CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 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: Richard Cyr led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Byers, Councilmember Heilman,
Councilmember Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and
Mayor Shyne.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Wilson, City Attorney Langer, Administrative Services Director Jimenez, City Clerk Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Morales.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Clerk Crowder noted that there were no changes to the agenda from staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that Items 5.B. and 5.C. be heard together.
Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved as amended. (5/0)
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Byers requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Michael Latt.
Councilmember Heilman requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Sibyl Zaden.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Dr.
Kathy Collins, Daniel Taylor Curry, and William “Bill” McNeely.
Mayor Shyne requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Sandra Day O’Connor.
PRESENTATIONS:
The City Council provided a proclamation to the Jones Hollywood Fundraiser.
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The City Council presented a check to the Los Angeles Unified School District - West Hollywood Elementary School.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
STEVEN DAVIS, on behalf of The Human Services Commission, spoke regarding social services provided by the City, specifically AIDS/HIV services.
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Sibyl Zaden. He also spoke regarding the 10,000 community members who lost their lives to AIDS. He also spoke regarding the vacant property adjacent to his home.
MIKIE FRIEDMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding her Hannukah wish list.
JOSHUA MARIN-MORA, on Behalf of Assemblymember Zbur, spoke regarding changes to EDD claims and the legislature’s committee on retail theft.
ANNIE JUMP VICENTE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding recent hate crimes that she has experienced in the City.
TSKURU FORS, UNKNOWN, spoke regarding their experience as an unhoused Trans community member.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding builders remedy and the large scale developments occurring due to it.
STEFANIE LAHART, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on behalf of the residents of Sierra Bonita about the vacant property adjacent to their building.
ROBERT BURNSIDE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding meth problems occurring in his building and the subsequent issues that he’s experienced since reporting it to the management company.
DAN HARRINGTON-TYRELL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding 1030 Sierra Bonita, specifically nuisance properties.
CLAUDIA MAXWELL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding her social service needs and requesting help from the City.
WEST SEEGMILLER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Item 5.C.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Annie Jump Vicente’s experience in the community. He also spoke regarding Sierra Bonita and vacant properties.
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ADAM DARVISH (via Zoom), WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Items 5.A., 5.B., and 5.C. He suggested that community safety be discussed more often at City Council meetings. He also spoke regarding Item 2.J.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
City Manager Wilson spoke regarding the fire at 1030 Sierra Bonita. He also shared that this vacant property as well as other vacant properties will be assessed for any code compliance issues. He provided an update on the vacant property on Sweetzer.
He noted that Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas will reach out to Ms. Vicente regarding her comments about Block by Block. He concluded his comments by sharing information on the City’s Seismic Retrofit program and forthcoming notices to comply as well as the upcoming flu and COVID vaccine clinics.
Councilmember Heilman requested that the City Council receive documentation regarding the vacant property at Sierra Bonita. He also mentioned the internal Vacant Properties Task Force and inquired if this Task Force continues to meet. Mr. Wilson and City Attorney Langer responded to these inquiries indicating that staff will return with further information. He further asked that staff return with an ordinance to allow vacant properties to be demolished.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about the comments regarding the air quality at the Sierra Bonita property and asked if AQMD can investigate. He further inquired about the timeline for demolition of 1030 Sierra Bonita. Mr. Wilson responded that staff will reach out to AQMD, and that the buildings were red tagged which provides the City the authority to demolish the building.
Mayor Shyne requested a briefing on hate crimes and Block by Block.
Councilmember Meister spoke about the timeframe that a development permit can remain valid before the project starts. She also spoke about utilizing vacant properties for housing. Ms. Langer responded to this inquiry.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
Assistant City Clerk Morales stated that the Fiscal Impact on the Consent Calendar was 210,00 in expenditures, $1,718 in revenue, and ($0) in waived fees.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.A.,B.,C.,D.,E.,F.,G.,H.,I.,J. Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved. (5/0)
2.A. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, December 4, 2023 was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff’s Station, and at the West Hollywood Library on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
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ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
SUBJECT: The City Council is requested to approve the minutes of the prior Council meeting.
ACTION: Approved the minutes of November 20, 2023. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.C. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 938 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, S. HERNANDEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending November 24, 2023 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 938 and adopt Resolution No. 23-098, “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF
DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 938”. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.D. CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, R.
RICHARDS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council is receiving notification that the City’s thirdparty administrator Carl Warren & Co. has denied one ( 1) Claim for Damages from Argen Vartanian.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.E. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 23-24 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD, AMENDING THE DATE BY WHICH
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING AREAS SHALL CONVERT TO
PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING” [ M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 23-24, amending the date by which temporary outdoor dining areas shall convert to permanent outdoor dining.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 23-24, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD, AMENDING THE
DATE BY WHICH TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING AREAS SHALL
CONVERT TO PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING”. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.F. 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, Rent Stabilization Commission, Russian-Speaking Advisory Board, DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC15C19- E837-4B18-9E84-84555ADBF2EC City Council Minutes
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Transgender Advisory Board regarding actions taken at their recent meetings.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.G. APPROVAL OF AN EDUCATION COMPACT BETWEEN THE LOS
ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ( LAUSD) AND THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD [ C. SCHROEDER, C. PLANCK, L. ISENBERG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an Education Compact between the Los Angeles Unified School District ( LAUSD) and the City of West Hollywood.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved the Education Compact between the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the City of West Hollywood; and 2) Sent the approved Education Compact to the LAUSD Board of Education for its review and approval. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.H. METRO CONTRACT AMENDMENTS [ N. MARICICH, F. CONTRERAS, D. FENN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider authorizing amendments to the Agreements for Services with Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc. (JLL) and Emerson & Associates for Phase 2 of the City’s Funding and Project Delivery Strategy Study and predevelopment planning and policy support related to upcoming project milestones on the Northern Extension of the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement for Services with Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc. (JLL) to extend the contract term by an additional 12 months and increase the amount of the agreement by 35,000, utilizing Measure M local return transportation funds, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $253,375 to facilitate Phase 2 of JLL’s portion of the City’s Funding and Project Delivery Strategy Study; and 2) Approved Amendment No. 11 to the Agreement for Services with Emerson & Associates to extend the contract term by an additional 12 months and increase the amount of the agreement by $150,000, utilizing Measure M local return transportation funds, for a total not-to-exceed amount of 1,595,000 to provide ongoing project support for the next phase of the project and related legislative efforts, interagency negotiations, and funding pursuits. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.I. REQUEST TO ENTER INTO A MILLS ACT CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1017 HANCOCK AVENUE [ N. MARICICH,
J. ALKIRE, A. CASTILLO, R. RATH]:
SUBJECT: The applicant is requesting approval of a Mills Act Contract to rehabilitate the property that is a designated Cultural Resource of the City of West Hollywood located at 1017 Hancock Avenue. This action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 for the rehabilitation of historical resources in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standard.
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ACTIONS: 1) Approved the Mills Act Contract between the City of West Hollywood and the owner of the property located at 1017 Hancock Avenue; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.J. ALL-WAY PEDESTRIAN PHASE – SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD AT SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD [ S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR, R.
GARLAND]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider providing direction to staff to incorporate an all-way pedestrian phase at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard to operate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
ACTION: Directed staff to proceed with the implementation of an all-way pedestrian phase to operate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
4. LEGISLATIVE: None.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
5.A. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY & WELL-BEING STRATEGY [ D.
WILSON, C. SAFRIET, D. RIVAS, C. SCHROEDER, C. PLANCK, L.
ISENBERG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on progress advancing the strategic priorities outlined in the West Hollywood Community Safety & Well-Being Strategy.
Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated December 4, 2023.
Councilmember Meister inquired about the additional positions and asked if they have been filled. Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas responded to this inquiry. Councilmember Meister inquired about the number of beds for unhoused community members, her experience when calling 988, and the WeHo CARES Team. Human Services Manager Corri Planck responded. Councilmember Meister inquired about who is appointing the Community Safety and Well Being Community Table members. City Manager Wilson responded.
Mayor Shyne inquired about the full launch of the WeHo CARES Team and the communication plan to the community.
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Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about the changes to State law regarding 5150 holds and its impact on the MET and CARES Team. He also inquired if the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station is impacted by deputy retirements. He further inquired about the vacant PIO positions at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Captain Bill Moulder responded.
Councilmember Heilman asked about the vacant positions at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Captain Moulder responded.
The following members of the public came forward to speak:
ANNIE JUMP VICENTE, UNKNOWN, spoke regarding conservatorships and 5150 holds as well as her need to feel safe.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the
City’s old Vision 2020 and Aging in Place. He further spoke about the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. He mentioned developer responsibility and accountability.
GEORGE NICKLE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the Sheriff’s Community Academy. He clarified the number of deputies in the City.
NICHOLAS ROYBLE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding
Transphobia. He inquired why there is a need for Community Safety and Well Being Community Table rather than using the City’s current Commissions and Advisory Boards. He also inquired about the Holloway housing, LGBTQ+ training for deputies, and reports from the Westside roundtable.
ADAM DARVISH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the priority list and requested additional patrols on residential streets.
Councilmember Byers inquired about the data for the Mayors for Guaranteed Income program and next steps. Director of Human Services and Rent Stabilization Christof Schroeder responded.
Councilmember Heilman asked about a safety net to protect currently housed people from slipping into homelessness. He also asked about the City’s Hoarding Task Force.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson also asked about the Hoarding Task Force.
He also spoke about the West Hollywood Housing Corp buildings and resident satisfaction.
Mayor Shyne expressed concern with LGBTQ sensitivity, and the need for enhanced LGBTQ training for Sheriff’s deputies and Block by Block DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC15C19- E837-4B18-9E84-84555ADBF2EC City Council Minutes
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Security ambassadors. She requested an update on Sheriff Luna’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. She stressed the need for training. Mr. Rivas responded. Erica Leon from Block by Block provided additional information on the various trainings that security ambassadors attend.
Mayor Shyne also inquired about the grievance process for individuals that have challenges with Block by Block. Ms. Leon responded.
Councilmember Meister expressed concern with 988 and reporting interactions with individuals experiencing mental health issues. She spoke about outreach at the City’s parks. She spoke regarding the CSWB Table and asked that the City Manager to share the process for choosing the individuals participating in the Table. She mentioned an article that a community member shared with her regarding incarcerated individuals becoming unhoused community members and asked that staff check in with the County to see if and how they were dealing with this issue.
Councilmember Byers mentioned the pedestrian/bicycle safety aspect of the Community Safety & Well Being Plan. She also mentioned one of the City’s social service providers, Healthcare in Action, and the work that they’re doing in the community.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson spoke about direct outreach at the City’s known spots where unhoused community members congregate.
Councilmember Heilman requested that staff share the other number that people may call regarding unhoused community members, rather than 988.
ACTION: The City Council provided feedback and direction to staff.
Approved by consensus.
The City Council recessed at 7:58 p.m. and reconvened at 8:12 p.m.
5.B. SEMI-ANNUAL COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE [D. RIVAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on community safety activities, including year to date crime data from January to October 2023, and confirm citywide community safety contract staffing levels.
Items 5.B. and 5.C. were combined
Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated December 4, 2023.
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith provided an update on LA County Fire data for this reporting period.
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Councilmember Heilman shared a positive experience that he recently had with the Fire Department.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about the Santa Monica Blvd. Fire Station and asked if there is anything that is needed at the Fire Station.
Chief Smith responded. Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that the City Manager look into a future funding allocation for the Santa Monica Blvd. Fire Station.
Councilmember Meister mentioned a staff report that she and Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson brought forward regarding when fire review occurs for new developments. She encouraged the Fire Department and Community Development Department to work collaboratively.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson spoke about the development adjacent to the Santa Monica Blvd. Fire Station, specifically parking for the firefighters.
Chief Smith shared that there was a fee to utilize that parking facility.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson requested that the City Manager address this issue.
Erica Leon from Block by Block provided an update Block by Block Security Ambassador services for this reporting period.
Councilmember Meister inquired about the numbers for residential and business contacts mentioned in the report.
Neighborhood and Business Safety Manager Vyto Adomatis provided an update for Code Compliance and Enforcement services during this reporting period.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about short term rental violations in the City. Mr. Adomatis responded.
West Hollywood Sheriff Station Caption Bill Moulder provided an update for Sheriff services during this reporting period.
The following members of the public came forward to speak:
ANNIE JUMP VICENTE, UNKNOWN, spoke regarding her experiences with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station and Block by Block.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked everyone for keeping the community safe. He inquired about Recommendation # 2 in the staff report.
TSUKURU FORS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding employing individuals who commit hate crimes against Trans community members.
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NICHOLAS ROYBAL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding vacant property checks. He also mentioned the increase in sexual violence. He shared an experience with the Entertainment Policing Team.
BRANDON BLAU, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Item 5.C., specifically data sharing. He also spoke about Recommendation 3 and requested that the draft policies be returned to the Public Safety Commission prior to the City Council.
GEORGE NICKLE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Item 5.C., specifically a real-time watch center. He also spoke about Block by Block Security Ambassadors.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Block by Blocks training. He also mentioned Sheriff Luna’s LGBTQ Task Force.
Mayor Shyne mentioned the Civilian Oversight Commission.
Councilmember Meister spoke about the allocation of resources – Sheriff’s Deputies, Block by Block, and Social Service providers and noted that there is still crime in certain areas. She recommended adding a sworn deputy even if it meant decreasing Block by Block, noting that even with Block by Block patrolling the residential neighborhoods, residential burglaries were up. She thanked the Sheriff’s volunteers for their 1,508 hours of service to the City.
Councilmember Byers spoke about the City’s diversity and broad range of safety needs. She mentioned cultural competency and suggested that the City’s Commissions and Boards review the policies of our service providers. She provided suggestions for aligning our services around the data that was provided this evening as well as the Center for Policing Equity Study. She further suggested reallocating duties to Code Enforcement that are citation based rather than Sheriff’s deputies.
Councilmember Heilman spoke about the presentation and suggestions for next time. He inquired about the safe drug drop-off at the Sheriff’s Station. He agrees with Councilmember Meister on increasing the number of Sheriff’s deputies and recommended that the Sheriff’s Department report back on how the additional deputy will be used to address the crimes noted in tonight’s report. He supports draft policies going to the Public Safety Commission prior to returning to the City Council; however, he noted that he supports the public safety technology enhancements recommended in the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson thanked the public and our community safety partners. He supports Recommendations 1, 2, & 3 as recommended in Item 5.C. He noted that he has privacy concerns, but he DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC15C19- E837-4B18-9E84-84555ADBF2EC City Council Minutes
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is open to expanding the City’s safety technology and is glad that staff is being thoughtful in drafting the policies. He recommends a quicker timeline for the ballistic upgrades at City facilities. In terms of Item 5.B., he asked what is contributing to the rise in Part 1 crimes on the Eastside of the City. Captain Moulder advocated for cameras along the City’s main thoroughfares, lighting, and additional patrols.
The City Council took a three-minute break and cleared the room. The City Council reconvened at 10:02 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson continued his comments. He inquired about cameras along Fountain Ave. as well as additional enforcement. He further recommended better methods for collecting data regarding pedestrian versus scooter and pedestrian versus automobile accidents.
Additionally, he inquired about how members of the public can report bicycle theft. He supports rehiring a deputy, but he also wants to see a plan on how the deputy will be utilized and emphasized hiring the Community Liaison.
Councilmember Byers agrees that the draft technology policies should be returned to the Public Safety Commission prior to returning to the City Council. She suggested that the City opt in to the speed camera pilot program. She also mentioned bike theft reporting issues and inquired if etching is possible similar to catalytic converters. She also supports bike lockers/bike parking throughout the City. She expressed concern with the ways that community members are required to report safety concerns and suggested that staff look into alternative methods for the public to report these incidents. Finally, she mentioned Assemblymember Zbur’s creation of the Retail Theft Committee.
Mayor Shyne supports Item 5.C. She is happy to see that crime is down.
She acknowledged the partnership between the City’s community safety partners. She supports Councilmember Byers approach to shifting duties to Code Enforcement and recommended adding it to future community safety strategies. At this time, she cannot support an additional deputy; however, she would like to see a plan illustrating how another deputy would help reduce residential burglaries.
Councilmember Heilman mentioned retail theft on the Eastside, and the fact that some stores are not taking action to deter or stop it. He noted that there is consensus for Item 5.C. Regarding Item 5.B, he notes that there is consensus, but that the City Council would like a report back illustrating how the additional deputy will be allocated.
Councilmember Meister recommended not waiting for a report in order to bring back the one deputy, noting that the City is still experiencing crime.
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Mayor Shyne asked Captain Moulder how an additional deputy would be utilized. Captain Moulder responded.
ACTIONS: 1) Confirmed citywide community safety contract staffing levels to consider as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget with direction to add an additional deputy; 2) Report back to the City Council on how the additional deputy will be utilized and data on residential burglaries; and 3) Investigate alternative ways to enforce non-violent offense. Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by
Councilmember Meister, and approved (5/0), noting Councilmember Byers “ no” vote on adding an additional deputy.
5.C. UPDATE ON PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY, AND
SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY
D. WILSON, D. RIVAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update and provide direction on various public safety equipment, technology, and security enhancements to support community safety efforts in West Hollywood.
Items 5.B. and 5.C. were combined
ACTIONS: 1) Received an update on public safety equipment, technology, and security enhancements to support community safety efforts; 2) Approved implementing the following safety enhancements:
Proactive Security Monitoring, Polaris Utility Task Vehicle, and Ballistic Protection at City Facilities; 3) Directed staff and the City Attorney to draft policies to address community and operational concerns for the following safety enhancements and return to the City Council at a later date: Drone as First Responder, Fixed Real-Time Cameras, Real-Time Watch Center, Weapon Detection at City Facilities, and Visitor Management System at City Facilities and take the draft policies to the Public Safety Commission for review; 4) Authorized the Director of Finance and Technology Service to allocate $ 815,000 ($ 75,000 - Proactive Security Monitoring, $ 40,000 Polaris Utility Task Vehicle, and $ 700,000 - Ballistic Protection) from unallocated General Fund Reserves for implementation of safety enhancements as described above; and 5) Opt-in to the speed camera pilot program. Motion by Councilmember Heilman, Councilmember Meister, and approved. (5/0)
6. NEW BUSINESS: None.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
PUBLIC COMMENT:
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, apologized to Mayor Shyne for his outburst earlier this evening. He supports Item 5.C., noting that if you see something say something.
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ANNIE JUMP VICENTE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding her earlier outburst.
She shared another example of a hate crime that she experienced.
The City Council took a recess at 10:42 p.m. and reconvened at 10:45 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at West Hollywood Day, the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards, World Aids Day, Act Up-LA Anniversary and Tribute Event, and Assemblymember Zbur’s Open House in Hollywood. She shared upcoming events in the City. She stated for the record that there is no upcoming fundraiser for her as mentioned during public comment.
Councilmember Byers thanked the members of the public who spoke this evening. She commented that the City celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Pick Up. She attended the same events that Councilmember Meister mentioned in her comments.
She thanked Mayor Shyne for her adjournment in memory of Sandra day O’Connor.
She mentioned Item 2.J. and requested that Communications push out education on utilizing the scramble crosswalks. She mentioned the information shared by Joshua Marin Mora from Assemblymember Zbur’s office regarding the changes to EDD claims.
She congratulated Supervisory Horvath who will be installed as Chair of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Heilman attended World Aids Day, the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards, and the City’s 39th anniversary of Cityhood celebration. He shared that he and Councilmember Byers met two members of the TAB as well as Vietnamese officials to discuss gender-affirming care policies. He responded to several public comments from earlier this evening.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson apologized to the community for his recent absence. He reported that he met with the Pope, attended the National League of Cities Conference, the Women Life Freedom Human Rights Speaker Series, the opening of Fan Girl Café, and the Victory Fund Conference in Washington DC. He looks forward to the Vacant properties item that staff will bring to the City Council. He congratulated Supervisor Horvath on becoming Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He shared upcoming events in the City. He noted that there are businesses in the City that are not complying with the Minimum Wage Ordinance. He wished those that celebrate a Happy Hannukah.
Mayor Shyne wished those that celebrate a Happy Hannukah. She attended the Women Life Freedom Human Rights Speaker Series, the opening of Fan Girl Café, and the Victory Fund Conference in Washington DC. She congratulated Supervisor Horvath on becoming Chair of the Board of Supervisors
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 11:07 p.m. in memory of Sandra Day O’Connor, Michael Latt, Dr. Kathy Collins, Daniel Taylor Curry, Sibyl Zaden, and William DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AC15C19- E837-4B18-9E84-84555ADBF2EC City Council Minutes
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Bill” McNeely to its next Regular City Council meeting, which will be on Monday, December 18, 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 18th day of December 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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