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: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 2
RULES OF ORDER FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Resolution No.11663(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.
- In-person: 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. - Telephone: Persons wishing to address the Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting. Showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
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 if speaking on multiple items. A member of the public may allocate time between items in one-minute increments up to 2 minutes and those requesting to speak on only one agendized item for the meeting may speak for up to 4 minutes on that one item. Except for noticed public hearings or quasi-judicial items, if more than 25 speakers are registered to speak during a public input section, the amount of time shall be reduced to 1 minute per speaker during that section.
Except for the author of the request, public comment on 15-items are limited to 1 minute.
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 and on Special
Agenda Items.)
2. Special Agenda Items (Commendations and
Proclamations presented).
3. Public Comment for Consent Calendar and Closed
Sessions Only.
4. Consent Calendar (All items considered in one
motion unless removed by a City Councilmember for
discussion. No public comment is permitted on
second readings.)
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 (No public comment is
permitted on second readings.)
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: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 3
AGENDAS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250,
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
MEETING BEGINS AT 5:30 PM
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT BY TELEPHONE
Persons wishing to address the City Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting.
Donation of time and showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
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. GENERAL PUBLIC INPUT AND COMMENT ON SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS (For regular meetings, public comment is permitted on Special Agenda Items and 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 City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 4 raised under this agenda item. For special meetings, public input is limited to scheduled Special Agenda Items only.)
1.A. Written Comments
2. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
2.A. Proclamation: National Parks and Recreation Month
3. PUBLIC INPUT (ITEMS UNDER CONSENT CALENDAR AND 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. Award Bid to AAAdvantage Concrete Coatings for the Resurfacing of Parking Structure 5 Stairs
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15302 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #4504 to AAAdvantage Concrete Coatings for resurfacing of Parking Structure 4 and 5 stairs for the Department of Transportation Parking Operations Division; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with AAAdvantage Concrete Coating in an amount not to exceed $750,971 (including a 5% contingency) for two years.
4.B. Award RFP No. SP2740 to Craftwater Engineering, Inc. to Prepare a Permeable Surface Alley Master Plan
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 5 Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of exemptions pursuant to Section 15262 and Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP# SP2740 to Craftwater Engineering, Inc., a California-based company, to provide services for the development of a Permeable Surface Alley Master Plan for Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement with Craftwater Engineering, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $345,000 (including a $45,087 contingency) for three (3) years, with one renewal option of up to two (2) years.
4.C. Award Request for Proposal to Intercare Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. for Workers' Compensation Claims Administration Services
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. Award RFP# 442 to Intercare Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. for workers’ compensation claims administration services for the Finance Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Intercare Holdings Insurance Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $4,281,974 for five years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.D. Award Request for Proposal No. 427 and Agreement to Insight Strategies for Leadership Training
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP# 427 to Insight Strategies for coaching and leadership development training for the Department of Transportation; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Insight Strategies, for an amount not to exceed $145,000 in fiscal year FY25-
26. 4.E. Approval of the Pier Corporation Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan; Approval of Updates to Pier Leasing Guidelines; and Authorization to Execute a Sixth Modification to Services Agreement between the City and Santa Monica Pier Corporation
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 6
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. Approve the Santa Monica Pier Corporation Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan;
3. Approve Updates to Pier Leasing Guidelines: and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute a sixth modification to Services Agreement No. 10101 between the City and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation.
4.F. Authorization to Accept Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 2024 Grant for Homeland Security Projects
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 of $2,498,772 from the 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for homeland security projects in the Fire and Police Departments;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and any subsequent grant modifications; and
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
4.G. Award Contracts for Seismic Retrofit Program Engineering Reviews City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 7 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. Award RFP# 437 to Degenkolb Engineers for seismic structural engineering services for the Community Development Department;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements with Degenkolb Engineers, in an annual amount not to exceed $80,000 (for three years, with two additional one-year renewal options in the amount of $80,000, on the same terms and conditions) for a total amount not to exceed $400,000 over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
4. Award RFP# 437 to IDS Group for seismic structural engineering services for the Community Development Department;
5. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements with IDS Group, in an annual amount not to exceed $80,000 (for three years, with two additional one-year renewal options in the amount of $80,000, on the same terms and conditions) for a total amount not to exceed $400,000 over a fiveyear period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
6. Award RFP# 437 to Forell/Elsesser Engineers for seismic structural engineering services for the Community Development Department;
7. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements with Forell/Elsesser Engineers, in an annual amount not to exceed $80,000 (for three years, with two additional one-year renewal options in the amount of $80,000, on the same terms and conditions) for a total amount not to exceed $400,000 over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.H. Approval to Ratify Issuance of Purchase Order to Jilk Heavy Construction, Inc. for the Pier Pile Emergency Repair
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15269 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Ratify the Procurement Manager’s issuance of a purchase order with Jilk Heavy Construction, Inc. to repair pile 18M underneath the Santa Monica Pier for the Public Works Department. The emergency purchase was made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $60,000.
4.I. Approval of Offer Letter for Retired Annuitant Extra Help Services in the City Manager’s Office – Elaine Polachek
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 8
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15601(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Approve the offer letter to Elaine Polachek for her services as extra help during the transition to a new permanent City Manager; and
3. Authorize the Mayor to sign the offer letter on behalf of the City.
4.J. Approval of the Santa Monica Tourism Marketing District Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve the Santa Monica Tourism Marketing District Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan; and,
2. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
4.K. Approval of the DTSM Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan and License Agreement with DTSM
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Approve the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Work Plan; and
3. Approve a Third Street Promenade Public-Serving Programs and Amenities License Agreement to allow DTSM to operate events with alcohol service within the new Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone and to include a shared revenue opportunity for DTSM and the City.
4.L. Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Tentative Agreements and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Memoranda of Understanding with the California Teamsters Local 986 (Teamsters), and the Santa Monica Police Officers Association (POA) - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15324 (Class 24 Regulations of Working Conditions) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt the proposed Resolution (Attachment A) accepting the Tentative Agreements (TA) and authorizing the City Manager to execute Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the California Teamsters Local 986 (Teamsters), and the Santa Monica Police Officers Association (POA);
3. Adopt the salary schedule (Attachment B); and
4. Authorize budget changes as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 9
4.M. City Council - Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025 5:30 PM - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
5. CLOSED SESSIONS
5.A. Conference with labor negotiator - Gov. Code § 54957.6: City negotiator:
Mayor/Personnel Director; unrepresented employees: City Manager and Interim City Manager - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
5.B. Conference with labor negotiator - Gov. Code § 54957.6: agency designated representatives: Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek, Human Resources Director Dana Brown, and Human Resources Manager Sarah Rebensdorf; bargaining units: Municipal Employees Association (MEA) and Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 (Local 1109) - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
5.C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - Government Code Section 54957(b): Consider the evaluation of performance of a public employee. Title: City Clerk - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
CITY MANAGER REPORT
TRAVEL ANNOUNCEMENT AND MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
6. PUBLIC INPUT ON REMAINING AGENDA ITEMS
7. STUDY SESSION
7.A. Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the recommended actions herein do not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and are exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15262, 15306, and 15062;
2. Hold a study session to review and comment on the potential feasibility of the three planning scenarios and review community feedback from the engagement activities; and
3. Provide direction to staff on how to proceed with respect to Phase 3b, the development of a Preferred Scenario, and the community engagement activities.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
No items
9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 10 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.)
10.A. Introduction and Adoption of Emergency Ordinance Amending SMMC 4.08.780 to Include Additional Prohibited Items at Public Assemblies and Community Events
Recommended Action
Staff recommends 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 and adopt an emergency ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.08.780 to expand the list of prohibited items at public assemblies and community events to enhance public safety and prevent the escalation of violence.
11. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
No items
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
No items
13. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No items
14. RESOLUTIONS
No items
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS OTHER THAN REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND
OFFICERS
No items
16. COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS
16.A. Annual Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions: - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
Board/Commission No. of Term Special Requirements
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 11 Appointme
nts
End
Date
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism,
Inc. 2
6/30/20
29 -
Transit Security Advisory
Committee 1
6/30/20
29 Law Enforcement experience
16.B. Recommendation to rescind the appointment of Larissa Shadchina to the Housing Commission seat for an affordable housing program participant who is or was unhoused, for a term ending on June 30, 2027 - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
16.C. Recommendation to accept Laurie Yehia's resignation from the Arts Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy. - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
16.D. Request of Mayor Pro Tempore Torosis, Councilmember Raskin and Councilmember Zwick to direct the City Attorney to return with right to recall and labor peace ordinances to protect both workers and the City’s proprietary and financial interest in revenue-generating City-owned property. - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
16.E. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Mayor Pro Tempore Torosis that in order to ensure taxpayer dollars are used transparently, lawfully, and for the benefit of all residents, the City Council direct Staff to schedule a Council study session no later than September 30, 2025 and present options to reform the conditions for official recognition of community organizations and participation in grant programs. - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
16.F. Request of Councilmembers Zwick and Hall that the City Council direct the City Manager and Community Development Department to report back within 30 days on how the City plans to change its processes to comply with new timing mandates for housing approvals contained within budget trailer bill AB 130, under which ministerial housing development project entitlements must be approved or denied within two months of application completeness or are otherwise deemed approved. - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
16.G. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Zwick, and Mayor Pro Tempore Torosis that the City Council direct the City Clerk, as part of her quinquennial boards and commissions review, to return with a study session by September 30, 2025 that examines possibilities to reorganize, consolidate, and deprecate where necessary to streamline processes for residents and businesses and reduce duplicative workstreams and additional costs to the taxpayer. - New Item Received. 7/03/2025
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, City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/9/2025 11:04 AM Page 12 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 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).