Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 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
A presentation by Community Development Project Manager, James Nguyen, was given regarding the City of Carson Small Business Grant and Façade Improvement Programs. The commission received an update that the Economic Development Strategic Plan will be presented at the next meeting to be held September 7, 2023.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission convened on August 2, 2023 and was presented with an update from City staff encompassing the following matters: The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) informed the City that they would be modifying air monitoring activities near Parter within the City. It was reported that the levels of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) detected through air monitoring near Parter have consistently remained at low levels. As a result, the South Coast AQMD has decided to discontinue air quality monitoring at Site #4, Ambler Avenue Elementary School. However, the monitoring station at Site #2 on Bradenhall Drive, positioned between Parter and Ambler Avenue Elementary School, will remain in place. Additionally, the installation of commercial vehicle No Idling signs, supplied by the California Air Resources Board, has been successfully installed at the designated locations. Updates were also provided on the progress of Clean Power Alliance programs, along with the City’s initiation of its Broadband Study. The next meeting of the Environmental Commission is scheduled for September 6, 2023.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission met on August 14, 2023. Staff provided an update on the recently awarded center median maintenance contracts and gave a presentation on how the iWorQ system is used to field requests internally and from residents. Commissioners inquired about the General Plan. Staff will arrange for a presentation on the General Plan from the Planning Department at a future Public Works Commission meeting.
Human Relations Commission
On August 16, 2023, the Human Relations Commission had their monthly meeting and successfully established a quorum. The Commission discussed their support for the Brick Pathway Program and the Women’s Health Conference. They also discussed the initial preparation for Rising Star Conference and staff is assisting in mailing/emailing out flyers and application packages to all of the grade schools in Carson so that they can start following up in September.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission received updates on the planning and volunteer opportunities of the last two 55th Anniversary Special Events taking place in the upcoming weeks, the Street Fair and Tour de Carson. In addition to these events, members continue to remain focused on maintenance issues at the parks. The Commissioners were pleased with the progress the City has made in successfully responding to their and the public’s service requests. In September, the Commission looks forward to a presentation by the Public Works Director, Arlington Rodgers, to discuss upcoming renovations at the City’s recreational facilities. At this same meeting, the baseball and softball champions will be recognized for this achievement.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations commission is dark in the months of August and September.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on August 17 and successfully had a quorum. There was a Q&A session with one of our Public Safety Engagement Officers, Deterius Frierson. He spoke to the commissioners on what he and his partner do in the city in regards to the homeless, and answered all the commissioner’s questions and concerns. The commissioners were very pleased with his presentation and felt they received a lot of useful information on how homeless people are handled in the City of Carson.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is dark for August, and will reconvene in September.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Commission is working on designing a unique shirt for our commissioners to wear during various City events. This shirt not only represents the commission but also signifies the commitment to supporting veterans in our community.
Additionally, the Commission is collaborating with the Public Information Office (PIO) to include relevant veteran information in upcoming magazines. This effort aims to raise awareness about the services and opportunities available to veterans in our city.
Also, the Commission is focusing on Veterans Day and is currently in the process of drafting a comprehensive proposal to secure an increase in budget allocations for this significant event. The goal is to create a meaningful and impactful Veterans Day celebration that honors and recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission did not meet in August 2023.
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
1. Planning Commission Summary (pg. 4)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office