May 25, 2005 

STUDY SESSION  The Santa Monica City Council concluded the second of two nights of Budget Study Sessions on May 25 by receiving reports on and asking questions about the proposed 2005-06 budgets of the Community & Cultural Services, Police and Environmental & Public Works Management departments.  Answers requiring some research or more detail than the evening’s time limits allowed will be presented to Council with the final proposed budget, scheduled for public hearing and adoption on June 21, 2005.  The new fiscal year begins on July 1.

The city manager’s budget message, a two-page budget overview, and the complete proposed budget are posted at www.smgov.net.  An information item outlining budget proposals responsive to mid-year Council discussions is posted at http://www.smgov.net/cityclerk/council/information_items/2005/Budget_Highlights.pdf.  Budget comments are welcomed and can be submitted on-line at http://www.smgov.net/communication/cityforms/budget_comments_05.htm, faxed to (310) 917-6640 or mailed to City Council, 1685 Main St., Room 209, Santa Monica, CA 90401.  (Comments are published on-line only with author permission.)

CONSENT CALENDAR  Among matters not requiring extensive discussion, the following were approved by Council:  Resolutions for paying and reporting retirement contributions for employees of the Rent Control Board and authorizing the city access to state- and federal-level summary criminal history information on city job applicants; a professional services agreement with Allison & Partners to assist with Main Library grand opening events and promotion and to develop a plan for ongoing Library communication efforts, with direction to minimize advertising and other costs where possible; an amendment to a contract with Hamilton, Rabinovitz and Alschuler for additional analysis related to strategies for increasing affordable housing production in the city.  Council continued the matter of proposed development of affordable housing at 1920 Ocean Way for 30 days.

ORDINANCES  Council held first reading on an ordinance to exempt small businesses with annual gross receipts up to $40,000 from the city’s business license tax, to foster the start-up of small and home-based businesses in the city.

OTHER MATTERS  Council approved a request from the Commission on the Status of Women to support Senate Bill 33, the Circle of Trust Bill, which closes loopholes in California’s child abuse and incest laws.  Council also voted to waive fees for use of the Council Chamber to allow the California Regional Water Quality Control Board to host a public meeting on Thursday, August 4, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2005 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.