Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, July 02, 2024
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER AN UPDATE ON CITY COMMISSIONS (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
This report provides an informational update to the City Council regarding the recent activities of City Commissions.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
RECEIVE and FILE this report.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate and that is consistent with applicable laws.
IV. BACKGROUND
Updates on recent and planned Commission activities are included below.
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission monthly meeting for the month of June, was cancelled.
Environmental Commission
On June 5, 2024, the Environmental Commission (EC) convened and continued to discuss Zero Emission Day activities and resolved to establish a subcommittee comprising Chair Taylor and Commissioners Watkins and Koons. The subcommittee was scheduled to convene on June 27, 2024, at 4 pm in the Executive Conference room to further the discussion. The commission received an oral update on the activity near 213th Street and Chico. Additionally, they reviewed and discussed the draft letter outlining projects for the Community Beautification Ad Hoc Committee’s consideration. The letter was unanimously approved, and staff was directed to transmit it accordingly. The next EC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th at 6:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on June 10, 2024. Director Rodgers gave the commission an update on concrete maintenance within the City. Staff presented a speed hump request for E 220th Street between Vera Street and Martin Street. The commission also heard from residents of this street to hear their description of the speed-related traffic issues in the area. Staff gave a presentation on bike lane projects PW 1451 and PW 1452 to inform the commissioners of upcoming changes to bike lanes and street layouts. Director Rodgers also gave a summary of some of the larger projects Public Works will be starting next fiscal year.
Human Relations Commission
No meeting in June.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Commission met on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The Community Services/Recreation/Park Maintenance Department invited this year’s Spelling Bee Champions to the meeting to be recognized for their dedication and grand accomplishments. Karen Ruan, Enrichment Coordinator, thanked all the students for participating and stated that although there are some improvements for next year, it was a successful event. They look forward to the next Spelling Bee and hope to see the students back. Each student was called up to the front of the room to be congratulated by the commission and received a certificate. Following the Spelling Bee Champion recognitions, Commissioners shared their progress at the parks, as well as some of their concerns. In turn, superintendents addressed maintenance concerns accordingly. The next Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, East Wing Activity Room.
Planning Commission
See Attachment 1.
Public Relations Commission
Public Relations Commission will be dark for the months of June- July. We will not meet again until Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on Thursday, June 20 and successfully had a quorum. In this meeting we went over the Hazard Mitigation Plan presentation slides with commissioners. We wanted to know their feedback on them and if they had any questions or concerns. The discussion went very well. The commissioners had a lot of useful feedback on the presentation slides.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 6/10/24 agenda and 5/13/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
Grace Farwell, MSG, MPA, Program Coordinator with H.E.L.P. - (Helping Elders Live Productively) presented.
The H.E.L.P. organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and counseling center, offers complimentary services to seniors and families. The presenter shared insights regarding the organization's commitment to helping seniors and families make informed choices to improve their quality of life. The organization offers the following programs and services: Free resources, Homebound adult program, Caregiver resources, Telephone and in-person counseling, and classes and information.
Discussions on pending issues proceeded, along with updated staff reports on a range of current and upcoming programs and events in Carson. Among these is the Senior Information and Resource Fair, which is set for Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Carson Event Center.
There was an exchange of oral communications between members of the commission and members of Human Services staff. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 5:09 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 7/8/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission met on Monday, June 17, 2024. During the meeting, the commission provided feedback on their respective assigned parks, advising the Recreation Division on flag presentation and other maintenance concerns. They also reported on the programs and events currently taking place and how they contribute to the high attendance and participation at the parks.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on Monday, June 24th and continued to explore new ways to provide resources and support to women and residents in the City of Carson. They've continued to expand on presenting community survey, which aims to discern the specific needs of women in Carson. The women also initiated discussion regarding the annual Women’s Health Conference. In the near future, they plan on delivering a report to the City Council to serve as an update on the progression of the commission. Additionally, they continue to support their food pantry initiative with California State University, Dominguez Hills. All the Commissioners reported on events they attended in the city during the months of May and June and continue to have an activate role within the city of Carson.
Youth Commission
The Youth Commission is currently not able to hold meetings due to a lack of quorum and not having enough commissioners with validated appointments. Recreation staff will reach out to City Clerk to follow up with appointed commissioners that have not turned in an application and have been sworn in. If needed, a new list of interested candidates will be updated and sent.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report.
VI. EXHIBITS
Planning Commission Update
Prepared by: City Manager's Office