CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 1997
A regular adjourned meeting of the Santa Monica City Council
was called to order by Mayor O'Connor at 6:40 p.m., on Tuesday,
January 28, 1997, in the Council Chambers.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Pamela O'Connor
Mayor Pro Tem Robert T. Holbrook
Councilmember Michael Feinstein
Councilmember Ken Genser
Councilmember Asha Greenberg
Councilmember Paul Rosenstein
Absent: Councilmember Ruth Ebner
Also Present: City Manager John Jalili
City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart
Councilmember Genser led the assemblage in the Pledge of Alle-
giance to the Flag of the United States of America.
At 6:41 p.m., a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and
the Redevelopment Agency was convened.
Redevelopment Agency
Roll Call: Present: Chair Pamela O'Connor
Vice Chair Robert T. Holbrook
Agency Member Michael Feinstein
Agency Member Ken Genser
Agency Member Asha Greenberg
Agency Member Paul Rosenstein
Absent: Agency Member Ruth Ebner
Also Present: Executive Director John
Jalili
Agency Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
Agency Secretary Maria M. Stewart
RA/CC-1: PICO BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE PLAN/EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT/COMMERCIAL STREETSCAPE PROJECT: Presented
at the meeting of January 21, 1997, was the staff report
recommending that the Redevelopment Agency authorize the
Executive Director to negotiate and execute a contract with
Katherine Spitz Associates to (1) prepare the Pico Boulevard
Streetscape Plan; (2) adopt a resolution finding that the
commercial streetscape financing program is of benefit to the
Earthquake Recovery Redevelopment Project; and (3) approve the
Reimbursement Agreement between the City and the Redevelopment
Agency for the Commercial Streetscape Project and authorize the
Executive Director to Execute the agreement; and that the City
Council (1) adopt a resolution finding that the commercial
streetscape program is of benefit to the Earthquake Recovery
Redevelopment Project; (2) approve the reimbursement agreement
between the City and the Redevelopment Agency for the
Commercial Streetscape Project and authorize the City Manager
to execute the agreement; and (3) authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a contract with Katherine Spitz
Associates to Design the Curb extensions and Medians for the
Mid-City and Sunset Park Traffic Plans.
Motion by Agency Member Genser, seconded by Agency Member
Greenberg, to (1) approve Contract No. 6606(RAS) with Katherine
Spitz Associates to prepare the Pico Boulevard Streetscape
Plan; (2) adopt Resolution No. 452(RAS) entitled: RESOLUTION OF
THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA FINDING
THE COMMERCIAL STREETSCAPE FINANCING PROGRAM IS OF BENEFIT TO
THE EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT; and (3) approve
Contract No. 6607(RAS) between the City and the Redevelopment
Agency for the Commercial Streetscape Project. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Agency Members Feinstein, Genser, Greenberg,
Rosenstein,
Chair Pro Tem Holbrook, Chair O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Agency Member Ebner
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Greenberg, to (1) adopt Resolution No. 9115(CCS) entitled:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
FINDING THE COMMERCIAL STREETSCAPE FINANCING PROGRAM IS OF
BENEFIT TO THE EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT; and
(2) approve Contract No. 6608(CCS) for the Commercial
Streetscape Project. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Greenberg, Genser,
Feinstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
Councilmember/Agency Member Rosenstein and Mayor Pro Tem/Chair
Pro Tem Holbrook declared a potential conflict of interest in
the following matter and excused themselves from deliberations
at this point.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Greenberg, to approve Contract No. 6609(CCS) with Katherine
Spitz Associates to design the curb extensions and medians for
the Mid-City and Sunset Park Traffic Plans. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Greenberg,
Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Holbrook
Councilmember/Agency Member Rosenstein and Mayor Pro Tem/Chair
Pro Tem Holbrook returned to the dias.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Feinstein, to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of
$346,552 to a new account and $3,465,452 to a second account as
recommended in the staff report. The motion was approved by
the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Greenberg,
Rosenstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmembers Ebner
At 6:50 p.m., the Special City Council/Redevelopment Agency
Special Joint Meeting was adjourned and the City Council
Meeting was reconvened with all members present except
Councilmember Ebner.
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 Joi Fullmer, Anthony Spampanato, and
Jennafer Waggoner addressed items on the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Councilmember Feinstein Item Nos. 6-D and 6-L
were removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of
Item Nos. 6-D and 6-L, reading resolutions and ordinances by
title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Greenberg, Genser,
Feinstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
6-A: MINUTES APPROVAL: The City Council minutes of the special
City Council meetings of December 14, and December 17, 1996,
and the regular City Council meetings of December 17, 1996, and
January 7, 1997, were approved as submitted.
6-B: CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY (JANUARY 1994
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE): Resolution No. 9116(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: AWARD OF BID/FORKLIFTS: Bid No. 2600 was awarded to
Yale/Chase Material Handling, in a total amount not to exceed
$68,292.43, to furnish and deliver three (3) new forklifts for
the Public Works Management Department and the Community and
Cultural Services Department.
Staff Report
6-E: AWARD OF BID/AIR SWEEPER: Bid No. 2606 was awarded to
Kelly Equipment, in an amount not to exceed $53,881.44, to
furnish and deliver one (1) new and unused 10,000 pound GVW Cab
and Chassis with Truck Mounted 3.1 Cubic Yard Capacity Air
Sweeper for the Environmental and Public Works Management
Department.
Staff Report
6-F: AWARD OF BID/TRANSIT MIX: Bid No. 2607 was awarded to
Catalina Pacific Concrete, at specified unit prices, to furnish
and deliver transit mix, Portland cement concrete class 520-C-2500 for the Environmental and Public Works Management
Department.
Staff Report
6-G: AWARD OF BID/MINI PICKUP TRUCKS: Bid No. 2609 was awarded
to Crenshaw Motors, for an amount not to exceed $26,625.86, to
furnish and deliver two (2) new mini pickup trucks for the
Community and Cultural Services Department.
Staff Report
6-H: AWARD OF BID/PICKUP/REBUILD/DELIVER/GENERATORS/STARTERS/
ALTERNATORS/REGULATORS/BLOWER MOTORS: Bid No. 2611 was awarded
to Warren Distributing, Inc., at specified prices, to provide
pickup, rebuild, and delivery of generators, starters,
alternators, regulators, and blower motors for the
Transportation Department.
Staff Report
6-I: AWARD OF BID/FIBERGLASS SHELTERS: Bid No. 2612 was awarded
to California Environmental Controls, Inc., in an amount not to
exceed $58,043.65, to furnish and deliver four (4) Warminster
fiberglass shelters for the Public Works Management Department.
Staff Report
6-J: AWARD OF BID/CAB AND CHASSIS: Bid No. 2613 was awarded to
Bob Beaty Ford, in an amount not to exceed $23,469.00, to
furnish and deliver one (1) new cab and chassis for the
Environmental and Public Works Management Department.
Staff Report
6-K: MODIFIED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA/SHARED APPRECIATION LOAN
PROGRAM GUIDELINES: The modified eligibility criteria of the
Shared Appreciation Loan Program Guidelines funded by the
Tenant Ownership Rights Charter Amendment (TORCA) were approved
to include household size such that a more equitable
distribution of subsidy can be achieved.
Staff Report
6-M: GRANT/INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL
INITIATIVES: Contract No. 6611(CCS) was approved thereby
accepting a grant award of $10,000 from the International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives for the City's
Transportation Management Program for innovative air pollution
emission reductions programs.
Staff Report
6-N: RECREATION COMPUTER SOFTWARE SYSTEM: Contract No. 6612 was
approved with Sierra Digital, Inc., in an amount not to exceed
$33,000, for a Recreation Computer Software System to enhance
customer service and provide statistical and financial records.
Staff Report
6-O: CERTIFIED UNIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CONTROL PROGRAM:
Contract No. 6613(CCS) was adopted thereby executing an
agreement and memorandum of understanding with Los Angeles
County to support the City as a participating agency in the
implementation of the City's Certified Unified Hazardous
Materials Control Program, and authorization was given to the
City Manager to enter into an agreement with all other cities
in the County that are implementing a certified unified
program.
Staff Report
6-P: EARTHQUAKE REPAIR PROJECTS/SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT: Staff was authorized to use
Supplemental Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for
earthquake repair projects and to take necessary budget
actions.
Staff Report
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
6-D: AWARD OF BID/TRUCK TRACTOR: Staff answered questions from
Councilmember Feinstein regarding the City's reduced emissions
fuel policy.
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to award Bid No. 2605 to Carmenita Truck Center, in an
amount not to exceed $72,011.18, to furnish and deliver one (1)
new three-axle truck tractor for the Environmental and Public
Works Management Department. The motion was approved by the
following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Greenberg, Genser,
Feinstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
6-L: DRY WEATHER RUNOFF RECLAMATION FACILITY: Staff answered
questions from Councilmember Feinstein regarding the process
associated with this item.
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to approve Contract No. 6610(CCS), in an amount not to
exceed $750,000, with CH2M Hill for the design of a dry weather
runoff reclamation facility for the pier and Pico-Kenter storm
drains and appropriate an additional $129,039 from the
Wastewater Fund Balance into the Storm Drain Treatment Plant
Design. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Greenberg, Genser,
Feinstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
7-A: APPEAL/LANDMARKS COMMISSION DECISION/CITY LANDMARK/1127
6TH STREET: Presented was the appeal of a decision of the
Landmarks Commission relative to the designation of a structure
located at 1127 6th Street as a City Landmark (Case No. LC-96-CA-002). Applicant: City of Santa Monica Landmarks Commission.
Appellant: Wilshire Riviera Equities, L.P.
Staff Report
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened.
Chris Harding, representing the appellant, spoke in support of
the appeal, in opposition to the designation of this building
as a landmark, and in support of the staff recommendation.
Member of the public Stephen Frew spoke in support of the
landmark designation for this building.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
Chris Harding waived rebuttal.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Rosenstein, to concur with the Landmarks Commission's analysis
that the structure at 1127 6th Street merits designation as a
landmark, but to overturn the designation due to procedural
errors.
Substitute motion by Mayor O'Connor, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to uphold the Landmarks Commission designation but
authorize the demolition recognizing that this building was
severely damaged in the earthquake and that any rehabilitation
is not possible for the preservation of the original fabric of
the building. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Greenberg,
Rosenstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
8-A: ORDINANCE/UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
Presented was an ordinance for introduction and first reading
of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica
amending and adding provisions to Chapter 8.24 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code regarding the underground storage of
hazardous materials.
Staff Report
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Greenberg, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to introduce for first reading an ordinance entitled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
AMENDING AND ADDING PROVISIONS TO CHAPTER 8.24 OF THE SANTA
MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS," reading by title only and waiving further
reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Greenberg, Genser,
Feinstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
9-A: PARKING RATES: Presented was the staff report recommending
adoption of a resolution establishing new parking rates for the
attendant parking program for the downtown parking structures
and finding that parking rate increases are exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act;
approval of the operation of parking meters on 2nd Street,
Wilshire Boulevard, Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard, and
Broadway until 2:00 a.m., daily; authorization for Santa Monica
Place to increase nighttime parking rate; and direction to
staff to make appropriate modifications to the FY 1996-97
budget as outlined in the report.
Staff Report
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
Member of the public Gary Fiala spoke in opposition to the
extension of the operation of parking meter hours to 2:00 a.m.
Member of the public Casey Ure conveyed the Bayside District
Corporation Board of Directors' support of the staff
recommendation, with the exception of the proposed increase for
1997, which was not reviewed by the Board.
Member of the public Laurie Romano-Sasson conveyed the Bayside
District Merchants Association's general support of the staff
recommendation; however, requested that serious consideration
be given to the extended hours on the parking meters, as well
as consideration be given to increasing the permit fee to $60
rather than $65 and flat-rate night parking to $2.50 rather
than $3.
Member of the public Karl Schober spoke in opposition to the
proposed increases.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, duly seconded, to hear a late
speaker. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote,
Councilmember Ebner absent.
Member of the public Emmy Goldknopf spoke in opposition to the
increase of flat-rate night parking.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember
Greenberg, to (1) adopt the resolution establishing new parking
rates; (2) approve the operation of parking meters on 2nd
Street, Wilshire Boulevard, Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica
Boulevard, and Broadway until 2:00 a.m., daily; (3) authorize
Santa Monica Place to increase their nighttime parking rate
equal to the City parking structure nighttime rate; and, (4)
direct staff to make the appropriate modifications to the FY
1996/97 budget as outlined in the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, accepted as friendly by the
seconder but not to the maker, to amend the motion to include
meters on 4th Street, as well as the other streets, for
nighttime operation.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Rosenstein, to amend the motion to include meters on 4th
Street, as well as the other streets, for nighttime operation.
The amendment was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Rosenstein,
Mayor O'Connor
Noes: Councilmember Greenberg, Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
The main motion, as amended, was approved by the following
vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Rosenstein,
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook,
Mayor O'Connor
Noes: Councilmember Greenberg
Absent: Councilmember Ebner
Councilmember Greenberg requested that the record reflect that
she voted "no" on this motion because she does not agree with
having parking meters on 4th Street.
By virtue of the above action, Resolution No. 9117(CCS)
entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA ESTABLISHING PARKING RATES IN THE DOWNTOWN PARKING
STRUCTURES AND FINDING THAT PARKING RATE INCREASES ARE EXEMPT
FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT," was passed, approved, and adopted, reading by title only
and waiving further reading thereof.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Rosenstein, to request staff to work with Santa Monica Place to
standardize the operations in all eight structures. The motion
was unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner
absent.
10-A: PUBLIC HEARING/UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT: The public
hearing to consider the establishment of an Underground Utility
District for the placement of electric, telephone, and cable
television lines along Main Street between Pico Boulevard and
Hollister Avenue, and including properties on connecting
streets being served from the Main Street lines, was continued
to the meeting of February 11, 1997.
14-A: APPOINTMENT/SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION: The appointment
to one unscheduled vacancy on the Social Services Commission
for a term expiring June 30, 1998, was continued to the meeting
of February 11, 1997.
14-B: APPOINTMENTS/BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Mayor O'Connor
announced that the floor would consider nominations to the
Commission on the Status of Women. Mayor O'Connor nominated
Maria Vasquez to the Commission on the Status of Women for a
term ending June 30, 1998. The nomination was unanimously
approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner absent.
The appointments to the Airport Commission and L. A. County
West Vector Control District were continued to the meeting of
February 11, 1997.
14-C: EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING: Presented was the request of
Councilmember Rosenstein to direct staff to prepare an
amendment to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.120(d)
(Earthquake Retrofitting) to explicitly state that renters
retain all rights of tenancy and have the right to return to
their units upon completion of retrofitting.
Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to direct staff to prepare the appropriate amendments
to the Earthquake Retrofitting ordinance (Section 4.36.120(d)
of the Santa Monica Municipal Code). The motion was approved,
Councilmember Greenberg and Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook abstained,
Councilmember Ebner absent.
14-D: COUNCIL PROCEDURE/CLOSED SESSIONS: Presented was the
request of Councilmember Rosenstein to amend Resolution No.
8525, which sets the rules of order and procedures for the
conduct of Council meetings, to list closed sessions as the
last item on the agenda and to hold closed sessions after
Council has taken action on all other matters on the agenda.
The Mayor opened the meeting to public comment.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
Member of the public John Medlin spoke in support of changes to
the rules of order and procedure for the conduct of Council
meetings.
Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to ask staff to re-order the agenda so that closed
sessions appear on the agenda at the end of Council meetings.
The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote,
Councilmember Ebner absent.
15: PUBLIC INPUT: Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed
her concerns on various issues.
Member of the public Art Casillas discussed public safety
facilities and the effectiveness of the chief of police.
Members of the public Joseph Westberg, Jennafer Waggoner, and
Anthony Spampanato discussed problems being faced by homeless
people and the inconvenience of the proposed reduction of hours
at the public shower facilities.
9-B: CLOSED SESSION: At 9:11 p.m., Council adjourned to Closed
Session for the purpose of the following:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:
Steichen v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 041 545.
ACTION: No reportable action.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:
Solano v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. CV 93-3288.
ACTION: No reportable action.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:
Kamal-Griffin v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. CV 95-1025.
ACTION: No reportable action.
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation:
Number of cases: two
ACTION: No reportable action.
5. Public Employee Evaluations:
Employee Title: City Clerk
ACTION: No reportable action.
At 10:25 p.m., Council reconvened with all members present.
ADJOURNMENT: At 10:25 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to
Tuesday, February 11, 1997, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council
Chambers.