CITY OF SANTA MONICA

 

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

MAY 13, 2003

 

A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Bloom at 6:01 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.

 

Roll Call:          Present:            Mayor Richard Bloom

Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown

Councilmember Michael Feinstein

Councilmember Ken Genser

Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook (arrived at 7:05 p.m.)

Councilmember Herb Katz

Councilmember Pam O=Connor (arrived at 6:15 p.m.)

 

Also Present:    City Manager Susan McCarthy

City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie

City Clerk Maria M. Stewart

 

CONVENE/PLEDGE

On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 6:01 p.m., with Councilmembers Holbrook and O=Connor absent.  Craig Perkins, Director of Environmental and Public Works Management Department, led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR:

All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.

 

Members of the public Julie Bronstein, and Mark Olson, spoke in support of item 1-H.  Member of the public Joey Fullmer addressed various concerns.

 

Mayor Pro Tem McKeown requested Item 1-E be removed from the Consent Calendar.

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar as presented except Item 1-E, reading resolutions and ordinances by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:   

                       

AYES:             Councilmembers Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:         Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook

 

MINUTES

1-A:     The minutes of the March 11, March 25, April 8, and April 22, City Council meetings were approved as submitted.

 

FIRE STATION 2

1-B:     Santa Monica Fire Station 2- Reconstruction Project - recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to Contract No. 8031 (CCS), in the amount of $84,000, for construction services for the project, was approved.

 

MEMORIAL AND LOS AMIGOS PARK

1-C:     Building replacements for Memorial Park and Los Amigos Park B recommendation to award Contract No. 8206 (CCS) to Cohen Construction, in the amount of $1,421,750, for construction of the building replacements at the parks, was approved.

 

CHRYSALIS

1-D:     Storm Drain maintenance contract with Chrysalis B recommendation to authorize the City Manager to extend Contract No. 8029 (CCS) with Chrysalis for two years to provide monthly services for various maintenance services, was approved.

 

DRY-WET RUNOFF DIVERSION

1-F:      Resolution No. 9847 entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR THE MONTANA DRY-WET WEATHER RUNOFF DIVERSION PROJECT@, was adopted.

 

WATER TRUCK

1-G:     Purchase of Water Truck B recommendation to award Bid No. 2847 to Carmenita Truck Center, in the amount of $149,490.59, to furnish and deliver one water truck, was approved.

 

UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT

1-H:     Recommendation to approve of 5-year plan to relocate selected electric facilities underground and setting a public hearing on July 8, 2003, to receive public comment on establishment of the proposed Marine Street Underground Utility District, was approved.

 

AB 136

1-I:       Opposition to AB 136 B recommendation that Council oppose AB 136 (Kehoe) which seeks State legislative authority to allow increase of safety employees= leave of absence benefits on full salary, was approved.


CONSULTING SERVICES - PLANNING

1-E:      Consulting services for automobile dealership and land use regulations B recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to Contract No. 7949 (CCS) with Cotton/Bridges Associates, in the amount of $32,480, for a new total amount of $136,000, for additional consulting services, was presented.

 

Mayor Pro Tem McKeown stated he removed this item from the Consent Calendar so that he could convey his strong support for the project.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to approve recommendation and direct staff to conduct outreach to the public.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Katz, Genser, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook         

 

CLOSED SESSIONS:

 

Councilmember O=Connor arrived at 6:15 p.m.

 

Councilmember Holbrook arrived at 7:05 p.m.

 

On order of the Mayor the City Council recessed to closed session at 6:15 p.m., and reconvened at 7:00 p.m., with Councilmember Holbrook absent.

 

2-A:     Public Employee Evaluations.

Title of Employees:  City Manager; City Attorney; City Clerk

 

This matter was not heard.

 

2-B:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Existing Litigation:  Hamid Enayati v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SS 011 735.

 

ACTION:       Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-C:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Existing Litigation:  City of Santa Monica v. Coastal Commission, et al., Case No. SS 011 64.

 

ACTION:       Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 


2-D:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Existing Litigation:  2000 Main Street, LLC v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 067 899.

 

ACTION:       Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-E:      Conference with Legal Counsel -  Existing Litigation:  City of Santa Monica v. Shell Oil Co., Case No. 01CC4331.

 

ACTION:       Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-F:      Conference with Legal Counsel B Existing Litigation:  John James v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 067 960.

 

This matter was not heard.

 

2-G:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Existing Litigation:  Jorge Fuguet v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 069 871.

 

This matter was not heard.

 

2-H:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Anticipated Litigation.

Number of cases:  Two.

 

ACTION: One case heard.  The following action was taken:

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to approve settlement the Teague claim in the amount of  $25,000.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Katz, Genser, Holbrook, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 

SPECIAL ITEMS:

 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH

4-A:     Proclamation declaring May 2003 as Historic Preservation Month in the City of Santa Monica.

 

On order of the Mayor, May 2003 was declared Historic Preservation Month in Santa Monica.

 

MOTHER=S DAY

4-B:     Recognition of Mother=s Day.

 


In recognition of Mother=s Day, Mayor Bloom introduced and praised each Councilmember=s mother.

 

ADMIN. PROCEEDINGS:

 

1540 2ND STREET (McDONALD=S)

6-A:     Approval of Mixed Use Project at 1540 2nd Street (McDonalds) B recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 9848 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT,@; and Resolution No. 9849 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA MAKING FINDINGS NECESSARY TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM.@  Introduce an ordinance entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING SMMC SECTIONS 9.04.08.18.040, 9.04.08.18.050 AND 9.04.14.090 RELATING TO FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS IN THE DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT@; and, recommendation to adopt the findings and conditions of approval for Development Review Permit 98-012, Conditional Use Permit 98-046, and Variance 98-053 related to the project, as amended, was presented.

 

Tom Landau, Margaret Taylor and Norman Kravetz, representing the appellant, spoke in support of the appeal.

 

Members of the public Joe Natoli, Mike Gruning, Ellen Brennan, Jerry Rubin and Arthur Harris spoke in support of the project.  Member of the public Carl Kugel expressed concerns about related traffic.

 

Tom Landau, Margaret Taylor and Norman Kravetz, representing the appellant, provided a rebuttal to public comment and answered questions.

 

Considerable discussion ensued regarding traffic, access, parking, pedestrian and traffic flow in the alley, and subterranean parking.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to approve staff recommendation with condition 14, to allow possible placement of street trees, and with the last condition that would eliminate two-way alley access adjacent to the project site, but allow alley access; and direct ARB to pay particular attention to visual interaction between sidewalk and eating area.

 

Motion to amend by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Mayor Bloom, to allow two-way alley, to approve conceptually applicant=s design for access on Colorado on the west side of the project.  The motion failed by the following vote:

 


AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Mayor Bloom

NOES:            Councilmembers Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown

ABSENT:        None

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to adopt Resolution No. 9848 (CCS) certifying the EIR, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 

Motion by Councilmember O=Connor, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to adopt Resolution No. 9849 (CCS) adopting statement of overriding considerations and mitigation monitoring program, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Katz, Genser, Holbrook, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             Councilmember Feinstein

ABSENT:        None

 

Councilmember Feinstein stated, for the record, that he voted no because he believes that the presence of excessive and unnecessary surface parking compromises the project=s ability to sufficiently meet existing public goals such as pedestrian orientation, is insufficient in realizing its role as a gateway for the intersection, and fails to address the community=s job-housing balance needs.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, amended to add the phrase Ain the C3 District@ to the last line on page 6 of the ordinance, following the word Arestaurants;@ amended to change the first four lines on page 7 to read: A . . . parking, is conducted within an enclosed building or enclosed patio shall have the following hours: operations in the enclosed building may be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; operations in the enclosed patio shall not begin earlier than 7:00 a.m., and shall conclude by 12:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and by 2:00 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.@  The motion, as amended, was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 


Motion by Councilmember Katz, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to restate the main motion made earlier and adopt the findings and conditions of approval of the development review permit, the conditional use permit and the variance, amending condition 14 of the staff report to add the word Areplaced@ after the word Arelocated@ and the last sentence to be deleted; and condition 64 was amended to delete the sentence after the word Aaccess,@ and then add the following sentence:  AThe two project driveways shall be located on 2nd Street;@ that there shall be open visual access to the 2nd and Colorado patio with no visual blockage higher than 36 inches or the height of the table, whichever is less, and the Council shall direct the ARB to pay attention to making the barricade between the patio and the sidewalk visually permeable and optimize visual access.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Katz, Genser, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown,

                     Mayor Bloom                   

NOES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Holbrook

ABSENT:        None

 

Councilmember Feinstein, stated for the record, that while he could have supported the conditional use permit and variance, he voted no because he could not support the findings and conditions of approval for the development review permit for the same reasons he could not vote for the statement of overriding considerations

 

Councilmember Holbrook, stated for the record, he voted in opposition because he thinks the project has been killed and did not want to drive the last nail in with his Ayes@ vote.

 

RECESS

On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 10:20 p.m., and reconvened at 10:25 p.m., with Councilmembers O=Connor, Katz, and Mayor Pro Tem McKeown absent.

 

ORDINANCES:      

 

AUTO RENTAL OPERATIONS

7-A:     Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2074 (CCS) entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA MODIFYING CHAPTER 9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW ACCESSORY AUTO RENTAL OPERATIONS IN THE M1 INDUSTRIAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND LMSD LIGHT MANUFACTURING AND STUDIO DISTRICT WITH A PERFORMANCE STANDARDS PERMIT, AND ADDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR AUTO RENTAL OPERATIONS WITHIN AUTO REPAIR FACILITIES,@ was presented. 

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to adopt ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 


AYES:             Councilmembers Holbrook, Genser, Feinstein, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        Councilmembers O=Connor, Katz, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown

 

Councilmembers O=Connor, Katz, and Mayor Pro Tem McKeown returned at 10:30 p.m.

 

VENDING/STREET PERFORMERS

7-B:     Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2075 (CCS) entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING CHAPTER 3 AND CHAPTER 6 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STREET PERFORMANCE AND VENDING ON THE THIRD STREET PROMENADE, THE TRANSIT MALL, AND THE PIER, INCLUDING SECTIONS ON PERFORMANCE STAGING/LOCATION, NOISE, PENALTIES, EXEMPTIONS FROM THE VENDING ORDINANCE, AND THE PLACEMENT OF MATERIALS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY,@ was presented.

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to adopt ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Katz, Genser, Holbrook, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 

PARKING IN PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS

7-C:     Introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending Section 3.12.830 of the Municipal Code allowing commercial property owners to obtain permits for parking in front of their private driveways, was presented.

 

Members of the public Karen Kermath and Eileen Hecht spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember O=Connor, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, amended to add a provision stating that staff shall process applications within 30 days of receipt of complete application.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 


BUSINESS LICENSE - APPLICATION FEE

7-D:     Introduction and first reading of an ordinance adding Section 6.04.030 to the Municipal Code to establish a processing fee for business license applications, was presented.

 

Motion by Mayor Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Genser, to introduce the ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, amended to change that there be a charge of $19 per application for renewal processing.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Genser, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             Councilmember Katz, Holbrook

ABSENT:        None

 

Councilmember Katz stated, for the record, that he voted in opposition to the motion for the reasons he stated during the discussion.

 

Councilmember Holbrook stated, for the record, that he voted in opposition to the motion because staff recommended $10.00 stating it was enough.

 

LANDING, PARKING, AND FILM PERMIT FEES

7-E:      Introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code related to weight-based landing fees, and adoption of Resolution No. 9850 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA SETTING FEES FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING, FILMING AND EVENT PERMITS AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT,@ was presented.

 

Member of the public Daniel Cytron spoke against the proposed ordinance.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to introduce the ordinance and adopt the resolution, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None   

 

STAFF ITEMS:

 

STATE BUDGET


8-A:     Recommended fiscal policy guidelines concerning resolution of state budget crises and reform of State-Local relationships B recommendation approve the proposed fiscal policy guidelines; confirm the Mayor as the City=s voting delegate and the Mayor Pro Temp as alternate to attend and vote at the May 15, 2003, special League meeting; and, direct the City Manager to take appropriate action to oppose AB 1221, was presented.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember O=Connor, to approve staff recommendation.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers O=Connor, Holbrook, Genser, Katz, Feinstein, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None   

 

RESOLUTIONS:     

 

BUILDING AND SAFETY APPEAL FEES

11-A:   Resolution No. 9851 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA WAIVING CERTAIN BUILDING AND SAFETY APPEAL FEES RELATED TO SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHICH REQUIRE RATIFICATION, was presented.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to adopt the resolution, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Katz, Genser, Holbrook, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown,

                        Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 

COUNCIL ITEMS:

 

COMMISSION - OLDER AMERICANS

13-A:   Appointment to one special vacancy on the Commission on Older Americans for a term ending June 30, 2003, was opened for nominations.

 

Mayor Bloom nominated Morton Gantman.  There being no other nominations, Mr. Gantman was appointed by acclamation, with all members present.

 


13-B:   Appointment to one annual vacancy on the Commission on Older Americans for a term ending June 30, 2006, due to a previous appointee=s withdrawal from the position.  (Continued from April 22, 2003.)

 

On order of the Mayor, this matter was continued to June 24, 2003.

 

RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION

13-C:   Appointment to one special vacancy on the Recreation & Parks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2005.

 

On order of the Mayor, this matter was continued to May 20, 2003.

 

HISTORIC STATUS OF HOMES FOR SALE

13-D:   Request of Councilmember Feinstein to direct staff to prepare an ordinance regarding requiring the real estate industry to disclose the potential historic status of homes when they are for sale, was presented.

 

Members of the public Tom Cleys and Roger Genser spoke in support of the request.

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to approve the request, amended to change Astatus of homes@ to Astatus of properties.@  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

 

SAMOHI MARCHING BAND

13-E:    Request of Mayor Pro Tem McKeown and Councilmember Holbrook that the Council allocate out of its 2002-2003 discretionary fund a $10,000 matching grant to the Santa Monica High School Associated Student Body in support of the Samohi Viking Marching Band, which will represent our City in the July 4th Washington, D.C. National Independence Day Parade, was presented. 

 

Member of the public B.A. Gray spoke in opposition to the request.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem McKeown, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve the request, with the assurance that all students attend.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Feinstein, Katz, Genser, Holbrook, O=Connor, Mayor Pro Tem McKeown,

                        Mayor Bloom

NOES:             None

ABSENT:        None

 

CELEBRATE AMERICA EVENT


13-F:    Request of Mayor Bloom and Councilmember Katz that the City Council urge the community, businesses, institutions and residents, to save "Celebrate America" (recently cancelled by Santa Monica College), Santa Monica's only public community-wide Independence Day commemoration, was presented.

 

Members of the public Jerry Rubin and B.A. Gray spoke in support of the request.

 

Motion by Mayor Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to approve request, encouraging everyone to get private enterprise to donate funds in any possible way.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

 

MTA .5% SALES TAX

13-G:   Request of Mayor Bloom to support SB 314 which would allow the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority to impose an additional 0.5% sales tax on Los Angeles County upon approval by the voters.  The tax would be imposed for a five-year period and the funds limited to transportation projects, was presented. 

 

Motion by Councilmember O=Connor, seconded by Mayor Bloom, to approve request.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

 

RESIGNATION

13-H:   Acceptance of Thomas Tolman=s letter of resignation from the Personnel Board, and authorization for City Clerk to publish vacancy.

 

Motion by Councilmember Feinstein, seconded by Councilmember Katz, to accept letter with regrets.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.

 

PUBLIC INPUT:

Members of the public Pro Se, B.A. Gray, Graham Clifford, Brian Koepke, Jerry Rubin and Brian Hutchings discussed various concerns.

 

ADJOURNMENT: 

On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 12:05 a.m., to May 20, 2003, in memory of Barbara Miller.

 

ATTEST:                                                         APPROVED:

 

 

Maria M. Stewart                                             Richard Bloom

City Clerk                                                        Mayor