COMPLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY APRIL 15, 2024
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Erickson called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Nicholas Sommers, a student at West Hollywood Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Caroline Heldman read the City’s Land Acknowledgement.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Heilman, Councilmember Meister,
Councilmember Shyne, Vice Mayor Byers, and Mayor
Erickson.
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 Langer reported that the City Council Closed Session convened at 5:30 p.m., and that no speakers provided public comment. The City Council discussed one Item on the posted agenda, took no reportable action, and adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Meister requested that Agenda Items 4.B., 6.A., and 6.B., be moved to Consent Calendar as Item 2.S., 2.T., and 2.U., respectively, and that Item 5.C. be considered before 5.A.
Mayor Erickson requested that Agenda Item 4.A. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Item 2.R.
Vice Mayor Byers requested that Item 2.P. be Tabled since the legislature was still considering amendments to the bill.
Councilmember Heilman requested that Item 2.J. be moved to Excluded Consent.
Subsequently, Item 2.J. was Tabled at the request of staff during the City Manager’ s Report.
Councilmember Meister noted her “no” vote on Item 4.A.
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Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Shyne to approve the April 15, 2024 agenda, as amended ( 5/0).
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Vice Mayor Byers requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Felicia Villani and Grandmaster Lana.
PRESENTATIONS:
Councilmember Heilman presented a Proclamation to Chabad of WeHo West and West Hollywood Elementary School in recognition of Education and Sharing Day.
The City Council presented a Certificate to Nicholas Sommers for leading tonight’ s Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Erickson presented a Proclamation to Loving Way and Holton’ s Heroes in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Mayor Erickson presented a Proclamation to Leslie Isenberg for her years of service to the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
LUCIAN TUDOR, business owner of La Boheme, spoke regarding concerns with policies impacting business owners and requested that the City Council make ethical decisions for the betterment of the community.
MIKIE FREIDMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with electric scooters, safe sidewalks, and City policies.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked the City Council for their support in repealing Prop 8 and spoke regarding concerns with parking limitations on N. Gardner Street.
CATHY BLAIVIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item 2.I. and on concerns with parking limitations on Gardner.
JT PARR, WEST HOLLYWOOD, read a satire speech on a popular video game.
DENNIS ZANE, SANTA MONICA, spoke regarding concerns with the City Council’ s decision to Table Item 2.P.
ANDY SACHER, Founder of the Lavendar Effect, thanked the City Council for their support of Item 2.H.
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CAROLINE HELDMAN, LOS ANGELES, thanked the City Council for their adjournment in honor of Felicia Villani and Grandmaster Lana.
AMELIA GIOIELLA, LOS ANGELES, also thanked the City Council for their adjournment in honor of Felicia Villani and Grandmaster Lana.
STEVEN DAVIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on behalf of the Human Services Commission, and provided resources available to the community relating to sexually transmitted diseases.
LYNNE WHITE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in opposition to parking restrictions on N.
Gardner Street.
CITY MANAGER’ S REPORT:
City Manager Daivid Wilson requested that Item 2.J. be Tabled to the next meeting. He announced that the City Delegation comprised of City Officials were scheduled to travel to Sacramento for an Advocacy Day to meet with key staff to advocate for the City’s legislative priorities and attend hearings of different policy committees of the legislature.
Additionally, he invited the community to attend the upcoming workshop and provide feedback on the WEHO 40th Strategic Plan and congratulated Leslie Isenberg on her retirement and thanked her for her years of service.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Crowder stated that the Fiscal Impact on the Consent Calendar with the addition of Items 4.A., 4.B., 6.A., and 6.B., and the removal of Items 2.J. and 2.P. was 494,420 in expenditures, $ 0 in revenues, and ($ 0) in waived fees.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.A.,B.,C.,D.,E.,F.,G.,H.,I.,K.,L.,M.,N.,O.,Q.,R.,S.,T.,U. Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Vice Mayor Byers, noting Councilmember Meister’ s “ no” vote on Item 4.A., and approved ( 5/0).
City Clerk Crowder introduced on first reading the title of Ordinance No. 24-11 of Item
2.R. and Ordinance No. 24-12 of Item 2.S.
2.A. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, April 15, 2024 was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff’s Station, and at the West Hollywood Library on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
ACTION: Received and filed. 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: Approved the minutes of April 1, 2024. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.C. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 947 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, S. HERNANDEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending April 5, 2024 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 947 and adopt Resolution No. 24-022, “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF
DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 947”. 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 Nationwide Insurance as subrogee for Rafael Manzano.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.E. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-10 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 10.08, SECTION 10.08.260,
SUBSECTION C OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE,
IMPLEMENTING PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT 11
REGULATIONS ON THE 8300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD AVENUE
BETWEEN SWEETZER AVENUE AND KINGS ROAD” [ M. CROWDER,
L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24-10, amending Title 10, Chapter 10.08, Section
10.08.260, Subsection C of the West Hollywood Municipal Code, implementing Preferential Parking District 11 regulations on the 8300 block of Rosewood Avenue between Sweetzer Avenue and Kings Road.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 24-10, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 10.08, SECTION
10.08.260, SUBSECTION C OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE, IMPLEMENTING PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT 11
REGULATIONS ON THE 8300 BLOCK OF ROSEWOOD AVENUE
BETWEEN SWEETZER AVENUE AND KINGS ROAD”. Approved as
part of the Consent Calendar.
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2.F. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Public Facilities, Recreation, and Infrastructure Commission and the Older Adults Advisory Board regarding actions taken at their recent meetings.
ACTION: Receive and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.G. TREASURER’ S REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2024 [ L. QUIJANO, C.
CORRALES, K. BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer’s Reports for the month ended February 2024 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Received and filed the February 2024 Treasurer’ s Report.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.H. WEHO PRIDE 2024 PLANNING UPDATE [ Y. QUARKER, C. SMITH, M.
REATH, K. MCCORMACK]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on WeHo Pride 2024 planning.
ACTION: Received an update on WeHo Pride 2024 planning. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.I. APPROVAL OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY CULTURAL HISTORY GRANT L. BIERY, R. EHEMANN, E. ANGELOFF, D. WILSON, C. SAFRIET, V.
PARRA, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the 40th Anniversary Cultural History Grant guidelines, schedule, and funding as recommended by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.
ACTION: Approved the implementation of the 40th Anniversary Cultural History Grant, as recommended by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.J. WEST HOLLYWOOD CITY PLAYHOUSE PROJECT DESIGN AND
BUDGET UPDATE [ J. ROCCO, R. ABRAMSON, M. BARKER, L.
BIERY, R. EHEMANN, E. ANGELOFF]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on the design of the West Hollywood City Playhouse and a revision to the project’s estimated budget.
ACTIONS: This Item was tabled.
2.K. AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH WOLFE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN, INC. FOR ON-CALL STAFF
AUGMENTATION SERVICES [ S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Services with Wolfe Engineering and Design, Inc. for DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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on-call staff augmentation services, increasing the not-to-exceed amount of the Agreement and extending the term.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for services with Wolfe Engineering and Design, Inc., to increase the amount of the agreement by $ 75,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $ 200,000 and extend the term; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.L. AMENDMENT NO. 7 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH
KABBARA ENGINEERING FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
MELROSE STREETSCAPE PROJECT [ S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amending the Agreement for Services with Kabbara Engineering for professional civil engineering design services to increase the not-to-exceed amount.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement for Services with Kabbara Engineering to increase the amount of the Agreement by 80,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $ 2,480,464; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.M. CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH GENTRY GENERAL
ENGINEERING, INC. FOR CIP 2401, CONCRETE REPAIR PROGRAM PHASE XIII – CDBG PROJECT NO. 602618- 23 [ S. CAMPBELL, J.
GILMOUR, P. TICUN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of a Construction Agreement with Gentry General Engineering, Inc to construct CIP No. 2401, Concrete Repair Program Phase XIII – CDBG Project No. 602618-
23. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA – Public Resources Code, Section 21084 et. Seq.), CIP No. 2401, Concrete Repair Program Phase XIII – CDBG Project No. 602618-23, meets the requirements for a categorical exemption in compliance with Article 19, Section 15301, (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).
ACTIONS: 1) Approved a construction contract with Gentry General Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $264,473.00 for the construction of CIP No. 2401, Concrete Repair Program Phase XIII – CDBG Project No. 602618- 23, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the documents incident to the Agreement; 2) Authorized the City Engineer to approve change orders to the Agreement in the amount not to exceed 10%, ($ 26,447.30), of the total Agreement amount; 3) Adopted Resolution No. 24-023: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE DESIGN AND PLANS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF CIP 2401, CONCRETE REPAIR PROGRAM
PHASE XIII – CDBG PROJECT NO. 602618- 23, PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 830.6;” and 4) Make a finding that pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA – Public Resources Code, Section 21084 et. Seq.), CIP No. 2401, DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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Concrete Repair Program Phase XIII – CDBG Project No. 602618- 23, meets the requirements for a categorical exemption in compliance with Article 19, Section 15301, ( Class 1 – Existing Facilities). Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.N. NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CIP 2303, SANTA MONICA
BOULEVARD BETWEEN CRESCENT HEIGHTS BOULEVARD AND LA
CIENEGA BOULEVARD PAVEMENT REPAIR PROGRAM [ S.
CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the Notice of Completion for CIP 2303, Santa Monica Blvd Between Crescent Heights Blvd. and La Cienega Blvd. Pavement Repair Program by PALP Inc. dba Excel Paving Company.
ACTIONS: The City Council accepted the work and authorized 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.O. A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CALIFORNIA RIGHT TO MARRY AND REPEAL PROPOSITION 8 AMENDMENT BALLOT
INITIATIVE [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, H. MOLINA, M. WATSON]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution in support of the California Right to Marry and Repeal Proposition 8 Amendment ballot initiative, which will appear on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 24-024: “ A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD IN SUPPORT
OF THE CALIFORNIA RIGHT TO MARRY AND REPEAL PROPOSITION 8 AMENDMENT BALLOT INITIATIVE”; and 2) Directed staff to send copies of the adopted resolution to California Governor Gavin Newsom, California State Senator Ben Allen, California Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, and others as deemed appropriate. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.P. A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE JUSTICE FOR RENTERS ACT, A BALLOT INITIATIVE [ Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, H. MOLINA, M.
WATSON]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution in support of the Justice for Renters Act, a ballot initiative that will appear on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopted Resolution 24-025: “ A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD IN SUPPORT
OF THE JUSTICE FOR RENTERS ACT, A BALLOT INITIATIVE”; and 2) DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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Directed staff to send copies of the adopted resolution to California Governor Gavin Newsom, California State Senator Ben Allen, California Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, and others as deemed appropriate.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.Q. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD ESTABLISHING RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS AMENDING THE POSTING LOCATIONS,
ADDING A SECTION TO THE AGENDA FOR LEVINE ACT
REPORTING, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-103 [ J.
JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution amending the Rules of Conduct of City Council meetings. The changes include amending the posting locations and adding a section to the City Council agenda for Levine Act reporting. It also requests that the City Council rescind Resolution No. 23-103.
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 24-026: “ A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ESTABLISHING
RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
AMENDING THE POSTING LOCATIONS, ADDING A SECTION TO THE
AGENDA FOR LEVINE ACT REPORTING, AND RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NO. 23-103”. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.R. ( 4.A.) AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11.28.090 OF THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY ELIGIBLE AREAS TO
BE PERMITTED TO CONVERT TEMPORARY OUTZONES TO
PERMITTED PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING [ D. WILSON, J.
ROCCO, S. CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider updating the outdoor dining section of the West Hollywood Municipal Code to clarify eligible outdoor dining areas allowed to convert temporary OUTZones to permitted permanent outdoor dining in narrow sidewalk areas that are less than 12 feet and within on-street parking spaces that are obstructed by public infrastructure. This amendment to the Municipal Code is exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378 and 15061(b)(3).
ACTION: Introduced on First Reading Ordinance No. 24-11: “ AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 11.28.090
OUTDOOR DINING ON PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY – ELIGIBLE SITES”
OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY
ELIGIBLE AREAS TO BE PERMITTED TO CONVERT TEMPORARY
OUTZONES TO PERMITTED PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING”.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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2.S. (4.B.) HUMANE AND SUSTAINABLE BEE REMOVAL [ L. LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider the introduction of an ordinance to require the humane and sustainable removal of bee swarms and colonies from all property in the City.
ACTIONS: 1) Introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 24-12: “ AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9.55 TO ARTICLE 4 OF TITLE 9 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROVIDE FOR THE HUMANE REMOVAL OF BEE SWARMS AND
COLONIES”; and 2) Delayed the effective date of the ordinance by six months to provide an opportunity to educate the community on humane bee removal, including direction to create an informational page on the city’s website and other educational materials for community education.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.T. ( 6.A.) CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH BALI CONSTRUCTION TO CONSTRUCT CIP 2204, RULE 20B OVERHEAD TO UNDERGROUND
CONVERSION LA PEER DR. & ALMONT DR.; AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH MAGNA CONSULTING &
DESIGN FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES; AND AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH BERG & ASSOCIATES FOR
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & INSPECTION SERVICES [ S.
CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of a construction Agreement with Bali Construction to construct CIP 2204, Rule 20B Overhead to Underground Conversion La Peer Dr. & Almont Dr.; amending the Agreement for Services with Magna Consulting & Design for engineering services; and amending the Agreement for Services with Berg Associates for construction management and inspection services.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved a Construction Agreement with Bali Construction, in the amount of $ 3,572,236 for the construction of CIP 2204, Rule 20B Overhead to Underground Conversion La Peer Dr. & Almont Dr., and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement; 2) Authorized the City Engineer to approve change orders to the Construction Agreement in an amount not to exceed 20% 714,447.20) of the total Agreement amount; 3) Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Services with Magna Consulting & Design to increase the amount of the Agreement by $ 48,087, for a total not-toexceed amount of $ 180,053, and to extend the Agreement to June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement; 4) Approved Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Services with Berg & Associates to increase the amount of the Agreement by $ 1,058,553.50, for a total not-to-exceed amount of 4,337,137.26, and to extend the Agreement to June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement; 5) Authorized the City Manager or designee to enter into Agreements for Services with various Utility Agencies to facilitate the DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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Project in an amount not-to-exceed $ 500,000; 6) Authorized the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $ 4,411,000.00 from unallocated reserves in the Debt Funded Capital Projects Fund for construction of CIP 2204, Rule 20B Overhead to Underground Conversion La Peer Dr. & Almont Dr and related costs; and 7) Adopted Resolution No. 24-027: “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE DESIGN AND PLANS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF CIP 2204, RULE 20B OVERHEAD TO
UNDERGROUND CONVERSION LA PEER DR. & ALMONT DR,
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 830.6”. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
2.U. ( 6.B.) SPONSORSHIP OF A PANEL EVENT IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH [ J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring a panel event during the month of May in recognition of National Foster Care Month. The panel event is tentatively scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the City’s Council Chambers.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to organize a panel event during the month of May in recognition of National Foster Care Month; 2) Authorized the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials for the event; 3) Directed the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communication tools to promote the event including, but not limited to, the City’s website, a news release, and social media; 4) Authorized the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate 1,500 from Fiscal Year 2023-24 funds in the Special Council Programs account number 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with the event; and 5) Waived the Facility Use fee for the City Council Chambers for the event, parking fees at the 5-story parking lot for attendees, and any other ancillary City permits that may be required for the event ( estimated $ 1,240 in waived fees). Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
4. LEGISLATIVE:
4.A. AMENDMENT TO SECTION 11.28.090 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE TO CLARIFY ELIGIBLE AREAS TO BE
PERMITTED TO CONVERT TEMPORARY OUTZONES TO PERMITTED
PERMANENT OUTDOOR DINING [ D. WILSON, J. ROCCO, S.
CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider updating the outdoor dining section of the West Hollywood Municipal Code to clarify eligible outdoor dining areas allowed to convert temporary OUTZones to permitted permanent outdoor dining in narrow sidewalk areas that are less than 12 feet and within on-street parking spaces that are obstructed by public DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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infrastructure. This amendment to the Municipal Code is exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378 and 15061(b)(3).
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
4.B. HUMANE AND SUSTAINABLE BEE REMOVAL [ L. LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider the introduction of an ordinance to require the humane and sustainable removal of bee swarms and colonies from all property in the City.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Item 5.C. was heard first as indicated during Approval of the Agenda.**
5.C. WEAVER’ S WALK PROJECT UPDATE [ J. ROCCO, R. ABRAMSON, M. BARKER, S. CAMPBELL, L. BIERY, R. EHEMANN, M. MITCHELL]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update outlining recent discussions with adjacent property owners and then provide direction regarding completing the Weaver’s Walk project.
Deputy City Manager Jackie Rocco, Urban Design and Architecture Studio Manager Ric Abramson, and Project Architect Michael Barker provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 15, 2024.
Councilmember Meister inquired about the rendering sent by the architect and the density of the species of the trees. Ric Abramson provided clarification on the vantage point of the rendering and canopy density.
Councilmember Shyne inquired about the community meetings held for this project. Ric Abramson responded.
Councilmember Heilman clarified the various options for their consideration.
Mayor Erickson inquired if the outreach conducted could be verified and whether staff could provide a cost estimate for each option. Deputy City Manager Jackie Rocco responded to the first inquiry noting that there were various outreach efforts and Public Works Director Steve Campbell responded to the Mayor’ s second question, noting that option A and B would possibly go out to bid and be brought back to the City Council for additional budgeting allocations and that option C was currently budgeted.
Vice Mayor Byers inquired if mitigating visibility had been explored. Ric Abramson stated that if businesses required accommodations, additional signage would be considered.
The following speakers came forward to speak:
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GREGORY RANG, LOS ANGELES, Executive Director of the West Hollywood Design District, spoke in support of Option C.
GENEVIEVE MORRILL, President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of Option C, and on concerns with the funding of this project and tree trimming maintenance.
JULIA XAMARA CALVO, LOS ANGELES, small business owner, spoke on concerns with the outreach of this project and requested that the City Council first consult with business owners before making their decision.
ERIC DARBELOFF, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option A.
LESLIE KARLISS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option A.
DANIEL ST. HILAIRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option A.
JOSHUA TRACHTENBERG, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option A.
ANDREW SOLOMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option A and commented on the public notices.
KIMBERLY WINICK, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the outreach conducted by the City over the years and in support of Option A.
JEFF SEYMOUR, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Seymour Consulting Group spoke on behalf of Ben Solomani and retail businesses, spoke in support of Option C.
SAMUEL AOULIAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option C.
PAUL LEWIS, LOS ANGELES, Landscape Architect, spoke regarding concerns on the proposed tree species and business signage visibility.
JANET XONATX, LOS ANGELES, business owner, expressed concern with the impact the business will have in five years when the trees are overgrown and obstruct her business and spoke in support of Option C.
CARLOS SAPENE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, business owner, requested that the City consult business owners before making a decision.
JAY LUCHS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, business owner, spoke in support of Option C.
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TERRY AUGI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding public safety concerns.
LAWRENCE CHAMBLEE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding public safety concerns and in support of Option C.
ENID SHOR, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Option C.
PAUL HANNEMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on the well-publicized meetings and spoke in support of this project.
SHAREN MOGHAVEN, BEVERLY HILLS, spoke in opposition of this project.
RICHARD GEISBRET, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of moving forward with this project.
DAWN SALZMANN, ENCINITAS, business owner, spoke in opposition of this project.
JANNA LEVENSTEIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding safety concerns.
Councilmember Meister inquired about the species of trees that provide coverage. Public Works Director Steve Campbell responded.
Councilmember Heilman thanked all speakers, highlighted options impacting businesses and greenspace, and spoke in support of Option A.
Councilmember Shyne echoed Councilmember Heilman’ s comments, commented on the various meetings and public outreach, spoke in support of Option A, and requested wayfinding signage be added to the design.
Councilmember Meister commented on the various public meetings held for this project, the various renditions, and spoke in support of Option A.
She also requested wayfinding signage be added to this project.
Vice Mayor Byers also spoke in support of Option A and commented on the willingness to work with businesses to support them.
Mayor Erickson spoke in support of Option A and encouraged businesses to continue working with the City. He spoke in support of wayfinding signs and requested that the West Hollywood Design District meet more often.
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consultant team based on concerns expressed by adjacent property owners with respect to the quantity, size, and locations of trees within the project; and 2) Gave direction to move forward with an expedited construction on Option A: Modified Weaver’ s Walk design, which includes tree reductions, relocations, wayfinding signs, and species changes from the design approved by City Council on May 1, 2023. Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/0).
The City Council recessed at 8:17 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.**
5.A. UPDATE ON THE MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE [ D. WILSON, J.
ROCCO, C. SAFRIET, P. KESPRADIT, L. LANGER, L. BIERY, T.
COYNE]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance and provide related direction as needed.
City Manager David Wilson, Deputy City Manager Jackie Rocco, City Attorney, Lauren Langer, Director of Economic Development Laura Biery, Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet, and Management Analyst Paolo Kespradit, and FM3 Research Consultant Richard Bernard and Adam Sonenshein provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 15, 2024.
Councilmember Meister inquired about sick leave calculations. Paolo Kespradit provided clarification. Councilmember Meister inquired if employees working on Sunset Boulevard, Melrose, and other streets were represented and inquired if they surveyed how many hours per day individuals worked. Adam Sonenshein provided a response.
Councilmember Heilman inquired if residency/ place of work was verified and if the survey included a question to clarify if individuals were currently paid minimum wages. He also inquired if individuals making higher salaries than minimum wage were aware of paid leave. Adam Sonenshein stated that information regarding paid leave would be provided to the City Council, however, stated the other information could not be verified.
Councilmember Shyne requested the number of businesses with approved waivers. Economic Development Director Laura Biery responded.
Councilmember Meister inquired if employees who were surveyed were aware of the leave policy and if they thought West Hollywood was a favorable place to do business. Adam Sonenshein responded.
Mayor Erickson inquired whether there was a correlation of those individuals who were not aware of the benefits with the number of DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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employees who are paid less. Richard Bernard stated there were many factors but found that there is a gap between employers and employees.
The following speakers came forward to speak:
LUCIAN TUDOR, business owner of La Boheme, spoke regarding concerns with the minimum wage ordinance and requested they amend it.
CARMEN BLASOIU, manager of La Boheme, spoke on concerns with minimum wage increases and requested the City’s support.
STEVE LOCOCCO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with minimum wage increases.
DJ RICKY NAJJAR, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with undocumented work.
JOAN HENEHAN, WESTWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with paid leave for part-time workers.
GENEVIEVE MORRILL, President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition of paid part time and wage increases.
BRETT LATTERI, LOS ANGELES, business owner spoke regarding concerns with misinformation disseminated by union members and requested the City Council provide business owners with support.
MICHAEL LLIU, business owner, requested the City Council reconsider the total compensation package.
DANIELLE JONES, spoke regarding the high housing costs and requested that the City Council not amend the minimum wage ordinance.
JOCEYLYN RUIZ, LA FED, COMPTON, spoke regarding poverty concerns due to low paying wages.
FELIPE CACERES, SCIU LOCAL 721 spoke in support of fair wages and encouraged the City Council to continue setting the standard.
CARLOS RUBLO, LOS ANGELES, TEAMSTERS 911, spoke in
opposition to amendments to the minimum wage ordinance.
JULIA CAMARA CALVO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding
concerns with minimum wage increases.
ANDRE SHIRLEY, LOS ANGELES, spoke in favor of fair wages.
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VERONICA ALVARADO, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, spoke in favor of
increasing the minimum wage ordinance.
MATHEW DAVID HOM, spoke in favor of increasing the minimum wage ordinance.
MARCUS MOLINA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in favor of increasing the minimum wage ordinance and paid time off.
DANIELLE WILSON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding fair wages.
DAVID STOOKEY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, Unite here local 11, spoke in support of fair wages.
LEAH FOLTA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, WRITERS GUILD, spoke in
opposition to changes to the minimum wage ordinance.
KATIE DUBERG, SILVERLAKE, spoke in opposition to tipped paid wages.
SABA WAHEED, LOS ANGELES, Director of UCLA Labor Center, commended the City for their leadership and spoke in opposition to the tipped minimum wage and of total compensation model.
NICK STEWARD- BLOCH, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of fair wages.
ANDREA O’LOUGHLIN, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of fair wages.
JACK KEARNS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of fair wages.
WALTER SCHILD, spoke in favor of fair wages and paid leave, however, expressed frustration with the effectiveness of city policy.
GRAHAM NORTHWOOD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on concerns
regarding the survey’ s results.
JULES YUN, LOS ANGELES, spoke in favor of fair wages.
ALE ANDRE CAMPILLO, LOS ANGELES, spoke in favor of fair wages.
GEORGE NICKLE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding his desire for the City to create a fair policy.
JUAN MUNOZ, spoke regarding fair wages.
GLADIS AVILA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, requested that the City not allow a change to the minimum wage ordinance.
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ZEKIAH WRIGHT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in favor of creative options to assist businesses rather than changing the minimum wage ordinance.
NOEMI WOODD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in favor of a fair living wage.
The City Council recessed at 10:41 p.m. and reconvened at 10:46 p.m.**
Mayor Erickson inquired about the impact of a CPI freeze, the total compensation model and requested that City Attorney Langer provide additional clarification of the item. Lauren Langer stated there was no case law for the total compensation model, however, noted that wages could not be supplemented by tips and that there was an analysis of this issue in the November 2023 staff report.
Councilmember Heilman commented on providing an educational component based on the results of the survey, clarified that this report only intended to provide the City Council with an update, and expressed concerns with the paid leave policy.
Councilmember Shyne thanked all speakers, and spoke in opposition to a total compensation package, agreed that other cities need to rise to the challenge, and stated she was not interested in contemplating reducing paid leave. She agreed to incorporate an educational component and clarified comments made regarding campaign contributions.
Councilmember Meister spoke on concerns with the lack of recommendations or conclusions based on the survey. She requested the City hire a consultant to provide economic recommendations, pause the CPI increase for six months, research a total compensation model further, and allow new businesses to follow state minimum wage for their first year.
Vice Mayor Byers stated that the intent of this policy is to provide all with fair wages and improve the quality of life. She commented on her willingness to explore options to support businesses, spoke in opposition to the total compensation model, and expressed interested in pausing the CPI for six months.
Councilmember Heilman commented in opposition to hiring a consultant.
Mayor Erickson thanked all speakers, provided comments on fair wages, and commented on the unified goal to uplift the community.
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Councilmember Heilman stated there was consensus to include an educational component and pause the CPI increase. He made inquiries regarding the eligible for business waivers. Director of Economic Development Laura Biery responded, noting that a new business could not apply and would need to provide proof of a hardship.
The City Council requested staff bring back an item for their consideration to pause the CPI increase for six months and incorporate an educational component.
ACTIONS: 1) Received an update on marketing support for local businesses services by Visit West Hollywood; 2) Received an update on the recent surveys of West Hollywood employees and employers; 3) Received an update on outreach to organized labor advocates; 4) Received information related to new and closed business tax certificates for 2018 and 2019; 5) Received an update on research related to compensated leave time for small and large businesses; 6) Received clarifying information updates to the Minimum Wage Ordinance Administrative Regulations; 7) Received an update on the Minimum Wage Ordinance, including the annual increase to the minimum wage rate, local enforcement, and related information; and 8) Provided direction to bring back an ordinance to pause the CPI increase for a six-month period until January 1, 2025 and incorporate an educational component. Motion by Heilman, seconded by Meister, and approved ( 4/1), noting Councilmember Shyne’ s “ no” vote.
5.B. CREATION OF A BUSINESS TASK FORCE [ D. WILSON, J. ROCCO, C. SAFRIET, P. KESPRADIT, L. BIERY, T. COYNE, D. PURIFICACION]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update regarding the framework and guidelines for the Business Task Force.
City Manager David Wilson, Deputy City Manager Jackie Rocco, Director of Economic Development Laura Biery, Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet, and Management Analyst Paolo Kespradit, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 15, 2024.
Councilmember Shyne requested this item come back after the City Council is briefed on the economic study.
Councilmember Heilman inquired if staff felt this effort duplicated current workplan efforts. Lauren Biery provided a response.
ACTIONS: This Item was tabled and directed to be brought forward for consideration once the City Council has been provided with the economic study. The City Council approved this Item by consensus.
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5.D. APPOINTMENTS TO THE SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TRANSGENDER ADVISORY BOARDS [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: Vice Mayor Byers and Councilmember Meister will make their direct appointment to the Transgender Advisory. The City Council will consider an at-large appointment to the Social Justice Advisory Board.
City Clerk Melissa Crowder provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated April 15, 2024.
ACTIONS: 1) Vice Mayor Byers appointed June Jenushkin to the Transgender Advisory Board with a term ending February 28, 2025; 2) Councilmember Meister appointed Mariana Marroquin to the Transgender Advisory Board with a term ending February 28, 2025; and 3) The City Council appointed Kenneth Jones to the at-large vacancy on the Social Justice Advisory Board with a term ending February 28, 2025.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
6.A. CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH BALI CONSTRUCTION TO
CONSTRUCT CIP 2204, RULE 20B OVERHEAD TO UNDERGROUND
CONVERSION LA PEER DR. & ALMONT DR.; AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH MAGNA CONSULTING &
DESIGN FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES; AND AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH BERG & ASSOCIATES FOR
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & INSPECTION SERVICES [ S.
CAMPBELL, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of a construction Agreement with Bali Construction to construct CIP 2204, Rule 20B Overhead to Underground Conversion La Peer Dr. & Almont Dr.; amending the Agreement for Services with Magna Consulting & Design for engineering services; and amending the Agreement for Services with Berg Associates for construction management and inspection services.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
6.B. SPONSORSHIP OF A PANEL EVENT IN RECOGNITION OF
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH [ J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring a panel event during the month of May in recognition of National Foster Care Month. The panel event is tentatively scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the City’s Council Chambers.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
KARIM AMERSI, WEST HOLLYOOWD BUSINESS OWNER, spoke regarding concerns with the minimum wage increase.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at the West Hollywood Employee Recognition Luncheon, Pet Mayor Installation, Picasso Pets, Plummer Park neighborhood meeting, represented District 41 on the Southern California Association of Governments Energy and Environment Committee and Regional Council. She announced that the Regional Council adopted the Connect SoCal 2024, which includes SCAG Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Community Strategy, invited the community to attend the upcoming Planning Commission meeting, announced the upcoming Waterwise Waterworks Symposium event, and wished a Happy Passover to those who celebrate it.
Councilmember Shyne wished a Happy Passover to those who celebrate it as well. She reported her attendance at the Pet Mayor Installation. She announced that April 21-28 is Lesbian and Queer Women’ s Visibility Week and invited the community to attend various events in the City. Lastly, she thanked the L Project for producing Lesbian and Queer Women’ s Visibility Week.
Councilmember Heilman reported his attendance at various City events including the West Hollywood Employee Recognition Luncheon, the Westside Cities Council of Governments ( COG) meeting in Culver City, the City of Beverly Hills swearing in of new Councilmembers and reported that former Councilmember, now County Assessor Jeff Prang, organized a group of LBGT+ elected officials from LA County and held their first organizational meeting.
Vice Mayor Byers reported her attendance at the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Board Meeting, the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee Meeting, the installation of new Council leadership in the City of Beverly Hills, and the LGBTQ+ Association’ s first night. She clarified that a Ceasar salad was not plant based and wished all a Happy Earth Day.
Mayor Erickson reported his attendance at the Assembly Safety Committee Meeting in Sacramento, the installation of new Councilmember in the City of Beverly Hills, the West Hollywood Employee Recognition Luncheon, the ribbon cutting at WEHO Elementary playground, the CPA Board of Directors Meeting, the Williams Institute Gala, spoke at the LA County Public Health Week event for Visibility Transformed at the LGBT Center, the Urban Leadership Institute Conference, Equal means Equal event, the USC LGBTQ Alumni Association Scholarship benefit, the Peaceful Pawsition of Power. He thanked his colleagues for approving the Humane and Sustainable Bee Removal Ordinance and wished Dan Moren a Happy 80th Birthday. He thanked staff and the community for the continued conversations regarding parking at N. Garnder and Vista assuring that this DocuSign Envelope ID: 32A4DD99- 78EF-4F8A-82BD-120B76558CDA City Council Minutes
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item would be brought back for the City Council’ s consideration with additional options such as a roundabout and permit parking.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 12:03 P.M. in memory of Felicia Villani and Grandmaster Lana to its next regular meeting, which will be on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 6th day of May 2024 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: Heilman, Meister, Shyne, Vice Mayor Byers, and Mayor Erickson.
NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
JOHN M. ERICKSON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK
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