Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks the city’s expenditures appearing on upcoming Santa Monica City Council consent agendas. Consent agenda items are routinely passed by the City Council with little or no discussion from elected officials or the public. However, many of the items have been part of public discussion in the past.
CITY HALL — Administrators who oversee the CREST after-school program and other youth-oriented sports and recreation activities at Reed Park will soon be getting a little extra breathing room.
The City Council is expected to approve $107,800 to remodel the administrators’ office, located at Seventh Street and Wilshire Boulevard, which in its current state is “an inefficient work area and little to no area for staff to serve the public,” according to a City Hall report.
The scope of work includes minor demolition, new finishes, new millwork, a modified kitchenette, air duct upgrades, new carpet and paint and new light fixtures.
The council is expected to approve the contract with CST Construction Co. as part of its consent agenda tonight.
With the goal of encouraging historic preservation, the council is also expected to sign off on a property tax break for the owners of two properties already designated landmarks by City Hall.
The properties are 2402 Fourth St. # 12, a bungalow court unit, and 2323 Fifth St. The properties’ owners would receive a net property tax reduction of $1,376 annually under the proposal.
The tax reductions would be granted under a state law known as the Mills Act, which, according to City Hall, “is one of the few financial incentives available to owners of historic properties and is an important tool for implementing [Santa Monica’s] historic preservation element goals.”
Also on the agenda is a $190,000 contract for two replacement vehicle lifts used for fleet maintenance. The proposed contract is with California-based Southwest Lift & Equipment Inc.
Also expected to win the council’s approval is a proposed $247,567 contract for a replacement “truck mounted loader” to be used by the water department to haul dirt and debris. The proposed contract is with Texas-based Rush Truck Center.
nickt@www.smdp.com
