Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, January 09, 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 held their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and included the following:
1. Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) Update - Assistant City Manager of Economic Development, John Raymond, gave a presentation and answered questions from commissioners and attendees.
2. Zoning Code Update, Phase II, Senior Planners, McKina Alexander and Jarrod Coleman, presented the Zoning Code update, and provided the commissioners and attendees with the City’s Zoning Code email address for any questions, comments, or concerns. They also informed the audience of the upcoming survey regarding commercial and mixed-use zones (https://ci.carson.ca.us/CommunityDevelopment/ZoningCodeUpdate.aspx), which was later provided via email.
On December 19, 2023, a Special Meeting of the Economic Development Commission was held to consider recommendation to City Council for approval of Economic Development Benefit Agreement among the City, CRA , and CAM-Carson. After discussion and questions answered by Assistant City Manager of Economic Development, John Raymond. The commission approved the recommendation with a unanimous vote of 6-0.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission did not meet in December 2023.
Public Works Commission
On December 11, the Public Works Commission failed to achieve a quorum and will resume in January 2024.
Human Relations Commission
On December 20, 2023, the Human Relations Commission successfully had a quorum for their monthly meeting. The Commission received Zoning Code Updates Announcement presented by our City’s Planning Division and had a fruitful Q&A session; then, they also signed up for additional updates to come. The Commission continued their discussion regarding the 2024 Rising Star Conference’s preparation and exchanged updates on the recent efforts towards their ongoing Food Pantry project. They concluded their meeting with a warm annual Holiday Potluck, aided team building in the Holidays spirit.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission met on November 30, 2023. The commissioners made changes to their park assignments and each commissioner will report on their new park at the next meeting being held in January. Public Works Director Arlington Rodgers has confirmed his attendance for the January 25th meeting where he will update the commission on several renovation design plans involving the park facilities. 2023 Youth Soccer champions will also be recognized by the commissioners and fellow peers.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held their monthly meeting on December 12, 2023. Due to lack of quorum, the meeting was cancelled.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission will meet on January 23, 2024. We will be discussing outstanding items for the upcoming "Why I Like Carson Essay Writing Contest" and Ceremony.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission did not have a formal meeting for the month of December because it went dark for this month. The next scheduled meeting is for Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Upon unanimous approval of the 12/11/23 agenda and 11/13/23 minutes, the commission proceeded with its regular business.
Presentations were given by:
(1) Planning staff: Jarrod Coleman and Chris Palmer regarding Carson zoning codes and land uses.
(2) Housing staff: Fariba Moghadam regarding housing/homeless issues; and Toni Carter regarding the Neighborhood Pride Program/CDBG for single family and mobile homeowners, and the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program.
(3) Jun Aglipay spoke briefly and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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.
The newly appointed Commissioner, Ernestine Leverette, spoke briefly about her interest in the commission. This was followed by a hearty welcome from the commissioners and staff members. Oral communications were exchanged including an acknowledgment of former Commissioner Estrella Bumacod's funeral service attended by several Senior Advisory Commission members.
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 did not meet in December 2023 and will resume in January 2024.
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