Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, June 04, 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 convened its monthly meeting on May 2, 2024, at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The meeting agenda included the following: Dr. Moses McCutcheon Jr., Ed. D., Life Purpose Career Coach & Education Advisor, presented his “School to Success Program” to the commission and expressed interest in collaborating with the city to implement it in Carson. The commission continued discussing opportunities to beautify the City’s public right-of-way, focusing on arterial streets leading to and surrounding key points of interest. It also discussed ideas for a citywide wayfinding and signage program.
Environmental Commission
On May 1, 2024, the Environmental Commission (EC) convened and reelected Hourie Taylor as Chair and Lillian Hopson as Vice Chair. The EC received an update on the survey results from the City’s Earth Day event held on April 13, 2024. The Keep Carson Beautiful survey received 30 responses, while the Environmental survey garnered 26 responses. The EC was also briefed on activities near the intersection of 213th Street and Chico Street. Additionally, they reviewed and discussed a draft letter outlining projects for the Community Beautification Ad Hoc Committee’s consideration. The next EC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5th at 6:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on May 13, 2024. The Commission elected a new Commission Vice Chair but are in need of new commissioners to fill vacancies. There was a public hearing to discuss a proposed preferential parking zone on Shadwell Street between Figueroa Street and Caroldale Avenue. The commission heard from staff, applicants for the preferential parking zone, and residents in the neighboring area. The commission made a decision to recommend the preferential parking zone establishment to be referred to City Council, which will require a resolution. The Public Works Commission also heard from a resident describing the parking issues in his neighborhood and his ideas regarding having parking stall markings on the street to encourage more efficient parking. Lastly, the commission heard from a resident discussing the speeding occurring on his street and a pending speed hump application.
Human Relations Commission
On May 15, 2024, the Human Relations Commission successfully held their regular monthly meeting. The Food Pantry Ad Hoc Committee reported on their monthly effort of donation dropping off in April, May, and additional action plan for more drop off the week after the meeting. They also went over events and activities they took part in, as well as planning some calendar items for future events, including initial brainstorming for the 2025 Rising Star Conference. The Human Relations Commission will go dark in June and reconvene in July for their regular meeting.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Commission met on Monday, April 25, 2024. During this meeting, the commissioners shared their progress at the parks, as well as some of their concerns. The consensus is that the department is doing a great job and quickly enhancing the aesthetics at all parks. The commissioners find merit in the Park Maintenance division becoming a part of Community Services. The superintendents addressed maintenance concerns accordingly.
The next Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission meeting will take place on Monday, May 30, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, East Wing Activity Room. Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Director of the Public Works Department is scheduled to present updates on the park projects he has been working on. Additionally, the 2024 Spelling Bee Champions will be invited to the meeting and recognized in front of the commissioners for their dedication and success.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission did not hold a meeting in May 2024.
Public Relations Commission
We held the Public Relations Commission meeting today, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, and held a recap of the Essay Contest. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, where we will be discussing the Public Relations Commission Membership composition, requirements, and the duties of the alternates.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission was not able to have a formal meeting on Thursday, May 16 due to a lack of a quorum. The next scheduled meeting is for Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 5/13/24 agenda and 4/8/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
The Ca Care Association is a non-profit entity committed to making a difference in the lives of others by offering extensive, cost-effective, and individualized care training services designed for caregivers in assisted-living residences and community-based care settings throughout California. Membership is free. In his presentation, Mr. Alipio stressed the importance of their basic programming, which includes First Aid CPR and Crisis Prevention and Intervention training. In addition, he mentioned an upcoming event in Carson on Sunday, May 19th, which focuses on caregiver initiatives.
Wider Circle is a neighborhood-based health organization that empowers members of the same community to live happier, healthier lives. The organization partners with health plans and physician groups in neighborhoods across the country to provide fun and educational in-person and virtual programs for members who share similar interests and life experiences. In Ms. Quintanilla's presentation, she emphasized that all members of Wider Circle are required to be members of the Apple Optum Network.
Continued and unfinished business was discussed along with updated staff reports covering several ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events. A unanimous vote was noted to receive and file the reports.
The commission agreed to forego the closing verbal communications from staff and commissioners to attend a celebration in honor of Enid Jones, who is commemorating her 100th birthday. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn at 4:45 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 6/10/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission met on Monday, May 20, 2024. During the meeting, the commission decided on who would participate in assisting with the run of show items as well as share what Memorial Day means to them, at the Memorial Day Tribute event. The commission also gave its final approval on the Veterans Affairs Commission Brochure, which is now ready to be processed for review and approval on the staff end. The commission continues to advise the Recreation Division on flag presentation at the parks and other maintenance concerns.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission did not hold a meeting in the month of May 2024.
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
None
Prepared by: City Manager's Office