Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, March 07, 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 elected a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in February 2023. The Commissioners heard an update on the Avalon Camera Project and updates on the Economic Development Strategic Plan Summit, and the Business Grant and Commercial Façade programs.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission met in person on February 1, 2023. They received a presentation about coyote safety from the Public Safety Services Manager, Kenneth McKay. They discussed the possibility of installing three No Idling signs in the City, however, the item was continued to give staff more time to review additional sign locations that were presented that evening. The Commission also held nominations and elections for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Hourie Taylor was re-elected to the position of Chair and Commissioner Lillian Hopson was re-elected to the position of Vice Chair.
Public Works Commission
Staff have been meeting with the Public Works Commission for the last several months but were not able to proceed in January or February due to lack of quorum.
Human Relations Commission
“On February 15, 2023 The Human Relations Commission had their regular monthly meeting to finalize the preparation for the 27th Annual Parent Conference - Rising Star. This event took place on February 18, 2023 at our Carson Event Center with approximately a hundred attendees, including our Mayor, City Council and other dignitaries, with the emphasis in celebrating the “Why I am a Rising Star During Pandemic” Contest winners and their parents. The winners and many other attendees got to experience a red carpet event, hosted by UNG Radio Station as well as got inspired by the keynote speaker Eddy Lee Mathews. Carson High School’s Marching Blue Thunder and MCJROTC brought colors and great performances to add to the ceremony. Attendees got the chance to hear our winners read their essays, which was the focal point of the event. They were also served a buffet lunch. The conference ended on a positive note with all the winners, parents, supporters and sponsors being recognized for their dedication and contribution to Carson’s future generation. The Commission will meet again on March 15th for their monthly regular in-person meeting. In the meantime, the Commission continues to collaborate with California State University, Dominquez Hills, and Compton Community College in efforts of supporting the food pantries.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
With 2023 the City of Carson’s 55th Anniversary and the Community Services Department leading the preparations of the five (5) events associated with this momentous occasion, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission has been regularly advised on what has transpired with their planning. These reports have largely covered the premier event of the year, the Gala Ball, which very recently took place. Upcoming programs include the 5K Walk and the Golf Tournament, which are serving as fundraisers for the two other 55th Anniversary Special Events, the Street Fair and the Tour de Carson. Additionally, the Commission regularly receives updates on current and future maintenance and renovations projects.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
Community Services Director Mike Whittiker and Community Services Superintendent Bobby Grove had a 15-minute Q&A regarding event ticketing process for City events. They also provided training information for community members for Active Net (software for signing up for events). The commission discussed and voted down the idea of incorporating formerly dissolved Community Civic Engagement Board duties. The commission, however, will consider projects that were previously undertaken by the dissolved board on a case by case basis. Dates of potential award ceremony for Why I Like Carson were discussed and list of potential judges for the contest were taken down. The commission started discussion for the Leaves of Carson awards ceremony possibly taking place at the Street Fair on July 29 and ways in which the commission could assist in disseminating the information packet about the Leaves of Carson program.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on February 16 and successfully had a quorum. There was a Q&A session with Code Enforcement Supervisor, Anthony Rockhold. He spoke to the commissioners on code strategies, municipal codes, and answered all the commissioner’s questions and concerns. In addition, the topic of coyotes in the City of Carson was also discussed during the meeting. The commissioners were interested in knowing what the City of Carson is doing regarding this issue.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The Senior Citizen Advisory Commission met in person on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Community Center in Room 111. At the onset of the meeting, the commission acknowledged having a full quorum, followed by the pledge and approval of the 2/13/23 agenda and the previous month's minutes of 1/9/23. The commission discussed old and new business, followed by applicable votes that were noted and recorded. Next, commissioners shared their experiences regarding the City of Carson events held in February 2023, with each one looking forward to upcoming events. They also expressed an interest in establishing an organized walking group. Finally, they expressed an interest in further elaboration regarding commission subcommittees, undertaking more projects, and having more presenters at future meetings. After oral communications were presented by the commission and staff members towards the end of the meeting, a unanimous vote went forth to conclude the meeting at 5:46 pm. The next in-person Senior Advisory Commission meeting will occur on Monday, 03/13/23, at 4:00 pm in the Carson Community Center in room 111.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission had their first meeting in September 2022 since the COVID shutdown. The commission had an active hand in planning the successful and well attended Veterans Day Celebration event on November 11, 2022. The commission is currently assisting staff with planning the Memorial Day Tribute which will be on May 25, 2023. Per the Assistant City Manager, staff trained and officially handed over the commission to the designated Council Aide starting in November 2022. As of February 2023, staff was instructed to handle the commission again until further notice.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on February 27th and continued the tabled discussion on new ways to provide additional assistance to campus students in need at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH. Furthermore, brainstormed new initiatives and activities that would serve the City of Carson’s Seniors in demand and potential workshop sessions on Crisis Management. Moreover, programs that would provide support and resources for homeless students, students with children, and women residents. On Saturday, February 25th, the City of Carson celebrated its 55th Anniversary Gala Ball. The commissioners supported the City event by serving on the Gala Ball committee as hostesses, while others supported by purchasing a table. Those commissioners in attendance stated that the event was well-attended and successful and congratulated the City of Carson on turning 55. Adding accolades to the Mayor and City Council, City Staff and all who put together a first-class, show-stopping, momentous affair.
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. The following commissioners have not taken their oaths: Joshua Barboza, Julianna Castillo, Josh Coleman, Miguel Domingo, Mariah Guzman, Devin Hawkins, Felicia Jordan, Jaiden Macias, and John’Taysha White. 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. 5)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office