M-2/5/2002
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
SPECIAL MEETING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5, 2002
A special meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Feinstein at
5:50 p.m., on Tuesday, February 5, 2002, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.
Roll Call:
Present:
Mayor Michael Feinstein
Mayor Pro Tern Kevin McKeown
Councilmember Ken Genser
Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook
Councilmember Herb Katz
Councilmember Richard Bloom
Councilmember Pam O'Connor
Also Present: City Manager Susan McCarthy
City Attorney Marsha Jones Moutrie
City Clerk Maria M. Stewart
CONVENE/PLEDGE
Counci/member Holbrook
was excused at 10: lOp. m.
CLOSED SESSIONS
On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:50 p.m., with all
members present. Councilmember Holbrook led the assemblage in the
Pledge of Allegiance, and thereafter the City Council recessed to hear
closed sessions.
The City Council reconvened and recessed at 6:52 p.m., to finish the
continued January 22, 2002, Council meeting, and reconvened again at
10:15 p.m., with Councilmember Holbrook absent.
On order of the Mayor, the City Attorney reported the following action
taken on closed sessions:
2-A: Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation: Southern
California Water Co. v. City of Santa Monica, Case No. SC 064 682.
ACTION:
Not heard.
2-B: Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation: City of
Santa Monica v. Shell Oil Co., Case No. 01CC04331.
ACTION:
Not heard.
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February 5, 2002
COUNCIL ITEMS:
LENGm OF COUNCIL
MEETINGS
AMICUS BRIEF - MTA
2-C: Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation: Andy and
Rachel Goldberg v. Citv of Santa Monica Plannine: Commission. et aI.,
Case No. SS 010 548.
ACTION:
Heard. No reportable action taken.
2-D: Conference with Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation.
Number of cases: Two.
ACTION:
Two cases heard. No reportable action taken.
13-A: Request of Councilmember Bloom that the City Council discuss
strategies to reduce the number of Council meetings that extend into
the early morning hours, while maintaining the City Council's
commitment to broad public input and robust public debate. Request
is also made that the City Council receive information from the City
Attorney regarding the applicability of the Brown Act vis-a-vis the
duration of City Council meetings, was presented.
Members of the public Jerry Rubin and Chuck Allord expressed their
opinions and concerns regarding the length of Council meetings and
presented suggestions.
Discussion ensued on various options for shortening the length of Council
meetings including but not limited to: meeting on a weekly basis, holding
additional meetings, as needed, and better management and planning of City
Council agendas.
Motion by Mayor Feinstein. seconded by Councilmember Katz, in order for
Council to be able to complete closed sessions and return to the public
meeting by 6:45 p.m., to begin the next four meetings beginning on February
26th, at 5:30 p.rn., and after the four meetings Council will revisit the
meeting starting time. The motion was unanimously approved by voice
vote, with Councilmember Holbrook absent.
13-B: Request of Councilmember Pam O'Connor to authorize the
City of Santa Monica to join with other transit agencies and cities to
prepare and file an amicus brief in support of the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority regarding the limitations on
federal courts' power to intrude into the discretionary authority
committed to state agencies, was presented.
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February 5, 2002
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Councihnember O'Connor. seconded bv Councihnember Katz, t<F'~
approve the request. . The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote,
with Councihnember Holbrook absent.
On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 12:01
a.m. to February 12,2002, in memory of Paul Golladay.
~A~ .
~4..d'--'. \.0 -.ll~~
Maria M. Stewart\~
City Clerk
-
Michael Feinstey
Mayor
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February 5, 2002