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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES Los Feliz Community Police Center (Upstairs at Citibank) 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call to Order at 7:08 pm by President Bryant.
A quorum was present- with Board Members Mosqueda, DeMonte, Kerr, Rodriguez, Hunnewell, Bryant, Thompson, Crawford, Kaplan, Soter, Knack, Carroll, Westall, Mims, and Johnson present. Board Member Bruce Carroll motioned for Approval of minutes for the October 21st and November 18th meetings, seconded by Board Member Jonathon Kaplan. Board Member Kara Knack asked Secretary Andrew Westall if the corrections she forwarded were included in the November 18th minutes. Secretary Westall assured her of the changes, and the minutes were approved by unanimous consent. 2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: Yahidra Leon from the Autry Museum of Western Heritage spoke about the new quarterly calendars provided to the Neighborhood Council and the public at the meeting. Rory Fitzpatrick of Council Member Tom Labonge’s office spoke about the Council Member’s Holiday Party which began at 6pm the same evening. 3. Presentation on views of Park Ranger’s Right to Bear Arms: Vice President-Outreach Nora Mosqueda introduced Manuel Mollinedo, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, who presented his and the Department’s views on arming the Park Rangers and other relevant issues. Manager Mollinedo described his 7 ½ years with the Los Angeles Zoo and 2 years prior to that experience as Assistant General Manager of the Department. Throughout his tenure, the arming of Park Rangers has been an issue and he is currently in charge of Park Rangers city-wide. According to Manager Mollinedo, the position of Park Ranger was started in the 1960s to follow the California State Park Ranger model. The Park Ranger force was started to deal with fire and search and rescue problems in the regional parks. Currently the Department is budgeted for 54 Park Rangers to provide a 7-day a week, 18-hour day coverage for all the Parks in the City. Most Park Rangers spend their time patrolling around the City, and traveling to and from inner-city and regional parks. The Park Rangers were never intended to be or trained to be law enforcement, but must deal with issues like gangs and drugs on a daily basis. Manager Mollinedo also intimated that there was not enough Park Rangers to provide adequate security in all the parks throughout the City. Mollinedo would like to see the Rangers redeployed back into the regional parks to protect these particular resources. Mollinedo also wants the LAPD to take responsibility for security in the central city parks where security is the paramount concern. The Department of General Services provides some armed security for central city parks, and these three departments are vying over responsibility and personnel to deal with the issues stated above. Mollinedo has asked the Mayor and the City Council for taskforce to look into the issue. Manager Mollinedo also spoke with regard to other Park Ranger issues. The Department has had problems with recruitment and retention of Park Rangers due to the high standards in the City of Los Angeles. The City of Los Angeles requires Park Rangers to have a college degree and adjacent cities only require 2 years of college and on average offer better pay. Manager Mollinedo would like to see a pay bump for the current educated workforce with this change. Mollinedo also spoke about his experience as manager of parks in Austin, Texas where he used to work where they had a park police. He felt that if the Park Rangers became armed, they should be transferred to the LAPD. Mollinedo also stated that we need a dedicated work force of Rangers out of their cars working full-time. The City wants to protect inner city parks with armed security through the LAPD or the Department of General Services, and Mollinedo prefers the LAPD. David Aquirre, Head Park Ranger for the City of Los Angeles, also spoke on the issue of arming Park Rangers and related issues. Aquirre further expressed the need to maintain the Park Rangers as a resource management asset for the regional parks. Currently, the response time for Park Rangers to the scene of an incident is 8 to 20 minutes, usually better that the LAPD, but could be better. Aquirre talked about quality of life issues and public safety issues at parks, particularly Griffith Park as an oasis for the people of Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. Park Rangers are a dedicated unit that monitor these quality of life issues. Aquirre expressed his desire to lead the division to be a model for the rest of the country. He also related an incident today in which it took the Department of Animal Regulation 7 hours to pick up a dog caught by the Park Rangers. Manger Mollinedo also stated the redeployment of a mounted unit in Griffith Park and Hansen Dam, two regional parks in the City. Board Member Kara Knack stated that the Neighborhood Council wants to more helpful with Griffith Park, and asked Mollinedo and Aquirre how we could become more involved. Manager Mollinedo stated that the Neighborhood Council should work through Council Member La Bonge’s office on this issue of maintaining a dedicated Park Ranger force in the City. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell asked the presenters who wanted to arm the Park Rangers. Manager Mollinedo stated that some of the Rangers wanted to be armed and that the Department of General Services was interested in taking over the Park Ranger force. Mollinedo also stated that there is continuing controversy over whether the Park Rangers should be armed or not. He also intimated the question, should General Services be the umbrella security agency for the City? He stated that there should be some sort of security force for the inner city parks, and if General Services took over the Park Ranger force they would no longer be dedicated to deal with the quality of life in parks, but would be part of a larger security force. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked why do some of the Park Rangers want to be armed. Manager Mollinedo stated that being a Park Ranger is currently a dangerous responsibility as they act as a quasi-security force. Board Member Kerr also asked if the 54 Park Rangers were city-wide. Mollinedo stated that currently there are 38 Park Ranger positions filled, with 54 budgeted. He also stated that the Department just had the hiring freeze for Park Rangers stopped, and that 6 individuals were in the process of becoming Park Rangers, and another 60 in the testing phase. Mollinedo also stated that Council Member La Bonge initiated the lifting of the hiring freeze. Rory Fitzpatrick, Chief Field Deputy to Council Member La Bonge, stated that the Council Member would want the Park Rangers to be unarmed and have law enforcement provide the security role. He also stated that the Park Rangers would continue in their interpreter role. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan asked questions related to the Park Ranger’s role as peace officers and their police powers. Manager Mollinedo stated that the Park Rangers do have some need for police powers, particularly in facilities where gangs are prevalent like the Denker Recreation Center in South Los Angeles. President Yvette Bryant asked that the PROS Committee take the leadership role on this issue, and involve the Public Safety Committee as well. 4. Observatory Orchestra Presentation: Brian Metcalf, a longtime resident in the area, spoke on behalf of the Observatory Orchestra. Metcalf stated his interest as a musician and longtime resident to get a community Orchestra started in the area. Metcalf also stated that there was a greater concentration of musicians in the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council area than anywhere in the City. He felt it was important to start this Orchestra, first because of the cost of such venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall where it is more difficult to get tickets and prohibitively expensive for community members. He stated that we should be able to have classical music in a local community and be able to play music for people in the community. The Orchestra would also provide a cohesive arts program for the schools. Metcalf stated that the Orchestra can do a lot of outreach in the elementary schools and try to help them to maintain music culture and programming. Metcalf also stated that he has contacted LAUSD Board Member David Tokofsky who has endorsed the concept. Council Member Eric Garcetti has also endorsed the concept and is a trained classical concert pianist. He further stated that there is no community orchestra near Downtown Los Angeles and the closest was in Pasadena. Metcalf stated that he was looking for 60 to 70 musicians comprised on union members who would be paid and good amateurs such as himself who would probably be unpaid. Metcalf would like the first concert to be at Marshall High School and find musicians who lived within 2 to 3 miles of the community with all members of the community involved. Metcalf further stated that each concert would cost approximately $15,000 dollars and that the union would cover 35 percent of the union player fees. Board Member Bernadette Soter asked about the possibility of charging a nominal fee to attendees of the concert. Metcalf stated that due to union rules a fee could not be charged, but that donations would be encouraged. Soter also asked how the Orchestra selected the name. Metcalf stated that the Observatory was the most common symbol synonymous with the community. Board Member Rosemary DeMonte asked if the Orchestra had a venue and when the first concert would be held. Metcalf stated that he had gotten permission from the Principal of John Marshall High School to utilize the auditorium, particularly due to the support of Tokofsky. DeMonte also asked if the Orchestra was familiar with the Symphony in the Glen held in Griffith Park. Metcalf stated that the Symphony was not a community Orchestra, but was entirely professional. He further stated that he was interested in something that more involved the community. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked what sort of organization the Orchestra was. Metcalf stated that the Orchestra was a 501 (c) 3, with tax exempt and non-profit status. Secretary Andrew Westall stated that the Neighborhood Council should write a letter of support for the orchestra and look into providing funds when the Orchestra needed some money. Metcalf stated that the idea sounded good to him, and that Council Member Eric Garcetti gave the Orchestra $1,000 dollars to help them out. Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that there will be a community bash at Barnsdall Art Park and would love to have the Orchestra participate. Metcalf stated the idea sounded great, and that he will be addressing the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council as well. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan motioned to offer a letter of support for the Orchestra, seconded by Johnson. It was stated that the letter should be sent to Metcalf, and copied to Council Members La Bonge and Garcetti. President Yvette Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. Kaplan further motioned that the Neighborhood Council should give the Orchestra $250 dollars for seed money, seconded by Board Member Charley Mims. President Bryant found that there was consensus on this motion as well. 5. Review Results and Next Steps from the October 18th Strategic Planning Meeting: Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell related the previous discussions on the issue of strategic planning, the process of the Neighborhood Council planning for the meeting, and how the strategic session and plan developed. Hunnewell also stated that there had been some formal and informal sessions with Board Members who were unable to attend the Strategic Planning meeting. Board Member Mary Rodriguez motioned that the Board adopt the strategic plan and implement it during the next 18 months, with Board Member Cheryl Johnson seconding the motion. President Yvette Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. Hunnewell stated that he wanted to thank Richard Spicer and Jan Burke for all their help in the process. Stakeholder Richard Spicer stated that the Board Members not in attendance (Mims and Balesh) were supportive of the plan as well. 6. Spring Rebirth- April Event: Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated interest surrounding a Spring event, as intimated in his letter distributed to the Board. Secretary Andrew Westall described the support of the Outreach Committee for such an event. Westall also motioned for the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to plan and budget the event, seconded by Board Member Kerry Hunnewell. President Yvette Bryant found that there was consensus on the issue. Board Members Mary Rodriguez, Jacqueline Kerr, Charley Mims, Rosemary DeMonte, Nora Mosqueda, and Kerry Hunnewell expressed interest in serving on the Ad Hoc Committee. 7. “Community Team” for LA River Cleanup- May Event: Board Member Kara Knack stated that the PROS Committee was interested in having the Neighborhood Council put together a team of community members to attend the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) event on May 1st. Knack further stated that Stakeholder Luval Lund is the co-chair of the team, and that all PROS Committee members were supportive of the idea. Board Member and PROS Chair-elect Bernadette Soter stated that the event would take place on Saturday, May 1st from 9-12pm. Soter also stated that Hollywood United Neighborhood Council and Atwater Village Neighborhood Council members were also supportive and wanted to participate in the event. Soter stated that the location of the event would be where Los Feliz Boulevard crosses the Los Angeles River and mentioned the possibility of doing outreach for the Neighborhood Council at the event. Stakeholder Lund stated that this would be a team effort for the Neighborhood Council Board and its stakeholders. Board Member Knack stated the need for money to identify Neighborhood Council members and stakeholders. Knack further stated that FoLAR already provides t-shirts for the event, and that the Neighborhood Council should do something different like a hat. President Yvette Bryant stated that this issue should be sent to the Outreach Committee and coordinate the idea with Stakeholder Lund. Board Member Cheryl Johnson motioned that PROS provide attendees with appropriate hats, seconded by Secretary Andrew Westall. Board Member Scott Crawford stated the expensive nature of hats as a cost for the Neighborhood Council and that he was not in consensus that hats were the most frugal or best way of identification. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell asked for a vote on the issue. Board Member Knack asked that the motion be withdrawn and that the PROS Committee develop the idea further. Board Member Johnson acquiesced and withdrew the motion to allow the Committee to decide what to do next. 2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (continued): President Yvette Bryant allowed Stakeholder Jim McQuiston to deliver his public comments due to his lateness in arrival to the meeting. Stakeholder McQuiston stated that he had just come from the City Council Budget and Finance Committee meeting which went late, and also stated that there was a lot of “blood” on the Committee floor. McQuiston stated that the Mayor had said the City will have to cancel a lot of programming for this year, and that the CAO’s office still needed to cut $56 million dollars out of the City Budget. McQuiston also stated that Social Services were only $12 million dollars of the City Budget as an example, and the City would save $2 million dollars by combining some departments. McQuiston stated that the City will have a gap of $600 million dollars for next year’s Budget as well. McQuiston felt the City Council Committee had only scratched the surface and a full report of the City Council Committee was due in January. He further stated that the City Council Committee had pretty much cut DONE to the bone, cut out all oversight of the City Controller’s office with respect to Neighborhood Council funds, and without the state VLF money, the City needed to cut another $105 million dollars out of the City Budget. 8. Reports from GGPNC Committees: President Yvette Bryant stated that she was circulating a draft Calendar of events and meetings for the GGPNC to allow Committee chairs and interested stakeholders to provide dates for upcoming events and Committee meetings. Board Member Kara Knack, Chair of the PROS Committee, stated that the PROS Committee report was in the agenda materials provided for the meeting. Knack also related the occurrence of a portion of a trail being bulldozed by City employees in Griffith Park, destroying the trail and creating drainage problems. Knack stated that restoration of the trail was being funded by the Sierra Club and the City’s arborists. Knack stated that the City had been overzealous in the matter at the behest of a Council Member. Knack aslo stated that the Chair of the PROS Committee was being turned over to Board Member Bernadette Soter. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr, Chair of the Beautification and Community Building Committee, state that the Committee was involved in a plan to restructure the Vermont Triangle and rehabilitate it. The basics of the plan are to take out Prospect Avenue to calm traffic at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, and turn the area into a pocket park, with the possibility of a fountain and informational kiosks. Kerr further stated that at the Committee’s meeting in October, Kip Rudd of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) talked about the desire to form an Advisory Committee of neighborhood organizations from the local community to discuss and give advice on the details of the project. The following individuals have been selected to serve on the Advisory Committee: Scott Crawford representing the Barnsdall Art Foundation, Chancee Martorell from the Thai Community Development Corp., Mike Lyons and Charlotte De Armond of the Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA), Bruce Carroll representing the Franklin Hills Residents Association, and Rosemary De Monte representing the Los Feliz Business Improvement District. Vice President-Administration Stan Thompson, Chair of the Planning, Zoning, Historic Preservation, and Transportation Committee (PZHPT), stated that a representative from the Department of Transportation will be attending the January meeting of the Committee to talk about local transportation issues. Thompson encouraged all to attend the meeting in January. 9. Branding Initiative and Newsletter Recommendations: Secretary Andrew Westall spoke on behalf of the Outreach Committee’s development of a Branding Initiative and asked that the Board approve the designs and outlays in the Committee’s proposal. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell went through the various aspects of the proposal within the materials provided to the Board and stakeholder attendees. Hunnewell motioned for the Board to adopt the Branding Initiative proposal, seconded by Secretary Westall. Board Member Kara Knack asked Hunnewell if the Outreach Committee felt it was usurping the depiction of the Observatory for use in the logo. Hunnewell stated no, he did not feel the Neighborhood Council was usurping the image. Knack stated that she did not feel that the Neighborhood Council should take a symbol from something we do not give back to. Board Member Charley Mims stated that the Observatory was a City facility, operated and maintained by the City of Los Angeles. Furthermore, Mims stated that he did not feel that there was a problem for the Neighborhood Council, which is also part of the City, to utilize the symbol of a City facility for purposes of recognition, as the Observatory is synonymous with the local neighborhood. Knack stated that she was still not fond of the idea. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that the Observatory was the symbol of the neighborhood, and that this motif had been utilized in the MTA subway station at Sunset and Vermont as well. Board Member Rosemary De Monte also stated that the Observatory was symbolic of the community and that other community organizations use it as well, such as LFIA and the Los Feliz BID. Board Member Bernadette Soter inquired if other symbols were looked at during the development of the Branding Initiative. Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that in the past the GGPNC had looked at other symbols like the acorn nut, but this symbol made a bad impression on the public …i.e., neighborhood council members being “nuts”. Secretary Westall stated that the Outreach Committee looked at the other symbols utilized by the Neighborhood Council in the past, including the acorn, the Uncle Sam depiction, and the offset letters. Westall further stated that the Outreach Committee incorporated some of these into the Branding Initiative as part of the final proposal. Board Member Scott Crawford stated that he empathized with Board Member Knack and that he would be personally upset if someone had used the symbol of Hollyhock House. Vice President-Administration Stan Thompson inquired if the Outreach Committee knew if the logo has been licensed by someone else. Hunnewell stated that the logo was designed by him. Board Member Johnson stated that she remembered the LFIA Observer Newsletter utilized a logo of the Observatory and has for some time. Board Member Soter stated that the Los Feliz BID brochure also utilized a similar logo of the Observatory. Board Member Mims stated that the City should go after LFIA for using an Observatory logo. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan asked if the Board was voting on the entire package as the Branding Initiative. Hunnewell replied that there were two different logos and we should decide between them. Board Member Knack inquired if you could even license a logo with a City landmark in it. Board Member Mims stated a Point of Information, that the Nieghborhood Council should inquire with the City Attorney’s office before trade marking or licensing a logo. Stakeholder Richard Spicer spoke in support of the Branding Initiative. Spicer stated that the logo distinguishes itself as unique from the others with GGPNC clearly in the middle of the logo. Spicer also stated that he preferred the logo on the right. Board Member Soter stated that the design is a three-color design, which is expensive to reproduce. Soter further stated that the design needs to easily convert to a gray-scale for purposes of photocopying. Board Member Mims stated that he understood and agreed with the technical concerns surrounding the logo. Mims also stated that the Neighborhood Council should consider utilizing the City’s print shop to reproduce materials for us. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston stated that he heavily agreed with Board Member Soter on the technical issues. McQuiston also stated that depending on the company that is used to reproduce the documents, the colors have a tendency to fade. Having time expired on the discussion, President Yvette Bryant called a vote on the motion. The motion passed 13-2, with Board Members Knack and Soter in opposition. Secretary Westall spoke on behalf of the Outreach Committee’s proposal to put together and publish a newsletter for the GGPNC on March 1st. The newsletter would be 4 to 8 pages, in color, with approximately 20-25,000 copies distributed through mail and other means. The approximate cost of the newsletter would be $10,000 dollars. Secretary Westall motioned that the newsletter concept be approved by the Board for further development, seconded by Board Member Bruce Carroll. Board Member Crawford stated that a two-page newsletter could be put together and distributed for less than $10,000 dollars. Board Member Mims stated that he was concerned about the cost. Mims also stated that the Neighborhood Council should consider combining the idea with the GGPNC Brochure being developed by Board Member Soter. Board Member Soter stated that these ideas live and die by the Budget of the Neighborhood Council and its ability to pay for them. Stakeholder Mark Siegel stated that there was no better expenditure than using the money in the Budget for Outreach. Siegel also stated that perhaps a tabloid format would be less expensive, and that the Neighborhood Council should consider other means of distribution than mailing. Board Member Mims stated that he liked Stakeholder Siegel’s idea, and thought the Beechwood Voice might be a good model to pursue. Secretary Westall broke down the approximate cost of the Newsletter in color. Westall also stated that the idea was to do a one shot newsletter, which everyone in the neighborhood would notice. Westall further stated that there is ample funds in the Budget for both outreach items. Stakeholder McQuiston stated that John Edwards puts out a rag called the Northeast Observer which is very good and encouraged Neighborhood Council members to check it out. McQuiston further stated that the Neighborhood Council should involved in the current City Budget debate to ensure funding. McQuiston also stated that the Neighborhood Council should go to Council Member La Bonge’s office for funding. McQuiston stated that the City might go bankrupt in the next 20 years if Neighborhood Councils don’t get more involved. Board Member De Monte spoke in favor of the Newsletter proposal. De Monte stated the importance of the idea and reiterated the basics of the proposal and the need to do wide spread outreach. Board Member Carroll stated the importance of utilizing the Newsletter to be as interactive as possible, allowing stakeholders to communicate with the Neighborhood Council. Carroll further stated the importance of building a database on stakeholders based on the information received through the newsletter. Vice President-Administration Thompson asked what the time frame for the brochure was. Board Member Soter stated that the brochure was to be started in January per the Strategic Plan. Soter further stated that budget comparison should be developed for the newsletter, 4-8 pages, black and white and color, paper, printing, and mailing costs. Soter asked with a budget proposal, within the Neighborhood Council budget, we can see what can be achieved. Board Member Mims stated that Soter’s idea was excellent and that budgets for both ideas, the Newsletter and the Brochure should be put on paper and presented at the next General Membership meeting. Mims further stated that with proposals in hand, the Board Members would be able to come to a consensus on both ideas. Vice President-Outreach Nora Mosqueda asked if the Neighborhood Council had received their funding and were able to fund both proposals. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that the Neighborhood Council was on schedule to receive the next quarter’s funding from the City, and that the Neighborhood Council would have approximately $34,000 dollars available to fund these outreach initiatives. President Bryant asked if the motion could be amended to ask for budget proposals to be presented at the next General Membership meeting for the Outreach Initiatives. Secretary Westall acquiesced and amended his motion. President Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. 11. Filing Board Vacancies: Secretary Andrew Westall spoke on behalf of the Rules and Elections Committee on the issue of filling the three Neighborhood Council Board vacancies. Secretary Westall stated that if the Board approved, applications would be mailed to both Districts C and E by the end of the week and the Board would appoint members to the Board at the General Membership meeting in January. Secretary Westall motioned for the approval of Plan A as listed in the agenda materials, seconded by Board Member Rosemary De Monte. President Yvette Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. 10.Bylaw Changes- Committee Membership and Voting Procedures/Quorum: Vice President-Administration Stan Thompson, Chair of the Rules and Elections Committee, explained the voting procedures/quorum bylaw change. Thompson stated that the bylaw would allow for a quorum of no less than 10, and up to 13 if the entire Board is filled. The bylaw changes would also allow for a 2/3rds vote as a Supermajority vote, as opposed to the required 12 votes now in the bylaws. Vice President-Administration Thompson motioned for approval for changing the Bylaws to allow for the quorum changes, seconded by Secretary Andrew Westall. Board Member Charley Mims stated that the bylaw change was a bit ambiguous as to what “current Board Members” meant. Mims further stated that there should be some definition of current membership as those who are siting Board Members. Board Member Bruce Carroll stated that the words should be changed to “sitting Board Members”. Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that the words should say something to the effect as “those not dead or resigned.” Stakeholder Richard Spicer suggested that the words be changed to Board Member seats occupied. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that the words should say “current filled positions on the Board.” Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that the words should be left alone with a footnote of some sort explaining the legislative intent of the words. Vice President- Outreach Nora Mosqueda stated that the words should state “2/3rds of the Board.” President Yvette Bryant took up the Amendment to change the bylaw change to include the words “current filled positions on the Board”. The Amendment was passed unanimously. The Bylaw change was passed unanimously. The second bylaw change with respect to Supermajority Vote was also amended. This Amendment passed unanimously. The second bylaw change then passed unanimously. Secretary Westall then explained the Committee Membership bylaw change. Westall stated that the Bylaw change had passed the Rules and Elections Committee approximately six months earlier with a 6-2 vote. Westall also stated that the changes would include allowing committees to pick their own chairs, and that committee membership was contingent upon registration at the Council Committee. Secretary Westall motioned for approval of the Bylaw change, seconded by Board Member Bernadette Soter. Board Member Mims stated that he was opposed to the Bylaw change. Mims further stated that he did not like taking the authority of changing Committee Chairs away from the Executive Committee and placing it in the hands of the Council Committees. Mims stated that there should be some mechanism of accountability on the Council Committee Chairs, and it was reasonable that it be the Executive Committee. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that he agreed with Board Member Mims on the changes. Hunnewell stated that the Neighborhood Council currently has very inclusive committees. Hunnewell further stated that if a different group of people show up at a Committee meeting one day, register as members, it is possible they could take over the Committee for purposes in pursuit with an agenda inconsistent with our mission. Hunnewell also stated that there was a lack of accountability in the Bylaw change, and that there was no real problems with the Committees as it is now, and no need for radical change. Board Member Rodriguez stated that she felt registration at the Committee meeting was a reasonable procedure to become a Committee member. Rodriguez further stated that she was not sure about the other pending changes with regard to Committee Chairs. Board Member Soter stated that she wanted the changes to Committee Chairs to be included in the Bylaw change, allowing herself to become the PROS Committee Chair as desired by the PROS Committee members and current Chair Kara Knack. A vote of the Board Members was taken to close discussion and vote on the Bylaw Changes. The procedural vote passed unanimously. A vote in favor of the motion and the Bylaw change failed, 1-14 with Board Member Soter in favor. 12. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that there was approximately $12,000 dollars at the disposal of the Neighborhood Council. Hunnewell further stated that the Neighborhood Council would have approximately $37-38,000 dollars by the final dispersal on April 1st. Hunnewell also stated that the Neighborhood Council should start planning to Budget for the next fiscal year through the process outlined in previous meetings, as the current budget was top-down, and the procedures was bottom-up from the Committees. Board Member Charley Mims stated that with those funds available, the brochure should go out this fiscal year. Board Member Bernadette Soter stated that the brochure design will begin in January. Board Member Mary Rodriguez asked if the Treasurer wanted each Council Committee to develop a plan for their expenses and what they might be for the next year. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that the answer was basically yes, but that we would follow the procedure as approved by the Board previously. President Yvette Bryant suggested that the Budget and Finance Committee holding a meeting with Committee Chairs and other interested persons to explain the process and work with them to get the documents in order. Board Member Mims asked for a Point of Information, and stated what the differences between the budgets we were talking about were. Hunnewell stated that theoretically, $37-38,000 dollars would be available to the Neighborhood Council and would evaporate on June 1st. Mims asked if the Neighborhood Council was on the same fiscal cycle a the City. Hunnewell stated no. 13. Letter to State Officials on VLF Funds: Secretary Andrew Westall presented the resolution located in the agenda materials. Westall motioned for approval of the resolution, seconded by Board Member Cheryl Johnson. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston stated the importance of a resolution and listed some of the City Budget items that are going to be cancelled due to the car tax cut. Board Member Charley Mims stated that he wanted to put this into perspective for the Neighborhood Council. Mims further stated some of the programs that would be cut this year and next, including perhaps the Neighborhood Council’s funding. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell expressed his support of the resolution. Stakeholder Mark Siegel stated that the issue had been covered in CityWatch and it was important that the Neighborhood Council make a statement on the issue. President Yvette Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. Board Members Bruce Carroll and Jonathon Kaplan pointed out some grammatical errors in the resolution that needed to be corrected. Secretary Westall stated that those errors had been a result of copying portions of the resolution from the City Council resolution and those same errors were in their document. Westall further stated that the errors would be taken care of before the mailing out of the resolution. 14. Letter on Domestic Partnership: Board Member Scott Crawford presented the issue. Crawford stated that the Board should support efforts to stop the repeal of state legislation which expanded domestic partner benefits and rights. Crawford motioned for approval to support the newly enacted legislation, seconded by Secretary Andrew Westall. Secretary Westall stated that there was over 100,000 same sex couples in the City of Los Angeles, over 22,000 of which are concentrated in the Greater Griffith Park Area, one of the largest concentration in the City. Westall stated that we should support our neighbors and community by supporting the legislation. Board Member Charley Mims stated that this issue was not just about same sex couples, but also about domestic couples who were not married. President Yvette Bryant stated her desire to utilize GGPNC letterhead to state the Neighborhood Council’s position on the issue. Board Member Crawford stated that would be fine. Board Member Cheryl Johnson called for a vote. President Bryant found that there was consensus on the motion. 15. Comments from GGPNC officers and Board members on Non-Agenda Items: Board Member Kara Knack stated that due to the lack of Bylaw changes on Committee Chairs and Committee Membership, the Executive Committee should meet in order to appoint Board Member Bernadette Soter as Chair of the PROS Committee. Board Member Charley Mims suggested that the item be agendized at the next Executive Committee meeting so that the Committee could take a vote on the issue. 16. Adjournment at 9:56 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2003 – 7:00 PM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES Los Feliz Community Police Center (Upstairs at Citibank) 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call to Order at 7:12pm
by President Bryant.
A quorum was not present- with Board Members Crawford, Herrera, Hunnewell, Johnson, Kerr, Mosqueda, and Rodriguez unable to attend. Approval of minutes for the October 21st meeting was tabled. 2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: Stakeholder Ann Mackey announced a meeting of the Barnsdall Neighborhood Association at Hollywood Lutheran Church this Thursday, November 20th at 7pm. Representatives from Assembly Member Frommer’s office, the AARP, and the LAPD Senior Lead Officer for the area will be speaking. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston reported that he has been selected as the Area 1 representative for the ongoing 101 Freeway Update/Study. This area covers the freeway between Downtown and Cahuenga Blvd. He will be accepting input on the Freeway and its arterials, as well as information on MTA, DASH, streets, and all other aspects of transportation affecting this area. Examples included possibly widening Franklin Ave. and taking out the “Vermont Curve”. Funding depends on the State Budget and the MTA, McQuiston said. Jim requested anyone who wanted to provide input to Fax him at 323-464-8792. Stakeholder Richard Spicer stated that this study was for a 20 year plan and a 7 year capital program by SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments)and a draft is available for viewing. The draft includes requests by the City and the MTA, and an EIR(Environmental Impact Report) should be issued in December. The final report should be finished by April or May. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston also stated that there will be meetings in December to filter out all the requests. This steering committee was selected by the City Council. Idora Leon introduced herself as the Communications and Public Relations Director for the Autry Museum for Western Heritage. 3. Department of Public Works Presentation was tabled. 4. Welcoming the Light Event: Board Member Jonathon Kaplan described his resolution and the possibility of an event at the Vermont Triangle as a secular interfaith event with the community religious organizations. His Rabbi had attended the Outreach Committee meeting and reception had been favorable. This ceremony would be an interfaith/secular ceremony replacing darkness with light. Kaplan mentioned that this was something Father Pat Jones had been interested in during his time on the Board and something Kaplan and Jones had discussed in the past. Kaplan had contacted several community religious organizations that wanted to participate. Kaplan also stated that there was a beautiful Helen Keller poem that he was considering have read at the event. Kaplan said that he had contacted Council Member LaBonge’s office about the event at that Jeanne Chang has been extremely gracious. He also contacted the Bureau of Streets but had not gotten a call back. Board Member Rosemary DeMonte inquired into the possible street closure. Kaplan was not sure if it was possible and was doing further inquiries. Kaplan added that there had been some friction over religious symbols at the Holiday tree on Vermont Avenue north of Los Feliz Blvd. Kaplan stated that a religious symbol wasn’t the issue with this event, and that it was open to all faiths. Kaplan wanted to deemphasize the religious aspects of the event, and have it be more secular and interfaith in nature. Board Member Kara Knack stated her concerns and that she wanted things to be a little more detailed. Knack said that the event was not very organized as of yet, including the street closure aspects, and that we should consider having the event some time in the future, and not just in December. Knack also stated that a Committee should be put together to organize the event. Secretary Andrew Westall stated that the Outreach Committee had been very receptive to the event, and that even though the Board could not take action, Kaplan should contact members of the Outreach Committee to help him organize the event. DeMonte asked that we just do the event. Board Member Bernadette Soter said that there would be no Holiday Tree display on Vermont this year, and that members of the organization who organized that event in the past had dealt with the friction over this issue. Soter also stated that community members have also objected to a secular display. Vice President-Administration Stan Thompson said that he was excited about the possibilities of the idea. Tom from the Department of Recreation and Parks wanted to add the Department’s perspective. Tom mentioned that a menorah had been added to the Holiday Tree display last year. He also stated that if GGPNC wanted to do the event in the Park, they should file a formal request with the Department through the General Manager. Tom also stated the Holiday Tree had history with the Park, and that the display had been maintained for awhile. He also stated the danger of the electrical socket at the location. Kaplan stated that the Pastor at UCC was interested in having an event that only lasted one evening, and that was one of the foundations of the event- one night. Soter stated that the Churches and Synagogues should be able to do this event without any GGPNC approval, and that they should consider just doing the event on their own. President Yvette Bryant stated that she felt timing was an issue, and that we should consider doing something next year. Board Member Charley Mims asked when the event was to take place. Kaplan stated that he planned to have the event on December 21st or 22nd. Kaplan also stated that GGPNC had not done a lot of positive things for the community to date, and that we have dealt with a lot of rules and procedures, which was important. Kaplan also stated that we haven’t done a lot of outreach, including outreach in the religious community and he was hoping to hold this event as part of his outreach mandate as the religious representative. Mims stated that he liked the outreach aspects of the event, and understands the need to plan. Mims also said that we should have the chance of supporting the event at our December meeting, and encouraged Kaplan to consider no street closures, some advertising and a small, successful event this year, and try to do more next year. Council Deputy Jeanne Chang stated that she hated to rush into such events, and that they were difficult to do without good planning. She also stated that the City Council needed to waive some fees and approve the street closure asap, which would be difficult to do with little time. Chang also said that the GGPNC would need to have liability insurance for the event, as the City would not cover such costs. Chang also stated the previously mentioned sensitivity issue over the Holiday Tree display. Board Member Rosemary DeMonte asked if Mary Rodriguez had needed approvals and insurance for the Neighborhood Watch march she organized. Chang stated that Rodriguez did need insurance and approvals for the event, including temporary street closures by LAPD so ensure safety of the marchers. Chang also mentioned that the event had needed a motion from the City Council. Thompson asked what the cost of insurance was? Chang replied that the approximate cost would be $300 dollars. Kaplan stated that the Vermont Triangle seemed very doable, and that only the small section of Prospect Avenue need to be closed. Displays would be supplied by the congregations themselves, and that other costs would include a Public Address System and candles for all the attendees. These costs could be absorbed by GGPNC. Chang mentioned that it might be easier to get the event approved if it was City-sponsored under the auspices of the GGPNC. Soter stated that perhaps it would be better to host the event in 2004. Soter also said that Vermont and Hollywood is a major intersection and that the event might interfere with the Light Festival traffic. DeMonte provided anecdotal evidence that the Light Festival did not impact the intersection in question. Stakeholder Jeff Gardner was concerned about the price of such an event. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston stated that the GGPNC might want to push the even back to July, and that the City and GGPNC would need more lead time to plan the event. McQuiston provided an example of an event in Melrose Hill in which the city blocked over the cul-de-sacs for a block party and put up temporary No Parking signs. This event cost $1,188.00 for insurance. Bryant stated that the GGPNC would not be able to make a decision on this without a quorum. Kaplan stated that he would put his materials on the event together and make them available for the religious representative for next year. Kaplan also asked if he could get support to organize the event for this year, and get the details out as soon as possible. Knack stated that she would not be in favor or supporting an event this year, but would support an event further in the future. Mims stated that the City closed streets in his community with the City Council approving the motion retroactively. Mims also said it doesn’t matter when the City Council approves the motion, and that the GGPNC could approve the event on the 18th if it wished to participate. 5. Report on Regional Budget Requests: President Yvette Bryant stated that DONE had confused GGPNC with the Greater Echo Park Neighborhood Council, and in the confusion, did not add our City Budget requests to the regional board. She also stated that the Regional Board stayed with broad categories and they didn’t get any narrower. The five categories out of the Regional Board were Sanitation, Housing Availability, Homeless Services, Street and Sidewalk Resurfacing, and More Police. Bryant also mentioned that if anyone wanted more information to contact her. Bryant also re-emphasized the fact that GGPNC had been completely left out because of DONE. Stakeholder Jeff Gardner asked who the representatives for the next level of meetings were. Bryant was unsure, but felt one was from the Neighborhood Council near the convention center and the other was Dee Lock. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that DONE’s representative was ineffective, and that this incident was another example of how DONE doesn’t do much. Kaplan also stated that we should insist DONE’s representative is present at every meeting. Bryant stated that she understood many Neighborhood Councils have their meetings on the same evening, and she would not want to support more employees for DONE. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston mentioned that during the deliberations over the DONE Ordinance, Councilmember Nick Pacheco ensured that DONE did not have the authority to bring neighborhood council issues to the City Council. They were never given that authority, and that authority is that of the neighborhoods. McQuiston also stated that now was a good time to contact Council Member Janice Hahn and mention the omissions in this process and make the point to keep DONE out of the way of neighborhood councils. McQuiston stated that DONE is asking for a new staff member to oversee neighborhood council leasing of space, and now is the time to interject. Board Member Charley Mims stated the reasons behind the name of DONE as opposed to the Department of Neighborhoods. Mims said the Charter Commission did not want the Department to govern neighborhoods, and to let the neighborhood councils speak directly to the City. The Commission felt that if neighborhood councils relied on the Department, the neighborhood’s message would get deleted. 6. Strategic Plan Review and Next Steps: President Yvette Bryant stated that Stakeholder Richard Spicer would speak on the issue, and then it would be tabled for further action next month. Spicer stated that the meeting on October 18th was very productive with 9 Board Members and 3 stakeholders in attendance. The Executive Committee briefed Bryant and Board Member Mary Rodriguez, and all other Board Members had been briefed privately. Spicer stated that he wanted the Board to adopt the full report, including results areas and measurable missions. Spicer also stated that he was impressed by the full buy-in from Board Members attending the group, and that there was consensus. Spicer recommended adopting the package at the next Board meeting to cover the next 12 to 18 months. Spicer stated that the Board and public should glance at the Table of Contents, as it will give one a sense of the meeting. The document has a lot of “flesh and blood” to get more people participating in GGPNC. Spicer also recommended that the Board continue to follow the progress of the Plan. Bryant stated that anyone could speak further with Richard after the meeting, and thanked everyone who could make the meeting on October 18th. 7. Events and Meeting Calendar for 2004: President Yvette Bryant stated that an Events and Meeting calendar should be put together at the next Executive Committee meeting. This calendar would see the events for the next quarter. Bryant asked that all Committee chairs and others with meetings and events provide the information to the Secretary or other Exec Committee member. This will help the Board provide a list of venues and addresses on the website, as well as help Stakeholder Charlotte DeArmond coordinate use of the Los Feliz Community Police Center. Bryant also asked that all members using the facility refer to it as the Los Feliz Community Police Center (Upstairs at Citibank) to end some confusion. 8. Treasurer’s Report: President Yvette Bryant reported that Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell had stated to her previously in the day that there was nothing to report and little financial activity over the last month. There were no questions. 9. Bylaw Change- Committee Membership: Secretary Andrew Westall mentioned that the Board could not take action on the pending bylaw change. Westall asked that the Board consider taking up the Bylaw amendment early in the next meeting since it has been tabled for approximately 6 months, after public comment and any presentations. Board member Rosemary DeMonte asked questions regarding the pending appointments for Districts C and E. Westall said that the outreach was ongoing for District C and that the mailings for District E have not been initiated. DeMonte inquired about the possibility of appointing District E based on the previous election results. Westall stated the bylaw that allows the Board to fill vacancies is broad enough to allow those appointments. Board Member Mims mentioned that as long as adequate outreach was undertaken, the Board could fill that vacancy. 10. Reports and Comments from GGPNC Officers, Committees, and Board Members: Board Member Kara Knack mentioned that the next PROS Committee meeting (Parks, River, and Open Space) will be held at 7pm at the Los Feliz Community Police Center on Monday December 1st. Knack stated that there are 159 different projects currently ongoing in Griffith Park. The Committee will be having presentation from Linda Barth on the Griffith Park Master Plan. The Committee had a presentation on pocket parks and schools, dominated by many representatives from private schools and their concerns for joint use. Knack also mentioned that there is no accurate, complete map of Griffith Park, which is being undertaken by the Melendez Group. Board Member Charley Mims asked a question about the completeness of maps. Knack stated that there were many maps out there, including a DWP map of spigots and water towers, but none that accurate reflects everything in the Park. Board Member Stan Thompson inquired about hiking trails being included in the maps. Knack stated that the Sierra Club had been doing trail maps, but had added 50 trails which are not official trails in the Park. Knack also stated that the Department of Recreation and Parks does not want to sanctify these trails not really in existence. These trails damage the wildlife and nature in the Park that the Department and residents are trying to preserve. Board Member Knack also stated that the Department is supposed to be adding $4-8 million in revenue to the City, and it is currently not happening. The Master Plan will address more sources of revenue for the City, but that residents are opposed to many ideas. Board Member Charley Mims commented on the “bushwhacking” trails that people create and how destructive they are to the existing trails and landscape. Mims also mentioned that we should provide a link to the Draft Plan when its made available. Others agreed with the destructive nature of the “bushwhacking trails”. Board Member James Balesh mentioned that while GGPNC was the second largest donor to the Hoover Street Mural Project, there was little mention in events materials and little advertising on behalf of GGPNC. Balesh also stated that we should prevent this mishaps in the future. Mims mentioned that GGPNC had been prominently displayed in the latest Shakespeare Bridge landscaping, and did not contribute much. All agreed to work on promotions better. Stakeholder Richard Spicer asked if there was a fixed schedule on the draft report of the Griffith Park Master Plan. Knack mentioned that the Draft Plan will be coming out and there will be a community endorsement hearing sometime in June in conjunction with other local groups. Board Member Bernadette Soter mentioned an upcoming Joint meeting to review the Draft organized by another local community group for all in the community. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston stated that the Board should be providing continuous comment on the Draft prior to the Joint meeting in order for the suggestions to be folded into the earlier versions of the Draft. This would ensure that the requests are dealt with in the final Draft. Vice President-Administration Stan Thompson stated that the PZTHP (Planning, Zoning, Transportation, and Historic Preservation) Committee had nothing to report. Thompson also mentioned that the Department of Transportation will be attending the January 14th Committee meeting to take questions and comments on traffic concerns in the area. A representative from DOT will be on hand to talk about those areas. Soter commented that this meeting might turn into a big gripe session and that we consider a lighter agenda for the meeting. Thompson stated that the Committee had already put together a list of traffic issues and will be forwarding them to DOT prior to the meeting. This list will be the focus of concerns for the meeting. Secretary Andrew Westall stated that the Rules and Elections Committee meeting had been cancelled for the last two months due to lack of attendance. Westall encouraged all committee members to attend the next meeting to dispense with business that has been compiling. Westall also introduced two new bylaw amendments that will address the ongoing concern with a lack of quorum at General Membership Meetings. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan requested that the meeting minutes be distributed as quickly as possible so that he may share them with the religious organizations in the area, with regard to the Welcoming the Light event. Mims stated that the minutes were not really needed, and the Board generally supports the idea and unable to take action. Balesh stated that the Board had not taken a position on this issue, and agreed and supported Board Member Mim’s comments. Bryant stated that the problem was an issue of timing, and that accurate minutes were important. Stakeholder McQuiston stated that he had attended the latest Cabinet meeting for the City. McQuiston stated that the representatives thought they were talking to neighborhood councils, when in fact he was the only one there who was from the neighborhood councils. McQuiston said that the Cabinet wanted neighborhood councils to appoint a representative to attend the meetings. McQuiston also said that the City is forming a Committee to take a look at the entire city water system, including rivers, lakes, sewers, etc. The City wants neighborhood councils to appoint people to sit on the Committee and participate in the study as part of the master organization. Mims asked if this was related to the ongoing conservation study. McQuiston stated that the water conservation was the impetus for the study. 11. Adjournment at 8:45pm. Tuesday, October 21, 2003 – 7:00 PM CitiBank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 A quorum was not present initially but was achieved during item #3. Board Members: DeMonte, Herrera, Rodriguez unable to attend. 2. The call for Public Comment on Non-agenda items was greeted with silence. 3. Street Furniture (bus shelters, info kiosks, public toilets) for Los Feliz Village. Cheyenne Pierce of Viacom (323-276-7557 Cheyenne.Pierce@viacomdecaux.com) told of city contract to provide and maintain street furniture and that the following locations for bus shelters had been selected in our area: LF/Hillhurst SW corner, Hillhurst/Franklin SW & NW corners, Vermont/Melbourne NW corner, Vermont/Franklin NW corner. CD-4 deputy Rory Fitzpatrick explained city gets $150mil revenue which is used for projects w/in council district. Sites were selected by LF Village BID early in GGPNC's official life. He pledged to work with us if there is a problem. Soter objects to double sided billboards...more ad vehicle than shelter. Carroll questions cleaning etc. Pierce says call her and things will be cleaned. Regular sked is twice weekly. Discussion of Public Amenities Kiosks (PAK)which have ads, but one panel for community notices. Carroll asked if this included the need for frequent posting as in GGPNC agendas. Pierce said key could be given to community representative to facilitate frequent postings. Fitzpatrick indicated CD-4 would like to survey the area with a couple of GGPNC named reps w/in next 10 days or so. No PAK locations have been approved in GGPNC area. Kaplan asked for cost of ads. He received only ambiguous answers. Crawford objected to "art deco" designs. Soter notes there is already too much clutter on sidewalks, suggests trading shelters for illegal newsracks, notes shelters have only 2 seats...more for advertising than shelter. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston suggests turning shelters around to get more sidewalk space. Stakeholder Ricardo Gomez calls for more frequent trash cleanup. 1. (continued) with quorum present Minutes of the August 19, 2003 & September 16th, 2003 meetings were approved as revised: 8/19/03 item # 5 amend the first 4 sentences to read: . "Hunnewell details the HUNC/GGPNC Griffith Park boundary dispute history and the settlement agreement. Says Mims requests GGPNC vote to approve the agreement in concept and send to Rules & Elections committee for revision of the By-laws to cede joint jurisdiction of the reservoir area adjacent to HUNC boundary so that HUNC has sole jurisdiction of that area. Hunnewell moves and Carroll 2nds the above. Kaplan asks about alternatives. Hunnewell says it could go to BONC to decide. Balesh doesn't think we should give up Ferndell: Hunnewell indicated that the agreement contemplates no changes to the original GGPNC and HUNC boundaries in Ferndell, granted pursuant to certification." 9/16/03 PARKS delete the words: "Barnsdall already has support." 4. DONE no representative present. 5. Brown Act amendments: Westall calls for "more flexibility." Carroll suggests that NC's be allowed to vote by e-mail on time critical issues if committee has held public hearing and suggested the NC take a position on an issue. This so that the NC's position can be transmitted to government bodies in a timely manner. Hunnewell suggests we should support LA City council recommendation and then study other changes. Mims thinks NCs should be exempt from Brown act except when acting on how to spend the city allocated funds. We should have public meetings, but "not be handcuffed." Bryant suggests perhaps an alternate law for purely advisory bodies. Soter objects to changes, claims we'd become "just a board that's here to please itself." Westall says complete exemption "won't fly in Sacramento"...supports City Council amendment and Carroll's suggestion. Thompson says his committee has been frustrated by timing issues. Correspondence on an issue could be made part of the public record. Bryant moves support for amendment, Westall 2nd. Knack wants to say we are going to support the law. Soter questions need for action since she's only heard the issue at one CD-4 breakfast. Fitzpatrick says the council has heard a "drumbeat" for a change. Reminds board that Tom LaBonge said "don't be bureaucratic.." McQuiston agrees Brown act makes it hard to make comments on time, but feels Legislature won't amend because the request comes from Los Angeles. He also complains GGPNC agendas are not specific enough for him. Soter against consensus to support City Council plan (Council File 03-0002-S9). Carroll calls for vote to take a vote Hunnewell 2nd. The vote is 14-aye 0-No to take a vote on the motion of support. The vote on the actual motion is 13-aye 1-No. 6. GGPNC/HUNC Boundary issue: Mims notes that "we had a deal and they went south on it," believes we should go ahead and approve our side of the agreement and send to DONE for BONC action. Feels BONC will look favorably on our position because the mediated agreement was done in good faith. Carroll moves, Kaplan 2nd to approve necessary by-law changes to uphold the agreement. Hunnewell said he attended HUNC meeting and found there were problems of misrepresentation. Feels we should go ahead with Bylaws amendment relative to the PROS committee openness, but should withhold amendment ceding the reservoir area because the larger issue is unsettled. Mims feels it doesn't matter what HUNC does. Stakeholder Gomez supports Mims position recalls "arduous task" in the formation process. Mims reminds that changes have no effect until DONE and BONC act. Johnson says ceding of reservoir should be "conditional" on acceptance by HUNC. Mims says the Bylaws changes would be subject to approval of boundary change by BONC. Hunnewell asks since we had an agreement which HUNC rejected why should we vote now? Mims notes our approval is a way to get the issue before BONC. Johnson "not confident" BONC will do the right thing. Westall notes only BONC can approve boundary changes. Balesh asks will BONC consider taking up the mediated agreement? Consensus to approve the Bylaw changes as to Article XIII Sec C. (a) Board Committees (which deals with PROS committee.) As to Bylaws Article 7 (Boundaries of the GGPNC) the change is approved subject to BONC's approval and implementation of the mediated agreement. 12. PZTHP committee asks approval of motion supporting the phasing out of auto body shops on the west side of Hyperion as called for in 1980s zoning change. Thompson moves approval, Carroll 2nd Gomez explains this policy would be from this point forward, records of past actions are often incomplete. Fitzpatrick indicates the council office's willingness to push enforcement. Kaplan asks what does our support mean? Gomez explains if we ask strong enforcement we are more likely to get enforcement. McQuiston suggests bringing the matter to the attention of Teamwork LA will have an immediate effect. Crawford against the motion, Kaplan wants more info. Thompson explains we are calling for enforcement of the existing law and it will have an effect. Westall moves, Hunnewell 2nd to take a vote...the vote is 14-aye 0-No. The vote on the underlying motion to support zoning laws calling for phase out of auto shops on west side of Hyperion passes 12-aye 1-No 1-abstain. Some discussion followed as to whether it is proper to abstain. 8.
Bylaw
change regarding selection procedures for filling board vacancy.
Westall points out our Bylaws lack procedures for the process. They are
several questions about, and suggested changes to, the originally
proposed amendment to Bylaws Article IX. After all the talking Mims
moves w/2nd approval of the following language: "Article IX, SELECTION
OF THE BOARD, sec G. Board Vacancies. The Board shall fill Board
Vacancies by majority vote after an outreach effort." The motion
is passed on a vote 13-aye 1-no.
8 b. Westall moves, Carroll 2nd to fill the District "E" vacancy with the same process as for District "C" vacancy but with different timeline. Soter asks that there be outreach to the 3 non-elected candidates in last years district "E" contest. There is agreement by consensus. 8.c Filling Dist "C" vacancy. Carroll reports that no candidate applications have been received at our postal address, but that one call came to our message line and was referred to Rules & Election committee chair Westall. Mims suggests we contact Board member Herrera re her plans. Johnson says she will do so and report back on the outcome. 9. Bryant reports that our Budget Priorities developed by the Ad Hoc committee have been sent to DONE. 7. Treasurer's Report Hunnewell reports we ended the quarter with about $14,600 in our account and that the Strategic Panning session cost is estimated at under $2500. We have not yet filed for next quarter funds which should bring our funds to apx. $25,000. 10. Items deferred from previous meetings: a) Marshall Cafeteria as meeting site... No need to discuss since Citibank room still available. b) Kerr moves to donate $500 to police memorial fund in memory of Miyamura and Barron. Question raised about legality of such a donation. Still checking. c) Trash collection improvement...item eliminated with no action. 11. Sharing office space with other nearby NC's. Stakeholder Jeff Gardner of Atwater NC notes it's probably illegal unless in a shared jurisdiction area since office must be within NC boundary. 14. Election of Officers for the coming year: Carroll reports that since nominations were originally made at the August meeting the following events have taken place. President: candidate Westall has withdrawn his nomination leaving Bryant as the only candidate. VP- Administration - Thompson remains the only candidate. VP- Outreach - Mosqueda has accepted the nomination made in her absence, Kaplan has withdrawn, leaving Mosqueda as the only candidate. Treasurer - Balesh has withdrawn his nomination leaving Hunnewell as the only candidate. Secretary - Carroll has withdrawn his nomination leaving no candidate. Then Carroll nominates Westall for the office of Secretary and he accepts. With only one candidate remaining for each office, Johnson moves election by acclamation and it is seconded and approved by consensus. 13. Officer and Board Comments: Crawford notes Skylight Books anniversary event. Hunnewell moves to thank last years officers...consensus for approval. Bryant calls for Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday 10/28/03 location TBA (later changed to 11/4). Westall feels the Exec Committee should handle administrative matters. Soter feels Exec Committee should not meet in private home. McQuiston says the city spent $50 for meals at the last NC congress. Hunnewell says those who missed the strategic planning session will get calls to fill them in on what they missed. 15. Adjournment 10:00pm. ================= Tuesday, September 16, 2003 – 7:00 PM CitiBank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call
to Order at 7:15pm by President Mims.
A quorum was present with Board Members: Balesh, Crawford, Kaplan, Hahn, Herrera, unable to attend. Approval of the August 19, 2003 meeting minutes was tabled until the October 7, 2003 meeting. 2. GGPNC Survey analysis...Mims explained requirement to get five budget priorities from each NC that will then be whittled down at meeting of 2 reps from each of the 13 central area NCs. GGPNC's reps chosen in August: Bryant & DeMonte. The group of NCs will then send it's priorities to the Mayor. Bryant explained the survey process thanking Johnson, DeMonte, Kerr, Balesh and stakeholder George Grace who did tabulations explaining, "we couldn't have the info tonight without him." (applause) Areas receiving the lowest satisfaction scores in the "closed data" tabulations were... Parking...Traffic...Homeless...Street Repair...Pedestrian/Bike access Areas receiving the most mentions in the "Comment" section... Street repair...parks/greenspace...safety/law enforcement...general cleanliness (bulky item pickup, trash cans in the street, dogs residoo)...parking availability. Johnson vowed to continue collection of survey to aid the GGPNC is setting its priorities, but noted that many who filled out the survey were reluctant to provide personal data. 3. Public comment...Stakeholder Mark Siegel supported continuing the survey, S/h Ricardo Gomez observes that some issues are not really budget priorities but could be helpful in reorganizing city methods. Bryant says City Services committee will discuss ideas from the poll during the 10/14 meeting and submit a report for the strategic planning session on 10/18. Mims says city guidance seems to be for NC's to come up with specific items...pave "X" street. Bryant suggests we adopt more than 5 priorities so the ad hoc committee that will refine the list will have some leeway. Ad Hoc Committee appointed later in the session to consist of: Bryant, DeMonte, Johnson, Mims, Mosqueda & Westall. S/h Emily Dickie says New Hampshire between Ambrose and Finley has not been paved in 40 years. S/h Peter Bedard says streets around King MS need paving. S/h Jim McQuiston questioned survey methodology. Bryant & Grace explained that categories: "total," "Renter" and "Homeowners" are reliable because of high number of responses. Siegel said it's not a "random scientific sample." He also feels traffic on Franklin between Edgement on Hillhurst needs attention. Kerr suggested all-way crossing (a la Beverly Hills) at Franklin and Vermont. Bedard questioned how priorities are to be decided. Explained problem at King MS where Parks & Rec. issue permits to use the field, but parents have to hoist kids over the fence. Bryant suggests we first identify categories and then select priorities within those. 4. Discussion & Adoption of Budget Priorities...Johnson notes street and sidewalk repairs most often mentioned, also the problem of trash cans out on street sweeping days limits parking. Westall says the issue is code enforcement. Bryant suggests "code enforcement" category. McQuiston feels code enforcement not a budget item. Mims disagrees. Bryant suggests the following 7 categories: Parking...Parks & Recreation...Street Repair...Traffic movement... Police ...Code enforcement...Homeless... and that they be dealt with one-by-one. PARKING: Mosqueda comments on conflict between trash cans and cars for parking spaces, Johnson suggest changing hours of trash collection or cleaning streets less often. Hunnewell notes city enforcement caused Christian Science church on Vermont to close their parking to the public. Hunnewell brings up the issue of permit parking on streets. Rodriguez says parking near schools a problem...need more lots. Soter suggests code require more parking for business, plus better code enforcement and more lots. Mims points to problem of people using garages for non auto uses increasing street parking. Gomez suggests shortening window for street sweeping, notes a LF village parking structure was in a previous plan, and that permit parking should be made easier to implement. Hunnewell supports parking structure as the kind of concrete item that is a definable budget item. Bedard says we need to identify where lots are needed. Johnson notes were are competing with other NCs who suffer from high crime, homelessness. Consensus that we make A municipal parking lot or structure for Los Feliz Village a budget priority. PARKS Knack points out obligation to millions who use Griffith Park and says we should ask for money to support the new master plan. Hunnewell supports Knack's suggestion, also we should promote dual use of school facilities and Ferndell play area needs repair. Westall says GP has no basketball courts which schools have but they have high fences. Rodriguez explains dual use sounds good, but there are abuse and security issues. She also suggests that many NCs will have an interest in LA River improvement projects. Soter supports funding for GP master plan and river. Johnson suggests finishing Barnsdall projects. Kerr notes survey support for greening, trees in neighborhoods. Tom McCall, GP maintenance supervisor (213-485-5573), asks that issues be brought to his attention. Says DWP working on renewing Ferndell water system, but the fence repair is now down to one person. Mims suggests priorities be GP master plan funding and LA River. S/h Denise says Symphony in the Glen is building a new structure. Soter says it's part of the master plan already. Gomez suggests using city property which LILA school leases as pocket park. King MS is crowded "this is empty" and leased at "25% of market value." Bedard says pocket park would be "ideal" we should be looking at smaller and practical things...paving streets, mural painting...not already funded ideas like LA River planning. McQuiston points out that "pocket parks" are much smaller than the 5+ acre LILA site. McCall mentions pocket park on just 2 lots between Virgil and Vermont. Grace asks McCall if there is a GP wish list beyond the master plan. Johnson says there is some money for pocket parks between $5-15,000 not including land...we have to think of smaller projects. Soter says we shouldn't forget the river. Mims says there is already "a lot of political will" to do something about the river. Thompson notes things we discussed are good to go to LaBonge...but to get other NC's support we need more universal projects. Hunnewell suggests 3 NCs would support funds for Ferndell. Also likes Pocket Parks, LILA and dual use at schools. Westall likes LILA park idea and joint use with schools with funds for maintenance and security. GP and River issues are too broad. Johnson suggest we do both broad and specific projects and then get council office input on what's best. Mims says it will come down to "horse trading" among NC's...supports GP master plan & LILA that could be "a ready made park." Knack supports regional idea as our priority... all others are good to be pursued. Carroll says we should not include LILA park until the idea has been studied by PROS and input from FHRA and neighbors. Johnson notes historic designation of Lautner buildings...idea needs lots of study. Bedard charges LILA park opposition is an "elitism" issue. Gomez agrees LILA needs more input, but doable. Consensus Parks priorities are: Griffith Park master plan, LA River planning and Pocket Parks. POLICE ... McQuiston claims we could have 1,500 more police if not for the "3 day work week." Feels most NCs will ask for more cops. Rodriguez says 3-4 day week boosted very low morale. We need more officers not change in schedules. Soter notes we are very under policed. Westall says with more money we could use matching funds from federal government. consensus: We need more police. STREET REPAIR Mims suggests we should make zones around schools priorities for improving streets, lighting, recreation...make a statement about maintenance of school adjacent areas. Knack supports. Westall suggests matching funds for sidewalk repair...technically the responsibility of the property owner. Mims observes that city took the responsibility 25 years ago. DeMonte notes high support for sidewalk repair in surveys. Soter supports safe zones around schools and dual use. Consensus to support improvement around school zones. TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIANS Thompson observes worst spots (other than Los Feliz Blvd.) Franklin and Vermont, Hyperion between Rowena and Griffith Park Blvd. and confluence of Sunset Blvd & Dr., Hollywood, Virgil/Hillhurst. We need to find out what plans DOT is working on. Mims notes our survey has identified the sore points and we should work with council office to push DOT for studies. DeMonte says DOT has done studies and come up with recommendations that they don't want to implement. Westall suggests lighted crosswalks as found in Glendale. DeMonte says DOT says they don't reduce accidents. Mosqueda suggests that we have no budget priority on traffic. Unanimous Vote...no Traffic priority. Bedard feels DOT is "lazy," not doing its job. Hunnewell suggests comprehensive traffic study for whole area. CODE ENFORCEMENT no interest in setting priorities at this time. HOMELESS DeMonte suggests city agencies work more closely with LAHSA (LA Homeless Services Authority) Mims suggest we propose city fund more staff for LAHSA. Westall suggests pocket shelters. Mosqueda not in support of making it a priority. There are lots of shelters already and some want to live on the streets. Soter notes it is a state issue with deinstitutionalization of mental patients. Rodriguez feels our support for more staff to work with homeless is important. Bryant would like to see it as one of our priorities. Mims reports that LAHSA only has four people, if we got 2 more for our area it would make a big difference. Thompson for a specific proposal like funding LAHSA. DeMonte says LAHSA is very responsive. Gomez disputes LAHSA's effectiveness says homeless should not be a priority. McQuiston notes the homeless czar appointed by the mayor supports putting up residences for single women and children... will likely be budgeted...if we make it one of our priorities it will help our image. Bryant moves Let Ad Hoc committee explore the homeless question vote yes=11 no=1. Budget Priorities List... to be refined by the ad hoc committee: 1) Parking Lot or structure in Los Feliz Village 2) Griffith Park Plan and LA River Committee 3) Dual use at schools with Rec. & Parks 4) Pocket Parks/small parks 5) More Police officers 5) Improvement zones around schools...streets, lighting, cleaning, maintenance 6) Homeless...suggestion to be determined by committee 5. Reports & Comments ...a)Newsrack ordinance. DeMonte asks supports for CIS asking city council to amend existing ordinance with more enforcement and funding and no grandfathering of illegal racks. Mims asks if issue can wait until 10/7 meeting. Carroll says council committee hears matter 10/8 so should act now. Consensus to approve CIS calling for enforcement of existing ordinance and no grandfathering of illegal racks. b) 1) Pocket Parks suggestions...referred to PROS committee for study. b) 2) Trash Collection suggestions...tabled to 10/7 meeting. 6. Public Comment on non agenda items: McQuiston notes October is child safety month and NC members should become valets to escort children to schools to promote safety...start with one school a month. Also we should work on child care issues in our neighborhood. Bedard asks funding for Myra/Sunset underpass mural project. 7. Adjournment 10:39pm BOARD MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 19, 2003 – 7:00 PM CitiBank
Building, Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 A quorum was present with Board Members Hahn, Herrera, Johnson, Mims & Mosqueda unable to attend Minutes of the July 15. 2003 meeting were approved with one name correction. Westall asked all Board members and other attendees to introduce themselves. 2. Public Comment: Stakeholder David Monks showed additional pix of Toberman House, 1749 Harvard Bl. and reported City Council committee sent the matter to Cultural Heritage Commission and the house is no longer in escrow due to historic and other issues.... House was built in 1904 by firm that built other Hollywood historic buildings. Mayor Toberman was instrumental in bringing electricity to LA among other good civic deeds. Even his descendant Lucy Toberman is now concerned with saving the house. Soter thanked Monks for his efforts. HUNC's Russ Brown added...Owner was unaware of historic significance and LaBonge working with him on some code violations and to find a buyer who wants the house preserved. Jim McQuiston asks that agendas be faxed to him per Govt Code sec 54954.1. (Note: Code section does not mention faxes, but provides for mailing of agendas at the requester's expense.) Carlos Rodriguez who lives near Prospect & Commonwealth reported a "casino" in the back of an apartment bldg. at 4360 Prospect with noisy people until 3am most mornings. LaBonge deputy Rory Fitzpatrick will look into the problem, also possibly the PZTHP committee or Safety. Rodriguez reports the cops come "all the time" and he has spoken with SLO Sam Salazar about the problem. 3. LAUSD's Fernando Chavarria discussed school construction plans. Said the district needs 200,000 new seats... 78,000 to be built by 2008 another 35,000 by 2010 under props BB and K. 3510 new seats planned for district "E" which encompasses the GGPNC area. Community meetings to be held to discuss the plans...one for our area at Hollywood High on August 21, 2003 in the cafeteria. 4. DONE rep Tom Soong arrived later in the meeting 4 a) Motion calling for more of DONE's time to be spent helping certified NC's had passed City Council 8/15. Stakeholder McQuiston says NC's don't know what they are supposed to do. 5. Hunnewell details the HUNC/GGPNC Griffith Park boundary dispute history and the settlement agreement. Says Mims requests GGPNC vote to approve the agreement in concept and send to Rules & Elections committee for revision of the By-laws to cede joint jurisdiction of the reservior area adjacent to HUNC boundary so that HUNC has sole jurisdiction of that area. Hunnewell moves and Carroll 2nds the above. Kaplan asks about alternatives. Hunnewell says it could go to BONC to decide. Balesh doesn't think we should give up Ferndell: Hunnewell indicated that the agreement contemplates no changes to the original GGPNC and HUNC boundaries in Ferndell, granted pursuant to certification. Rodriguez asks about AFI and Immaculate Heart...they were supposed to be shared. HUNC VP Brown says the map with crosshatch area is not accurate. That HUNC is very happy with Knack's PROS committee. Kerr asks whether HUNC will consult us about issues in their area of the park. Brown reports all park issues go to GGPNC PROS and that HUNC board approved the agreement in concept the previous night on a vote of 11 to 1 (slightly undecided). GGPNC Minutes 8/19/03 page 2 Rodriguez catches that Ferndell is incorrectly spelled FernDALE in the agreement (note it is also spelled Fern Dell). Hunnewell notes that prior to the agreement DONE failed to follow its own procedures in the matter. Knack recommends passage calling GP a citywide resource and that we have "stewardship not jurisdiction." Soter points out other groups like LFIA, equestrian council, etc. all have advisory role on park issues. Carroll supports agreement says AFI and IH should be separate issue. Hunnewell points to benefits for stakeholders with park interests having just one committee to attend. Kerr says she's "uncomfortable with how this came about" and voices disapproval of the plan. Hunnewell suggests it's not a good idea to go back over "who said what." Stakeholder Richard Spicer supports the plan. He has also spoken to AFI and IH contacts and pointed out that IH has attended GGPNC meetings in the past and would in the future with notice. Stakeholder McQuiston supports the plan saying boundaries are just for election purposes. Stakeholder Tom McCall from Griffith Park operations echoes belief that having a single committee benefits all stakeholders. Jeff Gardner from Atwater expresses support for the plan. Brown details history behind the signed agreement. Declares HUNC has no intention of forming a separate park committee and that they have "no interest" in stuff inside walls ( Greek, Autry, Zoo, Observatory). They don't care "what the monkeys eat or what art is on the walls." He suggests the original negotiating group of 6 clean up the language and refine the map then the agreement should go to the committees for By-laws changes. Laura Citrano of the Greek suggested clarification of whether matter needs to go to PROS and Culture committee as well as HUNC committee. Amended motion: by Hunnewell and Carroll...That the GGPNC adopt the agreement in concept and call for parties involved in negotiation of the agreement to meet again to refine the boundary line and language and take to respective Rules and Election committees before their next council meetings. Soter and Rodriguez call for inclusion of language related to Citrano's concerns. Kaplan calls for a vote... there is consensus to vote and consensus to approve the motion. 6. Treasurer's Report...Hunnewell - GGPNC first NC to apply for 2nd quarter funding. Should be received in a day or two. Ongoing meetings with city officials on how to improve the process. Latest word is that we keep funding from quarter to quarter, but it does not carry over from one fiscal year to the next. 8. City budget Priorities (taken out of order) Knack explains PROS Park budget request letter. Motion to include Griffith Park as one of the five areas that GGPNC wants to make budget priorities was tabled until Budget meeting 9/16 when we will have survey results. Knack points out her committee worked hard and thought they were following the right process to have their priorities included. Stakeholder McQuiston suggests that so much has been cut from the city budget that if NCs come in with very detailed requests that the city won't have the staff to look into the matters and will take the easy way out and adopt the NCs recommendations. Bryant explains process from Budget Day conference. Our priorities to be submitted by 9/30 must include 200 stakeholder survey. Our ideas are then taken to a regional meeting of other NC's in our region and that group whittles all of them down to 5 which get attached to the Mayor's budget. Soter began questions about who generated the survey and it's unscientific sample etc. and that it is "skewed" and has "holes." Bryant aware that it's just a starting point and had to be done quickly because of deadline. Would like surveys done by 9/2. They should be sent to the GGPNC PO Box 27003, LA CA 90027. Byrant explains that she's not sure that this is best way to delve into the budget since in our tough times this presents a "wish list" when perhaps we should be dividing a "pie." Gardner points out that GGPNC needs to appoint two reps to regional budget conference by 9/15. Bryant & DeMonte approved without opposition. Stakeholder George Grace graciously offers to process the surveys since he's in that business. To meet DONE requirements for a NC meeting devoted to budget priorities Thompson moves that the board have a separate meeting to select our five priorities. Knack suggests starting regular meeting a hour early to deal with budget. Kaplan suggests a 2 hour budget meeting. Bryant suggests making the 9/16 regularly scheduled meeting into "Budget Day" Thompson agrees and it is also agreed by consensus to postpone regular GGPNC business that would have come before the 9/16 meeting until an extra meeting set for Tuesday, October 7, 2003. GGPNC Minutes 8/19/03 page 3 7 b) Nominations for officers to be voted on at the Oct 7th meeting: Secretary - Bryant nominates incumbent Carroll who declines. After some discussion and the promise that the task of minutes preparation will be taken on by others Carroll relents and accepts the nomination. Treasurer - Kerr nominates incumbent Hunnewell who accepts Soter nominates Balesh who accepts *VP Communications & Outreach - Crawford nominates Kaplan who accepts Bryant nominates DeMonte who declines Kerr nominates Mosqueda in absentia VP Administration - Bryant & Soter nominate Thompson who accepts *President - Kerr & Hunnewell nominate Westall who accepts Rodriguez nominates Bryant who accepts. Nominees in contested races have until 9/23 to submit to the secretary their one page statements which will be posted on the website no later than 7 days prior to the meeting. *incumbents Johnson and Mims did not attend the meeting but sent word they did not wish to be nominated for their current positions. 7 c). District "C" representative replacement - Westall says Rules & Elections is doing a candidate application based on those used last year. It was suggested that we might need two new reps for district "C" since Bryant noted that Herrera's focus now is on family and business and that she would not object to having her position filled. Bryant reports Dora said she could always run for election again. Westall suggested that we should solicit a written resignation. DeMonte felt 3-4 weeks would be necessary for the outreach process. Westall suggests October 21, 2003 meeting as the deadline for applications. McQuestion suggests that we advise prospective GGPNC board members that they devote 3 hours per week to the NC. Changes made to the application form presented at the meeting include replacing the words: "I hereby declare under penalty of perjury...above statements are true" with "I certify the foregoing is true and correct." Also deleted will be Bruce Carroll's name prior to the GGPNC phone number. Added will be the GGPNC.org website as a place to gain info about GGPNC. Application approved by Consensus will be posted on the website where it can be printed and mailed to the GGPNC PO Box. 7 a) Proposed By-Laws changes - tabled until October 7th meeting 9 a) Marshall High as possible meeting site - tabled to October 7th meeting 9 b) Donation to LAPD memorial fund - Kerr moves GGPNC donate $250 in honor of Miyamura and Barron Carroll & Rodriguez second. Kerr explains $$ goes to police families and for some emergency officer needs. McQuiston suggests checking with City controller on legality of such a donation. Balesh asks it be tabled until be know if it's legal. Crawford brings up Fr. Pat fund asks donations be made by 9/2/03. No action voted. 10 & 11 No further reports or comments from Committees officers or bored members due to the late hour. 12. Adjourned 10:30pm |
|
CitiBank
Building, Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 A quorum was present with Board Members Hahn, Hererra, Knack & Thompson unable to attend. Minutes of the June 17. 2003 meeting were approved as written. 2. Public Comment: Stakeholder Richard Lo reported a graffiti problem east of Hillhurst and was referred to the Public Safety Committee. Stakeholders Michael Gelzhiser and Manuel Mesta representing Foodbloom LLC dba Vermont Restaurant 1714 Vermont introduced themselves and said they want to present their expansion plans to GGPNC. They are just getting City permits...they were referred to the PZTHP committee which had already begun review of the plans. They also brought some tasty treats. Board member Kaplan recused himself because they are his legal client. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston re upcoming council E&N Committee meeting dealing with motion to require DONE to do quarterly trainings and he stated that Hillhurst could be renamed for the Mayor Tom Bradley. 3. DONE Tom Soong reported Brown Act tapes are with board member Johnson for those who need the training...Westall and Mosqueda said they would attend upcoming ADA training. City Planning Dept. plans two sessions on how to use the internet to get planning info...7/30/03 4:30-6p in Van Nuys & 7/31/03 4:30-6p City Hall rm 1060. Soong says Greg Nelson looking for feedback on funding, Hunnewell says he's already started to provide it. . 4. Harvard House: Stakeholder David Monks and Hollywood Heritage President, Kay Tornberg, appealed for support in their effort to have 1749 Harvard Blvd designated as a Cultural Heritage Monument to give it a one year reprieve from the likely wrecking. The 1905-6 house, once owned by James Toberman, the first Anglo mayor of LA, is adjacent to property once owned by his nephew C.E. Toberman who built much of old Hollywood. The house, which is believed to be currently in escrow, according to Monks retains much of it's original detail in a "state of faded glory." He suggests that the house and 1/3 acre lot could be used as the community center the neighborhood needs. Crawford says LaBonge's office is already on it. Soter says other large historic houses have been successfully relocated. Tornborg says preference would be to have it remain at the site for its historic significance...perhaps trading preservation for building rights at another site. Westall moves support for Cultural Heritage designation, Crawford seconds. Stakeholder McQuiston says area is slated for very high density development due to proximity to Subway. HUNC VP Russ Brown says his NC support the designation. Kaplan opposes the motion as potentially harmful to current owner and/or potential buyer. He predicts interest rates will be going up and RE values declining. Mims finds we are lacking a consensus. Johnson calls for a vote, Hunnewell seconds. The vote is 11 support Cultural Heritage Designation, 2 oppose (Kaplan & Mosqueda). *Strategy Session - Stakeholder Richard Spicer presented report of the Exec Committee supporting a facilitated workshop to plan GGPNC goals and strategy. Board members and 10-12 stakeholders appointed by the EC to attend. To be held 3rd or 4th weekend of September. Mims moves to accept report Westall 2nds. With cost up to $2,500 for the session. Mims says we need to be pro-active not just re-active. Hunnewell sees need to set goals and ways to measure. Johnson suggests getting facilitator to work pro-bono. Stakeholder McQuiston complains item not properly noticed per Brown Act. Spicer says there are 3 qualified facilitator candidates with fees raging from $1000- $1500 all experienced. Crawford wonders whether we "really need this." Hunnewell feels the $ will be "extraordinarily well spent." Spicer says no cost for site if at Citibank or JMSH.... there is consensus to go ahead. 5. Burglar Alarm response policy Johnson says original Police commission "no response" to unverified alarms has been modified. New proposal is that it will be left up to LAPD officers to respond to unverified alarms at their discretion. Johnson proposed GGPNC issue a Community Impact Statement or she appear and speak for GGPNC in favor of the new revised policy. Westall seconds. Stakeholder McQuiston questions the plan. Stakeholder Leval Lund suggests better efforts to collect fees and placing burden on alarm companies. Stakeholder Jeff Gardner calls for faster police response. Carroll reports e-mail request for opinion on the issue was evenly divided. Kerr notes a rash of recent burglaries in her area. Rodriguez asks what are alarm companies doing? DeMonte fears insurance repercussions for businesses. Soter says most Angelenos don't have alarms. Consensus to support revised new policy. 6. Treasurer's Report - Hunnewell: 2nd quarter ended 6/30 and we had spent nearly $10,000, but will keep the residual from the $12,500 quarterly payment this one time only. $2,500 check to FHRA for Hoover mural has been received. 7. Citywide Alliance of Neighborhood Councils: Stakeholder Mark Siegel explains that it is a non city group that discusses ways for NC to be more effective...."activist sharing with activist." They do not take positions on citywide issues. Carroll moves and Johnson seconds formal GGPNC membership in the Alliance...there is consensus. 8. Rules & elections report & item 9 Marshall High as meeting site tabled to August meeting 12b. Greek Theatre event (taken out of order) Stakeholder Laura Citrano of Greek says "we'd be totally into that" but fears immediate neighbors would oppose. Referred to Outreach committee. 10. Committee Reports - HUNC Boundary controversy (added urgent item) Mims reports that despite earlier assurances that HUNC voted in May to annex all of Griffith Park and that DONE had already set the matter for a BONC hearing on 8/5/03. On 7/15/03 Executive Committee met and recommended GGPNC board oppose the change until such time as a group of board members from each NC have a chance to meet under DONE auspices with mediator from City Human Relations Dept. Mims moves approval of policy, Johnson 2nds. Hunnewell says annexation sets a bad precedent and multiple jurisdiction over the park doesn't benefit anyone, as stakeholders might have to attend multiple NC meetings to make their voice heard. HUNC website has May 20th minutes which erroneously report that Mims supports HUNC park annexation. Soter said HUNC wanted a joint park committee but she felt it would not work. Crawford says Parks are a shared resource. Westall has problem with "due process issues." HUNC VP Brown details history of HUNC boundaries saying they were dictated by DONE and this crisis is part of the long running battle between the Oaks and Los Feliz. When HUNC chair Joel Fisher met with Mims there was miscommunication and he thought he had agreement that GP be a shared resource. Mims suggests letting HUNC take western portion of GP. DONE's Soong says "don't blame me" and reports BONC consideration of the issue now set for 8/26/03. HUNC's Brown says that if GGPNC says we want to work together on the park, but don't want it included HUNC boundary then GGPNC really doesn't want to share. Stakeholder Gardner says we need to avoid turf wars and should consult other NC's on mutual problems. Consensus to go ahead with DONE mediation session with HUNC. Mims to appoint GGPNC representatives. GGPNC Survey - Bryant would like to move forward GGPNC City Services survey. Prototype posted at Zommerang website. Asks other committee chairs for input. Won't spend $$ on survey until there is a strong outreach plan. Board supports the City Service Committee direction. Safety Committee sent letter to LAPD Capt. Jackson planning 2nd letter re arming Park Rangers. PROS committee and Safety committee to hold joint meeting to hear from all sides in the long standing controversy and make recommendation to GGPNC board. Prostitution Task Force - Kerr asks okay to form joint taskforce with East Hollywood NC to work on problems in the Normandie-Sunset area. Police like proposal to install very bright "hostile illumination." Mims says okay can come from the committee. 11. Board Comment - Crawford reports pledges of $325 for Church Children's Theatre lighting in memory of Fr. Pat. Also that Barnsdall now has $8mil of $19 mil needed for phase II. Joy Jensen will head the culture committee for the next 3 months while Crawford is unavailable. 13. Adjourned 10:15pm * item inadvertently omitted in
originally approved version
Click Here for
official notices regarding agenda posting,
public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration.BOARD MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 17, 2003 – 7:00 PM CitiBank
Building, Community Police Center
1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call
to Order at 7:10pm by VP Administration Westall
Click Here for
official notices regarding agenda posting,
public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration.A quorum was present with Board Members Bryant, Hahn, Hererra, Hunnewell & Mims unable to attend. Board Member Patten has resigned. Minutes of the May 20, 2003 meeting were approved as written. 2. DONE report - no representative present. Stakeholder Richard Spicer says he has spoke with Tom Soong about plan to have a future strategy session for GGPNC...DONE is supportive and Soong to contact USC Neighborhood Study Group for possible assistance. 3. No Treasurers Report as both Treasurer and Asst. Treasurer were absent. 4. Rules & Elections...proposed by-laws revision dealing with how a stakeholder becomes a committee member was tabled until next month due to lack of documents and lack of statement from DONE on the issue. --Introductions by board and stakeholders around the room 5. Possible new meeting sites; Westall says Marshall Cafeteria is available, (janitors leave at 11p) but, so is Police Center. Rodriguez supports the idea of holding meeting in Marshall and other schools. Mosqueda likes having a regular place, but committees should meet in various places. Others agree regular site is a plus. Stakeholder Charlotte DeArmond reports GGPNC is more than welcome to continue to use center with proper notification, but might be happier at JMHS. If we stay need to do a better job of cleanup after meetings. Also fire inspectors are coming to set occupancy limits. Stakeholder Mark Siegel supports idea of moving meetings around and trying different formats to make meetings more "fun and participatory." Notes that DONE covers the extra janitorial costs of LAUSD meeting sites. Mosqueda warns that sometimes JMHS alumni meetings get moved to different locations at the school and that we should get commitment of cafeteria location. Balesh suggests commitment be written. There was discussion of cafeteria layout and requirement that it not be changed. Johnson moves that a committee of 2-3 be appointed to investigate JMHS site, Carroll 2nds...Westall amends that committee should also get written committment of continuity from JMHS Principal...committee of Johnson, Kaplan, Westall and Mosqueda will undertake the task. 6. Committee Reports-- Education- Rodriguez presents Education report and outreach letter to be distributed among educational community to encourage attendance at July 24th committee meeting at JMHS. Culture - Crawford drafted letter of support for Barnsdall Art Park educational programs. Met with church Children's Theatre group who welcome any support. Crawford ready to coordinate collection of private donations. Theatre on hiatus till fall when they expect to have lighting plan. Crawford knows of lighting board available now for $1000. PROS -Knack reports on Griffith Park Master Plan meetings...good turnout. Next PROS committee meeting set for July 14, 2003 site TBA, but Knack hopes to hold meetings at various sites in GP. Outreach - DeMonte, no committee meeting yet. Circulates sign-up sheet for phone bank to call stakeholders to advise of GGPNC meetings etc. Pro and Con discussion of the merits and desirability of having phone bank. Beautification - Kerr presents status report on ongoing projects. Ad Hoc committee meeting set for Saturday June 28th for walking tour aimed at improving look of Sunset-Fountain intersection. City Services - Vice chair Siegel reports committee discussed the Public Works budget for next 10 years and plans an outreach survey to identify city service issues on the minds of stakeholders. PZTHP - Thompson reports committee adopted mission statement and policies on how to evaluate issues. Still working on over-in-height fences and outreach to other NCs on cell phone antenna by-right proposal. Supporting plans to revive the dormant city Mobility Action Committee to deal with area traffic problems. Newsracks - DeMonte reports she attended City Council Public Works committee meeting at which new newsrack ordinance was put on hold. LaBonge deputy Eric Sanjurjo suggested ad hoc committee from NCs on issue Soter would like to be on the committee. DeMonte explains City Council committee looking at strengthening new ordinance to deal with grandfathering issue. Safety - Mosqueda says LAPD reported good stats for NE at last week's semi annual meeting. Rodriguez talked about need for permanent replacement for SLO Miyamura. Read letter to Capt. Kyle Jackson asking for answers on SLO and other crime related issues. Discussion followed about ability of the GGPNC board to adopt the letter now because of lack of Brown act notification. This led to comments from Stakeholder Jim McQuiston that agendas need to be more specific, that City Council is now doing that. Carroll answered questions on how GGPNC agenda is prepared and requested timely input from board members. Siegel commented that adopting Police letter does not violate Brown act. DeMonte suggests board needs to be informed of anything going out under GGPNC letterhead. Spicer noted all issues mentioned in the letter have been aired at GGPNC meetings in the past. The Safety committee will take up the letter at its 6/26/03 meeting and perhaps have Mims signs letter if its adopted. 7. Barnsdall - Crawford Park open, but lots of work remains. $2000 raised at benefit. Park has no phones. Hollyhock House has an adopt-a-room program...reopening date unsure...park theatre opening set for December...Crawford urges "cookers" to send him recipes for fundraising cookbook. Observatory-Knack project still in destruction stage...copper due to come off dome soon...check www.griffithobs.org website for great pix. FOTO $700,000 check to be presented 6/18/03...reopening set for December 2005. 8. Board Comments: Kerr asks that HUNC territorial issue over Griffith Park be put July board agenda. Rodriguez says we need DONE at meeting with boundary maps. Wetsall says we need to get HUNC by-laws to see what they claim. Any claim to joint territory has to be approved by both boards and BONC. Knack says park belongs to all of the city not to a particular neighborhood. Soter objects to creating ad hoc committee, as in HUNC issue, undermines the standing committee process...also questions board members giving opinion as if they came from GGPNC. Westall says Rules and Elections committee will be happy to deal with ad hoc committee issue at it's July 2, 2003 meeting. Several voice opinion that we need to have a process. DeArmond supports meeting with DONE in HUNC issue. 9. Public Comment: Toby Leaman complains no one said hello to her and her husband...but they'll be back. Siegel asks for July agenda item on New Issue Action Network designed to educate NC's on city issue. He also shows some NC outreach materials from Minneapolis.... Other suggestions: -- Culture committee do a cultural resource study...Crawford says it has been done -- Have public comment earlier in the meeting agenda (Rodriguez requests agenda item for July) -- Hold picnic for all community agencies. McQuiston: City Council Education and Neighborhood Committee reports no NC's sent responses to community naming proposal earlier this year. McQuiston feels NCs must respond even to say they have no opinion. Also warns that state is trying to recapture whole vehicle license. fee from cities and we need to talk to the community about what to do about budget shortfall since we are supposed to monitor the budget. 10. Adjourned 9:12pm ================= GGPNC BOARD MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 20, 2003 – 7:00 PM CitiBank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call to Order at 7:22pm by President Mims... A quorum was present with Board Members Hererra, Mosqueda, Patten, and Rodriguez unable to attend. The Minutes of the April 15, 2003 meeting were approved with 3 corrections. David Reames, Knack asked quotes attributed to them be withdrawn re: the zoo. Crawford re: street fair basketball. The word "neighborhood" was substituted for "City" in the item regarding funds for the Hoover mural project. - Carroll 2. Koko Panossian of the USC Neighborhood Participation Project explained they are hoping all NC members will fill out their June survey...promised free dessert for NC's where 2/3 participate. He also promised confidentiality and said the hope was to improve the NC's. 3. DONE report...there was no DONE representative present. 4. Treasurer's Report -Hunnewell...$575 in the GGPNC checking account and $12,000 in the DONE account. He explained that DONE now says that funds unspent by quarter's end (either June 1 or June 6) would go back to the city controller. He urged all with outstanding expense to submit the proper requests for reimbursement. Expenses discussed included: $2,500 for the Hoover Street Mural project, LF Street Fair booths, Knacks asks separate booth for PROS Committee (booths are $50each). Hunnewell recommends infrastructure expenses for computers for Treasury and Outreach/Secretary functions...including software such as "Quickbooks" desktop publishing, database etc. and perhaps a copier. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston says city may be cutting back on NC funding. CD-4 deputy Jeanne Chang and Lynn Cohen, beautification consultant for LaBonge's office presented plans for landscaping and protecting the area under the Shakespeare Bridge at the south end of Monon St. Where residents approve of the plan and will be asked to do plant maintenance while the city has installed irrigation and will pay for the water, tools etc. Hahn praises project, Knack suggests presentation to Beautification committee. 5. Rules and Elections Committee report - 5A) Westall presents proposed policy governing the GGPNC officer election schedule...nominations at August Board meeting...14 days later deadline to file one page statements with GGPNC Secretary, 7 day before next meeting statements must be distributed and posted on GGPNC website, September Board meeting candidates get 2 minute presentations followed by up to 10 minute Q&A per candidate, Elections held one office at a time. Bryant moves to adopt, Johnson 2nds, Mims declares adoption by consensus. 5B) Proposal for a Code of Policies and Procedures to be maintained by the Rules and Elections Committee - Westall explains we should have such a record of official GGPNC policies. Bryant moves adoption, Hunnewell 2nds. Hahn supports collection of policies, questions use of the word "code." Mims says when the committee has prepared the procedure manual they must come back to the full board for approval. 5C) Proposed Bylaws changes regarding procedure for selection of committee chairs and membership (see report of the 4/28/03 R&E Committee for full text). Proposal passed the committee 6-2. Hunnewell explained arguments against allowing any stakeholder who shows up at a meeting to become an instant member. Says board should have some approval process. Foresees problems on Budget and Finance with a different voting quorum from meeting to meeting. Soter says earlier inquiries by DeMonte and DeArmond to DONE say we can't set up rules barring instant membership to anyone. Hunnewell suggest rechecking with DONE. Thompson mentions problem of group hijacking a meeting for their special interest. Carroll suggests membership be effective at following meeting. Bylaw change question put off to June meeting. Soter asks for written opinion from DONE on any committee membership limits. 6. DeMonte discusses the proposed new newsrack ordinance from Public Works. Says currently newsracks are "mushrooming...anticipating grandfathering." Finds it hard to see how the new law will be enforceable. Racks can only be denied for public safety. Soter asks about ads. DeMonte notes the would not be permitted, but there is skepticism that GGPNC Minutes 5/20/2003 page 2 the Times and others would change their ways. Mims notes that LaBonge is vice chair of the Public Works committee so we will get a heads up when it goes to the council committee. 7. Stakeholder Richard Spicer presents Education report in Rodriguez absence. It has draft letter to those interested in schools, announcing the Education Committee's first meeting on July 24th at 7pm in the Marshall cafeteria. It also contains a list of GGPNC board members with e-mail contact info. 8. Matters referred from April Meeting: Mims- finally got a response from St. Mary's Church re Father Pat's Children's Theatre. They estimate the cost for lights and labor to be $6,500. After question by Crawford it is explained that we do not contemplate donating anywhere near that amount. Hahn raised the Church-State constitutional issue and many others join his concerns. Crawford noted many children's theatres start in churches. Mims says it might be "church sponsored" but not a "church program" doesn't think it a church-state issue. Many express desire to make private donations. Consensus that the Culture committee should work on the project coordinating donations including possible surplus equipment from studios. Zoo Letter new proposed letter presented. Knack says "it's not exactly watered down" Reames says his boss endorses the letter also. Hunnewell moves to adopt the letter after correcting grammar. Also suggested was including that Zoo is within GGPNC boundaries. Mims asks letter be prepared for his signature. 9. Westall presented a 14 page proposed Conflict of Interest Code for the GGPNC that would differ from the one-size-fits-all code that DONE has proposed. The GGPNC code would strengthen recusal requirements while not deterring business owners from board service. Westall explains our code first must go to Ethics Commission for review and then after any required revisions would need City Council approval. Hunnewell described our code as a "statement of independence" Mims feels the DONE plan amounts to "negative outreach." Hahn asked that word "spouse" be accompanied thruout by the words "registered domestic partner." Mims asked that category 1 disclosure rules apply only to the GGPNC officers, the rest of the board would be in category 2. Mims noted each city department has its own ethics code so the issue is whether to allow BONC to preempt the issue for all NC's. Mims motion, Hunnewell 2nd approved by consensus to send the corrected draft ethics code to the city Ethics Commission since it is unknown when City Council will take up the BONC mandated code. 10. Meeting Site Search - Westall presents a list of possible locations plus fees. Mims wants something central, GP ranger station too far, perhaps Marshall High cafeteria....Westall to check w/principal. Bryant notes schools are supposed to help provide facilities. Johnson says it must be a safe location. 11. GGPNC Committee Reports (A) Mims moves several 2nd appointment of Jonathon Kaplan to the vacant board seat representing the religious community...unanimously approved. (B) Johnson and DeMonte to continue work on street fair tables. (C) Thompson reports on PZTHP committee investigation into proposed ordinance allowing cell phone antennas by-right in C&M zoned areas even adjacent to residential property. Balesh cites need to get other NC's involved. Mims encourages outreach on the issue. Discussion of over-in-height fence policy. Mims suggests we oppose except in cases where someone in support comes to GGPNC, then review the case merits. Committee to formulate the policy decision. 12. Barnsdall - Crawford says Hollyhock House is working on being designated a National Historic Monument. Cultural Affairs Dept is officially in charge of the park and the reopening party has been cancelled. Jackie Goldberg and Kevin Murray are working on getting Prop 40 $$...Crawford still looking for cookbook recipes. Knack reads proposed PROS committee mission statement, announces workshops on the new GP master plan to be held on Mondays June 9,16, &23 and Friendship Auditorium. Reports large (1500 people) enthusiastic turnout at the satellite observatory for the recent lunar eclipse. 13. Balesh agrees committee meeting schedule policy is a matter for Rules & Elections committee. Kerr re Hoover mural looks like $5000 from city will come thru...looking for $2,500 from GGPNC...Kerr moves Crawford 2nd $2,500 approved by consensus for Hoover project. 14. McQuiston warns we should get our spending requests into city before 6/30 with likely $$ cuts in new F/Y. Also warns that NC 's may be eliminated. Stakeholder Laura Citrano from the Greek Theatre says she will be attending GGPNC meeting____ 15. Adjourned at 10:48pm Click Here for official notices regarding agenda posting, public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration. |
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GGPNC
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 15, 2003 – 7:00 PM Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call to Order at 7:18pm by President Mims. 2. Roll Call, Board members Herrera, Mosqueda, Westall unable to attend 3. Minutes of the 3/18/03 meeting, were approved. *4. City Councilmember Eric Garcetti said he looks forward to working with NC Members and has begun a bi-monthly breakfast meeting for rotating reps from each of the NC's in his district. He also talked about the $5,000 matching grants available from the city and the fact that volunteer efforts can count towards the $$ @ $10 p/hr. He pledged that even though GGPNC includes only a small area of his council district we would fully qualify and he is also looking into the issue of finding NC's office space. He said he supports a proposed state law the would set up a rating system for auto repair shops. While the law would not rid the area of shops it would cleanup the ones we have. He said he supported biz tax reform passed recently by the council to simplify reporting for businesses that fall into multiple categories. He is also working to eliminate the double tax on people who work as independent contractors. He spoke of the LA River committee meeting aimed at taking local control of the river. He said they are for funding and that river rehab is "front and center" as "something we should do." He spoke of his efforts to work with producers and unions to stem runaway production and about obtaining Workforce Investment Funds to train youth in the entertainment industry. Crawford thanked Garcetti for getting funds for art classes and teachers restored at Barnsdall. Garcetti said he's working to get funds for phase 2 and also trying to make "one department the Czar" at the park to provide "one stop shopping for constituents." Mims had the board intro themselves. Bryant brought up the question of the Zoo. Garcetti said he'd personally been to China with the mayor seeking zoo animals. Garcetti mentioned the new budget proposes a 75 cent increase in Zoo admission and other service fees such as trash collection going from $6-$10 per household. Rodriguez thanked the councilman for his support and reward for the Hyperion rapist. She said the recent march was a great event. Garcetti congratulated her for the march. Rodriguez asked about the Sunset Pacific Motel. Garcetti said the Patel's had missed the appeal deadline so there will never be a motel there again unless the neighborhood council really wants it. Garcetti opined that the "Patels had paid more than the property was worth" and will have to bring down their asking price before others can step in to develop the property. The councilmember concluded by reminding all that he has office hours every other Saturday (4/26 the next date) where constituents can call ahead for a 10 minute slot to talk with him. DeMonte invited him to the Street Fair June 8, it was suggested he play basketball with Tom LaBonge. Garcetti said he tries to keep Sunday free for family, but will consider the offer. 5. McDonalds reps were no shows 6. Brian Lickel was a no show *7. Tom Soong represented DONE and thanks GGPNC members for attending the Neighborhood Congress. He said LA is implementing NC's much faster than other big cities. He mentioned DONE will be setting up a "Budget Day" in June. He also offered to have someone explain the ethics rules at the next GGPNC meeting. Mims asked if the question of whom must fill out form #700 had been resolved...since it hadn't Soong agreed the ethics rep should wait until definitive info could be provided. 8. Treasurers report...Hunnewell reports "nothing to report." Expenditure forms to be posted on the website for download when needed and will be password protected. He also discussed the possibility for setting up a 501(c)(3) group that could raise $$ tax free for GGPNC projects since as a city agency we cannot accept donations. Hunnewell also clarified that we can have only $500 pretty cash at one time. 9. Carryover matters from March ... Fr. Pat Jones-Mims reports the church Rector has not returned calls and Mims will continue to gather info for a memorial fund to complete the theatre lighting. EIDC...letter not yet done. The proposed Zoo letter was discussed at great length. Crawford explained the committee had spent a lot of time with Reames, but calls to the zoo to send a rep to the meeting had gone unreturned. Hunnewell questioned the letter's call to "discontinue captive breeding programs that do not have a reintroduction program" since he had no idea what that entailed. Johnson said some species may not be able to survive outside of breeding programs. Soter said the zoo had recently been accredited. Hahn questioned proposal re "ecosystem restoration" when the zoo is already short of fund and other agencies deal with such matters. Bryant moved to send the letter back to committee, Carroll seconded. Hunnewell suggests formal letter to zoo commission to invite them to discuss the issues with us. Crawford says the process was very time consuming and that the zoo does sell some of its animals to commercial interests. Mims declares consensus to return the letter to committee for further study. Myra Sunset project. Thompson reports on Plan, Zone etc. Committee meeting with Joe Stalzer the developer who said they plan about 64 units for seniors, 55+, They are awaiting funding before they can hire an architect. Carroll mentioned at the meeting that the community would want more than a blank parking garage wall on the Myra frontage. The main entrance to the complex would be above on Sunset. Soter says the same developers did a nicely styled pseudo craftsman project in Glendale. Rodriguez mentioned discussions had included the benefit of balconies overlooking Myra. Rules and elections committee report Mims moves adoption, Balesh 2nds. Of only last two sections relating to Officer Election and How a stakeholder becomes a member of a committee. After discussion of the possibility of ambiguities in the Stakeholder becomes a committee member proposal, Mims amends to move approval only of Officer Election provision, Balesh 2nds...approved by consensus. Discussion of the issue of selection of committee chairs...Mims feels a need for by-laws change to clear up ambiguities 10. Committee reports... Culture Committee - Crawford reports the restored Barnsdall classes face elimination again in July. Committee will deal with that plus mission statement and budget at next meeting, May 7th, Crawford also working to get more committee members. Parks Committee- Knack reports the Griffith Park master plan, "15 years in the making" to be released soon. The Observatory project is on time and on budget. Friends of the Observatory have donated $3mil to the project and on May 15th there will be a total eclipse of the moon and satellite observatory will be open. Education Committee- not yet formed, reports Rodriguez, due to priority of the Hyperion rapist march and safe schools program. Planning Zoning Traffic, Preservation committee will meet again on May 15th, says Thompson. Beautification Committee - Kerr and Rodriguez present plans for Hoover stairway mural project. Area now is a rough neighborhood full of junk. The 18-24 month mural project would cleanup, landscape and repair the stairs. Rodriguez is writing proposal for $5000 grant also asking for $2500 from neighborhood Council. Kerr says it's a place to make a dramatic change helping the trend to gentrify the neighborhood. Crawford asks if the neighbors are involved...Kerr says they plan door to door outreach. Mims says street services should handle the needed stairway repairs. Project budget about $10,000...$7,000 for mural plus $2,500 for landscaping bare hillsides. Labor sign up sheet was passed around. Volunteer work counted at $10 p/hr. FHRA has pledged $400 to the mural project. Executive Committee plans to take up stakeholder Richard Spicer's suggestion that GGPNC work on short, medium and long range strategic planning. Knack says at neighborhood congress session she attended they discussed "very precise" methods other NC's have used for planning. Business -DeMonte says no meeting planned until after the June 8th Street Fair. Herrera will be out for a while due to family death. Mims suggests giving her time...a couple of months. Crawford suggests interim appointment. Mims suggests having biz committee appoint vice chair to get Business Committee started. Johnson suggests outreach committee could handle biz matters in the short term. Jonathon Kaplan interested in Religious seat on the GGPNC Board. Discussion of continuing search... Fr. Chris who had past interest...decision put off until next meeting. 11. Crawford reports tickets for the June 8th Barnsdall Hollyhock house fund raiser are available for $10. Also kilns will be restored for art classes and the new landscaping is "exquisite" with large pine trees. Park reopening now set for May 24th with July party at a cost of $50k. There is an upcoming meeting with Assembly Member Jackie Goldberg who worked hard to support the park when she was on the City council. 12. Board Comments Mims welcomes Susan Swan and Russell Brown from Hollywood United NC (hollywoodunitednc.org) discusses plans for possible lighting near GP Ranger station. Kerr says bureau of street lighting suggests cobra light on middle pole in the Fern Dell area...over the gate. Mims says the two councils should come to an agreement since have same concerns. Brown says his council this month will be dealing with CRA and huge proposed Hollywood and Vine project that will add at least 67,000 additional car trips a day in the area. Includes Marriott hotel and highrise. Proposed regional fire station on Hollywood near Western cancelled because site is not large enough without displacing many residents. Soter talks about LA River cleanup day May 3rd with 3 Los Feliz sites. Carroll mentions we now have control of our website thanks to Stan Thompson...advises Board Members they can now have their own e-mail addresses ending in @GGPNC.org. Applause for Thompson's efforts. Carroll also advises that great deal of census/demographic/election data from Westall now on the website. 13. No additional public comment 14. Adjourned at 9:15p * Item taken out of Agenda order...numbers refer to meeting agenda |
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GGPNC
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 18, 2003 – 7:00 PM Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1.Call to Order at 7:15pm by President Mims. 2. Roll Call, Board members Hahn, Herrera, Johnson and Soter unable to attend 3. Minutes of the 2/18/03 meeting, were approved after the following corrections: Item 2, it was noted that Cheryl Johnson was "acting as temporary secretary" in Carroll's absence. Item 6 was corrected to indicate Mr. Lickel be put on the April agenda. Item 11, in the last sentence, the words "a notorious criminal" were changed to "an alleged multiple murderer." The spelling of "DeMont" was corrected to "DeMonte." The Board also approved "without objection" Secretary Carroll's proposal that "Draft Minutes" be posted on the GGPNC website when available prior to board approval. 4. Treasurer’s Report, Hunnewell discussed the work of the GGPNC Budget and Finance committee meeting which developed flow charts (distributed at the meeting although not in their original color) titled: "GGPNC Budget Formation," "GGPNC Approval Matrix," and "GGPNC Financial Documents." He explained "the idea behind the budget formation is that the budget will be developed from the bottom up by the committees." Then it would go to treasurers, then to Exec committee, then board as a whole. If a committee cannot agree on budget, then the budget is set by the committee Chair and Asst. Chair or if they can't agree the committee Chair will send the committee budget on to the Treasurers. They will organize all requests and pass the budget package on to the Exec Committee. If the Exec Committee can't agree, decision authority moves to the Treasurers and the GGPNC President and if that fails the President alone may submit the budget package for approval by the GGPNC Board. If the Board fails to agree, the approval would fall to the Exec Committee, then President and Treasurers, and as a last resort to the President alone. Bryant moves adoption of the budget process, Westall seconds. Mims likes the flow but thinks the whole board should have "to bite the bullet" and adopt the budget. He suggests eliminating the right most boxes that might give sole authority to the President. Hunnewell says "99% of the time" the right hand boxes would not be needed but the idea of putting them there was as a "fail safe measure" if the Board could not reach agreement and the President is needed very rare the cases where the Exec Committee fails to agree on a budget. He warns the failure to be able to adopt a budget could impact GGPNC's ability to honor contracts it has made. He notes that at this time GGPNC is only allowed to enter into "fee for service contracts" not long term contracts or "anything that resembles an employment contract." Balesh suggests that approval authority go no further than the Exec Committee with the addition of the Chair of a committee whose budget item may be causing a stalemate. Knack suggests that presidential approval should apply only to contracts. Mosqueda supports original proposal so the issue will not have to be revisited. Stakeholder Richard Spicer asks if individual board members can suggest budget items. Discussion follows explaining that they can have input thru individual committees or the Budget and Finance Committee and they can make suggestions at the point of board budget approval. Mims offers an amendment to the effect that only if the board cannot agree on the budget at the meeting at which it is presented or the following board meeting, then the budget as presented becomes the official budget. He notes that at "any subsequent meeting anybody could bring up the motion to change any particular budget item." Hunnewell accepts the amendment. Mary Rodriguez supports the original plan not wanting a budget to be approved because "no action is being taken." Bryant supports the amendment because she feels it will best preserve the work of the Budget and Finance committee. At this point the prolonged discussion was tabled until later in the meeting as per policy. When the budget discussion resumed Mims restated his amendment that would delete the last three steps in the "Budget Formation Chart" and have the budget originally presented to the GGPNC Board adopted if there was no Board agreement by the meeting after the one where the budget was presented. The vote was 5aye - 9 no...the amendment failed. Then the original proposal was adopted by consensus. Hunnewell next presented the GGPNC Approval Matrix, reallocation rules. McQuiston feels controversy will come when expenditures are actually authorized. Says stakeholder input is missing and there will have to be hearings, but if there is a hearing at the committee level then none is necessary at board level. Hunnewell says that at this point even if hearings are held by committees he wouldn't want cut off input at Board level unless it became a problem. Westall suggests that the upper limit of reallocation without Board approval be lowered from $10,000 to $5,000. Mims suggests Treasurer be in on all reallocations. Hunnewell agrees to drop the top reallocation line so that all reallocations both within and between committees would follow the same form. Bryant moves, Hunnewell seconds to accept the plan as amended ($5000 limit and requiring treasurer to be in on all reallocations both within and between committee) Mims declares consensus. GGPNC Financial Documents plan also approved by consensus. Hunnewell reports that he, Bryant and DeMonte have signature approval on checks. Mims suggests that as President he and the treasurers should have the approval. Also, that a resolution was needed to officially authorize opening of a checking account. There was also discussion of whether 2nd signatures should be required and the fact that banks don't pay any attention anyhow. Hunnewell moves and Bryant 2nds resolution as above. Mims finds consensus. Hunnewell reports that the GGPNC got the city Stored Value Card funded so we have $6,250 and suggests those to whom GGPNC owes $$ can present requests for reimbursement. Actual cash must be withdrawn and then deposited in the bank account. 5. Fr. "Pat" Jones Memorial... Mims reports the sad news that Board Member Father "Pat" Jones of the St. Mary's Anglican Church died of a massive heart attack a couple of weeks ago. Mims calls for all to take a minute of silence to honor Fr. "Pat." Mims notes that Fr. "Pat" had a love of theatre and had built a children's theatre in the Church basement, but that "one thing he had left to finish was stage lighting." The church has started a memorial fund to continue the work. Mims says he will check into the cost of the lighting and requests the Treasurer to check into any issues regarding such a donation aimed at having a recommendation for board action at the next meeting, perhaps a challenge matching fund. Scott Crawford supports the idea but is concerned over other small theatres in the area who may also be in need. 6. Senior Citizens Home Stan Thompson reports that Joe Stalzer of the Affordable Housing CDC (financing and project management) is not at the meeting but wants to bring plans for a 60 resident center to the GGPNC Planning Committee first. Project in very preliminary stage. They just purchased the property at Myra and Sunset in December. Started cleanup of property 3 weeks ago while they select architect for the project. Rodriguez says she's happy to see the project. She says it has the support of police SLO Polehonki and Councilman Garcetti who foresees seniors on the balconies overlooking Myra keeping a watchful eye on the safety of students going to and from King MS. Rodriguez has invited Garcetti to the April GGPNC meeting to discuss this and other issues such as Sunset Pacific Motel, McDonalds plans, etc. 7. McDonalds Sunset Store Manager Jackie Rivera introduced and says that plans for rebuilding the store will be presented by folks from the corporate office at next month's GGPNC meeting. 8. United Methodist Church is planning to relocate to 1800 N. Western. They have outgrown current facilities at Franklin and Kenmore. Donnal Poppe of Permitage noted the new location on Western is near public transit, meets parking requirements, will have a "community room" for outside groups and at 56' the height of the tower is lower than the adjacent Hollywest development. Architect Richard Nam discussed his plan in more detail. The building will be 31,000 sq ft with the sanctuary on the 2nd floor seating 346. Lower lever will have classrooms and parking. The building is 42' high with glass atrium and a metal clad 15'x15' tower reaching 56'. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston says his East Hollywood organization supports the project. DeMonte asks if tower might block some views...the answer was no. City hearing not yet set on the project. Nam says it complies with landscaping rules at 8-10% of the lot. Several board members compliment the look of the design. Hunnewell says it's wise they came to get GGPNC support. Mims finds consensus of support for the Church's conditional use permit. 9. Entertainment Industry Development Corporation Carroll brought to the Board's attention an email sent to all NC's by Larry Jacobs of the Pacific Palisades Community council. It called for the councils to send an attached letter to the Mayor and City Council urging stricter oversight of the EIDC and more stringent rules to govern when and how filming is permitted in city neighborhoods. Mims concerned that some of the conditions for filming suggested by the letter would be seen as business unfriendly when filming is already leaving LA. Rodriguez noted some filming problems on Waverly. Hunnewell called the letter "a little bit over the top." Crawford "outraged" by the letter cites $10+billion lost to LA economy from runaway productions. DeMonte cites parking problems related to frequent filming at Lloyd Wright House on Franklin. Mosqueda explained the need to reserve ample space for trucks to park. Knack pointed out the EIDC is under going reorganization due to numerous charges of impropriety. Stakeholder Spicer noted that Marshall High gets money from filming its unique exterior. Mosqueda decried the fact that the money instead of being used for school extras now goes to LAUSD general fund. Mims, Rodriguez and Mosqueda to work together on a letter suggesting "positive changes" 10. DONE report - No DONE representative present, but Mims revealed the secret password to register for workshops at the April 5, 2003 Congress of Neighborhood Councils to be held at the LA Convention Center. Since the meeting many GGPNC Board members have registered for numerous workshops. And Carroll has increased the e-mail font size as requested by certain presbyopic board members. 11. GGPNC Committee Organization Bryant explains the work of a subcommittee of Rules and Elections (Rodriguez, Westall and Kerr also on the committee) "Standing Committee Guidelines" distributed at the meeting deals with: (note education committee inadvertently left off the list was added) Brown Act: suggests agenda be posted in each of the five GGPNC districts (Carroll suggests that we can change mandated posting locations when we have selected more appropriate locations.)and the committees establish a regular meeting schedule. Mission Statements: suggests committees develop one. Goals: Committees should establish short, mid and long term goals, meet each month, and actively recruit stakeholder participation and membership. Reports: Should be simple minutes submitted to GGPNC Secretary at least 96 hours prior to Board Meeting and indicate any action required... Suggested sample format supplied. (Carroll requests MS Word format.) Minutes: suggests committee chair be given approval authority. Budget: should annually submit proposed budget with a statement of proposed initiatives. Stakeholder McQuistion noted there are 75 organizations and committee meetings that NCs should monitor. Suggests outreach needed to recruit those willing to undertake this ongoing responsibility. Rodriguez suggests getting input from council staff re important area issues. DeMonte says committees should monitor relevant events in their responsibility. Mims says Thompson, with Carroll as backup, will be getting info on planning issues. Mims says when things are up and running "we shouldn't have to hunt down" the issues of interest to us. The departments should be coming to us with future plans and ideas. Westall stresses benefits of committees having regular monthly meetings. Hunnewell brings up the issue of who can appoint committee members. Bylaws indicate that "any interested member of the GGPNC...shall be entitled to serve on any council committee upon request to the committee or the board. Rodriguez says that member info would be in the minutes. Hunnewell notes that under the bylaws a group of stakeholders could hijack a committee for their special interest, and throw out the chair. " Mims says ultimately the board needs to be able to control who is on the committees. Hunnewell suggests and Westall agrees that that Rules & Election committee should look at this issue and suggest possible changes. Mims recommends that the report be adopted and the R&E committee be asked "to take a look at the concern" over what to do about committee stacking or disruptive members. Knack moves, Hunnewell seconds, that the report be adopted and suggests some kind of grievance procedure rather than creating bars to committee membership. Mims reports consensus to adopt the guidelines and ask R&E committee to come back with recommendations at the next Board meeting. 12. GGPNC Committee Reports Rodriguez announces a 4/4/03 6pm press conference at Marshall High followed by a march and candlelight vigil on the Hyperion Bridge to draw attention to the long running series of attacks in the vicinity. She encourages people to come and bring friends and neighbors. Knack attended the City Council ad hoc river committee meeting on 3/13/03 where City and Corps of Engineers started the ball rolling on plans to improve the river. 13. Barnsdall, Observatory & Zoo Progress reports Crawford intros Glen Drake from Councilman Garcetti's office who reports that the park will reopen on May15th since phase I which was $5.5mil short of funds has found an additional $6.4mil...but, Crawford reported, phase II is going to need private $$ to restore Hollyhock House and Residence A and more. The cost of these projects has risen from an estimated $7mil, to $19mil and likely $30mil "by the time the money is raised." HH taking proactive stance "taking our story to the world"...LA Times articles and upcoming ones in other big papers...asking for letters of support...asking for petition signatures...holding benefit June 8th at Autry Museum to show film. HH is full of mold and has many other problems. Looking for HH docents to conduct tours of exhibit on the house and gardens. Knack explains the change in color of the Observatory due to removal of hazardous lead paint. "The site is extraordinarily dangerous" with hazardous material and excavation. David Reames with Citizens Campaign for Conservation and Humane Reformation of Zoos and also an animal keeper at the LA Zoo asked the GGPNC to adopt a resolution recognizing importance of conservation, animal welfare and asking the Mayor and City Council to pick a new Zoo Director who is ethical, humane minded, and conservation minded. Reames claims "no one at City Hall wants to deal with the Zoo"...surveys show low morale among Zoo employees 90% of who believe the Zoo needs to improve its role in conservation, animal management and education... Zoo not doing enough in animal rescue efforts, is over breeding animals and needs a breed and release program. Reames states that "basic conservation does not exists at the Zoo anymore" and that conditions violate Col. Griffith's legacy...Knack asked about GLAZA, Reames says they are under City control. Mims and Hunnewell express support for broad goals, but point out we lack info on implications fiscal and otherwise of some the specific suggestions contained in letter to Mayor Hahn presented by Reames such as: "end all captive breeding programs that do not have a reintroduction program associated with them." Carroll suggests that there could be no quarrel with a short statement asking that the next zoo director be "ethical, conservation minded and humane minded." Kerr offers to work on the issue with the Culture Committee and suggests the Mayor should study Austin and Detroit zoos that are accredited as wildlife sanctuaries. It was decided the Cultural commitee should compose a letter to the Mayor and Council re a new Zoo Director and also to have the committee look into the larger picture of operations of the zoo. Stakeholder Joy Jansen from Coldwell banker and Edendale Grill volunteered for the committee. 14. GGPNC Board Member reports...Kerr reports on 3/17/03 meeting with several GGPNC board members and Councilman LaBonge who wants regular meetings and has named his deputy Erik Sanjurjo as the official ENS contact. LaBonge wants us to look into the LA population explosion estimated at 3-5mil in the next 20 years...wants it on the agenda for us to discuss. Several board members expressed a desire not to have a population explosion. ENS notification time raised from 62hrs to 96 hrs. Mims says LaBonge suggested we put our certification number (it's 36) on our letterhead and the number will be used to direct ENS info. Hunnewell says he's been informed that starting in April the city will have a web based system where NC's will be able to post 100 word impact statements on relevant issues to be included in the City Council agenda. Kerr says Sanjurjo says they may hire a deputy to work with DONE to sift through documents to pluck out issues of interest to district NC's. ENS issues to be handled by City Council's Education committee. Mims appointed by LaBonge to City Council's ENS committee. Thompson reports that GGPNC now has account with Network Solutions and soon should own the web address GGPNC.org. (It has happened.) Carroll presents Hunnewell with the duplicate shiny golden colored key to PO Box 27003. Rodriguez discusses the Hoover Street Stairway Art Project and desire for matching funds. Would like a letter from GGPNC saying they support the grant. Item to be placed on the April agenda. Kerr "very much in support" of the project. Mims suggests matter could be approved at Executive Committee meeting. Hunnewell wants to have timetable for committees to set budgets...issue tabled. Mims calls for minute of silence for LAPD Senior Lead Officer. Stacy Miyamura who died of cancer. 15. Public Comment David Wheatley spoke to thank the GGPNC for its efforts that helped convince Gelson's to withdraw its application for an 56' tower at their Griffith Park Bl. Store. Richard Spicer suggests that the board, stakeholders, committee chairs, meet with facilitators to come up with near term (1-2years) mid term (3-5 year) and long term goals for GGPNC and neighborhood's needs. Jim McQuiston advised the council on the Teamwork LA Program and LAPL program for students to become involved with NC's suggests we work to get Marshall and King MS in the program. Mims brought up issue suggested by Cheryl Johnson of a GGPNC anti-war resolution...there was no consensus. DeMonte announced Los Feliz Village Street Fair to be held on Vermont from 11a-5p Sunday, June 8, 2003. 16. Adjourned at 10:31pm Click Here for official notices regarding agenda posting, public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration. |
Click Here for
official notices regarding agenda posting,
public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration.
Monday, January 21, 2003 –
7:00 PM
Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
1. Call to Order at 7:12p by President Mims 2. Roll Call - Carroll - 18 Board members attended. Mosqueda had advised she'd be out of LA. 3. Minutes of the 12/16/02 meeting were approved after the following correction in Item 10: The second sentence was shortened to read "Issue was raised about irregularities in the process." 4. Treasurers Report - Hunnewell..."Received no money, spent no money." Process underway to transfer control of the CalFed/Citibank checking account. Hunnewell and Bryant completed required training and forms to accept City funds. To "get the money flowing" council needs to approve preliminary budget. GGPNC gets $50K for each fiscal year. Funds can be held from one quarter to the next. According to Hunnewell and Bryant the question of whether funds can be held from one FY to the next was asked, but no firm answer was provided during their City training. There was considerable discussion of budget allocations...DeMonte, why so much for market research and so little for outreach? Herrera, why so much for website when survey showed it was the least effective tool? Hahn, what about funds for beautification or other projects? Hahn wants to be sure board not limited to categories in the preliminary budget. Balesh, is there a timetable for a real budget?..wants to avoid hasty allocations. Stakeholder Jim McQuiston warned with city budget cuts GGPNC must be able to defend budget expenditures. Hunnewell assured all that the items were merely placeholders and that when the Finance Committee is set up they will work on the annual budget which will reallocate spending and can have expenditures for categories not now mentioned. He stressed the importance of adopting a preliminary budget to get the money quickly. Mims declared there was a consensus to adopt the preliminary GGPNC budget. 5. Committee Structure - Westall presented a list of 12 proposed standing committees and moved adoption of the recommendations. Carroll seconded and amended to consolidate Barnsdall Art Park, Observatory, and Griffith Park and LA River into a single committee. Knack pointed out the difference between cultural assets in the parks and the open space. Mims suggested there be two committees...one for culture and one for open space. In the end the consensus was to have a Parks/Rivers/Open space Committee and a Cultural Committee that would cover the Barnsdall Art Park, Observatory, Autry, Greek Theatre, Zoo, Travel Town, filming, festivals and other such community events. Hunnewell suggested combining Planning and Zoning and Transportation into a single committee. Mims noted they are often linked and there can be subcommittees that deal with separate aspects. Soter suggested taking Beautification out of P&Z . Crawford suggested that preservation be under cultural, but Hahn pointed out that most preservation issues deal with historic sites and fit better under P&Z. Stakeholder McQuiston suggested organization conform to the City Council committee lineup and advised more is better so there are more people to attend meetings. Stakeholder Mark Siegel expressed a belief that committees should do positive things: "Try to develop an affirmative agenda" and should "not just adopt a defensive mode." Rodriguez asked for a committee for City Services. Soter questioned need for Intergovernmental Committee and Hahn said it might just be bureaucratic infringing on the work of the other committees. Thompson agreed that the other standing committees should be dealing with the government. After a lengthy discussion and tweaking of committee names and responsibilities the consensus was there should be the nine standing committees listed below with their areas of responsibility: Beautification & Community Building---Tree Planting, Landscaping, other Volunteer Efforts, etc. Business--- BID, Economic Development, Redevelopment, Thai Town, Little Armenia, etc. City Services---Delivery of City Services, Trash Pickup, etc. Communications & Outreach---Website, e-mail, Early Notification, Phone, Community Outreach...Religious, Ethnic, Homeowners, Renters & Apartment managers, etc. Cultural & Events--- Barnsdall Art Park, Griffith Observatory, Autry & others museums, Greek Theatre, Zoo, Travel Town, filming (AFI), festivals and other such community events. Education---LAUSD, Private Schools, After School programs, etc. Parks/River/Openspace---Griffith Park, LA River, etc. Public Safety---Community policing, Neighborhood Watch, Police, Graffiti Removal, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, etc Transportation/Planning/Zoning---Traffic, Public Transit, I-5, Infrastructure, Zoning, Mims explains the Executive committee, which has yet to have a meeting, is going to appoint the committee chairs and suggests that committee chairs then have the responsibility of committee member selection. Hunnewell suggested those interested in serving on a committee e-mail the GGPNC Secretary at GGPNC@pacbell.net. 6. Website - Johnson reports on meeting of ad hoc IT committee to discuss goals and objectives of the GGPNC website and what kind of info to post. Carroll drafted a new website based on committee meeting. He proposed an ad hoc committee be given official responsibility for getting control of the GGPNC domain and posting the information generally described in draft website homepage that was distributed. Hahn seconded. DeMonte questioned need to change website hosting. Carroll and Hunnewell explain reasons for switching hosting to have more immediate control of input plus issues of e-mail addresses, security etc. Stakeholder Mark Siegel questioned prelim budget item for $20,500 for website development. Carroll notes, "so far we have spent zero" on the draft site. Stakeholder Flanagan explained current hosting is on a pro-bono basis and feels "the need to continue to allow the current technologist and server to serve the GGPNC needs for security of the GGPNC website." She says, files are uploaded to the website within "a couple of hours." (Experience shows the average time is 20+ hours from upload to posting as of 2/16/03.) DeMonte is worried about procedures. Johnson and Hunnewell explain plan that the ad hoc committee will develop written procedures for uploading to the site. Herrera commented about the homepage's 23 lines of text, "it's way too long." She suggests she knows a writer who is a professional. Carroll replies that he's been a professional writer for over 40 years. Kerr says she does like the wordage. Thompson notes it's important to have something, " now we have nothing." Hunnewell moves to authorize Carroll to upload draft website to GGPNC.org...Approved by consensus. 6a. Carroll presents options for getting a PO Box and GGPNC phone line. Hunnewell suggests we wait to get the PacBell "floating" business line until we have in place procedures to handle incoming phone messages. Consensus approval given to getting a PO Box now and a business phone line soon. (GGPNC now has an address: PO Box 27003 LA CA 90027-0003) 7. Griffith Observatory Construction - Knack shows photos of project to date. Heavy duty dirt hauling, to get underway next month, will require closing much of the park at Vermont and Ferndell to cars, bicycles, horses, and even joggers. Trucks will begin moving a mountain of dirt to the DG pit at the north end of the park. Feb. 12,13, 14, 17 & 18 are the first of about 28 days required for the dirt hauling over the next 1 1/2 years. Dates subject to change due to weather. Check www.GriffithObs.org/roads. 7a. Barnsdall Park - Crawford reports the project manager claims the park could reopen in April. The Barnsdall Park Foundation is planning "to hold the city's feet to the fire" on possible problems with a $1.5 million dollar oversight contract. There will be a February meeting at Friendship Auditorium date TBD. And ever creative...bits of Hollyhock House rubble will be turned into jewelry to raise $. 8. Tree Planting - Amy Schulenberg of the City Environmental Affairs Dept. Says GGPNC is the pilot for plan to work with neighborhood councils. Kerr and DeMonte working on getting the mechanics in place to speed the process in the future. Herrera brought up questions about the contract. Schulenberg says tenants as well as property owners can have trees planted? Rodriguez thanks Schulenberg for trees planted on Clayton and Talmadge. 9. LAPD No Alarm Response - LAPD Lt. Deborah Kirk explained the Police Commission position and presented a policy paper showing a 20 year history of attempts to deal with the issue. Figures presented indicate over 90% of alarms are false and use up 15% of police patrol time while alarm owners are only 6% of the city population. Little more than a 1/3 of the calls come from locations with valid LA City alarm permit. Police will still respond to duress alarms and alarms verified by camera, security guard or eyewitness. Kirk says Community Police Advisory Boards favor the new policy and it has worked in two other cities. There is a workshop at 9a and a City Council hearing at 10a 1/27/03 on the issue. Mims wants to know why there was not better notification of the Police Commission decision DeMonte notes she's been to lots of police meetings in the last year and the plan was "never brought up." She asks why not limit response to those who have paid the fee. Kirk claims LAPD unable to collect $2.8million in outstanding alarm response fees. City Attorney can file misdemeanor charges but it's a long costly process. Crawford speaks against sanctioning less police service. Hunnewell feels the alarm industry is trying to dupe the neighborhood councils. Stakeholder McQuiston - claims Police Commission Agenda did not properly reflect the issue and not enough time was given to organize the community. But all the City Council can do is send it back to the Police Commission due to the alleged lack of notification. Johnson asks if there is a consensus to support the new LAPD alarm policy. Mims says only if it's linked to criticism for the lack of notification. 72 hours is not enough time. Carroll says that along with restricted chase policy it sends a bad message that it's easy to get away with crime in LA. DeMonte wants to hear from alarm companies. Kirk and Westall explain alarm companies are protected from local regulations by state law. DeMonte moves that GGPNC not take a stand. Hahn gets consensus approval that it is the position of the GGPNC that when the Police Commission and other Commissions are planning actions which impact us that they should provide ample time for input. And that we should send a letter to the Police Commission and City Council expressing that position. 10. Gelson's (Mayfair) remodel - Chris Cochran from Gelson's showed plans for the store's new facade and tower. Said the look is "just a decorative element" part of their "corporate branding," while admitting only one other store had that look. She said the exterior walls were raised five feet to 31' well within the 45' height limit under the property zoning. They want to have a 53' (8' above legal limit) "atrium tower" on the southwest corner of the store, but asked the Zoning Administrator not to have a public hearing. Cochran also says they have removed much air conditioning equipment from the roof and now have variable fans, but are doing a noise study and have offered to shield the noise. Larry Galstian, Principal Inspector for the LA Dept. Of Building and Safety confirmed what Gelson's had said about legal heights etc. He explained that he has not personally been involved with the project. Adella Reclite, an adjacent property owner, has filed an appeal before the Central Area Planning Commission. It will be heard on February 11, 2003, at 4:30pm on the 10th floor of city hall. (case # ZA 2002 4445 (YV)-A1) She presented many photos and read a statement explaining the negative impact on the view, hence property value, for the apartment building she owns. She complained of noise from construction work and from the new air conditioners, which sound "like a helicopter hovering when they are at full blast." She also noted Styrofoam pellets used in the construction process are "all over." David Wheatly, another nearby resident, complained that the store with the 35' x 35' tower is like a "mega-mansion" and that there was no notice to the community about the plans for remodeling the store. He called the store a "Trojan horse" and "architectural junk" and asked that the facade and the tower "come down." Hahn asked about the impact if the tower element were eliminated and noted that Gelson's can't show any impact. He opined that "corporate branding at the expense of a neighborhood is not a good idea." Soter observes that at lunch she can no longer have the same view of the hills and trees around the reservoir. She suggests if Gelson's wanted to be a hero they would lower the height. Jacqueline Kerr asked if tower space was to be used for any purpose? Gelson's reps admit it's just decorative and that, "we clearly didn't understand the [community] impact." There was inconclusive discussion about rules for doing away with zoning hearings. Mims said the 5' wall around the exterior has the "most significant impact." Hahn moved to support Reclite's appeal, Johnson seconded. Crawford said using this "cookie cutter design does nothing good for our neighborhood" CD-4 representative, Rory Fitzpatrick, said LaBonge's office is also supporting the appeal. Soter noted the area is starting to look like Orange County. Mims finds consensus for supporting the appeal and Hahn (later changed to Stan Thompson)will draft a GGPNC position supporting the appeal addressing the four necessary elements to overturn the previous decision. (Gelson's eventually withdrew the application.) 11. Board Comment...Knack said there will be a Brown Act Training at Van Nuys City Hall on Jan 28th and several people decried the short notice of such events. Stakeholder Flanagan provided the date for the training. Rodriguez spoke of a Thursday, Jan 30th 6:30pm "parent/community meeting" at Marshall High about the Hyperion Bridge Attacker and asked for support of the Safe House program where police certify locations at which kids can find refuge. She wants help getting more than the 36 current locations. Bryant asked that Ethics code be on the agenda for the February meeting. Thompson suggests the agenda be handled so that guests can be heard earlier at future meetings. 12. Public Comment - Charlotte DeArmond, LFIA chair, pointed out that she was not consulted about the future meeting dates in the Los Feliz Police center which she oversees. Additionally, since Citibank has taken over the bank they may eliminate or greatly reduce the space available so GGPNC meetings may have to find a new home. Ricardo Gomez, FHRA past president, read a statement accusing GGPNC president Mims of misconduct in the election process for failure to reveal that he was a City employee and City union leader. Gomez asked that the item be placed on the February agenda. (Gomez withdrew his request prior to the Feb. 18, 2003 meeting.) McQuiston spoke of City Council hearings concerning rules about landlords evicting tenants to raise rents and threats from expansion of recycling programs. He feels there should be restrictions so recycle centers are 500 or 1000 feet from liquor stores...they are like "gasoline and fire." Stakeholder Brian Lickel said he would once again wait 'til next time to discuss instant runoff voting plans. Fr. Pat Jones announces performances of Rumpelstiltskin by the Neighborhood Children's Theatre from Jan 31 - Feb 2 at 4510 Finley Avenue. 13. The meeting adjourned at 10:54pm Click Here for official notices regarding agenda posting, public comment, disabled services and process for reconsideration. |
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GGPNC
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 16, 2002 – 7:00 PM Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1. Call to Order – C. Mims, Interim Chair. Meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM. GREATER GRIFFITH PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 25, 2002 – 7:00 PM Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – Michele Cuevas, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. -Eight of the elected Board members were present: Balesh, Hahn, Mims, Soter, Westall, Patten, Herrera, and Kerr were present. 2. Approval of October 16, 2002 Meeting Minutes – C. Mims. Meeting minutes were approved without comment. 3. Discussion of Nominees and Possible Selection to Fill Board Vacancies in Accordance with the GGPNC Bylaws – M. Cuevas, Senior Project Coordinator, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)/B. Soter, Ad Hoc Committee member. -16 people submitted Personal Statements and Candidate Applications in accordance with the GGPNC Selection Procedures. -Criteria that guided the decision-making of the Ad Hoc Committee: The bylaws, giving a general direction for the decision-making; Examined skills and interests as they meshed with the Council’s needs; Evaluated each candidate’s track record of service; The need to achieve balance among the Board members to ensure representation of the stakeholder groups within the GGPNC; The candidate’s desire and ability to serve Education, recreation and non-profit categories were first evaluated to ensure the requirements of the GGPNC Bylaws were fulfilled. Rodriguez, Knack and Crawford were selected for these seats. -It was the unanimous consensus of the Ad Hoc Committee that students are encouraged to participate on an Education Committee other than through seats on the Board. -Those not selected were encouraged to take part in the committees that will be forming in January. All those who ran for elected and selected Board seats yet were refused were sent thank you letters and encouraged to become involved in a committee (a list of permanent and standing committees was provided with the letters to help give an idea of possible ways people could become involved in the GGPNC). 4. Adoption of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council Bylaws – P. Gasteier, past Bylaws Committee representative. The bylaws were ratified by Motion from Mims, seconded by Westall. 5. Board Member Comment – Comments from Board on subject matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. -The recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee was adopted. Mims made a Motion to approve and the Motion was seconded by Westall and approved by consensus. All those recommended were confirmed (Rodriguez, Knack, Crawford, Carroll, Hunnewell, Mosqueda, Thompson). See also meeting minutes from November 24, 2002 Ad Hoc Committee meeting for further details. Westall introduced a Motion that Mims be interim Chair and Westall be the interim Secretary. Mims was approved as interim Chair and Flanagan was approved to remain as Secretary until the December 16 meeting, at which time official elected positions will be nominated and confirmed (including the President and Secretary). DONE is to provide all 19 Board members with each Board member’s contact information and have the new Board determine what (if any) contact information they would like made public through the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. Westall introduced proposed Permanent and Standing Committees list, amended subsequently on December 3 with further Board and stakeholder input. 6. Public Comments – Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. B. Lickel spoke on the subject of instant runoff voting (IRV). Lickel encouraged the Board to form an Ad Hoc Committee to study the issue and its impact on voters. Lickel encouraged that IRV Ad Hoc Committee provide guidance to Councilman LaBonge on this matter. Lickel to forward information about the city’s timeline in dealing with this matter, research from other cities that use IRV now, and other considerations. Information from Lickel was emailed to Board on November 26, 2002 and no further questions or comments have been directed to B. Lickel on this matter. Lickel has asked that this matter by considered again at the January GGPNC meeting. R. Gomez encouraged expansion of the GGPNC Board in excess of the current 19, the opposition to the conditional use permit to the Sunset Pacific Motel (coming up for hearing on 12/17), and stressed the need for diversity on the Council R. Spicer spoke of educational outreach conducted to date and the need for follow up. AFI would like to come and address the Board at a future meeting. JMHS students did not return to finish filming the GGPNC meeting as promised. Discussion of secretary: P. Gamberg: secretary should be unbiased, non-voting, apolitical member of the Neighborhood Council. Gamberg and Ross volunteered to serve as alternates for the Park Committee and stressed the importance of having alternates to encourage participation and continue the Board’s work with new energy. L. Lund encouraged the secretary position be split in two: a recording secretary and a correspondence secretary. Someone will create agendas and post and take meeting minutes and another person will draft written correspondence, all requiring Board approval prior to disbursement. 7. Future Agenda Items and other Calendar Events: Sat., and Sun., November 23 & 24, 2002 – Art Walk through Silver Lake. Various artist studios and Cal Fed Bank Mon., November 25, 2002, 6 P.M. – LAPD Northeast Division C-PAB meeting at Northeast Division Station at 3353 San Fernando Road. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Tues., November 26, 2002, 8 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. Northeast Division BLEND (booster) meeting at Northeast Division Station, 3353 San Fernando Road. {BLEND stands for "Business for Law Enforcement in the Northeast Division" and is a 501(c)3 non profit booster organization for LAPD's Northeast Division. BLEND's primary function is to provide items for the Division that the city does not normally provide ... items such as computers, answering machines, cameras, copy machines, VCRs, I-denta-kits, fitness equipment, bikes, extra training, extra ammunition, etc. BLEND supports and participates in Northeast Division's Police Appreciation Day, Crime Prevention Fair, Open House, Celebrity Golf Tournament, Explorer Challenge, etc. Most funds are raised through membership: Business membership is $75.00 annually and Resident membership is $25.00 annually. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548.} Tues., December 3, 2002, 6PM – LAPD Area Summit meeting for Neighborhood Councils. To be held at LAPD Northeast Division Station at 3353 San Fernando Road. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Tues., December 10, 2002, 6PM – LAPD Northeast Area District Meeting for Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Elysian Valley and Atwater Village. Located at the Community Police Center atop the Cal Fed Bank Building at 1965 Hillhurst Avenue. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Mon., December 16, 2002, 7PM – next Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council Meeting. To be held at the Community Police Center, 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz. 8. Adjournment GREATER
GRIFFITH PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 18, 2002 – 7:00 PM Cal Fed Bank Building, Community Police Center 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – Tom Soong, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. -All ten of the elected Board members were present: Balesh, Hahn, Mims, Soter, Johnson, Westall, Patten, Bryant, Herrera, and Kerr were present. 2. Report of Election Results and Election Survey – Le Val Lund, past GGPNC Elections Committee Chair -Election Results: 136 attended the GGPNC elections on 10/24/02 evening, 149 attended the Saturday morning (10/26/02) elections. 12 people were unable/unwilling to attend either of the elections. 3 ballots were determined to invalid. A total of 300 votes were cast. Volunteers from AVNC, SLNC and GEPENC helped at the elections. -Election Survey results: 200 replies, with 66% reporting that posting of notices was the most effective method of election outreach and word-of-mouth being the second most effective. -The process of informing stakeholders about the GGPNC elections was done by posting public notices in the communities of Franklin Hills, Griffith Park, and Los Feliz; word-of-mouth (visiting with friends and neighbors about the GGPNC elections); and mailing and personal distribution (through Walking Man) of 37,000 Election Brochures and Election Reminder Notices. 3. Recognize Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council As Official Advisory Body to the City of Los Angeles – 4th District Councilman Tom LaBonge -Councilman LaBonge presented the interim GGPNC Board members with a certificate for the formation work and encouraged the newly elected Board members to select the other 9 members of the Board so that the GGPNC can be a model of diversity to truly represent the stakeholders of the GGPNC area. -LaBonge stressed the GGPNC would work with is office to give input about the city budget priorities prior to October 2003. -LaBonge distributed the Council office directory and his 4th District Community News publication (see attached), both of which are currently available at the Community Police Center. 4. Discussion of Nominees and Possible Selection to Fill Board Vacancies in Accordance with GGPNC Bylaws (including a secretary) – Mark Siegel, past GGPNC Interim Board member -Siegel emphasized importance of diverse opinions and other demographic differences and working through consensus. -Siegel mentioned the GGPNC should take on issues that united the Neighborhood Council. Siegel encouraged discussion of what the current elected representatives possess in terms of skills/interests, etc and what is still needed to compliment the current Board. -Westall expressed dissatisfaction with outreach efforts to the Armenian population and on 12.1.02, was given a list of contacts to begin the outreach efforts to the Armenian population. K. Szgilygi (JMHS) and C. Schweich (LILA) (both teachers) expressed an interest in helping with this outreach effort as did Eda Abrahamian and others in the GGPNC area that have previously expressed an interest in outreaching to their neighbors. -12 people (of the 16) who wished to be one of nine appointees spoke. Two people, one representing business interests (De Monte) and one representing religious organizations (Jones) were nominated and confirmed. Hahn proposed an Ad Hoc Committee to examine the Personal Statements of the other candidates desiring to be selected for the Board and to report back to the elected Board at a meeting to be reconvened on November 25, 2002 at 7PM at Cal Fed Bank Community Police Center. Ad Hoc Committee members will be: Herrera, Soter, Johnson, Kerr and Westall. It was asked that nominations for candidacy be submitted by 5PM on November 22 yet people will be allowed to nominate himself or herself or someone else from the floor at the continued Board meeting of November 25. 5. Adoption of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council Bylaws – Phillip Gasteier, past Bylaws Committee representative -Gasteier encouraged the ratification of the bylaws be postponed, as the elected Board did not have a quorum. This matter was postponed and is to be revisited at the November 25 meeting. 6. Funding Plan Update – Greg Nelson, Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) -Nelson emphasized the GGPNC’s Best Practices and stated he plans to email these to everyone on the DONE email list, along with the accomplishments of the GGPNC. -Nelson emphasized that power, in part, will come from the diversity of the Council-that is, if the GGPNC truly reflects the different groups of stakeholders in the GGPNC area. -Funding Plan passed City Council unanimously on 11/1/02 -Nelson ensured that any Neighborhood Council can spend money on either operating expenses or neighborhood improvement projects as the Board and stakeholders determine. -Neighborhood Council leaders will have an opportunity to add to the “Do’s & Don’t” list for Neighborhood Councils. -DONE is pushing for the Neighborhood Councils to receive funding as needed, allowing reimbursement as needed and for a replenishment of funds on a quarterly basis. The object is to ensure less red tape yet a high degree of responsibility for city tax money. 7. Board Member Comment – Comments from Board on subject matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. 8. Public Comments – Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. 9. Future Agenda Items and other Calendar Events: Sat., and Sun., November 23 & 24, 2002 – Art Walk through Silver Lake. Various artist studios and Cal Fed Bank Mon., November 25, 2002, 6 P.M. – LAPD Northeast Division C-PAB meeting at Northeast Division Station at 3353 San Fernando Road. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Tues., November 26, 2002, 8 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. Northeast Division BLEND (booster) meeting at Northeast Division Station, 3353 San Fernando Road. {BLEND stands for "Business for Law Enforcement in the Northeast Division" and is a 501(c)3 non profit booster organization for LAPD's Northeast Division. BLEND's primary function is to provide items for the Division that the city does not normally provide ... items such as computers, answering machines, cameras, copy machines, VCRs, I-denta-kits, fitness equipment, bikes, extra training, extra ammunition, etc. BLEND supports and participates in Northeast Division's Police Appreciation Day, Crime Prevention Fair, Open House, Celebrity Golf Tournament, Explorer Challenge, etc. Most funds are raised through membership: Business membership is $75.00 annually and Resident membership is $25.00 annually. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548.} Tues., December 3, 2002, 6PM – LAPD Area Summit meeting for Neighborhood Councils. To be held at LAPD Northeast Division Station at 3353 San Fernando Road. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Tues., December 10, 2002, 6PM – LAPD Northeast Area District Meeting for Los Feliz, Franklin Hills, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Elysian Valley and Atwater Village. Located at the Community Police Center atop the Cal Fed Bank Building at 1965 Hillhurst Avenue. For more information, call Sgt. Rosenberg at (213) 485-2548. Mon., December 16, 2002, 7PM – next Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council Meeting. To be held at the Community Police Center, 1965 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz. 10. Adjournment |