SR-702-018 (3)
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City Council Meeting 10-14-03
OCT 1 4 2003
Santa Monica, California
TO; Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Proposed Resolution Specifying Locations Available For Winter Displays In
Palisades Park And Establishing Procedures Relating To Displays
Introduction
At its meeting of September 9,2003, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 2095
(CCS) which amended Chapter4.55 of the Municipal Code (the City's "Park Maintenance
Code") to allow the placement of unattended installations or displays in Palisades Park
adjacent to Ocean Avenue during the month of December in an area to be designated by
Council resolution. This staff report proposes designated areas for displays, provides
information about the installation process, and covers a proposed resolution.
Background
In addition to specifying that the City Council will designate the display areas by resolution,
Ordinance Number 2095 (CCS) also specifies that the designated spaces shall be
allocated purely on a first-come, first-served basis, irrespective of the display content.
Moreover, the ordinance provides thatthose installing displays must comply with applicable
safety standards, cover any costs to the City resulting from the display, and hold the City
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harmless. In the brief time period since Ordinance Number 2095 (CCS) was adopted,
Community and Cultural Services staff has received inquiries relating to this year's display
opportunities, the process and the requirements. The proposals in this staff report, as
adopted or modified by Council, are intended to establish parameters, provide information
to those wishing to install displays, and establish simple guidelines which can be modified
based on experience, if necessary,
Discussion
As to location, staff proposes designating the following areas: (1) Palisades Park between
Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue on the grassy area adjacent to Ocean
Avenue (between the sidewalk and the decomposed granite pathway); and (2) Palisades
Park between Arizona Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard on the grassy area adjacent to
Ocean Avenue (two feet from the curb and up to, but not on, the decomposed granite
pathway). These locations are large enough to ensure that multiple displays can be
accommodated but small enough to ensure that other park uses can continue, In
particular, utilizing these locations will ensure that installations do not interfere with the
public's use of the walking and jogging paths and park areas typically used for picnics and
gatherings, Moreover, the proposed locations are roughly the locations that have been
used for many years and so are preferable from a standpoint of tradition Finally, use of
these locations will also minimize impacts on residential neighbors. Of course, the
interests of park users and neighbors will also be protected by the time limit for
installations which restricts installations to one month during mid-winter, the time of year
when the park usage is lightest.
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As to implementation, staff suggests a simple process which can be enhanced and
formalized based on experience, if necessary. Any person wishing to install a wintHr
display should notify the Open Space Management Division of Community and Cultural
Services by putting their name on a list to be maintained by that Division for purposes of
effectuating the first-come, first-served requirement. As with Category 2 community events
(which include installations), the contact with the Division could be made up to five
business days and not more than one year prior to the beginning of the installation period
When the person puts his or her name on the list, City staff will obtain his or her signature
on the hold harmless form. Staff will also supply information about the requirement of
covering any costs incurred by the City as a result of the display and any applicable
guidelines for park usage, including requirements contained in the Park Maintenance Code
and other guidelines intended to reduce impacts upon neighbors. Finally, staff will direct
the person to the Fire Marshal for information about any applicable fire safety
requirements.
Based upon past experience, it is anticipated that these minimal procedures will be
adequate. However, adjustments can be made by staff, based upon experience, if
additional procedures or safeguards are shown to be necessary.
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Financial/Budgetary Impacts
Based upon past experience with winter displays, it seems unlikely that the adoption of the
attached resolution and implementation of these recommendations would cause any
significant financial impacts.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution,
PREPARED BY: Barbara Stinchfield, Director of Community
& Cultural Services
Elaine Polacheck, Open Space Manager
Trinie Garcia-Valdez, Community Use Administrator
Marsha Jones Moutrie, City Attorney
Barry Rosenbaum, Senior Land Use Attorney
ATTACHMENT: Resolution
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