City Hall Theater Debate Continues

• $3.9 Million Approved for Remodel Construction Plan

BY BILL KOENEKER

Despite a plea from Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich to keep the new city hall theater intact, a majority of the Malibu City Council, this week, approved over $3.9 million for a construction contract for the makeover.

Conley Ulich started off by saying she had very few regrets making decisions as a council member, but thought one of the biggest mistakes being made was reducing the size of the theater. “I know that it will be better for the spoken word [for city council meetings]. These meetings are great, but not the most important thing. I urge the council and am making one last plea to save the theater and make Malibu Vienna,” she said.

Other council members were quick to debate Conley Ulich’s contentions, but no one discussed the costs.

When the design contract and other costs are added in, the total estimated price tag for the project amounts to $5,429,415. Most of the funding is coming from borrowed money, or what is called certificates of participation, according to Reva Feldman, the assistant city manager and administrative services director. Feldman has indicated at the present count, the city will need to take out $640,415 from its general fund.

The makeover of the new city hall has been enmeshed in controversy since the building was purchased during an auction, with two separate councils debating what should or should not be done, especially what is involved in reconfiguring the theater seating.

Councilmember John Sibert was the first to respond to Conley Ulich’s remarks this week. “We have had this debate prior to this. Pam and I respectfully disagree. I do not believe it is good for just the spoken word, but good for music. It will be better overall,” he said.

Councilmember Laura Rosenthal agreed. “I am really excited. It will be a great city hall. It is time for us to have a city hall. I look forward to the community theater,” she said.

Councilmember Lou La Monte, who said he has been involved in the theater most of his life, said he looked at it as an improved space. “The 285 seats are great seats,” he said.

Mayor Jefferson Wagner weighed in on the side of the majority.

“It is our duty to govern. The city hall is about governing. Our vote is in the best interests of the people. Modifying the theater is in the best interests of the people,” he added.

Last summer, the city awarded a contract to LPA, Inc., a design firm that also did the design for the library remodeling project.

However, review and rereviews of the conceptual plans dragged on. It wasn't until nine months later, that the current sitting council gave final approval and the project was put out to bid.

Feldman indicated, in a memo to the council, that the construction contract will consist only of interior renovations. A separate contract will be issued for the purchase and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment including audiovisual equipment for the council chambers, Feldman noted. The council made no comment about those additional costs.