Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, November 07, 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
The Economic Development Commission held their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and included the following:
Budget - Deputy City Manager, Tarik Rahmani, and Finance Director, William Jefferson, gave a presentation regarding the City’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Tarik answered many questions from commissioners and from attendees.
Broadband - Innovation and Business Liaison, LaToya, along with the Innovation and Sustainability Manager, Reata Kulcsar, presented the Citywide Broadband Assessment Study. Reata discussed the significance of the City’s broadband survey regarding internet speed for residents and local businesses in order to assess the need for improvement. She welcomed the commissioner’s input.
Brownfield Grants - James Nguyen, Special Projects Manager, and Terracon consultant, spoke about the City’s recent efforts in pursuing state and federal brownfield grants. James mentioned that the City is seeking community partners to collaborate in the remediation.
Environmental Commission
On October 4, 2023, the Environmental Commission (EC) convened a meeting during which Kim Fuentes, the Deputy Executive Director of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, delivered a presentation concerning their ongoing efforts in quantifying greenhouse gas emissions inventory for years 2019 and 2020. City staff presented statistics related to enforcement activities associated with the Fourth of July holiday. The meeting also involved a discussion regarding the City’s Broadband Assessment Study. Furthermore, the EC discussed and unanimously recommended City Council consideration and approval of a proposed resolution aimed at establishing the City of Carson Community Beautification Initiative. The EC's upcoming meetings are scheduled for November 1, 2023, and December 6, 2023.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on October 9, 2023. Planning Manager, Christopher Palmer, gave a presentation on the General Plan and how it relates to Public Works. He also notified the Commissioners where they could find more information on the City website. Responding to a question from the Commissioners, City Staff explained the process for obtaining a permit for residential street closures. Commissioners expressed an interest in a stipend increase commensurate with the recent increase to the Planning Commission stipends.
Human Relations Commission
On October 18, 2023, the Human Relations Commission successfully had their monthly meeting. The Commission had a productive meet and greet with Phillip E. Walker as they screened through some selections of his movies/documentaries to decide if he can serve as a guest speaker at the 2024 Rising Star Conference. They also furthered their discussion on the preparation of the Rising Star Conference, along with the recent efforts towards their ongoing Food Pantry project. The meeting concluded with excitement as the Commission planned for their annual Holiday Potluck to be held at their December meeting.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission acknowledged the 2023 Youth Sports basketball champions during at its September meeting. Each coach was given the opportunity to introduce his team and recognize their individual performances. Recreation Program Manager Scott Griffee provided a brief report on the Youth Sports program that highlighted the increased number of registrants from the prior year. With the move of the Park Maintenance Division (formerly, the Grounds Division) from Public Works to Community Services, both Directors have been working together to seamlessly complete the transition. Public Works Director Arlington Rodgers presented an update of the many renovation projects slated for the city’s recreation facilities, specifically Mills Park, Carriage Crest Park, and Foisia Park, as well as the Carson Event Center. All projects are currently in the design phase, and construction will begin in 2024.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relation Commission will meet Tuesday, November 28, 2023 and we will discuss materials/distribution for the Why I Like Carson Essay Contest.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission was not able to have a formal meeting on Thursday, October 19 due to a lack of a quorum. For the next scheduled meeting it is on the agenda to have a briefing and Q & A with our Code Enforcement Supervisor.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The commission unanimously confirmed and approved its 10/9/23 agenda and 9/11/23 minutes. As such, the commission was all set to proceed with its business.
The meeting featured two presentations: (1) The YMCA Senior Nutrition Program presented by Kimberly Cortado, Carson Site Manager, and (2) A Broadband Assessment Study presented by Reata Kulcsar, Innovation and Sustainability Manager.
The commission discussed continued and unfinished business in length followed by unanimous votes. The staff provided their update reports to include various ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events, with emphasis on the Women’s Health Conference happening on Friday, 10/20/23. Community Services Superintendent, Bobby Grove, along with Transportation Program Manager, Jason Jo, explained why buses can no longer be used for senior trips.
Subcommittee discussions have been tabled for the next meeting.
In the meeting's final minutes, the commission and staff members' oral communications were noted. The meeting adjourned at 5:17 pm.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 11/13/23 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
During our most recent Veterans Affairs Commission meeting, we finalized the selection of a food vendor for our upcoming Veterans Day event. The commission is pleased with the progress we've made in this regard and is excited about the event's preparations.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on October 23, 2023 and provided a list of items delivered to the students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry in September. During the month of September the Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in 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 Summary (pg. 5)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office