CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6: 00 P. M. — REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Meister called the meeting to order at 6: 02 p. m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ted Green led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember D'Amico, Councilmember Erickson, Councilmember Horvath, Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne, and Mayor Meister.
ABSENT: None.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Wilson, Assistant City Manager Delgado, City Attorney Langer, Acting Director of Administrative Services Janet Jimenez, City Clerk Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Poblador.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Clerk Crowder indicated that Staff has requested that Item 2. G. be Tabled.
Mayor Meister requested that Items 5.A., S. B., 5. D., and 6.A. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Items 2. P., 2. Q., 2. S., and 2. T. respectively.
Councilmember D'Amico requested that Item 5. C. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Item 2. R.
Motion by Councilmember Erickson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne, to approve the April 4, 2022 Agenda as amended, and approved.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Mayor Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Estelle Harris.
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Sacramento Johntaya Alexander, 21; Melinda Davis, 57; Sergio Harris, 38; Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, 32; Yamile Martinez-Andrade, 21; and Devazia Turner, 29. She also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of those who have lost their lives due to the war in Ukraine.
Councilmember Horvath requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Lin Schatz, Herbert Lombardi, Anthony Vincent Zehenni, and Madeleine K. Albright.
City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
PRESENTATIONS:
Councilmember Horvath presented Proclamations to the First Responders who helped her and her neighbors when a fire occurred at their apartment building recently.
Councilmember D' Amico presented a Proclamation to the City' s Poet Laureate Brian Sonia- Wallace in honor of National Poetry Month. Mr. Wallace read his annual West Hollywood poem, " We Howl".
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Commander Ed Ramirez in honor of his recent promotion to Bureau Commander for the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT:
KAREN SWIFT AND ZUL SURANI, ON BEHALF CEDARS SINAI, spoke in support of Item 2. M.
SCOTT SCHMIDT, ON BHEALF OF EMERALD VILLAGE, spoke in support of Items
2. F. and 5. A.
JARED JACOVICH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the Public Safety Commission' s recommendations outlined in Item 4. C.
KEVIN BURTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item 5. B.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Items 2. 0. and
5. B. He also suggested renaming the Russian Advisory Board to the Eastern European Advisory Board.
JASON BECK, ON BEHALF OF EMERALD VILLAGE, spoke in support of Item 2. F.
AMBROSE BROOKS, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of the Public Safety Commission' s recommendations as outlined in Item 4.C.
WEST SEEGMILLER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding mask and vaccine requirements.
YUVAL KREMER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the renaming of the West Hollywood Library.
LARRY BLOCK, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about the removal of the Out Zone outside of his business as well as public safety.
The following Public Comments were heard prior to approval of the Consent Calendar City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
GENEVIEVE MORRILL, ON BEHALF OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, spoke regarding Item 4. C. in support of increasing law enforcement funding.
JERARD WRIGHT, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR FOR THE GREATER LOS ANGELES ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, spoke regarding Item 2. R. ( 5. C.) and expressed concern with the proposal.
ADAM DARVISH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding his concerns with Item 2. F.
Citizen Position Slip: Chad Blouin, West Hollywood, submitted a Citizen Position slip in support of Item 2.J.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Horvath requested an additional adjournment motion for Elizabeth Ann Cyr, the mother of Austin Cyr. She clarified the number of cannabis businesses in West Hollywood. She thanked Victor Omelczenko for his comments and mentioned a contact to partner with regarding Item 2. 0. With regard to Items 2. H., 2. 1., and 2. L on the Consent Calendar, she expressed a desire for more focus on counteracting domestic violence. She registered her " no" vote on Recommendation # 1 for Item S. C., as well as her abstentions on the other Recommendations contained in the staff report. She noted that she met with the Chamber of Commerce to continue the conversation regarding the City' s minimum wage ordinance. She requested that the City Council discuss the possibility of eliminating the step on July 151 given the questions and concerns expressed by the business community. She reported her attendance at the Clean Power Alliance Legislative and Regulatory Committee meeting. She also shared that she met with students at the Center for Early Education for their Day of Service at Kings Road Park. She indicated that Next Gen would hold an in- person event this summer so they can continue efforts initiated prior to COVID.
Councilmember D'Amico commented on the two cannabis items on the agenda. He thanked staff for working to bring cannabis businesses to the City. He noted that it is sale and consumption of cannabis be available at special events and limited to businesses that are part of the Emerald Village Group cannabis businesses, not honorary members of Emerald Village. For Item 2. P. ( 5.A.), he indicated that Emerald Village should pay for the education component which is noted as $ 10, 000 in the staff report.
Councilmember Erickson reported his attendance at Contract Cities Legislative Committee and the City's Housing Symposium. He commented that he met with the Climate Action Subcommittee Group of Beverly Hills. He attended the Suarez Dance Theater Event at Plummer Park as well as the screening of the short film " The Manifest of Mallery" which is about Transgender Advisory Boardmember Mallery Robinson. He thanked his colleagues for several Consent Calendar items. He wished a happy Ramadan to those celebrating. He congratulated Mr. Rincon for winning Mr. Leather.
He wished everyone a happy National Poetry Month. He requested that the City City Council Minutes
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Attorney provide an update on eviction protections given the recent passing of recent state legislation which appears to circumvent local control. He inquired if Director of Economic Development John Leonard could respond to the public comment about the City working with Emerald Village. He advertised the upcoming community cleanup event on April 10th. He thanked Commander Ed Ramirez for his service to West Hollywood and congratulated him on his promotion. He congratulated small business owners Mikey and Adam at V Wine Room on their move to Nebraska. He shared information on the upcoming low- cost pet vaccine clinic at Plummer Park on April 16th and April 30th
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne welcomed everyone back to in- person meetings. She shared a poem she wrote in honor of National Poetry Month called " Third Eye Speaks." She thanked Commander Ramirez for his service to the City. She reported her attendance at Westwood Nowruz Festival as well as the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars After Party. She also moderated the Women' s Rights Speaker Series Women' s Rights Violations in Iran". She shared that Ramadan has begun and wished everyone a joy filled Ramadan. She attended the women' s kickball league kickoff. She shared information on the next Sips with Sepi. She also shared information on upcoming community clean- up events. She inquired about the Business Task Force which was approved by the City Council in December 2020 and requested that the City Manager provide an update.
Mayor Meister reported her attendance at the Sanitation District No. 4 Personnel Committee Board meeting, the Housing Symposium, the West Hollywood Chambers Hospitality meeting, and the Center for Early Education' s Day of Service. She visited the Wall Space Gallery which has an exhibition of artwork by the City' s Transgender community. She commented on several Consent Calendar items. Regarding Item 2. F., she requested that the City Manager ensure that the community has an opportunity to provide input regarding cannabis- related special events in the City to inform staffs recommendations. She also agreed with Councilmember D'Amico that for Item 2. P.
5.A.), the Emerald Village should be asked to contribute funding. She shared that the Acting Commissioner of Social Security Administration will offer people the choice to self-select their gender. She concluded her comments by noting that April is Earth Month.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
Event Services Manager Cleo Smith and Event Services Supervisor Megan Reath provided an update regarding the inaugural West Hollywood Pride 2022.
Councilmember D'Amico inquired if they need any assistance from the City Council Pride Subcommittee to ensure the inaugural WeHo Pride is a success. Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne inquired about outreach. Jeff Consoletti of JJLA provided an update on the WeHo Pride preparation. Councilmember Erickson asked staff to attend the All Chambers business meeting to help with strategic outreach on Pride. Mayor Meister added that the Chamber of Commerce is pushing Pride out to the businesses also.
KTLA is confirmed to be the official Pride Parade broadcast live on Sunday June 5th Mr. Consoletti is working with Public Safety on camera placement and will help with City Council Minutes
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ongoing news coverage and lead- up. The LA Blade is also producing the inaugural WeHo Pride. Mr. Consoletti concluded by noting that they are working with events staff and a robust list of producers to ensure the events success.
City Attorney Langer provided an update on the eviction moratorium. She noted that the state extended protections through the end of June with the passage AB 2179. The new bill does not allow local jurisdictions to enact its own eviction protections until July 1st. She shared that the City' s Rent Stabilization Division has information and encouraged the public to reach out to Rent Stabilization staff if they have questions or concerns.
Additional Public Comments heard at this time. The comments are included under Public Comment)
Assistant City Manager Delgado provided information on the community clean- up events throughout the City. He shared that construction began today on installing lanterns along Santa Monica Boulevard between Vista and La Brea and will be ready in 2 weeks. The City is in the process of installing in- road warning lights. He shared that new parking spaces were added adjacent to West Hollywood Park. He mentioned the Bystander Intervention Training program which began last month. He noted that the City contracts with Bet Tzedek to provide legal intervention on housing issues for the community. He commented on the City's outreach for special events that include cannabis and affirmed that City staff will meet with Emerald Village. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne' s inquiry regarding the Business Task Force, he commented that staff will move forward in approximately 90 days. He followed- up with information on the public comment by Mr. Block regarding the Out Zone outside Block Party and Mickey' s.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Crowder stated that the fiscal impact on the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item 2. G. and the addition of Items 5. A., 5. B., 5. C., 5. D., and 6.A. is 152, 851 in expenditures, $ 2, 347 in revenues, and ($ 11, 440) in waived fees.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2. A.,B., C., D., E., F., H., I., J.,K., L., M., N., O.,P., Q., R., S., T. Motion by Councilmember D' Amico, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne, noting the " no" vote of Councilmember Erickson on Item 2. R. ( 5. C.) and Councilmember Horvath' s " no" vote on Recommendation # 1 in Item 2. R. ( 5. C.) and her abstentions for Recommendations #2, 3, 4, and 5. The agenda was approved.
2. A. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, April 4, 2022, was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff' s Station, and at the West Hollywood Library on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
ACTION: Receive and file. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
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2. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
SUBJECT. The City Council is requested to approve the minutes of the prior Council meeting.
ACTION: Approve the minutes of March 21, 2022. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. C. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 904 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending March 25, 2022, pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approve Demand Register NO. 904 and adopt Resolution No. 22- 5494, " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING PAYMENT OF DEMANDS
PRESENTED ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 904." Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. D. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ M.
CROWDER, A. POBLADOR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Human Services Commission, Public Safety Commission, Transportation Commission, and Russian Advisory Board regarding actions taken at their recent meeting.
ACTION: Receive and file. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. E. APPROVE AND SCHEDULE A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL STUDY
SESSION WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMISSION, LESBIAN & GAY ADVISORY BOARD, TRANSGENDER
ADVISORY BOARD, AND WOMEN' S ADVISORY BOARD TO
ADDRESS NIGHTLIFE SAFETY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, A. POBLADOR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will approve and schedule a Special Study Session with representatives of some of the City' s Commissions and Advisory Boards to address nightlife safety in the City as well as approve a date for the meeting.
ACTION: 1) Approve a Special Study Session of the City Council and representatives from the Public Safety Commission, Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board, Transgender Advisory Board, and Women' s Advisory Board; and 2) Schedule the Special Study Session for April 25 at 6: 00 p. m. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. F. CANNABIS ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE [ J. LEONARD, D. RIVAS, Y. BENITEZ]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will receive and file an update on the implementation of the City' s cannabis ordinance, including an update on City Council Minutes
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the progress made by the top scoring applicants in opening their businesses.
ACTION: Receive and file an update on the implementation of the City' s cannabis ordinance. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. G. APPROVAL OF 2023 ARTS GRANT PROGRAM [ J. LEONARD, R.
EHEMANN, E. ANGELOFF]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the City of West Hollywood' s 2023 Arts Grant Program guidelines, schedule, and funding, apart from the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival ( formerly known as One City One Pride), as recommended by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.
ACTION: This Item was Tabled.
2. H. AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER [K. COOK, J. ANUKAM]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving an amendment to the Agreement for Services with The Los Angeles LGBT Center.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Amendment to the Agreement for Services with the Los Angeles LGBT Center to increase the " not-to- exceed" amount of 221, 920 by an additional $ 14, 045. 50 for a total of $ 235, 965. 50 to cover the costs of providing additional services for an extended period of 3 months. July 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreements. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. 1. AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE
MAPLE COUNSELING CENTER [ K. COOK, J. ANUKAM]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving an amendment to the Agreement for Services with Maple Counseling Center.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Amendment to the Agreement for Services with Maple Counseling Center to increase the " not-to- exceed" amount of 142, 751 by an additional $ 8, 805. 24, for a total of $ 151, 556. 24 to cover the costs of providing additional services for an extended period of 3 months. July 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreements. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. J. ACCEPT AN EASEMENT AND RIGHT OF WAY FOR PUBLIC STREET
AND SIDEWALK PURPOSES ALONG THE ROMAINE STREET
FRONTAGE OF THE EMPIRE AT FAIRFAX LLC DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT AT 1001 FAIRFAX AVENUE [ D. RIVAS, Z. POLLARD, M.
SOLOGUB]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider accepting an easement and right of way for street and sidewalk purposes along the Romaine Street frontage of the Empire at Fairfax LLC development project located at 1001 Fairfax Avenue.
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ACTIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 22- 5495: " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ACCEPTING
GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC SIDEWALK AND PARKWAY
PURPOSES AT 1001 FAIRFAX AVENUE IN THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD"; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to submit a certified copy of Resolution, as well as the Easement in Attachment B for recordation by the office of the Recorder of the County of Los Angeles. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. K. ACCEPT AN EASEMENT AND RIGHT OF WAY FOR PUBLIC STREET
AND SIDEWALK PURPOSES ALONG THE WEST KNOLL DR
FRONTAGE OF THE 852 W N KNOLL LLC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
AT 852 WEST KNOLL DRIVE [ D. RIVAS, Z. POLLARD, L. THU]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider accepting an easement and right of way for street and sidewalk purposes along the West Knoll frontage of the 852 N W Knoll LLC development project located at 852 West Knoll Drive.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 22- 5496: " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ACCEPTING
GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC SIDEWALK AND PARKWAY
PURPOSES AT 852 WEST KNOLL DRIVE IN THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD"; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to submit a certified copy of Resolution, as well as the Easement in Attachment B for recordation by the office of the Recorder of the County of Los Angeles. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. L. CO- SPONSORSHIP OF THE NAMI WESTSIDE LOS ANGELES
LISTENING SESSION AND TOWN HALL [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, M. MARQUEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider co-sponsoring a listening session and town hall with National Alliance on Mental Illness Westside Los Angeles ( NAMI WLA). The two events will be held virtually on April 21, 2022, and May 11, 2022, to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month.
ACTIONS: 1) Authorize co- sponsorship of a listening session and town hall with National Alliance on Mental Illness Westside Los Angeles to be held on April 21, 2022 and May 11, 2022, to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month, which is recognized each May; 2) Authorize the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials for the events; 3) Direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the events including, but not limited to, the City' s website, a press release, and social media tools; and 4) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the co- sponsorship agreements.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes
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2. M. CO- SPONSORSHIP OF THE LGBTQ+ CANCER SYMPOSIUM WITH CEDARS- SINAI [ L. MEISTER, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, M.
MARQUEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider co-sponsoring the LGBTQ+ Cancer Symposium to be hosted by Cedars- Sinai on June 2-3, 2022, at the Sofitel Hotel( 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles).
ACTIONS: 1) Authorize co- sponsorship of the LGBTQ+ Cancer Symposium hosted by Cedars-Sinai on June 2- 3, 2022; 2) Authorize the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials for the events; 3) Direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the symposium including, but not limited to, the City' s website and social media tools; and 4) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the co- sponsorship agreements. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. N. CO-SPONSORSHIP OF AIDS LIFECYCLE 2022 [ J. D'AMICO, Y.
QUARKER, C. SMITH, M. REATH, J. HEREDIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider fee waivers and closure requests related to AIDS/LifeCycle 2022 participants' passage through West Hollywood along Santa Monica Blvd. on their way to the Finish Line Festival, taking place at Fairfax High School on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve partial closures of Santa Monica Blvd., and Ogden Drive on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 8: 00 a. m. to 5: 00 p. m. in preparation for participant arrivals; 2) Approve fee waivers and potential loss of revenue in an amount not to exceed $ 3, 947, which includes the waiver of Special Event Permit fees ($ 1, 250), Encroachment Permit fees 350) and potential loss of Parking Meter revenue ( not to exceed $ 2347); and 3) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the co- sponsorship agreement and to negotiate with AIDS/ Life Cycle regarding any additional requests. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. 0. 2022 WEST HOLLYWOOD FUNDRAISER FOR REFUGEES FROM
UKRAINE IN RECOGNITION OF RUSSIAN ARTS AND CULTURE
MONTH [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, T. RODZINEK]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on the programming for Russian Arts and Culture Month, which will take place in May 2022. On Sunday, May 22, 2022, the City, and its Russian Advisory Board will host a West Hollywood Fundraiser for Refugees from Ukraine in place of its annual Russian Arts and Culture Festival programming. The events throughout the month are endorsed by the Russian Advisory Board and will be held in person and turned into online events, if necessary, in case of new COVID- 19 emergency orders.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the recommendation from the Russian Advisory Board to host the 2022 West Hollywood Fundraiser for Refugees from Ukraine in place of its annual Russian Arts and Culture Festival, and other City Council Minutes
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cultural events to benefit refugees from Ukraine, and direct staff to coordinate and promote these events; 2) Authorize use of the City name and logo on promotional and collateral materials and the promotion of the events through the City's website, calendar, and social media networks; 3) Make approvals contingent on the execution of appropriate permits and contractual agreements with the various producers and non- profit organizations; 4) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to increase budgeted revenues in account 100-463007 and budgeted expenditures in account 100- 1- 01- 18- 535012 in the amount of sponsorships received; 5) Authorize staff to negotiate event sponsorship agreements if applicable in consultation with the Finance Department or City Attorney and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to any event sponsorship agreements; 6) Waive all city fees, including building and safety permits ( approximately $ 1, 000), special event permit fees ( approximately $ 2, 740), and Plummer Park facility fees ( approximately $ 3,000), for the month of May 2022; 7) Waive permitted parking on Vista Street and Fuller Avenue from 7: 00 a. m. until midnight on Sunday, May 22, 2022; 8) Provide parking validation for approximately 250 people at the 5- story parking garage for two events ( on dates to be determined later) that will take place in the Council Chambers during the Russian Arts and Culture Month and waive associated parking fees ($ 2, 250); and 9) Approve use of West Hollywood City Council Chambers from 10: 00 a. m. until 11: 00 p. m. ( on dates to be determined later) for two theatrical performances and waive associated facility rental fees ($ 855). Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. P. ( 5.A.) SAFE CANNABIS USE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN [ L.
MEISTER, J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT The City Council will consider directing staff to develop an education campaign focusing on safe adult use of cannabis in light of the anticipated opening of new retail stores and lounges. The City Council will also consider directing staff to monitor cannabis licensee training protocols and report back to Council on program compliance.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to develop an education campaign to promote safe adult cannabis use in light of the anticipated opening of new retail stores and lounges in the City; 2) Direct staff to monitor the current training protocols for cannabis licensees and report back to Council on program compliance and any recommended municipal code amendments if needed; 3) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 10, 000 from unallocated General Fund reserves to the Special Council Programs Account 100- 1- 01- 00- 531001, and increase the budget for Special Council Programs by the same amount; and 4) Authorize the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $ 10, 000 from budgeted funds in the Special Council Programs account number 100- 1- 01- 00- 531001 for costs associated with the public education campaign.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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2. Q. ( 5.B.) MID- CITY STREET LANTERNS [ S. SHYNE, L. HORVATH, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider installing decorative lanterns across Santa Monica Boulevard in the mid-city area of West Hollywood.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to issue a Request for Proposals ( RFP) for the design and installation of decorative lanterns across Santa Monica Boulevard in the mid-city area of West Hollywood; and 2) Direct staff to return to City Council with the design options and proposed boundaries, as well as a recommendation to move forward with the construction contract based on the results of the RFP. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. R. ( 5. C.) RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL VACANCY TAX [ L.
MEISTER, S. SHYNE, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to perform an analysis of residential and commercial vacancy taxes. As part of the analysis, staff will perform community outreach with relevant stakeholders and will enter into an Agreement for Services to perform a statistically significant community survey on the potential local ballot initiatives. Staff will return to City Council with the results of the analysis, polling data, and next steps for consideration to place the vacancy tax measures on the November 2022 ballot.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to perform an analysis of commercial and residential vacancy taxes, including performing community outreach to various stakeholders including but not limited to West Hollywood neighborhood groups, CES, AAGLA, GLAAR, and West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; 2) Direct staff to enter into an Agreement for Services with Fairbank, Maslin, Maulin, Metz & Associates ( FM3) for a not-to- exceed amount of $ 40, 000 to conduct a statistically significant community survey on the potential local ballot initiatives to establish a residential and commercial vacancy tax; 3) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement for Services; 4) Return to City Council with the findings of staffs analysis and community engagement, the polling data and results from the statistically significant community survey, and an outline of next steps to place the vacancy tax measures on the November 2022 ballot; and 5) Authorize the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $ 40,000 from unallocated General Fund reserves for costs associated with the statistically significant community survey. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.S. ( 5.D.) BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE TOUR [ J. ERICKSON, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to develop a bicycle infrastructure tour in partnership with the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition and other members of the City's Bicycle & Micromobility Working Group, as well as the consultants working on the protected bicycle lane feasibility studies. Representatives from staff and/ or the West Hollywood City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
Bicycle Coalition will lead the City Councilmembers on individual guided bicycle tours to review and experience the existing bicycle infrastructure.
The bicycle infrastructure tour route will also be made available to community members, Transportation Commissioners, and others who are interested in participating on their own.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to develop a bicycle infrastructure tour in partnership with the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition, other members of the City' s Bicycle & Micromobility Working Group, and the protected bicycle lane feasibility study consultants; and 2) Direct staff to work with the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition to organize individual guided infrastructure tours with each of the Councilmembers to review and experience the existing bicycle infrastructure in the City, as well as to make the tour route available to community members, Transportation Commissioners, and others who may be interested in participating on their own. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2. T. ( 6.A.) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 3. 20 REGARDING LIVING WAGE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS [ D. WILSON, C.
SAFRIET, L. LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amendments to Title 3 ( Revenue and Finance) of the West Hollywood Municipal Code Chapter 3. 20 concerning Living Wage requirements for Service Contracts.
ACTION: Introduce on First Reading ORDINANCE No. 22- 1179, " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3. 20 REGARDING LIVING WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS."
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
4.A. DISCUSSION REGARDING RESUMING IN- PERSON COMMISSION, ADVISORY BOARD, AND TASK FORCE MEETINGS [ D. WILSON, L.
LANGER, J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will discuss resuming in-person Commission, Advisory Board, and Task Force meetings.
City Clerk Melissa Crowder provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 4, 2022.
Mayor Meister inquired if the Commissions, Advisory Boards, and Task Forces have been informed of the upcoming change, and if they have the ability to teleconference if that is their preference. City Clerk Crowder responded that the plan was to notify the Commission, Advisory Board, and Task Force liaisons and secretaries once the item is approved of the City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
return to in person meeting. She also shared that as long as the City remains in a declared emergency and AB 361 is in place that there is the ability to resume teleconference meetings should the COVID positivity rate spike with the new variant.
ACTIONS: 1) All City Commissions to resume in- person meetings as of May 2022; 2) All Advisory Boards to resume in- person meetings as of June 2022; 3) All Task Forces to resume in- person meetings as of June 2022; and 4) Authorize the City Manager to determine when public meetings need to be conducted via teleconference, based on guidance and data released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Motion by Councilmember Erickson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne, and approved.
4. B. APPOINTMENT TO THE WOMEN' S ADVISORY BOARD [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, A. POBLADOR]:
SUBJECT: Councilmember D'Amico will make his direct appointment to the Women' s Advisory Board.
ACTION: Councilmember D'Amico appointed MALLERY ROBINSON to the Women' s Advisory Board for a term ending February 28, 2023.
The City Council took a recess at 7:51 p.m. and returned at 8:02 p.m.**
4. C. PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE [ K. COOK, E. RAMIREZ, D. SMITH, D.
RIVAS, C. SCHROEDER, C. PLANCK, D. GIUGNI]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on public safety activities, including updates on crime statistics from July to December 2021; Block by Block eastside kiosk; protocols for taking criminal reports; audit of Sheriff' s contract; justice and equity in policing initiatives; Public Safety Commission activities; collaboration between social services outreach and law enforcement; and interdepartmental activities.
City Manager David Wilson and Commander Ed Ramirez provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 4, 2022.
Lieutenant Bryan Aguilera of Contract Law Enforcement Bureau provided a presentation on the foundations of the current contract with the Sheriffs Department.
Councilmember Horvath inquired about CARP' g ( Cadre Administrative Reassignment of Personnel) which is an option utilized by the Unit Commander to reduce the use of overtime. Lt. Aguilera responded to this inquiry.
Dr. Jared Knowles, Founder and President of Civilytics, provided information on the analysis that he provided at the request of Public Safety City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
Commissioner Nika Soon-Shiong. This analysis was presented to the Public Safety Commission at its February 14th meeting.
Councilmember Horvath queried if Dr. Knowles' analysis would have any substantive changes with the information presented by Lt. Aguilera tonight, and he responded that it would not change substantially.
Mayor Meister inquired if he compared the Sheriffs data to other public safety agencies. Mr. Knowles indicated that he did not. She asked if there are other factors aside from inflation that affect rates. Mr. Knowles mentioned that the County' s contracts with its unions are the biggest cost drivers. Mayor Meister asked who paid for the research conducted by Civilytics. Mr. Knowles responded that it was conducted pro bono.
Councilmember Erickson asked if Dr. Knowles faced transparency issues with other contract cities that he has studied. Dr. Knowles confirmed that it is a common issue.
Councilmember D' Amico inquired about the response by the Board of Supervisors, and more specifically any response by Supervisor Sheila Keuhl to the audit conducted by a private firm hired by the County Board of Supervisors with regard to the recommendations to increase rates presented by the private audit firm. Lt. Aguilera did not recall Supervisor Keuhl' s response. He indicated that the direction was for the bureau to conduct a cost analysis of the recommendations and report back to the LA County Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Erickson requested clarification on the auditor general' s report of alleged overtime fraud at the West Hollywood station. Lt. Aguilera stated the bureau is open to any and all independent audits. He further shared that the bureau receives many California Public Records Act CPRA) requests each year and that a CPRA was not submitted by Civilytics.
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne inquired if the bureau would be open to additional independent audits. Unit Commander Sergio Escobedo confirmed that they are open to providing any data requested. Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne mentioned recent media reports that reference the Safe Cities Report by Safewise and asked Public Safety Director Kristin Cook to address the validity of the report. Ms. Cook responded.
ALAN STRASBURG, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to
reducing the sheriffs budget.
ROBERT OLIVER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, wished a happy Ramadan to those that celebrate it. He requested that the City Council adjourn in memory of the 11 individuals, including one police officer, who lost their City Council Minutes
Monday, April 4, 2022
lives due to acts of terror in Israel. He spoke in favor of a robust analysis to support all first responders.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
JORDAN DAVID, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the Public Safety Commission' s recommendation to reallocate public safety funds to social services.
CHAD BLOUIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in favor of increasing the number of deputies at the West Hollywood Sheriffs Station.
PATRICK SHANDRICK, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
DEMITRI KERMANI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about his experience as a volunteer with the sheriffs department.
KERRI BALBONE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the February 14th Public Safety Commission meeting and the motion, noting that the vote was premature.
PIERRE FOLLARI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
AMBROSE BROOKS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about fiscal
responsibility and redirection of funds to social services.
LARRY BLOCK, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD spoke in favor of budget analysis to guide fiscal responsibility and budgeting.
MANNY RODRIGUEZ, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
ALEXANDER BAZLEY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
LESLIE KARLISS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to reducing the sheriffs budget.
ROSS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of relieving police from social work.
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VETTE ALE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the Public Safety Commission' s recommendation to reallocate sheriffs' funds to social services.
RICCI SERGIENKO, spoke about media reports of gangs within the LA sheriffs department.
MEGAN, REIMAGINE LA, spoke in support of reimagining public safety and that contract cities should cease investing into an ineffective model of public safety.
LEX STEPPLING, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding his experience as a mental health case worker and shared that people do not accurately report their risk to law enforcement.
Councilmember D'Amico asked Strategic Initiatives Manager Corri Planck to speak on the Mental Health Evaluation Teams. He asked Social Services Manager David Giugni to speak on social services contracts and after hours and weekend outreach teams.
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne requested that Social Services Manager David Giugni share information about MIT ( Mobile Interdisciplinary Team), which is part of the City' s contract with Step Up on Second and includes medical professionals. Mr. Giugni provided additional information as well as the cost of the City' s contract with Step Up on Second.
Councilmember Erickson requested clarification from City Manager Wilson on the purpose of tonight' s staff report. City Manager Wilson stated that this item is essentially a Receive and File; however, staff needs the City Council' s priorities to inform the budget discussion in June.
Councilmember Erickson expressed concern for the safety of residents and requested that Commander Ramirez create a plan to help make residents feel safe.
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne indicated that she does not see a direct correlation based on the data provided that less deputies equates to more crime or that more deputies will result in less crime.
Councilmember Horvath commented that communication and using the correct words are essential to this conversation. She shared that the City can increase the number of security ambassadors for less money than additional deputies. She noted that investing in pre-trial programs are important as well. She affirmed her support for the Behavioral Health Crisis Unit. She also requested expanding the City's ALPR ( Automated License Plate Readers) program to assist with crime prevention. She provided her priorities including: investing in more systems of care, an City Council Minutes
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audit of the Sheriffs Department activity in the City, reducing the cost of liability caused by interactions with deputies, and a comprehensive Public Safety Plan. She also requested that the City Council Budget & Finance Subcommittee make recommendations to the full City Council that are based on tonight' s conversation.
Mayor Meister mentioned that she and Councilmember D' Amico requested an audit in 2020 as had the Contract Cities Association. She provided her priorities including: Municipal Contract Study, increase in ALPR cameras, keep other services stable, including the Sheriffs, as the Behavioral Health Crisis Unit is implemented, and more transparency from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. She asked staff if the Center for Policing Equity ( CPE) study can include comparisons with other urban California cities and cities nationwide of a similar size to West Hollywood. She thanked the volunteers at the West Hollywood Sheriffs Station. She asked about liability costs that add to the City' s overall costs for public safety and how those could be reduced.
Councilmember D'Amico made a motion to 1) audit the cost and services in the City' s contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department by line item; 2) Provide a copy of the study done every five ( 5) years and brought to the Public Safety Commission for discussion; 3) Increase the number of ALPR cameras in the City; and 4) Create a Public Safety Strategy. Councilmember Erickson seconded the motion.
Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne requested a friendly amendment to the motion to include adding additional MIT Teams, additional non- armed private security companies, and provide information and report back on various scenarios of reducing the Sheriffs budget and increasing social services funding. The friendly amendment was approved.
Mayor Meister confirmed that the motion did not include a reduction of Sheriffs deputies.
ACTIONS: 1) Audit the cost and services in the City' s contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department by line item; 2) Provide a copy of the study done every five ( 5) years and brought to the Public Safety Commission for discussion; 3) Increase the number of ALPR cameras in the City; 4) Create a Public Safety Strategy; 5) Add additional MIT Teams; 6) Additional non- armed private security companies; and 7) Provide information and report back on various scenarios of reducing the Sheriffs budget and increasing social services funding. Motion by Councilmember D' Amico, seconded by Councilmember Erickson, and approved.
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5. NEW BUSINESS:
5.A. SAFE CANNABIS USE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN [ L.
MEISTER, J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to develop an education campaign focusing on safe adult use of cannabis in light of the anticipated opening of new retail stores and lounges. The City Council will also consider directing staff to monitor cannabis licensee training protocols and report back to Council on program compliance.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
S. B. MID-CITY STREET LANTERNS [ S. SHYNE, L. HORVATH, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider installing decorative lanterns across Santa Monica Boulevard in the mid- city area of West Hollywood.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
5. C. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL VACANCY TAX [ L. MEISTER, S.
SHYNE, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to perform an analysis of residential and commercial vacancy taxes. As part of the analysis, staff will perform community outreach with relevant stakeholders and will enter into an Agreement for Services to perform a statistically significant community survey on the potential local ballot initiatives. Staff will return to City Council with the results of the analysis, polling data, and next steps for consideration to place the vacancy tax measures on the November 2022 ballot.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
5. D. BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE TOUR [ J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to develop a bicycle infrastructure tour in partnership with the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition and other members of the City' s Bicycle & Micromobility Working Group, as well as the consultants working on the protected bicycle lane feasibility studies. Representatives from staff and/or the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition will lead the City Councilmembers on individual guided bicycle tours to review and experience the existing bicycle infrastructure.
The bicycle infrastructure tour route will also be made available to community members, Transportation Commissioners, and others who are interested in participating on their own.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
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6. LEGISLATIVE:
6.A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 3. 20 REGARDING LIVING WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SERVICE CONTRACTS [ D. WILSON, C. SAFRIET, L. LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amendments to Title 3 ( Revenue and Finance) of the West Hollywood Municipal Code Chapter 3. 20 concerning Living Wage requirements for Service Contracts.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS:
Councilmember Erickson thanked his colleagues for tonight' s Public Safety conversation.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 12: 20 a. m. in memory of Lin Schatz, Herbert Lombardi, Anthony Vincent Zehenni, Madeleine K. Albright, Johntaya Alexander, Melinda Davis, Sergio Harris, Joshua Hoye- Lucchesi, Yamile MartinezAndrade, Devazia Turner, Estelle Harris, and Elizabeth Ann Cyr to its next regular meeting, which will be on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 6: 00 p. m. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 18th day of April 2022 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: D'Amico, Erickson, Horvath, Mayor Pro Tempore Shyne, and Mayor Meister.
NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
LAUREN MEISTER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Adizoie
MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK