Report to Mayor and City Council
Wednesday, March 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 Economic Development Commission held their monthly meeting on February 1, 2023, at the California State University Dominguez Hills campus, and included the following:
1. Contract Services Agreement with the Los Angeles Business Journal -Director of Community Development, Saied Naaseh, provided information and answered questions from commissioners and attendees.
2. West Basin Presentation - gave a presentation regarding upcoming water projects for Carson and the surrounding areas and the new California rules, AB1572, for commercial water use efficiency that will take place in 2025. This new law will prohibit the irrigation of non-functional turf (NFT, with drinking water at commercial, industrial, and institutional and homeowner association properties.
3. State of the City - the Mayor extended personal invitations addressed to each of the commissioners.
Environmental Commission
On February 7, 2024, the Environmental Commission (EC) convened to discuss potential environmentally focused events for 2024, including Earth Day, Zero Emissions Day, and World Planting Day. They also reviewed their duties as outlined in the Carson Municipal Code and discussed Los Angeles County’s water plan, which aims to secure a resilient water future. The plan focuses on Regional Water Supply Reliability; Groundwater Management and Quality; Small, At-Risk System Resilience and Drinking Water Equity; and Watershed Sediment Management. The next EC meeting scheduled for March 6, 2024, will be canceled due to a scheduling conflict with the City Council meeting, but they are set to meet again on April 3, 2024.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on February 12, 2024. City Staff provided information on SBCCOG’s Local Travel Network project, following a request from a previous meeting. The Commissioners reviewed two appeals of denials of speed hump petitions. The Commissioners also reviewed and provided feedback on two separate red curb installation requests.
Human Relations Commission
On February 13, 2024, the Human Relations Commission conducted their special meeting to finalize all the logistical details in preparation for their 28th Annual Rising Star - 2024 Parent Conference. The 28th Annual Rising Star, held on February 17th at the Carson Event Center, successfully celebrated the Essay Contest Winners along with their parents for this achievement of excellence. The Program also had informative portions dedicated to Black History Month, including artifacts display, educational video excerpts along with inspiring guest speakers. The Human Relations Commission went dark on their February monthly meeting and will reconvene in March for their regular meeting.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission will meet on February 29. The update will be provided in a future report.
Planning Commission
See Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
We held the Public Relations Commission Meeting on February 27, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. We will be continuing to discuss the policy for adding commissioners, submitting applications, and quorum along with any outstanding items for the upcoming "Why I Like Carson Essay Writing Contest" Ceremony.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on February 15 and successfully had a quorum. For this meeting we had Jan Tupuola and Brian Butkiewicz, who are both code Enforcement Supervisors attended. The commissioners had a lot of questions and comments regarding what Code Enforcement does. Both Jan and Brian were able to make sure they answer all their questions and comments were answered. The commissioners were very pleased.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 2/12/24 agenda and 1/8/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
Denise Willoughby from Plants of Hope presented information on the benefits of keeping live plants in the home, particularly succulent plants. She elaborated on their benefits including their ability to balance blood pressure, improve concentration, reduce stress, and provide a sense of well-being.
Continued and unfinished business was discussed along with updated staff reports covering several ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events including the Black History Month celebration to be held on Friday, February 23, 2024. 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 4:59 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 3/11/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission held a successful meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The 2024 Memorial Day subcommittee and 2024 Veterans Day subcommittee both set a date for their first meetings, where they will discuss plans for the upcoming Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. 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 February 26th and explored new ways to provide resources and support to women and residents in the City of Carson. They are looking forward to collaborating with other groups 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 February 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. 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
1. Planning Commission Update
Prepared by: City Manager's Office