City of Santa Monica
City Council Meeting
AGENDA
LANA NEGRETE
MAYOR
ELLIS RASKIN CAROLINE TOROSIS
COUNCILMEMBER MAYOR PRO TEM
DAN HALL BARRY SNELL
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
JESSE ZWICK NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
ELAINE POLACHEK
INTERIM CITY MANAGER
DOUGLAS SLOAN
CITY ATTORNEY
NIKIMA NEWSOME
CITY CLERK
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS:
• Treat everyone courteously; • Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive
public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
• Hate has no place in Santa Monica. The City opposes
abusive or threatening hate speech, intolerance, or
dehumanization, and supports basic civil respect and
human decency.
• Listen to others respectfully;
• Exercise self-control;
• Give open-minded consideration
to all viewpoints;
• Focus on the issues and avoid
personalizing debate;
Regular meetings are broadcast live on CityTV cable channel 16 and on the internet at santamonica.gov. Cable television re-broadcasts air on Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 AM. The agenda will air on CityTV on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and on Monday and Tuesday at 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 2
RULES OF ORDER FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Resolution No.11649(CCS))
WAYS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
If you are interested in providing public comment at a City Council meeting, there are several ways to participate:
(1) Written public comment. In lieu of oral public comment, the public is strongly encouraged to submit written public comment on agenda items via email to [email protected]. For written public comment submitted by 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting, best efforts shall be made to have them available online for viewing. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments.
(2) Oral public comment. Persons wishing to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda must be present and submit their name and address (optional) to the City Clerk before the public comment section is opened for that item or before the public hearing is opened where one is required by law. Register to speak at the Speaker Kiosk prior to the meeting. Remarks from the public are limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes and a minimum of one minute per item. Except for the author of the request, public comment on 15-items are limited to 1 minute. Except on Public Input, speakers appearing at the meeting in person, may donate 2 minutes to another person present in-person at the meeting, who may speak for a total of 4 minutes on that item.
Both the donor of time and the designated speaker must register at the Speaker Kiosk in person together.
Oral public comment from any one individual is limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes per agenda item; under some circumstances, Council may change the maximum to 1 minute per agenda item.
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 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. Information regarding the Levine Act can be found here or you can contact the FPPC.
ORDER OF BUSINESS (may not be changed except by majority vote of the City Council.)
1. General Public Input
(members of the public may address the City Council
only on items not on the agenda, but within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the City).
2. Special Agenda Items (Commendations and
Proclamations presented).
3. Public Comment for Special Agenda Items, Consent
Calendar and Closed Sessions Only.
4. Consent Calendar (All items considered in one
motion unless removed by a City Councilmember for
discussion. Public comment shall be heard prior
to City Council discussion).
5. Closed Sessions.
6. Public Comment on remaining Agenda Items
7. Study Session.
8. Continued Items.
9. Administrative Proceedings.
10. Ordinances:
• 1
st Reading
• 2
nd Reading
11. Staff Administrative Item.
12. Public Hearings.
13. Reports of Boards and Commissions.
14. Resolutions.
15. Written Communications (other than
Reports of Commission and Officers).
16. Councilmember Discussion Items.
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 3
AGENDAS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250,
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
MEETING BEGINS AT 5:30 PM
HOW TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT:
Written public comment can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Written comments received prior to 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting will be available online. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ROLL CALL
City of Santa Monica 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.
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS / PROCEDURAL
MOTIONS
1. PUBLIC INPUT
(Public comment is permitted only on items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. State law prohibits the City Council from taking any action on items not listed on the agenda, including issues raised under this agenda item.) City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 4 . Written Comments
2. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
2.A. Proclamation: Arts Month
2.B. Proclamation: Trans Day of Visibility
3. PUBLIC INPUT (ITEMS UNDER SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS, CONSENT
CALENDAR, CLOSED SESSION ONLY)
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items will be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption.)
4.A. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of CalTrans Master Service Agreement
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the execution of the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) Master Agreement and Program Supplements for the State-funded projects.
4.B. Approval of First Modification of Agreement #4623 with the City of Glendale - Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory for Laboratory Services Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a 5-year extension to the City’s current agreement (#4623) with the City of Glendale and its Verdugo Regional Crime Lab in the amount of $150,000 for crime investigation laboratory services on behalf of the Santa Monica Police Department. The amended agreement will have a new total amount not to exceed of $250,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.C. Authorization to Accept the 2024 Justice Assistance Grant for Implementation of the JAG Project to Impact Crime and Keep Neighborhoods Safe City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 5 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;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant award in the amount $44,021 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for implementation of the JAG 2024 Project to Impact Crime and Keep Neighborhoods Safe in the Police Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant; and
4. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of the report (requires 5 votes).
4.D. Authorize the City Manager to Complete Negotiations for an Amended and Restated Grant Deed and Option to Purchase Property for Ocean Park Villas Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to complete negotiations for an amended and restated Grant Deed and Option to Purchase property located at 2019 and 2219 Fifth Street (Ocean Park Villas) based upon a 58-42 split of the surplus cash flow with an upfront payment to the City of $250,000; and
2. Adopt a finding that the action to approve the amended and restated Grant Deed and Option to Purchase is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15301, 15326, and 15061(b)(3).
4.E. Adoption of a Resolution Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare and preventing city resources from assisting investigations into transgender, gender diverse, and intersex persons (“TGI”) and their healthcare.
4.F. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Section 11.04.050 Concerning Limitations on Campaign Contributions Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council introduce for first reading the Ordinance amending Section 11.04.050 concerning Limitations on Campaign Contributions.
4.G. Resolution Amending the Policy Regarding Acceptance of Gifts by Councilmembers, and Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Section 2.32.290 Prohibiting Acceptance of Gratuities
Recommended Action
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 6 Staff recommends the City Council consider the following to allow Councilmembers to accept tickets to events where they are attending in their official capacity in support of the City’s economic development efforts:
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.
2. Adopting a Resolution amending the policy regarding Councilmember’s acceptance of gifts.
3. Introduce for First Reading an Amendment to SMMC 2.32.290 prohibiting acceptance of gratuities.
4.H. City Council - Regular Meeting - Feb 25, 2025 5:30 PM
4.I. City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 18, 2025 5:00 PM
5. CLOSED SESSIONS
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
Pico Neighborhood Association and Maria Loya v. City; LASC # BC616804
5.B. Conference with real estate negotiator pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8: property: 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, California (Civic Auditorium) (APN 4290-013-901); City negotiators: Jennifer Taylor, Economic Development Manager, and Nia Tang, Economic Development Administrator; owner of record: City of Santa Monica; persons to be negotiated with: Tim Sexton, Revitalization Partner Group, LLC; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for lease
5.C. Public employee appointment - Gov. Code § 54957(b): consider public employee appointment; title: City Manager; Gov. Code § 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator; City negotiator: Mayor/Personnel Director; unrepresented employee: City Manager
5.D. Conference with real estate negotiator, Gov. Code § 54956.8: Santa Monica Beach, 1550 Parking Lot (venue for L.A. Olympics 2028 beach volleyball); City Negotiators: Susan Cline, Assistant City Manager and Melissa Spagnuolo, Community Partnerships Manager; Venue Negotiators: Vic Nol, Director, Venue Cities Relations, Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
5.E. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
Renee Miller v. City; LASC # 24SMCV00279 [report out only]
5.F. Conference with legal counsel – Potential initiation of litigation regarding federal grant funding freeze, Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4), The Sustainability Institute, et al. v. Donald J. trump et al., 2:25-cv-02152-RMG The following is the order of business for items to be heard no earlier than 7:00 p.m.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 7
CITY MANAGER REPORT
TRAVEL ANNOUNCEMENT AND MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
6. PUBLIC INPUT ON REMAINING AGENDA ITEMS
. Public Input for 12-Items will be heard at the time when the Public Hearing is called.
7. STUDY SESSION
7.A. Five-Year Water and Wastewater Rate Study Session
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15273 of the CEQA Guidelines for the five-year water and wastewater rate study session; and
2. Provide direction and recommendations to staff regarding potential rate adjustments and rate structures for the ongoing five-year water and wastewater rate study.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
No items
9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
No items
10. ORDINANCES
(Public comment is permitted on ordinances for introduction and first reading. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents.)
No items
11. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
No items
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 8
12.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Interim Zoning Ordinance Amending Downtown Interim Zoning Ordinance and Introduction and Adoption of an Emergency Ordinance Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.61 Signs to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City's Downtown and by Making Minor Changes to Signage in the Bayside Conservation District and Third Street Promenade Area
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities, 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15311 (Accessory Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Introduction for first reading of an Interim Zoning Ordinance Amending Interim Zoning Regulations Established to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow for Exclusively Commercial Outdoor Uses in the Office Campus District to Allow Additional Flexibility Related to Community Assembly Uses in the Bayside Conservation District.
3. Introduction and Adoption of an Emergency Ordinance Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.61: Signs to Make Minor Changes for Signage in the Bayside Conservation District and Third Street Promenade Area to Promote Economic Recovery.
12.B. Introduction and Adoption of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance Extending Interim Zoning Regulations Exempting City Projects From Temporary Use Permit Requirements During a Declared Local or State of Emergency Recommended Actions
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), and exemption pursuant to 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Introduce and Adopt an Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance to Extend Interim Zoning Regulations Exempting Projects on City-Owned Property and that Use City Funds From Temporary Use Permit Requirements During a Declared Local or State of Emergency.
13. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No items
14. RESOLUTIONS
No items
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS OTHER THAN REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND
OFFICERS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 9 No items
16. COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS
16.A. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2028. (CONTINUED FROM 3/11/2025)
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Housing Authority Board for a term ending on June 30, 2026. (CONTINUED FROM 3/11/2025)
16.C. Appointments to eleven newly created seats on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee with five terms ending on June 30, 2026, and six terms ending on June 30, 2028.
16.D. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Human Services Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2025.
16.E. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Architectural Review Board for a term ending on June 30, 2027.
16.F. Request by Mayor Negrete that the City Council authorize the use of travel funds to participate in the 50th Anniversary of Sister Cities in Japan up to an amount of $4,000.
16.G. Request of Councilmembers Zwick, Hall and Raskin that the City Manager, in conjunction with the Building Official and Fire Chief and as part of the City’s 2025 Building Code Update, return to Council with proposed modifications including aligning the City’s definition of a high-rise building with the Statewide definition as set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 13210(b) and establishing an Alternative Means/Methods for the construction of singlestairwell multifamily unit residential buildings up to six stories.
ADJOURNMENT
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at www.smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Members of the public unable to attend a meeting but wishing to comment on an item(s) listed on the agenda may submit written comments prior to the meeting by meeting by mailing them to: City Clerk, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or to [email protected]. Written comments received from the public by 12 PM on the day of the City Council meeting will be distributed to the City Council prior to the meeting and posted online. Members of the public who submit written public comment on an agenda item may be subject to the Levine Act which requires disclosure of campaign contributions of more than $500 to an officer of the City within the preceding 12 months.
City Hall and the Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations to either attend or provide public testimony at a Council City of Santa Monica Generated: 3/27/2025 10:06 AM Page 10 meeting (i.e. sign language interpreting, access to an amplified sound system, remote option, etc.), please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or TDD: (310) 917- 6626 or via email at [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Best efforts shall be made to accommodate requests received after the 72-hour deadline. In the case of special meetings, requests should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than noon the day of the special Council meeting.
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
Santa Monica Blue Bus Lines #1, #2, #3, #5, #9 and the EXPO Line serve City Hall.
Parking is available on Main Street, on Olympic Drive, and in the Civic Center Parking Structure (validation free).