Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, May 02, 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 April. The Small Business Academy graduation at CSUDH was in conflict with the meeting. Both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson attended the graduation.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission met in person on April 5, 2023. At the meeting, the City of Carson’s new Planning Manager, Christopher Palmer, introduced himself and informed the Commissioners about the recently approved General Plan update. Two consent items were pulled for further discussion, including a press release from Los Angeles County titled, “County and local agencies investigate metallic smell and oil sheen on surface of Dominguez Channel” and a news release from the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations titled, “Cal/OSHA Cites Sterilization Company $838,800 for Overexposing Employees to Toxic Chemicals.” Staff gave a presentation about Clean Power Alliance’s Community Solar Green Tariff Program and the Commission recommended that the City Council approve participation in the program. During staff oral communications, the Commissioners were invited to submit a request for business cards and invited to the City’s Earth Day Kids Fest Event which was held on April 15, 2023. The next regularly scheduled Environmental Commission meeting will be on May 3, 2023.
Public Works Commission
Staff met with the Public Works Commission on April 10, 2023 but were not able to proceed due to lack of quorum. There were only 2 Commissioners present. Staff needs at least 6 Commissioners/Alternate Members present to move forward with the meeting. The Director of Public Works was introduced to the two Commissioners.
Human Relations Commission
On March 30, 2023, the Human Relations Commission participated at the Mayor’s “State of The City Address” and had many great feedbacks. On April 19, 2023, they had their monthly meeting and successfully established a quorum. The Commission gave an update on the Food Pantry project that they have been in partnership with Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and planned on inviting a sponsor to the next meeting along with a representative from CSUDH to discuss potential assistance as they continue to help out CSUDH students in need.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission has resumed recognizing each of the Youth Sports championship teams during its meetings. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this practice was suspended. In March, the 2021 champions were honored, and the 2022 teams will follow in April. Members continue to provide reports on maintenance issues at their assigned park, and regularly request updates on pending renovations at all of the City’s recreational facilities. The Commission is working with staff to designate a day when it can visit all the parks to better appreciate the issues and challenges each faces. The City’s 55th Anniversary events remain a significant point of interest, especially with the 5K Walk and the Golf Tournament scheduled for May.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission met on Thursday, April 20, 2023 and discussed the following topic: Why I Like Carson Essay-Writing Contest Awards Ceremony and Program
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission was not able to have a formal meeting for the month of April due to a lack of a quorum. For the next scheduled meeting on May 18, it is on the agenda to have a briefing and Q & A regarding crossing guards and CERT Training
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
A full quorum was acknowledged by the Senior Advisory Commission at its meeting on April 10, 2023. The commission confirmed and approved the 4/10/23 agenda and the previous 3/13/22 minutes, followed by unanimous acceptance votes.
West Basin Representatives:
Director Harold Williams (former Carson Councilmember) introduced himself to the commission. He also introduced General Manager Gregory Reed. Mr. Williams discussed the origins of West Basin in 1947, the necessity for its establishment, and the mission of providing safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to the communities it serves, including nearly one million residents in 17 cities governed by five board members. He elaborated on West Basin's partnership with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD). He added that all water is tested daily by MWD, California Water Service, and Golden State Water Company in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Gregory Reed provided an update on drought and water supply conditions and an overview of the state's three primary water sources: groundwater, the Colorado River Aqueduct, and the California Aqueduct (State Water Project). He discussed drought monitoring efforts as of 3/23/23, emphasizing that despite 32 trillion gallons of rain in California in three weeks, the drought continues. A major reason for this is that atmospheric rivers have less impact farther inland on the Colorado River watershed. Mr. Reed also provided water conservation tips and information on the organization's Grass Replacement Rebate Program. This program offers $3 per square foot of grass replaced as an incentive to encourage residents and commercial entities to remove their lawns to conserve water. He discussed the grass replacement project at Carson City Hall, which includes removal of 56,588 square feet of lawn, saving 2,500,000 gallons of water. In conclusion, Mr. Reed briefly talked about CSUDH’s water savings of 7,200,00 gallons, a water recycling project coming to Mills Parks, and noted California's outstanding conservation efforts.
Public Safety Homeless Program:
The Public Safety Engagement Team member, Jose (Joe) Vargas, delivered a brief overview to the commission regarding the Public Safety Homeless Outreach Program and how it seeks to reduce homelessness in Carson by enhancing current initiatives to provide field-based outreach, engagement, and support services while simultaneously maintaining the safety and security of the community and the unhoused. In collaboration with the Sheriff's Department, they go out twice a month and interact with homeless people. In addition, they collaborate with the PATH non-profit organization that has Uber access. They go out in the field every Tuesday with a PATH representative(s) to transport individual(s) to shelters using Uber. He stated that the ultimate goal is to protect the homeless as well as the community at large.
In conclusion of the meeting, the commission discussed material covering continued and unfinished business, followed by unanimous votes. The staff provided updated reports, including ongoing Carson programs and events.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:22 pm by unanimous vote. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will occur on Monday, 5/8/23 - 4:00 pm at the Community Center.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission have been meeting regularly in their new location at the Veterans Park Large Activity Room. They continue to advise the Recreation Division on flag presentation at the parks and other maintenance concerns. The commission has created a subcommittee that meets with staff and assists with the planning of the Memorial Day Tribute which will be on May 25, 2023.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on April 24th and provided a list of items delivered to the campus students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry. Commissioner Dr. Price met with CSUDH Director of Residential Living and Learning, Addae Jahdai-Brown, who gave her a tour of the campus grounds and discussed topics of concern along with two future dates to meet with the entire Commission. The Commission voted and all were in favor to meet with the students to brainstorm ideas of “general support” on Tuesday, May 09, 2023, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Since the March 27th meeting, Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in the City of Carson and aboard, such as; the Mayor of Carson’s State of The City, City Council meetings, local meetings, conferences, and more to 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. As of today, only 5 of the 14 commissioners have taken their oaths. Staff has tried numerous times to get in contact with these commissioners by letter and phone but have not received any response. Due to no responses from these commissioners, staff has sent a memo to our Director of Community Services/Parks and Recreation stating we would like to request these commissioners be removed and new commissioners be assigned. A new flyer was sent to PIO to start drawing interest from youth from our Parks and Local Schools.
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. 6)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office