CONSENT CALENDAR – Among items not requiring Council discussion, Council approved a one-year contract with Kid’s Play, which coordinates and supervises special events and filming at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel; an agreement with the LA County Flood Control District to install 141 devices in city catch basins to remove trash and debris, thereby reducing urban runoff pollution into the Santa Monica Bay; an amendment to a contract to make structural repairs to a vacant site on the Santa Monica Pier located between Playland Arcade and Pacific Park; and an amendment to an agreement for upgrades to the city’s aircraft noise monitoring system. Council also adopted resolutions for new memoranda of understanding with the Municipal Employees Association and Supervisory Team Associates. 

SMOKING BAN –   Twenty-seven speakers testified on the proposed ordinance to 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.  All but two speakers supported the measure, which Council unanimously approved for first reading.  If adopted on second reading on October 24, 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. 

BIG BLUE BUS FACILITY REVIEW – Council reviewed changes to the Big Blue Bus facility expansion project.  The new plan retains the existing administration building on Olympic Boulevard and features a pedestrian-friendly fence of glass panels fronting Colorado Avenue.  Council asked staff to return with a schematic plan that shows all future uses that are envisioned for the site. Council requested the project return to them for conceptual approval in the near future before beginning regulatory review, but gave their okay for review by advisory groups.  

APPEALS – Council heard an appeal by Torkian Construction regarding construction of a 16-unit condo complex at 1940-44 Cloverfield Boulevard, after a technical denial by the Planning Commission in July.  The Council certified the environmental impact report and approved the statement of overriding considerations but remanded the project back to the Planning Commission for review of the tentative tract map and development review permit.  Council requested that the Planning Commission address the project's courtyard, driveway location and building interaction with the immediate neighborhood. 

RELOCATION LAW AND OTHER ORDINANCES – Council also held first reading of an ordinance that amends the city’s temporary relocation law by creating per diem limits on benefits, to be set by the Council; requiring notice to landlords and tenants of payment obligations; providing a right of appeal for landlords; and exempting landlords from payment if a tenant was responsible for causing the condition leading to the relocation. Council also heard second reading and adopted an ordinance that prohibits city employees from serving as members of local legislative bodies whose members are all appointed by the Council. 

STREET LIGHTING ASSESSMENT – A public hearing and ballot election was held on whether street light assessment districts should be created for 30th Street, from Pico Boulevard to Pearl Street, and Georgina Avenue, from 4th to 7th Streets.  The cost of the lights would be shared by property owners and the city.  The results will be tallied and presented at the November 14, 2006 Council meeting.

STREET PERFORMERS AND OCEAN PARK TRAFFIC – Council also heard a request for enforcement of the noise and street performance ordinance and directed staff to report back on how standards are, or should be, enforced and if any modifications need to be made to the standards; the type of violations that occur; and the extent noise meters are used.  Council also heard a report from staff on its review of traffic measures being considered for Ocean Park Boulevard near 16th Street.  Staff reported they are completing an analysis of various traffic, parking and safety options and a community meeting would be held at the end of the calendar year.  Council directed staff to continue its evaluation, regularly check the pavement flashers on the crosswalks, and look at longer term solutions but also propose short-term measures to slow traffic.  The City Manager said he would discuss greater enforcement presence with the Police Department. 

FUNDS FOR MLK CONCERT – Council approved $22,500 from the Council contingency to the Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition for a free concert by the Santa Monica Symphony on Martin Luther King Day, on January 15, 2007, subject to the coalition submitting to staff a written budget, milestones and how funds will be used.  Council asked the City Manager to return soon with criteria and standards to help Council evaluate requests that come to them throughout the year funded from the Council contingency. 

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY  – Council continued to the next Council meeting the adoption of the Implementation Plan to the Sustainable City Plan. 

APPOINTMENTS – Council made appointments to the following commissions:

• Bayside District Corporation – continued

• Commission for the Senior Community – continued

• Convention and Visitors Bureau – continued

• Arts Commission – Angie Kim