Item 9-C

Council Meeting: 12/2/97                     Santa Monica, CA

TO:       Mayor and Councilmembers

FROM:     City Staff

SUBJECT:  Status Report on Council Chambers Improvements

Introduction
This report presents information about improvements to Council
Chambers and requests Council direction on potential
modifications to improve the usefulness of the space for members
of the public, elected and appointed officials.

Background
As part of Capital Improvements Program budgeting, the City
Council approved a project to remodel the Council Chambers which
is intended to enhance comfort and functionality through
improvements to heating/cooling, lighting and audio systems,
concealing cables and camera mounts, installation of an
electronically operated projection screen and electronic voting
and display systems.  In addition, the windows will be modified
for better temperature and sound control while preserving the
historic exterior look.  The wood paneling will be restored and
new carpet and upholstery installed.

On April 15, 1997 the City Council authorized a design contract
with Gruen Associates. During the course of their work, the Gruen
design team observed the Council Chambers in use and identified
preliminary solutions for many of the problems associated with
the current Council Chamber systems. The solutions involve
redesign of the ceiling.  The design team will review several
options with the City Council during their presentation,
including re-configuration of the dais to facilitate the use of
presentation technology.

Budget Financial Impact
There are no immediate budget or financial impacts associated
with the recommendation contained in this report.  If the Council
decides to expand the scope of the project, staff will return
with a proposal to fund the added scope of work in the 1998/99
CIP budget.  There is sufficient contract authority at present to
increase the scope of the design work.

Recommendation
Staff requests Council direction on potential modifications to
improve the usefulness of the space for members of the public,
elected and appointed officials.