Consent calendar – Among matters not requiring extensive discussion, Council approved a Statement of Official Action taken on appeal of Landmarks Commission’s denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for reconstruction of brickwork at a designated City landmark at 2402 4^th Street, Unit 4.  

Closed Session – A settlement in the amount of $75,000 related to an accident with a Big Blue Bus was approved.   

Appeals of Landmarks Commission denial of Landmark Applications for the Ficus trees located on the east and west sides of 2nd and 4th Streets – After hearing from nearly fifty speakers from the public, Council denied the appeal and upheld the Landmarks Commission’s decision to deny Landmarks designation for the Ficus trees. 

Mid-Year 2007-08 Budget and Five Year financial forecast, budget priorities, and discussion of community priorities for FY 2008-09 budget development – Following a report form staff providing an update on fiscal year 2007-08 budget and proposed revisions and the current status of the economy and potential impacts on revenue, Council appropriated fiscal year 2007-08 budget changes; adopted a resolution establishing employee classification and salary rates for various positions; held a public hearing and approved a second amendment to the fiscal year 2007-08 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Partnership Act (HOME) program one-year action plans; received the five-year financial forecast; and heard public comments on fiscal year 2008-09 budget priorities. Council directed staff to leave $5.8 million in available resources in reserve. Council also provided input on the City’s budget priorities for the next fiscal year.  

Proposed ban on distribution of free plastic bags for commercial establishments – this item was continued to a future meeting.  

Other Matters – Council continued appointments to the Pier Restoration Corporation and Architectural Review Board.

Council direct the City Attorney to return with a draft ordinance for Council consideration that would (1) lower the threshold to x% of the owners of properties to be assessed to initiate a ballot measure on the formation of a Property Based Assessment District, and (2) allow a Property Based Assessment District to be established for a term of x-years. 

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING - The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 a.m. in memory of Santa Monica residents Nicole Flatin and William Bill Hooper and long time Izzy’s Deli hostess Iris Hogan.  The next meeting of the Santa Monica City Council is on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 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.