Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, February 06, 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 monthly meeting for the month of January, was cancelled.
Environmental Commission
On January 10, 2024, a special meeting of the Environmental Commission (EC) convened, during which Jason Jo, Transportation Program Manager for the City of Carson, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the City’s current bus routes and the division’s strategic initiative for transitioning to zero-emission buses. Additionally, Carson’s Planning Division staff provided a comprehensive update on the Zoning Code. The Commission engaged in discussions about environmentally focused events of interest. The nomination and election of the Chair and Vice-Chair positions were continued to March 6, 2024. Furthermore, the Commission successfully approved their 2024 meeting schedule. The next EC meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the Executive Conference Room.
Public Works Commission
The Public Works Commission failed to achieve a quorum on January 8th and will resume in February.
Human Relations Commission
On January 17, 2024, the Human Relations Commission successfully had a quorum for their monthly meeting. The Commission went over their grading results to choose 12 winners out of 68 contestants for the 2024 Rising Star Essay Contest. They also continued their discussion regarding the 2024 Rising Star - Parent Conference’s preparation. The Commission adjourned to a Special Meeting on February 13th to finalize the preparation of the 28th Annual Rising Star - Parent Conference Event that will be held on February 17th at the Carson Event Center. The Human Relations Commission's list of activities for the 2023 calendar year was also forwarded to Mayor’s and Council’s attention.”
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission met on January 25, 2023. The Commission recognized this past season’s Youth Sports Champions for their dedication and success. A slideshow unveiled group photos of the winning teams. Coaches introduced each of their players and presented them with a certificate.
The newly appointed Park Maintenance Superintendent, Modesto Bolanos introduced himself to the Commission and provided background about his education, career, and goals. He presence was well received by the commissioners and they are looking forward to working with him and continue to see positive changes in Carson parks.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission monthly meetings for the month of January, specifically January 9th and January 23rd, were cancelled. Chair Thomas called a Special Meeting of the Planning Commission for Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 6:30pm, to include a public hearing for the Zoning Code Ordinance and Zoning Map Comprehensive Update, Phase I.
Public Relations Commission
We held the Public Relations Commission Meeting today, January 23, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. We will be discussing the commission, composition and quorum along with any outstanding items for the upcoming "Why I Like Carson Essay Writing Contest" and Ceremony.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on January 18 and successfully had a quorum. There was a Zoning Code Update Presentation given by Aaron Whiting, Associate Planner and McKina Alexander, Senior Planner. The presentation gave a lot of useful information to the commissioners about all the good things that are yet to come to the City of Carson. They all really enjoyed the presentation and engaged in a Q and A after it was done. Their questions and comments were all successfully answered.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 1/8/23 agenda and 12/11/23 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
A staff member from the Community Development/Planning Division, Lyna Vuong, introduced herself and presented information regarding the Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement and Cal Fresh support.
Continued and unfinished business was discussed along with updated staff reports covering several ongoing and upcoming Carson programs and events. 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 4:49 p.m.
The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will take place on Monday, 2/12/24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission meeting was held on Monday, January 22, 2024. A discussion was held to recap the 2023 Veterans Day event. During this meeting, the 2024 Memorial Day subcommittee and the 2024 Veterans Day subcommittee was established.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on January 22nd and continued exploring news ways to support women and residents in the City of Carson. The Planning Department presented and provided updates on new Zoning Codes within the city. Furthermore, Commissioner Fielder shared a list of items that have been contributed to CSUDH's food pantry. All Commissioners actively participated in events and meetings within the City of Carson to stay well-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. 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