Consent calendar – Among matters not requiring extensive discussion, Council:

• authorized an agreement of auditing services of City's financial statements with the Conrad Government Services, in the amount of $600,000, for a five-year term;

• authorized an amendment to an existing contract with PCR Services Corporation for $79,000 to provide historic resources analysis for the Planning Division;

• approved the Statement of Official Action taken denying the appeal of the Landmarks Commission designation of 2219 Ocean Avenue as a landmark as revised to include a Council members name that was left off;

• authorized a contract with ICF International for groundwater remediation services at the Big Blue Bus Yard and the City Corporation Yard for $745,100 and $1,371,983, respectively;

• authorized amendments to existing contracts for services related to the Land Use & Circulation Element of the General Plan, Urban Design Concepts and Design Review Process with Raimi + Associates, in the amount of $150,000 and The Odermatt Group, in the amount of $160,000; and

In a Special Meeting of the Housing Authority, following public comment and Authority member discussion of policy matters for future consideration, the Public Housing Agency Plan 2008-09, was approved and certified compliant with the FY 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan.  Staff was directed to investigate issues that were discussed and include them when the Housing Element is considered.

Closed Session – There were no reportable actions from Closed Session.  

Special Agenda Item – The Mayor presented a proclamation declaring April 2008 as “Month of the Young Child” in the City of Santa Monica

Ordinances

Council adopted the following ordinances on second readings:

• imposing a temporary suspension of certain Municipal Code provisions for the purpose of conducting a one-night Arts Festival, and

• adopting local modifications to the method of levying assessments pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994.

Council also considered the first reading of ordinances:

• on smoking,

-    Council first directed staff to prepare and return with an ordinance on tobacco retailer licensing and pharmacy sales of tobacco,

-     introduced first reading to amend the Municipal Code on smoking to making restaurant owners and managers liable under certain circumstances, require posting of non smoking signs, reduce the amount of fines, and prohibit smoking on public library grounds with language clarifying managers obligations,  

-     directed staff to return with an ordinance prohibiting smoking in common areas of multi-residential buildings, and

-     directed staff to have community workshops including input from the Rent Control Board and Housing Commission on smoking related concerns guided by the Fair Housing staff;