City Manager’s Report – John Nachbar

tap-to-go-cardCity Manager’s Bi-Weekly Update to the City Council

 

The City Council:

• Authorized the release of a Request for Proposals for the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations at the Transportation Facility.

• Approved the Washington National Transit Oriented Development District Streetscape Plan.
• Approved the proposals to name the City Hall Courtyard in honor of former Culver City Chief Administrative Officer Dale Jones and to name Field Number 2 at Bill Botts Baseball Field in honor of former Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commissioner Rick Hudson.
Cultural Affairs

• New Permanent Public Art for 5800 Bristol Pkwy (C3) – At the February 16th, Cultural Affairs Commission meeting, the Commission unanimously approved an art concept by Refik Anadol for a new development project by IDS Real Estate Group. The artwork, titled Cirrostratus, will be installed on two facades of the multi-story parking structure located at the site. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2017.

• John B. Williams Lifetime Achievement Honoree – On February 26th, Cultural Affairs Commissioner John B. Williams will be recognized as a Lifetime Achievement Honoree at the African American Heritage Month Celebration presented by Los Angeles City Council Member Curren Price and the Living Legend Jazzabration Series at the Los Angeles City Council Chambers. Mr. Williams has served as a Cultural Affairs Commissioner since November 2012.

Fire Department

• Project Shadow – On February 16th, the Fire Department hosted three Culver City High School students as part of the Project Shadow Program. Project Shadow allows students to witness first-hand the challenges, work environment, and skills necessary for a future career in the fire service. The program has been in existence for 30 years. This year, the Department enjoyed hosting Ivan Delgado (12th grade), Jake Rios (12th grade), and Ryuho Tago (11th grade).

Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

• Recreation Parks and Playgrounds Program and Teen Center – The Parks and Playgrounds Program has recently added four new Senior Recreation Leaders, and the Teen Center has added one new Senior Recreation Leader. These new staff members join the staff just in time to gear up for all of the exciting spring programs and activities that the new season brings.

• Recreation Spring Day Camp – Just 4 Kids Spring Day Camp registration began on February 20th. Spring Camp is held for two weeks from March 28th through April 8th. Spring Camp will feature field trips to Discover Cube and John’s Incredible Pizza Company. Registration will remain open until Camper spaces are at capacity.

• Veterans Memorial Complex Rental Operation – A new Recreation Specialist joins the team the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB), working closely with both the Rental Office staff and the event staff to ensure communication flows efficiently for the rental operation. Several new directional signs were installed last week at VMB to assist room users. Additional signs will be added and replaced in the future.

Police Department
• Donations to the Culver City K9 Team – Local Animal Hospital Access Specialty and Just Food for Dogs presented the Culver City K9 Team a check to help fund the canine’s training and equipment for next year. Thank you for the generous donation!

• Welcome, Four New Police Officers! – On February 19th, Chief Scott Bixby and the Command Staff attended the graduation of our newest police officers. The four new police officers graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department program after completing the grueling 20 week training course. Please welcome Officers James Gladden, Michael Kutylo, Mason McCormick and Andrew Gazdik.

Public Works Department

• Culver City Reduces Energy Consumption in January 2016 – City Hall’s use of electricity was down 16% comparing January 2015 and January 2016.

• Urban Forest Master Plan – Through a series of community meetings and working with the consultant, Artecho, the City of Culver City has developed an Urban Forest Master Plan, setting forth a comprehensive vision for a robust and resilient urban forest in the City. The Plan establishes a long-term strategic framework for tree planting and species diversification over the next 50 years. This entire project was funded through grant monies from Cal Fire.

The plan will be presented at the March 28th City Council meeting for adoption. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the plan at the meeting. Also, the public is encouraged to review the draft plan prior and provide comments prior to the meeting. Comments can be emailed to [email protected]. The draft Urban Forest Master Plan is available for the public to view at the city website (www.culvercity.org) or by clicking the link below:

https://www.hightail.com/download/ZWJVTkZ0bTgyWGZIRHRVag

• Sustainability Community Input Survey – The City of Culver City will be conducting a community survey to collect the importance of specific sustainability topics for consideration by the Sustainability Subcommittee.

The survey is available online at SurveyMonkey.Com/ R/SustainableCulverCity. Paper copies will be available at the City Hall 2nd Floor Engineering Counter and Culver City Senior Center until March 28, 2016.

*Participants of the survey will be entered into a raffle for a FREE Rain Barrel.

• Culver City Restaurants Can Become Clean Bay Certified – When not handled properly, waste generated at restaurants, like food scraps, fats, oils, grease, and other waste can end up in our storm drain system. The proper management of food waste can make a huge difference in the health of the Santa Monica Bay. The Clean Bay Restaurant Certification Program (a.k.a. Clean Bay Certified) recognizes restaurants that integrate sustainability and ocean-mindedness into their business practices. This Program recognizes improvements in water quality by reducing stormwater runoff pollution generated by restaurant activities. A combination of inspections, collaborations with local cities, and direct outreach to the public results in a positive outcome for everyone.

Restaurants can become Clean Bay Certified by complying with 100% of the Program’s requirements. These requirements include: locked dumpster lids, labeled storm drains, use of non-toxic cleaning products, avoiding plastic bags, and conserving water. To learn more about the process for restaurants to sign up and become Clean Bay Certified, visit www.santamonicabay.org/learn/our-work/clean-bay-restaurants

• Free Workshop – Water Quality and Conservation: April 9th – The City of Culver City will host a Water Quality and Conservation Workshop & Rain Barrel Distribution on Saturday, April 9th. Participants must be residents of Culver City, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills.

Even though El Niño weather is predicted through the spring, strong rains will not end the California drought. With State-mandated potable water reduction set at 16% for Culver City, rain barrels are an excellent way for residents to help the City meet that reduction goal. Reducing household water use saves residents money on their water bill.

Rain barrels also divert water from the City’s storm drain system, relieving street and sidewalk flooding while protecting local waterways from runoff pollution. The oxygenated, un-chlorinated water collected by rain barrels is perfect for irrigating lawns, gardens, and house plants.

Each barrel is made of “food grade” recycled plastic and measures 39” tall, 23” in diameter and has a 55+ gallon capacity. There is a brass ¾” spigot for attaching garden hoses and a side brass overflow with a cap. A 4’ tight steel mesh screen prevents mosquitos and other bugs from accessing the water. Barrels come in black or terra cotta color and cost $85 each. Rain barrel rebates vary between $75 and $100 per barrel depending on the water provider. You can visit www.SoCalWaterSmart.com for more details about applying for a rebate.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required. Residents can also purchase their rain barrel in advance to pick -up at the event. Pre-orders of rain barrels are required by the April 7th deadline.

Saturday, April 9th
3:00pm – 7:00pm

Veterans Memorial Auditorium – Rotunda Room
4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232

Please note, you must live in Culver City, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills to purchase and receive a rain barrel at this event. Pre-register at www.CulverCityBarrels.EventBrite.com and follow the instructions to purchase rain barrels. Call 562-944-4766 for more information.

• Sewer Main Repairs – On February 21st, Southern California Edison performed work on Cardiff Avenue at Culver Boulevard to remove conduits that had penetrated through a City-owned sewer main some time back. After excavating the site and exposing the conduit, it was determined that the conduit belongs to Time Warner Cable (TWC). Public Works staff will be coordinating with TWC to make necessary repairs in the coming weeks.

• Construction Updates:

Golden State Water will begin replacing the water main on Washington Place between the 405 Freeway and Sepulveda Boulevard. This work will begin on Monday February 29th, and work will take place between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Transportation Department

• SmartBus System Project – The Transportation Department has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the SmartBus System Project. This project will implement a SmartBus System that uses intelligent transportation system technology to provide a bus fleet operations management tool, disseminate real-time bus arrival information to travelers, and provide on-board bus signal priority functionality.

• Culver City Bus Stop Improvement Program – The Transportation Department has released an RFP for a project to replace a portion of existing bus stop furniture with new bus stop furniture.
• On the Town with your TAP Card! – Transportation staff hosted a workshop at the Culver City Senior Center on February 23rd, as part of the series “Public Transit is for Everyone.” The session provided an overview of the new TAP card, and participants were given a step-by-step explanation from sign-up to usage and given tools and resources to find out more information about the program. Participants were allowed to apply for their card on-site to join the program!

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