City Urged to Reimburse Shops

City Councilman Jim Monahan said Thursday he will ask the city to immediately reimburse merchants for financial losses incurred during the filming of “Swordfish” downtown.

Monahan said merchants who suffer, most of whom have undisclosed deals with Warner Bros., shouldn’t have to wait for the money from the filmmakers, and that the city should take over the financial responsibility and deal with the studio itself.

“If the city believes so much in the production, then we can go ahead and front [the merchants],” Monahan said. “Let’s not put the merchants into that situation where they’re losing money.”

An ordinance passed by the city two years ago removed liability from the city for any costs of production, City Atty. Bob Boehm said. But, he added, there is nothing in the ordinance to stop the council from taking the action suggested by Monahan.

“The city has really very broad powers,” he said. “They could legally do it if they wanted to, if there’s enough money to do it.”

Mayor Sandy Smith said the producers have exceeded requirements set by the city’s ordinance, and that merchants will be appropriately reimbursed by Warner Bros.

“This is like a waiter complaining halfway through the meal that [he] hasn’t been tipped well,” he said.

Smith said he believes Monahan’s actions are a political ploy. Monahan is running against Steve Bennett for the county supervisor’s seat being vacated by retiring board member Susan Lacey.

“I have to question his timing right before the election. . . . He’s [presenting himself] as out there to fight for the small man,” Smith said.

A handful of downtown merchants have complained about filming for the new movie starring John Travolta and Halle Berry, arguing the production is disrupting their business, tying up parking and costing them money. One group of business owners tried unsuccessfully to shut down production before filming began.

Monahan said he would bring the issue up at the City Council’s meeting Monday.