CONSENT CALENDAR  Among matters not requiring extensive discussion, the Council approved purchase of a new hazardous materials response vehicle for the Santa Monica Fire Department, awarded bids to Monarch Litho and LA Modem for printing of Big Blue Bus system maps and schedules, approved a final tract map for a four-unit condo project at 1032 Third Street, and accepted the results of a property owner vote to establish an assessment district to finance street improvements along portions of Yale Street.

APPEALS  Denied a CEQA-related appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of a cellular antenna installation at 3010 Wilshire, based on the project’s being in compliance with rules of the FCC, which has jurisdiction in the matter.  Council directed staff to review compliance ordinances from other cities and report back for possible Council action.  Council also directed staff to communicate with Santa Monica College to ensure all their wireless installations are in compliance with FCC regulations and where they are not, to bring them into compliance.  (An appeal of the Big Blue Bus facility expansion plan was continued to April 12, 2005, at the request of the applicant.)

ORDINANCES  Council held second reading and adopted an ordinance establishing rules for use of public restrooms.  Council adopted an emergency ordinance extending to August 31, 2005 modifications to development standards for single-family homes in the Sunset Park and north of Wilshire neighborhoods, to ensure compatibility with neighborhood scale, while staff meets with single-family home architects and develops alternatives to the ordinance for Council consideration no later than August, including factors discussed by Council such as more zoning administrator authority, a variance process, ARB adjustment process.

STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS—UPDATE  Council received a report updating progress toward establishing a Westside sobering center and psychological urgent care center; on the city’s multi-agency, interdepartmental Chronic Homeless Pilot Project; possible ordinance and policy changes on a range of issues, including use of public space; a resolution on regional strategies to address homelessness being considered by all the cities in the Westside Council of Governments (Beverly Hills, Culver City, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Los Angeles); and recommended focus areas for legislative advocacy, including mental health systems, the criminal justice system and enforcement of public health laws. 

The Council allocated $10,000 to be used by Exodus House Recovery to help secure a building near Brotman Medical Center to be used for a Westside sobering center; commended staff on the success to-date of the Chronic Homeless project, which has worked with 19 individuals over the past year, 11 of whom are now off the street; asked for more information on six potential ordinance/policy areas, including abandoned property, L.A. ordinance on lying or sitting on sidewalks, overnight use of car in parking lots, and public showers.  Council also directed staff to obtain information on the Sobering Living Network and to reagendize other matters included in the staff report for discussion and possible action at an upcoming meeting.

APPOINTMENTS  The Council appointed Sally Breiter to the Commission for the Senior Community and continued appointments to the Commission on the Status of Women and Pier Restoration Corporation to a future meeting.

OTHER MATTERS  Council directed staff to investigate a ban on foam plastic products, as recommended by the Environmental Task Force and recently passed by the City of Malibu and to report back with recommendations and an implementing ordinance if appropriate.  Council asked staff to look into a parking citation matter brought up during public comment.

The Council offered congratulations to local architect and Ocean Park resident Thom Mayne, winner of the 2005 Pritzker Prize (considered the Nobel Prize of architecture).  The first American winner of the prize since 1991 and the second from Santa Monica, Mayne’s projects include Caltrans District 7 Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles and Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona.   Frank Gehry, who also lives and practices in Santa Monica, was awarded the prize in 1989.  Councilmembers commented on the honor of having such “wise and talented people in our midst” and the fortunate environment created in this community that draws such individuals to live and work here.

The Council adjourned in memory of long-time Pico neighborhood resident America Jara, who was born in Ecuador, emigrated to the United States in 1917 and was recently active in a suicide prevention program for Spanish-speaking seniors at WISE Senior Center.  Condolences were expressed to her large family, many of whom are active in the Pico neighborhood.  The Council also adjourned in memory of Dr. George Kiroz, wonderful surgeon and man, whose wife recently passed away as well and who will be sorely missed.

The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled for April 12, 2005, beginning at 5:45 p.m. in the wheelchair-accessible Council Chamber at City Hall.  Council meetings are aired live on CityTV Channel 16 and on the Netcast on the city's website and, for regularly scheduled meetings from 8 p.m. to midnight on KCRW 89.9 FM.

NOTE:  This wrap-up is not an official record of Council action.  The official record is posted by the City Clerk on this website at http://www.smgov.net/cityclerk/council/agendas/2005/ as soon as possible after the meeting.  (Click on the March 22 agenda link.)

SPECIAL NOTE:  Council meetings are now video streamed on the web 
(http://santamonica.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2) and re-aired on CityTV2 cable channel 20.

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MEETING WRAP-UP ARCHIVE