CITY OF SANTA MONICA

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

March 22, 2000

A special meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Genser at 7:25 p.m., on Wednesday March 22, 2000, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.

Roll Call:

Present:

Mayor Ken Genser

Mayor Pro Tem Pam O'Connor

Councilmember Richard Bloom

Councilmember Michael Feinstein

Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook

Councilmember Kevin McKeown

Councilmember Paul Rosenstein

Also Present:

City Manager Susan McCarthy

City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie

City Clerk Maria M. Stewart

On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened the special meeting at 7:25 p.m. with all members present. Councilmember Bloom led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

9-A: Recommendations to City Council regarding appeals of the Final Meritorious Sign List, and recommendation to City Council to reduce amount of time allowed to appellants to speak from ten minutes to three minutes; and Supplemental Report adding two additional appeals.

Discussion ensued regarding the process to follow for hearing the numerous appeals on this matter.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to combine Item 15 - Public Comment, with this item. Motion unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

Motion by Mayor Genser, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, that due to the number of appellants to be heard, the regular ten minute limit for appellants and applicants, be modified to a limit of 3 minutes and the time for other members of the public to speak be limited to two minutes; that supporters of appellants speak after the appellant; that speakers not addressing any particular item, speak last; and that, after public comment, to make a motion, or have two councilmembers agree that a particular appeal for a sign should be discussed, otherwise all other appeals will be deemed denied. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote.

On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was opened. The following members of the public spoke in support of their particular sign:

Richard M. Faria for Bay Area Muffler; John Doyle, for Jon Adams Hair; Chuck Perliter for Santa Monica Radiator; Michael Smilove for Bairs Keystone Body Shop; Ron Shur and Chaz Desimon for The Galley; Jimmy Sheldrake for Polly's Restaurant; John Emanuelli for Jack in the Box; L.R. Brown for Lazy Daisy; Tish Scialampo for Tune-up Masters; Tish Scialampo for Brown's Cleaners; Behnam Nicaein for ABY Auto Masters; John Reed for Bay Imports; Benjamin Behvoozan and Hyman Alkin for the Great Care Medical Group; Larry Engler, Don Engler, Mary Van Loo, Margaret Engler, Gethy Graenicher, Jerry Van Loo, Carlos Paez, and Scott Page for Engler Brothers; Jackie Levine for Lincoln Pipe & Plumbing; Kelly Moore and Tim Feldt for Firestone; John Doyle for Cock N' Bull, McCabe's Guiter, Bob's Market, Carlson's, and Evetts Model Shop; Edward Beetley for Le Mans Body Shop; Rafigh Pooya, Dennis Zane, Jay Johnson and Barbara Bryan for Interactive Café; Russ Diamond for Snyder-Diamond; Valerie Chalom for Baskin-Robbins; Dave Rich and Walt Zambas for Rich Sheet Metal Works; John Doyle for Marty's Liquor; Mark Harding, Chris Harding, Scott Robinson, and Frank Schwengel for the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club; Chris and Greg Metz for the Sea Shore Motel; Robert Rigdon and Abbasghali Mohammadi for Insta-Tune; Mike Howell for Santa Monica Lock; Ellen Gorodetsky and Andrea Elrod for Metropolitan Cleaners; Rick Butler for Hotel California; Jay Fiondella for Chez Jay; Ursula and Aimee Boschet for Ursula's Costumes; Robert Hill for Shake's Pizza; Mark De la Torre for Golden West Meats; Doc Sachen, Zoran Segina and Denny Sachen for Doc's Ski Haus, Gary Sims for Bay Cities Appliances; Jose Gandara for the Arco Station; Bruce D. Wamsley for Tip Top Towing; Gilbert Rodriguez for Gilbert's El Indio; Mark Bodath for Goodyear; Gregory Humphries for Sunlight Mission Church; Todd C. for 14 Below; Jeff Nuiz for Bill's Liquor; Josh Comen for Hornburg-Jaguar; Larry Dey for Lares Restaurant; Gilberto Aguero for Newton Brothers Brakes (appeal not filed on this sign).

The following members of the public spoke generally regarding meritorious signs: Joey Fullmer, Jerry Rubin, Michael Palumbo, Alan Leib, Phillip Esser, James McDemas, Steve Gobin, Mary Beatty, John Engleth, Janine Smith, Michael Flechtner, Brian Hutchings, and Daniel Ehrler.

On order of the Mayor, the public hearing was closed. Staff answered questions from Councilmembers.

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, seconded by Councilmember Feinstein, to discuss the seven signs recommended by staff for meritorious consideration, including Bay Area Muffler, Lares Restaurant, Jon Adams Hair Design, Santa Monica Radiator Sign, Bair's Keystone Body Shop, The Galley, and City Hall. Motion approved by voice vote, with all present.

Discussion ensued on the seven recommended signs. Mayor Genser advised that before voting on these signs, Councilmembers place on the table any and all other signs desired for discussion. Councilmembers made numerous motions to consider individual signs, held discussion and subsequently took the following action on each, based on the respective earlier motions:

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the Bay Area Muffler sign based on staff's findings. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the Lares Restaurant Sign, based on staff's findings. Motion unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the Jon Adams Hair Design sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmembers Rosenstein, Holbrook and McKeown voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the Santa Monica Radiator sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the Bairs Keystone Body Shop sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmembers Rosenstein and McKeown voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the The Galley's boat and mermaid sign, based on staff's findings. Motion unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to approve the sign over the front door of City Hall. Motion unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve the sign on the side wall of City Hall. Motion failed by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Holbrook, Bloom, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

NOES: Councilmembers Feinstein, McKeown, Rosenstein, Mayor Genser

ABSENT: None

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the house sign at Polly's Pies, based on staff's findings and on historical significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein and Mayor Genser, voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the Lazy Daisy sign with findings of historical significance, technique and style. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the ABY Auto Masters sign with staff's findings, including visual significance. The motion failed by voice vote, with Councilmember Bloom and Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor voting in favor.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the Bay Imports sign, based on staff's findings and on visual and historical significance. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmembers Rosenstein and McKeown voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the Engler Brothers' sign based on staff's findings and on visual and historical significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Lincoln Pipe sign based on staff's findings. Motion failed by voice vote with Councilmembers Feinstein, Holbrook and Bloom voting in favor.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, to approve the Firestone sign, based on staff's findings and graphic and visual integration of historical importance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmembers McKeown, Feinstein and Holbrook voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Le Mans sign, based on staff's findings and of artistic and visual significance. Motion failed by voice vote, with Councilmembers Holbrook and Bloom voting in favor.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to approve the Cock & Bull roof sign, based on staff's findings and on artistic and historical significance. Motion failed by voice vote, with Councilmember Bloom voting in favor.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the McCabe Guitars sign, based on staff's findings, and on historical and visual significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom to approve the Bob's Market sign, based on staff's findings. There was no second to the motion.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Carlson's TV sign, based on staff's findings visual significance and craftsmanship. Motion failed by voice vote, with Councilmembers Holbrook and Bloom voting in favor.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Evett's Model Shop sign, based on staff's findings and historical significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the Interactive Café sign, based on staff's findings and artistic significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition.

Councilmember Holbrook was excused at 12:55 a.m

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Shop sign, based on staff's findings and craftsmanship indicative of period. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition, and Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the Sheet Metal Works Shop sign, based on staff's findings, visual and historical significance. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition, and Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to approve the Boys & Girls Club sign, based on staff's findings and architectural integration. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition, and Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the tall sign (without credit cards) at the Seashore Motel sign, based on staff's findings. Motion failed by voice vote with Councilmember Bloom and Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor voting in favor, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the Santa Monica Lock & Safe sign, based on staff's findings and historical significance. Motion failed by voice vote with Councilmember Bloom voting in favor, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Metropolitan Cleaners Shop sign minus telephone sign, based on staff's findings, historical significance and craftsmanship indicative of the period. Motion failed by voice vote with Councilmember Bloom and Mayor Genser voting in favor, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, to approve the Shakey's Pizza reader board sign without marquee, based on staff's findings, architectural integration and craftsmanship style. Motion unanimously approved by voice vote with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the rooftop sign for the Ski Haus, based on staff's findings, historical significance, and inventive representation of name used on logo. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmember Rosenstein voting in opposition of the motion, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the skier sign for the Ski Haus, based on staff's findings. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmembers Rosenstein and Feinstein voting in opposition to the motion, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Rosenstein, to approve the Bay Cities Appliances sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was subsequently withdrawn by the maker.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve Gilbert's/El Indio Restaurant's sign, based on staff's findings and historical significance. After some discussion the motion was withdrawn by the maker.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve the Sunlight Mission sign, based on staff's findings, historical significance, visual aging and craftsmanship. Motion approved by voice vote with Councilmembers McKeown and Feinstein voting in opposition, and with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the 14-Below Bar sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was subsequently withdrawn by the maker.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, to approve Bill's Liquor Store sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was subsequently withdrawn by the maker.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the Hornburg Jaguar sign, based on staff's findings, visual significance, and craftsmanship . Motion failed by voice vote, with Councilmember Bloom voting in favor, and Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Mayor Genser, to approve the Ed's Airport sign, based on staff's findings. The motion was subsequently withdrawn by the maker.

Motion by Councilmember Holbrook to approve the Hotel California sign, based on staff's findings. The motion died for lack of a second.

Earlier motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, to approve Ursula's sign, based on staff's findings was subsequently unanimously declined for a vote, with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to deny remaining appeals and approve staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Rosenstein, McKeown, Einstein, Bloom, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, Mayor Genser

NOES: None

ABSENT: Councilmember Holbrook

16-A: Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation.

Number of cases: Four.

The City Attorney reported that four cases were heard and the following action was taken on one item:

Motion By Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Feinstein, that relative to the property located at 351 11^th Street, to approve decision to allow the homeowners to continue with their existing plans and permits. The motion was approved by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Bloom, Feinstein, McKeown, Rosenstein, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor

NOES: Mayor Genser

ABSENT: Councilmember Holbrook

On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 1:59 a.m., to March 28, 2000, at 6:15 p.m.

ATTEST:

Maria M. Stewart

City Clerk

APPROVED:

Ken Genser

Mayor