CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 26, 1996
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to
order by Mayor Rosenstein at 6:35 p.m., on Tuesday, March 26,
1996, in the Council Chambers.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Paul Rosenstein
Mayor Pro Tem Asha Greenberg
Councilmember Judy Abdo
Councilmember Ruth Ebner
Councilmember Ken Genser
Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook
Councilmember Pamela O'Connor
Also Present: City Manager John Jalili
City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart
Councilmember Holbrook led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
INSPIRATION: A moment of inspiration was provided by Josh
Goldstein, a member of the Santa Monica High School Jazz
Ensemble.
4-A: PROCLAMATION/APRIL/MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD: Mayor
Rosenstein presented a proclamation declaring the month of
April as "Month of the Young Child" in the City of Santa
Monica.
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. Members of
the public Benjamin Spoer, Tamar Hurwitz, and Joy Fullmer
discussed items on the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Genser
and Councilmember Holbrook requested that Item No. 6-C be
removed from the Consent Calendar due to a potential conflict
of interest. Councilmember Ebner requested that Item Nos. 6-D,
6-M, and 6-O be removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Ebner, to approve the Consent Calendar, Item No. 6-P, as
corrected, with the exception of Item Nos. 6-C, 6-D, 6-M, and
6-O 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-A: MINUTES APPROVAL: The City Council minutes of February
27, 1996, were approved as submitted.
6-B: CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY (JANUARY 1994
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE): Resolution No. 9004(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-E: REJECT ALL BIDS/MINI VAN/CONTINUE SEARCH: All bids were
rejected to furnish and deliver one 3/4-ton CNG-powered mini
van and staff was directed to continue to research the open
market for possible competitive bids.
Staff Report
6-F: AWARD OF BID/CURBSIDE COLLECTION TYPE AND SEMI-AUTOMATIC
BIN DUMPSTERS: Bid No. 2555 was awarded to T & J Garage, Inc.
in the amount of $286,174 to furnish and deliver two curbside
collection type and semi-automatic bin dumpsters for the
Recycling Division of the Environmental and Public Works
Management Department.
Staff Report
6-G: AWARD OF BID/TWO CNG-POWERED ONE-TON CAB AND CHASSIS:
Bid No. 2556 was awarded to Maurice J. Sopp & Son Chevrolet in
the amount of $61,728.48 to furnish and deliver two CNG-powered
one-ton cab and chassis for the Water Division of the
Environmental and Public Works Management Department.
Staff Report
6-H: AWARD OF BID/TWO SEDAN VEHICLES: Bid was awarded to
Wondries Chevrolet in the amount of $42,202.35 to furnish and
deliver two sedan vehicles for the Operations Division of the
Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines Department.
Staff Report
6-I: AGREEMENT/CENTRAL IRRIGATION CONTROLLER PROJECT:
Contract No. 7193(CCS) was approved with ETo Limited for an
amount not to exceed $70,000 for services related to Phases 3
and 4 of a Central Irrigation Controller Project designed to
reduce exterior water use and improve irrigation management by
the City, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and
Santa Monica College.
Staff Report
6-J: AGREEMENT/SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES: Contract
No. 7194(CCS) was approved with Sheltair Scientific Limited in
the amount of $60,000 to proceed with a Phase I contract to
formulate Sustainable Development Guidelines for construction
and development projects in the City of Santa Monica.
Staff Report
6-K: CONTRACT/VIDEO INSPECTION/EARTHQUAKE DAMAGES/SEWER MAINS:
Contract No. 7195(CCS) was approved with National Plant
Services Inc. in the amount of $262,430 for video inspection of
earthquake damage to 6-inch to 12-inch sewer mains at various
City locations; and appropriations in the amount of $262,430 in
funds were authorized to establish a "Sewerline Video" CIP
account.
Staff Report
6-L: SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN: The City Manager was
authorized to file a Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) with the
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
(LAMTA) and Southern California Association of Governments, to
permit the Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines to remain eligible
for federal and state transit funds; and the City Manager was
authorized to file application for funds made available by the
LAMTA.
Staff Report
6-N: LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH AND RECREATION ACT OF
1996: Resolution No. 6010(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA SUPPORTING THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY PARK, BEACH AND RECREATION ACT OF 1996 AND THE
INCLUSION OF THE SANTA MONICA BEACHFRONT AND COASTAL PARK
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AS A SPECIFIED PROJECT," was passed,
approved, and adopted, reading by title only and waiving
further reading thereof, and the City Manager was directed to
submit all necessary final documents in support of the
specified project.
Staff Report
6-P: ELECTRIC SHUTTLE VEHICLES: Contract No. 7196(CCS) was
approved with APS Systems in the amount of $729,000 for three
electric shuttle vehicles for the Tide shuttle service; and,
$729,000 in Proposition A Local Return funds were appropriated
for the procurement of the vehicles.
Staff Report
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
6-D: CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE: Councilmember Ebner noted
that she removed this item from the Consent Calendar as she had
questions about the Conflict of Interest Codes for the Bayside
District Corporation and the Pier Restoration Corporation.
Staff responded to Councilmember Ebner's questions.
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember
Abdo, to adopt Resolution No. 9006(CCS) entitled: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REPEALING RESOLUTION NUMBER 6978(CCS) PERTAINING TO ITS
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND ADOPTING A NEW CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE TO REFLECT REVISIONS IN THE LAW AND TO DESIGNATED
POSITIONS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES," 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
6-M: CERTIFICATION OF STATEMENT OF OFFICIAL ACTION/CUP 94-024/REDUCED PARKING PERMIT 94-006/RESTAURANT AND ENTERTAINMENT
ESTABLISHMENT/ 370 SANTA MONICA PIER: Councilmember Ebner
noted that she removed this item from the Consent Calendar as
she was not in attendance at the meeting in which this action
was approved, and she does not feel that she can vote for the
certification at this time.
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to approve the Certification of Statement of Official
Action for Conditional Use Permit 94-024 and Reduced Parking
Permit 94-006 to allow a 699-seat restaurant and entertainment
establishment with a Type 47 alcohol license located at 370
Santa Monica Pier. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Holbrook,
Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor
Rosenstein
Abstain: Councilmember Ebner
Noes: None
Absent: None
6-O: ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE PAPER USE PRACTICES:
Councilmember Ebner noted that she removed this item from the
Consent Calendar because of correspondence received from
interested parties. She added that she would like this item
continued in order to allow the interested parties the
opportunity to comment..
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Ebner, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, to continue this item to the meeting of April 9,
1996. The motion was unanimously approved with all members
present.
6-C: GUTTER CONSTRUCTION/STREET RESURFACING: Councilmembers
Genser and Holbrook were excused at 7:06 p.m. due to a
potential conflict of interest.
Staff Report
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Abdo, to adopt Resolution No. 9005(CCS) entitled: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 28, 1996 TO HEAR ANY PROTESTS
OR OBJECTIONS TO THE CONFIRMATION OF ASSESSMENT OF COSTS FOR
CONCRETE GUTTER CONSTRUCTION, STREET RESURFACING AND THE REPAIR
OF DAMAGED SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS AND CURBS, AND THE REMOVAL OF
DAMAGED PARKWAY PAVINGS AND APPURTENANT WORK ON VARIOUS CITY
STREETS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FY1994-95 STREET RESURFACING
PROGRAM," reading by title only and waiving further reading
thereof. 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
Councilmembers Genser and Holbrook returned to the dais.
8-A: PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE HH: This ordinance was
presented for second reading and adoption.
Staff Report
Councilmembers Genser and Holbrook advised of a possible
conflict of interest regarding this matter, and were excused.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Greenberg, to adopt Ordinance No. 1845(CCS) entitled: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
ADDING SECTION 3.08.460 TO THE SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ESTABLISH PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE HH," reading by title only
and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved
by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Ebner, O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor
Pro Tem Greenberg, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmembers Holbrook, Genser
Councilmembers Genser and Holbrook returned at 7:12 p.m.
9-A: TRAFFIC MEASURES/SUNSET PARK/CITYWIDE SPEED HUMP PROGRAM/
RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK: Councilmember Ebner,
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg, and City Attorney Moutrie were excused
at 7:12 p.m., due to a potential conflict of interest.
Staff Report
Presented was the staff report recommending approval of the
proposed traffic measures for Sunset Park; approval of a
Citywide speed hump program and the residential traffic
management handbook; and the appropriation of $715,000 to
implement the proposed programs.
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened.
Member of the public Jordan Forward-Sanchez spoke in opposition
to speed humps. Members of the public Daniel Kiammahd and
Gambino Singh spoke in support of the speed hump program.
Members of the public Irene Zivi, Mary Carranza, Dee Putnam,
Louis Bon, Eric Parlee, and Ed Fidelman suggested a survey or a
vote be taken of Sunset Park residents regarding traffic
control measures with implementation of a plan supported by 60%
of the voters. Members of the public Patricia Steigauf, Rich
Capparela, and Joan Robey spoke in support of the adoption of a
speed hump program for 4th Street and the Residential Traffic
Management Handbook. Member of the public Eileen Tunick spoke
in opposition to the proposed Sunset Park traffic measures.
Members of the public Daniel Weiss, Benjamin Garbuio, and Jeff
Jarow spoke in support of the adoption of a speed hump program
for 4th Street. Member of the public Joy Fullmer expressed her
concerns. Member of the public Judith Garbuio spoke in support
of the adoption of a speed hump program for 4th Street and the
Sunset Park traffic measures. Member of the public Robert
Riekeberg suggested encouraging traffic to travel on the
commercial streets by re-timing the traffic signals and
suggested removal of all buses from residential streets.
Member of the public Ruth Bryant spoke in opposition to speed
humps and the proposed Sunset Park traffic measures. Members
of the public Steve Olitzky and Judy Silverman spoke in support
of speed humps and curb extensions. Members of the public Mike
Sheridan, Ed Marusich, Alex Capron, Emmalie Hodgin, Richard
Kuyama, Jerry Greenwalt, and Karen Greenwalt encouraged Council
to approve staff recommendation. Member of the public Sidney
Wolinsky spoke in opposition to the staff recommendation.
City of Los Angeles Councilmember Ruth Gallanter spoke in
opposition to any action which would impede access to public
streets. Member of the public Lynda Carpenter spoke in
opposition to curb extenders and suggested police enforcement
of speed laws as a deterrent. Member of the public Stephen
Alpert suggested that the issue be placed on the ballot.
Member of the public Kris Lewett spoke in opposition to the
traffic measures as they apply to Centinela between Pico and
Ocean Park. Member of the public Nancy Cattell suggested a
survey or a vote be taken of Sunset Park residents regarding
traffic control measures with implementation of a plan
supported by 60% of the voters and spoke in opposition to curb
extenders. Member of the public Eileen Hecht spoke in support
of traffic calming, stated her objection to combining multiple
items for one public hearing, and made various suggestions,
including a test program and polling affected neighbors prior
to the expenditure of funds.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to hear fourteen late speakers. The motion was
unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Ebner
and Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg absent.
On order of the Mayor the City Council recessed at 8:54 p.m.,
and reconvened at 9:25 p.m., with all members present except
Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg.
Members of the public Jon Gibson, Jane Dempsey, Richard Bloom,
Art Casillas, Woody Uttayaya, Greg Arvesen, Ron Roose, Regula
Ziegler, Barbara Brown, and Jennifer Polhemus encouraged
Council to approve the staff recommendation. Member of the
public Sherri Beissner spoke in support of the adoption of a
speed hump program and the Residential Traffic Management
Handbook. Member of the public Robert Neubold suggested a
survey or a vote be taken of Sunset Park residents regarding
traffic control measures with implementation of a plan
supported by 60% of the voters. Members of the public Jed
Dannenbaum and Glenn Schiltz spoke in support of the adoption
of a speed hump program
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to approve staff recommendation as to the proposed
traffic measures for Sunset Park, a Citywide speed hump program
and the Residential Traffic Management Handbook. In addition,
staff to report back with an information item no less
frequently than every ninety days providing a status report on
the implementation of this plan, and, that when improvements to
Airport Avenue are considered, that other potential sites also
be sought to encourage people to use alternate routes to the
freeway. The motion included amending Criteria E, on page 8 of
the handbook to add language to allow for speed humps to be
placed on roadways with raised medians, and correcting the
amount of the appropriation from $615,000 to $515,000 to CIP
account #01-770-415-20096-8905-99553 (Sunset Park Traffic
Improvements); and approximately $200,000 to CPI account #01-770-415-20096-8905-99841 (Neighborhood Traffic Measures).
Motion by Councilmember Holbrook to amend the motion to ask
that if speed humps are installed and then are removed at the
request of residents of the block, that they not be reinstalled
for at least thirty-six months, unless the residents are
willing to pay for the installation. The amendment was
accepted as friendly.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, to amend the motion that the plan
be expedited for certain key areas in order to study the
impact. The motion was accepted as friendly.
The motion, as amended, was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Abdo, O'Connor, Holbrook,
Genser, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor, to continue past 11:00 p.m. The motion was
unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner and
Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg absent.
Councilmember Ebner and City Attorney Moutrie returned at 11:10
p.m.
9-B: MODIFICATION OF DEMOLITION PROCEDURES/EARTHQUAKE-DAMAGED
VACANT BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Presented was the staff
recommendation to direct the City Attorney to prepare an
ordinance modifying demolition procedures for earthquake-damaged vacant buildings and structures; and, to direct staff
to increase efforts to address problem buildings, through
nuisance abatement procedures.
Staff Report
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened. Member
of the public Joy Fullmer expressed her concerns. There being
no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Abdo,
to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance which would
modify the City's policy with respect to demolition of
buildings and structures to eliminate the requirement of
replacement plans for earthquake-damaged buildings, but which
would not modify the landmarks requirements for buildings older
than 50 years; and direct staff to increase efforts to address
problem buildings through nuisance abatement procedures. The
motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Genser, Holbrook, Ebner,
O'Connor, Abdo, Mayor Rosenstein
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
9-C: CLOSED SESSION: Held at end of meeting.
10-A: PUBLIC HEARING/SEA CASTLE APARTMENTS: The public
hearing to hear protests or objections, if any, by property
owner of Sea Castle Apartments (1725 The Promenade) regarding
the placement of a special assessment on the premises for the
cost of the abatement of a public nuisance; adoption of a
resolution of confirmation affirming the special assessment on
the property; and, authorization to staff to file a Notice of
Lien with the Los Angeles County Recorder and the Los Angeles
County Assessor for collection of the special assessment was
continued to the meeting of April 9, 1996, at the request of
staff.
Staff Report
13-A: LINDA GROSS/ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM/GRANT SCHOOL:
The request of Linda Gross of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education
Foundation to ask Council for a one-time $5,000 grant to fund
an artist-in-residence program at Grant School was continued to
the meeting of April 9, 1996, at the request of Linda Gross.
14-A: APPOINTMENTS/BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Mayor Rosenstein
announced that the floor would consideration nominations to the
Housing Commission. Mayor Rosenstein nominated Douglas Willis.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember Genser,
to appoint M. Douglas Willis to the Housing Commission for an
unexpired term ending June 30, 1997. The motion was
unanimously approved by voice vote with Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg
absent.
Mayor Rosenstein announced that the floor would consider
nominations to the Plumbing & Mechanical Board of Appeals.
Councilmember Abdo nominated Ricky Berger. Motion by
Councilmember Genser, duly seconded, to appoint Ricky Berger to
the Plumbing & Mechanical Board of Appeals for a full term
ending June 30, 1998. The motion was approved by acclamation
with Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg absent.
Mayor Rosenstein announced that the floor would consider
nominations to the Social Services Commission. Councilmember
Genser nominated Jennifer Waggoner. Mayor Rosenstein advised
that at their next meeting members of the Social Services
Commission were scheduled to discuss applicants for the vacancy
and for that reason asked that the matter be put over until the
next meeting. There being no objections, appointments to the
Social Services Commission were continued to the meeting of
April 9, 1996.
Appointments to the Commission on Older Americans were
continued to the meeting of April 9, 1996.
14-B: SUPPORT OF HR2242 AND HR2241/PROTECT COASTAL
WATERS/BLOCK OIL AND GAS LEASING ACTIVITIES: Councilmember
Abdo discussed support of HR2242 and HR2241 to protect
California's coastal waters by blocking oil and gas leasing
activities and continuing a moratorium against such activities;
and direction to the City Attorney to prepare an appropriate
resolution.
Motion by Councilmember Abdo, seconded by Councilmember Genser,
to direct the City Attorney to prepare an appropriate
resolution in support of HR2242 and HR2241 to protect
California's coastal waters by blocking oil and gas leasing
activities and continuing a moratorium against such activities.
The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, Mayor Pro
Tem Greenberg absent.
14-C: PARTICIPATION IN OBSERVANCE/DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE
VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST: Presented was the request of Mayor
Rosenstein to discuss the City's participation in observance of
the "Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust" in
conjunction with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's
commemorations.
Motion by Mayor Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember Ebner, to
ask the City Attorney to prepare a resolution for consideration
at the meeting of April 9, 1996, to participate in observance
of the "Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust" in
conjunction with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's
commemorations. The motion was unanimously approved by voice
vote, Mayor Pro Tem Greenberg absent.
15: PUBLIC INPUT: Member of the public Victor Munoz,
representing Ground Zero Demolition and Environmental
Engineering, expressed concerns regarding the process used by
staff for awarding the contract for demolition of the Sea
Castle Apartments.
9-A: CLOSED SESSION: At 11:35 p.m., Council adjourned to
Closed Session for the purpose of conference with legal
counsel:
Staff Report
1. People et al. v. Seacastle et al., LASC Case No. SS 006
484.
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT: At 11:50 p.m., the meeting was adjourned in
memory of Senator Edmund Muskie, Robert Pierson, and Ines R.
Powell.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Maria M. Stewart Paul Rosenstein
City Clerk Mayor