CITY OF SANTA MONICA

 

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

AUGUST 9, 2005

 

A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Katz at 5:51 p.m., on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.

 

Roll Call:         Present:          Mayor Pro Tem Herb Katz

Councilmember Richard Bloom

Councilmember Ken Genser

Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook (arrived at 6:00 p.m.)

Councilmember Bobby Shriver

 

Absent:           Mayor Pam O=Connor

Councilmember Kevin McKeown

 

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 5:51 p.m., with Councilmembers McKeown, Holbrook and Mayor O=Connor absent.  Councilmember Genser 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.

 

Member of the public Joy Fullmer expressed various concerns.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, 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 Genser, Shriver, Bloom, Mayor Pro Tem Katz

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmembers Holbrook, McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 


MINUTES

1-A:     The minutes of the June 28 and July 12, 2005, City Council meetings, were approved.

 

FURNITURE - MAIN LIBRARY

1-B:     Purchase of furniture for Main Library - recommendation to award purchase orders, in the amount of $692,612.92, to Teknion LLC, Herman Miller Workplace Resource, and ICF Group, to furnish workstations, seating and tables for the Main Library, was approved.

 

RADIO EQUIPMENT

1-C:     Purchase of Motorola Radio Equipment - recommendation to award purchase order, in the amount of $215,115.02, to Motorola for radio communications equipment for the Fire Department, and appropriate funds, as proposed, was approved.

 

S.M. AIRPORT PARK

1-D:     Soil remediation at proposed Santa Monica Airport Park site -

recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract No. 8499 (CCS) with Waste Management, Inc., in the amount of $220,536, for contaminated soils remediation at the park project site, was approved.

 

SAFE SURRENDER SITES

1-E:     Resolution No. 10061 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO PARTICI-PATE IN THE SAFE HAVEN PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, AND RATIFYING FIRE STATIONS AS SAFE SURRENDER SITES,@ was adopted.

 

CIVIC AUDITORIUM - FEES

1-F:     Civic Auditorium waiver of rental and parking fees - recommendation to waive rental and parking fees for the Santa Monica High School Parent Teacher Student Association College Fair scheduled for October 18, 2005, and October 3, 2006, was approved.

 

PIER REHAB AND REPAIR

1-G:     Santa Monica Pier structural rehabilitation and repair project - recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute  Contract No. 8500 (CCS) with John S. Meek Company, in the amount of $973,980, for Phase II of the structural rehabilitation and repair of the Pier, was approved.

 

CLOSED SESSIONS: (Councilmember Holbrook arrived at 6:00 p.m.)

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, the City Council recessed to closed sessions at 5:57 p.m., and returned at 7:55 p.m., with Mayor O=Connor and Councilmember McKeown absent to report the following: 

 

 2-A:    Conference with Labor Negotiator.

City Negotiator:      Karen Bancroft, Director of Human


Resources

Bargaining Units:   Administrative Team Association (ATA)         

Executive Pay Plan           

Public Attorney=s Legal Support Staff Union (PALSSU).

Management Team Associates (MTA)

Municipal Employees Association (MEA)

Public Attorneys Union (PAU)

Santa Monica Police Officers Assn. (POA)

United Transportation Union (UTU)

 

ACTION:         Not heard.

 

2-B:     Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:  City of Santa Monica v. Stewart, Case No. SC 067 033.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Councilmember Shriver, to approve settlement on Fred Woocher=s claim against the City for attorney fees in the amount of $229,191.84.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

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

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-D:     Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:  Russell Barnard v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. BC 281 367.

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-E:     Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:  Linda Reinbold v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 079 089.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to approve settlement in the amount of $75,000.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 


2-F:     Anticipate significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):  one case, including one dispute related to real property located at 1522 6th Street.

 

ACTION:         Heard.  No reportable action taken.

 

2-G:     Consultation with Police Chief:  Matters Posing A Threat To Public Facilities.

 

ACTION:         Consultation held.  The City Attorney reported that the City Council also held a consultation with the Fire Chief.

 

ORDINANCES:

 

RACE ROUTE

7-A:     Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 21163 (CCS) entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING SECTION 4.68.160 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A NEW 5/10K RACE ROUTE, ELIMINATE AN EXISTING RACE ROUTE, AND MODIFY THE PERMITTED RACE TIME, FREQUENCY, AND LANE CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS,@ was presented.

 

Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, 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 Bloom, Holbrook, Shriver, Genser, Mayor Pro Tem Katz

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

DRIVEWAYS REQUIRED

7-B:     Second reading and  adoption of Interim Ordinance No. 2164 (CCS) entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA EXTENDING PROVISIONS OF INTERIM ORDINANCE NO. 2159 (CCS) TO ALLOW ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL OF  NUMBER AND TYPE OF DRIVEWAYS REQUIRED FOR PARKING STRUC-TURES WITH OVER 40 SPACES IN MULTI-FAMILY, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS,@ was presented.

 

Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to adopt ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.

The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor


FIRE SPRINKLERS & PLUMBING FIXTURES

7-C:     Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2165 (CCS) entitled: AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ADOPTING THE 2005 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING, ENERGY AND PLUMBING CODES RELATED TO FIRE SPRINKLERS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS, ADDITIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES AND THE USE OF NON WATER-USING URINALS AS PLUMBING FIXTURES; ADDS NEW REGULATIONS RELATED TO ABRASIVE BLASTING AND OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS; EXTENDS TIME TO OBTAIN BUILDING PERMITS; PROVIDES PRIORITY PLAN CHECKING FOR LEED CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDINGS; CHANGES REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING RECORDS; AND TRANSFERS INSPECTION RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEWER CAPPING TO THE BUILDING OFFICER,@ was presented.

 

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

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

LANDMARKS ORDINANCE

7-D:     Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2166 (CCS) entitled AAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING NON-SUBSTANTIVE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 9.36.120 AND 9.36.180 OF THE LANDMARKS ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL AMBIGUITIES IN THE ORDINANCE AND TO SERVE THE INTERESTS OF CLARITY AND BREVITY,@ was presented.

 

Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to adopt ordinance, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.

The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES

7-E:     Introduction and first reading of an ordinance amending Section 9.04.18.040 of the Municipal Code to allow existing commercial and industrial uses with valid conditional use permits without expiration dates to remain, subject to a renewed Conditional Use Permit, was presented.

 


Member of the public Kevin Kozal spoke in support of the proposed ordinance.

 

Motion by Councilmember Holbrook, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, to introduce the ordinance for first reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

HEDGES, FENCES, WALLS

7-F:     Introduction and first reading of an interim ordinance extending and adjusting the modifications to fence, wall and hedge standards, including changes to the hedge definition, allowable hedge heights, defined front yard area, front  yard ornamental structures, front yard safety guardrails, and terraced walls; grandparenting existing non-conforming hedges, fences, and walls, and establishing administrative and discretionary height modification procedures, was presented.

 

Members of the public Joe Natoli and Jerry Rubin spoke generally in support of the proposed ordinance.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, to introduce the ordinance for first reading, reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

STAFF ITEMS:

 

DENSITY BONUS LAW

8-A:     Discussion of changes to California=s density bonus law and direction to staff to prepare an ordinance to comply with State law - recommendation that Council discuss recent changes to California's density bonus law, provide direction on how best to align local objectives and policies regarding affordable housing with State law, and direct staff to prepare an ordinance to comply with State law, was presented.

 

Member of the public Joy Fullmer expressed various concerns.

 

Discussion ensued among Councilmembers on the changes in State law, the needs of the City for affordable housing, and necessary direction to give staff.

 

On order of the Mayor, the information was received and filed.

 


WASTEWATER BONDS

8-B:     Wastewater Enterprise Revenue Bonds - recommendation to adopt Resolution 20062 (CCS) entitled: AA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE REVENUE BONDS (HYPERION PROJECT), 2005 SERIES A, APPROVING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN INDENTURE, ESCROW AGREEMENT, BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE PREPARATION OF AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT,@ was presented.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

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

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor

 

SAMPLES AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

8-C:     Recommendation to direct staff to prepare an ordinance restricting the distribution of commercial product samples and promotional materials on public property to the Santa Monica Pier and the Bayside District, was presented.

 

Members of the public Joy Fullmer, Jerry Rubin, and Joe Natoli spoke in support of the recommendation.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Holbrook, to approve recommendation.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

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

NOES:            None

ABSENT:       Councilmember McKeown, Mayor O=Connor


1327-1337 OCEAN (Mayor Pro Tem Katz was excused at 8:43 p.m.)

8-D:     Discussion of concept plan for development agreement related to 1327-1337 Ocean Avenue - recommendation that Council discuss proposed and appropriateness of development agreement for redevelopment of the site and provide direction regarding the potential public benefits and negotiating points that should be addressed, was presented.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Katz advised he had a conflict of interest with this matter and requested to be excused.  Councilmember Holbrook assumed the Chair as Temporary Mayor Pro Tem.

 

Members of the public Janek Pombrona and Ben Reznick spoke in support of the recommendation.

 

Motion by Councilmember Genser, seconded by Councilmember Bloom, to direct staff to negotiate development agreement including conditions that the plaza should be a public plaza.  The motion was approved by the following vote:

 

AYES:             Councilmembers Bloom, Holbrook, Shriver, and Genser

NOES:            None

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

 

WRITTEN REQUESTS:

 

DAY LABORERS (Mayor Pro Tem Katz returned at 8:57 p.m.)

12-A:   Request of Linda Rider to discuss the matter of day laborers at the 11th Street and Colorado intersection and to request that a Ano loitering@ zone be established, was presented.

 

Members of the public Charles Bunin, Gene Griffith, and Jerry Rubin spoke in support of the request.

 

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, this matter was referred to staff for options for possible resolutions.

 

COUNCIL ITEMS:

 

VACANT CODE ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS

13-A:   Request of Councilmember Shriver to advance consideration of a planned discussion of Code Compliance activity so that a timely determination can be made regarding whether the three authorized currently vacant Code Compliance positions are necessary and could finance other community priorities, was presented.

 

There was no one present for public comment.

 

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, and with the consensus of Councilmembers, staff was directed to return with information on status of code enforcement and analysis of this request.


 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

SENIOR COMMUNITY

13-B:   Annual and special vacancy appointments to the following boards and commissions:

Commission for the Senior Community - one special vacancy with a term ending June 30, 2007.

 

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, this matter was continued to September 13, 2005.

 

EMERITUS APPOINTMENT

The Mayor Pro Tem opened the floor for nominations for one Emeritus position on the Commission for the Senior Community. 

 

Councilmember Holbrook nominated Rosemary Regalbuto.  There being no other nominations, Ms. Regalbuto was appointed by acclamation with Mayor O=Connor and Councilmember McKeown absent.

 

SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

Social Services Commission - one vacancy for a term ending June 30, 2009.

 

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, this matter was continued to September 13, 2005.

 

BLDG. & SAFETY

13-C:  Appointment to one special vacancy on the Building and Safety Commission  for a term ending June 30, 2008. 

 

The Mayor Pro Tem opened the floor for nominations for the Building and Safety Commission.

 

Councilmember Bloom nominated Charles Muttillo.  There being no other nominations. Mr. Muttillo was appointed by acclamation, with Mayor O=Connor and Councilmember McKeown absent.

 

BAYSIDE DISTRICT

13-D:  Appointment to one special vacancy on the Bayside District Corporation for a term ending June 30, 2007.

 

The Mayor Pro Tem opened the floor for nominations for the Bayside District.

 

Councilmember Bloom nominated Kelley Wallace.  There being no other nominations. Kelley Wallace was appointed by acclamation, with Mayor O=Connor and Councilmember McKeown absent.



DISABILITIES COMMISSION

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

 

On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, this matter was continued to September 13, 2005.

 

RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER

13-F:   Request of Mayor O'Connor and Mayor Pro Tem Katz to appoint an ad hoc subcommittee to oversee recruitment of candidates for the position of City Manager and to direct staff to engage an executive search firm, was presented.

 

Members of the public Pro Se and Jerry Rubin commented on aspects of the request.

 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Katz, seconded by Councilmember Shriver, to appoint Mayor O=Connor and Councilmember Holbrook.  The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Councilmember McKeown and Mayor O=Connor absent.

 

PUBLIC INPUT:

Members of the public Pro Se and M. Ross discussed various concerns.

 

ADJOURNMENT: 

On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m., in memory of Michael Schmeck and Nicholas J. Evans McGee.

 

ATTEST:                                                        APPROVED:

 

 

Maria M. Stewart                                           Herb Katz  

City Clerk                                                       Mayor Pro Tem