City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: April 14, 2026
Agenda Item: 4.B
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Christopher Dishlip, Director of Public Works, Public Works Subject: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Renewal of General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles
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 the attached resolution authorizing the Mayor Pro Tem to execute a General Services Agreement (GSA) with the County of Los Angeles for a fiveyear period through June 30, 2031, covering a variety of offered services such as street maintenance and engineering, and emergency and health services.
Summary
Since 1986, the City has maintained a five-year umbrella General Services Agreement (GSA) with Los Angeles County, allowing the County to provide services to the City on an as-needed basis. Many other cities maintain similar agreements with the County, reflecting a collaborative approach to resource sharing and service delivery. The GSA serves as a comprehensive framework that enables County departments to establish individual contracts with cities. Over time, the City has expanded the range of services included under this agreement to meet evolving needs.
Discussion
The City first entered into a five-year GSA with Los Angeles County in 1986 and has renewed the agreement every five years since. The most recent GSA was approved by the City Council on June 8, 2021, and will expire on June 30, 2026. 2 of 4
The City regularly relies on County agencies for services such as direct assessments, subdivision and tract map reviews, health services, bridge inspection and maintenance, storm drain, and emergency response. These services are provided under an umbrella agreement that enables the City to supplement its own resources and engage County services quickly when needed. Similar agreements have been executed in prior years for this purpose.
The GSA establishes a general framework that authorizes the County to provide requested services, outlines the process for requesting and paying for services, and includes provisions for annual rate adjustments. It also serves as a comprehensive structure allowing County departments to enter into individual contracts with cities.
Historically, the City has not made extensive use of County services.
The proposed General Services Agreement does not cover specific services for which the City and County have negotiated separate agreements. The City is under no obligation to make use of County services unless and until it reviews and agrees to the rates charged by the County at the time services are requested. The County AuditorController determines the costs of individual services annually. Rates charged in past years were reasonable.
Environmental Review
The contract modification is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. The award contract is covered by the common sense exemption which states that CEQA does not apply, “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The General Services Agreement allows the City to work with the County on general services. These services may include street maintenance, animal control, tract map checking, health services, engineering, and emergency services. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the agreement would not result in adverse physical impacts on the environment, and as such, is categorically exempt from CEQA.
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Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
04/12/11 (Attachment A) Council approved a General Services Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the County of
Los Angeles.
03/22/16 (Attachment B) Council approved General Services Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the County of
Los Angeles.
06/8/21 (Attachment C) Council approved General Services Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the County of
Los Angeles.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. Departments which use County services would charge the costs to already budgeted accounts. Staff will return to Council if specific budget actions are required in the future.
Prepared By: Yolanda Nunez, Principal Administrative Analyst Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. April 12, 2011 Staff Report (web link)
B. March 22, 2016 Staff Report (web link)
C. June 8, 2021 Staff Report (web link)
D. Contract 9355 CCS - 2011
E. 2016 - 2021 Executed GSA for City of Santa Monica
F. 2021 - 2026 Executed GSA for City of Santa Monica
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G. 2026 Los Angeles County GSA Resolution