These Minutes are not Official until
Approved by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
June 15, 2007
Call to Order The meeting of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
was called to order at 8:22 p.m. with five members
present.
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Invocation/Pledge of
Allegiance
Covered under City Council.
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Roll Call Members Present: D. Scott Malsin, Agency Chair
Gary Silbiger, Agency Vice Chair *
Alan Corlin
Carol Gross
Steven Rose
* Mr. Silbiger was absent for items C-1 and C-2.
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Staff Present Jerry Fulwood, Executive Director; Sol Blumenfeld,
Assistant Executive Director, Todd Tipton,
Redevelopment Administrator; Murray Kane, Agency
Legal Counsel, and Alice Prasad, Agency Secretary.
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Public Comment -
Non-Agendized
Items
None.
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C-1 Cash
Disbursements
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to approve Cash Disbursements
from May 5, 2007 to May 18, 2007 and May 19, 2007 to
June 1, 2007 (absent Mr. Silbiger).
CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 2 of 8
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C-2 Minutes of May
21 and May 29, 2007
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to approve the minutes of May 21
and May 29, 2007 as written (absent Mr. Silbiger).
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Action Items A-1
Introduction and
Consideration of the
Redevelopment
Agency Budget for
Fiscal Year 2007-08
and Fiscal Year
2008-09
Assistant Executive Director Blumenfeld provided a
summary of the material of record noting that they would
endeavor to keep Redevelopment and Economic
Development separate.
Responding to inquiry from Ms. Gross, Redevelopment
Administrator Tipton explained procedures for permit
streamlining, and noted that he would examine plans,
review correction sheets so he could understand exactly
what is going on, but the intent was to give applicants all
they need at the outset.
Responding to Ms. Gross, Redevelopment Administrator
Tipton clarified that money for the General Plan update
should be in the 2008-2009 budget not the 2007-2008
budget.
Ms. Gross felt that quarterly rather than monthly
economic reports were more reasonable.
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton explained that
while the Economic Development Department was
getting up to speed they would limit report preparation,
broker breakfasts and community business visitations
but those items would resume again in 2008-2009.
Ms. Gross expressed concern with the freeze on hiring
in certain areas.
Executive Director Fulwood indicated that he honored
requests when justified by a department head and he
was not aware of anyone needing to hire someone.
In response to inquiries from Ms. Gross, Redevelopment
Administrator Tipton agreed to investigate and provide
additional information on rehabilitation of the group
home on Barman, the timeline for parking lot controls,
and the possibility of selling the Pacific Theatres to CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 3 of 8
alleviate Redevelopment Agency cash flow issues.
Responding to Ms. Gross about the projected increase
in tax increment, Redevelopment Administrator Tipton
explained that a number of projects would be coming
online and he was comfortable with the accuracy of the
information which came from the financial consultant.
Responding to concerns from Ms. Gross,
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton explained that
Cultural Affairs was a good stimulus for activity, and was
focusing on the Westside at the moment as an
economic development tool to generate momentum in
that area.
Ms. Gross pointed out that the Fox Hills area had
families in large multi-family complexes with much fewer
options and a much higher density of population, and
she wanted to see them kept in the loop in terms of
providing services.
Responding to concerns raised by Mr. Silbiger about
affordable housing and the deferred payment of $30
million dollars, Redevelopment Agency Administrator
Tipton indicated that issue would be brought forward in
mid-July for discussion.
Assistant Executive Director Blumenfeld explained that
their intent was to focus on allocating set aside dollars
and accommodating RHNA numbers. He indicated that
the plan was a work in progress, and department
division heads had been working on putting together
their RHNA target numbers, allocating any relocatees
from the redevelopment project area, and looking at how
to expand set aside dollars to accommodate low, very
low, and moderate income residents. He reported that
Housing had been looking at potential sites for
rehabilitation or new construction, and there were five
priority projects they want to see approved so they can
get started.
Mr. Silbiger indicated that he wanted the mobile homes
parks put in the mix to see what could be done to keep
them affordable as he felt they were an important part of
the community.
CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 4 of 8
Responding to Mr. Silbiger, Assistant Executive Director
Blumenfeld reported that staff had met with the
subcommittee and Westfield representatives and staff
was examining available options with plans to return
with a proposal for the mall operator. He indicated that
he would work closely with the City Manager on green
building design and he pointed out that the Planning
Commission was compelled to evaluate environmental
issues under CEQA.
Mr. Silbiger praised the children’s cultural programming,
and suggested expanding on it noting that he was aware
of music for young children and adults, but he did not
see music for high school or middle school children.
Mr. Silbiger requested additional training and
information to help sort out the complex issues related
to development in the City. He commented that there
was not a particular City-wide policy in place, so projects
are not considered in context of the entire City and he
felt some type of study session or educational program
would be useful. He requested written materials on a
regular basis, and some major discussion from experts
with information provided on what other cities are doing
and what their successes and failures have been. He
questioned procedures for community involvement, and
asked for consistency in when the community is brought
into the process throughout the City. He added that at
one point he thought ACOR could deal with some of
those issues but that did not happen.
Mr. Rose reported that another 400 employee company
had left the city and he was concerned that as large
sales tax providers leave the community the City is
attempting to tread water in maintaining sales tax rather
than grow it.
Mr. Rose pointed out that Cultural Affairs had used a
venue that was not very handicapped accessible and he
asked about historical plaques.
Redevelopment Administrator Tipton indicated that he
would provide responses in writing.
Mr. Rose cited several scriveners’ errors in staff
materials and he expressed concern that the Art of CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 5 of 8
Series would not be run as it had been in the past. He
was skeptical that the budget amounts presented by
Cultural Affairs told the full story of the cost of the
events, and he questioned the total budget, and actual
expenditures including personnel costs, intern costs,
and in-kind costs asked of other departments. He asked
that the Council be informed prior to granting raises so
that he could comment as to whether he felt they were
merited rather than hearing about them afterwards.
Mr. Rose questioned the policy on co-sponsorships, and
he expressed concerns with liability when co-sponsoring
an after-event cocktail party where alcohol is served.
He asked for additional information on the City’s trip,
and fall liability for uneven sidewalks in Los Angeles
during the ArtWalk. He commented on Los Angeles city
trash trucks and weight limits noting that he wanted the
city to be consistent all the way through.
Ms. Gross clarified that Captain Bixby indicated that he
would be responsive to concerns about drivers who
were not to be on Duquesne and Overland.
Chair Malsin wanted to ensure that enhanced code
enforcement would be applied fairly and with fair
warning, and those ad signage regulations on retail
establishment windows would be enforced in a business
friendly manner with an explanation that they are trying
to improve the appearance of the City.
Responding to Chair Malsin, Assistant Executive
Director Blumenfeld explained that placing Park Patrol
under Code Enforcement would not change the
responsibilities, but was an attempt at building synergy
with Park Patrols reporting any problems they see. He
added that staff was looking at a targeted façade
improvement program to help enhance the local
economy.
Chair Malsin expressed support for the program which
he was pleased to see connected with other efforts to
spark activity along commercial corridors, and he
supported exploring ways to invest with developers who
lease their space out to business owners who have
substandard parking. He suggested exploring
underground easements to provide a way to enhance CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 6 of 8
the develop ability of constrained properties, and
provide public parking, and he thought that Permit Plus
seemed to make sense and be a customer friendly thing
to do.
Chair Malsin expressed concern with having the
Economic Development Manager in the Redevelopment
Agency. He noted the distinction between Agency goals
which are to serve needs of the City, as compared to
goals of the Economic Development Administrator who
must not focus on the Agency goals over the City’s and
the City that both of them should be serving. He
asserted that the Agency was not in business to
generate tax increment to support new projects, but
should be in the business of using tax increment
revenue to enhance neighborhoods, and improve
economic activity so when the Agency is gone there is a
healthy community. He cited the need to create a plan
to have an economic development stream to create a
good balance of services, and business districts that will
support a stronger economic future. He appreciated the
Economic Development Reports which help them
understand what is going on for the City.
Chair Malsin was looking forward to considering the
housing projects and the mobile home park, closure
conversion ordinance sometime in the near future, and
he explained that the $30 million debt to housing fund
was being used to leverage Agency funds now and
generate more leverage later for economic development
and housing purposes.
Responding to Chair Malsin, Redevelopment
Administrator Tipton explained that staff was working on
an outreach effort and the downtown parking strategy
would come back in the near future. He also agreed to
provide additional information on the sculpture garden.
Chair Malsin wanted consideration given to altering the
Cultural Affairs program, to target grants into several
small series of events, focused on a particular segment
of the population, a particular artistic medium or subject
matter rather than having one flier sent out for one
event. He felt the current approach was scattered, that
creating a more cohesive program would result in higher
attendance, and that it was too early to work on CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 7 of 8
Westside cultural events, as there is nothing around
there for people to do. He felt the Westside was a great
place for economic development activity but Fox Hills
was an area that could use cultural events.
Chair Malsin commented on the positive impact of the
City Manager who he felt provided a much better degree
of accountability.
Mr. Rose wanted to ensure that funds listed under
Historical, Cultural and Live Performances were
specified as one-time funds because he did not want to
be building ongoing programs that required ongoing
funding. He also wanted to clarify that Cultural Affairs
did not drive economic development and were only one
element of everything going on with Town Plaza.
Mr. Corlin cited the need to have a basic discussion to
position the City for the day when Redevelopment
sunsets. He observed that they had City backed into
ownership of the Pacific Theatres and needed to
discuss what the benefits were of owning a theatre and
weigh cash in hand vs. income.
Mr. Corlin appreciated efforts made to fill positions as he
felt that should be a top priority. He felt it was time to
have the housing discussion as there is a dis-connect in
what they need to do to be legal, and what residents
conceive as a correct amount of housing. He also
wanted to know the burden of housing on the
infrastructure and on society as a whole.
City Manager Fulwood apologized to Ms. Gross noting
that he had placed a hiring freeze on several positions
as a result of a timing budgetary issue, and he indicated
that he would be able to release the freeze in the short
term.
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Staff Reports,
Announcements,
Receipt of
Correspondence and
Requests for Future
Agenda Items
Moved by Mr. Rose, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to receive and file correspondence.
Mr. Rose moved to adjourn the meeting in the memory
of Willard Barrow. Ms. Gross seconded the motion
which passed unanimously. CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2007
Page 8 of 8
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Adjournment There being no further business, it was moved by Mr.
Rose, seconded by Mr. Corlin and unanimously passed
to adjourn the meeting in memory Willard Barrow at
10:00 p.m., to the next regular meeting on Monday,
June 18, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Mike Balkman
Council Chambers.
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___________________________
ALICE PRASAD
Agency Secretary
____________________________
D. SCOTT MALSIN, Chairperson
Redevelopment Agency
These Minutes are not Official until
Approved by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency
CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
June 18, 2007
Call to Order
The meeting of the Culver City Redevelopment Agency was
called to order at 7:51 p.m. with five members present.
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Invocation/Pledge of
Allegiance
Covered under City Council.
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Roll Call
Members Present: D. Scott Malsin, Agency Chair
Gary Silbiger, Agency Vice Chair
Alan Corlin
Carol Gross
Steven Rose
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Staff Present
Jerry Fulwood, Executive Director; Martin Cole, Assistant City
Manager; Sol Blumenfeld, Assistant Executive Director,
Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director, Andy O’Connell,
Senior Civil Engineer, John Fisanotti, Redevelopment Project
Manager, and Murray Kane Agency Legal Counsel
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Public Comment -
Non-Agendized Items
Chair Rose excused him self as he owns property in the area
to be discussed by speakers.
John Wacker read the mission statement for the Culver
Alliance for Quality of Life noting that they support the
independent business community. He expressed concern
about the Sepulveda Boulevard project, and the welfare of
the Sunkist Park community noting that the retail community
servicing the area would be displaced by the proposed
development.
Bonnie Wacker wanted to see building codes including
allowable density, height limitations, and traffic management CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 2 of 7
examined before any development went forward, and she
asked that input be taken from the Planning Commission,
residents, and business owners to strategize what
development would be planned and what the objectives were.
She presented a petition of over 1,000 supporters in Culver
City obtained in two weeks noting that the alliance was
widespread and extended beyond Sunset Park.
Responding to Chair Malsin, City Manger Fulwood indicated
that the evaluation of density standards was agendized for
July 2.2007.
Linda Forest, Segrell Way, presented census statistics and a
brief history of recent development in the City. She
expressed opposition to the proposed project but support for
growth in the City while retaining the small town feel.
Berdeane Rubin, Segrell Way, felt that a petition with 1,000
signatures said more than the facts and figures cited at
previous meetings and she wanted to see the project stopped
noting that while she supported earlier changes, this project
was not in keeping with the small town atmosphere.
Jennifer Ryba, Segrell Way, expressed opposition to the
redevelopment of the Sepulveda corridor as proposed by
Champion Development as it would increase population,
density, increase traffic, destroy local businesses, place
commercial property ownership in the hands of a monopoly,
build a monolithic structure towering over the community,
create a loss of community trust in the City Council, and ruin
Culver City’s small town feel. She urged the Council to vote
against the Champion development and noted that citizens
would take political action to have a Council that would
protect the small town environment.
Peter Messinger, The Aquarium Company, provided statistics
for businesses affected by the proposed development noting
that 11 are corporate owned, 55 are family owned, and 42
are owned either by first generation immigrants of minorities.
He indicated that the project would be financially devastating
and the options offered were not realistic. Businesses would
not be able to stay in the project, as none of the independent
owners would be able to afford the $45 per square foot that
would be charged to recoup the investment and relocating 70
stores, and restaurants somewhere else in Culver City would
not be possible as there are very few spaces available in the
City at any given time. He reported that many owners were
willing to improve the appearance of their businesses, and he
was working on forming a South Sepulveda Business
Association modeled after the Downtown Business CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 3 of 7
Association to revive and improve the corridor. He
encouraged the City to let the small businesses be part of
redevelopment, not victims of it.
Dorothy Inman opposed the project and expressed concern
that the development would ruin the beautiful gardens
belonging to her mother and aunt who have lived on Segrell
Way for 48 years.
Chris Georges, Comp USA Center, read a letter signed by
property owners within the redevelopment area declaring
opposition to the redevelopment plan for the area as currently
proposed. He reported that they supported improvements
but felt the community knew the needs of the area best. He
asked for a fresh start that allowed the stakeholders in the
community to formulate a plan that would be most effective
and he reported that property owners in the area had no
intention of selling their properties to facilitate the proposed
redevelopment.
Mr. Georges stated that the letter would be signed and
forwarded to the City Council and Redevelopment Agency
and he reminded everyone that this was neither an inevitable
project, nor a foregone conclusion but is being spoken about
with an inevitability that he found to be disturbing. He
reported that the Goodyear Corporation that owns Just Tires
would be fighting the development as they went through a
similar process in Glendale and it took them two years to
reopen at a new location.
Parviz Chakab reported that 100% of residents were against
the project and he had never seen a City Council vote against
the majority. He expressed opposition to the project as he
felt it would devalue property, increase traffic, and eliminate
privacy as the development would see in the back yards.
Diane Black was alarmed by what she saw as a potentially
negative trend in the City. She reported moving to Culver
City for the small town feel and she expressed concern with
being able to accommodate additional students, senior
citizens, and traffic generated by the development. She
questioned where the parks and recreational facilities would
be to service the new residents.
Joanne Morrissey, Segrell Way, submitted a written comment
expressing concern about increased traffic from the
development. She felt that the downtown redevelopment was
appropriate but the proposed project was too large as it
borders a residential community. She indicated that the
Culver Alliance for Quality of Life wanted the Champion CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 4 of 7
project reconsidered with input from the community.
Jane Glade submitted a written card which questioned the
Environmental Impact Report noting that traffic would be far
worse than the existing situation on Sepulveda and Jefferson.
She questioned whether noise levels had been considered.
Chair Malsin reported that the next meeting of the Citizen’s
Advisory Committee would be held on June 27 at El Merino
and following that would be a discussion in Chambers about
density in the City on July 2.
Mr. Corlin asked that the next meeting be posted and Chair
Malsin indicated that had been done.
Mr. Rose re-joined the meeting
C-1 Secretary’s Report
Moved by Mr. Corlin, seconded by Mr. Corlin and
unanimously passed to approve the Secretary’s Report.
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Joint Item J-1 A Joint
City Council/
Redevelopment
Agency Meeting for
the Consideration to
Authorize the Award of
a Construction
Contract to FEI
Enterprises, Inc., for
the Construction of
the New Fire Station
#3 located at 6030
Bristol Parkway,
Project P-857
Andy O’Connell, Senior civil Engineer presented a brief
summary of the material of record.
Responding to Mr. Corlin, Mr. O’Connell explained that costs
had increased due to an increase in the size of the project,
rising construction costs and the additional bay. He felt the
10% contingency would be sufficient for the complex project
and he reported no significant soil problems.
Mr. Silbiger questioned what types of green building
provisions were being implemented in the design.
Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director, reported that they
had worked with Southern California Energy, Savings by
Design and their contractor to come up with ideas for the
project. He pointed out that a fire station is not the easiest
building to make green, but they did the best they could. For
example, all appliances are energy efficient, natural lighting is
used when possible and the building is designed to be a low
maintenance building which saves on materials and supplies
in the long run.
Mr. Silbiger noted that government has to be in the forefront
of moving ahead environmentally, and he was pleased that
some of the elements were being incorporated into the
building. He asked for more information on that when the
item came back and he indicated in the future that, he would CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 5 of 7
try to remember to raise the issue at the beginning of the
process of any new city buildings they construct.
Ms. Gross stated that this was a project she supported and
monitored from the start, and she expressed concern about
the funding and use of reserves. She reported contacting
Congresswoman Watson to ascertain whether there was any
hope of Federal funding, and while the project is earmarked,
the Federal Budget package was not passed last year and it
is not clear what will happen. She expressed hope that
Homeland Security funding sources would be able to help
with the project.
Moved by Ms. Gross, seconded by Mr. Corlin and the
discussion continued.
Mr. Rose expressed concern about the $1.5 million overage
and he hoped it was a lesson learned that time is money. He
acknowledged that a significant portion of the increase was
due to expanding the project from a two bay to a three bay
station, but he was bothered by the amount of time it had
taken to get it that far. He suggested that they now knew
how the private sector felt when undue time was taken in the
approval process. He observed that the building was
Spartan, and that long-term maintenance would prove a
savings to the City while providing excellent service.
Responding to Chair Malsin, Executive Director Fulwood
indicated that the City was continuing to look at alternative
funding sources.
Mr. Herbertson reported that the construction manager had
been present throughout the design and bidding process and
they felt it important to keep the contractor on track and make
sure the quality of the building is what they expect.
Chair Malsin echoed previously expressed concerns.
Moved by Ms. Gross and seconded by Mr. Corlin to Award a
tri-party construction contract to FEI Enterprises, Inc. in the
amount of $5,100,000.00 (Five Million One Hundred
Thousand Dollars) for the construction of the new Fire Station
#3 located at 6300 Bristol Parkway, Project P-857; and,
Authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement.
The motion passed unanimously.
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Staff Reports,
Announcements,
Moved by Mr. Corlin, seconded by Mr. Rose and
unanimously passed to receive and file correspondence. CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 6 of 7
Receipt of
Correspondence and
Requests for Future
Agenda Items
Ms. Gross moved to adjourn the meeting in the memory of
Jodie Hall-Esser’s father. Mr. Rose seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
Mr. Rose reminded everyone that Share Our Strength’s,
Taste of the Nation would be held on Sunday, June 24 in
Media Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. co-sponsored by the City
and the Redevelopment Agency.
Mr. Silbiger requested that an item be agendized in the future
to consider a consistent policy on community involvement,
and he questioned at what point the community should get
involved when there is a development project.
Mr. Corlin agreed and Chair Malsin supported the idea but
asked that it be deferred until after the Sepulveda project is
determined.
Mr. Rose took offense to the notion that the community had
not had input on developments and he asserted that the
process had always been open.
Ms. Gross pointed out that agendizing the discussion did not
mean that she would be going in that direction. She felt there
were many aspects of the discussion including what has
happened historically, and what has happened in terms of the
project.
Chair Malsin pointed out that the Agency had pursued
different types of projects over the years and the history of
community involvement was very good. He asked that
consideration be deferred until mid-summer and Mr. Silbiger
agreed.
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Adjournment
There being no further business, it was moved by Mr. Rose,
seconded by Ms. Gross and unanimously passed to adjourn
the meeting in memory of Jodie Hall-Esser’s father at 8:38
p.m., to the next regular meeting on Monday, June 25, 2007,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers.
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CCRA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2007
Page 7 of 7
________________________
ALICE PRASAD
Agency Secretary
____________________________
D. SCOTT MALSIN, Chairperson
Redevelopment Agency