1 March 25, 2025
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 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, March 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 5:34 PM)
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 Zernitskaya 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 Zwick.
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 900E3178-25A7-40CD-AE38-1F4E679CB055 2 March 25, 2025
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.
GENERAL PUBLIC
INPUT:
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
arrived at 5:34 p.m.
Members of the public speaker Victor Salazar, Milly Garcia, Ithzay Cruz, Denise Barton, John Alle, Jerry Rubin, Wade Kelley, Ashley Oelsen, Harvey Eder, Judith Serlim, Erik Nunez, Luis Ochoa, Sergio Ortega, Christian Pinell, Pedro Paredes Jr., Christian Lopez, Miguel Montavo, Zoe Muntaner, and Johnathan Foster commented on various local issues.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
2.A. Proclamation: Arts Month, was presented.
2.B. Proclamation: Trans Day of Visibility, was presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS, CONSENT
CALENDAR AND
CLOSED SESSION ONLY:
No members of the public commented on Special Agenda items.
Members of the public Denise Barton and Zoe Muntaner commented on consent calendar items.
Members of the public Lori Nafshun, Denise Barton, Ann Bowman, (time donated by Bea Nemlaha), Suan Jain, Jerry Rubin, Christine Parra, Abby Adams, Patrick Adams, Jaleh Mirhashemi, and Maryanne Laguardia commented on Closed Session items.
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CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmember Zernitskaya, Item 4.F. was removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Hall requested to record a “No” vote for Item 4.G.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items 4.F. and recording a no vote by Councilmember Hall for Item 4.G., reading 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
CALTRANS MASTER
SERVICE AGREEMENT
4.A. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of CalTrans Master Service Agreement, was adopted.
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.
CRIME LABORATORY
SERVICES
4.B. Approval of First Modification of Agreement #4623 with the City of Glendale - Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory for Laboratory Services, was approved.
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.
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JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT
4.C. Authorization to Accept the 2024 Justice Assistance Grant for Implementation of the JAG Project to Impact Crime and Keep Neighborhoods Safe, was approved.
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).
OCEAN PARK VILLAS 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, was approved.
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).
GENDER-AFFIRMING
HEALTHCARE
4.E. Adoption of a Resolution Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare, was adopted.
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.
CAMPAIGN
CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
4.F. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Section 11.04.050 Concerning Limitations on Docusign Envelope ID: 900E3178-25A7-40CD-AE38-1F4E679CB055 5 March 25, 2025
Campaign Contributions, was held.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council introduce for first reading the Ordinance amending Section 11.04.050 concerning Limitations on Campaign Contributions.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to changing the contribution limit to $1,200 and exploring the possibility of a voluntary expenditure cap.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation with an amended contribution limit of $1,200. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
ABSENT: None
GIFT ACCEPTANCE
POLICY
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, was approved.
Recommended Action
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.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Zwick
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmember Hall
ABSENT: None
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MINUTES 4.H. Approval of Minutes of City Council - Regular Meeting - Feb 25, 2025 5:30 PM, was approved.
MINUTES 4.I. Approval of Minutes of City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 18, 2025 5:00 PM, was approved.
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 7:26 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 9:30 p.m., with all members present, to report the following:
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Pico Neighborhood Association and Maria Loya v. City; LASC # BC616804
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
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 The City Attorney advised that Council approved execution of an ENA by a vote of 7-0 with all members present.
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 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
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
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
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5.E. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Renee Miller v. City; LASC # 24SMCV00279 [report out only]
The City Attorney advised that a settlement in the amount of $250,000.00 was approved at the March 11, 2025, Council meeting by a vote of 7-0 with all members present.
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
This item was removed at the request of staff.
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented.
REPORT ON COUNCIL
TRAVEL
Councilmember Zernitskaya reported that she traveled to Yosemite for the Civic Well Conference.
Councilmember Raskin reported that on March 14th he presented at the UC Davis School of Law Environmental Law Symposium on Sea Level Rise Mitigation.
Mayor Negrete reported that she traveled to Washington, DC the week of March 10th to attend the National League of Cities Conference.
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Theresa Marasco and Karen Melick commented on Item 16.A.
Member of the public Theresa Marasco commented on Item 16.B.
Member of the public Theresa Marasco commented on Item 16.C.
STUDY SESSION:
WATER &
WASTEWATER RATE
STUDY
7.A. Five-Year Water and Wastewater Rate Study Session, was presented.
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.
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Questions asked and answered of staff included is the continuance of the low income assistance program and other ancillary programs projected in the budget; what are the risks of deferring maintenance; how much more could deferred maintenance possibly cost; what is the process for coming back to Council should the costs increase and how does the city know that rate percentages that are being increased now will be beneficial to make the 10 year project; and are the cost for repairs to damaged water meters due to Ficus tree roots built into the water rate increase and is this an ongoing issue.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to the availability of an app for residents to monitor their water; the quality of the city’s water system resulting in it not being affected by the Palisades Fire; the benefits of selecting option 1 in the staff report; and the importance of having clean, safe potable water as the climate crisis intensifies.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to give direction to staff implement option 1 of the staff report. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote with all members present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
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, was presented.
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.
Member of the public Denise Barton, spoke to the recommended action.
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Questions asked and answered of staff included why is the city choosing make the width of digital signage to be 100% as opposed to 90%; concerns about the brightness of the signage and the time period; are there many multitenant commercial buildings that could have multiple animated digital signs; are there any best practices are recommendations to angle the signs down to avoid light pollution; would the signs be permitted to have sound; is the size in this proposal smaller than what was previously allowed; is the proposal for the signs to only be permitted to face the Promenade; what is the advantage of this to remain temporary and not permanent; addressing concerns raised by the Fire Chief; and are the maximum brightness, ambient light, dimmable requirements, etc. in line with other shopping districts throughout the region.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to the elimination of restrictions providing greater flexibility of uses for community assembly uses; creating safer spaces with the presence of more people in the streets; tying light hours to closing hours for safety concerns; the importance of facilitating economic opportunity and growth at the Promenade while also maintaining brightness standards; moving to make these temporary measures permanent; and the ability for the city or Downtown Santa Monica to coordinate special lighting events.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, 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
TEMPORARY USE
PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS
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, was presented.
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 CityOwned Property and that Use City Funds From Temporary Use Docusign Envelope ID: 900E3178-25A7-40CD-AE38-1F4E679CB055 10 March 25, 2025
Permit Requirements During a Declared Local or State of Emergency.
No members of the public spoke to the recommended action.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote with all members present.
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.
RECREATION & PARKS
COMMISSION
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), was made.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis nominated Karen Melick.
Councilmember Hall nominated Sonam Makker and Daniel Campbell.
Mayor Negrete nominated Jaleh Mirhashemi.
The rank choice votes were as follows:
Round 1
Councilmember Snell: Sonam Makker, Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Councilmember Hall: Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Councilmember Zwick: Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Karen Melick, Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell, Sonam Makker, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Mayor Negrete: Jaleh Mirhashemi, Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell, Sonam Makker
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Councilmember Raskin: Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick
Result: Jaleh Mirhashemi was eliminated.
Round 2
Councilmember Snell: Sonam Makker, Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell Councilmember Hall: Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick Councilmember Zwick: Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Karen Melick, Sonam Makker, Daniel Campbell Councilmember Zernitskaya: Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell, Sonam Makker
Mayor Negrete: Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell, Sonam Makker, Jaleh Mirhashemi
Councilmember Raskin: Daniel Campbell, Karen Melick
Result: Daniel Campbell was eliminated.
Round 3
Councilmember Snell: Sonam Makker, Karen Melick
Councilmember Hall: Sonam Makker, Karen Melick
Councilmember Zwick: Sonam Makker, Karen Melick
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Karen Melick, Sonam Makker
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Karen Melick, Sonam Makker
Mayor Negrete: Karen Melick, Sonam Makker, Jaleh Mirhashemi Councilmember Raskin: Karen Melick, Daniel Campbell
Result: Karen Melick was appointed to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD
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), was made.
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On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated Yolanda Mickens and Belinda Phillips.
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, and Raskin voted for Belinda Phillips.
Councilmembers Hall, Zwick, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and Mayor Negrete voted for Yolanda Mickens.
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, and Raskin changed their votes to Yolanda Mickens, thereby appointing Yolanda Mickens by acclamation to the Housing Authority Board, with all members present.
MEASURE GS RESIDENT
OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
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, were made.
Motion made by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis to only seat a quorum of the committee (6 seats) at this time. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated Wade Kelley and Renee Buchanan to fill the formerly homeless seat.
Mayor Negrete nominated Theresa Marasco to fill the formerly homeless seat.
The rank choice votes were as follows:
Round 1
Councilmember Snell: Wade Kelley, Rene Buchanan, Theresa Marasco Councilmember Zwick: Wade Kelley, Rene Buchanan
Councilmember Hall: Wade Kelley
Councilmember Raskin: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley, Theresa Marasco Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley
Mayor Negrete: Theresa Marasco, Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley Docusign Envelope ID: 900E3178-25A7-40CD-AE38-1F4E679CB055 13 March 25, 2025
Result: Theresa Marasco was eliminated.
Round 2
Councilmember Snell: Wade Kelley, Rene Buchanan
Councilmember Zwick: Wade Kelley, Rene Buchanan
Councilmember Hall: Wade Kelley
Councilmember Raskin: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley
Mayor Negrete: Rene Buchanan, Wade Kelley, Theresa Marasco Result: Renee Buchanan was appointed to the Measure GS Oversight Committee.
Councilmember Hall nominated Wade Kelley to fill the deed-restricted unit seat.
Wade Kelley was voted by acclamation – unanimous vote in their favor, with all members present, to the Measure GS Oversight Committee.
Councilmember Hall nominated Michael Soloff, Amy Anderson, Anujan Jeevaprakash, and David Goltsman to fill the any income seats.
Councilmember Zwick nominated Bruce Wessel to fill the any income seats.
The rank choice votes were as follows:
Round 1
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash
Councilmember Zwick: Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel Councilmember Hall: Michael Soloff, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Amy Anderson, David Goltsman, Bruce Wessel
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Mayor Negrete: Bruce Wessel, Amy Anderson, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Snell: Michael Soloff, Amy Anderson, Bruce Wessel, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman
Councilmember Raskin: Michael Soloff, Amy Anderson
Result: Amy Anderson was appointed to the Measure GS Oversight Committee
Round 2
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Michael Soloff, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Amy Anderson
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Amy Anderson
Councilmember Zwick: Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel, Amy Anderson Councilmember Hall: Michael Soloff, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Bruce Wessel
Mayor Negrete: Bruce Wessel, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Snell: Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman
Councilmember Raskin: Michael Soloff
Result: Michael Soloff was appointed to the Measure GS Oversight Committee
Round 3
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Zernitskaya: Bruce Wessel, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Zwick: Bruce Wessel, Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff Councilmember Hall: Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Bruce Wessel, Docusign Envelope ID: 900E3178-25A7-40CD-AE38-1F4E679CB055 15 March 25, 2025
Michael Soloff
Mayor Negrete: Bruce Wessel, David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Snell: Bruce Wessel, Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Raskin: Michael Soloff
Result: Bruce Wessel was appointed to the Measure GS Oversight Committee
Round 4
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis: Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff
Councilmember Zernitskaya: David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel
Councilmember Zwick: Amy Anderson, Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel Councilmember Hall: Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Michael Soloff
Mayor Negrete: David Goltsman, Anujan Jeevaprakash, Bruce Wessel Councilmember Snell: Anujan Jeevaprakash, David Goltsman, Michael Soloff, Bruce Wessel
Councilmember Raskin: Michael Soloff
Result: Anujan Jeevaprakash was appointed to the Measure GS Oversight Committee
HUMAN SERVICES
COMMISSION
16.D. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Human Services Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2025, was made.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis nominated Kevin Glover.
Kevin Glover was voted by acclamation – unanimous vote in their favor, with all members present, to the Human Services Commission.
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ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW BOARD
16.E. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Architectural Review Board for a term ending on June 30, 2027, was made.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Zwick nominated Qianyu Li.
Councilmember Raskin nominated Howard Laks.
Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and Mayor Negrete voted for Qianyu Li.
Councilmember Raskin voted for Howard Laks.
Councilmember Raskin changed their vote to Qianyu Li, thereby appointing Qianyu Li by acclamation to the Architectural Review Board, with all members present.
TRAVEL FUNDS 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, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. 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
BUILDING CODE
UPDATE
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 single-stairwell multifamily unit residential buildings up to six stories, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
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ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 11:06 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
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