Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, May 07, 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 April 4, 2024, at the Metropolitan Water District. The meeting agenda included the following: Presentation on the Commercial Façade Improvement Program by James Nguyen, Special Projects Manager indicating there are six funding agreements going to the City Council of approval on May 7, 2024; update on the Equitable Community Revitalization Grants Brownfield awards, presented by James Nguyen, Special Projects Manager indicating the city received three state Equitable Community Revitalization Grants for a total amount of $850,000. A federal EPA grant is pending; Discussion on the Carson Community Beautification Initiative, facilitated by Reata Kulcsar, Innovation and Sustainability (I&S) Manager, and Saied Naaseh, Community Development Director, with I&S Manager, Reata Kulcsar, informing the commissions of Resolution No. 23-169; and a Tour of a demonstration plant at the Grace F. Napolitano Pure Water Southern California Innovation Center.
Environmental Commission
On April 3, 2024, the Environmental Commission (EC) convened to discuss potential environmentally focused events for the year, such as Earth Day, Zero Emissions Day, and World Planting Day. Earth Day, set for April 13, 2024, would be in collaboration with Community Services, featuring an EC booth and surveys to engage with community members. Two surveys were approved: one addressing environmental concerns and the other focusing on beautification priorities. Several tree-planting ceremonies were also planned, including one specifically for the Environmental Commission. The nomination and election of Chair and Vice Chair roles were postponed until the May meeting. The EC is slated to reconvene on May 1st and June 5th, 2024.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission failed to achieve a quorum on April 8th and will resume in May.
Human Relations Commission
On April 17, 2024, the Human Relations Commission successfully held their regular April monthly meeting, discussed an initial plan for their 29th Annual Rising Star - 2025 Parent Conference, to be held on February 15, 2025 at the Carson Event Center. The Food Pantry Ad Hoc Committee reported on their monthly effort of donation dropping off in March and projected action plan for April. The Commission also went over events and activities they took part in, as well as planning some calendar items for future events and upcoming meeting. The Human Relations Commission will reconvene in May 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.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission did not meet in April 2024.
Public Relations Commission
We held the Public Relations Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024 where we will have a recap of the "Why I Like Carson Essay-Writing Contest Awards Ceremony" along with discussing the Public Relations Commission Membership requirements and composition in order to make a recommendation to council.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on Thursday, April 18 and successfully had a quorum. For this meeting we had Brian Butkiewicz, Code Enforcement Supervisor attend. The commissioners had lots of questions and concerns regarding Code Enforcement. Brian was able to successfully address everything. The commissioners were very pleased.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 4/08/24 agenda and 3/11/24 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business. Tia Delaney-Stewart MSN, RN, PHN, CCM, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Alzheimer’s Association discussed the Alzheimer's Association advising who they are, what they do, and how they hope to begin creating resources, educational programs, and support groups for Carson residents. In her remarks, she emphasized the impact that Alzheimer's/Dementia has on the community and lack of awareness about the disease.
Continued and unfinished business was discussed along with updated staff reports covering several ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events including the Mental Health Forum taking place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 7 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Carson Event Center. 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 5:18 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 5/13/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission met on Monday, April 15, 2024. During the meeting, the commission made additional refinements to the veterans' brochure and decided to distribute it at the upcoming Memorial Day Tribute event. 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 April 22nd and continued to explore new ways to provide resources and support to women and residents in the City of Carson. They've continued to expand on community survey, which aims to discern the specific needs of women in Carson. The Commission also received a presentation from LaToya Butler of the ISPM Department regarding the upcoming Eat Shop Local weeklong event. Additionally, they continue 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 April 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
None
Prepared by: City Manager's Office