CITY OF CARSON
MINUTES
CARSON CITY COUNCIL/
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY
regular meeting
February 4, 2025
5:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY (5:00 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M. by Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Lula Davis-Holmes in the Helen Kawagoe Council Chambers, Carson City Hall, located at 701 E. Carson Street, Carson, California 90745 via pre-recorded opening remarks which included the rules of decorum.
ROLL CALL (CITY CLERK)
City Clerk/Agency Secretary/Authority Secretary, Dr. Khaleah K. Bradshaw noted the roll:
Council Members/Agency Members/Authority Board Members Present:
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor Pro Tempore/Agency Vice Chairman/Authority Vice Chairman, Dr. Jawane Hilton, Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Jim Dear, Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Cedric Hicks, Sr., and Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Arleen Rojas
Also Present:
Monica Cooper, City/Agency/Authority Treasurer; Sunny Soltani, City/Agency/Authority Attorney; David C. Roberts, Jr., City Manager; Dr. Robert Lennox, Assistant City Manager; John Raymond, Assistant City Manager; Saied Naaseh, Director of Community Development; Michael Whittiker, Jr., Director of Community Services; Dr. Arlington Rodgers, Jr., Director of Public Works; Gary Carter, Director of Information Technology and Security; William Jefferson, Director of Finance; and Nora Garcia, Director of Public Safety
FLAG SALUTE
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Rojas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (Item 1)
1. PASTOR WALTER TUCKER, III FROM TRUTH AND LOVE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - 5:05 PM
Pastor K. W. Tulloss gave the invocation.
CLOSED SESSION (Items 2 - 5)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (CITY COUNCIL)
— A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code 54957.6, with City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Human Resources Officer, its negotiator(s), regarding labor negotiations with AME, CPSA, and, AFSCME Local 809 and 1017 as well as Unclassified Management.
ACTION: No reportable action was taken.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)
— Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Grippo v. City of Carson, (LACSC Case No. 24CMCV00368)
ACTION: No reportable action was taken.
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)
— A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation to which City of Carson is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: CAM-Carson, LLC v. Carson Reclamation Authority, City of Carson and Successor Agency to the Carson Redevelopment Agency, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV16461.
ACTION: Did not take up Item No. 4.
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)
— A closed session will be held, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) or (d)(3) and (e)(1), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in 2 case(s).
ACTION: No reportable action was taken.
REPORT ON ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (CITY CLERK)
None.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (CITY ATTORNEY)
City/Agency/Authority Attorney Soltani announced the Closed Session items and stated Item No. 4 will be skipped.
RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION UNTIL 6:00 P.M. OR UNTIL THE END OF CLOSED SESSION, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST
The meeting was recessed at 5:07 P.M. by Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes to Closed Session.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (CITY COUNCIL)-
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)-
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)-
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (CITY COUNCIL)- 6:02 PM
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. OR AT THE END OF CLOSED SESSION, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST
The meeting was reconvened at 6:05 P.M. by Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes with all members previously noted present.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS (CITY ATTORNEY)
City/Agency/Authority Attorney Soltani gave the Closed Session report.
INTRODUCTIONS (MAYOR) (Items 6 - 7)
6. REPORT FROM CAPTAIN NORMAN OF CARSON SHERIFF'S STATION- 6:51 PM
Item No. 6 was heard after Item No. 10.
Captain Norman reported/announced:
- Introduced Deputies Quinn Alkonis and Nicholas Martinez who assisted in rescuing a 100-year-old woman trapped in a senior living home during the Altadena fire. The deputies were interviewed on ABC 7 News. Deputy Alkonis detailed the story of rescue.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Davis-Holmes and all Council members congratulated and expressed their gratitude for the deputies acts of heroism and wished them well on their future career endeavors.
- Attended a Town Hall meeting with Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks and Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Rojas where concerns were addressed regarding unhoused individuals on Del Amo and Wilmington as well as Carson Street and Main Street who declined assistance.
- AB413 - Prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk. It prohibits parking from 15 to 20 feet of a crosswalk - marked or unmarked. For the first 5 months, warnings will only be issued. After 5 months, citations will be issued.
- Attended the In-N-Out grand opening.
- Met with members of the unincorporated to resolve issues with unhoused individuals and parking.
- Coffee with a Cop held at St. Philomena church on January 31st.
7. REPORT FROM ASSISTANT CHIEF KANE OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE - 6:07 PM
Item No. 7 as heard after the Report on Closed Session Items.
Chief Kane reported/announced the following:
- 1,014 calls for service with 888 calls EMS related and 587 calls required paramedic intervention from the ALS squads
- 30 fires in the month of January (28 outside/rubbish fires, 23 cooking fires, 1 building fire with minimal damage, and 1 mobile home with minimal damage)
- No injuries reported for all fires
PRESENTATIONS (Items 8 - 11)
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes and Council members sang Happy Birthday to Elizabeth, the city photographer and gathered for a photo.
8. CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO THE RECENTLY OPENED IN-N-OUT BURGER IN THE CITY OF CARSON- 6:08 PM
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes read and presented the certificate to the franchise owner of the new location. She welcomed Rachel Coleman and family to the City of Carson.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested staff to frame the certificate so that it can be on display inside the restaurant.
Rachel Coleman offered words of gratitude.
9. PROCLAMATIONS RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH - 6:18 PM
Mayor Pro Tempore/Agency Vice Chairman/Authority Vice Chairman, Dr. Hilton read and presented Pastor Michael Ealey of Prevailing in Christ Ministries a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month. Members of Pastor Ealey's congregation were in attendance.
Pastor Ealey offered words of gratitude and announced a partnership, Carson Cares, with the City of Carson to support those who suffered devastating losses in the Palisades and Altadena wildfires. Pastor Ealey stated donations can be made at the Prevailing Family Life Center.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes announced the city is working alongside the Double Tree hotel to house 20 families.
10. PROCLAMATIONS RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH - 6:31 PM
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks read and presented Lee Anthony McCabe of Providence Little Company of Mary a proclamation recognizing February as American Heart Month.
Lee Anthony McCabe expressed words of gratitude on behalf of Providence Little Company of Mary.
11. PROCLAMATIONS RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 1ST - 7TH AS WOMEN'S HEART WEEK - 7:04 PM
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Rojas read and presented Johnnie Mae Spicer with a proclamation recognizing and raising awareness of women's heart health.
Johnnie Mae Spicer expressed immense gratitude for the proclamation and for her family.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR MATTERS LISTED ON THE AGENDA (MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC) (LIMITED TO ONE HOUR)
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Item 12)
12. APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING CARSON CITY COUNCIL-SUCCESSOR AGENCY-HOUSING AUTHORITY MINUTES: JANUARY 21, 2025 (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:30 PM
This item was heard after Oral Communications for Matters Listed on the Agenda (Members of the Public).
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks reequested a correction be made to Oral Communications for Council Members as his district number is incorrect.
Motion to Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
Motion To Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
CONSENT (Items 13 - 22)
Motion To Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
Motion To Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
13. CONSIDER AN UPDATE ON CITY PROJECTS (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 13 was approved on Consent.
14. CONSIDER AN UPDATE ON CITY COMMISSIONS (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 14 was approved on Consent.
15. CONSIDER APPROVING RESOLUTION 25-016 TO AFFIRM THAT BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP IS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 15 was approved on Consent.
16. CONSIDER MONTHLY INVESTMENT AND CASH REPORT FOR THE CITY OF CARSON, CARSON HOUSING AUTHORITY, CARSON SUCCESSOR AGENCY-MONTH ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2024, AND DECEMBER 31, 2024 (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 16 was approved on Consent.
17. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 25-015, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARSON RATIFYING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,492,009.15, DEMAND CHECK NUMBERS 177124 THROUGH 177447 FOR GENERAL DEMAND AND THE AMOUNT OF $2,455.00, CHECK NUMBER 1291 FOR CO-OP AGREEMENT DEMANDS (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 17 was approved on Consent.
18. CONSIDER APPROVING AN INCREASE TO THE APPROVED FISCAL YEAR SPEND WITH AMAZON FOR MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 18 was approved on Consent.
19. COMPLETION AND FILING OF THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:06 PM
Item No. 19 was heard after Item No. 6.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. gave a report.
Vasquez and Company, LLC representative, Cristy Canieda, gave a presentation.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks asked if the city was solvent. Cristy Canieda responded. He asked for clarification on the General Fund expenditures and made a point that the city has made strides to have a positive revenue stream and not reach into its reserves. Cristy Canieda clarified the findings of the financial audit report.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks commended City Manager Roberts, Jr., Director Jefferson, and the rest of the executive team for their efforts.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. elaborated on the report.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested an elaboration on pension liabilities. City Manager Roberts, Jr. explained the topic.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Dear asked for clarification on voting separately or jointly with the Consent calendar. Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes stated it can be voted with the Consent calendar.
ACTION: Item No. 19 was approved on Consent.
20. CONSIDER AWARDING CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENTS TO AMERICAN SOCCER COMPANY, INC., BUDDY'S ALLSTARS, AND TRIANGLE SPORTS INC. FOR ON-CALL PURCHASES OF YOUTH SPORTS UNIFORMS AS NEEDED (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 20 was approved on Consent.
21. CONSIDER AWARDING A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH BARR & CLARK, INC. TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING FOR HOUSING DIVISION REHABILITATION PROGRAMS (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 21 was approved on Consent.
22. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE, PROJECT 1783, DELFORD AVENUE CULVERT REPLACEMENT (CITY COUNCIL). - 7:32 PM
ACTION: Item No. 22 was approved on Consent.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
None.
DISCUSSION (Item 23)
23. CONSIDERATION OF ONLY LOCAL UNCONTESTED APPOINTMENTS TO THE CITY’S COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND BOARDS, AND CITY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BY MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AND CONSIDER ALL (CONTESTED AND UNCONTESTED) APPOINTMENTS TO ALL COMMISSIONS (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:32 PM
ACTION: Mayor continued the item to next meeting.
ORDINANCE SECOND READING (Items 24 - 25)
24. CONSIDER SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-2501, AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 3251.11 (ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACES AND RESTRICTIONS) TO PART 6 (PARKING REGULATIONS) OF CHAPTER 2 (TRAFFIC REGULATIONS) OF THE CARSON MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO DESIGNATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACES IN OFFSTREET PARKING FACILITIES OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE CITY, AND TO ESTABLISH PARKING RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO SUCH DESIGNATED SPACES (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:34 PM
Motion To Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
25. CONSIDER SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-2502, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARSON, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 63134 (MASSAGE PARLORS), SECTION 63134.4 (SAME – EXCEPTION) AND SECTION 63135 (MASSAGE TECHNICIANS) OF PART 5 (BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONS, TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS REQUIRING A PERMIT) OF CHAPTER 3 (BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND TRADES) OF THE CARSON MUNICIPAL CODE TO EXPRESSLY EXCLUDE BODY SCULPTING FROM DEFINITION OF MASSAGE" (CITY COUNCIL)- 7:34 PM
Motion To Approve submitted by Jim Dear seconded by Dr. Jawane Hilton resulting in 5-0-0-0-0
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENTS
Memorial Adjournments were heard after Oral Communications for Matters Not Listed on the Agenda (Members of the Public).
City Clerk/Agency Secretary/Authority Secretary, Dr. Bradshaw presented the following Memorial Adjournment Requests:
Riley Akins
Lorenzo "Rennie" Watts
Patricia "Pat" Saenz
Lillian Gwendolyn Brown
Taavaomaalii Petelo Asomua
Edmond "Archie" Whittiker
Cede Cruz
Mayor Pro Tempore/Agency Vice Chairman/Authority Vice Chairman, Dr. Hilton requested to add Council Aide, Kristin Smith's, brother who is in the hospital and gave a prayer.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA (MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC)
Oral Communications for Matters Not Listed on the Agenda (Members of the Public) was heard after Item No. 25.
B.J. Douglas - Non-Agenda Item
Shared information about his program, United Rangers of America, his book, "From the Mop to the Top", and an event to recognize the Mayor.
Robert Lesly - Non-Agenda Item
Congratulated Council Members/Agency Members/Authority Board Members Hicks and Rojas for the town hall meeting; expressed concern with upholding the civil servants act
Brandi Lewin - Non-Agenda Item
Gave an update on the progress of creating a Disability Awareness Commission
Crystal Perez - Non-Agenda Item via Email
Offered comments regarding business owners' participation in city decisions and traffic and safety concerns at Stephen M. White Middle School
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested a status update on Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Dear's request for the street takeover ordinance.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. stated that Assistant City Attorney Ben Jones is in the final stages of completing the ordinance and should be ready for the second meeting in February or the first meeting of March.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested an update on the vending machine ordinance.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. stated they are looking into vending machines with healthier options.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes corrected herself as she meant the street vendor ordinance.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. stated Assistant City Attorney Ben Jones is also working on this ordinance as it is a duplicate of the City of Inglewood and will receive an update in the next one-on-one meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore/Agency Vice Chairman/Authority Vice Chairman, Dr. Hilton was contacted by a resident concerned by potholes in the area of Bayport and Sepulveda. The resident also expressed concern with potholes on Avalon. Mayor Pro Tempore/Agency Vice Chairman/Authority Vice Chairman, Dr. Hilton asked Public Safety Director Garcia if signs could be placed on Central and Radbard by the McDonald's that prohibit trucks from sitting idly which cause hazard for drivers.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes thanked Director Dr. Rogers for the bridge and asked if the bridge could go further as the holes are opening.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks requested an update to the ordinance for illegal dumping, increase fines, and inform businesses and residents of consequences.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested an assessment of WRI's contract to ensure they are in compliance of the stated deliverables as there are many bulky pick-up items around the city.
City/Agency/Authority Attorney Soltani stated that she and Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. will assess WRI's contract to ensure compliance of their contract's responsibilities. She also stated that it may be time to engage the company for a voluntary audit of fees.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks mentioned how the biggest topic of concern at the town hall meeting was graffiti. He requested information from Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. on the new process of graffiti removal as it remains a concern. He stated that it is a priority to get back to 24-hour removal of graffiti once reported.
Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. elaborated on the process for graffiti removal.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Hicks stated that about 15 years ago there were signs that prohibited tagging/graffiti and stated that fines will be assessed as well as how signs and fines could be implemented if they were not already.
Director Whittaker, Jr. informed of how in the past a program within the Carson Sherriff's station was responsible for detailing every piece of graffiti in the city that led to the person owing restitution. He noticed an uptick in graffiti in the parks over the last 3 months.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes asked if there was a contracted weekend crew to take care of the issue. Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. responded.
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes stated that the wall near the 110 freeway from Carson Street to Sepulveda has graffiti that needs to be addressed immediately. Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. responded.
City Manager Roberts, Jr. stated that the wall is Cal Trans property and will be addressed.
Director Dr. Rogers, Jr. stated an agreement with Cal Trans, specifically for maintenance, is in the final stages.
Council Member/Agency Member/Authority Board Member Rojas informed that the Sherriff's department has an officer assigned to vandalism and graffiti requesting code enforcement officers to be on the lookout for Ring cameras and Teslas as they also have cameras and door knock if possible, to get the footage that will identify the person.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (COUNCIL MEMBERS)
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes requested moving Memorial Adjournments after Oral Communications for Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNFINISHED OR CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (AS NECESSARY)
None.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
None.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
None.
REPORT OF ACTIONS ON UNFINISHED OR CONTINUED CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 P.M. by Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman Davis-Holmes.
_________________________________________________
Lula Davis-Holmes
Mayor/Agency Chairman/Authority Chairman
ATTEST:
____________________________________________________
Dr. Khaleah K. Bradshaw
City Clerk/Agency Secretary/Authority Secretary
_________________________
Signature