CITY OF SANTA MONICA

 

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

APRIL 26, 2005

 

A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor O=Connor at 5:55 p.m., on Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.

 

Roll Call:         Present:          Mayor Pam O=Connor

Mayor Pro Tem Herb Katz

Councilmember Richard Bloom

Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook

Councilmember Kevin McKeown

Councilmember Bobby Shriver

 

Absent:           Councilmember Ken Genser

 

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 5:55 p.m., with Councilmember Genser absent.  Mayor Pro Tem Katz 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 Joey Fullmer, Pro Se, Joe Natoli and Anita Phillips commented on various Consent Calendar items.

 

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve all items on the Consent Calendar as presented, reading resolutions and ordinances by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser      

 

BBB PARTS

1-A:     Purchase of Aluminum Rims for Transit Coaches B recommendation to award Bid No. 2886, in the amount of $284,000.80, to A-Z Bus Sales, Inc., to furnish and deliver aluminum rims for transit coaches for the Big Blue Bus, was approved.

 

BBB BRAKE KITS

1-B:     Purchase of Transit Coach Brake Reline Kits B recommendation to award Bid No. 2881, in the estimated annual amount of $200,000, to American Moving Parts to furnish and deliver transit coach brake reline kits for the Big Blue Bus, was approved.

 

BBB ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

1-C:     Purchase of engine and transmission parts for Big Blue Bus B recommendation to award Bid No. 2883, in the estimated annual amount of $405,715, to Valley Power Systems, Inc., to furnish and deliver replacement parts for engines and transmissions for the Big Blue Bus, was approved..

 

VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK

1-D:     Virginia Park Avenue Park project contract amendment B recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an amendment to Contract No. 7982(CCS) with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, in the amount of $87,500, for additional design services; and an amendment to Contract No. 8267(CCS) with Black and Veatch, in the amount of $168,300, for additional construction management services for the project, was approved.

 

CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARIES

1-E:     Recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 10033 entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ESTABLISHING VARIOUS NEW POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARY RATES,@ was adopted.

 

POSSIBLE PURCHASE OR PROPERTY

1-F:     Properties for possible purchase - 1222 and 1300 Fourth Street and 402-406 Santa Monica Boulevard B recommendation to authorize staff to explore and, if appropriate, negotiate the purchase of the real properties located at 1222 and 1300 Fourth Street and 402-406 Santa Monica Boulevard by the City and/or the Redevelopment Agency, was approved.

 

SENIOR PROGRAMS

1-G:     Resolution for grant applications for Senior Nutrition and Recreation Program B recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 10034 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A PROPOSAL AND THE SIGNING OF CONTRACT(S) No. 8466 (CCS) WITH THE L.A. COUNTY TO PROVIDE MEAL AND TELEPHONE REASSURANCE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS THROUGH THE CITY=S SENIOR NUTRITION AND RECREATION PROGRAM,@ was adopted

 

On order of the mayor, the regular City Council meeting recessed at 6:10 p.m., and reconvened to a joint meeting with the Redevelopment Agency, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

JOINT MEETING WITH  REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY:

 

PALISADES BLUFF

1-H:     Palisades Bluff Improvement Project - recommendation that the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency authorize the City Manager and the Executive Director, respectively, to negotiate and execute Contract No. 8467 (CCS)(RAS) with URS Corporation, in the amount of $825,000, to provide plans, specifications, cost estimates and construction observation for the project; and to negotiate and execute an amendment to  Reimbursement Agreement No. 8069 (CCS)(RAS) between the City and the Redevelopment Agency, for the project, was presented. 

 

Member of the public Joey Fullmer expressed various concerns.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve staff recommendation.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

On order of the Mayor, the Special Joint Meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m., and the City Council reconvened to its regular meeting, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

CLOSED SESSIONS:

Member of the public Marshall Grossmann addressed Council regarding Closed Session Item 2-T.

 

On order of the Mayor the City Council recessed at 6:24 p.m., to discuss closed sessions and reconvened at 7:16 p.m., with Councilmember Genser absent, to report the following:

 

2-A:     Public Employee Evaluation.

Title of Employee:  City Manager

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-B:     Public Employee Evaluation.

Title of Employee:  City Clerk 

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-C:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1222 4th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  South Bay Women=s Club

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-D:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1300 4th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  ATC Building Company

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-E:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  402-06 Santa Monica Boulevard

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Toy R Us   

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-F:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1301 4th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Virginia Tegner Spurgin Investments Company

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-G:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1333 4th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Virginia Tegner Spurgin Investments

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-H:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1324-26 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Of Fifth, Ross SB, Fifth Arizona Investors, Taking the Fifth LLC

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-I:       Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1334 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Sunnyside Group

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-J:      Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1338-42 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Russell Bryan, Bryan Greyson Company

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-K:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1554 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Arthur, Jean, Charles, Charolotte Goode

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-L:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1415-27 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Mark S. Romney

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-M:    Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1437 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Cardinal Broadway Partners LP

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-N:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property:  1445 5th Street

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Highwood Properties, Inc

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-O:     Conference with real property negotiator:

Property: 501 Broadway

City Negotiator:  Jeff Mathieu

Under negotiation:  Interest in Real Property

Owner of Record:  Dana A Wright, Jay H Cohen

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-P:     Claim of Jose Vilamil against the City of Santa Monica, Claim No. 04-8308

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Mayor O=Connor, to approve settlement in the amount of $32,500.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Bloom, McKeown, Holbrook, Shriver, Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Katz,

                        Mayor O=Connor

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

2-Q:     Claim of 21st Century Insurance Company against the City of Santa Monica, Claim No.  04-8623.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to approve settlement in the amount of $23,897.88.    The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Bloom, McKeown, Holbrook, Shriver, Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Katz,

                        Mayor O=Connor

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

2-R:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Anticipated Litigation:  a dispute involving Casmalia Landfill/EPA.  Anticipate significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b).

 

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember McKeown, to approve settlement in the amount of $87,783.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Bloom, McKeown, Holbrook, Shriver, Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Katz,

                        Mayor O=Connor

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

2-S:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Anticipated Litigation:  City of Santa Monica v. City of Los Angeles (Playa Vista), Case No. BS 093 502.

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-T:     Conference with Legal Counsel B Anticipated Litigation:  City of Santa Monica v. Baron & Budd, P.C., Case No. BS 315 186.

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

SPECIAL ITEMS:

 

4-A:     Mayor O=Connor issued a proclamation declaring May 2005 as Older American=s Month in the City of Santa Monica.

 

4-B:     Commendation to Lars-Ake Skager, Vice Lord Mayor of Gothenburg, Sweden for his long and valuable contributions to the Aspen Accord energy efficiency partnership with the City of Santa Monica, was awarded by the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council.

 

STAFF ITEMS:

 

Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission

 

LAND USE AND CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

8-A:     Discussion with the Planning Commission regarding the Initial Outreach, Assessment, and Emerging Themes Report prepared as part of the Shape The Future 2025 and Motion by the Ocean Projects (Land Use and Circulation Elements Project) and conceptual approval of the Emerging Themes including project direction.   The Report summarizes information received from extensive outreach, presents issues and themes for the City=s future, and reviews development that has occurred under the 1984 Land Use and Circulation Elements, was presented.

 

The following members of the public discussed related issues, and expressed concerns, ideas and suggestions: Joey Fullmer, Jason Parry, Kathy Dodson, Howard Robinson, Irene Zivi, Cathy Larson, Kevin Kozal, Chris Harding, David Hibbert, John Warfel, Nina Fresco, Laurel Roennau, Allan Freeman, Tom Cleys, Paul Rosenstein, Zina Josephs, and Roger Genser.

 

Discussion ensued on the information presented and on the public comment received.

 

Motion by Mayor O=Connor, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz to adopt, in concept, emerging themes.

 

Motion to amend by Herb Katz, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, that existing height limits should be studied throughout the process, and eliminate the current language, AExisting height limits should be maintained and high-rise buildings are not appropriate in any part of Santa Monica.@   The motion to amend failed by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Mayor Pro Tem Katz

NOES:            Councilmembers Shriver, Holbrook, McKeown, Bloom, Mayor O=Connor

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Genser

 

The main motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

Motion by Councilmember Bloom, seconded by Councilmember McKeown to direct staff to return with information and recommendations about how to respond to questions from the public regarding the airport, including the residual land.  In addition that there be outreach so that all interested parties have an opportunity for public comment.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

Motion by Councilmember McKeown, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to include an analysis of effective local childcare in the community, arts and culture, open space, education, continuation of improvement of City services, economics, preservation of affordable housing, historic preservation, universal access, and sustainability, and how these issues integrate with land use and zoning, within the general plan and the emerging themes.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

PLANNING DIRECTOR RECRUITING

8-B:     Request of the City Manager for Council and Commission discussion of challenges and opportunities that will face an incoming Director of Planning and Community Development and qualifications and experience that would assist high performance in the position, was presented.

 

Member of the public Ellen Brennan spoke in favor of a change in direction in the planning process to create a livable City for the residents.

 

Discussion ensued among the Planning Commission members and the City  Councilmembers.  Direction was given to the City Manager as to the qualifications and experienced desired for the new Director of Planning.

 

On order of the Mayor, the information was received and filed.  The joint meeting with the Planning Commission adjourned at 10:30 p.m., and the City Council reconvened to its regular meeting, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

 

LANDMARKS ORDINANCE

10-A:   Request of the Landmarks Commission that the City Council direct staff to prepare an ordinance reflecting proposed changes to non-substantive provisions of the Landmarks Ordinance (SMMC Chapter 9.36) to eliminate actual or potential ambiguities in the ordinance and to serve the interests of clarity and brevity, was presented by Commission Member Roger Genser.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

Motion by Councilmember McKeown, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, to approve request.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

COUNCIL ITEMS:

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

13-A: Special vacancy appointments to the following boards and commissions:

 

Commission on the Status of Women - one vacancy for a term ending June 30, 2009.

 

Pier Restoration Corporation - one vacancy for a term ending November 8, 2005.

 

On order of the Mayor, Item 13-A was continued to May 10, 2005.

 

13-B:   Appointment to one special vacancy on the Commission for the Senior Community for a term ending June 30, 2007.

 

On order of the Mayor, this matter was continued to May 10, 2005.

 

HOMELESS - PROGRAM STAFFING

13-C:  Request of Councilmember Shriver that, to provide sufficient

capacity and focus to address the issue of chronic homelessness in Santa Monica, the City Council authorize the City Manager to immediately recruit and engage a person of sufficient expertise and stature to coordinate on her behalf staff, grantee and other expertise to advance and effectively employ programs such as a sobering center, alternative charging processes, mental health/drug court, year round housing at the VA, expanded chronic homeless outreach and other innovative approaches; and to appoint a two or three member ad hoc committee of the Council to advance regional, State and national legislative measures that would assist making substantial progress on these efforts, was presented.

 

Discussion ensued on the merits of the request, the scope of the position, responsibilities and  funding.

 

Motion by Councilmember Shriver, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, Mayor Pro Tem Katz, to direct City Manager to prepare a job description and attendant salary, on an absolutely expedited basis to hire for a limited duration a person to report to the City Manager only, to work with a special committee of the Council and a designated person each from the City Attorney=s Office, the Police Department and the Fire Department, with the person have assistance or budget necessary to accomplish the specific goals.

 

The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Shriver, Holbrook, McKeown, Mayor Pro Tem Katz

NOES:            Councilmember Bloom, Mayor O=Connor

ABSENT:       Councilmember Genser

 

Mayor O=Connor stated, for the record, that she voted against the motion not because it is a judgment of the idea, but that she prefers to do it in context of the budget, which is coming up shortly.

 

Councilmember Bloom stated, for the record, that his vote in opposition is also not a rejection of the idea, as any other ideas including this one are worthy of consideration, but he is not in favor of moving forward immediately.

 

310 AREA CODE

13-D:  Request of Councilmembers Genser and McKeown that the Council reaffirm Santa Monica's interest in preserving the 310 area code for residents and businesses; express a preference, should changes be necessary, for a geographical split as opposed to an overlay which might require local ten-digit dialing; direct staff to convey the City's position to the California Public Utilities Commission; and support AB 1380, protecting Santa Monica from the impacts of either an area code split or overlay, with that support promptly communicated to appropriate legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger, was presented.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

Motion by Councilmember McKeown, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, to approve request.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Genser absent.

 

PUBLIC INPUT:

Members of the public Anita Phillips, Pro Se, Art Casillas and B.A. Gray commented on various issues.

 

ADJOURNMENT: 

 

On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 11:45 p.m.,  in memory of Dr. A. Ewing Konold, former principal of Santa Monica High School and past president of the Santa Monica Rotary Club.           

 

ATTEST:                                                        APPROVED:

 

 

Maria M. Stewart                                           Pam O=Connor

City Clerk                                                       Mayor