CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CLOSED SESSION ROOM
625 N. SAN VICENTE BLVD.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069
1. CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
4. LITIGATION
The City Council finds, based on advice from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following described matters will prejudice the position of the City in existing and potential litigation:
a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION G.C. § 54965.9(d)(1):
1. The Artist Tree LLC v. City of West Hollywood et al. Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24SMCV06043.
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
6:00 PM – REGULAR MEETING
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION: See attached Closed Session Agenda
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
Council Chambers opens at 5:15 p.m. when there is a Closed Session Scheduled.
Otherwise, Council Chambers opens at 5:30 p.m.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
“The West Hollywood City Council acknowledges that the land on which we gather and that is currently known as the City of West Hollywood is the occupied, unceded, seized territory of the Gabrieleño Tongva and Gabrieleño Kizh peoples.” PUBLIC COMMENT AND RULES OF DECORUM:
The City Council values your comments and acknowledges the right of the public to address issues that are within the City’s jurisdiction and invites the public to do so during the City Council meeting. However, this public participation must be balanced with the need of the City Council to conduct the public’s business in a fair and efficient manner, free from disruption or disturbance. The City offers multiples ways for the public to participate during the meeting.
During the first Public Comment section of the agenda, any member of the public may address the City Council on items appearing on the Consent Calendar. Comments concerning other items on the agenda will be heard at the time the item is considered during the meeting; however, they may be offered at this time if a member of the public cannot be in attendance later in the evening. Members of the public may also comment upon any other item of interest that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council at this time, or later in the meeting under the second Public Comment period.
Please see Agenda Item No. 1 below for more information.
The City expects that everyone who participates in the meeting will do so with respect and dignity. Please refrain from using abusive, derogatory, and slanderous language, or behaving in a way that disrupts the meeting.
Speakers should not bring to the podium any items other than a prepared written statement and/or writing materials.
Speakers and any other members of the public may not approach the dais at any time during the meeting without prior consent from the Mayor.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
Speakers may only speak once on any agenda item. Donating public comment time to others is prohibited.
Members of the audience shall not engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct, including the utterance of loud, threatening, or abusive language, whistling, stamping of feet or other acts which disturb, disrupt, impede, or otherwise render the orderly conduct of the City Council meeting unfeasible.
Persons in the audience should refrain from creating, provoking, or participating in any type of unwelcome physical contact.
Please see the Rules of Conduct for City Council meetings for additional rules and expectations for conducting the City Council meetings.
If you would like additional information on any item appearing on this agenda, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (323) 848-6800.
TO PARTICIPATE BY PROVIDING WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE OR AN ECOMMENT:
Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the City Council are strongly encouraged to submit written correspondence to [email protected] or submit an E-Comment by visiting www.weho.org/wehotv no later than 12:00 p.m. on Council meeting day. Note: Written Correspondence and E-Comments will not be read into the record during the City Council meeting; however, correspondence received by 12:00 p.m. will be forwarded to the City Council and posted on the City's website as part of the official meeting record. Your comments and information will become part of the official public record. If you do not want your personal information included in the official record, please do not include your address and/or phone number.
TO PARTICIPATE BY PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENT BY TELEPHONE:
(Please note: This option is to provide public comment via phone ONLY. To view the meeting, please see information on how to view the meeting provided above.)
1. You are required to register to speak via Zoom by emailing [email protected] no later than 12:00 p.m. on the City Council meeting day, to be added to the Zoom Public Speaker List for the meeting. Please include your name, the phone number from which you will be calling, and which item(s) you would like to speak on.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
2. Dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start of the meeting (the meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.). During Approval of the Agenda items may be moved to the Consent Calendar; therefore, members of the public who have signed up to speak on any item with the City Clerk’s Office should be in the queue by 5:50 p.m. **Please note that City Clerk staff cannot respond to emails during the meeting. This means that email and text message requests made to speak by phone on additional agenda items during the meeting cannot be accommodated during the meeting.
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) will be available for check out at the meeting. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance. If you require accommodations to participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (323) 848-6800 at least 72 hours before the meeting date.
Special meeting related accommodations (e.g., transportation) may be provided upon written request to the Office of the City Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For information on public transportation, call 323-GO-METRO (323/466-3876) or go to www.metro.net.
If you would like additional information on any item appearing on this agenda, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (323) 848-6800.
Note: Any agenda item(s) not initiated by 11:00 p.m. may be continued to a subsequent City Council meeting. The City Council may direct staff to continue the item(s) to an already scheduled City Council meeting or may adjourn this meeting to an adjourned regular meeting to consider the item(s).
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES: This time has been set aside for any Councilmember to provide their disclosures subject to the Levine Act for any item(s) on the posted agenda.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
PRESENTATIONS:
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
A. PUBLIC COMMENT: The City Council values your comments; however, pursuant to the Brown Act, the Council cannot take action on items not listed on the posted agenda. The public comment period is limited to 20 minutes, with 2 minutes allotted for each speaker. This public comment period is to address the City Council on Consent Calendar items, other agenda items (if the member of the public cannot be present at the time the item is considered) or items of general interest within the jurisdiction of the City Council. Another period is also reserved for general comment later in the meeting for those that could not be heard at this time. Public Hearing testimony will only be taken at the time of the hearing.
A.1. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR:
A.2. PUBLIC COMMENTS, GENERAL INTEREST:
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: This time has been set aside for the City Manager to update the Council on important items initiated by staff or previously requested by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
B. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following routine matters can be acted upon by one motion. Individual items may be removed by the Council for separate discussion. Items removed for separate discussion will be heard following New Business Items. The title is deemed to be read and further reading waived of any ordinance listed on the consent calendar for introduction or adoption.
B.1. POSTING OF AGENDA [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, May 19, 2025, was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, the West Hollywood Library, and the Aquatics & Recreation Center (ARC) on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
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.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the meeting minutes of May 5, 2025 B.3. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 970 [L. QUIJANO, K.
BARENG, S. HERNANDEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending May 9, 2025 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
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RECOMMENDATION: Approve Demand Register No. 970 and Adopt Resolution No. 25-029: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE
PAYMENT OF DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 970”.
B.4. CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, Y. ZHOSAN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council is receiving notification that the City’s thirdparty administrator Carl Warren & Co. has denied three (3) Claims for Damages from Lago Kiladze, Jaya Rachel Krishnan, and Selcuk Aktas.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
B.5. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-07 (2ND READING): “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” [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L.
MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-07, approving a development agreement in conjunction with the new off-site advertising billboard and sidewalk improvements at 8433 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California.
RECOMMENDATION: Waive further reading and adopt 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.”
B.6. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-08 (2ND READING): “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” [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L.
MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-08, approving a zoning map amendment in conjunction with the new off-site advertising billboard and sidewalk improvements at 8433 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California.
RECOMMENDATION: Waive further reading and adopt 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.”
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B.7. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25-09 (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 ESTABLISH A
MINISTERIAL HOUSING PERMIT PROCESS FOR STREAMLINED
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW AND
FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 15061(B)(3) AND 15378 OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES” [J. JIMENEZ, M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-09, adopting amendments to Title 19, Zoning Ordinance of the City of West Hollywood Municipal Code to establish a ministerial housing permit process for streamlined housing development in compliance with state law and finding the action to be exempt under section 15061(b)(3) and 15378 of the state CEQA guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION: Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-09: “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 ESTABLISH A MINISTERIAL HOUSING PERMIT PROCESS FOR
STREAMLINED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH
STATE LAW AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT UNDER
SECTION 15061(b)(3) AND 15378 OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES.” B.8. 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 Rent Stabilization Commission, and the Social Justice Advisory Board.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
B.9. TREASURER’S REPORT FOR MARCH 2025 [L. QUIJANO, K.
BARENG, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer’s Reports for the month ended March 2025 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the March 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
B.10. OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINK POST EVENT REPORT [Y.
QUARKER, S. MARTINEZ, C. JUBREY]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive a post-event report regarding the Inaugural WeHo Ice Rink.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive a post-event report regarding the inaugural WeHo Ice Rink.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
B.11. UPDATE ON CAPITAL PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION [S.
CAMPBELL, B. LEAGUE, A. BARTLE, R. ABRAMSON, M. BARKER, H.
COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: This is a quarterly update on major capital improvement projects related to City-owned properties and public parks (exclusive of infrastructure related projects), including status of the projects and timelines. The projects are listed in priority of completion.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive an update on the City’s major capital program.
B.12. REVISED AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH KOA CORPORATION
FOR THE BEVERLY BOULEVARD CLASS IV PROTECTED BICYCLE
LANES CONCEPT DESIGN PLAN [N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, F.
CONTRERAS, P. PORTWOOD, H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: Per City Council direction on April 7, 2025, the City Council will consider approval of a revised Agreement for Services with KOA Corporation to conduct the Beverly Boulevard Class IV Protected Bicycle Lanes Analysis and Conceptual Design Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve the Agreement for Professional Services with KOA Corporation for a total not-to-exceed amount of $259,683.88 to prepare the Beverly Boulevard Class IV Protected Bicycle Lanes Analysis and Concept Design Plan; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement.
B.13. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON-CALL ENGINEERING
SERVICES [H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amending the Agreement for Services with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. for on-call engineering services to increase the not-to-exceed amount of the Agreement and extend the Agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. to increase the amount of the agreement by $300,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $500,000 and extend the agreement to June 30, 2028; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement.
B.14. AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES INC. FOR DESIGN SERVICES [H.
COLLINS, J. GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider amending the Agreement for Services with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. for professional engineering design services for traffic signal fiber optic system loop within many City corridors to modify the Scope of Services, increase the not-to-exceed amount, and extend the term of the Agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve Amendment No. 6 to the Agreement for Services with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., to modify the Scope of City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
Services, increase the amount of the agreement by $92,200 for a total notto-exceed amount of $590,450, and extend the agreement to June 30, 2028; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement.
B.15. AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH CHATTEL, INC. FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION CONSULTANT
SERVICES [J. ALKIRE, D. VU]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an amendment to the agreement for professional services with Chattel, Inc. to provide subject matter expertise in analyzing preservation-related projects and staff and commission training pertaining to Historic Preservation, extending the agreement’s termination date and increasing the not-toexceed amount.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve amendment No. 8 to the Agreement for services with Chattel, Inc. to increase the amount of the agreement by $20,000 for a total “not-to-exceed” amount of $270,000, with a contract end date of June 30, 2026; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the amendment.
B.16. CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD INVESTMENT POLICY [L. QUIJANO, K.
BARENG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting the annual resolution for the City’s investment policy.
RECOMMENDATION: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-_____: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD CONFIRMING A STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-055”.
B.17. STREET MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026 [L. QUIJANO, B. ROSEN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution determining and imposing a street maintenance assessment within the 1996 Street Maintenance Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
The assessment rate is unchanged from 2024-2025.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 25-______: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD DETERMINING THE COST OF STREET MAINTENANCE
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND DETERMINING AND IMPOSING A STREET MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT WITHIN 1996 STREET
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE BENEFIT
ASSESSMENT ACT OF1982, CHAPTER 6.4 OF PART 1 OF DIVISION 2 OF TITLE 5 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE.”
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Monday, May 19, 2025
B.18. ADOPT A RESOLUTION LISTING TRANSPORTATION RELATED PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING UNDER SB-1 (BEALL)
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FY 2025-2026 [H. COLLINS, J.
GILMOUR]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a resolution specifying certain transportation related projects eligible for funding under SB-1 (Beall) Transportation Funding to be completed during the next fiscal year.
The project list included in the resolution will be submitted to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) before the deadline of July 1, 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-_______: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-2026 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017”; and 2) Direct staff to submit the City’s project list to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) before the July 1st, 2025, deadline.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
C.1. PROPOSED ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT RELATED TO COMMUNITY
OUTREACH AND NOTICING FOR PROJECTS REQUESTING
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS [J. ALKIRE, F. CONTRERAS, T.
FARRIS, P. PORTWOOD, R. SHARMA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider a Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) to increase public hearing notice requirements and require a neighborhood meeting for new projects seeking development agreements (including standalone billboards), as requested by the City Council in May 2024 (“Council Directive”). As part of the Council Directive, this report also provides updates on outreach strategies to notify the community of Planning Commission subcommittee meetings when projects seeking development agreements are presented. This Zone Test Amendment is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”).
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 25- _____: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO
TITLE 19, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE, TO REQUIRE A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING AND
INCREASED NOTICING REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECTS SEEKING
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND FINDING SUCH ACTION DOES
NOT QUALIFY AS A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND IS OTHERWISE EXEMPT
UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3);" 2) Direct staff to monitor and evaluate the impacts of the new requirements and return with recommended adjustments if the changes significantly impact project processing times or community engagement levels; 3) Receive and file the update on proposed outreach strategies to notify the City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
community of Planning Commission subcommittee meetings when projects seeking development agreements are presented; and 4) Consider directing staff to investigate expanding notice requirements for construction projects, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
C.2. CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE
CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING FIREARM RELATED REGULATIONS:
(1) PROHIBIT ANY ESTABLISHMENT SELLING FIREARMS TO BE
LOCATED WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF AN ESTABLISHMENT SELLING
ALCOHOL, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE CITY;(2) PROHIBIT FIREARMS IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY; AND (3) TO REQUIRE GUN OWNERS TO OBTAIN FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE; AND
TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS [L.
LANGER, D. RIVAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance implementing firearm related regulations amending the City’s Municipal Code to: (1) prohibit any establishment selling firearms from being located within 1,000 feet of any establishment selling alcohol beverages, without or outside of the City; (2) prohibit firearms in specified locations within the City; and (3) require persons whom own or possess a firearm to obtain firearm liability insurance; and if introduced, the City Council will consider a resolution amending the City’s Master Fee Resolution to establish the penalties for violations associated with the foregoing. These items are exempt from CEQA.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Introduce on first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 25-______: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD; ADDING CHAPTER 9.27B OF
THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE REQUIRING GUN
OWNERS TO OBTAIN FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE;
PROHIBITING AN ESTABLISHMENT THAT OFFERS FIREARMS FOR
SALE FROM BEING LOCATED WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF AN
ESTABLISHMENT OFFERING ALCOHOL BEVERAGE SALES,
PROHIBITING FIREARMS AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS, AND FINDING
THE ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM CEQA;” and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 25- _______: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING THE CITY’S MASTER FEE
RESOLUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF NEW CHAPTER 9.27B (FIREARM LIABILITY
INSURANCE) TO SCHEDULE C OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION FEE SCHEDULE.”
D. LEGISLATIVE: None.
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
E.1. AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH WEST HOLLYWOOD TRAVEL &
TOURISM (VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD) FOR WEHO LOVES LOCALS
EXPANSION, GIFT CARD PROGRAM, AND RAINBOW DISTRICT
MARKETING [L. BIERY, P. KESPRADIT, L. D’AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on WeHo Loves Locals and consider approving an Agreement for Services with West Hollywood Travel and Tourism (Visit West Hollywood) for WeHo Loves Locals expansion, gift card program, and Rainbow District marketing.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement for Services with West Hollywood Travel and Tourism (Visit West Hollywood) for the WeHo Loves Locals expansion and gift card program in an amount not-to-exceed $369,960; 2) Approve an Agreement for Services with West Hollywood Travel and Tourism (Visit West Hollywood) for Rainbow District marketing in an amount not-to-exceed $95,000; 3) Authorize the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $369,960 from unallocated reserves in the General Fund for the WeHo Loves Locals expansion and gift card program; and 4) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement.
E.2. COMMISSION AND ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider making At-large appointments to the City’s Commissions and Advisory Boards.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Make new appointments or re-appointments to City Commissions and Advisory Boards with terms ending February 28, 2027, as follows: 1) Call for nominations for the At-large appointments for the following Commissions: a. Historic Preservation Commission: 2 Atlarge appointments, b. Planning Commission: 2 At-large appointments, c.
Public Facilities, Recreation, & Infrastructure Commission: 2 At-large appointments, d. Public Safety Commission: 2 At-large appointment, e.
Rent Stabilization Commission: 2 At-large appointments, f. Transportation & Mobility Commission: 1 At-large appointment; 2) Call for nominations for the At-large appointments to the following Advisory Boards: a. Older Adults Advisory Board: 2 At-large appointments, b. Russian-Speaking Advisory Board: 2 At-large appointments, c. Social Justice Advisory Board: 2 At-large appointments, d. Transgender Advisory Board: 2 Atlarge appointments, e. Women’s Advisory Board: 2 At-large appointments.
E.3. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE UPDATE AND APPROVAL OF
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART, ADDING TEN FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT
POSITIONS AND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 CITYWIDE SALARY
SCHEDULE [D. WILSON, C. SAFRIET, M. LINDLEY, J. JIMENEZ, R.
NAPPER, C. LEUNG]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an update on organizational structure changes and consider adding ten (10) new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Citywide Salary Schedule.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve the Proposed Organization Chart effective July 1, 2025; 2) Approve adding the following new full-time equivalent positions: a. Two (2) Accounting/Finance Specialists, General Accounting Division, b. Mediator, Rent Stabilization Division, c. Staff Attorney, Rent Stabilization Division, d. Principal Plan Check Engineer, Building & Safety Division, e. Assistant Planner, Long Range Planning Division, f. Administrative Specialist III, Media & Marketing Division, g.
Senior Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Services Division, h.
Transportation & Mobility Manager, Transportation & Mobility Division, i.
Transportation & Mobility Specialist, Transportation & Mobility Division; 3) Approve the job specification for Mediator at Grade 5290e; 4) Approve the job specification for Principal Plan Check Engineer at Grade 5310e; 5) Approve the job specification for Transportation & Mobility Manager at Grade 2131e; 6) Approve the job specification for Transportation & Mobility Specialist at Grade 5220n; 7) Approve the job specification for Senior Recreation Supervisor at Grade 5290e; 8) Approve the job specification for Lifeguard II at Grade 6170n; 9) Approve the job specification for Aquatics Assistant at Grade 6150n; and 10) Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Citywide Salary Schedule reflecting all City positions and associated salaries to meet the California Public Employees' Retirement System requirements of Government Code § 20636(b)(1) and California Code of Regulations § 570.5.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
F.1. STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE A RESPECTFUL AND POSITIVE
ENVIRONMENT IN PUBLIC MEETINGS, SUPPORT CIVIL DISCOURSE,
AND PROVIDE TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSING
DISRUPTIONS [D. WILSON, C. SAFRIET, J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, J. SCHARE]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive an overview of strategies designed to promote a respectful and positive environment in public meetings, support civil discourse, and provide tools for effectively addressing disruptions. In addition, the City Council will consider establishing a standing subcommittee to conduct a review of the Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and recommend updates. The Council will also provide input on a draft Administrative Regulation intended to establish clear standards for creating a positive environment in public meetings, encouraging respect, and handling disruptions.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Establish an ad hoc subcommittee to conduct a review of the Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and recommend updates, if any; and 2) Provide feedback, if any, regarding strategies designed to promote a respectful and positive environment in public meetings, support civil discourse, and provide tools for effectively addressing disruptions, and regarding a draft Administrative Regulation intended to establish clear standards for creating a positive environment in public meetings, encouraging respect, and handling disruptions.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
F.2. RECONVENING THE ETHICS REFORM TASK FORCE AND
REPORTING BACK ON REQUESTED PROCESSES FOR REMOVING
APPOINTED OFFICIALS [J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, D. WILSON, L.
LANGER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider reconvening the Ethics Reform Task Force to review ethics reforms for elected officials, appointed officials, City Hall staff, and those doing business with the City (including lobbyists and consultants). The Council will also provide direction on the Task Force's Statement of Work and consider creating a formal process for removing appointed officials.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Authorize the City Manager to reconvene the Ethics Reform Task Force comprised of the following subject matter experts: Max Kanin, an attorney who specializes in election law, campaign finance law, and governmental ethics law; Joseph Guardarrama from Kaufman Legal Group, who is an expert on governmental ethics and previously served as a West Hollywood Commissioner; and Elizabeth Ralston, former President of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles.
The Ethics Reform Task Force will be staffed by an attorney from the City Attorney's office and City Clerk Melissa Crowder, who will advise the Task Force but will not be voting members. (As of the drafting of this staff report, Ms. Ralston has not confirmed that she is able to continue as a Task Force member. Staff will report back prior to the first meeting of the Task Force if we need to replace her); 2) Define the Statement of Work for the Ethics Reform Task Force to include reviewing the contract with the Fair Political Practices Commission ("FPPC") for campaign finance enforcement services and consideration of amendments to the West Hollywood Municipal Code Regarding Lobbyist Amendments (1 Listening Meeting and 1 Discussion/Draft Recommendation to Council and adopt Staff’s recommendations outlined in the Staff Report); and 3) Receive Report on the Removal of Appointed Officials and Provide Direction.
F.3. STORYCORPS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT TO PRESERVE WEST
HOLLYWOOD STORIES IN CELEBRATION OF 40 YEARS OF
CITYHOOD [J. SCHARE, S. LUNN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving an Agreement for Services with StoryCorps Studios, a division of StoryCorps, Inc., to complete an oral history project in November 2025 that will record, preserve, and share stories of the West Hollywood community in celebration of West Hollywood’s 40 years of Cityhood.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Approve an Agreement for Services with StoryCorps Studios, a division of StoryCorps, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $200,000; 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the agreement; and 3) Authorize the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $200,000 from unallocated reserves in the General Fund to fund the agreement.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
F.4. CONSIDERATION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ADVISORY
BOARD TO THE WEST HOLLYWOOD DESIGN DISTRICT AND
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO LEVY AN
ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR [L. BIERY, P.
KESPRADIT, L. D’AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will initiate preliminary proceedings regarding the establishment of the West Hollywood Design District (District) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Preliminary steps include the consideration of approval of the District annual report and adoption of a Resolution of Intention to Levy an Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and scheduling a Public Hearing for June 9, 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-______: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
ADVISORY BOARD TO THE WEST HOLLYWOOD DESIGN DISTRICT,
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AN ASSESSMENT AGAINST
BUSINESSES WITHIN THE WEST HOLLYWOOD DESIGN DISTRICT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026, AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING”; and 2) Direct staff to notice a Public Hearing to be held on June 9, 2025, to hear protests or objections to the District’s proposed assessment and activities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
F.5. CONSIDERATION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUNSET STRIP
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO LEVY AN ASSESSMENT FOR THE
2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR [L. BIERY, P. KESPRADIT, L.
D’AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will initiate preliminary proceedings regarding the establishment of the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District (District) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Preliminary steps include the consideration of approval of the District annual report and adoption of a Resolution of Intention to Levy an Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and scheduling a Public Hearing for June 9, 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-______: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
ADVISORY BOARD TO THE SUNSET STRIP BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AN
ASSESSMENT AGAINST BUSINESSES WITHIN THE SUNSET STRIP
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026, AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING”; and 2) Direct staff to notice a Public Hearing to be held on June 9, 2025, to hear protests or objections to the District’s proposed assessment and activities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
F.6. LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR SANTA MONICA
BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026 [L. BIERY, P. KESPRADIT, L. D’AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution of Intention for the Proposed Levy of Assessments for the Santa Monica Boulevard Maintenance District (District) for fiscal year 2025-2026 which will provide for holiday decorations; and set a public hearing for June 9, 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-_____: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE REPORT OF THE ENGINEER,
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN THE SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR, AND SETTING A TIME AND
PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING”; and 2) Direct staff to notice a public hearing to be held on June 9, 2025, to consider public testimony of the District’s proposed assessment and activities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
F.7. INITIATION OF A SUNSET STRIP STRATEGIC PLAN [L. MEISTER, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing staff to initiate a Sunset Strip Strategic Plan through an extensive community engagement process to help shape the future vision of the Sunset Strip.
RECOMMENDATIONS: 1) Direct staff to initiate a comprehensive Sunset Strip Strategic Plan through an extensive community engagement process to help shape the future vision of the Sunset Strip; and 2) Direct staff to return to the City Council as part of the next two year budget cycle (FY27/28) with an outline of this initiative, including estimated costs, a timeline for the comprehensive update process, and an assessment of the resources necessary to support its successful implementation.
F.8. EXPANDING LOCAL DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS [L. MEISTER, Y.
QUARKER, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing the Ethics Reform Task Force to evaluate the existing disclosure requirements outlined in the Levine Act (CA Government Code Section 84308) and recommend additional measures to be adopted locally to ensure transparency in the disclosure process.
RECOMMENDATION: Direct the Ethics Reform Task Force to evaluate the existing disclosure requirements outlined in California Government Code Section 84308, commonly referred to as the “Levine Act”, and recommend additional measures to ensure transparency in the disclosure process.
City Council Agenda
Monday, May 19, 2025
F.9. UPDATE TO THE CITY’S NONDISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE TO
INCLUDE PROTECTIONS FOR DIVERSE FAMILY AND
RELATIONSHIP STRUCTURES [C. BYERS, Y. QUARKER, A.
LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider directing the City Attorney to evaluate updating the City’s Nondiscrimination Ordinance, West Hollywood Municipal Code Chapter 9.28, to recognize and protect individuals from discrimination based on diverse family and relationship structures.
RECOMMENDATION: Direct the City Attorney to review West Hollywood Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 and return to the City Council with recommendations to amend the ordinance to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on family or relationship structure, which may include multi-parent families, step-families, polyamorous relationships, and other non-nuclear family structures.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: Items removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion are considered at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENT: This time has been set aside for the public to address the Council on any item of interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council that could not be heard under Item 1 at the beginning of the meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS: This portion of the meeting is set aside for general comments, announcements, requests of staff, subcommittee meeting reports, and/or other issues of concern from members of the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council will adjourn to its next regular meeting, which will be on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
City Council Agendas and Staff Reports
are available on-line at
www.weho.org
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
State of California )
County of Los Angeles )
City of West Hollywood )
I declare under penalty of perjury that I am employed by the City of West Hollywood in the Office of the City Clerk, and that this document was posted on:
Date: May 14, 2025
Signature:\\Alyssa T. Poblador\\
Office of the City Clerk