1 February 25, 2025
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Negrete at 5:31 p.m., on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Lana Negrete
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis (Arrived at 5:46 p.m.)
Councilmember Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Also Present: Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek
City Attorney Douglas Sloan
City Clerk Nikima S. Newsome
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:31 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Pro Tem Torosis. Councilmember Hall led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
The City of Santa Monica is located on the land of Tovangaar. With great respect, the City acknowledges the Gabrieleño/Tongva as the First People of this ancestral and unceded territory of Kuruvungna, a village that we know as Santa Monica. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Gabrieleño descendants who are part of the Gabrieleño /Tongva tribes.
We recognize that these peoples are still here, and as settlers and kuyam (guests), we recognize our responsibility and obligation to care for their land in partnership with them. The City of Santa Monica commits to work in partnership with the Gabrieleño/Tongva people to uplift their voices and visibility on their ancestral land.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Zernitskaya.
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 2 February 25, 2025
aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official.
Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well.
The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.
No Councilmembers recused themselves from items on the agenda pursuant to the Levine Act.
GENERAL PUBLIC
INPUT:
(Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
arrived at 5:46 p.m.)
Members of the public Francisco Juarez, Daniel Alonzo, Tania Fischer, Manuel Lares, Judith Serlin, John C Smith, Eddie Glaeser, Elizabeth Noble, Oscar De La Torre, and Johnathan Foster commented on various local issues.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CLOSED SESSION,
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS AND CONSENT
CALENDAR ONLY:
No members of the public commented on Special Agenda items.
Denise Barton, John C. Smith, and Jonah Breslau commented on Consent Calendar Items.
Members of the public Vincenzo Flores, Tara Barauskas, Denise Barton, Brittany De Guzman (time donated by Tony Ponce), Diana Flores (time donated by Raquel Hernandez), Greg Morena (time donated by Emma Hernandez), Hugo Murillo (time donated by Enrique Jimenez), Teresa Olmedo, David Luis (time donated by Saturino Garcia), Oscar De La Torre, Carlos Jimenez, Maria Loya, Sylvia Luis, Freddy Luis (Council suspended rules to permit extra time), Zakiya, Matt Sawaya, Magali Rivera (time donated by Mireya Rivera), Alexander Jimenez, Tsegaw Debarcho, Kiana Achoy (time donated by Juan Rivera), and Andrew Hoyer commented on Closed Session.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
3.A. Proclamation: Women's History Month, was presented.
3.B. Proclamation: Kidney Disease Awareness Month, was presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmember Raskin, Item 4.E was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.E., reading Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 3 February 25, 2025
resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
EMERGENCY SOLID
WASTE DISPOSAL
SERVICES
4.A. Receive and File Emergency Procurement and Approval Agreement with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts for Emergency Solid Waste Disposal Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 and 15308 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Receive and file emergency procurement report on emergency procurement with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts – Puente Hills Material Recycling Facility for emergency landfill disposal services for the Public Works Department. The emergency procurement was made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (g) and is for a total amount not to exceed $1,800,000 (including a 20% contingency) through March 31, 2025; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11700 (CCS) with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts – Puente Hills Material Recycling Facility for landfill disposal services for the Public Works Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section
2.24.250 (g) and is for a total amount not to exceed $38,022,585 (including a 20% contingency) for 5 years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
STREET SWEEPER
REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
4.B. Approve Acceptance of Environmental Protection Agency Grant and Purchase of Street Sweepers for the Resource Recovery and Recycling Division, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $945,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program for the Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 4 February 25, 2025
City of Santa Monica Street Sweeper Replacement Project in the Public Works Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant, all grant renewals, and modifications;
4. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order with Municipal Maintenance Equipment (“MME”), a California-based company, for the purchase of three Ravo Electric R5-eSeries sweepers for the Public Works Department, Resource Recovery and Recycling Division. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section
2.24.250 (c) and is for a total amount not to exceed $2,428,833 including a 10% contingency;
5. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order with Mar-co Equipment Company for the purchase of one Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Tymco Model 600 sweeper for the Public Works Department, Resource Recovery and Recycling Division. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (c) and is for a total amount not to exceed $185,987 including a 10% contingency with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
6. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
If the grant is not received, pending the outcome of the Presidential Executive Order:
7. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order with Mar-co Equipment Company for the purchase of two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Tymco Model 600 sweepers for the Public Works Department, Resource Recovery and Recycling Division.
This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (c) and is for a total amount not to exceed $996,976 including a 10% contingency with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
ZONING ONRDIANCE
CONSISTENCIES
4.C. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2802 (CCS) Amending the Text of Section 9.31.195 of the Zoning Ordinance for Consistency with the Amended Safety Element, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
BUILDING CODE
CONSISTENCIES
4.D. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2803 (CCS) Amending the Text of Section 8.12.040 of the Building Code for Consistency with the Amended Safety Element, was adopted.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
PROHIBITION AGAINST
CAMPING IN PUBLIC
PLACES
4.F. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.08.095, Prohibition Against Camping in Public Places, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance to Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.08.095, Prohibition Against Camping in Public Places, to omit from the definition of “camp facility” certain items.
FIRES EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION AND
SUPPLEMENTS
4.E. Adoption of Resolution No. 11645 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt the proposed resolution ratifying the Executive Order issued by the Director of Emergency Services declaring the existence of a local emergency in the City of Santa Monica and the Supplements to that Order.
Questions asked and answered of staff included how are the suspension of tenant protection laws being monitored and how are we ensuring that the suspension is benefiting those displaced by the fires; have the number of listings gone down; who is monitoring price gouging; how long is the suspension in place under the emergency order; would there be a possibility of implementing a self attestation to ensure the benefit is only being used by someone displaced by the fires; and are we actively monitoring or does someone have to report the issue.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation, with direction to staff. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
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ABSENT: None
Direction to staff to amend the emergency order to phase out suspension of the tenant protection laws for short term rentals and that short term renters are given the same protections as long-term renters in addition to providing support to local restaurants impacted by the fires.
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 7:44 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 10:17 p.m., with all members present, to report the following:
5.A. Public Employee Appointment - Gov. Code § 54957(b): consider public employee appointment; title: City Manager/Interim City Manager; Gov. Code § 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator; City negotiator: Mayor/Personnel Director; unrepresented employee: City Manager/Interim City Manager
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.B. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 2019 - 2219 5th Street; owner of record: Ocean Park Villas, L.P.; City negotiators: Heather Averick, Director of Housing and Human Services, and Natalie Verlinich, Housing Manager; owner negotiators: Angel Herrera and Mark Wagner; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for sale or option
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.C. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 2033-2101 Virginia Avenue; owner of record: Community Corporation of Santa Monica; City negotiators: Heather Averick, Director of Housing and Human Services, and Natalie Verlinich, Housing Manager; owner negotiator: Tara Barauskas; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented by Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek
REPORT ON COUNCIL
TRAVEL
Mayor Negrete reported that she traveled to Santa Barbara for the ICA Winter Seminar.
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PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Speaker: Denise Barton, John C Smith, Michael Masucci, Marc Verville (time donated by Tricia Crane), Jeff Gordon, Paul Slye (time donated by Rev. Nathan Rugh), Om Bleicher, Michelle Edgar, Robert Berman, Lois Lambert, Denny Zane, Francisca Vergara, Andrew Hoyer, Michael Soloff, and Harvey Eder commented on Item 11.A.
Members of the public Kelly Delich, Denise Barton, and Harvey Eder commented on Item 11.B.
Member of the public Denise Barton commented on Item 16.C.
Member of the public Andrew Hoyer commented on Item 16.D.
Member of the public Conner Webb commented on Item 16.E.
Member of the public Harvey Eder commented on Item 16.F.
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT
11.A. Adoption of Resolution No. 11646 (CCS) and Approval of Release of Request for Proposals for City-Owned Sites Designated for Affordable Housing Development in the City's 6th Cycle Housing Element and Declaration of Sites as "Exempt Surplus Land" in Accordance with the Surplus Land Act, was presented and adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Declare City-owned properties located at Bergamot Station Arts Center located at 2500 Olympic (APNs 4268-013-919 and 4268-014- 900) as “surplus land” within the meaning of the Surplus Land Act (Government Code sections 54220 et. seq.)(“SLA”), adopt a resolution declaring the Bergamot Station Arts Center as surplus land, authorize the City Manager or his or her designee to advance the Notice/Request for Proposal (RFP) by June 30, 2025 and take implementing actions necessary to comply with the SLA and the City’s Housing Element.
2. Declare two City-owned properties located at 1333 4th Street (APNs 4291-011- 909 and 4291-011-910) and 1324 5th Street (APNs 4291- 011-900, 4291-011-901, 4291-011-902, 4291-011-903, 4291-011- 904, 4291-011-905 and 4291-011-908) as “surplus land” within the meaning of the SLA, adopt a resolution declaring the 4th/5th and Arizona as surplus land, authorize the City Manager or his or her designee to advance the Notice/Request for Proposal (RFP) by June 30, 2027 and take implementing actions necessary to comply with the SLA and the City’s Housing Element.
3. Declare City-owned property at 1234 4th Street (currently operated as a public parking structure, Parking Structure 1,(PS1) as “exempt surplus land” within the meaning of the SLA; authorize staff to begin Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 8 February 25, 2025
the process of obtaining necessary permits, including a Coastal Development Permit, for demolition of PS1 if demolition is approved by the California Coastal Commission, authorize staff to proceed with developing bidding documents for the demolition to prepare the site for a future 100% affordable housing development.
4. Adopt the findings stated in the Environmental Review section of this staff report, including, without limitation, a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15312 of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a finding of no possibility of significant effect on the environment pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), and a finding that the development of affordable housing on City-owned property was previously analyzed in the 6th Cycle Housing Element
Environmental Impact Report.
Questions asked and answered of staff included is there any reason why both loans can’t expire in 2028; would the City retain ownership of the land; why is it not an option to sell PS1 at any use; would it be wise to list PS1 as surplus instead of exempt surplus; is there an option to deviate from the previous Council’s decision in regard to 4th/5
th and Arizona and Bergamot
Station; is the City obliged to transfer units to other sites if they can't build an exact number of units; why is the staff recommendation to look at Bergamot Station before the 4th/5th and Arizona site; what are the limitations on what can be included in the RFP as preferences at Bergamot; could the City make preferences for a project that would allow existing gallery and other arts and cultural use tenants to return when it's redeveloped; could it be included in the RFP to permit flexibility to include market rate units to help subsidize some of the other things that we would want in that type of project; is Bergamot fully leased and what are the current revenues from the site; if the recommended process and timing is approved to issue the initial RFP for Bergamot by June 2026, what would happen then; how long would the RFP be open and when would anything happen on the site; under the RFP process, would the city retain ownership of the land, or would that be transferred to whoever would develop it; if both tenants at 4th/5th and Arizona were to extend their leases through 2030, how could that affect our commitment to meeting RHNA goals and staying compliant with our housing element; if we allowed the tenants to extend their leases through 2030, would we possibly have a shovel ready project or something by the time the leases end; what is the City’s history with permitting parking by parishioners of St. Augustine by the Sea and what is the City’s obligation; how would city staff be able to allocate additional resources to handle both RFPs for Bergamot and 4 th/5th
and Arizona at the same time; what are the tradeoffs that would have to be made if we wanted to advance both of these RFPs and on a similar time frame; what potential risks would the city face if it waited until 2027 to release the 4
th/5th
and Arizona RFP, especially considering market
conditions and funding uncertainties; given our need for revenue, could Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 9 February 25, 2025
4 th/5th and Arizona be structured as mixed-use development to allow for revenue generating uses at that site; have we measured the staffing needs and the need to delay 4
th/5th for two years with the need for future downtown
economic development and activation of our downtown area; what impact would a delayed RFP have on future activation of our downtown area; can a phased approach be used with these two RFPs to ensure that both projects move forward simultaneously, but on somewhat of a staggered timeline, so that we're not competing for the same tax credits; instead of selling PS1, could we put PS1 out to an RFP, as is, without investing any additional money; could we put out PS1 to RFP, see what comes back and maintain ownership of the land, but give site control, or some sort of long term ground lease to a third party who would either maintain and generate some revenue, redevelop, or tear down the site, so the city would not have to pay to seismically retrofit or demolish the site; does staff think that a creative developer would come forward with a revenue generating option for the site that would absolve the city of any financial obligation on this site; in order to dispose of PS1 would we have to list it as surplus first;; what is the current height limit on 4
th/5th and Arizona; and is PS1 only seismically safe until 2027.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited viewing any of the current uses as surplus; the prioritization of projects; engagement with the stakeholders in downtown Santa Monica; the need to be cognizant of tradeoffs between immediate financial return from these lease holds and the bang for the buck we get from revitalizing downtown; merit in moving forward with the 4
th/5th and Arizona site first; trying to use
a staggered approach; having more revenue from the sites while we find a good potential project in light of the city's current budgetary issues; desires for items to be included in the RFP for Bergamot, such as, a preference for right of return, or at least right of first refusal for current tenants, looking at how we could potentially temporarily relocate current tenants so we don't lose those arts and cultural resources within the city, allowing for some flexibility so that we could have some market rate units to help subsidize some of the things that we would like to see, allowing for creative uses that make it a really great community gathering spot; combining PS1 and the 4 th/5th and Arizona project as surplus land and putting it out for RFP together to allow some flexibility, but to give preference to the Bergamot Station RFP; the importance of being realistic with these very important complex projects; the lack of availability for state grants or local sources of funding to assist with completing these projects; needing to have to involve interesting commercial revenue generating uses on the sites; listing all of these projects as surplus and putting them out as soon as possible this year, as opposed to waiting; and getting revenue for the next three years by extending both bank leases through 2028.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 10 February 25, 2025
we designate 4
th/5th and Arizona, Bergamot Station, and PS1 as surplus sites and to issue notices availability for all three aforementioned properties and development teams can but are not required to link, PS1 and 4th/5th and Arizona, with direction to staff that priority be given to artist housing at Bergamot Station and right to return and relocation assistance for existing tenants.
Substitute motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to declare 4th/5
th and Arizona, PS1, and Bergamot Station as surplus
land; to prioritize the downtown sites if it is necessary to stagger the processes; to offer the possibility of linking 4
th/5th and Arizona and PS1,
but do not as requirement; to maximize affordable housing and revenue generating commercial on all of the sites; and a preference at Bergamot Station for a right of return and commercial arts serving purposes at Bergamot. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmember Zernitskaya
ABSENT: None
Councilmember Zernitskaya changed vote to yes to make the vote unanimous.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
STRATEGY
(Councilmember Hall left at
12:52 a.m.)
(Councilmember Hall
returned at 12:54 a.m.)
11.B. Approval of First Modification to Contracts with Social Emotional Wellness Initiative, St. Joseph Center and Family Service of Santa Monica for Behavioral Health Strategy – Adult Crisis and StepDown Services and Youth Behavioral Health Programming Recommendations, was presented and approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive reports: Adult Crisis & Children and Youth Behavioral Health Care Study and the Strengthening the System of Intensive Behavioral Healthcare Services for Adults in Santa Monica and Service Planning Area 5.
2. Adopt and approve Transitional Approach 3 – Decentralized Expansion from the Strengthening the System of Intensive Behavioral Healthcare Services for Adults in Santa Monica and Service Planning Area 5 report to build out behavioral health services locally.
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11439 (CCS) in the amount of $400,000 with Social Emotional Wellness Initiative to provide behavioral health support for children and youth in the City’s after school programs (Police Activities League (PAL), CREST, and Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 11 February 25, 2025
Virginia Avenue Park (VAP)).This will result in a four-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $995,194, with future funding contingent upon Council budget approval.
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11440 (CCS) in the amount of $388,254 with St. Joseph Center to expand the capacity of behavioral health services for youth ages 10-24 enrolled in the Youth Resource Team (YRT) program. This will result in a four-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $6,907,777, with future funding contingent upon Council budget approval.
5. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11431 (CCS) in the amount of $900,000 with Family Service of Santa Monica to increase the capacity of behavioral health services available to children birth – 5th grade and to expand substance use treatment services for middle and high school-aged youth. This will result in a four-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $3,617,970, with future funding contingent upon Council budget approval.
6. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Questions asked and answered of staff included what are the specific next steps and what funding is needed for adult services; when are the beds expecting to come online; why is the decentralized model being recommended for adult services; are we working with regional representatives; will there also be access for housed residents; are conversations being had about locating sites in Santa Monica; is the City working with ClareMatrix; what are the rules concerning how someone can be delivered to services outside of the City; and how many detox beds will be available and the price per bed.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including but not limited to implementing metrics that can be placed on a public facing dashboard; finding a location; providing a space for youth offsite from schools; that wouldn’t require parental consent; concerns regarding uniformed officers; and getting more advocacy at the County and State level.
Motion by Mayor Negrete, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
In accordance with Council Rule 6(x), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to remove Item 16.D. to be considered separately.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to remove Items 16.C., 16.D., and 16.F. to be considered separately.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
Items 16.C., 16.D., and 16.F. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(x)
CLEAN BEACHES &
OCEAN PARCEL TAX
CITIZENS OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
16.A. Recommendation to accept James Kennedy's resignation from the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to accept resignation with regret.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
16.B. Recommendation to rescind the January 28, 2025, appointment of Dennis Puri to the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee; and, continue the appointment to a future meeting, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to rescind the appointment.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
GENDER-AFFIRMING
HEALTHCARE
16.C. Request of Councilmembers Hall and Zernitskaya that in order to reaffirm our commitment to the protection of Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex persons, the Council direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution banning the use of City resources and personnel to aid the federal government or other states in blocking gender-affirming healthcare, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Hall, Docusign Envelope ID: ACF12D8A-4D4B-49BF-A1DB-5C1FABCBEB6A 13 February 25, 2025
to approve the item; including not expending any other city resources that could be used for tracking gender diverse or transgender individuals.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
CAMPAIGN
CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
16.D. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Zernitskaya that in order to promote free and fair elections, the Council direct Staff to return with options to raise the individual contribution limit during political campaigns, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the item. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Negrete
NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis explained that her no vote is because she intends to run for re-election in 2026.
TRANSIT
INFRASTRUCTURE
16.E. Request of Councilmember Zwick, Hall, and Zernitskaya that, to align with the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSCCOG) initiative to evaluate and design bus rapid transit (BRT) and related bus infrastructure on priority corridors in the subregion including Santa Monica Boulevard west of Beverly Hills and Caltrans’ efforts to implement bus lanes on Santa Monica Boulevard between Centinela Avenue and the 405, the City Council direct the City Manager to present transit priority measures and tradeoffs, including bus lanes, as part of the planned study session about the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study in summer 2025, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the item.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
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GIFT RESOLUTION AND
GRATUITY ORDINANCE
16.F. Request of Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Snell that the City Manager and City Attorney survey other cities and bring amendments to the Gift Resolution and Gratuity Ordinance to create exceptions for attending City of Santa Monica economic development and cultural events in which Councilmembers are expected to attend to represent the City, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Negrete, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the item, with direction to staff to look into the gift policies of other cities.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Snell, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 1:40 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
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