CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5 :35 p.m., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present:
Also Present:
CONVENE/PLEDGE
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS:
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
Mayor Caroline Torosis
Mayor Pro Tern Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zemitskaya
City Manager Oliver Chi
Interim City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren
On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:35 p.m., with all members present. Councilmember Raskin led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Zemitskaya.
No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
There were no members of the public present to comment on Special Agenda items.
Members of the public Naomi Meurice, Andrew Hoyer, Andrew Gledhill, Bill Davids, Lizzy Moore, Karen Shilo, Richard Wiens, Bryan Neville, Johnathan Foster, Morgan Hunter Gross, Daisy the Venice Healer, Doug Trussler, Karen Melick, Denise Barton, Jerry Rubin, John Medlin, John Cyrus Smith, Frank Meley, and Jerald Baker commented on various local issues.
2.A. Proclamation: Proclaiming March 31, 2026 as National Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), was presented.
1 March 24, 2026
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
COUNCIL TRAVEL
MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Members of the public Morgan Hunter Gross commented on Consent Calendar items.
There were no members of the public present to comment on Closed Session items.
Motion bv Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to move the City Manager report and pet of the week and the Mayor's Highlight before General Public Input; to hear part of Closed session not heard after an hour to the end of the meeting, and to continue all appointments, except the Landmarks commission. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.
The City Manager Report was presented.
Councilmembers Negrete and Snell reported that they traveled to Washington D.C. for the National League of Cities conference, where they met with Congressman Ted Lieu and Senators Adam Shiff and Alex Padilla.
They were not able to discuss issues of funding during a time when the Federal government's budget is frozen Representing Santa Monica, they discussed everything from a new bus stop on PCH to affordable housing.
Also, along with the League of California Cities, showed support for larger California interest.
Councilmember Zernitskaya attended the Annual Civic Well Conference in Yosemite National Park. The theme this year was Climate Resiliency. Last year's theme was emergency preparedness, and in light of the fires, they were able to learn a lot from those who had been through the fires. She learned about Climate Resiliency and a lot of pro-environmental policies.
The Mayor recognized Virginia Avenue Park and the many projects their staff is able to execute for the community.
All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmember Hall, Item 4.C., was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Hall recused himself from items 4.H. and 4.I., out of an abundance of caution because Kaiser Permanente and Cumins's are clients of his employer.
2 March 24, 2026
MINUTES
PERMITTING
SOFTWARE
VEHICLE BODY WORK
& UPFITTING SERVICES
Councilmember Raskin recused himself from 4.H. because his law firm Hansen Brigade LLP also represents Kaiser Permanente in unrelated matters.
Motion by Councilmember Negrete, seconded bv Councilmember Snell, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items 4.B, 4.C., 4.H. 4.I, and, 4.K. reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zemitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.A. City Council - Regular Meeting - Feb 24, 2026 5:30 PM, were approved.
4.B. Award Contract to Clariti Software, Inc. for Permitting Software Licensing, Maintenance, and Support for Permitting and Land Use Management System, was pulled at the request of staff.
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 negotiate and execute an agreement with
3. Clariti Sofuvare, Inc., for software licensing, maintenance, and support services associated with the City's permitting and land use management system for the Information Services 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 $1,403,705 (including a $127,610
contingency) for three years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.D. Award RFB #4503 and Authorize the City Manager to enter into Agreement No. 11815 (CCS) with Westway Auto Body and Paint Shop, Inc., for Vehicle Body Work, Repair, Paint, and New Vehicle Upfitting Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
3 March 24, 2026
CITY YARDS
MODERNIZATION
PROJECT
REGIONAL FIRES
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 1506l(b)(3) (common sense exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid# 4503 to Westway Auto Body and Paint Shop, Inc. (Westway) for vehicle body work, repair, paint and new vehicle upfitting for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11815 (CCS) with Westway, in an amount not to exceed $2,820,077 (including a $256,371contingency) over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.E. Approval of the Seventh Modification to Agreement No. 10371 (CCS) with Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company for Additional Design and Construction Services for the City Yards Modernization Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the Microgrid and Water Resources Tenant improvements were analyzed as part of the City Yards Master Plan Environmental Impact Report (BIR) and Addendum, and no further review is required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a seventh modification to Design-Build Contract No. 10371 (CCS) in the amount of $2,070,157 with Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company for additional design and construction services of the Microgrid and Water Resources Tenant Improvements as part of the City Yards Modernization Project for the Public Works Department.
This would result in a new total amount not to exceed $100,743,196, with future funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.F. Adoption of Resolution No. 11741 (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. Adopt proposed Resolution No. 11741 (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.
4 March 24, 2026
HOMELESSNESS
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
PARKING CITATION
PROCESSING &
AUTOMATED BIKE
LANE ENFORCEMENT
CITATIONS
LEASE AGREEMENT
AI PLAN CHECK
REVIEW SERVICES
4.G. Adoption of Resolution No. 11742 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation, 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. 11742 (CCS) ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
4.J. Approval of Second Modification of Agreement No. 11031 (CCS) with Modaxo for Parking Citation Processing and Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Citations for the Department of Transportation, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15321 (Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a second modification to Agreement No. 11031 (CCS) in the amount of $120,000 with Modaxo Corporation for parking citation processing and payment services for automated bike lane enforcement citations for the Department of Transportation. This will result in a nine-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $13,520,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.K. Approval of Lease Agreement with California Roadhouse, Inc. for 256 Santa Monica Pier, was pulled at the request of staff.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Lease Agreement with California Roadhouse, Inc. for 256 Santa Monica Pier.
4.L. Award and Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and enter into Agreement No. 11820 (CCS) with Archistar to Provide AI Plan Check Review Services, was approved.
5 March 24, 2026
CITY ATTORNEY
APPOINTMENT
LEASE ASSIGNMENT
AND AMENDMENT
MINUTES
MINUTES
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 1506l(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a five-year agreement with Archistar, Inc. for AI-assisted plan check review.
This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 2.24.250(g) and is for a total amount not-to-exceed $528,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
3. Authorize budget changes as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of the report. (requires 5 votes)
4.M. Appointment of City Attorney and Authorization to Execute Agreement No. 11821 (CCS), was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Appoint Heidi von Tongeln as City Attorney commencing on March 22, 2026;and
2. Authorize the Mayor to execute an employment agreement with Ms. von Tongeln for her service as City Attorney.
4.N. Approval of Assignment and Amendment of Lease Agreement No. 11822 (CCS) for the Victorian, Located at 2640 Main Street, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorial exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Assignment and Amended Lease Agreement No. 11822 (CCS) to transfer the leasehold interest for 2640 Main Street from Ocean Park Restaurant Corporation (OPRC) to The Santamonican Club, LLC, a California limited liability company; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to accept payment of $278,094 for outstanding back rent due under the existing Lease Agreement with OPRC.
4.0. Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 10, 2026, 5:30 PM, were approved.
4.P. Minutes of the City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 10, 2026, 5:35 PM, were approved.
6 March 24, 2026
.
ANNUAL
COMPREHENSIVE
FINANCIAL REPORT
OCCUPATIONAL
MEDICAL TESTING
PROGRAM SERVICES
Councilmembers Hall and
Raskin were excused at 7:04
p.m.
4.C. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Year Ended June 30, 2025 City of Santa Monica, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and
2. Receive and file the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Auditors' Letter to Council, and the Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards for the City's financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
This item was pulled by Councilmember Hall to ask questions of staff including: is Santa Monica going broke; what is the Rainy Day fund and what condition is it in; why does tourism matter so much to City finances; what does it mean that the pension plans are "80% funded; what does a "Negative Outlook" from Moody's and Fitch actually mean for residents; what is the GFOA certificate of achievement and what does it mean; would you agree that the actions we are taking now and will be discussing in the Realignment Plan update reduce the likelihood that the City will have to make sudden cuts to services or staff in the future; are we in the clear financially; what does it mean to have an unmodified opinion from our financial statements with zero material weaknesses; and, how long has the city had an audit letter like this.
Motion by Councilmember HalL seconded bv Councilmember Zemitskaya, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya Snell Raskin Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.H. Award RFP to and Authorize the City Manager to Enter into Agreements with USMD Direct, Inc., Southern California Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente), and Pacific Harbor Medical Group, Inc. for Occupational Medical Testing Program (OMTP) Services for the Human Resources and Finance, was approved.
7 March 24, 2026
ENGINES&
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
REPAIRS
Councilmember Raskin
returned at 7:05 p.m.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council.
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award RFP to USMD Direct Inc., Southern California Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente), and Pacific Harbor Medical Group Inc. to provide occupational medical testing services for the Human Resources and Finance Departments.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 11816 (CCS) with USMD Direct Inc. in an amount not to exceed $297,000 (including a 15% contingency) for a total amount not to exceed $341,550 over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 11817 (CCS) with Southern California Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente) in an amount not to exceed $565,110 (including a 15% contingency) for a total amount not to exceed $649,877 over a fiveyear period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
5. Authorize the City Manager to executeAgreementNo. 11818 (CCS) with Pacific Harbor Medical Group Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,292,900 (including a 15% contingency) for a total amount not to exceed $2,636,835 over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Motion b Councilmember Snell. seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zemitskaya, Snell, Negrete,
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Raskin, Hall
4.1. Award Bid #4508 to and Authorize the City Manager to enter into Agreement No. 11819 (CCS) with Cummins, Inc. for Overhaul, Replacement and Repair of Cummings Engines and Battery Electric Propulsion Systems for the Department of Transportation, 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 possibility of significant 8 March 24, 2026
effects pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid# 4508 to Cummins Inc. for overhaul, replacement, and repair of Cummins engines and battery electric propulsion systems for the Transportation Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11819 (CCS) with Cummins Inc., in an amount not to exceed $6,148,984, including a 10% contingency, for a five-year period with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Motion bv Mayor Torosis, seconded bv Councilmember Snell, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Hall
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 7:07 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 8:07 p.m., with all members present, to Councilmember Hall returned report the following:
at 7:06 p.m.
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code§ 54956.9(d)(l): 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 U.L.W. Doe, 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 # 9 March 24, 2026
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.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code§ 54956.9(d)(l): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(l): City of Santa Monica, et al. v. Waymo LLC et al., LASC # 25SMCV06581
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(l): Santa Monica EV Holdings, LLC et al. v. City of Santa Monica, LASC # 25SMCV06681
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.E. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code§ 54956.9(d)(1): Waymo LLC v. City of Santa Monica, LASC # 25SMCV06541
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.F. Conference with Real Estate Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8; Property: ("Santa Monica Air Center") 3021 Airport Avenue (~90,000 sq. ft.), 3025 Airport Avenue (~7,000 sq. ft.), and adjacent Hangar and Storage Units (~2,000 sq. ft.); City March 24, 2026
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REPORT ON MEETING
COMPENSATION
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
MINUTES
2026 TAX ALLOCATION
REFUDNING BONDS
Negotiators: Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager; Owner of Record: City of Santa Monica; Persons to be negotiated with Judy Barker, Santa Monica Air Center
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
Members of the public Cindy Pfeifer, David Newberg, Luke Cain, Denise Barton, Matt Goldenberg, Brad Weing, Sean Besser, John Prindle, Hunter Hall, Johnathan Foster, Bob Adams, Elizabeth van Denburgh, and Tara Barauskas commented on item 11.C.
Members of the public Jerry Rubin, Robert Price, Carol Lemlein, Joe Dirosa, Joseph (Cohen) May, and Nina Fresco commented on item 16.B.
On order of the Mayor, the regular City Council meeting was recessed to convene to a special meeting with the Redevelopment Successor Agency at 8:52 p.m., with all members present.
Pursuant to State law, Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren announced that Council will receive no compensation for meeting as the Redevelopment Successor Agency.
11.A. Minutes for the Redevelopment Successor Agency Meeting, were presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Redevelopment Successor Agency approve the minutes of the February 11, 2025, and January 13, 2026, meetings.
Staff reported that the February 11, 2025, minutes were pulled.
Motion bv Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to approve the January 13, 2026, minutes. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Agency/Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zemitskaya, Chair/Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Chair/Mayor Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.B. Adoption of Resolution No. 50 (SA) Approving the Form of a Preliminary Official Statement and Continuing Disclosure Certificate for Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds (2026), was presented.
Recommended Action
11 March 24, 2026
ADJOURNMENT OF
SPECIAL MEETING
REALIGNMENT PLAN
UPDATE
Staff recommends that the Redevelopment Successor Agency:
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. Adopt attached Resolution No. 50 (SA) approving the form of the Preliminary Official Statement and the Continuing Disclosure Certificate for the 2026 Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, and authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith (Attachments A, B and C)
Questions asked and answered of staff included, based on the current interest rates, does staff have any idea what the 2026 bond interest rate may be, or the coupon rate.
Motion by Councilmember Zemitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to adopt the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Agency/Councilmembers Zemitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Chair/Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Chair/Mayor Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On order of the Chair/Mayor, the joint meeting with the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 8:57 p.m., and the regular meeting of the City Council was reconvened, with all members present.
11.C. Santa Monica Realignment Plan Update, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council approve adjustments to the Santa Monica Realignment plan to trans1t10n towards operationalizing performance gains as new service delivery standards for public safety renewal, revitalization of key public spaces, and achievement of organizational stability and fiscal balance, via the following direction:
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 findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Section 15306 (Information Collection), Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges), and Section 15324 (Regulations of Working Conditions) ;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 11743 (CCS) revising rates for Downtown Parking Structures 1-9 and Ken Edwards Center, establishing the Fitness and Wellness Business Validation Pilot Program and the School Validation Pilot Program, establishing prorated Residential 12 March 24, 2026
Parking Permits, and revising parking access card prices (Attachment A);
3. Adopt Resolution No. 11744 (CCS) waiving the City of Santa Monica portion of the wastewater capacity fee for restaurant and restaurant expansion projects. (Attachment B);
4. Endorse the conceptual framework for a Retail to Restaurant Activation Program and provide direction regarding eligibility criteria and geographic prioritization for (1) retail-to-restaurant conversion projects and (2) the reactivation of second-generation restaurant spaces, with staff conducting additional outreach to architects, restaurant operators, commercial brokers, and other stakeholders to further refine program design pnor to
implementation;
5. Authorize staff to establish an Economic Development Fund reserve of $3,000,000 from available one-time General Fund resources, with expenditures subject to subsequent Council authorization;
6. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Chapter 6.44, to Establish Entertainment Zones in the Downtown core, on Portions of the Santa Monica Pier, and Along Portions of Main Street and Montana A venues
(Attachment C);
7. Introduce for First Reading an ordinance to Provide for Additional Regulations Related to Sitting and Lying in the Public Right-of-Way and Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers to Coordinate with the Establishment of Entertainment Zones and Upcoming Major Events (Attachment D);
8. Adopt Resolution No. 11745 (CCS) revising fees, including a permit and license fee waiver for unimproved sidewalk dining and a waiver of the City of Santa Monica portion of the wastewater capacity fee for simple tables and chairs outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks. This is part of establishing the no-cost sidewalk dining program eliminating permit requirements and fees for qualifying basic outdoor dining configurations (Attachment E);
9. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending SMMC Chapter
9.53, Transportation Demand Management, to Modify Mandatory Average Vehicle Ridership Survey Requirements by modernizing employer survey requirements through a self-attestation model (Attachment F);
10. Adopt Resolution No. 11746 (CCS) temporarily waiving the City of Santa Monica portion of film permit application fees (Attachment G);
11. Authorize the City Manager to accept two grants from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for Open and Slow Streets Cycle Six (FIFA World Cup) and Seven (Olympic Games) awarded in the amount of $250,000 and $500,000,
respectively, in the City Manager's Office, and to accept all grant renewals;
13 March 24, 2026
12. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11823 (CCS), formerly agreement# 524 7, in the amount of $250,000 with Revel Republic to create and implement artwork and / or produce and implement public programs and events in Santa Monica as a Production Partner for the Recreation and Arts Department. This will result in a 5-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $500,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval (Attachment H);
13. Approve all personnel changes (Attachment I), approve revenue adjustments, and appropriate expenditure budget adjustments for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 (Attachment J), requires 5 votes;
14. Adopt Resolution No. 11747 (CCS) establishing new classifications and adopting salary rates for various listed positions (Attachment K);
15. Authorize staff to modify the Remote Work Program, establishing the In-Person Workplace Equity Benefit and establishing the Opt-Out Employee Support Program;
16. Adopt Resolution No. 11748 (CCS) accepting tentative agreements and authorizing the City Manager to execute Side Letters of Agreement with Local 1109 and POA, authorizing revised Executive Pay Plan and revised Confidential Unrepresented Employees Pay Plan equity updates (Attachment L );
17. Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance to amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 2.04 relating to Civil Service appointment and promotional rules (Attachment M);
18. Authorize the City Manager to execute Contract No. 11824 (CCS) with Segal Co. to conduct an enterprise-wide classification and compensation study. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to SMMC Section 2.24.250 ( c) and is for a total amount not to exceed $525,000, over a four-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval (Attachment N);
19. Receive an update and provide direction on potential regulations related to using vehicles for living quarters and rental of recreational vehicles to be used as living quarters in the public right-of-way ("vanlording") and safe parking sites;
20. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Memorandum of Understanding No. 11825 (CCS) with Metro to enable the Santa Monica Police Department to conduct enforcement actions on Metro train platforms within the City;
21. Direct staff to conduct housing-first system of care community outreach; and
22. Provide direction to study the nonprofit housing development entity.
Councilmember Hall stated that he will be recusing himself from participation on recommended action #21 related to community outreach for a housing first system of care because at this time the item contemplates 14 March 24, 2026
relocation of shelter capacity away from SamoShel to outside of the city's downtown. His residence, in downtown is located within 1000 feet of Samo Shel and may be affected by the relocation of the shelter capacity away from the sight. He confirmed and sought formal advice from the Fair Political Practices Commission. They determined that recusal is required.
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick stated that he will be recusing himself from recommended action #22, because of his employment and its relationship to the production of housing.
Councilmember Hall moved to divide the question to hear recommended actions #21 and #22 individually to facility his and Mayor Pro Tern Zwick's recusals.
Motion by Mavor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to consider hearing Items 1 - 20 of the recommended actions, then divide 21 and 22 separately and have the staff report as such. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: what changed in the Police department (PD) to increase enforcement; how conservative are the projections for the projected revenue numbers, and what do you think the upside might be; why did staff training for supervisors stop; why is investing in learning and development for our city staff so critical to delivery for services to the community benefit; can you explain in plain English what it means when the report references a habitability response framework; is there a projection on when the rental registry is going live for our market rate units; how does the partnership with Chrysalis work; why is it beneficial to bring more litigation in-house; will departmental workplans include addressing 16- items; as part of the downtown enforcement, will that also include the Pier stakeholders, given the upcoming activities and events that are planned; as part of the expansion of the entertainment zones, how will PD make sure enforcement is happening and not pushing people into the surrounding neighborhoods; what does the homeless liaison team do, and how do they work; how is the implementation of the in-house ambulance services going; does the city have all of the vehicles they need; provide an update of street painting and cross walk enhancements, and the signaling buttons; when will the automatic signals be installed, and will the city be able to adjust the timing as needed; why wouldn't the city fully subsidize the water waste fee for restaurants; what feedback did the city receive from Downtown Santa Monica Inc and the fitness and wellness business that the parking rate adjustments will help; on the Transit Demand Management (TDM) ordinance adjustments, how does the AQMD air quality impact program work, and how would regulated employers with 30 to 250 employees be incentivized to continue administering the average rider survey, if it is not required; what is the definition of Santa Monica priority housing population; 15 March 24, 2026
how many of the new positions being created are restored positions that were previously cut; is there a way to quantify the benefits of new positions through the increased level of service or increased revenues or other benefits through better opportunities for public private partnerships, improved turnaround times for inquiries, or increased revenues from proactive consumer litigation; how were future revenues from the sources estimated, such as ambulance operator program, and how confident are we in these; how are we going to be able to measure the offset of new expenditures from new and reclassified positions, capital improvement, etcetera, with the new revenues we anticipate to come in; how does PD and Fire coordinate the release of hospital patients from being in certain concentrated areas; is PD comfortable with their level of staffing as the city gears up for these big events; will the collaboration with other Police departments be here for the new Golden Voice; are there any improvements with Metro since the city has the new MOU agreement; are public safety officers going to be given more authority to show a presence in the downtown area to detour and detain; when does the SanMo Bridge program funding end; what has shifted that there's an increase in enforcement; what happens to the restaurants who have already paid the wastewater fee; how is the new work plan going to be measured in terms of productivity with this new work from home model, and is there a way to make revenue from the empty office space in City Hall; what is the fiscal impact from the change in the parking fees; how can 4/10 schedules be worked out as part of the return to work policy; will there be some flexibility if positions require a variation from the required schedule; entertainment zones, is that permanent or per activation; is there no laws on open containers in public; how long until the Santa Monica scorecard goes live; is a meet and confer process required for the return to work plan; Metro MOU, what specific enforcement authority does SMPD have on the platform; does the ordinance create authority to DTSM, Main Street, or Montana over the activation of entertainment zones; is 311 going to track response times since it's moving to Public Works, and, who is responsible for the activation of the entertainment zones.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to:
having a program to capture data from people visiting the entertainment zones; hotels and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism are concerned about the timing of Goldenvoice; create a collaborative map and calendar to notify residents and other businesses about the events and activities happening around the city; appreciate seeing Public Safety at the top of the list to receive support to make the positive changes in the community; find ways that arts can be incorporated in the economic development; appreciate the work being done to make the hard changes to improve the city; direct economic development to come back with guidelines for the wastewater fee option; encourage flexibility when considering the return to work guidelines; acknowledged that a lot of the recommendations in the realignment plan are a result of comments from the community; look for ways to weave public 16 March 24, 2026
REALIGNMENT PLAN
HOUSING-FIRST
SYSTEM
Councilmember Hall excused
at 11 :45 p .m.
REALIGNMENT PLAN
STUDY NONPROFIT
art into elements of the realignment plan; staff explore developing an ordinance around nightlife bystander intervention training similar to that of West Hollywood, which requires bystander intervention training for employees of businesses that serve alcohol; a lot of work to do when addressing the empty storefronts; and, be transparent and open with the community if the goals are not being met as well as when they are being met.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve and adopt recommendations I through 20 of the staff recommendation, including direction given to staff.
Mavor Torosis proposed a friendly amendment to have Cultural Affairs be included in the entertainment zones through economic development. The motion was considered friendly by the maker.
The City Attorney read a correction into the record: in Attachment C, which is the ordinance establishing the additional entertainment zones. The correction is to what will be Santa Monica Municipal Code section 6.44.030 ( e )(1 ), on Page 8, there are two corrections to that section. First is to replace Colorado Boulevard with Pico Boulevard. That will establish the northern boundary as Pico Boulevard rather than Colorado Boulevard. The other is a drafting issue, and it would strike the words for the following streets.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Recommended Action
21. To direct staff to conduct housing-first system of care community outreach, was presented.
Motion by Councilmember Negrete, seconded by Councilmember Zemitska a, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Hall
Recommended Action
17 March 24, 2026
HOUSING ENTITY
Councilmember Hall returned
at 11:46 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick was
excused at 11 :46 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
returned at 11: 5 6 p. m.
BUILDING & FIRE-LIFE
SAFETY COMMISSION
LANDMARKS
COMMISSION
23. To provide direction to study the nonprofit housing development entity, was presented.
Questions of staff included: is the goal to set up social housing development; how does social housing work; would there be a mixture of incomes in one development; how would non-profit organizations be able to partner with this; clarify what is considered workforce housing; how does the city initially subsidize this type of entity; and, make sure regional housing organizations are consulted.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded b Councilmember Raskin, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zemitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
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.
16.A. Appointments to one unscheduled and one scheduled vacancy on the Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2028, were continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Landmarks Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2026.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated Carol Lemlein and Robert Price.
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick nominated Joseph May
Mayor Torosis nominated Joseph DiRosa
Carol Lemlein was appointed to the Landmarks Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026, by the following vote:
Carol Lemlein: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Zemitskaya, Raskin, Snell, Mayor Torosis
Joseph May: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
March 24, 2026
MEASURE GS RESIDENT
OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
PERSONNEL BOARD
RECREATION & PARKS
COMMISSION
16.C. Appointment to one scheduled vacancy on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee for a term ending on June 30, 2029, was continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
16.D. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Personnel Board for a term ending on June 30, 2027, was continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
16.E. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027, was continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
TRANSIENT 16.F. Appointments to one scheduled and two unscheduled vacancies OCCUPANCY TAX on the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee for terms ending ADVISORY COMMITTEE on June 30, 2027, were continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD
MEASURE GS RESIDENT
OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
16.G. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Housing Authority Board for a term ending on June 30, 2026, was continued to the April 14, 2026, meeting.
16.H. Recommendation to remove Anujan Jeevaprakash from the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee seat due to absenteeism, and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was presented.
Motion by Mavor Torosis. seconded bv Councilmember Raskin, to accept the removal.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
DISCRETIONARY FUNDS 16.1. Request of Councilmember Zernitskaya and Mayor Torosis that the City Council consider approving the allocation of $2,000 from Council Discretionary Funds to support the Summer Willis Foundation's SK Denim Run/\Valk in support of survivors of sexual assault taking place in Santa Monica on April 12, 2026. The funds would be appropriated as follows: $1,000 from the discretionary funds controlled by Councilmember Zernitskaya and $1,000 from the discretionary funds controlled by Mayor Torosis, was presented.
Motion bv Mavor Torosis, seconded bv Councilmember Zemitskava. to approve the recommended action, with an amendment to include an additional $1,000 donated by each Councilmember from their discretionary funds for a total of $7,000.
19 March 24, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zemitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 12:18 a.m. in memory of Roger, the Fire Department's service animal.
ATTEST:
Denise Anderson-Warren
Interim City Clerk
20 APPROVED:
Caroline Torosis
Mayor
March 24, 2026
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