SR 06-14-2016 10A 3 of 4 available on CityTV’s YouTub e Channel where boards and commissions can link to it from their respective websites. Staff welcomes feedback from the City Council, board or commission members and the public on the format of the Boards and Commissions annual reports. Staff will continu e to evaluate this process, incorporating feedback while balancing effectiveness, cost and efficiencies and return to Council with options. T he City Clerk’s Office will return to Council in July with recommendations for the attendance policy for boards and commissions. The research thus far has also caused staff to look at other areas of the program such as training, consistency, applications and annual report with a goal of improving and streamlining internal processes. Staff will return to Council wi th recommendations in these areas at a later date. The following are the Boards , Commissions and other bodies that participated in the 2016 annual video report: Boards & Commissions Airport Commission Architectural Review Board Arts Commission Building & Fire -Life Safety Commission Commission for the Senior Community Commissions on the Status of Women Disabilities Commission Housing Commission Landmarks Commission Personnel Board Planning Commission Santa Monica Library Board Social Services Commission S pecial City Boards and Bodies Downtown Santa Monica, Incorporated Santa Monica Pier Corporation Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (formerly the Convention & Visitors Bureau) District Boards Los Angeles County West Vector Control District Metropolitan Water Di strict Task Forces and Committees
4 of 4 Task Force on the Environment Urban Forest Task Force Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee Elected Board Rent Control Board Financial Impacts and Budget Actions There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. Prepared By: Denise Anderson -Warren, City Clerk Approved Forwarded to Council Attachments: A. 2016 Boards & Commissions Written Reports B. February 24, 2009 Council meeting report (Web Link) C. City Clerk's Boards & Commissions Web Page (Web link)
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Airport Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Airport Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the Municipal Airport and to aviation matters generally to the extent that they affect the city and its residents. The Airport Commission has five members, each serving four ‐year (renewable) terms. Commissioners must be qualified electors of the City of Santa Monica and may not hold paid office or employment in the City government. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Per SMCC City Charter Article X 1015, The Commission shall have power and be required to: (a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the Municipal Airport and to aviation matters generally to the extent that they affect the City and its residents, and (b) Consider and recommend to the City Council regulations for the management and operation of the Municipal Airport. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? 1. Recommendation of new leasing policies for tenants at the Airport. 2. Consideration of security issues and concerns at the airport. 3. Consideration of Metroplex proposal by the FAA. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? 1. Leasing policies and recommendations continue to be refined in 2016. 2. Security issues need to be further addressed. 3. Clarification of the effects of Metroplex on SMO operations and the resulting new flight patterns affecting the residents of the City.
2 Airport Commission 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Commission consists of five members with backgrounds in science, law, aviation, film editing, and urban environmental policy. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. David Goddard, with a background in commercial leasing, was previous chair and completed his term in June 2015. Joe Schmitz, our newest member, has an aviation background as a senior military jet transport and helicopter pilot.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Architectural Review Board 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Architectural Review Board acts to preserve existing areas of natural beauty, cultural importance and assure that buildings, structures, signs or other developments are in good taste, good design, harmonious with surrounding developments, and in general contribute to the preservation of Santa Monica's reputation as a place of beauty, spaciousness and quality. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? To promote the public health, safety and general welfare by establishing such procedures and providing such regulations as are deemed necessary to preserve existing areas of natural beauty, cultural importance; to assure that buildings, structures, signs or other developments are in good taste, good design, harmonious with surrounding developments and in general contribute to the preservation of Santa Monica's reputation as a place of beauty, spaciousness and quality; to prevent the development of structures or uses which are not of acceptable exterior design or appearance, are of inferior quality or likely to have a depreciating effect on the local environment or surrounding area by reason of appearance or value: to eliminate conditions, structures, signs or uses which by reason of their effect tend to degrade the health, safety or general welfare of the community; and provide a continuing source of programs and means of improving the City's overall appearance. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In addition to shepherding our steady flow of applications for commercial, multi ‐use, and signage projects we focused our attention on the following areas: 1. Worked with various City entities Boards, and Commissions to promote fluency across the designed elements in the City and to ensure that we are supporting a common goal and vision for the City. Participated in discussions and provided feedback and insights in the following areas: • Reached out to Downtown Santa Monica Inc to review storefront design, outdoor lighting, and signage. Discussed elements of a common vision for this area's unique environment encompassing its historic character, community impacts, and place in the urban fabric. • Formed a subcommittee to provide comments on the Downtown Specific Plan • Provided feedback and suggestions on the Lincoln Boulevard neighborhood corridor (LiNC) plan
2 Architectural Review Board • Refined our approach to historic resources through a presentation by and discussion with Landmarks Commissioner Laura O’Neil regarding the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for properties on the Historic Inventory and the principles for treatment of historic properties. 2. Guided coordination between several projects in the Bergamot Area Plan to foster improved pedestrian orientation and a cohesive urban design gateway (Pen Factory, Water Garden, Bergamot Area Parking Garage) 3. Through the Concept Review process we continued to refine the method of supporting projects at an early stage of review and to provide ARB comments for future Planning Commission reviews 4. Provided feedback on prominent new civic projects (Fire Station #1, City Services Building) b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? Provided input on the proposed zoning changes in 2015 that was more limited in scope than we would have wished. Currently working on the Downtown Specific plan to make certain we give more in ‐depth comments to both City Staff and Planning Commission on this key element of the Plan. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The ARB is made up of seven members: 1. Lynn Robb, Chair: Art Director/ Graphic Designer 2. Maegan Pearson, Vice Chair: Masters degree in urban planning, affordable housing developer 3. Margaret Griffin: Architect, FAIA, co ‐founder and Principal of Griffin Enright Architects 4. Craig Hamilton: Architect, FAIA, principal at Cannon Design 5. Therese Kelly: Architect and social practice artist 6. Amy Rothman: Interior Designer / Space Planner 7. Patrick Tighe: Architect, FAIA, principal and lead designer, Patrick Tighe Architecture
3 Architectural Review Board a. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing: None Incoming: Craig Hamilton. Craig Hamilton distinguishes himself as an engaged leader capable of guiding institutions through the full range of project delivery, from programming through design and construction. With a focus on the programming and planning of higher education facilities, Craig brings more than 30 years of experience in the creation of valuable, award ‐winning facilities that improve the student experience on campus. He is a leading voice in advocating for the importance of social space as part of the learning experience.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Arts Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The City of Santa Monica considers support of the arts a basic city service. The Arts Commission believes that a culturally diverse community of artists and arts organizations is essential to the cultural, educational, social and economic vitality of our City. The Arts Commission exists to ensure a regular and ongoing assessment of arts programs in the City, develop arts programs of innovative form, recognize and encourage the arts as a service of local government and enrich the lives of all citizens by exposure to art in its various forms. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? 1. Initiate and advocate arts programs in the City. 2. Provide advice to the City Council on matters relating to the arts. 3. Work cooperatively with City Boards and Commissions, the local school district and Santa Monica College in promoting art in the City. 4. Solicit private funds and grants for art activities in the City. 5. Encourage public and private partnerships to assure the survival of arts and artists in the City. 6. Develop and make recommendations to the City Council on arts acquisition programs. 7. Review and make recommendations to the City Council for all proposals for art works for public buildings and public spaces. 8. Encourage the flow of art into the City, and stimulate art activities among residents of the City. 9. Implement such art programs as may be delegated to it from time ‐to ‐time by the City Council including the selection of artists for art programs and projects and the award of contracts for art projects and programs. 10. Make decisions without regard to the residency of the artist. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? 1. A review of the Creative Capital cultural plan concluded that we have achieved approximately 90% of the implementation objectives set forth in the plan. 2. Completing the process of returning the Santa Monica Arts Foundation to its original form as an independent nonprofit organization to improve its ability to raise funds from the private sector. 3. Increased by 50% the grant funds available to support Santa Monica arts organizations. 4. White paper submitted to City Council in March 2015 as formal input to the Zoning Ordinance update process: "Santa Monica Artists' Live, Work, and Live/Work Opportunities: Supporting art making wherever it can be done."
2 Arts Commission b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? 1. Changing the trend of losing art ‐making and exhibit spaces and housing for artists in Santa Monica due to rising real estate costs. Although our White Paper suggested a few measures to improve conditions at the margin, we had no significant mitigations to offer. Indeed, losing the Santa Monica Art Museum was merely a large example of the trend. 2. The commission identified certain skills and backgrounds that would be desirable for new commissioners in order to better represent the arts community. Due to minimal net turnover in 2015, we were unable to implement the strategic vision. (We reduced the maximum number of commissioners so the net positions that we could recommend a new appointment was only one.) We anticipate several seats turning over in 2016 and hope to achieve this objective soon. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Arts Commission shall consist of 11 members. The Commissioners serve four ‐year terms. Commissioners shall reside or work in the City and shall be actively involved in the arts. (SMMC 2.64.020) Pursuant to section 2.32.280 of the SMMC ‐ no Santa Monica City employee may serve as a member of any Board or Commission. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing in 2015: Frederick Keith Fiddmont, Professor of Jazz Studies, Santa Monica College Romey Phillips, yoga teacher and trainer; painter Anne Wilcox Troutman, artist, art educator Incoming in 2015: Roger Genser, fine art printmaker
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Building & Fire ‐Life Safety Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The appointed appeals and advisory boards are created pursuant to Section 1002 of the City Charter. They conduct hearings on policy and technical issues involving specific provisions of the building and fire codes and ordinances in Article VIII of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. They also review the updated editions of the building and fire codes with staff and recommend any revisions appropriate for City's building, seismic, fire, health and other public safety programs. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The specific responsibilities set forth by ordinance concern hearing appeals from staff code interpretation and enforcement actions "to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of these Codes, and to determine the suitability of alternates". The jurisdiction is original and complete for all specific cases. They are considered to have full authority to finally resolve all "appeals of determinations, decisions and orders" of staff in specific cases by majority vote in accordance with their standing quorum rule. This authority has not been considered to the extent of granting variances or revising specific public safety ordinance requirements. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In 2015, the commission met to discuss recommendations to City Council to adopt an ordinance which sets forth an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar systems which was approved by Council and went into effect on September 30. The commission also met to discuss recommendations to City Council to adopt resolutions that support adopting ordinances to amend the California Green Building Standards Code to upgrade the existing Solar Ready Requirement and implement new landscaping, irrigation and water conservation requirements. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? All goals for 2015 were met.
2 Building & Fire ‐Life Safety Commission 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Building and Fire ‐Life Safety Commission is composed of seven members who shall each serve 4 ‐year terms: One State of California licensed structural engineer; Two State of California licensed civil engineers; Three State of California registered architects; One State of California licensed building contractor. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. N/A
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Commission for the Senior Community 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Commission for the Senior Community acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Management on matters pertaining to the senior community. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Commission for the Senior Community shall have the power and be required to perform the following: a. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the senior community and their needs. b. Be empowered to assemble information on problems and their solutions for the senior community through all available means including the holding of public meetings. c. Be empowered on its own initiative to make recommendations to the City Council on matters within its purview. d. Act to facilitate coordination between existing and proposed programs for the senior community 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In a continuing effort to educate the community about senior fraud, abuse and harassment, the CSC had the Stop Senior Scams DVD captioned. Worked with WISE & Healthy Aging and the Older Adult Task Force on development of a resource guide for older adults on the Westside. Developed a resource list for active living opportunities for seniors. This resource list will be published in the Westside Guide. The CSC worked with the Older Adult Task Force (OATF) and Santa Monica Public Library to present a three ‐part workshop series titled "Wellbeing: A Journey Into Aging". This series of events aimed to provide resources to help address issues affecting the wellbeing of Santa Monica's older residents. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? None.
2 Commission for the Senior Community 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Commission for the Senior Community shall be comprised of 9 registered voters in the City of Santa Monica. At least five of the commissioners shall be over 60 years of age. Commissioners should have experience and expertise in issues of concern to older adults. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Nel Bullard Steele is an outgoing commissioner. She has served on the Commission for the Senior Community since 2004. She is a charming, feisty, and dedicated woman who generates a lot of ideas and puts in the hard work to make those ideas happen. We will miss her and wish her luck in her future endeavors.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Commission on the Status of Women 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The purpose of the Commission on the Status of Women is to enhance the status of women in our community. The Commission will promote these goals through investigation of, advocacy for, and policy development regarding issues relevant to women and girls, and by creating leadership and career advancement opportunities for women and girls in our community. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? 1. Preparation and dissemination of educational and informational material through public meetings, mailings, events and social media. 2. Review of legislation and recommendation to City Council. 3. Development and maintenance of Talent Bank of Women and assistance to Personnel Department in recruiting women candidates for appointment. 4. Work with Personnel Department on issues related to women and employment (e.g. comparable worth, affirmative action, child care, on the job training, part ‐time employment). 5. Work with law enforcement agencies on issues which have a special impact on women. 6. Work with the Board of Education and other public agencies. 7. Make recommendations to Council, agencies, boards, commissions and City agencies on programs and policies. 8. Investigate and mediate incidents of discrimination against women and girls and initiate programs of voluntary action to eliminate inequality. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? On August 25, 2015, the Commission on the Status of Women asked the City Council to adopt a resolution to support the local implementation of The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). By adopting a resolution in support of CEDAW, the City of Santa Monica would increase awareness of the goals of CEDAW to achieve gender equity in the following areas: political participation and representation, income and earnings, access to healthcare, and public and personal safety. The resolution was adopted by City Council and the COSW was delegated as the local body to implement CEDAW. Santa Monica is now one of only eight cities in the United States to adopt CEDAW. Have continued year after year to mentor a Rosie’s Girl, who is now an Ambassador for the SAMOHI Wellness Center
2 Commission on the Status of Women Have continued each year to work with local partners to put together a comprehensive month of events for Women's History Month In partnership with the SMPD, WDVN and the Jenesse Center the Handbags for Hope campaign collected over 400? bags filled with toiletries and gift cards to distribute to local domestic violence agencies during DV month b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? The commission lost 3 members and was unable to work as diligently on housing and economic development goals but is now prepared to move forward with these goals as a full body. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The COSW is currently fully seated at nine members: 1. Madeleine Brand 2. Elena Christopoulos 3. Sylvia Ghazarian (Vice Chair) 4. Melissa Goodman 5. Rebecca Lantry 6. Diane Miller 7. Nicole Susan Phillis (Chair) 8. Nancy Pierandozzi 9. Gauri ‐Brienda Ramnath All Commissioners are Santa Monica residents. The background and experience of members is rich and varied, ranging from the fields of law to marketing, education, science, and non ‐profit work. a. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. 2015 Outgoing Commissioners: Anne Goeke Jaime Gallo Jillian Alexander
3 Commission on the Status of Women 2016 New Commissioners: Melissa Goodman: Commissioner Goodman is a three year resident of the City of Santa Monica. As the Director of the LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project at the ACLU of Southern California, a steering committee member of the California Work and Family Coalition, and a member of the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom and the Los Angeles Reproductive Justice Coalition, Ms. Goodman has an extensive history engaging in advocacy throughout the Los Angeles region to improve the lives and health of women and girls. Nancy Pierandozzi: Commissioner Pierandozzi is a 40 year resident of the City of Santa Monica. As a classroom teacher, a district advisor for the Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Education Programs, and a dean in charge of discipline and intervention at the Los Angeles Unified School District, Ms. Pierandozzi (now retired) has been deeply involved in the community for decades.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Disabilities Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The purpose of the Disabilities Commission is to ensure that people with disabilities have access to all City programs, services and activities, and are able to fully participate in all aspects of community life. The Commission helps improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Santa Monica by prioritizing issues of concern for City Council and City staff, recommending ways to maximize participation of people with disabilities in all facets of City life, and increasing awareness of the abilities, rights, and issues of people with disabilities throughout the community. For example, such issues may include transportation, housing, physical access, access to services, sensitivity of City staff and community education and awareness. The Commission is an advisory body to the Santa Monica City Council and City staff and does not provide direct services to individuals. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Disabilities Commission shall have the power and be required to: (a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to people with disabilities in Santa Monica and their needs as a group. (b) Work cooperatively with City agencies, officials, boards, commissions and departments in developing educational and informational materials and programs about the abilities, rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities. (c) Hold an annual public hearing to receive community input on matters relevant to the general scope of the Commission. (d) Study and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the special problems that people with disabilities in Santa Monica face in employment, transportation, housing, programmatic and physical access to City services, and facilities and programs stemming from barriers encountered in everyday life. (e) Work cooperatively with City agencies, officials, boards, commission and departments in making recommendations on the development and implementation of programs and practices promoting disability awareness and the integration of people with disabilities into City life. (f) Review the City’s annual Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Review and Update and provide input to staff on the review process and the content of the report. (Added by Ord. No. 2049CCS § 1, adopted 7/23/02)
2 Disabilities Commission 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? Conducted Activities to Expand Public Awareness and Outreach: ‐‐ Promoted the 25th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in numerous activities including an educational letter published in the Santa Monica Mirror and working with City Library staff to highlight books and films promoting disability awareness ‐‐ Collaborated with Recreation and Parks Commission to march during the 4th of July Parade ‐‐ Co ‐Sponsored Life Rolls On, an event at Santa Monica’s beach where individuals with disabilities surfed with the assistance of able bodied volunteers ‐‐ Activities to promote Mental Health Awareness Month ‐‐ an awareness event, showing a film, and a panel discussion ‐‐ Co ‐Sponsored a luncheon for athletes who participated in the Special Olympics World Games as Santa Monica was a Host Town; ‐‐ Wrote an editorial published in the Santa Monica Daily Press combating misinformed stereotypes of individuals with mental health issues ‐‐ Updated the Accessible Santa Monica website ‐‐ Promoting and participating in the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes Provided Input re: City Activities such as: ‐‐ the planning of the North Beach Playground project, the City’s second universally accessible playground*** (this item should be featured in the video) ‐‐ the Housing Authority’s Annual and Administrative Plan; ‐‐ the planning of the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement ‐‐ applications for the City’s Human Services Grants Program; ‐‐ the development of the City’s budget and a request to augment funding for beach access and the incorporation of universal design in City projects ‐‐ Big Blue Bus’ Policy Updates and route changes as they impacted individuals with disabilities Promoted and Expanded Community Inclusion and Equal Access ‐‐ Promoted the adoption and expansion of universally designed playgrounds, such that City staff culture has incorporated these ideas in such projects, access to the beach, and improved signage for persons with disabilities; ‐‐ Participated in the City’s Homeless Count ‐‐ Advocated for the expansion of looping on City properties to allow those who use hearing aids to participate equally in public meetings ‐‐ Ensuring election polling places are accessible for all voters ‐‐ Work with City staff to develop and expand the accessibility and affordability of the City’s housing stock
3 Disabilities Commission ‐‐ Work with City staff in identifying and enhancing accessibility in public facilities, playgrounds, parks, beaches, etc. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? No. Goals and activities are carefully planned on an annual basis. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Commission consists of eleven (11) members appointed by the City Council. All members shall be residents of the City who have significant experience in the disability community. Additionally, at least six members shall be persons with disabilities. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Christofer Arroyo, Chair, outgoing ‐‐ Christofer has served with the Disabilities Commission since its founding in 2002 and has frequently served as Chair mostly because he couldn't trick others into doing so. Kathryn Kosmeya ‐Dodge, incoming ‐‐ The Commission warmly welcomed new Commissioner Kathryn Kosmeya ‐Dodge, who hit the ground running, has tackled numerous projects for the Commission, and has brought a wealth of information regarding accessibility issues.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Housing Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The mission of the City of Santa Monica Housing Commission is to improve the quality of life by supporting and helping to guide the production and preservation of affordable housing. We advise and assist the City Council and City Staff on housing policies, programs, and projects, and work to enhance the social, economic and cultural vitality of our community. The Commission encourages the full participation of the community in shaping its future and is committed to fairness, social justice and democracy. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Housing Commission is responsible for monitoring the federally ‐funded Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which serves more than 1,000 extremely low ‐income and very low ‐income residents, many of whom are senior or disabled. The Housing Commission advises the City Council on a variety of housing programs and policies including the Housing Authority Administrative Plan, Consolidated Plan, Affordable Housing Production Program, TORCA Loan Program, and Housing Trust Fund program. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? The Housing Commission's main goal in 2015 was achieved by recommending strategies to Council to create a local, permanent source of affordable housing funding, equal to the $15 million received annually from the former Redevelopment Agency. The strategies were presented in a December 11, 2015 letter to Council. The Commission also made recommendations to City Council regarding existing affordable housing programs, including strengthening compliance monitoring, connecting residents and workers with affordable housing, maximizing the proportion of affordable housing in developments, and assisting federally ‐funded properties at ‐risk of converting to market ‐rate housing. Additionally, the Housing Commission supported the creation of a historic district along a portion of San Vicente Boulevard and an increase to the housing voucher payment standard. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? No, the Housing Commission was able to achieve its goals for the year. The Commission held a retreat during April 2015 and as a result decided to establish a specific workplan with specific deadlines. This effort culminated in the December 2015 recommendations to City Council regarding the future of affordable housing funding.
2 Housing Commission 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Housing Commission is comprised of seven Santa Monica residents, none of whom shall hold other office or employment with the City. Two Commission members shall be participants in a Housing Authority Section 8 Program, and shall serve two ‐year terms and five Commission members shall serve four ‐year terms. One of the Section 8 Program participants must also be 62 years of age or older. Pursuant to Section 2.32.280 of the SMMC ‐ no Santa Monica City employee may serve as a member of any Board or Commission. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing members: Carter C. Rubin and Amy Aukstikalnis Incoming members: Anjuli Katz and Sue Keintz
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Landmarks Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. Established in 1975, the mission of the Landmarks Commission is “To protect improvements and areas which represent the City's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history; safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage; and promote the use of landmarks and historic districts for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people.” b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Designate landmarks and historic districts • Conduct evaluations of applications for designation of historic resources • Regulate and control the alteration of any landmark • Maintain a current listing and description of designated • Provide for a suitable, sign, plaque or other marker indicating the designation • Participate in environmental review procedures • Advise on City issues related to historic resources 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? Creation of the San Vicente Boulevard Courtyard Apartments Historic District, the iconic courtyard housing between Ocean Avenue and Seventh Street. This comes after extensive study and grassroots community participation, as the Landmarks Commission recommended, and the City Council approved unanimously, the newest historic district ‐‐ the first in Santa Monica in fifteen years. Helped launch the Historic Resources Inventory update. Approved the repair and restoration plan for the landmark Chain Reaction sculpture. Provided input into the new zoning ordinance, resulting in preservation ‐friendly strategies throughout the document. Five New Designations • Four new landmarks, bringing the total number of landmark designations in Santa Monica to 118: 1. M.S. Hellman Residence, 525 Georgina Avenue, built c. 1910, Hunt & Burns, architect.
2 Landmarks Commission 2. Famous Enterprise Fish Company 174 Kinney/171 Pier Avenue, c. 1926, built by Pacific Electric Company 3. Groves Bakery/Callahan’s Restaurant, 1213 ‐1215 Wilshire Blvd., built 1946 4. Mel Ule Residence, 305 Alta Avenue, built 1913, W. S. Freeman, builder • And one new Structure of Merit: Mid ‐Century Modern Courtyard, 2001 ‐2008 21st Street, 1949 ‐1950 (subsequently appealed to City Council; Council upheld designation; demolition application filed and pending) a. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? 5. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? Seven ‐member commission: at least one a registered architect; at least one a local historian; at least one an architectural historian; at least one a California real estate licensee ‐‐ all members, ideally with interest and experience in historic preservation and Santa Monica built environment issues. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. None in 2015
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Library Board 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. To provide resources, services and a place to encourage the community to Read, Connect, Relax and Learn. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Library Board shall have powers and be required to: a. Make and enforce such by ‐laws, rules, and regulations as may be necessary for the administration, government and protection of the City Library; and b. Accept money, personal property or real estate donated to the Library Board of "the Santa Monica Public Library or its predecessor." (SMCC 1010) (Amended @ General Municipal Election, Nov. 2, 2006, certified by Resolution No. 10187(CCS)) 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? ‐ Fairview Branch Renovation ‐ 125th Anniversary ‐ Celebrated 125 years of Library service to the Santa Monica Community ‐ 5 Stars – For the sixth year in a row, the Santa Monica Public Library has earned top marks from Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries – the only Southern California library to earn the prestigious five ‐star rating. ‐ Removal of the $25.00 non ‐resident Library card fee. Library cards are free to all California residents. As part of the Library's turning outward process for strategic planning and expansion into the community highlight the following programs: ‐ Pop Up Beach Library ‐ How ‐To Festival ‐ YALLWEST ‐ Library Booth at Santa Monica Festival ‐ Arts and Literacy Festival ‐ Olympic High Science Fair b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why?
2 Library Board 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? 5 member board composed of Santa Monica residents with varied background experience including writing, finance, education, research, and the film industry. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing Vice Chair, Ken Blackwell has been a member of the Library Board since September 2007. The Board has benefited from his leadership on the many issues before the Board.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Personnel Board 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Personnel Board is an advisory body to the City Council and Personnel Director on matters pertaining to personnel administration and a quasi ‐judicial review body for hearing employee appeals of certain disciplinary actions. In conducting its business the Board considers the rights and interests of City employees, the City administration and the citizens and taxpayers of Santa Monica. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Under Section 1012 of the City Charter, the Personnel Board has the power and is required to: 1. Hold public hearings of and recommend to the City Council the adoption, amendment or repeal of Civil Service rules and regulations; 2. Make any investigation it considers desirable concerning the administration of personnel matters; 3. Hear appeals of any officer or employee in the classified service who is suspended, demoted or removed; and 4. Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and Personnel Director on matters pertaining to personnel administration. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In 2015, the Personnel Board reviewed 90 Job Specifications, 22 requests for Outside Activity and sat for 2 Administrative Hearings. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? N/A
2 Personnel Board 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Personnel Board consists of five qualified electors of the City, none of whom shall hold any public office or employment nor be a candidate for any other public office or position and shall not be an officer of any local, state or national partisan political club or organization. Commissioners shall serve five ‐year terms. (SMCC 1011) b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Bud Pell ‐Bud Pell is a 37 year resident of Santa Monica. He has been a high school teacher for 18 years. Elliot Gordon ‐Elliot Gordon became a mediator and arbitrator in 2015, after a thirty year legal career with a focus on employment and healthcare law. Elliot has been a resident of Santa Monica for fourteen years, and in addition to his service on the Personnel Board also serves on the boards of Windward School and Inner City Law Center. Eve Brosnahan ‐Eve Brosnahan is a Santa Monica resident with 15 years experience in the health insurance industry working on behalf of both employees and employers. Marcia Zimmer ‐Marcia Zimmer is a retired Manager of hearing officers for the Santa Monica Rent Control Board who loves music and enjoys singing and playing the clarinet. Joy Abbott ‐Joy Abbott is a 35 ‐year resident of Santa Monica and Sr. Vice President of Distribution Services at Paramount Pictures. Abbott currently serves as Vice ‐Chair of the Santa Monica College Personnel Commission.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Planning Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. N/A ‐ out of date b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Planning Commission reviews all development applications and provides direction regarding strategic land use plans and transportation action plans and implementation projects. The Planning Commission is created by the City Charter with seven members appointed by the City Council. The Planning Commission shall have the power and be required to: (a) After a public hearing thereon, recommend to the City Council the adoption, amendment or repeal of the Master Plan, or any part thereof, for the physical development of the City; (b) Exercise such control over land subdivisions as is granted to it by the governing body of the City and by the laws of the State of California; (c) Make recommendations concerning proposed public works and for the clearance and rebuilding of blighted or substandard areas within the City; and (d) Exercise such functions with respect to zoning as may be prescribed by ordinance. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? The Planning Commission had many major accomplishments in 2015 including the following: ‐36 hearings on the Zoning Ordinance Update culminating in the adoption of the new zoning ordinance in June 2015. ‐New TDM ordinance ‐Recommended adoption of the Pedestrian Action Plan ‐Recommendations on the 4CO Vision ‐Reviewed and provided direction on the Lincoln Neighborhood Corridor Plan concepts ‐Review of the Draft Downtown Community Plan ‐Annual review of the Bicycle Action Plan ‐Recommended approval of 3 housing development agreements totaling 254 units
2 Planning Commission The Planning Commission's strategic direction also led to the opening of three significant additions to the City's Transportation network: ‐Launch of Breeze Bikeshare ‐Opening of the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGO) ‐Samohi Safe Routes to School improvements b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? N/A 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? 7 member board comprised of Santa Monica residents with backgrounds in planning; housing policy, financing, and development; communications; architecture; public policy; historic preservation; strategy and consulting. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Incoming: Nina Fresco ‐ Former Landmarks Commissioner Mario Fonda ‐Bonardi ‐ Local Architect Outgoing: Jim Ries ‐ Long ‐serving member of the Planning Commission who saw through adoption of the LUCE and Zoning Ordinance Update.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Recreation & Parks Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Recreation Commission advise the City Council and the Director of Community & Cultural Services in matters pertaining to the comprehensive and harmonious development of the park and recreational facilities and resources of the City of Santa Monica. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Recreation and Parks Commission have power and are required to: (a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council and Director of Community and Cultural Services in all matters pertaining to public recreation, including playgrounds, music and entertainment; (b) Consider the annual budget of the Community and Cultural Services Department during its preparation and make recommendations with respect thereto to the City Manager and the City Council; and (c) Assist in the planning of a recreation program for the inhabitants of the City, promote and stimulate public interest therein, and to that end, solicit to the fullest extent possible the cooperation of school authorities and other public and private agencies interested therein. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? One of the Commission’s most cherished goals is to create new parkland: Reviewed and gave input on the design of the new park currently known as Buffer Park which will help mitigate impacts of the Expo light rail on the neighborhood residents Reviewed the Civic Working Group recommendations for the Civic Auditorium and advocated for the inclusion of a sports field on the site Provided guidance on the development of a new universally accessible playground on the north beach Established priority parks projects for the Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Parks Needs Assessment Adopted a motion to add nearly half an acre of parkland into the parks system by incorporating 5 small parcels of land on Ocean Park Blvd. Established a sub ‐committee to seek out opportunities for small pocket parks around the City
2 Recreation & Parks Commission Renovation/upgrades of existing parks: Coordinated with the Kiwanis Club to obtain a $53,000 donation to upgrade playground equipment at Ozone Park – a great example of community building and partnership Provided input on the re ‐design of the northeast quadrant of Reed Park Led the initiative for landscape modifications in Palisades Park at the Pier entrance to alleviate damage and unsafe conditions caused by crowds gathering to watch street performers Recreation programs: Reviewed the City’s robust program of arts, sports and leisure activities Citywide projects: Participated in the community process for City projects such as the Draft Pedestrian Action Plan, the Bikeshare program, and the California Incline project Other activities: Marched together in the 4th of July Parade Two Commissioners attended and reported on parks and recreation conferences in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Las Vegas Coordinated musical performances for Make Music LA event b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? The Commission is still working to address congestion and pedicab issues on the beach bike path. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? Seven members are appointed by the City Council ‐ chosen from the residents of the City, none of whom hold any paid office or employment in the City Government. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Chair Phil Brock is leaving the Commission after 12 and a half years of dedicated service and leadership.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Social Services Commission 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The mission of the Social Services Commission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all residents of the City of Santa Monica. Through ongoing dialogue, outreach, education and advocacy, the Social Services Commission will advise and assist the City Council and staff with needs assessment, priorities, planning, and budgetary implications for social service programs. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Commission shall have the power and the duty to: (a) Schedule periodic hearings to determine the unmet social service needs of the residents of the City. (b) Recommend to the City Council policies to guide the provision of social services to residents of the City and review and comment on procedures developed by the City Manager for the development of a comprehensive delivery system to provide social services. (c) Recommend to the City Council specific social service programs necessary to serve the unmet needs of the residents of the City. (d) Review the City Manager's proposed budget for social services and make its recommendations thereon to the City Council. (e) Prepare an annual assessment for the City Council on the extent to which agencies and programs of the City, County of Los Angeles, and other entities are achieving goals and objectives for social services. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In 2015, the Commission: Commented and made recommendations related to the FY2015 ‐19 Human Services Grant Program; Initiated discussions about updating the Dolphin Change program; Made recommendations to the City Council regarding the FY 2015 ‐17 Biennial Budget and the City’s FY 2015 – 2019 HUD Consolidated Plan; Organized the booth and community outreach at the Santa Monica Festival; Provided sponsorship funding for the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center’s Next Steps event and the Westside Coalition’s Celebrating Success breakfast; Interviewed seven candidates for five Commission vacancies; held study sessions and initiated inquiries related to its 2015 ‐2016 strategic focus on wellbeing, homelessness, and the future of the commission.
2 Social Services Commission b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? N/A 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Social Services Commission shall consist of nine members, all of whom shall be residents of the City of Santa Monica and shall serve four ‐year terms. (SMMC 2.60.020) b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing: Brian Buchner Maria Dylan Sabrina Fields (Chair July ‐November 2015) Jossimer Fuentes Caeli Lynch (Vice Chair through June 2015) Dan Sussman (Chair through June 2015) Incoming: Nancy Coleman, PhD, is a Board member of the North of Montana Association and a member of the Transparency Project Anne Dobson, MPA, is Director of Philanthropy & Communications at Skid Row Housing Trust. Shawn Landres, PhD, (Chair December 2015 ‐ ), is Co ‐founder, Jumpstart Labs, Board Chair, Impact Hub Los Angeles, and Commissioner, Los Angeles County Quality and Productivity Commission. Bill Parent, EdD, is Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Winifred Wechsler, MBA, is Executive Director, Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation. Anita Prentice, is a Public School Counselor, Carson High School
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (Special City Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The mission of the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee is to uphold the mission of the City of Santa Monica Watershed Management Plan: “To restore a healthier balance between the urban environment and the natural ecosystem, including the Santa Monica Bay, by reducing the pollution in urban runoff, reducing urban flooding, and increasing water conservation, recreation opportunities, open space, and wildlife and marine habitat.” b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The people of the City of Santa Monica adopted a Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax during the November 2006 General election and added Chapter 7.64 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code requiring a Citizens Oversight Committee to audit the use of tax proceeds. Resolution Number 10766 (CCS) established the membership, terms and scope of responsibilities of the committee as follows: 1. Shall be comprised of five residents and serve two year terms without limitation. 2. Responsibilities are solely advisory to the City Council and consist of: a) Review of proposed capital and operating expenditure from Measure V funds; b) Review of actual Measure V capital and operating expenditures; and c) Review of proposed Measure V capital projects to confirm consistency with the generally or specifically established water quality improvement goals of the program. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In 2015, the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax funded: • The Palisades Park Drainage Improvements project which improved grading and drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding and water runoff from eroding the bluffs. • Design services for the Marine and Los Amigos Park Retrofit projects to: 1) construct a treated urban runoff pipeline, from Penmar Park in Los Angeles to Marine Park, and retrofit the irrigation system in Marine Park; and 2) divert runoff from an existing storm drain into Los Amigos Park to be treated and used for non ‐potable purposes.
2 Clean Beaches & Ocean Committee • The on ‐going Permeable Surface Alleys project to construct 4 feet wide pervious concrete gutters to prevent alley runoff from discharging onto the streets. This year, gutters were placed at the 1300 block of 12th Street/23rd Court, 2500 and 2600 block of Wilshire Place, and 1200 block of 25th Street/26th Court. Also in 2015, the City received a $3.8M grant from the State Clean Beaches Initiative Grant Program to fund the future Clean Beaches Project to construct a 1.5M gallon water storage tank capturing stormwater runoff from the Pier drainage basin. The Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax will provide the local match fund. a. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? None. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Committee is comprised of five residents and serve two year terms without limitation. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Committee Member, William R. Kairala, appointed on 09/08/2015, is a 20+ year Santa Monica resident, with an MBA from Woodbury University and a certification from the California Resource Recovery Association. Committee Member, Mary Marlow, appointed on 02/23/2016, has lived in Ocean Park since 1997. She is a retired AT&T executive with over 20 years experience in sales and marketing to multinational corporations. She has a MBA from USC and serves as an occasional mentor to current graduate students. She is a past president and current board member of the Ocean Park Association and one of the founders of the annual July 4th Parade on Main Street. Mary was part of the grassroots committee that successfully organized community support for making Ocean Park Boulevard a "green street" with landscaping and urban runoff catchment.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Downtown Santa Monica, Incorporation (Special City Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The mission of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is, on behalf of the City of Santa Monica, to promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica through responsible planning, development, management and coordination of programs, projects and services designed to benefit the community as a whole which includes Downtown businesses, property owners, residents and visitors. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (formerly Bayside District Corporation) is a private 501c(3) non ‐profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown Santa Monica while promoting economic stability, growth and community life within this unique neighborhood. DTSM, Inc. manages the Property ‐based Business Assessment District bounded by Ocean Avenue to the west, Wilshire Boulevard to the north, Lincoln Boulevard to the east and the Santa Monica Freeway to the south. DTSM, Inc. Board of Directors serve as an advisory board for the City Council on all issues related to Downtown Santa Monica. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? 1) DTSM, Inc. is proud of the work done to incorporate Lincoln Boulevard into the downtown district, and with that bring an increased level of service to residents, property owners and merchants with enhanced maintenance and hospitality programs. DTSM, Inc. also worked with property owners along Colorado Avenue to create a new overlay zone to help keep the area clean and guide visitors who will be departing the Exposition Light Rail Line. These moves were critical given the anticipated increase in pedestrian traffic when Expo arrives. 2) DTSM completed an extensive review of the Downtown Specific Plan and the Downtown Community Plan, giving feedback for the City Council to consider as it moves towards approval of the critical planning document that will shape Downtown for generations to come.
2 Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. 3) DTSM, Inc.’s board was also pleased to have added some color and creativity to the Third Street Promenade with the installation of 16 art banners featuring the flora and fauna of Santa Monica. 4) And for the 9th year, DTSM, Inc. was proud to present ICE at Santa Monica, an outdoor ice skating rink that has become a beloved gathering place for residents and Westsiders. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? No. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is governed by a 13 ‐member board of directors. The Santa Monica City Council shall appoint six members, the property owners shall appoint six members, and the City Manager of the City of Santa Monica or his/her designee shall serve as director for terms of four years. (Council action ‐ 5/13/08) Directors shall be City residents or persons who are employed, own property or hold business licenses in the City of Santa Monica. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing: Sarah Letts, an expert in affordable housing as the director of Community Corp. of Santa Monica, has served as a DTSM Inc. board member since 2012. She is a thoughtful and dedicated member of the board and her expertise in the realm of affordable housing management and creation will be sorely missed. John Warfel, principal at Metropolitan Pacific Real Estate Group, has served on the DTSM, Inc. board since 1998, back when it was known as the Bayside District Corporation. He is an engaged member who is passionate about making Downtown an exciting and pleasant place to live, work and play. Patricia Hoffman has served on the DTSM, Inc. board for 16 years. She is known as the “community’s voice” on the board, always reminding her colleagues that Downtown is “Santa Monica’s living room” and should be welcoming to all.
3 Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Bill Tucker, a real estate investor, has been a fixture in Downtown Santa Monica ever since the Third Street Promenade was known as the Third Street Mall. He has a history of improving properties and working with government agencies. He was first appointed to the DTSM, Inc. board in 2000. Incoming: Juan Matute joined the DTSM, Inc. Board of Directors in December 2014. Matute is the associate director of the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies and Institute of Transportation Studies.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Santa Monica Pier Corporation (Special City Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. Vision Statement: A Santa Monica Pier that provides an historic platform and a legacy of colorful visitor experiences to showcase contemporary events; a community asset that attracts, welcomes and entertains local, regional, national and international visitors of all incomes, abilities and interest; a landmark that offers an enticing and changing array of site ‐appropriate active and passive experiences and attractions. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Board's responsibilities and jurisdiction include the stewarding of the iconic Pier and the preservation and promotion of the Pier brand per the guiding principles above. The service agreement of the Pier Corp non ‐profit includes programming, event management, licensing, corporate promotions, marketing, fundraising, community outreach, street performer management and working on long ‐term enhancement projects with the City 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? Pier Access & Use Study ‐ The Board worked with the City's Economic Development Dept and consultants ROMA to develop a set of recommendations for City Council in a comprehensive document known as the "Pier Access & Use Study". This collaborative process included public workshops and stakeholder interviews and addressed many of the challenges facing the Pier both today and in the future. The document provides a roadmap of short, medium and long ‐term improvements to ensure the Pier's continued relevance. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? The only goal the Board wasn't able to accomplish in 2015 was advanced planning for the EXPO launch celebration due to the fact that Metro didn't announce an opening date until late Feb 2016.
2 Santa Monica Pier Corporation 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Pier Board has 7 members that include many Pier veterans from prior eras, City leaders, community organizers and private ‐sector professionals. The diversity in backgrounds ensures a dynamic conversation around the evolution of the Pier, while their shared love of the iconic venue assures its preservation. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing members • John Catoe ‐ The public transportation guru and originator of the Big Blue Bus • Ray Braun ‐ The keen businessman and developer of amusement parks and entertainment venues for Disney and others • Rae Archibald ‐ The laidback financial wizard and former CFO of Rand Corporation Incoming members • Abby Arnold ‐ Former Pier board member, long ‐time Santa Monica community organizer and activist for social justice • Allan Lipsky ‐ Former Pier board member, real estate management consultant and former COO of MTA • Chris Foster ‐ Real estate developer and long ‐time amusement business owner
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (Special City Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism works to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment through promotion of the area as a travel destination. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? Santa Monica Travel & Tourism enhances the image of the City, coordinates its hospitality resources and generates interest in Santa Monica from identified target markets. By working closely with various publications, journalists, tour operators, meeting planners, and leisure and business travelers, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism helps maintain economic vitality in our ever ‐changing city. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? Tourism in 2015 generated 13,469 jobs that cannot be exported and $46 million into the City of Santa Monica's general fund through Transient Occupancy Tax. Visitors spent $1.8 billion and accounted for $11.9 million of the 2015 sales tax revenue into the City of Santa Monica. Rebranded the organization from Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. Launched new destination brand campaign, including website overhaul for SantaMonica.com with a referral ‐based hotel booking engine. The site has received awards from the 2015 WebAwards and the 2015 Davey Awards and includes a free customizable landing page for all tourism ‐serving Santa Monica businesses. Launched enhanced publication program to compliment new destination campaign, including a new Visitors Guide and refreshed visitors map. Led Host Town Santa Monica effort for the Special Olympics, providing an unforgettable experience for Brazilian and Romanian athletes thanks to the generous donations of community tourism partners Santa Monica Place, Downtown Santa Monica, Perry's, Pacific Park and the City of Santa Monica.
2 Santa Monica Travel & Tourism b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? No. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? 11 members comprised of 3 Santa Monica residents, 3 hoteliers, 2 restaurants, 2 attractions and a representative from the City Manager’s Office. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Incoming: Juan Viramontes has served as the General Manager at the Georgian Hotel for the past 12 years and is also the Chair of the Santa Monica Tourism Marketing District Hotel Committee. Darlene Evans is a longtime resident of Santa Monica and her experience includes serving on the Commission of the Status of Women and organizing, promoting and emceeing the annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. Outgoing: Gregory Day was the General Manager at Shutters on the Beach for the past 8 years and recently served as the Chair of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. Don Camacho is the President of Camacho's Incorporated, a family ‐run business that owns and operates Mariasol on the Santa Monica Pier, El Paseo Inn and Camacho's Cafe in Los Angeles.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Los Angeles County West Vector Control District (District Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The Los Angeles County West Vector District is responsible for eliminating, controlling and educating about vectors. A vector is an animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury including but not limited to, mosquitoes, bees, flies, other insects, ticks, and mites, but not including any domesticated animals. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The District is governed by a Board of Trustees. Each city council and county board of supervisors within the boundaries of the District may appoint one representative each to the Board. The District covers approximately 680 square miles, contains 23 cities and unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles, and provides services for 4,280,000 people. This makes the District the second largest vector control district in the state of California by population served. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? The Zika Virus, a mosquito ‐borne illness, has been making headlines this year particularly for causing a brain defect in babies of mothers, who carried the virus. Recent cases in California have been identified in individuals who had traveled to areas where the virus is being transmitted. Similar to dengue and yellow fever, Zika is carried by Aedes mosquitos. These mosquitos prefer sunlight and urban areas; three species can be found in southern California. The virus is mainly spread through a mosquito bite but there are reports of transmission by blood transfusion and sexual contact. Only one in five individuals have symptoms and most recover without series complications. Prevention is important and entails avoiding contact with mosquitos so use an insect repellent, cover up, have screens for windows and doors and dump and drain standing water. Though with the Aedes mosquito this is a little tricky as they lay their eggs just above the waterline in any container and especially plant saucers. The eggs are very small and can stay viable for up to 2 years. They will hatch into larvae if the water rises and covers them. Even if you empty the water from a container, you may want to scrub them routinely for added prevention.
2 LA County West Vector Control District Providing vector control on a continuous routine and area ‐wide basis to protect the health and enhance the economic development, recreational use, and enjoyment of outdoor living. Reducing and controlling the number of vectors that are able to spread and amplify the diseases or inflict pain or injury is the focus of vector ‐borne communicable disease programs. Presently, the District's main focus is the surveillance and control of mosquitoes, Africanized honeybees (AHB) and red imported fire ants (RIFA), along with the monitoring of ticks and Lyme disease. Educating the public about vector ‐transmitted diseases, vector related injuries, and about the services the Los Angeles County West Vector & Vector ‐Borne Disease Control District provides. With the emergence of new diseases and vectors locally and throughout the nationally surveillance work and control measures have taken top priority throughout the United States. While impossible to eliminate all mosquitoes, numerous methods are employed to keep their numbers as low as possible. Vector control districts employ an integrated management program to reduce mosquito populations and keep the diseases they can transmit under control. Surveillance includes intensive field monitoring, laboratory testing, and research studies on the newly emerging and previously known mosquito ‐borne diseases. Control methods include a myriad of procedures. Among them are public education, the elimination of standing water, and the use of a variety of environmentally sensitive biological controls, including mosquitofish. The primary goal of the District is the control of mosquitoes by preventing them from breeding. Although this is more time consuming, more difficult to accomplish, and more costly over a short time span than other control methods, a preventative program will be more cost ‐effective over the years. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? None.
3 LA County West Vector Control District 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? Same as 1(b). b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. None.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Metropolitan Water District (District Board) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. The mission of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high ‐quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was established by the California Legislature in 1928 through the Metropolitan Water District Act. Metropolitan is a regional wholesaler that delivers water to 26 member public agencies – 14 cities, 11 municipal water districts, one county water authority – which in turn provides water to more than 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. The City of Santa Monica is a member agency of Metropolitan. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? California faced unmatched drought conditions in 2015 with the lowest snowpack ever recorded in the state. This followed the hottest year on record in 2014 and the driest year ever recorded in 2013. The Metropolitan board focused on managing water resources to ensure the region would have reliable water supplies as the statewide drought continued into a fourth year. The board took several important actions to help the region preserve its water supplies and support the Governor's emergency mandate for Californians to reduce per capita water use by 25 percent. In March the board approved $5.5 million for a regional outreach campaign to increase water awareness and encourage conservation. In April the board voted to restrict wholesale deliveries to its 26 member public agencies to achieve a 15 percent reduction in demand. In May, the board increased the district's conservation budget to $450 million for two years, making it the nation's largest rebate program. Together with local rebate programs of more than $50 million, the total regional investment in conservation exceeded half a billion dollars. Metropolitan and its member agencies helped homeowners, businesses, local governments and other institutions reduce water use through efficient plumbing fixtures, appliances, equipment, sprinklers and turf removal. To date, nearly 121 million square feet of turf have been replaced with California Friendly landscapes that use less water.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Metropolitan Water District (District Board) 2 Metropolitan Water District b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? Metropolitan exceeded its water management goals for 2015. By promoting and investing in conservation and water use efficiency, Metropolitan ended 2015 with over a 20 percent decrease in water demands. This allowed the district to keep 870,000 acre feet of water in storage to meet future needs as the drought continues. (870,000 acre feet is enough water to serve nearly 1.75 million families for a year.) 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? Metropolitan is governed by a 38 ‐member Board of Directors, representing each of the district's 26 member agencies. Each member agency is represented by one or more directors based on the assessed property valuation of its jurisdiction. The City of Santa Monica has one director on the board. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. In August 2015, the Metropolitan board increased from 37 to 38 members when the City of Los Angeles gained an additional board seat based on the latest certified assessed valuations of taxable property within the district’s six ‐county service area. This was the first change to the size of the governing body since January 2001.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Task Force on the Environment 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. To advise City Council on determining and setting environmental policy, in accordance with the guiding principles, goals and objectives of the Sustainable City Plan and the Sustainability Bill of Rights. The Sustainable City Plan (1994) was created to enhance our resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic well ‐being of the community for the sake of current and future generations. The Sustainability Bill of Rights (2013) establishes the rights of natural communities and ecosystems to exist and flourish in Santa Monica. Sustainable City Plan's 9 Goal Areas: 1. Resource Conservation 2. Transportation 3. Environmental & Public Health 4. Economic Development 5. Open Space & Land Use 6. Human Dignity 7. Housing 8. Arts & Culture 9. Community Education & Civic Participation b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Task Force on the Environment has provided two decades of leadership. Established in 1991 by the Santa Monica City Council to advise on environmental program and policy issues. Specifically, the Task Force will continue to: •Identify areas of City operations or policy that could/need to be adjusted to move the city toward becoming a more sustainable community. •Review programs and policies related to environmental issues as they are brought to the Task Force by staff, elected City officials, or concerned members of the public. •Make recommendations in the form of formal motions directed to the City Manager and/or City Council or Planning Commission members. •Pursue a limited advocacy role through resolutions, formal statements, and presentations at City Council and other public meetings. •Address plans, programs and projects in Santa Monica that have a significant potential to impact the Sustainable City Plan goals.
2 Task Force on the Environment 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? In 2015, the Task Force on the Environment focused on updating the Sustainable City Plan and recommended City Council continue to prioritize Carbon Neutrality, Water Neutrality, Zero Waste, and, Climate Action and Adaptation. Specifically, the Task Force on the Environment focused its efforts on providing technical and policy advice to support the development of the Sustainable Water Master Plan, the Drought Response Plan, the Bike and Pedestrian Action Plan, and the Green Building, Landscape and Water Efficiency Ordinance. The Task Force also recommended City Council prioritize Living Building Challenge certification for the new City Services Building, and continued to advocate for enhanced coordination between city departments around environmental issues and the successful implementation of a Big Blue Bus Alternative Fuel Fleet, and Solar Power purchase for Municipal Facilities. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? In 2015, the City Council responded to many of the recommendations made by the task force. In 2016, the Task Force on the Environment will focus on the Sustainability Bill of Rights as a guiding principle, and continue to provide technical and policy advise to support Santa Monica's mission and leadership to address climate change, and become a zero waste, carbon neutral, and water self ‐sufficient community. 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Task Force on the Environment is an expert panel made up of seven members with significant expertise in areas of environmental policy and sustainability. These members are residents and/or work in Santa Monica. The seven Task Force members have expertise in one or more of the following areas: •Energy: Efficiency, Conservation, Alternatives •Water: Efficiency, Conservation, Quality •Transportation, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions •Stormwater, Wastewater and Coastal Issues
3 Task Force on the Environment •Waste Reduction and Public Health: Solid Waste, Recycling, Hazardous Materials, Procurement Issues •Land Use and Sustainable Development •Public Education and Community Outreach Introduction: Task Force members 1) Mark Gold, UCLA 2) David Hertz, Studio of Environmental Architecture 3) Rob Lempert, RAND Corporation 4) Susan Mearns, Mearns Consulting LLC 5) Erik Neandross, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates 6) David Pettit, NRDC 7) Bill Selby, Santa Monica College b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. No outgoing or incoming members in 2015.
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Urban Forest Task Force 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. To ensure that the environmental services and wellness benefits generated by a highly functioning and sustainable urban forest are provided to Santa Monica residents and visitors for generations to come. b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Urban Forest Task Force was appointed by the City Council in 2009 and in 2011 as an advisory body to work with City staff, community members and professional experts to formulate the Urban Forest Master Plan. This Master Plan will guide the perpetuation and enhancement of public tree canopy for the entire city. The Urban Forest Take Force regards this Master Plan as a living document requiring periodic updates. It is widely disseminated to inform the public of the importance of the urban forest and the best practices to follow to help sustain it. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? 1. Continued to work in partnership with the Public Landscape Division to fulfill the vision of the City's Urban Forest Master Plan. 2. Collaboratively identified and prepared updates to the Urban Forest Master Plan to be presented to City Council in 2016. 3. Assisted in the City's robust response to the continued drought including the release of a 'Helping Urban Trees in a Drought Guide' for homeowners. 4. Acted as advisory body to the City for multiple tree removal appeals 5. Acted as advisory body for selecting tree species the Lincoln Neighborhood Corridor Plan. 6. Worked with City staff to establish a Heritage Tree Program that will be launched on Arbor Day in 2016. 7. Assisted in multiple educational events including tree planting in Clover Park on Arbor Day and staffing a booth at the Santa Monica Festival. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? Updates to the Street Tree Designations list, Species Selection Subcommittee UFMP updates.
2 Urban Forest Task Force 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? Seven task force members composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in landscape architecture, arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, planning, gardening, conservancy, strategic planning and civic engagement. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Outgoing ‐ Linda Piera ‐Avila Linda was the vice chair of the Task Force for many years and extremely dedicated to updating the Urban Forest Master Plan. Her contribution to the City's urban forest was invaluable and she should be commended for her hard work and achievements. Incoming ‐ Christine Angelli We are very pleased to welcome Christine Angelli to the Urban Forest Task Force. Christine's background is in software engineering and she has extensive experience with conflict resolution, action plans, and management of people and processes. Christine has served on her children's school council for many years and has been involved in many school events and activities. We are glad to have her aboard!
2016 Boards & Commissions Report Rent Control Board (Elected) 1. Introduction: a. Please provide the board/commission’s mission statement. (Statement of Purpose from Charter Amendment; § 1800) A growing shortage of housing units resulting in a low vacancy rate and rapidly rising rents exploiting this shortage constitute a serious housing problem affecting the lives of a substantial portion of those Santa Monica residents who reside in residential housing. In addition, speculation in the purchase and sale of existing residential housing units results in further rent increases. These conditions endanger the public health and welfare of Santa Monica tenants, especially the poor, minorities, students, young families, and senior citizens. The purpose of this Article, therefore, is to alleviate the hardship caused by this serious housing shortage by establishing a Rent Control Board empowered to regulate rentals in the City of Santa Monica so that rents will not be increased unreasonably and so that landlords will receive no more than a fair return. In order to accomplish this purpose, this Article provides for an elected Rent Control Board to ensure that rents are at a fair level by requiring landlords to justify any rents in excess of the rents in effect one year prior to the adoption of this Article. Tenants may seek rent reductions from the rent in effect one year prior to the adoption of this Article by establishing that those rents are excessive. In addition to giving tenants an opportunity to contest any rent increase, this Article attempts to provide reasonable protection to tenants by controlling removal of controlled rental units from the housing market and by requiring just cause for any eviction from a controlled rental unit. Through this Article, the city exercises its police power in order to address the serious housing problem recognized in the original enactment of this Rent Control Law in 1979 and still existing in 2002. The 1984 and the 2002 Amendments to the Rent Control Law are intended to clarify the law and ensure that the Rent Control Board possesses adequate and independent authority to carry out its duties. They are intended to ensure due process of law for landlords and tenants, effective remedies for violation of the law, and consistency with constitutional requirements. They are also intended to enable the Board to provide relief to persons facing particular hardship and to protect and increase the supply of affordable housing in the city. Termination or erosion of the protections of this Article would have serious disruptive consequences for persons in need of protection and the supply of affordable housing in the city.
2 Rent Control Board b. What are the responsibilities, jurisdiction and authority of the board/commission? The Rent Control Board is responsible for ensuring that the Rent Control Charter Amendment is fully and faithfully upheld in every aspect. The Rent Control Board has jurisdiction to adopt regulations that implement the policies and activities set out in the Charter Amendment, including but not limited to, adoption of an annual general adjustment, implementation of regulations regarding exemptions, removal permits, decrease petitions and excess rent petitions. The Rent Control Board’s authority derives solely from the Charter Amendment. The Rent Control Board oversees the Rent Control Agency which employs 24 people to provide the services and oversight needed to enforce the Rent Control Law. 2. 2015 Accomplishments: a. What were the board/commission’s accomplishments of 2015? The Rent Control Board had a very busy 2015 and is proud to have accomplished three significant new achievements in particular: (1) adoption and implementation of an annual recertification process for owner ‐occupancy exemptions; (2) adoption of regulations that further clarify the parameters of owner ‐occupancy exemptions; and (3) adoption of regulations to implement the City’s new publication of buyout agreements for rent controlled units. b. Were there goals that the board/commission was unable to achieve in 2015 and why? Looking to the future, the Rent Control Board was not able to achieve any additional regulations or guidance regarding seismic retrofitting, which is of particular concern to the Board. The Board is optimistic that the City will revisit this issue in the near future and looks forward to working with the City to ensure that our rent control housing stock is protected for when the next “Big One” comes.
3 Rent Control Board 3. Composition: a. What is the composition of the board/commission (Ex. 5 or 7 member board/commission composed of Santa Monica residents with background and experience in __________)? The Rent Control Board consists of 5 commissioners who are traditionally elected during Santa Monica’s general elections. This year, the Rent Control Board had one of our esteemed and experienced colleagues, Ilse Rosenstein, resign at the close of 2015, which prompted the appointment of a new commissioner in early 2016. Rent Control Board members have a variety of backgrounds and experiences: we currently consist of two women and one man, with professional experience in commercial litigation, employment litigation, criminal litigation, business development and entrepreneurial endeavors, environmental activism, and senior rights advocacy. b. Please identify outgoing and incoming members and a brief sentence about each of them. Nicole Phillis (Chair) – tenant and SMRR member, Nicole is a commercial litigator and former clerk on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; her law practice focuses in complex business disputes, with a particular focus on the entertainment industry. Steve Duron (Vice ‐Chair) – former City Council candidate and lawyer; Steve always brings his legal skills to bear as a Rent Control Board commissioner; he is a former officer of the Santa Monica Democratic Club and enjoys spending his spare time with his family in Santa Monica Christopher Walton (Immediate Past Chair) – Chris is ever the gregarious civil servant and actively strives to meet the needs of both tenants and landlords in his service to the board. In his professional life, Christopher has a criminal law practice and is ever confident in the courtroom. Todd Flora (Former Chair, 2014) – Todd is the most senior Rent Control Board member after successfully being elected to the Board for his second term in 2014; Todd is experienced, dedicated and extremely passionate about serving the Santa Monica community and has dedicated much of his personal and professional life to serving the environment Anastasia Roark Foster (Appointed February 2016) – Anastasia is our newest Rent Control Board member and was appointed in February 2016 to fill Ilse Rosenstein’s seat. She has wasted no time diving in on the issues and has a demonstrated commitment to both tenant rights and senior rights in Santa Monica. On top of all that, Anastasia is the proud new mother to a baby boy!