1 July 14, 2022
(NOT APPROVED)
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 14, 2022
A special meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Himmelrich at 6:08 p.m., on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Sue Himmelrich
Mayor Pro Tem Kristin McCowan
Councilmember Phil Brock
Councilmember Gleam Davis
Councilmember Lana Negrete (arrived at 6:22 p.m.)
Councilmember Oscar de la Torre
Councilmember Christine Parra (arrived at 6:20 p.m.)
Also Present: City Manager David White
City Attorney Douglas Sloan
City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 6:08 p.m., with all members present except Councilmembers Parra and Negrete. Councilmember Davis led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, to hear Item 12.A. before the Board and Commission appointments. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmembers Parra and Negrete absent.
CHARTER CODE
SECTION 615
The Mayor read for the record, that in accordance to Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents. There were no dissentions from Councilmembers present.
PUBLIC INPUT ON
8- ITEMS and 16
ITIEM:
Members of the public Denise Barton, Olga Zurawska (time donated by Ana Shapiro) commented on Boards and Commission appointments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
OCEAN AVENUE
PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT
12.A. Adoption of Resolution Nos. 11442 (CCS) through 11444 (CCS) and Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to adopt the Ocean Avenue Project Development Agreement, was presented.
Recommended Action
It is recommended that the Council take the following actions:
2 July 14, 2022
Councilmember de la
Torre was excused at
6:18 p.m.
Councilmember Parra
arrived at 6:20 p.m.
Councilmember Negrete
arrived at 6:22 p.m.
1. Affirm that the Ocean Avenue Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15182 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 11442 (CCS) certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the project in accordance with CEQA;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 11443 (CCS) adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations to support approval of the Development Agreement based upon the Final EIR and other information provided in the record and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program;
4. Adopt Resolution No. 11444 (CCS) amending the 1992 Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan (LUP) for consistency with the 2010 General Plan and 2017 Downtown Community Plan standards for the project site; and
5. Introduce an ordinance for first reading to adopt Development Agreement 13DEV-004 for the Ocean Avenue Project.
Councilmember de la Torre recused himself from this item to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, because Mr. Worth’s Family Foundation has supported the Pico Youth and Family Center in previous years.
Ex-Parti Communication
Councilmember Davis, on June 27th met with Jeff Worth at his office on Ocean Avenue at 4 p.m. to discuss the project and examine the two models that are here in the Council chambers.
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, on July 8th met with Mr. Worth, Paula Larmore and Jenna for about an hour at the site going over the project and hearing their presentation. Additionally, Jenna bought the Mayor Pro Tem a coffee.
Mayor Himmelrich, on July 7th at 3:00 p.m. met with Mr. Worth, Jenna, with Tony Vazquez and looked at the models. Met and talked a long time ago about issues of concern that have since been addressed.
Councilmember Brock, met with Jeff Worth on May 23rd at 1 p.m. to view the models.
Councilmember Parra, on July 8th, met with Mr. Worth, Jenna and Paula Larmore to discuss and review the scope of the project.
Councilmember Negrete, at the end of May or the beginning of June, met with Paula Larmore at the project site to discuss about the length of the project and to have questions answered.
Members of the public Alicia Mignano, Emily McCarron, Tommy Faavae, Kurt Petersen, Denise Barton, Matt Stauffer, Bruria Finkel, James Mary O’Connor, Elizabeth Hartwell, Albin Gielicz, Tom Cleys (time donated by Carolyne Edwards), 3 July 14, 2022
Zakiya, Nancy Cetner, Chris Hannan, Christina Sanchez, and Zachary Gaidzik spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered included: where is the concern about people being able to access the rooftop, even if they don’t have a dollar to pay; what happened with the ability to allow free entry for those 12 or 13 and under; is there a way to make sure that this museum reflects the history and feel of Santa Monica, including the Pier, the Historical Society, and the Arts; how did they arrive at 285 parking spaces, and is there a way to construct the agreement to say a maximum of 285 parking spaces; will there be opportunities to change the language to say Santa Monica schools, for access, but providing transportation would only be for public schools; and, can the days the rooftop is closed for non-profits events goes from five to six days.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to: set our standards high for the types of art that will be displayed and rotated in the museum; amend agreement to so that the museum allow free entry for 10 and under; amend agreement to add language to the agreement to say up to a maximum of 285 parking spaces; amend agreement to say Santa Monica schools, but transportation will only be for Santa Monica public schools, and amend the agreement to change the number of days the rooftop will be closed for non-profit events from five to six days; thanks to Mr. Gehry for giving back to the city with this project; this project will be a tourist magnet with the architecture of the buildings, as well as the museum; gratified by the developers attention to detail, being considerate of what Santa Monica wants and needs; and, appreciation for the open space connected to the living space.
The applicant was agreeable to the amendments proposed during discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, to approve the staff recommendation with the adjustments and amendments discussed. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Brock, Negrete, Davis, Parra
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember de la Torre
CONTINUED
ITEMS:
ANNUAL
APPOINTYMENTS
Councilmember de la
Torre returned at
8:05 p.m.
8.A. Annual Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions, was presented.
Board/Commission No. of
Seats
Term
End Date
Special Requirements
Architectural Review
Board 2 6/30/2026
At least one shall be a
professional licensed
architect.
4 July 14, 2022
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Barbara Coffman and Kevin Daly.
There being no other nominations, Barbara Coffman and Kevin Daly were reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Architectural Review Board for a term ending June 30, 2026 Arts Commission 2 6/30/2026 Reside or work in
Santa Monica
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Mary Elizabeth Michaels.
There being no other nominations, Mary Elizabeth Michaels was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Arts Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026
Councilmember Brock nominated Kara Fox.
Councilmember Davis nominated Federico Galavis.
Federico Galavis was appointed to the Arts Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Galavis: Councilmembers Negrete, Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Fox: Councilmembers de la Torre, Brock, Parra
Commission on
Sustainability,
Environmental Justice
and the Environment
2 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Robert Lempert.
There being no other nominations, Robert Lempert was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Dr. Alexandra Tower.
5 July 14, 2022
There being no other nominations, Dr. Alexandra Tower was appointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Disabilities Commission 3 6/30/2026
At least two must be selfidentified persons with a
disability.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Joseph Antognini and Alexandra Blanc.
There being no other nominations, Joseph Antognini and Alexandra Blanc were appointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Disability Commission for terms ending June 30, 2026.
Housing Commission 2 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Davis nominated Leonora Camner.
Councilmember Brock nominated Kate Evarts.
Kate Evarts was appointed to the Housing Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Evarts: Councilmembers de la Torre, Brock, Negrete, Parra Camner: Councilmember Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Councilmember Davis nominated Lydia Garcia.
Councilmember Brock nominated Desmond Borresen.
Desmond Borresen was appointed to the Housing Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Borresen: Councilmembers Brock, Parra, Negrete, de la Torre Garcia: Councilmember Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Landmarks Commission 3 6/30/2026
At least one must be a local
historian and one an
architectural historian.
6 July 14, 2022
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Davis nominated Dolores Sloan.
There being no other nominations, Dolores Sloan was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Landmarks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Roger Genser.
There being no other nominations, Roger Genser was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Landmarks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Councilmember Brock nominated Paddy Calistro McAuley.
Councilmember Davis nominated Jonathan Kaplan.
Jonathan Kaplan was appointed to the Landmarks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Kaplan: Councilmembers Negrete, Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
McAuley: Councilmember de la Torre, Brock, Parra
Personnel Board 1 6/30/2027
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember de la Torre nominated Janine Bush.
There being no other nominations, Janine Bush was appointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Personnel Board for a term ending June 30, 2027.
Planning Commission 1 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Negrete nominated Shawn Landres.
There being no other nominations, Shawn Landres was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Planning Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Councilmember Brock moved to reopen the nomination.
7 July 14, 2022
Motion by Mayor Himmelrich, seconded by Councilmember Davis, to establish that applications received by July 11, 2022 are timely for the purpose of appointment. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Parra, Davis, Negrete, Brock, de la Torre Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Brock nominated Thomas Ciszek.
Councilmember Negrete nominated Shawn Landres.
Shawn Landres was reappointed to the Planning Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Landres: Councilmembers Negrete, Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Ciszek: Councilmember de la Torre, Brock, Parra
Councilmembers de la Torre, Brock and Parra changed their votes, thereby reappointing Shawn Landres by acclamation to the Planning Commission, with all members present.
Public Safety Reform
and Oversight
Commission
2 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Craig R. Miller and Joseph Palazzolo.
There being no other nominations, Craig R. Miller and Joseph Palazzolo were reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Recreation and Parks
Commission 2 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Andrew Gomez and John Cyrus Smith.
There being no other nominations, Andrew Gomez and John Cyrus Smith were reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Recreation 8 July 14, 2022
and Parks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Santa Monica Library
Board 2 6/30/2026
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Judith Meister.
There being no other nominations, Judith Meister was reappointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Library Board for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Councilmember Negrete nominated Dana Newman.
Councilmember Davis nominated Ralinda Harvey Smith.
Dana Newman was appointed to the Library Board for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Newman: Councilmembers Parra, Negrete, Brock, de la Torre Harvey Smith: Councilmembers Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Mayor Himmelrich changed her vote to Dana Newman.
Santa Monica Travel &
Tourism, Inc. 3 6/30/2026
Shall be from Santa Monica's
community and business
leadership.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Darlene Evans.
Councilmember Brock nominated Karen Ginsberg.
Darlene Evans was reappointed to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Inc. for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Evans: Councilmembers Davis, Negrete, de la Torre
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Ginsberg: Councilmembers Parra, Brock
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Karen Ginsberg.
There being no other nominations, Karen Ginsberg was appointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Inc. for a term ending June 30, 2026.
9 July 14, 2022
Councilmember Negrete nominated Kera Blades-Snell.
Councilmember Brock nominated Judi Barker.
Kera Blades-Snell. was appointed to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Inc. for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Blades-Snell: Councilmembers Negrete, Davis,
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Barker: Councilmembers de la Torre, Brock, Parra
RECREATION AND
PARKS
COMMISSION
8.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending on 6/30/2024, was presented.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Davis nominated Sean Besser.
Councilmember Brock nominated Steven Johnson.
Steven Johnson was appointed to the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote:
Besser: Councilmember Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan
Johnson: Councilmembers Parra, Negrete, Brock, de la Torre, Mayor Himmelrich
PUBLIC SAFETY
REFORM AND
OVERSIGHT
COMMISSION
8.C. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission for a term ending on 6/30/2024, was presented.
On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Michele Wittig.
Councilmember Davis nominated Brian Stedge-Stroud.
Councilmember Brock nominated Paul Winnemore
Winnemore: Councilmembers Parra, Negrete, Brock
Wittig: Councilmember de la Torre
Mayor Himmelrich
Stedge-Stroud: Councilmember Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan
With no one receiving four votes, the Mayor opened the floor for nominations.
Councilmember Brock nominated Paul Winnemore
Councilmember Davis nominated Brian Stedge-Stroud.
10 July 14, 2022
Paul Winnemore was appointed to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission for a term ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote:
Winnemore: Councilmembers de la Torre, Brock, Negrete, Parra, Mayor Himmelrich
Stedge-Stroud: Councilmember Davis,
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan changed their vote to Paul Winnemore.
Motion by Councilmember de la Torre, seconded by Councilmember Davis, to reopen the nomination. The motion was approved by acclamation, with all members present.
Councilmember de la Torre nominated Brian Stedge-Stroud.
Councilmember Brock nominated Paul Winnemore
Brian Stedge-Stroud was appointed to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission for a term ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote:
Winnemore: Councilmembers Brock, Negrete, Parra
Stedge-Stroud: Councilmember de la Torre, Davis
Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
Councilmembers Brock, Negrete and Parra changed their votes to Brian StedgeStroud, thereby appointing Stedge-Stroud by acclamation to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission, with all members present.
HUMAN SERVICES
COMMISSION
8.D. Appointments to Nine Seats on the Newly Created Human Services Commission for Two Partial Terms Ending on 6/30/2023, Two Partial Terms Ending on 6/30/2024, Two Partial Terms Ending on 6/30/2025, Two Full-Terms Ending on 6/30/2026 and One Full-Term Ending on 6/30/2027, was presented.
On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Himmelrich nominated Boyko Buchinsky, Kelly Creffield, Alexis M.
Hemphill-Elsea, Tamara S. Kagel, Marielle A. Kriesel, Bruce J. Leddy, Pamela Ramer and Sonya Wilson.
There being no other nominations, Boyko Buchinsky, Kelly Creffield, Alexis M.
Hemphill-Elsea, Tamara S. Kagel, Marielle A. Kriesel, Bruce J. Leddy, Pamela Ramer and Sonya Wilson were appointed by acclamation by a unanimous vote in their favor to the Human Services Commission.
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION
16.A. Request of Mayor Himmelrich that the City Council allocate the $29,000 of annual BID funding and $18,000 of Discretionary Funds previously discussed 11 July 14, 2022
ITEMS:
DISCRETIONARY
FUNDS
at their May 24, 2022 Budget Study Session. The funds include $10,000 to the Westside Coalition for their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, $5,000 to the Santa Monica Little League to repair the scoreboard at Los Amigos Park and $3,000 to Samohi for their bilingual graduation celebration. The motion to officially allocate the funds was inadvertently left off of the agenda for the June 28, 2022 Council meeting where the FY 22-23 budget was adopted, was presented.
A correction was made that $5,000 goes to the Santa Monica Pony League to repair the scoreboard at Los Amigos Park.
Motion by Councilmember Negrete, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, to approve the recommendation, as restated and amended. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Parra, Davis, Negrete, Brock, de la Torre, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, Mayor Himmelrich
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Denise Anderson-Warren Sue Himmelrich
City Clerk Mayor