Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, August 06, 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 July 2024 meeting of the Economic Development Commission was not held due to the Fourth of July holiday.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission (EC) canceled its July 3, 2024, meeting date due to the Independence Day holiday. The next EC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th at 6:30 pm in the City Manager’s Conference Room.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on July 8, 2024. Staff presented an update on the Streetscape Master Plan project. The commission heard from a resident regarding a speed hump request for E 220th Street, which was continued from the previous meeting. A written public comment was read into the record regarding a request for preferential parking permits on Figueroa Street. Director Rodgers gave the commission an update that the City is coordinating with CalTrans to allow the City to provide maintenance within CalTrans’ right-of-way to clean up areas adjacent to freeway entrances and exits.
Human Relations Commission
On July 17, 2024, the Human Relations Commission successfully held their regular monthly meeting. The Commission connected with Ms. Pascale Cardozo - Director for Social Impact Marketing of LA vs. Hate, a Task Force formed by Los Angeles County’s Human Relations Commission to stand in solidarity against hate, discrimination, and divisions across the county. Moving forward, the Commission will explore options to support this worthwhile endeavor. The Food Pantry Ad Hoc Committee reported on their monthly effort of donation dropping off last month and additional action plan for more drop off the week after the meeting. They also went over the 2025 Rising Star Conference’s planning timeline. The Human Relations Commission will reconvene in August for their regular meeting.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission convened on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Commissioners voiced their concerns about their designated parks to the Superintendents of the Community Services/Recreation/Park Maintenance Department. The Superintendents provided practical solutions and timelines in response. Both parties continue to collaborate closely to identify and address problem areas promptly. The Commissioners commended Park Maintenance Superintendent Modesto Bolanos for significantly improving park aesthetics since his arrival. They remain optimistic about the continued enhancement of the parks. Additionally, the Commissioners shared their positive experiences at recent city events, including the Samoan Heritage Festival and Juneteenth. They were pleased to note that the events were well attended, and the activities thoughtfully organized by the staff. The next Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center, East Wing Activity Room.
Planning Commission (See Exhibit 1)
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission is still dark for the month of July and will not meet again until Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on Thursday, July 18 and successfully had a quorum. In this meeting we had Raeann Munoz, Public Safety Supervisor attend. She engaged in in a Q and A session with the commissioners. Currently Raeann is over our Parking Control Officers, so she was able to answer all the questions and comments that the commissioners regarding parking control in the City of Carson. In addition, she is also over our Public Safety Engagement Officers, so she was able to address questions the commissioners had about homeless people in Carson. The commissioners were able to get a lot of useful information.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 7/8/24 agenda and 6/10/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business. Viva Healthy is a family-owned and operated Medicare insurance agency that currently serves the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The agency has dedicated over 28 years aiding the senior Medicare population and their families in navigating the Medicare system, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, Group Retirement, and Prescription Drug Plans. In their presentation, Benefit Advisors Frank and Carolina Vivas stressed the complexity of Medicare, adding that their educational seminars and complimentary in-home consultations allow individuals to make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Additionally, they help identify beneficiaries' health requirements and coverage shortfalls, providing health plans that cater to these needs at minimal to no cost and savings. 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. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 5:11 p.m. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 8/12/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission met on Monday, July 15, 2024. During the meeting, the commission received the final version of their brochure, ready for distribution. The commission discussed an idea of having a Veterans Service Officer located in the city of Carson to help connect local veterans to resources, navigate challenges, and advocate for them. The commission continues to provide feedback on their respective assigned parks, advising the Recreation Division on flag presentation and other maintenance concerns.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission will not be meeting this month due to the lack of a quorum.
Youth Commission
If the current Youth Commissioners who have an application on file and also completed their oath attend the meeting, there will have enough members present for next month’s meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 7pm in the Executive Conference Room. Staff will continue to encourage the Commissioners to attend.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report.
VI. EXHIBITS
Planning Commission Update (Pg. 4)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office