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# Council countdown
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/council-countdown-20051027/
- Published: 2005-10-27T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T08:03:06.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Downtown, #archive-import

The following is a summation of what went on in Santa Monica City Council chambers during the City Council’s Oct. 25 meeting, including a timeline, notable public comments and excerpts taken.

> “Landscaping doesn’t cut down on noise.”

> “The city manages $850 million in assets. This not a beach town, even if it does have a beach town ambiance. This is big business. We will need a manager who can handle such a thing.” — (Public addressing City Council) Joy Fullmer, on why landscaping requirements for car dealerships won’t help the noise problem associated with them. Mel Ross, on activities seniors can do to stay engaged. — Councilman Bobby Shriver indicating the importance of hiring a new city manager who has a finance background

> “I’ve been reading the New York Times for 45 years. That’s therapy.”

> “Chits”

The Santa Monica City Council meeting began at 5:45 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance and role call. 5:50 p.m.: The council approves items listed on the consent agenda then withdraws to a closed session to discuss a series of properties City Hall is considering purchasing downtown. The council also received an update on court cases currently pending that involve Santa Monica. Also, during the closed session the council conducted an employee evaluation of City Clerk Maria Stewart. 7:40 p.m.: The council meeting resumes with a decision to settle a legal case involving Morley Construction and URS Corporation, regarding the improper removal of asbestos contaminated soil from the old Main Library site. City Hall is to receive $850,000 in the agreement from Morley. Also, the council announces it will provide City Clerk Maria Stewart with an 8.5 percent bonus to be retroactive for two years since the last time she was evaluated. The council congratulated Stewart on her performance. 7:43 p.m.: The council quickly reviews and approves the second reading and adoption of two ordinances. The first is an amendment adjusting development standards for residences in Sunset Park and north of Wilshire Boulevard. The second is an update of the municipal code related to sexual-oriented businesses. 7:45 p.m.: The council hears seven members of the public speak about a temporary ordinance intended to regulate the expansion and operation of auto dealerships that are adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Council members debate the merits of the ordinance, which has taken years to prepare, and they approve it, while directing staff to clarify issues that will be incorporated into the long-term law, to be reviewed in January. 9:35 p.m.: The council reviews two laws related to regulating City Hall’s Redevelopment Agency. Then the council discusses and approves a proposal to develop an affordable housing home ownership concept to be handled by Community Corporation of Santa Monica. 10:

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 27, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102705.pdf?ref=smdp.com)