CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Negrete at 5:32 p.m., on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Lana Negrete
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis (arrived at 5:35 P.M.)
Councilmember Jesse Zwick (arrived at 5:36 P.M.)
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskay
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
Interim City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
City Clerk Nikima S. Newsome
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:32 p.m., with all Torosis. Councimenbe Raskin ted the assink and i the Pledge of STATEMENT OF The City of Santa Monica is located on the land of Tovangaar. With ACCOUNTABILITY reat respect, the City acknowledges the Gabrieleño/Tongva as the Fir:
(LAND eople of this ancestral and unceded territory of Kuruvungna, a villag ACKNOWLEDGEMENT) 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 Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a DISCLOSURE permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including 1 October 28, 2025
aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official.
Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well.
The ding surer sinclude then ate othe party na tice pant, or of ent, recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.
No Councilmembers recused themselves from agenda items pursuant to the Levine Act.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR Members of the public Johnathan Foster, Ash Oelsen, Denise Barton, GENERAL PUBLIC Susan Finley, Greg Morena, Mike Montgomery COMMENT:
(Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
arrived at 5:35 P.M.)
(Councilmember Zwick
arrived at 5:36 P.M.)
PUBLIC INPUT FOR No members of the public commented on Closed Session items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION Members of the public Nina Fresco, Johnathan Foster, and David Kaplan ONLY: commented on consent calendar items.
AGENDA Item 16.E. was removed from the agenda.
MANAGEMENT
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmembers Snell and Zwick, Item 4.A. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, 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 the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CHILD PROTECTION 4.B. Approval of an Agreement with Praesidium Inc. for Child 2 October 28, 2025
PROGRAM SERVICES Protection Program Services, 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; and
Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement Nos. 11780 (CCS) with Praesidium Inc. for Child Protection Program services for the Finance Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (b) and is for a total amount not to exceed $510,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
OPERATOR AND 4.C. Approval of Eighth Contract Modification with Trapeze for VEHICLE SCHEDULING Operator and Vehicle Scheduling Software for BBB, was approved.
SOFTWARE
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an eighth modification to Agreement No. 8928 (CCS) in an amount not to exceed $830,895 with Trapeze Software Group for software licenses and maintenance support of the Trapeze operator and vehicle scheduling svstems for the Department of Transportation. This will result in a 15-year amended agreement (16 years if the option is exercised with a new total amount not to exceed $4,749,265 (including the option year), with future year funding contingent on ASSET COLLECTION 4.D. Approval of First Modification to Agreement No. 11255 (CCS) AND MANAGEMENT with MentorAPM, LLC for Asset Collection and Management Services, SERVICES was approved.
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; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11255 (CCS) in the amount of $250,000 with MentorAPM, LLC for asset collection and
management services for the Public Works Department. This will result in a five-year amended agreement with a new total amount not 3 October 28, 2025
to exceed $1,013,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
5K RACE ROUTE 4.E. Introduction and Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 2834 URGENCY ORDINANCE (CCS) Amending Chapter 4.68 to Establish One Additional 5K Race Route, and Modifying Permitted Race Frequency Parameters, was introduced and adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15323 (Class 23 Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings).
2. Introduce and adopt attached urgency Ordinance No. 2834 (CCS) to amend Chapter 4.68 of the Municipal Codeto Establish One Additional 5K Race Route, and Modifying Permitted Race
Frequency Parameters.
LEASE AGREEMENT 4.F. Authorization to Enter into Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with Bank of America for City-Owned Property Located at 1301 Fourth Street, was approved
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize:
1. City Manager to negotiate and execute a Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with Bank of America for the City-owned property at 1301 Fourth Street. The Third Amendment would extend term from February 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028; 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.
LOCAL EMERGENCY 4.G. Resolution No. 11712 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency ON HOMELESSNESS R Proclamation, was adopted.
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt the proposed resolution ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
EMERGENCY 4.H. Adoption of Resolution No. 11713 (CCS) Ratifying Regional PROCLAMATION ON Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements, was adopted. 4 October 28, 2025
REGIONAL FIRES
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. Adopt the proposed resolution ratifying the Executive Order issued by the Director of Emergency Services declaring the existence of a local emergency in the City of Santa Monica and the Supplements to that Order.
WRITTEN COMMENTS 4.I. Minutes of City Council - Special Meeting - Oct 20, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
MILLS ACT CONTRACTS 4.A. Resolution Nos. 11709 through 11711 (CCS) Approving Historic roperty Preservation Agreements (Mills Act Contracts) with tr wners of the Properties Located at 137 Hart Avenue, 1958 20th Stree and 226 Palisades Avenue, were adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15331 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Adopt the attached Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute Historic Property Preservation Agreement Nos. 11781 through 11783 (CCS) (Mills Act Contract) between the City of Santa Monica and the owners of City-designated historic resources located at: 137 Hart Avenue, 1958 20th Street, and 226 Palisades Avenue.
3. Receive an update on future proposed changes to Mills Act Contract renewal, monitoring, and cost recovery.
Questions asked and answered of staff included what is the reduction in taxes due to the Mills Act, specifically its effect on funds going to the school district and community; does Santa Monica limit which properties are eligible, cap annual benefits, require a cost-benefit analysis, or have a maximum assessed value/tax loss like other cities; what is the calculation of assessed property values for Mills Act properties; what is the total impact of tax losses; if the city's portion is small, does the county, school district, and state lose more; what is the public benefit of approving lucrative tax reductions for recently renovated, high-value properties; is unpermitted/non- considered in eligibility findings; what is the public benefit of the Mills Act beyond preservation, such as public access or viewing of buildings; how is the public benefit met if designated buildings aren't visible from the street; does staff's recommended action include a commitment to bring back proposed changes to the Mills Act for future council consideration; and can 5 October 28, 2025
staff be directed to look into different ways of managing the Mills Act for future items and bring back findings for council discussion.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to the purpose of pulling the item for discussion being to help the public understand the reduction in taxes from the Mills Act, including its effect on revenue for the school district and community; concerns that there's no formal assessment of public cost vs. public benefit for Mills Act contracts, and that the program might grant large tax breaks to wealthy property owners for preservation efforts that may already have happened; suggesting the city pause new contracts until a cost-benefit analysis and prioritization procedures, like in other cities, are considered, to ensure tax benefits are justified; skepticism that such tax breaks for already-refurbished, high-value properties provide sufficient public benefit and if raising property values aligns with city goals; concerns about including ordinary property maintenance (e.g., tree trimming) as part of the "public benefit" in these tax agreements; the public benefit of the Mills Act typically refers to accescue or visite to preservatial pupie, making the benefit moot intangible; inclusion in the Mills Act program being a long-standing city policy and is the primary financial incentive for historic preservation; the Mills Act being a unique program whose benefits to the community are both quantifiable and intangible, such as higher property values from well- preserved neighborhoods; and staff returning to Council to present comparative research on how other jurisdictions manage and monitor Mills Act contracts for greater transparency and equity.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. 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
CLOSED SESSIONS Councilmember Hall stated that while he is awaiting guidance from the FPPC, out of an abundance of caution, he was recusing himself from Item (Councilmember Hall was 5.E. due to a potential conflict of interest. excused from the meeting at
7:45 P.M.) On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 6:25 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 8:20 p.m., with all members present, to eport the following
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Alejandra Garcia v. City; LASC # 21STCV07940 6 October 28, 2025
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)
John U.N.B. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV12746; John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV15009; Hector Orozco v. John Doe: Does 1-2; LASC # 23SMCV03120; John JPC Doe v. Doe City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV26548; John CW Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV29623; John Doe (A.G.) V. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al; LASC # 23SMCV06066; John GA DOE, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06484; John V.L. W. Doc, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06768; Joseph Garcia v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 15, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v.
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05050; John Doe (D.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05051; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV28433; John Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05527; John Doe 53 v. City, et al.; LASC #24STCV31763; John Doe (Y.M.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV06355; Jane Doe 16, et al. v. a Public Entity, et al.; LASC # 25STCV02235; John Doe 62, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV04414; John Doe 23 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV05850; John Doe (E.B.) v.
Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06354; Jane PB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06880; John Doe 67 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV10142; John Doe 68 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV12089; John Doe 69, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV14031; John OR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV16251; John RD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC #25STCV24158 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.C. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC #30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action 7 October 28, 2025
taken.
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - potential initiation of litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.E. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 1640 14th Street, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator:
Oliver Chi, City Manager; persons to be negotiated with: Nick Bode, Redcar Properties/1640 14th OWNER LLC; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
CITY MANAGER The City Manager Report was presented.
REPORT
REPORT ON COUNCIL There was nothing to report on Council travel.
TRAVEL
PUBLIC INPUT ON Members of the public Mati Fuchs-Lynch, Judith Serlin, Denise Barton, REMAINING AGENDA Patricia Keeney Maischoss, Kevin Keegan, Brad Ewing, Judy Krueger, ITEMS: Hunter Hall, Judith Meister, John Prindle, Joe Dirosa, Heather Thomason, Greg Morena, and Jonah Breslau commented on Item 11.A.
Members of the public Cody Green, Denise Barton, Susan Finley, Rima Simon, Lisa Song, Heather Thomason, Greg Morena, Mike Montgomery, and Stephen Price commented on Item 16. F.
STAFF 11.A. Santa Monica Realignment Plan, was presented.
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS: Councilmember Hall stated that he would be recusing himself from voting SANTA MONICA on staff recommendation items 2 and 12-15, due to a potential conflict o REALIGNMENT PLAN interest related to the proximity of his residence to sites discussed in thos items, pending further guidance from the FPPC.
Councilmember Zwick stated that out of an abundance of caution, he would be recusing himself from voting on staff recommendation items 12-15, due to a potential conflict of interest related to his new employment with a nonprofit housing organization and to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Recommended Actions
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Santa Monica Realignment 8 October 28, 2025
plan as the City's guiding framework for public safety renewal, revitalization of key public spaces, and achievement of organizational stability and fiscal balance by July 1, 2027 via the following direction:
1. Approve all budget adjustments and personnel authorizations required to implement the Realignment plan (Attachments A, B, & C);
2. Adopt Parking Fee Update Resolution No. 11715 (CCS) (Attachment D);
3. Adopt Credit Card Convenience Fee Resolution No. 11716 (CCS) (Attachment E);
4. Adopt Resolution No. 11717 & 11718 (CCS) authorizing non-sworn wellness benefit for equity alignment (Attachment F & G);
5. Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to require the registration of
6. Authorize staff to assess options for expanding the SaMo Bridge facility and development of a vehicle habitation ordinance;
7. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.25 regarding the registration of rental housing units not subject to local rent control (Attachment I);
8. Introduce for first reading an interim zoning ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks, to promote economic recovery by simplifying the City's outdoor dining program (Attachment J);
9. Adopt Outdoor Dining Fee Program Resolution No. 11719 (CCS) to institute an updated fee reduction program for parklets and sidewalk dining (Attachment K);
10. Authorize staff to assess possible expansion of the Entertainment Zone program for the Downtown, the Pier, and business
improvement districts;
11. Authorize staff to assess the Pier-to-Pier ferry, beach gondola, and regional fire dispatch concepts;
12. Authorize staff to explore opportunities to update development standards, land uses, and processes for City-owned sites in the Downtown Community Plan area and public and private sites within the former Gateway Master Plan area to provide more flexibility to unlock land value and redevelopment potential;
13. Adopt Resolution No. 11720 (CCS) of Intention directing the Planning Commission to initiate an amendment to the text of the Downtown Community Plan to allow flexibility in development standards, land uses, and processes for the city to manage its real estate assets and provide flexibility in development standards, land uses, and processes for public and private parcels within the former Gateway Master Plan area (Attachment L);
9 October 28, 2025
14. Adopt Resolution No. 11721 (CCS) of Intention directing the Planning Commission to initiate an amendment to the text of the Zoning Ordinance to provide flexibility in development standards, land uses, processes, and permit expiration timeframes for projects in the Downtown (Attachment M);
15. Authorize staff to focus City housing development efforts in the Downtown core, and concurrently direct that staff initiate studies to identify policy options that do not jeopardize Housing Element certification and also ensures that future development on boulevards achieves compatibility with existing residential neighborhoods;
16. Authorize staff to pause Transportation Demand Management (TDM) survey requirements for businesses;
17. Authorize staff to extend the Master Facilities Agreement (Measure YY / GS) with the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) beyond its current 2028 expiration date;
18. Authorize staff to continue assessing a possible 2026 parcel-tax ballot measure to sustain City-SMMUSD funding through the Joint Use Agreement; and
19. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Questions asked and answered of staff included is there a timeline for preparing a vehicle habitation ordinance; whether a safe parking site is needed to enforce the ordinance; whether a software solution has been identified for the rental registry; is there a possibility of waiving rental registry fees for affordable housing providers; who will decide how the $500,000 for BIDs is deployed; how Vision Zero quick build/capital funds will be allocated; how will the plan's success be measured and tracked; can a public-facing dashboard be created to communicate progress; what are the specifics on the levels/days of library branch reopening; the potential for community utility box painting programs; how are alcoholic beverages permitted and regulated in entertainment zones; what is the difference between "suspending" and "making optional" in the Transportation Demand Management Survey; how is restorative justice/diversion used in the city's criminal unit; would some of the other proposed actions in this plan reduce misdemeanor caseloads; would increased officer deployment deter crime downtown; how will the mandatory city holiday closure impact workers required to work; will those workers be able to take other time off later; what is a "healing center" for homelessness means in practice; what are the specifics regarding the gondola as it relates to site, orientation, and heights of the proposed gondola system; what are the tangible traffic, parking, and misdemeanor enforcement results from new deployments; what is the status, polling, and timeline of a potential 2026 parcel tax to support schools; what s the projected revenue and implementation timeline for the digital sig ordinance; how will the business improvement district (BID) processes br 10 October 28, 2025
made more accessible for smaller businesses and new merchant groups; is there support for Ocean Park and Sunset Park merchants in developing a BID; can Al chat features be used to enhance the 311 complaint system for follow-up and accountability; can a public-facing dashboard for 311 calls be created; are city police dispatch/EMS functions included in the realignment plan; can local data-driven programs replace or supplement state CARE Court efforts; can the vacant property registration be used for nuisance abatement; why is this plan now being advanced, and what has changed to make these actions possible now; are the current efforts and plans genuinely new, or have these been ongoing priorities now better aligned; and is community engagement being sufficiently addressed in the planning and implementation of housing/service projects.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to praise for the plan as bold, timely, and much needed for economic recovery, public safety, and community revitalization; gratitude to the city manager, staff, and executive team for developing a comprehensive roadmap out of the city's recent challenges; the importance of regular progress tracking, public-facing dashboards, and setting clear metrics for success; calls to ensure that the public and Council can see tangible results-such as reduced crime, improved cleanliness, and vibrant economic activity-as the plan is implemented; urging outreach and engagement processes be robust, with repeated emphasis on transparency when making policy choices, particularly those impacting neighborhoods, development, and city-owned land; assurance that benefits of revitalization (such as BIDs, business support, cultural investments, and infrastructure improvements) are distributed equitably across the city, not just the downtown core; excitement for the plan but also caution, recognizing the city's fiscal challenges; urging staff not to overpromise or underdeliver, and to rigorously assess what programs and pilots (e.g., gondola, ferry, music festival, sidewalk dining, reopenings) actually work and scale them accordingly; commented positively on the new organizational values ("humility, integrity, motivation, care") and the investment in workforce morale, retention, and wellness; the needs of the city's most vulnerable, especially with regard to housing, homelessness, public safety, behavioral health services, and protections for both residents and service recipients in new facility placement.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adopt staff recommendation items 1, 3-11, 16-19, removing the gondola. 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
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis. seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to 11 October 28, 2025
adopt staff recommendation item 2. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Hall
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt staff recommendation items 12-15. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Zwick and Hall
COUNCILMEMBER In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items DISCUSSION ITEMS: were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Items 16.C., 16.D., and 16.F. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y)
RECREATION AND 16.A. Recommendation to accept Ann Bowman's resignation from the PARKS COMMISSION Recreation and Parks Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted with regret.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to accept the resignation with regret.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present, and with direction added to only notice the resignation if a quorum is needed for the body to operate.
HOUSING COMMISSION 16.B. Recommendation to accept Deborah Lynch's resignation from the Housing Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted with regret.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis. to accept the resignation with regret.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present, and with direction added to only notice the resignation if a quorum is needed for the body to operate.
12 October 28, 2025
ARTS COMMISSION 16.C. Appointments to two vacancies on the Arts Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2029, were heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to table all appointments until the Clerk returns to Council with the boards and ommissions comprehensive review in January, unless an appointment to ody is needed to fulfill a quorum. The motion was approved by a unanimou voice vote, with all members present.
HOUSING COMMISSION 16.D. Appointments to two vacancies on the Housing Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028, were heard.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to table all appointments until the Clerk returns to Council with the boards and omission to then ere in anary less an apprintent
a quorum. The motion was approved bv a unanimou
L.A. COUNTY WEST 16.E. Appointment to one vacancy on the L.A. County West Vector VECTOR CONTROL Control District for a term ending on June 30, 2029, was removed from DISTRICT the agenda.
L.A. COUNTY AND
NONPROFIT OPERATED
HOUSING PROJECTS
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to sites for "suitability" or neighborhood fit could be illegal or risk violating state fair housing requirements; encouraging, but not mandating, outreach, so as to remain in compliance with AB 686 and avoid "builders remedy" risks; the importance of framing city actions and motions in a way that clearly states compliance with state law to avoid legal repercussions; praise for Santa Monica's leadership in providing housing/support services for people experiencing homelessness and calling for continuation of these etions; urging caution to ensure increased engagement does nut aud to the or discrimination faced by those using these facilities, and that outreach be collaborative, not exclusionary; support for balancing transparency and accountability with the need to avoid jeopardizing city- state or intergovernmental relations; the importance of keeping confidential or privileged information (about client identity or sensitive sites) protected, 13 October 28, 2025
asking the City Attorney to retain discretion over what aspects can be legally disclosed to protect individual and municipal interests; support tor transparency and trust-building with the community, staff, service providers, and the populations being served; proposing amendments to put guardrails on the new directions, ensuring that nothing adopted would expose the city to legal risk or bring it out of compliance with state law; suggesting public communication should include education about why some housing sites must stay confidential, particularly when serving survivors of domestic violence or other vulnerable groups; requesting that legal retrospectives related to projects could remain confidential or privileged to protect the city from litigation risk; the importance of a comprehensive, citywide approach, and ensuring that all neighborhoods are engaged and that public engagement is meaningful; the need for results, not just frameworks and policies; and holding the city accountable if the directives do not lead to real positive changes.
Councilmember Hall introduced amendments into the record.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, to approve the amendments as introduced by Councilmember Hall. 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
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 1:16 a.m. in memory of June Lockhart, Brad Lipshy and Maura Cohen.
APPROVED:
Mri Anderatin fang Nepotte
MM Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
14 October 28, 2025