The following is a summation of what went on in Santa Monica City Council chambers during the City Council’s Nov. 8 meeting, including a time-line, notable public comments and excerpts taken.
The Santa Monica City Council meeting began at 5:45 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. 5:50 p.m.: The council approves items listed on the consent agenda then withdraws to a closed session to discuss four lawsuits, as well as possible litigation involving Santa Monica College regarding access issues at its Bundy Campus site. 7:40 p.m.: The council meeting resumes with a unanimous decision to settle three legal cases, which amount to more than $1 million. 7:51 p.m.: The council quickly reviews and approves (4-3) the second reading and adoption of an ordinance intended to increase developer “in-lieu” fees. 7:55 p.m.: The council hears seven members of the public speak about an ordinance intended to regulate downtown design standards. After hearing public comment, the council makes suggestions to improve the language of the ordinance and asks city staff to bring it back for further review and approval. 8:42 p.m.: After hearing a staff report and more than 35 members of the public, the council decides (7-0) after three hours and 43 minutes of discussion to support a temporary tri-party agreement that would allow SMC students limited access from its Bundy campus onto Airport Avenue. During the discussion, Councilman Bobby Shriver, restless, takes a seat among the crowd. He laughs when his stepdaughter shows him a picture of the council and members of the public saying ‘Blah, blah, blah’ to each other. 12:25 a.m.: Resident Melvyn Klein requests that the council consider opening up an investigation into criminal activities he believes are being perpetuated by the tenant association where he lives and provided the council with documentation for its review. The council declines to pursue the topic further. 12:31 a.m.: The council hears from more than eight members of the public and a report from staff regarding allegations of retaliatory practices by the Promenade’s new vending cart program operator, Provenzano Resources, Inc. The council asks staff to continue its investigation, as well as consider alternatives to getting out of its contract with t
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 11, 2005. Read the original PDF.