Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, October 03, 2023
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
September 7th EDC meeting - The Economic Development held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission on September 7, 2023, where the Economic Development Strategic Plan was presented by Natelson Dale Group, Inc. Questions and comments from both commissions were addressed by the Natelson Dale representatives and staff.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission meeting on September 6, 2023, was canceled and the next meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Public Works Commission
“The Public Works Commission met on September 11, 2023. Staff provided an update on several ongoing and upcoming Public Works projects. Commissioners expressed some specific traffic safety concerns that Staff will investigate. A presentation on the General Plan from Planning Manager, Christopher Palmer, is planned for the October 9, 2023 meeting.”
Human Relations Commission
On September 20, 2023, the Human Relations Commission successfully had their monthly meeting. The Commission had a welcoming meet and greet with Captain Jones of the Carson Sheriff’s Station and received helpful information and updates from him regarding programs and events applicable to our community’s public safety. They also met to extend their gratitude towards the donor for their ongoing Food Pantry project, representatives from God’s Army United Services, a non-profit that has been dedicated to serving families in need for approximately 36 years. Additionally, the Commission further their discussion on the preparation of Rising Star Conference, along with the recent efforts towards the Food Pantry project.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
With last two (2) 55th Anniversary events - the Street Fair and the Tour de Carson - held in July, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission received its final report on these programs during its August meeting. Members also viewed a slideshow with highlights of all five (5) 55th Anniversary Special Events. Commissioners commended staff for doing an incredible job planning, coordinating, and presenting these programs that truly celebrated this momentous year in the City’s history. Later on, officers were elected by the members, with Alex Cainglet again serving as Chair, Shannan Lawrence elected to the position of Vice-Chair, and Kim Cortado chosen as Secretary for the next year. All looked forward to serving in their leadership roles.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
We will meet on October 24, 2023 and the topic of discussion will be Leaves of Carson Ceremony Recap & 2024 Why I like Carson Essay Contest.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission was not able to have a formal meeting on Thursday, September 21 due to a lack of a quorum. For the next scheduled meeting on Thursday, October 19, it is on the agenda to have a briefing and Q & A with our Code Enforcement Supervisor.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The Senior Advisory Commission acknowledged a quorum at the start of their meeting held at the Community Center on September 11, 2023. In a unanimous vote, the commission confirmed and approved the agenda for 9/11/23 and the previous minutes for 6/12/23. Note: The commission went dark during the months of July and August 2023.
An Outreach Specialist from the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI), Jackie Wiley, presented on consumer awareness, fraud protection, and various scams. The DFPI’s mission is to serve Californians by effectively overseeing financial service providers; enforcing laws and regulations; promoting innovation and fair and honest business practices; enhancing consumer awareness; and protecting consumers by preventing potential marketplace risks, fraud, and abuse.
Human Services employees Lauren "Lola" Walker - Typist Clerk 1 (new hire) and Ilene Renteria - Human Services Assistant Coordinator (recently promoted) introduced themselves to the commission. They gave a brief description of their roles and experience in Human Services. Both were welcomed by the commission with enthusiasm.
The commission discussed continued and unfinished business in length, followed by unanimous voting. The staff provided update reports to include various ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events including the Mariachi Fiesta on Friday, 9/22, the Women’s Health Conference & Youth Women’s Health Conference on Friday, 10/20, and the Christmas Ball on Friday, 12/1.
Discussion regarding subcommittees was tabled for the next meeting.
Veterans Affairs Commission
At our last meeting, we were honored to have Council Member Jim Dear join us. His presence added valuable insights to our discussions. The primary topics of conversation included veterans' housing initiatives and the need for official commission business cards.
Regarding the business cards, we have moved forward with the decision to have them made. This project is in progress, and we expect to have our business cards ready soon. This will help us enhance our outreach efforts and connect with veterans more effectively.
In addition to the business cards, our commission is actively working on preparations for Veterans Day. We believe that this year's Veterans Day event will be a significant opportunity to honor and support veterans in our community.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on September 25, 2023 and provided a list of items delivered to the students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry in August. During the month of august the Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in the City of Carson. They are now assisting with the planning of the Jazz festival that is on October 7th and the Women’s Health Conference that’s scheduled for October 20th. They also voted to elect a chair and vice chair. Carolyn Foster will continue to be the Chair and Dr. Lee Robinson will continue to be the Vice Chair.
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.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Planning Commission Summary (pg. 5)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office