CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 9, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5 :33 p.m., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
CONVENE/PLEDGE
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNT ABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC INPUT ON
Mayor Caroline Torosis
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tern Jesse Zwick
City Manager Oliver Chi
City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Assistant City Clerk Maria Dacanay-Wisner
On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5 :33 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Pro Tern Zwick. Councilmember Zernitskaya 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 Negrete.
No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
Motion by Councilmember Negrete. seconded by Councilmember Raskin. to: hear public input on the City Manager's Report, the City Manager's Report and Item 2 (Special Agenda Items), prior to [tern 1 (general Public Input), and accept staffs request to pull Item I 0.A._The motion was approved by the following voice vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Torosis
None
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
Member of the public Zoe Muntafier commented on the Special Agenda June 9, 2026
NOVEMBER 3, 2026,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
REGIONAL PARKS AND
OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PLANNING AND DESIGN
GRANT
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Councilmember Snell, to:
approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.A., 4.H., and 4.l., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof, and elect Councilmember Hall as temporarily chair during Item 4.H. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
4.B. Adoption of Resolution No. 11763 and 11764 (CCS) Calling the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026 and Requesting that the Municipal Election Be Consolidated with the Los Angeles County Statewide General Election, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council adopt:
l. A finding that the recommended actions herein do not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
2. Resolution No. 11763 (CCS) calling for a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026; and
3. Resolution No. 11764 (CCS) requesting that the Municipal Election be consolidated with the Los Angeles (LA) County Statewide General Election and request services from the LA County RegistrarRecorder for the General Municipal Election.
4.C. Adoption of Resolution No. 11766 (CCS) Authorizing Acceptance of the Regional Parks and Open Space District Planning and Design Grant for the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Planning and Design and Execution of Necessary Associated Documents, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Counci I:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and Section 15252 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 11766 (CCS) authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant awarded to the City in the amount of $499,149, from the Regional Parks and Open Space District 2025 Planning and Design Grant for the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Planning Project in the Public Works Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3 June 9, 2026
7m STREET FENCING
UPGRADE AND
ACTIVATION
EMERGENCY SHORING
AT PS5
MAINTENANCE AND
REP AIR SERVICES
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 1530 l (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.04.030 on beach parking lot hours and parking permits.
4.G. Approval of First Modification to Agreement No. 11521 (CCS) with RAMCO General Engineering Contractors, Inc. for Construction Services for the 7th Street Fencing Upgrade and Activation Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement/Reconstruction), 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), and 15311 (Accessory Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11521 (CCS) in the amount of $526,355 with RAMCO General Engineering Contractors, Inc. for construction services for the 7th Street Fencing Upgrade and Activation Project for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,511,355 with future funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.J. Ratify Emergency Purchase Order Modification for Commercial Scaffolding of California Incorporated for Emergency Shoring at PSS, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of statutory exemption pursuant to Section 15269 and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Ratify the Procurement Manager's issuance of a purchase order with Commercial Scaffolding of California Incorporated for the extended rental of emergency temporary shoring for Parking Structure 5 for the Department of Transportation. The emergency purchase order modification of $90,000 will be made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $265,260 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.K. Approval of the First Modification to Agreement No. 11584 (CCS) with ACCO Engineering Systems for Mechanical and Heating, 5 June 9, 2026
EMERGENCY VEHICLE
UPFITTING
RECONNECTING
COMMUNITIES PILOT
GRANT
I. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Structures) and Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11730 (CCS) in the amount of $375,485 with AAAdvantage Concrete Coatings for Parking Structure 2 stair resurfacing services for the Department of Transportation. This will result in a three-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,126,456, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.N. Award Bid and enter into Agreement No. 11860 and 11861 (CCS) With Airwave Communications Enterprises, Inc. for Emergency Vehicle Upfitting for Police and Fire Departments, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 1506 I (b )(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality ACT (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #4500 to Airwave Communications Ent., Inc. to provide labor and parts required to upfit, repair and maintain specialty equipment for the City's fleet of emergency vehicles for the Police and Fire departments;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Airwave Communications Ent., Inc. for the Police Department in an amount not to exceed $7,041,250 for five years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Airwave Communications Ent., Inc. for the Fire Department in an amount not to exceed $719,125 for five years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.A. Adoption of Resolution No. 11765 (CCS) Authorizing Acceptance of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant with the California Department of Transportation for the Reconnecting Pico Project and Execution of Necessary Associated Documents, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Counci I:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 11765 (CCS) authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant awarded to the City in the amount of $2,000,000 from 7 June 9, 2026
PREDICTIVE
PREVENTION PILOT
(Mayor Torosis temporarilv
left the dais at 7:36 p.m. and
Councilmember Hall chaired
the meeting.)
$115,450 (including a $10,505 contingency) for one year, with twoone year renewal options with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to:
clarification on Nexus Studies, the cost of the study and estimated project completion date; if the study accounts for development impact fees; why all types of fees are not studied at once; funding sources for park maintenance and development of new parks; and the opportunity for Council to review all fees in relation to development.
Motion bv Councilmember Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: Councilmember Snell
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
4.H. Award Contract with Los Angeles County Homeless Services and Housing Department for Predictive Prevention Pilot Utilizing a County Homelessness Prevention Unit Services Model in the City of Santa Monica, was presented.
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. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11858 (CCS) with the Los Angeles County Homeless Services and Housing Department for implementation of a Predictive Prevention Pilot for the Housing and Human Services Depat1ment. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $800,000 for one year, with future funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded bv Councilmember Zernitskaya, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya 9 June 9, 2026
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
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.F. Public employee appointment - Gov. Code § 54957(6): consider public employee appointment; title: City Clerk; Gov. Code § 54957.6:
conference with labor negotiator; City negotiator: Mayor/Personnel Director; unrepresented employee: City Clerk
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.G. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Gov. Code § 54957(6): City Manager
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.H. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(l): Lori Gentles v. City; LASC # 24SMCV00824 (report out) The City Attorney reported that the Council approved Settlement Agreement No. 11862 (CCS) in the amount of $550,000 and certain non-monetary terms at the February l 0, 2026 meeting, with a vote of 5-2 and Councilmember 11 June 9, 2026
COUNCIL RULES OF
ORDER
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11863 (CCS) with Artistic Entertainment Services for design, construction, animation, floral decoration, logistics, and parade operations for a total amount not to exceed $650,000;
5. Approve the launch of a robust community engagement and volunteer program;
6. Approve the launch of a fundraising and sponsorship campaign to offset program costs to the greatest extent feasible; and
7. Authorize staff to pursue philanthropic, tourism, hospitality, corporate, and regional partnership opportunities associated with the float program.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: the levels of sponsorship and donations being considered and potential community sponsors; financial and non-financial benefits to the City by participating; and the City's participation history in the Rose Parade and Bowl.
Council commented on community engagement and welcoming visitors and business back to the City vs. the cost of participation. Council requested: to include selling opportunities to ride on or walk with the float as part of the Sponsorship Package; to begin receiving donations as soon as possible; and that the float design represent the City with its landmarks, culture and diversity.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskava. seconded by Councilmember SnelL to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
11.B. Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Council Rules of Order To Implement Senate Bill 707 (2025) Amending the Ralph M. Brown Act and Making Additional Procedural Changes, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt:
1. A finding that the resolution is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. The attached resolution amending the Council Rules of Order based on direction from the January 27, 2026 Council meeting to explore options to: to hear Closed Session; requiring increased collaboration on Councilmember Discussion items; hear general Public Input 13 June 9, 2026
2026 STAFF VACANCIES
AND RECRUITMENT
AND RETENTION
I. 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. Hold a public hearing, receive public comment, and approve the proposed 2026 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report for the Public Works Department.
No members of the public spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: if the projection will support planned development for the next year; and confirmation that other environmental studies are being conducted on future growth projections and development.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
None
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
12.B. Public Hearing and Report on City's Staff Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts for Calendar Year 2025, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
I. Adopt a finding that this report is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act; and
2. Hold a public hearing and receive the informational report on City of Santa Monica staff vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3.
Member of the public Denise Barton spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to the:
timeline for the Classification and Compensation Study; Employee Engagement Survey timeline and frequency; compensation structure for Building and Safety staff; Department(s) and classifications with the highest vacancies; and recruitment and retention efforts such as building organizational capacity to establish apprenticeship or training programs.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll 15 June 9, 2026
ART ON OCEAN
(Councilmember Zernitskaya
returned to the dais at 11:51
p.m.)
A PLEDGE TO SHARED
PROSPERITY
(Mayor Torosis le.ft the
meeting at 11:52 p.m. and
Councilmember Hall chaired
the remainder of the
meeting.)
ADJOURNMENT
to support Art on Ocean, a free public arts festival planned for August 8, 2026, on Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica, with allocations from each Councilmember's portion of discretionary funds as follows: $1,000 allocated from Councilmember Hall, $2,000 from Councilmember Negrete, and $2,000 from Councilmember Zernitskaya, was presented.
Motion bv Councilmember HalL seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to approve the request. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
Mayor Torosis recused herself from Item 16.B. to avoid a perceived conflict of interest and asked Councilmember Hall to chair the meeting.
16.B. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Zernitskaya, and Snell that Council direct the City Manager to sign "A Pledge for Shared Prosperity," the anti-poverty pledge launched by the Los Angeles County Poverty Alleviation Initiative (PAI), and to integrate the pledge's three countywide goals into Santa Monica's existing outreach and benefits-access work, was presented.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Councilmember Zernitskava, to approve the request. The motion was approved by the following voice vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
On order of the Councilmember Hall, the City Council meeting adjourned at I 1 :53 p.m., with Mayor Pro Tern Zwick and Mayor Torosis absent.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
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Assistant City Clerk
17 June 9, 2026