Salem Afeworki

The meeting commenced with a voice roll call, noting the absence of one council member. Public comments were closed as no one was present or on Zoom wishing to address the council. Key agenda items discussed in closed session included a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation for two cases, pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9 D2. An additional item involved a conference with a real property negotiator concerning APN 420-012-16, discussing price and terms of payment with the State of California as the negotiating party.

The meeting involved procedural items such as roll call and public comments, followed by discussions on the consent calendar, which included the approval of the June 6, 2024, minutes with agreed-upon edits regarding adjournment time and a name correction. Key agenda items included updates on the Art Crawl, where the website and application process were reported as current, and Art Venture, noting an increase in accepted artists to 180 with nearly 300 artworks for the juried exhibition. The Commission reviewed the budget update for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, noting full funding approval for the Arts and Culture Master Plan, including an increase for the Arts grant program to $20,000. A concert in the park featuring the Pacific Symphony was discussed, noting a high attendance exceeding 2,000. Old business involved a detailed review and proposed amendments to the Utility Box Art Program handbook, addressing inconsistencies in application limits and the artist honorarium process. Discussions also covered providing institutions with a directory of local artists (Orange County residents) and potentially including utility box dimensions. The Poet Laurett Program handbook review addressed ensuring fairness for previously unselected applicants. The review of the Utility Box Art Program handbook was moved to the next agenda to allow staff to incorporate the proposed amendments.

The meeting included commissioner comments, highlighting appreciation for the butterfly art installation due to its dual purpose of art and ecological support, and noting upcoming events like a tribute production for Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black History Month parade. A significant portion of the meeting focused on finalizing amendments to the document governing permanent public art on public property, incorporating goals and objectives from the City of Pasadena's document to clarify definitions between vendors and artists, and addressing conflict of interest procedures for panel selection. Additionally, the commission reviewed and discussed applications for the utility box art program, focusing on replacing older art pieces and noting the high level of interest and diversity among new artist submissions, although feedback was provided regarding the artistic merit of two specific submissions sponsored by Seager Strom.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. Commissioners discussed several matters during the comment period, including the availability timeline for ADU template plans, and a request to review a City Council action overturning a Planning Commission decision regarding Victoria Place under the zoning code section 1329H2. Commissioners also highlighted upcoming community events such as a housing opportunities open house on July 30th and Concerts in the Park. One commissioner raised concerns regarding a standard condition of approval allowing increased finished grade and tall perimeter walls for infill residential projects, referencing specific examples in the Mesavery area. The consent calendar was approved. The public hearing focused on a Conditional Use Permit application (PC-25-00007) for Priceless Pets to operate an animal kenneling facility with ancillary veterinary services at 126 East 16th Street, which includes an outdoor play area and restriping of parking. Commissioners disclosed exparte communications regarding this item.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, a video presentation of the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of solemn expression including a modified prayer. During public comments, residents discussed several topics, including concerns about the manipulation of statistics regarding permit parking enforcement, resulting in inadequate service for paid permit holders, and the negative impact of road enhancements on West 19th Street, causing increased traffic and safety issues in adjacent neighborhoods. Another resident praised the recent improvements to Adams Avenue. Further public comments addressed the family's long-term environmental efforts concerning oak trees in Fairview Park, issues with community safety due to increased graffiti and vandalism possibly related to gangs, and requests for improved communication regarding city events and council agendas, noting Irvine's more proactive notification system. Residents also voiced concerns regarding Measure K, alleging it was improperly placed on the ballot by the Council and heavily funded by developers, potentially undermining Measure Y. Additionally, a speaker highlighted the importance of recognizing Pride Month and requested the adoption and training for an Ethics Policy following the strategic planning retreat. Finally, committee reports began with Council Member Reynolds commenting on the public speakers.