Re “The Night Media and City Council Both Skated on Shaky Ice”
The uprising of one block of angered residents of Farragut Drive to protect their no-parking exclusivity while the City Council remains six likely months from a decision is knocking on the courtroom door after months of threats.
Five residents of the 10700 block of Farragut, represented by neighbor Les Greenberg, have filed a complaint (see here) against the city in Los Angeles Superior Court. The residents are accusing the five members of the City Council of violating the Brown Act by discussing a matter not on the agenda at an Aug. 11 meeting.
Mr. Greenberg wants the court to declare that the discussion about putting the issue of Farragut parking restrictions on a future agenda was a violation of the Brown Act and for the court to tell City Hall it can’t pursue the matter further.
For more than 30 years, parking by non-residents of the block has been barred on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Leaders of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, around the corner, are hoping to overturn the ban to accommodate members participating in weekday and weeknight programs.
Mr. Greenberg said the city was served last week.
City Hall has 30 days to reply.
“We will be filing a timely response to the lawsuit with the court,” City Atty. Carol Schwab said this morning.
To date, City Hall’s response has been restricted to a succinct three-paragraph letter (see here) dated Nov. 17, denying any Brown Act violation.
Specifically, the Greenberg complaint says:
26. The August 11, 2014 Culver City Council Meeting Minutes reflect:
Council Member (Andy) Weissman reported receipt of correspondence regarding the residential parking district around Farragut and Franklin. Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the appeals process; the appeal period; the position of staff; notification; the process; the original establishment of the parking district; whether to make changes to the current situation; other uses in the area; changes over the years; and City Council consensus to discuss the issue at a future Council meeting.
