OFFICIAL MINUTES
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
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
October 13, 2025
7:00 p.m.
Mayor O'Brien 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 3:01 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
Mayor O'Brien announced that at least a portion of the
consolidated meeting would be conducted pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953 in that Council Member McMorrin would be participating by speaker phone, in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and her teleconference location had been identified in the notice and agenda for the meeting.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, received clarification from Council Member McMorrin that she could hear the meeting clearly; she had a copy of the agenda for the meeting; a copy of the agenda was posted at her location; there were no members of the public present at Council Member McMorrin' s location; she asked any member of the City Council to speak up if they were not able to hear Council Member McMorrin; no Council Member indicated that they could not hear Council Member McMorrin, nor did they indicate that there was any reason to doubt that was Council Member McMorrin taking part in the teleconference; and she indicated that all votes would be taken by roll call during the meeting.
1 October 13, 2025
Present: Dan O'Brien, Mayor
Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor
Bubba Fish, Council Member
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member*
Albert Vera, Council Member
*Council Member McMorrin exited the meeting at 12:41 a.m. oOo
Cl.osed Session
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment .
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no public comment had been received for Closed Session Items.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT 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 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 3:05 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Items:
CS-1 CC - Public Employee Appointment
Title: City Manager
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (b)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Labor Negotiators
City designated representatives: John Nachbar, City Manager; Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director; Lisa Soghor, Chief Financial Officer
Employee Organizations: Culver City Employees Association; Culver City Management Group; Culver City Police Officers Association; Culver City Police Management Group; Culver City Firefighters Association; Culver City Fire Management Group Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CS-3 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipat ed Litigation Re : Significant E x posure to Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54 956 . 9 (d) (2)
2 October 13, 2025
CS-4 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Re: Culver City Coalition v. City of Culver City, et al.
Case No. 25SMCV03559
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (1)
o0o
Reconvene
Mayor O'Brien reconvened the meeting of the City Council for recognition presentations at 6:30 p.m. with five Council Members participating (Council Member McMorrin participated virtually).
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that Council Member McMorrin was participating via teleconference and had indicated that she could hear the proceedings.
o0o
Recognition Presentation
Item R-1
CC - Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Vice Mayor Puza presented a proclamation designating October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Christine Parra, Culver City Fire Department (CCFD), expressed appreciation for the proclamation that she accepted on behalf of the community, and she discussed her personal experience noting that there is reason for hope.
o0o
Item R-2
CC Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October as Disability Awareness Month 2025
Council Member Fish presented a proclamation designating October as Disability Awareness Month 2025.
Marcy Sookne, Disability
acknowledged that Culver
Advisory
City did
Committee (DAC) Member,
a lot for those with
3 October 13, 2025
disabilities; discussed the Abilities Carnival started 23 years ago by the Girl Scouts; the display at the Julian Dixon Culver City Library; and she expressed appreciation that Culver City worries about people with disabilities.
Robyn Tenensapf, DAC Member, invited the Mayor to throw out the first basketball for the Wheel Chair Basketball game at the High School on October 23.
oOo
Item R-3
CC - Presentation of a Commendation to the Disability Community Resource Center for their Contributions to Cul.ver City Community Members with Disabil.ities and Their Famil.ies
Vice Mayor Puza presented a commendation to the Disability Community Resource Center for their Contributions to Culver City community members with disabilities and their families.
A representative from the Disability Community Resource Center expressed appreciation for the honor.
oOo
Item R-4
CC - Presentation of a Commendation to Echo Center/Echo Horizon School. for their Contributions to Cul.ver City Community Members with Disabilities and Their Famil.ies
Council Member Fish presented a commendation to Echo Center/ Echo Horizon School for their contributions to Culver City community members with Disabilities and their families.
Rio, a student at Echo Horizons School, expressed appreciation for the recognition noting that it meant a lot to them and to their community .
oOo
Item R-5
CC - Proclamation in Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 Council Member Fish presented a proclamation in recognition of 4 October 13, 2025
Indigenous Peoples Day 2025.
Sandonne Goad, Tribal
Gabrielino/Tongva Nation,
acknowledgement and thanked
Council Chairwoman
expressed appreciation
Council Members.
o0o
of
for
the
the
Item R-6
CC - Proclamation in Recognition of Filipino American History Month 2025
Council Member Fish presented a proclamation in recognition of Filipino American History Month 2025.
A representative for the community expressed appreciation for the recognition of the Filipino American community; discussed the importance of inclusion; acknowledged founders of the Filipino American National Historic Society and other notable community members including members of the Education Foundation and the Culver City School Board; invited everyone to attend KaYugto Ng Lahi at Glendale Community College on November 8 and a Culver City Kapwa event at the Village Well on October 26; and discussed the importance of celebrating cultural
communities .
o0o
Item R--7
CC - Presentation of a Proclamation Designating October 19, 2025 - October 25, 2025 as Culver City United Against Hate Week 2025 Mayor O'Brien presented a proclamation designating October 19, 2025 - October 25, 2025 as Culver City United Against Hate Week 2025.
A representative from the Human Resources Department and for the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) expressed appreciation for the recognition and invited everyone to join in celebrating resilience, equity and inclusion . o0o
5 October 13, 2025
Item R-8
CC - Presentation of a Proclamation in Honor of Women In Business Week 2025 in Cul.ver City
Mayor O'Brien presented a proclamation in honor of Women In Business Week 2025 in Culver City.
Candance Simmons expressed appreciation for the proclamation; discussed the Women in Business Council of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce; the importance of honoring the journey of women in business; the significant legacy; the Women in Business Awards; she acknowledged people present; discussed young leaders; creating a thriving City; she encouraged everyone to be intentional about supporting women owned business and to celebrate women who lead in the community; and she reminded everyone to get tickets to the 10th Annual Women in Business Luncheon to celebrate this year's winners and the legacy of women.
o0o
Item R-9
CC - Presentation of a Procl.amation Decl.aring October 14, 2025 as International E-Waste Day
Mayor O'Brien presented a proclamation declaring October 14, 2025 as International E-Waste Day.
Yanni Demi tri, Public Works Director, expressed appreciation for the proclamation and noted that they worked to pick up and properly dispose of e-waste and everything else.
Sean Singletary, Public Works, noted that the November 1 event at Syd Kronenthal Park was an e-waste collection event and a paper shredding event.
o0o
Regular Session
Mayor O'Brien convened the regular meeting of the City Council, Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Culver City Financing Authority, Culver City Parking Authority and Culver City Housing Authority Board at 7:18 p.m. with five Council Memb ers present (Council Member McMorrin participated in the meetin g remotely ).
6 October 13, 2025
oOo
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor O'Brien led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, stated that pursuant to California Government Code Section 54953 in that Council Member McMorrin would be participating by speaker phone, in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, her teleconference location had been identified in the notice and agenda for the meeting; she received clarification that Council Member McMorrin could still hear everything in the proceedings; and she indicated that all votes taken would be roll call votes to ensure clarity of the record.
oOo
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor O'Brien read the Land Acknowledgement.
oOo
Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor O'Brien indicated nothing to report from Closed Session. oOo
Community Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff Christine Parra, CCFD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, announced an earthquake drill and community-wide disaster drill on International Shake Out Day; discussed the 20t anniversary of the long-standing preparedness tradition; evolution of the event; and she invited everyone to participate on October 16 noting that the Command Post would be staged in Lindberg Park this year.
Council Member Vera
shakeout would be at
at 7:00 p.m.
received clarification that the daytime
10:16 a.m. and the evening event would be
Roger Braum,
support for
Deputy CCFD Chief, discussed wearing pink to show
breast cancer awareness; CCFD Breast Cancer
7 October 13, 2025
Awareness shirts for sale during October with proceeds going to organizations working to fight breast cancer; personal
experience with breast cancer in the CCFD; inspiration; positivity; and he noted that more information was available at culvercityfd.gov/pinkoctober25 or at culvercity.gov.
oOo
Joint Public Comment - Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the City Council statement regarding hate speech.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Chad Kroeger discussed producing a hit track for Zechariah in a mansion for Zedd.
JT Parr discussed Zech, aka Emvious, creating a song with a message in the spirit of the reggae tradition.
Zechariah Martin played his song called Upzone and encouraged the audience to sing along. Zedd hoped everyone would agree with their message.
Robin Ruth Prins was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Melissa Sanders discussed members of the City Council that are not business-friendly but work to densify Culver City;
businesses closing in Culver City; long-term plans needed to help businesses thrive; the MOVE Culver City project that made people not want to come to the City; COVID remote work; over development without proper planning; loss of tax revenue; and she asked what they were going to do to bring people back to Culver City.
Stella Wolfe received clarification that she would not be allowed to speak on Item A-2 during this portion of the meeting even though she is a student and could not stay up late. oOo
Receipt of Correspondence
8 October 13, 2025
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.
o0o
Order of the Agenda
Item C-5 and C-6 were considered separately and a brief recess was taken during Item A-2 to address computer issues.
o0o
Consent Calendar
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment .
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Noel Teubner and Tiana Randall-Quant discussed the concept for the Culver City Wellness event proposed in Item C-6; community benefit; and they noted that everyone was welcome to join the event.
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for September 20, 2025 to October 3, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 TO OCTOBER 3, 2025. o0o
Item C-2
CC:HA:PA:SA - Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting Held on September 29, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2025.
o0o
9 October 13, 2025
Item C-3
CC - (1) Authorization to Accept Grant Funds in the Amount of $5.4 Million from Cycle 2 of the Measure M Los Angeles Metro Active Transport, Transit, and First/Last Mile Program for the Better Overland Project Phase 2; and (2) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment to Allocate and Appropriate the Grant Funds to CIP Project PS029 (Overland Playa Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5.4 MILLION FROM CYCLE 2 OF THE MEASURE M LOS ANGELES METRO ACTIVE
TRANSPORT, TRANSIT, AND FIRST /LAST MILE PROGRAM TO FINALIZE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT PHASE 2 OF THE BETTER OVERLAND PROJECT; AND,
2. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE AND APPROPRIATE THE GRANT FUNDS TO CIP PROJECT PS029 (OVERLAND-PLAYA
PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS) (FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIRED). oOo
Item C-4
CC - (1) Approval of Final Plans and Specifications f or the Modified MOVE Culver City - Downtown Corridor Pilot Project Eastern Segment and Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids; (2) Authorization to Accept Grant funds from the Metro Measure M Active Transportation/First-Last Mile Multi-Year Subregional Program in the Amount of $620,302; and (3) FOUR FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Re lated Budget Amendment to Appropriate the Grant Funds to CIP PS017
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE MODIFIED
MOVE CULVER CITY - DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR PILOT PROJECT (PROJECT)
EASTERN SEGMENT AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE INVITING BIDS; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE METRO
MEASURE M ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION/FIRST-LAST MILE MULTI-YEAR SUBREGIONAL PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $620,302; AND,
10 October 13, 2025
3. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE THE GRANT FUNDS TO CIP PS017 (TACTICAL MOBILITY LANE) (FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIRED).
oOo
Item C-5
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with NBS to Conduct a Review of an Updated Fee Plan for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and a Fee Study for the City's Emergency Medical Services Program in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $44,000
Vice Mayor Puza proposed waiting until new state law mandating reimbursement rates is implemented to see how insurance is reimbursed before considering the fee schedule.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding evaluation of costs to Culver City; concern with charging people and discouraging them from calling; and City Council
consideration of the study to determine how and what to charge.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH NBS TO CONDUCT
A REVIEW OF THE UPDATED FEE PLAN FOR THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND A FEE STUDY OF THE CITY'S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM; 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 .
oOo
Item C-6
CC - Award of an In-Kind Off-Cycle Special Event Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to Mighty Pilates for the "Culver City Pilates Wellness Event" and Designate the Event as Cit y Sponsored Vice Mayor Puza received clarification regarding the process for off-cycle grants; the deadline for on-cycle grants; and he 11 October 13, 2025
expressed appreciation for information provided by the applicant clarifying that the event is not to promote a specific business.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the Special Events Subcommittee; concern about using Special Event money for business promotion; another local business that was reaching out to ask about grants; opening the floodgates for other similar activations; lack of City resources to support everyone; sponsorship required for use of the Plaza and City streets which are shared space and not for commercial use; lack of sponsorship requirements to use Media Park; concern with setting a dangerous precedent; being equitable to all small businesses; a suggestion for a different application process; involvement of Economic Development; consideration of small business grants at the next meeting; equity and consistency; a suggestion to direct the Pilates studio to have their event at Media Park where a sponsorship is not necessary; the ability of the City to choose to sponsor the event if it is at Media Park by waiving fees; and unanimous City Council agreement to remand consideration of an application for marketing-specific events to the Special Events Subcommittee.
Mayor O'Brien offered to work with the Pilates Studio to remediate the unexpected denial of the grant.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD AN IN-KIND, OFF-CYCLE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 IN CITY STAFF TIME TO THE MIGHTY PILATES FOR THE CULVER CITY PILATES WELLNESS EVENT; AND,
2. DESIGNATE THE CULVER CITY PILATES WELLNESS EVENT AS CITY SPONSORED.
o0o
Item C-7
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with On Duty Health, PLLC for a One-Year Term with an Option to Amend £or an Additional Three Years in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $75,774 Annually to Provide Onsite Annual Physicals to Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) Firefighters
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
12 October 13, 2025
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ON DUTY
HEALTH, PLLC FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM WITH AN OPTION TO AMEND FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE YEARS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $75,774.00
ANNUALLY TO PROVIDE ONSITE ANNUAL PHYSICALS TO CULVER CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT (CCFD) FIREFIGHTERS; 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.
oOo
Item C-8
CC - 1) Adoption of a Resolution Accepting $32,273 in Homeland Security Grant Program Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Funds Awarded to the City of Culver City for Tactical Emergency Medical Equipment and Providing Proof of Authority of the Governing Body as Required by the California Office of Emergency Services; and 2) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment to Record the Revenue of $32,273 and Appropriate $32,273 in Fiscal Year 2025/2026 for the UASI Grant Program
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING $32,273 IN 2024 HOMELAND
SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE FUNDS
AWARDED TO THE CITY OF CULVER CITY FOR TACTICAL EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES EQUIPMENT, AND PROVIDING PROOF OF AUTHORITY OF
THE GOVERNING BODY AS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES; AND,
2. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO RECORD THE REVENUE OF $32,273 AND APPROPRIATE $32,273 IN FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 FOR THE UASI GRANT PROGRAM (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE); 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.
oOo
13 October 13, 2025
Item C-9
cC - (1) Approval of the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District Annual Work Plan and Budget; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution Declaring Intent to Levy the Culver City Arts District Business Improvement District Assessment for 2026 and Setting a Public Hearing on October 27, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE CULVER CITY ARTS DISTRICT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 2026 ANNUAL REPORT AS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK OR AS AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO LEVY THE CULVER CITY ARTS DISTRICT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT FOR 2026 AND SETTING OCTOBER 27, 2025, AS THE DATE FOR THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING.
o0o
Item C-10
CC -- Approval of a General Services Agreement with American Restore in the Amount of $425,763 to Install Concrete Overlay on the Transfer Station Tipping Floor
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN RESTORE
TO INSTALL A CONCRETE OVERLAY ON THE TRANSFER STATION FLOOR, IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $425,763; 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-11
CC - Approval of Submitting an Application for Los Angeles County Regional Parks & Open Space District (RPOSD) Planning and Design Grant
14 October 13, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS & OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (RPOSD) PLANNING AND DESIGN GRANT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
oOo
Item C-12
CC Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and
Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the Slope Repair Project Behind 9530 Jefferson Boulevard, CIP PP22 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR THE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT BEHIND 9530 JEFFERSON BOULEVARD, CIP PP02.
oOo
Item C-13
CC - Award of a Construction Contract to Estate Design and Construction as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $505,700 for the Police Department Restroom Renovation Project, PF-020; (2) Authorization to the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Approve Change Orders to the Contract in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $101,140 to Cover
Contingency Costs (20%); (3) Award a Task Order to RTI
Consulting Inc in the Amount of $48,965 for the Police
Department Restroom Renovation Project, PF-020; and (4) Authorization to the Public Works Director to Approve Change Orders to the Task Order in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $5,000 to Cover Contin gency Costs (10%)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ESTATE DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION, INC. AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $505,700.00 TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICE STATION RESTROOM REMODEL PROJECT; AND,
15 October 13, 2025
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $101,140; AND,
3. AWARD A TASK ORDER TORTI CONSULTING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,965 TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICE STATION RESTROOM REMODEL PROJECT; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS TO THE TASK ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $5,000; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
6. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY .
o0o
Item C-14
CC - Adopt a Resolution Accepting Grant Funds in the Amount of $565,707 from the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program to Develop Complete Streets Implementation Procedures and Update the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS
FROM THE CALTRANS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $565,707 TO DEVELOP COMPLETE STREETS
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES AND UPDATE THE CITY'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN.
o0o
Item C-15
CC (1) Approval of the Downtown Culver City Business
Improvement District Advisory Board's ("DCCBID'') Annual Work Plan and Budget; (2) Adoption of a Resolution Declaring the Intent to Levy the DCCB ID's Assessment for 2026 and Setting a Public Hearing for October 27, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
16 October 13, 2025
1. APPROVE THE DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT 2026 ANNUAL WORK PLAN AS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK OR AS AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; ANO,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO LEVY THE DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT FOR 2026 ANO SETTING OCTOBER 27, 2025 AS THE DATE FOR THE REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR VERA, SECONDED BY MAYOR O'BRIEN AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-5 AND C-7 THROUGH C-15.
o0o
Publ.ic Hearings
Item PH-1
(1) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending and Restating Sections
9.02.005-9.02.060 and Adding Section 9.02.065 ("Cal.ifornia Fire Code Adoption and Amendments") of Chapter 9. 02 of Title 9 of the Culver City Municipal Code, and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code with Local Amendments; and (2) Adoption of a Resol.ution Making Express Findings for the Modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code Based on Local.
Climatic, Geological, and Topographical. Conditions
Chris Miller, CCFD Fire Marshal, provided a summary of the material of record.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE
THE AFFIDAVITS OF PUBLISHING ANO POSTING OF NOTICES AND
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that no requests to speak had been received.
17 October 13, 2025
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
FISH AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTIONS
9.02.005-9.02.060 AND ADDING SECTION 9.02.065 ("CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS") OF CHAPTER 9. 02 OF TITLE 9 OF
THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION MAKING EXPRESS FINDINGS FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE BASED ON LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, AND TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS.
oOo
Item PH-2
(1) Introduction of an Ordinance : (A) Repealing and Replacing Culver City Municipal Code Subchapter 15. 02 .100, of Chapter
15. 02, "Adoption of State Codes", (B) Repealing and Replacing Culver City Municipal Code Subchapter 15.02.1100, of Chapter
15.02, "Local Amendments to the Green Building Standards Code, Building Code and Residential Building Code, to Establish Reach Code Standards" and (C) Adopting by Reference the 2025
California Administrative Code, 2025 California Building Code with Local Amendments, 2025 California Residential Building Code with Local Amendments, 2025 California Electrical Code, 2025 California Mechanical Code with Local Amendments, 2025
California Plumbing Code with Local Amendments, 2025 California Energy Code, 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code with Local Amendments, 2025 California Historica l Bui lding Code, 2025 Californ ia Exi sting Bui lding Code wi th Local Amendments, 2025 California Green Building Standards Code with Local Amendments, and 2025 California Reference Standards Code; 2024 International Property Maintenance Code with Local Amendments; and (2) Adoption of a Resolution of Express Findings Pertaining to Local Climatic, Geological, or Topographical Conditions
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE
THE AFFIDAVITS OF PUBLISHING THE LEGAL NOTICE AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES.
18 October 13, 2025
Tim Koutsouris, Building Official, provided a summary of the material of record.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that no requests to speak had been received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE: (A) REPEALING AND REPLACING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SUBCHAPTER 15.02.100, OF CHAPTER 15.02, "ADOPTION OF STATE CODES", (B) REPEALING AND REPLACING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SUBCHAPTER 15.02.1100, OF CHAPTER 15. 02, "LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO CAL GREEN, CBC AND CRC, TO ESTABLISH REACH CODE STANDARDS" AND (C) ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CAC 2025 CBC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 CRC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 CEC, 2025 CMC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 CPC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 ENERGY CODE, 2025 CWUIC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 CHC CODE, 2025 CEBC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 2025 CALGREEN WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, AND 2025 CRSC; 2024 IPMC WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF EXPRESS FINDINGS PERTAINING TO LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS.
oOo
Item PH-3
Appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision to Adopt Resolution No. 2024-P007, Approving Conditional Use Permit Modification, P2021-0135-CUP/M and a Class 32 Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Relocation and Expansion of an Existing Costco Fueling Station at 13431 13463 Washington Boulevard
19 October 13, 2025
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE
THE AFFIDAVITS OF MAILING, PUBLISHING AND POSTING OF PUBLIC NOTICE.
Gabriela Silva, Associate Planner, provided a summary of the material of record.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public were called to speak:
Noah Beller, representative of Appellant, expressed
appreciation for thoughtful consideration by the City Council; presented a video that expressed concern with the risks of benzene exposure to children noting the proximity of the proposed gas station to preschools and the increased capacity; expressed concern with not being able to guarantee a safe environment for the children; presented a video calling on Costco to cease and desist the action or at least conduct an environmental assessment to prove to them that the community and children would not be put in harm's way; he noted that the children were dependent on adults and elected officials to protect them; asserted that they were sensitive receptors and particularly vulnerable to the benzene that would be put into the environment; he acknowledged the desire of Costco to improve member experience but he did not think it should come at the experience of the community and neighboring preschools; took issue with the term modification as an entirely new gas station is being proposed; and he asked that an EIR (Environmental Impact Report) be performed to assure them that the children were in a safe environment.
Dale Goldsmith, Applicant, Land Use and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) Counsel for Costco, expressed agreement with the conclusion of the staff report and the City's independent experts that the appeal is without merit; he discussed potential health risks to the preschool operating out of a home without necessary zoning approvals; the extensive environmental analysis including an HRA (Health Risk
Assessment); consideration of relevant pollutants and age sensitivity factors; the analysis and conservative assessment indicating less than significant impacts; issuance of the permit 20 October 13, 2025
from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD); the request for an EIR; rigorous studies already conducted and independently reviewed that would be included in an EIR; placing demands on the limited resources of staff; the gas station on the site since 1999; development of a new state of the art facility to reduce queues, improve circulation, provide for more efficient operations, and improve member experiences; sales tax revenue generated for Culver City; furthering Culver City's environmental initiatives by including 20 fast EV chargers for public use while providing additional bicycle parking for members and employees; scrutiny of the project by City staff; and he asked that the City Council follow Planning Commission approval of the project and the staff recommendation to deny the appeal.
Stephen Jones reiterated the vote for an environmental review that he made when the item came before the Planning Commission; he discussed City Council discretion; deviation from the normal rule to assume vacant storefronts are vacant and not drawing traffic; previous Costco gas station expansions that have resulted in a large increase in car trips; and he asked the City to deny the exemption and not to let the threat of a lawsuit deter the City from protecting the people.
Jocelyn Finger provided background on herself; indicated that she could not imagine how the project would not have a
significant environmental impact; discussed current traffic levels; leaking benzene fumes; and she asked that the needs of the residents and small children adjacent to the proposed site be put before the needs of the corporation.
Eve Rappoport indicated living adjacent to the site; urged the City Council to accept the appeal from Sol y Luna; pointed out a letter submitted by the neighbors outlining the many concerns presented to the Planning Commission; acknowledged that the consultants had done what was acceptable to analyze the project; noted that some of the conclusions did not make sense; expressed concern with allowing a Conditional Use Permit (CUP} on an EIR that was done over 25 years ago; discussed changes to the area; concern with doubling the size of the gas station and moving it closer to a residential area without examining the EIR and rescinding the CUP; methods for calculating trip generation indicating that no extra trips would be involved; and she asked the City Council to read the other letter.
James Muir reported living next to the facility; discussed changes to the neighborhood since Costco moved in; common sense; 21 October 13, 2025
traffic backups; concern with bringing more traffic into an already impacted area; traffic from In and Out; backups on to Washington Boulevard; Costco loading docks; freight trucks and employee parking; idling cars; landscaping that attracts homeless people; he asserted that Costco was not a good neighbor; and he hoped that the appeal would be properly considered and supported.
Alba Beller with one minute ceded by Jordan Reisenweber, owner and Director of Sol y Luna Montessori Preschool, reported that she and her children lived there; she felt that they were not being unreasonable in requesting a new environmental assessment; and she noted that a new assessment was the responsible thing to do.
Luna Beller was called to speak but declined to speak.
Indy Beller was called to speak but declined to speak.
Adam Bice discussed being a parent of a Sol y Luna alumnus; the positive experience; building community; concerns about the proposed expansion; the need for a full and transparent review to make sure that the project is truly safe; core pillars that many Council Members were elected on including accountability, accessibility, support for small businesses, transparency over special interests, progressive transit, sustainable
development, and deepening community engagement; he urged the City Council to uphold their commitments; discussed prioritizing the health of the community rather than corporate convenience; choosing the future over fossil fuels; and keeping Culver City's values strong.
Kate Pletcher indicated being a member of the community and a huge fan of Costco; expressed concern about the project and language used by the lawyer about slowing the project down and causing unnecessary expense; statements about location of the gas station; the fundamentally different gas station that they are proposing; and she asked that the City Council support the appeal.
Erik Pletcher echoed comments from previous speakers; indicated spending a lot of time at the Beller home every week; felt that the big decision should err on the side of resident safety; and he wanted to see the City Council require the environmental study.
Sean Silva spoke on behalf of the Office of Los Angeles City 22 October 13, 2025
Council Woman Tracy Park in support of the appeal; felt that review beyond a categorical exemption from CEQA was warranted; requested that impacts of the proposed project that will spill into Los Angeles be studied; and expressed appreciation for consideration of the issue.
Pooya Goudarzi indicated living directly next to the property line where Costco wants to move the gas station and being the parent of twins; provided background on himself and his experience; questioned how the project that moves a major VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) source next to family homes could ever be considered exempt from environmental review; noted that their neighborhood was one of the few Rl zones that has been surrounded by commercial usage; discussed urban design; factors ignored when granting the exemption; turning a blind eye toward environmental and planning principles as well as to residents; he urged the City Council to deny the exemption and require a full EIR; and he asked the City to protect their children, homes, and health.
Phoebe Kiekhofer Garfinkel expressed appreciation for being heard; asked the City Council to deny the request for an environmental exemption for the gas station and its relocation; noted that it was widely known that gas stations cause cancer; discussed the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
recommendation against gas stations near residences or other sensitive receptors such as a preschool; ignoring impacts to traffic and air quality; quality of life issues; she stated that every Costco expansion had resulted in more car trips; felt that the City should not be approving the project; noted
inconsistency with the General Plan; discussed singling out the neighborhood for environmental justice issues; ensuring that the commitment is being kept to the young people of the City who cannot speak for themselves; and she expressed concern with putting the needs of a corporation above the health needs and quality of life for young people.
Paula Mccredie, former Costco employee, noted that she lives on Walnut Avenue; discussed previous comments by a Costco
representative about moving the project to the LA side so they did not have to do more; green building; moving a gas station to within 200 feet of homes; and she felt that green building should be upheld for everyone, including Los Angeles.
Dale Goldsmith (Applicant), AGO, reiterated that studies conducted for the project are the exact same studies as are done with an EIR; he stated that the exemption was not a shortcut; 23 October 13, 2025
discussed length of time they had been working on the project; length of the report; key information provided to enable the project to move forward; concerns expressed about VOCs and benzene; findings indicating that the emissions would be below applicable thresholds of significance; traffic studies; the non linear increase in traffic; less than significant impacts determined in the noise, traffic and air quality analyses; trips from current members; efforts to address the existing queues; use of conservative assumptions that resulted in a determination of no significant CEQA or non-CEQA impact based on Level of Service; trip credit; the peer reviewed response to the appeal; less than significant project transportation impacts even without the credit; new traffic counts taken by Gibson Traffic consultants; and examination of the school impacts that proved to be less than significant.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Goldsmith, staff, and Council Members regarding the difference between the EIR and the reports that were done; alternative projects; limits to the amount of fuel than can be pumped on an annual basis; and physical distance between the current site and the proposed site.
Frank Angel, (Appellant) counsel for Sol y Luna, noted the lack of a mention in any of the information provided that the project is located in the only state EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) identified disadvantaged community in Culver City and in one of two environmental priority neighborhoods under (Senate Bill) SB 1000; discussed CalEPA census tract rankings for pollution; the reason Costco is avoiding CEQA; avoiding public accountability and alternatives; perpetuating a grave
environmental injustice for a community already exposed to higher pollution burdens than the rest of California; the slanted and incomplete health analysis; the need for CEQA mandated accountability; he asserted that the City Council must reverse the Planning Commission's approval of the project; discussed improper reliance of the CUP on the exemption and reliance on the previous General Plan that did not include an environmental justice component; the project that runs counter to elements and policies of the new General Plan; the need to find that the project is consistent with all applicable General Plan objectives and policies and with the objectives of the state of California in order to approve the exemption; the exemption allowing avoidance of inter-agency consultation pursuant to CEQA; denial of the CUP modification with the inability to make the findings of consistency with the new applicable General Plan; and he noted the Culver City had stood up to Sentinel and they could stand up to this project . 24 October 13, 2025
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to those who spoke to share their valid concerns with risks to heal th; the need to do everything possible to ensure that children are protected from deeply harmful impacts; the CARB recommendation that gas stations are never approved near residences; concern with moving the gas station closer to residences in a pollution-burdened community; the intention of CEQA to assess the impact of projects on the community; concern with the argument that doubling the size of the gas station would not increase emissions; inconsistency with the General Plan; permitted uses; and support for asking staff to prepare their best case in favor of the appeal with information coming to the City Council for consideration.
Council Member Fish reported that he had refused support from the automotive and fossil fuel industries or any large corporate donors so that he could represent people over profits.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding exploration of every possible route to protect residents; appreciation to staff and the community, and comments that pointed out the pollution burden borne by the neighborhood; sustainability goals of the General Plan; inconsistency of expansion of the fossil fuel industry with strategic guidelines for the City Council; notices posted when getting gas about the harmful nature of being near the receptors; the need to ensure people have the opportunity to thrive; and support for having staff prepare the best case approval for the appeal.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding General Plan goals being referenced that were not in effect when the Planning Commission took action on the CUP modification; looking at what was presented and what the City can and cannot do moving forward; checking the boxes and ensuring everything is in compliance; and support for moving forward with the decision of the Planning Commission.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to those who spoke, for the work of staff, and for the strong partnership with Costco; acknowledgement of the request for an EIR, transparency, and the desire for
environmental protection and careful review for a project of 25 October 13, 2025
the scale being proposed; public trust, health, and
environmental stewardship; the need for additional information; fear and concern being expressed; taking the opportunity to build trust between neighbors; and lack of harm with gathering more information with an EIR.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of concerns with the impact of new development on the environment; respect for the hard work done by staff; third party peer review of the study that was done and sponsored by the applicant; and trust in the work done.
Council Member Fish proposed a motion to remand the item to a future meeting with direction to staff to come up with the strongest argument using some of the points uplifted with regard to the new location and potential increase in car trips as a route for not concurring with the report.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concerns from Council Members about the traffic impacts with direction for staff to report back to the City Council as to whether that would be enough to take the item out of the realm of a Class 32 exemption; concerns about consistency with the General Plan and research into the arguments around the General Plan being applicable to the discussion; impacts related to traffic and queueing as well as potential heal th risks; the pollution-burdened community; the SB 1000 designation;
consideration of the CEQA findings and the CUP; clarification that direction is to do an additional study to see what level of documentation is warranted; steps for CEQA review; and determination of what level of review if required.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: CONTINUE THE ITEM TO A FUTURE MEETING
WITH DIRECTION TO STAFF TO COME BACK WITH AN UPDATED RESOLUTION THAT CONSIDERS CONCERNS RELATED TO THE SB 1000 DESIGNATION,
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY, TRAFFIC QUEUEING, AND HEALTH RISKS
RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE VERBAL AND WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS RELATED TO WHY THE FINDINGS SUPPORTING THE CLASS 32
EXEMPTION CANNOT BE MADE AND DIRECTION TO PREPARE AN EIR OR
CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE WHAT LEVEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS NEEDED.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
O'BRIEN, VERA
26 October 13, 2025
o0o
Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Consideration of an Entertainment Zone for Downtown Culver City and Provide Direction to the City Manager's Office as Deemed Appropriate
Luis Gonzalez, Economic Development Project Manager,
provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding determination of boundaries; management of entry and exit; establishing procedures; size of the area
included; delineation and management of the area;
logistics; safety concerns; concern with people walking into traffic; pairing the zone with open streets events; ensuring that people do not get hurt; specific events that have street closures attached; law that requires
consultation with public safety officials in all manner of issues that relate to alcohol and the public right of way; the process to work out details with the management plan; the requirement that the entertainment zone be revisited every two years in consultation with Public Safety;
adjustments to maintain safety; potential additional costs to the City; preliminary estimates; and events that already require police officers.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City
Council:
Darrell Menthe, Downtown Business Association (DBA),
indicated that he had suggested bringing the item forward; provided background on establishment of entertainment
zones; discussed allowing people to walk around an event with a drink in their hand; event requirements for
entertainment zones; practices in the rest of the world; understanding how the process works; use for special
events; and he hoped the City would support the item.
27 October 13, 2025
Jack Galanty discussed benefits to event entertainment
zones in San Francisco; activating the downtown business district; Culver City Pride; safe consumption of alcohol; existing law; requirements against over serving; and he noted that there would not be open bars.
Melissa Sanders asked that Jack make his Halloween stuff available for more than one night; expressed support for the idea of an event entertainment zone; discussed
benefits; the two-year trial; event suggestions; kiosks; being allowed to walk around and see things with your drink; and support for anything that helps downtown.
Kira Pusch expressed support for the proposed entertainment zone; discussed success in other cities; coupling events with open streets; safety; fully committing to the effort by closing the area to through traffic; enabling local
businesses to spread out on to the sidewalk to serve more customers; and she encouraged the City Council to promote active transportation to and from the entertainment zones.
Leah Pressman wanted to ensure that the City did not pay extra costs to have an entertainment zone; discussed
problems with drinking and driving; the fact that it is not puritanical to be concerned with safety; she noted that it was in the public interest for Culver City to encourage people to drink less, not more; discussed well-known
negative impacts of alcohol consumption; concern with
having a free-for-all zone; the small amount of taxes
collected; and ensuring that safety is prioritized.
Denise Neal expressed support for finding a safe middle ground; noted that Culver City hosted the largest AA
cornmuni ty in the nation on Wednesday nights; proposed providing better options such as mocktails; discussed
allowing the right to choose; concern with liability; The Steps; an experience she had on July 4th; people who step out of bounds when they are intoxicated; serving alcohol in a gallery situation in the Helms District; keeping
alcohol away from the stairs; having a wristband system to keep track of how many drinks a person receives; ensuring against serving under-age indi victuals; and people with sobriety issues.
28 October 13, 2025
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin expressed support for the
proposed entertainment zone; discussed upcoming major
events corning to Culver City; other cities that have
successful programs; helping the downtown area thrive;
creativity and community; allowing people to drink while attending special events; support for also allowing non alcoholic events; the purpose of social events; and she expressed support for careful management and review of the proposed program.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding appreciation for the public comment and for the work of staff; the opportunity to support small businesses downtown; providing fun experiences for upcoming world
events; agreement with safety concerns; support for taking first steps to explore the possibility of an entertainment zone; concern with people being intoxicated and interacting in the public right of way; suggested events; pairing the map with open streets or in areas where there is not vehicle traffic; concern with people being injured while they are drinking; costs; the Olympics; support for allowing the business community to provide the fees necessary to support the program as they will reap the benefits; understanding the impact on the City; amount of taxes received by Culver City; and the need to generate $850,000 to recoup the
$17,000 for the program.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding new ways to support stakeholders in the community; programs piloted in other cities; the importance of safety; interest in the open streets aspect; engaging in a shared responsibility model; and curiosity to see more details moving forward.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding showing support for small businesses with the program; defeating the purpose by having small businesses pay for the program; helping small businesses rather than adding costs; revisiting the i tern in the future; moving forward without the Third Wednesday program; and revenue generated with the San Francisco program.
29 October 13, 2025
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding reimagining public space; creating a more
vibrant, walkable downtown area; the pilot program that would be reviewed in two years; looking at having
businesses pay for participation after evaluation of the program in two years; ensuring a low barrier for the pilot program; cost sharing; the safety component; the ability to adjust boundaries; clarification that only participating businesses would serve the alcohol; responsibility of the businesses for not overserving; consistent cups used for the program; holding a meeting before the event to tailor the event; the intent to support all the downtown
businesses; providing a pathway for businesses that are not in the zone to still provide drinks that can go into the zone; the non-fenced in program; designation of the
drinking zone; use of branded wristbands; facilities
licensed by ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control); similar
programs in other cities; creating boundaries for each
event; the responsibility of the businesses to create
signage to designate where the events are; the partnership with CCPD; clarification that drinking establishments would not be added to the public right of way; the feeling that people might be less drunk because they are getting one drink and then walking around rather than sitting in one place and having many drinks; length of time other cities have been engaged in similar programs; feedback from Santa Monica that the program is going smoothly; confined open streets events in San Francisco; concern with the large size of the area; businesses that want to participate; a suggestion to allow for flexible boundaries depending on event design; a suggestion to start small for the pilot; and confining to the area to the streets closed to car
traffic to ensure safety.
Mayor O'Brien moved to direct staff to move forward with the proposed concept and return with the necessary safety parameters included in the staff report to ensure a safe event.
Council Member Fish proposed a substitute motion to adopt the staff recommendation with flexible boundaries that can scale based on the design of the event to prioritize open streets areas for the entertainment zones. Council Member McMorrin seconded the motion.
30 October 13, 2025
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding collaboration with other departments; research indicating that design is a great way to keep
people safe; concern that closing off Main Street would not prevent people from walking in the street; open boundaries wherever the flexible space is; lack of fencing required for the ABC license; previous issuance of alcohol use
permits pursuant to ABC licensing to limit entrance to
those over 21; the ability to require fencing in the
management plan for entertainment zones; concern with
additional costs by adding a fencing requirement and
imposing restrictions prematurely; the ability to discuss the matter further in the Economic Development
Subcommittee; limiting crossing dangerous intersections to minimize risk; and concern with additional costs related to focusing events around open streets.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT THE STAFF
RECOMMENDATION WITH FLEXIBLE BOUNDARIES THAT CAN SCALE
BASED ON THE DESIGN OF THE EVENT TO PRIORITIZE OPEN STREETS AREAS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT ZONES.
THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
FISH, MCMORRIN
NONE
ABSTAIN: O'BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND SECONDED BY MAYOR O'BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DIRECT STAFF TO DO THE MANAGEMENT
PLAN WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE AND
CONCURRENTLY PROCEED WITH NEXT STEPS INCLUDING MODIFYING THE CITY'S ORDINANCE.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
MCMORRIN, O'BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
FISH
oOo
31 October 13, 2025
Item A-2
CC - (1) Discussion of Recommendations from the Sustainability Subcommittee to Regulate Single-Use Plastic Beverage Bottles, Balloons, Smoking, Single-Use Bags not Exempted by California Public Resources Code, and Astroturf; and (2) Direction to City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Sean Singletary, Environmental Programs and Operations Manager, introduced the item.
Wallis Nash, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City
Council:
Craig Cadwallader, Surfrider Foundation, Ballona Creek
Renaissance (BCR), provided background on himself; discussed dismantling of regulations and protections at the federal level; the importance of taking a strong stand at the local level; concerns based on lack of knowledge; the need to educate the business community; assurance that the aim is not to harm businesses; the proposed ordinances that are based on other ordinances state-wide; items reviewed by staff; customer supplied reusables regulations; (Assembly Bill) AB 619; single use beverage container regulations; the large difference between plastic bottles and aluminum cans; distorted comments from big box wholesalers; efficiency; the weight of aluminum vs. the weight of plastic; infinitely recyclable items vs. downcycled items; micro-plastics; replacement of plastic beverage bottles with aluminum; providing waste receptacles in restaurants; take out regulations; compliance with AB 1276; creating a disposable beverage cup charge to encourage people to bring their own or use reusables; elimination of the significant environmental impact of balloons; extending (Senate Bill) SB 270 and SB 1053; adoption of the bag ban on December 6, 2022; elimination of designated smoking areas to make all outside public spaces smoke-free; and banning tobacco sales.
Council Member Vera indicated the need to recuse himself from the bag portion of the discussion and he exited the dais. 32 October 13, 2025
Responding to inquiry, Craig Cadwallader (BCR) discussed differences between the staff report and the recommendation from BCR; failure to mention that Los Angeles had adopted the bag ban in December of 2022 in the staff report; other cities that have adopted the ban; extension of the bag ban; and bags not covered by SB 270 and SB 1053.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the list of suggested amendments provided by BCR; the proposal from BCR to completely ban plastic bags in Culver City; and clarification that Los Angeles is modeling new state legislation but has not instituted a full ban of plastic bags.
Mayor O'Brien discussed procedures noting that Council Member Vera could hear public comment but could not be present for the Council deliberation on plastic bags.
Dan Morrical provided background on himself; discussed issues with plastics; predictions by the medical community of worsening problems with micro-plastics in children; the opportunity for Culver City to approve the proposed changes to reduce micro plastics; efforts of previous generations to protect from tobacco, lead paint, and depletion of the ozone layer; concern with not making efforts to protect children from plastic; and he noted that it would undoubtedly take fatalities to get the necessary protections in place.
Leigh Martin, California Fuels and Communities Alliance, provided background on the organization; discussed potential harm to gas stations and convenience stores by the proposed restrictions; profit margins; revenue provided by plastic bottle sales; the reality of the beverage industry; increased expenses with the use of aluminum and glass; concern with driving customers to other cities; reduced tax revenue; and she expressed support for Option 4 that focuses restrictions on Culver City sponsored events and facilities rather than on retailers who serve the community.
Maria Stockham, Coalition for Responsible Celebration, provided background on the organization; expressed support for the proposed ban on intentional balloon releases; allowing for responsible celebration; the fact that 60% of balloon d~ cor is used indoors with mostly air fill; opposition to broader balloon restrictions; unfairly burdening responsible small , minority , and women -owned businesses in Culver City; larger businesses; businesses that participate in local clean up; and the recent 33 October 13, 2025
clean up at Ballona Creek where no balloon trash was found, demonstrating that responsible practices work.
Myung-Sao Seok, Painters and LA Trades District Council 26, indicated being a representative of the union that represents installers of synthetic turf; expressed appreciation for comments from the BCR representative regarding the intention of bans and regulations to not eliminate jobs; noted that an outright ban of synthetic turf kills the jobs of the
professional installers; appreciated the hard work put in by staff; discussed confusion about data and level of technology being used in the industry; discussed different types of synthetic turf; development of new materials; and other cities that began with a ban.
Jack Galanty expressed support for banning balloon sales noting that issues are seen in other cities; discussed his observations of balloons in the gutter; support for the ban on astroturf; airborne toxins; micro-plastics; support for the proposed ban on plastic bags; he noted that plastic bottles are one of the most widely used and trashed objects; and he stated that plastics are not recyclable in the ways distributed in prior years.
Jennifer Silberman was called to speak but was not present online or in Council Chambers.
Dr. Mimi Nartey (document provided to Council), provided background on herself; thanked Culver City for their leadership and continued commitment to sustainability; asked that
artificial turf be considered separately from other plastics; noted that single-use plastics are short-lived consumer waste while astroturf is a part of public health infrastructure creating safe, enduring, and dignified access to recreation; discussed under-resourced neighborhoods; providing reliable spaces for young people to move their bodies and build
confidence; the lived reality of children who already have less; public health benefits of maintaining access to play spaces; consistent exercise as reducing the risk of cancer; and unintentionally increasing health risks.
Doug Krauss indicated being an Environmental Programs Manager from a beach city; provided insight from an agency that had implemented a similar code; stated that the changes were not only doable, but imperative; discussed other area cities that have passed similar ordinances; burden; costs; flexibility to 34 October 13, 2025
enforce at their own space; different tools available; and he noted that the businesses had adapted.
Sandrine Cassidy, BCR, with one minute ceded by Leah Pressman, presented a video of a Culver City High School student
describing looking at trash when riding along the Ballona Creek Bike Path every day and expressing support for the efforts made to clean things up and provide incentive for people to keep things clean; she provided background on BCR; discussed being stewards of the land; building upon bold steps to reduce plastic waste and protect Ballona Creek; money to fund studies, surveys and outreach to prepare the recommendations; progress delayed by industry opposition; she noted that industries always adapt; pointed out that every ordinance always included hardship exemptions, but no business had ever applied for them; asserted that claims of harm were not true; discussed the number of plastic bottles sold annually in Culver City; the power of local ordinances that shape the future; and she asked the City Council to adopt all the Options 1.
Candance Pilgram-Simmons provided background on herself; indicated speaking on behalf of small retailers; noted her support for sustainability but concern with the scope, timing, and impact on large and small businesses; discussed the quarter cent sales tax; her experience with the Green Business
Certification Program; the amount of time, education, and activation necessary to make real change; cost differences; gradual changes made; she asked the City Council to lead with collaboration rather than enforcement and to incentivize sustainability rather than penalizing businesses; discussed phasing in restrictions thoughtfully; refraining from
implementation of costly changes; removing income streams from small businesses by banning the sale of plastic bottles; and she asked to move forward together.
David Coles was called to speak but was not present online or in Council Chambers.
Melissa Sanders indicated being a huge proponent of the environment but being exhausted with constant revenue-negating things brought forward by the City Council; discussed wasting time by taking away revenue from the City; support for banning smoking areas; felt that people should be allowed to choose whether or not to use astroturf or bring in recyclable
containers; discussed the message being sent to Costco; looking at things that will actually help the City and bring people in; 35 October 13, 2025
and putting things on the people who shop, eat, and work in Culver City.
Wailele Sallas indicated being a small business owner and resident; expressed appreciation for the commitment to
sustainability goals; discussed concern with unintended consequences; real issues being considered by the City; overreach; enforcement options; concern with people of color being disproportionately targeted at outdoor gatherings; reputational impacts to Culver City; focusing resources on environmental education rather than enforcement; similarities to the MOVE project from a few years ago; and he hoped that they would not risk creating economic strain, resentment, and the erosion of the City in the name of environmental progress. oOo
Recess/Reconvene
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, requested a short recess to address issues technical issues.
oOo
Item A-2
(Continued)
CC - (1) Discussion of Recommendations from the Sustainability Subcommittee to Regulate Single-Use Plastic Beverage Bottles, Balloons, Smoking, Single-Use Bags not Exempted by California Public Resources Code, and Astroturf; and (2) Direction to City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, received confirmation that Council Member McMorrin, who was participating by teleconference, could still hear the proceedings.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City
Council:
Brian Thomas, Costco, discussed their history in Culver City; their commitment to sustainability; concern with negative impacts to customers with the proposed plastic beverage bottle retail ban; beverages currently offered at the Culver City location; negative effects to consumption; and concern with 36 October 13, 2025
redirecting customers to make purchases in neighboring areas and cities.
Phoebe Kiekhofer Garfinkle was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Tim James, California Grocers' Association, expressed
appreciation for the continued focus on sustainability; discussed looking at the entire landscape; the fee as resulting in a price increase for consumers during a difficult time for affordability; disadvantaging current Culver City grocers and discouraging future grocery investment; the ability for consumers to shop across City lines or rely more on online shopping; harm to Culver City-based businesses; the state government financial charge for environmental purposes on beverages called the California Redemption Value; deposits per container; the ability for local governments and NGOs (non governmental organizations) to apply for millions of dollars in support; the ability of consumers to purchase balloons online or in other cities; impacts to Culver City based brick and mortar retailers; and he asked that the City hold off on pursing recommendations until the full scope of the impacts are understood.
Kevin Lachoff with one minute ceded by Michele Lachoff, spoke as Vice Chair of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, discussed a recent survey of Chamber members reflecting overwhelming opposition to being put at more of a competitive disadvantage; expressed support for education and incentives for businesses and consumers rather than enacting an outright ban; discussed the recent milestone of reaching 100 businesses being certified as Green Businesses; education to inspire and achieve changes; review of the work of the Sustainability Subcommittee; support for the general recommendations on bottles; encouragement to the City Council to determine costs of the climate initiatives referenced in the recommendation; fees; understanding financial impacts to make informed decisions; the phase in period for plastic bags; local business still recovering from challenging economic times; taking a gradual approach; keeping
competitiveness in mind; competition with businesses in neighboring jurisdictions; adding more costs to goods in Culver City than Los Angeles; and concern with pushing consumers to shop elsewhere.
Denise Neal discussed creating a hardship with recycling; being more responsible; the need for very clear and visible signage to delineate non-smoking and vaping areas; impacts to people 37 October 13, 2025
with allergies; looking at which plastics are petroleum derived to provide a stream of income for Culver City; getting away from artificial astroturf; looking at the coconut derived or non pellet astroturf; focusing on being more sustainable;
exponential amounts of trash with the Olympics; the need for infrastructure to strategically sort trash; and creating biofuel from food waste.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin discussed single-use plastic; enforcement; education and incentives; and she noted that speakers from the business community were asking for their concerns to be taken seriously.
Suzie Huddleston, Mayflower Distribution, provided background on the company; expressed support for the proposal to ban the intentional release of balloons; did not support broader restrictions on ballon use, materials, or fill; discussed unintentional impacts to responsible retailers; concern with limiting access to affordable celebration products without significant environmental benefit; strict safety standards already being followed by grocery partners; reminders to customers about proper handling and disposal; their
participation in recent Creek cleanup efforts and lack of ballons or debris found; responsible practices that prevent environmental impacts; and she thanked the City in advance for implementing a ban on intentional release with no broader restrictions.
Mayor O'Brien reminded everyone that Council Member Vera was recused from the conversation about plastic bag bans.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding feedback from the Sustainability Subcommittee; thoughtfulness in moving forward with the recommendations; support for the recommendations and checking in on an annual basis; education; the urgency of climate change; the need to meet climate goals; phasing in broader restrictions; the importance of policy to change behavior; state law; the local ordinance covering stores City-wide; support for a one year runway to allow businesses to adjust to the change; and previous efforts by the state to ban plastic bags.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding differences between Option 1 prohibiting the sale and use of all plastic bags City-wide even if you already have them vs. Option 2 banning the sale and distribution of all plastic carryout bags from the point of sale; support for Option 2; the 38 October 13, 2025
Los Angeles city ban; the definition of reusable bags that includes the thicker plastic bags in Los Angeles but not in Culver City; the ban on single-use paper bags in Los Angeles that Culver City is not proposing; concern with pressure being put on the business community; a suggestion to allow a two year phase in; finding a cost-effective way to implement the program; a suggestion for the Chamber of Commerce to support alternative bag uses for bulk purchases; finding a way to educate clients and phase in alternative bag situations; and allowing for a one year phase in with a hardship waiver.
Vice Mayor Puza moved to support Option 2 with an 18-month phase in and a hardship waiver.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE OPTION TWO IN THE STAFF REPORT
TO REGULATE SINGLE-USE BAGS NOT EXEMPTED BY CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE WITH AN 18 MONTH PHASE IN AND A HARDSHIP EXEMPTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, O'BRIEN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: VERA
Council Member Vera returned to the dais.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding feedback from the Sustainability Subcommittee on the balloon ban in support for the recommendation made; appreciation for balloons; available alternatives; adding a clause to allow businesses in Culver City that are mostly balloon-focused to work with Economic Development to transition; support for a more aggressive approach with balloons due to severe environmental impacts; painful conversations from a business perspective; imposing guidelines that would send business outside of Culver City; enforcement; understanding the economic impact on businesses; support for a ban on the release of balloons regardless of material or fill; education on how to be a better steward of the environment; feedback from Laguna Beach about their enforcement of their ban on balloons in public and lack of changes in the environment; small minority owned businesses; and acknowledgement of the issues caused by balloons.
Mayor O'Brien moved to adopt Options 3 and 4, with a phase-in for Option 4.
39 October 13, 2025
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the thoughtful suggestions of the Sustainability Subcommittee; the feeling that no one would call the balloon police; the job as policy makers to push toward a solution; public comment indicating lack of balloon materials found during the recent Creek Cleanup; using education rather than enforcement; and the need to enforce things put on the books.
Council Member Vera seconded the motion.
Vice Mayor Puza proposed a substitute motion to support Options 2, 3, and 4 with the option for Economic Development to advise businesses with over 50% of their businesses dependent on balloons to begin a transition. Council Member Fish seconded the motion.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the feeling that the argument made regarding
enforcement made no sense and would seem to indicate that there should be no environmental laws.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT OPTIONS TWO, THREE, AND FOUR IN
THE STAFF REPORT WITH THE OPTION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO ADVISE BUSINESSES WITH OVER 50% OF THEIR BUSINESSES DEPENDENT ON BALLOONS ON TO BEGIN A TRANSITION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
O'BRIEN, VERA
Council Member Vera indicated that he was able to participate in the discussion regarding plastic bottles as he had previously made the decision not to use plastic bottles in his place of business.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the Sustainability Subcommittee
recommendations; potential issues with a requirement for an additional fee; types of fees that are acceptable; looking at how to structure a potential fee; appreciation for the
conversation; balancing business with health and the
environmental impacts; previous environmental errors made; original recommendations made by the Sustainability
40 October 13, 2025
Subcommittee; efforts to balance competing elements; the end goal; eliminating trash and pollution in the Creek; heal th concerns with micro-plastics; expanding the ban to all single use plastic beverage bottles; plastic vs. aluminum; the experience of the city of Truckee; the additional fee to offset the cost of other climate initiatives in the City; support for exploration of a fee to allow the item to move forward; exploration of Option 2 and limiting bottles to under one gallon; bringing the item back to take things one step at a time; understanding requirements; ensuring requirements are not changed frequently to avoid confusion; hope for stronger regulations but openness to taking the first step with Options 4 and 5; clarification regarding support for a ban on all beverages in plastic beverages; insufficient support for conducting an economic impact study; the feeling that the actions being taken are not supportive of businesses; support for incentives and education for businesses; costs to change out plastics for other materials; protective coatings used on aluminum and boxes; and allowing businesses to transition if they feel that they can.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for Option 4 as it does not take business away from local retailers; feasibility of the fee concept;
bifurcating the motion; being mindful that all vendors for Fiesta La Ballona and any events are notified of the changes prior to committing; and ensuring that items being used are part of the approved list.
MOVED BY MAYOR O'BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: SUPPORT OPTION FOUR FOR SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the myth that one cannot be business-friendly and
environmentally sustainable at the same time; education coupled with policy changes; seatbelts; the successful ban at City events and facilities; balancing the environment and people's health; Prohibition and the concern that a smoking ban would not work; municipalities that have gone smoke-free; number of states that had 100% smoke-free indoor laws as of 2024; major cities covered by comprehensive smoke-free laws; taking a gradual approach; community buy-in; support for Option 2; a suggestion to conduct an economic impact study; concern with hurting businesses; support for Option 2 with the smoking ban; creating specific smoking areas with proper receptacles to mitigate the liter; the prohibition on smoking in parks, city 41 October 13, 2025
facilities, multi-family homes, and outdoor dining; concern with going backwards by providing a smoking area; finding a middle ground; the ability to enforce a prohibition on smoking within 50 feet of a business; concern with selective enforcement of a ban; de facto smoking zones for multi-family residential since people are not allowed to smoke in their units; looking at best practices and encouraging behaviors that support sustainability efforts rather than punishing people; supporting people where they are; offering education; and the goal to support the community in making better choices rather than criminalizing them.
Vice Mayor Puza moved to support Option 2 regarding smoking.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding non-enforceable feel-good changes; fines and
penal ties; education; the need for additional staff in Code Enforcement and Environmental Programs and Operations; and formulation of an enforcement proposal.
Council Member McMorrin seconded the motion.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding further consideration by the Sustainability
Subcommittee to provide information regarding proposed sites and enforcement strategies; a suggestion to amend the motion to look at whether adding more smoking prohibited sites is a more appropriate option; looking at appropriate options; best practices; getting closer to goals; looking at a ban on tobacco sales; a suggestion to have items come back for periodic review; and support for providing continued evaluation.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: SUPPORT OPTION TWO REGARDING SMOKING WITH
DIRECTION TO THE SUSTAINABILITY SUBCOMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE ADDITION OF MORE SMOKING PROHIBITED SITES.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
O'BRIEN, VERA
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the recommendation of the Sustainability
Subcommittee; issues related to astroturf; rapidly advancing technology; the feeling that astroturf may need more time for consideration by the Sustainability Subcommittee; ensuring a 42 October 13, 2025
focus on goals of the proposed changes; new use of artificial turf vs. removal of existing artificial turf; addressing what the consequences would be for someone putting in new artificial turf; complaint-based enforcement; required permits; existing restrictions on where artificial turf should be used; the inability to get a permit if artificial turf is banned; complaints received from the community; putting an emphasis on identification and enforcement; alternative products; rubber infill; mitigation of concerns with the heat island effect; a recent study by the California EPA; and agreement to remand the item back to the Sustainability Subcommittee for consideration with information about alternative sources of the product.
Council Member Fish requested City Council consensus to bring the item back annually to keep the conversation going with the business community and the community at large with revisions as needed.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need for a study of economic impact of the changes; the 18 month runway; consideration every two years; and support for pulling sales tax revenue information from the City side.
Consensus was received from Mayor O'Brien, Vice Mayor Puza and Council Members Fish and McMorrin to have a report back every two years with as much information as can be gleaned regarding the economic impact of proposed changes to the regulations and sales tax revenue from the products.
Council Member McMorrin signed off from the meeting.
oOo
Item A-3
CC - Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9. 01, Animals and Fowl, of the Culver City Municipal Code to Add a New Subchapter 9.01.800, et seq., Prohibiting the Sale and Use of Glue Traps
Wallis Nash, Senior Management Analyst, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
43 October 13, 2025
Jackob Shaw thanked staff and the Sustainability Subcommittee for their work and consideration of the item; noted that glue traps were the single-most inhumane wildlife control device; discussed suffering due to the lack of a mechanism to instantly kill animals; a Canadian study indicating length of time animals suffer; the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and California Department of Public Health warnings against usage due to increased risk for the hantavirus; and he thanked the City Council for their consideration.
Kristina Licare expressed appreciation for City Council consideration of the matter; discussed the need to advocate for the animals; immense suffering caused by the traps; the need to figure out other effective ways to address issues with animals coming into places where they are not wanted; and she expressed concern with letting children know that some animals are loved and celebrated while others are not deserving of compassion.
Chris Mudry echoed comments made by previous speakers; reported living in Culver City for five years; asserted that glue traps were a vicious horrible thing to do; discussed providing alternatives for addressing issues; the need to make changes in an economical way; setting an example for other cities to follow suit; and he felt the issue was an easy win .
Deborah Weinrauch asked the City Council to pass the ban; discussed trauma with seeing animals caught in glue traps; her experience trying to help a squirrel caught in a glue trap; she noted that glue traps were not environmentally friendly; and she asked the City Council to pass the ban.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of the efforts of Culver City Congressman Ted Lieu to pass the federal Glue Trap Prohibition Act, and appreciation to Jakob Shaw for his leadership on the item and to PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for all that they do on behalf of animals.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND SECONDED BY MAYOR O'BRIEN, THAT THE CULVER CITY COUNCIL: INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
9.01, ANIMALS AND FOWL, OF THE CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW SUBCHAPTER 9.01.800, ET SEQ., PROHIBITING THE SALE AND USE OF GLUE TRAPS CITYWIDE.
44 October 13, 2025
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
ABSENT:
FISH, O'BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
MCMORRIN
oOo
Pub1ic Comment - Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Denise Neal asked whether the City was ready to meet with the hedge fund for the Parks Plan and with Manchester Bidwell who would be coming out November 10-13 as long as lodging, travel, and meals could be covered for the global strategists; discussed covering the consultant fees for the strategist to help set up the Parks Plan and carry everything to fruition in 18-24 months in time for the Olympics; she asked about Council Member availability; and she indicated that they were ready to cover the costs for Jubilo Village.
oOo
Items from Council Members
Council Member Fish expressed appreciation to the Mayor for accommodating the budget process at the next meeting; he received City Council consensus to include the presentation from Public Democracy in the staff report to allow the public to take a look at it; and he asked to include in the record that his no vote on Item A-1 was due to a lack of safety mitigations included.
Vice Mayor
O'Brien and
Improvement
input.
Puz a received City Council consensus from Mayor
Council Member Fish to do a more robust Capital
Plan (CIP) with more City Council and community
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the CIP already in place; allowing for a more robust plan to reflect Council priorities and allow for more community input; and the current practice of listing items.
oOo
45 October 13, 2025
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
City Council consensus was achieved on the following items:
• Remand consideration of an application for marketing specific events to the Special Events Subcommittee (Fish) • Remand the artificial turf topic back to the Sustainability Subcommittee for consideration with information about
alternative sources of the product (McMorrin)
• 4B's Discussion to return bi-annually with updates on economic impact on businesses, proposed changes to
regulations, and sales tax revenue (Fish)
• Request to include a presentation from Public Democracy in budget process discussion staff report to allow for public review (Fish)
• Request to develop a more robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with more City Council and community input (Puza) oOo
46 October 13, 2025
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:56 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 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 27, 2025.
oOo
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
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: October 27, 2025
47