April 10, 2007

Consent Calendar – Among matters not requiring extensive discussion, the Council approved an agreement to complete a feasibility study and design of an underground reservoir at Memorial Park; the purchase of Solid Waste refuse containers; a Memorandum of Understanding with the Energy Coalition for a six-cities energy efficiency program; granted an easement with Southern California Edison for electrical facilities at Airport Park; an amendment with Urban Institute to conclude work on the homeless continuum of care; a contract with Comprehensive Housing Services for prevailing wage monitoring and Section 3 compliance for Housing projects; an agreement with Moffatt & Nichol for a pier infrastructure assessment study; a professional services agreement with Smith-Emery Company for deputy inspection and materials testing services for the project at 415 Palisades Beach Road (415 PCH); a contract with EIP Associates for preparation of the 2008-2014 General Plan Housing Element; a two-year agreement with Traci Spencer to serve as the Santa Monica Community Sustainability Liaison; and Memorandum of Understanding with the Westside Council of Governments to facilitate the implementation of a regional water plan; a five-year agreement with Alliant Insurance Services to provide property insurance brokerage services. Council also approved tract maps for a 3-unit commercial airspace subdivision at 3030 Olympic Boulevard; a 2-unit commercial airspace division at 3301 Exposition Boulevard; and a Statement of Official Action denying appeal of Landmarks Commission’s denial of a certificate of appropriateness for a single-family residence at 2646 2nd Street.

Closed Session – Council heard items related to compliance with federal obligations and a conference with labor negotiator. No reportable actions were taken.  

Special Agenda Items – Council declared March as "Women’s History Month." The Commission on the Status of Women presented the Outstanding Women Leader Award to Toni Reinis from New Directions, Inc. for her work with homeless women and the junior award was presented to Kelly Schneider for her work with women with AIDS.  

Council also declared April as "Fair Housing Month." Adam Radinsky and Gary Rhoades from the City Attorney’s Office were recognized for their work in this area.

Ordinances – Following a second reading, Council adopted an ordinance exempting from parking meter fees vehicles with Clean Air and Zero Emission decals and specific veterans' plates, including: Congressional Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor, Purple Heart, American Prisoner of War and Pearl Harbor Survivors.  

An ordinance permitting general office space on the ground floor within 150 feet of Montana Avenue, Ocean Park Boulevard and Pico Boulevard in the C2 zone was approved.

An ordinance was introduced that would modify the maximum size and delivery hours of neighborhood markets on a case-by-case basis. The ordinance was introduced to allow the continued operation of the Farms Market at 2028 Montana Avenue. 

Downtown Parking Structure Façade Improvement and Painting Program – After a brief discussion clarifying that the Arts Commission had reviewed the design, Council conceptually approved proposed improvements that include painting the ceilings of six downtown structures in vivid colors, replacing entry signs and adding light tubes. Council approved a contract with Pugh & Scarpa for additional design services.

Bayside Leasing Guidelines – a modification to the Bayside leasing guidelines that adds restaurants with alcohol as a preferred use in the two pavilions on Third Street Promenade was approved. Previously, only restaurants without alcohol were included as a preferred use. 

Public Housing Agency Plan – Council held a public hearing and approved the Public Agency Housing Plan for 2007-2008 and certified compliance with the 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan.

Big Blue Bus Fare Adjustment – Council held a public hearing to consider adjustments to the Bog Blue Bus fares. After the public hearing, Council discussed the matter at length, expressing concern about the impact on students and explored other options to the proposed fare adjustments. After the discussion, Council authorized the fare adjustments that include, among other items, the elimination of free local transfers, the implementation of a day pass and an increase in some discount fares (i.e., students and college). Fares go into effect July 1, 2007.

Other Matters – Council directed staff to return with a set of criteria to guide its use of contingency funds, following items outlined by staff, which included: assistance to school groups/students; community events; community groups; or the restoration of funding of specific services on a one-time basis.

Council directed staff to analyze and return with a proposed emergency ordinance to address the impacts of single-room occupancy projects over 50 units, specifically look at protecting the LUCE process and impacts on the community created by projects of significant size that are not subject to discretionary review.

Council continued discussion related to support of various housing bills currently before the California legislature. The item will return as a staff item which will provide analysis of the bills. 

Adjournment and Next Meeting - The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. in memory of Russell Prieve, a former Assistant City Manager and Pat Patton, a long-time local pharmacist. The next meeting of the Santa Monica City Council is on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 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.

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