With Mayor Mehaul O’Leary suspended, mysteriously, somewhere between the snows of Washington, D.C. and Culver City, Vice Mayor Andy Weissman would have one more crack at a task he has carried out so entertainingly in the past, chairing City Council meetings.
His understated wit is so dry no towels are permitted on the premises. His wit is so effortless, it has been said a corpse could carry off his act.
Besides, Mr. Weissman, like the mayor, will be term-limited in April.
Last evening’s light agenda was a perfect step-in moment for the unflappable attorney.
A sentimental journalist asked the sentimental attorney if it had occurred – when he was notified Mr. O’Leary would be unavailable – that this was his last chance to lead a Council meeting.
“This is not necessarily the last time,” Mr. Weissman said,
“This was a surprise because the mayor is out of town,” he said.
He is at the counting stage.
“I have six more meetings after tonight,” Mr. Weissman said. “I could very easily run another meeting.”
Deadpan expression unchanged, Mr. Weissman disclosed that he “is planning to take over the Mayor’s Luncheon (in April).”
In the major business of last evening, the City Council confronted the long-running Walker Parking Study.
Ultimately, the Council voted 4-0 to reduce free parking in the Downtown parking structures from two hours to one – except for patrons of the Arclight Theatre. With validation, they will retain their four free hours.
Further, the Council approved incremental increases in the monthly parking rate, to increase the daily parking maximum in the structures, pursue plans to expand capacity at Ince via stacked and to modernize equipment in all structures, thereby improving on foot entry and exit.
