These Minutes are not Official until
Approved by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
July 17, 2006
Call to Order
The meeting of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency was
called to order at 5:30 p.m. with five members present and
immediately recessed to closed session.
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Recess to Closed
Session
CS-1.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Interest in Real Property Located at
8925 Lindblade Street
Agency Negotiator: Susan Evans, Assistant Executive
Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment
Administrator; Kellee Fritzal, Economic
Development Administrator; and
Murray Kane, Agency General Counsel
Other Parties
Negotiators: Bonifacio and Mary L. Bravo
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-2.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Interest in Real Property Located at
4061, 4101 Wade Street; 3418-3424
Helms Avenue; 10800-10818 Venice
Boulevard; 4025 Grandview (Mobile
Home Park); 5448, 5458, 5487
Kinston; 12204-12208 Washington
Place
Agency Negotiator: Susan Evans, Assistant Executive
Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment
Administrator;
Tevis Barnes, Housing Administrator;
and Murray Kane, Agency General
Counsel
Other Parties
Negotiators: A.J. & Edith Sherwood, & Sherwood
Family Trust; Marie Weissburg, & Marie CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 2 of 17
Weissburg Trust; David Beri; Joseph
David & Daniel Hantman; Foek-Nan
Teng; C.A. Bermeo; Jose & Ama
Robles; Gandolfo Fiori; and Arthur
Cantero
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-3. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Interest in Real Property Located at
8908, 8910, 8919 and 8921 Lindblade
Street
Agency Negotiator: Susan Evans, Assistant
Executive Director; Todd Tipton,
Redevelopment Administrator;
and Murray Kane, Agency General
Counsel
Other Parties
Negotiators: University of California
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 with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Interest in Real Property Located at
10100 Jefferson Boulevard
Agency Negotiator: Susan Evans, Assistant Executive
Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment
Administrator; and Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel
Other Parties
Negotiators: Los Angeles Community College
District
Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment or Both,
including use restrictions, development
obligations and other monetary related
considerations.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 3 of 17
CS-5. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: Culver City Redevelopment Agency.
Martinez et al
Case No.: BC 342759
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
CS-6. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Interest in Real Property Located at
12406-12423 Washington Boulevard,
and 4061, 4063, and 4069 S. Centinela
Avenue
Agency Negotiator: Susan Evans, Assistant Executive
Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment
Administrator; and Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel
Other Parties
Negotiators: SJ Woo LLC and PCKW LLC
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
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Invocation / Pledge of
Allegiance
The invocation was given by Jerry Fulwood, Executive
Director, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alan
Goldman.
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Roll Call Members Present: Steven Rose, Agency Chair
Scott Malsin, Agency Vice Chair
Alan Corlin
Carol Gross
Gary Silbiger
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Staff Present Jerry Fulwood, Executive Director; Susan Evans, Assistant
Executive Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment
Administrator; Murray Kane, Agency General Counsel;
Kellee Fritzal, Economic Development Administrator; Tevis
Barnes, Housing Administrator; Joe Susca, Project
Manager; Alicia Weintraub, Redevelopment Project
Manager; Kriss Casanova, Management Analyst; and Alice
Prasad, Associate Analyst.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 4 of 17
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Report on Closed
Session
Nothing to Report.
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Public Comment-
Items not on the
Agenda
Dave Benson announced that Fiesta La Ballona would be
held August 25-27 at Vet’s Park and he noted that there will
be many varied activities for children and adults. He
thanked sponsors of the event and asked for volunteers for
the dunk tank.
Marta Zaragoza, President, Culver City Parks and Services
Foundation, thanked those who participated in their
fundraiser on July 16 and she also thanked the sponsors,
major donors and all contributors. She provided an address
for donations and reported that some Council members,
Commissioners and Department Heads had indicated that
they did not know about the fundraiser but she stated for the
record that she had personally delivered invitations for each
Councilmember, Commissioner and Department Head on
Monday, June 26 to the City Clerk’s office. She added that
although they might have missed the fundraiser they were
welcome to make a donation to help improve the parks and
she pointed out that some people did receive invitations
including: Fire Chief Eastman, Parks Director La Pointe,
Commissioners Barriciello and Daly Redholtz as well as
Councilmember Gross. Ms. Zaragosa pointed out that any
donation, no matter how small, added up and collectively a
little goes a long way.
Mark Salkin of 10769 North Gate Street, had heard
unconfirmed reports that that the Redevelopment Agency
had met in closed session without notice and made a
$10,000 cut to the summer concert series which would
impact the program by reducing the number of concerts from
13 to 8. As a sponsor of the series he found any type of
cuts to the series unacceptable and he pointed out that there
had never been any problems with the concerts or the many
thousands of people who come to the downtown area and
patronize restaurants and shops. He noted that the Agency
budget was very large in proportion to the $10,000 that was
cut and he wanted to see the matter placed back on the
agenda with appropriate notice given to the people
concerned so that the City would have the opportunity to CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 5 of 17
voice its opinion on the matter.
Chair Rose clarified that the budget hearings had been duly
noted and that item was a separate item given to the Agency
staff and he indicated that the matter was not done in closed
session, nor was it hidden from the public.
Ms. Gross stated that she did not have any memory that the
concerts had been cut back from 13 to 8.
Assistant Executive Director Evans reported that the budget
had been reduced from $88,000 to $78,000 and decisions
would be brought to the Agency in the fall when the
Producer’s contract comes forward. At that time there will
be discussions regarding the Agency’s funds juxtaposed
against the sponsorship amount as there has been very
generous funding in the past from sponsorships and
donations. She noted that reference to the number of
concerts had to do with one of several items the Agency
would be recommending in the fall.
Ms. Gross received clarification that there would be no
reduction in concerts this summer.
Chair Rose interjected that $18,000 had been cut for the
2007 concert series.
Mr. Silbiger asked what will happen to the $18,000 that had
been cut.
Assistant Executive Director Evans responded that this
would be discussed in the fall when several different funding
sources are discussed. Mr. Silbiger received clarification
that no date had been set yet for the meeting in the fall.
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Recess and
Reconvened
Agency Chair Rose recessed the meeting at 7:19 p.m. and
reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
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Consent Calendar:
C-1. Secretary's Report Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed to receive and file the Secretary’s
Report. CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 6 of 17
C-2. Approval of
Minutes
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the Agency
meeting dated June 26, 2006.
C-3. Cash
Disbursements
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed to approve Cash Disbursements from
June 26, 2006 to July 7, 2006.
C-4. Consideration of
Authorization to
Approve Professional
Service Agreements
and Amendment of
Existing Professional
Service Agreements for
Appraisal Services.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed to Authorize the Assistant Executive
Director to execute the agreements subject to Agency
Counsel approval:
a) Amendment No. 1 to the Contract No. RA03-20 with
Desmond Marcello & Amster;
b) Amendment No. 2 to the Contract No. RA03-20 with
Lee Associates, Inc.;
c) Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. RA03-19 with
Valentine Appraisal & Associates
d) Agreement with Crockett & Associates, Ltd.;
e) Agreement with Otis E. Hackett & Associates;
f) Agreement with Hampstead Appraisal Company; and
g) Agreement with Norris Realty Advisors.
C-5. Approval of an
Amendment to the
Professional Services
Contract with CBM
Consulting, Inc. for
General and Civil
Engineering Services
Related to
Redevelopment
Projects.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed that the Agency Approve an
Amendment to the Agreement with CBM Consulting, Inc.,
(“CBM”) for General and Civil Engineering Services Related
to Redevelopment Projects Not to Exceed $60,000 from
Account 59190100.612100.
C-6. Authorization to
Enter into Agreements
with CTL Environmental
Services, Inc., Phase
One, Inc., Andersen
Environmental, Inc.,
Gale/Jordan
Associates, Inc., and
Smith Emery
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and
unanimously passed that the Agency Authorize the
preparation of agreements with the following firms, and
authorize the Assistant Executive Director to execute the
agreements subject to Agency Counsel approval:
a) Agreement with CTL Environmental Services, Inc.;
b) Agreement with Phase One Inc.;
c) Agreement with Smith Emery GeoServices, Inc.;
d) Agreement with Anderson Environmental, Inc; and
e) Agreement with Gale/Jordan Associates, Inc.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 7 of 17
GeoServices, Inc. for
Environmental
Services.
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Action Items:
A-1 Authorization to
Enter into a Contract
with Johnson Fain for a
Site Development Plan
for the Washington
National Triangle Site.
Recording Secretary Prasad read the following card:
“Casey Smith, Conquest Student Housing, What is Urban
Partners’ role in this project? Is there a negotiation to a
contract extension?”
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton clarified that Urban
Partners is the developer that the Agency has been working
with over a long period of time on the Washington National
project and Agency staff anticipates bringing a contract with
them back in the near future for consideration by the
Agency.
Mr. Silbiger questioned what the criteria was for deciding
against a Request for Proposal (RFP).
Assistant Executive Director Evans explained that in the
past, Agency policy has been that when a project has been
Agency initiated, a RFP is used. When a developer or
property owner brings a proposal to the Agency and has
spent time and money on architects, and provides a
concept, drawings and plans, if Agency staff is interested in
entering into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, staff
conducts typical due diligence that is done for any proposal
and then recommends entering into an ENA without an RFP.
She explained that Urban Partners had been selected two
years ago as part of an RFP process for Washington
National.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Malsin and
unanimously passed that the Agency Approve the contract
with Johnson Fain for a Site Development Plan for the
Washington National Triangle Site in the amount of
$148,000 and authorize the Executive Director to execute
the contract.
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A-2. Authorization to
Execute a Contract with
Ms. Gross commented that one of their concerns when
entering into the contract with Modern Parking was the
demeanor of the attendants but she reported that she has CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 8 of 17
Modern Parking Inc. for
the Management and
Operation of the
Cardiff, Ince, and
Watseka Parking
Structures.
observed the attendants to be universally gracious and she
appreciated that.
Mr. Malsin echoed Ms. Gross’ comments.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Malsin and
unanimously passed to Authorize the Contract with Modern
Parking Inc., for the management and operation of the
Cardiff, Ince, and Watseka Parking Structures from August
1, 2006, through June 30, 2009, not to exceed $478,104 for
FY 2006/07, $505,773 for FY 2007/08, and $509,878 for FY
2008/09, for a total contract amount of $1,493,755 in
accordance with the rates specified in its proposal dated
April 14, 2006, and authorize the Assistant Executive
Director to sign the Agreement.
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A-3. Consideration to
Receive and File Owner
Statements of Interests
and Authorization to
Negotiate an Exclusive
Negotiation Agreement
with Champion Realty,
Ltd. for the Proposed
Redevelopment of Two
Sites on the West Side
of Sepulveda
Boulevard, between
Sawtelle and Slauson.
Chair Rose indicated that he had a financial conflict of
interest for the item and he recused himself, turning the
meeting over to Vice Chair Malsin.
Project Manager Susca provided a brief summary per the
material of record noting that if approved the project is
estimated to take two to three years before groundbreaking.
John Carroll, representing Prime Pacific Investments with
respect to its desire to develop the two sites and with the
J.H. Snyder Company noted that Prime Pacific owns a key
parcel in the area, 5495 Sepulveda at Berryman and he
wanted Prime Pacific’s reaction to the Agency’s
recommendation to enter into an ENA with Champion Realty
read into the record.
“With respect to Agency staff and subcommittee’s May 26,
2006 evaluation of Prime Pacific’s proposal response to the
developer questionnaires and statement of interest
requested by the Agency, Prime Pacific respectfully takes
exception to the Agency’s statements in its response that
Prime Pacific’s proposal was unclear and hard to follow, was
not in the desired format and did not contain the required
financial data, as reasons for its non-selection.
Additionally, as an owner within the project area, and in CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 9 of 17
partnership with the J.H. Snyder Company, one of Los
Angeles’ most well-known and qualified residential,
commercial and retail development companies, Prime
Pacific feels that the process under which the potential
developer was chosen was nothing more than pretense and
that the selection of Champion Realty as developer was a
foregone conclusion based upon prior existing relationships
and as such protests the selection of Champion, a non-
owner in the project area as the potential developer. Thank
you very much.”
Harold Hyman reported that his family has owned the
property on the corner of Sawtelle and Sepulveda for
approximately 50 years which has been an integral part of
his family. He admitted his lack of knowledge of
redevelopment but wanted the City to know about the
tenants who have invested a great deal of money into the
property. He stated that while he has heard the property
referred to as blighted, he did not see that and instead he
has witnessed those stores crowded with customers.
Mr. Hyman related that he and his tenants had been
assured by the Agency that “the worst that could happen is
that they would be relocated within a 50 mile radius” but he
noted that the reality is that they would be relocated to
another city, not the place where they have built their
livelihood and their families. He was bothered by the fact
that the business owners had been contacted after the fact
which he felt was not part of an open process and he noted
that classifying the property as blighted was an insult to the
tenants and to the property owner.
Roger Lowell, owner of the Tattletale Bar for 43 years, read
the definition of blight: “property in a deteriorated condition”,
and he asserted that was not an accurate description of the
property which is kept in top condition. He questioned how
the Agency would “take care of him and his business” and
he noted that his family depended on the business and his
son hoped to go into the business. He felt it unjust and
unethical for the Board to go forward with the process.
Mr. Lowell noted that the City had redone the corner of
Sawtelle and Sepulveda to facilitate traffic as part of Playa
Vista and he invited the Agency to come by on a Thursday
or Friday and observe the impossible traffic patterns at that CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 10 of 17
corner. He pointed out that Sepulveda Boulevard was
ranked F for traffic and he asserted that traffic would be
further aggravated by the proposed changes. He asked the
Agency to reconsider and terminate the project.
Mary Gross, Scarlet Lady Saloon, supported previous
statements and indicated that she has been a resident of
Culver City for over 30 years and has worked at the Scarlet
Lady Saloon for 23 years and hoped to work there another
10 years until she retired. She always felt the City was an
ideal place to live and retire in and she had thought the City
was supportive to small businesses as a place to make a
decent life and raise their families. Ms. Gross pointed out
that most of the business owners had put their life savings
into the businesses and she was concerned that the City
was planning to take that from them to give to developers.
She questioned what would happen to the business owners
and their employees and she was disappointed that it
appeared that the City cared more about tax dollars without
regard to destroying people’s lives.
Renee Ramos, El Pollo Loco, expressed concern about the
proposed project and noted that their location was the
number one location in the nation. He worried about the
effect on his employees, many of whom have been at the
location for over ten years and he questioned what would
happen if the project went forward. He asked for more
information on what the Agency planned to do.
Alan Goldman, 5437 Sepulveda Boulevard, found it hard to
have a position on something he knows so little about and
noted that tonight was the first time he had heard that
construction would begin in 2-3 years. He found it difficult to
understand what the plans were and he had many questions
as he is in the middle of negotiating leases. He noted that
there would be different Agency members on the dais in 2-3
years and he was not sure whether plans would change
which makes it difficult for owners to know whether to sell or
tenants to know what type of leases to sign. He asked for
answers or any information they could share.
Laura Stewart, a Sunkist Park resident, found it interesting
to note that money had been offered to many businesses to
upgrade their facades to make them more attractive but
nothing had really happened. She felt the strip had hit the CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 11 of 17
tipping point when Red Hot Video moved in and she noted
that there were 15 liquor licenses in that area where 5
should be. She felt the neighborhood was in trouble and
she noted that there had been burglaries and inebriated
people coming down Sawtelle. She asserted that the good
business owners should be treated well but she felt that
others did not take care of their property.
Mohammed Mohasin has two successful businesses in the
affected area and he took pride in having a place for citizens
to congregate. He related that he had been encouraged to
expand his business to include a hookah room to increase
revenue but he declined as he wanted to provide a nice,
wholesome place for the people of Culver City to gather. He
reported investing a lot of money into his business and he
expressed concern with his future asking that the Agency
respect the smaller business owners who serve the
community. He wanted to stay and raise his children in the
area and he expressed shock that the City would drive out
small business owners who care about the City in order to
accommodate large corporations.
Ms. Prasad read the following card from Mr. Packers: ”This
constitutes an objection to this project.”
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton explained that there
had been much correspondence between the City and the
business owners which includes City contact information and
the public is welcome to contact the Agency for additional
information or to meet to talk through questions and
concerns. He indicated that he and Mr. Susca had made it a
point to meet with the property owners which was a large
task as there are almost 100 property and business owners
all of whom are being allowed as much time as they would
like.
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton indicated that he and
Mr. Susca were working their way from the north end of the
area to the south end and they leave cards if no one at the
location when they visit. Their intent is to introduce
themselves and provide an outlet for communication and
they are available to speak with anyone who wants
additional information.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 12 of 17
Ms. Gross asked for clarification on the process.
Assistant Executive Director Evans indicated that they were
at the very beginning of a process that will take several
years and the Agency was not being asked to approve an
ENA but rather the Agency sought to begin discussions to
negotiate that agreement. In one month an ENA will return
for approval and the agreement will have a term of 6-9
months during which time staff will continue to talk to
property owners to understand their interests and concerns
as they begin to work with the developer on a
comprehensive proposal. A scope has been established but
that may change as meetings continue with business
owners, neighboring residents and developers and the
project may take one phase or five phases but that will
become clearer as discussions continue.
During the next 9 months staff will go through due diligence
to understand the scope of the project, if there is a project,
and take input from the community. At the end of that time if
they are successful in development conversations, a
Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) describing
the project would come before the Agency and the
developer would also go before the Planning Commission to
discuss the project.
Ms. Gross felt it important to discuss the project and she
clarified that the decision tonight was whether to begin the
conversation as to whether something should happen at this
location or not. She noted that one of the basic
requirements of Redevelopment is that businesses or
residents are taken care of and she pointed out that some of
the speakers have been at that location for many years.
She reminded the audience that Sandy’s Muffler and
Petrelli’s were part of Redevelopment and they had not been
driven from the City. She clarified that Redevelopment was
not all about money noting that the most lucrative thing the
City could do with that area would be to put in a Walmart or
high density condominiums. Ms. Gross asserted that none
of the speakers indicated that the project would have many
local serving businesses on the ground floor, much the
same way they are today and chances were many of the
businesses would be the same.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 13 of 17
Ms. Gross felt it important to note that this was the beginning
of the conversation with many steps along the way and
public meetings to decide whether to continue or not. She
addressed the issue of term limits noting that changing
Councilmembers did not stop the process and the only
feedback she received from people in the area before the
meeting was complaints of the increasing problems with
graffiti in the alley, trash piling up, speeding, and
deteriorating circumstances requiring additional patrolling in
the area. She appreciated that people came to share their
concerns about their lives and she was willing to go forward
to initiate the conversation to see what happens from there.
She wanted to make sure everyone knew Redevelopment
Administrator Tipton and Project Manager Susca as they are
the contacts for the operation and she indicated she was
ready to make the motion.
Mr. Silbiger acknowledged the concerns of the property
owners and business owners and he questioned what could
be done to clarify matters for them.
Assistant Executive Director Evans noted that typically there
were 4 scenarios with existing businesses: a business
relocates, either close by or further away; the business may
ask for a settlement and be purchased; or a business goes
back into the new development but in all cases, by California
Redevelopment Law, the business must be made whole.
Mr. Silbiger noted that he had been impressed with
Champion after visiting some of their previous developments
and Assistant Executive Director Evans stated that they had
interest from two strong development companies, J.H.
Snyder and Champion with Champion chosen because their
outlined proposal for the site captured the neighborhood feel
of Sepulveda and blended both the community serving
commercial with the residential. She noted that the principal
of the company had spent much time in the alley watching
the area and traffic.
Mr. Corlin reported that recently there had been an ENA with
a company that was to redo the Vons site and that had not
gone forward and the mobile home park redevelopment did
not go forward, so entering into an ENA did not necessarily
mean that the project was a done deal. He noted that the
discussion was whether to find out if the project would be CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 14 of 17
feasible and he indicated that he would support the motion
as there would be no obligation to do the project.
Responding to Mr. Corlin, Assistant Executive Director
Evans explained that as part of the agreement is a deposit
from the developer to offset staff costs so the burden is on
the developer.
Mr. Corlin wanted to see a specific website showing a clear
timeline illustrating how these projects move forward and
whether they are on the timeline. He also wanted useable
contact information for Agency staff and Champion as he
wanted the process to be as open as possible.
Responding to Vice Chair Malsin, Assistant Executive
Director Evans clarified that an RFP had been submitted for
the Washington/National and Washington/Centinela sites
and the Agency was actively involved in property
acquisitions. She added that the City did not initiate the
proposal in this case and the developer would take the lead
in speaking to the individual property owners with staff
talking to business owners to understand their needs and
interests.
Vice Chair Malsin questioned whether it would be possible to
address traffic concerns in the area.
Assistant Executive Director Evans clarified that would be
part of the review in the next 9 months and beyond.
Ms. Gross commented that it was her understanding that
there was funding from Federal Transportation for the
bottleneck which backs up traffic in the area and she noted
that there were potential improvements on the corner of
Sepulveda and Jefferson that might help.
Vice Chair Malsin appreciated Mr. Goldman’s comments
acknowledging that when the City is in the course of a
project like this it adds uncertainty into the lives of property
and business owners. He noted that while there would be
no bulldozers there tomorrow there was the perception that
the clock was ticking but the City was not committing to
anything with these conversations. He added that the City
had removed parcels of land from unwilling participants for
other reasons but this project was different as it is driven by
a private developer whose responsibility it is to speak and CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 15 of 17
negotiate directly with property owners and business
owners.
Vice Chair Malsin stated that Mr. Tipton and Mr. Susca were
available to assist the business and property owners and if
the development did go forward that would be because it
worked for the business and property owners and adjacent
residents.
Moved by Ms. Gross and seconded by Mr. Silbiger to
1 Receive and File Statements of Interest Submitted by
Property and Business Owners within the Proposed
Sepulveda Redevelopment Project sites; and
2) Authorize staff to begin negotiating an Exclusive
Negotiation Agreement with Champion Realty, Ltd for
the proposed redevelopment of the Sepulveda
Boulevard Redevelopment Project, on the west side
of Sepulveda Boulevard, between Sawtelle and
Slauson Boulevards. A voice vote on the motion
reflected unanimous approval absent Chair Rose
who had recused himself from the hearing.
Chair Rose returned to the dais.
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A-4. Authorization to
Execute a Grant
Agreement in the
Amount of $110,900
with Exceptional
Children’s Foundation
for the Rehabilitation of
the Assisted Living
Facility located at 10918
Barman Avenue to
Address Health and
Safety Issues, Existing
Code Violations, the
Installation of a Fully
Accessible Shower,
Grab Bars in the
Restrooms and
Wheelchair Ramps in
the Front and Rear of
the Site
Chair Rose announced that he would be abstaining from
item A-4 as he has been connected with the Exceptional
Children’s Foundation for over 30 years.
Moved by Ms. Gross and seconded by Mr. Malsin to
Authorize the execution of a Grant Agreement in the Amount
of $110,900 with Exceptional Children’s Foundation for the
Rehabilitation of Assisted Living Facility located at 10918
Barman Avenue to Address Health and Safety Issues,
Existing Code Violations, the Installation of a Fully
Accessible Shower, Grab Bars in the Restrooms and
Wheelchair Ramps in the Front and Rear of the Site. A
voice vote reflected unanimous approval with the exception
of Chair Rose who abstained.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 16 of 17
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Public Comment Items
Not on the Agenda
Ms. Prasad read the following from Mr. Pappas: “This
constitutes an objection to the so-called realignment project
re Washington/Ince Boulevard. Appeals court ruling requires
an EIR for the project under these conditions.”
Egon Monostory noted his original intent was to speak on
last week’s $117 per square foot give away of the most
expensive real estate in the City, Parcel B, from the Agency
to the developer, but only Mr. Silbiger had the decency to
ask pertinent questions only to be shot down by other
members. He also wanted to talk about the second
realignment of Washington Boulevard at a high cost to the
taxpayers but necessary for the developer because the
Agency failed to do the job right the first time 12 years ago.
He asked the Agency to clean up the mess and the blighted
conditions the Redevelopment Agency had created using
public funds on Robertson Boulevard while there is still time.
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Staff Reports,
Announcements,
Receipt of
Correspondence and
Requests for Future
Agenda Items.
Moved by Mr. Gross, seconded by Mr. Malsin and
unanimously passed to receive and file correspondence.
Executive Director Fulwood reminded everyone of the
Agency meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 20, 2006 at
7:00 p.m. to consider the project design for Town Plaza.
Responding to Mr. Corlin, Assistant Executive Director
Evans reported that staff had met with the Chancellor and
the new President of West Los Angeles College, Dr. Mark
Roca and Councilmember Gross questioned what the City
could do to ensure that there would be a consistent and
proactive dialogue between the City and the College as
improvements are made to the College.
Assistant Executive Director Evans reported that Dr. Roca
had been President for a month but was committed to
formalizing communication and he had initiated talks with
Public Works Director Charles Herbertson. She felt
confident that staff would be able to report to Council on a
regular basis as they heard from the College.
Chair Rose asserted that 12 years ago many changes were
made to downtown Culver City but he was not sitting on the CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2006
Page 17 of 17
Agency at that time. He added that when negotiating land
price, it might take a year or 18 months until the final DBA is
completed and they do not go back on the price of the sale
so sometimes the Agency gets more than the land is worth
at the time and sometimes they end up getting less. He
added that the Agency was not always in business to make
money but rather to make the City a better place and he
asserted that the City was a better place as a result of work
done by the Agency including the new City Hall, the Kirk
Douglas Theatre, the revitalized downtown and the Fox Hills
Mall.
-0-
Adjournment There being no further business, it was moved by Mr.
Malsin, seconded by Mr. Corlin and unanimously passed to
adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. to Thursday, July 20, 2006,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers.
-0-
________________________
ALICE PRASAD
Recording Secretary
____________________________
STEVEN ROSE, Chairperson
Redevelopment Agency
These Minutes Are Not Official Until
Approved by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
MINUTES
July 20, 2006
Call to Order
The meeting of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
was called to order at 7:14 p.m. with five members
present.
-0-
Invocation/Pledge of
Allegiance
The invocation was given by Jerry Fulwood and the
Pledge of Allegiance was led by George Napoliton.
-0-
Roll Call Members Present: Stephen J. Rose, Chair
Scott Malsin, Vice Chair
Alan Corlin
Carol A. Gross
Gary Silbiger
-0-
Staff Present Jerry Fulwood, Executive Director; Susan Evans,
Community Development Director, Todd Tipton,
Redevelopment Administrator, Joe Susca, Project
Manager; and Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst
-0-
Audience Participation
Non-Agendized Items
None
-0-
PRESENTATIONS P-1 A
Community Meeting to
Receive a Presentation
from Johnson Fain,
Architects of a Design
Project Manager Susca explained that the Plaza would be
expanded significantly with a tie-in to the existing Plaza
and the purpose of the meeting was to obtain input from
the community and from Agency members on the design.
He encouraged everyone to ask questions and noted that CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 2 of 8
for the Expansion of
Downtown’s Town
Plaza
comments would be incorporated into the final design and
brought back to the Agency for final adoption of the plan.
William Fain with Johnson Fain Architects introduced his
colleagues and, with the aid of slides, he presented the
design for the expansion of downtown’s Town Plaza. Mr.
Fain acknowledged the importance of the project for the
City and he explained the process that they went through
to come up with the current design which included
studying the history of the City and examining plazas in
other cities.
Mr. Fain pointed out that the City had a great deal of
memories translated into layers which they tried to capture
in the design to include what is distinctive to Culver City.
He observed that the streets in the City come together in
interesting ways reflecting the geometry of the region and
establishing a distinctive Culver City pattern. He added
that signage was very important and has established an
aesthetic which reflects the character of the City.
Mr. Fain provided examples of plazas in other cities noting
that they had chosen to utilize the best features from those
plazas in their design. He spoke of existing conditions in
the area and explained that there would be limited access
for service vehicles which need to serve the area.
A three dimensional model was presented with examples
of clusters at various locations for a wide range of
activities including fashion shows, antique shows with a
series of booths, concerts, athletic events, and kiosks
could be set up at various locations.
Mr. Fain displayed a series of historical images of the City
that typify its character noting that they had discovered the
line between the two ranchos passed through the center of
the Plaza and they decided it would be remarkable to
recall the actual alignment of those two ranchos. He
suggested that the water element could be recreated
through the Plaza either as a stream brought through at
various places to recall Ballona Creek or with a pattern on
the paving stones.
Mr. Fain emphasized the importance of recollection and
he explained that references to the oxen path where early
carts traveled through the pass between Baldwin Hills and CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 3 of 8
Cheviot Hills could be illustrated through landscaping and
Washington Boulevard would have an element to indicate
a small path. The paving pattern would be different on
each side of the rancho and rail lines could be indicated
with pavement patterns and/or lights.
Mr. Fain observed that art was clearly important in the City
and lent a generosity to the public spaces and he cited a
series of opportunities for public art including pylons which
would act as vertical elements with changing exhibits of
graphics or they could be used for screens for outdoor
projections.
Project Manager Susca indicated that Parcel B would
retain the gated entrance to the studio with the street
closed off through a series of raised and lowered bollards
so the Plaza could still be expanded to include that area.
George Plato, 9400 Washington Boulevard, Plato
Properties, thanked those involved in the process and
noted that it looked like a great project. He expressed
concern that his building would be looking at the back of
the pylons or the view from his building would be blocked
and he further pointed out that one delivery system would
not be enough to serve the three buildings, the theatres,
the new restaurants and the hotel. He worried that traffic
would be backed up when the parking lot is full and
delivery trucks would end up in the neighborhood if there
was not sufficient room for them designed into the Plaza
area.
Carey Anderson, Irving Place, complimented the project,
agreed with Mr. Plato’s concerns and reported that he had
seen cars traveling the wrong way on A Street on several
occasions which makes him concerned that that would
happen more frequently as people try to access Culver
Studios by trying to get into Building K.
Chair Rose asked Mr. Anderson to identify Building K on
the slide and Mr. Anderson did so.
Linda Shahinian expressed support for the design but also
concern that there was not a clear delineation between the
access road and pedestrian areas and while she
acknowledged that bollards would be utilized for large CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 4 of 8
events, she was not sure what the every day interchange
between pedestrians and vehicles would be like. She
indicated being disturbed that handicapped parking had
been eliminated and she was not sure how clear it would
be made that Parcel B it is not a through street with
delivery trucks able to access the area.
Julie Lugo Cera, the City Historian, congratulated the
designers on the historic perspective and she reported
that she had been in contact with some of Thomas Ince’s
grandchildren who have pictures and other things to help
with the design of the Plaza. She pointed out that Mr. Ince
had started and built the two studios that are still standing
and she appreciated the fact that the design incorporated
the hills. One concern she raised was that the design
looked barren and full of a lot of sun and she wanted to
see more trees and not jacarandas or palm trees which
can attract squirrels and rodents. She reminded them to
include plenty of trash cans and more seating and she
expressed concern with maintenance and pointed out that
pavers were a better way to represent water.
Arizona Ohm, Manager at the Pacific Theatre, reported
current parking issues when the area is highly utilized on
weekend nights and on Tuesdays with the Farmer’s
Market and he noted that an additional parking structure
had been discussed at the meeting of July 10. He also
questioned whether there would be a restroom facility in
the Plaza.
Stuart Freeman, Freeman Properties, expressed support
for the distinctively Culver City design and pointed out that
the success of the downtown area with restaurants had
created some maintenance problems. He noted that
people had a tendency to litter and he suggested that the
type of elements used in the Plaza be examined with
regard to maintenance issues, for instance he proposed
that surfaces used should be those that can be kept clean
easily.
Project Manager Susca clarified that the pylons would be
designed not to have a backside so that the images would
face Main Street as well as the southern buildings. He
also noted that staff had met with the owners of those
buildings about the creation of a receiving area and staff CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 5 of 8
was still working to accommodate deliveries and also to
preserve handicapped access.
Project Manager Susca indicated that the Parcel B
development was continuing to look at ways to meet
restroom needs and he added that the gated entrance to
Culver Studios would be preserved with permanent
bollards at the end and curbing to preserve the separation
of pedestrians and vehicles.
Ms. Gross found the plan exciting though she wanted a
closer look at the plans to understand how the access was
going to work. Her key concerns were covered in previous
comments about the access road, maintenance, water,
lighting, and delivery access and while she acknowledged
that the area worked well for large public gatherings, she
also felt it important to have the component of small areas
where two or three people could sit in the shade and visit.
Ms. Gross pointed out that the sun got hot in the Plaza
and she felt there needed to be areas of shade and
seating. That issue was talked about with the original
Town Plaza but it was not addressed all the way and she
wanted to see places to hang out and sit quietly alone or
with a few others.
Mr. Corlin liked the design and was happy that those
people closest to it were in favor of it. He noted that the
drawing only showed the new area and he questioned
whether the entire area would be homogeneous or
whether there would be a demarcation between the old
Town Plaza and the new area.
Mr. Fain explained that while they focused on the central
area, the whole area was being considered a complete
design.
Responding to Mr. Corlin, Mr. Fain indicated that the
needs of the hotel had not been discussed with the hotel
and Project Manager Susca reported that he had tried to
contact them but had received no response. Mr. Corlin felt
it very important that the hotel be involved to ensure that
their needs were met.
Mr. Silbiger asserted that it was an exciting plan and he CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 6 of 8
wanted to look at the drawings further and obtain
additional input. He thanked Johnson Fain and staff for
their hard work and also the public for their feedback. Mr.
Silbiger wanted to hear more input from the neighbors and
he questioned what the next step in the process would be.
Project Manger Susca clarified that the project would not
go before the Planning Commission and Community
Development Director Evans explained that comments
received tonight would be incorporated and the entire
team would also be available to meet with anyone to walk
them through the plans. She clarified that the item would
be brought back to the Agency Board for final adoption
after time is taken to make sure everyone has a chance to
get all their questions answered but this would be the last
public meeting.
Mr. Malsin indicated that he and Mr. Rose serve on
subcommittee for the project so they saw the plan first and
he felt it was a very grounding design in a changing
environment with a great deal of depth.
Mr. Malsin felt certain that the Plaza was something they
would be very proud of and he felt that Mr. Plato had
made good points about the property owners and those
who lease in the buildings at the south end of the Plaza.
He reported that they had been trying to find ways to
facilitate deliveries for businesses that are there now or
retail businesses that will be there in the future as they
want to ensure that the design will accommodate orderly
conduct of commerce as well as making sure that when
there is development that noise and vehicles can be kept
out of the residential neighborhood to the south. He felt
that advanced planning would be able to take that into
account to ease problems later on and he complimented
everyone who had worked on the design.
Chair Rose expressed concern about breaking up the view
and not being able to see the Culver Theatre or the Globe
on the Pacific Theatre. He felt that the amount of trees
was in good proportion to the Plaza and he noted that the
graphic did not show that when the restaurants are there,
there will be a lot of umbrellas outside. He expressed
concern with maintenance and liability issues with the
water element and he suggested changing to rock or tile CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 7 of 8
that would light up.
Chair Rose observed that the Plaza laid out the geography
and history of the City and would serve as a background
to the past, present and future of Culver City. He felt that
Plaza would be a great open space that is flexible enough
to change to meet the needs of the City.
Project Manager Susca explained that to create the area,
the Planning Commission had to modify Parcel B, the
proposed Washington Boulevard Realignment Plan, and
that they provided comments for the development of the
Plaza. He reiterated that the Planning Commission had
reviewed and approved the project and he added that they
had voiced concerns about pick up and drop off at the
hotel which is being incorporated into the design.
Derrick Hill expressed concerns with parking and
suggested that underground parking was an efficient way
to accommodate a large amount of cars.
Project Manager Susca explained that the three parking
structures in downtown were sufficient to meet the needs
of the businesses, and that the developer was considering
creation of 70-75 additional subterranean parking spaces
in their projects design.
-0-
Consent Calendar: C-1
Secretary’s Report
Moved by Mr. Malsin, seconded by Ms. Gross and
unanimously passed to receive and file the Secretary’s
Report.
-0-
Public Comment Items
Not on the Agenda
None
-0-
7. Staff Reports,
Announcements,
Receipt of
Correspondence and
Requests for Future
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton reported that a
summary meeting would be held on Saturday, July 22 at
the Exceptional Children’s Foundation with Johnson Fain
presenting the design to receive comments and ideas. CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2006
Page 8 of 8
Agenda Items Ms. Gross commented that the underground parking costs
$35,000 per stall.
-0-
Adjournment There being no further business, it was moved by Mr.
Malsin, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and unanimously passed
to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m., to the next regular
meeting on Monday, July 24, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Mike Balkman Council Chambers.
-0-
____________________
ALICE PRASAD
Recording Secretary
________________________________
STEPHEN ROSE, CHAIRMAN
Redevelopment Agency
These Minutes Are Not Official Until
Approved by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
MINUTES
July 24, 2006
Call to Order The meeting of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
was called to order at 7:54 p.m. with five members
present.
-0-
Invocation/Pledge of
Allegiance
Covered under the City Council Agenda.
-0-
Roll Call Members Present: Stephen J. Rose, Chair
Scott Malsin, Vice Chair
Alan Corlin
Carol A. Gross
Gary Silbiger
-0-
Staff Present Jerry Fulwood, Executive Director; Susan Evans,
Community Development Director, Todd Tipton,
Redevelopment Administrator, Joe Susca, Project
Manager; and Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst
-0-
Audience Participation
Non-Agendized Items
None
-0-
Consent Calendar:
C-1 Secretary’s Report
Moved by Mr. Malsin, seconded by Ms. Gross and
unanimously passed to receive and file the Secretary’s
Report.
-0-
CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2006
Page 2 of 4
Joint Items:
J-1 Authorization
Approving the
Expenditure of Agency
Funds for the
Relocation of Tenants
at the Metro Motel
Project Manager Weintraub briefly summarized the
material of record.
Moved by Ms. Gross and seconded by Mr. Corlin.
The discussion continued Mr. Silbiger received
confirmation that the relocation plan had been available for
public review for 30 days and he questioned whether that
was all the public notice that was required.
Project Manager Weintraub reported that notices go out to
those affected parties and she indicated there were
between 30-33 rooms in the hotel.
Mr. Silbiger questioned why the Agency was only
responsible to relocate 2 rooms and Project Manager
Weintraub explained that the City has no obligation to
relocate people in the other rooms as they were rented for
less than 30 days which classifies them as regular hotel
rooms.
Mr. Silbiger expressed concern that that one tenant
speaks Spanish and he had seen a notification to tenants
in English. Project Manager Weintraub indicated that she
also provided notice in Spanish as there is an OPC rep
that speaks Spanish and has met with the woman several
times. She added that the woman was able to understand
the letter that was sent in English.
Mr. Silbiger noted that the law requires letters in Spanish if
that is the person’s primary language and he questioned
why that had not been done.
Project Manager Weintraub related that staff had spoken
to the woman in both English and Spanish because she
understands both languages well.
Mr. Silbiger felt the Agency should be sensitive to those
who indicate Spanish as their primary language and
provide communication in Spanish, and he pointed out
that there would be more relocation in the future which he
wanted to see addressed properly.
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton assured Mr. Silbiger
that staff would make sure that proper communication was
done in the future.CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2006
Page 3 of 4
Responding to Mr. Silbiger, Project Manager Weintraub
explained that relocation responsibilities were outlined on
page 10 of the report indicating that they are required to
inform the displaces about the relocation program, help
find replacement accommodations, coordinate claims
processing, maintain a communications link with the City,
and assist with the involvement of outside providers of
social and other support services, including moving and
packing. She added that both tenants have her contact
information.
Responding to Mr. Silbiger, Project Manager Weintraub
reported that both tenants had been informed of the
relocation program and staff has provided different rental
options in the area.
Mr. Silbiger asked if there were any options in Culver City
and Project Manager Weintraub indicated that there were.
She added that neither tenant qualified for Section 8
assistance because one does not meet that citizen
requirement and the other has an income over the
required level.
Mr. Silbiger thanked staff for the report.
Responding to an inquiry from Ms. Gross about hourly
tenants, Redevelopment Administrator Tipton reiterated
that those tenants who stayed for less than 30 days were
not entitled to assistance.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to approve the expenditure of
$25,320 for relocation services related to the Metro Motel.
-0-
J-2 Consideration of
Award of Banking
Custodial Services
Contract to Union Bank
of California
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Malsin and
unanimously approved to 1) Award a banking custodial
services contract to Union Bank of California; and 2)
Direct Agency General Counsel to prepare the
necessary documents and authorize the Agency
Executive Director to approve the documents.
-0-
CCRA Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2006
Page 4 of 4
Public Comment Items
Not on the Agenda
None.
-0-
7. Staff Reports,
Announcements,
Receipt of
Correspondence and
Requests for Future
Agenda Items
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to receive and file correspondence.
Mr. Corlin invited everyone to the Friends of the Library
Fundraiser on Saturday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Culver
Hotel which he pointed out had received Agency
assistance years ago.
Mr. Malsin reported that the City Council had a workshop
for the Washington National Project last Saturday and
someone had asked how accessible drawings were to the
public. He suggested placing informational boards and
materials in the first floor of City Hall or in Council
Chambers or the Summer Music Festival so people can
see what is going on.
Chair Rose thanked the Sanitation Department, especially
the recycling program as he has noticed an increase in the
amount of glass being recycled with the successful
opening of Bottle Rock on Main Street, a wine tasting
room.
-0-
Adjournment There being no further business, it was moved by Mr.
Corlin, seconded by Mr. Silbiger and unanimously passed
to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m., to the next regular
meeting on Monday, August 7, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Mike Balkman Council Chambers.
-0-
_______________________
ALICE PRASAD
Recording Secretary
________________________________
STEPHEN ROSE, CHAIRMAN
Redevelopment Agency