Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, December 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 did not meet in November 2023.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission (EC) met on November 1, 2023, where Tarik Rahmani, Deputy City Manager of Carson, introduced himself and discussed his department’s ongoing initiatives. Staff updates were given on the City’s Community Beautification Initiative and Hazards Mitigation Planning, along with a draft list of potential environmental events for 2024. The next EC meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2023.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on November 13, 2023. The Commissioners reviewed and provided feedback on two items brought by the Traffic Engineer: an appeal of a denial of a speed hump petition; and a petition for preferential parking. The Traffic Engineer also solicited discussion on the ongoing and future use of red curb within the City, particularly within residential areas, which will be a discussion that will continue in future Public Works Commission meetings. Commissioners inquired about SBCCOG’s Local Travel Network, which Staff will present more information on next meeting.
Human Relations Commission
On November 15, 2023, the Human Relations Commission successfully had a quorum for their monthly meeting. The Commission had a productive discussion regarding the 2024 Rising Star Conference’s preparation. They also furthered their discussion on the recent efforts towards their ongoing Food Pantry project. The Commission also concluded the planning for their annual Holiday Potluck to be held at their next meeting in December.”
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission recently held an election which resulted in a new Vice-Chair and Secretary. Following this reorganization, the Commission has decided to reconsider park assignments. Historically, each member of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission is assigned a park to both visit and provide a report at monthly meetings. This month, the Commission must review the current park assignments and decide if any changes are to be made. With many renovations for the city’s recreation facilities on the way and designs phases nearing completion, Public Works Director Arlington Rodger is scheduled update to the Commission in January. Also, in the month of January, the 2023 Youth Soccer champions will be acknowledged. Each coach will be given the opportunity to introduce their team and recognize athletes’ individual performances.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission did not meet in November 2023.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission met on October 24, 2023, and discussed the Why I like Carson Contest. We will meet on November 28, 2023.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on November 16 and successfully had a quorum. There was a Q&A session with Nora Garcia, Emergency Services Manager and Jan Tupuola, Code Enforcement Supervisor. They both spoke about what they do for the City of Carson. The commissioners learned about both Emergency Services and Code Enforcement. They were happy to get all their questions and concerns addressed.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Taya Varteresian, Supervising Mental Health Psychiatrist provided an overview of the GENESIS Countywide Older Adult Program. The program provides field-based outpatient mental health services to older adults with severe mental illnesses who are unable to access services due to their impairments, frailty, or other limitations. GENESIS provides specialized services to meet the unique needs of people ages 60 and above.
In addition to the discussions that took place regarding current and unfinished business, the staff provided updated reports to include various ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events. This was followed by a unanimous vote to receive and file the reports. Commissioner Shirley Graves, a Continuing Education and Enrichment subcommittee member, provided an update on a luncheon she attended with 56 other seniors.
Prior to the end of the meeting, the commission and staff exchanged oral communications. Among these communications was an acknowledgment of Senior Advisory Commissioner Estrella Bumacod's passing. As a mark of respect to her memory, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 12/11/23 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission is dark and will resume in January 2024.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on November 27th and started the tabled discussion on new ways to help the women in the City of Carson. They also brainstormed new initiatives and activities that would serve the city’s residents. In addition, commissioner Fielder provided a list of items delivered to the campus students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry. The Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in the City of Carson stay informed.
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
None
Prepared by: City Manager's Office