CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Shyne called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgment.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Jimmy Palmieri 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: City Manager Wilson, City Attorney Langer, Administrative Services Director Jimenez, City Clerk Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Morales.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:
City Attorney Lauren Langer reported that the Closed Session was called to order at 5:30 pm. She stated that there were no members of the public that spoke under Public Comment. She further stated the City Council discussed the one (1) item of business on the posted agenda and took no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Clerk Crowder noted that the staff has requested that Item 4.A. be Tabled.
Councilmember Heilman requested that Items 6.A., and 6.B. be combined and moved to the Consent Calendar as Item 2.L. He also requested that Items 6.E. and 6.F. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Items 2.M. and 2.N., respectively.
Councilmember Meister requested that Item 2.E. be moved to the Excluded Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Mayor Shyne, to approve the November 6, 2023 agenda, as amended.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Ady Barkan, David Lehrer, and Cindy Montañez.
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Councilmember Byers requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Dorothy Edwards.
Councilmember Heilman requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mikeal Maglieri and Donna Saur.
Mayor Shyne requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of victims of Hurricane Otis, victims of the Nepal earthquake, victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston, and Friends’ actor Mathew Perry.
PRESENTATIONS:
Councilmember Byers presented a certificate to Mike Aguilera- Gaudette, former District Representative for the 30th Congressional District.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT:
JIMMY PALMIERI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding VIBEZ New Year’s and requested that the City Council support the use of Fiesta Hall for the event.
LUCIAN TUDOR, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding safety concerns at La Bohem and requested the City Council consider adding additional Sheriff’ s Deputies.
KAREN EYRES, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on behalf of the Human Services Commission regarding various social services offered by the City.
SCOTT SCHMIDT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke as the Executive Director of Emerald Village regarding the inaugural cannabis block party during the City’s Halloween Carnaval. He also conveyed his gratitude to the City Council and City staff for their support and assistance.
JOSHUA MARIN- MORA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, on behalf of Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, provided legislative updates from Assemblymember Zbur’s office on theft prevention for businesses and announced that Covered California open enrollment commenced November 1, 2023, and will close on January 31, 2024.
WEST SEEGMILLER, WEST HOLLYWOD, spoke regarding COVID- 19 vaccination mandates.
The following individuals submitted Citizen Position Slips in support of Items 2.L (6.A and 6.B), 2.M (6.E.), and 2.N. (6.F.)
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
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CITY MANAGER’ S REPORT:
City Manager David Wilson thanked Scott Schmidt for the Cannabis Special Event during the City’s Halloween Carnaval. He provided a report on the Halloween Carnival, noting that the City had a high social media presence from various outlets, reported no significant incidents were observed, and highlighted a total of 26 businesses were activated under the City’s Special Event process. He stated that staff will bring updates on the public safety equipment, technology, and safety enhancements to the Public Safety Commission, LGTBQ+ Commission, and the Human Services Commission in November for feedback prior to presenting the item before the City Council in December. He shared that the City hosted free CPR and first aid training for more than 25 participants over the weekend. He invited the community to attend the City’s Veterans Day event. He asked the community to Save the Date for West Hollywood Day, noting that the City is hosting a State of the Community event and NextGen mixer on November 29th and more information can be found at www.weho.org/wehoday.
Lastly, he commented on the City’s efforts to hold respectful and affirming City Council meetings, acknowledging certain topics can be controversial and challenging, and extended free and low-income support services available to the public.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Crowder stated that the fiscal impact on the Consent Calendar with the addition of Items 6.A., 6.B., 6.E., and 6.F. and the removal of Item 2.E. was $ 1,599,000 in expenditures, $ 0 in revenues, and ($ 0) in waived fees.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.A.,B.,C.,D.,F.,G.,H.,I.,J.,K.,L.,M.,N. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Heilman, and approved ( 5/0).
2.A. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, November 6, 2023 was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff’s Station, and at the West Hollywood Library on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
ACTION: Receive and file. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar 5/0).
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 October 16, 2023. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.C. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 936 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, S. HERNANDEZ]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending October 27, 2023 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approve Demand Register No. 936 and adopt Resolution No. 23-094, “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF
DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 936”. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.D. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, Human Services Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, and Public Facilities, Recreation & Infrastructure Commission regarding actions taken at their recent meetings.
ACTION: Receive and File. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar 5/0).
2.E. UPDATE REGARDING SECTION 8 HOUSING UNIT INSPECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD [ D. RIVAS, V.
ADOMAITIS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update regarding Section 8 Housing Unit inspections within the City of West Hollywood.
ACTION: This item was moved to Excluded Consent.
2.F. KINGS ROAD PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK LISTENING SESSION S. CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS, E. HAMANT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive a summary of the public input received at a listening session held at the Kings Road Park Community Center on December 3, 2022, and consider staff’s recommendation to continue the focus on a new dog park at Plummer Park and a redesigned dog park at Hart Park.
ACTION: Direct staff to continue their focus on the completion of the new dog park at Plummer Park and the redesigned dog park at Hart Park.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.G. AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE ENERGY COALITION FOR EQUITABLE BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS [ N. MARICICH, F. CONTRERAS, C. SHEN, D. ONG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for Services with The Energy Coalition ( TEC) to provide policy development and engagement support for Equitable Building Performance Standards EBPS) for existing buildings in West Hollywood, per the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement for Services with The Energy Coalition ( TEC) in the not-to-exceed amount of $ 195,000 and a June 30, 2025 expiration date; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
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sign and execute all documents related to this Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.H. AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES WITH AE3 PARTNERS, INC. [ S.
CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS, E. HAMANT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the award of an Agreement to AE3 Partners, Inc. to provide on-call construction management services for the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement with AE3 Partners, Inc. to provide on-call construction management services for the City’s Capital Improvement Program for a total not-to-exceed amount of $ 500,000; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Amendment. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.I. AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL MATERIALS TESTING &
PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTION SERVICES WITH WILLDAN
ENGINEERING [ S. CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS, E. HAMANT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the award of an Agreement to Willdan Engineering to provide on-call materials testing and public works inspection services for City projects.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement with Willdan Engineering to provide materials testing and public works inspection services for City projects for a total not-to-exceed amount of $ 200,000; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Amendment.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.J. AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL MATERIALS TESTING & PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTION SERVICES WITH AESCO, INC. [ S.
CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS, E. HAMANT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the award of an Agreement to AESCO, Inc. to provide on-call materials testing and public works inspection services for City projects.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement with AESCO, Inc. to provide materials testing and public works inspection services for City projects for a total not-to-exceed amount of $ 200,000; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Amendment.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.K. AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR ON-CALL CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES WITH MARK G. ANDERSON
CONSULTANTS, INC. [ S. CAMPBELL, H. COLLINS, E. HAMANT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the award of an Agreement to Mark G. Anderson Consultants, Inc. to provide on-call construction management services for the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
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ACTIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement with Mark G. Anderson Consultants, Inc. to provide on-call construction management services for the City’s Capital Improvement Program for a total not-to-exceed amount of 500,000; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Amendment. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
Items 6.A. and 6.B. were combined during Approval of the Agenda.
2.L. ( 6.A. and 6.B.) COMMUNITY VACCINATION CLINICS AND VACCINATION CLINICS AWARENESS EFFORT [ J. ERICKSON, Y.
QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO, M. WATSON]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to organize community vaccination clinics in West Hollywood in collaboration with the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ( DPH) and launch a vaccination awareness effort focused on education and promotion of vaccines for flu, RSV, and the updated COVID-10 vaccine.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct staff to work with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’ s office and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health staff to organize community vaccination clinics so that residents can easily access the newly modified COVID- 19 vaccine along with the seasonal flu vaccine; 2) Direct the Communications Department to promote the availability of these clinics once a date and location have been confirmed and to coordinate a vaccination awareness effort to raise awareness about the availability and benefits of vaccinations for flu, RSV, and the new COVID- 19 vaccine as well as amplify Los Angeles County Department of Public Health messaging and related public health agencies’ messaging such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention regarding staying up to date on vaccines; and 3) Authorize the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $ 500 from budgeted funds in the Special Council Programs account number 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with the event.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.M. ( 6.E.) SPONSORSHIP OF SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION OF THE DOCUMENTARY “ SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG”
L. MEISTER, Y. QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring a screening and panel discussion of the film “ Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog”, in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2024, at the City Council Chambers.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the sponsorship of a film screening and discussion of the film Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog on January 27, 2024, in the City Council Chambers; 2) Direct the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the event, such as the City’s website and social media tools; and 3) Authorize the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 1,500 from budgeted funds DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
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in the Special Council Programs Account 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with technical support ( Waveguide) and graphic design for the event. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
2.N. ( 6.F.) SPONSORSHIP OF SCREENING OF “ THE DADS” AND PANEL
DISCUSSION AS PART OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS SPEAKERS SERIES
J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO, J.
DUCKWORTH, L. BIERY, R. EHEMANN, J. TRIBBLE]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring the screening of the short film “The Dads” and a panel discussion focused on trans youth as part of the Human Rights Speakers Series.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the sponsorship of the screening of “ The Dads” and a panel discussion highlighting trans youth, as part of the Human Rights Speakers Series; 2) Authorize the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials for the event; 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 Director of Finance and Technology Services to approve the use of $ 1,000 from budgeted funds in the Special Council Programs account 100-1-01-01-531001 for costs associated with this event.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar ( 5/0).
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
4. LEGISLATIVE:
4.A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 15.16.030,
15.40.040, 15.49.030, 15.51.010, AND 15.51.020 OF TITLE 15 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT SELFHAULING OF SOLID WASTE [ S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR, M.
MAGENER]:
SUBJECT: The purpose of this item is to introduce on first reading an Ordinance to amend Title 15 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code relating to Solid Waste in order to provide that act of self-hauling, as defined, are prohibited under the Municipal Code.
ACTION: This item was Tabled.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
5.A. RECREATION FEE STRUCTURE FOR LOW-INCOME AND OLDER
ADULT RESIDENTS AND YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM [ Y.
QUARKER, S. MARTINEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an overview of a proposed fee structure to include reduced rates for recreation programs for low-income and older adult residents. Also included is a proposed youth scholarship DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
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program for residents with recommendations on award amounts and application process.
Recreation Services Manager Stephanie Martinez provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 6, 2023.
Councilmember Heilman inquired if the name of the proposed youth scholarship could be changed to avoid confusion as there is an existing program entitled, “ Youth Scholarship Program”. Ms. Martinez noted staff plan to create a fun and recognizable name for this scholarship.
XEN TARA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to the proposed discounted fees for low-income and older adults, but spoke in support of the scholarship program, noting the various fees charged by other cities compared to West Hollywood.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson noted his support of a 30% discount for lowincome and older adult recreation users.
Mayor Shyne supports the 30% discount for low-income and older adult recreation users as well as providing youth scholarships for 275 participants.
Councilmember Heilman requested an estimated amount of staff time allotted to verify income qualification information. Ms. Martinez stated it was a fairly easy process with minimal impacts on staff time. He further inquired if the reduced fees would affect the amount of funding that the tennis concessionaire receives. Ms. Martinez stated that vendors submitting proposals for the upcoming Request for Proposals would be alerted of the reduction in fees and be required to submit a proposal based on that change, noting that staff could adjust the City’s percentage in relation to the concessionaire’ s gross profit.
Mayor Shyne spoke in support of reducing fees to 30%, providing youth scholarships to 275 participants, renaming the youth scholarship program, and directing staff to return during the mid-year budget update with the new proposed fee schedule.
Councilmember Meister requested that staff return in a year to provide an update on the reduced fees and youth scholarships.
Councilmember Byers inquired if there was an outreach and marketing plan for the changes. Ms. Martinez stated that the staff report contains information on the proposed outreach and marketing.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to return with a new Recreation Fee Schedule providing a 30% discount to low-income and older adults for recreation classes and programs, excluding contracted classes; 2) DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
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Directed staff to provide $ 200 in scholarship fee waivers per fiscal year for half of the number of active youth enrolled in Recreation programs, excluding contracted programs ( equivalent to 275 scholarships), develop an application process and include the total allocated amount from City funds in the next budget cycle; 3) Rename the youth scholarship program and update the City’s Fee Schedule to reflect the changes, including changing “ senior” to “older adult”; 4) Conduct outreach and marketing; and 5) Return in one year to provide an update to the City Council. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, seconded by Mayor Shyne and approved ( 5/0).
6. NEW BUSINESS:
6.A. COMMUNITY VACCINATION CLINICS [ J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, H. MOLINA, M. WATSON]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to organize community vaccination clinics in West Hollywood in collaboration with the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH).
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar and combined with Item 6.B.
6.B. VACCINATION AWARENESS EFFORT [ J. HEILMAN, Y. QUARKER, H.
MOLINA, J. DEL TORO, M. WATSON]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to launch a vaccination awareness effort focused on education and promotion of vaccines for flu, RSV, and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
6.C. PROTECTED BIKE FACILITIES [ J. ERICKSON, C. BYERS, Y.
QUARKER, H. MOLINA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Citywide policy by which only protected ( Class I or Class IV) bike facilities will be planned and implemented throughout the City.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 6, 2023.
GEORGE NICKLE, WEST HOLLWOOD, spoke regarding the safety for cyclists and requested the City use data driven reports on reduced carbon emissions.
PARKER FRIEDRICH, WEST HOLLYWOODM spoke in opposition to painted bike lanes.
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SEVEN GRAHAM, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of cycling within the City and requested additional safety measures be considered when painting bike lanes.
OMARI JINAKI, WEST HOLLYWOOD spoke in support of this Item and commented on personal experiences when biking where there aren’t protected bike lanes.
The following individuals submitted Citizen Position Slips in support of the Item:
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD
JONATHAN MIZRAHI, WEST HOLLYWOO
Councilmember Meister stated that the recommendation would preclude them from using other bike lane types and suggested that the language be amended to have a broader definition and allow each request to be treated on a case-by-case basis based on the street’ s needs.
Councilmember Heilman commented on the “ protected bike lane” language, noting it was the City’s preference which option to use, however, wanted to be clear that the language did not preclude them from enacting other options. He also requested clarification on the amended language within the recommended option and stated that if the intend of staff’s recommendation was to enable protected bike lanes to be applied at the City Council’ s discretion, he was in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson clarified that the preference was to have protected bike lanes where feasible and additionally commented on the Beverly project noting protected bike lanes were not part of the original design, however, would like to revisit a redesign to incorporate this policy into the Beverly project.
Councilmember Byers stated that in seeing some plans that came forward without addressing the use of complete streets, their hope with this report is to build the framework to activate this policy into future designs and address safety concerns.
Long Range Planning Manager Francisco Contreras stated that staff could bring back an item for City Council’ s consider creating a policy around protected bike lanes and further clarified that the Beverly project could be revisited as construction had not yet begun.
Councilmember Heilman requested that the Beverly project be brought back separately with more community input and a cost allocation.
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Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson affirmed that the Beverly project would be brought back via a separate agenda item.
ACTIONS: 1) Direct the Community Development Department to develop a policy by which only protected bike facilities will be planned and implemented in West Hollywood where feasible, without removing any proposed bike facilities in the City’s General Plan; 2) Direct staff to conduct outreach to residents and businesses to gather input and incorporate the findings as feasible into the draft policy for City Council consideration; and 3) Direct staff to return to the City Council as soon as feasible with different options to amend applicable plans to achieve the above-referenced policy goal. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Byers and approved ( 5/0).
6.D. AMENDMENT TO THE CITY COUNCILMEMBER LIST OF PREAPPROVED ORGANIZATIONS/ EVENTS TO INCLUDE SCHOLAS OCCURRENTES USA DELEGATION PROGRAM [ J. ERICKSON, Y.
QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amending the City Councilmember list of pre-approved organizations and events to include the Inaugural Scholas Occurrentes USA Delegation Program.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated November 6, 2023.
Councilmember Meister stated that the City had previously treated international travel expenses differently.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson stated the price for this trip was significantly lower due to the off season, and that the benefits of the visit were comparable to the cost.
Councilmember Heilman inquired if the City had a formal travel policy that addresses international travel. City Manager Wilson stated the City did not have a formal international travel policy; however, staff will return with an updated AB 1234 that addresses international travel for Council consideration.
Councilmember Meister stated that each Councilmember had a dedicated annual travel budget for each member and wanted to ensure there was equity.
ACTIONS: 1) Approve the addition of the Inaugural Scholas Occurrentes USA Delegation Program to the list of pre-approved organizations and events that members of the City Council are permitted to attend each year; and 2) Bring forth an amended AB 1234 policy to address DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
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international travel expenses. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson seconded by Mayor Shyne and approved ( 5/0).
6.E. SPONSORSHIP OF SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION OF THE DOCUMENTARY “ SHEPHERD: THE STORY OF A JEWISH DOG” [ L.
MEISTER, Y. QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring a screening and panel discussion of the film “Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog”, in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2024, at the City Council Chambers.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
6.F. SPONSORSHIP OF SCREENING OF “ THE DADS” AND PANEL
DISCUSSION AS PART OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS SPEAKERS SERIES
J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, H. MOLINA, J. DEL TORO, J.
DUCKWORTH, L. BIERY, R. EHEMANN, J. TRIBBLE]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring the screening of the short film “The Dads” and a panel discussion focused on trans youth as part of the Human Rights Speakers Series.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.E. UPDATE REGARDING SECTION 8 HOUSING UNIT INSPECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD [ D. RIVAS, V.
ADOMAITIS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update regarding Section 8 Housing Unit inspections within the City of West Hollywood.
Councilmember Meister requested clarification on staff’s plan regarding inspections on Section 8 housing units within the City.
Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas stated that staff conducted research based on the Council’ s previous direction on the estimated number of units that qualify for internal inspections and concluded that if the City Council desired, biannual inspections could be incorporated into the proactive residential program.
Councilmember Heilman stated that there were County owned buildings that are 100% Section 8 housing units.
DAN HARRINGTON TYRELL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the relationship between the City and the Los Angeles County Development Authority ( LACDA) and commented on concerns with the lack of responsiveness from building managers on affordable housing units.
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Councilmember Meister suggested that inspections be incorporated into affordable housing projects.
Councilmember Heilman stated he does not support conducting inspections on Section 8 housing owned by the County since the County conducts its own inspections.
Councilmember Meister inquired if the County inspected both the buildings and units.
Councilmember Heilman clarified that the County was responsible for inspecting Section 8 units and the building.
Councilmember Meister explained she was interested in including buildings with mixed Section 8 and market rate housing. Councilmember Heilman expressed his support to incorporate inspections on mixed buildings.
Director Rivas stated that the City did not have jurisdiction over Los Angeles County operated or owned buildings and clarified that their program did not have the ability to inspect all properties within a year, stating inspections would be conducted every two years or so.
Councilmember Meister requested that all units other than Section 8 be inspected.
Councilmember Heilman commented on the various issues tenants experience in WHCH buildings, apartment buildings throughout the City, and condos and encouraged housing managers to contact the Fire Department in case of an emergency related to elevators. He further expressed trepidation in using the proactive code enforcement approach to resolve tenant/ housing management issues for fully affordable housing units.
ACTION: Direct staff to incorporate biannual inspections into the proactive residential program for all units and buildings, excluding 100% County owned/ operated. Motion by Meister, seconded by
Councilmember Byers, and approved ( 5/0).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns on the abandoned property located at 1280 N. Sweetzer and requested all flammable brush be cleared.
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COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at the Disabilities Advisory Board Awards, the first City sponsored Royale Cheerleading Competition, the Poet Laureate installation, noted her representation to District 41 at Southern California Association of Governments Energy and Environment Committee meeting, and reported her attendance at the Halloween Carnival. She congratulated Jen Chang on the Poet Laureate, thanked staff for a successful Halloween event, thanked her colleagues for their support of Item 6.E., and expressing her gratitude to Lin Roth. Councilmember Meister announced upcoming City events and requested staff research concerns raised by speaker Rick Watts as well as safety issues at 1200 block of Hayworth.
Councilmember Byers reported her attendance at various City community events, the Los Angeles Affordable Housing Solutions Agency ( LACAHA) Bylaws meeting, expressed her gratitude to the Human Services Commission for the meetings they’ve held to elevate Citywide social resource and thanked City Manager David Wilson on promoting these services and highlighting mental health resources available to community members. Additionally, she thanked everyone’ s contributions to ensure Halloween Carnival was enjoyable and safe and invited all to attend the upcoming Literary Death Match.
Councilmember Heilman requested staff research exercising nuisance abatement actions to address Mr. Watts concerns regarding the abandoned property and requested that City Manager Wilson follow up with Jimmy Palmeri in finding a location to host the Vibes event on New Years Eve and provide a report of his finds to the City Council. He reported his attendance at the Code of Conduct Training, the West Side Cities Council of Governments, the Equality California Dinner, the Aids Walk, and encouraged individuals who did not have medical impediments to receive their booster against COVID- 19. He further reported his attendance at the Homeless Sub Committee Meeting, the Disabilities Advisory Board Awards, and thanked all for Halloween Carnival. He concluded his comments by sharing that Marie De Silva with CNN Heroes is visiting West Hollywood and has expressed her gratitude and joy.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson reported hosting a community safety walk with WEHO WEST, swore in Business License Commissioner Kevin Barry, and conducted a walkthrough of Jhon Reed Fitness. He reported his attendance at multiple Contract Cities events, the Artist and Icons Event with Tim Solivan, moderated a panel for the Circa event for the LGBTQ+ Making the Invisible Visible, attended the Howl-O-Ween event, the virtual Shiva Community Event, the Code of Conduct training, the Aids Walk, the Ciclovia event, Stories of Heroism event, the Contract Cities No Bail Update Briefing, the WEHO Reads event, the Disabilities Service Awards event, and thanked Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur for his attendance and approval of AB 1620. He further noted his attendance at the Royale Cheerleading Competition, the Youth Halloween Carnival, the new City Poet Laureate installation, the Emerald Village event, and thanked staff for keeping the community safe during a very successful Halloween Carnival. He reported his attendance at the CPA Board of Directors meeting and LGBTQ+ Caucus meeting. Additionally, he stated Mikeal Maglieri would be missed, DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216 City Council Minutes
Monday, November 6, 2023
thanked colleagues for supporting Agenda Items listed on consent, and invited the community to attend various upcoming City events. He concluded his comments by stating that he was working on a remedy for AB 339 noting that Assemblymember Chris Holden allowed for the bill do die via an amendment enabling insurance companies to go through a preauthorization for HIV medication.
Mayor Shyne reported her attendance to the Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Showcase, attended the Equality California Awards Dinner, the Aids Walk LA, the Spirit Royale Cheerleading Competition, the ribbon cutting for Butchers Daughter, the safe and fun Halloween Carnival, and led her first board meeting as the President of the LGBTQ+ Caucus. She discussed the current conflict between Israel and Hamas and reiterated the importance to be kind and respectful to one another during this time of antisemitism.
Conclusively, the Mayor stated the City implemented increased security measures to ensure public safety is a heightened priority and she invited the community to attend community events.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 7:53 p.m. in memory of Ady Barkan, David Lehrer, Cindy Montañez, Dorothy Edwards, Mikeal Maglieri, Donna Saur, victims of Hurricane Otis, victims of the Nepal Earthquake, victims of the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and Friends’ actor Matthew Perry to its next Regular City Council meeting, which will be on Monday, November 20, 2023, at City Hall, First Floor Community Meeting Room.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 20th day of November 2023 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: Byers, Heilman, Meister, and Mayor Shyne NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
SEPI SHYNE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9D232FEF- 45C4-4058-AA0B- 77896124D216