November 14, 2006

CONSENT CALENDAR – Among items not requiring discussion, the Council approved a final tract map for a four unit condominium project at 1814 12th Street and a final parcel map to subdivide property at 2909 Exposition Boulevard; a contract amendment with Psomas engineering to find ways to fix ponding water under the Pier caused by the Pier storm drain; and a contract for lead and asbestos abatement of the Locker Building and North House of 415 Pacific Coast Highway, as well demolition of the Locker building and selective demolition of the North House.  Council also renewed agreements with local homeless service organizations funded by federal grants passed through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and approved the formation of a street light assessment district on Georgina Avenue from 4^th to 7^th Street, based on the results of the October 10, 2006 ballot of property owners.

NON-RECYCLABLE PLASTICS BAN -   At staff’s request, Council withdrew the first reading and introduction of an ordinance to ban non-recyclable plastic disposable food service containers. The item will return at a later date.

LAND USE AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT – Council moved one step closer to shaping Santa Monica’s future by endorsing goals that will guide the preparation of the Land Use and Circulation Plan, a document that will frame development decisions over the next 25 years. The goals articulate community sentiments regarding balanced growth, protection and enhancement of natural and cultural resources, connections and protection of neighborhoods, attractive community design, management of regional pressures that benefit the local community, environmental responsibility, responsiveness to social, cultural, educational and creative community needs, environmentally responsible and effective transportation systems, regional and local mobility, universal safety in all modes of mobility, and well-designed spaces.  The next step in the process will be preparation of alternatives and trade-offs, to occur in spring 2007.

SHORT-TERM LEASE OF CIVIC CENTER PROPERTY – Council gave the go-ahead for staff to solicit interest, via a request for proposals, for short-term, cultural events produced by private entities to be held from July to November 2007 on four acres of the former RAND site.  Council agreed to selection criteria for evaluating lease proposals, including a minimum lease payment of $500,000 to be used for the long-term development of park space for the site, per the Civic Center Specific Plan.  Staff will return to Council with a recommendation once all proposals are received.

HOUSING FOR HOMELESS SENIORS – Council approved a new program to provide rental housing vouchers to low-income, homeless seniors who have been receiving services in Santa Monica for at least one year as well as small, one-time grants to prevent homelessness among low-income, Santa Monica seniors who are in imminent danger of losing their housing.  The program funding, provided by the redevelopment agency, was approved in the city budget this past June.

ALTA PREFERENTIAL PARKING – Council approved a petition for preferential parking on the south side of Alta Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets, restricting parking to two-hours, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except by permit.

COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTS -  Council agreed to schedule a special meeting on December 5, 2006 in lieu of the regularly scheduled December 12 meeting in part to adopt the results of the November election and install new officers.  Councilmember McKeown withdrew his request for clarification of incidental food use zoning on Montana Avenue.

APPOINTMENTS - Council reappointed all incumbents to the Pier Restoration Corporation:  Allan Lipsky, Josefina Santiago and Kent Smith.

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING - The meeting was adjourned at  11 p.m. in memory of Bertha Mae Stewart, mother of Assistant City Manager Gordon Anderson. The next regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2006 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. 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/2006/ as soon as possible after the meeting. (Click on the November 14, 2006 agenda link.)