1
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE January 13, 2014
CITY COUNCIL 5:30 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Cooper called the meeting of the City Council to order at
5:30 p.m.
Present: Jeffrey Cooper, Mayor
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Micheál O‘Leary, Councilmember
Andrew Weissman, Councilmember
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Closed Session
At 5:30 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session to
discuss the following items:
CS-1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 11304 Segrell Way (Former Fire Station No. 3)
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Charles
Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Sol
Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, Todd Tipton,
Economic Development Administrator, Anthony Davis and Jeffrey
Lemen with Keller-Williams Realty
Other Parties Negotiators: Kalnel Gardens LLC; Building Legacy
Partners, LLC; Thomas James Capital Inc.; EPI Investment Realty
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
January 13, 2014
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CS-2 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 10745 Cranks Road
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Charles
Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Sol
Blumenfeld, Community Development Director; Todd Tipton,
Economic Development Administrator; and Dannie Cavanaugh with
Cavanaugh Realtors
Other Parties Negotiators: Michael Myers M.D. and Pamela M.
Rieder; J. S. Creations, Inc.; Domyan Properties; A. J. Khair
Construction; Henry and Thao Sebata; Fortune Weavers, Inc.; EPI
Investment Realty Inc.; and Matthew Colon
Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment or Both, including
use restrictions, development obligations and other monetary
related considerations
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-3 Conference with 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-4 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – (1 item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Reconvene
Mayor Cooper reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:10
p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Damara Brinkley Powell.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Cooper indicated there was nothing to report from
closed session.
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Presentation
Item P-1
A Proclamation Designating January 20, 2014 as Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
Mayor Cooper presented the proclamation.
Lauren Brown, Martin Luther King Jr. Committee Chair,
invited everyone to the event on January 18 at the Senior
Center.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells reported attending the community
swearing-in of State Senator Holly Mitchell at Sony, and she
announced a conference on the decreasing number of women
representing Los Angeles County in elected office at the LA
Council House on January 26.
Mayor Cooper announced the Cultural Affairs Foundation Dine and
Donate Fundraiser on January 16 at Muddy Leek Bar and
Restaurant.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Kay Heineman, Culver City Senior Citizens Association,
thanked Councilmember O’Leary and members of the business January 13, 2014
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community for donating to make the Senior Center Christmas
luncheon possible.
Councilmember O’Leary thanked everyone for the huge team
effort.
Cary Anderson expressed support for the Culver City Ice
Arena; discussed the origination of the 56-foot height
limit; Julie Lugo Cerra’s book, Culver City the Heart of
Screenland; businesses that are a good fit for Culver City;
cultural icons; and the culture of the City.
Andrew Carter expressed support for keeping the Culver City
Ice Rink open.
John Nachbar, City Manager, pointed out that the ice rink
was on private property and that there was nothing
realistically that the City could do; he noted that the City
did not have the money to acquire the property; and he
discussed implications for an historic designation for the
property.
Councilmember O’Leary acknowledged comments made by the City
Manager and expressed interest in hearing input from the
public speakers.
Fred Yglesias discussed the possible historical designation
of the site, and he thanked the City Manager for his
comments.
Hanami Wexler wanted to see the Culver City Ice Rink remain
open.
Tai Babilonia discussed her experiences at the Culver City
Ice Rink and expressed support for keeping it open.
Tori Silvera Bush discussed other ice rinks that have
closed; the lack of winter activities in Southern
California; and she expressed support for keeping the Culver
City Ice Rink open.
Melissa Abramson discussed long lost landmarks; her
experiences at the ice rink; and she expressed support for
keeping the Culver City Ice Rink open.
Steve Weinberg provided a presentation on the Culver City
Ice Arena; presented a petition; acknowledged that the land January 13, 2014
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is private; discussed water and toxins in the ice; and he
urged that everything possible should be done to save the
facility.
Damara Powell asked that the Culver City Ice Arena remain
open.
Brooke Powell indicated that traffic would be increased if
the rink is closed and she indicated that sales tax revenue
would be lost.
David Ford discussed his experiences at the Culver City Ice
Rink; turning the site into an historical landmark;
environmental issues; and he asked the City Council to do
everything in their power to keep the rink open.
Joanna Brandt discussed the experiences of her daughter at
the rink and asked for help in keeping the Culver City Ice
Arena open.
Nayelli Flores discussed her experiences at the Culver City
Ice Rink and asked that the rink be kept open.
Shannon Takahashi presented the petition to save the Culver
City Ice Rink to the City Council; she reported that 5,000
skaters had come to the arena every week for the last 50
years; she discussed impacts to businesses along Sepulveda
Boulevard; and tax revenue.
Barbara Pomykalski, Culver City Ice Arena instructor,
discussed negative impacts of losing the rink; the Let’s
Move Program; financial impacts; and she asserted that the
landlord had created a public issue that affects all
Angelenos.
Tom Oliver discussed tax revenue and he questioned what the
City Council could do to preserve the rink and the assets
rather than to let it fall victim to the promise of a
business as opposed to an actual thriving business.
Gary Kemp, Culver City Ice Rink Coach, noted that the
landowner wanted more money for his land and he suggested
that Planet Granite could function in the parking lot and
thereby increase the landowner’s income.
January 13, 2014
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Susy Porter discussed the experience of her children at the
ice rink and she asked that the Culver City Ice Rink stay
open.
Marty LaMarr discussed big money; politics; the thriving
business; the love of the people for the ice rink; and he
noted that rock climbing places often go out of business
while the ice rink has persevered for 50 years.
Kevin Klowden discussed jobs lost; he suggested that the
City go back to AEG and the Los Angeles Kings to negotiate
the lease; he discussed upgrades to the facility; landmark
status; plans of Planet Granite; and the California
Environmental Quality Act.
Kevin Healy discussed his experiences at the Culver City Ice
Rink; lost revenue to area businesses from users; and
positive changes in the City.
David Diamond felt that the City needed to take action to
protect residents and he discussed environmental issues.
Alexa Lewis and Chloe Gradilla asked that the City do
whatever it could to help keep the Culver City Ice Rink
open.
Dashayne Walker, Dare to Care Learning Center, discussed
issues with her business license and 501c3 status; legal
attempts to recover money; small claims court; facility
usage; her treatment by a Culver City Police Officer; and
she requested help resolving issues.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Abbie Tingstad
Rachel Doran
Matt Johansson
Annie Burrows suggested that the City make it easier to
obtain recreational permits and she noted that Planet
Granite would not generate the same amount of business that
the Culver City Ice Rink does.
Martin Baer discussed the closure of the ice rink and
community.
January 13, 2014
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Naomi Russell expressed support for keeping the Culver City
Ice Rink and expressed hope that the landowners would remain
open to negotiating a new agreement with the ice rink.
Mayor Cooper expressed appreciation to the speakers.
Councilmember O’Leary suggested agendizing the topic for
discussion; he indicated that there were no political
benefits related to the project; he reported that issues had
arisen with the closure of other ice rinks; expressed
concern with the potential for issues related to chemicals
used and foundational issues; and he asked whether the City
could be part of testing processes.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and staff regarding
maintaining public health and safety; engaging outside
expertise; environmental agencies at the County, state and
Federal level; ensuring that there is a sound plan for
decommissioning the facility; caution with regard to the
Brown Act and not getting into a specific discussion;
permits and processes to be followed; ownership of the
building vs. ownership of the land; signage; quality of life
issues; purview of the City Council; historic designation;
direct financial impacts on City revenues; what Planet
Granite expects to contribute; indirect benefits to the
City; whether a climbing facility could be put in the
parking lot; the previous lease renewal; meetings with the
property owner and an interested ice facility operator; the
current legally binding lease with Planet Granite;
alternative uses of the property; realistic expectations;
previous City efforts; support for agendizing a discussion
of decommissioning the ice rink; changes in the community;
preservation; and encouragement to people to keep up their
efforts even if the City Council does not have the
discretion to act.
The City Council provided consensus to add this subject to
the City Council agenda for the Regular Meeting of January
27, 2014.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that additional correspondence had been received regarding
the Culver City Ice Rink. January 13, 2014
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MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-
WELLS AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE
AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 30, 2013 – JANUARY 3, 2014.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE
ITEMS C-1, C-3 AND C-4.
Item C-1
Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Clarke reported submitting minor corrections to
the minutes.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETINGS
OF NOVEMBER 25, 2013 AND DECEMBER 9, 2013, AND THE SPECIAL
MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2013.
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Item C-3
(Out of Sequence)
Authorization to Release a Request for Proposals for On-Call January 13, 2014
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General Public Works Inspection Services
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS FOR ON-CALL GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTION SERVICES.
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Item C-4
Authorization to Release a Request for Proposals for the
Preparation of the City’s Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS FOR PREPARATION OF A NEW CITY SANITARY SEWER MASTER
PLAN.
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Item C-2
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional Services
Agreement with Marina Landscape, Inc. to Include the
Maintenance of the National Boulevard Metro Bike Path in an
Amount Not-to-Exceed $16,560.74
Councilmember Clarke received clarification that the City was
now responsible for maintaining the bikeway due to a change in
the agreement with Metro.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and staff regarding
other outstanding issues; the Expo Construction Authority;
financial ability of the Authority to maintain the bike path;
value engineering; property exchange and improvements to the
right-of-way; changes to landscaping by the City in order to
reduce watering and maintenance; a pilot project for native
gardens; negotiations; and other pieces of the puzzle.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-
WELLS AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH MARINA LANDSCAPE, INC. TO INCLUDE THE
MAINTENANCE OF THE NATIONAL BOULEVARD METRO BIKE PATH IN AN
AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $16,560.74; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY January 13, 2014
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DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Councilmember O’Leary reported being excluded from Expo closed
sessions when the Expo Board considered the subject of the bike
path.
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
Consideration of the Need for a Comprehensive Review of the
Existing City Charter as Required by Section 1900 of the
City Charter
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Councilmember Clarke received clarification regarding what
constitutes a comprehensive review.
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Paul Ferrazzi expressed support for opening the Charter for
review; encouraged the City to use their power to protect
the commons of Culver City and the health and safety of
residents; he discussed the PXP expansion of the Inglewood
oil field; gas migration in oil fields; vapor intrusion;
incorporating protections; and he agreed to provide
suggestions for wording for the City Council to consider.
Khin Khin Gyi reported on the commemoration at Carlson Park;
discussed specific sections of the Charter to address land
uses and public health; the PXP request for additional January 13, 2014
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permits in the new district; she requested that an
Environmental Impact Report be required before any permits
are considered; discussed enforcement of Industrial District
Development Standards; and a 2006 release of noxious fumes
in Culver Crest.
Goran Eriksson felt that a comprehensive review of the City
Charter was not necessary after seven years; that time and
resources should be instead focused on long-term and
structural financial issues; that any issues with the
Charter were minor and could be handled by the City Council
subcommittee; and he suggested that 2014 be focused on long
term financial and economic development solutions.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
adoption of the City Charter; the number of City Managers
since Charter adoption; a belief that the City is still
adapting to the Council/Manager form of government; a
feeling that it is too soon to evaluate the Charter on a
comprehensive basis; a suggestion that a City Council
subcommittee work with staff to recommend an appropriate
action; the Municipal Code vs. the Charter; ordinances;
modification procedures for code amendments vs. the Charter;
environmental protections; addressing the resignation of a
Councilmember who then re-ran for his own seat; jurisdiction
of the City Manager; the pool of candidates for police chief
and fire chief; agreement that a comprehensive review is not
necessary at this time; recognition of the work of the
Charter Review Committee in 2006; addressing oil field
issues; costs to put something on the ballot; cleaning up
obsolete language; term limits; support for the creation of
a Council Committee with Councilmembers Weissman and O’Leary
serving; combining elections; lifetime medical benefits;
scope of the subcommittee; and a suggestion to bring
creation of the subcommittee back as an agenda item.
The City Council provided consensus to have an item return
at a future City Council meeting for the City Council’s
consideration of the formation and appointment of members to
a City Council Subcommittee to consider any necessary
amendments to the City Charter.
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Action Item
Item A-1 January 13, 2014
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Consideration of Recommendation from the Parks, Recreation
and Community Services (PRCS) Commission Regarding the Draft
PRCS Department Anti-Bullying Policy and Procedure
Daniel Hernandez, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the fiscal analysis; reaching out to private organizations
and non-profits; developing a comprehensive signage program;
the Memorandum of Understanding for the Senior Center; when
things become a City issue; the disciplinary process;
consistency; incident reporting; claims of bullying by
staff; internal investigations; and clarifying language to
indicate bullying of staff rather than by staff.
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
There were no cards submitted and no speakers came forward.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and
Councilmembers regarding praise to the Commission for their
work; consensus to incorporate specific language in Section
409 used by the school district; common causes of bullying;
clarification of the term ‘reasonable participants’; and
minor changes to language to make the policy apply to the
City and parks rather than to the school district.
The City Council directed the City Attorney to further
review the draft policy and to place the final policy on a
future agenda for City Council consideration.
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Item A-2
FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT – (1) Authorization to Release
a Request for Proposals for the Preparation of the City of
Culver City Urban Forest Management and Tree Succession Plan
and (2) Appropriation of Grant Funds
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
January 13, 2014
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Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the timetable; updates throughout the process; addressing
speakers who come to the City Council meetings; workshops;
public input; procedures for commercial streets vs.
residential streets; and highlighting the importance of
aesthetic and development related issues.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE
PREPARATION OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT AND TREE SUCCESSION PLAN; AND,
2. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE $75,000 IN
GRANT FUNDING.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
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Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember O’Leary
• Reported on the Expo Board meeting and distributed
updates
• Reported on the meeting of the Santa Monica Bay
Restoration Commission
• Reported on the meeting of the Southern California
Association of Governments Transportation Committee and
he requested that staff attend his meeting in Culver
City with Sarah Jepson
• Reported on the second meeting on Storm Water Funding
Options
• Expressed concern with receiving notices too late January 13, 2014
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Items from Mayor Cooper
• Indicated that he would carry forth Councilmember
O’Leary’s recommendations to the Council of Governments
Items from Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells
• Reported attending I’ll Go On and noted that $10
tickets were available
Items from Councilmember Clarke
• Reported on his reappointment to the League of
California Cities Administrative Services Policy
Committee noting their upcoming meeting on January 23
in Sacramento
Items from Councilmember Weissman
• Introduced the new Chair of the Culver City Chamber of
Commerce, Bill Ryder
Items from Mayor Cooper (continued)
• Invited everyone to attend Walk With A Doc on January
18 at Veterans Park
Items from Councilmember O’Leary (continued)
• Requested clarification regarding a notice from the
Department of Transportation relinquishment of highway
right of way and he suggested that the area could be
used as a community garden
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 10:11 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting to Monday, January 27, 2014 at
7:00 p.m.
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January 13, 2014
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Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
JEFFREY COOPER
MAYOR of Culver City, California 1
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE January 27, 2014
CITY COUNCIL 5:30 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Cooper called the meeting of the City Council to order at
5:30 p.m.
Present: Jeffrey Cooper, Mayor
Meghan Sahli-Wells, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Micheál O‘Leary, Councilmember*
Andrew Weissman, Councilmember
* Councilmember O’Leary arrived at 7:03 p.m.
o0o
Closed Session
At 5:30 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session to
discuss the following items:
CS-1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Re: Initiation of Litigation – (2 Matters)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
CS-2 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 8511 Warner Drive
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager Sol Blumenfeld,
Community Development Director; Todd Tipton, Economic
Development Administrator; Murray Kane, City Special Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Samitaur Constructs
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
o0o January 27, 2014
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Reconvene
Mayor Cooper reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:04
p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brian Thomslin.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Cooper indicated there was nothing to report from
closed session.
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Presentation
Item P-1
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the
Participants in the El Marino Language Exchange Program
Dave Stewart discussed the student exchange program with
Guadalajara, Mexico.
Councilmembers presented certificates of recognition to
program participants.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Daniel Hernandez, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Director, reported that the Los Angeles County Department of
Community and Social Services had awarded the Culver City
Senior Nutrition Program with the Golden Apple Award for
Fiscal Year 2012-2013, and he announced full wifi service at
Veterans Memorial Auditorium with service available free for
the first two-hours.
January 27, 2014
3
Councilmember O’Leary reported attending a League of California
Cities meeting in Sacramento.
Councilmember Clarke reported on his appointment to the
Administrative Policy Committee of the League of California
Cities.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Shireen Daytona discussed the lack of affordable housing or
legal protection for renters in the City; gentrification;
culvercityrentcontrol.com; rent stabilization; tenants’
rights; she distributed a petition and asked for legal
changes.
Monica Richardson expressed concern with the Alcoholics
Anonymous (AA) group in the City; discussed the religious
nature of the organization; First Amendment Rights; safety;
clarification that AA is not rehab., not overseen or
regulated; she felt that citizens should refuse to be
ordered into AA by lawmakers; and she discussed alternative
organizations.
Teri Hitt asked that a rent stabilization policy be
established in the City, and that a discussion of guidelines
be placed on an agenda.
Christopher Patrick King requested a formal conversation
regarding housing opportunities and affordability; discussed
renters; mom and pop owners; impacts of regulations; the
need for an open discussion on the issue; and the Housing
Opportunities Forum held last year.
Gary Abrams discussed several Councilmembers seeking re-
election; questioned why the City did not assist schools;
discussed Irving Place; rent control; the skating rink; the
School Board; and the elimination of redevelopment.
Dean Pickard discussed the impacts of the new Crossroads
Shopping Center; parking issues; safety; the need to close January 27, 2014
4
the Commonwealth driveway; and he asked for action on the
issues.
Booker Pearson, Upward Bound, thanked the City for their
support; discussed successes; requested that funds
designated for rental assistance be reprogrammed for use to
help with caseworkers and expenses; he discussed services;
coordination with the school system; homeless prevention;
children living below the poverty line; and connection to
services.
Mayor Cooper indicated that he would bring the issue up
during budget hearings.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a written comment
submitted by:
Rich Waters
Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells requested agendizing a discussion of
rent control for a future meeting.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
having a more comprehensive discussion of housing; the term
rent control; exclusions; individual landlords vs.
corporations; having a discussion at a separate public
meeting; appropriate meeting format; rent stabilization;
consideration by the Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission; and the Landlord Tenant Mediation
Board.
The City Council provided consensus to place a discussion
item regarding the subject of rent control on a future City
Council agenda.
o0o
Action Item
Item A-1
(Out of Sequence)
Consideration of Additional Information Related to the
Culver City Ice Arena and Direction to Staff as Deemed
Appropriate January 27, 2014
5
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Mike Bowden, Fire Marshal, discussed decommissioning the ice
rink and the removal of hazardous materials.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, reported
that additional information with respect to the proposed use
had been recently uncovered; requested that the item be
continued after taking testimony and reviewing staff
responses; he discussed historic designation of the
property; zoning and land use designation; building and site
specifications; parking; recommendations for preserving the
ice rink; mixed use development; alternate locations; height
exceptions; the surrounding neighborhood; feasible
alternatives; realistic development and land use
alternatives; and the exploration of zoning issues.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the variance as to use; hazardous chemicals; soil testing;
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); historical
artifacts; archaeological resources; discretionary review;
the decommissioning process; the closure plan; the permit to
remove all hazardous materials; the preliminary endangerment
assessment; the length of time the compressors would run
after the change of ownership; responsibility; the remedial
action plan and final report; ammonia removal; depth of the
permafrost; testing required of the new tenant;
consultations with other cities or other public agencies;
research; the decommissioning process; the location of the
ice rink that was decommissioned in the 1960s; and the
facility closure plan.
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Doris Namala provided background on herself and her family;
felt that the issue was a public matter and that public
officials needed to represent residents; she discussed
safety and public health issues; eminent domain; and she
expressed concern with the potential contamination of
groundwater.
January 27, 2014
6
Mayor Cooper invited the representative from Planet Granite
to make a presentation.
James Lee, Planet Granite, discussed support for the Culver
City Ice Arena; public comment; misinformation; enhanced
communication; the inability to satisfy the skating
community; he provided history on the company; discussed
community commitment; economic impacts; renovation,
construction and expansion; tax benefits; patronage of area
businesses; the choice of location; negotiations;
commencement of the lease; specific location needs; the
original lease; redevelopment; flexibility of the owner;
historic designation; intentions of Planet Granite; the
suggestion to share the space; he read a statement from the
property owners; discussed decommissioning; intentions of
the current operator; Planet Granite consultants; timing
issues; legal and contractual obligations; the commitment of
Planet Granite to pay for the decommissioning and to work
with the City; commitment to the location; the desire of the
landlord to see an economically viable tenant; and choices
of the community.
Gina Testa acknowledged that Planet Granite had a plan;
noted that they would not be able to rebuild the ice rink
somewhere else; discussed the number of people being put out
of work; and the destruction of the thriving skating
community.
Therese Steinlauf reported that her father was the architect
of the ice rink; discussed the history of the rink; the need
for renovation; public support for the rink; and she
expressed support for keeping the ice rink open.
Brook Powell discussed the amount of money spent by her
family at the ice rink; false allegations made by Mr. Lee;
plans to boycott Planet Granite; and deceptive practices.
Damara Powell asked that the Ice Rink be saved.
Grace Basom did not want to see the Culver City Ice Rink
closed down.
Suzy Porter asserted that the bottom line can’t always be
money, and she wanted to see the ice rink and the community
around it continue.
January 27, 2014
7
Alexandra Silverman asked that the City Council do
everything in their power to save the ice rink and to place
restrictions on Planet Granite to make it harder for them to
take the location.
Lili Burrows asked the City Council to do what they could to
save the ice rink and to preserve the historic icon on the
roof.
Gabriel Covalin wanted to see the ice rink saved and thought
that people at Planet Granite would be heroes in Culver City
if they decided not to force out the landmark out of
business.
Ali Manfield asked that the ice rink be saved.
Michelle Rittel discussed all the people who would be
disappointed with the closure of the ice rink; her
experiences there; the community around the ice rink; she
found it hard to believe that nothing could be done; and
felt that the City had been treated poorly by Planet
Granite.
Mindy Paige provided background on herself and indicated
that she was speaking as a resident; discussed juvenile
offenses in Culver City; observed that kids get into trouble
when they have too much time on their hands; noted that the
ice rink provided a safe place for kids; she read a letter
to the Mayor from the Pasadena Police Chief; she disagreed
that the City did not have power in the matter; and she
asked that the owners be required to comply with all
requirements and that the City not allow any flexibility.
Nadine Lewis discussed ways that the City could help to
retain the ice rink and make it harder for Planet Granite to
move in; potential blight; the failure of Planet Granite to
file preliminary permits; variances; the permafrost issue;
the former Polar Ice Palace; private rights over the common
good; building codes; efforts to keep Occidental Petroleum
from drilling off the coast; and she asked the City to do
the right thing.
Ana Monasseri discussed her experiences at the rink and as a
teacher; did not want to see dreams destroyed; felt that the
City Council had the power to help; discussed preserving the
cultural landmark; the importance of the community; and she January 27, 2014
8
asked that the City do whatever possible to save the ice
rink.
Claire Glickman indicated that half of her life had been
spent at the rink and she did not want to see it taken away.
Kennedy Clay-Lund asked that the ice rink not be closed.
Melissa Abramson discussed her experiences at the ice rink;
issues with permafrost; and she asked for help with historic
designation.
Kevin Klowden was pleased that Planet Granite had sent a
representative to address the City; encouraged pursuit of a
historic designation; discussed CEQA review; expressed
frustration with misrepresentations by Planet Granite;
liability of the property owners; the need for an investment
of money into the ice rink; the Los Angeles Kings; fair
market rate; money generated for the City; construction;
jobs generated; the subscription model; the exclusive nature
of the proposed business; and the number of parking spaces
needed.
Grace Koplin discussed her experiences at the ice rink and
she did not want to see the rink closed.
Melissa Rosales felt that if the rink were to be destroyed
the community would be too; she asserted that the rink is a
safe place for everyone; and she asked the City Council to
do something to save the rink.
Cary Anderson noted that the Western Hemisphere Marathon no
longer existed; discussed greed; the LA Kings; money
promised by Planet Granite; the History of Forgetting;
excluding those who can not pay for membership; and other
places to skate.
Lance Linden expressed support for saving the ice rink and
preserving the community.
Walter Lamb discussed the comments of the Planet Granite
representative; the skate park; and he did not see how the
compressor could not be turned off until the project is
approved by CEQA.
Tamara and Jessica Coffin asked the Fire Department to do
everything that it could; expressed concern regarding health January 27, 2014
9
and safety issues with regard to decommissioning the ice
rink; the shifting of responsibility; and asked the City to
make sure they were safe.
Mayor Cooper assured everyone that the health and safety of
residents was the first and foremost concern.
Cheyenne Bell discussed a decommissioned ice rink in Lake
Arrowhead and she wanted to see the Culver City ice rink
saved.
Merilynn Yamada discussed the Winter Olympics; her son’s
membership at the Northern California Planet Granite; she
noted that there was no guarantee that Planet Granite would
be able to pay their rent either; and she asked the City
Council to do all that it could to preserve the rink.
Kevin Healy expressed concern with misinformation given by
the Planet Granite representative, and he acknowledged a
coach who helped his family.
Annie Burrows questioned Mr. Lee’s relationship to Planet
Granite and whether he was also employed by the owner of the
property; she expressed skepticism about the commitment of
the company to the community; discussed the size of the
company; the money that was pledged to be spent in the
community; yearly membership fees; the involvement of the LA
Kings; and she expressed concern that Planet Granite would
fail and the ice skating rink would be gone.
Darren Eng discussed money he spends at surrounding
businesses; expressed support for Planet Granite; expressed
support for saving a local cultural iconic landmark
community activity center; the responsibility of the City
Council to support the community; historical designation;
financial projections; abated rent until the cleanup is
completed; responsibility for the decommissioning; previous
preservation successes by the City; and he suggested seeking
support from private donors and non-profits.
Hayden Paige asked the City to help save the ice rink.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
June Metzler
David Metzler January 27, 2014
10
Carole Brodo
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
alternative uses; the need for additional information;
variances; the lack of an application from the business; the
30-day requirement; continuing the compressors;
accountability for developing a plan; authority of the Fire
Department; oversight; a request for a staff report
outlining possibilities for saving the ice rink; eminent
domain; funding support from the City; having both
facilities co-exist; the experience of other cities; the
magnitude of the situation; historic preservation; CEQA;
understanding what is going on underneath the soil; ice
issues on the sidewalk; focusing on the best interests of
the community; presenting an agenda item to the City Council
to make a decision on whether it could be worth it to pay to
save the ice rink; appreciation to residents for their
activism; the ability of the City Council to act; ensuring
public safety; zoning intricacies; costs to accommodate both
businesses; the lack of redevelopment money; the need for
the City to focus on paying for basic services; financial
responsibility; public/private partnerships; the Kirk
Douglas Theatre; interest by AEG and the LA Kings; a
suggestion to build a state of the art ice rink at another
location; the current ice skating operator; current market
rent; maintenance of the ice rink; the 2009 lease renewal;
legal implications; the current lease on the property; and a
request for additional information on the decommissioning of
the Lake Arrowhead ice rink.
The City Council provided consensus to continue discussion
of this item at the Regular Meeting of February 10, 2014.
o0o
Recess
Mayor Cooper called a brief recess from 10:20 p.m. to 10:30
p.m.
o0o
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
January 27, 2014
11
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
o0o
Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-
WELLS AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR JANUARY 4, 2014 – JANUARY 17, 2014.
o0o
Consent Calendar
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPROVE ITEMS C-1, C-2 AND C-3.
Item C-1
Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Final Map for Tract
Number 63634 Consisting of a One Lot Subdivision Creating 6
Commercial Air Space Units at 13340 Washington Boulevard
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL
MAP FOR TRACT NUMBER 63634 CONSISTING OF A ONE LOT SUBDIVISION
CREATING 6 COMMERCIAL AIR SPACE UNITS AT 13340 WASHINGTON
BOULEVARD.
o0o
Item C-2
Receive and File Report of an Emergency Purchase of Equipment
and Services to Replace the Boiler that Serves the Main
Building at the Culver City Police Department
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: RECEIVE AND FILE THIS REPORT REGARDING
AN EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO REPLACE THE January 27, 2014
12
BOILER THAT SERVES THE MAIN BUILDING AT THE CULVER CITY POLICE
DEPARTMENT.
o0o
Item C-3
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Destruction of Certain
Documents in the Police Department
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DESTROY CERTAIN OBSOLETE RECORDS AS LISTED
IN EXHIBIT A OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION.
o0o
Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
o0o
Public Hearings
Item PH-1
(1) Consideration of the Community Development Block Grant
Fund Allocation for Fiscal Year 2014/2015; (2) Adoption of a
Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the Application for
Funding; and (3) Approval of a Reimbursable Contract with
the County of Los Angeles Concerning Culver City’s
Allocation
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING.
Glenn Heald, Project Manager, provided a summary of the
material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
additional funds available next year; the Section 108 loan;
the loan as a mechanism for funding certain CDBG eligible
activities; criteria; ADA compliance and life safety issues; January 27, 2014
13
affordable housing and housing programs; eligibility for
future grant cycles; 2010 census data; the allocation
formulas; and funding cuts by Congress.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Gary Silbiger discussed CDBG goals; the youth representative
to the committee; allocating CDBG monies to low and moderate
income residents; Victims of Violence; affordable housing;
loans for low and moderate income residents; repayment of
the Senior Center Loan; and the importance of focusing on
those in need.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
SAHLI-WELLS AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
agreement that the needs of low-income citizens be
prioritized in the next cycle; non-profit social service
organizations; and non-government organizations.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR THE PROPOSED FY2014/2015 CDBG
PROJECTS; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE FY
2014/2015 APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE CDBG PROGRAM,
INCLUDING ALL CERTIFICATIONS; AND,
3. DESIGNATE THE CITY MANAGER AS THE AUTHORIZED CITY
OFFICIAL TO EXECUTE AND FILE ALL DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE
CDBG PROGRAM, INCLUDING MAKING MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PROJECT
FUNDING TO ADDRESS THE ACTUAL FY 2014/2015 CDBG ALLOCATION;
AND,
January 27, 2014
14
4. APPROVE THE CDBG REIMBURSABLE CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES CONCERNING CULVER CITY’S FY 2014/2015 CDBG
ALLOCATION; AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
6. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
o0o
Item PH-2
(1) Adoption of a Resolution Adopting General Plan Element
Amendment, GPE-P2013099 Regarding the City of Culver City
2013–2021 Housing Element; and (2) Adoption of a Related
Negative Declaration
Jose Mendivil, Associate Planner, provided a summary of the
material of record.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING.
Mayor Cooper received clarification regarding the basis for
estimates made.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
No speakers came forward.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
promotion of affordable housing; work programs in the next
budget cycle; the Affordable Housing Roundtable; and support
from Senator Mitchell.
January 27, 2014
15
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION BASED ON THE INITIAL STUDY
FINDING THAT THE PROJECT WILL NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT; AND,
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN
ELEMENT AMENDMENT, GPE P2013099, REGARDING THE CITY OF
CULVER CITY 2013-2021 HOUSING ELEMENT.
o0o
Action Item
Item A-2
(Out of Sequence)
Consideration of Current Vacancies on the Parks, Recreation,
and Community Services Commission, the Fiesta La Ballona
Committee, and the Landlord/Tenant Mediation Board and
Direction to the City Manager Related Thereto
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Mayor Cooper invited public input.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Shireen Daytona discussed her previous request to fill the
vacancy on the Landlord/Tenant Mediation Board as she serves
as the alternate; guidelines; Ordinance 87-010; and she
requested that the City Council correct the situation by
appointing her as tenant representative.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
guidelines; qualifications; potential changes to the
Landlord/Tenant Mediation Board; objectives of the Board;
concern with a potential lack of objectivity due to Ms.
Daytona’s advocacy for rent control; Council discretion;
titles of Committee members; filling the vacancy on the
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission;
expenses associated with filling the position; concerns with
voting deadlock or lack of a quorum with a four-member
Commission; whether Commissioners were advised that the January 27, 2014
16
issue was on the current agenda; the importance of having an
open process; potential controversial items coming up in the
near future; the application process; appointments to the
Finance Advisory Committee; the supplemental questionnaire;
a suggestion to advertise now for all positions including
those that come up in June; and timing of the appointments.
The City Council provided consensus that the City Clerk
should advertise for all vacancies at this time and return
to the City Council in March for consideration of
appointments to certain mid-term vacancies and return in May
for the remainder of the appointments.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Cooper invited public comment.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
o0o
Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember O’Leary
• Reported on a recent League of California Cities event
and attempts by the Governor to return monies borrowed
from cities
• Expressed interest in attending the February 14 CalPers
Board meeting to provide input on the point value put
on how much money is paid by cities, requested input
from staff, and discussed the mortality assumption
Items from Vice Mayor Sahli-Wells
• Received consensus to agendize consideration of a
resolution to support a constitutional amendment
regarding unlimited funds into political campaigns
Councilmember Weissman requested information regarding
implications for local elections.
Items from Councilmember Clarke January 27, 2014
17
• Discussed strategic goals of the League of California
Cities
Councilmember O’Leary discussed the new assembly and term
limits.
Items from Mayor Cooper
• Reported on a meeting of the Westside Cities Council of
Governments and their search for a new Executive
Director
• Reported on the reappointment of Councilmember O’Leary
to the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission
o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 11:42 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting to Monday, February 10, 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
JEFFREY COOPER
MAYOR of Culver City, California