CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6:00 P.M. – REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Shyne called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgment.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Barbara Meltzer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Byers, Councilmember Heilman,
Councilmember Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and
Mayor Shyne.
ABSENT: None.
ALSO PRESENT: Deputy City Manager Rocco, City Attorney Langer, Administrative Services Director Janet Jimenez, City Clerk Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Morales.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Clerk Crowder indicated that Item 2.B. (April 3, 2023 meeting minutes) would reflect Citizen Position Slips from Victor Omelczenko and Michael Haddad in support of the appeal (Item 3.B.). Additionally, she noted that the Public Hearing, Item 3.B. on tonight’s agenda, would be continued to May 1st at the request of the appellant, Lynn Russell.
Councilmember Meister requested that Items 5.B., 6.A., 6.C., 6.D. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Items 2.P., 2.Q., 2.R., and 2.S., respectively.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that Item 4.C. be moved to the Consent Calendar. (Item 4.C. was kept as a Legislative item after the City Council heard from members of the public.)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Heilman, to approve the April 17, 2023 agenda, as amended.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Michelle Mindlin.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Sharyn Ritchie and Anna L. Ramirez.
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PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson presented a Proclamation to Sky Patrick from Los Angeles County Library in recognition of National Library Appreciation Month.
Councilmember Byers presented a Proclamation to members of the Buy Nothing Project.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT:
KARINA SAMALA, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of Item 2.O. stating it was necessary for cities to recognize the transgender community and noting the struggles with the anti-transgender movement.
TAIMIE BRYANT, VENICE, spoke in support of Item 4.C., and requested a change to the definition of “animal” in the proposed ordinance.
COURTNEY PENLEY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item 4.C.
JAKOB SHAW, spoke on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), in support of Item 4.C.
DR. JENNIFER CONRAD, SANTA MONICA, spoke in support of Item 4.C. She also indicated her support for revising the definition of “animal” in the proposed ordinance.
DR. JIM JENSVOLD, WEST HILLS, spoke regarding the accomplishments of the Declawing Ordinance and spoke in support of agenda Item 4.C., thanking the City Council for setting a precedent for other jurisdictions.
KAREN EYRES, spoke on behalf of California NOW, in support of Item 6.A.
MATHEW BRAUN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of agenda Item 4.C., congratulating the City Council for being the first City to approve this type of ordinance.
CHRISTINE RENAY, CALABASAS, spoke in support of agenda Item 4.C., and commented on her efforts in preserving wildlife, requesting invertebrates and nonvertebrate be included in the language of the ordinance.
BRITTANY DRAKE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of agenda Item 4.C., and commented on the excruciating pain it inflicts on rats.
MARY KATE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding agenda Item 6.C., and recommended the City enforce language delineated within the ordinance.
ALLAN WILION, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in objection to moving agenda items to consent, and in opposition to agenda Item 4.C.
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ALISON TAYLOR, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of agenda Item 4.C.
RON MCGUILL, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of agenda Item 2.O. and 4.C., stating it set a standard for other cities.
STEPHANIE ACKER, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of agenda item 6.C.
JAMIE FRANCIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of agenda item 4.C., to ban all glue traps; and spoke on agenda Item 6.C., sharing a personal experience where a landlord did not address mold and spoke in support of an update ordinance to protect tenants from this type of issue.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
Deputy City Manager Jackie Rocco provided an update on the Kings Road Parking Garage noting that it was scheduled to undergo maintenance which will take approximately six weeks to complete. She provided an update on the Hollowing Interim Housing Program. She invited residents to participate in the upcoming Finance and Budget Subcommittee meeting this Thursday. She invited West Hollywood Sheriff’s Captain Bill Moulder to provide an update on the incident that occurred on Friday, April 7th.
Captain Moulder provided an in-depth update on the incident where Sheriff’s Deputies responded to shots fired at the Dylan apartment building.
Mayor Shyne indicated that after hearing from members of the public, she would like Item 4.C. to remain a Legislative item. The City Council concurred.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Crowder stated that the fiscal impact on the Consent Calendar with the addition of Items 2.P., 2.Q., 2.R., and 2.S. was $1,241,000 in expenditures, $838,831 in revenue, and ($29,093) in waived fees.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.A.,B.,C.,D.,E.,F.,G.,H.,I.,J.,K.,L.,M.,N.,O.,P.,Q.,R.,S. Motion by Heilman, seconded by Meister, and approved.
2.A. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, April 17, 2023 was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff’s Station, and at the West Hollywood Library on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
ACTION: Receive and file. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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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 April 3, 2023. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.C. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 927 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, S. HERNANDEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending April 7, 2023 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approve Demand Register No. 927 and adopt Resolution No. 23-033, “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING PAYMENT OF DEMANDS
PRESENTED ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 927.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.D. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Human Services Commission, Rent Stabilization Commission, Senior Advisory Board, and Women’s Advisory Board regarding actions taken at their recent meetings.
ACTION: Receive and File. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.E. TREASURER’S REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2023 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, K. BARENG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer’s Reports for the month ended February 2023 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Receive and file the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.F. METRO UPDATE [J. KEHO, F. CONTRERAS, D. FENN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on the Northern Extension of the Metro K Line ( formerly known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line), including Metro’s ongoing environmental analysis and design process, Metro and City-led community outreach, the parallel City-led Rail Integration and Funding studies, related state legislative pursuits, and critical upcoming project milestones.
ACTION: Receive an update on the Northern Extension of the Metro K Line. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.G. AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH JCL TRAFFIC SERVICES FOR
ON-CALL TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SITE SERVICES FOR SPECIAL
EVENTS [ Y. QUARKER, C. SMITH, M. REATH, J. HEREDIA]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will consider awarding an Agreement for Services with JCL Traffic Services for on-call traffic control and site services for special events.
ACTION: 1) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with JCL Traffic Services in an amount not-to-exceed $750,000 to provide on-call traffic control and site services for special events; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the award of the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.H. ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HERMOSA
BEACH AND THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FOR THE
EXCHANGE OF PROPOSITION A LOCAL RETURN FUNDS [ C.
SCHROEDER, L. ISENBERG, F. GOMEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a General Fund trade agreement for Proposition A Local Return Funds with the City of Hermosa Beach.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Assignment Agreement for a Proposition A local return fund exchange with the City of Hermosa Beach for $490,000 in City of West Hollywood General Fund dollars in exchange for $700,000 in City of Hermosa Beach Proposition A Funds and authorize the City Manager to execute documents incident to the Agreement; and 2) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 490,000 from reserves committed for Proposition A purchases in the General Fund to the Expenditure for Traded Funds account ( 100-1-03-31-531016).
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.I. NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR LED STREETLIGHT CONVERSION PROJECT [S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR, R. GARLAND]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the Notice of Completion for the LED Streetlight Conversion Project by Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc.
ACTIONS: Accept the work and authorize the following: a. File the Notice of Completion by the City Clerk with the Los Angeles Recorder’s Office, b.
Issue the final payment to the contractor at the end of the 35 day lien period, c. Release of the Performance Bond on the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion, d. Release of the Payment Bond 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion, pending no receipt of Stop Notices from material suppliers or subcontractors. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.J. NAMING OF THE INTERSECTION AT LEXINGTON AVENUE AND NORTH LA BREA AVENUE [S. CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider the recommendation from the Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission to name the intersection at Lexington Avenue and North La Brea Avenue as the Shalom Peace Square” and approve the signage.
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ACTION: 1) Approve the recommendation from the Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission to name the intersection at Lexington Avenue and North La Brea Avenue as the “ Shalom Peace Square;” and 2) Approve the proposed signage and its locations Attachment A). Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.K. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH
WALGREENS CO., WALMART, INC., CVS HEALTH
CORPORATION/CVS PHARMACY INC., TEVA PHARMACEUTICAL
INDUSTRIALS LTD., AND ALLERGAN FINANCE LLC/ALLERGAN
LIMITED, AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THE STATE-SUBDIVISION
AGREEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZE ENTRY INTO THE STATESUBDIVISION AGREEMENTS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; AND
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO
FUTURE OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS OF A SIMILAR
NATURE [C. SCHROEDER, L. ISENBERG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a resolution opting into settlement agreements with various distributors of opioids, including Walgreens Co., Walmart, Inc., and CVS Health Corporation/CVS Pharmacy, Inc., and opioid manufacturers.
ACTIONS: It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution 23- 034: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH
WALGREENS CO., WALMART, INC., CVS HEALTH
CORPORATION/CVS PHARMACY INC., TEVA PHARMACEUTICAL
INDUSTRIALS LTD., AND ALLERGAN FINANCE LLC/ALLERGAN
LIMITED, AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THE STATE-SUBDIVISION
AGREEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZE ENTRY INTO THE STATESUBDIVISION AGREEMENTS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL; AND
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO
FUTURE OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS OF A SIMILAR
NATURE. Adopting this Resolution will cause the City to: 1) Opt into settlement agreement with opioid distributor, Walgreens Co., and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; 2) Opt into settlement agreement with opioid distributor, Walmart, Inc. and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; 3) Opt into settlement agreement with opioid distributor, CVS Health Corporation/CVS Pharmacy, Inc. and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; 4) Opt into settlement agreement with opioid manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to implement the action; 5) Opt into settlement agreement with opioid manufacturer, Allergan Finance, LLC/Allergan Limited and direct the City Manager to execute any documents necessary DocuSign Envelope ID: 8CC3BEEE- 8008-49DF-A22E-FA98C187ACD1 City Council Minutes
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to implement the action; and 6) Authorize the City Manager to execute any future documents necessary to settle and release the City’s claims against any other manufacturers and/or distributors of various opioids based on the allegation that the defendants’ unlawful conduct caused the opioid epidemic (“Future Settling Defendants”), in exchange for consideration set forth in agreements substantially similar to the settlement agreements currently before the Council. Unless the City intends to pursue its own litigation against these parties, it is recommended that the City opt into the settlement and elect to receive payments directly. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.L. APPROVAL OF A THREE-YEAR CO-SPONSORSHIP FOR THE
ANNUAL AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES FUNDRAISING EVENT [ Y.
QUARKER, C. SMITH, M. REATH, B. SMITH]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider APLA Health’s request to cosponsor the Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles Fundraising Event from 2023 through 2025, including a request to authorize the City Manager to negotiate annual Permit to Use City Property agreements with APLA Health.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve a three-year co-sponsorship of the AIDS Walk Los Angeles Fundraising event, to be held annually in West Hollywood Park and surrounding streets. On the following dates: Sunday, October 15, 2023, Sunday, October 13, 2024, and Sunday, October 12, 2025; 2) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute documents incident to the annual Co-sponsorship agreements, including an annual Permit to Use City Property Agreement ( similar in form to Attachment A) that defines facility uses, street closures and the terms of the relationship between the City and APLA Health for years 2023, 2024 and 2025; 3) Approve the waiver of Building and Safety Permit Fees, Encroachment Permit Fees, Film Permit Fees, Extended Hours Permit Fees, Intermittent Traffic Control Fees, Park Facility Use and Rental Permit Fees, Parking Meter Fees, Post Event Inspection Fees, Sidewalk Encroachment Fees, Special Event Permit Fees, Street Closure Fees and Temporary Lane Closure Fees, for years 2023, 2024 and 2025 events, as outlined in the Fiscal Impact section of this staff report; 4) Approve the exclusive use of the northern West Hollywood Park areas and basketball courts for Saturday, October 14, 2023, Sunday, October 15, 2023, Saturday, October 12, 2024, Sunday, October 13, 2024, and Saturday, October 11, 2025, and Sunday, October 12, 2025; 5) Approve the street closure of San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue including alleyways from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, October 13, 2024, and October 12, 2025. The closures will include a 20-foot fire lane to allow for emergency vehicles and Metro buses; 6) Approve the street closure of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, Sunday, October 13, 2024, and Sunday, October 12, 2025; 7) Approve a reduced parking rate of $6 per vehicle per day in the DocuSign Envelope ID: 8CC3BEEE- 8008-49DF-A22E-FA98C187ACD1 City Council Minutes
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Five Story Parking Structure for production staff, crew and dignitary parking; and 8) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate additional requests with APLA Health, including minor annual requests related to use of City parking facilities and City park facilities. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.M. ISRAEL’S 75TH INDEPENDENCE DAY [S. SHYNE, C. BYERS, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to light City Hall the colors of the Israeli flag in recognition of Israel’s 75th Independence Day from May 12 to May 15.
ACTION: Direct the Facilities & Field Services Division to use special blue and white lighting at City Hall from May 12 through May 15, 2023, in recognition of Israel’s 75th Independence Day. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.N. A RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF MAY AS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD [ L.
MEISTER, S. SHYNE, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution recognizing the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of West Hollywood, to celebrate the vibrant history and culture of Jewish Americans and to reiterate opposition to all forms of antisemitism, hate, and bigotry.
ACTION: Adopt Resolution No. 23-035, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD IN RECOGNITION OF MAY AS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.O. A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD A SANCTUARY CITY FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE [ C. BYERS, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution declaring the City of West Hollywood a sanctuary city for transgender people.
ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 23-036 “ A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD DECLARING
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD A SANCTUARY CITY FOR
TRANSGENDER PEOPLE;” and 2) Direct staff to send copies of the resolution to California Governor Gavin Newsom, California State Senator Ben Allen, California State Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, and others as deemed appropriate. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.P ( 5.B.) CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JUNE AND AUGUST 2023 [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider cancelling the first meeting in June 2023 and August 2023.
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ACTION: Cancel the June 12th and August 7th City Council meetings.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.Q. ( 6.A.) CO-SPONSORSHIP OF CALIFORNIA NATIONAL
ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN STATE CONFERENCE [ Y. QUARKER,
A. LOVANO, L. FOOKS]:
SUBJECT: The West Hollywood City Council will consider a request to co-sponsor the California National Organization for Women State Conference.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the Co-sponsorship of the California National Organization for Women State Conference on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in the Aquatic and Recreation Center ( ARC) in West Hollywood Park; 2) Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute documents incident to the Co-Sponsorship agreement between the City and California NOW the California Chapter of the National Organization for Women.); 3) Authorize the use of the City name and logo on collateral materials; 4) Direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the event, including, but not limited to, the City’s website and social media channels; 5) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 1,000 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; 6) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $1,000 from Fiscal Year 2022-23 funds in the Special Council Programs Account 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with financial support; and 7) Approve the waiver of the facility use fee for the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center. (Estimated $2,094 in waived fees) Approve the waiver of parking fees at the 5-story parking lot for event attendees. ( Estimated $ 840 in waived fees) Waiver of film permit fees (Estimated $2,100 in waived fees) and any other permit fees required for the successful execution of the event. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.R. ( 6.C.) MOLD INSPECTION AND REMEDIATION REPORTS [ J.
ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff and the City Attorney to research options to help alleviate the cost to tenants for mold inspection and remediation reports.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff and the City Attorney to research options for alleviating the cost to tenants for mold inspection and remediation reports; and 2) Return to City Council with options for consideration. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.S. ( 6.D.) ESTABLISH CENTENARIAN RECOGNITION PROGRAM TO HONOR CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD RESIDENTS [J. ERICKSON, C.
BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to develop a centenarian recognition program to honor and uplift residents of the City of West Hollywood who are 100 years old and older.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to develop a centenarian recognition program to honor the City’s residents who are 100 years old and older; and 2) Direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools, including, the City’s website and social media channels to promote the centenarian recognition program in the City of West Hollywood.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3.A. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 23-12 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE
32 – FIRE CODE - OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE,
INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2022 EDITION,
WITH CERTAIN CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS; MAKING
AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES; AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE; AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”
M. CROWDER, J. JIMENEZ, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 23-12, amending Title 14 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code to incorporate certain changes from the California Fire Code 2022 edition adopting by reference Title 32 - Fire Code - of the Los Angeles County Code. The proposed Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (" CEQA") pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Mayor Shyne opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Crowder reported that the Public Hearing was noticed as required by law.
City Clerk Crowder provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 17, 2023.
No members of the public came forward.
Mayor Shyne closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 23-12, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 32 – FIRE
CODE - OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING
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THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2022 EDITION, WITH CERTAIN
CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS; MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID
CODES; AMENDING TITLE 14 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”. Motion by Heilman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and approved.
3.B. APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S APPROVAL TO
DEMOLISH ALL EXISTING STRUCTURES ON THE PROPERTY
WHICH ENCOMPASSES A RELIGIOUS FACILITY, BANQUET
FACILITIES, AND A SCHOOL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW
FIVE-STORY, 90-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING ( WITH 14
AFFORDABLE UNITS) OVER A SUBTERRANEAN PARKING GARAGE
AT N. 1305-1317 CRESCENT HEIGHTS BOULEVARD, WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA [J. KEHO, J. ALKIRE, A. GALLO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider an appeal filed by Lynn Russell regarding the Planning Commission’s adoption of Resolution No. PC 22- 1496, which found the project to be exempt from CEQA under Section 15332 ( In-fill Development Projects), and approved the demolition of a religious facility, banquet halls, and a school, to construct a new five-story, 90-unit rental apartment building over subterranean parking. The project utilizes a state density bonus, concessions, and provides fourteen units of affordable housing.
ACTION: The Public Hearing was continued to May 1, 2023, at the request of the Appellant, Lynn Russell.
4. LEGISLATIVE:
4.A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO ONSITE MANAGER AND POSTING REQUIREMENTS, A
PROHIBITION AGAINST DOG BREED RESTRICTIONS, PENALTIES
FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER, REUSABLE TENANT SCREENING
REPORTS, THE DEFINITION OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, AND
PROTECTION AGAINST LOSS OF PARKING AS A HOUSING
SERVICE [C. SCHROEDER, J. HOLUB]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider an ordinance amending Title 17 Rent Stabilization Ordinance) of the West Hollywood Municipal Code relating to onsite manager and posting requirements, a prohibition against dog breed restrictions, penalties for failure to register, reusable tenant screening reports, the definition of principal residence, and protection against loss of parking as a housing service.
Rent Stabilization Manager Jonathan Holub provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 17, 2023.
Mayor Shyne called on speakers.
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ALLAN WILION, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to the item.
Mr. Holub stated this ordinance amended the current ordinance to also incorporate apartment complexes and units.
Councilmember Meister inquired if there are any rent stabilized buildings that do not allow pets. She expressed concern with some of the proposed language in the ordinance.
Councilmember Heilman expressed his support for the item.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about the City’s process for verifying insurance. Mr. Holub stated that the language on the forms would include penalty of perjury and other verifiable methods to identify the legitimacy of the source.
Councilmember Byers thanked staff for including language in the ordinance to prioritize parking based on seniority and the disabled.
Mayor Shyne spoke in support of the Item.
ACTION: Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 23-13, “ AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING TITLE
17 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
ONSITE MANAGER AND POSTING REQUIREMENTS, A PROHIBITION
AGAINST DOG BREED RESTRICTIONS, PENALTIES FOR FAILURE
TO REGISTER, REUSABLE TENANT SCREENING REPORTS, THE
DEFINITION OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, AND PROTECTION
AGAINST LOSS OF PARKING AS A HOUSING SERVICE”. Motion by Heilman, seconded by Mayor Shyne, and approved.
4.B. UPDATE ON VACATION (SHORT-TERM) RENTAL COMPLIANCE AND
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING
THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO REMOVE THE
SUNSET CLAUSE AND ALLOW GUEST HOUSES TO BE ELIGIBLE
FOR THE HOME SHARING BUSINESS LICENSE PROGRAM [ D.
RIVAS, V. ADOMAITIS, Y. BENITEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on vacation ( shortterm) rental compliance and consider an amendment to West Hollywood Municipal Code Section 5.66.110 removing the sunset clause and allowing guest houses on single family dwellings to be eligible to participate in the Home Sharing Business License Program.
Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager Vyto Adomaitis and Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 17, 2023.
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Councilmember Heilman inquired about guest houses versus accessory dwelling units. Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas provided the difference between the two. Councilmember Heilman asked if the guest homes were currently being used as permanent housing, and if so, how would this ordinance impact those units. Mr. Rivas stated guest homes were not currently included.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired how rent stabilized units would be impacted by this ordinance and the challenges with enforcing illegal short term rentals. Mr. Rivas responded.
Councilmember Byers asked if adding guest homes to short term rentals would confuse the community and inquired about complaints received by the City. Mr. Rivas responded.
Mayor Shyne called on speakers.
JULIAN TUCKER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding issues caused by short term rentals and requested further enforcement on current regulation rather than expanding new ones.
TORI FUNK, LOS ANGELES, spoke regarding the disadvantages of short-term rentals and provided statistics on the current unregulated short term rentals in existence, requesting further resources be used in efforts to enforce rather than add more units.
MARY KATE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to the item providing personal experiences in living in rent stabilized units and questioned if the City had the resources to enforce guest homes.
IAN SCHUELKE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition of the item.
JUAN MUNOZ, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of current enforcement versus new programs and commented on the unregulated short term rentals within the City.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition of the item.
EUGENE MAYSKY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition of the item.
BRADLEY BUSHELL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition of the item.
JAMIE FRANCIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on his personal
experiences with illegal rentals, and in opposition of this item.
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Councilmember Meister noted that she does not support the item. She does not agree with including guest houses in the City’s current home sharing program. She commented that short term rentals are adding to the housing crisis that the City is facing.
Councilmember Byers expressed concerns in including guest houses.
She expressed concern with reducing the City’s housing stock due to illegal short term rentals.
Councilmember Heilman stated this matter should be deferred to a later time so that Code Compliance staff can enforce the current illegal short term rentals.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson thanked the speakers and concurred with his colleagues. He expressed concerns with short term rental units and that long term residents could be denied the opportunity for housing in the City. He spoke in support of increasing fines for illegal short term rentals and requested this item be table this item so that staff could return with an item outlining more enforcement or further direction.
Mayor Shyne stated she was not in support of extending the City’s home sharing program to guest houses. She agrees that short term rentals are affecting our hotels as well as the City’s housing stock.
City Attorney Langer provided read into the record the following change to the ordinance: remove Section 3 of the proposed ordinance and amend the new Section 3 “ Section 5.66.110 Sunset Clause of Chapter 5.66 of Title 5 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code is amended to state a sunset clause date of April 17, 2024”.
ACTIONS: 1) Receive and file; 2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 23-14: “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
AMENDING WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
5.66.110 TO REMOVE THE SUNSET CLAUSE AND ALLOW GUEST
HOUSES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HOME SHARING BUSINESS
LICENSE PROGRAM” as amended during the meeting; and 3) Direct Code Compliance and Rent Stabilization staff to return three months prior to the expiration of the sunset clause with an update. Motion by Mayor Shyne, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved.
The City Council recessed at 8:40 pm and reconvened at 8:51 pm.**
4.C. ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE USE AND SALE OF GLUE TRAPS WITHIN THE CITY [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, L.
LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Attorney will report to the City Council of the City of West Hollywood (“City”) its research findings pertaining to prohibiting the DocuSign Envelope ID: 8CC3BEEE- 8008-49DF-A22E-FA98C187ACD1 City Council Minutes
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use and sale of glue traps in the City and present an ordinance prohibiting the former.
Mayor Shyne called on speakers.
RABBI JONATHAN KLEIN, LOS ANGELES, commended the City Council for their continued efforts to protect animals.
City Attorney Langer provided alternative language to define “animal” in the proposed ordinance under definitions ( a), “ animal” as used in this section shall mean any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, such as birds, rodents, reptiles, and insects”.
Mayor Shyne expressed the importance of specifying the definition of animal” and spoke in support of the new language.
Councilmember Meister thought it was broad enough but was in support of the revised language.
Councilmember Byers also spoke in favor of extending the definition.
Councilmember Heilman spoke in support of the new language.
ACTION: Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 23-15, titled, “ AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING THE
WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE SALE AND
USE OF GLUE TRAPS AND AMENDING THE CITY’S PENALTY
PROVISIONS.” Motion by Mayor Shyne, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
5.A. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider making direct appointments to City Commissions and Advisory Boards as well as at-large appointments to some of the Commissions.
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding filling the positions with qualified individuals and their role to serve the public and report to the Council.
STEPHEN J. POST, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding his interest in serving on the Public Safety Commission.
ACTIONS: Make new appointments or re-appointments to City Commissions and Advisory Boards with terms ending February 28, 2025, DocuSign Envelope ID: 8CC3BEEE- 8008-49DF-A22E-FA98C187ACD1 City Council Minutes
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as follows: 1) Councilmember Byers made the following direct appointments: Arts & Cultural Affairs Commission – Dawn MorenoFreedman, Historic Preservation Commission – Lola Davidson, Rent Stabilization Commission – Josh Kurpies, Russian-Speaking Advisory Board – Evgenii Kovnatsky, Social Justice Advisory Board – Eden Luna, Transgender Advisory Board – Shoshana Baum, Women’s Advisory Board – Debra Torok; 2) Councilmember Heilman made the following appointments: Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission – Cameron Faber, Historic Preservation Commission – Yawar Charlie, LGBTQ+ Commission – Patrick Blood, Planning Commission – Stacey Jones, Transportation and Mobility Commission – David Eichman, Disabilities Advisory Board – Michael Hollingsworth; and 3) Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson made the following appointment: Social Justice Advisory Board Chela Demuir.
5.B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JUNE AND AUGUST 2023 J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider cancelling the first meeting in June 2023 and August 2023.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
5.C. POLICY FOR THE USE OF AB 2449 AND TELECONFERENCE
CAPABILITIES IN CITY FACILITIES FOR BROWN ACT MEETINGS [ J.
JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES, D. WILSON, L. LANGER, E.
TSIPIS, H. COLLINS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a policy for the use of teleconferencing under the Brown Act using AB 2449, discuss teleconference capabilities in City facilities for Brown Act meetings, and meeting room locations for the City’s Commissions and Advisory Boards.
Mayor Shyne called on speakers.
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding teleconferencing capabilities in meeting rooms.
City Clerk Crowder provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 17, 2023.
Councilmember Meister inquired about various opportunities for the public to participate. City Clerk Crowder responded.
Councilmember Heilman spoke in support of the item.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the proposed policy on the use of AB 2449; and 2) Receive an update on teleconference capabilities in City facilities for Brown Act meetings. Motion by Heilman, seconded by Mayor Shyne, and approved.
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6. NEW BUSINESS:
6.A. CO-SPONSORSHIP OF CALIFORNIA NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN STATE CONFERENCE [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, L.
FOOKS]:
SUBJECT: The West Hollywood City Council will consider a request to co-sponsor the California National Organization for Women State Conference.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
6.B. NO RIGHT TURN ON RED TRAFFIC SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM [ C.
BYERS, J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to begin a “No Right Turn On Red” Traffic Safety Pilot Program to evaluate intersections where a right turn on red ban would improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councilmember Byers and Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 17, 2023.
JAMIE FRANCIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the dangers on Santa Monica Boulevard, Fountain, and Sunset Boulevard, and recommended placing cameras to deter speeding.
Citizen Position Slip from Courtney Penley in support of the item.
Councilmember Meister inquired why the item requests a consultant to study these intersections. She suggested other options such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals.
Councilmember Byers clarified that the study would provide a mechanism for selecting the order of intersections that should be addressed based on the consultant’s findings.
Councilmember Heilman expressed his support for data driven solutions and his interest in considering various recommendations.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to work with the City’s on-call traffic consultant to begin a “No Right Turn on Red” Traffic Safety Pilot Program to evaluate intersections that would benefit from a right turn on red ban, including creating criteria for consideration of future intersections; and 2) Direct staff to return to the City Council with results of the pilot program and recommendations of proposed intersections to institute a no right turn on red permanently. Motion by Councilmember Byers, seconded by Councilmember Heilman, and approved.
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6.C. MOLD INSPECTION AND REMEDIATION REPORTS [J. ERICKSON, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff and the City Attorney to research options to help alleviate the cost to tenants for mold inspection and remediation reports.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
6.D. ESTABLISH CENTENARIAN RECOGNITION PROGRAM TO HONOR CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD RESIDENTS [J. ERICKSON, C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to develop a centenarian recognition program to honor and uplift residents of the City of West Hollywood who are 100 years old and older.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding various topics and requested that the City Council ask for the immediate resignation of Supreme Court Justice Thomas.
KEVIN BURTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item 6.B.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at the SCAG Energy and Environment Committee as well as the Regional Council meeting. She also attended the Black Women Lead Pop Up, LGBT Center Drag March, and the first of three CERT classes.
She reminded everyone that the City’s Yom HaShoah event takes place tomorrow afternoon in Council Chambers.
Councilmember Byers reported her attendance at the City’s Annual Tree Planting event, the Honeycomb Harmonies art installation, the Drag Queen Story Hour, Spring Fest & Aquatics Expo, and the Boys Don’t Wear Dresses film screening. She also attended the Cal Cities City Leaders Summit, the Clean Power Alliance meeting, and a tour of the Log Cabin with Senator Ben Allen. She expressed her gratitude to the speakers who spoke in support of Item 2.O. She thanked staff and the community members involved in the purchase of the Holloway Hotel, which will become interim, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. She concluded her comments by providing information on upcoming events in the City.
Councilmember Heilman noted that he attended several City events and thanked staff for their work on all of the events. He commented on Item 6.D. the creation of a Centenarian Program, noting that former Councilmember Sal Guarriello recognized people who turned 100.
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Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson thanked his colleagues for supporting various items on the agenda. He reported his attendance at the tour of the Log Cabin with Senator Ben Allen, the installation of Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold, Contract Cities Executive Board meeting, Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors meeting, Black Women Lead Pop Up, and the Drag March event. He noted that he met with residents at Sierra Towers and requested that staff meet with the residents to discuss the proposed project. He attended the Human Rights Speaker Series even on Child Abuse Prevention, met with the residents of 917 Larrabee, and attended the SCAG Housing Workshop on the density bonus law changes. He mentioned the Supreme Court’s ruling on the use of mifepristone. He inquired about the Free Friday Night tickets for West Hollywood Pride and asked staff to provide an update. He also asked staff to look into a tree blocking a billboard along Sunset.
Mayor Shyne provided information on the Drag Laureate Queens & Kings application process. She also shared information on the Lesbian and Queer Women’s Visibility Week and the events taking place to honor it. She attended a dinner hosted by Los Angeles Mayor Bass to discuss regional partnerships. She reported her attendance at the Black Women Lead Pop Up, spoke at the Drag March, an interview on KTLA discussing WeHo Pride, presented a Proclamation to Hamburger Mary’s, an interview with Spectrum, and the Annual Tree Planting. She also attended Drag Queen Story Hour and Spring Fest at West Hollywood Park and thanked staff and the co-sponsors for these events. She provided information on low cost prescriptions. She mentioned several items on tonight’s agenda and thanked her colleagues for supporting them. She announced that the next Sips with Sepi would be on April 22nd from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Butcher, the Baker, the Cappuccino Maker on Sunset. She concluded her comments by providing an update on the situation in Iran.
Deputy City Manager Jackie provided an update on the Free Friday Tickets for WeHo Pride.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 9:42 p.m. in memory of Sharyn Ritchie, Anna L. Ramirez, and Michelle Mindlin to an adjourned regular meeting, which will be on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at an adjourned regular meeting held this 1st day of May, 2023 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: Byers, Heilman, Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and Mayor Shyne
NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
SEPI SHYNE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK
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