Santa Monica City Government Defends Emergency Action and Process
After the surprising move from the City Council, six members of Downtown Santa Monica’s board, all of whom were appointed by the City, were abruptly fired, and six new members were installed during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Update: Downtown Santa Monica has not released an official statement.
Santa Monica’s City Council press representative stated, via email, “The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved an emergency motion to replace six council-appointed members of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., or DTSM, Board of Directors.
The City Council, consistent with DTSM’s bylaws, state law, and the council’s rules and procedures, also voted to appoint six interim board members and initiate a formal recruitment process for permanent appointees.
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis and Councilmembers Dan Hall and Barry Snell brought forward the motion, which was heard as a special meeting item before Tuesday’s regularly scheduled agenda.
In a memo sent to the city manager, the three council members stated the emergency action was necessary ahead of the appointment of a new CEO to “ensure that DTSM is better positioned to serve the public interest, respond to evolving downtown challenges, and become a more effective and aligned city partner moving forward.”
More information about the action item and the discussion is available here.
You can watch the City Council meeting here:
