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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE February 24, 2014
CITY COUNCIL 5:30 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Cooper called the meeting of the City Council to order at
5:30 p.m.
Present: Jeffrey Cooper, Mayor
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Micheál O‘Leary, Councilmember
Andrew Weissman, Councilmember
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Closed Session
At 5:30 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session to
discuss the following items:
CS-1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: Cassandra Griffin et al. v. Christine Dahab et al.
LASC Case No. SC117108
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-2 Conference Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Re: Initiation of Litigation – (2 items)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CS-3 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 11304 Segrell Way (Former Fire Station No. 3)
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Charles
Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Sol
Blumenfeld, Community Development Director; Todd Tipton,
Economic Development Administrator; Anthony Davis and Jeffrey
Lemen with Keller-Williams Realty
Other Parties Negotiators: Thomas James Capital Inc. February 24, 2014
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Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment or Both, including
use restrictions, development obligations and other monetary
related considerations
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-4 Conference Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Re: Initiation of Litigation – 1 Matter
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
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Reconvene
Mayor Cooper reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:19
p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Linda Shahinian.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Cooper indicated there was nothing to report from
closed session.
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Presentation
Item P-1
Presentation in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Sister
City Relationship between Culver City and Uruapan
Marla Wolkowitz, Culver City Sister City Committee,
discussed the relationship between Culver City and Uruapan,
and the 50
th
anniversary.
Sonia Karroum, Uruapan Chair for the Sister City Committee,
discussed her experiences visiting Uruapan.
Carlos Sada, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles,
discussed the importance of sister cities. February 24, 2014
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Marla Wolkowitz, Culver City Sister Cities, introduced
Culver City resident Mario Perez, who facilitated the
appearance of the Consul General and presented a certificate
from Sister City International to the City Council.
Mayor Cooper presented the Commendation.
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Item P-2
Presentation to Cultural Affairs Commissioner John B.
Williams in Recognition of His Donation of a Baby Grand
Piano for use at the Veterans Memorial Building
John B. Williams, Cultural Affairs Commissioner, related the
story how he came to donate the piano to the Veterans
Memorial Building.
Mayor Cooper presented the Certificate of Recognition.
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Item P-3
Presentation on the Drought Emergency as Declared by the
Governor of California
Fernando Paludi, West Basin Municipal Water District,
discussed Golden State Water; the upcoming rain; subnormal
conditions; water providers for the City; he provided images
and facts about the drought; discussed statewide water
supply conditions; storage reserves; the drought
declaration; and he provided information on where to find
help with water conservation.
Discussion ensued between the speaker and Councilmembers
regarding the importance of water use efficiency; the
position of other cities; different communities with
different levels of interest and engagement; Federal
government funding; emergency funding; accessibility of the
recycled water system; breaking habits; encouraging water
conservation through children; creating a local water
conservation program through the schools; funding
priorities; communities incurring losses; education
programs; reserves; long-term sustainable solutions; storm February 24, 2014
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water mandates; the need to change the water paradigm;
working toward a sustainable, livable future; mandates;
taking a holistic view; the need for fundamental changes;
long-term changes; partnerships; the Integrated Regional
Water Management Planning Process; funding multi-purpose,
integrated projects; touring water facilities; the Purple
Pipe project; turf replacement; water rationing; concern
with depleting reserves; the Metropolitan Water District;
and the Culver City Water Conservation program.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS MEETING IS
ADJOURNED THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF JIM HORWITZ,
SENIOR DEPUTY TO LOS ANGELES COUNCILMEMBER BILL ROSENDAHL,
AND LAURIE LANDAU LORDEN.
Councilmember O’Leary reported being reappointed as Chair of
the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission; he discussed
their annual report; and announced that the Santa Monica
Boater Guide was now available.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS MEETING IS
ADJOURNED THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF SENIOR CENTER
BOARD MEMBER JOY MICHAELS.
Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells reported joining the Los Angeles
County Community Disaster Resilience Crew, and she reported
an upcoming trip to Washington DC to represent Culver City
at the Bike Summit.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that applications were being accepted to fill vacancies on
the City’s Commissions, Committees and Boards, and that poll
workers were being sought for the 2014 General Municipal
Election.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment. February 24, 2014
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The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
June Lehrman expressed concern regarding overflights from
LAX and she requested help from the City.
Mayor Cooper encouraged Ms. Lehrman to apply for the open
position on the LAX Advisory Committee.
Janet Hoult discussed the drought; invasive ficus tree
roots; parkways; homeowner responsibilities; trees planted
by the City; and she thanked staff for the scheduled
repaving of the 4300 block of Motor Avenue.
Charles Hoult cited the need for a plan to address the ficus
issue in the City and made suggestions for such a plan,
noting costs to homeowners.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the Street Tree Master Plan; the age of the trees; the
benefits of the trees; and tree removal.
Mayola Delgado asked about the six-month Commonwealth
survey; discussed options to remedy the situation; her goal
to have the driveway closed; and she expressed concern with
pedestrian safety.
Mayor Cooper reported that the City was working to resolve
the issue with the property owner and that information would
be provided.
Cary Anderson discussed issues with airplanes flying over
the City; reported issues with the scheduling of tree
trimming on his street; noted that since April 1, Costco had
been listing their address in Marina Del Rey and not
charging the increased sales tax rate; discussed using
Culver City Connect to report over watering; and
responsiveness of Go requests.
Councilmember O’Leary received clarification that staff was
in the process of investigating the Costco sales tax issue.
Raef Patel, King Fahad Mosque, thanked the City for changes
to parking in the area; discussed pedestrian crossing on
Washington Boulevard and citations; and he requested
consideration of installing a crosswalk at Huron Avenue. February 24, 2014
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Mayor Cooper indicated that the City would investigate the
matter.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that additional correspondence for item A-1 would be
included in the motion.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA
ITEM: Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14,
2014.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
ITEMS C-1 AND C-2.
Item C-1
Meeting Minutes
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF FEBRUARY 10, 2014.
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February 24, 2014
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Item C-2
Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of
Culver City and the Culver City Senior Citizens Association
Kay Heineman, Culver City Senior Citizens Association,
expressed support for approval of the Memorandum of
Understanding.
Sharon Hyland-Elstein, President of the Culver City Senior
Citizens Association, thanked the City Council for their
support.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF
CULVER CITY AND THE CULVER CITY SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION,
INC.; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Action Items
Item A-1
Consideration of the Naming of a Seat in the Mike Balkman
Council Chambers in Honor of Culver City Resident Kay Lyou
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Linda Shahinian provided background on the item and asked
for City Council support. February 24, 2014
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Joe Lyou thanked the City Council for their consideration
and asked for support of the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
making information accessible concerning the people honored
with plaques; the importance of honoring deserving community
members; and appreciation for Ms. Lyou’s commitment and
actions.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT
THE CITY MANAGER TO NAME A SEAT IN THE MIKE BALKMAN COUNCIL
CHAMBERS IN HONOR OF CULVER CITY RESIDENT KAY LYOU.
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Item A-2
FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT – (1) Receipt and Filing of the
Fiscal Year 2013/2014 Mid-Year General Fund Budget
Monitoring Report, (2) Receipt and Filing of the General
Fund Financial Forecast, and (3) Approval of Proposed Budget
Amendments
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, provided a summary of
the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
savings; personnel costs; impacts of conversions to creative
office in the Hayden Tract; the re-imagining of Fox Hills;
Measure Y; risk factors; natural disasters; when to declare
a State of Emergency; documenting losses in a natural
emergency; a request for additional information to the City
Council; the breakdown of property tax dollars; long-term
trends; effects of conservation efforts; other revenue
sources as taxes and fees decline over time; competitiveness
with other cities; the Finance Advisory Committee;
reductions to expenditures; pension reform; things taken
away from local government in the last two decades; income
streams; the City’s share of property taxes received; money
coming back to the City from the state; and deferred
maintenance.
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
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The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Cary Anderson expressed concern with businesses in the City
not paying the proper taxes; vending machines; loss of
parking revenue in the City; and he asked that Sunday meters
be brought back.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
clarification that the City does not implement sales taxes;
the State Board of Equalization; long-term projections; the
Employee Relations Subcommittee of the League of California
Cities; CalPERS; mortality increase projections;
appreciation for the long-term thinking of staff; the
importance of transparency; the expanded role of Commissions
in the budget process; the Finance Advisory Committee; kudos
to Mary Noller; mortality rate increases for Public Safety;
the School Board Bond Issue in June; impacts to City
revenues; the arts district; and bringing business to the
City.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
(1) RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL 2013/2014 MID-YEAR REPORT AS
PROVIDED IN ATTACHMENT 1; AND
(2) APPROVE THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS AS PROPOSED IN ATTACHMENT
2. A BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRES A 4/5THS VOTE, AND
(3) RECEIVE AND FILE THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL FORECAST AS
PROVIDED IN ATTACHMENT 3.
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Item A-3
Notification to Public Inviting Comment and Input During the
Budget Process for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
There was no response and no cards were received.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
staff emphasis on the ability of the public to participate
in the public process; online tools to provide input; February 24, 2014
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marketing; opportunities for Commissions to review the
budget and provide comment; timeline; the process;
commenting on the workplan; Commission input on priorities;
the e-mail address to send suggestions to; and the budget
calendar.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
David Voncannon, Tellefson Park Neighborhood Association,
reminded the City Council of a promise to study traffic
patterns around the Mosque and Tilden Terrace; discussed
increased traffic; and suggested a study to determine
whether a crosswalk could be justified in the area.
John Nachbar, City Manager indicated that staff would look
into the matter.
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Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember O’Leary
• Requested assistance from staff on questions he had on
certain documents
Items from Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells
• Reported that State Senator Holly Mitchell had
introduced SB1132 to put a moratorium on fracking
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the letter of support for the Bill.
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Adjournment
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There being no further business, at 10:31 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting in memory of Jim Horwitz, Laurie
Landau Lorden, and Joy Michaels to Monday, March 10, 2014 at
7:00 p.m.
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Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
JEFFREY COOPER
MAYOR of Culver City, California