G’DAY AND WELCOME - Council greeted political leaders from various Australian cities visiting Santa Monica to learn more about American local government.  Council welcomed them and noted the forward thinking of Australian communities regarding sustainability and smoking restrictions. After Santa Monica, the Australian group will head to Colorado, Florida, Ohio and finally Washington, D.C.

CONSENT CALENDAR – Among items not requiring Council discussion, Council approved a subdivision improvement agreement for 1502 Broadway; agreements that give property tax breaks to owners of historically significant homes at 510 24^th and 2614 2^nd streets; a contract for a feasibility study and concept design for street, sidewalk and landscaping improvements in the Borderline neighborhood, which had been requested by neighborhood residents; and a contract for repairs to the Mountain View Mobile home Park community building.  Council also authorized staff to apply for state grants to continue the city’s practice of incorporating recycled tire products into the City’s sidewalk repair program.

CLOSED SESSION SETTLEMENTS – A settlement with Fifth/Arizona Investors, LLC was approved regarding a dispute over the extension of an administrative approval for a 39-unit apartment development.  As part of the settlement, the developer agreed to two additional off-site affordable units and payment of an in-lieu affordable housing fee of $65,000. The administrative approval would be extended to March 15, 2007.  Council also directed staff in litigation currently in the Court of Appeal regarding 2225 4^th Street (Fair Market).  Council directed staff to decline the request to intervene on behalf of Fair Market, but to write an amicus brief on the city’s policy regarding neighborhood markets.

ADOPTION OF SMOKING BAN; DELAY IN RELOCATION LAW  -   Council adopted an ordinance which will prohibit smoking at the Promenade, Farmers Markets, all outdoor dining areas, outdoor service areas, and areas within 20 feet of entrances, exits or open windows of buildings that are open to the public.  The ordinance will go into effect at the end of November, but Council will allow a 4-month grace period for education and advisory warnings.   Council delayed the adoption of an ordinance regarding the City’s temporary relocation law.  The City Attorney will evaluate concerns recently raised and either bring back the ordinance for adoption, or a new alternative ordinance for first reading.

YEAR-END BUDGET ACTIONS – Budget actions necessary to close the books for the 2005-06 fiscal year were approved, as well as changes to the current year’s budget.  Council also asked for staff to provide information on year-end performance data regarding noise enforcement, proactive code compliance monitoring, street resurfacing, and Big Blue Bus maintenance.

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY – Council adopted the implementation plan for the Sustainable City Plan, which calls for a community liaison to conduct outreach and provide education and technical assistance on the Sustainable City Plan to community groups; funding for expert forums; and a consultant to develop an economic development strategy that achieves the economic goals of the Plan.  Council also amended the Sustainable City Plan to include the “Precautionary Principle” which requires an analysis of alternatives and full cost accounting, beyond short-term and monetary costs, and selection of policy options that present the least potential threat to human health and the city’s natural systems. They also directed staff to set a more aggressive diversion rate for solid waste, which now has a goal of 70% diversion by 2010, and made other changes to the plan, including setting a target for greenhouse gas emissions.

BIG BLUE BUS FACILITY EXPANSION PLAN – Council approved the revised plan for the Big Blue Bus facility expansion, after discussion that the proposed maintenance building would not compromise the potential for a future administration building and underground parking, which were previously dropped from the project due to increased construction cost projections.  Council requested that drawings be submitted to them that better presents the information discussed, including a schematic design of the building.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION – Council, acting also as the redevelopment agency, gave the go-ahead to acquire property at 1632-36 5^th Street for $7.6 million in redevelopment funds.  The entire block may be used for future development of a public purpose project, including a light rail transit terminus, public parking, affordable housing or supportive commercial uses.

PARK NAMING – Council selected “Euclid Park” as the official name of the small neighborhood park on Euclid Street and “Airport Park” for the 8.3-acre park on Airport Avenue.   Community members had submitted 119 different suggestions for the park on Euclid Street and 81 names for the park on Airport Avenue.  Both parks are currently under construction.

CREATIVE CAPITAL PARTICIPANTS - Council appointed Council member McKeown to participate in the November 8, 2006 community workshop to review recommendations for the new cultural master plan.  Two other Council members may participate but no more due to Brown Act restrictions.

APPOINTMENTS Council made appointments to the following commissions:

Bayside District Corporation – Brian Strasburger

Convention and Visitors Bureau – Jeffrey Jarow