CITY OF SANT A MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 12, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5 :35 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 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
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Mayor Caroline Torosis
Mayor Pro Tern Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
City Manager Oliver Chi
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 Negrete led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilrnember Hall.
No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to hear 30 minutes of public comment on General Public Input, and hear the remaining comments after all other agenda items have been heard. The motion was approved by voice vote, with Councilmember Hall voting no.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Councilmember Snell, to suspend the Council rules to ask speakers if they are Santa Monica residents or not. The City Attorney clarified that the question can be asked on a voluntary basis. The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Raskin, Snell, Mayor Torosis
Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
May 12, 2026
RENEW ABLE LIQUID
NATURAL GAS FUEL
AS-NEEDED GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
SERVICES
BUS STOPS AND
SHELTERS REAL-TIME
SIGNS
Motion by Councilmember Zernitska a, seconded by Ma or Torosis, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.I., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
4.A. Award Bid #4507 to Clean Energy Corporation for Renewable Liquid Natural Gas Fuel 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 effects pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #4507 to Clean Energy Corporation to provide renewable liquid natural gas for the Department of Transportation; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 11841 (CCS) with Clean Energy Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $7,279,967, including a 10% contingency, for a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.B. Approval of the First Modification to Agreement No. 11757 (CCS) with RAMCO Corporation for As-Needed General Contractor Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
I. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11757 (CCS) in the amount of $200,000 with RAMCO Corporation for as-needed general contractor services for the Public Works Department. This will result in a new total amount not to exceed $550,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.C. Approval of Third Modification of Agreement No. 10757 (CCS) with Waysine, LLC for Parts and Continued Cellular Service for Existing Real-Time Signs at Big Blue Bus Stops and Shelters for the 3 May 12, 2026
ON CALL GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
SERVICES
PARTS AND SERVICES
2. Award Bid #SP2687 to National Pools, Inc. to provide construction services for Phase 2 of the Annen berg Community Beach House Pool Tile Replacement Project for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Contract No. 11842 (CCS) with National Pools Inc. in an amount not to exceed $369,000 (including a l 0% contingency).
4.F. Award Bid #SP2764 to PALP, Inc. dba Excel Paving Company, RAMCO General Engineering Contractor, Inc., Sully Miller Contracting Company, and Paveco Construction, Inc. for On Call General Contractor Services for Public Works Maintenance and Repair Projects, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 1530 l (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #SP2764 to PALP, Inc. dba Excel Paving Company, RAMCO General Engineering Contractor, Inc., Sully Miller Contracting Company and Paveco Construction, Inc. for On-Call General Contractor Maintenance and Repair Services for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute five-year Agreement No. 11843 (CCS) with PALP, Inc. dba Excel Paving Company,
Agreement No. 11844 (CCS) with RAMCO General Engineering Contractor, Inc., Agreement No. l 1845 (CCS) with Sully Miller Contracting Company, and Agreement No. 11846 (CCS) with Paveco Construction, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for each agreement, over a five-year term, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.G. Approve Agreement No. 11847 (CCS) with Fire Apparatus Solutions for Fire Department Apparatus Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts and Service, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
I. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 1530 l (Existing Facilities) and a finding of no possibility of significant effects pursuant to Section 15061 (6)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 1184 7 (CCS) with Fire Apparatus Solutions (FAS) to provide Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and services for medium and heavy-duty Kovatch Mobile Equipment fire apparatus for the Fire Department. This 5 May 12, 2026
LOCAL ROADWAY
SAFETY PLAN
SANT A MONICA
BOULEVARD SAFETY
STUDY
2. Adopt the Resolution No. 11758 (CCS) ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
4.L. Adoption of Local Roadway Safety Plan, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15262 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt the attached 2022 Local Roadway Safety Plan.
4.1. Approval of Revisions to the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study and Adoption of the Plan, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) and Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Approve revisions to the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study and adopt the plan; and
3. Direct staff to proceed with the phased implementation of the Safety Study recommendations.
Questions of staff included: what are the timing deadlines for some of the grants associated with this project; would adopting this plan would not preclude the transportation planners from making minor changes as necessary; why are we proposing to install technology in intersections that CalTrans is seemingly removing from the same corridor; could we be liable if someone gets hit in this intersection knowing that it is not a street recommended for this type of intervention; is there a reason we wouldn't ask for the more appropriate treatment, since we're asking the state for money; are we actively spending down Measure K money from last year; what are our plans to be fully aligned with the SCAG plan; in the immediate, near term, does movement of the bus stops include repavement from asphalt to concrete; on vertical treatments, if it becomes clear during design that he raised features can't be installed at some of these intersections, what alternative treatments would staff support; as Phase-I progresses, will there continue to be opportunities for members of the public to provide input; on the grant application, is there any risk that we are asking for too much; how are the stress test on turns and cuts using Fire engines and buses; has staff reviewed the LLG concept plan that was submitted on behalf of Kia Santa Monica in April; if this is approved 7 May 12, 2026
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.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, 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)(l): Waymo LLC v. City, LASC # 25SMCV06541
9 May 12, 2026
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance to: amend sections regarding the Public Safety Reform Oversight
Commission, Arts Commission, Disabilities Commission, and Human Services Commission to establish a new Housing and Human Services Commission; add new sections converting the Urban Forest Task Force into a Commission and establish a new Restorative Justice Commission;
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 11759 (CCS) amending various sections on the Policies for City Boards, Commissions,
Committees, Task Forces, and Regional Advisory Boards, and repealing Resolution No. 11510 (CCS);
3. Review and provide direction on information requested at the January 13, 2026 Council meeting, and an alternative option for the Disabilities Commission; and
4. Adopt a finding that the recommended actions herein do not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Councilmember Snell will be recusing himself from the Restorative Justice portion of the presentation because he is the Chairman of the Board for the Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association, and his wife the Executive Director, and she receives a salary.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: does it require a change in the Charter to change the composition of the Airport Commission, and, is the Council able to determine who they appoint based on whoever applies; were there any concerns about being able to recruit for the youth seats, given the age range is being increased; if there were issues filling the youth seat, would the Council be able to come back and change the Santa Monica resident requirement, or would the change have to wait for the 5 year review; regarding the nepotism clause, are there other options that could address the risk of potential of conflict of interest, and is there a happy medium that could be considered to allow these qualified people to serve on boards and comm1ss1ons; would the Urban Forest Commission still give recommendations to the Director on site specific tree planning and removal as part of their duties; were disability community and advocates given an opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed reduction; and, will the disability commission retain their ability to form subcommittees, including members of the community who are not on the commission; request for the City Attorney to come back with more information on how anti-nepotism has affected the ability to appoint members to the boards and commissions, and would Council be able to change that policy if it is not having the intended outcome.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to:
appreciate expanding the Art Commission's scope of the different genre of 11 May 12, 2026
Councilmember Snell was
excused at 10:59 pm.
art and growing the scope: troubling to exclude close family relatives who have a certain expertise from serving on boards and commissions; there are more than 90,000 residents who live in this city, and Council needs to do a better job of reaching out to get applicants for boards and commissions outside of family members; and, there needs to be better transparency and accessibility with regard to audio, video, and records of predecessor records for the commissions.
Motion by Councilmember Hall. seconded by Mayor Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation, with one change to re-add paragraph G of Section 1 of Resolution 11510 (CCS) (anti-nepotism rule).
Councilmember Snell proposed a substitute motion, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to remove paragraph G of Section 1, because Council should be appointing individuals with expertise in a certain area regardless of their relationship with Councilmembers.
Councilmember Zernitskaya proposed a friendly amendment to make it a limited carve-out where a family member may have some unique qualifications or there may not be a large number of applicants who fit the qualification. The motion was not considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
The substitute motion passed by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
Councilmernbers Negrete, Hall, Mayor Torosis
None
Questions asked and answered of staff included: what is the timeline before the new commission can be recruited and formed, and will there be pay for the Restorative Justice commission members.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to: for the Restorative Justice commission to include an educational component that includes financial literacy and first-time home buying; explore how the members of the Restorative Justice commission could possibly be compensated; there are currently lots of boards and commissions that marginalized person serve on; and, be careful of presuming that people of color lack finances or resources.
Motion bv Mavor Torosis. seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation as it relates to the Restorative Justic Commission. The motion was approved by the following vote:
12 May 12, 2026
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
MEASURE GS RESIDENT
OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
Councilmember Snell
returned at 11: 17 p. m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD
LEGO CLUB
PROGRAMMING
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Snell
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.A and 16.B were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y)
16.A. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee for a term ending on June 30, 2029, was presented.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Motion by Councilmember Hall. seconded by Mayor Torosis, to continue this appointment to the first meeting in July, to see a broader pool of qualified candidates. The motion was unanimously approved by the voice vote, with all members present.
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Housing Authority Board for a term ending on June 30, 2026 (continued from 03/24/2026), was presented
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Motion by Councilmember Hall. seconded bv Mayor Torosis, to appoint Jonathan Eady to the Housing Authority Board, for a term ending July 30, 2026. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with all members present.
16.C. Request of Councilmember Hall that Council approve use of up to $5,000 of discretionary funds to support the Santa Monica Public Library's LEGO Club programming, was presented.
Motion by Councilmember Hall. seconded b Mayor Torosis, to approve the recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13 May 12, 2026