Among the items scheduled for discussion at Council this week are the development of rules for adult-use cannabis establishments, a policy to use low-carbon concrete in construction projects, updates to zoning rules and a host of requests for funding special projects.
Cannabis
The City Council previously directed staff to prepare an ordinance allowing adult-use cannabis businesses, along with creating a process for two medicinal cannabis retailers to sell adult-use cannabis. They emphasized the inclusion of a social equity component to benefit communities most affected by cannabis enforcement. Subsequently, staff researched social equity programs in other cities to inform Santa Monica’s program, presenting two options for its framework.
Staff developed two policy options for a cannabis equity program based on comparative research and lessons learned from other cities: the Standard Equity option and the Enhanced Equity option. The Standard Equity option, similar to programs in Palm Springs, would have a shorter development timeframe and utilize best practices from other jurisdictions. The Enhanced Equity option, akin to programs in Long Beach, San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles, would require more time and resources. Staff recommends pursuing the Standard Equity option alongside developing an adult-use cannabis ordinance, as it aligns with existing resources and would incorporate some equity components without necessitating additional staffing.
Concrete
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, adopted by the City Council, recommends implementing carbon-neutral construction codes for new residential, commercial, and multi-family properties. According to staff, a proposed low-carbon concrete amendment to the Building Code could significantly reduce the City’s building sector concrete embodied carbon by 14%-33%.
Staff said traditional concrete production is carbon-intensive, with cement production alone contributing to 60% of concrete emissions. Low-carbon concrete, which reduces cement usage and replaces it with alternative materials, offers a cost-effective solution to reduce emissions without impacting overall building costs.
Staff are proposing the City Council adopt and amend a measure in the California Green Building Standards Code to establish cement and global warming potential limits for concrete used in Santa Monica.
Other business
Council will make some administrative revisions to zoning rules to bring local laws into compliance with state mandated density bonuses. The proposed ordinance amends the City’s density bonus ordinance for consistency with state rules and staff said that it should be noted that even if the City does not have an updated density bonus ordinance, the City is still required to implement the state rules.
Discussion items
Recommendation to rescind the appointment of Courtney Lauretano to the Housing Authority Board for failure to attend meetings since appointment; and, authorization for the City Clerk to publish vacancy.
Request by Mayor Brock to direct the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to return with an amendment to the Council Rules to provide that Council 16 items may be handled like consent items, with the Council voting on them as one item, except for Council appointments to boards, commissions, and other bodies, and except for certain items that may be pulled for discussion at the Council meeting.
Request of Councilmember de la Torre that the City Council allocate $5,000 from its discretionary funds to the Association of Mexican American Educators in support of the Samohi Latino Graduation, organized by student group Legado Latino.
Request of Councilmember de la Torre that the City Council authorize use of existing travel funds to cover the costs (registration and travel expenses) of participating in the NALEO 41st Annual Conference, taking place June 18-20, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV.
Request of Vice Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Parra that the City Council: 1) allocate up to $4,681.72 from the Council Discretionary funds to cover costs associated with the rental of sound systems, a small stage, chairs, and related expenses for the Memorial Day event the Elks Lodge and American Legion Post are hosting at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica on May 27, 2024 to honor and pay tribute to those who have bravely fought to protect our nation, and 2) direct the City Manager to promote the event on the City’s social media platforms.
City Council will meet in chambers at City Hall, 1685 Main Street on Tuesday, April 23 at 5:30pm.