City Council - Regular Meeting

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Hello, my name is Kendall Lemley. I go to Carnegie Middle School, and I'm going to the eighth grade. City of Carson Housing Authority Successor Agency Public Financing Authority City Council Agenda. Today is Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, and I officially call this meeting.

Okay.

Madam City Clerk, please take roll.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Council Member Rojas? Present. Council Member Deer?

Present.

Council Member Hilton?

Present.

Mayor Pro Tem Hicks?

Present.

Mayor Davis-Holmes? Thank you.

Let's all say the pledge. MPT, will you please lead us?

Everyone please stand, face the flag. Ready, begin.

Now our invocation with Bishop Keith Maddox.

Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, we come before you. We thank you for your grace and your kindness to us. Thank you, Lord God, for each member that represented here. Thank you, Lord God, for how you've led and guided our city, our officials. We honor you for all that you do. You told us in your word to acknowledge you in all our ways and you would direct our path. Now, Lord God, I pray that you will continue to keep your hands open. on our city. Watch over us. Take care of us as only you can do. Lead and guide the officials, Lord God, that they may make decisions that we will live peaceably until you return. Now, Father, we thank you and we'll glorify you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen.

Thank you.

Let's give a round of applause for our mayor of the day. I want to report, you don't see our bishop, our councilman here, but he is at 914 North Newport Avenue in Tampa, Florida, and he is going to be joining us via remote. He looks so cool tonight, doesn't he? He had eye surgery, but he looks good. So we just wanted to report out where he was attending the meeting tonight, remote, because he's at a conference, I do believe. But you don't have to answer. So item number six is to recognize our mayor of the day. I don't want her to sit until we have a recess and come back in an hour. So we're going to skip to item number six. Is our city photographer someone here to take pictures? And we have a certificate for her? Yes, no? Keyshawn has it? Could one of you field reps find Keyshawn for me, please? I know she was in my office. But as we wait on Keyshawn to come with the certificate that we have for her before we take a few moments, your mayor today is Kendall LaMelle Pledger, has distinguished herself both in the classrooms and throughout our community. She's actively involved in our city parks and proudly participate in the Carleton Youth Olympics. Her teachers describe her as a natural leader who makes the most of every opportunity, and she took advantage of this opportunity, I must say. And I want to thank you, Kendall, so much for setting a positive example for other young people in our community. It is my honor to recognize you as the Mayor of the Day, and I look forward to great things from you. Thank you. I saw you at the Olympics and I just kind of latched on to her, but I just want to say thank you so much for coming out being our mayor of the day. Then I'm going to ask my colleagues to join us down before we go into closed session. Keyshawn is here. We have a certificate for you and we have a few photos that we're going to be taking of you. As our mayor of the day and as everyone knows, I proclaimed and the council supported that 2026 is the year of the child. And I encourage all the parents and teachers and all your loved ones, including the city council, to embrace our young people and let them know how important you are to us. You are our future leaders, so we want to do everything that we can to let you know that we appreciate you. We just had a wonderful shadow of the mayor. 26 young people came out. They were able to sit on the desk and ask questions. So that was a great experience for our young people, and we're going to keep this up. But 2026 is designated as the year of the child. So let's go down, take a few photos. It's pink.

We like pink, don't we?

So I'm going to have our councilwoman read this to you. It's a certificate of recognition. It's going to be presented to you on behalf of the 98,000 residents that we serve and the entire city council. And then after we take a photo with her, I'm going to ask the family to come down and take a photo with her, OK?

Yes, congratulations, Kendall, Lemley, Pledger. In recognition of your selection as the City of Carson's Mayor of the Day, and in appreciation of your outstanding leadership, exemplary character, and commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, your enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to serve as a positive role model reflect the bright future of our community. Through your participation in the Mayor of the Day program, you have demonstrated the importance of civic engagement and inspired others to become active participants in shaping the future of the city of Carson. the mayor members of the city council and the residents of the city of carson proudly commend you for this distinguished achievement and extend their best wishes for your continued success in all your future endeavors congratulations it's signed by our mayor lula davis holmes and our mayor pretend cedric hicks councilman joanne hilton councilman jim dear and yours truly Councilman Arlene Bogotia Rojas. Congratulations, Mayor Kendall Lemley-Pletcher. Yes.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm very grateful for this and I came here because I love Carson.

He's taller. Very tall. there you go

CONGRATULATIONS.

and thank you and thank you congratulations thank you i think i have something give that to kishan and i'll see but i can't We're going to go on to get ready to go into closed session.

Closed session items, Mr. City Attorney.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Well, just a second. Are there any comments on closed session items, Madam City Clerk?

No, Madam Mayor.

Mr. City Attorney, report on closed session items, please.

Yes, Madam Mayor, the City Council will meet in closed session on agenda item number two, conference with the legal counsel anticipated litigation. A closed session will be held pursuant to government code section 54956.9 D2 or D3 and E1 because there is significant exposure to litigation in four cases and the City Council will meet In closed session on agenda item number three, conference with legal counsel, existing litigation. A closed session will be held pursuant to government code section 54956.9A to confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation to which the city is a party. The title of such litigation is Tesoro Refinery and Marketing Company LLC, Tesoro Logistics Operations LLC, the city of Carson, second appellate district case number B335686.

We should be back in about an hour. We should be back about 6.20, everyone. So we're gonna recess the closed session.

This meeting is being recorded.

There's a potential game winner.

What did you do? What did you do?

Thank you. Thank you.

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Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. The city council met in closed session on agenda item number two, conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation pursuant to government code section 54956.9 D2 or D3 and E1 because of significant exposure to litigation in four cases and no reportable action was taken. And the city council met in closed session on agenda item number three, conference with legal counsel existing litigation pursuant to government code section 54956.9A to confer with legal counsel regarding pending litigation entitled Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company LLC, Tesoro Logistics Operations LLC v. City of Carson, second appellate district case number B335686, and no report of auction was taken. That concludes my report.

Thank you. We're going to have a report from Captain Norman. Is she here? Carson Sheriff Station?

We don't see her, Madam Mayor. You don't? No, ma'am.

Okay. I wanted to add an item to presentations from the Samoan Flag Day. Did we work that out? The best way to do that? I don't see them. Is anyone from the Samoan Federation here? Okay, if they're not here, when they come in, I'll deal with it. But I wanted to, there's a presentation.

Madam Mayor? Okay. Tommy Favai is here.

No, it was another person. The organization did the Flag Day. I see. Okay, so I want to get the consent of my colleagues to add under presentations, if they should show up, a presentation from the Samoan Federation from the Samoan Flag Day. That is my motion.

Second the motion. Madam Mayor, just for a point of clarification, because Councilman Hilton is in the meeting remote, all votes tonight will need to be by roll call vote. Sounds good.

Roll call.

Councilmember Rojas? Yes. Councilmember Deer? Yes. Councilmember Hilton?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Hicks? Yes. Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes. Thank you. Motion carries.

It's a presentation, so if they show up, we'll have it included. I'll come back to that. Uh, informational updates. Captain, um, from the fire department is not here. He had to leave. This is a statement. We did the certificate of recognition for the mayor of the day. Number seven, informational update on the upcoming cost and climate action plan workshop.

Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. This will be updated from Rita Coulter, our Energy and Sustainability Officer. So she's going to provide a brief presentation.

Thank you, Mr. City Manager, Madam Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council Members. my name is rita kulchar i'm the city energy and sustainability officer and i'm here this evening to share information about upcoming events there it goes on the on the presentation deck it's planned for next tuesday august 11th from 6 to 8 pm at the carson event center the city will host a free community workshop and resource fair residents will have an opportunity to learn about the city's climate action plan provide input on priorities that will help shape Carson's future. They will also have an opportunity to connect with local agencies offering rebates, incentives, and programs related to energy efficiency, water conservation, clean transportation, other sustainability improvements. We have representatives from California Water Service, Clean Power Alliance, the LA County Sanitation District, Metropolitan Water Service, South Bay City's Council of Governments, West Basin, and more that will be participating. We do encourage all residents to attend. We have a QR code on the screen. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged so that we can plan accordingly to ensure we have enough staff. So again, next Tuesday, August 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carson Event Center, come out for the free community workshop. Thank you.

Thank you for that report.

Next we'll have a recap of the White Linen Affair video.

Are we ready for that? Thank you, MPT. Who's here? The fire captain is here. Okay, we'll have the fire captain come up right after the video. Well, this is how we do it in Carson. But I just want to welcome you, and I want to thank my Mayor Pro Tem for putting this all together. Because at the end of the day, Carson, we work for you. You are our boss. So give yourself a round of applause.

You guys look so good in your white. I am so glad you guys came out here for this year's Occasion of Blues and White Lending event. I want to say to my sponsors, to the staff, to the volunteers, we could not do this without any of you. What you see today at this point in time were not what you see at night.

This is incredible just to be outside to celebrate family. This is what Carson is all about. Family getting together and loving on one another. And I'm just excited to be outside right here at the Carson Event Center. This is an amazing space.

We are really happy that you're here tonight enjoying what Carson is all about. Unity family, great music, great entertainment. And so we celebrate it because this is not just fun and great food and great camaraderie and, of course, great people at your table. And so have a wonderful time this evening.

Everybody looks beautiful tonight, and we are going to continue to celebrate together. So thank you, staff. Thank you, everyone here who put this all together. And we're going to continue to celebrate this evening. Congratulations, Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Hicks.

Always, always successful. And another successful Cajun and Blues.

I'm gonna do the oral first.

Well, thank you for that, and I wanna thank our MPT. So we'll, you have something to say?

I just wanna say thanks to the staff and to all the volunteers and all who came out. I know that this year was very well attended. I think some people were upset because we did not have enough room. We had an actual waiting list of over 250 people to try to purchase tickets, cuz we did not have enough room to fit everybody in. We had over 500 in attendance. Look forward to be bigger and better next year, and we're going to work on some logistics on how we can get more people into the area. But again, this was just a snippet of what's going to take place this next year. It's going to be even bigger and better. But I want to thank the Mayor and the City Council for their support, and to the staff, and making sure this happens every year. Thank you.

Thank you. Madam City Clerk, I lost my little cheat sheet. Could you report as to where Bishop is viewing the meeting from? Yes, absolutely.

In accordance with the Brown Act, Council Member Hilton is attending the meeting remotely via Zoom. He's located at 914 North Newport Avenue in Tampa, Florida, 33606. The precise location is published on the agenda in accordance with the Brown Act. And so he can hear us and we can hear him and we can see him. So we are in full compliance with the Brown Act. Thank you. Thank you.

I'm gonna go back to item number five, a report from Acting Assistant Chief Wayne Kelsey from the LA County Fire Department. Welcome. Captain Norman is here.

Good evening. On behalf of Acting Assistant Chief Kelsey, I'm Battalion Chief Mario Natividad, City of Carson. I'm here to present the County of Los Angeles Fire Department Activity Report for the City of Carson. July was a very busy month. During July, 2026, County of Los Angeles responded to a total of 2,177 incidents. Emergency medical responses accounted for 1,175 calls, including 212 ALS, advanced life support calls, 552 basic life support incidents. The department also responded to three hazardous materials incidents, eight rescue incidents, 34 public service calls, and 148 good intent calls. Fire personnel responded to 45 fire-related incidents consisting of 39 outside fires, three structure fires, and three vehicle fires. Outside fire responses included rubbish, trash, grass, trees, dumpsters, and fires involving homeless encampments and persons experiencing homelessness. As well as instance occurring along freeway corridor and vacant lots fire crews extinguish the fires conducted overhaul operations as needed. Several incidents were reported with no exposure threats to surrounding structures or property department also responded to three additional hazard related incidences, including an interior gas leak. a report of smoke that was determined to be caused by a burned ceiling fan motor, and reported gas odor that was investigated with no gas detected. Appropriate mitigation and investigations were completed for each incident before units returned to first service. End of report, any questions?

Well, thank you. Any questions from my colleagues? Hearing none, thank you so much. Our sheriff captain is here.

Good evening.

Good evening.

How's everybody? Just wanted to share some things that's actually been going on at the station. Thanks for welcoming and having me here tonight. On Thursday the 23rd of July, our community relations team participated in the Southern California Edison Family Day event at the local facility here in Carson, and deputies had a booth there, and they offered volunteer information, such as the Explore information, and volunteers on support, On patrol, they also gave away giveaways, free giveaways. On the 25th, Carson Lieutenant Penn attended the Carson Cajun and Blues White Linen Affair. On the 28th of July, Carson Station personnel assistant, the Los Angeles County cops team and host team deputies with a large-scale RV abatement operation in the county unincorporated areas. The county partners included the LA County District 2, Holly Mitchell's office, LASD Met Team, the U.S. Department of Veterans Service, the VA's office, LA County Animal Control, and throughout the month of July, approximately 204 RVs were actually discovered and offered relocation assistance. About 15 families agreed to accept housing assistance. And on July 28th, about 40 of those vehicles remained. And they were the ones that were not in compliance of permits. They were abandoned or didn't work. They were actually towed from that area. So we actually ended up storing over 204 vehicles. I actually partnered with Carson's community safety leaders in order to notify them. and we are currently monitoring the city just to ensure that there's no RVs that actually come from the unincorporated areas into the city. On July 29th, our county DAs actually came to Carson and conducted training for some of our detectives so that we can successfully document several arrest investigations and increase the chances of filing at Compton Court. On August 1st, in preparation of our community night out, we held a station cleanup day, and participation included volunteers, personnel, explorers, all in anticipation of tomorrow's annual community night out, which will be tomorrow at between 5 and 8 o'clock p.m. We're inviting many of the local businesses, companies, vendors to advertise their businesses. We have our LASD canine group. Aero Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, our MET team, and other partners that will help us with our community night out. There will be free food, raffles, backpack giveaways for the children, and we're inviting everyone from Carson's residence to actually attend. Currently, our Part 1 crimes are continuing to trend down. We are currently at negative 11.9%.

That sounds good. Thank you. Any questions from my colleagues? Well, thank you, Captain.

All right. Thank you so much. Have a good evening.

All communications for matters listed on the agenda. For those of you here that want to speak on item number 23, you can either speak now or wait until I move that item up.

It's your preference. So what is the pleasure?

I'll start calling off. Oh, tonight we're going to.

Madam Mayor, I think for item 20, for that item, you should just consolidate and have all of those comments at the public, at the. When I pull the item up. When you pull the item up. So then you don't have people double speaking.

Okay, well, they won't. Okay, so I'm gonna, when I pull that item up, anyone here to speak on item number 23, the oil tax measure, when we pull that item up, you'll have an opportunity to speak at that time. Everyone will be allowed one minute. We're gonna allow 30 minutes on that item, and then we have another hot item that has to come up about the permit part, and we're gonna allow 30 minutes for that. Everyone will be allowed one minute to speak. And if we have anyone that's called in, I will rotate back and forth from the cards that I have on file to the people that have called in if we have any.

Right now, this moment, we don't have many, any.

So 30 minutes will be allocated for each of the items. Items number... 23 and item number 26, you'll have 30 minutes each. My city clerk will keep track of that. And so I'm going to move expeditiously to the approval of, well I have someone here that wants to speak on item number 25. 25 is Hito. Come on up, you're on 25.

Madam Mayor, is this one minute here?

Oh, the consent calendar? Hold on. No, I'm gonna do...

Oral communication.

I'm doing all communications first. Okay, and she's on item 25, for agendized items, for listed on the agenda. He's trying to test me.

Madam Mayor, is this one minute for item 25?

Yes, everybody speaking tonight will have one minute to speak.

Good evening, you have one minute.

All right, thank you. Over 30 years ago, I supported and was involved with the effort to form a Carson Unified School District. But when the voters voted it down, I went to teach for Torrance, even though I was raised here in Carson. After a few years, God healed my heart and my anger at our city for turning down the opportunity, for abdicating their opportunity to make sure that parents were engaged in the education of their kids. I came back because I wanted to support my own community. I wanted to teach at Del Amo Elementary School where I went. My sisters and I attended. Our kids went there. But since that time, LA Unified has become a different district. With the reorganization that the district has done over the last two decades, we now have more local autonomy. We have a community of schools model, which makes it much more effective for local concerns to be heard by the district. And I know nothing, I have no information except what I've just heard about tonight's meeting. And I come to oppose the effort to form a Carson Unified School District. We need to stand together. We have support and there's so much, so many resources available from LA Unified that are needed for our kids and our staff.

Thank you. Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. Next is item number 25 is Bryant. Is it an OD or OG?

Oh, hi Bryant. Good evening, sir. You have one minute. One minute?

All right.

Let me get my notes.

Okay. Good evening, everyone. My name is Bryant Odega. I'm a proud product of public schools here in BD7, a proud Carson Colts family, and a proud member of United Teachers Los Angeles and a teacher in Harbor City. I rise in opposition to this initiative as a teacher, as LUSD alumni. I think the maker of this motion should explain how this measure, this district transfer, would actually improve the outcomes for students. What are the gains to be expected? Where is the study showing this would actually improve the conditions for our students? Who's gonna pay for this transition? Will taxpayers and Carstens subsidize costs elsewhere? It's important to note that these types of reorganizations can take years of boundary planning, staffing changes, contract negotiations, and much more. And so the idea that Carstens residents will actually feel the benefits of the actual real improvements that Compton residents are experiencing is not guaranteed. And I think this speaks to a bigger issue, just for the sake of time. Could I have like 10 other points to make?

Madam Mayor, that's one minute. Thank you.

Our students should not be used as political points, as pawns for an agenda that serves the interests of one politician. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. You're against it, I can tell. Alicia Balthazar. Alicia? Alicia?

Hello and thank you, I'm Alicia Baltazar, I'm a parent volunteer at Catskill. I was here seven years ago in 2019 when we fought the co-location of Ghanas at Catskill and I think at that time the community made it very clear that we were not wanting to be part of charter schools. We think that this is a move to charter school our community and we're not accepting that. We also know that Mr. Hilton has an desire to run for school board, or we think he has a desire to run for school board, and we know that he will not run for LUSD because we won't vote for him. So we think this move to Compton is his little political move. We think that this is only in his interest and not in the interest of the Carstens community. And we really wish that you guys would postpone your vote today to hear from the Carson community, hear from our teachers, hear from our students, and hear from our parents. Because throwing this on the agenda during summer break when nobody is paying attention is a low and dirty move. Thank you.

You realize this is just an advisory vote. It's not to go one way or the other. Okay.

Madam Mayor, I don't know if I can add anything. It's only a response. This is not a reactive. This is the city of Carson being proactive. I don't know if you guys have watched the news and it said that LAUSD is about to be insolvent and it could be on the verge of bankruptcy. And I just threw out a school district. This doesn't bind us to anything. This is just an appetite for our residents to see if our residents even want something like this. This is non-binding. This is just to get a fact report from our residents.

I do not up for discussion, okay? So no, we're not going back and forth. Thank you, Bishop. And I have a couple of non-agendized items I will get to them after we take care of this business of the city, but I want to move for approval of the minutes.

Move approval. I make a motion to approve the minutes. Second.

And moved and properly seconded. There's no minutes on the agenda.

There's no minutes?

No minutes to approve.

Oh.

They didn't have any minutes on the agenda. The minutes will be on the next agenda. I came up with some at the last minute.

Everything is fine. Everything is good. The minutes will be on the next agenda. It says approval of minutes. Consent calendar.

Motion to approve consent calendar.

Madam Mayor?

Yes.

So for consent calendar, can we continue items number 13 and number 14? There's some additional cleanup staff needs to fix.

13 and what are you?

Numbers 13 and 14.

So I'll second the motion with the consent calendar missing those two items tonight. Where are we? 13 and 14, city manager? Yes. So approval, I'll second it without 13 and 14 on the agenda tonight.

It's been moved, and who seconded that motion?

I did.

I moved and he seconded it.

Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hicks, seconded by Council Member Deer.

I have an item I want to pull. A roll call vote. I want to pull one item.

Everything's a roll call vote. Item 21.

Item 21.

What is 21? Are you pulling that off, Cindy?

Item 21.

Yes.

Okay, so continuing 13-14, pulling 21. Yes. Roll call vote. Council Member Rojas? Yes. Council Member Deer? Yes. Council Member Hilton? Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Hicks? Yes. Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes.

Okay. Item number 21. MPT.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is the item to consider an award of a construction contract to RJ Noble. company for the project of number 1608 for the MLK Street Rehab from Main Street to Avalon and wanting to get this information out to our residents that we are working on this project and to give an update on what's transpiring.

So on this item, Councilmember, this is Martin Luther King. This is the street that is fondly remembered as the roller coaster. And tonight we're going to award the contract to begin construction to fix Martin Luther King.

Thank you, I guess, also wanted to let the residents know within this approval, what is the timeline that's estimated to start and finish this project.

we're looking at completion in the springtime of 2027 when. Springtime of 2027.

Right before summer of next year. Yes. Perfect. Springtime. Or the Olympics. Olympics 2028, but we haven't placed, okay. I'd like to make a motion to award a contract, a construction contract to RJ Noble Company. The lowest responsible and responsive bidder in the amount not to exceed $4,972,715.75 for project number 1608, one of the King Jr. Street rehabilitation from Main Street to Avalon Boulevard and authorized a construction contingency in the amount of $745,907.36, 15% of the contract amount, to address unforeseen conditions or additional work that may be encountered during construction. including but not limited to underground utility conflicts, unforeseen subsurface conditions, contaminated soil, investigation, handling, and disposal of material, testing, and other work necessary to successfully complete the project, and authorized the mayor to execute the contract construction subject to approval as to form from our city attorney. Second. Second.

Then moved and proper second roll call.

Council Member Rojas?

Yes.

Councilmember Deer?

Yes.

Councilmember Hilton?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Hicks?

Yes.

Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes. Okay, motion carries. Thank you.

Because item number 22, the shortens update report on, consider update on city projects, can we get a quick and dirty report, Mr. City Manager? Item number 22.

Sure, thank you, Madam Mayor. Director of Public Works will provide a brief update as to status for city projects.

Monica, I'm gonna call you up next. You were on item 25 if you're still here.

I'll call you up next.

Item number 22. We can come back to it.

You guys ready or not?

We'll come back to it after we finish this. Mr. City Manager, item number 23. is consider adoption resolution submitting general oil refinery business license tax measure to the voters at the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election and requesting consolidation with statewide general election to be held on the same date.

Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. Mr. Compitel is going to provide a brief update of staff report and information regarding this particular item. Thank you.

Mr. City Manager, before he gives that report, let me, Monica, let her, because she wanted to speak on 25. Then we'll come right back to 23.

Sure. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. My name is Monica Caballero. I'm a proud educator of Los Angeles Unified Board District 7. I'm also a special education teacher, so I constantly advocate for the interests of our students and families above all else. So as a direct response to Mr. Hilston's concern about the FSP or Fiscal Stabilization Plan, LAUSD did submit one in accordance with the county guidelines. and we do have a plan to address all of the concerns that are outlined, so the need for this separation or conversation is not really necessary. To be clear, I'm also with UTLA, United Teachers Los Angeles, and we oppose any cuts in pay and benefits as well as any cuts to programs or jobs that support our student access. We believe that revenue can be generated and savings achieved by other means, such as making cuts that make cuts unnecessary. So our students will be protected. Our jobs will be protected. Our communities will be protected. We need to be unified in this moment, not be reactionary and scared of a misguided letter from LACO.

Thank you, ma'am. Your polls. Thank you. Now we'll go back to item number 23. 23, 22. No, are we ready for 22? No, we're going to 23.

Yeah, thank you, Madam Mayor. Item 23.

Good evening, Mayor and members of the City Council. Before you today is an item to consider adoption of resolutions submitting an oil refinery tax to the voters at the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election. The first resolution, resolution number 26-086 calls for the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election and submits the oil refinery tax ordinance to the city's qualified voters. The second resolution, resolution number 26-087, authorizes written arguments for and against the oil refinery measure pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282 and directs the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280. The third resolution, resolution number 26-088, authorizes rebuttal arguments pursuant to Elections Code Section 9285. The oil refinery tax is a general tax because the revenue generated will be deposited into the general fund and is available for any general governmental purpose that the city council determines is appropriate. The proposed tax is an excise tax, which is a tax on the exercise of a privilege. Here that privilege is doing business in the city of Carson. The proposed measure, if passed by the voters in November, would allow for the city to impose a tax of up to $1 per barrel oil tax on feedstock that is refined in the city. If the proposed measure is passed, the city council would set the rate of the tax up to $1 by resolution and can consider any rate up to $1. Prior to today's meeting, the city has sent draft staff report and its attachment along with the analysis of the numbers and the proposed oil refinery tax to Marathon and has not received any objections to the analysis. The proposed measure is being proposed at a time when oil companies are reporting record profits. in no small part due to supply shortages and geopolitical tensions. A PBS article from July 31st is titled, Major Oil Companies Reap Massive Profits as US and Iran Fighting Drives Energy Prices Higher. One example of this is Marathon Petroleum Company, which reported Q2 2026 earnings this morning. For Q2 2026, Marathon reported $17.73 in earnings per share, beating analysts' expectations of $13.95 in earnings per share. Marathon also reported $52.34 billion in revenue, beating analysts' expectations of $41.44 billion in revenue for Q2. An article from Quartz this morning reads, quote, Marathon Petroleum posted its highest profit in four years, smashing earning expectations. Thank you for your time. Staff is available to answer any questions that the council may have.

Thank you. I'm going to, I have cards in my hand. Everyone that I call, you have one minute to speak. Everybody on board? Louis Diaz.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council. And staff, my name is Louie Diaz. I'm a four-decade resident of the City of Carson, and I oppose the adoption of these three resolutions being discussed this evening. This would be a detriment to the labor workforce, both represented and unrepresented workers, not only here in the city of Carson, but throughout the region. I think it's not a good tax for Marathon and others. Look at what happened to Phillips 76. I, as a representative for Teamsters, represent members in this industry, Volpac, Olympus Terminals, which are recipients of the products that come from these refineries. We fill the ships and barges both in the twin ports of L.A. and Long Beach.

Madam Mayor, that's time.

Thank you, Commissioner Diaz. Vincent Burr.

Good evening, Madam Mayor, City Councilmen, City Councilwomen. I'm in opposition of this. I want to make sure, first of all, quick questions. I know I'm watching my clock. I'm good at this. How many times has anybody actually sat down and had a negotiation with Marathon here in Torrance, not the entire corporation, because you're quoting numbers that have specifically to do with the company itself. We're talking about Marathon refinery here in the city of Carson. We lost Phillips 66, and now we're doing this. Now, in December, if I remember properly, It was a $600,000 situation that was placed on transmission lines through Carson at the time. It doubled, did it not? Did it not go to $1.2 million? Is that correct? So I think my point is this. Many of the people that live here in the city of Carson don't know the ramifications or the impact it's going to make on the people that work at this refinery, that live here. I've lived here practically all my life and worked all the refineries. So bottom line is educate the people first before you put this on the ballot because they have no idea the impact it's going to make on the people that work here.

Madam Mayor, it's time. Thank you. Thank you, Vincent. Patty. Patty. Cynical? Patty?

Can I confirm the time? Is it one? Is it three minutes? One minute. One minute. Okay. Thank you. My name is Patty Senecal, representing the Western States Petroleum Association. I'm here tonight to urge you to reject the proposed measure. California already has the most hostile business climate in the country. Proposals like this one cement our state's reputation as a volatile and high-risk environment for energy investments. Our refineries are critical employers and economic partners in communities like Carson, and we are already subject to the most complex, expensive regulations in the nation. Layering additional local taxes on this makes operations unsustainable. This measure could and severely have cascading consequences. Higher cost of the fuel pump for everyday drivers undermines the security of our entire state's fuel supply and significantly damage to our local economy. Most troubling is the precedent this sets. Decisions made in this chamber do not stay contained within the city lines. This goes everywhere outside of Carson. A single jurisdiction can pass a policy disrupting energy infrastructure for all of California. Yet this council bears zero accountability to millions of voters outside Carson. I urge you to reject. Thank you.

Thank you. Peter Estrada. Peter.

Good morning, council members, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Peter Estrada with Local 92. And I lived in Carson for 45 years. Prior, I was in the military. Once I transitioned out of the military, I got into the union, Local 92, through Helmets to Hardhats. And I urge the council tonight to reject this proposal. Families are already making difficult choices between filling their gas tanks, paying their utility bills, and putting food on the table. So this tax isn't just gonna stop at the gates of the refineries, it's gonna affect the members out here and all the citizens. So I urge you as the council, you guys showed a video earlier talking about that we're family and we're gonna look out for each other. So let's act like a family and look out for all the members and the people out here in the community of Carson. That's all I have to say.

Thank you. Stefan Boilermakers, Local 92.

Madam Mayor, council members, thank you for this time. My name's Steven Clenard, I'm a local Boilermaker 92. I just have a quick question. At first glance, a dollar doesn't seem all that much, doesn't it? That's $133 million a year, roughly. What is that gonna do to the economy? What if Marathon decides, you know what? We're gone. They'll close this plant. Look what happened to Phillips 66 in Valero. I haven't worked in four months. And a lot of other people are out of work because of those plants. You really wanna risk Marathon leaving too? Your constituents put you in the chair to protect this city. Don't do this. Revoke it because you're not helping your constituents. You're putting more debt on their plate. Their paychecks are stretched further enough, far enough. Thank you. Thank you.

Ernesto. Ernesto.

Good evening, Madam Mayor, members of the council, executive staff. My name is Ernesto Medrano. I'm with the Los Angeles and Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council, representing 160,000 hardworking men and women. And we're the ones that provide the jobs for the middle class. We don't make cars. We don't make airplanes anymore in California. This is the future energy. And for us to poke the bear here and try to intimidate an industry that has been completely decimated by the regulations of the state of California and to compound that with this tax is very, very dangerous. It is a very dangerous game that we're playing here. We are putting at risk folks that earn middle class wages with health care, with pensions. And this runs the risk of completely losing these types of careers and these kinds of jobs. I urge you to please reconsider and vote down this effort to try to put this excise tax on the ballot. It isn't going to help anybody. We're going to be forced to bring imported oil and pay more for gasoline at the pump. Thank you.

Thank you. How much time do we have? 22? Okay, Ricardo Sanchez.

Hello, Mayor.

Hi.

I'm here today in opposition to oil barrel tax because most people know the consequences will hit hardworking families and small businesses the hardest. And we can't afford another cost increase to our already expensive life. An oil barrel tax doesn't affect just oil companies. Those costs are passed down to its consumers in the form of higher gas prices, higher groceries, utilities, countless everyday goods. When gas rises, everything else follows, and that's... Sorry, guys. When gas rises, everything else follows, and that's a proven fact. We all depend on affordable energy to operate our businesses and lives. It makes it more difficult for companies to compete, invest, and create more jobs when we are already struggling with inflation and the rising cost of it. Madam Mayor, it's time.

Thank you. Michael Stewart.

Good evening, our great mayor and council. I am the Vice President of Carson Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee. We support and showcase the vibrancy of the economy, our community, and we're doing great things with the help of business and with working with our leadership here and with our workers and with labor. We feel that a dollar on every barrel supplied in this one business, it's one business. Okay, they have a major corporation, but this is only one business with 1,450 employees who vibrantly want to work and grow with this community. We feel that to put this on unnecessarily at this time when we're growing with great wealth and going to great things. I believe that the oil industry is leaving, so we would like to upgrade and showcase cars.

Thank you. Lena Whitaker. Lena.

Good evening, Madam Mayor and Council. I'm from the Carson Chamber of Commerce, and we ask that the City Council to decline to adopt resolutions number 26086, number 26087, and number 26088. The BR Consulting Group letter in the record was engaged for a narrow purpose, and its authors say so. It evaluates whether the tax would operate in a confiscatory manner as applied to one taxpayer under one contract. and it expressly disclaims any conclusion about who ultimately bears the burden. It does not examine consumer prices, fuel supply, Carson employment, or the city's own fiscal exposure. Those are the questions before the council, and they remain unanswered. The chamber and its members are prepared to work with the city on revenue approaches that do not concentrate the burden on Carson's remaining industrial employment base. We appreciate the council's consideration. Thank you.

Thank you. Madrano, District Council of Ironworkers. I couldn't read the first name. Sochi. Sochi? Oh, okay.

Good evening, my name is Xochitl Medrano, and I am the political director for the District Council of Ironworkers. I'm here to speak in opposition of the agenda item. Ironwork is a high-risk, dangerous work that requires top-tier training, certified safety, and skilled local labor. Item 23 opens the door to contractors who undercut local prevailing wages and skip local workforce requirements. Carson's taxpayer dollars should stay in the city of Carson, supporting strong union jobs, safe work sites, and local families. Please reconsider and vote no, thank you.

Thank you. Diane Thomas.

Thank you and good evening. My name is Diane Thomas. I want to begin by saying I am in favor of this resolution. I'm asking the council to pass it. I also want to say to every voter in the city of Carson, when it gets on the ballot, make sure you vote in favor of it. The oil company has been fleecing America for years upon years upon years. And every time a measure comes up, the first thing they want to holler is, oh, they can't afford to do this, they can't afford to do it. You heard the numbers. You heard the numbers. Billions of dollars in profit. Profit means that you paid all your bills and you still have billions of dollars left over. Gasoline is over $6 a gallon. We're not benefiting from Marathon because they're keeping our gas prices low. They're still going up. Don't be fooled by all of this. Vote in favor of this.

Chad Elliott.

Good evening. I come before you tonight to oppose this measure because I'm a South Bay resident, born and raised, and I'm a father of two. I'm trying to hold this back, but honestly, this would ruin my way of life. And all my brothers and sisters in this room can attest that without these refineries, we're not going to have any local work. I've already had to travel to Washington, to Indiana. I've got brothers in Idaho. I've got people all over LA that aren't working in LA because of places like this being taxed. and attacked. Yes, the profits are there, but that's the whole company. That's not Carson, California. That's not Wilmington. I live in LaMita, California. I'm rebuilding a house that was built in 1938. The only way I can do this is with this refinery, not getting this tax. So please, I come before you with mercy. Do not... Do not just blindly take this as something.

Thank you. Patrick Dobler.

Good evening. How are you? I am Patrick Dobler, affiliated with Local 92 Boilermakers. Marathon Carson Refinery historically operates at roughly 85% efficiency, which results in an estimated 110 million barrels of crude use each year. While $1 per barrel may not sound like much money, this essentially turns into a massive tax on Marathon, $110 million. Seeing that the city of Carson currently has a balanced budget, this proposal appears excessive and quite frankly, unnecessary. My concern is that the refineries will not absorb this cost. Historically, oil refineries will pass the city tax of crude oil down to consumers through higher prices for gasoline and other refined products in order to protect their profit margin. When government raises the cost of living and the cost of refining working families ultimately pay the price.

Thank you. Thank you. That concludes all communications on this item. I would like to hear from my colleagues. Any comments? No, first of all, let me say this before we make a motion. Mr. City Manager, could you put this up on the slide? This is, you know, I've been looking at this, but if you can see, and I'm gonna read it. As reported by various news outlets as of last night, President Donald Trump stated that all companies have made too much money and he didn't like it. They're making too much money And when I went to the gas station, I had to spend $100 to fill up a half a tank of gas. It's not coming back to us. It's going to them. Marathon Petroleum, February 26th, if you look at the margin of the graph, Mr. City Manager, they have made 146.9% profit.

Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. So in February of 2026, as you see, there is 146.94 year-to-date increase at 88.98%. It's one of the highest grossing stocks on the market as of this date. As you can see, the trend is continuing to go up, and this is just from the first quarter of those six months.

Next slide. Marathon... reported a blockbuster of $52 billion. That's after all bills have been paid. Am I not correct? $52 billion, not million, in net income profit for the second quarter alone in 2026. $52 billion. Okay, thank you. To date, I had staff to look at all the projects that we have unfunded here in the city of Carson for this year alone. In order for me to meet the needs of my residents, my constituents here in the city of Carson, I need $159 million. 159, that's for just this year long Carson residents. Am I supposed to say to this big company that you're 52 billion, I can't get a dime of it? And for them to sit up here and threaten to go out of business? Malarkey, where they going? okay not 52 million 52 billion dollars okay to my cars and residents that are sitting here do you want your streets to be maintained do you want your trees to be trimmed all of these projects that i have on here we have fiber optic stock that needs to be uh brought into the city so we're a part of the 21st century century and we're not leaving any child behind Citywide street repair. You talk about MLK, the roller coaster that everybody laughs at us about. We have lots of work to be done here in the city of Carson. You see dirt moving. You're talking about jobs. If you look across the street, we are employing union workers. We have major dirt that's moving here in the city of Carson. That 157 acres is already guaranteed, guaranteed, to have labor workers on there. We've already negotiated with the developers of that site to make sure that union workers are represented and they have met with the unions. So am I to say to this billion dollar company, it's all right for my residents to have potholes in their city? Is it all right for me to say to them, your trees don't need trimming because you don't have the money? Is it all right for me to tell my employees that they can't get a raise? And we have the best package there is in the city of Carson for employees. The salaries, that's why they stay so long. Because we have the best of the best. And it just didn't happen. So when we're talking about jobs, we make sure here in the city of Carson that our employees are taken care of. And I want to make sure that the city is the jewel of the South Bay as we've proclaimed it to be. In order to be the jewel of the South Bay, if you've been to any of my state of the cities, we're doing things in the city that's unprecedented. But it's because we love our residents. But in order for us to make sure that we have everything that everybody teases me about, why do I call it the Beverly Hills? Because my residents are just as important as the residents in Beverly Hills. If they don't have potholes, I don't want my residents to have potholes. If their kids have fiber optic stocks, I want my kids to have fiber optic stocks. If they have the best parks, and we do have the best parks in the city that's fully staffed and the best salaries. I was elected by the residents of the city of Carson to make sure that their needs are met. And when I took this office, I had a $45 million surplus. One lawsuit would have wiped us out. One lawsuit. I came with the philosophy that everybody needs to pay their fair share. But the marathon has been here for over 55 years. They have us in court right now behind a measure that we have. We're locked up in court because they don't want to pay. So they took us to court. We didn't get any money. The measure passed. So now you're coming and saying to us that this tax, which by the way, may or may not pass, is voted upon by the residents. We're putting it out there and say, residents, what do you wanna do? This council, if this passes, and I don't know whether it will or not, but I know I'm gonna vote for it because I know that this city has been, had deferred maintenance for over 20 years and $45 million, you just saw the chart, $159 million just for this year alone that I need to bring this city in some form or fashion where it should be. And to my city attorney, repeat those numbers where you said, talked about.

Madam Mayor, can I, I like to speak, Madam Mayor, I guess after the city attorney, I know I just couldn't cue her, sorry. Yes.

I want to hear from the city attorney. I'm going to make a motion, and then we're going to have my colleagues to speak.

Yes. For Q2 of 2026, Marathon reported $52.34 billion in revenue, beating expectations of $41.44 billion in revenue, just for one quarter of this year.

One quarter. One quarter.

And Madam Mayor, I'm sorry, I come to you remotely, but the numbers that Marathon has reported, it's relevant in this context as to the reasonableness of the amount of the tax that the Carson is implementing or proposing to the residents. The staff report, we have a very, very detailed staff report that talks about the reasonableness of the tax and other reasons that this is a tax for the right and the privilege to do business in the Carson community I just want to clarify that the earnings and the profits their relevance is related to the reasonableness of the tax number or the proposed

UP TO ONE DOLLAR PER BARREL THAT'S AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION TO MAKE UH BUT I TURN IT OVER TO COUNCILMAN HILTON WHO WANTED TO SPEAK I WANT TO BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES TO SPEAK I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION AND IF THERE'S UH AND MY AND THEN OUR COUNCILMAN UH I'LL HAVE YOU ON IN JUST A MOMENT THAT'S OKAY BUT I'D LIKE TO WAVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPTION RESOLUTION NUMBER 26086 IN TITLE A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY OF CARSON THE CITY OF CARSON CALIFORNIA calling for the holding of a municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the city a general tax measure establishing a business license tax upon the businesses OF CONDUCTING OIL REFINERS IN THE CITY OF CARSON, REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DAY AND REQUESTING THAT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTERED RECORDERS OFFICE CLERK CONDUCT THE NECESSARY ELECTION SERVICES. NUMBER TWO, WAVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 26-087 ENTITLED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CARSON, CALIFORNIA. setting priorities for filing written arguments and directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis regarding a general tax measure establishing business license tax upon the business of conducting oil refinery in the city of Carson to be submitted to the voters at the general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd. And number three, waive further reading and adopt resolution number 26088 entitled a resolution of the city of Carson, California Providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments regarding a general tax measure establishing business license tax upon the business of conducting oil refinery in the city of Carson to be submitted at a general municipal election to be held on November 3rd. That is my motion.

Madam Mayor, this is your motion, and this item is going before the body of the city of Carson residents for them to determine whether they want this tax or not. Based upon that information, I second.

It's been moved and properly seconded. I'd like to hear from my colleagues. You have three minutes to speak, and I'm going to my bishop that's mute.

Madam Mayor, I want to say that this is a business tax privilege of doing business in Carson and I want to give some history and I've gotten calls from all over the state of California and gotten calls and I wanted to explain this. There was a measure back in 20, I believe it was 2017, 2018 entitled Measure C. I believe it was the oil tax. And that measure passed overwhelmingly. And if that measure was proposed, that measure passed overwhelmingly and projected to give the city of Carson between 25 and $35 million per year into our general fund. That would help our general fund. That was at that time what we called an oil tax. And the voters voted overwhelmingly on it. However, after that oil tax was passed, Marathon did what they called a restructuring. And in this restructuring, that oil tax shifted from that $35 million that was projected to $2 million that they chose to give. And then it had been hashed out in court and it went to an auditor. and the auditor projected that those numbers were wrong and they end up paying somewhere about $80 million. And then that $80 million check was cut. And then they went to the Supreme court and then moved back in the Supreme court. And here we are now, again, had those items had that money's been paid or solidified or We just went with the vote of the people had went in 2018. I don't believe that this body would have to reconsider this. Marathon is reporting record profits, and we believe those profits should also reflect a commitment to the workers who help make that success possible. We support our workers. Tonight, make no bones about it, I stand on the side of workers, I support fair wages, I support good benefits, safe working conditions, and respect the jobs. When companies prosper, the people who show up every day and keep it running should prosper as well. Marathon should pay its fair share, invest in the workforce, and stand with the workers who contribute to its success. Strong companies should help build strong workers, strong families, and also strong communities. The city has supported Marathon and they should pay their fair share. So, tonight, this isn't about being compensatory. This isn't about being, this is just about solidifying what the vote of the people said in 2018. Thank you all. have anything that's misconstrued. So that's what I wanted to say. This is not a double taxation. In 2018, the voters spoke and somehow, some way, I guess it was misinterpreted and that has never been made good on. And tonight, I believe that's what this council is suggesting to go back to the people to make sure there's no misinterpretation.

Thank you, Councilman. Who else is queued up? Are you queued up, Councilman D?

Yes, I am.

Three minutes.

Okay. First of all, it's difficult to sit here and listen to specious arguments. I have a question to the city manager, the staff, the gentleman who made the report. You reported $52 billion in sales. Is that nationwide or international? You said $52 billion in sales.

Yes.

Council member, thank you, in revenue reported by the entire company.

In revenue, right, in revenue. Okay, revenue is not profit. Revenue is the money coming in. You have to match that against expenses. So what is their profit? It's been said by council members, they're quoting you saying it's profit, but you're saying it's revenue.

Sonny, could you answer that, please?

Could you explain what you mean by that, please? Through the city manager.

Yes. Sorry. I was trying to pull up the data because he did go over it.

Hold on one second. This is a question to the city manager and his staff. I just want a clarification on what he said. Did I hear it correctly? That's the only question I have. No explanation. That's correct. Answer the question. Is it profit? So what do you mean by in revenue, meaning total profit or actually revenue in sales?

Council member, the way it was reported in the earnings was revenue. That was the term that was used.

But they mean profit? Or they mean revenue?

It was reported as revenue.

Sonny, could you answer that, please?

If you don't know, it's okay.

I'm not familiar. Yes, I don't know. I don't know how it's defined.

Sonny, could you answer that, please?

Sure. I was going to say we have, this is revenues for the organization, and that's what Chacon presented, and that's what the staff report says. We have Keith McCarthy and Steve Wolfhard on the call. I don't know if they can answer that specific question. I mean, I don't know if the councilman has a question or if he's just pointing out that this is revenues. I do have a question.

I JUST ASKED IT I'LL ASK IT AGAIN IF YOU NEED IT ASKED THE 52 BILLION DOLLARS IS THE REVENUES COUNCILMAN IF THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE ASKING AND THAT'S WHAT CHUKON SAID WHEN SHE PRESENTED THE STAFF REPORT OKAY FOLLOW-UP QUESTION IS THAT INTERNATIONALLY NATIONALLY OR STATEWIDE

It's their stated revenues per their earnings report, and it's nationally.

Nationally. Okay. I'm sure most people are aware that the gasoline produced in California is chemically different than the gasoline produced in Utah or Texas.

How much time do we have?

So... People have to understand that. And my concern is this, that just like Phillips 66 and Union 76, who have been in Carson area, which is now Carson, for over 100 years, well established, they shut down their operation. So the oil tax we had on them, we collected some, but now we're going to collect zero. In other words, if you If you kill the cash cow, you're not gonna have any revenue at all. So if Marathon were to decide that, well, they're gonna keep an operation nationwide, but they're gonna stop making the California formula for gasoline, which is required by state law, then the refinery could close. I'm not saying it is, but I'm saying that as a possibility. So I think we should be careful as a local community on what we do because our decisions have consequences far beyond what we're considering tonight. So I would like to make a substitute motion that we reject all three resolutions tonight.

There's no second on your motion, motion fails. Madam.

And Madam Mayor, it's really important to clarify. I think we're going to a vote. Okay, thanks, sorry.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Roll call vote on the original motion that was moved by Madam Mayor, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hicks. Council Member Rojas. Yes. Council Member Deer.

No.

Council Member Hilton.

Yes.

Mayor Paul Tim Hicks? Yes. Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes. Okay, motion carries.

Item number 20, do we need to go back to item number 22? Outside voices please. Item number 22. Are you ready or we wanna take it over to the next meeting? If you're not ready, I can, okay.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Item 22 is a project update. We'll have and speak to Mills Park as well as just another brief update about MLK if you'd like it, but Mills Park primarily is the update.

Huh?

Yeah. I know, this is Carson.

This is an update on the Mills Park improvement that Public Works Department is going to provide for the council. Mills Park site improvements and building renovations project. The Mills Park is approximately 4.45 acre community park located in the southeast corner of Central Avenue and East Diamonddale Drive in the city of Carson. Project number 1636 Mills Park site improvements includes construction of a new playground with shade structures, a full-size basketball court, a fitness court with shade structures. And Project 1795 includes approximately 1,400 square foot building expansion to provide additional office space, exterior public restrooms, a splash pad, equipment room, and additional storage. Project number 1636 was originally advertised as a standalone project in 2024. On October 1st, 2024, the city council awarded a construction contract to NBC Enterprises in an amount not to exceed $3,444,254. The contractor failed to make satisfactory progress and completed only approximately 30% of the work despite approved time extensions. On September 15, 2025, the city issued a notice of default based on several contract performance deficiencies. On October 2, 2025, the city issued a notice of suspension and NBC Enterprises ceased work on the project. Project number 1795 was separately advertised on April 24th, 2025 through the Daily Journal and planted bids. Five bids were received on May 22nd, 2025. After evaluating those bids, staff determined that none satisfied the requirements for the invitation for bids due to bid irregularities and bidder non-responsiveness.

22 was consider update on city projects. That's what he's doing. 22? Yes.

Now, just for clarification, if I could, Madam Mayor, this is just an update, but the item itself, it'll get more specifics. Okay.

After evaluating the bids, staff determined that none satisfied the requirements. Following the suspension of project number 1636, the original project, and the rejection of bids of project 1795, staff combined the remaining work under both projects into a single construction contract for all improvements at Mills Park. Pub Construction Incorporated was determined to be the lowest and responsible bidder. Skip that. The current project schedule bid opening July 2nd, 2026, Council Award August 4th, 2026, contract execution approximately August 18th of 2026, purchase order issue, we're looking at August 25th, start construction around the middle of September, completion of the first portion around March of 2027, and completion of the rest of the project approximately September 30th, 2027.

That good? Okay, we can read the rest. Are there any comments? Mayor Pro Tem.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I had a question to staff in regards to, can you go back to the schedule you had up? I think it's at March of 2027 for one of the projects to be completed. That's the outside or is that the inside of the building itself? Which one is that? That's the outside. That's the outside? That's the first portion. And the reason why I asked that question, because Juneteenth has always been at Mills Park. And I know my residents have been inquiring, is it going to ever come back to its park, its home park? because historical, when an event gets moved to a park, it seems like it don't ever make it back to where it started from. I just want to make sure that the Juneteenth gets back home to Mills Park.

Yes.

We're looking at completing this March 30th.

March 30th. My concern to those who put this together, enough timing to make sure that the park is ready for acceptance of a Juneteenth celebration. That's my concern. Because we've been gone two years already.

Yes, sir. That is our goal. We understand the uncomfortability that the residents have experienced.

Project number 1636, March 30th of 2027. March. And that's why I want to know which one was outside and which one was inside. That's correct. Okay. Thank you.

Mr. Public Works Director, that is correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Yes.

Yes.

Okay. Okay.

Thank you for that report.

Motion to receive. It's just a receiving file, something that we want to bring forward to each time. Is there anyone here from the Samoan Federation? No, they never came. No. Okay. They never came. Okay. Item number 24. Consider resolution to submit a Carson City Charter Amendment to the voters at the November 23rd general municipal election. That's item 24. Do we have any speakers on that item 24?

No, Madam Mayor.

None? All staff, could we have a report, please? Michael George. Report.

Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. So we just wanted to identify that we will have to walk on some documents for this particular item, but we're gonna provide a presentation from our Assistant City Attorney. I think you have those documents there. Yes, thank you.

Perfect. Oh. Madam Mayor, they gave this to us this evening. Could you ask them to summarize the changes or differences?

Please.

Thank you.

So it's just cleanup changes, including making sure that all the charter provisions that reference term limits were removed or modified as necessary, and also a change to the ballot question to make sure that it begins with shall the measure and ends with be adopted per the elections code. So generally just cleanup.

Is that the only changes you made?

Those are a general description of the changes. The changes are available in red line in the revised documents that have been distributed to the city council, and copies are available for the public.

Okay. So the report is what?

Thank you, Madam Mayor. So the City Council is being asked tonight to consider three resolutions to submit a proposed charter amendment measure to the city's voters at the general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026. The proposed measure would amend the charter including amended sections 301 319 and 907 it adds section 320 as set forth in exhibit a to resolution 26092 submitting the measure to the voters and requesting consolidation with the statewide general election for your discussion and approval madam mayor yes i mean the residents have been it's it's a cleanup charter item uh clean up some cleanup stuff i i know the residents have been sitting a long time so

I'd like to make a motion away further reading and adopt resolution number twenty six dash zero nine two entitled the resolution of the city council of the city of Carson, California, calling for the holding of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November third, twenty, twenty six for the purpose of submitting the qualified voters of the city city, a charter amendment measure, including amendment section three oh, one three nineteen. Uh, and 907 and addition of new sections, 320 to the city charter requesting consolidation with the statewide general election to be held on the same day and requesting that the Los Angeles county register recorder counting clerk conduct all necessary election services and way further reading and adopt resolution number 26 dash 093 entitled. a resolution of the City Council of the City of Carson, California, setting priorities for filing written arguments and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis regarding the proposed Charter Amendment measure to be submitted to the voters at the general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 and weigh further reading and adopt resolution number 26-094 entitled a resolution of the City Council of the City of Carson, California providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments regarding the charter amendment measure to be submitted at the general municipal election to be held on November 3rd, 2026. Second.

Madam Mayor, could I just request a clarification that motion includes the changes that were walked on, the revised resolutions?

Including the changes that's walked on, if the second motion would be so kind to receive those.

Who's the second?

MPG or?

I gave it to, yeah, I gave it to Councilwoman Rojas.

Rojas, okay. Oh, okay. Are you okay with the amendment? Yes. Okay. It's been moved and properly seconded with the amendments roll call.

Councilmember Rojas?

Yes.

Councilmember Deer?

No.

Councilmember Hilton? Yes.

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Hicks?

Yes.

Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes. Motion carries. It's election season here.

Item number 25, and we're gonna get to 26 in just a moment.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Item 25 is to consider adoption of resolutions to submit a nonbinding advisory measure regarding school district information or school district formation and or reorganization in Carson to the voters at the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election and requesting consolidation with the statewide general election to be held on that same date. In this particular item, it's a proposed advisory measure that would allow the city voters to express their opinion on whether or not the city of Carson should explore removing the city's incorporated area from the territorial jurisdiction of LAUSD and as feasible, either creating a new K-12 Unified School District serving Carson or seeking annexation into another nearby existing school district for your discussion and or approval.

Any discussion on the item from my colleague?

Madam Mayor.

Dr. Hilton.

Yeah, Madam Mayor, I asked for this item to be on the agenda in light of The swirling around the was going to be insolvent over the next couple of months. However, it doesn't point to any 1 district. It doesn't point to us joining anybody's district. It's just a. To get the sense of the people of Carson, what the people of Carson wants. I don't I have no desire to run for school board, never wanted to run for school board. So I know that I guess that's what they're saying. But all I want to do is hear from the people of Carson. When I attended all of Carson's public schools, they were filled. And then now Carson public schools, some of them are not filled. I know that we have a family of schools now. So, we just want to make sure that our Carson residents have a say and a seat at the table. So this is all it is. We're trying to just get a gauge of the people and to get them more engaged. And this is a non binding thing. People texting me right now. Like, what happens with our pensions? We're not taking over anything. We're just trying to get a vote of the people and get a clear decision from the residents of Carson. So, with that, I would like to make a motion to consider an adoption of a resolution to submit a non binding advisory measure regarding the school district formation or reorganization and Carson to the voters at the November 3rd, 2026 general municipal election and requesting consolidation with the statewide general election to be held on the same day. Way further reading. and adopt resolution number twenty six dash zero eight nine entitled a resolution of the city council of the city of Carson California calling for the holding of a general municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November third, twenty twenty six for the purpose to submitting the qualified voters to the city of a non binding advisory measure regarding school district formation. or reorganization in Carson requesting the consolidation with the statewide general election to be held on the same date and requesting that the Los Angeles County Register Recorder County Clerk conduct all necessary election services. Way further reading and adopt resolution number 26-09 entitled the resolution of the City Council of Carson, California, setting priorities for filing written arguments and directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis regarding the non-binding advisory measure concerning school districts formations or reorganizing reorganization in Carson to be submitted to the voters at a general municipal election to be held on November 3rd, twenty twenty six and way further reading and adopt resolution number twenty six dash zero nine one entitled the resolution of the city of Carson, California, providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments regarding a non-binding advisory measure concerning the school district's formation or reorganization in Carson to be submitted to the voters at a general municipal election to be held on November 3rd, 2026.

Is there a second? I'll second it. Councilman Hicks. MPT Hicks.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. My question to staff and probably to the city attorney, this is considered a non-binary. My concern is, will this only state, do you want to have a new school district in the city of Carson or you do not want to have a school district in the city of Carson? It's a plain, simple question as opposed to anything more layered that may be confusing in the language and how it's being presented.

Yeah, Mayor Pro Tem Hicks, the actual question that's proposed, if you look at the first resolution, 26089, Section 2, it states the actual question that would appear on the ballot. And it has the heading advisory vote only, which means it's non-binding. It doesn't compel the council to take any action.

Can you read what that says for those that don't have it?

It says, shall the city of Carson explore removing Carson from the Los Angeles Unified School District, LAUSD, and as feasible, either creating a new K-12 Unified School District serving Carson or seeking annexation into another nearby existing school district? Yes or no? Yes or no?

Mayor Pro Tem, can I add something to that? Yes. Because Portion also is Compton. I wouldn't want to just solely single Los Angeles Unified School District out. I would want every Carson resident to get a vote at this opposed just to those who are in LAUSD because Compton covers a portion of Carson as well. So I would think we would have to cover the whole gamut of Carson and not just single LA. Are we forming our own school district? Not just saying we're coming, we're gonna separate. I would want everybody in Carson to get this and not for it not to just be on a portion of Carson's ballot, but all of Carson's ballot.

It will be, won't it? Yes.

I'm sorry, Ben.

Thank you, Madam City Clerk.

Would it be a citywide measure? Yes. Okay.

Yeah, but the city council has the authority, the discretion to change the proposed wording of the ballot question if that's a concern. If you'd like to change, because that's in your proposed resolution. If you'd like to change the wording, you can certainly do that. But yeah, it's a citywide vote. Okay.

Yeah, Madam Mayor, the other concerns, I've received several calls. The biggest concern is many of the residents do not want to succeed to be with Compton Unified School District. And I think that's what's being put out there that they do not want. And I'm not saying agreeing, but I know what my residents are saying, that they don't want to be in Compton Unified School District. And they don't want to be confused in the language and how it's written. And I just want it to be plain English that it says that we're just doing a feasibility study to determine whether or not you want to separate yourself from LAUSD. And if that's yes, would you want to actually... develop your own school district for the city of Carson? Or would you like to partner up with another school district, whoever that might be? But I want it to be that simple as opposed to saying all the words that normally are in different mailings that go out and people saying, well, I don't know if it's yes or no or no or yes. I just need it to be plain English.

Sure. And so, Mayor Pro Tem, I think the idea is exactly to what you stated. I think when the recommendation was first brought onto the dais for you and your colleagues, the mention of Compton School District was mentioned, but it wasn't stated that in this particular resolution and the measure that's being proposed, that's not being identified. Compton School District is not identified as a school district of consideration. There is no school district that's of consideration. This is a consideration, as you eloquently already spoken, is does the residents, yes or no, want to have their own school district? And if they don't want to have their own school district, would they like to annex or would they like to be part of another school district? Yes or no. Based upon the responses of that measure, if it is a yes, then it would still have to come back to the voters again to have a proposal of what does that look like and who is that going to be with? And there's so many other variables that would actually go into factor once this initial measure, if it were to pass, has to come by. So this isn't just stating that if you all are approval of this tonight and it goes to the voters and they vote in favor, that they're going to Compton School District. Nowhere in this measure does it state that. So I want to echo what you're stating. This is not what this is asking. This is not what this is advising. It's not recommending. It's just asking, do you want to have your own school district, Carson, or do you want to be part of another school district? That's it.

Well, in that measure, couldn't it say other than Compton School District?

Don't even say it. Don't even say it. Don't even say it. Don't even say it.

Madam Mayor, I don't know that that would be wise to say that. Don't even say it. Not very nice. Again, it's up to your residents, obviously, as to what they would like to do. But this is not even that stage yet. I think if it gets to that point, then you can be more specific as to how you all want to present that language at that time. This time is just does the city want to have its own school district or does it want to join another? That's it. And it's not speaking anybody's name.

I think also what needs to be considered is the financial end of it, because they may say yes, but financially it may not be too costly.

Absolutely. I mean, there's a lot of factors. I mean, this is something that Mayor Pro Tem actually requested maybe six months to a year ago. We did an initial feasibility study on the financial aspect and impact of this, and we brought those numbers, which was exceedingly expensive. not to pour salt in the wound, but if Marathon could probably support it, then we'd probably be able to do that. But besides that, this is just, I mean, we can't afford to pay for that school district.

The Marathon Unified School District.

Well, that has been what has been ringing. Compton Unified, we have been trying to get out of Compton Unified District ever since I've been at 70 forever. And I know certain communities in North Carson, their kids have to go. And we talked to them before. They said, you can take all the kids you want, but I'm keeping the money for each child. So they're not willing to let any revenue go. And I would never vote. To be a part of Compton Unified School District.

And what the media did was take a sound bite. And what I said was, I said, there are some people in North Carson who pays Compton taxes. They took a sound bite and flipped what I said around. So I just want to say that. And I never advocated for us to go from one district to another. So this is just an advisory vote to build the temperature of the people to see, because some people don't even send their kids to Carson schools. They send them to private schools. I don't know. And then would LAUSD have school choice? Some people just say, hey, I want to stay here. So we were just trying to get a pulse and a temperature on what the community wanted to do. That's all. This is an advisory vote, not advocating for any district.

Thank you. Councilman Deer.

No, one question. I think Councilman Hilton brought it up. Making sure this language that goes out correctly.

If it states, shall the city of Carson explore removing Carson from the Lawson Unified School District, should it say LAUSD or should it just say the school district that represents the city of Carson?

Because again, part of it is Compton Unified and the other part is LAUSD. This is real specific and this is not allowing the other part of the northern part of our city to be considered, even though they may vote, but it's not removing them.

Yeah, so you may want to change the language to reflect that, like, shall the city of Carson explore removing Carson from the current school districts that apply to the city of Carson, something like that. Of the current districts.

I'm just making sure that it covers everybody, because this just specifically only covers LAUSD only.

Yeah, I think that's what Council Member Hilton was referencing, not so much about does everyone have an opportunity to vote, but when you vote, it may not make a difference if you said yes or no, because as you're stating, Mayor Pro Tem, if you're in the Compton School District, even though you live in Carson, you're still gonna end up paying taxes to Compton, to Compton School District. So this is a great point. And I think the city attorney is making this reference well that you all would probably wanna consider allowing everyone that votes has an opportunity to either be part of its own school district or be removed from said school district that they're currently affiliated with. So they work on that language. I mean, do we have to vote on that language tonight?

We should try to specify what we wanted to say tonight because we do need to submit it to the county within the next three days. Okay. So I would propose saying, shall the city of Carson explore removing Carson from the current school districts? That represent the city of Carson? That represent the city of Carson. And as feasible, either creating a new K through 12 unified school district serving Carson or seeking annexation into another nearby existing school district.

The maker of the motion, you accept that?

Yeah.

Does the seconder accept that too?

Who was the seconder?

You.

Oh, I was?

You.

I very seldom get a chance to second. Yes.

Okay, thank you.

So it's been moved improperly. Councilman Deer, I'm sorry.

Thank you. A clarification, just for the edification of the audience. If you live in Carson within the city limits, but you live east of Avalon Boulevard and you live north of University Drive, you're in Compton Unified School District, not LA Unified. But there is an agreement now and a state law that says if there is a desk available in a school district near you, you have a right to claim that for your child. So it's a much more liberal approach than it was 25 years ago when the city of Carson had an actual election to break away from LAUSD. Those of you who lived in Carson for a number of years, you might remember. give or take a year, about 2002, we had an election in Carson to break Carson away from LAUSD and form our own school district. Okay, that's just some history. But two questions. One is that we're talking about asking the voters if they want to break away everything within the city limits of Carson, which would exclude schools that currently service Carson. It would exclude Banning, Gardena, Narbonne, and Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School, which is middle school and high school. Those schools would still be part of LAUSD, and we would not have a right to send our students there unless you took advantage of the state law I mentioned a few minutes ago, that if there's a seat available, you can get your kid into the school. There's a process. It's not easy, but it's doable. Okay, so that's one question. And the second question is that... If we were to go forward with this idea that's being discussed tonight, we would end up with one high school. And school districts generate revenue or receive revenue basically from two sources. It's a per pupil or per student attendance on a daily basis. The state provides money to the school district. And also the school district has a portion of the property tax that everyone pays if you own property in LA County. A portion of that goes to the school district where your property is located. So the question would be, would this new school district have enough money to essentially build another high school? Because you're losing Gardena, Banning, Compton High School, Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School, and Narbonne, those are schools where Carson kids go now. And I know there are other schools, there are private schools, Catholic schools, Torrance School District. But my very last point is this. There are only two school districts that are contiguous to the city limits of Carson. So if you exclude LAUSD, you're talking about Long Beach Unified School District or Compton Unified School District. Those school districts would have to agree to allow carson to join their school district it's not a easy process it's very complicated so do we want to go forward with this idea that's up to the council but i just wanted to present that to people so we have a better understanding of what we're talking about thank you very much thank you councilwoman

Thank you. I think everybody kind of answered all the questions I have. I'm a product of LAUSD. So I understand a lot, a couple of people of what they said, keeping it in the community. So That's it. I think this measure kind of confuses a lot of people and again we had so many questions and I feel like the residents may also feel the same. Again, I'm the product of LAUSD and all the choices were there and I had kids that went to private school, Torrance, and LAUSD. So we gotta think about the kids. And that's it.

Okay, any other comments?

Madam Mayor, if I can just add briefly, I believe isn't Torrance School District also adjacent to the city of Carson?

No.

They're not adjacent to us?

It's pretty close. Torrance School District goes as far west as Western Avenue. Our city limits don't begin until the 110 freeway, which is a mile away. It's not contiguous.

So then you don't have an option of Torrance. It sounds like you have two.

That's correct.

Long Beach.

Well, you have three options, actually.

It would be Long Beach, beautiful Compton, and your own.

Okay, call for the vote.

And just to clarify, the motion on the floor does not include the amendments to the ballot question that we discussed as of right now, unless you want to do a friendly amendment.

We do.

Oh, you included that in the motion?

Yeah, I asked the maker of the motion and the seconder.

Oh, okay. And then just to clarify, should that say represent? We use the word represent, right? Yeah. Do you want it to say serve instead? It could be serve. So shall the city of Carson explore removing Carson from the current school districts, plural, that serve Carson? and as feasible, either creating a new K-12 Unified School District serving Carson or seeking annexation into another nearby existing school district. Is that good? That's fine. Okay.

Thank you. The maker of the motion is okay with that? Yes. Seconder?

Yes.

Okay.

Call for the vote.

Call for the roll call vote.

Yes. Council Member Rojas? No. Council Member Deer?

No.

Council Member Hilton?

Yes.

Mayor Davis, nope, out of order, my apologies. Mayor Potem Hicks?

No.

Mayor Davis-Holmes?

Mm, it's gonna fail. I abstain.

All good.

Motion fails, three, one, one. Thank you.

Item number 26. I just love looking out there, seeing all your bright faces. I just love it. Didn't you learn a lot tonight? Yes, you did. Item number 26, staff.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Item number 26 will be presented by our Public Works Director, Dr. Arlington Rogers, to consider a rescission of preferential permit parking zone I as in Indigo for area near Mills Park and accept resolution 26-082.

Thank you, Mr. City Manager, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council Members. This is to kind of share the process that we took that led us to where we are this evening. Preferential parking zone, aye. First, the establishment of a preferential parking zone. Public Works provides petition forms for the preferential parking zones upon a written request of any five residents, which we received on June 25th, 2024. The petitioners then need to collect signatures from residents representing at least 60% of the homes and return the petition within 60 days of it being issued. We verified that we received 63% on August 22nd, 2024. And when we're saying 60% of the homes, it is not the individuals. In the homes, it is the addresses. So the homes, that's where we get our percentage.

On the homes.

On the homes. So to clarify, if you have six individuals that signed signatures on the petition, it's only accounting for one signature per house. Correct. So I just want to make that clear. That's for both the petition to establish as well as the petition to rescind. So there's been some miscommunication and misunderstanding that there's been multiple signatures, which is fine. Anybody can sign if they want from a household, but we are only counting one signature per home.

So with that thought, you wouldn't be at 60% or 51%.

I'm sorry, say that again, Madam Mayor.

With that, he just explained to us, if you had 201, 22 sign that petition six times and you counted them as six votes,

No, Madam Mayor, let me clarify. If you had six signatures in a house, you're only having an accounted for one signature, one vote, one house. So even though people might have signed six times for one address, it's only being accounted for once, one signature. The other five do not count. It's one signature for one house.

So we're counting addresses, not individuals. You're counting addresses.

So when you counted addresses, you came up with that?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, thank you.

Staff commissions a utilization survey to measure the parking demand in the area of the petition. That was performed on September the 10th, 2024, at a rate of 41% utilization, which I'll explain coming up. The Public Works Commission then sets a public hearing to discuss the petition. The notice of the hearing must be sent to all property owners, residents, and occupants within 300 feet of the proposed zone at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The hearing was held on April 14, 2025. The Public Works Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council which shall be based on more than 75% of on-street spaces are occupied during the days and hours for the proposed parking restriction from the utilization survey. And what that means is how many people are parking at the time we want to have permit parking. And it must be about 75% in order to have that move forward So self-combined area, that self-contained area, are there any other parking areas in the local area where residents can park? Carson City Council then considers a resolution for the establishment of a preferential parking zone. The permit parking zone I was approved by the city council on June 3rd, 2025. The termination of a preferential parking zone is as follows. The city council may terminate a preferential parking zone upon receipt of a petition calling for the termination, which has been received and transmitted by the city clerk, which contains the signatures and corresponding printed name and address represented a majority 50% plus one of the dwelling units in the zone. A petition to rescind the permit parking was received by the city clerk's office on June 24th, 2026, signed by 59% of the dwelling units within the zone. Letters to all residents regarding permit parking enforcement were sent out on July 8th, 2026. Signature validation letters were sent to permit signatories on July 14th, 2026. Here are the streets that represented for the petition. Diamonddale from Central Avenue to Radlett. Princetown Avenue from Helmick to Diamonddale. Midtown Avenue from Fern Rock Street to Diamonddale Drive. Radlett Avenue from Abbertson Street to Cyrene Drive. Hilford to Abbertson to Cyrene Drive. And Nestor Avenue from Abbertson Street to Cyrene. Cyrene Drive from Radlett to Nestor. Abbertson Street from Radlett to Nestor. To summarize, homes in the subject area totaled 158. Homes with signature collected totaled 100. Percentage of homes with signature was 63%. The utilization survey totaled 41% of on-street spaces were occupied by a vehicle Staff originally recommended to deny the position based off the 41% utilization. An appeal was sent to the Public Works Commission, who then recommended staff to present to council for consideration. Carson City Council approved the resolution for the establishment of preferential parking zone I on June 3rd. Council is considering rescinding the preferential parking zone in zone I on August 4th, 2026.

Is that it?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, before we have council deliberation, I'd like to hear from the residents. You've heard the report. Samuel McKinney.

Madam Mayor, just for clarification, what's the time? One, okay. And then still 30 minutes.

It's a one-minute rule tonight.

And 30 minutes for the section? 30 minutes total for that?

Yes, well, we don't have that many minutes.

Madam Mayor.

Good evening, sir, you have one minute.

Copy that, ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen of the community, I got up here to, first of all, thank my community for stepping up to where you guys did, 100%. Speak in the mic. We came in, I am so sorry, we came in two weeks ago and spoke here, and I want to thank the council for putting this on the calendar for us today. I really, really appreciate it. we still stand strong on not wanting the preferential parking. And as I stated last time, I hope you guys took it to heart. Just think if it was your neighborhood, you've been living there 25, 30 years, now all of a sudden you gotta pay to park in front of your house. So it makes no sense whatsoever. Then I wanted to thank Councilman Hilton for the way he stepped up the two weeks ago. Appreciate that, sir. Thank you very much. Councilman Hicks, thank you so very much. Missed him. thank you mr dear thank you so much so we just want to make sure that you guys understand my time is up but i just wanted to make sure you understand we are absolutely positively against the parking and again put it in your own pipe uh mr uh i have one question a statement was made last meeting i don't know which way it was that

someone on this council had used their persuasion to get the first petitions passed?

That's what was going around in our community, yes, ma'am.

Who?

I'm not at liberty to do that. I'm not a rat. I wouldn't do that. I mean, who? I wouldn't. My thing is...

It was done. That was a rumor. This council body up here does not get involved in that kind of stuff.

Okay.

Okay.

It was a rumor, and rumors spread like fire.

Yeah, they do.

Okay. So if it was me, it was a blatant lie. If it was, I don't know. I can only speak for myself. Okay.

You know. Well, it wasn't you.

Oh, okay. All right.

So we're good. All right. Thank you. Bye.

Thank you.

Next is, is this Tina Alexander, 20218 Radlett? 20218 Radlett Avenue. Okay. Trina? Good evening.

Hi there. I am here to speak on wanting, we want the parking permit. We want the parking permit for safety. There are drugs, there are gang members that are at the park. Wait a minute. At the park. Surrounding the park. That's what we're concerned with. We are constantly calling the police, asking for patrols to come through, They rarely come through. When they do, it's hours later. We are watching. There are people there all night with their headlights on. They have other cars that are coming up and stopping. They're doing different kinds of business there. You can step outside and smell the marijuana that's going on. It is for our safety that we want the parking permit to be there. Now, yes, it could be just for Ratnett or just the streets around the park is what we're looking at. But if we allow that, it's going to eventually go more. So we're asking for the parking permit.

Thank you. I want to be clear with you because you did call me. You said Ratnett and Diamonddale only. Am I correct?

Yes.

It has nothing to do with anything else.

Well, that's what we were looking at, the streets that are surrounding the park.

Okay, you said Radlett and Diamonddale when you called me. Radlett and Diamonddale, yes, I did. And you also mentioned to do from the park closure until 7 o'clock in the morning.

At least when the park closes, that the permit would be there at least during that time so that they're not there doing their businesses all through the night.

Okay, okay, I just want to be clear on that. She wasn't asking for all of this. She was asking for two blocks, for her two blocks only.

Surrounding the park. Okay.

Surrounding the park. And to the staff, okay, thank you, we know where you are. Thank you.

Yes, did you have something to say? Oh no, you don't?

Oh, okay. Ganard, 20203 Nester. Ginyard, I'm sorry, Ginyard?

Girard.

Girard? This looks like, okay Mr. Girard.

20203 Nester Ave. Yeah. Yes.

Okay.

Hello everyone, thank you for your time, Mayor Davis. I'm gonna try to do this in a minute. It says, I'm here tonight because I strongly believe our neighborhood should establish a residential parking permit program for a few. different reasons unlike my wife who has lived in Carson her entire life I moved here five years ago when I got married before moving to Carson I had the opportunity to live in different communities including Beverly Hills Sherman Oaks and Burbank I've seen firsthand how residential parking programs protect neighborhood access and make a real difference for the people who actually live there Residents should not have to circle their own neighborhood looking for parking because spaces are being taken up by people who don't live here. Our streets are a shared community resource and residents should have reasonable priority when it comes to parking near their own homes. I don't believe a permit program is about excluding people unfairly. It's about managing a limited resource, protecting residential access, reducing congestion, and maintaining the quality and desirability of our neighborhood. I believe we should establish a clear policy with a hard cutoff.

Thank you. You support residential parking. Thank you. Thank you. Jacqueline. 1427, Abbotson. Good evening.

I live on Abbotson Street, and I am here to please consider the rescission of this parking permit, Zone I. With the information that I had at the time, I went ahead and purchased the permits, went to City Hall and did that, and I said if it is rescinded, which I certainly hope it will be, I'd like to know how soon I can receive my money back, a refund.

Bring your receipt in. Pardon me? Bring that receipt in. You should get an ASAP.

Yeah, that's, you know. That's what you had to say? Yes, really. You support it. Yes, it is.

Give me my money. Jordan Edwards, 222 Radlett. Edwards? Jordan Edwards?

How you doing?

Hi, Jordan.

I oppose the recension of the permanent parking initiative because it's not just about parking. For nearly three years, this neighborhood has worked to address legitimate public safety concerns. We have schools starting on August 11th and students from Curtis Middle School have to walk home intimidated by people sitting in parked cars near Mills Park. We have people, we have residents witnessing gang recruitment, and this is me personally too, gang recruitment, people having sex in front of our houses, large organized fights on our residential streets, illegal dumping, RV parking by non-residents, and people sitting in their cars for hours smoking weed. So in summary, the parking permit serves as a deterrent for long-term parking by non-residents and helps reduce opportunities for criminal activity. And lastly, I know the people who got shot at, the two boys that got shot at at Mills Park, I know them personally. Those guys were sitting in the car parked for hours on Radley and Diamonddale before they carried out their attack. So this isn't just something that's just, we just talking. So thank you.

Thank you. respectful, Madison Edwards. No, Madison.

My name is Madison and I'm speaking on behalf of my cousin who could not be here to discuss because of work. My cousin attended Curtis Middle School. After school, older teens would often park near Diamonddale and Central by Mills Park. Many students avoided walking past them because they felt intimidated. Some of these individuals were involved in gangs and pressured students to join. The park area on Diamonddale became known for drug activity and gang presence. Students warned each other to take different routes home. Fights are organized on social media. People drove in, they park, and gather simply to watch teenagers fight. Unfortunately, these safety concerns extend beyond the park. December 2024, my close friend David was killed by gun violence while attending a house party on Hilford. David's death devastated the King Drew community and reminded us that public safety is not just about what happens on the streets surrounding parks or school routes. It's also about taking reasonable precautions where gatherings are held. Madam Mayor, it's time.

Thank you. LaShawn.

since some people have already given some information about some of the challenges that we are faced. I wanna just bring up a little bit of a background. November, 2023, we met with the city engineers to discuss ongoing public concerns around Mills Park. We wanted what already existed at Stevenson and Anderson. Our original scope only included Diamonddale, Radlett, and Cyrene. All these other folks here, it did not include them. How it happened was the city staff instructed us to include surrounding streets to prevent parking and safety problems from shifting onto nearby streets, and we followed their advice. City staff also told us that the final permit parking hours and zone will be determined by the city based on its analysis, not us. Our neighborhood has experienced several things. I'm going to bring up some that probably not have been mentioned. Our mail carrier was, his truck was broken into, excuse me, his truck was broken into consecutive two times on Cyrene and Ratlett.

Ms. Edwards, your time is up.

Thank you. Madam Mayor, I have a question for her. Would you mind, ma'am? You articulated about an incident that happened a few years back, a gentleman on parole, and then he came back and committed a crime. Could you enlighten the rest of the council on that?

Absolutely. First of all, Hilford had two homicides within six months of each other. And the first homicide was a parolee. And two of the people that initiated this rescind, one of them shared with me that they heard him or saw, I don't know, but heard them fighting, he and the lady that was killed, fighting in the middle of the street at 3 a.m., which was prior to her death, okay? And there's no record. She told me from her own mouth.

Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.

I'm not a mayor, ask her to address.

Agnes and I were there. That's okay, let her speak. Agnes and I were there when this was shared with us.

Okay, we have enough of that information. We're not going back and forth. You have some concerns.

I have some concerns. School is starting back. August the 10th. And we need protection. Thank you.

I think that's another issue other than parking. So it needs to be dealt with. Safety is the issue, not parking. Who do we have next? Agnes Williams. Did I call Agnes?

No.

Agnes, is that you? Where are you?

She's coming. Oh. She's coming.

Hey, Agnes. What's going on, girl?

Good evening. Good evening. Thank you, Mayor. My name is Agnes Williams, and I live on Hillford in Carson. Sixteen years ago, I moved over from Fullerton, California, to Carson. Since that time, there have been at least two fatalities on my street alone, Hillford. People sit, park. My house is on the corner. They're sitting on Serene, and the back end of their car is on Hillford, and they're smoking dope, throwing their paraphernalia and stuff on my property. But I said, each year, I know things are going to get better, so I'm just going to give it a chance. Well, so far it hasn't, so I gave myself a timeline. I'm going to be honest with you, I can't take it anymore. I thought that Calvary was here when we got permit parking. Well, if that's going to go away, I'm gone. My timeline is up. I'm going to take my vow and leave Carson. I can't take it anymore. I've already made arrangements. It is horrible. You guys should see the parking. People park on the sidewalk.

Thank you. Okay. Agnes Williams. I just called. Did I have anyone else?

Oh, you're Agnes.

Okay. Okay, we've heard from the community. Yes. Where are you? Alisa, come on down after Ms. Come on down. You filled out one too? Robin Hood. Here's Miss Robin Hood.

Good evening, Madam Mayor, Lula Davis-Home, Mayor Pro Tem, Cedric Hicks, and council members. On behalf of the residents of Zone 1, I would like to express, I'm sorry, Zone I, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be heard in considering the recession of the Zone 1 Preferential Parking Program. My thing is this, representing all of these residents here. If we had have been given a petition to sign and you leave off the passage of what you're wanting and that's blank. Just ask us to sign a piece of paper and you explain to us what it was and then when we get here and we ask to view it, you have a whole passage that you have inputted into a document. That's false. It's misleading and it should be a criminal offense because now you've altered a document that we did not sign for. No, I don't believe that that's correct. That's the way it should happen. Madam Mayor, it's time.

All right.

Thomas.

Margaret.

Harding.

You have one minute. You ready for me?

Go ahead.

Good evening, everyone. I wanted to say I've been a member of Carson for 40 plus years. My parents were the original owners of the house that I stay at. So one of the things when you guys say there's gang violence, I'm walking the street at 5 o'clock in the afternoon on a Friday with my little dog. Somebody is throwing gang signs up at me. Do you know when I come out, I live on Nestor. In between, on Cyrene, I cannot see my left or my right. And that is a distraction of blindside because you can't see whether you can turn left or right because there's so many cars on the road. So the parking permit is a plus. It will keep the community better because being an... Being a resident, I have seen how the crime has gone up, how everything has gone up, and there's no safety. I don't feel safe, and I'm sitting here to represent everyone to consider the residential parking. Thank you.

Thank you. Come on down. You're Margaret? You didn't have a number on here. That's why you were mixed in.

Council and Mayor, my name is Margaret Hardy. I've been living in Carson for more than 40 years, and I live on 1510 East Irving, right by the park. Let me tell you what has happened. We have people casing our neighborhood. people sleeping overnight in cars and mobile homes, sitting in cars for hours at a time, looking for opportunities to steal vehicles, car parts, break into homes. They eat in their vehicles and throw trash in the street. Last year we had our mail carrier, He got broken two days in a row on Cyrene. Me personally, I've had two cars stolen in front of my house. I had my catalytic converter stolen. And my car is right in front of the house. And then we're losing good neighbors because of the issues and the homicides and things that has happened. And then on the corner of Cyrene and Hillford, people are parking right on the corner. So you can't... go around the bend because they're not supposed to be parking on the bend on the corner like they are.

Madam Mayor, that's time.

That's a safety issue.

Thank you. Diane Thomas, this is our last speaker on this item.

I'll be brief because I only have one minute. We have a problem in the area, that's obvious. We have a split in thoughts of how to resolve the problem. Where tonight, you're gonna be looking at rescinding the original petition that went in place. And they have the votes to rescind it. So let's say that happens. My thought is, how do we come together as a community? I'm a 55 year resident in my house, an original owner. We need to hold meetings so that we can come up with solutions that will benefit everyone in the community. Because it's a wonderful community, but we do have problems. I'm going to say this to anybody that signed a piece of paper that had no writing on it. Don't sign it. Don't sign it. And if you sign something, read it. I've heard too many comments from people who signed, didn't read, didn't know what they were signing. So I'm just saying, councilman, let's have some meetings. Do what you need to do tonight and let this community come together because we've been watching each other for years and we want to continue to be a united community. Thank you.

Thank you. Ah, MPT.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I hear you loud and clear, my residents around Mills Park. I understand the concerns. I, too, have had two cars stolen in front of my house. I had my calendar converter stolen from in front of my house. There are things that happen in our community, and I'm normally up and around the community. Most people don't know it, 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning, because I'm coming from the hospital with my father. But I remember the original request was for the preferred parking to be on Diamonddale from Central Avenue to Radlett, from Radlett down to Cyrene. And that should have been the original request, but again, it was stated by staff to those who put the petition before the city to include the other streets. My proposal is to consider and keeping the original request by the singers that was given to us to keep the preferred parking in front of Mills Park from Central Avenue down Diamonddale to Radlett, from Radlett to Cyrene, and end it at Hilford. End it at Hilford. You don't want it at Hilford? Then we will stop at Radlett. We will stop at Radlett. No! That was the original request.

MPT, I think we heard it loud and clear. There are enough votes to rescind it. I think we need to start from scratch.

According to our staff.

Okay, excuse me, excuse me. According to staff, how many votes were there? 59%? Excuse me.

Madam Mayor. He votes for which one, Madam Mayor? The recension?

The recension.

50 plus one.

50 plus one.

And there were no duplication of counting? No, we counted addresses. Because there were some of these on the petition, there was eight, nine people that signed for one house. As it's stated by the city manager, you're only able to count one signature, not all of the signatures.

We count the addresses. Regardless of how many people signed that live in the house, we as staff count the addresses. So the percentage of the homes that face the street of the quote unquote parking permit area in question, that's what we count. We don't count people. We count the addresses.

So you had.

So originally we had in the subject area 158 homes. Of those homes, there was collected 100 signatures for the home representative of that home.

One home.

One home.

Okay.

One address, 100 addresses out of 158. That was the first permit. That was the first petition, 63%. The recension was 50 plus one, 50% plus one. The recension was 50% plus one. That is our threshold for the recension of the parking permit The recension is, the limit is, the criteria is 50% plus one. We've met that criteria.

Okay, MPT. It doesn't matter whether it was two months. We're talking about the number of houses. It doesn't matter. We're talking about the number of homes that were counted. That's what we're talking about. MPT.

Thank you. My request, based upon the information we have, that we go through the rescinding of this preference for parking zone I for Mills Park and to bring back at a town hall meeting, where's my councilor, where's CAC? We need to set up a meeting ASAP at Mills Park or an adjacent to to address the issues along with the sheriff, code enforcement, public safety, all involved. because there's some issues that need to be addressed in that area. We also need to look at our parking enforcement team. We may need to look at signage. I need to go up that there's no more parking, overnight parking around Mills Park. And in addition to that, that the parking availability will be only during the park hours that the park is actually being operated. Once the park is closed, there's no parking around Mills Park, but all that will be part of the town hall meeting that's coming up that we will have to address all these issues that we have around the area. And once we come together, we will put together a plan of action that's going to be what the entire residents want to have, not one bifurcating from another, but what we do collectively as one. Understanding I live around the corner. I'm not that far. I see most of you guys all the time. I'm always around in the neighborhood. so i just want to make sure we get this done right for those who did the petition i'm i'm real pissed because i seem to that we've gotten two different formulas of how to do this it's like staff gave one way for one group another way for another group and that we're going back and forth and it's not being what it needs to be in place and that people are frustrated because you take up your time and effort to do these things and then you turn back around and tell you did it wrong when you try to get it right the first time people don't have time to be going back and forth But if we got it what we have before us today, moving with staff recommendations to do to remove professional parking at this time, and in addition to that, to refund the funding for those who needed their money back that already have paid, and that we do that process now, and then we go back and we need to do that meeting immediately for Mills Park in that area. I'm gonna request Diane Thomas to assist in that as well, along with, where's McKinney, where is my, Edwards, where are all my folks that they know in the neighborhood that knows how to get people in place. You want to be a part of that, too? You've been doing it? Okay. We're going to make that happen, but that's my motion.

Your motion, I'll second that.

To weigh further reading and adopt resolution number 26082 entitled Resolution to the City of Carson, California, Terminating Preferential Parking Zone I, Mills Park, removing the association peripheral parking regulations within the zones, in addition to refunding the funds for those who have paid, in addition to having an immediate meeting to address the issues around Mills Park with all of our law enforcement, as well as individuals who are assisting to making sure that we address the issues at Mills Park.

And also, for each person, group that's here, I want you to add, there should be a block captain from each, Cyrene, Abison, everywhere. You guys are the eyes and ears of this community, okay? Diane is the neighborhood, well, she's an area, but you need block captains on every block in that community, in that zone. Every block, not one, every block. And because I'm hearing some people on Hill for one and some don't. Some on Nesta one and some don't. This community is too, has been united for so long. Too long. For parking to separate you. So come together and come up with an alternative that's good for both of you. But block captains are essential. How many streets do we have up on this? We'll list it.

Or at least seven.

At least seven. We have two block captains. I need to see six more from the meeting. Can I get an amen? Thank you. So it's been moved and probably seconded. We're going to rescind it. Really, when you rescind it, you're starting from scratch. That's really what you're doing. You're going back to where you were four months ago. Councilman Deer.

So if it passes to rescind, then the staff's going to look at reinstating a permit parking on possibly three streets only, is that the idea?

They will decide.

Whatever comes out of town on meeting. Okay, so this neighborhood obviously is polarized, very divided on this issue. I would like to hear one more time from a representative, maybe the gentleman who spoke first, on why you want to get rid of permit parking. Is there a specific reason, and can that reason be addressed separately from the permit parking? If you don't mind being the spokesperson, I'd like to hear why the people who live in the neighborhood, why they don't want permit parking. What is the reason? And if there's a reason that could be mitigated, for instance, I'm not saying this is it, but for example, I've been approached by people who have permit parking, but they want to have a party. Well, can they get a waiver for their guests who are coming to visit them? Maybe they're having a family reunion on that one day in order to park near the house. Is that a possibility? Actually, the city manager could address that.

Okay. Thank you.

Okay, you're not on the camera.

You're not on the camera.

Excuse me.

You don't have to come up. My request is that you go back as a community and resolve your problem. You don't need us sitting up here to tell you how to resolve your problem. You've been doing it for too long. This is not about filibustering. So we have a motion on the floor and a second. Let's call for the vote. Council Member Rojas.

Council Member Deer.

Well, I will defer to the Councilman of District 3. It's his district, and I think as a courtesy, I'll support Mayor Pro Tem. Yes.

Councilmember Hilton?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Hicks?

Yes.

Mayor Davis-Holmes? Yes.

Motion carries.

Community, get together and get your act together. I am not...

Okay, to my consulate in the back before you guys leave. CAC raise your hand. I want to make sure you get everybody's information that's here. I want to make sure they get information on this meeting.