1 REGULAR MEETING
LANDMARKS COMMISSION
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025
MEETING BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250
CALL TO ORDER Chair Green called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Roger Genser
Jack Hillbrand
Pam O’Connor
Dolores Sloan
Amy Green, Chair
Absent:
Jodi Summers
Also present:
Regina Szilak, Senior Planner, Acting Commission Liaison Michelle M. Hugard, Deputy City Attorney
Caroline Yeh, Staff Assistant III
1. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
1-A. 7:04 PM
Oath of Office:
Amy Green
Neal I. Payton
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 2 Commissioner Payton introduced himself to the Commission and highlighted his experience in architecture and historic preservation, including that he recently was appointed to the California State Historical Resources Commission. 1-B. Election of Officers
Commissioner O’Connor made the motion to continue the election of officers until all Commissioners are in attendance and Chair Green seconded. A voice vote was held for the motion and was approved unanimously.
1-C. 7:09 PM
Report from Staff:
Regina Szilak, Senior Planner provided the following staff report:
She announced that staff is moving forward the recommendations from the Subcommittee on Racial Justice/Equity in Preservation and the Working Group. Staff is scheduling unconscious bias training for the Commission, likely to happen at the August meeting, and perhaps a special meeting of the Commission. Staff is also planning a Community Meeting as part of the effort, that will be a special meeting. We have a Save the Date for the Special Meeting of the Landmarks Commission for Sunday, August 24 from 2-5 PM. Please make sure to save the date for this Special Landmarks Commission meeting. It’s important everyone attend.
The upcoming August Landmark Commission meeting will be on August 11th. The agenda will include Mills Act contracts and an update on the Mills Act monitoring program.
City Council adopted the bi-annual budget on June 24. The new City Manager, Oliver Chi, most recently at the City of Irvine joined us today, July 14. City Staff is very enthusiastic about his arrival.
The State of the City will occur on July 17. It will be a little different this year, beginning at Reed Park from 4-7PM, with an opening reception at Miles Playhouse, which marks its reopening. It will also be the kick-off to the City’s 150th anniversary. Thanks to Commissioner Summers for beginning the conversation. This is shaping up to be a series of events that will occur all year that will commemorate the City’s founding, and feature many of those who are often left out of the city history, with an emphasis on recognizing the many voices and cultures in the city.
Commissioner Sloan thanked former Commissioner Garvin for her service to the Landmarks Commission. She worked with her in the Pico Neighborhood. Commissioner Garvin carefully and fairly considered the issues before this Commission.
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 3 Commissioner Genser echoed the acknowledgement of former Commissioner Gloria Garvin. She grew into the job, and was passionate about preservation, including tree preservation.
1-D. 7:09 PM
Presentation and Discussion Regarding Mills Act Conflict of Interest – Section 1090 Legislation
Deputy City Attorney Michelle M. Hugard provided a general overview of Mills Act contracts and Government Code Section 1090 conflicts of interest. She noted the analysis under Section 1090 is very fact specific. If any Commissioners have questions on this topic, please do not hesitate to reach out to the City Attorney’s Office. 1-E. 7:25 PM
Landmarks Commissioner Announcements
• None.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
2-A. Meeting Minutes:
June 9, 2025
2-B. STOA 308 Alta Ave (25ENT-0035) Landmark Designation 2-C. 1810 Broadway, Philomathean Charity Literary and Art Club, Landmark Plaque Text Commissioner Payton requested to vote on only items 2B and 2C since he wasn’t present for the June 9th Landmarks Commission Meeting.
Commissioner O’Connor made the motion to approve items 2B and 2C on the consent calendar as submitted and Commissioner Green seconded. A voice vote was held and approved by all.
Commissioner O’Connor made the motion to approve item 2A on the consent calendar as submitted and Commissioner Green seconded. A roll call was held for the motion and was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Genser, Hillbrand, O’Connor, Sloan, Green
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Payton
ABSENT: Summers
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 4 3. STUDY SESSION
• None.
4. CONTINUED ITEMS
• None.
5. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
• None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
6.A 7:28 PM
1125 18th Street (25ENT-0069): Structure of Merit Designation Application Consideration of designation application 25ENT-0069 for the property located at 1125 18th Street to determine whether the residential structure in whole or in part, should be designated as a Structure of Merit. The Landmarks Commission will consider the application based on whether the application, research and public testimony presented demonstrates that the building meets one or more of the required criteria for Structure of Merit designation pursuant to SMMC Section 9.56.080. Consideration of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including an exemption under CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).
Ex parte communications:
Genser, Sloan, Hillbrand, Payton, and Green has visited the property.
Commissioner Genser made the motion to give the applicant team 12 minutes for their presentation and Commissioner Hillbrand seconded. A voice vote was held and was approved unanimously.
Ms. Szilak presented the staff report recommending denial of the designation of the property as a Structure of Merit because the structure does not appear to be eligible under any of the designation criteria.
The Commission asked about the Structure of Merit review process. Deputy City Attorney Michelle M. Hugard responded.
The project architect, Shahab Ghods spoke on behalf of the property owner in support of the staff’s recommendation to deny the Structure of Merit request. Asked if the structure could be moved, Mr. Ghods expressed concern thatrelocating the structure and lifting the building might compromise the structural integrity of the building, based on an independent contractor’s opinion. Mr. Ghods stated the future project would maintain the existing front yard specimen tree.
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 5 Ruthann Lehrer of the Santa Monica Conservancy presented for the applicant team, identifying why designation was warranted.
Public Comment in support of Designation:
Sharon Bialy (on behalf of Neil Risch), Harry Balaz, Elizabeth Van Denburgh Discussion:
Commissioner Genser stated he will likely support the nomination. The project is one of the few remaining examples configured in a unique way with a side entry.
Commissioner O’Connor commented the residence is not a good example or unique version of Craftsman Style architecture and does not support the proposed designation.
O’Connor also discussed the challenges with the Structure of Merit designation as a whole as a problematic form of designation.
Commissioner Sloan liked the building as a variation on the architecture it represents. It represents a history of Santa Monica. Is leaning towards support but wants to hear from the other Commissioners.
Commissioner Hillbrand commented that the residence is a unique example of a vernacular Craftsman Style bungalow, representative of the historic development pattern in the immediate area. He supports the application for designation.
Commissioner Payton agreed with consultant Page & Turnbull’s analysis that the property is not a good example of vernacular style He stated he does not support designation.
Chair Green agreed with elements of both sides of the argument. The property is 100 years-old and has had very little changes done to it, so it is unique and rare. She supports designation.
Commissioner Genser noted that the Page & Turnbull report did say that the property qualifies with all seven aspects of integrity.
Commissioner Genser made the motion to designate the property as a Structure of Merit under Criteria B1 and B2, including the CEQA reference, and Commissioner Sloan seconded.
A roll call was held for the motion to approve the designation, including the CEQA reference, and was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Genser, Hillbrand, Sloan, Green
NAYS: O’Connor, Payton
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Summers
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 6 7. RESOLUTIONS
• None.
8. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
• None.
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9-A. 8:55 PM
Report from the Social Justice/Equity in Preservation Subcommittee regarding status of the effort and next steps.
Ms. Szilak reported there is a Special Landmarks Commission meeting planned for August 24. This will be the community wide meeting identified in the Working Group recommendations that gained full support from this Commission and City Council. Staff is also working on providing unconscious bias training for the Commission and Staff. We will also be sending the Commissioners training opportunities as we learn of them.
Commissioner Sloan explained the purpose of the Special Landmarks Commission meeting (Ice Cream Social) August 24, to be attended by Commissioners and community members, including breaking into smaller groups for discussions.
Chair Green noted she will be out of town for her mother’s birthday. Commissioner Genser noted he might get there a few minutes late.
9-B. Update from the 150th Anniversary Subcommittee regarding various associated events.
Ms. Szilak spoke on behalf of Commissioner Summers who was absent. There will be numerous events around the city celebrating the culture and history of the city throughout the year. Go to https://santamonica150.com/ for a full listing of events. 9-C. Report from Landmarks Commission Liaison to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) on recent ARB consideration and action taken on proposed projects involving additions to or modifications of potential historic resources.
Nothing to report.
9-D. Report from Landmarks Commission representative to the Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) on recent SMPC activities and action taken on proposed projects involving the Landmark Santa Monica Pier.
Nothing to report.
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B 7 10. PUBLIC INPUT
• None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Green adjourned the meeting at 9:13 PM.
Attest:
__________________________
Regina Szilak
Landmarks Commission Liaison
Approved:
__________________________
Amy Green
Chair
Docusign Envelope ID: 23C67A4B-DE8F-474A-BFF1-67D794C7F60B