A summary of selected City Hall actions...

A summary of selected City Hall actions last week that affect the Westside.

CITY COUNCIL

* HOUSING PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS--Approved an agreement with Los Angeles County to use $550,000 in Proposition A funds at the Mar Vista Gardens housing project for several projects, including landscaping, lighting of game courts and repairs to the recreation center and community building. No date has been set for the start of the work.

* BUILDING VIOLATIONS--Accepted two properties into the city’s Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP), which is designed to encourage landlords to quickly repair and better maintain their buildings. Once a building is placed into REAP, tenants place their rents into a city account; the city keeps $50 of every rent payment and the remaining money is turned over to the landlords once the repairs are made. The two properties added to REAP and the reasons for their inclusion are: 821 S. Pacific Ave., heating violations; 521 E. Rose Ave., heating violations.

HOW THEY VOTED

* FILM INDUSTRY BUSINESS TAX--Approved a motion requesting the city attorney to prepare an ordinance establishing a cap on the amount of annual business tax paid to the city by entertainment-related businesses in Hollywood and North Hollywood. The ordinance would affect those firms that currently pay at least $25,000 in business taxes. Under the proposed cap, their annual tax bill would be 10% of their current bill or $25,000, whichever is greater. Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, the motion’s co-sponsor, said that the estimated annual loss of city revenue--between $100,000 to $250,000--would be a small price to pay for sending a message of local support to the entertainment industry. Other council members objected to providing preferential treatment for the entertainment industry and suggested the city develop a larger policy that deals with all businesses. Passed 12-1. Voting yes: Marvin Braude, John Ferraro, Ruth Galanter, Goldberg, Nate Holden, Mark Ridley-Thomas.