REGULAR MEETING OF THE October 5, 2009
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the Agency was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Micheál O’Leary, Agency Chair
D. Scott Malsin, Agency Vice Chair
Christopher Armenta, Agency Member
Gary Silbiger, Agency Member
Andrew Weissman, Agency Member
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Closed Session
The City Council will immediately adjourn to Closed Session to discuss the
following items:
CS-1 Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Re: Initiation of Litigation – 1 Matter
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c)
CS-2 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Washington National TOD -The Property generally bounded by National
Blvd., Venice Blvd., Robertson Blvd., the Metro Right of Way and Washington
Blvd. (also see addresses below)
Agency Negotiators: Mark Scott, Executive Director; Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant
Executive Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment Administrator; Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Roger Moliere, Chief Real Property Management and
Development, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority;
Douglas Failing, Director, California Department of Transportation, District 7;
Venice Property Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Dawson, (8936 Venice Blvd.);
Mr. William Feldman, (8902 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Ben Kalmuk, Mr. Bob Kalmuk,
(8930 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Max Rhodes, (8926 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Melvin Segal,
Ms. Lorraine Morgan (8910-18 Venice Blvd.)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Page 2 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
CS-3 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 3535 Hayden Avenue
Agency Negotiator: Mark Scott, Executive Director; Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant
Executive Director, Todd Tipton, Redevelopment Administrator and Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Frederick Smith
Under Negotiation: Both Terms and Price
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Re: 12517 Washington Boulevard
Agency Negotiators: Mark Scott, Executive Director; Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant
Executive Director and Murray Kane, Agency General Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Gooseberry, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of Payment or Both, including use restrictions,
development obligations and other monetary related considerations
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
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Recess
The Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.
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Reconvene
The Agency reconvened its meeting at 7:34 p.m. with all Members present.
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Closed Session Report
Chair O’Leary received clarification that there was nothing to report from closed
session.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was led by Mark Scott, Executive Director and the Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Richard Rownak.
Page 3 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
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Public Comment for Items NOT On the Agenda
Keith Jeffries, United States Veterans Artists Alliance and AmVets, welcomed
Mark Scott as City Manager; provided background on the organization; reported
on recent projects; and asked for help from the Council and City Manager in
resolving issues with the building they occupy in the City.
Richard Rownak reported graffiti issues at the gas station on the corner of
Braddock and Sepulveda; expressed concern with the large billboards at the
mall; spoke of his attempts to reclaim his property; and questioned assertions by
Culver City Unfinished Furniture that they do not charge to finish their furniture
which he felt was done so they would not need a business license.
Carol Schwab, City Attorney, agreed to investigate the matter.
Ross Hawkins invited everyone to the Fourth Backlot Film Festival at Vets
Auditorium from October 7-10.
Member Silbiger encouraged people to support the Backlot Film Festival.
Tony Pappas suggested that as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Culver
City Unfinished Furniture exercised undue power in the City; he referenced a
letter from Greg Smith that he submitted as part of the permanent record; he
noted a disagreement between Sandra Kallander and Member Malsin; he asked
that the City Attorney look into the systematic reductions to time allowed for
public speaking; he questioned what happened with the online community forum;
he expressed concern with a recent vote regarding the Radisson Hotel; and he
suggested that cutting tree roots early on would prevent sidewalk damage and
save the City money.
Egon Monostorey expressed concern with the City amnesty program for
businesses that had avoided paying business taxes; he questioned how the
businesses were able to fly under the radar; and he asserted that Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel, had not paid his business taxes to the City.
Steven Gawley invited everyone to attend the Backlot Film Festival; he
expressed support for Richard Rownak’s concerns with Culver City Unfinished
Furniture; and he expressed concern with drilling in the area.
Paul Ferrazzi announced that the Citizen’s Coalition for a Safe Community would
be screening a documentary about health and safety issues associated with
drilling for oil near residents at 7:00 p.m. at Windsor Hills Magnet School on
Friday, October 9. Page 4 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
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Public Comment for Items On the Agenda
Mark Scott, Executive Director, suggested that the budget item be moved to
October 12 due to the late hour.
Staff and the Agency discussed whether adequate notice had been given for item
A-2 [1) Consideration of Rehabilitation Options for 4068 Globe Avenue; and 2)
Authorization to Advertise for Bids for the Demolition of 4044-4068 Globe
Avenue]; and, Murray Kane, Agency General Counsel advised that the October 1
posting of the agenda complied with all legal requirements.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY MEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY MEMBER MALSIN, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
APPROVE ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-3.
Item C-1
Secretary's Report
THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVE THE REPORT OF THE
SECRETARY.
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Item C-2
Approve Meeting Minutes
THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVE THE MINUTES OF
SEPTEMBER 14, 2009.
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Item C-3
Cash Disbursements
THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVE CASH DISBURSEMENTS
FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2009 THRU SEPTEMBER 18, 2009.
Page 5 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
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ACTION ITEMS
Consideration of Re-Appointment of Incumbent Applicant Scott M. Voelz to
the Advisory Committee on Redevelopment
Staff provided a summary of the material of record.
MOVED BY MEMBER ARMENTA, SECONDED BY MEMBER MALSIN, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD:
1. CONSIDER THE APPLICATION OF MR. SCOTT M. VOELZ; AND,
2A. APPOINT MR. VOELZ TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
REDEVELOPMENT FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2013.
Member Silbiger received clarification that appointment of the remaining two
applicants would return on November 16, 2009.
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Item A-2
1) Consideration of Rehabilitation Options for 4068 Globe Avenue; and 2)
Authorization to Advertise for Bids for the Demolition of 4044-4068 Globe
Avenue
Staff provided a summary of the material of record.
Chair O’Leary invited public participation.
The following members of the audience addressed the Agency:
Cary Anderson read a letter from Jason Gamble indicating that the item was not
posted on the website, and he provided evidence of insufficient posting of the
agenda item.
Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant Executive Director, asserted that noticing issues had
been addressed.
Reverend Jason Gamble expressed support for rehabilitating the site and hope
for ongoing dialog between residents, the City and area businesses.
Page 6 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
Item A-2
(Continued)
Cary Anderson questioned whether anyone could address the date of the
issuance of the document; he discussed affordable housing; cited health
concerns associated with the location of the project; and expressed concern with
significant changes to the neighborhood.
Discussion between the Agency and staff included: best use of the land;
engaging neighbors and the community in the process and balancing everyone’s
needs; concern with public notification processes and agenda posting; a
suggestion to post agenda items earlier with notification information listed on the
agenda; the City’s record of affordable housing; costs of rehabilitation vs. new
construction; acknowledgement that the neighborhood would change; ensuring
that neighbors are involved in the process; and ACOR consideration of the item.
MOVED BY MEMBER MALSIN, SECONDED BY MEMBER SILBIGER, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY:
1) CONSIDER THE REHABILITATION OPTIONS FOR 4068 GLOBE AVENUE;
AND
2) AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF
4044-4068 GLOBE AVENUE (IF DESIRED).
Staff and the Agency discussed the agenda posting issue.
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JOINT ITEMS
Item J-1
A Presentation by the City Manager Related to a Budget Review for Fiscal
Year 2009/2010 – Overview and Revenue Evaluation 2009/10 Budget
Review-Overview & Revenue Evaluation
This item was postponed to October 12, 2009.
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Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda
None.
Page 7 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
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Receipt of Correspondence
MOVED BY MEMBER MALSIN, SECONDED BY MEMBER SILBIGER, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Items from Staff
None.
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Items from the Agency
Items from Member Armenta
• Discussed the 9355 Culver Boulevard project and noticing, and he
requested discussion of a parking variance
Sol Blumenfled, Assistant Executive Director, clarified that the Council could take
jurisdiction after the administrative decision and he agreed to provide further
information.
Items from Member Sibiger
• Announced School Board election debates on October 8 in City Council
Chambers
Items from Member Malsin
• Noted that the League of Women Voters was asking people to submit
questions for the School Board election debate
Items from Member Weissman
None.
Items from Chair O’Leary
• Invited everyone to a Town Hall meeting on the Baldwin Hills Community
Standards District at the Fine Arts Theatre at West Los Angeles College
on October 15 Page 8 of 8
Agency Minutes
October 5, 2009
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:30 p.m., the Agency adjourned its meeting
to an Adjourned Regular meeting on Monday, October 12, 2009.
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Alice Prasad
SECRETARY of the City of Culver City Redevelopment Agency, California
APPROVED
Micheál O’Leary
CHAIRPERSON of the Redevelopment Agency, City of Culver City, California
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE October 12, 2009
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 5:30 p.m.
CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the Agency was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Micheál O’Leary, Agency Chair
D. Scott Malsin, Agency Vice Chair
Christopher Armenta, Agency Member
Gary Silbiger, Agency Member
Andrew Weissman, Agency Member
o0o
Closed Session
The City Council will immediately adjourn to Closed Session to discuss the
following items:
CS-1 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: Washington National TOD -The Property generally bounded by National
Blvd., Venice Blvd., Robertson Blvd., the Metro Right of Way and Washington
Blvd. (also see addresses below)
Agency Negotiators: Mark Scott, Executive Director; Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant
Executive Director; Todd Tipton, Redevelopment Administrator; Murray Kane,
Agency General Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Roger Moliere, Chief Real Property Management and
Development, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority;
Douglas Failing, Director, California Department of Transportation, District 7;
Venice Property Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Dawson, (8936 Venice Blvd.);
Mr. William Feldman, (8902 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Ben Kalmuk, Mr. Bob Kalmuk,
(8930 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Max Rhodes, (8926 Venice Blvd.); Mr. Melvin Segal,
Ms. Lorraine Morgan (8910-18 Venice Blvd.)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CS-2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation – (1 item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1)
Page 2 of 6
Agency Minutes
October 12, 2009
CS-3 Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Re: 5660 Sepulveda Boulevard
Agency Negotiator: Mark Scott, City Manager/Executive Director; Sol
Blumenfeld, Community Development Director/Assistant Executive Director;
Todd Tipton, Redevelopment Administrator; and Murray Kane, Agency General
Counsel
Other Parties Negotiators: Developers Diversified Realty
Under Negotiation: Both Terms and Price
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
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Recess
The Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.
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Reconvene
The Agency reconvened its meeting at 7:19 p.m. with all Members present.
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Closed Session Report
Member Weissman indicated that there was nothing to report from Closed
Session except that Item CS-2 had been postponed.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was led by Mark Scott, Executive Director, and the Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Jim Lamb.
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Public Comment for Items NOT On the Agenda
Brianna Frazier, Assistant Project Manager, Parks, Recreation and Community
Services, thanked participants in the recent KaBoom! Playground Design Day
and encouraged everyone to visit the City website to review playground designs
and vote on their favorite.
Page 3 of 6
Agency Minutes
October 12, 2009
Jill Thompson, City Volunteer Specialist, encouraged everyone to sign up to
volunteer for Build Day on December 3.
Robert Zirgulis discussed the City’s revenue report and he expressed concern
with the City’s actions regarding PXP noting that the City of Hermosa Beach
could be facing bankruptcy due to legal expenses connected with oil company
lawsuits. He reported PXP’s willingness to have informal talks with the City,
expressed concern with political agendas, and encouraged productive
communication rather than expensive lawsuits.
Member Weissman indicated the City’s willingness to meet and confer with PXP.
Rich Waters expressed concern with excessive signage at the Westfield mall
noting previous work done by the City to keep billboards out; he discussed illegal
billboards in Los Angeles; and questioned the legality of the movie billboard at
the mall.
Frances Talbot White, League of Women Voters, expressed appreciation for
being able to conduct a School Board Candidates Forum in Council Chambers
noting that the Forum was being replayed on Channel 35 or could be viewed on
the City’s website or the League of Women Voters site.
Member Silbiger received clarification that the webcasts were now available.
Ela Valladares, Deputy City Clerk, read a written comment from:
Catherine Yanda
Member Weissman suggested that the letter be forwarded to the Brotman
subcommittee with a report back to the Council.
Member Silbiger noted that a subcommittee meeting would be necessary.
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Public Comment for Items On the Agenda
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY MEMBER MALSIN, SECONDED BY CHAIR O’LEARY, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
APPROVE ITEM C-1. Page 4 of 6
Agency Minutes
October 12, 2009
Item C-1
Secretary's Report
THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVE THE REPORT OF THE
SECRETARY.
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JOINT ITEMS
Item J-1
A Presentation by the City Manager Related to a Budget Review for Fiscal
Year 2009/2010 – Overview and Revenue Evaluation 2009/10 Budget
Review-Overview & Revenue Evaluation
Mark Scott, Executive Director, provided a summary of the material of record.
Jeff Muir, Director of Finance, provided basic information on government finance
and he discussed local and national economic issues.
Discussion between staff and the Council included: clarification that adding new
parking meters was not included in the budget; the TOT rate; department
suggestions for generating additional revenue; assessment districts; subsidies;
next steps in the process; a suggestion to include which departments are
presenting on the agenda; the public workshops; the Business Tax Amnesty
Program; debt servicing; a two tiered system for retiring medical benefits; the
innovation fund; establishing a City store; potential tax increases; establishing a
Visitor’s Bureau to promote the City; more joint ventures with the school district
and other cities; establishing a budget committee comprised of residents; the real
cost of post employment benefits; and combining services where appropriate.
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Receipt of Correspondence
MOVED BY MEMBER MALSIN, SECONDED BY MEMBER SILBIGER, AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
Page 5 of 6
Agency Minutes
October 12, 2009
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Items from Staff
None.
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Items from the Agency
Items from Member Armenta
• Expressed concern regarding Los Angeles County Animal Services
invoices for housing
Mark Scott, Executive Director, agreed to investigate.
Items from Chair O’Leary
• Expressed concern with inaccurate numbers on the August invoice from
Los Angeles County Animal Control
Items from Member Silbiger
• Received assurances that the announcement of the Mark Ridley Thomas
meeting on oil drilling on October 15 would be located on the homepage of
the City website
• Received clarification that the Council/Commission Subcommittee would
discuss transportation committees of different cities on October 16
Items from Member Weissman
• Announced a performance by Culver City Performing Arts Grant recipients
Donna Sternberg and Dancers at Royal Tea on October 16-17
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 10:14 p.m., the Agency adjourned its meeting
to Monday, October 19, 2009.
Page 6 of 6
Agency Minutes
October 12, 2009
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Alice Prasad
SECRETARY of the City of Culver City Redevelopment Agency, California
APPROVED
Micheál O’Leary
CHAIRPERSON of the Redevelopment Agency, City of Culver City, California