CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 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: Krish Samanta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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, and Assistant City Clerk Morales.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:
City Attorney Langer reported that the City Council convened the Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. and no members of the public spoke under Public Comment. She noted that the City Council discussed the two items of business listed on the posted agenda and took no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Assistant City Clerk Morales noted that there were no changes from staff.
Councilmember Heilman requested that Items F.2. and F.4. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Items B.16. and B.17., respectively.
Councilmember Meister requested that Item B.13. be moved to the Excluded Consent Calendar.
Mayor Erickson requested that Item F.1. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Item B.15.
Councilmember Meister and Councilmember Shyne indicated their “no” vote on Item B.8.
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES: None.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Heilman requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Amnon Igra, Eduardo Duran, and Grafton P. Tanquary, Jr.
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Councilmember Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Keith H.
Walker.
Mayor Erickson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Ester.
PRESENTATIONS:
The City Council presented a Certificate to Krish Samanta for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
JIMMY PALMIERI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item F.1.
MIKIE FRIEDMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about Item B.9. and ADA concerns in the City.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about public safety and the City’s upcoming 40th Anniversary.
DAVID NASH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about the development and affordable housing throughout the City and the upcoming Disability Service Awards.
SAM BORELLI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on behalf of the Human Services Commission and reminded everyone that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
YOLA DORE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about Disabilities Awareness Month and the City’s upcoming Disability Service Awards.
CATHY BLAIVIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about the local election and bike lanes on Fountain Ave.
DAVID ECKERT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about the Fountain Ave. Streetscape Project.
SARAH WHITE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of Item F.2. and thanked the City Council for approving the item.
WENDY GOLDMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about pedestrian safety, scooter enforcement, recent residential burglaries, and green space.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
ASSEMBLYMEMBER RICK CHAVEZ ZBUR, 51ST DISTRICT, spoke regarding legislation updates.
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City Manager Wilson informed the public that LADWP will be replacing a water mainline on La Cienega Blvd. between Santa Monica Blvd. and Fountain Ave., with work commencing November 4th and lasting three months. He provided an update on LA County’ s Alternative Crisis Response, and how the City’s Care Team Behavioral Health Initiative is one of the County’ s components. He invited the community to save the date of Thursday, November 21st for this year’s West Hollywood Day, celebrating the City’s 40th Anniversary. The event will take place at the Silver Screen Theater at the Pacific Design Center and noted more information was available at www.weho.org/wehoday.
Mayor Erickson asked City Manager Wilson to provide an update regarding the parking lot at 8120 Santa Monica Blvd. City Manager Wilson informed the public that the lot is currently under construction and there were delays associated with SCE. The goal is to have the parking lot paved by Halloween and full completion by mid-November.
Mayor Erickson shared he’s been receiving comments regarding coyotes in the neighborhood. He inquired if staff could host a Coyote Conveying. City Manager Wilson shared that the City does have a Coyote Management Plan and is available on the City’s website.
Mayor Erickson inquired about a very recent arrest that occurred in the City. West Hollywood Sheriff Lt. Lapkin provided an update on a recent arrest related to the incident at Barney’ s Beanery with more information to be provide at an upcoming press conference.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
Assistant City Clerk Morales stated that the Fiscal Impact on the Consent Calendar with the addition of Items F.1., F.2., and F.4,. and the removal of Item B.13. was $516,000 in expenditures, $ 1,680 in revenues, and ($ 4,194) in waived fees.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
B.1.,2.,3.,4.,5.,6.,7.,8.,9.,10.,11.,12.,14.,15.,16.,17. Motion by Councilmember Heilman, seconded by Vice Mayor Byers, and approved ( 5/0), noting the “ no” vote of Councilmember Meister and Councilmember Shyne on Item B.8.
B.1. POSTING OF AGENDA [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, October 21, 2024 was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the Sheriff’s Station, the West Hollywood Library, and the Aquatics & Recreation Center (ARC) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council is requested to approve the minutes of the prior City Council meeting.
ACTION: Approved the meeting minutes of October 7, 2024. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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B.3. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 957 [ L. QUIJANO, C. CORRALES, S.
HERNANDEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending October 11, 2024 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 957 and adopted Resolution No. 24-097:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 957.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.4. CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, Y. ZHOSAN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council is receiving notification that the City’s third-party administrator Carl Warren & Co. has denied one ( 1) Claim for Damages from Elahe Savis.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B5. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-28 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 2.64 OF THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION” [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24- 28, amending Chapter 2.64 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code Relating to the Rent Stabilization Commission.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 24-28: “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING CHAPTER 2.64
OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.6. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-29 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING A
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO EXTEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE FOR THE PROJECT LOCATED AT 8920 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA” [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24- 29, approving a development agreement to extend the implementation timeline for the project located at 8920 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, and finding the action exempt from CEQA.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 24-29: “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO EXTEND THE
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE FOR THE PROJECT LOCATED AT 8920 SUNSET
BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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B.7. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-30 (2ND READING) " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING THE ZONING MAP
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO EXTEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE FOR THE PROJECT LOCATED AT 8920 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA” [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24- 30, amending the zoning map in conjunction with the development agreement to extend the implementation timeline for the project located at 8920 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 24-30: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT TO EXTEND THE IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE FOR THE PROJECT LOCATED AT 8920 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.8. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-31 (2ND READING) “ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 19, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL
CODE, TO ADOPT NEW DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS REGULATING
STUDIO UNITS AND MICRO- UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA” [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24- 31, adopting amendments to Title 19, Zoning Ordinance of the West Hollywood Municipal Code, to adopt new definitions and standards regulating studio units and micro-units and finding the action exempt from CEQA.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 24-31: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 19, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE, TO ADOPT NEW DEFINITIONS AND
STANDARDS REGULATING STUDIO UNITS AND MICRO- UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA.” Approved as part of the Consent Calendar, noting the “ no” vote of Councilmember Meister and Councilmember Shyne.
B.9. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ J. JIMENEZ, M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, the Human Services Commission, the Public Facilities, Recreation, & Infrastructure Commission, and the Older Adults Advisory Board regarding actions taken at their recent meetings.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.10.TREASURER’ S REPORT FOR AUGUST 2024 [ L. QUIJANO, C. CORRALES, K.
BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer’s Reports for the month ended August 2024 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Received and filed the August 2024 Treasurer’ s Report. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.11. AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH KIMLEY- HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
FOR ON-CALL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH KOA CORPORATION, INC. [ H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for Services with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to provide on-call engineering services and will consider approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with KOA Corporation, Inc. for on-call engineering services and to increase the not-to-exceed amount of the Agreement and extend the Agreement term.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved an Agreement for Services with Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $ 200,000 for on-call engineering services; 2) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with KOA Corporation, Inc. to increase the amount of the Agreement by $125,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $200,000, and extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026; and 3) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement and the Amendment. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.12.AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH EVERGREEN SOLUTIONS, LLC TO
CONDUCT A CITYWIDE COMPETENCY MODELING, CLASSIFICATION
ANALYSIS, AND COMPENSATION STUDY [ J. JIMENEZ, R. NAPPER, C.
LEUNG, C. KOKUBUN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for Services with Evergreen Solutions, LLC ( Evergreen Solutions) to conduct a Citywide Competency Modeling, Classification Analysis, and Compensation Study.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved an Agreement for Services with Evergreen Solutions for a not-to-exceed amount of $175,000; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.13.REQUEST TO JOIN THE SEPULVEDA TRANSIT CORRIDOR FOR ALL STC4ALL) ADVOCACY COALITION [ N. MARICICH, D. FENN, F. CONTRERAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider the request for the City to join the Sepulveda Transit Corridor for All (STC4All) advocacy coalition.
ACTION: This Item was moved to Excluded Consent Calendar.
B.14.WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS AND APPROVAL OF A CO-SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE FOUNDATION FOR THE AIDS MONUMENT ( FAM) [ Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, T. RODZINEK, C. SCHROEDER, W.
BARRENO, D. MURRAY]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the sponsorship of the annual Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards and the co-sponsorship of the Foundation for the AIDS Monument (FAM) Commemoration Event for World AIDS Day 2024.
ACTIONS: Approved sponsorship of the annual Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards on December 4, 2024; 2) Approved a Co-Sponsorship Agreement with the Foundation for the AIDS Monument ( FAM) for the Commemoration Event in recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024; 3) Authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute documents incident to the Co-Sponsorship Agreement; 4) Approved the use of the City Council Chambers and other facilities, waive event permits and associated fees ( estimated $ 2,520 in waived fees); 5) Waived parking fees at the 5-story parking lot for attendees of the events ( estimated to be $1,680 in waived fees); and 6) Authorized the use of the City name and logo on invitations and other collateral materials for the events. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.15. ( F.1.) SCHEDULE A JOINT STUDY SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND
PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND THE CITY’ S PUBLIC BENEFITS POLICY [ D. WILSON, J. JIMENEZ, M.
CROWDER, N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE]:
SUBJECT: City staff are proposing that the City Council schedule a Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission to discuss Development Agreements generally, and the Commission’s role and Scope of Review of these Agreements as well as the Public Benefits Policy.
ACTION: Scheduled a Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission for February 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the review process for future Development Agreements, including the Planning Commission’ s role in the review process as well as the Public Benefits Policy. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.16. (F.2.) GRANTS IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM BUDGET AND STRUCTURE [ J.
ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to evaluate the current budget and structure of the Grants in the Schools program, including performing outreach to local schools to determine any unmet needs and identify areas where the City of West Hollywood could help address these needs.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to evaluate the current budget and structure of the Grants in the Schools program, including performing outreach to local schools to determine any unmet needs and identify areas where the City of West Hollywood could help address these needs; and 2) Directed to return to the City Council with evaluation findings, including an assessment of any potential costs, resource requirements, and implementation timelines. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B.17. (F.4.) CO-SPONSORSHIP OF " VIBEZ: A SOBER NEW YEAR CELEBRATION" J. ERICKSON, Y QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J. DUCKWORTH]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a request to co-sponsor “VIBEZ: A Sober New Year Celebration” organized by The Phoenix and members of the sober Docusign Envelope ID: 7782FA2B- DE5F- 4173-AE8F-31D1622A5B4D City Council Minutes
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community on December 31, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in West Hollywood Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved co-sponsorship of “VIBEZ: A Sober New Year Celebration” organized by The Phoenix on December 31, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall; 2) Authorized the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 1,000 from budgeted funds in the Special Council Programs account number 100-1-01-00-531001 for costs associated with the event; 3) Authorized the City Manager or his designee to execute documents incident to the Co-Sponsorship Agreement between the City and The Phoenix; 4) Waived any Facility Use Fees, Special Event Permit Fees, Encroachment Permit Fees, and the 3-hour parking limit at the Plummer Park parking lot for event participants ( estimated $ 1,674); 5) Authorized the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials; and 6) Directed the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communications tools to promote the event such as the City’s website and social media tools. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
C.1. ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT TO ENABLE THE ISSUANCE OF DEMOLITION
PERMITS FOR VACANT PROPERTIES THAT POSE PUBLIC SAFETY RISKS N. MARICICH, F. CONTRERAS, T. FARRIS, A. ROSENBAUM, D. RIVAS, V.
ADOMAITIS, A. SHANDI]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a Council-initiated Zone Text Amendment ZTA) to modify Section 19.50.020 (Demolition Permits – Applicability) of Title 19 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code, with a two-year sunset provision, to allow the issuance of demolition permits for vacant properties that pose public safety risks.
This amendment applies to residential and commercial properties whether or not they have existing entitlements. The proposed ZTA to authorize the demolition of vacant property buildings that pose public safety risks is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Mayor Erickson opened the Public Hearing.
The City Councilmembers provided their disclosures.
Assistant City Clerk Morales noted that the Public Hearing was noticed as required by law.
Director of Community Development Nick Maricich, Long Range Planning Manager Francisco Contreras, and Senior Planner Tahirah Farris provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated October 21, 2024.
No members of the public came forward to speak.
The following member of the public submitted a Citizen Position Slip in support of the recommendation: Cathy Blaivas, West Hollywood
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The public testimony portion of the Public Hearing was closed.
Councilmember Meister expressed concerns that the properties currently classified as stable may easily become at risk or problematic properties, and inquired about the procedures staff will use for determining qualifying properties. Senior Planner Tahirah Farris stated the criteria outlined in the ordinance will be used to assess properties. Councilmember Meister further inquired if there were provisions withing the ordinance that would disincentivize property owners and encourage them to let the properties go. Senior Planner Tahira Farris stated fines would be imposed if owners neglect their properties.
Councilmember Shyne inquired about the determination based on the proposed criteria language. Citty Attorney Langer clarified that situations would vary from one property to another, and the language was meant to intentionally provide flexibility.
Assistant City Clerk Morales read the title of the Ordinances into the record on first reading.
ACTION: Conducted a public hearing and introduce on first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 24-32: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 19, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE, TO AUTHORIZE
THE ISSUANCE OF DEMOLITION PERMITS FOR VACANT PROPERTIES THAT POSE PUBLIC SAFETY RISKS.” Motion by Heilman, seconded by Mayor Erickson, and approved ( 5/0).
D. LEGISLATIVE: None.
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
E.1. WEHO 40 STRATEGIC PLAN [ D. WILSON, C. SAFRIET, P. KESPRADIT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting the City of West Hollywood’s WeHo 40 Strategic Plan. The WeHo 40 Strategic Plan frames the City’s short-term needs, mid-term ambitions, and long-term goals looking ahead to the year 2040. It recommits to the City’s shared mission and reaffirms our core values.
Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated October 21, 2024.
The following speakers came forward to speak:
KEVIN BURTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked staff and consultants for their work and the outreach and highlighted that the City can become a haven for cyclists, pioneer of providing other forms of transportation, increase community safety, and create safe street infrastructure.
KAITLIN MCCAFFERTY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of this item.
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STEPHEN POST, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked everyone for their engagement and spoke in support of this item.
Councilmember Heilman thanked staff and the committee for their work and outreach, thanked the community for their participation, expressed concerns with whether disagreements within the community are accurately reflected and about the particular focus of nonprofits that participated. He requested staff continue the dialogue regarding creation of an advisory body to address new goals and priorities.
He inquired about specific items on the report regarding the free or low cost community activities, shade equity, implementation of previous Council direction, supporting various business communities, concerns with unhoused individuals, and spoke on the next steps staff and the City Council can take to address citywide concerns. He also spoke about his interest in a long-term infrastructure plan.
Consultant Ering Wong and Management Analyst Paolo Kespradit provided clarifying responses.
Councilmember Meister requested clarification on the proposed advisory body to be formed for this project. Mr. Kespradit responded, noting it is intended to be an open community forum meeting format where everyone is welcome to participate. She noted her agreement with Councilmember Heilman’ s comments and requested revisiting the legacy business initiative to address equity within the business community, solar energy usage, and further discuss canopy trees to address climate issues. She stated quantitative surveys were important to be conducted often and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Shyne thanked all involved for their input and spoke in support of the item.
Vice Mayor Byers also thanked all for their contributions and expressed the value in this document as a declaration from the community about the future they want to see, to further engage the community and to be used as a measuring tool. She expressed her eagerness to commence the work.
Mayor Erickson offered his gratitude to staff and the community for their support in this matter. He expressed interest in holding community meetings twice a year and promotion the good work of the City and its success.
ACTION: Adopted the focus areas and goals of the WeHo 40 Strategic Plan, as previously provided to the City Council and the public on the City’s website, www.engage. weho.org/wehostrategicplan, and directed staff to make adjustments to the WeHo 40 Strategic Plan document and develop an implementation plan as discussed. Motion by Vice Mayor Byers, seconded by Councilmember Heilman, and approved ( 5/0).
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F. NEW BUSINESS:
F.1. SCHEDULE A JOINT STUDY SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND THE CITY’ S PUBLIC BENEFITS POLICY [ D. WILSON, J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, N.
MARICICH, J. ALKIRE]:
SUBJECT: City staff are proposing that the City Council schedule a Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission to discuss Development Agreements generally, and the Commission’ s role and Scope of Review of these Agreements as well as the Public Benefits Policy. ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F.2. GRANTS IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM BUDGET AND STRUCTURE [ J.
ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to evaluate the current budget and structure of the Grants in the Schools program, including performing outreach to local schools to determine any unmet needs and identify areas where the City of West Hollywood could help address these needs. ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F.3. INCREASE VISIBILITY OF THE CITY’ S HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION AND AVAILABLE SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM [ S. SHYNE, J. ERICKSON, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to live broadcast Human Services Commission meetings and to develop a marketing campaign aimed at highlighting contracted human and social services available in the West Hollywood community.
Councilmember Heilman suggested promoting interviews with the service providers and making resources easily available to the public rather than broadcasting Commission meetings. He spoke in support of aspects to this item.
Councilmember Meister noted that the City Council previously approved to increase transparency of Board/ Commission meetings and spoke in support of televising meetings to increase accessibility. She also spoke in agreement to broadcast resources from service providers as an informative tool for the community.
Vice Mayor Byers expressed interest in researching staff capacity to broadcast all Board/ Commission meetings and noted her support to start video recording the Human Services Commission in the interim. She agreed with Councilmember Heilman’ s suggestions of having service providers record an interview, but also indicated she would like to broadcast meetings.
Councilmember Shyne spoke in support of using marketing tools to better promote Human Services providers and resources available to the community and making the video recording of the Human Services Commission available to the public. She Docusign Envelope ID: 7782FA2B- DE5F- 4173-AE8F-31D1622A5B4D City Council Minutes
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inquired if the meeting rooms had the capability to record video. City Manager Wilson provided a response.
Further discussion ensued amongst the City Council on implementation timelines of video recordings, Human Services Provider marketing plan, pilot programs for certain Commissions, and staff training.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to take the steps necessary to begin a pilot program to video record all Commission meetings and revisit in six months’ time to reevaluate the effectiveness and assess the benefits of adding all Advisory Boards to the program; and 2) Directed staff to develop and implement a marketing campaign designed to highlight the City’s contracted human and social services available to West Hollywood community members. Motion by Councilmember Shyne, seconded by Mayor Erickson, and approved ( 5/0).
F.4.CO-SPONSORSHIP OF " VIBEZ: A SOBER NEW YEAR CELEBRATION" [ J.
ERICKSON, Y QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J. DUCKWORTH]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a request to co-sponsor “VIBEZ: A Sober New Year Celebration” organized by The Phoenix and members of the sober community on December 31, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in West Hollywood Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall.
ACTION: This item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F.5.RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE PLANT BASED TREATY [ C. BYERS, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution urging the United States and national governments to negotiate a global Plant Based Treaty, which advocates for sustainable food systems as part of climate action efforts.
Councilmember Meister requested clarification on the intent and expectations of this item.
The following speakers came forward to speak:
CESAR ASEBEDO, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, spoke in support of this item and in appreciation of Council’ s support.
CAMERON FREY, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of this item.
SAMANTHA LAU, ALHAMBRA, spoke in support of this item.
PAIGE PARSONS ROACHE, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, spoke in support of this item.
CHRIS TUCKER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked the City Council for their action and spoke in support of this item.
JUSTINE BLOCK, WEST HOLLWYOOD, spoke in support of this item.
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The City Council took a recess at 8:22 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
ELLEN DENT, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of the item
JOEY GABER, UNKNOWN, thanked the City for their leadership, thanked City staff, and spoke in support of the item.
Vice Mayor Byers provided background information on the item noting that this item is in alignment with the City’s climate action plan.
Councilmember Meister commented on the importance of increasing the City’s food options, educating the public on the purpose of this item, and spoke in support of the item.
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 24-098: “ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD URGING THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT A PLANT BASED TREATY.” Motion by Vice Mayor Byers, seconded by Councilmember Shye, and approved ( 5/0).
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR:
B.13. REQUEST TO JOIN THE SEPULVEDA TRANSIT CORRIDOR FOR ALL STC4ALL) ADVOCACY COALITION [ N. MARICICH, D. FENN, F. CONTRERAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider the request for the City to join the Sepulveda Transit Corridor for All (STC4All) advocacy coalition.
Councilmember Meister requested background information on this item prior to approval.
Long Range Senior Planner, David Fenn, Senior Planner, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated October 21, 2024.
The following speaker came forward to speak:
KEVIN BURTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of this item.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to send a letter to Metro indicating the City’s preference for a Metro Sepulveda Transit Corridor alternative with a station directly on UCLA’ s campus and a seamless connection to the future Metro D Line (Purple); 2) Authorized the use of the City logo on the STC4ALL Coalition website, indicating the City’s support for the Coalition’ s goals; and 3) Authorized City staff to support occasional ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the City alongside the broader STC4ALL Coalition, such as attending meetings, sharing coalition materials, and submitting support letters at key milestones in the project development process. Motion by Vice Mayor Byers, seconded by Mayor Erickson, and approved ( 5/0).
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PUBLIC COMMENT:
KATY ARABELLA CRESPO, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of item F.4. and thanked the City Council for their support of the item.
BRIAN HIBBARD, LOS ANGELES, spoke about the local election.
RICHARD EASTMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about various local, state, and federal issues.
JAMIE FRANCIS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke about affordable housing opportunities.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Meister noted her “ no” vote on Item B.9. She provided her attendance at the AIDS Walk in West Hollywood and announced the Disabilities Service Awards event would be held on October 23rd.
Councilmember Shyne thanked the public for their input and reported her attendance at the West Side Council of Governments Board Meeting and League of California Cities Annual Conference. She congratulated Vice Mayor Byers on her nomination as Vice President to the League of California Cities LGBTQ+ Caucus and noted her attendance at the BBK reception of the Resolutions Committee where she voted affirmatively on a resolution restricting State Senate and Assemblymembers to exclude themselves from voting on legislation they presented. She wished everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.
Councilmember Heilman provided his attendance at the AIDS Walk in West Hollywood and invited the pubic to attend the City’s Halloween Carnaval.
Vice Mayor Byers reported her attendance at the California Cities Conference, LA Cities Selection Committee, the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency LACAHSA) Board meeting, the local City Coordination and Tenant Protection Ad Hoc Committee meeting, the Clean Power Alliance meeting, and noted she was sworn in as a member of the West Side Central Service Council for Metro. She echoed Councilmember Heilman’ s invitation to the Halloween Carnaval and offered her appreciation to Recreation staff for hosting the Youth Halloween and Howl-O-Ween events.
Mayor Erickson provided his attendance at various City events and reported his attendance at the Cal Cities Conference. He, too, offered his appreciation to staff for hosting amazing Halloween events these past few weeks and thanked the Sheriff’ s Department and EPT team for their efforts on apprehending the individual linked to the incident at Barneys Beanery.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned in memory of Keith H. Walker, Eduardo Duran, Amnon Igra, Grafton P. Tanquary, Jr., and Ester at 8:57 p.m. to its next Regular Docusign Envelope ID: 7782FA2B- DE5F- 4173-AE8F-31D1622A5B4D City Council Minutes
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meeting, which will be on Monday, November 4, 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 4th day of November 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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