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THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE February 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.
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 54956.6
CS-2 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 54957.8 February 23, 2015
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Reconvene
Mayor Sahli-Wells reconvened the City Council meeting at
7:01 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 Jeff Muir, Chief
Financial Officer.
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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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Community Announcements by City Council Members/
Information Items from Staff
Council Member Clarke discussed a recent meeting of the
City Council/School Board Liaison Committee noting that a
recommendation had been made to the City Council to create
an amendment to City ordinances to include e-cigarettes in
the existing tobacco retailer licensing ordinance and
prohibit the selling of e-cigarettes to minors (to which
the City Council concurred and directed the City Manager
to place this item on a future agenda); he reported the
passing of Virginia Plasencia, mother of City employees
Lisa Melgoza and Jesse Plasencia; and he indicated that
Linda Stockwell Motyl, wife of Vince Motyl had also passed
away.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY MAYOR SAHLI-
WELLS AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS CITY COUNCIL
MEETING IS ADJOURNED, THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF
VIRGINIA PLASENCIA AND LINDA STOCKWELL MOTYL.
Vice Mayor O'Leary requested follow up on whether the City
had been able to provide information to the Southern February 23, 2015
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California Association of Governments; questioned whether
the City could receive benefits from the GIS Services
Program offered for free to members of the Southern
California Association of Governments and if so he
encouraged the City to sign up; and he asked that the City
see how to assist the Special Olympics in July.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, agreed to
provide information to Council Members on the subject of
the Special Olympics. John Nachbar, City Manager,
reported he would have staff provide a response to Vice
Mayor O’Leary on the other two subjects.
Vice Mayor O'Leary asked that Mayor Sahli-Wells encourage
several of her colleagues on the Expo Board to suggest
Members for the Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs;
discussed a lawsuit against the Santa Monica Bay
Restoration Commission from the Ballona Wetlands Land
Trust; and he reported judging the Miss Los Angeles
County/Culver City Pageant.
Mayor Sahli-Wells announced a meeting about noise and
impacts of Los Angeles International Airport on February
24 in the Rotunda Room of Veterans Memorial Building to
discuss changes to overflight patterns over the past
couple of years noting that they were seeking public
input; she discussed notification; accessibility of City
Council Members; she reported a Sustainability
Subcommittee meeting on February 25; a meeting of the
Community Advisory Panel on the Inglewood Oil Field on
February 26; a Family Fun Ride on February 28; and a sing-
along performance called Spontaneous Combustion at
Veterans Auditorium on March 8.
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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 overflight and noise issues;
noted the importance of working with the Federal Aviation
Administration; and she read a poem about the issue.
February 23, 2015
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Julia Brode asked for City support for the Habitat for
Humanity Project on Globe Avenue; discussed the importance
of providing homes for those in need; expressed eagerness
to help build homes; and she discussed efforts of
surrounding cities to support low-income Habitat Builds.
Heidi Worthen Gambel provided background on herself;
discussed the low income Globe Housing Project; Federal
mandates for affordable housing; and she asked the City to
support the Habitat for Humanity Build.
Dr. Steve Weinberg, Save the Culver Ice Rink Committee,
discussed efforts to preserve the ice rink; he thanked the
City Council for their support of preserving the rink;
discussed the deterioration of the ice rink; he provided
pictures; questioned who oversaw the ice rink and enforced
the codes; and he discussed damage to the roof and rain
leaking in.
Barbara Pomykalski, a former coach from the Culver Ice
Rink, discussed neglect of the building; concern with the
condition of the statue at the top of the building;
neglect of the landowner in order to encourage the need
for demolition; responsibility for maintenance; oversight
of the significant designation; protections of the
designation; whether the City would place a plaque on the
building; and she suggested that the City communicate
answers to questions regarding the ice rink.
Letha Kemper, Culver City Presbyterian Church, urged the
City Council to support the Habitat for Humanity Build;
noted the importance of affordable housing; discussed the
reputation of Habitat for Humanity; and she indicated that
the Presbyterian Church supported the effort and has
pledged to help.
Karen Claassen, Culver City Presbyterian Church, discussed
concerns with urban blight; trash; a house owned by the
church on Globe Avenue; the congregation; the importance
of moving forward; concern with delays; economic viability
of the community; and residents working in the City.
Marie Brown discussed support of the Habitat project by
the Presbyterian Church; concern with the limited
availability of low income housing in the area; she felt
Culver City could be a model for other communities; and February 23, 2015
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she discussed the importance of getting people involved
and raising consciousness.
Matthew Hetz, Culver City Symphony Orchestra, announced their
concert at Veterans Auditorium on February 28.
Christiana Grotlisch, Antioch University Student, expressed
support for the Habitat for Humanity Build; read an excerpt
from Senate Reports from the US Congressional Series Set;
discussed participatory citizenship; national and community
service; and she asked for City Council support of the Build.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
City approval of the Habitat for Humanity project; the
Caltrans property; maintenance of the property; funding for
the Mortgage Assistance Program; the loss of Redevelopment
Agency funds; the willingness of the City to move forward;
action needed from Habitat for Humanity; and the Brown Act.
Jim Shanman, Walk'n Rollers, distributed Safe Routes to
School packets that would be sent home with students;
discussed upcoming family rides and workshops; a membership
program; tracking how many children walk and ride to school;
the Family Ride on March 1 and the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt;
and he encouraged everyone to visit the website.
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported that Mr. Shanman serves as the
Coordinator for the grant funded Safe Routes to School
program that helps reduce traffic and improve the environment
in all neighborhoods.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL
MEMBER COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk discussed
the correspondence received prior to 4:00 p.m.
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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 CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O'LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR JANUARY 31, 2015 – FEBRUARY
13, 2015.
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Item JC-2
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA ITEM: Approval
of a Parking License Agreement with Consideration of a
request from Sony Pictures Entertainment to Utilize 150
Parking Spaces in the Ince Parking Structure Located at 9099
Washington Boulevard
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O'LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE A PARKING LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SONY PICTURES
ENTERTAINMENT TO UTILIZE 150 PARKING SPACES IN THE INCE
PARKING STRUCTURE FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD WITH TWO ONE-YEAR
OPTIONS.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O'LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-4.
Item C-1
Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2015
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THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015.
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Item C-2
Approval of an Amendment to the Existing Professional
Services Agreement with Utility Systems, Science, and
Software in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $146,599.20 ($42,055.20
for Parts and $104,544 for Installation) to Purchase and
Install Replacement Parts for the Emergency Notification
System and the Sewer Flow Monitoring System (ENS/SFMS); and
(2) Approval of a Budget Amendment Related Thereto
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING $146,599.20 FROM
THE SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE); AND,
2. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH UTILITY SYSTEMS, SCIENCE, AND
SOFTWARE, INC., FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $146,599.20;
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-3
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or
Designee to Execute Any Actions Necessary for the Purpose of
Obtaining Financial Assistance Provided by the California
Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations
Program
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR
THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LOW CARBON TRANSIT
OPERATIONS PROGRAM. February 23, 2015
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Item C-4
Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Five Year Memorandum of
Understanding with the Culver City Fire Management Group for
the Period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIVE
YEAR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE
CULVER CITY FIRE MANAGEMENT GROUP FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY
1, 2015 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019.
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Order of the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells proposed moving item A-2 forward due to
the number of speakers present.
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Action Items
Item A-2
(Out of Sequence)
(1) Consideration of a Request by the Mayors for the
Freedom to Marry to Support an Amicus (Friend of the
Court) Brief Regarding Several Marriage Cases Currently
before the United States Supreme Court for Review; and (2)
Direction to the City Manager/City Attorney as Deemed
Appropriate
Council Member Clarke received clarification that staff would
not have to be involved in the filing of the Amicus Brief.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
review of the document; City Council instruction to staff;
whether the Mayor or the entire City Council would sign on to
the document; City Council policy; and City Council approval
before the Mayor signs.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
February 23, 2015
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The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Carlene Brown requested that the City Council give the Mayor
permission to sign support for equality for all people.
Rebecca Rona discussed the importance of making the City a
welcoming place for people of all sexual preferences and she
noted that 500 mayors had already supported marriage equality
Karlo Silbiger discussed the lack of support in the past from
the City Council; asked that the City Council express
support; noted that filing Amicus Briefs is a common act by
local governments; he discussed impacts to residents; actions
of other area cities; the importance of human rights for the
diverse populations in the City; the number of LGBT students
harassed in the last year; and the impact to transforming the
culture that support of marriage equality can have.
Gary Silbiger discussed towns that support marriage quality,
and he asked the City Council to support it as well.
Rick Tuttle discussed the number of people in the City
affected by the issue of marriage equality; discrimination in
City parks; sending a clear message of equality; the Governor
of California; and when it is appropriate to set aside rules
in order to take a position on a human rights issue.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a comment submitted
by:
Daryl Cherness
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
the freedom to marry; effects to residents; the importance of
taking a stand; the personal and local nature of the issue;
the role of the City in addressing local issues and creating
local policies; concern with distraction from local issues;
limited resources; fundamental rights for all; concern with
setting a precedent for consideration of non-local issues;
religion and conflicting beliefs; criteria; moral issues;
bills with a direct impact on the City; cases before the
Supreme Court; the importance of developing guidelines to
determine which issues to support as a City; the importance
of maintaining a neutral stance on national issues; concern
with divisive issues; maintaining the integrity of the forum; February 23, 2015
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and concern with religious beliefs impeding the
constitutional rights of Culver City residents.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN ON
TO THE AMICUS BRIEF. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, SAHLI-WELLS, WEISSMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: O'LEARY
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Item A-1
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City
and the Culver City Unified School District to Install and
Maintain a Marked Crosswalk at the Intersection of Elenda
Street and Garfield Avenue
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
MOVED BY VICE MAYOR O'LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE AN MOU BETWEEN THE CITY OF CULVER CITY AND THE
CULVER CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT; 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 A-3
(Out of Sequence)
(1) Receipt and Filing of the Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Mid-
Year General Fund Budget Monitoring Report, (2) Receipt
and Filing of the General Fund Financial Forecast, (3) February 23, 2015
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Provide Notification Inviting Public Comment and Input for
the Upcoming Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016,
and (4) Approval of Proposed Budget Amendments
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of
the mid-year budget report and an update of the General Fund
forecast noting that the Enterprise Funds, Special Revenue
Funds and Internal Service Funds were all operating within
the parameters of the adopted budget.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding
the Reserve Policy; CALPERS projections; revenue generated by
larger projects; a request for a copy of projections; initial
project review; ancillary revenues; a reminder to the public
regarding the sunsetting of Measure Y; healthcare cost
increases; PERS employer rate increases; phased-in increases;
capital improvement; how money that is saved is spent; debt
service; storm water discharge requirements; paying down
liabilities; the rating for the City; sales tax reliance;
personnel costs; pension increases; the contingency reserve;
interest; the investment portfolio; long-term liabilities;
natural disasters; rental assistance; feedback from
Commissions, Committees and Boards; clarifying Measure Y to
the public; and next steps in the process.
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, reported that the City
had received the distinguished Budget Presentation Award from
the Government Finance Officers Association.
Mayor Sahli-Wells commended the Finance Department for their
work and transparency.
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Public Hearings
Item PH-1
(Out of Sequence)
Adoption of a Resolution (1) Finding that the Public
Health, Safety or Welfare Requires the Formation of
Underground Utility District No. 11 Located Along Culver
Boulevard between Sepulveda Boulevard and Commonwealth February 23, 2015
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Avenue; (2) Declaring Such Designated Area Underground
Utility District No. 11; and (3) Ordering the Removal and
Underground Installation of Wires and Facilities within
such District
Council Member Weissman recused himself from the item and
left the dais.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COOPER AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS
OF PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF PUBLIC NOTICES AND
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE POSTING OF PUBLIC
NOTICES. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: WEISSMAN
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: WEISSMAN
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public participation.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COOPER AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
CLARKE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: WEISSMAN
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
COOPER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A RESOLUTION 1) FINDING
THAT THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, OR WELFARE REQUIRES THE
FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 11 LOCATED
ALONG CULVER BOULEVARD BETWEEN SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD AND
COMMONWEALTH AVENUE; (2) DECLARING SUCH DESIGNATED AREA
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 11; AND (3) ORDERING THE
REMOVAL AND UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION OF WIRES AND FACILITIES
WITHIN SUCH DISTRICT. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING February 23, 2015
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VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O'LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: WEISSMAN
Council Member Weissman returned to the dais.
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Item A-3
(Continued)
(1) Receipt and Filing of the Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Mid-
Year General Fund Budget Monitoring Report, (2) Receipt
and Filing of the General Fund Financial Forecast, (3)
Provide Notification Inviting Public Comment and Input for
the Upcoming Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016,
and (4) Approval of Proposed Budget Amendments
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O'LEARY AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
(1) RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL 2014/2015 MID-YEAR REPORT
AS PROVIDED IN ATTACHMENT 1; AND,
(2) RECEIVE AND FILE THE GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL FORECAST
AS PROVIDED IN ATTACHMENT 3; AND,
(3) PROVIDE NOTIFICATION TO PUBLIC INVITING COMMENT AND
INPUT FOR THE UPCOMING PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2015/2016; AND,
(4) APPROVE THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS AS PROPOSED IN
ATTACHMENT 2.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, clarified
the voting for item A-3.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
February 23, 2015
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No cards were received and no speakers came forward.
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Items from the City Council
Items from Mayor Sahli-Wells
? Reported attending a briefing about the LAX Metro
connector noting that the EIR process ended on March
6 and she encouraged residents to provide input
Items from Vice Mayor O'Leary
? Reported meeting with Lowe Enterprises regarding
Transit Oriented Development and suggested putting
them in touch with Expo to coordinate mobility
efforts
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:23 p.m., the City
Council adjourned its meeting in memory of Virginia Plasencia
and Linda Stockwell Motyl to Monday, March 9, 2015 at 7:00
p.m.
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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