THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
October 3, 2011
5:30 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the City Council was called to order at 5:30
p.m.
Present: Micheal O'Leary, Mayor
D. Scott Malsin, Vice Mayor
Christopher Armenta, Councilmember
Jeffrey Cooper, Councilmember
Andrew Weissman, Councilmember
oCto
Closed Session
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session to discuss the
following items:
CS-1 Conference with Labor Negotiators
City designated representatives: City Manager John Nachbar;
Director of Human Resources Serena Wright
Employee Organization: Culver City Employees Association;
Culver City Management Group; Culver City Police Officers
Association; Culver City Fire Fighters Association; Culver
City Police Management Group; Culver City Fire Management
Association
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CS-2 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Re: Donald Sipple v. City of Alameda et al.
Case No. BC462470
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
o0o
Recess
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. October 3, 2011
Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 7:14 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present.
o0o
Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Amy Anderson.
o0o
Closed Session Report
Vice Mayor Malsin indicated there was nothing to report out of
Closed Session.
o0 o
Presentations
Item P-1
Presentation of a Proclamation for Walk to School Week.
Mayor O'Leary presented a proclamation for Walk to School Week
and encouraged everyone in the City to join in.
A representative from the Girl Scouts thanked the City and
announced upcoming events.
o0o October 3, 2011
Community Announcements by City Council Members/Information
Items from Staff
Vice Mayor Malsin encouraged everyone to attend the IndieCade
Festival on October 8-9, 2011 in Downtown Culver City, which is
sponsored by the City and the Redevelopment Agency.
Mayor O'Leary reported that the Culver City Chamber of Commerce
would be providing presentations on the four proposals for
Parcel B discussed tonight at the Four Points Sheraton on
October 6, 2011; and he also announced an upcoming dinner by
St. Augustine's Volunteer Emergency Services in honor of Albert
and Ursula Vera.
o0o
Joint Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Darryl Cherness presented a signed petition in support of a
Motion Picture and Television museum on Parcel B.
Judi Sherman urged the City Council to hold a public forum to
discuss workforce issues addressed by Vice Mayor Malsin in a
series of articles; she expressed concern that experienced
employees would be forced to resign by the end of the year
resulting in impacts to services; she questioned whether there
would be a cost savings by forcing more experienced employees
out; expressed concern with not honoring promised benefits;
and concerns regarding employee welfare.
Robert Zirgulis, School District Candidate, wanted to see more
money given to the schools by the Redevelopment Agency; and he
questioned why the City Council had not lent their support to
the Oil Tax Initiative.
o0o
3 October 3, 2011
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY MAYOR O'LEARY AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE
CORRESPONDENCE.
o0o
Consent Calendar
Item C-1
Authorize Payment to Consolidated Fabricators for the
Fabrication and Delivery of Two Hundred Mixed Recycling Bins.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY MAYOR O'LEARY AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE PURCHASE
OF TWO HUNDRED RECYCLING BINS FROM CONSOLIDATED FABRICATORS AND
AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF $104,482.
o0o
Order of the Agenda
No changes were made . at this time.
o0o
Joint Action Items
Item J-1
Receive Developer Proposal Presentations for Development of
9300 Culver Boulevard (Parcel B).
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff regarding
procedures and the time frame for staff recommendations and for
City Council consideration.
John Nachbar, City Manager, introduced the item.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, provided a
summary of the material of record.
4 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
At this time, Francine. Tolkin Cooper, Tolkin Group, introduced
the principals of the group, provided background on the company
and discussed previous projects.
Peter Tolkin, Tolkin Group, presented their proposal for Culver
X, the development concept for Parcel B.
Jonathan Tolkin, Tolkin Group, indicated that the Tolkin Group
was committed to the project through design and long-term
ownership of the property.
Councilmember Weissman raised questions to ask all proposed
developers regarding experience in building and leasing office
and retail properties; financing for the project; experience
procuring construction loans if one is necessary for the
project; the number of retail leases negotiated and executed
over the years; the number of previous development projects;
how many have been retained; whether there are plans to retain
ownership of this project; plans for sustainable development;
what has been done to make the project green; how the project
addresses Redevelopment Agency requests to provide additional
parking at the site and in Downtown Culver City; what has been
done to ensure the long-term future of the project; and what
plans are in place if proposed tenants leave after several
years.
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Tolkin
Group representatives regarding the maximum height of the
proposed project; opportunities for developers to address
questions from the City Council; ensuring a fair process for
all participants; previous mixed-use projects and developments;
references; leasing track record; financing; maintaining
ownership; use of space for community events; liability issues;
programming; access to stores on the ground-level; and active
involvement in day-to-day management
5 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marla Koosed asked about tenant criteria and the tenant mix on
the lower level.
Jonathan Tolkin, Tolkin Group, discussed prospective types of
tenants; design; signage; outside seating; ceiling height;
assistance with developing business concepts; and creating a
unique complimentary business environment.
Francine Tolkin, Tolkin Group, discussed their experience;
leasing; and leasing experts on their team.
Ross Hawkins expressed concern with blocking the view of The
Culver Hotel or The Culver Studios.
Donna LeBlanc expressed concern that the neighborhood would be
overwhelmed with cut-through traffic created by the project.
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Downtown Neighborhood Association,
appreciated the efforts of the Tolkin Group to communicate with
the neighborhood; expressed concern with the process; she
suggested holding a workshop to discuss the matter; and she
felt the 3-minute limit constrained the process.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff regarding
opportunities for additional public input.
John Byers asked about square footage; maximizing the current
entitlement; parking on the site; proposed density and usage;
and he made suggestions to improve the public process.
6 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Gary Silbiger expressed concern with the process and for those
who were unable to attend the meeting; felt information should
more accessible to the public; discussed the democratic
process; questioned when the full, written information would be
available to the public or whether a public records request was
necessary; he questioned the procedure for changing
entitlements; when a list of previous developments by the
developers would be available to the public; and when the final
date was to submit written input.
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Mr.
Silbiger regarding the Brown Act; having enough information
available to have a meaningful discussion; the community
meeting; clarification that the City Council had made
selections in closed session that were ratified in open
session; clarification that this is the start of the public
process with six more weeks for public comment before staff
makes a recommendation; the previous meeting regarding the
request for qualification; a suggestion to post the request for
proposal information on the website; and clarification that the
contents of the proposal would be posted on the website
including the responses to the request for qualifications.
Angela Vianelli questioned whether the spaces would be leased
before the project started.
Michelle Weiner expressed concern that her comments were
premature but that there would not be another opportunity for
public input; she did not feel like the proposed project was of
the same scale or character of the existing downtown area; she
questioned why such a large project was necessary; and she
asked about the possibility of reducing the carbon footprint.
Councilmember Armenta expressed concern with the perception
that there was not adequate time to address all questions and
concerns, and he suggested that once all the projects were
presented, that there be another meeting to answer questions
raised and allow the community a chance to ask additional
questions.
7 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff regarding
concerns about the process; assurances that if more meetings
are necessary, they will be held; a suggestion to wait until
after the last presentation to evaluate what meetings are
needed; alleviating public concerns; assurances that the
project will be thoroughly considered; and consensus that an
additional meeting would be planned.
Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst read written comments submitted
by:
Ty Burrell
Jennifer Edwards
B. Lane
Cary Anderson
Steve Rose
At this time, Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director,
summarized issues raised through public comment including the
tenant mix; design .criteria; cut-through traffic; the process;
square footage of the project; maximizing the current
entitlement; and preferred parking options.
Peter Tolkin, Tolkin Group, discussed square footage of the
project.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, discussed the
entitlement process and he clarified that developer information
would be posted on the website
Francine Tolkin discussed leasing of spaces prior to
construction.
Peter Tolkin discussed scale and height of the project;
comparable buildings in the City; architectural elements and
building materials used; sustainability and the carbon
footprint; LEEDS certification; and best management practices
to encourage green practices.
8 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Tolkin
Group representatives regarding exiting the parking structure;
parking options for the project; issues with creating another
means of egress on Culver Boulevard; the Ince parking
structure; entitlements; cut through traffic; and clarification
regarding the ability for public input.
o0o
Recess
The City Council recessed its meeting at 8:58 p.m.
o0o
Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 9:18 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present.
o0o
Item J-1
(Continued)
Vice Mayor Malsin discussed procedures for public input.
At this time, Joseph Miller, The Runyon Group, provided
background on himself and The Runyon Group.
Trevor Abramson and Joseph Miller presented designs for The
Paseo project, their concept for the Parcel B development.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and Runyon Group
representatives regarding prospective tenants; letters of
intent; the Request for Proposal (RFP); maximum height of the
project; the size of the arts building; use of the Arts Fund;
entitlements; writing a commitment regarding the art center;
ensuring a zero cost impact; maintenance of the art center; and
connecting Paseo to Town Plaza.
9 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Meghan Sahli-Wells expressed concern with the amount of space
given to the cars facing Culver Studios.
Bryan Besser expressed support for the Paseo project and
discussed the unique nature of the City.
Jennifer Yee expressed support for the Paseo project.
Mike Hong expressed support for the Paseo project.
Mike Miller expressed concern with the process and the forum;
pointed out that the people of Culver City are the ultimate
decision makers; he wanted to see a Town Hail where the
developers present to residents without the City Council and
staff present; and he questioned the rush to develop the
property after ten years.
Vice Mayor Malsin asked that developer information be available
to residents so they could set up their own meetings with the
developers.
Marla Koosed asked about the mix of restaurants, retail and
office space; leasing for the previous development on Duquense
Avenue; and funding for the proposed arts center.
Renato Romano wanted to ensure that parking would be adequately
addressed; discussed preexisting parking issues; suggested that
the roof be a "green" roof; discussed the constant cleaning of
the Town Plaza; questioned the quality of materials used; he
wanted to see variety in tenancy; and he suggested that a
developer representative from each group be available to
residents for a month so that residents can understand the
projects.
10 October 3, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Rich Waters asked about the carbon footprint of the projects;
use of photovoltaics; the amount of walkable space;
restrictions of the REP; and he expressed concern with alleged
previous broken promises by the Runyon Group.
Vice Mayor Malsin suggested that developers be asked about the
amount of pedestrian space available and he noted that the City
required that all new commercial developments above 10,000
square feet install photovoltaic system.
Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Cary Anderson
Kelly Well
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Joseph
Miller of the Runyon Group regarding the reduction in size of
the previous Runyon Group project in the City and the first
floor tenant; the number of employees; code related questions;
employee parking; space given to cars on the Culver Studios
side of the building; the structure of the entitlements; the
design approach; ingress and egress; the design criteria list;
interior layout; creating synergy for retailers; the art
pavilion and funding; and sustainable features of the project.
Further discussion ensued regarding the integration of
photovoltaics; the feasibility of a "green" roof; agreement by
the developer to provide answers to other questions in more
detail in a written form; tenant mix; design criteria; cut
through traffic; leasing of spaces prior to building
construction; square footage; maximization of entitlements;
scale and character of the project; how the project relates to
the downtown area; clarification that the City Council would
receive developer materials at the conclusion of the
presentation; other projects that the Runyon Group is involved
in; efficiencies by building projects together; connectivity;
and different parking scenarios.
o0o
11 October 3, 2011
Public Comment for Items Not On the Agenda (Continued).
Mayor O'Leary invited public participation.
There was no response.
o0o
Announcement
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, indicated that
presentation materials would remain in the foyer until after
the meeting tomorrow and would be brought back for the
subsequent meeting of the City Council.
o0o
Items from the City Council
Items Presented by Mayor O'Leary:
• Observed that some who had complained about public notice
had failed to stay for the second presenter.
o0o
12 October 3, 2011
Adj ournment
There being no further business, at 10:35 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting to a meeting to be held on
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
o0o
Ella Valiadares
DEPUTY CITY CLERK of the City of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council, City of Culver City,
California
Approved
MICHEAL O'LEARY
MAYOR of the City of Culver City, California
13
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
October 4, 2011
6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:07
p.m.
Present: Micheal O'Leary, Mayor
D. Scott Maisin, Vice Mayor
Christopher Armenta, Council Member
Jeffrey Cooper, Council Member
Andrew Weissman, Council Member
o0o
Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chris King.
o0o
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER COOPER, SECONDED BY MAYOR O'LEARY AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE
CORRESPONDENCE.
o0o October 4, 2011
Joint Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Daniel Selznick expressed support for the concept of a motion
picture museum on Parcel B.
Ross Hawkins discussed the ratio of homeowners to renters in
the City and noted the importance of maintaining that.
o0o
Order of the Agenda
No changes were made at this time.
o0o
Joint Action Items
Item J-1
Receive Developer Proposal Presentations for Development of
9300 Culver Boulevard (Parcel B).
Vice Mayor Malsin clarified that no decisions would be made at
the meeting and that the City Council was seeing the materials
and presentations for the first time.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, presented a
summary of the material of record.
Scott Ginsburg, Combined Properties, provided background on
the parties involved with the project, presented the design
proposed for Parcel B, and discussed the retail component of
the project.
Steven Ehrlich, Ehrlich Architects, summarized architectural
components of the project.
Chris Barton, Hudson Pacific Properties, presented the office
component.
2 October 4, 2011
Item J-I
(continued)
Marianne Lowenthal, Combined Properties, discussed their
expertise in retail.
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Combined
Properties representatives regarding the height of the
development; financial strength of the company; ADA
accessibility; parking; the loading dock; the trash enclosure;
community uses; the High Line in New York City; creating open
space; and the height of the Ince parking structure.
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marla Koosed questioned whether the group of companies had
worked together before and where, and who would maintain and
manage the properties.
Eleanor Osgood appreciated the open space, the connection to
the existing Town Plaza and the studios, and the landscaping
but she did not like certain elements on the far side of the
project.
Karim Sahli expressed support for certain aspects of the .
project but concern with the visibility of the Culver Studios.
Rosalind La Briola questioned how many parking spaces would be
allocated to tenants and employees, and whether open areas
would be made available to schools in the Culver City School
District.
Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Linda Shahinian
Emelie Gerard
3 October 4, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and Combined
Properties representatives regarding whether the group has
worked together before; clarification that the group operates
and manages all the properties in their portfolio and that
there would be a management team located in Culver City; in-
house leasing and a combined leasing effort; the main street
connection; visibility of the Culver Studios from the project;
and the importance of honoring historic monuments.
Further discussion ensued regarding relying on the Ince parking
structure; programming the elevated plaza; usage of open space
by the School District; ownership, operation, and usage of
additional parking; cost of the extra land; a suggestion for
teams to submit answers to Councilmember Weissman's questions
in writing or address them at the next meeting; tenant mix;
entitlements; pre-leasing; complimenting the downtown area in
scale and character; sensitivity to scale and massing; the
number of employees and parking allocated for them; the number
of dedicated spaces to the Culver Studios; the amount of square
feet dedicated to dining; securing quality retailers;
sustainability and the carbon footprint; the amount of walkable
space; and width of the stairs.
o0o
Recess
The City Council recessed its meeting at 7:11 p.m.
o0o
Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 7:33 p.m. with all
Councilmembers present.
o0o
4 October 4, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
At this time, Tom Davies, Cardiff Realty Holdings, discussed
the proposed Parc + Main project for Parcel B, their financial
strength, development experience and leasing interest for the
project.
Bart Higgins, Pompeii AD, discussed their design concept for
Parc + Main.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and Cardiff Realty
Holdings representatives regarding the height of the project;
operating hours of the park; landscaping at the street level;
dedicated space for a public school gardening program; the
amount of square feet for retail and office use; orientation of
retailers; accessing open space on the roof; width of the
entrances; width of sidewalks on Culver Boulevard; access to
the project from the parking area; and letters of interest.
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Renato Romano expressed concern with maximizing parking, noting
that they needed to be part of the development and to
participate in the parking financially.
Rosalind La Briola questioned how many parking spaces would be
used by tenants and employees, and she asked what their plans
were to help out the School District in addition to the garden.
Joseph Miller questioned how McDevitt Company was representing
both Combined Properties and Cardiff exclusively, and how the
bowling alley affected entitlements.
Karim Sahli questioned whether the best parts of each
development could be used; how far the limits of the
entitlements could be pushed; and whether the parking entrance
could be relocated.
Responding to Vice Mayor Malsin, Mr. Sahli discussed elements
he would like to see in the final project.
5 October 4, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Meghan Sahli-Wells appreciated the use of public space and the
garden; expressed disappointment that all developers were
required to use the space between the development and the
Culver Studios for parking; and she expressed concern with the
location of the crosswalk and onsite advertising.
Marla Koosed questioned when and where the group had worked
together before; how the property would be maintained; whether
they would retain management of the property; and she
questioned how many people could be on the rooftops.
Michelle Weiner questioned what the project had to offer in
terms of community and culture other than the green roof; she
questioned the viability of trees and shade on the roof; and
whether the roof areas were meant for people to gather on.
Discussion ensued between the City Council, staff and
representatives of Cardiff Realty regarding the number and use
of parking spaces; working with and supporting the Culver City
School District; the working relationship with McDevitt;
entitlements; trip generation rates; the amount of restaurant
and retail use and different parking requirements; trips
generated by the bowling alley; peak traffic and parking
demands; pushing the limits of entitlements; changing the
subterranean parking entrance; efficiency and parking options;
CEQA and the environmental analysis; driveway location; traffic
queueing; the crosswalk rendering; previous collaborations
between the groups; management of the property; the number of
people able to use the rooftop element; shading the rooftop
area; financing; procuring the construction loan; tenant mix;
design criteria; pre-leasing; and human scale development.
6 October 4, 2011
Item J-1
(continued)
Further discussion ensued regarding complimenting the downtown
scale and character; the number of employees parking at the
project; how many parking spaces would be dedicated to the
Culver Studios alternative; securing quality retailers;
sustainability components; the carbon footprint; the amount of
walkable space; the existing sign ordinance; off-premise
advertising; different types of "green" roofs and cost
differences; environmental benefits of having a "green" roof;
different uses for the roofs on each building; different
heights of the buildings; making details of the projects
available on the City website; Culver Studios vehicular access;
and extending subterranean parking.
Discussion continued regarding the importance of hearing from
the public in terms of what they like about each project;
clarification regarding the order of presentations; developer
presentation to the City Council before the community; staff
efforts to follow specific Council direction; facilitating
communication between the developers and the public; quality of
the presentations; Culver City's rating as one of the most
walkable communities in California; and the amount of talent in
the community.
Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst, read a written comment
submitted by:
Cary Anderson
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marla Koosed requested clarification regarding leasing and
management.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff regarding
appreciation for the process and to the presenters; thanks to
staff for their hard work and to the public for their
participation; a request for packets for the projects before
the next meeting; posting of materials; coordination of dates;
and a suggestion to have the next meeting separate from a
regular Agency Board meeting.
7 October 4, 2011
o0o
Public Comment for Items Not On the Agenda (Continued).
Vice Mayor Malsin invited public participation.
There was no response.
o0o
Items from the City Council
No action was taken on this item.
o0o
8 October 4, 2011
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:04 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting to a meeting to be held on
October 10, 2011.
o0o
Ela Valladares
DEPUTY CITY CLERK of the City of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council, City of Culver City,
California
APPROVED
MICHEAL O'LEARY
MAYOR of the City of Culver City, California
9