City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 11/04/10 Item Number: A-1___
PRCS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: (1) Report from the Human Relations
Subcommittee; and, (2) Consideration of a Recommendation to the City Council
that the City Host a Human Relations Related Event.
Contact Person/Dept.: Pam Robinson,
Acting PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6724
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [] Date: _______________
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission (10/29/10); (Email) Parks, Recreation & Community Service
Department Updates (10/29/10).
Department Approval: Pam Robinson
(10/28/10)
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Fiscal Impact Approval: N/A
City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission: (1) Hear a report from the Human Relations Subcommittee; and, (2)
consider making a recommendation to the City Council that the City host a Human
Relations related event.
BACKGROUND:
On October 27, 1979 the Council adopted Ordinance Number CS-942 changing the
name of the “Park and Recreation Commission” to “Human Services and Park
Commission” and merging the “Human Relations Commission” therewith. The
duties of the Human Services and Park Commission (now the Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission) related to human relations issues are specifically
stated in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 3.03.115 (b), as follows:
To recommend programs and plans designed to promote the full
acceptance of all citizens in all aspects of community life without regard
to race, religion, sex, color or national origin and to receive, hear and
investigate complaints of discrimination based on race, religion, sex,
color or national origin.
Former City Manager Mark Scott attended both the January 5 and March 2, 2010
Commission meetings to discuss the duties and responsibilities of the PRCS
Commission. On April 5, 2010, Mr. Scott presented a report to the City Council
regarding the roles of commissions. He recommended that the City Council direct City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
staff to prepare Amendments to the Culver City Municipal Code relating to the duties
of the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission, and update the
Ordinances establishing other Commissions to provide for a common format
(Sections 3.03.005 through 3.03.420).
With relation to the PRCS Commission’s Human Relations’ function, Mr. Scott had
received Commission support for eliminating the role of the Commission as an
investigative body. Therefore, he proposed the following revision to the PRCS
Commission’s powers and duties:
To recommend programs and plans designed to promote the full
acceptance of all citizens in all aspects of community life without regard
to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or national origin.
On July 8, 2010 the PRCS Commission took unanimous action to call a Special
Meeting in order that the full Commission could attend the July 26, 2010 City Council
meeting to be present for the Council discussion on the role of City Commissions
and provide testimony or answer questions posed by the City Council. An excerpt of
the City Council approved meeting minutes relating to that discussion, Agenda Item
A-6, is provided as an Attachment.
At the conclusion of the July 26, 2010 discussion, the City Council did not pass any
of the proposed motions and deferred making changes to the structure and function
of the City’s Commissions until such time that staff comes back before the City
Council with additional information and proposals, most specifically with relation to
the role of the Civil Service Commission. Therefore, until CCMC is amended by
action of the City Council, the PRCS Commission’s Human Relations’ function
stands as originally written.
DISCUSSION:
On Thursday, October 21, 2010 the members of the Human Relations
Subcommittee, Commissioners Daly Redholtz and Greene, met with Acting PRCS
Director Pam Robinson to discuss various Human Relations related topics. This
Agenda Item has been prepared to give the Subcommittee members the opportunity
to provide a verbal report of that meeting to the full Commission, including
presenting for discussion suggestions that may provide the basis for possible
recommendations to the City Council.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion of this Agenda Item at this
evening’s meeting. Costs to the City associated with any actions resulting from
tonight’s discussion will be presented when more information becomes available. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
ATTACHMENT:
Excerpt of the Approved Meeting Minutes Relating to July 26, 2010 Council Agenda
Item A-6.
MOTIONS:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Hear a report from the Human Relations Subcommittee;
AND
2. Make a recommendation to the City Council that the City host a Human Relations
related event;
OR
3. Provide staff with alternate suggestions.
MEETING DATE: November 4, 2010
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Report from the Human Relations Subcommittee;
and, (2) Consideration of a Recommendation to the City
Council that the City Host a Human Relations Related
Event.
ATTACHMENT
Pages
Excerpt of the Approved Meeting Minutes Relating to July 26,
2010 Council Agenda Item A-6.
1 - 6
11
July 26, 2010
Item A-5
(continued)
Staff read minor corrections to the ordinance into the
record and distributed a handout for reference.
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff
regarding the definition of local business; administrative
policies; qualifications for local sales tax; and
additional clarification.
o0o
Item A-6
1) Discussion of the Roles of City Commissions under the
New City Charter; 2) Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing
and Replacing Chapter 3.03 of the Culver City Municipal
Code (CCMC) Relating to City Commissions and Agencies; 3)
Adoption of a Resolution Amending City Council Adopted
Policy 2007-01 Entitled “City Commissions,” and Repealing
Resolution No. 2007-R029; 4) Provide Direction Regarding
the Proposal to Designate the Public Works Director as the
Person Responsible for Street and Parkway Trees Including
the Removal of Trees with an Appeal to the PRCS Commission;
5) Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section
7.01.230.B.2 of the CCMC Clarifying those Individuals
Eligible to Receive Parking Decals Which Exempt their
Vehicles from Parking or Standing Provisions; and 6)
Adoption of a Resolution Amending City Council Policy
Statement Number 3003 Entitled “Issuance of City Parking
Decals” and Rescinding Resolution No. 95-R005.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Mayor Armenta invited public comment.
Page 1
ATTACHMENT 12
July 26, 2010
Item A-6
(continued)
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marta Zaragoza expressed support for the Commissions,
changes requiring monthly payments to Commissioners, and
the elimination of badges; she discussed the process for
modification and the importance of checks and balances;
asserted that issues should come before the City Council
rather than the City Manager; expressed support for red
light cameras; wanted to see the West Los Angeles College
expansion done right; and she discussed submission of late
speaker cards.
Desmond Burns, President of the Culver City Employees
Association, expressed concern with retaining the integrity
of the Civil Service Commission; discussed extensive
adjustments to the Civil Services rules made in 2006 when
the City converted to a Charter; and he questioned the
timing of the current changes.
Richard Ochoa, Civil Service Commissioner, asserted that
the changes were made in haste; felt the agenda item was
premature; asked that the item be postponed; expressed
concern that the item had not been properly vetted; and
noted that items included were not discussed by the
Commission.
Laura Stuart, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commissioner, suggested creating protocol to improve
communication with the City Manager; discussed parking
decals; and requested a Commission meeting with the new
City Manager.
Vicki Daly Redholtz, Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commissioner, discussed the process; concern with
communication; bi-monthly subcommittee meetings to set
goals; concern with the possibility of the City Manager
canceling meetings without Commission consultation; and
parking decals.
Page 2 13
July 26, 2010
Item A-6
(continued)
Marianne Kim, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commissioner, expressed concern with the possibility that
the Commission might only meet at the discretion of the
City Manager; concern with staff reports presented to the
City Council that are not consistent with Commission
discussion; jurisdiction over trees and music
entertainment; and clarification regarding usage of park
facilities.
Rick Hudson, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission Chair, noted that the subcommittee had not met
during the last year; discussed scheduling of the Park
Tour; and he reported that the Senior Center, Skate Park,
and Dog Park were running well.
Brian Fitzpatrick, representing the Culver City Police
Officers Association, expressed concerns and opposition to
the proposed dismantling of the Culver City Civil Service
Commission as an independent body with binding authority;
listed specific concerns with regard to discipline,
employment and promotional decisions, and oversight;
expressed concern with the ability of any City Manager to
be an impartial arbitrator; discussed Civil Service
jurisdiction over the testing process; the vote of no
confidence with Police Chief Don Pedersen; the importance
of having an independent body; and concern that they had
not been able to meet and confer on the meet and confer
item.
Wendell Phillips, Attorney for the Culver City Employees
Association, asserted that discipline should not be subject
to political whim; asserted that those who hear the
testimony should make the decisions; and he noted that
there were no problems with the current system.
Dan Gallagher, Civil Service Commission Chair, provided
background on himself and discussed the importance of
independent oversight and risk management.
Page 3 14
July 26, 2010
Item A-6
(continued)
Michael Whitaker, Civil Service Commissioner and Charter
Review Committee member, felt that the basis for the
changes was flawed; discussed the Civil Service system;
expressed concern with the ability of City staff to be
impartial; he asked that the Civil Service system be
maintained; discussed the City Charter; and he asserted
that the Charter Review Committee did not discuss
elimination of the Civil Service system.
Meghan Sahli Wells asserted that the Civil Service
Commission provided important checks and balances; she felt
the Commission should continue to report to the City
Council; and she asked that its current role, independence
and integrity be maintained.
Tony Pappas discussed parking decals; the Civil Service
Commission; and concern with changes related to the
conversion to a charter form of government.
Alice Prasad, Associate Analyst, read written comments
from:
Marla Koosed, Culver City Cultural Affairs Commissioner
Sandy Stivers, Culver City Civil Service Commissioner
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, read a
written comment from:
Sharon Zeitlin, Culver City Civil Service Commissioner
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that written comments from Alan Corlin and Sandy Levin had
been received and incorporated into the record.
Page 4 15
July 26, 2010
Item A-6
(continued)
Discussion ensued between the City Council and staff
regarding recommendations in the staff report allegedly not
discussed at subcommittee meetings; the critical oversight
role of the Civil Service Commission; the general
recommendations; meetings on an as-needed basis; the
importance of Commission consideration and input;
communication and information flow between Directors and
Commissions; differences between Commissions and their
duties; retention of the Civil Service Commission as final
arbiter; power of the City Manager; encouragement to
Commissioners to contact Councilmembers with staff
communication issues; consecutive terms; badges; parking
decals; the process for consideration of trees;
justification for the changes; checks and balances;
grievance appeals to the City Council; changes to the form
of government in the City and the intent of the voters;
additional information; adequate notice; and tabling the
motion.
Councilmember Weissman suggested a motion to approve the 12
general recommendations as amended, and ratification of the
roles and responsibilities of the Planning, Parks,
Recreation and Community Services, and Cultural Affairs
Commissions, with modifications made to indicate that the
Civil Service Commission is the final arbiter.
Further discussion ensued between the City Council and
staff regarding having a separate discussion on the role of
the Civil Service Commission; actions of other cities;
current and proposed language regarding the powers and
duties of the Civil Service Commission; parking decals and
School Board members; language with regard to requirements
to adhere to legal opinions and advice of the City
Attorney; and the role of the City Attorney with regard to
the Civil Service Commission.
Page 5 16
July 26, 2010
Item A-6
(continued)
Discussion continued between the City Council and staff
regarding proposed motions made by Councilmember Weissman.
These include directing that the City Manager work with the
Civil Service Commission to come up with a proposal with
regard to any oversight role that the City Council wishes
for the Civil Service Commission and to have with Civil
Service rules amended to be consistent;, and that staff
return with the implementing ordinance and resolutions
consistent with modifications discussed for final review
and approval.
Heather Baker, Deputy City Attorney, clarified that staff
had received policy direction during the City Council
discussion and would bring back revised documents but
nothing would take affect tonight.
Discussion continued regarding the provision related to
City Attorney opinions; standard conditions of approval;
direction to staff to incorporate comments; and options
available to the City Council.
o0o
Item A-1
Direction Regarding the Use by the Culver City Unified
School District Board of Education of the Mike Balkman
Council Chambers.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, provided a
summary of the material of record, noting that he had
received written correspondence from Karlo Silbiger and
Steven Gourley, Culver City School Board members.
Mayor Armenta invited public participation.
Page 6