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

• adopted a resolution approving final Parcel Map No. 062808 for a 4-unit condominium project at 1007 6th Street;

• authorized the purchase of three CNG-powered Police Interceptor sedans from Galpin Ford, in the amount of $114,580;

• authorized the purchase of nine gasoline-powered Police Interceptor sedans from Downtown Ford Sales, in an amount of $202,441;

• adopted a resolution opposing Proposition 98 and supporting Proposition 99; and

• authorized the following contracts:

  • Maintenance Connection, Inc. in the amount of $447,840 for implementation of a computerized management system for the Maintenance Management Division;

  • MuniServices LLC in the amount of $80,000 to perform transit occupancy tax audits; and

  • Surf Academy in the amount of $233,000 and Socceropolis in the amount of $154,000 for specialty sports camps and classes.

The Redevelopment Agency adopted a resolution authorizing the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with Bank of America for a $50,000,000 line of credit for the purpose of accelerating affordable housing develop, with option to increase.

Closed Session – Council awarded a settlement in the amount of $40,000 related to an personnel matter. Council also provided direction to staff to enforce the Airport C&D aircraft ban and respond to the FAA.

Action Items - Council issued proclamations designating May 2008 as Older Americans Month and Fair Housing Month.

Presentation on Water and Wastewater Rate Studies and Discussion of Proposed Rate Changes – After discussion, Council accepted staff recommendation of establishing rates that build reserves over the five year period without utilizing MtBE settlement funds. 

Council reviewed and discussed whether the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District has met the conditions placed by City Council on June 12, 2007, regarding the $529,779 increase to the base payment of the Master Facility Use Agreement. School Superintendent Dianne Talarico presented the results of an independent audit and the framework for a plan to implement improvements recommended as well as an update on the use of confidentiality agreements. She requested that the Council continue holding the remaining funds for an additional 30 days until the Superintendent can finish her investigation and development of recommendations.  Following public comment, Council withheld the increase to the base payment to the school district for approximately 30 days until the Superintendent returns with specific actions.

Appeal of Landmarks Commission technical denial of Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition to a non-contributing structure at 2617 3rd Street – After over 65 speakers, Council deferred their discussion and decision to April 29.

Ordinances

Council adopted the following ordinances on second readings:

• amending Chapter 4.44 of the Municipal Code on smoking to make restaurant owners and managers liable under certain circumstances, require posting of no smoking signs, reduce the amount of fines, and prohibit smoking on public library property;

• amending Municipal Code Section 4.65.030 relating to the living wage exemption modifying its applicability, add a waiver provision and eliminate the annual adjustment to the contract threshold; and

• modifying Municipal Code Section 8.108 related to Green Building Design; Chapter 7.60 related to construction and demolition waste handling requirements; and Sections 9.04.10.04.100, and 9.04.10.04.110 related to landscape irrigation and design standards.

The following ordinances were continued to a future meeting:

• amending Municipal Code Chapter 6.104 to clarify and update the City’s massage regulations to better conform them to community needs and current case law;

• amending Municipal Code Sections 9.52.020, 9.52.030, 9.52.120, 9.52.130, 9.52.140, and 9.52.150 and adding Municipal Code Sections 9.52.125, and 9.52.135 relating to signs and deleting Section 4.08.700 requiring attribution on handbills to conform the Code to the requirements of current case law, to address temporary signage, and to clarify existing law; discussion of City sign policy; and

• modifying Section 9.04.08.28.040 of the Municipal Code - Conditionally Permitted Uses in the Main Street Commercial District to permit the incidental sale of merchandise at the Main Street Farmers Market by individual businesses located in the district.

Removal and replacement of declining carob trees – This item was continued to May 13.  

Other Matters – Council directed staff return with an ordinance to permit minor adjustments to the established parade routes. Council also directed staff to prepare a resolution opposing Proposition 98 and a resolution supporting Proposition 99.

SPECIAL NOTE: Council meetings are now video streamed on the web (http://santamonica.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2) and re-aired on CityTV2 cable channel 20.