Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, April 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 met on March 7, 2024 and discussed the City of Carson Sales Tax Report; received an introduction of the Economic Development Manager, Eric Romero; received an update on Capital Improvement Projects - Director of Public Works, Arlington Rodgers, provided information and answered questions from commissioners and attendees; and received an update on the Eat, Shop, Local Program - Innovation & Business Liaison, LaToya Butler, spoke about upcoming events to promote Eat, Shop, Local and answered questions from commissioners and attendees.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission canceled its March 6, 2024, meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 6:30 pm.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on March 11, 2024. The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) gave a presentation on the Local Travel Network project which touched on regional goals and potential implementation within Carson. The SBCCOG solicited feedback from the Commissioners to strengthen their grant application for the next phase of the Local Travel Network project. The Commissioners also reviewed an appeal of a denial of a speed hump petition.
Human Relations Commission
On March 19, 2024, the Human Relations Commission’s Vice Chair gave the City Council an in-person report of their current status, recent achievements and projects. The Commission successfully held their regular March monthly meeting, discussed a recap for their 28th Annual Rising Star - 2024 Parent Conference to ready for the 29th Annual Rising Star, planned to be held on February 15, 2025 at the Carson Event Center. The Human Relations Commission will reconvene in April for their regular meeting.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission met on February 29, 2024. New Recreation Supervisor Angel Zamora introduced himself to the Commission and described his goals for Anderson Park. He aims to keep the park clean, safe, and friendly for all visitors by taking a customer service-oriented approach. The Commission congratulated Supervisor Zamora for his promotion and dedication to the department.
There are several Capital Improvement Projects that are underway in the parks. Public Works Director Arlington Rodgers updated the Commission on the status; explaining that many are nearing the end of the design phase and construction is projected to begin at the end of the year.
Some of the projects that Public Works has completed include repaired HVAC systems, gym and field lighting, newly installed security cameras, and a clean-up at Del Amo Park.
The next meeting will be held March 28, 2024, in the Council Chambers. In this meeting, the Commissioners will recognize the 2024 Basketball Championship Teams.
Planning Commission
See Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission Meeting occurred on March 26, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. We will be discussing the final logistics for the "Why I Like Carson Essay Writing Contest" Ceremony.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on Thursday, March 21 and successfully had a quorum. For this meeting we had Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Director of Public Works attend and provide an update on Public Works projects, including streets being paved and sidewalks being repaired.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 3/11/24 agenda and 2/12/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
The Commission received an update on a new local shopping initiative named "EAT SHOP LOCAL". The purpose of the initiative is to encourage the Carson community to support local businesses by purchasing food, products, and services from participating vendors. A kick-off event for this initiative has been scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Carson Event Center. This event will last a week, starting Sunday, May 5, 2024, and ending May 10, 2024. To participate, vendors must have a valid City of Carson business license and be in good standing.
Continued and unfinished business was discussed along with updated staff reports covering several ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events including the Autism Acceptance 5K event taking place on Saturday, April 4, 2024, from 7 a.m. - 10:00 am at CSUDH. A unanimous vote was then taken to receive and file the reports.
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 5:02 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 4/8/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission met on Monday, March 18, 2024. During this meeting, the 2024 Memorial Day and 2024 Veterans Day subcommittees shared their ideas and intentions for the upcoming events. Progress was made with the long-awaited commission brochure, and feedback was provided to bring their vision to life. The commission continues to advise the Recreation Division on flag presentation at the parks and other maintenance concerns.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on March 25th and explored new ways to provide resources and support to women and residents in the City of Carson. Concurrently, they've initiated a community survey aimed at discerning the specific needs of women in Carson. They are looking forward to the launch of their survey and to collaborating with differing organizations to make a greater impact on the community. The Commission also continued 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 month of March 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.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this report.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Planning Commission Update
Prepared by: City Manager's Office