Report to Mayor and City Council
Wednesday, July 05, 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 went dark in June. The next regular scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission convened on June 7, 2023, acknowledging a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Celia Villalpando. Arlington Rodgers, Director of Public Works for the City of Carson, delivered an introduction and provided an overview of ongoing efforts to address overgrown weeds and general maintenance in the city's medians. The Commissioners expressed their interest in having the Director return in a few months to present additional details and plans regarding future beautification initiatives. Michelle Nicholls, representing Waste Resources, delivered a presentation on the SB 1383 Statewide Mandatory Organic Waste Collection Program. Additionally, City staff provided an update on the installation of No Idling signs, mentioning that the Public Works Supervisor would commence sign installation on June 8, 2023. The Environmental Commission's upcoming meeting is scheduled for August 2, 2023.
Public Works Commission
Staff met with the Public Works Commission on June 12, 2023. Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes greeted the Commissioners and Staff. Staff presented the FY 23/24 CIP projects to the Commission, with discussion on the various types of projects and the total CIP budget. At their request, Commissioners were updated on the ongoing center median project.
Human Relations Commission
On June 21, 2023, the Human Relations Commission had their monthly meeting and successfully established a quorum. Ms. Dani Cook, Human Services Program Manager, was invited to speak on the Brick Pathway Program and the Women’s Health Conference as the Commission wanted to support the City via these programs. The Commission established an Ad Hoc Committee to assist the efforts of CSUDH Food Pantry program. They also discussed the initial preparation for Rising Star Conference and agreed to go dark in July 2023.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
During the May Park, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission meeting, members were introduced to the City’s new Public Works Director, Arlington Rodgers. He provided brief remarks on his short tenure with the Carson, his efforts to gain a greater understanding of the needs and challenges at the parks, and plans, both immediate and in the future, to respond to them. The Commission indicated that they were looking forward to his updates on the many projects intended for the City’s recreational facilities. With the 55th Anniversary Street Fair quickly approaching, members were given an update on the many elements included in the event, such as the entertainment, a car show, and the children’s area. Details were also provided regarding the 55th Anniversary Tour de Carson, which is scheduled to take place later in the summer. The meeting concluded with a video highlighting the just-ended Youth Sports basketball season.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission discussed the details of the Leaves of Carson Program - judging, selection of recipients and working with the 55th Anniversary committee to hold the awards ceremony during the 55th Anniversary Street Fair.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission was not able to have a formal meeting for the month of June due to a lack of a quorum. For the next scheduled meeting on July 20, it is on the agenda to have a briefing and Q & A with our Public Safety Engagement Officers.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The Senior Advisory Commission members acknowledged a quorum at the start of their meeting held at the Community Center on June 12, 2023. In a unanimous vote, the commission confirmed and approved the agenda for 6/12/23 and the previous minutes for 5/8/22.
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 a Senior Gardening Workshop on Monday, 6/26/23, a Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, 7/13/23, and a Senior Luau at the Community Center on Friday, 7/21/23.
Updates were provided by the Commission regarding its subcommittees, including the Community Outreach Program, and the Stroke Center Program.
The commission and staff members' oral communications were noted toward the end of the meeting, after which it was voted unanimously to go dark in July and August 2023. The meeting concluded at 5:11 pm. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place at the Community Center on Monday, 9/11/23, at 4:00 pm.
Veterans Affairs Commission
Unfortunately, due to the observance of the Juneteenth Holiday, we were unable to convene the meeting as planned. Recognizing the significance of this day, we made the decision to honor and respect the holiday by rescheduling the meeting.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on June 23rd, 2023 and provided a list of items delivered to the students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry. In the month May the Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in the City of Carson, such as; the 125 th Philippine Independence Day celebration, Juneteenth, Samoan Heritage Day.
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. Recommendations for funding expenditures associated with the Commissions would be brought to the City Council separately and as needed.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Planning Commission Summary (pg. 5)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office