the state has required; the intent to get people to use less single-use plastic; support for reusable water bottles; decreasing the amount of waste; water quality; messaging in educational outreach; creating a reusable pilot program; other cities that have partnered with Starbucks; balancing different factors; policy as the way to create behavior change; the cost of doing busi ness as usual; needs of the business community; creating lasting change; working in concert with the state; challenging decisions; the murky path forward; agreement that education will be a strong component; certain items that have been discussed for a long time; single - use plastic bottles as being ground-breaking; measuring the impact of Culver City bans on Ballona Creek; and items in Ballona Creek that are coming from upstream Los Angeles.
Sandrine Cassidy Schimdt reported a reduction of plastic bags in the Creek after the plastic bag ban went into effect; she asked everyone to go look at the Creek after the next rain; she discussed the work of volunteers; addressing loopholes found by industry in the state ban; adaptation of businesses; and the fact that no business has closed as a result of the plastic bag ban.
Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
12 Further discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding measuring the cost of not doing anything; data points to illustrate impacts; Culver City as being surrounded by other municipalities that do not have the same restrictions; difficulty putting a metric for doing nothing over doing something; subjectiveness of composting; lack of alternative options for single-use; complete elimination of single -use; continued monitoring of innovation; aluminum; and the cost of
transportation.
Discussion ensued between Costco representatives, staff, and Subcommittee Members regarding tariffs; the cost of
transportation; logistics; increased weight of aluminum resulting in an increased carbon footprint; bans; taxes on certain items; lost sales as people go to another jurisdiction to buy what they want; regulations coming forward; percentage of blue bin items being processed; identifying what is actually being recycled; determining impacts to small businesses for a ban on all plastic bags; number of plastic bottles used in Culver City each year; difficulty getting data; and the questioning of the robust response.
Additional d iscussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding support for taking a phased approach; education; allowing a grace period; working collaboratively; shifting away from balloons; finding new ways to celebrate; astroturf; identification of programs to help phase out astroturf; education; bringing awareness of the negative effects of astroturf; providing information about alternatives with the county or the Water District; impacts to water quality; incentives; enforcement; complaints; culvercityrecycles.com; financial burden; county programs; landscaping; and incentivizing native plantings.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the plastic bag ban; support for reusing existing bags; businesses that are not covered; affects to restaurants; an observation that most restaurants do not use plastic bags; feedback at the Town Hall; focus groups; bag charges; alternatives; identification of barriers; and support for a ban on the sale and use of plastic single-use beverage bottles under one gallon within the City with a focus group involving the restaurant communit y first.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding support for a ban on outdoor smoking outside of specific smoking zones with appropriate receptacles to mitigate litter ; public pressure; signage; balloons as a symbol of joy; alternative ways to celebrate; enforcement; banning balloons in public spaces and Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
13 release of balloons; the importance of education; helping people understand why the ban is helpful; the importance of harm reduction; supporting the overall health of the ecosystem; potential fire risks with mylar balloons; an upcoming state ban on mylar balloons; impacts on neighbors; leaving staff to determine how to phase in changes; the ability to adjust policy as additional information and feedback is received; learning from sustainability efforts; and agreement to communicate with businesses that have balloons as 50% or more of their sales to work with Economic Development to find solutions and help transition, and support for banning the use of balloons in public spaces, the release of balloons, and ban the use of fill that is lighter than oxygen and requires additional weights and tethers.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding plastic single-use beverage bottles; the need for a phased approach, community cooperation, and education; the goal to encourage people to use reusable bottles; gaining internal data from a ban on single -use plastic bottles at City facilities or events; education; looking toward a phased approach in coordination with businesses; differing needs of differing businesses; companies that have not made the transition because they have not had to; adding a fee in addition to the CRV and sales tax; regulatory fees vs. taxes; how the regulation is written, who imposes it, who pays the fee, and why; the surcharge on plastic bags; avoiding a requirement for voter approval; the need for additional information; medical devices that require distilled water; exploration of a phased approach for un der one gallon; education; identification of alternatives; ensuring that people have a path forward to continue to operate; City Council consideration; concern with enforcement; actions taken by Council Member Vera to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bottles with his business; data and research; the responsibility to explore options; concern with adding to the chaotic energy going on at the federal level; the importance of continued work toward
sustainability; businesses that are excited to support
sustainability goals; the importance of information; lifting up the harms of microplastics; exploration of banning the sale and use of single-use beverage bottles under one gallon in Culver City; support for banning any single-use plastic beverage bottles from use or distribution in City facilities or City -sponsored events; low recycling levels; the goal to support businesses and residents to promote sustainability ; education; identification of alternatives; the City purchase of water bars; the ban on bringing water bottles to City events; and Subcommittee agreement to bring the item to the City Council for consideration.
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Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
14 Public Comment for Items NOT on the Agenda
Vice Mayor Puza invited public participation.
Alicia Ide, Management Analyst, reported that Michelle Weiner had requested to speak but was not able to be unmuted.
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Members Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member McMorrin reported that Sunshine Kitchens was seeking to collaborate with the City on their Pollinator Program and staff agreed to reach out to see about receipt of a presentation.
Discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding follow up in having a presentation from Melody Winter on the River Project; updates on multi-family trash; water conservation; solar; clean energy; existing waste reduction regulations; adjustments to make based on what is happening with processors; agreement to bring back proposals on what is already legislated along with recommended changes; a request for amplification on what the City is doing; looking at communication strategies; making sustainability fun; creating a brand; EnviroFest; billboards for the refuse trucks; seasonal messaging; expanding topics for messaging; consideration of the Climate Action Plan by the City Council; and number of agenda items.
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Public Comment for Items NOT on the Agenda (Continued)
Vice Mayor Puza invited public participation.
The following member of the public addressed the Subcommittee:
Michelle Weiner discussed the importance of having a plastic water bottle ban noting that a ban would not happen solely through education; she invited everyone to come to the next Repair Cafè on March 22 at Marine Park in Santa Monica; and, responding to inquiry about bringing an event to Culver City, she noted that Santa Monica made the events very easy to do, but Culver City did not.
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Items from Subcommittee Members/Staff
Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council
February 27, 2025
15 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Subcommittee Members regarding the date of the next meeting.
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:20 p.m., the Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council adjourned to April 3, 2025.
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___________________________________________________________ Alicia Ide
SECRETARY of the Culver City Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council Culver City, California
APPROVED
___________________________________________________________ Freddy Puza
VICE MAYOR, Sustainability Subcommittee of the City Council Culver City, California