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CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6: 00 P. M. — REGULAR MEETING
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD HAS ADOPTED BRIEF SUMMARY AND ACTION MEETING MINUTES, WHICH PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE ACTIONS TAKEN AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION ONLY. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSIONS REGARDING ANY ITEM SUMMARIZED IN THESE MINUTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY VIEWING THE ARCHIVED VIDEOS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT www. weho. org/ wehotv.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Byers called the meeting to order at 6: 00 p. m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Gil Gelberg, a student from West Hollywood Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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PRESENT: Councilmember Erickson, Councilmember Hang, Councilmember Meister, Vice Mayor Heilman, and Mayor Byers.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager David Wilson, City Attorney Lauren Langer, Administrative Services Director Janet Jimenez, City Clerk Melissa Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Lulu Morales.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:
City Attorney Lauren Langer reported that the City Council convened the Closed Session at 5: 30 p. m. She noted that three members of the public spoke under public comment. She added that the City Council discussed the two ( 2) items on the posted agenda and took no reportable action.
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Councilmember Erickson requested that Items F. 4., F. 7., F. 8., F. 9., and F. 10. be moved to the Consent Calendar as Items B. 13., B. 14., B. 15., B. 16., and B. 17., respectively.
Mayor Byers requested that Items F. 1. and F. 5. be heard together.
Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0).
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES: None.
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ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Erickson requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Pope Francis.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Byers presented a Certificate to Gil Gelberg for leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Mayor Heilman presented Rabbi Yossi Dalfin from Chabad in West Hollywood and West Hollywood Elementary Principal Dr. Layman with a Proclamation in recognition of Education & Sharing Day.
Mayor Byers presented a Proclamation to the Arab American Foundation in recognition of Arab American Heritage Month.
Mayor Byers presented a Proclamation to the LGBTQ+ Commission in recognition of Lesbian & Queer Women Visibility Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
MEGHANA NALLAJERLA, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of Agenda Item F. S.
GENEVIEVE MORRILL, on behalf of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, spoke regarding the new WeHappy Events and thanked the City Council for their support. She also spoke in support of Items B. B. and FA.
WENDY GOLDMAN, Block Captain for the Cynthia - Sunset Neighborhood Watch Group, spoke regarding Item B. 10.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Items B. 7., B. 9., B. 10, B. 12., and F. B.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, invited people to attend the upcoming WeHo East Neighborhood Watch meeting at Plummer Park and commented on the death of the Pope Francis.
ALEX SILVERMON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding an incident at his apartment complex and challenges that he experienced trying to file report with the Sheriff' s Department.
JOEY GABER, on behalf of Plant Based Treaty, spoke on their recent event.
SAMANTHA LAU, on behalf of Plant Based Treaty, thanked the City Council for their support of their recent event.
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JASON JENN, PALMDALE, requested the City Council' s support to commemorate the 40t" anniversary of its unique history.
ANNIE JUMP VICENTE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding antisemitic graffiti on City sidewalks and concerns of regarding an upcoming event in the City.
TSUKURU FORS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with the status of immigrants and an upcoming event in the City.
MIKE NUTTALL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked Public Works Director Helen Collins for her assistance with a recent issue. He also spoke on the closure of HIV testing sites in the City.
JONATHAN WILSON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with an incident involving a burglary at his business and thanked the City Council and staff for their support.
ADAM DARVISH, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns with the deportation of immigrants.
The following Citizen Position Slips were submitted:
Victor Omelczenko in support of Agenda Items F. 6. and F. 7.
Wendy Goldman in support of Agenda Item B. B.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
City Manager Wilson announced that the City will host a virtual webinar highlighting resources for local businesses on Tuesday, May 6th from 2: 00 p. m. to 3: 00 p. m. with speakers from the Office of California State Treasurer, the United States Small Business Administration, and the Small Business Development Center. Additionally, he announced that West Hollywood CERT Training will take place from 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, and 27, 2025 at Plummer Park' s Great Hall. Finally, he invited the community to attend the upcoming clean- up events in April and May.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Melissa Crowder stated that the fiscal impact on tonight' s Consent Calendar with the addition of Items F. 4., F. 7., F. 8., F. 9., and F. 10. was $ 318, 200 in expenditures, 848, 544 in revenues, and ($ 6, 708) in waived fees.
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
B. 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9., 10., 11., 12., 13., 14., 15., 16., and 17. Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0).
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B. 1. POSTING OF AGENDA [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, April 21, 2025, was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the West Hollywood Library, and the Aquatics & Recreation Center ( ARC) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
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 April 7, 2025. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 3. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 968 [ L. QUIJANO, K.
BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT. The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending April 11, 2025 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 968 and Adopted Resolution No. 25- 021: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE
PAYMENT OF DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 968".
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 three ( 3) Claims for Damages from Tanya Segal, Shawn Finch, and Mahmood Ali Beiji.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. S. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD MEETING SYNOPSES [ J.
JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive Synopses from the Human Services Commission, the Public Facilities and Recreation and Infrastructure Commission, and the Rent Stabilization Commission.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 6. TREASURER' S REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2025 [ L. QUIJANO, K.
BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer' s Reports for the month ended February 2025 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
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ACTION: Received and filed the February 2025 Treasurer' s Report.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 7. SEMI- ANNUAL MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT PROGRAM
UPDATE [ N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, B. GALAN, C. ZABALA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on West Hollywood' s mandatory seismic retrofit program.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 8. TEQUILA SUNSET — SUNSET STRIP BID ACTIVATION EVENT [ L.
BIERY, P. KESPRADIT]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the waiver of Special Event Permit Fees, Parking Meter Fees, and Encroachment Permit Fees for City businesses within the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District BID) during the " Tequila Sunset" activation event, which will be held from May 1 - 5, 2025.
ACTION: Approved the waiver of Special Event Permit Fees, Parking Meter Fees, and Encroachment Permit Fees for City businesses within the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District that are activating their businesses between May 1 and May 5, 2025, for "Tequila Sunset" in an amount not to exceed $ 5, 000 in waived fees. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 9. APPROVAL OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES
COUNTY TO SUPPORT OPERATING COSTS FOR THE HOLLOWAY
INTERIM HOUSING PROGRAM [ C. SCHROEDER, C. SAFRIET, F.
GOMEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of a Grant Agreement between the City of West Hollywood and the County of Los Angeles to accept $ 642,400 in funding from the Cities and Councils of Governments Interim Housing Services ( CCOGIHS) Program to support operating costs for the Holloway Interim Housing Program.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved a Grant Agreement between the City of West Hollywood and the County of Los Angeles to accept $ 642,400 from the CCOGIHS Program to support operating costs for the Holloway Interim Housing Program; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 10. AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH RAIMI + ASSOCIATES TO
UPDATE THE PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT OF THE CITY' S
GENERAL PLAN [ N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, F. CONTRERAS, T.
FARRIS, E. ROTMAN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for Services with Raimi + Associates to provide policy development and Docusign Envelope ID: C3E442F2- 9E46- 470E- 9813- BC4A85FBA97C City Council Minutes
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engagement support for updating the Parks and Recreation Element of the City's General Plan 2035, as required by state law.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved an Agreement for Services with Raimi + Associates in an amount not -to -exceed $ 147, 200 and a June 30, 2026 expiration date; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to sign and execute all documents related to this Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 11. AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH
GOLD METROPOLITAN MEDIA FOR CITY -SPECIFIC STREET POLE
BANNERS: PRINTING, INSTALLATION/ DE- INSTALLATION, AND
RELATED SERVICES [ J. SCHARE, E. TAYLOR, S. JACKSON]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider approving Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Services with Gold Metropolitan Media for city -specific street pole banners printing, installation/ deinstallation, and related services.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Services with Gold Metropolitan Media for city -specific street pole banners printing, installation/ deinstallation, and related services to increase the not -to - exceed amount by $ 150, 000 for a total not -to -exceed contract amount of 275,000; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 12. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING FINAL MAP NO.
73911 FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF 5 CONDOMINIUM UNITS LOCATED AT 1011 OGDEN DRIVE IN THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD,
CALIFORNIA [ H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving Final Map No. 73911, a 5 unit condominium subdivision, located at 1011 Ogden Drive. Approval of the Final Map is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, section 15268( b)( 3) - ministerial projects.
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 25- 022: " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING
FINAL MAP NO. 73911 FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF 5 CONDOMINIUM UNITS LOCATED AT 1011 OGDEN DRIVE IN THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA". Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 13. ( F.4.) CO- SPONSORSHIP OF THE CAPITOL DRUGS HEALTH FAIR AND SAMPLE SATURDAY EVENT ON MAY 17, 2025 [ L. BIERY, P.
KESPRADIT]:
SUBJECT.- The City Council will consider co -sponsoring the annual Capitol Drugs Health Fair and Sample Saturday event occurring on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8578 Santa Monica Boulevard.
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ACTIONS: 1) Authorized co- sponsorship of the Capitol Drugs Health Fair and Sample Saturday event occurring on Saturday, May 17, 2025; 2) Approved fee waivers in an amount not to exceed $ 1, 708, which includes the waiver of Special Event Permit fees ($ 1, 000), Encroachment Permit fees ($ 100) and Parking Meter fees ($ 608); 3) Authorized the use of the City of West Hollywood name and official city logo in event -related invitations, programs, and associated materials with prior review and approval from City staff; and 4) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 14. ( F.7.) ARTS PROGRAMMING IN RECOGNITION OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN MAY 2026 [ J. HEILMAN, L.
MEISTER, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider directing staff to work with the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission to develop arts programming for Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2026.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to work with the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission to develop arts programming for Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2026; and 2) Authorized the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate up to $ 20, 000 from budgeted funds in the Fiscal Year 2026 Special Council Programs account number 100- 1- 01- 00-531001 for costs associated with this programming. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 15. ( F.8.) AMEND THE CITY COUNCILMEMBER LIST OF PRE -
APPROVED ORGANIZATIONS/ EVENTS TO INCLUDE SUMMITS AND
NATIONAL CONVENINGS HOSTED BY THE U. S. ROUTE 66
CENTENNIAL COMMISSION [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]: SUBJECT.- The City Council will consider amending the City Councilmember list of pre -approved organizations and events to include summits and national convenings hosted by the United States Route 66 Centennial Commission.
ACTION: Approved the addition of summits and national convenings hosted by the United States Route 66 Centennial Commission to the list of pre -approved organizations and events that members of the City Council are permitted to attend each year. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 16. ( F.9.) SPONSORSHIP OF AN " ON THE MOVE RIDERS" WORKSHOP WITH METRO [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J. CARTER]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider sponsoring an On the Move Riders workshop in the City of West Hollywood and direct staff to work with Metro to organize the event to take place during summer 2025. This initiative aims to empower older adults with the knowledge and practice to travel on public transportation.
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ACTIONS: 1) Approved the sponsorship of an On the Move Riders workshop in partnership with Metro to take place in summer 2025; 2) Authorized the use of the City name and logo on invitations, programs, and other collateral materials; 3) Directed the Communications Department to utilize all appropriate communications tools to promote the event; and 4) Authorized the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate up to $ 1, 000 from budgeted funds in the Fiscal Year 2026 Special Council Programs account number 100- 1- 01- 00- 531001 for costs associated with this event. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 17. ( F. 10.) RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE EFFORTS TO INCREASE TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT REGULATIONS [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J. CARTER]:
SUBJECT.- The City Council will consider adopting a resolution to oppose efforts to grant increases in truck size and weight regulations.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 25- 023: " A RESOLUTION
OPPOSING EFFORTS TO GRANT INCREASES IN TRUCK SIZE AND
WEIGHT REGULATIONS"; and 2) Direct staff to send a letter and copy of the resolution to President Donald Trump, U. S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, U. S. Representative Laura Friedman, and others as deemed appropriate. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
C. 1. REQUEST TO PERMIT A NEW OFF -SITE ADVERTISING BILLBOARD AT 8433 SUNSET BOULEVARD IN CONJUNCTION WITH SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENTS [ N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, J. DAVIS, S.
CAMPBELL, B. LEAGUE, R. ABRAMSON]:
SUBJECT. This proposal is for construction of a new two-sided full motion animated billboard and sidewalk improvements at 8433 Sunset Boulevard The Comedy Store). The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider the approval of Master Project ( MP21- 0016) including Certificate of Appropriateness ( COA21- 0006), Sign Permit ( BB21- 0002) for the proposed billboard, Zoning Map Amendment ( ZMA21- 0002) and Development Agreement (DA21- 0003) for the construction and installation of the new billboard and sidewalk improvements. In accordance with CEQA, a Negative Declaration with a subsequent addendum was prepared which analyzed the project. Additionally, the project qualifies for three categorical exemptions from CEQA.
Mayor Byers opened the Public Hearing.
The City Council provided their disclosures.
City Clerk Crowder stated that the hearing was posted as required by law.
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Property Development Manager Brian League and Assistant Director of Community Development Jennifer Alkire provided background information as outlined in the April 21, 2025 staff report.
AARON GREEN, on behalf of the applicant, provided an overview of the revised project and outlined the changes from the project that was approved by the Planning Commission.
The following speakers came forward to provide public comments:
MICHAELLE CRILLIAM, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
OLIVER BERGER, HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
MAIA VILLA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
CHRISTINA LOPEZ, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
RICHARD BAKER, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of the item.
JACLYNN CHERRY, NORTH HOLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
NIKO BROOKS, LOS ANGELES, spoke in support of the item.
JASON PARDO, LA CANADA, spoke in support of the item.
TOM MEYER, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of the item.
CAITLIN MCCORMICK, UNKNOWN, spoke in support of the item.
EDGAR KHALATIAN, on behalf of the Hyatt Andaz West Hollywood, spoke in support of the item.
MARY HYNES, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, on behalf of the Preservation Alliance, spoke in support of designating this location as a historic resource. He further indicated that the project isn' t ready to proceed and should be remanded back to the Historic Preservation Commission.
DAVID ECKERT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
CM MULLEN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of the item.
AARON GREEN, on behalf of the applicant, provided his rebuttal.
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Mayor Byers closed the public testimony portion of the public hearing.
A lengthy City Council discussion ensued. During the discussion, Councilmember Meister expressed concern with the Historic Preservation Commission' s lack of involvement, historic designation, and the public benefit amount. Vice Mayor Heilman suggested modifying the scrolls, while Councilmember Hang discussed the project' s impact on revenue and social services programs. Additionally, Councilmember Erickson supported an expedited design review process, and Mayor Byers spoke on future crosswalk improvements and the opportunity to enhance the landscape surrounding this site.
City Attorney Lauren Langer read the following language into the record modifying the language of the Development Agreement. She indicated that Section 6.2. 2: " Changes to the scrolls may be approved as a minor change to move the scrolls down to reduce impact to the neighboring Piazza Del Sol".
Mr. League read the following changes into the record as well:
1. " The approved project plans will be those labeled as Attachment P of the staff report."
2. Edits to the Permit Resolution:
a. Revised Section 9. b. iii to read allowable height by 32'- 7". b. Revise Section 11. b. 9, 2nd paragraph, 2nd sentence to read: propose digital billboard' s 67-feet 7- inch height and 22- feet 1- inch width is ....
c. Revised Section 13, Condition 2. 1 to read: " The billboard 1s at a maximum height of 67'- 7" and encroaches over
overhand the public right-of-way by 7 feet. "
d. Revise Section 13, Condition 2. 2 to read: This approval is for new off -site advertising billboard as shown on those plans which were reviewed and approved by the City
Council at its meeting of April 21, 2025 and which were included in the staff report of that meetina as Attachment P.
3. Edits to the Development Agreement
a. Revised Section 4. 1. 4 to read ( changes in underline strikeout):
Tollina of Public Benefit Payment. If during the Term of this Agreement the Permitted Sign revenue falls below the Public Benefit Payment owed to City fer during any annual period due to a Force Majeure event as described in
Section 7. 3 of this Agreement, the Public Benefit
Payment, Extraordinary Public Benefit, Public Realm
Enhancement Benefit and Term of this Agreement shall
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the annual Public Benefit Payment-:-. as determined by
the City Manager or designee. The Payments due and
Term shall be tolled by one day for each day that the
Force Manure event remains in effect, as determined by
the City Manager of designee.
4. Edits to the Exhibit B of the DA ( Description of Permitted Sign):
a. Replace the 2nd sentence of second paragraph to read:
The billboard is at amaximum height of 67'- 7" and will encroach over ( overhang) the public right- of-way by 7 feet.
b. Replace the 6th sentence of second paragraph to read:
The top of the billboard will have an approximately 41'- 6" height above the roofline and will overhang the building to the north and have an overall height of 67'- 7".
c. Replace the 8th sentence of second paragraph to read:
The total sign height 1 s32'- 7" feet above the permitted height limit and therefore is considered an alternative standards project.
ACTIONS: 1) Introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 25- 07: " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW OFF -SITE ADVERTISING BILLBOARD AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS AT 8433 SUNSET BOULEVARD,
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA;" 2) Introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 25- 08: " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING A ZONING MAP
AMENDMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW OFF -SITE
ADVERTISING BILLBOARD AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS AT 8433 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA;" 3)
Adopted Resolution No. 25- 024: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD APPROVING A SIGN
PERMIT, CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS, AND NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND ADDENDUM IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW
OFF -SITE ADVERTISING BILLBOARD AND SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENTS AT 8433 SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AND FURTHER FIND THAT THE
BILLBOARD AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO EXEMPT
FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO THE CLASS 3, CLASS 31, AND CLASS
32 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTIONS"; and 4) Amend the Ordinances and Resolution as indicated in the record. Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Hang, and approved ( 4/ 1), noting Councilmember Meister' s " no" vote.
D. LEGISLATIVE: None.
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E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
E. 1. PUBLIC - PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH PLENARY BROADBAND
INFRASTRUCTURE WH LLC TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A
FIBER NETWORK TO IMPROVE BROADBAND SERVICES CITYWIDE
L. QUIJANO, E. TSIPIS]:
SUBJECT: Review the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement findings and recommendations and provide direction to staff regarding the scope of the Public -Private partnership to build a fiber network to improve broadband services citywide.
Information and Technology Manager Eugene Tsipis and Joanne Hovis from CTC Energy & Technology provided background information as outlined in the April 21, 2025 staff report.
Councilmember Erickson inquired about the return on investment, the frequency of technology updates, and whether low- income residents would benefit from this service. Mr. Tsipis and Ms. Hovis responded.
ELIOT JAMISON, Senior Vice President of Plenary, provided background information on the business plan.
The City Council deliberated the item. Overall, there was support for the project, but Councilmembers raised questions and concerns regarding funding ( both current allocation and future risks), project prioritization, timelines, and alternative funding methods like bonds. The importance of the infrastructure created by the project for the City's long-term success was also mentioned.
ACTIONS: 1) Reviewed the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement findings and provide directions to staff; 2) Directed the City Manager or designee to negotiate the Implementation Agreement with Plenary; and 3) Amended the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement by adding 90 days to allow sufficient time to complete negotiations. Motion by Meister, seconded by Vice Mayor Heilman, and approved ( 3/ 2), noting the " no" votes of Councilmember Erickson and Councilmember Hang.
The City Council recessed at 9: 20 p.m. and reconvened at 9: 30 p.m.
E. 2. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider making Direct and At -large appointments to the City's Commissions and Advisory Boards.
The following speakers provided Public Comment:
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MAGNUS MANN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, expressed their interest in continuing to serve on the Disabilities Advisory Board.
RICK WATTS, WEST HOLLYWOOD, expressed Lee Walkup' s interest in continuing to serve on the Older Adults Advisory Board.
ACTIONS: The City Council made new appointments or re -appointments to City Commissions and Advisory Boards with terms ending February 28, 2027, as follows: 1) Councilmembers made Direct appointments to the following: a. Rent Stabilization Commission - Adam Bass ( Hang) b. Older Adults Advisory Board - Nadia Sutton ( Heilman), and Transgender Advisory Board - Chloe Corcoran ( Hang); 2) The City Clerk called for nominations for the At -large appointments for the following Commissions and the City Council made the following appointments: a. Arts & Cultural Affairs Commission: 2 At -large appointments - Dan Faltz and Sigourney Gunther, b. Business License Commission: 2 At -large appointments - Anthony Vulin and Kevin Barry, c. Human Services Commission: 2 At - large appointments - Jimmy Palmieri and Jackie Steele, d. LGBTQ+ Commission: 2 At -large appointments - Chiedu Egbuniwe and Alec White, e. Transportation & Mobility Commission: 1 At -large appointment - Dan Wentzel; and 3) The City Clerk called for nominations for the At -large appointments to the following Advisory Board and the City Council made the following appointments: a. Disabilities Advisory Board: 2 At -large appointments - David Nash and Rick Watts.
E. 3. AN UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION ROUND 2 OF THE SUNSET ARTS AND ADVERTISING PROGRAM [ L. LANGER, J. ALKIRE, P.
PORTWOOD]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on the implementation of the Round 2 design excellence screening process for the Sunset Arts and Advertising Program and consider adopting a resolution rescinding the Design Excellence Committee screening process and authorizing all Round 2 applicants to proceed in applying for a development agreement.
City Attorney Lauren Langer provided background information outlined in the April 21, 2025 staff report. Assistant Director of Community Development Jennifer Alkire and Senior Planner Paige Portwood were also available for City Council questions and to provide further information.
Councilmember Heilman clarified the process for Round 2 of the Sunset Arts and Advertising Program.
The following speaker provided public comment:
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding
community involvement with round two and concerns that decisions are being made due to litigation.
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ACTIONS: 1) Received and filed an update on Round 2 of the Sunset Arts and Advertising Program; and 2) Adopted Resolution No. 25- 025: " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD RESCINDING DESIGN EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE
SCREENING PROCESS AND ALLOWING ALL ROUND 2 APPLICANTS
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT."
Motion by Councilmember Meister, seconded by Councilmember Hang, and approved ( 5/ 0).
F. NEW BUSINESS:
Items F. 1. and F. S. were heard together.
F. 1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR 2025- 2028 SOCIAL SERVICES CONTRACT CYCLE [ C. SCHROEDER, C. SAFRIET, D. MURRAY]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the draft Request for Proposals RFP) document and will approve the release of the RFP to provide social services to community members for the next three years.
Assistant to the City Manager Christine Safriet introduced Social Services Supervisor Derek Murray who provided background information as outlined in the April 21, 2025 staff report. Director of Human Services & Rent Stabilization Christof Schroeder was available for Council questions and to provide further information.
The following speakers provided public comment:
JOE GREEN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the success of harm reduction and indicated his support for the item.
VICTOR OMELCENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of harm reduction and indicated his support for the item.
Vice Mayor Heilman asked why a needs assessment wasn' t conducted.
Mr. Schroeder responded. Councilmember Erickson inquired about the last time that a Status on Women Report was conducted as well as whether a study on families and parents has been conducted by the City.
Mr. Murray and Ms. Safriet responded.
The Council provided additional direction to staff to conduct a Needs Assessment Survey ahead of awarding social service contracts, to prioritize non -profits over for -profit agencies unless the for -profit agency offers services that the non- profit agency does not, and to review the Grants in Schools program and potentially make changes to that program.
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ACTIONS: 1) Approved the release of the RFP document on April 25, 2025 in substantially the form attached; 2) Provided additional direction to staff conduct a Needs Assessment Survey ahead of awarding social service contracts, to prioritize non -profits over for -profit agencies unless the for -profit agency offers services that the non- profit agency does not, and to review the Grants in Schools program and potentially make changes to it; and 3) Directed staff to research and evaluate the expansion of harm reduction tools, including the exploration of new fentanyl detection devices and harm reduction vending machines, and to align this work with the City' s upcoming Request for Proposals process for the 2025- 2028 social services contract cycle ( Item F. 5). Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved 510).
F. 2. REQUEST FOR FINANCING COMMITMENT LETTER AND
AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE A LOAN FROM THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING TRUST FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 5, 500, 000 FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AT 1215-
1217 N. LARRABEE STREET AND $ 200, 000 FOR ASSOCIATED PLAN CHECK FEES [ S. CAMPBELL, B. LEAGUE, A. BARTLE]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider issuing a loan commitment letter from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Decro Corporation and Maison Angeleno, a non-profit housing developer and operator partnership, in the amount of $5, 500, 000 for construction and permanent financing at 1215- 1217 N. Larrabee Street and will consider allocating 200, 000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to cover the costs associated with plan check services.
Councilmember Meister inquired which " existing residents" the report is referencing. Project Development Administrator Alicen Bartle responded.
The following speakers provided public comment:
ARMEEN NESHAT, spoke on behalf of Decro Corporation, spoke in support of the item.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Maison Angeleno and requested that the City consider including workforce housing.
Vice Mayor Heilman clarified that Maison Angeleno is the property owner.
Ms. Bartle indicated that they are developers on the market rate side, and that this is their first venture into the non- profit/affordable market. They brought Decro Corporation into this development due to their expertise in the non- profit/ affordable market.
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ACTIONS: 1) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute a commitment letter in substantially the form attached, pledging $ 5, 500, 000 for associated development costs for the development of between 36 and 40 affordable housing units at 1215- 1217 Larrabee Street; 2) Authorized the Director of Finance and Technology Services to allocate $ 5, 500, 000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the purpose of funding the loan and $ 200, 000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to cover the costs associated with plan check services; and 3) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute all documents incident to the agreement.
Motion by Mayor Byers, seconded by Councilmember Hang and approved ( 5/ 0).
F. 3. CITY POSITIONS ON SB 79 ( WIENER) LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAND:
PUBLIC TRANSIT USE: HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: TRANSIT -
ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AND SB 677 ( WIENER) HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT: STREAMLINED APPROVALS [ Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO, H. MOLINA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider taking a position on SB 79 Wiener) Local government land: public transit use: housing development:
transit -oriented development and SB 677 ( Wiener) Housing development:
streamlined approvals. Both bills are currently being considered in the California Legislature.
Governmental Affairs Liaison Hernan Molina provided background information outlined in the staff report on April 21, 2025.
The following speaker provided public comment:
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in support of
affordable housing; however, he expressed concern with certain aspects of these bills.
The City Council briefly discussed the bills and whether the City should support them.
ACTIONS: 1) Provided input and direction to staff on whether the City should take a position on SB 79 ( Wiener) Local government land: public transit use: housing development: transit -oriented development and SB 677 ( Wiener) Housing Development: streamlined approvals; and 2) Directed CLA staff to communicate the City Council' s decision to Senators Scott Wiener and Ben Allen, and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.
Motion by Councilmember Erickson, seconded by Councilmember Hang, and approved ( 3/ 2), noting the " no" votes of Vice Mayor Heilman and Councilmember Meister.
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FA. CO- SPONSORSHIP OF THE CAPITOL DRUGS HEALTH FAIR AND SAMPLE SATURDAY EVENT ON MAY 17, 2025 [ L. BIERY, P.
KESPRADIT]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider co -sponsoring the annual Capitol Drugs Health Fair and Sample Saturday event occurring on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8578 Santa Monica Boulevard.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. S. EXPLORATION OF ADDITIONAL HARM REDUCTION TOOLS [ D.
HANG, J. ERICKSON, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to evaluate the feasibility of expanding harm reduction tools in West Hollywood through additional City programming and/or partnerships with social services agencies.
ACTION: ** See Item F. 1.
F. 6. REQUESTS TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES RELATED TO
VACANCIES WITHIN THE SHERIFF' S DEPARTMENT [ J. HEILMAN, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to send a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting urgent action to reduce the number of vacancies within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and support the retention of deputies in order to ensure adequate public safety staffing in the City of West Hollywood and other contract cities.
Vice Mayor Heilman provided background information as outlined in the April 21, 2025 staff report.
Mayor Byers spoke about recent actions taken by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and her concerns with sending a letter as proposed.
Vice Mayor Heilman indicated that the letter may be amended. The Council deliberated and reached consensus to send an amended letter based on the discussion.
ACTIONS: 1) Directed staff to send a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting immediate actions to reduce the vacancy rate within the Los Angeles County Sheriff' s Department and support retention efforts, as outlined in the staff report; and 2) Directed staff to send copies of the letter to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and California Contract Cities Association. Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0).
F. 7. ARTS PROGRAMMING IN RECOGNITION OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN MAY 2026 [ J. HEILMAN, L. MEISTER, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to work with the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission to develop arts programming for Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2026.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. B. AMEND THE CITY COUNCILMEMBER LIST OF PRE -APPROVED
ORGANIZATIONS/ EVENTS TO INCLUDE SUMMITS AND NATIONAL
CONVENINGS HOSTED BY THE U. S. ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL
COMMISSION [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amending the City Councilmember list of pre -approved organizations and events to include summits and national convenings hosted by the United States Route 66 Centennial Commission.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. 9. SPONSORSHIP OF AN " ON THE MOVE RIDERS" WORKSHOP WITH METRO [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J.
CARTER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider sponsoring an On the Move Riders workshop in the City of West Hollywood and direct staff to work with Metro to organize the event to take place during summer 2025. This initiative aims to empower older adults with the knowledge and practice to travel on public transportation.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. 10. RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE EFFORTS TO INCREASE TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT REGULATIONS [ C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, J. CARTER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution to oppose efforts to grant increases in truck size and weight regulations.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
JOE GREEN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding HIV/AIDS funding cuts.
VICTOR OMELCZENKO, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke on the significance of Route 66.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Hang shared various City events that he attended. He noted that April is Arts Month in West Hollywood.
Councilmember Erickson hoped everyone had a Happy Easter. He reported his attendance at the Liability Trust Fund and Oversight Committee meeting and the Docusign Envelope ID: C3E442F2- 9E46- 470E- 9813- BC4A85FBA97C City Council Minutes
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California Contract Cities Board meeting. Additionally, he requested an update on Crescent Heights and La Brea and Fountain Avenue left- hand turn signal.
Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at various community events, including the annual tree planting in Plummer Park. She shared information on the virtual neighborhood meeting for the proposed nightclub at 8948 Santa Monica Boulevard scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th at 6: 00 p. m. She concluded her comments by wishing everyone a happy Passover and Easter.
Vice Mayor Heilman reported his attendance at various community meetings, including the tree planting event.
Mayor Byers reported her attendance at the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee meeting, the National Governors Association, and the National League of Cities Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Workforce Collaborative in Detroit, the Westside Cities Council of Governments ( COG), the Metro Service Council meeting, and announced her reappointment by the Westside COG to continue serving. Additionally, she noted her attendance at the Sanitation District meeting. Mayor Byers emphasized the importance of addressing wrongful detainments under the Trump administration, particularly those involving Kilmar, Abrego, Garcia, and Andre Jose Hernandez Romero.
She concluded her comments by announcing her upcoming attendance at the Route 66 Summit in Albuquerque and thanked her colleagues for approving the item adding this summit.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 11: 03 p. m. in memory of Pope Francis to its next regular meeting, which will be on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6: 00 P. M. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 5th day of May, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember:
NOES: Councilmember:
ABSENT: Councilmember:
ABSTAIN: Councilmember:
ATTEST:
Erickson, Hang, Meister, Vice Mayor
Heilman, and Mayor Byers.
None.
None.
None.
DOCUSigned by:
b, 6 t
Cl4ffU§9XUE BYERS, MAYOR
FSigned
by:
SSA, ( y6wJj-r
M OWDER, CITY CLERK