CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 18, 1997
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called
to order by Mayor O'Connor at 6:48 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18,
1997, in the Council Chambers.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Pamela O'Connor
Councilmember Ruth Ebner
Councilmember Michael Feinstein
Councilmember Ken Genser
Councilmember Paul Rosenstein
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Robert T. Holbrook
Councilmember Asha Greenberg
Also Present: City Manager John Jalili
City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart
Councilmember Ebner led the assemblage in the Pledge of Alle-
giance to the Flag of the United States of America.
4-A: SERVICE PLAQUES: Mayor O'Connor presented service plaques
to outgoing members of Council-appointed boards and
commissions.
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.
City Attorney Moutrie requested that Item No. 6-E be continued
to the meeting of March 25, 1997.
At the request of Councilmember Genser Item No. 6-G was removed
from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Ebner was excused at 7:04 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember
Genser, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of
Item Nos. 6-E and 6-G, reading resolutions and ordinances by
title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was
approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Rosenstein,
Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmembers Greenberg, Ebner, Mayor Pro Tem
Holbrook
Councilmember Ebner returned at 7:08 p.m.
6-A: MINUTES APPROVAL: The City Council minutes of the City
Council meetings of February 11, and February 25, 1997, were
approved as submitted.
6-B: CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY (JANUARY 1994
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE): Resolution No. 9129(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: ORDINANCE/EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY ACT: Ordinance No. 1875(CCS)
entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA AMENDING AND REENACTING THE EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY ACT," was
adopted on second reading.
Staff Report
6-D: AWARD OF CONTRACT/CONSTRUCTION/CITYWIDE ACCESSIBILITY
IMPROVEMENTS: Contract No. 6632(CCS) was awarded to Des/Mar
Construction Co., in an amount not to exceed $234,900, for the
construction of citywide accessibility improvements.
Staff Report
6-F: OPPOSITION/SENATE BILL 147/ASSEMBLY CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT NO. 6/LOCAL AGENCY INDEBTEDNESS: The recommendation
to oppose SB147 and ACA6 was approved and the City lobbyist was
directed to advocate defeat of these measures.
Staff Report
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
6-E: CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE/STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTEREST:
The adoption of a resolution repealing Resolution No. 9009(CCS)
and amending the City's Conflict of Interest Code to revise the
designated positions for which Statements of Economic Interest
are required to be filed was continued to the meeting of March
25, 1997.
Staff Report
6-G: CONTRACT/COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL/HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESEARCH PROJECT: Councilmember Genser
advised that he removed this item from the Consent Calendar in
order to ask a question about funding and the total cost of the
project. Staff recommended that this item be continued in
order that Council be provided with a copy of the full grant
application.
Staff Report
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Feinstein, to continue this item to the meeting of March 25,
1997. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote,
Councilmember Ebner abstaining, Councilmember Greenberg and
Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook absent.
10-A: PUBLIC HEARING/HOUSING ELEMENT: Presented was the
recommendation to conduct a public hearing on the Draft 1998-2003 Housing Element, receive public input, consider changes
proposed by the Planning Commission and by staff, adopt in
concept the Draft Housing Element, direct staff to transmit the
document to the State Department of Housing and Community
Development, direct staff to begin preparation of the draft
Environmental Impact Report, and direct staff to prepare
implementation ordinances related to the inclusionary housing
policies and revised development standards.
Staff Report
Planning Director Suzanne Frick provided an overview of the
Housing Element. Representatives for the Planning Commission,
Housing Commission, and the Rent Control Board reviewed their
recommendations to the report.
On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened.
Member of the public Irene Zivi spoke in opposition to
affordable housing in industrial and commercial zones and in
support of such housing in residential areas and granny units
in the R-1 zones.
Members of the public Cheryl Drymon, Tom Roybal, Kathy Lovely,
Bob Smith, Peter Lovely, and Norm Felsop complained about
unacceptable delays in the TORCA conversion of the Mountain
View Mobile Home Park and the resultant potential loss of their
homes.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
Member of the public Andosh Askari expressed concern with fees
and charges.
Member of the public A. J. Jarasunas spoke in support of second
units in the R-1 zone.
Member of the public Chris Harding commented on policy issues
associated with the Housing Element.
Members of the public Janina Krupa, Joan Gaulk, Sylvia Shniad,
and David Shniad discussed the need for affordable housing.
Member of the public Robert Berry spoke in strong support of
the action plan listed in program 2i to facilitate the
development and maintenance of special needs housing.
Member of the public Fred Plotke spoke in opposition to the
inclusion of housing in industrial zones.
Member of the public Doris Ganga discussed the need for
affordable housing and urged that a land banking element be
inserted into the Housing Element.
Member of the public Tom Cook addressed deficiencies in the
draft Housing Element.
Member of the public Hara Beck spoke in support of the
preservation of existing affordable housing units.
On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 9:35 p.m.,
and reconvened at 10:08 p.m., with all members present except
Councilmember Greenberg and Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook.
Member of the public Neal Goldberg, representing the Arts
Commission, expressed concern with affordable units for artists
to live and work in the City of Santa Monica and requested that
the Planning Commission include affordable artists' live/work
space as a new category in its Housing Objectives and Goals in
the Policies and Programs section of the new Housing Element
draft and investigate ways to develop affordable work/live
space for artists in the City.
Member of the public Cheryl Anderson encouraged the
preservation of existing rental units and expressed her
opposition to TORCA-type projects.
Member of the public Annette Del Zoppo encouraged Council to
consider the "fair share plan" as included in the Housing
Element; the preservation of existing residential
neighborhoods; in opposition to the recycling of housing stock;
and in opposition to TORCA-type projects.
Member of the public Jim Simmons spoke in support of the
preservation of existing residential neighborhoods; in
opposition to the recycling of housing stock; and in opposition
to TORCA without the implementation of strict controls.
Member of the public Lily Houston spoke in opposition to the
recycling of housing stock.
Member of the public Denny Zane spoke in support of the
expanded production of affordable housing, especially for low
and very low income households, and especially family housing;
assuring the security of all existing Santa Monica households;
preserving the existing, viable affordable housing; and in
support of granny units in R-1 zones.
Member of the public Linda Sullivan spoke in opposition to
vacancy decontrol; in support of the preservation of existing
affordable housing units; granny units in R-1 zones; and single
room occupancy in commercial and industrial zones.
Member of the public Michael Tarbet urged Council to take
adequate time for review and adoption of the Housing Element.
Member of the public Naomi Snyder urged that parasitic
development not be encouraged; spoke in support of the
preservation of existing residential units; and the
construction of multi units in appropriately zoned areas.
Member of the public Tom Francis urged Council to amend the
affordable housing ordinance so that the maximum allowable
median income to qualify as affordable would be 80%; to mandate
that a certain percentage of all new housing being built have
family-sized units proportionate to the need; to mandate that
reusable building materials from demolition sites be recycled.
Member of the public Beth Leder-Pack spoke in support of the
recommendation relating to the earthquake recovery
redevelopment area, revising the income definitions contained
within City regulations to define "moderate income" as 60% to
80% of the County median; encouraged the monitoring of on-site
inclusionary units be strengthened, and encouraged programs
that facilitate the development of housing for families with
children.
Member of the public Judy Abdo urged Council, that while
deliberating this matter, think about the huge responsibility
involved in the impact of these policies and what they can mean
to the community in coming years.
Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember
Feinstein, to hear late speakers. The motion was unanimously
approved by voice vote with Councilmember Greenberg and Mayor
Pro Tem Holbrook absent.
Member of the public Frank Gruber discussed the purpose of the
housing element law and urged Council to seek a balance that
both protects the interest of tenants housed in existing
housing and allows for the building of new housing.
Member of the public Rusty Wright urged that Council include in
the ordinance a stipulation that would prevent the future
"piece-mealing" of buildings.
Member of the public Doug Heller urged Council to consider
social inequities when considering the Housing Element and
determine a holistic solution.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Feinstein, to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. The motion
was unanimously approved by voice vote with Councilmember
Greenberg and Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook absent.
Council deliberations on this matter were continued to the
meeting of March 25, 1997.
11-A: PROGRESS REPORT/TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Mark Gold,
Chair of the City's Task Force on the Environment, presented
the Progress Report from the City's Task Force on the
Environment and the recommendation to direct staff to review
the report and return to Council with any recommendations for
modifications or actions related to the Sustainable City
Program.
Staff Report
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns.
Member of the public Judy Abdo spoke in support of the
Sustainable City Program and discussed the importance of the
Task Force on the Environment.
Discussion ensued as to the original charge to the Task Force,
as to whether the Task Force working with staff, had the
ability to disburse funds, and as to possible duplication of
efforts by the Task Force and city staff.
Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember
Ebner, to direct the City Manager to review the charge to the
Task Force, review the report and recommendation in order to
make a determination as to how they fit in with the City's
existing structure and programs, and return to Council with a
recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, Rosenstein,
Ebner, Mayor O'Connor
Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Greenberg, Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook
13-A: ULYSSES GIBSON/HANDICAP PARKING/WATER AND SANITATION
RATES: Presented was the request of Mr. Ulysses Gibson, a City
resident, to address the City Council regarding the handicap
parking space in front of his property and about water and
sanitation rates for taxpayers. Staff was asked to review
concerns raised by Mr. Gibson.
14-A: NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT CENTER: The request of Councilmember
Ebner to conduct a review of function, budget, City funding,
and noticing requirements for the Neighborhood Support Center;
to hold discussion on the purpose of the NSC and its reporting
responsibility to the City Council, if any; and, if there is no
reporting requirement to the City Council, staff to provide
information on the basis for the current structure and
organization of the NSC was continued to the meeting of March
25, 1997.
14-B: APPOINTMENTS/BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Appointments to
unscheduled vacancies on Boards and Commissions was continued
to the meeting of March 25, 1997.
14-C: LETTER OF RESIGNATION/ERNIE POWELL/CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU BOARD: Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded
by Councilmember Rosenstein, to accept with regrets the letter
of resignation from Ernie Powell from the Convention and
Visitors Bureau Board and authorize the City Clerk to publish a
Notice of Vacancy. The motion was unanimously approved by
voice vote, Councilmember Greenberg and Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook
absent.
15: PUBLIC INPUT: Member of the public Brian Hutchings
discussed pensions, the economy, and the situation in Zaire.
Member of the public Tom Francis discussed the change of hours
of the Farmers' Market and urged the return to original hours.
Member of the public Joi Fullmer expressed her concerns on
various issues.
Motion by Councilmember Feinstein to hear a late speaker. The
motion died for lack of a second.
16: CLOSED SESSION: At 12:00 a.m., Council recessed to Closed
Session.
16-A: CLOSED SESSION/CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR:
City Negotiator: Karen Bancroft, Personnel Director
Bargaining Unit: Firefighters Local 1109
ACTION: Heard. No action taken.
16-B: CLOSED SESSION/CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Existing Litigation: Washington & Hick v. City of Santa
Monica, Case No. CV 92-1884.
ACTION: Heard. No action taken.
16-C: CLOSED SESSION/CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Existing Litigation: Santa Monica Housing Council v. City
of Santa Monica, Case No. SS 5191.
ACTION: Heard. No action taken.
16-D: CLOSED SESSION/CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Existing Litigation: City of Santa Monica v. Mobil
Corporation, Case No. SC 045788.
ACTION: Heard. No action taken.
16-E: CLOSED SESSION/CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Anticipated Litigation
Number of cases: One.
ACTION: Heard. No action taken.
At 1:30 a.m., Council reconvened with all members present
except Councilmember Greenberg and Mayor Pro Tem Holbrook.
ADJOURNMENT: At 1:30 a.m., the meeting was adjourned to March
25, 1997, in memory of Pearl Wisenian and David Cameron.