1 July 29, 2025
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 29, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Negrete at 5:34 p.m., on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Lana Negrete
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis
Councilmember Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
City Attorney Douglas Sloan
City Clerk Nikima S. Newsome
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:34 p.m., with all members present. 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 Raskin.
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: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 2 July 29, 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.
No Councilmembers recused from any items pursuant to the Levine Act.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Teal Greene, Joe Holsher, Elysse Champion, Georgia Fay, Graham Wooley, Arshayan Desai, Reagan Whalen, Eden Tishbi, Jack Turtletaub, Ian Brown, Rufus F., Elizabeth Sorgen, Jerry Rubin, Harvey Eder, Sheila Morovati, Denise Barton, Dylan Songen, Jonah Breslau, Dayquan Moeller, Johnathan Foster, Gonzalo Hernandez, Flor Garcia, Alberto Hernandez, Susan McCorry, Jim Conn, Michael Dimartino, John Berry, Ruta Soltanpour, Michael Fuimori, Karen La Cava, Jane VelezMitchell, and Christina Ku commented on various local issues.
No members of the public commented on Special Agenda items.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
2.A. Commendation: Community Wellbeing Leaders, was presented.
2.B. Proclamation: Disability Pride Month, was presented.
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to suspend the Council rules to hear the special meeting agenda item at this time. The motion was approved by unanimous roll call vote with all Councilmembers present. The special Council meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. at which time the regular Council meeting was reconvened.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
No members of the public commented on Closed Session items.
Members of the public Greg Amato, Juan Matute, Jacqueline Hinton, Justin Hinton, Connor Webb, and Pam O’Connor commented on consent calendar items.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmember Hall, Item 4.A. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.A., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 3 July 29, 2025
the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CHARGING
INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT
4.B. Approval of Professional Services Agreement No. 11738 (CCS) with Stantec Architecture, Inc. for the Santa Monica Department of Transportation Charging Infrastructure Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Section 15262 and Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11738 (CCS) with Stantec Architecture, Inc. for professional design services for the Santa Monica Department of Transportation Charging Infrastructure Project for the Public Works Department in an amount not to exceed $1,150,000 (including a 10% contingency) for a five-year term with two additional one-year renewal options with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(b).
WATER RESERVOIR
UPGRADES &
IMPROVEMENTS
4.C. Authorization of Third Modification to Agreement No. 11475 (CCS) with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. and First Modification to Agreement No. 11547 (CCS) with Arcadis U.S., Inc. and for the Water Reservoir Upgrades, Seismic and Site Security Improvements, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a third modification to Agreement No. 11475 (CCS) in the amount of $646,847 (including no additional contingency) with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for additional design services for the Water Reservoir Upgrade and Improvement Project for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $4,336,139, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11547 (CCS) in the amount of Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 4 July 29, 2025
$318,402 (including no additional contingency) with Arcadis U.S., Inc for additional design services for the Site Security Project for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,163,402, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
4.D. Award RFP No. SP2754 to International Cybernetics Company, LP, dba IMS Infrastructure Management Services, for the Pavement Management System Update, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP#SP2754 to International Cybernetics Company, LP, doing business as (dba) IMS Infrastructure Management Services, to provide professional consulting services to conduct a citywide pavement condition survey and update the City's Pavement Management System (PMS) for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11739 (CCS) with International Cybernetics Company, LP, doing business as (dba) IMS Infrastructure Management Services, in an amount not to exceed $130,456 (including a 10% contingency) for a five-year term, with one renewal option of up to five years in the amount of $103,909 (including 10% contingency) for a total amount not to exceed $234,365 over a ten-year period, with the future year funding contingent on council budget approval.
VEHICLE REPAIRS 4.E. Authorize the First Modification to Agreement No. 11752 (CCS), formerly #4755, with Westway Auto Body and Paint Shop, Inc., for Vehicle Body Work, Repairs, Painting, and New Vehicle Upfitting, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and a finding of no significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11762 (CCS), formerly agreement #4755, to extend the term and in the amount of $200,000 (includes a Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 5 July 29, 2025
$19,000 contingency) with Westway Auto Body and Paint Shop, Inc. (Westway), for vehicle body work, repairs, painting and new vehicle upfitting for the Public Works Department. This will result in a sixyear amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $450,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
FILM PERMITS 4.F. Award RFP #439 for Film Permit Coordination, Permit Process Improvement, Marketing/Outreach, Notification, Monitoring, and Complaint Referral Services on Public Property, the Public Right-ofWay, and in City Facilities, 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. Award RFP #439 Film Permit Coordination, Permit Process Improvement, Marketing/Outreach, Notification, Monitoring, and Complaint Referral Services to Film Santa Monica, a Californiabased company, to provide film permit coordination, notification, and monitoring services for filming activities on public property, the public right-of-way, and in City facilities; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11740 (CCS) with Film Santa Monica at no cost to the City over an initial term of three years with one option for renewal of two years to be exercised at the City’s sole discretion.
SERVICE DESK
SUPPORT
4.G. Approval of Third Modification of Agreement with Zones for 24x7x365 Service Desk Support, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a third modification to Agreement No. 10887 (CCS) in the amount of $226,936 with Zones, LLC (Zones) for 24x7x365 Service Desk support for the Information Services Department (ISD). This will result in a 7-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,215,668, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
2. 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.
WATER
CONSERVATION FUND
4.H. Resolution No. 11684 (CCS) Authorizing the Application for Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Parks and Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 6 July 29, 2025
GRANT Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Funding, 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;
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 11684 (CCS) authorizing the application for grant funds in the amount of $6 million from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program for the Memorial Park Expansion Project for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to apply for the grant, accept the grant, if awarded, and accept all grant renewals, if awarded.
REGIONAL FIRES
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
4.I. Resolution No. 11685 (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 Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). 15268
(Ministerial Projects), and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 11685 (CCS) 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.
HOMELESSNESS
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
4.J. Resolution No. 11686 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency, 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 proposed Resolution No. 11686 (CCS) ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING
4.K. Resolution No. 11687 (CCS) Accepting Tentative Agreements 11741 (CCS), 11742 (CCS) and 11743 (CCS) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Memoranda of Understanding with the Municipal Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 7 July 29, 2025
Employees Association (MEA), Supervisory Team Associates (STA), and the Administrative Team Associates (ATA), was adopted and approved.
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. Adoption of Resolution No. 11687 (CCS) accepting Tentative Agreements No. 11741 through 11734 (CCS) and authorizing the City Manager to execute Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the Municipal Employees Association (MEA), Supervisory Team Associates (STA), and the Administrative Team Associates (ATA);
3. Adopt the salary schedule (Attachment B); and
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report. (requires 5 votes)
MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDIN
4.L. Resolution No. 11688 (CCS) Accepting Tentative Agreement No. 11744 (CCS) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 IAFF (1109), was adopted and approved.
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. Adoption of Resolution No. 11688 (CCS) accepting Tentative Agreement No. 11744 (CCS) and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 IAFF (1109);
3. Adopt the salary schedule (Attachment B); and
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report.(requires 5 votes)
COUNCIL MEETING
SCHEDULE
4.M. Resolution No. 11689 (CCS) Rescheduling Regular City Council Meeting Scheduled for November 11th to November 18th, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the following:
1. Reschedule regular Council meeting scheduled for November 11, 2025, to November 18, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day, which is now an official city holiday; and
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2. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant environmental effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
MINUTES 4.N. Minutes of City Council - Regular Meeting - Jun 10, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
ANNUAL PAVING
PROJECT &
TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT GRANT
4.A. Award Bid SP2717 and Construction Contract No. 11737 (CCS) to Sully Miller Contracting Company for the FY 25-26 Annual Paving Project and Accept Transportation Development Act Grant, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #SP2717 to Sully Miller Contracting Company for the FY 2025-26 Annual Paving Project for the Public Works Department;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract No. 11737 (CCS) with Sully Miller Contracting Company in an amount not to exceed $7,591,163 (including a 15% contingency);
4. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $211,000 from the Los Angeles Metro Transportation
Development Act (TDA) Funds for FY 2025-26 Annual Paving Project in the Department of Transportation, and to accept all grant renewals;
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals; and
6. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
Questions asked and answered of staff regarding the East Pico Blvd safety plan included was there a parking study completed to understand the impacts of removing the three spots being highlighted by the businesses in the area; would it be possible to change at least one meter spot to a disability parking spot; would it be possible to implement another crosswalk to address safety concerns for pedestrians; is there a timeframe for when additional electric buses will be implemented; what were the results of the one day bus stop relocation; wouldn’t the alternative near side bus stop option create an unsafe situation with the bus merging in the middle of 33rd and Pico Blvd; what would be the timeline or cost of moving the metered parking to Urban Avenue; are there other bus stops in the city that have been relocated in this way and what were the results; what are the headways right now on Pico Blvd; did Council approve the recommendation from the 2019 study to proceed with the eastbound bus travel lane on Pico Blvd; has that recommendation been implemented; has the idea been entertained to move Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 9 July 29, 2025
the bus stop further back on the north side; was any thought given to eliminating the bus stop at the intersection; what would be the next closest bus stop if this stop was eliminated; what type of bus stop will this be; will the bus stop reduce the footprint that can by used outside of business by its owner(s) for marketing and such; how many blocks are there between this stop and the next closest stop; how much outreach was conducted with the community; and will trash receptacles be available at this stop.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to safety concerns with the intersection for pedestrians; viable options for the bus stop; the desire for the businesses in the Pico area to thrive; encouraging the businesses to apply for façade improvement grants; concerns for overall health and safety for the community members; commitment to Vision Zero; and concerns about the lack of outreach to the business community and underinvesting in the neighborhood.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, to adopt the East Pico Blvd safety study and plan as recommended by staff. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmember Snell
ABSENT: None
Questions asked and answered of staff regarding the protected bike lanes on the Broadway Corridor included what is the actual rideable width of the bike lanes, excluding the gutter; how does the proposed width compare to NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) standards; what is the minimum width for protected bike lanes according to best practices; what are the standard travel lane widths in other cities (e.g., Los Angeles); what is the relationship between travel lane width and vehicle speeds; what are the safety implications of narrowing travel lanes to 10 feet; what were the results and feedback from the pilot segment with narrower lanes and parking; if the bike lanes are widened, where does the space come from—parking or travel lanes; what are the impacts of reducing parking lane width versus travel lane width; what are the trade-offs for emergency vehicle access, turning radii, and business loading zones; could a two-way cycle track (bi-directional bike lane) be implemented on one side of the street; was making Broadway a one-way street considered; what would be the cost and timeline implications of a full redesign; what outreach and engagement was done with local businesses, residents, and advocacy groups; what feedback was received from the fire department, police, and waste management regarding emergency access; what is the project timeline, and how would a redesign affect grant deadlines; would redesign costs come from the general fund or other sources; how will the Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 10 July 29, 2025
design affect parking availability for businesses; and can more bike parking be added in front of businesses to support local commerce.
Considerable discussion ensued regarding the protected bike lanes on the Broadway Corridor on topics including, but not limited to safety concerns with the intersection for pedestrians; viable options for the bus stop; the desire for the businesses in the Pico area to thrive; encouraging the businesses to apply for façade improvement grants; concerns for overall health and safety for the community members; commitment to Vision Zero; and concerns about the lack of outreach to the business community and underinvesting in the neighborhood.
Motion by Councilmember Zwick, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to direct staff to redesign the Broadway protected bike lane cross-section to provide 7-foot bike lanes with 10-foot travel lanes, prioritizing wider bike lanes for safety and usability, even if it requires narrowing the travel lanes. 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
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the contract and staff recommendation with the amendments as directed, and for staff to return with an implementation plan for the additional changes. 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
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to continue with the meeting and move closed session to the end of the meeting after the Council Discussion Items, as well continue Item 11.A. to the August 12, 2025 Council meeting. The motion was approved by a voice vote of 6-1 with Councilmember Hall casting the dissenting vote because he believed that matters concerning equity issues are frequently delayed by Council.
RECESS On order of the Mayor, the meeting recessed at 8:50 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:10 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
CLOSED SESSIONS
(Mayor Negrete and
On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 11:43 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and adjourned at 1:19 a.m., with no reportable actions taken.
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Councilmember Zwick
excused at 1:01 a.m.)
5A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al; # 23STCV15009; John UNB Doe, et al. v. Doe 1, et al; # 23STCV12746; John Doe (A.G.) v. SM PAL, et al.; # 23SMCV06066; John JPC Doe v. Doe, City, et al., # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 23STCV26548; John CW, Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 23STCV29623; Hector Orozco v. John Doe, et al; # 23SMCV03120; John U.L.W. Doe v. City, et al; # 24STCV06768; John Doe 15, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV07647; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV09398; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV08239; John GA Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV06484; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v. City, et al; # 24STCV15420; Joseph Garcia v. City, et al; # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 49 v. City, et al; # 24STCV19296; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV24146; John DD, Doe v. City, et al; # 24SMCV04421; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al; # 24STCV28433; John Doe 52 v. City, et al; # 24STCV30678; John Doe 53 v. City, et al; # 24STCV31763
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243
5.C. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation – Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Stanford Neighbors Against City Overreach v. City, et al; LASC # 24STCP02065
5.D. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation – Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Ashland Neighbors v. City, et al; LASC # 25STCP02497
5.E. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation – Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): La Brea Washington Co. LLC v. City, et al; LASC # 25STCP00961
This item was pulled at the request of staff.
5.F. Public employee performance evaluation - Gov. Code § 54957(b):
City Attorney; conference with labor negotiator - Gov. Code § 54957.6:
City negotiator: Mayor; unrepresented employee: City
Attorney/Interim City Attorney
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented.
REPORT ON COUNCIL
TRAVEL
Councilmember Hall and Mayor Pro Tem Torosis reported that they traveled to Chicago for the Local Progress National Convening. They both stated that no city funds were used to attend this event.
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PUBLIC COMMENT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS
Members of the public Jerry Rubin, Harvey Eder, Denise Barton, Hajar, Joanne Berlin, and Denise C. Neal commented on Item 11.A.
Members of the public Milana Davis, Chance Davis, Lauren Davis, Robbie Jones, Kavon Ward, Hajar, Janet McKeithen, Joanne Berlin, Ericka Lesley, Andrina Seals, and Denise C. Neal commented on Item 11.B.
Members of the public Denise Barton, Heather Thomason, Nikki Kolhoff, and Eve Lopez commented on Item 16.B.
Members of the public Denise Barton, Pam O’Connor, Heather Thomason, Tracey Hom, and Nikki Kolhoff commented on Item 16.C.
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
CITYWIDE EQUITY
PLAN
11.A. Approval of Citywide Equity Plan, was continued to the August 12, 2025 Council meeting.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive and approve the Citywide Equity Plan;
2. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
EBONY BEACH CLUB 11.B. Ebony Beach Club, was heard.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council review the materials provided by the City Attorney’s Office and provide direction to staff on next steps with the heirs of Silas White and the Ebony Beach Club nonprofit.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to appreciation to staff for bringing this forward, to not forget about the history of wrongs transacted against certain populations in the city, the importance of deadlines in this process and the need to expedite the mediation process; and the loss of generational wealth.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Hall, 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
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CIVIC CENTER
12.A. Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 11690 (CCS) Approving Proposed Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment; and Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 13 July 29, 2025
SPECIFIC PLAN Introduction for First Reading to Adopt the Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for RAND’s existing institutional office building located at 1776 Main Street, was heard.
Recommended Action
Recommendation that the City Council take following actions pertaining to RAND’s headquarters building located at 1776 Main Street:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Class 1 Exemption (Existing Facilities));
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 11690 (CCS) approving a Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment; and
3. Introduce an ordinance for first reading to adopt the Second Amendment to the RAND Development Agreement.
Members of the public Jerry Rubin, Pam O’Connor, Brad Ewing, Denise Barton, and Denise C. Neal, spoke to the recommended action.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, 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
SENATE BILL 1123 12.B. Public Hearing and Adoption of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2821 (CCS) of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Extending and Amending Regulations Established by Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance 2816 (CCS) to Permit the Establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as Part of Projects Utilizing Senate Bill (SB) 1123 on Vacant Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, Ensure Project Feasibility of SB 1123 Projects by Providing for Certain Relaxed Development Standards, and Expand the Establishment of ADUs to All Projects Utilizing Government Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41 Which Includes Parcels Within Multiple-Unit Zoning District as Permitted Pursuant to SB 684, was heard.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 14 July 29, 2025
Section 65913.4.5(b) and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
2. Introduce and Adopt Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2821 (CCS) Extending and Amending the Regulations Established by Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance 2816 (CCS) to Permit the Establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as Part of Projects Utilizing Senate Bill (SB) 1123 on Vacant Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, Ensure Project Feasibility of SB 1123 Projects by Providing for Certain Relaxed Development Standards, and Expand the Establishment of ADUs to All Projects Utilizing Government Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41 Which Includes Parcels Within Multiple-Unit Zoning District as Permitted Pursuant to SB 684.
Members of the public Daniel Funk, Connor Webb, Pam O’Connor, Brad Ewing, Erin King, Darlene Vogel, Benjamin Passino, Denise C. Neal, Matias Fuchs-Lynch, Heather Thomason, Joseph Cohen May, and Nikki Kolhoff, spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included why is an emergency zoning ordinance being used in this instance and will data be collected to ensure that these changes are leading to the construction of more units being built.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to the ordinance leading to the ability for older homes, often vacated after the death of elderly residents, to be transformed into multiple modest homes for new families, rather than being replaced by large mansions thus helping young families to be able to afford to live in Santa Monica; the history of singlefamily zoning as a tool for racial exclusion; similar ordinances in other cities (Portland, Berkeley, Houston, Austin, Minneapolis, Sacramento) that have led to increased affordability; affordability requirements for projects with more than five units to be able to include some affordable housing; concerns about increased density, scale, and the long-term livability of the community; upzoning could lead to more expensive, market-rate housing, displacement of lower-income residents, and strain on infrastructure; concerns about the use of emergency powers for non-emergency situations; the lack of meaningful affordability requirements, and the potential for gentrification and loss of neighborhood character; the need for anti-displacement measures, tenant protections, and ensuring that new development does not come at the expense of existing residents; and the need for more community engagement and a balanced approach that considers both housing needs and neighborhood impacts.
Motion by Councilmember Zwick, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 15 July 29, 2025
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Hall, Zwick
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
NOES: Councilmember Raskin and Mayor Negrete
ABSENT: None
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Items 16.C. and 16.D. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y)
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to approve the Councilmember Discussion Items except for Items
16.C. and 16.D. The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
BUILDING & FIRE-LIFE
SAFETY COMMISSION
16.A. Recommendation to accept Charles G. Whitaker's resignation from the Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted with regret.
YIMBYTOWN 2025
CONFERENCE
16.B. Request of Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya that the City Council authorize the use of her travel funds to attend the YIMBYtown 2025 conference in New Haven, Connecticut taking place September 14- 16, 2025. YIMBYtown is the premier nationwide pro-homes conference for advocates, organizers, and policymakers, offering trainings, panels, tours, speeches and networking with others around the country, was approved.
HOUSING ELEMENT
PROGRAM 1.C.
16.C. Request of Councilmember Zwick, Councilmember Raskin, and Mayor Pro Tem Torosis that the City Council direct the City Manager to return with options for revising development standards to effectively implement Housing Element Program 1.C. Despite prior best efforts, our City continues to see underutilized parking lots remain vacant on commercial corridors. Updates to development standards may be needed in order to incentivize housing projects along transit corridors and near a future “Great Park.” Specifically, additional incentives may include new zoning/ development standards for housing projects on surface parking lots associated with commercial corridors that match the zoning/ development standards of the commercial corridors they abut and removal of the requirement that new housing projects replace code-required parking at 50%, was heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, to approve the item. The motion was approved by a voice vote of 6-1 with Docusign Envelope ID: C6B163F2-46EE-4886-83E8-116F29F8DBCC 16 July 29, 2025
Mayor Negrete casting the dissenting vote.
WAIVING OF CITY FEES 16.D. Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council approve waiving City fees not to exceed $15,000 for the Butterfly Brawl, a boxing, charity and entertainment event on the Santa Monica Pier on August 16, 2025.
Butterfly Brawl’s mission is to combine high-level boxing, entertainment, and philanthropy in support of cancer-related causes.
This year, fundraising efforts will focus on the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) and the American Cancer Society that supports those affected by cancer, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Negrete, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, to approve the item. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmember Hall
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 1:19 a.m. in memory of Melva Colter.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
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