CITY OF SANTA MONICA

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

NOVEMBER 24, 1998

A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Holbrook at 6:20 p.m., on Tuesday, November 24, 1998, in the Council Chambers.

Roll Call:

Present:
Mayor Robert T. Holbrook
Mayor Pro Tem Pam O'Connor
Councilmember Ruth Ebner
Councilmember Michael Feinstein
Councilmember Ken Genser
Councilmember Paul Rosenstein

Also Present:
City Manager John Jalili
Assistant City Attorney Joseph Lawrence
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart

CLOSED SESSIONS: At 6:20 p.m., Council adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following:

16-A: Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: Bret Carr v. City of Santa Monica, U. S. District Court No. CV 97-8765 HLH (Ex)

ACTION: No reportable action taken.

Councilmember Genser declared a potential conflict of interest on Item 16-B and excused himself at 7:05 p.m.

16-B: Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation:

Number of cases: Three

ACTION: No reportable action taken

16-C: Conference with Labor Negotiator:

City Negotiator: Karen Bancroft, Personnel Director

Bargaining Units: Public Attorneys' Legal Support Staff Union (PALSSU)

Municipal Employees Association (MEA)

ACTION: No reportable action taken

16-D: Conference with Real Property Negotiator:

Property: 2330 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica

Negotiating Parties: Howard Robinson, City representative

Irving Geffner, owner of record

Under Negotiation: Option for acquisition of real property

ACTION: No reportable action taken

RECONVENE/PLEDGE Council reconvened at 7:24 p.m., with all Councilmembers present, and Councilmember Rosenstein led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS:

4-A: EMERGENCY ORDINANCE SETTING AN ELECTION DATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING THE VACANT SEAT LEFT BY COUNCILMEMBER GREENBERG'S RESIGNATION: Presented was an emergency ordinance setting an election date and necessary resolutions calling a special election for the purpose of filling the vacant seat left by Councilmember Asha Greenberg's resignation. Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to hear three speakers on this item. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote.

Members of the public Jerry Rubin and Chuck Allard expressed concern with the inability of Council to make an appointment prior to the deadline for calling a special election. Member of the public Brian Hutchings discussed campaign practices.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to direct staff to review the costs and staffing involved in a Saturday or Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday election in April, as well as to raise this question with local religious institutions to elicit their input.

Substitute motion by Councilmember Ebner, seconded by Mayor Holbrook, to conduct an election at the soonest possible date, that being March 23, 1999.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, accepted as friendly, to amend his motion to include looking at the broadest possible method of public notification to promote the date, e.g., banners on Main Street, and also review the question of the flexibility of hours on either of the days to address staffing concerns as well as costs.

The substitute motion failed by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmembers Ebner, Rosenstein, Mayor Holbrook

Noes: Councilmembers Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Absent: None

The main motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Abstain: Mayor Holbrook

Noes: Councilmember Ebner

Absent: None

Councilmember Ebner requested that the record reflect that she voted "no" on this item because of her belief that it is Council's obligation to pick the earliest election date possible and that it seems like a delaying tactic.

RECESS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 8:10 p.m., to a special meeting of the Housing Authority, and then, at 8:24 p.m., to a special joint meeting of the City Council, the Housing Authority and the Redevelopment Agency.

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING

Redevelopment Agency Roll Call:

Present: Chair Robert T. Holbrook

Chair Pro Tem Pam O'Connor

Agency Member Ruth Ebner

Agency Member Michael Feinstein

Agency Member Ken Genser

Agency Member Paul Rosenstein

Also Present: Executive Director John Jalili

Assistant Agency Attorney Joseph Lawrence

Agency Secretary Maria M. Stewart

CC/RA-1: PICO BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Presented was the staff report recommending authorization for the City Manager and Redevelopment Agency Executive Director to negotiate and execute a contract for 1) construction of the Pico Streetscape Improvement project with Terra-Cal Construction, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $4,076,379, and authorize the RAED to negotiate and execute a contract; 2) contract with DMR Team Inc., for $314,295, for construction management services.

On order of the Mayor/Chair, the public hearing was opened.

Member of the public John Darling spoke in support of awarding the contract to Terra-Cal Construction and made supporting comments regarding L.A. Signal, a Terra-Cal subcontractor.

Members of the public Michael McGrority, who advised he was employed as a private investigator by the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers Local 11, and Patrick Owens discussed labor practices and alleged Fair Labor Act violations associated with L.A. Signal and spoke in opposition to awarding the contract to Terra-Cal due to its association with L.A. Signal.

Member of the public Joy Fullmer expressed her concerns.

HEAR ITEM OUT OF ORDER Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to approve Mr. Pro Se's request to be heard out of order on Item No. 13-B due to health reasons. The motion was approved by voice vote.

13-B: "13" ITEMS / TOWN HALL SURVEY: Member of the public Pro Se - the Advocate addressed Council regarding addressing Council under "13" items on the agenda and regarding a Town Hall survey. The information was received and filed.

RETURN TO REGULAR ORDER OF AGENDA

CC/RA-1: (RESUMED): Members of the public Mike Vildasola, Jonathan Fry, and Raymond Morales rebutted comments made by previous speakers about L.A. Signal. Member of the public Ken Ward suggested that the project be modified to include an island between 32nd Street and 33rd Street. Member of the public Richard Bloom spoke in support of finding a way to move forward with the project.

Mayor Holbrook excused at 9:29 p.m.

On order of the Mayor, the City Council/Redevelopment Agency recessed at 9:29 p.m., and reconvened at 9:52 p.m., with all members present except Mayor/Chair Holbrook.

Discussion ensued over the concerns stated regarding concerns expressed by members of the public and on the design of the project.

Councilmember Rosenstein advised in response to earlier comments made regarding possible conflict of interest, that although he works in the industry and is a member of the electricians' union, he has no economic interest in the result of this matter one way or the other, currently or in the future.

Motion by Councilmember/Agency Member Genser, seconded by Councilmember/Agency Member Rosenstein, to reject the bids and ask staff to revise the scope of the project as necessary to increase the lighting to increase pedestrian orientation of so-called "dead areas," and traffic safety related to medians, and direct the City Manager/Executive Director to negotiate in the open market for the best available price.

Motion by Councilmember/Agency Member Genser, accepted as friendly, to amend the motion to add to direct staff to either re-bid or negotiate in the open market. The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmembers/Agency Members Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair O'Connor

Noes: Councilmember/Agency Member Ebner

Absent: Mayor/Chair Holbrook

Motion by Councilmember/Agency Member Genser, seconded by Councilmember/Agency Member Rosenstein, to approve Contract No. 7418(RAS) with DMR Team, Inc., in the amount of $314,295, for construction management services. The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmembers/Agency Members Ebner, Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Mayor/Chair Holbrook

At 10:35 p.m., the Special City Council/Redevelopment Agency Special Joint Meeting was adjourned and the City Council Meeting was reconvened.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

Councilmember Ebner excused herself from the meeting at 10:45 p.m.

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 Kelly Olsen, Brian Hutchings, and Doris Ganga addressed items on the Consent Calendar.

Councilmember Feinstein removed Item No. 6-A (minutes of October 13, 1998) from the Consent Calendar. Item No. 6-U was removed at the request of staff.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item No. 6-A (minutes of October 13, 1998), 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 Pro Tem O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Holbrook

6-B: EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY RESOLUTION (JANUARY 1994 EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE): Resolution No. 9337(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A CONTINUING LOCAL EMERGENCY," was adopted.

6-C: PURCHASE OF ONE CAB AND CHASSIS WITH DUMP BODY TO HAUL DEBRIS FROM JOB SITES: Bid No. 2691 was awarded to Maurice Sopp & Son, in an amount not to exceed $37,780.34, to furnish and deliver one 14,000 GVWR cab and chassis with dump body for the Wastewater Division, Environmental and Public Works Management Department.

6-D: PURCHASE OF ONE CAB AND CHASSIS WITH UTILITY BODY TO TRANSPORT TOOLS AND MATERIALS TO VARIOUS JOB SITES: Bid No. 2694 was awarded to Maurice Sopp & Son, in an amount not to exceed $42,195.82, to furnish and deliver one 15,000 GVWR cab and chassis with utility body for the Street Maintenance Division, Environmental and Public Works Management Department.

6-E: PURCHASE OF ONE CAB AND CHASSIS WITH STAKE BED FOR TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TO VARIOUS JOB SITES: Bid No. 2695 was awarded to Maurice Sopp & Son, in an amount not to exceed $32,872.28, to furnish and deliver one 14,000 GVWR cab and chassis with stake bed for the Traffic Operations Division, Planning and Community Development Department.

6-F: PURCHASE OF TWO NEW ½ TON 4 X 4 PICKUP TRUCKS AND NOTIFICATION OF EXCEPTION TO RESOLUTION NO. 8966(CCS): Bid No. 2697 was awarded to Bob Beaty Ford, in an amount not to exceed $56,045.36, to furnish and deliver two new CNG-powered ½ ton trucks for the Wastewater Division, Environmental and Public Works Management Department; and, notification to Council of an exception to Resolution No. 8966(CCS) regarding doing business in or with Burma.

6-G: PURCHASE OF TWO DUMP TRUCKS: Bid No. 2702 was awarded to Maurice Sopp & Son, in an amount not to exceed $69,970.64, to furnish and deliver two 28,000 GVWR dump trucks for the Street Maintenance and Water Divisions, Environmental and Public Works Management Department.

6-H: PURCHASE OF TWO REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES FOR TRASH COLLECTION: Bid No. 2705 was awarded to Carmenita Truck Center, in an amount not to exceed $419,181.88, to furnish and deliver two refuse collection vehicles for Solid Waste Management Division, Environmental and Public Works Management Department.

6-I: PURCHASE OF ONE CAB AND CHASSIS WITH CRANE AND VALVE OPERATOR FOR REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT OF FIRE HYDRANTS: Bid No. 2706 was awarded to Maurice Sopp & Son, in an amount not to exceed $66,232.77, to furnish and deliver one 14,000 GVWR cab and chassis with crane and valve operator for the Water Division, Environmental and Public Works Management Department.

6-J: PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTING BREATHING DEVICES AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES: The purchase of firefighting breathing devices and communication devices was approved from L. N. Curtis & Sons, in the amount of $35,592.60, for the Fire Suppression Division, Fire Department.

6-K: ALTERNATE RACE ROUTE FOR 21ST VENICE-MARINA 5K AND 10K RUNS ON DECEMBER 12, 1998: Resolution No. 9338(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING HARVEST HOME TO CONDUCT THE 21ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS VENICE/MARINA 5/10K RUN ON DECEMBER 12, 1998, ON A ROUTE OTHER THAN ONE OF THE OFFICIAL CITY ROUTES AND WAIVING THE RACE FEE," was adopted.

6-L: FINAL MAP FOR TPC-241 AT 2647 6TH STREET: Resolution No. 9339(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP FOR TRACT NO. 48923 AT 2647 6TH STREET," was adopted, thereby approving a 24-unit tenant-participating conversion project.

6-M: GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SANTA MONICA BAY COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM: Resolution No. 9340(CCS) entitled: "RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SANTA MONICA BAY COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR CONTINUOUS DEFLECTION SEPARATION UNITS AND FUNDS FOR STORMWATER ENHANCEMENT AT CITY PARKS," was adopted.

6-N: REJECTION OF BID RECEIVED FOR REPAIR OF EARTHQUAKE-DAMAGED SANITARY SEWER MAINS AND REQUEST TO REBID THE PROJECT: The City Manager was authorized to reject the bid received for repair to earthquake-damaged sanitary sewer mains in Colorado Avenue, Stewart and 26th Streets, in Pico Boulevard from Centinela Avenue to Main Street, and to authorize the City Engineer to re-advertise and rebid the project.

6-O: REQUEST TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER FOR BUS PARTS: The competitive bidding requirement was waived and the City Manager was authorized to negotiate and execute a sole source purchase order with New Flyer Parts, with an estimated annual expenditure of $200,000, to furnish and deliver original equipment manufactured bus parts for the Transportation Department.

6-P: REQUEST TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER FOR BUS SEATING: The competitive bidding requirement was waived and the City Manager was authorized to negotiate and execute a sole source purchase order with Seating Components, with an estimated annual expenditure of $50,000, to furnish, deliver, and repair/refurbish bus seating for the Transportation Department.

6-Q: REQUEST TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER FOR FIRE TRUCK PARTS: The competitive bidding requirement was waived and the City Manager was authorized to negotiate and execute a sole source purchase order with K.M.E. Fire Apparatus, with an estimated annual expenditure of $34,500, to furnish and deliver original equipment manufactured ladder truck parts for a Fire Department truck.

6-R: CONTRACT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT OF THE CITY'S DATABASE APPLICATIONS: Contract No. 7419(CCS) was approved with Future Technology Personnel, in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for technical consulting services for implementation and support of the City's database applications.

6-S: CONTRACT TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES: Contract No. 7420(CCS) was approved with the Southern California Air Quality Management District to accept grant funds in the amount of $739,978, for the purchase of compressed natural gas heavy duty vehicles.

6-T: CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 AND 2115 PICO BOULEVARD: Purchase Contract No. 7421(CCS) was approved for real property located at 2101 and 2115 Pico Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000, including all closing costs; an amendment to Contract No. 6830(CCS) was approved with Takata Associates for additional design and community outreach services, in an amount not to exceed $130,000; and the negative declaration prepared to assess the environmental impacts associated with the purchase of the property was adopted.

6-V: CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS AND INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MAIN LIBRARY AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AT VARIOUS CITY FACILITIES: Contract No. 7422(CCS) was approved with ARK Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $889,000, to complete the Earthquake Repairs and Interim Improvements to the Main Library and Facilities Maintenance at various City facilities; Contract No. 7423(CCS) was approved with CMTS, in the amount of $230,000, for construction management services.

6-W: RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON FEBRUARY 9, 1999, TO CONFIRM THE ASSESSMENT COSTS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS: Resolution No. 9342(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON FEBRUARY 9, 1999, 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 FY 1996-97 STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM," was adopted.

6-X: CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OF THE PARKS FACILITY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM YEAR 1: Contract No. 7424(CCS) was approved with CMTS, Inc., in the amount of $170,000, for construction management services for the facility upgrades and maintenance improvements to various parks throughout the City.

6-A: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Feinstein asked for clarification of a motion dealing with term limits made at the October 13, 1998, meeting. Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to approve the minutes of the September 15 and October 27, 1998, City Council meetings and continue the minutes of October 13, 1998, to December 15, 1998. The motion was unanimously approved, Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Holbrook absent.

6-U: APPROVAL OF CONSOLIDATED RENTAL HOUSING TRUST FUND GUIDELINES AND RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE INTENT TO USE REDEVELOPMENT HOUSING TRUST FUND PROCEEDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, to approve the recommendation, with the following changes to the Consolidated Rental Housing Trust Fund Guidelines: 1) The 120% figure on page 26 (Eligible Projects) lowered to 100%; 2) clarification that staff has the ability to waive the above; 3) simultaneous enactment of a similar waiver whereby the City could waive for an in-place tenant, which would also go in to the 100% of median; 4) include language "in case the project is infeasible." The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmembers Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Holbrook

By virtue of the above action, the Consolidated Rental Housing Trust Fund Guidelines were approved as amended; guidelines governing the TORCA Housing Trust Fund were adopted; and Resolution No. 9341(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AFFIRMING THE INTENT TO USE REDEVELOPMENT HOUSING TRUST FUND PROPERTY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING," was adopted.

ORDINANCES:

8-A: DESIGNATION OF PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES: The ordinance was presented for second reading and adoption.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to adopt Ordinance No. 1928(CCS) entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DELETING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES," reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmember Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Holbrook

8-B: AMENDMENT OF SURVIVOR BENEFIT OPTION FOR LOCAL FIRE MEMBERS: Presented for introduction and first reading was an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the contract between the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the City of Santa Monica to amend the survivor benefit option for local fire members and repealing Ordinance No. 1924(CCS).

On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened. There being no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to introduce for first reading an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AND THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 1924(CCS)," reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmember Feinstein, Genser, Rosenstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Holbrook

RESOLUTIONS:

12-A: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE PUBLIC ATTORNEYS' LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF UNION (PALSSU): Presented was the staff report recommending adoption of a resolution and approval of Contract No. 7425(CCS) with the Public Attorneys' Legal Support Staff Union.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to approve Contract No. 7425(CCS) and adopt Resolution No. 9343(CCS) entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT WITH THE PUBLIC ATTORNEYS' LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF UNION," reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:

Ayes: Councilmember Rosenstein, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

Noes: None

Absent: Councilmember Ebner, Mayor Holbrook

12-B: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE OO FOR 12TH STREET BETWEEN SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD AND ARIZONA AVENUE: The Initial Study/Negative Declaration for the proposed zone and approval of the resolution establishing preferential parking zone OO, prohibiting parking between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except by permit, was continued to December 15, 1998.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Feinstein, to combine Item Nos. 13-A and 14-A and hear them concurrently. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Holbrook absent.

13-A: ACCEPTANCE OF FOOD STAMPS BY ALL MARKETS: Robin Waner addressed Council requesting an ordinance requiring all markets in the City of Santa Monica to accept food stamps.

14. ACCEPTANCE OF FOOD STAMPS BY LOCAL MERCHANTS: Presented was the request of Councilmember Rosenstein to direct staff to prepare an ordinance requiring local merchants to accept food stamps.

Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, to request the City Attorney to investigate the issue of a federal agency which must approve applications for stores to be able to accept food stamps and return with an ordinance, if possible, that will enable the City to require retail food selling establishments to accept food stamps. Second by Councilmember Feinstein with the understanding that if there are federal guidelines that preclude some establishments from accepting food stamps, perhaps the other establishments could still be compelled to do so. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Holbrook absent.

13-C: REQUEST TO FILM AT MONSOON RESTAURANT: Presented was the request of Lori Balton, Location Manager, to address Council requesting permissions to film scenes for a motion picture at Monsoon Restaurant on Friday, December 19, 1998.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to grant the request of Lori Balont to film scenes for a motion picture at Monsoon Restaurant on Friday, December 19, 1998. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Holbrook absent.

COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS:

14-B: FUNCTIONING, CHARGE, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Presented was the request of Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor and Councilmember Rosenstein to direct staff to review the functioning, charge and responsibilities of the Architectural Review Board and report to Council any recommendations for improvement.

Motion by Councilmember Rosenstein, seconded by Councilmember Feinstein, to review the functioning, charge and responsibilities of the Architectural Review Board and report to Council any recommendations for improvement. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, Councilmember Ebner and Mayor Holbrook absent.

PUBLIC INPUT: Member of the public Art Casillas discussed law enforcement issues. Member of the public Kathy Knight spoke in support of jobs for at-risk youth; however, stated her strong opposition to any jobs being supported by the City of Santa Monica for the Playa Vista project.

ADJOURNMENT: At 11:54 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to November 24, 1998, in memory of Brandy Mitock and Joseph P. Merlino.

ATTEST:

Maria M. Stewart
City Clerk

APPROVED:

Robert T. Holbrook
Mayor