Met In Closed Session With Interim City Attorney To Discuss Pending Lawsuits

The Santa Monica City Council held a "shade" meeting with the city's interim attorney recently to discuss the various pending legal actions associated with Santa Monica Airport (KSMO).

Under California state law, city officials are not allowed to discuss what happened in such closed meetings except to report whether any action was taken. After the meeting, Interim City Attorney Joseph Lawrence said no action had been taken at the meeting.

The Santa Monica Lookout reports that the two items on the agenda were a discussion of two airport use lawsuits with the federal government, and two suits connected to the city's attempt to evict two private FBOs ... Atlantic Aviation and American Flyers ... from the airport and establish a city-owned and operated FBO.

The agenda also included discussions of a federal investigation into the city's recent actions that the FAA says could be a "de facto closure" of the airport, and listed "anticipated litigation" as a topic for discussion.

That could relate to the city's refusal to process an application filed by JetSuiteX to offer low-fare scheduled commercial service from the airport.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.smgov.net/departments/council