Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, June 06, 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 went dark in April. The Small Business Academy graduation at CSUDH was in conflict with the meeting. Both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson attended the graduation.
Environmental Commission
The Economic Development Commission went dark in May. The next regular scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Public Works Commission
Staff met with the Public Works Commission on May 8, 2023. New Director of Public Works, Arlington Rodgers, introduced himself to the commissioners. New commissioners Clarence Johnson and Marion Martin introduced themselves to Staff and the Commission. The Commission conducted elections for Chair and Vice Chair, electing Kobii Howard to the position of Chair and Clarence Johnson to the position of Vice Chair. Staff gave a presentation on recently completed and ongoing public works projects. The Commission reviewed and voted to accept the completed Local Roadway Safety Plan to allow it to be presented to City Council for adoption.
Human Relations Commission
On May 17, 2023, the Human Relations Commission had their monthly meeting and successfully established a quorum. A representative from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, gave a presentation on their Basic Needs Program as the Commission wanted to expand their efforts in helping out CSUDH students in need via their Food Pantry Program. It was an informative presentation and the Commission requested an opportunity for it to also be presented in front of the Council so that the community can also charm in to support their mission and this collaboration.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission will recognize the 2023 Youth Sports Basketball Championship teams during its May meeting. Members continue to receive updates and provide comment on all the Special Events associated with the City’s 55th Anniversary. They have also played a critical role in the presentation of these programs by serving on planning subcommittees or volunteering on the day of the event. Commissioner visits to their assigned parks has helped raise staff’s awareness and improve their ability to better respond to any issues that take place at the City’s recreational facilities. Therefore, needed maintenance is handled much more promptly. Upcoming CIP projects remain a focus, as several parks will undergo significant improvements in the next few years.
Planning Commission
A summary of Planning Commission actions is included as Exhibit 1.
Public Relations Commission
During the meeting held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Public Relations Commission discussed the Leaves of Carson Event sometime in July.
Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission met on May 18 and fortunately had a quorum. There was a Q&A session with Code Enforcement Supervisor, Anthony Rockhold. He spoke to the commissioners on crossing guards and CERT Training. He successfully gave the commissioners information on these topics and answered all their questions.
Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
A full quorum was acknowledged at the Senior Advisory Commission meeting held in Room 107 at the Community Center on May 8, 2023. By unanimous vote, the commission approved the agenda for 5/8/23 and the previous minutes of 4/10/23.
Two Water Resources representatives attended the meeting and discussed the discount process for Carson trash service for seniors. Eligibility requirements were explained and how to apply. Applications for the discount can be downloaded from wasteresources.com/carsonsenior and mailed, faxed, or emailed. Replacement copies of property tax bills can be obtained from the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, 1401 E. Willow Street, Signal Hill, CA - (562) 256-1701.
At length, the commission discussed material covering continued and unfinished business, followed by unanimous votes. The staff provided updated reports, including ongoing Carson programs and events.
In conclusion, the commission and staff members' oral communications were noted. This was followed by a unanimous vote to conclude the meeting at 5:03 pm. The next Senior Advisory Commission meeting will occur on Monday, 6/12/23, at 4:00 pm at the Community Center.
Veterans Affairs Commission
The Veterans Affairs Commission has encouraged new staff lead, Justin Battle, to inquire on an update with business cards. They continue to advise the Recreation Division on flag presentation at the parks and other maintenance concerns. The commission has also moved a motion to create a proposal to recommend an additional veterans village be built in Carson for veterans only. Commissioners plan on speaking during public comments at the June 2 Council meeting.
Women’s Issues Commission
The Commission met on May 22nd, 2023 and provided a list of items delivered to the campus students at Cal State University Dominguez Hills - CSUDH food pantry. Commissioner Dr. Price and Sheila Tresvant met with CSUDH Director of Residential Living and Learning, Addae Jahdai-Brown and discussed topics that concern the students of CSUDH. In the month April the Commissioners have supported and attended various meetings and events in the City of Carson, such as; the Mayor of Carson’s Interfaith Breakfast, City Council meetings and local meetings and city events.
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. 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