Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, February 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 heard an update on the ARPA-funded Small Business Grant and Commercial Façade programs. The EDC discussed the challenges of the façade program and focused on the shopping centers surrounding Dignity Health Sports Park in anticipation of the major events happening in the near future. They also discussed the Economic Development Strategic Plan Summit and the Small Business Growth Academy.
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commission met virtually on December 7, 2022, and received presentations from South Coast AQMD and Communities for a Better Environment. Jason Aspell, Deputy Executive Officer for South Coast AQMD, provided the Commissioners with an update about their investigation into emissions of Ethylene Oxide from facilities within Carson, specifically Parter Medical Products, Inc. and Alicia Rivera, a representative for Communities for a Better Environment, shared information about their organization and environmental focus areas. The Environmental Commission was dark for their January 4, 2023 meeting and is scheduled to meet in person for the 2023 calendar year. Their February 1, 2023 agenda includes a presentation about coyote safety, an update on No Idling signs, and the nomination and election of Chair and Vice Chair positions.
Public Works Commission
Staff have been meeting with the Public Works Commission for the last five months, but were not able to proceed in January due to lack of quorum.
Human Relations Commission
On December 13, 2022, The Human Relations Commission (Chair Keely and Commissioner Reed) participated in the Turkey and Toy-Give-Away that sponsored by County of Los Angeles Supervisor Fourth District, Supervisor Janice Hahn supported by Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Kathy Sutton (SEIRF); Torrance Councilmember Asam Sheikh; Mayor Patrick Furey (Retired). This event took place at DCFS, Torrance, California. The Commission met on December 21, 2022 to receive the packages of essay entries for the 27th Annual “Why I am a Rising Star Parent Conference/Essay Contest” (from students beginning at the 1st grade through high school that live or attend school in the City of Carson) for their judging, and announced the winners of the contest during their meeting on January 18, 2023. At this time, the Commission is currently working on the 27th Annual “Why I am a Rising Star Parent Conference” with continuous planning for the conference, which is scheduled on February 18, 2023. Also, the Commission continues to work in collaboration with California State University, Dominquez Hills, and Compton Community College in efforts of supporting the food pantries.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
After a two month hiatus for the holidays, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission met on January 26, 2023. The Commission continues to further its mission of advising the Community Services staff on programs and services related to the recreational and cultural pursuits of the Carson community. Additionally, the Commission provides recommendations on matters within its prevue to the City Council with the goal of ensuring that the needs of residents are met. Through visits at their assigned parks, attending events, meeting with staff, and discussions with the public, members have been staying abreast of the issues and/or concerns raised by visitors to the City’s recreational facilities. At the same time, the Commission has been providing comment on the many improvement projects slated to begin in the future.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
The Public Relations Commission did not have a quorum to meet in January 2023. Anticipated topics for February 2023 include Q&A with Community Services Director regarding information for Event Ticketing Process for City events; incorporating duties of the Community Civic Engagement Board (former dissolved board); the Why I Like Carson Essay-Writing Contest; and Leaves of Carson
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission went dark in December 2022 and was supposed to resume in January 2023. However, due to a lack of a quorum a formal meeting was not able to be conducted. For the next scheduled meeting it is on the agenda to have a briefing and Q & A with one of the Code Enforcement Supervisors since the commissioners have showed an interest.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
The Senior Citizen Advisory Commission acknowledged a full quorum at the onset of the meeting on January 9, 2023, at the Community Center in Room 111. The commission confirmed and approved the 1/9/23 agenda and previous minutes of 11/14/22, followed by unanimous votes. December the commission went dark. The commission discussed material covering continued and unfinished business at length, followed by unanimous votes. The staff provided updated reports to include ongoing, and upcoming Carson programs and events, including the forthcoming Senior Valentine's Day Luncheon on Friday, 2/10/23, at the Community Center. The commission and staff members' oral communications were noted toward the end of the meeting, followed by a unanimous vote to conclude at 4:43 pm. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will happen in person on Monday, 2/13/23, at 4:00 pm at the Community Center.
Veterans Affairs Commission
Staff is in the process of preparing the Veterans Affairs Commission to meet, including securing the requisite quorum in order to have a formal meeting. They attempted to meet in January but could not conduct a meeting due to lack of quorum.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission resumed meetings in January 2023 and discussed plans for new initiatives and activities for the upcoming year. The commission will continue to work with CSUDH and feeding students, helping women, and members will continue to support City events in 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. 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.
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 (pgs. 5 - 6)
Prepared by: City Manager's Office