(The following is a summation of what went on in the Santa Monica City Council chambers during the council’s meeting Feb. 28, including a timeline, notable public comments and excerpts taken.) TIMELINE: 6:07 p.m.: After waiting roughly 20 minutes for a quorum, Mayor Bob Holbrook called the meeting to order. Absent were council members Pam O’Connor, Ken Genser and Herb Katz. O’Connor was out of town on city business, Holbrook said. Katz arrived later that evening, and Genser was recovering in a local hospital from surgery. The council wished him a speedy recovery. The council clock was stuck at 7:15. 6:09 p.m.: Holbrook calls for public discussion for consent items on the agenda. There are 16 requests to speak, with two minutes for each person. Residents, business owners, environmentalists and council gadflies discussed the creation of a dog beach near Wilshire Boulevard and the renovation of bathrooms on the pier. 6:37 p.m.: Public comment on consent items ended. Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Shriver requested to pull an unusual number of items for discussion along with Council member Richard Bloom. The items dealt with the creation of a dog beach pilot program, the city’s investment policy, pier restroom replacement and a sewer easement at the Holiday Inn, 120 Colorado Ave. Council voted 3-2 against postponing action on the dog beach for later in the evening, which was requested by Shriver so that Mark Gold of Heal the Bay could speak on the item later that evening. Bloom, who voted against postponement, said, “My concern is that if we make an exemption for Mr. Gold … why wouldn’t we make that exemption for any one on any night who can’t be here at the beginning of the meeting.” Dog beach supporters clapped in support and were warned by Holbrook that any display such as cheering or clapping is not allowed in the council chambers. The dog beach item was approved along with the remainder of the consent items. Council voted unanimously to move forward with the pier bathroom construction, but with a request to the Landmarks Commission, which overseas improvements to the historic pier, to seek input from the Architectural Review Board. Regarding the city’s investme
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 2, 2006. Read the original PDF.