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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CULVER CITY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE July 28, 2014
CITY COUNCIL 5:30 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Sahli-Wells called the meeting of the City Council to
order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Meghan Sahli-Wells, Mayor
Micheál O‘Leary, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Jeffrey Cooper, 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 Real Property Negotiators
Re: 8829, 8831, 8840, 8841, 8843 Exposition Boulevard; 8801,
8803, 8824, 8825, 8828, 8830-8834, 8836, 8839, 8842, 8846
National Boulevard; 8900-8906, 8910-8912, 8914-8918, 8920,
8926, 8930, 8936 Venice Boulevard
Agency Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager/Executive
Director; Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director/
Assistant Executive Director; Todd Tipton, Economic
Development Manager; Murray Kane, City/Successor Agency
Special Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group
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 July 28, 2014
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CS-2 Public Employment
Title: Police Chief
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
CS-3 Public Employment
Title: Fire Chief
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
CS-4 Conference with Labor Negotiators
City designated representatives: City Manager John
Nachbar, Director of Human Resources Serena Wright
Employee Organizations: Culver City Employees Association,
Culver City Management Group, Culver City Police Officers'
Association, Culver City Police Management Group, Culver City
Firefighters' Association Local 1927, AFL-CIO, Culver City
Fire Management Group
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CS-5 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: City of Culver City v. State of California
Case No. BC525639
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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Reconvene
Mayor Sahli-Wells reconvened the City Council meeting at
7:02 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated nothing to report out of closed
session.
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Reflection/Pledge of Allegiance
The Reflection was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fleet Services Manager
Paul Condran.
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Presentations
Item P-1
Presentation of the Government Finance Officers
Association's Certificate of Achievement Plaque for
Excellence in Financial Reporting
Mayor Sahli-Wells presented the plaque.
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, expressed appreciation
for the recognition.
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Item P-2
Presentations of Commendations to Former Commissioners,
Committee Members, and Board Members in Recognition of
Their Service to the Culver City Community
Councilmembers presented the commendations.
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Item P-3
Presentation of a Commendation to Fleet Services Manager
Paul Condran on Being Named Public Sector Fleet Manager of
the Year for 2014
Mayor Sahli-Wells presented the proclamation.
Paul Condran, Fleet Services Manager, thanked the City for
the honor and staff for their support.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Mayor Sahli-Wells encouraged everyone to attend the Culver
City Summer Concert Series; wished good luck to Culver City
resident Michelle Duchemin who is participating in the Summer
Junior Olympics in Des Moines; reported that comments had
been submitted to the State’s Division of Oil, Gas and July 28, 2014
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Geothermal Resources by the City Council; and she noted that
the City had invited the State Water Resources Control Board
to hold a workshop to protect water from hydraulic fracturing
and oil drilling.
Carol Schwab, City Attorney, reported that comments would be
posted to the City website by July 30, 2014.
Lieutenant Sims of the Culver City Police Department reported
on an increase of daytime residential burglaries in the City;
he noted that surrounding agencies reported the same
increases; he reported 15 arrests related to the crimes;
attributed the success not only to the Police Department but
also to partnerships with neighborhoods and neighborhood
groups; he encouraged everyone to stay vigilant and to
connect with Nixle.com; he provided safety tips; and he
invited everyone to attend the Second Annual National Night
Out on August 6 at Lindbergh Park.
Council Member Cooper expressed appreciation to Lieutenant
Sims and he reminded everyone that if they feel that
something isn’t right they should call the police.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marcus Tiggs, Fiesta La Ballona Committee, invited everyone
to attend Fiesta La Ballona August 22-24; he described the
schedule and events; and he thanked sponsors.
Andrea Chu, Evolve, asked the City Council to place
consideration of their resolution to reconsider Proposition
13 on the next City Council agenda; she asserted that the
state should address cuts to local government by raising
revenue with reforms to Proposition 13 to insure that
large, non-residential properties pay their fair share;
discussed differences in property tax revenue between
residential and commercial properties; the shift of the tax
burden from corporations to individuals; income and sales
tax revenues in California; chronic budget shortfalls; and
new revenue measures. July 28, 2014
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The City Council agreed to place consideration of the item
on the next agenda.
{Note from the City Clerk: Based upon conversation later
in this meeting, the City Council provided the City Manager
with some flexibility on which future agenda this item
would appear to allow staff sufficient time to research the
subject and to accommodate items already scheduled for
consideration at the August, 2014 meetings.}
Clinton O’Brady expressed concern with the cost of
education and asked that consideration of Proposition 13 be
placed on the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
Denea Joseph reported working on campaigns regarding
affordability and accessibility to UC schools; discussed
Proposition 13 reform; property taxes paid by large
companies; and she asked that consideration of a resolution
to alter Proposition 13 be placed on the next City Council
agenda.
Discussion ensued between Council Members regarding a request
that information be provided to Council Members regarding the
concrete impacts to Culver City; the fullness of the August
11 agenda; notification; and a request for information on who
supported the passage of Proposition 13 in the 1970s.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, requested the
City Council provide the City Manager with some flexibility
of the scheduling of this item to allow staff to properly
research this subject and to accommodate items already
scheduled for the August, 2014 City Council meetings. The
City Council granted this request.
Alfonzo Wilson discussed the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook;
sidewalk access; pedestrian traffic; increased crime,
vandalism and altercations in the area; interruption of mail
service; the installation of a sidewalk on the east side of
Hetzler Road; hiking trails; a request that pedestrians use
the trail for the first 15 feet of the residential road;
jurisdiction of the area; he requested that the City Council
place consideration of the issue on the earliest agenda
possible; and he suggested actions to improve the safety of
the area.
July 28, 2014
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Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated that she would follow up with the
Public Works Director and the Police Department to bring
clarity to the situation and explain the delays in
construction.
Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer,
reported discussions with the State Department of Parks and
the Baldwin Hills Conservancy regarding having the City
manage construction of a separate trail to parallel Hetzler
Road to move pedestrians off the road; reported that the
state was handling the design; discussed recommendations by
the City regarding cost effectiveness of the design; the
original design; delays in the project due to the redesign
phase; the review and permitting process; the rainy season;
beginning construction in the spring once the threat of rain
is over; the proposed schedule; and a report that letters to
residents had been sent out.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
signage; jurisdiction; enforcement; creating walking paths;
work with the community; the role of the Culver City Police
Department; and the frustration level of residents on Hetzler
Road.
Stephen Murray provided an update on the most recent West
Basin Municipal Water District Board; discussed the drought;
a resolution passed for 17 municipalities requesting
conservation; who saved water and who didn’t; reported that
rather than saving water there had been a 1% increase;
discussed voluntarily submitted data from 8 water agencies;
population growth; whether people are serious about saving
water; Water District data; Culver City water usage; the goal
to reduce usage by 20%; resolutions adopted by the State
Water Board; and he asked that the City take action to move
toward a 20% reduction in use.
Mayor Sahli-Wells acknowledged the urgency of the situation
and thanked Mr. Murray for the statistics.
Dr. Janet Hoult congratulated Mayor Sahli-Wells for the
successful Bike, Walk, Scoot Festival on Saturday; discussed
her need to drive a car; citizens who ride bikes but do not
obey traffic laws; recognizing traffic signals and stop
signs; and she requested enforcement and education.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read comments submitted by:
July 28, 2014
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Marta Zaragoza
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that one item had been received for item C-5 with the
remainder of the correspondence being rece1ved for item A-
1.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Joint Culver City Council/Culver City Housing Authority/
Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Item: Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR JULY 5, 2014 – JULY 18, 2014.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COOPER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1, C-4, AND C-6.
Item C-1
Meeting Minutes
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF JULY 14, 2014.
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Item C-4
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of (1) a Five-Year Professional Services Agreement
(to June 30, 2019) with Carl Warren & Company and the
Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) for
Liability Claims Administration and Management; and (2) a
Five-Year Professional Services Agreement (to June 30,
2019) with Carl Warren and Company for Transit Claims
Administration and Management
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
(1) APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH CARL WARREN & COMPANY (TO JUNE 30, 2019) AND THE
INDEPENDENT CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (ICRMA) FOR
LIABILITY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT; AND,
(2) APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH CARL WARREN AND COMPANY (TO JUNE 30, 2019) FOR TRANSIT
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT; AND,
(3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
(4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-6
(Out of Sequence)
(1) Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Culver City, California Designating the City’s Agent(s)
for the State of California’s Office of Emergency Services
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program;
and (2) Approval of a Grant Application through the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE CITY’S AGENT(S) FOR
THE PURPOSE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES AND THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY’S HAZARD July 28, 2014
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MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM AND PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM;
AND
2. APPROVE A GRANT APPLICATION THROUGH THE HAZARD MITIGATION
GRANT PROGRAM.
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Item C-2
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and Authorization
to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the 2014 Street Paving
Program, PZ-863
Council Member Clarke received clarification regarding
notification of residents on what streets are targeted for
the proposed fiscal year.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2014
STREET PAVING PROGRAM, PZ-863; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE 2014 STREET PAVING PROGRAM, PZ-863.
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Item C-3
Approval of Agreements with Bestway Recycling, Inc., Allan
Company, and CR&R to Purchase Recyclable Material from the
City for a Period of Six Months as Part of a Pilot Program
Council Member Clarke received clarification regarding fiscal
impacts to the City with the proposed loss of revenues and
increased costs.
Mayor Sahli-Wells discussed resident concerns regarding
recoverable items and received clarification regarding
extraction of recyclables and agreement from staff to provide
additional information regarding other environmental impacts.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
July 28, 2014
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1. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH BESTWAY RECYCLING, INC. TO
PURCHASE RECYCLABLE MATERIAL, FROM MAY 1, 2014 – JANUARY 31,
2015, AT A PRICE OF $30 PER TON FOR COMMINGLED RECYCLING
MATERIAL AND 70% AND 90% OFFICIAL BOARD MARKETS (OBM) FOR
CORRUGATED LOOSE AND BALED CARDBOARD RESPECTIVELY; AND,
2. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CR&R, INC. TO PURCHASE
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL, FROM AUGUST 1, 2014 – JANUARY 31, 2015,
FOR $30 PER TON FOR COMMINGLED RECYCLING MATERIAL WITH A
POTENTIAL INCREASE OF $7-$10 PER TON AFTER CHARACTERIZATION
STUDIES ARE PERFORMED; AND,
3. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ALLAN COMPANY, INC. TO PURCHASE
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL, FROM AUGUST 1, 2014 – JANUARY 1, 2015,
FOR $42 PER TON FOR COMMINGLED RECYCLING MATERIAL; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
(Out of Sequence)
Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code
Section 9.10.600 Regarding the Definition and Establishment,
by Resolution, of Designated Dog Paths within Culver City
Parks
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin discussed the amendment to the
ordinance; current plans for a Pooch Path in Veterans Park;
she expressed concern with notice provisions; proposed that
any Pooch Path suggestions be first vetted by the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Commission with notice to
the affected neighborhoods and a trial period of 6-12 months
before being sent to the City Council; and she asked that
those changes be reflected in the ordinance.
July 28, 2014
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Mayor Sahli-Wells noted that many of those notifications were
currently in place.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
the current process; clarification that information on the
detailed process could be included in the resolution for each
designated Pooch Path coming to the City Council for
consideration; clarification that current procedure is that
the items come before the Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission before coming to the City Council; paths
going forward are included in the last agenda; whether there
is an appeals process; the final decision by the City
Council; and providing multiple opportunities for residents
to weigh in on any proposed path.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING
CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.10.600 REGARDING THE
DEFINITION AND ESTABLISHMENT, BY RESOLUTION, OF DESIGNATED
DOG PATHS WITHIN CULVER CITY PARKS.
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Item C-7
(Out of Sequence)
1) Waiver Of Irregularity/Informality On Ramona, Inc. Bid;
And 2) Award Of A Construction Contract To Ramona, Inc. In An
Amount Not-To-Exceed $54,660 ($48,860 Base Bid And $5,800 In
Change Order Authority) For The Construction Of Jefferson
Boulevard Sewer Main Extension Project PZ-230
Vice Mayor O’Leary received clarification regarding the
dispute on contract change orders and the simple nature of
the project.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) WAIVE THE IRREGULARITY/INFORMALITY IN THE RAMONA, INC. BID
PER THE STAFF REPORT;
2) AWARD A CONTRACT TO RAMONA, INC. AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE
AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE JEFFERSON BOULEVARD SEWER
MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT, PZ-930, IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED
$$54,660 ($48,860 BASE BID AND $5,800 IN CHANGE ORDER
AUTHORITY); AND,
July 28, 2014
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3) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $5,800, IF
NECESSARY; AND,
4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
5) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE ITEMS C-2, C-3, C-5 AND C-7.
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Joint Public Hearings
Item JPH-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA ITEM: PUBLIC
HEARING Approval of an Implementation Agreement between the
City of Culver City, the Successor Agency to the Culver
City Redevelopment Agency and Lowe Enterprises Real Estate
Group in Order to Convey Real Property Located at 8829,
8831, 8839, 8841, 8843 Exposition Boulevard; 8801, 8803
Washington Boulevard; 8824, 8825, 8828, 8830-8834, 8836,
8838, 8840, 8842, 8846 National Boulevard; 8900-8906, 8910-
8912, 8914-8918, 8920, 8926, 8930, 8936 Venice Boulevard to
Develop a High Quality Transit Oriented Development -
REQUEST TO CONTINUE THIS JOINT PUBLIC HEARING TO AUGUST 11,
2014
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING
OF NOTICES AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE
PUBLIC HEARING.
July 28, 2014
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Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
the need to postpone the item.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD: CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO
AUGUST 11, 2014 (PUBLIC HEARING REMAINS OPEN).
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Assessment and
Ordering the Levy for the Sewer User’s Service Charge -
Fiscal Year 2014/2015
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING
OF NOTICES AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
No speaker cards were received and no speakers came
forward.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that a majority protest had not been received.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
ADOPT A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT AND ORDERING July 28, 2014
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THE LEVY FOR SEWER USER’S SERVICE CHARGE FOR FISCAL YEAR
2014/2015.
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Action Items
Item A-1
(1) Consideration of a Recommendation from the Cultural
Affairs Commission Related to a Cultural Resource
Designation of the Culver City Ice Arena Located at 4545
Sepulveda Boulevard; and (2) Accept, Modify or Disapprove
the Cultural Affairs Commission’s Recommendation for
Designation as Deemed Appropriate
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
Jennifer Trotoux, Architectural Resources Group, presented
the findings of the report.
Discussion ensued between staff, Council Members and the
speaker regarding the qualifications of Architectural
Resources Group and those working on the project; the
original design; the National Register; post war
architecture; well-preserved vs. good condition; historic
integrity; the sign; the Instructions for Recording
Historical Resources; bifurcating the sign from the
process; analyzing the sign on its own merit; the Standards
for Rehabilitation; Character Defining Features; the point
system used; the culturally relevant period; popularity of
ice rinks during particular times and places; the decline
in ice rinks after 1980; subjectivity; the historic
context; combining technical data with the subjective
nature of the process; the California Registry; and state
status.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
July 28, 2014
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Lindsay Carlson discussed her experiences with the ice
rink, and she urged the City Council to support the
Culturally Significant designation.
Barbara Pomyalski requested City Council support of the
Culturally Significant designation.
Susan Rosales requested City Council support of the
Culturally Significant designation and she discussed
hardships for her associated with the closing of the rink.
Brooke Powell requested City Council support of the
Culturally Significant designation; noted that the rink
served as an important source of culture and fitness; she
discussed Celebrity Sports Center in Denver; increased
costs for her due to now having to commute to El Segundo;
and decreased patronage of businesses along Sepulveda.
Therese Steinlauf and Eleta Engelbrecht reported that their
father designed the Culver Ice Rink; thanked those who have
worked to support preservation of the Ice Rink; discussed
the original intent for silhouettes on the side of the
building; historical significance; and urged the City
Council to support the Culturally Significant designation
noting that ideally the building would go back to being an
ice rink.
Kris Benveniste asked that the site be kept as an ice rink.
Melissa Abramson requested City Council support of the
Culturally Significant designation.
Tom Oliver discussed the word significant; impact of the
facility on the community; retaining the facility as an
institution; and he requested City Council support of the
Culturally Significant designation.
Tamara Coffin discussed the historical significance of the
ice rink; places that are no longer around; the hardship
for her of travelling to Torrance to skate; concern that
her family may need to relocate; and she asked that the
facility be kept in the community.
Teresa and Christine Norden discussed the desire of the
City Council to serve the community; the ways in which the
ice rink served the community; and indicated that they
would be watching the way Council Members vote.
July 28, 2014
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Robert Zirgulis felt that the City Council should support
the Culturally Significant designation and that the City
should exercise eminent domain and take over the ice rink.
Paul Ehrlich objected to the point system; felt that the
process was subjective and capricious; he felt the building
was architecturally ugly and cheaply made; noted that the
building was empty; felt that an undue burden would be
placed on the landlord and future tenant with the
designation; discussed the potential deal with the Los
Angeles Kings; and unintended consequences.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Julie Lugo Cerra
Marla Koosed
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported on
phone calls received by the City Attorney's Office
regarding the item.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding reinstating the ice skating use; clarification
that the designation of the structure did not affect the
use it is put to; the process required by a significant
designation; zoning; use restrictions; the California
Environmental Quality Act analysis; discretionary acts;
adding a layer of analysis and review; removal of
recreational facilities; Ehrlich vs. Culver City; moving
the sign; retaining significance; the importance of
recreational opportunities and competitive sports;
clarification that the use would not be guaranteed with the
designation; eminent domain; the success of downtown Culver
City; the survival of the ice rink for so many years;
maintaining the community integrity; the number of people
that used the ice rink; the absence of the land owner from
the proceedings; historic preservation vs. saving the ice
rink; subjectivity of the findings; if the Los Angeles
Kings wanted to tear the existing rink down and put up a
new one; the process to apply for a certificate of
appropriateness; and the zoning issue.
Additional discussion ensued between staff, Council Members
and Ms. Trotoux regarding changes of use to buildings
declared architecturally significant; community support;
maintaining the character defining features of the July 28, 2014
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structure; focus on the exterior for the Certificate of
Appropriateness; the sign; possible modifications;
community memory; the association with the time period; and
the National Register of Historic Places.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding efforts by the Los Angeles Kings; intentions of
the owner; preserving parts of the rink; concern that the
designation could make it harder to put in a new ice rink;
clarification that there has been no decision as to a
change to use; assurance that there would be a long public
process before any changes could be made; zone change and
use changes necessary to move forward; the use variance
granted in 1960; clarification that the ice rink is not a
recreational amenity created by the City that is being
taken away; clarification that the only thing being decided
is whether the building should be granted significant
status; appreciation for the detail in the report; concern
with the point system; and the process.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY, SECONDED BY MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ACCEPT THE
CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPT A
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE CULVER CITY ICE ARENA AS A
CULTURAL RESOURCE AT THE “SIGNIFICANT” LEVEL (ATTACHMENT
4).
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a written comment
submitted by:
Marla Koosed
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Items from the City Council
Items from Council Member Cooper
? Discussed Assembly Bill 1839 and asked that the City
Council write a letter in support
July 28, 2014
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Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding previous action on the matter and City Council
consensus to agendize consideration of a resolution in
support.
Items from Mayor Sahli-Wells
? Reported attending an event with the Sister City
delegation from South Korea noting that there were
gifts for the Council Members, and she thanked the
Sister City Committee for making the guests feel
welcome
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 10:30 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting to Monday, August 11, 2014 at
7:00 p.m.
o0o
___________________________________________________________
Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
July 28, 2014
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_____________________________________
MEGHAN SAHLI-WELLS
MAYOR of Culver City, California