Bond Measure S, which promises Malibu $25 million, is in actuality no more than a tax for all of Malibu to build a wastewater facility for the commercial, residential and beach properties in central Malibu. The measure also provides for a 25,000 square foot Educational Center for Santa Monica Community College to be located in Malibu.
Proponents keep repeating that the City will have a say in these facilities. However, in the joint powers agreement, Article VI, Section 1.28, it states “Rights of Members to operate and improve separately owned facilities. The Members understand and agree that, notwithstanding the aforementioned joint use, the District shall have no responsibility for or control over the operation of the Clean Water Facility and the City shall have no responsibility for or control over the operation of the New Center or the Center Support Facilities.” The Educational Center and the Center support facilities are not in partnership with Malibu. The number of students, the number of classrooms, the hours, the number of cars and the use of the sports fields, if any are to be built, are determined solely by the Santa Monica Community College District.
Furthermore, although Mr. Crummer’s residentially zoned property has been singled out as a possible purchase, it is stated in the Joint Power Agreement in Article II, Section 1.03, “none of the bond proceeds shall be used to purchase residential property within the city,” and in Article IV, Section 1.23 “provided that neither the District nor the Authority may apply Bond Proceeds to purchase residential property within the City, by eminent domain or otherwise.”
What controls does the city have over the number of cars, the number of classrooms, the number of students, any sports facilities and over the learning center itself? The answer is none! What does the City receive? The city only gets a wastewater facility for commercial, abutting residential and beachfront properties in the Civic Center that is paid for by all Malibu citizens. This is an expensive Ready, Fire, Aim measure. It is not well thought out with guaranteed protections and benefits for Malibu.
Joan House