1
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE June 9, 2014
CITY COUNCIL 5:30 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Sahli-Wells called the meeting of the City Council to
order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Meghan Sahli-Wells, Mayor
Micheál O‘Leary, Vice Mayor
Jim B. Clarke, Councilmember
Jeffrey Cooper, Councilmember
Andrew Weissman, Councilmember
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Closed Session
At 5:30 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session to
discuss the following items:
CS-1Conference with Labor Negotiators
City designated representatives: City Manager John Nachbar,
Director of Human Resources Serena Wright
Employee Organizations: Culver City Employees Association,
Culver City Management Group, Culver City Police Officers'
Association, Culver City Police Management Group, Culver City
Firefighters' Association Local 1927, AFL-CIO, Culver City Fire
Management Group
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CS-2Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: City of Inglewood, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al.
(LAX Litigation)
Case No. BS143086 (Consolidated with BS143292 and BS143328)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
June 9, 2014
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CS-3Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Re: City of Culver City, et al. v. Michael Cohen, et al.
Case No. 34-2013-80001719
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
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Reconvene
Mayor Sahli-Wells reconvened theCity Council meeting at
7:00p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated nothing to report out of closed
session except that the Successor Agency to the Culver City
Redevelopment Agency Board had not discussed item CS-1.
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Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
The Invocation was given by John Nachbar, City Manager, and
the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Joyce Dallal.
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Presentation
Item P-1
Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Robert
Greenberg and Rachel Greenberg for their Efforts to
Refurbish the Culver City Sign at Centinela Avenue and
Sepulveda Boulevard
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that the Director of Public Works was unable to be present
at the meeting but wanted his appreciation for the work done
conveyed to Robert and Rachel Greenberg.
Councilmember Clarkepresented the Certificates.
Robert Greenberg thanked the City Council and Public Works
for their support of the project. June 9, 2014
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Councilmember Cooper commended Robert and Rachel for taking
the initiative to improve the community.
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Community Announcements By City Council Members/Information
Items From Staff
Councilmember Clarke commended his colleagues on the School
Board for the passage of Measure CC; thanked everyone who had
contributed to the Summer Concert Series; and he received
consensus to discuss a request from Gary Mandell (Boulevard
Music)that the City waive fees to hang the banners for the
Summer Concert series.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT WHEN THIS MEETING IS
ADJOURNED, THAT IT BE ADJOURNED IN MEMORY OF GEORGE PETRELLI.
{Note from the City Clerk: A letter, signed by the Mayor,
conveying the City Council’s sympathies and the adjourn-in-
memory was sent to the Petrelli family on June 10, 2014.}
Councilmember Cooper reported attending the Southern California
Association of Governments Economic and Sustainability
Subcommittee meeting; distributed information to Councilmembers
regarding Transit Oriented Districts (TODs); announced that the |1010|th
of July Fireworks show would be held at West LA College;
and he asked that the Police add the new location of the
fireworks show to their reverse 911 calls regarding fireworks.
{Note from the City Clerk: The Police Department will include
this information in their annual call.}
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported attending the Interfaith Emergency
Preparedness meeting at the King Fahad Mosque and thanked the
Mosque for hosting the event; reported attending the 61
st
Annual Garden Show held at the Teen Center; reported being the
Master of Ceremonies for the 54
th
Assembly District Democratic
Club event where State Senator Holly Mitchell was presented an
award along with Ruth and David Weissman who were recognized
for their volunteer efforts in the community; attended a
Southern California Association of Governments’ Energy and the
Environment Committee meeting; encouraged everyone to attend
the annual Fox Hills Parks Clean-Up on June 14 or initiate one
in their own neighborhood or park; and invited everyone to June 9, 2014
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attend the Summer Solstice event by the Culver City Arts
District from noon to 7 p.m. on June 21.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wellsinvited public comment. The following
members of the audience addressed the City Council:
Shireen Daytona reported that she served on the Landlord
Tenant Mediation Board and had accepted an offer to manage a
portfolio of commercial and residential real estate with one
commercial property located in Culver City.
Kevin Lachoff discussed the passage of Measure CC noting the
power of community, and he thanked the City for bolstering
the quality of the community.
Gary Silbiger discussed notification about a public meeting
regarding the Inglewood Oil Field that he received from
Water Watch; expressed concern with the notification
process; noted the importance of the meeting; expressed
concern with the availability of the agenda report;
discussed the need for preparation; and he wanted to see the
maximum amount of notice and participation along with
sufficient notice.
Mayor Sahli-Wells asked that staff make sure that those who
had spoken regarding oil drilling at previous meetings are
notified, and she explained how to sign up for notifications
on the City website.
{Note from the City Clerk: Mr. Silbiger was added to the
City’s e-mail notification system for the item related to
the Inglewood Oil Field.}
Carol Schwab, City Attorney, explained that the City was
initiating a specific plan process and that the upcoming
item would be on the process, not the content; she added
that there would be revisions to the Oil Drilling
Regulations; discussedthe public workshop on the
Regulations; and she indicated that comments on the
regulations were welcome.
June 9, 2014
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Rich Waters discussed ficus trees; replacement trees; oxygen
generation; and disease.
Cary Anderson discussed voter turnout; the passage of
Measure CC; agenda items A-1 and A-5; and on site signage
vs. billboards.
Josetta Sbeglia, Fresh Paint, announced the first event by
the Culver City Arts District on June 21 in partnership with
METRO and Make Music LA; she thanked the City for their
help; and she clarified that the area was not a business
improvement district - yet.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
Mayor Sahli-Wells indicated that all correspondence received
had been read.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, reported
that most of the correspondence received had been for items
A-1 and A-5 with one piece for item A-3.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Joint Consent Calendar
Item JC-1
Joint City Council/Culver City Housing Authority/Successor
Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Agenda Item:
Cash Disbursements
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARYAND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED,THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASH DISBURSEMENTS FOR MAY 17, 2013 – MAY 30, 2104.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1 June 9, 2014
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Meeting Minutes
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Marla Koosed suggested alternative phrasing on page 11 of the
May 19, 2014 meeting minutes regarding support to conduct a
study to determine the economic benefits of Cultural Affairs to
instead say: “support for a study to establish baseline
knowledge of the arts and culture in Culver City and point to
areas of economic development.”
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, appreciated the
clarification by Chair Koosed but indicated that the minutes
reflected the way the Councilmember had spoken of the item, and
he noted that a correction requested by Councilmember Weissman
regarding a vote on event sponsorship from the same meeting had
been made to properly reflect the City Council’s action.
Responding to Mayor Sahli-Wells, Councilmember Weissman
indicated that his recollection is as indicated by the minutes,
he did not recall that the City Council had adopted the
Cultural Affairs Commission recommendation verbatim.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF MAY 19, 2014 AND THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 27, 2014.
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Item C-2
Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 17,Zoning, of the
Culver City Municipal Code, Chapter 17.320 – Off-Street Parking
andLoading (Zoning Code Amendment ZCA-P2013170)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE (ATTACHMENT
NO. 1), AMENDING TITLE 17, ZONING (THE “ZONING CODE”), OF THE
CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (CCMC), CHAPTER 17.320 OFF-STREET
PARKING AND (ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA P- P2013170).
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Item C-3
June 9, 2014
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Approval of a Cooperative Agreement with theCounty of Los
Angeles’ Department of Public Works for Paratransit Program
Funding for the Period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR PARATRANSIT PROGRAM FUNDING FOR
SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE UNINCORPORATED LOS ANGELES COUNTY
AREAS OF VIEW PARK, WINDSOR HILLS, AND LADERA HEIGHTS FOR THE
PERIOD JULY 1, 2014 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2017; AND,
2.
AUTHORIZETHECITYATTORNEYTOREVIEW/PREPARETHENECESSARYDOCUMENTS;A
ND,
3.
AUTHORIZETHECITYMANAGERTOEXECUTESUCHDOCUMENTSONBEHALFOFTHECITY.
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Item C-4
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Staff toSubmit
Applications to June 30, 2015 for Grant Funding Associated with
thePurchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Other Emission
Control Technologies
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following member of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Stephen Murray pointed out that the funding grants are
available for projects that will reduce air pollution from
mobile sources and that any proposal that met carbon emission
reduction guidelines would be considered; hediscussed proposals
by other cities; and hefelt that the City needed to look toward
electric vehicles and other options to reduce the ways the City
is impacted by pollution from transportation and move toward
the next step instead of staying with the status quo.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH APPROVED
FUNDING MADE AVAILABLE BY THE AQMD AND THE MSRC TO JUNE 30,
2015 FOR THE PURCHASE OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND OTHER
EMISSION CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES. June 9, 2014
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Item C-5
Adoption of a Resolution (1) Approving anApplication for Grant
Funds in the Amount of $200,000 from the Los Angeles
County Regional Park and Open Space District 2014 Competitive
Excess FundsGrant Program and (2) Approving the Adoption of a
Youth Employment Plan for theBlair Hills Park Playground
Rehabilitation Project
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FROM THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 2014
COMPETITIVE EXCESS FUNDS GRANT PROGRAM AND APPROVING THE
ADOPTION OF A YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN FOR THE BLAIR HILLS PARK
PLAYGROUND REHABILITATION PROJECT.
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Item C-6
Approval of a Professional Services Agreementwith EIGER
TechSystems for Transit Intelligent Transportation Systems
(ITS)Projects Consultant Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed
$477,650
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH EIGER
TECHSYSTEMS FOR THE TRANSIT ITS PROJECTS CONSULTANT SERVICES IN
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $477,650; AND,
2.
AUTHORIZETHETRANSPORTATIONDIRECTORTOAPPROVECHANGEORDERSINTHEAMO
UNT OF $50,000 (~10%) FOR UNEXPECTED ADDITIONAL COSTS; AND,
3.
AUTHORIZETHECITYATTORNEYTOREVIEW/PREPARETHENECESSARYDOCUMENTS;A
ND,
4.
AUTHORIZETHECITYMANAGERTOEXECUTESUCHDOCUMENTSONBEHALFOFTHECITY.
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June 9, 2014
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Item C-7
Adoption of a Resolution to Approve and Adopt theCulver City
Transportation Department Title VI Program Update and
LimitedEnglish Proficiency (LEP) Implementation Plan
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE TITLE VI
PROGRAM UPDATE AND LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PLAN DATED MAY
2014 AS THEY PERTAIN TO CULVER CITYBUS AND THE CULVER CITY
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS; AND,
3.
AUTHORIZETHECITYMANAGERTOEXECUTESUCHDOCUMENTSONBEHALFOFTHECITY.
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Item C-8
Approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement inthe Amount of
$1,345,790 with Thomas James Capital Regarding the Sale of
City-Owned Property Located at 11304 Segrell Way (Former Fire
Station #3)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF CITY-
OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11304 SEGRELL WAY TO THOMAS JAMES
CAPITAL INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,345,790; 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.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
COOPER AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-8.
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Order of the Agenda June 9, 2014
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Mayor Sahli-Wells took inventory of which items the public
wanted to speak and reordered the agenda to encourage public
input.
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Joint Action Items
Item JA-1
Public Comment and Input for the Proposed Budget forFiscal
Year 2014-2015
Jeff Muir, Chief Financial Officer, provided a summary of
the material of record.
Mayor Sahli-Wells received clarification that no input had
been received on the new webpage on the City website in the
budget box established for input, and she thanked staff for
the expanded budget process and enhanced financial
transparency.
Responding to Councilmember Clarke, Jeff Muir, Chief
Financial Officer, discussed adjustments to the proposed
budget; the General Fund; corrections to past errors; part
time hours added; corrections in the Equipment Maintenance
Fund; inclusion of money in the Self Insurance Fund; the
Economic Benefits Study; Sewer Fund Revenue into the Capital
Projects Fund; money transferred out of the Landscape
Maintenance Fund; and he noted that the changes would be
incorporated into the item to be considered by the City
Council on June 23, 2014 to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year
2014/2015.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the expanded budget process and appreciation to staff for
their efforts.
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Action Items
June 9, 2014
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Item A-1
(1) Consideration of the Section Titled “Invocation”Which
Appears on the City Council and Other City Legislative Body
Agendas, and(2) (If Desired) Direction to the City Manager
Related Thereto
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Lisette Palley discussed setting the tone for the meeting;
she defined the word invocation and the word reflection;
expressed support for the word reflection as an
inspirational term that she felt was non-denominational and
all inclusive; discussed negative connotations associated
with the word invocation; she felt it inappropriate for a
City meeting to begin with a religious invocation or mention
of God which is not currently happening but could happen;
discussed the separation of Church and state; and she
expressed support for the change from invocation to
reflection.
Reverend Christopher B. Fagan, St. Augustine Parish, felt
that invocations were different than reflections; he
reported that the Supreme Court ruled that invocations are
permissible in legislative Council meetings; he discussed
prayer and invocation; he felt that legislative prayer lent
gravity to public business; discussed history; the recent
decision by the Supreme Court upholding invocations;
tolerance and appreciation of ceremonial prayer; and
accepting differences in society.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and the speaker
regarding religious connotations of the word invocation;
calling upon something; and not recognizing the need for
assistance.
Mohammed Khan, King Fahad Mosque, thanked Councilmembers for
their attendance at the Interfaith Emergency Preparedness
Event; expressed support for having an invocation; discussed
laws to regulate proselytizing; different faith institutions
in the City; not letting the issue prove divisive; larger
issues; and alienation of those with different beliefs.
June 9, 2014
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Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the
content of the message vs. the term; the agenda item;
religious invocations prior to 2008; and remaining with the
current type of non-secular content.
Carlene Brown discussed living in a pluralistic nation;
expressed opposition to imposing religious beliefs on
legislative entities or to implying any religion in the
format of meetings; she wanted citizens to have freedom of
and freedom from religion; she asked that the word be
changed to reflection or opening thought; and she discussed
strengthening democracy.
Tom Camarella, Culver City Democratic Club, discussed his
years in parochial school; expressed agreement with previous
speakers who supported the separation of church and state;
he discussed a case regarding a Burbank tradition of prayer
at City Council meetings; the meaning of the wordinvocation;
religious connotations; and he supported using the word
reflection rather than invocation.
Stephen Murray felt that reflection was an insufficient
description of the purpose of the invocation; he did not
think invocation equated to prayer; felt that invocation
referred to acting according to shared human values; did not
agree with sponsorship of one faith over another; and did
not have an issue with the word invocation or secular
invocation.
Joy Kecken expressed gratitude for the passing of Measure
CC; equated invocation to prayer; felt that her prayer could
be different from the prayers of others; did not feel that
worked within a City government; discussed protections that
sometimes work and sometimes do not work; felt that City
meetings should be a place of equality; discussed issues
that relate to the City, being citizens and reflecting on
their role as taxpayers; expressed support for using the
term opening thought or reflection; and she noted that
before 2008 when the invocation was more like a prayer she
would not have felt welcome.
Gary Silbiger discussed actions of comparable cities;
religious connotations of the invocation; a previous City
Manager that expressed religious views during the
invocation; giving equal time to all religions; other
opportunities to express religious views; and providing time
to involve inspirational speakers and/or performers. June 9, 2014
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Rich Waters discussed history and the importance of the
separation of church and state; abuse of power; creationism
in Texas; the word invocation; focusing on Culver City
issues without the need for an invocation; and support for
changing the term from invocation to something more benign.
Margaret Lindgren discussed her faith; expressed support for
the separation of church and state; and she supported
changing the word from invocation to something with less of
a religious connotation.
Cary Anderson discussed the policies of Lancaster,
California; religion in the Pledge of Allegiance and
currency; different religions; the status quo; the change
made six years ago that did not reflect the word invocation;
and changing the contents of the book to match the cover.
Tom Foleyexpressed support for keeping the term invocation.
Roger Diamond, a self-described First Amendment Specialist,
discussed the Supreme Court case; the California State
Constitution; and Rueben vs. the City of Burbank.
June Lehrman suggested unifying the theme with something
that everyone could get behind by holding a moment of
silence at the beginning of the meeting.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Dr. Janet Hoult
Shireen Daytona
Eleanor Osgood expressed concern with conflict about the
matter; discussed the separation of church and state; and
felt that an invocation or reflection was not necessary.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
origination of the discussion; whether anyone had been
offended by the invocations given; the diversity of thoughts
and representation; the Supreme Court opinion; the prayer
opportunity; historical practice; purpose of the invocation;
the principal audience for the invocation; offering equal
time to atheists to speak; the separation of church and
state; prayer at the beginning of Supreme Court sessions;
clarification that there is no intent to offend or insult; June 9, 2014
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changing content over the years; the spiritual heritage of
the nation; divine guidance; prior to 2008 when religion was
clearly invoked at City Council meetings; making people feel
unwelcome; feeling separated from the people making
decisions; reflection as a term that is non-denominational
and non-judgmental; the deeply personal nature of the issue;
the fact that many people do not speak up; operating as a
house of equality; ensuring that meetings are inclusive to
all; an assertion that belief cannot be legislated; support
for the words of the City Manager; actions of comparable
cities; having the Mayor take a stronger role in setting the
agenda; the ambiguity of the term invocation; the value of
inspiration; setting the tone for the meeting; aligning what
is really happening with the title; taking words to heart;
the beauty and importance of beliefs; respecting all
beliefs; appreciating religion in appropriate places;
freedom of speech; the importance of the word used; the
structure of every meeting; the Mayor’s prerogative; the
last major revision of the City Council agenda; the City
Council appointed subcommittee; and allowing each Mayor to
decide to call the item what they want but not changing the
content of the item.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ALLOW THE PRESIDING MAYOR TO
CALL THE ITEM CURRENTLY TITLED INVOCATION WHATEVER THEY DEEM
APPROPRIATE WITHOUT CHANGING THE CONTENT OF THE ITEM. THE
MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, SAHLI-WELLS, WEISSMAN
NOES: COOPER, O’LEARY
{Note from the City Clerk: Beginning with the Regular
Meetings of June 23, 2014, the agendas for meetings of all
of the City’s legislative bodies will reflect the term
REFLECTION as determined by Mayor Sahli-Wells.}
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Item A-5
(Out of Sequence)
(1) Discussion of the Concept of the Creation of aSign
District Along the 405 Freeway Corridor and (2) (If Desired)
Direction to theCity Manager as Deemed Appropriate
June 9, 2014
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John Nachbar City Manager, provided a summary of the
material of record.
Councilmember Weissman received clarification regarding the
process to move the item forward andthe City Council’s
discretion on any proposal moving forward.
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, reported
that the Carlyle Group had presented the proposal; discussed
provisions of the sign code; digital signs and freeway
signs; code prohibitions; amendments to the sign code;
enabling a specific area to be targeted to the program; the
specific plan process; creating an overlay zone; potential
economic development opportunities for the specific plan
area; revenue sharing agreements; land use components and
financial components; participants in the program; public
hearings; legal issues to be addressed; and estimated length
of the process.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the diagram; location of the signage; visibility; concern
with setting a precedent; the Carlyle proposal; freeway
oriented signs; regional signage; prohibitions on offsite
advertising; the need for an exception; risks with making
changes; zoning code limitations; exceptions to longstanding
code provisions; the prohibition on electronic signs; the
need for an environmental review; the California
Environmental Quality Act; investigations of similar
situations in other cities; defining freeway oriented
signage; the offsite sign ordinance; bike sharing;
regulating the content of the signage; advertising for
public purpose; off-site advertising; advertising on the
public right of way; litigation; and signage situations in
other cities.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Norm Palley expressed concern with selling the integrity of
the City.
Mary Daval reported sending email to the City Council;
expressed opposition to the Carlyle Group proposal;
discussed the common good; changes to the downtown
neighborhood; the sense of community; diminishing the unique June 9, 2014
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identity of Culver City; financial remuneration; losing more
than would be gained; and she asked that the Culver City
billboard ban be maintained.
Andrew Leist discussed home values; a study entitledBeyond
Aesthetics: How Billboards Affect Economic Prosperity; and
he asked the City to consider detrimental effects to
residents when considering any changes to the signage
policy.
Judy Richter expressed opposition to the proposal; noted
that the proposed signage would not be visible from the
freeway; she felt there were other ways for the City to get
money; expressed concern over decreased property values; and
she asked that the City not open the door.
Susan V. Collins echoed economic arguments previously cited
in the case against allowing billboards; expressed concern
with going down a slippery slope; discussed the potential
degradation of aesthetics and quality of life in the City;
diminishing the desirability of the City as a shopping and
dining destination; potential sales tax losses that would
wipe out sign revenue; and sales and business taxes in the
City.
Joy Kecken reported that she lived in the area around Fox
Hills near billboards; discussed light and sight pollution;
negative economic effects; reported being unable to email
comments as mailboxes were full; discussed the current
billboards at the mall; and she expressed opposition to
adding billboards of any kind in the City.
Stephen Murray expressed concern that allowing billboards
would make the City similar to Lawndale; noted the
recognition given at the start of the meeting to individuals
who had refurbished the Culver City sign on Centinela; he
expressed opposition to the existing Westfield signage; and
asked the City Council to honor the intent of the existing
City signage prohibitions.
Tom Camarella discussed the many lawsuits that the Carlyle
Group is involved in; he noted that the current ordinance
had been in place for almost 40 years; danger posed by
distracting electronic signs; once an exception is made
other companies will want the same allowances; and he
discussed real estate values.
June 9, 2014
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Gary Silbiger discussed the Carlyle Group; the Entrada
Project; the billboards at Westfield Mall; recurring
violations by Westfield; and he asked that the proposal be
voted down.
Susan V. Collins discussed the digital signage proposed near
the hotel; the preference of residents to keep billboards
out of the City; and the proposal by the Carlyle Group.
Rich Waters discussed electronic signage; seeking additional
revenue from Westfield; concern with downgrading Culver
City; monitoring; and additional code enforcement.
Disa Lindgren echoed comments of previous speakers;
discussed Lady Bird Johnson who encouraged Americans to keep
the country beautiful by not succumbing to revenue from
billboards; felt that the City would not be enhanced; and
she did not like the oversized, unattractive signage at
Westfield Mall as she felt it was a hazard for drivers.
Cary Anderson provided footage from a 2009City Council
meeting where the City Council supported Westfield signage;
discussed limitations on advertising for Westfield signage;
and he provided images of alleged violations of the
agreement by Westfield.
Roger Diamond, representing Tito’s Tacos, reported that they
did not oppose the proposal if it would help the City; he
discussed a recent lawsuit loss by Culver City; ensuring
that the draft ordinance is written carefully to take all
issues into consideration; expressed concern that a
billboard could block a view of the Tito’s Tacos sign; and
he asserted that on site signs are important.
Councilmember Weissman clarified that the Court’s Cohen
Decision regarding a claim made two years ago as a result of
the Car Show downtown did not reach the merits of the claim.
Mayor Sahli-Wells questioned whether Mr. Diamond had
inferred that the agenda item was for freeway signage based
on the title.
Mr. Diamond indicated that he was present to ensure that
Tito’s Tacos is involved in the process and can make sure
the new signs would not intrude on their existing sign.
June 9, 2014
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Karim Sahli, graphic designer, asserted that the billboards
at Westfield Mall were blight; he felt there were other
sources of revenue that could work better with the City; he
discussed Target billboards; and he asked that the City
Council deny the proposal.
Shea Cunningham echoed previous comments; felt that
billboards were unsightly, unhealthy, and unsafe; discussed
the studies on e-billboards; citizen led lawsuits;
moratoriums and bans in surrounding cities and across the
country; adverse effects to property values; driver
distraction; wasted energy; and she felt such development
was irresponsible.
Steve Rose, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, reported that
the Chamber supported the idea of a feasibility study for
placing signage in a freeway oriented sign district in the
area of the Westfield Mall and hotels; he felt that
discarding it without study would be irresponsible; he
discussed his track record as a Councilmember on billboards
in the City; signage at the Westfield Mall; sales tax and
business license revenue for the City; and he asserted that
the government had to look at creative ways to bring in
revenue to pay for what the citizens want.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Carlene Brown
Mayor Sahli-Wells read an email received from Los Angeles
City Councilmember Mike Bonin.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
other companies interested in putting billboards in the
City; first amendment rights; the Tito’s Taco sign;
grandfathered signage; the current sign code; appreciation
for resident input; the letter from Mr. Bonin; the number
and location of billboards between the Howard Hughes exit
and the 90 freeway; the electric sign on the southeast
corner of Jefferson and Sepulveda; blight; costs to the City
to do the study; equitably distributing costs; staff time
and community outreach; the Request For Proposal;
visibility; a request for visual representation to help gage
what the end result would look like; consideration of
neighbors; actions of the City of Los Angeles; legal issues;
moving forward with confidence; assistance from the Carlyle June 9, 2014
19
Group with legal fees from any issues that could arise;
indemnifying the City from lawsuits; addressing added costs;
ensuring that the City bears no financial responsibility for
the evaluation; clarification that the City is not driving
the process; indemnification for legal expenses in the event
an ultimate decision is challenged; assurances that actions
are going to survive legal challenges; moving forward to
allow more information to come forward; the concept of a
freeway oriented sign that only impacts the freeway and not
the surrounding neighborhood; concern with moving forward;
sacrifices that pay off;who gets the benefits and who pays;
a feeling that 10% of projected revenues is not enough
weighed against the effects of the billboards; the teens in
Westchester who fixed up the Culver City sign; controlling
the content of billboards; comments from Mr. Rose; the
irresponsibility of having the company go through the
expense of the study when it is clear that the community
does not want more billboards; setting Culver City apart as
a community; the study linking property values and
billboards; areas on the outskirts of the City; the
investment made in all neighborhoods of the City; fairness;
staff time; the litigious nature of the issue; considering
all sides of the issues; billable hours for staff time; how
much the Carlyle Group is willing to cover; and the amount
of time spent by staff on the issue so far.
Councilmember Weissman moved that the City Council direct
staff to move forward with the evaluation of the Carlyle
Group proposal if they are willing to cover all costs.
Mayor Sahli-Wells received clarification regardingthe number
of public hearings in the process and the Specific Planning
Process.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARY THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO
PURSUE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CARLYLE GROUP FOR 100%
REIMBURSEMENT OF ALL THE CITY’S COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
EVALUATING THE PROPOSAL AND RETURN TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH
THE RESULT. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: CLARKE, COOPER, O’LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS
NOES: SAHLI-WELLS
Mayor Sahli-Wells announced that the Culver City 5K and 10K Run
on June 15 with a free 1K Kids Run following the race to
benefit Train for Autism and the Culver City Education June 9, 2014
20
Foundation sponsored by the City of Culver City.
Vice Mayor O’Leary noted that several streets would be closed
to accommodate the run.
o0o
Item A-2
(Out of Sequence)
Approval of a Professional Services Agreementfor a Term of
Five Years with Goodman’s Towing in an Amount Not-To-Exceed
$75,000 for Towing Services for the Culver City Police
Department
Councilmember Clarke received clarification regarding cars
that are not picked up and lien sales.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
No cards were received and no speakers came forward.
Vice Mayor O’Leary and Councilmember Cooper expressed
appreciation for the work of staff on the item.
MOVED BYCOUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR
O’LEARYAND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1) APPROVE A FIVE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (TOW
SERVICES AGREEMENT) WITH GOODMAN’S TOWING/ALL CITY TOWING IN
AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $15,000 PER YEAR (A TOTAL OF $75,000
OVER THE FIVE-YEAR LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT); 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.
o0o
Item A-3
(1) Consideration of an Appointment to the LosAngeles
International Airport/Community Noise Roundtable and (2)
Direction to theCity Manager Related Thereto
June 9, 2014
21
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Goran Eriksson discussed appointments to Committees,
Commissions and Boards; the connection back;he suggested
formalizing a routine to report back to the public and to
the City Council; and creating an agenda item for reports.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and staff regarding
agreement with Mr. Eriksson; bylaws and applications; and
creating an agenda item for reporting after recent meetings
of the bodies.
Stephen Murray expressed support for transparency and due
process, and he offered his name for consideration as
alternate to the LAX Community Noise Roundtable.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a written comment
submitted by:
June Lehrman
Mayor Sahli-Wells reported attending one of the meetings;
discussed the data driven nature of the meetings; and she
nominated June Lehrman to serve as it was her interest in
the subject that had alerted the City to the Roundtable.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
the application process; background on the roundtable;
composition of the body; noise and overflights; LAWA;
clarification that the FAA runs the roundtable; elected
officials serving on the Board; representatives of
neighborhood groups and interest groups; designation of an
alternate vs. the official representative; requirements for
appointment; description of membership; and meeting
schedule.
MOVED BYVICE MAYOR O’LEARY, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER COOPER
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
APPOINT JUNE LEHRMAN TO SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LOS
ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/COMMUNITY NOISE ROUNDTABLE
WITH STEPHEN MURRAY SERVING AS ALTERNATE.
Martin Cole, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk, received
City Council consensus that the City Council direct staff to June 9, 2014
22
prepare a policy for City Council consideration regarding
Commissions, Committees, Boards and outside entities
reporting back to the City Council to allow for proper
noticing and return as a discussion item.
o0o
Item A-6
(Out of Sequence)
Adoption of an Economic DevelopmentImplementation Plan
Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director, provided a
summary of the material of record.
Todd Tipton, Economic Development Administrator, provided a
presentation on the Economic Development Implementation
Plan.
Councilmember Cooper received clarification regarding the
lack of connectivity and fiber optics in the Jefferson
Corridor.
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council:
Seth Horowitz noted that the Downtown Business Association
had not been directly mentioned as a partner in the
discussion; discussed the final mile; bike or car sharing
programs; promoting the City; the increased Transient
Occupancy Tax; presenting the City positively; and
encouraging the use of public transportation rather than
focusing on parking issues.
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
bike sharing; the last mile; taking a comprehensive look at
car sharing; vendors; street geometrics; bikeways;
integrating the TOD with the downtown area; agreement to add
car sharing into the item; and discussions with Cars to Go.
Goran Erikssondiscussed business cluster development; the
importance of strong business in the community; focusing on
strengths; the vision for the City; and specifically
targeting ways to realize the vision.
June 9, 2014
23
Steve Rose, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, expressed
support for the proposed Economic Development Implementation
Plan; directing growth; fiber optics; creative parking
solutions; start-up businesses; and he encouraged taking
action as soon as possible.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read written comments
submitted by:
Marla Koosed
Discussion ensued between staff and Councilmembers regarding
support for the plan; staff resources necessary to carry out
the plan; the cluster concept; welcoming and surveying new
businesses; appreciation for the comprehensive report;
moving fiber optics plans forward; the branding of the City;
supporting a strong business base in the City; limited
resources; marketing; business retention; the reputation as
a start-up City; where resources are being targeted; adding
detail to the Work Program; pricing the work and the level
of effort involved; allocating staff resources;
diversification; the changing economy; business attraction;
way finding throughout the City; walkable corridors;creating
a sense of the district you are in; acknowledging the
Downtown Business Association as a partner; agreement
regarding the importance of goals; the Convention Center
idea; making residents part of the process; instituting a
buy local campaign; including a local business directory on
the City website; outreach; the Inglewood and Centinela
corridors; and adding detail in order to implement the Plan.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CLARKE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WEISSMAN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL:ADOPT AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
o0o
Item A-4
(Out of Sequence)
Consideration of (1) the Concept of Partneringwith a 501c3
Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee (CCCCC) and
(2)Drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the
Proposed CCCCCand the City
Councilmember Clarke recused himself and exited the dais.
June 9, 2014
24
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public input.
Jeremy Green, Management Analyst, read a written comment
submitted by:
Julie Lugo Cerra
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WEISSMAN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER COOPER THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH THE CCCCC TO DRAFT AN
MOU FOR LATER PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR
CONSIDERATION. THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: COOPER, O’LEARY, SAHLI-WELLS, WEISSMAN
NOES: NONE
RECUSED: CLARKE
Mr. Clarke, speaking as a resident from the speaker’s
lectern, reported that they would begin the process of
recruiting for the Board of Directors for the Centennial
Committee and anyone who wanted to participate with ideas
noting that a site would be set upfor people to apply and
indicate interest.
Councilmember Clarke returned to the dais.
o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Sahli-Wells invited public comment.
No speakers came forward and no cards were received.
o0o
Items from the City Council
Items from Councilmember Cooper
• Reported attending a meeting of the Architectural
Building Council of Los Angeles on June 4 where Tilden
Terrace and Parcel B in Culver City were award
recipients June 9, 2014
25
Mayor Sahli-Wells noted that it was the second award
received for Parcel B, and the project had not even been
built yet.
o0o
Adjournment
There being no further business, at 12:05 a.m., Tuesday, June
10, 2014, the City Council adjourned its meeting in memory of
George Petrelli,to Monday, June 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
o0o
Martin R. Cole
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City,California
June 9, 2014
26
MEGHAN SAHLI-WELLS
MAYOR of Culver City, California