1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE August 10, 2026
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY,
REDEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Culver City Public Finance Authority, Redevelopment Financing
Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board was called to order at 5:32 p.m. in Mike Balkman Council Chambers at Culver City Hall.
Present: Freddy Puza, Mayor
Bubba Fish, Vice Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member*
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
*Council Member McMorrin joined the meeting
at 5:57 p.m.
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Closed Session
Mayor Puza invited public comment.
August 10, 2026
2 Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak had been received for Closed Session.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD, REDEVELOPMENT
FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
At 5:33 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Item:
CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation (2 Items)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Recognition Presentations - Roll Call
The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order for recognition presentations at 6:41 p.m. in Mike Balkman Council Chambers at Culver City Hall.
Present: Freddy Puza, Mayor
Bubba Fish, Vice Mayor
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
Recognition Presentations
Item R-1
Presentation of a Proclamation in Honor of Black Business Month 2026
August 10, 2026
3 Vice Mayor Fish presented a Proclamation in Honor of Black Business Month 2026.
Vincent Wiliams, Honey’s Kettle, accepted the proclamation; thanked Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas for honoring him; and expressed appreciation to customers, colleagues, family members, friends, and the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) for their support.
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Item R-2
Presentation of a Proclamation in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Fiesta La Ballona
Council Member McMorrin presented the Proclamation in
Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Fiesta La Ballona.
Tomás Herrera-Mishler, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Director, was looking forward to seeing everyone at Fiesta La Ballona.
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Item R-3
Presentations of Commendations to Former Commissioners, Board Members, and Committee Members in Recognition of their Service to the Culver City Community
Mayor Puza presented a commendation to Andrew Lachman for his service on the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC).
Andrew Lachman expressed appreciation for the recognition and thanked his fellow FAC Members and Culver City for the
opportunity to serve.
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Item R-4
Presentation of the 2026 Fifth Annual Innovation and Performance Awards, created by the Finance Advisory Committee to Recognize Culver City Staff Members for their Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Projects that Make Life Better in Culver City
August 10, 2026
4 Andrew Lachman provided background on himself and on the awards; discussed improving efficiency of leadership; the fifth year of the awards; the increased number of applications received; and he expressed appreciation for the leadership of the Committee.
Anissa Di Vincente, Chair of the Government Efficiency Awards, thanked Council Member O’Brien for procuring gift cards for the awardees and she presented the following awards:
Best Innovation Award for the Solar Residential Streamline Permitting Project: Tim Koutsouros, Lisa Pangelinan, and Gabriela Silva, from the Planning and Development Department, and Gabe Montgomery from the Fire Department, and Timothy Pelayo, Greg Lamanna and Patricia Perez from Information Technology
Impact Award for the Teen Center Mental Health Expo: the PRCS Department and Ingrid Lopez
Efficiency Award for the Culver City Games Enhanced Transit Service (GETS): the Transportation Department and the Culver City Police Department (CCPD)
Sustainability Award for Resurfacing Streets with Recycled Materials: Mate Gaspar and Diana Szyzmanski of the Public Works Department
Best Overall Award for the SoFi Express Timetable Builder: Ryan Hund of the Transportation Department
FAC Spotlight Award for implementation of the Queue Minder Management System: Tim Koutsouros and Lisa Pangelinan in Planning and Development and Justin Nuñez in the Information and Technology Department.
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Regular Session – 7:00 p.m.
The regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Culver City Public Finance Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in Mike Balkman Council Chambers at Culver City Hall with all Council Members present.
August 10, 2026
5 o0o
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Puza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Puza read the oral statement of Land Acknowledgement.
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Closed Session Report
Mayor Puza indicated nothing to report out of Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commissions, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Lea Eriksen, Senior Assistant City Manager, provided an update on the Climate Emergency Action Plan and discussed staff collaboration with the consultant, Raimie + Associates to accomplish climate-related General Plan 2045 goals.
Odis Jones, City Manager, discussed an upcoming item pertaining to PRCS childcare fees; potential alternatives; tax revenue trends; and the need for City Council direction regarding maintaining fees at current levels.
Mayor Puza discussed efforts to increase meeting efficiency that include limiting Council Member announcements to two minutes each.
Council Member O’Brien discussed attending the consecration of the Water Wheel gifted from Sister City Kaizuka, Japan; his previous visit to Kaizuka; the Sister City Student Exchange Program; and connecting with countries around the world that Culver City has Sister City partnerships with.
Council Member McMorrin discussed the Young Elected Officials Conference supported by People for the American Way; defending democracy; appreciation to Local Progress who invited her to participate in a panel - Organizing Against Authoritarianism:
August 10, 2026
6 Building Local Power; expressed pride in Culver City support for renters, mutual aid initiatives, and rallies for Mr.
Enrique; noted that the meeting was the only City Council meeting to be held in August; discussed the final concert in the summer concert series; KCRW night at the Wende Museum; and she wished everyone a safe, creative, productive, and joyful start to the new school year.
Vice Mayor Fish discussed International Youth Day on August 12; the youth civic engagement item on the ballot; and he invited anyone interested to attend an event at the Village Well for the new book by Cole Lefavor, In the Arms of Mountains on August
13. Mayor Puza discussed the 2026 Homeless Count; attending the Fay Avenue Block Party celebrating the elimination of the block party fee; supporting the region through the wildfire risk with the deployment of a CCFD Captain to Oregon as part of the Santa Monica Fire Department Rapid Extraction Module Support Team; and he announced an e-waste collection and paper shredding event on August 22 at Syd Kronenthal Park.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor Puza invited public comment noting that for the past several months, the City Council had been adhering to the 20 minute speaking limit and that an additional opportunity to provide Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda was available later in the meeting.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the statement on hate speech and decorum and discussed campaign activity noting that it was prohibited.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Debbie Gambino discussed attending several meetings over the past several months; the priority-based budgeting process; appreciation to the City Manager for his efforts; previous concern with lack of transparency in the City budget;
anticipation of more accurate results and responsive City staff; and she asked that the City look into installing cameras in the City Hall garage to keep people safe.
Gilbert Bettman presented a video demonstrating easy access to August 10, 2026
7 a manhole cover on his property; discussed a notice of violation that he received from Code Enforcement; he pointed out that access to a manhole cover on his property had not been an issue in 40 years; asserted that there was no violation of municipal code and no need to destroy his valuable piece of property; and he agreed to follow up with staff.
Patrick Godinez indicated that while he serves on the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homeless (ACOHH), his comments were his own; he congratulated Culver City on the significant decrease in the LAHSA (Los Angeles Housing Services Authority) figures; noted continued work to be done; discussed the draft copy of the Updated Homeless Plan available to the public; opportunity for funding housing and homeless projects; and he suggested that Culver City issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a grant consultant or writer to help the City increase the ability to compete and win state and federal dollars.
Mike Gioia, AI On the Lot, asserted that they wanted to make Culver City their home for the next generation of filmmakers and filmmaking technology; discussed their successful AI On the Lot Conference in May; number of people brought into Culver City for the two day event and three companies that have taken out leases and moved to Culver City since then; he requested Culver City support for a College Movie Night in September; discussed use of Culver City Steps and the LED screen to show a classic movie; inroads at film schools to bring students in; and he requested that the City Council agendize the matter for the September City Council meeting.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Gioia, staff, and Council Members regarding clarification that there was no AI component
associated with the proposed event; the intent to create community and bring people into Culver City for future events; the educational component; the focus on film students; and a suggestion that staff investigate the proposed College Movie Night before agendizing the item.
Monica Richardson thanked Council Member O’Brien for listening to the public with an open mind; provided background on herself; asked that the Better Overland Project be adjusted; expressed concern with the proposed removal of the designated right turn lane at Washington; discussed CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) requirements that cannot just be undone; the intention to remove the right turn slip lane at Culver and Overland in front of the Senior Center; proposed removal of a left turn lane that Sony was required to add; and she pointed August 10, 2026
8 out the previous focus on keeping traffic moving.
Rosalind La Briola reiterated a previous request that the City put the Better Overland and Sepulveda Projects on hold until citizens are able to vote on whether to continue the projects or not; discussed a petition with over 3,500 signatures; staff salaries for those working on mobility projects that come out of the City budget, not grant funding; and demonstrating actual commitment to increased budget participation by the citizens of Culver City with civic assemblies.
Jonathan Faria was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Jim Shanman, Culver City Safe Routes to School Coordinator, discussed events for the start of the school year; the Middle School Bike to School Day on August 15; the Annual Walk and Roll Festival on September 19; and he indicated that event signup was available at ccwalkandroll.com.
Jason Christopher discussed a car accident that resulted in his losing a leg; his commitment to human potential, resilience and health; his vision to develop the former Culver City Cleaners into a state-of-the-art fitness center dedicated to serving municipal bus drivers and the greater Culver City community; the urgent and well-documented need for such a facility; physical demands faced by municipal bus drivers; limited targeted wellness centers to address demand; and appropriateness of the proposed location.
Melissa Sanders discussed use of the former Bed Bath and Beyond space; the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy; the under-used Culver Median Bike Path in place since 1996; the car- centric city; small businesses that rely on parking; the reality of the current situation; and she asked that Culver City stop pushing bike lanes and instead focus on sidewalks and small businesses.
Julia Sher was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Joy Rodriguez discussed constituents who addressed the City Council two weeks ago with petition signatures opposing Better Overland and the Sepulveda Project; providing a voice for those most affected by the project; the suggestion to allow residents to vote on the project; she proposed listening to constituents and reconsidering the previous vote in support of the project; August 10, 2026
9 noted pride taken by the City Council with being the first to do things; recognition of the significant number of constituents asking to have a say in the project; being willing to listen to constituents; she asked the City Council to give the residents the opportunity to vote on the matter; and she asked the City Council to rescind the Better Overland Project.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON AUGUST 10, 2026.
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Order of the Agenda
Item A-7 was considered after Item A-1.
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Consent Calendar
Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Patrick Godinez indicated being a member of the ACOHH speaking on his own behalf; discussed Item C-6, the Section 8 Management Assessment Program and Item C-14, the Jubilo Village Project; strengthening Culver City’s rating with indicator 13 in the Lease Up Section; positioning Culver City to compete for much needed HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funding for permanent housing; voucher inventory; clearing up and updating the current waiting list; opening the waiting list back up to Culver City housing participants; felt that the Jubilo Village waiting list should encompass the majority of the Culver City waiting list rather than leaving it up to the project manager; and noted investment by Culver City taxpayers.
Tamar Fuher expressed opposition to Items C-15 and C-16 noting that both required long-term planning and the City is not in an emergency so there is time to do a competitive procurement; discussed Municipal Code language; the formal bidding process in the staff report; concern with the pattern of starting with August 10, 2026
10 a $50,000 contract that balloons with contract amendments; sole source justification; support for having the City Manager’s Office serve as an example rather than operating at a lower standard; understanding what a good value is; and she asked for a competitive procurement process or assurance that the pattern does not continue to be employed.
Melissa Sanders echoed comments of the previous speaker expressing concern with ballooned consultant fees; discussed Item C-13 noting concern with eliminating parking minimums for apartments and then using public parking to cover it; financing; the Housing Authority; opposition to money and Section 8 vouchers that were given to Jubilo Village; concern with getting Culver City into debt; and she felt that Council Members who supported Jubilo Village should have to personally repay the debt.
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for July 18, 2026 to July 31, 2026
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR JULY 18, 2026 TO JULY 31, 2026.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA:PA – Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on July 27, 2026
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 JULY 27, 2026.
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Item C-3
CC - Ratification of Approval of Consent Calendar Items C-1 through C-9 and Action Item A-1 on the July 27, 2026 City Council Meeting Agenda
August 10, 2026
11 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RATIFY THE APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-9 AND ACTION ITEM A-1 ON THE JULY 27, 2026 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA.
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Item C-4
CC - Receipt and Filing of the Biannual Written Reports Submitted by Culver City’s Commissions, Boards, and Committees
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THE BIANNUAL WRITTEN REPORTS SUBMITTED BY THE COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES.
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Item C-5
CC - Approval of a One Year General Service Agreement with Throne Labs Inc., in an Amount Not To Exceed $135,558 for Deployment and Operation of Two Throne Units at Culver City Park
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THRONE LABS INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $135,558 FOR DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATION OF TWO THRONE UNITS AT CULVER CITY PARK; 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.
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Item C-6
HA - Consent item: Approval of the Certification and Submission of the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)
THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD:
1. APPROVE THE CERTIFICATION AND SUBMISSION OF THE SECTION 8 MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (SEMAP) TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) AND,
August 10, 2026
12 2. AUTHORIZE THE CHAIR AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE SEMAP CERTIFICATION.
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Item C-7
CC – Approval of Amendment No. 5 to the Existing General Services Agreement with Technology Artists for Sound and Lighting Services for City Events for an Additional Amount of $22,448.88 for an Aggregate Annual Not-to-Exceed Amount of $155,000
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE EXISTING GENERAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH TECHNOLOGY ARTISTS FOR SOUND AND LIGHTING
SERVICES FOR CITY EVENTS FOR AN AGGREGATE ANNUAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $155,000; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-8
CC – Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and
Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the Annual Street Pavement and Concrete Rehabilitation Project - FY 26-27, PS-005
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE
INVITING BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ANNUAL STREET PAVEMENT & CONCRETE REHABILITATION PROJECT - FY 26-27, PS-005.
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Item C-9
CC – Award of an In-Kind Off-Cycle Special Event Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to Bioscience LA for “Bioscience LA Week 2026” and Designate the Event as City Sponsored
August 10, 2026
13 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AWARD AN IN-KIND, OFF-CYCLE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000 IN CITY STAFF TIME TO BIOSCIENCE LA FOR THE BIOSCIENCE LA WEEK 2026 EVENTS AND DESIGNATE THE EVENT AS CITY-SPONSORED.
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Item C-10
CC – Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Culver City and the Cities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Inglewood, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Flood Control District Regarding the Administration and Cost Sharing for Implementing the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) and Watershed Management Program (WMP) for the Ballona Creek Watershed
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CULVER
CITY AND THE CITIES OF LOS ANGELES, BEVERLY HILLS, INGLEWOOD,
SANTA MONICA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND LOS
ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT REGARDING THE
ADMINISTRATION AND COST SHARING FOR IMPLEMENTING THE COORDINATED
INTEGRATED MONITORING PROGRAM (CIMP) AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (WMP) FOR THE BALLONA CREEK WATERSHED; 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.
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Item C-11
CC – (1) Award of a Construction Contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc. as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $4,402,836 for the Citywide Bioretention Basin Project, PW006; (2) Authorization to the Public Works
Director/City Engineer to Approve Change Orders to the Contract in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $440,283 (10%) to Cover Contingency Costs; (3) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $500,000 from Clean Water/Clean Beach (Fund 434) Fund Balance to PW006; and (4) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE August 10, 2026
14 REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment to Accept an Additional $800,000 in Grant Funds and Allocate them to CIP Project PW006
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO TORO ENTERPRISES, INC.,
AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,402,836 FOR THE CITYWIDE BIORETENTION BASIN PROJECT, PW006; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $440,283 TO COVER CONTINGENCY; AND,
3. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ACCEPT $800,000 IN GRANT FUNDS AND ALLOCATE THEM TO CIP PROJECT PW006 (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE); AND,
4. APPROVE A RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING $500,000 FROM CLEAN WATER/CLEAN BEACH (FUND 434) FUND BALANCE TO PW006 (REQUIRES FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE); 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.
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Item C-12
CC – (1) Approval of a Three-Year Professional Services Agreement with Recreate Waste Collaborative LLC for Educational Outreach for Public Works Environmental Programs & Operations Initiatives in an Annual Amount Not-to-Exceed $75,000; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Two Additional One- Year Terms in an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $75,000 Per Year
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A THREE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
RECREATE WASTE COLLABORATIVE LLC, IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT-TO- EXCEED $75,000; AND,
August 10, 2026
15 2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE TWO ADDITIONAL ONE- YEAR TERMS, IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $75,000 PER YEAR; 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.
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Item C-13
CC – Approval of a Residential Parking License Agreement, for Use of the City-Owned Watseka Parking Structure Located at 3535 Watseka Avenue, with Rethink LLC, to Support the Mixed-Use Project at 9814 Washington Boulevard
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A RESIDENTIAL PARKING LICENSE AGREEMENT, FOR USE OF
THE CITY-OWNED WATSKEA PARKING STRUCTURE, WITH RETHINK, LLC, RELATED TO THE MIXED-USE PROJECT AT 9814 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD; 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.
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Item C-14
CC – Adoption of Respective Resolutions Approving Assignment and Assumption Agreements Between the City of Culver City, the Culver City Housing Authority, and the Culver City Public Finance Authority Related to the Jubilo Village Affordable Housing Project
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CULVER
CITY AND THE CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE $15,000,000 CITY LOAN AGREEMENT RELATED TO
THE JUBILO VILLAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING August 10, 2026
16 RELATED ANCILLARY ACTIONS BY THE CITY MANAGER TO EFFECTUATE THE ASSIGNMENTS.
THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CULVER CITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE $6,000,000 HOUSING AUTHORITY LOAN
AGREEMENT RELATED TO THE JUBILO VILLAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING RELATED ANCILLARY ACTIONS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EFFECTUATE THE ASSIGNMENTS.
THAT THE CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BOARD: ADOPT A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF CULVER CITY AND THE CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE $15,000,000 CITY
LOAN AGREEMENT AND BETWEEN THE CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
AND THE CULVER CITY PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY FOR THE
ASSIGNMENT OF THE $6,000,000 HOUSING AUTHORITY LOAN AGREEMENT,
RELATED TO THE JUBILO VILLAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AND
AUTHORIZING RELATED ANCILLARY ACTIONS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EFFECTUATE THE ASSIGNMENTS.
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Item C-15
CC:HA;PFA – (1) Approval of an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Ernst & Young U.S. LLP for the
Development of a Comprehensive Financial Plan for Culver City and an Analysis of the City’s Reserves in an Amount Not-to- Exceed $665,000 for an Aggregate Total Amount Not-to-Exceed of $714,500; and (2) Other Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Vice Mayor Fish congratulated Steve Agostini on his new position as Assistant City Manager; discussed a potential parking revenue tax to raise money for Culver City; analysis of SB (Senate Bill) 720; red light camera reform; and potential revenue impact.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the intent to take a snapshot of current finances and test sustainability to see what happens against longer-term
projections; potential changes to law; the ability to include potential changes moving forward; expense for financial planning; the estimate provided by Ernst & Young; recent negotiations; the significant change from what was originally quoted; changes to terms; expected deliverables; the solid August 10, 2026
17 financial plan that will be used to set priorities over the coming years; and confidence in the value for the expense.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding timeline and deliverables; the financial plan; pressure testing to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; comparisons of revenue and expenditure base with comparable cities; creation of a financial forecast and reserve analysis; the planned 10 week turnaround; the mid-year retreat; priorities for the budget process for 2027-2028; reasons the competitive bid process is not being done; consistency; best practices; price, quality of services, and the ability to do the work as components of the bid process; and the small number of firms that are able to do the work.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding timelines and expectations discussed at the financial retreat; the intent to be sure that financial planning is comprehensive and informative; use at the next retreat to review and reevaluate priorities; examination of a range of inputs into the financial plan including police and fire staffing;
assessment of capital planning; examination of reserve policy; known and unknown liabilities; identification of firms that were contacted; the roster of potential firms; concern with
substantially altering the amount of money spent and/or the timeframe; examination of the material as it is produced; and ensuring everything is appropriately thought out.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ERNST & YOUNG U.S. LLP FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A FINANCIAL PLAN AND AN ANALYSIS OF THE CITY’S RESERVES IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO- EXCEED $665,000 FOR AN AGGREGATE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $714,500; 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; AND,
4. PROVIDE OTHER DIRECTION TO THE CITY MANAGER AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE.
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August 10, 2026
18 Item C-16
CC – Approval of an Amendment to Existing Professional Services Agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC for Consulting Services Related to City’s Five-Year Financial Plan in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $223,650 for an Aggregate Contract Amount Not-to- Exceed $273,650
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding inclusion of the salary incentive ordinance in the analysis; providing substantial input into the financial plan; percentage of the budget supporting police and fire; staffing needs; long- term financial health; salary components; and adjustments being made to the scope moving forward.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH PFM FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC FOR CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO CITY’S FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $223,650 FOR AN AGGREGATE CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $273,650; 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.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-13, ITEM C-15, AND ITEM C-16.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM C-14.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
NOES: O’BRIEN, VERA
o0o
Public Hearing Items
None.
August 10, 2026
19 o0o
Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Receive a Presentation from the Center for New Democratic Processes on the Culver City Civic Assembly on Increasing Public Participation in the Budget Process; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Mayor Puza discussed procedures and efficient meeting management noting that the City Council had been experimenting with time limits for Council Member discussion during Public Hearings and Action Items.
Council Member McMorrin exited the dais.
Lea Eriksen, Senior Assistant City Manager, introduced the item.
Kyle Bozentko and Sarah Atwood, Center for New Democratic Processes (CNDP), thanked staff, Council Members, and
participants for their support of the Civic Assembly process; provided the participant report on the Civic Assembly process and prioritized recommendations; discussed challenges,
opportunities, and actions; new participants; length of the engagement; assembly demographic targets formulated by the ad hoc committee; participant neighborhoods; participant
information for both engagements; elements of the learning program; program elements; potential actions developed by the two groups; top actions for opportunities; and participant evaluation.
Betty Hannah, July Assembly Participant, expressed appreciation to the City Council for the process; provided an overview of the process; discussed the direct mailer received; the diverse group of people brought together from different neighborhoods in Culver City; cooperation and collaboration; examination of what the previous group had done; she felt that they were successful at what they were tasked to do; and she noted that it was now up to the City Council.
Dan Mayeda discussed being a 40 year resident; previous participation in the Direction 21 Planning Process; noted that things in the previous report came to fruition and made Culver City a better place to live; discussed the vibrant downtown area; new challenges to look at; increased public participation; August 10, 2026
20 closing the feedback loop; City Council Meeting Engagement Standards; and he thanked the Council for their consideration of the report and for listening.
Karen Leydis indicated that she had also been involved in Direction 21; expressed appreciation for being able to
participate in the process; discussed goals and guiding principles; the diverse, focused, inclusive, authentic, and generous assembly; hope that recommendations would engage more residents to be interested and active in City processes; being proactive vs. reactive; and she was looking forward to seeing what would be next.
Mark thanked Culver City staff for their efforts and willingness to share their knowledge; discussed his experience participating in the Civic Assembly process; changing perspective over the three day experience; his increased appreciation and
understanding of Culver City processes; concern with the outcome of being asked to do difficult work, make recommendations, and hand them over; competing priorities, legal considerations, timeline, and responsibilities; the desire to know that the work that was done was genuinely heard; he indicated really caring about Culver City by the end of the process; he hoped what they did over the three days did not just become another document or presentation; and he expressed concern that the Assembly could teach residents to care about their City and be taught that their voices do not matter.
Sonam discussed his participation in the process; surprise at the depth of knowledge, diversity of participants, input provided, and thoughtful solutions offered; appreciation for being part of the process and seeing his input reflected; his background on healthcare vs. responsibility in public service; taking the task seriously and doing no harm; and incentivizing people by showing the fruits of their results.
Victoria Kelto expressed appreciation to the City Council for their support of the Civic Assembly process; discussed the need to meet people where they are; disengagement with the public if City Council meetings and unanswered emails are the only way to communicate; soliciting feedback from people where they already gather in order to get more diverse feedback; the need for a feedback loop; allowing people to feel they have an impact; her own efforts to navigate the system; confusion as to what methods work; persistence and lobbying; understanding that not everyone can be or wants to be a lobbyist; and she noted the need to provide an equitable avenue for all voices and evidence that August 10, 2026
21 voices are being heard.
Kyle Bozentko, CNDP, discussed next steps; respect and honor for the work done; and noted that the report concluded the work for the initiative.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to everyone who participated in the process; commitment to implement recommendations; ensuring that the needs of the public are being met; recommendations for implementation coming forward at the September 28 City Council meeting; previous budget processes; money spent to ensure that the budget reflects the people it intends to serve; trusting the residents to design how they want to participate in the process
themselves; the 60 residents who participated in the process; appreciation that new people are participating; putting residents in the driver’s seat; actions Culver City can take to improve participation; influence on the upcoming two year budget; closing the loop; meeting standards of engagement; acknowledgement of and appreciation for the recommendations; and Culver City as a work in progress.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding Council Member participation; participation from all areas of Culver City with the lowest participation from the downtown neighborhood; initial concerns with the expenditure; acknowledgement of different ways to engage with the community; tangible, actionable items that come out of the process; positive feedback from participants; appreciation for effort put in by participants and the work to make the budget more understandable; cost effectiveness; and the small part of the community that participated.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the compressed timeline; appreciation for the work done to get the process into the current budget cycle; gratitude for behind the scenes work; appreciation for hearing new voices; encouragement to the participants to continue being engaged; service on CBCs (Commissions, Boards and Committees); continued innovation; support for increased community engagement; building trust and allowing people to feel that their words matter; the importance of local government; next steps; providing transparency; and ensuring that information on the process is available on the Culver City website.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
August 10, 2026
22 1. RECEIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE COMPLETED CIVIC ASSEMBLY FROM CNDP AND ASSEMBLY PARTICIPANTS; AND,
2. DIRECT STAFF TO PROVIDE A REPORT BACK AT THE SECOND MEETING IN SEPTEMBER WITH A RESPONSE TO EACH OF THE 42 CONCEPTS AND
EITHER ADOPTING THE CONCEPTS OR PROVIDING INFORMATION ON WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE OTHERS.
o0o
Item A-7
(Out of Sequence)
CC - Discussion of a Potential Residential Construction Minimum Wage Program and Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record; discussed applicability of scope; and policy standards.
Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Richard Burns, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, discussed the Construction Minimum Wage Study as an important step forward in understanding what workers in the industry need to earn to support themselves and their families; other cities working on a Construction Minimum Wage Study; the high cost of living; performance of skilled, physically demanding work to build housing; the cost of living; the value of skilled labor; looking at whether current wages are keeping up; ensuring that the people building the communities are able to live in them; providing a livable wage and benefits; and he expressed appreciation to Culver City for their hard work to lead the way.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the study; the opportunity for policy to reflect core values; appreciation for the comprehensive analysis; building good public policy on evidence and collaboration; learning from other jurisdictions; stakeholder engagement; raising labor standards while remaining on track to build the housing the community needs; the wage floor; the false choice between being pro-housing or pro-worker; providing good jobs and responsible development; protections for workers; providing strong wage theft protection; and immigrant and undocumented August 10, 2026
23 workers.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding ensuring there is an in-depth study; concern with targeting specific industries rather than enacting a blanket ordinance; creating burden on the City for enforcement; support for collective bargaining agreements; concern with “mom and pop” builders; and housing costs.
Council Member O’Brien exited the dais.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work of staff and public comment provided; next steps; sending the item to the Affordability or Housing Subcommittee; stakeholder outreach; providing an opportunity for the public to weigh in prior to the item coming before the City Council for final consideration; support for housing and workers; complementary items; and different design parameters that are part of the process.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to Richard Burns for his consistent support; union vs. non-union projects; support from the Housing Action Coalition; understanding potential impact on housing construction; looking at adding conditions for projects that are over 10 units up to 85 feet; and expertise that results in better projects overall.
Council Member O’Brien returned to the dais.
MOVED BY MAYOR PUZA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: DIRECT STAFF TO
PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION MINIMUM WAGE PROGRAM INCLUDING STEPS 1-4 AND SENDING THE ITEM
TO THE AFFORDABILITY OR HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE FIRST AND INCLUDING POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HOUSING.
o0o
Item A-2
CC - Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Arguments in Favor of Questions Relating to One Tax Measure and One Proposed Charter Amendment to be Considered by the Voters at the General Municipal Election of November 3, 2026
Heather Baker, City Attorney, recommended that the City Council August 10, 2026
24 bifurcate the discussion of Vote 16 and the TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) measures; discussed the need for Council Member O’Brien to recuse himself from the TOT item; and the process.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification regarding extra work to separate the measures.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, provided a summary of the material of record regarding Vote 16.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE VOTE 16 ARGUMENT LANGUAGE IN FAVOR OF THE QUESTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
NOES: O’BRIEN, VERA
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, noted that the vote showed that the legislative body that takes precedent approved the measure and indicated that forms were available for those interested in signing on to the measure.
Council Member O’Brien recused himself and exited the dais.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, presented the argument in favor of the ballot measure to increase the TOT.
Mayor Puza expressed appreciation to Vice Mayor Fish and Council Member McMorrin for their work on the items.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF THE
QUESTION RELATED TO THE BALLOT MEASURE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE VOTERS AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 2026.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: VERA
RECUSED: O’BRIEN
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that the deadline for written information and signatures was August 14, 2026 and she noted that the arguments against both measures would be provided August 10, 2026
25 to the subcommittee for them to write rebuttals due on August
24. Council Member O’Brien returned to the dais.
o0o
Item A-3
CC - (1) Approval of a Subsidy Program for the Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program (CCARP); and (2) Direction to the City Manager Regarding the Proposed Eligibility Criteria, Subsidy Structure, and Program Implementation, as deemed Appropriate
Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item noting the intent to buy some time to ensure that the approach has the broadest implications for the most vulnerable.
Tomás Herrera Mishler, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director, discussed the value and importance of the program to Culver City families; the program as infrastructure for Economic Development; the challenge to the department to decrease expenditures and increase revenue; and a suggestion to freeze fees at current levels while investigating providing services in a way that is fiscally prudent but is a blessing for the community.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the increase to the property tax valuation; the issue of affordability; looking at expanding the program;
reconsideration of the fees on a future agenda; the current item to look at subsidies; the ability for the City Council to direct that the opening of the CCARP registration be delayed until after the September 14 meeting; clarification that the fees have been adopted but not yet increased as registration does not begin until September; fees paid month by month; and
clarification that the program would run on its normal schedule.
Mayor Puza invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Tamar Fuhrer asked the City Council to freeze the CCARP fee at its current rate with direction to staff to reassess the service before implementing any future category increase; discussed the fee study process; proper classification; treatment of the August 10, 2026
26 program as non-essential and specialized; cost recovery targets; optional enrichment vs. allowing a parent to work; Teen Center Membership that is categorized under Health and Human Services; services that prevent and remediate life challenges; the importance of affordable child care; the proposed hardship subsidy; City Council priorities; enhancing overall
affordability; and she proposed application of the forgivable loan toward the fee structure in the interim.
Mayor Puza exited the dais.
Katherin Rising emphasized problems that a hardship subsidy would not solve; discussed broader impacts to raising the fee including setting the bar for childcare costs in Culver City; she asked that CCARP be treated as an essential service and placed in the 10% recovery category; expressed support for a freeze on the fees; noted worsening economic inequalities with increased prices; and asserted that affordable childcare is one of the most direct and important ways to support Culver City families.
Mayor Puza returned to the dais.
Vice Mayor Fish exited the dais.
Maggie Peters spoke representing the PRCS Commission; thanked Meghan Stebbings for the work; discussed support for City Council approval of the subsidy program; Commission willingness to consider the issue for a recommendation at the September meeting; and she expressed appreciation for City Council support of PRCS.
Jonathan Faria expressed appreciation for acknowledgement of the essential nature of the service provided; support for subsidizing the essential service and freezing the increase; discussed the need to consider the serious affordability issue that was an important campaign issue; acting decisively to prioritize affordability; the importance of public education; and expressed support for the freeze and a comprehensive plan to properly set up, subsidize, and keep programs robust.
Adrian Killigrew was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin provided background on herself; asserted that afterschool care is the bridge between the end of the school day and the work day for families who do not have a August 10, 2026
27 caregiver available at 3:00 p.m.; expressed appreciation for reconsideration of the proposed increase that would create a hardship for families; concern with subsidies for some and not for others; discussed the need for a subsidized program; unexpected increases; Mom’s Equal Pay Day; adding financial burdens to working moms balancing childcare and a smaller paycheck; and she stated that a program built to help working families should not leave so many working families behind.
James Lo thanked the City Council for looking into the issue; discussed concern with notification of the large increase; plans to increase the cost of the essential program next year as well; and safety issues with people potentially having to pull kids out of the program.
Joseph Magdalena echoed previous comments about concerns with the proposed increase; expressed appreciation for
reconsideration of the item; discussed the surprising, untenable increase proposed; concern with a knock-on effect of other programs increasing their prices; the affordability crisis; and concern with placing such a large burden on working parents.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the inability of the City Council to direct the City Manager to freeze CCARP at the current rate; the ability to direct that registration be postponed and fees collected after the September 14 City Council meeting; and examination of the classification.
Vice Mayor Fish returned to the dais.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding legally freezing the rate at the next meeting so that people will not experience the increase; the hardship program; direction to staff to communicate with Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) regarding their afterschool program participation rates; the importance of considering middle- income families as well; the goal to increase access; creation of tiers; a request to examine the fiscal impact of higher thresholds so that more of the community could qualify; appreciation for the program design; and consideration of higher thresholds tied to another program.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
August 10, 2026
28 1. DIRECT STAFF TO POSTPONE THE OPENING OF OCTOBER CCARP REGISTRATION UNTIL AFTER THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING; AND,
2. BRING BACK DISCUSSION OF SUBSIDIES, FEES, AND
CLASSIFICATIONS, AND DIRECT STAFF TO BRING BACK FINDINGS OF THE
CCUSD PROGRAM AND HARDSHIP SUBSIDIES TO BE BROUGHT WITH TIERS
USING HIGHER THRESHOLDS TIED TO ANOTHER PROGRAM INCLUDING FISCAL IMPACTS TO THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR DISCUSSION.
Council Member McMorrin exited the dais.
o0o
Item A-4
CC - (1) Discussion and Approval of City Council Mobility Subcommittee’s Recommendation for a One-Year Pilot Program for Robotic Personal Delivery Devices in Culver City; and (2) Authorization to Finalize Implementation Documents, including Service Operator User Agreement and Administrative Operating Regulations and Procedures
Council Member O’Brien indicated the need to recuse himself from the discussion out of an abundance of caution as one of the potential service providers is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Vera indicated the need to recuse himself out of an abundance of caution due to potential business that could be brought in for his business.
Council Members O’Brien and Vera exited the dais.
Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Council Member McMorrin returned to the dais.
Alicia Ide, Senior Management Analyst, indicated that
representatives from Serve Robotics were present; discussed the Mobility Subcommittee; proceeding with administrative
regulations that would allow adjustments to be made; sample regulations attached to the report; and enforcement of changes if issues are encountered.
August 10, 2026
29 Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
A Serve Robotics representative thanked the City for their thoughtful approach; discussed ensuring an open and transparent process; the model to shift short trip deliveries to smaller devices to increase affordability and accessibility and support local businesses; staff employed across the LA region; the opportunity to be a collaborative partner with Culver City; addressing traffic congestion and parking availability; providing convenient access to food and essential goods while complementing existing transportation options; the ability to reduce local emissions by 16%; support for the policy proposed by Culver City; encouragement for Culver City to take a measured approach to advertising fees; the experience of West Hollywood; anticipated revenue; unintended effect of reducing business activity; and appreciation for the partnership with Culver City.
Jonas Pearce, Coco Robotics, thanked staff for their
collaboration to design a one-year pilot program; provided background on the company; discussed benefits of their services; delivery congestion burdens for the City with traditional delivery vehicles; and he was eager to work with Culver City and merchant partners to launch the program for long-term success.
Tamar Fuhrer expressed support for piloting robotic PDDs (Personal Delivery Devices) but felt that Culver City should assess an operating license fee on companies deploying robots in Culver City; discussed her employment as part of a team in another City overseeing their PDD program; responsiveness; good faith efforts to be good partners; the strong case for usage in the downtown area and the Arts District; direct costs associated with staff time and third party data aggregation software to monitor operations and compliance necessary for proper
management of the program; measuring success; for-profit companies using the public right of way; she felt that Culver City should not have to absorb full administration costs for monitoring operations; noted already constrained City staff and fiscal resources; discussed coverage of operating fees by PDD operators in other cities; looking toward a similar fee structure rather than relying on an advertising share; and she asked that Culver City approve the item contingent on an operating license fee that helps offset Culver City’s direct and indirect costs for implementing and overseeing the pilot program.
August 10, 2026
30 Darrel Menthe spoke on behalf of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) in support of a pilot program to provide additional options; discussed his use of a Waymo that stopped to allow a Coco robot to cross; and he hoped to allow enough time to see whether the program would work and people would use it.
Melissa Sanders discussed support for environmentally friendly programs; pilot programs that require a lot of staff time; costs for the MOVE program that continues to interfere with downtown businesses; she asked that Culver City be reimbursed for any costs noting that if they were using City sidewalks and other things, they should be paying for them; expressed concern with narrow sidewalks and areas with roots and problems; and she felt that the City should make money rather than losing money.
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin reported seeing delivery robots around UCLA; felt a pilot program was a good idea; expressed support for a licensing fee; agreed that it would be smart not to lose money; discussed maxed out City employees; community benefit; and she wanted to ensure that the City engaged in a good contract with no surprises.
Kevin Lachoff spoke on behalf of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce urging support of the pilot program; discussed competition with businesses in surrounding areas where robot delivery services are available; delivery costs; providing another delivery option and putting Culver City restaurants on a more equal footing with restaurants in neighboring cities; Chamber support for opening the door to competition and giving restaurants the opportunity to decide whether the service works for them with a one year program including appropriate
guardrails; indicated that the Chamber was ready to work with the City to assist with restaurant outreach during the roll out; and he asked the City to approve the pilot.
Nicholas Bishop, Serve Robotics, provided background on himself and the company; discussed benefits to using Serve Robotics; people behind the technology; positioning Culver City as a leader in innovation; and he asked the City Council to consider the people, businesses, and opportunities that come with using Serve Technology in Culver City.
Damian Kevitt, Streets are for Everyone, indicated that they were sponsored by Serve Robotics, but not Coco; he spoke in support of the item noting that they did not know he was August 10, 2026
31 intending to speak; stated that he had recently moved to Culver City; discussed robot deliveries as a proven way to reduce vehicular traffic and congestion; and noted concern with lack of data on the use of higher speed autonomous robots in bike lanes.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding multiple fees involved in the process; the annual fee;
negotiation to determine fees meant to recoup costs; data collection; measuring success; modifications to the program going forward in response to feedback received; and impacts of the program.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work done; measuring alignment with sustainability goals; Public Works surveying;
surveillance; access to footage; data retention; outreach; the wider scope of feedback; impacts to workers who might have been a part of shorter term trips; support for exploring new options to better serve the community while making the City more efficient and sustainable; the draft proposal; additional work by the City Attorney’s Office; the privacy section; allowing people to feel safe in the community; and taking time to learn from other cities.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PUZA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A ONE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR ROBOTIC PERSONAL
DELIVERY DEVICES IN CULVER CITY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL’S STANDING MOBILITY SUBCOMMITTEE; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE PUBLIC WORKS STAFF AND THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
TO FINALIZE IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING
A SERVICE OPERATOR USER AGREEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATING REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: O’BRIEN, VERA
Council Members O’Brien and Vera returned to the dais.
o0o
August 10, 2026
32 Item A-5
CC - (1) Discussion of Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services and Potentially Establishing Use Classification, Standards, and Approval Procedures, Including Definitions, Permitted
Locations, Siting, Staging and Dispatch, Performance Standards, and Related Operations; (2) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: If Desired, Adoption of an Interim Urgency Ordinance Establishing a 45-Day Moratorium on the Issuance of Building Permits or Entitlements for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services; and/or (3) If Desired, Direction to Prepare a Regular Ordinance for Direct Consideration by City Council, or for Consideration by the Planning Commission for Recommendation to City Council; and/or (4) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Council Member O’Brien indicated that Waymo is a member of the Chamber of Commerce so out of an abundance of caution, he recused himself and exited the dais.
Peer Chacko, Acting Current Planning Manager, introduced the item.
Gabriel Barreras, Senior Planner, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Puza invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Charlie Jardine was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Adam Lane, Waymo, discussed their opposition to the item; fleet charging depots as the operational backbone of Waymo; creation an immediate bottleneck with discontinuing infrastructure development; providing a safe zero emission transit option; reductions in crashes when compared to human-driving vehicles; concern with restricting local fleet capacity, increasing wait times, and disrupting service for residents who need it most; impacts of regulatory uncertainty caused by a temporary pause that could extend up to two years; and he asked that the moratorium be rejected and that a stakeholder working group of EV charging companies, AV charging companies and City and public stakeholders be convened to craft clear, objective land use standards.
August 10, 2026
33 Damian Kevitt, Streets are for Everyone, noted that Waymo is one of their sponsors, but he had not coordinated his comments with them; he discussed opposition to the item unless amended; support for efforts to make roads safer; the impact of vehicles driving a safe speed on other vehicles on the road; support for taking a thoughtful look at incorporating charging stations in Culver City; lessons learned from other cities; creation of a working group; thoughtful partnership; national attention; and concern that the actions of the City Council could cause a potential negative impact on the use of autonomous vehicles in other cities or countries.
Kevin Lachoff spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce expressing agreement on the need to set standards; discussed the recent experience of Santa Monica; concern with barring Culver City from accepting or processing applications including appeals; potential length of the moratorium; concern with the message being sent to the business community with another moratorium; support for the carve-out for charging-only facilities; support for EV and AV charging instruments in Culver City; he proposed that staff be directed to prepare a regular ordinance on a defined timeline with the industry outreach staff already contemplates; and he did not want to see a temporary moratorium become a long-term one.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding estimated length of time to bring back an ordinance; outreach and engagement with the AV community; current processing time for EV facilities; leverage to ensure that issues that happened in Santa Monica do not happen in Culver City; ensuring that adjacent residents are not negatively affected; standing zoning code regulations for parking facilities; guidance from the state on EV charging lots; application of conditions on EV charging if there is an explicit health and safety risk; noise and light pollution in Santa Monica; the need for a clear record to establish conditions; the ordinance as allowing more control; looking at what other cities are doing; providing a strong definition of what an AV fleet is; requiring dispatch
organization plans, lighting controls, and noise monitoring; on-site contact numbers; pragmatic and reasonable mitigations coordinated with the AV industry; leveraging emerging
technologies in Culver City in the right way; ensuring a fair playing field between operators; the tight timeframe to meet the deadline; juggling priorities; bypassing the Planning Commission in order to meet the deadline; the short amount of time to be intentional with the facilities; support for the safety and efficiency of AVs; serious concerns in the industry August 10, 2026
34 about how the Santa Monica ordinance might make it difficult to operate; and encouragement to work with Waymo to come up with a reasonable ordinance.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the staff report and feedback from the speakers; crafting an ordinance that works for Culver City and the companies; involving the stakeholders to craft a meaningful ordinance; and concern with instituting a moratorium.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that a moratorium does not prevent communication between staff and the stakeholders; the current situation where there is no allowed use; gray area with electric vehicle charging; basic definitions of what autonomous
technology, vehicles, manufacture, and operator is in the California code; lack of a definition of autonomous fleet services at the state level; appreciation for the quick staff response to public concerns; the evolving situation; creating an environment where all stakeholders are engaged; being able to answer questions about how residents are being supported; ensuring that conversations continue during the moratorium; and tracking conditions, continuing the dialogue, and making necessary changes.
Council Member Vera indicated opposition to supporting a 45 day moratorium.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding how to address concerns about an application for a development within 100 feet of a home that Culver City cannot deny with a moratorium; the inability to require a buffer if there is no moratorium; current Culver City zoning code allowing for parking facilities adjacent to residential; parking lot layout
regulations; general regulations on lighting; lack of specific regulations related to AV fleet usage; clarification that Culver City has no current timelines for AV fleet regulation other than state law; AV facilities that come in with a charging component; the limited timeline for review; the need for a 4/5 vote in order to enact a moratorium; City Council consensus to bring stakeholders into the process; pending regulations; concern with inviting permits to get submitted as soon as possible before regulations are implemented; residents who will bear the brunt of permits being pulled and a facility being built; and projects that can currently be built with zero consideration.
August 10, 2026
35 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for a maximum 35 day moratorium; comments expressing concern that moratoriums can be extended from 10 months up to two years with each extension requiring a 4/5 vote of the City Council; and expiration of the moratorium in 45 days unless extended.
Vice Mayor Fish committed to not extending the moratorium and moved to support the moratorium.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a suggestion to include an item to repeal the ordinance at the September 14, 2026 meeting; allowing the residents a voice in what is built in their back yard; avoiding a similar situation as occurred in Santa Monica; clarification that if someone applies between now and when regulations are in place, there would be no guardrails for residents; incentive for development to move forward quickly; stakeholders willing to engage; informing residents of what is coming and allowing them a say in the process; support for allowing residents and stakeholders to have a say for 35 days; people who are busy getting ready for school or coming back from vacation; hope for extensive community engagement on the issue with large
ramifications; and the regulatory opportunity for community members to enjoy peace and quiet and safety in their homes.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding assurances that the ordinance would be completed in time; concern with losing services from the AV companies; staff commitment to bring forward an ordinance by September 14, 2026 to allow the City Council to consider and take action on the item and allow the moratorium to expire; concern with signals being sent; concern with neighbor safety; worst case scenario if the moratorium is not enacted; limited ability to regulate the undefined use; the Santa Monica ordinance; and support for a motion that centers residents.
Vice Mayor Fish moved to adopt an urgency ordinance establishing a 45 day moratorium on the issuance of building permits or entitlements for autonomous vehicle fleet services and direct staff to prepare an ordinance for consideration at the September 14, 2026 City Council meeting. Council Member McMorrin seconded the motion.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding direction to bring stakeholders together; outreach; the need for Council direction to bring the ordinance directly August 10, 2026
36 back to the City Council rather than the Planning Commission; the process and timeline for a regular ordinance vs. for an urgency ordinance; the goal to support the health and safety of the neighbors while not stalling progress; staff commitment to conduct outreach to stakeholders and bring back an ordinance to repeal the moratorium and enact regulations on September 14, 2026; the ability to extend the moratorium or repeal it; and commitment that the moratorium would expire regardless.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concern with putting out the wrong message to the business community locally and in the state; concern with continually establishing moratoriums for projects they do not agree with; the probability of a project coming forward in the next 35 days; money for Jubilo Village; willingness to take chances; and the ability to have dialogue and meaningful engagement.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concern with bringing up affordable housing within the current conversation; lack of rules or a voice for residents; allowing residents to have a say proactively; support for resident feedback in certain instances more than others; skepticism that allowing stakeholders to have a say for 35 days is sending a message that the City Council is against business; the
likelihood of applications coming in while there are no regulations; putting neighbors at risk; and simultaneously wanting to protect neighbors and support emerging technology.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding inquiries received by staff on multiple sites throughout Culver City about the possibility of AV fleet services; an application currently in plan check for an EV charging lot; review according to state code; the ability to convert an EV lot to an AV lot; and correspondence from the AV community in the public record.
Adam Lane, Waymo, discussed concern with the approach of a moratorium; support for development of a land use classification by Culver City; lack of outreach from Culver City prior to the moratorium being presented; lack of outreach from Santa Monica in their development of an ordinance; he asserted that industry was not investing or developing charging sites in Santa Monica; lack of problems at multiple other sites across the region; lack of support for a moratorium; research into sites in Culver City that are not within 100 feet of any residences; and he indicated that he could not speak for other companies.
August 10, 2026
37 Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding acknowledgement of an inquiry received adjacent to residential; messaging to industry; the impetus for industry to act; the importance of thinking about quality of life for residents; the time-limited period for a moratorium;
understanding what is at stake; origin of the item from staff because they saw an issue and potential conflict with residents; the lawsuit with a neighboring city; and putting politics aside and working together to do what is best in the interests of the community.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding inquiries vs. actual applications; number of applications received for dedicated EV use; the ability to have meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders; whether the situation rises to the level of an emergency; and concern that if an application comes forward or permits are pulled between now and when the ordinance takes place it will be a result of the vote.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT AN URGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A 45-DAY MORATORIUM
ON ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS OR ENTITLEMENTS FOR AUTONOMOUS
VEHICLE (AV) FLEET SERVICES (FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIRED) TO
PROVIDE CITY STAFF THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESEARCH AND PRESENT POTENTIAL REGULATIONS; AND,
2. DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE FOR DIRECT CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND REPEAL THE MORATORIUM; AND,
3. DIRECT STAFF TO ENGAGE IN STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH FOR REGULATORY DECISIONS.
THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN
ABSTAIN: PUZA
NOES: VERA
RECUSED: O’BRIEN
Vice Mayor Fish extended apologies to residents if, as a result of the vote, an AV charging facility ended up in their back yard.
August 10, 2026
38 Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding ensuring that direction to staff to conduct outreach is on the record; sharing applications with the public; the ability to move forward with an agenda item for a regular ordinance and an urgency ordinance to provide regulations on September 14, 2026; and support for providing transparency with the number of applications received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR MCMORRIN AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR FISH THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. DIRECT STAFF TO PROVIDE OUTREACH TO STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES; AND,
2. DIRECT STAFF TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON EV OR AV APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BETWEEN AUGUST 10, 2026 AND SEPTEMBER 14, 2026; AND,
3. DIRECT STAFF TO BRING BACK AN URGENCY ORDINANCE AND A REGULAR ORDINANCE FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: O’BRIEN
Council Member O’Brien returned to the dais.
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Item A-6
CC - ((1) Designation of the City’s Voting Delegate and up to Two Alternate-Delegates for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference; and (2) (If Desired) Provide Guidance to the Voting Delegate Regarding Taking a Position on a Resolution to be Considered at the Conference’s General Assembly
Shelly Wolfberg, Government and Legislative Affairs
Coordinator, provided a summary of the material of record.
Mayor Puza noted that no requests to make public comment had been received.
Vice Mayor Fish indicated the desire to attend and Council Member Vera agreed to allow him to attend in his place.
August 10, 2026
39 MOVED BY VICE MAYOR FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. DESIGNATE MAYOR PUZA AS THE VOTING DELEGATE AND VICE MAYOR FISH AS ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE(S); AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE
TO CAST A VOTE ON THE RESOLUTION THAT IS PRESENTED, EXERCISING REASONABLE DISCRETION.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Puza invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak had been received.
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Items from Council Members (Continued)
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Vice Mayor Fish received full City Council consensus to discuss security costs related to street closures to activate small businesses on Main Street and use the Entertainment Zone.
The following item was agendized for future consideration:
Consideration of security costs related to street closures to activate small businesses on Main Street and make use of the Entertainment Zone
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August 10, 2026
40 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 11:35 p.m., the City Council, Housing Authority Board, Parking Authority Board, Public Finance Authority, Redevelopment Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on September 14, 2026.
o0o
Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council and SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority, Culver City Parking Authority, Culver City Public Finance Authority, and Culver City Housing Authority Board
Culver City, California
FREDDY PUZA
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, Culver City Parking Authority, and Culver City Public Finance Authority
Date: _________________________