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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE March 23, 2015
CITY COUNCIL 6:00 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Sahli-Wells called the meeting of the City Council to
order at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotunda Room at the Veterans
Memorial Building.
Present: Meghan Sahli-Wells, Mayor
Micheál O‘Leary, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Council Member
Jeffrey Cooper, Council Member
Andrew Weissman, Council Member
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Closed Session
The City Council recessed to Closed Session to consider
the following items:
CS-1 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
March 23, 2015
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CS-2 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 4909/4911 Overland Avenue
City Negotiators: John Nachbar, City Manager; Martin R. Cole,
Assistant City Manager; Shelly Wolfberg, Assistant to the
City Manager
Other Parties Negotiators: L.A. Goal and Culver City Unified
School District
Under Negotiation: Both Terms and Price
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-3 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 10808 Culver Boulevard
City Negotiators: John M. Nachbar, City Manager; Martin R.
Cole, Assistant City Manager
Other Parties’ Negotiators: The Wende Museum
Under Negotiation: Both Terms and Price
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
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 Sahli-Wells reconvened the City Council meeting at
7:00 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Reflection/Pledge of Allegiance
The Reflection was given by John Nachbar, City Manager,
and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Booker Pearson.
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported a request to have the meeting
translated into Spanish.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Attorney/City Clerk, discussed
logistics and cautioned everyone to take care of the wires
taped down on the floor.
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk's Office, provided translation
services to those requesting such services.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated nothing to report out of
closed session.
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Presentations
Item P-1
Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring April 9, 2015, "2015
Stand Up 4 Transportation Day"
Art Ida, Transportation Director, announced that April 9,
2015 had been deemed a National Day of Advocacy, focusing on
infrastructure funding by the American Public Transportation
Association that had initiated Stand Up 4 Transportation Day,
and he discussed the intended message noting that Culver
CityBus was dependent on Federal funding for many components
of the program.
Mayor Sahli-Wells presented the proclamation.
Mayor Sahli-Wells received no objection from Council
Members to honor the request from IndieCade to postpone
their funding request in item J-2.
{Note from the City Clerk: As a result, the City Council
did not take any action on the IndieCade portion of Item
J-2 this evening.}
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Community Announcements by City Council Members/
Information Items from Staff
Council Member Clarke reported testifying on behalf of the
City on the need for transportation funding before the
State Senate Transportation Committee, and he asked that
the meeting be adjourned in memory of former Culver City
Democratic Club Secretary Cecelia Guttenberg.
Council Member Weissman asked that the meeting be
adjourned in memory of former Disability Advisory
Committee member Karen Hassan. March 23, 2015
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Mayor Sahli-Wells announced the passing of Ken Rubin and
Fortunate Dallal and asked that the meeting be adjourned
in their memory.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS CITY
COUNCIL MEETING IS ADJOURNED, THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN
MEMORY OF FORMER CULVER CITY DEMOCRATIC CLUB SECRETARY
CECELIA GUTTENBERG, FORMER DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEMBER KAREN HASSON, KEN RUBIN, AND FORTUNATE DELAL.
Mayor Sahli-Wells announced a fundraising gala for Farragut
Elementary School on April 18 at Fresh Paint Art Gallery, and
an Earth Day celebration on April 18 held in Whittier by the
Los Angeles County Sanitation Department.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, announced the
opening of the application period for those interested in
serving on Commissions, Committees and Boards beginning on
March 30, and he explained different methods of applying.
Council Member Weissman received clarification that specific
notice would be sent to those Commissioners, Committee and
Board Members who are eligible for reappointment and to those
who have applied in the past and were not selected for a
position. Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Cole indicated
such notice would be provided.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Jonathan LeSane, Star Education, provided background on
the organization and announced the 15th Annual Children's
Earth Day Celebration on April 19.
Vice Mayor O'Leary expressed support for the event.
Stephen Murray, Culver City’s Alternate Representative to
the LAX Community Noise Roundtable, reported that the
first changes to the LAX flight paths by the FAA would be March 23, 2015
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released in May with a 30 day public comment period to
follow; he explained the reason for the changes to the
flight paths; the upcoming environmental assessment;
frequency of meetings of the LAX Roundtable; and he asked
for any assistance the City could offer to help organize
and distribute information soliciting reasonable feedback
to the FAA.
Council Member Weissman received clarification regarding
the dates for the public comment.
Dr. Janet Hoult reported that the American Diabetes
Association Alert day would be March 24; she encouraged
everyone to take a one-minute diabetes risk test for Type
2 diabetes; she discussed her experiences with Type 2
Diabetes; and she read a poem about diabetes.
Charles Black discussed broken sprinklers in the parkway
of Higuera Street; he expressed concern with wasted water;
he discussed the current drought; and he suggested that
the City move to a Level 3 water shortage designation.
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated that the issue would be
addressed; thanked Mr. Black for bringing the matter to
their attention; she encouraged all residents to report
any water waste; and she provided information on ways to
contact the City for any issue.
Dr. Jay Shery provided handouts and invited Council
Members to attend a Police Recognition Luncheon put on by
the Culver City Rotary Club and Exchange Club on April 1
at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel.
Vice Mayor O'Leary received clarification that Council
Members had received a letter from Cindy Green regarding
wood burning and staff agreed provide a report on the
issue.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that correspondence received by the City Clerk's Office
before 2:00 p.m. had been distributed to the Council
Members and all would become part of the record of this
meeting. March 23, 2015
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MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Joint Culver City Council/Culver City Housing Authority/
Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Item: Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COOPER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2015 – MARCH
13, 2015.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor O'Leary received information regarding follow
up on an item regarding having Culver City remain on the
way finding signage along the Expo line.
Mayor Sahli-Wells received clarification regarding
requested changes made to the minutes.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COOPER, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-8.
Item C-1
Meeting Minutes
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR
MEETING OF MARCH 9, 2015 WITH MINOR AMENDMENTS.
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Item C-2
Approve an Amended Work Plan for the Finance Advisory March 23, 2015
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Committee
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE AMENDED FAC WORK PLAN.
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Item C-3
Receive and File the Measure Y Sales Tax Status Report from
the Finance Advisory Committee
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE MEASURE Y SALES
TAX STATUS REPORT.
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Item C-4
Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Software
Maintenance Agreement with Accela, Inc. in an Amount Not-
To-Exceed $55,857 to Support the City’s Enterprise
Permitting, Citizen Relationship Management (CRM) and Code
Enforcement Tracking Systems; and (2) Authorize the City
Manager to Extend the Agreement for Three Additional One-
Year Periods for a Cost Not-To-Exceed the Prior Year by
10%.(1) Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Software
Maintenance Agreement with Accela, Inc. in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $55,857 to Support the City’s Enterprise
Permitting, Citizen Relationship Management (CRM), and
Code Enforcement Tracking Software Systems; and (2)
Authorize the City Manager to Extend the Agreement for
Three Additional One-Year Periods for a Not-to-Exceed Cost
Exceeding the Prior Year by 10%
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING SOFTWARE
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH ACCELA, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT-
TO-EXCEED $55,857.00; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT AT
THE END OF THE INITIAL TERM FOR THREE ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR
TERMS FOR A COST NOT-TO-EXCEED THE PRIOR YEAR BY 10%; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND, March 23, 2015
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4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
Authorization to File an Application for Funds Made Available
Through the National Institute of Justice for the Coverdell
National Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, FY 2015
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE, COVERDELL NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE
IMPROVEMENT GRANTS PROGRAM; 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-6
(1) Approval of an Agreement with Michael Baker International
in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $100,430 to Prepare a Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan on Behalf of the City
and the Culver City Unified School District; and (2) Approve
a Budget Amendment in the amount of $116,462
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,462;
AND,
2. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
TO PREPARE A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
FOR THE CITY AND THE CULVER CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $100,430; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO
AMEND THE AGREEMENT IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED March 23, 2015
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$16,032; 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-7
Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Encroachment Agreement
with Freedom Telecommunications dba WILCON for Use of the
Public Rights-of-Way on Sepulveda Boulevard between Venice
Boulevard and Culver Boulevard and the Alley Southwest of
Sepulveda Boulevard
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT
WITH FREEDOM TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. DBA WILCON; 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-8
Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Encroachment Agreement
with AT&T for Use of the Public Rights-of-Way on Washington
Boulevard near Delmas Terrace
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT
WITH AT&T; 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.
March 23, 2015
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Joint Action Items
Item J-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEM:
(1) Discussion of the Projected Funding Shortfall for Housing
Programs Provided by the City and (2) Provide Direction to
the City Manager/Executive Director as Deemed Appropriate
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Tevis Barnes, Housing Administrator, provided background on
the Rental Assistance Program (RAP); discussed alternatives;
the Section 8 program; the RAP waiting list; RAP
participation term limits; families using the RAP program;
families that leave the program; the annual amount of
subsidy; options to help families transition; and providing
access to a Relocation Specialist if the program is
discontinued.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
the Section 8 program; administrative costs; the possibility
of RAP participants moving to the Section 8 program; the
current waiting list; families currently in the program;
landlord participation; program requirements; incentive
areas; new developments; the ratio of fair market to
affordable housing; the maximum number of affordable housing
units that could be built; encroachment in existing
residential areas; affordability assumptions; the number of
units possible per site; different income designations; base
densities; thresholds; incentive zoning; basic assumptions;
applying the incentives to the entire area; state density
bonus law; relaxation of development standards; underlying
zoning; R-2 in existing residential neighborhoods; adding
potential affordable housing; whether any other cities in Los
Angeles County fund housing programs through their General
Fund; the former Redevelopment Agency mandate to provide
affordable housing; set-aside funds; state recognition that
redevelopment resulted in displacement of low-moderate income March 23, 2015
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households and resulting allocation of funds to address the
issue; the breakdown of funding for the Homeless RAP, the
regular RAP, and the homeless outreach program; proceeds from
the sale of the Pacific Theater; and the cost for three full
time staff members to administer programs.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marty Hente, Habitat for Humanity, provided background on
himself; asked that the City Council approve the proposal
to build 10 affordable housing units on the Globe Avenue
site and allocate $400,000 to close the funding gap; he
discussed the breakdown of units in the project and who
they would be made available to; he asserted that
affordable housing was not available in Culver City; and
he noted that Habitat for Humanity would work with staff
to realize the project.
Mayor Sahli-Wells clarified that the item being discussed
this evening was saving housing programs, and she asked
about the timeline for a specific discussion of the Globe
Avenue project.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, indicated
that staff would alert Mr. Hente when the Globe Avenue
project is scheduled to come before the City Council.
Diane Tyau, Habitat LA, Westside Church Coalition, urged
the City Council to move discussion of the Globe Avenue
project forward; she expressed support for the Habitat for
Humanity project on Globe Avenue; and she asked the City
to consider a grant to support the project.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding concern that due to the large number of people
present to speak on the Globe Avenue project which is not
on the agenda, people dependent on the RAP might not be
heard; a suggestion that those present in support of the
Globe Avenue project speak at another time when that item
is on the agenda; clarification that the City is waiting
for Habitat to come forward with a proposal for the Globe
Avenue project; agreement from staff that information be
disseminated to the public on the topic; clarification
that the property on Globe Avenue had been acquired by the March 23, 2015
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former Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of building
affordable housing; costs of the property; and the City
donation of the land.
Sal Princiotta thanked the Housing Authority for their
support and he asked the City Council to preserve the
housing assistance programs; discussed his experience with
mediation when his rent was increased; he felt that many
people were not aware of the availability of mediation; he
discussed the importance of helping homeless people; he
offered his assistance; and he suggested that renters be
able to earn equity after a certain period of time.
Rosalind Lewis received clarification regarding specific
developments in the City.
Mayor Sahli-Wells clarified the item being discussed;
noted that those who want to speak on items not on the
agenda are allocated time at the beginning or at the end
of the meeting; and she requested that people stick to the
specific agenda item.
Roxann Anderson described the experiences of her sister
Louise who is a RAP participant, and she expressed concern
with the difficulties that would ensue if her sister were
forced to move or take on a roommate.
Joseph Rosa asserted that the RAP program was crucial for
him; he discussed his previous experience living in his
car; indicated that he did not have family support; noted
that the RAP program had provided a roof over his head; he
described his health issues; and he hoped that the program
would continue.
Tom Wilson, Upward Bound House, discussed the CalWorks
program; the number of homeless families in Los Angeles;
the fact that children in foster care come from homeless
families; the number of people from foster families that
end up in prison; costs to run foster care programs; work
by Upward Bound to eradicate homelessness; and he urged
the City to continue funding at its current level for
family homelessness.
Booker Pearson, Upward Bound House, discussed the
partnership with the City; the My Brother's Keeper
initiative; their commitment to ensure that there are no
homeless children in the City; work with the school March 23, 2015
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system; work with the Housing Authority to plan to move
RAP participants to more affordable housing and more
benefits; the housing locators for benefits for children;
and he discussed the shelter in the City and average
length of stay.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and Mr. Pearson
regarding the number of currently homeless children in the
City; the number of children served; other funding; rapid
re-housing; establishing a permanent home with 6-12 months
of rental assistance; the Federal model; supplanting
Section 8; the 16,000 homeless families in CalWorks;
increasing numbers; and the commitment to assist homeless
families in the City.
Janice Johnson discussed the importance of the RAP program
for her; concern with finding another affordable handicap
unit; she discussed services in the City; she asked that
the City protect and keep the housing program for the
disabled, elderly, and families less fortunate; she felt
that affordable housing saved lives just like the Fire and
Police Departments; she thanked the property owners that
accept the programs and keep the units affordable; and she
was concerned that those less fortunate were reduced to
dollar figures.
Vanessa spoke in support of the RAP program and discussed
her experiences with Upward Bound and the RAP program.
Karla Meeks indicated that her daughter attended Farragut
Elementary School; discussed her experience with Upward
Bound and the RAP program; and she expressed hope that the
City would find a way to continue to help those in need.
Mark Lipman discussed the mid-year budget report; a budget
surplus from recurring funds; revised budget totals; he
asserted that the City had the money to make the programs
work; he urged the City to take care of their residents;
discussed the importance of maintaining the social safety
net; and the size of the Police Department budget.
Carlene Brown discussed the importance of taking care of
others in the community; keeping the program alive; the
600 people being served; the importance of not choosing to
sacrifice people; using proceeds from the theatre sale;
and a suggestion for an annual fundraising drive to
support the programs. March 23, 2015
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Dr. Kin Gyi discussed speakers with disabilities; her
experience at Culver Crest; and she suggested a redundant
program that could be eliminated with savings to go to the
housing program.
Kevin Lachoff discussed the abolishment of the
Redevelopment Agency; noted that the Chamber supported
affordable housing and one-time funding for purchase and
investment; felt that housing quality and affordability
should be addressed at the national, state or county
level; he asserted that incentives could be offered to
create more affordable units; he suggested consideration
of zoning and development incentives; expressed concern
with committing to recurring expenses with cyclical
funding; discussed the loss of the dedicated source of
funding; the burden on the General Fund; the Measure Y
sales tax; increases to property and sales taxes; and he
expressed concern with overtaxing.
Marilyn Kaplan discussed her experiences as a landlord
with Section 8 families and RAP families; management of
Section 8 properties; she did not want to see the program
lose funding; she discussed her positive experiences with
the Housing Authority in the City; and expressed support
for the program.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding program participants; concern that during the
time that redevelopment money was available, predecessors
created programs that alleviated their duty to build
affordable housing in the City; money in set-aside funds;
the utilization of programs rather than building
affordable housing; the Great Recession; creative ways to
support residents; disagreement that it would be
irresponsible to continue the program without being able
to identify permanent funding; fixed income program
participants; City responsibility for the problem;
figuring out a way to continue the programs; using
proceeds from the sale of the Pacific Theaters; General
Fund revenue; City reserves; the long-range financial
forecast; the required spend down of reserves over time;
financial planning; the coming ramp up of expenditures;
clarification that the proceeds of the Theater sale were
already built into the financial structure; increases by
the state for public employee retirement payments;
significant costs for urban runoff mitigation; sunsetting March 23, 2015
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of the sales tax provisions; large looming liabilities
facing the City; serious fiscal challenges to the City for
the next 10-15 years; the reasoning of previous City
Councils; concern with using short term funds to pay for
an ongoing program; people currently on the street that
are not being served; encouraging construction of
affordable housing units; increased density; the 4043
Irving Place development; the Globe Avenue project;
tensions in the community; encouraging creation of
additional affordable housing; developer incentives;
increased density and height; mansionization; changing the
character of neighborhoods; the creation of an
unsustainable rental assistance program; whether the
program is a General Fund obligation; providing assistance
for a limited period of time; providing opportunities for
participants to identify other available options;
appreciation to those who spoke; support for continuation
of the funding; the indefinite phase out; those on the
five year program; financial responsibilities; priorities;
clarification that the list is closed and new people will
not be added; prioritizing RAP recipients as new units are
built; the larger discussion of affordable housing coming
forward; curated density; qualified participants; the
annual recertification; the move-in date into the unit;
costs to maintain the existing program through the
upcoming fiscal year; concern with tying the hands of
future City Councils; identifying new sources of funding;
uncertainty of the City Council vs. the uncertainty for
people to remain where they are living; the ability of
future Councils to agendize the issue; program costs and
staff costs; adjusting staff to match the workload; the
existing level of homeless services; hotel/motel vouchers;
the availability of shelter beds; the growing need; the
relationship with St. Joseph's and Upward Bound; previous
action to convert the Homeless RAP to administrative
dollars for Upward Bound; ensuring that no children are
homeless in the City; funding to deal with the increase in
numbers; mental illness; saying no to other programs to
support these programs; whether funding the program would
hurt the City; clarification that the program would not be
indefinite but would continue as long as current program
participants remained; a suggestion to stamp
congratulations on the outside of the letter sent to
program participants that remain; and the importance of
being open to other funding resources.
March 23, 2015
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Mayor Sahli-Wells proposed a motion to approve the
indefinite phase out of the RAP Program, continue to
support the Homeless RAP and Homeless Outreach Programs;
that the City further consider funding sources as laid out
in the staff report to ensure that the City can pay for
housing with certain fees to provide ongoing resources to
fund staff that is absolutely necessary to keep the
programs going; and when having the affordable housing
community discussions that the other proposals made in the
staff report be discussed along with those that come up
during the course of the community meeting. Vice Mayor
O'Leary seconded the motion.
Vice Mayor O'Leary requested that letters sent to RAP
participants be marked congratulations on the outside to
let them know that the program will continue, and he asked
that participants share their stories so that they may be
shared in the pursuit of revenue sources.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding clarification that the City Council
could not commit future City Councils to continue funding
for the program; concern with what is communicated to the
participants; and a suggestion to bifurcate the motion.
Council Member Clarke proposed a substitute motion to
establish a policy to fund the RAP until such time as
people can be transitioned into affordable housing units
and provide additional funding to homeless services as
necessary to maintain the current level of service without
increase.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding the lowest level of payment by RAP
participants; the affordability mix of a particular
development; and clarification that most projects do not
address those in the extremely low income category.
The substitute motion failed due to lack of a second.
Mayor Sahli-Wells agreed to bifurcate her motion to
separate out the RAP indefinite phase out from the
Homeless RAP and the Homeless Outreach programs. Council
Member Weissman seconded the motion to bifurcate.
MOVED BY MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE PHASE OUT, OVER AN March 23, 2015
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INDEFINITE PERIOD, THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP). THE
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: COOPER, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: CLARKE, WEISSMAN
MOVED BY MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
DIRECT STAFF TO FURTHER CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS IN THE STAFF
REPORT (AND ANY THAT ARE BROUGHT UP AT THE FUTURE COMMUNITY
MEETING ON THE CREATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING) REGARDING
HOMELESS OUTREACH AND HOMELESS RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS,
FUNDING SOURCES, INCLUDING FEES; TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND
THE RELATED STAFF; AND INCLUDE CONGRATULATIONS IN THE LETTER
TO EXISTING RAP PARTICIPANTS INFORMING THEM OF THE CITY
COUNCIL’S DECISION AND REQUEST, BUT NOT REQUIRE, RAP
PARTICIPANTS SHARE THEIR STORIES ABOUT THE RAP PROGRAM WITH
THE CITY.
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Item J-2
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD AGENDA ITEM:(1)
Consideration of the Amount of In-Kind Assistance for and
Possible City Sponsorship of The Culver City Car Show, The
Los Angeles Modernism Show, and IndieCade: International
Festival of Independent Games; (2) Approval of Street
Closures Where Applicable; and (3) Approval of Related
License Agreements
At the request of the event producer, the City Council did
not consider the IndieCade portion of the item this evening.
Council Member Cooper recused himself from consideration of
the Car Show portion of the item. He left the dais and the
meeting room.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Dr. Jay Shery, Culver City Exchange Club, provided background
on the Exchange Club and on the Car Show; emphasized that all
proceeds were donated back to City organizations; discussed March 23, 2015
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costs to produce the Car Show; comparable entry fees; a
request for a sponsorship contribution for hard and soft
costs; and City costs in 2014.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and Exchange Club
representatives regarding actual expenses for 2014 and
estimated expenses for 2015; participation of the Downtown
Business Association; CycLAvia; perception; and hard evidence
vs. anecdotal evidence.
Cary Anderson distributed handouts; discussed the lack of
support from the downtown area; suggested holding the event
at Westfield next year as there is more parking available;
discussed the lack of parking enforcement; notification to
businesses and residents in the area; signage and
advertising; and providing directions to parking areas.
Sylvia Bianchi, Downtown Business Association, spoke in
support of the Car Show; discussed building a partnership;
participation of individual downtown businesses; promotion of
the event through social media and the website; and the
Exchange Club presentation scheduled for the Wednesday DBA
meeting.
Discussion ensued between staff, Council Members and Exchange
Club representatives regarding the suggestion to move the
venue to Westfield; charging admission and changing the
character of the event; the request for a waiver of hard and
soft costs from the City; banners; net profit; sanitation
expenses; the limited resources of the City; support given to
City organizations from money raised by the Car Show;
sponsorships; the move of the Independence Day Fireworks to
West Los Angeles College; potential consequences to moving
the Car Show to a different location and charging admission;
re-characterization of the event; and monetizing the event.
Vice Mayor O'Leary moved to continue the same level of
funding for the Car Show and the LA Modernism show as last
year with IndieCade excluded from the item per their request.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding firm figures for soft coasts; police staff costs;
and coverage of sum certain costs.
Council Member Weissman proposed a substitute motion that the
Car Show be a City sponsored event with soft costs of $8,720.
Mayor Sahli-Wells seconded the motion. March 23, 2015
19
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding costs for hanging the banners; staff time
utilized for the function; soft costs vs. hard costs;
clarification that the City writes a check to pay the company
to hang the banners; using soft costs rather than specifying
a specific number; and approval of the license agreement.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER CLARKE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. WAIVE SOFT COSTS FOR CULVER CITY CAR SHOW (ESTIMATED AT
$8,720); AND,
2. DESIGNATE THE CAR SHOW 2015 EVENT AS A CITY SPONSORED
EVENT; AND,
3. APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE
EXCHANGE CLUB FOR THE USE OF CITY PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY,
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IN-KIND STAFF TIME FOR THE EVENT;
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.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS, WEISSMAN
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: COOPER
Council Member Cooper returned to the dais.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, reported that no
representatives from the L.A. Modernism show were present
as they are based in Illinois.
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported that the L.A. Modernism show
had requested soft costs in the amount of $1,900.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
March 23, 2015
20
1. PROVIDE SUPPORT IN THE WAIVER OF SOFT COSTS (ESTIMATED
AT $1,900); AND,
2. DESIGNATE THE L.A. MODERNISM SHOW 2015 EVENT AS A CITY
SPONSORED EVENT; AND,
3. APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND DOLPHIN
PRODUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF CITY PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY,
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IN-KIND STAFF TIME FOR THE EVENT;
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.
o0o
Mayor Sahli-Wells announced the birth of her niece Zara.
Action Items
Item A-1
Approval of the Washington National Transit Oriented
Development District Streetscape Plan
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, indicated
that the item was a review of a preliminary plan and required
City Council feedback, and he provided background on the
item.
Evan Mather, AHBE Landscape Architects, provided a visual
presentation on the project.
Nick Grove, LineSpace, discussed their task of providing the
graphic and way finding for the Culver City Transit District,
and he discussed defining the area and creating an identity
as the public transfers from different modes of
transportation.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and Mr. Grove
regarding the logo; using a bolder image; concern with using
blue as the color of the Metro system rather than the green
from Culver City buses; the connection of green to the
identity of the City; tying in the City brand; adding an art March 23, 2015
21
element to the pillars; adding a light projection element
onto the bridge; concern with leaving the area blank;
historical aspects; public art; the transit logo; creating a
true identity; and a suggestion to name the area something
other than the Culver City Transit District.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Tom Wulf, Lowe Enterprises, expressed support for the overall
streetscape plan; discussed streetscape components;
additional bicycle parking; access; branding and identity;
and he expressed eagerness to work together on the project.
Elizabeth Flynn, Walter N. Marks, Inc., reported attending
meetings connected to the streetscape plan; concurred with
the staff report with respect to most items; she noted that
they agreed with graphics and way finding with the caveat
that the final color and copy differentiate from other City
transit; discussed naming of the station; including the name
of the City at every opportunity as it is the only Culver
City stop on the Expo line; and creating a sense of place.
William Feldman, Culver Crossing, expressed support for the
project and felt that the station would be the gateway to
Culver City.
Eric Bruins, Bicycle Coalition, discussed his use of Expo;
felt the station would be a gateway to Culver City; wanted to
ensure a seamless user experience for people accessing the
station from all modes; discussed the public right-of-way; he
felt that the landscape plan focused outside of the curb and
was unintentionally locking in the curb before figuring out a
better bicycle solution between Culver City station and
downtown; discussed curb to curb width; wanted to keep
options open; wanted to keep the bicycle racks consistent
with the racks just installed around the City; and he wanted
to see a comprehensive conversation about Washington
Boulevard and bicycle access, with the plan complimenting
bicycle access as it moves forward.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a comment submitted
by:
Zentil S. Vanzellas March 23, 2015
22
Kevin Lachoff expressed support for the project; concern that
the logos did not necessarily fit in with some of the other
City logos; and he wanted to see additional work done on the
naming aspect.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
support for the project; concern with the lack of bicycle
access; concern with the bike guard and bike racks; the Safer
People, Safer Streets pledge; the importance of complete
streets to create unique spaces successful for businesses and
communities; safety issues; the first and last mile; concern
with locking in the curbs with the current plan; concern with
putting the plan in place without looking at the bicycle
infrastructure as a compliment to the system; the Complete
Streets policy; making the streets safe for all users;
bioswales; concern with letting the plan move forward until
bicycles are included in the plan; funding for active
transportation; parking on Washington Boulevard between
National and Robertson; the Landmark project; right-of-way;
the Greystar project; proposed bike lanes for National
between Washington and Venice; the gap between the Grandmark
Project to National Boulevard; the plan to have bike lanes
radiate from all directions from Washington and National;
clarification that there would be designated bike lanes but
not protected lanes; and a request to add that to the
renderings.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, summarized
that City Council direction included looking at naming; the
color for identification of the area; being less diagrammatic
and more literal in the inclusion of bikes in the right-of-
way; and he noted that staff had been addressing the bike
lane issues consistent with the Master Plan with dedications
for every development project going forward.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding increased maintenance costs; water usage;
the Urban Water Runoff mitigation; meeting obligations under
new storm water legislation; design details; drought tolerant
plantings; the irrigation requirement consistent with water
needs; owner installation of streetscape as a condition of
their development; City funded improvements; concern with
adding development that requires water usage for landscaping;
use of smart watering systems; state mandates; the non-
protected bike lane on Venice Boulevard; concern with funding
the maintenance of the way finding signage; conditions of March 23, 2015
23
development for projects going forward; investment in the
area; a suggestion for wraps on utility boxes with maps of
the district; the importance of programming maintenance;
creative solutions to lower costs; concern with a piecemeal
process; the approved streetscape plan; accommodating bike
lanes; directional signage to the parking structures; and a
request to put bicycles and pedestrians on the banners to
indicate that active transportation is welcome on the
streets.
o0o
Item A-2
Adoption of a Resolution (1) Establishing Parking Meter Fees
(Including a New Parking Meter Rate of $0.75 for 15 Minutes),
the Time Period Covered by Such Fees, the Time of Operation
for the Parking Meter Locations, and (2) Rescinding
Resolution Number 2013-R063
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Cary Anderson expressed support for the proposal; discussed
encouragement of parking turnover; facilitating food pick-up;
85% meter occupancy rate for key periods; 100% occupancy on
Sundays; and he suggested using the changes as a pilot
program to test the technology and to extend the hours to 11
p.m. and include Sundays.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
clarity of signage; the feasibility of extending the hours;
enforcement; and feedback from the DBA.
Sylvia Bianchi, Downtown Business Association, noted that the
original intent was to address lunch business and she
discussed the volume of clientele that chooses to dine in.
Further discussion ensued between staff, Council Members and
the speaker regarding the Walker Parking Study; revisiting
the extension of parking meter hours downtown; installation
costs for the sensors; the monthly fee; the fact that the
request is specifically for the downtown area; a request that
the DBA pay for installation; incremental efforts to help
parking issues downtown; the desire to move the project March 23, 2015
24
forward; one-time costs vs. monthly costs; a suggestion that
the current issue be discussed along with valet parking with
the Traffic subcommittee; amending the resolution; and
including the extension of hours into the Walker Study.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING PARKING METER FEES (INCLUDING A NEW PARKING
METER RATE OF $0.75 FOR 15 MINUTES), THE TIME PERIOD COVERED
BY SUCH FEES, THE TIME OF OPERATION FOR THE PARKING METER
LOCATIONS, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2013-R063 WITH THE
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO SHARE THE COSTS 50/50 OF
INSTALLATION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, O’LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS, WEISSMAN
NOES: COOPER
o0o
Item A-3
Consideration of Presenting a Letter Signed by all City
Council Members to the Metro Board of Directors Requesting
the Addition of “Culver City” to all Expo Line Train
Headsigns, Station Signs, Way-Finding Signs, and Marketing
Materials
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO PREPARE A LETTER FOR SIGNATURE BY
ALL FIVE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE METRO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REQUESTING “CULVER CITY” BE INCLUDED ON ALL EXPO LINE TRAIN
HEADSIGNS, STATION SIGNS, WAY-FINDING SIGNS, AND MARKETING
MATERIALS.
Council Member Clarke indicated that he would deliver the
item at the next Expo Construction Authority meeting.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda March 23, 2015
25
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
No cards were received and no speakers came forward.
o0o
Items from the City Council
None.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/ City Clerk, discussed
options for scheduling hearings for the two work plans
that had not been heard.
o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 11:44 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting in memory of Cecelia
Guttenberg, Karen Hassan, Ken Rubin and Fortunate Dallal
to Monday, April 13, 2015 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
March 23, 2015
26
MEGHAN SAHLI-WELLS
MAYOR of Culver City, California