The Santa Monica Rent Control Board on Dec. 11 approved an owner-occupancy exemption for 944 23rd Street and in closed session authorized hiring executive recruiting firm Reftellus to conduct a search for a new general counsel.

General Counsel reported the board met in closed session on Nov. 18 with no reportable action and held another closed session Dec. 11 at 6:02 p.m., during which the board approved hiring Reftellus for the general-counsel search. "Approve the hiring of executive recruiting firm, Reftellus, for the search for a general counsel," the general counsel said when reporting out.

Earlier in the meeting the board unanimously approved the minutes from its Nov. 13 regular and special meetings after a motion by Commissioner Leslie and a second by Commissioner Dudek. Roll-call recorded Commissioners Ambriz, Dudek and Leslie, Vice Chair Ivanov and Chair Gonska voting yes.

On Item 10 the board considered an owner-occupancy exemption application for the property at 944 23rd Street. Vice Chair Ivanov moved to waive the staff report and grant the exemption; Commissioner Dudek seconded. A roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Ambriz, Dudek and Leslie, Vice Chair Ivanov and Chair Gonska, and the motion carried.

With no public speakers, the board adjourned to its next regular meeting on Jan. 8. No additional conditions or follow-up items were recorded in the meeting minutes for the exemption.