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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE June 4, 2012
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF CULVER CITY 6:30 p.m.
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:30
p.m.
Present: Andrew Weissman, Mayor
Jeffrey Cooper, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Micheál O‘Leary, Councilmember
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Councilmember
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Closed Session
The City Council will adjourn to Closed Session to discuss
the following item:
CS-1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: City of Palmdale, et al. vs. Ana Matosantos et al.
Case No. 34-2012-80001154
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
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Recess
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m.
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Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 7:04 p.m. with
all Councilmembers present.
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June 4, 2012
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Closed Session Report
Mayor Weissman indicated nothing to report from closed
session.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Phyllis Owens.
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Presentations
Item P-1
Presentation of a Commendation to Harry Santo, as “Senior
of the Year” for 2012
Councilmember Sahli-Wells presented the commendation to
Harry Santo.
Harry Santo thanked the City for the honor.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Councilmember Clarke encouraged everyone to go see Bed Fellows
at the New American Theatre in Hollywood produced by Culver
City residents Bill and Jeanine Stehlen; he announced a concert
by the Culver City Symphony Orchestra on June 9 at Veterans
Auditorium; and he noted that he and Councilmember Sahli-Wells
would be experimenting with electronic documentation to
eliminate paper agendas.
Vice Mayor Cooper indicated that he had also attended Bed
Fellows and he expressed hope that the production would move to
Culver City in the future; he encouraged residents to attend a
Hydraulic Fracking Workshop on June 12 in Council Chambers; he
expressed his personal views on hydraulic fracking; and he
requested information from staff as to what options the City
has.
June 4, 2012
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Councilmember Sahli-Wells encouraged everyone to vote in the
primaries and she expressed condolences on the recent death of
active Fiesta Committee member Robert Rainey.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS MEETING IS
ADJOURNED, THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF ROBERT RAINEY.
Councilmember O’Leary reported a letter from Barry Schorr
thanking Daniel Hernandez and the staff of the Plunge for their
hard work, and he discussed an outreach for Expo Phase II at
the Kirk Douglas Theatre on June 14.
Mayor Weissman announced the Second Annual Kids Are First
Safety Festival at Bunin Chevrolet on June 10 sponsored by
Senator Curren Price and Culver City.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Weissman invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Stephen Murray, Baldwin Hills Oil Watch, thanked the City
Council for allowing use of the Chambers for the Hydraulic
Fracking Workshop on June 12; invited everyone to attend;
discussed hydraulic fracking; and permitting income vs.
costs to the community.
Crystal Alexander, former City Treasurer, discussed the
health and safety costs of fracking; the remediation costs;
experiences of other communities; and she encouraged
everyone to attend the workshop.
Marty Hente, Culver City Amateur Radio Emergency Service,
discussed what they do and announced a demonstration of
emergency capabilities on June 23-24 at the Emergency
Center behind Fire Station 1.
Councilmembers thanked Mr. Hente for the information and
acknowledged the importance of emergency communication.
David J. Baker discussed his request for a variance and fee
waiver noting that that there was a $17,000 fee whether the June 4, 2012
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building was a one-story home or a ten-story office
building.
A discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers
regarding having an agendized discussion of Mr. Baker’s
request; the fee variance; the process; a request for
additional information; concern with opening the door to a
large number of waiver requests; a request to defer the
matter until the budget process is completed; concern with
granting a blanket fee waiver; fee recovery; additional
information; a suggestion to renew the request in July; and
agreement of staff to contact Mr. Baker when the item comes
back.
Michelle Weiner discussed hydraulic fracking; noted the
opportunity to weigh in on fracking at the upcoming
workshop; expressed concern that there is no way to
regulate hydraulic fracturing; she discussed effects of the
process on Culver City; and she expressed support for a ban
on it.
Gary Gless expressed support for a ban on fracking; he
directed everyone to look for additional information on
www.ccfasc.com; he discussed meeting with various groups
and organizations that also support a ban on fracking; and
he expressed concern that the process could trigger
earthquakes.
Martin Cole, City Clerk/Assistant City Manager, read a
written comment submitted by:
Neil Rubenstein
A discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers
regarding the Workshop scheduled for June 12; support for
televising the meeting; clarification that the City has
been working on regulations for the oil field for over four
years; the intent of the City Council to make fracking
regulations as strict as possible; and options available to
municipalities.
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Receipt of Correspondence
None.
June 4, 2012
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT
ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-8.
Item C-1
(1) Acceptance of Work Performed by Fleming Environmental,
Inc.; (2) Authorization to File a Notice of Completion;
and, (3) Authorization to Release the Retention Payment
upon Expiration of the 35-Day Lien Period, for the Culver
City Park Playground Improvement Project, P-916
Councilmember Sahli-Wells was pleased with the renovation
and to see that the renovation was paid for by grants.
Councilmember Clarke reported positive feedback on the
renovation and noted that even though the City is
tightening up the budget, many innovative public works
projects are being done and he congratulated staff on their
work.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ACCEPT THE WORK PERFORMED BY FLEMING ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
FOR THE CULVER CITY PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, P-
916; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PARKS DIVISION MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND SUBMIT IT TO THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF $24,484.80 IN RETENTION FUNDS
TO FLEMING ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE
35-DAY LIEN PERIOD.
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Item C-2
Approval of Three Special Permits to Allow Animals in
Veterans’ Memorial Park for 2012 during the Fiesta La
Ballona
June 4, 2012
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THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE SPECIAL PERMITS TO ALLOW
ANIMALS IN VETERANS’ MEMORIAL PARK FOR ENTERTAINMENT
PURPOSES ON AUGUST 24, 25, AND 26, 2012 DURING FIESTA LA
BALLONA TO: (1) FRECKLE FARMS FOR A PETTING ZOO AND PONY
RIDES; (2) THE CULVER CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR A K-9 DOG
DEMONSTRATION; AND, (3) FANTASTIC FIG AND HIS CAT NEWTON
FOR “WALK-AROUND PSYCHIC MAGIC.”
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Item C-3
Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Guadagno
& Sons to Supply the Carnival Rides for the Fiesta La
Ballona with a Base Term of Three Years and an Option to
Extend for One Additional Year
Councilmember Clarke noted that in the future the City
might have to play a smaller role in the funding and
support of Fiesta La Ballona and he questioned whether that
would affect the contract.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers
regarding clarification that the contract would still be
binding on the City if another entity took over
responsibility for the Festival; inserting a provision in
the contract to allow for cancellation; the standard City
contract; and 30-day notice.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A THREE (3) YEAR AGREEMENT [WITH AN OPTIONAL
FOURTH YEAR] WITH GUADAGNO & SONS TO SUPPLY CARNIVAL RIDES
FOR THE 2012, 2013, AND 2014 FIESTA LA BALLONA [AND 2015,
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE CITY MANAGER, 2015]; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-4
June 4, 2012
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(1) Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with MB
Herzog Electric, Inc. for Repair of the Landscape Lighting,
Pathway Lighting and Electrical Receptacle Replacement at
Town Plaza and (2) Approval of a Purchase Order with
Prudential Lighting Products for the Purchase of Fixtures
and Lamps that will be used in the Repair
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MB HERZOG
ELECTRIC, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,437.00 FOR THE REPAIR OF
THE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE REPLACEMENT
AT TOWN PLAZA; AND,
2. APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH PRUDENTIAL LIGHTING PRODUCT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,910.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE
NECESSARY FIXTURES, LAMPS AND RECEPTACLES THAT WILL BE USED
IN THE REPAIR; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS IN THE AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $2,572.00;
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
(1) Acceptance of Work Performed by Palp, Inc. dba Excel
Paving; (2) Authorization to File a Notice of Completion; and
(3) Authorization to Release the Retention Payment upon
Expiration of the 35-Day Lien Period, for the 2011 Pavement
Overlay Project, Phase 2, P-863
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR, PALP, INC.
DBA EXCEL PAVING, FOR THE 2011 PAVEMENT OVERLAY PROJECT,
PHASE 2, P-863; AND,
June 4, 2012
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2) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
EXECUTE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND SUBMIT IT TO THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE FOR RECORDATION; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF RETENTION FUNDS TO PALP, INC.,
DBA EXCEL PAVING UPON EXPIRATION OF THE THIRTY-FIVE DAY
LIEN PERIOD.
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Item C-6
1) Accept Work Performed by Atlas Allied, Inc.; 2)
Authorize the Filing of a Notice of Completion; and 3)
Authorize the Release of Retention Funds Upon Expiration of
the 35-Day Lien Period for the Construction of the Bristol
Sewer Pump Station Improvements and Jasmine, Mesmer, Sewer
Pump Stations Emergency Bypass Improvements, Project P-521
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK BY THE CONTRACTOR ATLAS ALLIED, INC.,
FOR THE BRISTOL SEWER PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS AND
JASMINE, MESMER, AND OVERLAND SEWER PUMP STATIONS EMERGENCY
BYPASS IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT P-521; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
EXECUTE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND SUBMIT IT TO THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE FOR RECORDATION; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF $27,059.92 IN RETENTION FUNDS
UPON EXPIRATION OF THE 35-DAY LIEN PERIOD TO ATLAS ALLIED,
INC.
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Item C-7
(1) Reject the Bid Submitted by Pro Tech Engineering
Corporation and (2) Award of Contract to Sully-Miller
Contracting Company as the Lowest Responsive and
Responsible Bidder for the Construction of Washington
Boulevard and Washington Place Streetlight Improvement
Project, P-853 & 684, and Induction Streetlight Conversion
Project
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: June 4, 2012
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1) REJECT THE BID SUBMITTED BY PRO TECH ENGINEERING
CORPORATION AS NON-RESPONSIVE; AND,
2) AWARD A CONTRACT TO SULLY-MILLER CONTRACTING COMPANY AS THE
LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE WASHINGTON
BOULEVARD AND WASHINGTON PLACE STREETLIGHT IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT, AND THE INDUCTION STREETLIGHT CONVERSION PROJECT
IN THE AMOUNT OF, $860,708.00; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $100,000.00,
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.
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Item C-8
(1) Acceptance of Work Performed by Steiny and Company,
Inc.; (2) Authorization to File a Notice of Completion; and
(3) Authorization to Release the Retention Payment upon
Expiration of the 35-Day Lien Period; for the Washington
Boulevard/Boise Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Signal, P-934,
CDBG #REC092-10
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) ACCEPT THE WORK PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR, STEINY AND
COMPANY, INC., FOR THE WASHINGTON BOULEVARD/BOISE AVENUE
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROJECT, P-934, CDBG #REC092-10; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
EXECUTE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND SUBMIT IT TO THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE FOR RECORDATION; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF RETENTION FUNDS TO STEINY AND
COMPANY, INC., UPON EXPIRATION OF THE 35-DAY LIEN PERIOD.
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Item C-9 June 4, 2012
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Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional
Services Agreement with The Nickerson Company for General
Public Works Inspection Services Support for the Public
Works Division Related to the Exposition Light Rail Transit
Project
Mayor Weissman recused himself from the discussion and
exited Council Chambers.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers
regarding whether there was an inspector to ensure that the
design of the project mitigated community impacts; traffic
impacts; sound impacts; and clarification regarding plans
to address issues as complaints arise.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER O’LEARY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER SAHLI-WELLS THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE NICKERSON COMPANY TO PROVIDE
CONTINUED AS-NEEDED GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTION SUPPORT
FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION’S ON
THE EXPOSITION LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT AT AN ADDITIONAL
NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE OF $40,000; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND
3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O’LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: WEISSMAN
Mayor Weissman returned to Council Chambers.
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
o0o June 4, 2012
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Joint Action Items
Item JA-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/Housing Authority/Parking Authority/
Successor Agency AGENDA ITEM: Budget Study Session – City
Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013:
Presentation of the Results of a Ballot Measure Feasibility
Study and Presentation of the Proposed Budgets for the City
Council, City Manager’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, City
Attorney’s Office, Information Technology Department, Human
Resources Department, Finance Department, Transportation
Department and Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Community
Development [including the Parking Authority, Housing Authority
and Successor Agency], and Public Works Department [including
Capital Improvement Projects] (Note, the Fire Department,
Police Department, Community Development [including the Parking
Authority, Housing Authority and Successor Agency], and Public
Works Department [including Capital Improvement Projects] are
Scheduled for June 5, 2012.)
Mayor Weissman introduced the item noting that it was a
placeholder budget until issues are resolved with the
elimination of redevelopment.
John Nachbar, City Manager, introduced Rick Sklarz with
FM3, a public opinion research firm.
Rick Sklarz, FM3 Research, provided a presentation on a
recently conducted survey to assess residents’ attitudes
toward the City and the budget.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and the speaker
regarding the tendency for people to feel more supportive
of their own community than toward the state; connectedness
to the City; the timing of the questioning regarding the
potential tax increase; tax fatigue; the sunset clause;
Republican support; concern with creating a divisive issue
in the community; ethnicities and age breakdown of the
survey; the type of survey conducted; proportional
representation of the community; tax resistant individuals;
accuracy rate; experiences with other clients; successes at
the state and local level; the likelihood of success on
election day; the position of the City; the opportunity to
educate the community; view of the City’s fiscal June 4, 2012
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responsibility; actions of the state; the Culver City
Essential City Services Measure; making it very clear that
local taxes would not go to Sacramento; the survey as a
starting point for the dialogue; strategies and post
election surveys; adjusting in an era of shrinking budgets;
marketing the measure; focusing on the definite yeses; the
number of measures being considered on the ballot; the
Governor’s measure; when a no campaign materializes; the
schedule; whether Councilmembers can campaign for the
measure; education rather than avocation; costs to place
the measure on the ballot; the work of the City to place
the measure in a good position; concern with conflicting
answers in the survey; the availability of a large amount
of information but limited retention; timing of the City
budget vs. the state budget; irresponsible behavior by the
state; hard choices faced by city governments; a proposed
bill to affect sales tax that is supposed to go to the City
government; the need to create revenue; community meetings;
educating the public as to what has already been done; and
eliminating or cutting back on services.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers
regarding the upcoming schedule; a community dialogue
series on City finances; community outreach; ensuring that
adequate information is available on the City website; and
clarification regarding the language on local ballot
initiatives.
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Recess
The Mayor announced the City Council would recess to allow
the opportunity for the Council Chambers to be readied for
Departmental budget presentations. The City Council stood
in recess at 9:26 p.m.
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Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 9:34 p.m. with
all Councilmembers present.
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The City Council resumed consideration of this item. Mayor
Weissman invited public comment. June 4, 2012
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The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Gary Silbiger discussed fiscal responsibility; money spent
by the City on attorney expenses; availability of
information; monetary priorities; the power to set
priorities and enact public policies; consultants;
providing information on consultants for each department;
the review of City fees; fee recovery; and finding money to
spend within the City.
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, provided a recap of budget
information and adjustments.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
the General Fund appropriation; the Rental Assistance Program;
blight buster; farmers market funding; business license fees
and penalties; asset seizure; the beverage container recycling
grant; county property taxes; elimination of funds; lifetime
benefits; non-departmental appropriations; credit card fees;
the reverse 911 service; insurance premiums; the increase in
the summary of appropriations in general government; the gas
tax; TDA3 Bikeways; management of the parking lots; the Parking
Authority; the effectiveness of capturing all available
revenue; business tax; measures to reduce paper flow in City
Hall; a suggestion to create a Public Finance Committee to work
on revenue enhancement and expenditure reduction; other
contract services; measures to reduce energy and water use;
contingencies; retiring medical pre-funding fees; general court
fees; red light cameras; special police services; the
possibility of selling Fire Station 3; costs to maintain
properties waiting to be sold; consolidating the oversight of
retiree benefits; tracking citation payments; expected revenue
from citations; land sale proceeds; the City Manager’s Work
Plan; elimination of the state and Federal lobbying contract;
making use of lobbyists from organizations the City belongs to;
and the innovation fund.
Martin Cole, City Clerk/Assistant City Manager, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
contractual services; clarification that the state has
contracted with the videographer for the Fracking Workshop;
minimizing the use of outside contractors; college interns;
appreciation for the foresight of the City Manager to save June 4, 2012
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positions for the redevelopment employees; the recommended
increase in regular salary; status of the Housing Authority;
concern with the vacant Deputy City Clerk position; the City
Clerk work plan; paper reduction goals; the email voter opt-in
program; election consolidation; the next scheduled charter
review committee; a limited charter review; all mail elections;
and whether the school district is interested in consolidating.
Carol Schwab, City Attorney, provided a summary of the material
of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
the use of outside contract services; the Los Angeles Times
article; whether additional use of contract services could
benefit the City; the Armory Lease; the plastic bag and oil
drilling ordinances; the Wende Museum; the spike in activity
due to the PXP lawsuit; expertise and constantly changing laws;
the self- insurance fund; trends that suggest a policy change;
cost effectiveness of outside contractors; cost benefit
analysis; distinguishing the nature of the attorney fees;
pipeline franchise renewals; monitoring of case law; and cell
tower sitings.
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Action Items
Item A-1
Approve as Permanent the Ten Temporary Speed Humps Installed on
Culver Park Drive and Segrell Way
This item was deferred.
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Public Comment for Items NOT On the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor Weissman invited public input.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Cary Anderson expressed frustration with public notice for the
meeting scheduled for June 5, 2012 noting that public awareness
was low due to the lack of posting of notice on the City’s
website. June 4, 2012
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Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
acknowledgment of Mr. Anderson’s concerns; places where the
meeting is noticed; historical precedent for the budget meeting
procedures; the government code; and posting of the notice of
adjournment.
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Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember Sahli-Wells
• Thanked staff for staying so late
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 11:35 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting in memory of Robert Rainey to a
meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
o0o
Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of the City of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council, City of Culver City,
California
ANDREW WEISSMAN
MAYOR of the City of Culver City, California
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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING OF THE June 5, 2012
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF CULVER CITY 6:30 p.m.
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:41
p.m.
Present: Andrew Weissman, Mayor
Jeffrey Cooper, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Micheál O‘Leary, Councilmember
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Councilmember
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Mayor Weissman noted that this meeting was a continuance of
the meeting from the night before.
o0o
Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Weissman invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Ireland and Shanda Free thanked Upward Bound and the City
for their support and for the ERAF voucher that allowed
them to afford their rent.
Booker Pearson, Upward Bound, thanked the City for their
foresight, generosity, and compassion.
David Snow, Upward Bound, thanked the City for their
support; reported serving over 100 families; and discussed
the ERAF Program.
Mayor Weissman acknowledged the work of Upward Bound. June 5, 2012
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Responding to Councilmember O’Leary, Ireland Free explained
that her favorite part of living in Culver City was having
a place to live, her own room, and her friends.
Suzanne DeBenneditis reported receipt of a postcard from
County Regional Planning; thanked Councilmembers for their
hard work; discussed the urgency of the Council taking a
united stand against fracking; the fact that certain things
are unable to be regulated; she suggested establishing an
advisory committee; and discussed volunteerism in the City.
Mara Neufeldt read a letter from Veronica Barr Jones of
Culver City Moms Against Fracking that expressed opposition
to fracking; discussed a proposed bill in Ohio; invited
Councilmembers to attend and speak at their meeting at Vets
Park on June 8 and everyone to attend the meeting in
Council Chambers on June 12; and she asked for a total ban
on fracking.
Debra Antoinaise reported that fracking was already taking
place; she discussed undisclosed toxic chemicals being
used; the energy crisis and the economic crisis; issues in
other areas where fracking is taking place; and the
economic, health, and environmental consequences of
fracking.
Dr. Kin Kin Gee discussed chemicals used in fracking; the
effects of chemicals on humans; the fracking process;
noxious odors; effects on the neighborhood; she provided
clarification regarding propylene glycol; and she agreed to
provide the handout she had distributed to Councilmembers
via email.
Neil Rubenstein read comments into the record from Dr,
Patricia Siever of the Culver City Unified School District:
“To the City Council: as a longtime resident of Culver City
and also as a person who has devoted her life to educating
our youth, I want to congratulate you, Mr. Mayor, on the
Culver City Animal Services Program. You have realized
through your positive actions the total benefit of our
exemplary Animal Services Program to our children, parents,
and community as a whole. While you, Mr. Mayor, are
teaching our youth the global interpretation of
humanitarianism and the interconnectedness and importance
of … I want to thank you for making the Animal Services
Program a permanent reality to our wonderful community. I June 5, 2012
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know as a Culver City Unified School District Board Member
that we have to remember to guard and secure those things
that make us, and our children, appreciate our role as
humans on the planet. Thanks again. Patricia Siever, Board
Member Culver City Unified School District, Professor of
History, West LA College.”
Mr. Rubenstein further read comments from Dr. Amanda
Futchi: “I am an original supporter of the Animal Services
pilot program and I strongly support it to become a
permanent program. All creatures in Culver City are part of
the resident population and deserve our stewardship. Let’s,
with your help Mr. Mayor, make this a model program for the
country. It is a great step in the right direction. Signed
Dr. Amanda Futchi.”
MaryLou Cardone referenced a comment from Councilmember
O’Leary at the May 7, 2012 meeting that led her to believe
that the pilot program had come to an end and a permanent
Animal Services Program would become a reality.
Debra Weinrauch, Friends of Culver City Animals, requested
that her comments be read into the record: Theodore Hertzel
once said: “If you will it, it is no dream.” That statement
is so true when it comes to Culver City. Every school,
business, house, park, in fact every aspect of life in our
unique City, began as a dream. And with the work of a
caring government and the community those dreams became
reality. I have had the opportunity to review many relevant
pages in the proposed 2012-2013 budget, and especially page
176 wherein it is written as directed by the City Council
the Animal Services Pilot Program is complete, the Police
Department is recommending that the program become
permanent. I am very pleased to know that a permanent
Animal Services Program is included in the budget. As we
all know, this program is very successful and the community
loves it. The famed anthropologist, Jane Goodall once
wrote: “Every individual matters. Every individual has a
role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” We want
to thank Police Chief Don Pederson, Sergeant Hatrop,
members of our police department and of course our City
Council and staff. Each of you has made a positive
difference in the lives if everyone, and I mean everyone
living in Culver City.
o0o
June 5, 2012
4
Receipt of Correspondence
None.
o0o
Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Martin Cole, City Clerk/Assistant City Manager, presented
alternative City Council meeting dates for June and July to
address scheduling conflicts.
o0o
Joint Action Items
Item JA-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/Housing Authority/Parking Authority/
Successor Agency AGENDA ITEM: Budget Study Session – City
Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013:
Presentation of the Results of a Ballot Measure Feasibility
Study and Presentation of the Proposed Budgets for the City
Council, City Manager’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, City
Attorney’s Office, Information Technology Department, Human
Resources Department, Finance Department, Transportation
Department and Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Community
Development [including the Parking Authority, Housing Authority
and Successor Agency], and Public Works Department [including
Capital Improvement Projects] (Note, the Fire Department,
Police Department, Community Development [including the Parking
Authority, Housing Authority and Successor Agency], and Public
Works Department [including Capital Improvement Projects] are
Scheduled for June 5, 2012.)
At the request of Mayor Weissman, Jeff Muir, Chief Financial
Officer, summarized the changes on the adjustment sheet.
Michelle Williams, Acting Chief Information Officer, presented
an overview of the proposed Information Services Department
budget for 2012-2013.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
technological advances in the department; parking enforcement; June 5, 2012
5
coordination of different systems; appreciation for the share
button on the agendas; the ashx format vs. the pdf format; site
content management software; consolidating services; the
current workload; potential collaboration and cooperation with
the school district; virtual desktops; energy conservation; the
City website; the Community Calendar; Culver City Proud;
website policies; establishing a legislative corner; community
involvement; getting the message out to the community
effectively; benefits to revitalizing the Innovation Fund; and
focusing on improving the structural deficit.
Serena Wright, Human Resources Director, presented an overview
of the proposed Human Resources budget for 2012-2013.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
Workers Compensation benefits; personnel and other contractual
services; the self insurance fund; Live Scan fees; workers
compensation; measures to mitigate costs; identifying trends;
the Employee Assistance Program; special events and meetings;
managing the workload due to the loss of employees;
communication between City management and the City Council; an
observation that having less employees compounds the work of
Human Resources rather than lessening it; work of the City and
the bargaining groups; and support for participation in the
League of California Cities.
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, provided a summary of the
proposed Finance Department budget for 2012-2013.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
the ballot measure and communication with the public; the
document presented on May 7, 2012; providing additional
information on the Finance page; contractual services; staff
workload; information provided; and credibility of the City.
Art Ida, Transportation Director, provided a summary of the
proposed Transportation budget for 2012-2013.
Mayor Weissman received clarification regarding increased
accident rates.
John Nachbar, City Manager, discussed preliminary information
regarding a proposed downtown shuttle and associated costs for
various parcels in an assessment district scenario; meeting
with larger properties involved; creation of an assessment
district; the viability of the assessment district approach;
willingness of larger property owners; and initial feedback. June 5, 2012
6
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
expanding the route; the headway; the number of vehicles; the
route currently being considered; real time arrival and bus
signal priority; the TAP program; the unveiling of the new
buses; working to increase ridership; PR to increase fare box
revenue; METRO; fostering a connection between school and the
light rail; the Paratransit buses; significant reductions in
the transportation fund; whether the Expo will affect usage of
Culver City buses; increased service to Expo; recruiting; last
year’s clean fuel allocation; Measure R money; bus advertising;
restrictions on ad income; Federal funding; the cost of new
buses; fare collections; ridership trends; adding extra service
to meet the demand of the Expo line; the West LA College route;
advertising on Paratransit vehicles; moving the Paratransit
service from Parks and Recreation to Transit; bus cameras;
accident prevention; pedicabs and bike rental facilities near
the Expo station; departmental special equipment; contractual
services; counting of fare box revenue; the West LA College
Automotive Program; the incentive program; creating a team
atmosphere; using the new buses for the Expo station to give a
good first impression; providing an information desk for when
people get off Expo; rules for buses purchased with Federal
dollars; ensuring that proper information and signage is
available; station ambassadors; the transit hub on Robertson;
providing information at every bus stop; maintaining the
signage; availability of phone support; Google Transit; the 511
Trip Planner Service; restoring confidence in the bus system;
the importance of first impressions; making transit as
convenient as possible; the importance of a shuttle;
encouraging use of the Expo Line; having a significant presence
at the opening; the importance of Paratransit; maintaining
levels of service; and potential improvements.
o0o
Recess
The City Council took a brief recess at 9:40 p.m.
o0o
Reconvene
The City Council reconvened its meeting at 9:50 p.m. with
all Councilmembers present.
o0o June 5, 2012
7
Daniel Hernandez, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Director, provided an overview of the proposed 2012-2013
budget for Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
contractual services; grant opportunities; organizations that
provide legislative updates and notices of grant opportunities;
grant application workshops; after school programs and summer
camps; cost recovery; physical fitness; incorporating arts into
the department; cultural affairs; better defining performing
arts into the work plan; the Youth Sports Program and Adult
Sports Program; a proposal to move the date of Fiesta La
Ballona; the Senior Center; the practice of naming the
neighborhoods after the parks; a request for an additional
community garden in the City; the MOU with the Culver City
Senior Citizens Association; departmental special supplies;
part time salaries; utilization of the Senior Center; marketing
the facility for rental; groups with longstanding
relationships; fee categories; staff time used during events;
wear and tear, maintenance and replacement; cost recovery
parameters; vending machines; the grant process; a suggestion
to allow dogs on leashes in parks; praise for the parks and the
positive impact the community; and appreciation to staff for
their efforts.
Further discussion ensued between staff and the City Council
regarding finishing the budget presentation during the City
Council meeting scheduled for June 11, 2012.
Chris Sellers, Fire Chief, provided an overview of the proposed
2012-2013 Fire Department budget.
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
praise for the Fire Department; response times; what happens to
retired ambulances; agency accreditation; annual compliance
reports; contingency plans; the State Homeland Security Grant
Program; General Revenues; contract services; creating a
combined Police/Fire station; placement of the Fire station;
the Business Processes Committee; the Fire Department Tower
Training Facility; the safety drill; grant funding; City
Council vs. City Manager jurisdiction over the Fire Department;
billable services; grant writing; and hazards associated with
oil fracking.
June 5, 2012
8
Don Pederson, Police Chief, provided an overview of the
proposed 2012-2013 Police Department budget.
Mayor Weissman invited public input.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Cary Anderson, Smart Parking Enforcement, discussed the
practice of cheating parking meters; described his efforts to
improve parking enforcement in the City; discussed the policies
of other cities; expressed concern with special favors; and he
proposed that something outside the system was needed and that
his business could improve the situation.
Martin Cole, City Clerk/Assistant City Manager, read a written
comment submitted by:
Amanda Mayeda
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council regarding
overtime costs; privatization of crossing guards; the tow
company contract; clarification regarding who directed staff to
maintain current procedures; safety and crime concerns related
to the Expo Line; identifying new technologies; animal control;
Charter review; the recycling program; special police services;
outsourcing the alarm permit program; other contractual
services; the strategic plan; bicycle thefts; coordination with
the Culver City Bicycle Coalition; education; a request for
more information regarding Auto Chalk; public partnerships;
residential permit parking districts; revenue opportunities;
service and the reaction of the community; balance; and
evolving parking enforcement procedures.
o0o
Public Comment for Items NOT On the Agenda (Continued)
None.
o0o
Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember Sahli-Wells
June 5, 2012
9
• Expressed support for an appeal of the 7-11 project
to be heard by the City Council
Discussion ensued between staff and the City Council
regarding the appeals process; the notice of decision and
timing; the need to call for a special meeting in order to
consider the item; and clarification that a member of the
public could appeal.
Martin Cole, City Clerk/Assistant City Manager, discussed
Commission applications and scheduling.
o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday,
June 6, 2012, the City Council adjourned its meeting to a
meeting on Monday, June 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
o0o
Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of the City of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council, City of Culver City,
California
ANDREW WEISSMAN
MAYOR of the City of Culver City, California