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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE September 8, 2014
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.
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
At 6:00 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session to
discuss the following item:
CS-1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Various Underground Pipelines Throughout the City
City Negotiators: City Manager John Nachbar; Assistant City
Manager Martin R. Cole
Other Parties Negotiators: Chevron, Conoco-Phillips,
Exxon/Mobil Plains Exploration and Production Company, Shell
Under Negotiation: Both Terms and Price
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
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Reconvene
Mayor Sahli-Wells reconvened the City Council meeting at
7:00 p.m. with all Council Members present.
September 8, 2014
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Reflection/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Grace Elliott.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported no action taken in Closed
Session.
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Presentation
Item P-1
Presentation to the City Council Regarding the National
League of Cities' Service Line Warranty Program
Oscar Arras, Utility Service Partners Inc., provided a
presentation on the National League of Cities' Service Line
Warranty Program.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and the speaker
regarding additional information and participating
California cities.
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Item P-2
Presentation of a Proclamation in Recognition of Suicide
Prevention Week 2014
Council Member Weissman presented the proclamation.
Dr. Kita Curry, CEO of the Didi Hirsch Mental Health
Services thanked the City for the proclamation and its
support; discussed available resources; the number of
suicides each year; warning signs; and fundraising efforts.
Dr. Janet Hoult read a poem about the loss of her son.
September 8, 2014
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Vice Mayor O'Leary discussed his experiences with the loss
of a good friend, and he commended Didi Hirsch for their
work.
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Item P-3
Administration of the Oath of Office to Police Chief Scott
Bixby
Mayor Sahli-Wells provided background on Scott Bixby and
administered the Oath of Office.
Scott Bixby, Police Chief, thanked the City and his family
for their support, he discussed his commitment to the
community, and he expressed pride in the department.
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Item P-4
Administration of the Oath of Office to Fire Chief David
Lawrence White
Mayor Sahli-Wells provided background on David White and
administered the Oath of Office.
David White, Fire Chief, thanked his family and the City
Council for their support, and he discussed his commitment
to the department.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Council Member Weissman requested that the meeting be adjourned
in memory of former Chief Administrative Officer Dale Jones,
and he announced the memorial in the City Council courtyard on
September 13.
Council Member Clarke requested that the meeting also be
adjourned in memory of Lee Sanders, former president of the
Culver City Democratic Club.
September 8, 2014
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Mayor Sahli-Wells announced changes to fare structures for
Metro rail and buses taking effect on September 15.
Lieutenant Jason Sims of the Culver City Police Department
announced ceremonies in remembrance of 9/11 at each of the
City's Fire Stations noting that services would not be held in
front of City Hall this year.
Mayor Sahli-Wells announced a 9/11 Remembrance and Open House
event at the West Los Angeles Vets Center from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported a
request from the City Manager that the City Council delay
action on item C-5 to a future meeting to allow staff time to
complete additional work on the item. The City Council
concurred with this request and did not take action on Item C-
5.
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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:
Dr. Janet Hoult discussed Suicide Prevention Week and read a
poem.
John Cohn, Exchange Club, provided an update on the Fourth
of July celebration and noted that they had broken even and
would not be requesting support above the base amount
approved by the City Council.
Dr. Jay Shery, Exchange Club, thanked the City Council for
their support.
Seth Horowitz, General Manager of the Culver Hotel, thanked
everyone who attended the 90th anniversary of the opening of
the Culver Hotel on September 6 and he felt that Culver City
would be highlighted in the media, attracting additional
business to the City.
September 8, 2014
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Troy Jackson discussed his proposal for an accessory unit at
his home; his failure to appeal in a timely manner; the
Zoning Code; alternate appeal routes; and he requested that
consideration of his appeal be agendized.
Heather Baker, Assistant City Attorney, indicated that the
code is clear with regard to appeal processes and deadlines;
she stated that the City Council was subject to the same
deadlines; and she asserted that the City Council had no
authority to appeal the matter or to extend the deadline.
No action was taken on Mr. Jackson’s request.
Barbara Effros, Culver City Disability Advisory Committee,
thanked the City Council for the National Suicide Prevention
Week proclamation; appreciated the presence of Didi Hirsch;
discussed her experience volunteering on the Didi Hirsch
hotline; increased awareness; the importance of reaching
out; and at-risk age groups.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that the City Clerk's Office had compiled emails received
and provided copies to the City Council.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Joint Culver City Council/Culver City Housing Authority/
Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Agenda
Item: Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR AUGUST 16, 2014 – AUGUST 29, 2014.
September 8, 2014
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1, C-3, C-4, C-6 AND C-7.
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Item C-1
Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 25, 2014
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF AUGUST 25, 2014.
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Item C-3
(Out of Sequence)
FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT – (1) Approval of a Budget
Amendment Appropriating $300,000 from the Sewer Enterprise
Fund; and (2) Approval of a Professional Services Agreement
with AKM in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $500,000 ($486,940 Base Bid
and $13,060 in Contingency Authority) for the Preparation of
the City’s Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000 FROM
THE SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND RESERVE TO 20480000.730100.PW002;
AND,
2) AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AKM CONSULTING
ENGINEERS, INC., FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE CITY’S SANITARY
SEWER MASTER PLAN, IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $486,940;
3) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $13,060, IF NECESSARY;
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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-4
Award of a Contract to Shawnan as the Lowest Responsive and
Responsible Bidder, in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,222,111
($1,111,111 Base Bid Plus $111,000 in Change Order Approval
Authority) for the Construction of the 2014 Street Paving
Program, PZ-863
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHAWNAN, AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND
RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE 2014 STREET PAVING PROGRAM, PZ-863
IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,111,111, BASED ON ITS BID; AND,
2) AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE
CHANGE ORDERS IN THE AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $111,000, IF
NECESSARY; AND,
3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS; AND,
4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-5
Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and Authorization to
Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for the Washington Boulevard
Striping and Bike Lane Project, PZ-965
No action was taken on this item.
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Item C-6
Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Encroachment Agreement
with Time Warner Cable for Use of the Public Rights-of-Way on
Bristol Parkway
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT WITH
TIME WARNER CABLE FOR A PROPOSED FIBER OPTIC TELECOMMUNICATION
CABLE ALONG BRISTOL PARKWAY; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-7
(1) Approval of Amendments to Existing Legal Services
Agreements to Approve Hourly Rate Changes; and (2)
Authorization for the City Attorney to Negotiate and Approve
Limited Future Rate Increases in an Aggregate Amount Not-to-
Exceed 10% of Existing Rates
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS TO
ALLOW FOR RATE INCREASES AS LISTED IN THE ABOVE CHART FOR THE
FOLLOWING LAW FIRMS: ATKINSON, ANDELSON, LOYA, RUUD & ROMO;
CARPENTER, ROTHANS & DUMONT; MEYERS NAVE; AND MCCUNE & HARBER;
AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE AND APPROVE
LIMITED FUTURE RATE INCREASES FOR ALL RETAINED LAW FIRMS
(INCLUDING THOSE FIRMS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS REPORT AND
OTHER LAW FIRMS RETAINED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE) IN AN
AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED 10% OF EACH FIRM’S EXISTING
RATES; AND,
September 8, 2014
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3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-2
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Charles
Abbott Associates, Inc. in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $98,646 to
Provide Inspection Services for Culver City’s National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System Program
Mayor Sahli-Wells discussed compliance with best practices for
storm water runoff; concern with restaurants hosing down the
mats; ensuring that necessary facilities are available; the
ongoing nature of the issue; pollutants in storm water; and she
wanted to make sure that the issue would be addressed.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
clarification on the Clean Bay Restaurant Certification
program; mat washing; storm water inspection; staff turnover in
restaurants; program implementation; and car dealerships with
car washes on the property.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENT WITH CAA IN AN AMOUNT NOT-
TO-EXCEED $95,646 TO PROVIDE COMPLIANCE INSPECTION SERVICES FOR
CULVER CITY’S NPDES – MS4 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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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Joint Action Items
Item J-1
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA ITEM: 1)
Approval of the Temporary Installation of an Historic Cold-
War Era Guardhouse within the Former Washington Boulevard
Right-of-Way between Main Street and Ince Boulevard; and 2)
Approval of a Related License Agreement
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
No cards were received and no speakers came forward.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding the addition of a mannequin in the guardhouse;
clarification regarding the art piece; and the Wende Museum.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE WENDE MUSEUM
AUTHORIZING WENDE TO UTILIZE THE FORMER WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
RIGHT-OF-WAY AND WAIVING THE RENTAL FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF
$6,750 FOR THE GUARDHOUSE INSTALLATION; AND
2. AUTHORIZE THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY GENERAL COUNSEL TO
REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE SUCH
DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY.
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Action Items September 8, 2014
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Item A-1
Mayor’s Consultation with and Approval from the City Council
Regarding the Mayoral Appointment to the Oversight Board of
the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment
Agency, to Fill the Vacant Seat of the Representative of the
Recognized Employee Organization (Culver City Management
Group) Representing the Largest Number of Former
Redevelopment Agency Employees Employed by the Successor
Agency
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
No cards were received and no speakers came forward.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPOINT TEVIS BARNES TO THE OVERSIGHT BOARD ESTABLISHED BY
AB 1X 26, TO FILL THE VACANT SEAT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE RECOGNIZED EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION (THE CCMG) REPRESENTING
THE LARGEST NUMBER OF FORMER CCRA EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED BY THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY.
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Item A-2
Consideration of an Additional Amount of In-Kind Assistance
for IndieCade: International Festival of Independent Games
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Stephanie Barish, IndieCade, thanked the City; discussed
their partnership with the City; the growth of the Festival;
the initial marketing sponsorship; promotion of the City;
the request for additional space at the Veterans Memorial
Complex; the City request for the budget and economic impact
study; the pre-Festival summit; and she indicated that they
were seeking space to move the event based on feedback from
the last City Council meeting.
September 8, 2014
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Dan Novoseller expressed appreciation for information
available on the City website; discussed fiscal
responsibility; and he encouraged expansion of transparency.
Discussion ensued between Council Members regarding
encouragement to Mr. Novoseller to attend additional
meetings; staff reports; available explanations and
identification of funding sources; budget information;
online information; and enterprise funds.
Further discussion ensued between Council Members and Ms.
Barish regarding budget availability; what is appropriate
for public record; the budget for IndieXchange; income and
expenses for IndieCade; the appropriateness of requiring
financial information of a for-profit event requesting
assistance from the City; concern with disrupting the
upcoming event; and use of the extra rooms at the Veterans
Memorial Complex.
Vice Mayor O'Leary moved to grant the request from IndieCade
for a fee waiver for additional rooms at the Veterans
Memorial Complex with the understanding that next year
requests for additional support would not be looked upon
favorably.
Additional discussion ensued between staff, Council Members
and Ms. Barish regarding communication between IndieCade and
staff; the request for last year's budget; the current
budget; sponsors; financial information and hacking within
the gaming industry; whether Culver City is listed on the
website as a sponsor; concern with a potential gift of
public funds; for profit vs. nonprofit organizations;
concern with funding private activity; serving a public
purpose; the donation of in-kind services; the former
Redevelopment Agency; investing in the City; a feeling that
sponsorship is a small price for a large reward; a
suggestion to have IndieCade be responsible for any cleanup
of the rooms; disruption to the Fire Department; impacts to
downtown; the Downtown Business Association; whether
business is improved during the event; clarification that
the City is already supporting the event; and the budget
request.
Stephanie Barish withdrew the request for the additional
rooms; indicated that IndieCade would move the event to
another space and would not request further support;
reported willingness to provide additional information for September 8, 2014
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next year; and agreed to make sure that the website is
updated to include Culver City as a sponsor.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O’LEARY AND SECONDED BY MAYOR SAHLI-WELLS
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE REQUEST FROM THE
PRODUCERS OF THE 2014 INDIECADE FESTIVAL FOR A FEE WAIVER
FOR USE OF ADDITIONAL ROOMS AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL COMPLEX
WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT INDIECADE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
CLEAN UP ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR USE. THE MOTION FAILED BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: CLARKE, COOPER, WEISSMAN
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Item A-3
(1) Discussion of Existing Permit Parking Restrictions on
the 10700 Block of Farragut Drive; (2) Consideration of a
Request from Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church (4427
Overland Avenue) to Change the Existing Residential Parking
Restrictions; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as
Deemed Appropriate
Gabe Garcia, Traffic Engineer, provided a summary of the
material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding the Traffic Committee process in 1981; the trial
process; justification for the extension to 10 p.m.; the
lease for the Assessors Building; the Adult School; concern
with intrusion parking; preventative action; the process to
implement restricted parking; preferential parking district
regulations; traffic studies; concern with the church adding
non-spiritual activities; associated parking requirements;
the zoning ordinance; appropriate uses; commercial uses;
legal non-conforming uses; social service uses; applicable
parking needs; requiring the church to provide parking for
certain activities; accumulation of uses; good faith efforts
by the church; whether the tipping point has been reached;
which uses are by-right; permissible uses in the zone;
initiation of the parking study; discretionary permits;
defining the word assembly; zoning; and evolution of usage.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
September 8, 2014
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The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Ilbert Phillips, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, reported
that the Church was requesting two hour parking Monday
through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and unrestricted
parking for the remaining day except for street cleaning; he
discussed reasonable use of the street; meeting ministerial
goals; being a good neighbor; and the need for shared
parking.
Ron Klemp discussed parking restrictions implemented in 1982
and he received clarification regarding whether any Council
Members had a conflict of interest.
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated that her son had attended
nursery school held at the church years ago, and she had
attended meetings there at the time.
Mr. Klemp discussed conditions before parking restrictions
were implemented; relevance; intrusion from the Tennis Club;
and, responding to inquiry, he indicated that he was not
aware of the issues until he had moved into his home.
Les Greenberg reported that residents were against the
proposal offered by the church; he noted that since 1982 the
Council had repeatedly ruled in the favor of residents with
respect to petitions; he discussed schools in the area; area
businesses that impact parking; applying standards equally
to residents and the church; making a retroactive decision;
impacts to the church; ensuring non-intrusion in the
neighborhood; the Tennis Club; parking enforcement; and he
indicated that the neighborhood was usually inundated from 8
a.m. until 10 p.m. at night and Sunday mornings until l p.m.
Jim MacDonald requested that accommodations be made for the
hearing impaired at the meeting; reported having to break up
loud conversations at night; discussed his efforts to have
the church pastor encourage users not to linger in the
neighborhood and create noise issues; the 2004 restrictions;
the school parking lot; and he suggested one way streets
around the park.
{Note from the City Clerk: During the discussion on this
item, the City Clerk approached Mr. MacDonald, provided him
with an assistive listening device, and advised Mr. September 8, 2014
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MacDonald that such devices were available at no charge upon
request.}
Paulette Greenberg provided background on parking issues on
Farragut; discussed concerns raised by the church regarding
parking; the number of weekly non-church activities; concern
with overloading the facilities; pointed out that it is the
only church in the City without onsite parking; she
discussed the confluence of schools, businesses and the
church in the area; grandfathering into permit regulations;
protection of the area; actions of surrounding cities; she
asserted that the church should take responsibility for the
problems it helped to create; she wanted restrictions
increased rather than decreased; and she expressed concern
that their hard won protections would be lost.
John Heyl discussed the history of the area; the lack of
off-street parking places at the church; exemptions to run
the Meals on Wheels program; church abuse of permits; and he
indicated that his main concern was with parking 8 a.m. to
10 p.m. seven days per week.
Ron Davis reported on parking issues; discussed short
driveways in the area; issues that would be raised with two
hour parking; and he indicated that he wanted to keep
parking the way it is now.
Michael Stivers discussed enforcement; the difficulty of
having guests over; Sunday morning parking; the percentage
of encumbered parking; and he proposed continuing with the
status quo.
James Province provided background on himself; he voiced his
opposition to any changes to proposed parking restrictions;
discussed traffic and parking density; and the unique
challenges faced by residents on the block.
Nadine Mendoza Province reported working at home and
observing the parking and traffic issues in the area daily;
expressed concern with safety; noted the difficulty of
having guests over; and she wanted to see the current
restrictions kept in place.
Cary Anderson discussed enforcement issues; asserted that
two hour parking was not sustainable; he cited a review of a
restaurant in the area that suggests parking in the September 8, 2014
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neighborhood; clarified that the restrictions are not unique
in the City; discussed permit parking used by the church;
and he wanted to see the status quo maintained.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read comments submitted
by:
James Snodgrass
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding the many parking zones in the City; consistency;
the current restrictions; daytime parking in City
neighborhoods; complaint driven enforcement; two hour
parking; 200+ permit parking citations issued in the area in
the past six months; responsibility of the church to provide
offsite parking; non-church related events; the tipping
point; conducting a study to determine demand; studying
weekend parking rather than rescinding current restrictions;
studying church activities; parking enforcement in 1982;
achieving equity for both sides; and impacts to Farragut vs.
impacts to Franklin.
Responding to inquiry, Ken Smith, Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church, clarified that the 49 events listed included church
services; he discussed events and the number of people
involved; indicated that people were encouraged to park at
the Adult School; noted the age of participants; discussed
days when the church is closed and other religious
organizations that use the facility on Sunday; he agreed to
provide a weekly and a monthly calendar with events and the
approximate number of participants; he clarified that AA
events were not revenue generators; discussed the homeless
dinners; he asserted that there were few revenue generating
events at the church; and he noted that there were no
parking restrictions on Franklin at all.
Discussion ensued between Council Members and staff
regarding concern with AA events; revenue generation; a
suggestion for a seven day study of the entire system as it
is including a comparison of Franklin and Farragut; the
composition of AA classes; the need for a proactive role
taken by the church; loud after hours meetings on the street
at night; the ability of the church to post someone on the
street to encourage people to go home; the fact that current
restrictions are not based on data but rather on anecdotes;
unusually restrictive parking restrictions; making informed
decisions; the affected neighborhood; neighborhood September 8, 2014
17
intrusion; the standard two hour parking restriction with
permits exempted; compromise; conducting a study of
commercial intrusion with all restrictions removed;
restrictions in downtown Culver City; everyday experience;
the importance of the church in the community; clarification
that the church was built without parking; a report
submitted by a zoning analyst in 1957 regarding expansion of
the church; use of the church; the variance granted;
maintaining protections to the neighborhood; having the
church follow the recommendations of the 1957 document to
furnish off-street parking; disability placards; funding the
study; concerns of the residents on Franklin; the ability to
request a permit; the length of the study; communication
with residents; the time and cost of the study; allowing
time for people to settle into the changes; staffing; hiring
a consultant; designing an ideal study; clarification as to
whether the expansion of the church referred to in 1957
meant physical expansion or expansion of programs; whether a
1957 document is binding and enforceable; the suggestion to
find off-street parking; support for the mission of the
church and activities; the ability of the City to require
the church to provide off-site parking without a study;
requiring the church to provide a study; addressing findings
of the study; what constitutes a nuisance; clarification
that the church initiated the request; what the church has
done to alleviate the situation so that the restrictions can
be lifted; keeping the status quo; the minutes from 1982;
impacts of the church on the community; a suggestion to look
at the situation to determine what the needs are; the
process if starting from the beginning; whether the passage
of time creates permanent or vested rights; having the data
to make good decisions; a suggestion to continue the matter
to gain a more accurate picture as to what a study would
entail and for additional research on historical documents;
a request for data; suggestions on the nature of the study;
the elements of the traffic impact study; timing of the
study; contacting the church to assess the receptiveness to
procuring off-site parking; good faith efforts by the
church; conducting a blind study; staff workload; hiring a
consultant; impacts of the study to other projects that
staff is working on; priorities in the workplan and the
budget for the year; appreciation to residents for their
participation and input; and encouragement to interested
residents to provide their contact information to staff.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, announced
that assisted listening devices were available upon request. September 8, 2014
18
{Note from the City Clerk: This item will return to the City
Council at a future City Council Meeting with sufficient public
notice provided.}
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Recess/Reconvene
Mayor Sahli-Wells called a brief recess from 11:18 p.m. to
11:30 p.m.
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Item A-4
(1) Approval of a Parking Program for Certain Culver City
Employees in the Public Works Department and Transportation
Department; (2) Information Regarding the Concurrent
Creation of 25 New Parking Spaces on the Prolongation of
Duquesne Avenue in Culver City Park; (3) Direction
Regarding the Proposed Future Installation of Parking Meters
in Culver City Park; and (4) Rescission of Parking Meter
Installation on the Area Adjacent to the Baldwin Hills
Scenic Overlook (BHSO) State Park, by Adoption of a
Resolution Establishing Specific Parking Meter Locations and
Rescinding Resolution No. 2014-R041
Gabe Garcia, Traffic Engineering Manager, provided a slide
show on the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding metered hours; clarification on who parks in the
area; maintenance and repair of parking meters; length of
parking meter hours; turnover; prime parking; and demand.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Cary Anderson expressed support for the proposal; discussed
employee parking; assigned parking; people who walk the
stairs; revenue and repairs; citations issued on Farragut;
and whether the meters would be an effective deterrent. September 8, 2014
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Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members
regarding pay stations vs. meters; meter purpose to generate
revenue vs. to alleviate a problem; whether a need exists;
convenience; pay station placement; and reinforcing
crosswalk behavior.
Mayor Sahli-Wells noted that she had previously voted
against installing meters at that location due to the
proximity to the park and she expressed support for free
parking.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council
Members regarding consistency; ability to enforce;
allocating generated revenue to the park; adjacent free
parking in Los Angeles; a feeling that Los Angeles would
follow the decision of Culver City; and a suggestion to
bifurcate the motion.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PARKING PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN CULVER CITY EMPLOYEES
IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AS
DESCRIBED IN THE STAFF REPORT2. PROVIDE THE DIRECTION TO
INSTALL PARKING METERS IN CULVER CITY PARK AS DESCRIBED IN THE
STAFF REPORT.
Mayor Sahli-Wells moved that the City Council adopt a
resolution rescinding parking meter installation on the area
adjacent to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park. The
motion died for lack of a second.
Vice Mayor O'Leary proposed a motion that revenue from the
meters located in Culver City Park be dedicated to support the
parks.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
placing notice on the meters as to where the revenue goes; the
fact that the meters are on a public street and not in the
park; General Fund revenue; changing to the ordinance that
indicates that money goes into the parking fund; concern with
placing additional restrictions on funding; noting that funds
go toward the parks; and moving forward with prior direction.
City Manager John Nachbar clarified his general advice that
revenues not be earmarked for very specific purposes but allow September 8, 2014
20
the City Council to make those determinations generally.
Vice Mayor O’Leary withdrew his motion.
Staff clarified that the City Council’s prior direction to
install the meters would remain in effect.
o0o
Item A-5
FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT - (1) Approval of a Budget
Amendment Appropriating $78,578 from the General Fund
Reserve; and (2) Approval of a Professional Services
Agreement with Granicus, Inc. for a Term of Three Years with
Two One Year Optional Extensions in an Amount Not-to-Exceed
$198,530 for Granicus’ “Government Transparency Suite” to
Provide Web-Based Access to City Council, Commissions,
Committees, and Board Meeting Information
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, thanked the
City Council and Michele Williams for making the item
possible.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
(1) APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING $78,578 FROM
THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE TO ACCOUNT 10124100.600200; AND,
(2) APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS,
INC. FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS WITH TWO ONE YEAR OPTIONAL
EXTENSIONS IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $198,530 ($28,590 IN
ONE TIME SET-UP COSTS, $29,988 ANNUALLY FOR EACH YEAR OF THE
FIVE YEAR PROPOSED CONTRACT - $149,940 IN TOTAL, AND $20,000
IN DATA CONVERSION COSTS) FOR GRANICUS’ “GOVERNMENT
TRANSPARENCY SUITE” TO PROVIDE WEB-BASED ACCESS TO CITY
COUNCIL MEETING INFORMATION; AND,
(3) AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
(4) AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY. September 8, 2014
21
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Robert Smith, Culver City Swim Club, expressed concern with
the possibility that the Club might be removed from The
Plunge; he cited an email from Parks, Recreation, and
Community Services Director Dan Hernandez; and he asked that
the City Council investigate the matter.
Discussion ensued between staff, Council Members and the
speaker regarding the email from Dan Hernandez; changes at
The Plunge; maximizing the use of pool time for Culver City
residents; and the complicated nature of the process.
o0o
Items from the City Council
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O'LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE MEETING BE
ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF DALE JONES AND LEE SANDERS.
o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:13 a.m., Tuesday,
September 9, 2014, the City Council adjourned its meeting in
memory of Dale Jones and Lee Sanders to Monday, September 22,
2014 at 7:00 p.m.
o0o
____________________________________________________________ September 8, 2014
22
Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
____________________________________________________________
MEGHAN SAHLI-WELLS
MAYOR of Culver City, California