CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 1996
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to
order by Mayor Rosenstein at 6:37 P.M., on Tuesday, January 23,
1996, in the Council Chambers.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Paul Rosenstein
Councilmember Judy Abdo
Councilmember Ken Genser
Mayor Pro Tempore Asha Greenberg
Councilmember Ruth Ebner
Councilmember Pamela O'Connor
Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook
Also Present: City Manager John Jalili
City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart
Mayor Pro Tempore Greenberg led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was presented,
whereby all items are considered and approved in one motion
unless removed from the calendar for discussion. Member of the
public Joy Fullmer, discussed items on the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember O'Connor requested item 6-A be removed from the
Consent Calendar.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Abdo, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of
Item No. 6-A, reading resolutions by title only and waiving
further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Ebner, Holbrook,
Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: None
6-B: CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY (JANUARY 1994
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE): Resolution No. 8988(CCS) entitled: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A CONTINUING LOCAL EMERGENCY," was
adopted.
Staff Report
6-C: FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 50877/TPC-170/1021 12TH STREET:
Resolution No. 8989(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ACCEPTING AND APPROVING AN
AMENDED FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP FOR TRACT NO. 50877 AT 1021 12TH
STREET," was adopted, thereby approving a 23-unit tenant-participating conversion project at 1021 12th Street.
Staff Report
6-D: FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 51855/TPC-314/2233 FOURTH STREET:
Resolution No. 8990(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A
FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP FOR TRACT NO. 51855 AT 2233 FOURTH
STREET," was adopted, thereby approving a 6-unit tenant-participating conversion project at 2233 Fourth Street.
Staff Report
6-E: FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 51686/TPC-303/1454 YALE STREET:
Resolution No. 8991(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A
FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP FOR TRACT NO. 51686 AT 1454 YALE STREET,"
was adopted, thereby approving a 7-unit tenant-participating
conversion project at 1454 Yale Street.
Staff Report
6-F: AWARD OF BID/UNIQUE PAVING MATERIALS OF CALIF.,
INC./ASPHALT COLD MIX: Bid No. 2557 was awarded to Unique
Paving Materials of California, Inc., at specified prices to
furnish and deliver asphalt cold mix for the Water Division,
Environmental and Public Works Management Department, with a
one-year renewal option.
Staff Report
6-G: AWARD OF CONTRACT/ELECTRO CONSTRUCTION
CORPORATION/PARKING LOT LIGHTING SYSTEM: Contract No.
7183(CCS) was approved to be awarded to Electro Construction
Corporation in the amount of $119,200 for the design and
construction of a parking lot lighting system at 1550 Pacific
Coast Highway.
Staff Report
6-H: CITY INVESTMENT POLICY: The recommendation to approve
revised City Investment Policy and to update Council concerning
City investments was approved.
Staff Report
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
6-A: MINUTES APPROVAL: The City Council minutes of January 9,
1996, were presented for approval.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, to approve the minutes of January 9, 1996, as
submitted. Councilmember O'Connor advised she would abstain
from voting on this matter as she was absent for the Council
meeting. The minutes were approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, Ebner, Holbrook, Genser,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Abstain: Councilmember O'Connor
Absent: None
8-A: TEMPORARY RELOCATION PAYMENTS/TENANTS DISPLACED AS A
RESULT OF OWNER COMPLIANCE WITH RETROFITTING REQUIREMENTS:
Presented was an ordinance for second reading and adoption
amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.120 regarding
temporary relocation payments to tenants displaced as a result
of owner compliance with retrofitting requirements, as per
Ordinance No. 1748(CCS).
Staff Report
Councilmember Holbrook excused himself from the dias at 7:46
p.m., due to a possible conflict of interest relative to this
matter.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg to adopt Ordinance No. 1837 (CCS) entitled: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4.36.120 REGARDING TEMPORARY
RELOCATION PAYMENTS," reading by title only and waiving further
reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Ebner, Genser,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Holbrook
Councilmember Holbrook returned to the dias at 7:47 p.m.
8-B: INCREASE IN TIME PERIOD RESTRICTION ON CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
OF FORMER CITY OFFICIALS: This ordinance was presented for
introduction and first reading.
Staff Report
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance
entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA AMENDING SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.08.040
REGARDING RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITIES OF FORMER CITY OFFICIALS,"
reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The
motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, Ebner,
O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: None
8-C: ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING AMENDING
SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.04.08.62.060 TO MODIFY
THE DENSITY STANDARD IN THE R2B ZONING DISTRICT: This ordinance
was presented for introduction and first reading.
Staff Report
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance
entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA AMENDING SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
9.04.08.62.060 TO MODIFY THE DENSITY STANDARD IN THE R2B
DISTRICT," reading by title only and waiving further reading
thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Ebner, Holbrook
Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: None
9-A: CLOSED SESSION: Continued to January 30, 1996, at 7:00
p.m.
10-A: BAYSIDE DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN: Presented was the staff
report recommending adoption of a resolution certifying the
final Environmental Impact Report on the Bayside District
Specific Plan and alternative roadway configurations; adoption
of a resolution making findings and adopting a Statement of
Overriding Consideration; adoption of a resolution adopting the
Bayside District Specific Plan; introduction for first reading
of an ordinance amending the Official Districting Map to create
the Bayside Commercial District; introduction for first reading
of an ordinance amending Section IX of the Santa Monica
Municipal Code to establish standards for the Bayside
Commercial District and amend the Section of the Sign Code
related to the Bayside District Specific Plan Area;
authorization for the City Manager to negotiate and execute a
contract with Roma Design Group in an amount not to exceed
$245,000 to prepare the Downtown Urban Design Plan; and
selection of three Councilmembers for the Downtown Urban Design
Plan Advisory Committee.
Staff Report
The Mayor introduced this matter by advising that public
testimony had been heard on January 9, 1996, and the public
hearing had been closed, and that now was the time for Council
discussion.
Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning and Community Development,
reviewed the salient points of the supplemental report.
Council asked questions of staff. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to adopt a resolution certifying the final
Environmental Impact Report on the Bayside District Specific
Plan and alternative roadway configurations. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, Genser, O'Connor, Mayor Pro
Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner
Absent: None
Councilmember Ebner stated, for the record, that she voted
against this item because she feels it does not serve the
spirit of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to
preserve the communities and preserve the standard and quality
of life.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to adopt a resolution making findings and adopting a
Statement of Overriding Consideration. The motion was adopted
by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Ebner
Absent: None
Councilmember Ebner stated, for the record, that she voted
against the adoption of this resolution because she feels there
is no benefit to the residents and the environment.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to adopt a resolution adopting the Bayside District
Specific Plan, incorporating the changes provided by staff in
the "errata sheet," and including the following language
relative to the Sustainable Cities Program: "New development
within the Bayside District shall in no way hinder the
achievement of the goals and objectives of the Sustainable
Cities Program. New development within the Bayside District
shall also comply with Sustainable Development guidelines
currently being formulated."
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
to amend the motion by providing for a development cap and
including the language on page 6 of the supplemental report
that reads: "In order to monitor development trends in the
Bayside District Specific Plan area, the Planning and Community
Development Department shall prepare an annual report to City
Council which indicates the amount of new development that has
been applied for, approved or developed in the Bayside
District. When net new development reaches 450,000 the City
Council shall direct staff to review the environmental
conditions of the area. Based on the analysis of the
environmental conditions, the Council shall determine whether
the development standards for the area should be modified.
Development applications shall be processed and approved
according to existing zoning standards during the pendency of
such analysis and until such time as the Council takes action
to revise development standards or otherwise place a limit on
the amount of net new development." The motion was approved by
the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Ebner
Absent: None
Motion by Mayor Rosenstein, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, to amend the motion so that the Plan allows
buildings on the west side of Second Street to be the same
height as buildings on the east side of Second Street, if it
has residential uses. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, Ebner,
O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
to amend the motion so the Plan allows for a 3.0 Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) for buildings on the east side of Fourth Street.
The motion first failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Holbrook, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg,
Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Genser, Ebner, O'Connor, Abdo
Absent: None
The motion subsequently passed when Councilmember Ebner
requested her "no" vote be changed to "aye", as follows:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Genser, O'Connor, Abdo
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember
Ebner, to amend the motion so that the Plan does not permit
buildings to have more than four floors or be more than 56 feet
in height in the Bayside District. The motion failed by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Noes: Councilmember Genser, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Absent: None
There being no more discussion, the Mayor called for the vote
on the main motion. The main motion was approved by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Absent: None
Councilmember Ebner stated, for the record, that she had voted
against this motion because she felt that the matter had been
poorly thought out and that it would not benefit the residents
of the City.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to introduce for first reading an ordinance entitled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
AMENDING THE OFFICIAL DISTRICTING MAP TO ESTABLISH THE BAYSIDE
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT IN PORTIONS OF THE EXISTING C3 AND C3C
DISTRICTS," reading by title only and waiving further reading
thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Ebner
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance
entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA ADDING ORDINANCE SECTION 9.04.02.030.142 ESTABLISHING A
DEFINITION FOR BILLIARD PARLORS, AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE
SECTION 9.04.08.20.060 REGARDING THE C3-C DOWNTOWN OVERLAY
DISTRICT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, ADDING PART 9.04.08.15
ESTABLISHING ZONING STANDARDS FOR THE BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL
DISTRICT, AND AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.52.170
REGARDING SIGNAGE STANDARDS IN THE BAYSIDE DISTRICT SPECIFIC
PLAN AREA," reading by title only and waiving further reading
thereof.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to amend the motion to modify the ordinance by
deleting the additional seven (7) alcohol and restaurant
outlets allowed on Second and Fourth Streets. The motion
failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Genser
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Absent: None
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to amend the motion to modify the ordinance to allow
the seven aforementioned restaurants without alcohol permits.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Rosenstein
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
to amend the motion to delete the language that allows for the
location of two "virtual reality" sites in the Bayside District.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Abdo,
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
to amend the motion to add language contained in the
supplemental report (pages 9-10) modifying section
9.04.08.15.060, as follows: "(5) With the approval of a
Development Review permit, parcels in the BSC-2 and BSC-3
Districts may be developed to a maximum height of eighty-four
(84) feet, and a 3.5 FAR provided the following conditions are
met: (I) The top two floors are used exclusively for
residential purposes; (ii) All inclusionary units required by
Section 9.28 of the Municipal Code are provided on site; (iii)
Parking for the residential uses is provided on site,
notwithstanding Section 9.04.10.08.030(m); (iv) No more than
twenty-five (25) percent of the street frontage of the block
where the project is located is developed with buildings over
fifty-six (56) feet in height, including the project." The
motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, O'Connor, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Abdo, Mayor Pro
Tem Greenberg
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
to amend the motion as it relates to the Europa site, to extend
existing conditions for one year, reducing the number from four
separate establishments with alcohol permits, to a maximum of
two separate establishments, with alcohol permits, and retain
the maximum of 360 seats. The following language was read into
the record: "Notwithstanding the limitations on food serving
establishments and alcohol outlets as set forth in Section
9.04.08.15.080, a maximum of two separate food service
establishments with up to two on-site alcohol licenses shall be
allowed provided the establishments are contained in the
building located at 1201-1221 Third Street Promenade, none of
the two restaurants contain more than 200 seats and the total
number of seats do not exceed more than 360 seats. This
exemption does not affect the requirement to obtain any other
city permits including, without limitation, conditional use
permits or alcohol exemptions for the sale of alcohol at the
individual food service establishment. This exemption shall
expire one year from the effective date of the ordinance,
unless the application is filed and deemed complete by the date
of expiration." The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor,
Abdo, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Ebner
Absent: None
It was the consensus of Council that part of the main motion
included direction to staff to look at the incentives for
including courtyards in future developments and return to
Council with information.
On order of the Mayor, the vote was taken on the main motion to
introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance, as amended.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor
Pro Tem Greenberg
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember
Ebner, to amend the proposed ordinance to reduce the maximum
number of stories on buildings to four (4), and limit the
height to a maximum of fifty-six (56) feet. The motion failed
by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Noes: Councilmember Genser, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein,
restating the original main motion to introduce and hold first
reading of the ordinance, amended to include all the approved
amendments. Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by
Councilmember O'Connor, to amend the motion to eliminate the
seven allowances for alcohol permits, but allow the seven
additional proposed restaurant establishments without alcohol
permits. The amendment was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
Noes: Councilmembers Ebner, Abdo, Mayor Rosenstein
Absent: None
The main motion, introducing and holding first reading of the
ordinance, as amended, was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein, to
authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract
No. 7185 (CCS) with Roma Design Group consultant team to
develop a Downtown Urban Design Plan taking the necessary
budget actions outlined in the staff report. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, O'Connor, Abdo,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: Councilmember Ebner
Absent: None
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Rosenstein, to
select Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, and Mayor Rosenstein as
the three Councilmembers to participate in the Downtown Urban
Design Plan Advisory Committee.
Substitute motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by
Councilmember Ebner to select Councilmembers Genser, Ebner
and Mayor Rosenstein to participate in the committee. The
motion, at first, was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, O'Connor, Mayor
Pro Tem Greenberg
Noes: Councilmembers Genser, Abdo, Mayor Rosenstein
Absent: None
The motion subsequently failed, as Councilmember O'Connor
requested to change her vote from "aye" to "no" for the final
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Noes: Councilmembers Genser, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Absent: None
Councilmember Ebner stated the following, for the record: "The
Council that thinks it is so important to have women equally
represented, and fights for the rights of women and the
Committee on the Status of Women, picked an all male minority
for an extraordinarily important task that affects the outcome
of the City."
Motion by Councilmember O'Connor, seconded by Councilmember
Abdo, to draw straws for the selection of participating
members. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Holbrook, O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg
Noes: Councilmembers Genser, Ebner, Abdo, Mayor
Rosenstein
Absent: None
Motion by Mayor Rosenstein, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, to put this matter over until the next regular
meeting. Motion unanimously approved, by a voice vote, with
all Councilmembers present.
10-B: CONSTRUCTION OF STREETLIGHTING: The public hearing to
determine the convenience and necessity of constructing
streetlighting on various streets; acceptance of withdrawal of
request for street light installation on Chelsea Avenue and
23rd Street; approval of replacement of streetlighting on San
Vicente Boulevard; and adoption of a resolution finding that
the public convenience and necessity requires the construction
and replacement, and ordering the work to begin was presented
before Council.
Staff Report
Councilmembers Holbrook and Genser advised of possible
conflicts of interest relative to this project and were excused
at 9:30 p.m.
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was open for this
matter. Member of the public Joy Fullmer, spoke regarding this
project. There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the
public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember Ebner,
to accept the withdrawal of request for streetlight
installation on Chelsea Avenue and 23rd Street, approve
replacement of street lighting on San Vicente Boulevard, and
adopt Resolution No. 8995 (CCS) finding public convenience and
necessity requires construction and replacement, and ordering
the work to begin. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Ebner, Mayor Pro
Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmembers Holbrook, Genser
On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 9:31 p.m.
and reconvened at 9:54 p.m., with all members present.
14-A: APPOINTMENTS/BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Appointments to
various Boards and Commissions were continued to February 13,
1996.
14-B: PROPOSITION R/IN LIEU FEES FOR OFFSITE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING: The request of Councilmember Holbrook to discuss
directing staff to amend the Proposition R implementing
ordinance to allow in lieu fees for offsite affordable housing
units was continued to February 13, 1996.
Staff Report
The Mayor announced that the next matter to be considered would
be item 14-C, which in turn will be combined with items 14-D
and 14-F.
14-C: REQUEST OF COUNCILMEMBER GENSER TO DISCUSS CITY AND
POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES CONCERNING INCIDENTS OF RAPE IN THE
CITY OF SANTA MONICA.
14-D: REQUEST OF MAYOR PRO TEMPORE GREENBERG TO DISCUSS
DIRECTING STAFF TO INVESTIGATE ESTABLISHING A "BUDDY SYSTEM" TO
LINK INDIVIDUALS IN THE CITY WHO WISH TO WALK OR JOG,
PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENING OR EARLY MORNING HOURS.
14-F: POLICE PROCEDURES/RAPE CASES:
Councilmember Genser opened discussion by stating that this
matter is a major issue of concern in the community in regard
to personal safety and the manner in which the Police
Department handles these types of cases from the victim's point
of view and in communicating with the neighborhood.
Dr. Gail Abarbanel, Director of the Rape Treatment Center at
the Santa Monica Hospital, at the invitation of Councilmember
Abdo, spoke regarding the comprehensive services and the
assistance that is available at the Center, including training
for police, prosecutors and hospitals.
The Mayor opened the meeting for public comment.
Members of the public, Patti Lancaster and Karen Palmer,
survivors of a rape attack, spoke regarding improper treatment
of them as victims, and of their cases, by the Police
Department. They asked Councilmembers to read and consider the
suggestions contained in the written complaint they submitted.
The following members of the public expressed their concern,
spoke in support of speedy apprehension of the perpetrator, and
made suggestions regarding the related issues: Art Casillas,
resident; Laurie Newman, representing Assemblywoman Sheila
Kuehl and herself; Joy Fullmer, resident; Tony Vasquez,
resident; Emmalie Hodgin, resident; Richard Bloom, President
of Friends of Sunset Park and resident, spoke in support of an
increase in the reward; Edward Fidelman, resident, Eric Parlee,
resident; Irene Zivi, resident; Madeline Dawn Warner, resident;
and, member of the public "Ellen," survivor of a rape attack who
requested to remain anonymous.
Chief of Police, James Butts, and staff, provided an overview
of police procedure in dealing with violent crimes,
specifically with rapes, and answered questions of
Councilmembers, including the question of notification to the
public after the last incident. Discussion ensued relative to
the state of the community, current police procedures, and on
some of the suggestions made by members of the public,
including increasing the amount of the reward being offered for
the apprehension and conviction of the rapist from $15,000 to
$50,000.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to continue the Council meeting beyond 11:00 p.m.
The motion was unanimously approved with all members present.
Discussion continued.
On order of the Mayor the City Council recessed at 12:08 a.m.,
and reconvened at 12:12 a.m., with all members present.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Ebner, to increase the reward being offered for the
apprehension and prosecution of the person referred to as the
"Southside rapist" from $15,000 to $50,000, which funds are to
be appropriated from the general fund, to direct staff to look
at ways of further publicizing the attacker's composite and to
provide guidelines for offering rewards in the future.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, to amend the motion to direct
staff to set up a mechanism to accept private contributions for
the reward. The amendment was accepted as friendly. The
motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Ebner, Holbrook,
Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor
Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: None
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to direct staff to explore the feasibility of setting
up a "buddy system" to link individuals in the city who wish to
walk or jog, particularly in the evening or early morning
hours. Motion by Councilmember Abdo to amend motion to include
direction to staff to also explore the feasibility of
implementing the suggestions contained in a letter submitted by
member of the public Ralph Mechur, the suggestions include
inventorying streets that do not have street lights, tree
replacement and trimming, enforcement of violations for
overgrown front hedges, and the use of low energy porch light
fixtures, and to include direction to staff to explore an
escort system for residents going home alone. The amendment
was accepted as friendly. The motion was approved unanimously,
with all Councilmembers being present.
There was further discussion on efforts to encourage on-going
and continued public safety awareness in the community; the
need for training on how to deal with these issues sensitively;
and, some discussion on the pros and cons of a public safety
commission type of body to work with the Police Department. No
other formal action was taken on this matter.
14-E: UNLAWFUL DETAINER ACTION/ILLEGAL DRUG OR GANG
ACTIVITIES:
Continued to February 13, 1996.
15: PUBLIC INPUT: Member of the public Matthew Rodman urged
Council to support the proposed streetlight assessment
district, and spoke regarding issues of voting at home, and
public information available at the public libraries.
ADJOURNMENT: At 12:55 A.M., the meeting was adjourned to
January 30, 1996 at 7:00 P.M. for Closed Session.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Maria M. Stewart Paul Rosenstein
City Clerk Mayor