1.  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/QUORUM
Nora Mosqueda, Interim President called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. No quorum at this time.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Nora Mosqueda, Jacqueline Kerr, Ron Weinstein, Joe Cisneros, Philip Gasteier, Merlyn Hernandez, Nyla Arslanian, Rose Marin, Lisa Sergi, Shana Murphy, James Balesh, Jon Kaplan, Charley Mims, Bruce Carroll, Cheryl Johnson. 
ABSENT:  Rosemary DeMonte,  Kerry Hunnewell, Richard Spicer, Molly Rysman. 
CITY REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:  Rory Fitzpatrick, Chief Field Deputy, CD 4; Matthew Levy, Field Deputy, CD 4. Melvin Canas, DONE Project Coordinator. 
Quorum established at 7:00 pm.

2.  ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS - none

3.  ORIENTATION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Canas, DONE, explained the items in the notebooks passed out to each member including the history and reason for the establishment of Neighborhood Councils.  Some highlights:

a) Finances
Mosqueda:  Is there some guideline on expenses?  Canas:  The treasurer works with the financial officers and he or she must go through training.  It used to be held once a month, but now will be on a request basis.  Call the department and ask to speak with the funding program to request training for your treasurer.  The treasurer is the second signature along with whomever your by-laws designate as the primary signatory.  Financial disclosure issues are still to be decided.  Look at the website for information.  Only board members can be reimbursed, not stakeholders, unless the stakeholder spends cash and the board member hands in a receipt.

b) Meetings
A general meeting requires 72 hours posted notice.  A special meeting can be called with 24 hour posted notice.  All meetings must be accessible to disabled persons in accordance with the Americans Disability Act. 

c) Conflict of Interest
DONE advised that board members contact the City Attorney for advice on this matter. Call or e-mail Darren Martinez, Deputy City Attorney at 213-978-7000 or dmartinez@mailbox.lacity.org.

d) Public Records Act
In part it says “If a NC Database was generated in a manner that led its participants to believe that their contact information would be used only for neighborhood council purposes, this creates an expectation of privacy that would justify and probably require that the database be protected from disclosure.”  Carroll: I will send the full information out to everyone.  Now our sign in sheets are labeled “confidential” so it is not available to anyone for any reason.

4.  APPROVAL OCTOBER 19 MINUTES
MOTION by Kaplan to accept the minutes as written; SECOND:  Johnson; VOTE:  Consensus

5.  APPROVAL OF NOV 16 MINUTES
Corrections:  In the attendance, James’ first name reads Richard Balesh.  Item #4 – Parks Report the first sentence should read:  There could possibly be designated (delete “senior”) park rangers ...      Item #6, Elections should read that DeMonte said she would co-chair with Mosqueda if Mosqueda was elected to VP Outreach & Communications. 
SECOND:  Mims; VOTE:  Consensus.

6.  PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim McQuiston: For the Planning & Land Use committee, there are 2 notices, one for a condo project on Edgemont and one on W. Finley.  The department wants all the NCs to change their elections so that they are more spread out, because DONE is short handed and backlogged.   Cyrus Kar (stakeholder): I am requesting this board look into putting a traffic signal at the intersection of Finley and Hillhurst.  I ride my bicycle daily and have to cross this intersection.  Today I was almost killed because there is no cross walk.  Mosqueda:  I will pass this information on to James Balesh who heads our Transportation Committee.

7.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS
CANDIATES FOR PRESIDENT are Charley Mims and Joe Cisneros, both spoke for a few minutes about why they wanted to be NC president.
Vote by show of hands- majority.
NEW PRESIDENT – Charley Mims.

At the suggestion of Bruce Carroll it was agreed that Mosqueda would continue to preside over the meeting.

CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION ARE Jon Kaplan and Kerry Hunnewell.  Mosqueda informed that Kerry withdrew.  Kaplan spoke for a few minutes.
Vote by show of hands- unanimous
NEW VICE PRESIDENT ADMIN – Jon Kaplan

CANDIDATE FOR VP OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS is Nora Mosqueda.
MOTION by Mims that Mosqueda be elected by affirmation.  Motion carries- unanimous.
NEW VP OUTREACH & COMM – Nora Mosqueda

CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER is Lisa Segi, who spoke for a few minutes.
MOTION by Mims that Sergi be elected by affirmation.  Motion carries- unanimous.
NEW TREASURER – Lisa Sergi

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY are Cheryl Johnson and Jacqueline Kerr.  Johnson withdrew, and Kerr spoke for a few minutes.
MOTION by Mims that Kerr be elected by affirmation.  Motion carries - unanimous.
NEW SECRETARY – Jacqueline Kerr

8.  CRIME REPORT
The LAPD’s Senior Lead Officer Sam Salazer:  Gina Chavon was unable to attend.  We previously reported about persons selling cars on the street, they have since been arrested.  DMV worked with us on a sting to make this happen.  Robberies have shifted from this area to my area around Fountain and Sunset.  Two restaurants were robbed and it seems to be the same suspects.  There has been an increase since the last report on the follow home robberies of the elderly, but then with help from the Explorers we put flyers on everyone’s door and crimes is now negligible.  The new crime update comes out tomorrow and I believe that Officer Chevron has the lowest crime rate in the area.  Sr. Lead Officer “Red” Falconer: While the Explorers were helping us pass out flyers, we noticed many car windows down and there would be some item of value in plain site.  Safeguard your items in the car.  Also as you Christmas shop be aware that you are being watched as you make trips out of the mall to put packages in the car trunk, then go back in.

9.  CRA HOLLYWOOD BLVD. REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
a)  Jim McQuiston:  The idea of putting up signs identifying neighborhoods has finally come up in City Council.  It has been through the committee and there will be a formal way to designate communities and that next step will be with the City Council.  You can’t just go to your Councilmember and get his approval.  We want to eliminate “neighborhoods” because we want inclusiveness in Hollywood.  The City Council is promoting area names (East Hollywood, Los Feliz, etc).  Ron Weinstein:  I mentioned this at our Zoning and Hearing meeting.  Kerr said that the current plan was to designate specific areas, and we thought it would be divisive and instigate a problem that would once again exacerbate into gang warfare that had been prevalent along this part of Hollywood Blvd.  This was brought up at the last Board meeting and I was told to write a letter to the City Council and I did that.  There was opposition to that letter, which we will hear tonight.

b) Chancee Martorell, Executive. Director. Thai Community Development Corporation:  I have a copy of that letter.  We asked for this designation about 10 years ago.  The sign was to develop the area through cultural tourism, like other areas, as well as neighborhood development. On the streetscape project we brought up for discussion the CRA because we thought this would beautify this area (Hollywood/Western and Hollywood/Normandie) with planting and landscaping.  CRA was supportive but wanted us to include a more extensive reach to the Latino and Armenian areas.  That’s how this Neighborhood Council got involved.  They wanted a specific designer and were told they could work with him on the Vermont Triangle.  The streetscape project is on hold right now.  Your Planning & Zoning Committee letter said these signs would lead to gang wars; this phase had no context with it.  Officer Salazar had made a personal statement about gang war and violence; it was not a LAPD position. The community is here to listen to all of you and we want you to validate that statement and offer us the context behind that of putting up a sign that brings on gang violence. 

c) Mims: The discussion we had at the last Board meeting was specifically in terms of designs in the intersection itself.  We did not address monuments or stylized lampposts or any celebrations of ethnic groups.  We just didn’t want markings on the intersection itself.  Carroll:  I attended the meeting with the CRA at the Hollywood Chamber; my recollection may be different as there were two people who presented their designs.  Barrio Designs I felt was marking the turf and it sounded like a bad idea.  I disagree with the statement that our board was alone in supporting Pat Smith, the other designer; it seems everyone supported her.  The designs were more cohesive and better for the community.  Johnson:  I agree I was also at that meeting. Martorellcan you accomplish your objectives without the cultural identification, to avoid the direct ethnic tie?  Chancee:  The idea is to culturally transport people when they come to that area.

d) Kerr:  From talks with Officers Salazar and Chavon, the problem is not with Thai Town.  The concern is with painting ethnic iconology on the pavements in the middle of the intersections; some are Hispanic, some are Armenian.  The concern is with past gang warfare and the police had to do an enormous amount of work to get it under control.  That’s why I brought this up when it applied to the Triangle - that you are defining turf, and it has nothing to do with tourism. 

e) Gasteier: The first I heard about this was the meeting I attended.  This is a diverse community and I would like to see us find a way to accommodate the cultural and economic development, which we need.  I felt this Board wanted to send a positive message.  Chancee:  Those designs were a concept, not firm.  There will be design meetings moving forward. 

f) Carroll: I recommend we stand on our previous statement that we clarified it and there is no need to do anything different.  Weinstein:  I recommend we invite Martorellto attend the next board meeting and be heard.  Balesh:  We have spent time on it today, so I suggest we let it stay in the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and if we need to consider coming back to the Board later, we can.

10.  PARK RANGERS CONSOIDATION WITH GENERAL SERVICES
a) Gary Newton, Police Chief, DGS: [Distributed Powerpoint presentation with current system and proposed changes] The Mayor wanted to look at the feasibility of consolidating city services for cost savings and efficiency.  We will take 75% of the Park Rangers and move them to DGS where they will be merged into the class of armed security officers.  There will be an increased level of safety.  The zoo will be under DGS and work with the officers who will patrol the parks.  Also there is one library within GGPNC boundaries, the Atwater Branch, and that would also fall under the Office of Public Safety.  The Mayor and Chief Bratton support this.  Jason Elias, Local Union 347: We support this plan.  This plan will transfer function of rangers to DGS and allow them to still do the same job.  We support Councilmember LaBonge’s plan to bring in 18 more rangers.  There will be 55 officers from GS to protect the parks. 

b) Joe Tafoya, Local 347: I have been a park ranger since 1988 and over the years the job has evolved with the parks.  The majority of the park rangers are in favor of the consolidation.  Although the uniform may change, their current job duties will not change; that of law enforcement, fire fighting, search and rescue.  The rangers’ move over to GS will have a parks section to monitor and have park programs.  The City does not want armed park rangers.  A dedicated police section will handle those issues.  We support Councilmember LaBonge’s plan.  We are asking this NC to support and accept this idea. Park rangers have had recruitment retention issues and with this GS they can help fill the gaps of the vacancies.

c) Bernadette Soter, Chairperson PROS Committee: This community has not been included in this decision since this issue came up last year.  We asked the City to keep us involved in this issue and we were not.  We heard in September that the consolidation date would be January 9 with outside no input.  We want to work with the City to work out a plan.  Pay is at the bottom of  the Park Rangers retention issue, because park rangers make less money than similar security positions within the City..  Now the library is being affected.  Christine Peters – Echo Park NC, Parks & Public Works Chairperson:  We have been working on this for a year.  Over the last few months we have been able to force some positive change.  If we can get people to attend the Mayor’s next budget meeting to put this in the budget, then it can be worked on.  We support the park rangers 100%, so the Echo Park NC asked for a delay in the decision until all issues are resolved to the satisfaction of everyone.  We were told that consolidation will not happen before March and we hope that all NCs will weigh in as some have already done to support the rangers  I also met with the library police to help them get involved in this issue. The 347 local representative came to all the GS meetings and said that the library police were behind the consolidation but that turned out to not be true. 

d) Officers Martin Smith, LA Public Library officer:   There are 43 officers.  I was not part of the original working group that dealt with this issue.  Local 347 may support it and management may support it, but the workers did not have a vote.  We want this issue to go the public and be discussed by everyone who will be affected; staff of the parks, libraries and patrons.  General Services does not have a citizen’s oversight committee like other areas.  Officer Clarence Helm, LA Public Library officer:   In this consolidation we will be removed from what we do, which is to provide dedicated library coverage.  It will put 5 GS officers to cover 72 branches; but we want to remain dedicated to the libraries.  Soter: Our park rangers perform a number of functions and all that would go away.  Even if the rangers get funded, that money may be cut in the next round of budgets.

e) Mosqueda asked all committees and stakeholders present voice their support:  George Grace, PROS Committee: I am for the park rangers.  Kristin Sabo, PROS Committee: There are 6 issues not nailed down yet. I am not against the consolidation, but some specifics are missing.  Sharon Brewer, Encino NC Parks Rep: We represented the Sepulveda Basin and we didn’t know about it because no one contacted our NC.  I don’t think anything should be done until we are able to participate.  Jeff Gardner, Co-Chair Atwater Village NC: We passed a motion for additional time to discuss it.  We want service to remain the same.  Albert Torres, Interim Chief Park Ranger said he was inn favor because of the delivery of service, but the details must be worked out first.  Ann Wasgerber, stakeholder:  Some upper management, Sr. Park Rangers, are not eligible to go over to GS so we will lose a lot of leadership.  There are a lot of issues that still need to be worked out.  Al Moggia, Sierra Club: I oppose consolidation of the park rangers.  I approve the idea of having dedicated rangers for the larger parks.  Time should be made to study all the ramifications of this.  Luis Alvarado, Mayor of Griffith Park:  You should talk to the people who are well informed about Griffith Park and no one has talked to me and I am the Mayor of Griffith Park.  Lucinda Phillips, PROS committee:  Let’s delay this there are a lot of unresolved issues.  Toby Leaman, PROS committee: Consolidation needs more planning.  The issue is too vague, we have not been told everything.  Bill Murray, founder LA Community Police and NC Citywide Issues Group: This came up in the Issues Group.  I want to hear from the officers and constituents and stakeholders. 

f) Board Member comments:  Kerr: I would like to see Soter put together a list of the problems that people touched on and present to us because so far, the new program and the problems that have been presented tonight have been vague.  Johnson: By putting the park rangers under GS they will be able to fill the gaps and other things; it sounds too good to be true.  Mosqueda:  The PROS committee has asked us for a delay, to not take a position pro or con.  Mims:  I share Kerr’s thoughts, I’d like to see more information about specific concerns and how they are going to be addressed.  Sergi:  I think we have to delay it because we don’t have enough information. 

MOTION by Sergi to ask the City to delay the consolidation until further study, and until such time as the Neighborhood Council receives sufficient information including financial analysis, in order to make an informed decision.  SECOND:  Johnson.  Discussion:  Mims:  Are we proposing an open ended delay?  Kerr:  Where can we get financial information?  Soter, can you get that for us?  Kaplan:  Kerr, please work with Soter on this.  VOTE:  Consensus

11.  ATWATER RANCHO- EQUESTRIAN DISTRICT
Soter:   PROS committee was asked to send a letter to Councilmember LaBonge.  This community wants to lock in their zoning as horse zoning, and then the next step is to get a bridge over the river.  Kaplan:  Have you talked to someone at Demores’ they seem to know about this issue.  I also heard that a bill was passed for killing wild horses and was signed by the governor; have you talked to Demores?   Soter:  We have two equestrians on the PROS committee who might be familiar with this.  Kerr:  Is there anyone in opposition to this zoning request?  Soter:  No.  Jeff Gardner (stakeholder): There is no opposition but with new development coming in, they want the horses driven out.  That’s why we want to solidify the zoning so they are not driven out.  Kaplan:  I support it, but my only concern is if we adopt a letter like this, we would not have heard the other side.  Jeff:  There is no other side.  Mims:  Since no opposition, this is to preserve the amenity as well as to pre-empt future development.  Jeff:  Developers can come in but it is for the buyers who may want to change the zoning and get rid of the horses. 

MOTION by Mims that we support preserving Atwater Rancho and their goal to maintain this unique aspect of Los Angeles for generations to come. Also that we adopt the proffered draft letter as is.  SECOND:  Carroll; VOTE:  Consensus .

12.  TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Balesh:  Our next meeting is January 12 at 7 p.m.  At our last meeting we talked about 3 issues that Councilmember LaBonge asked us to consider:  1) traffic enforcement; doubling fines for excessive speeding and running red lights. 2) Parking meters; extending the time to 10 pm.  3)  Transit expansion; MTA subway expansion projects.  I have drafted a letter to the board with our recommendations.  MOTION by James Balesh that the president sign and send it; SECOND:  Philip Gasteier; VOTE: Consensus.

13.  FAITH BASED COMMITTEE
Kaplan: On December 7, Councilmember LaBonge gave us the approval for the Festival of Lights and for short notice we had a good turn out on December 12th.   I want to thank everyone for his or her support.  Several people want to have a real live religious committee and I already have 3 people who are interested. Mims:  Kaplan took pictures and we want to applaud him for the event. 

14.  OTHER BOARD COMMENTS – NO AGENDA
Johnson:  We want to sponsor a New Years Eve Hike on December 31 at 3 p.m.  We would meet at the parking lot observatory.  We are expecting about 100 hikers. For those who will not hike but want to attend we will have transportation up to Mount Hollywood.  I am requesting $50 from the board for soda and salads and announcement flyers.  This is sponsored by Councilmember LaBonge.  MOTION by Kaplan to approve $50 for the New Years Eve Hike for refreshments and flyers; SECOND:  Kerr; VOTE:  Consensus.

15.  PLANNING, ZONING & HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Weinstein:  I attended two zoning hearings.  This Board said to oppose the over height wall and I did that.  Other’s also objected to the wall, Councilmember LaBonge’s office and Los Feliz Improvement Association; and also, on a variance at 4100 Cornwall on an over height building where you gave me discretion to vote.  At the hearing we learned that the building was already in existence.  So after discussing it in our committee, we decided to withdraw the objection and give no recommendation.  Mary Richardson spoke on the Hollywood Community Plan. She said changes will require increased density along corridors and mixed use development.  She wants to come back in January or February either before the committee or this board.  Gasteier:  Do you feel she is at a point where she is ready to come before the board?  Weinstein:  She wasn’t when she came to us. 

16.  NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT
 Kerr: The Myra Underpass Mural.  The money is now coming forward and the artist is beginning his prep work.  Hoover Street stairwell is beginning to look good; the construction and grading is being done.  The artist is working on a “skin” type application that can be adhered to the walls and can be removed if needed.  The Vermont Triangle is beginning to show some movement now.  Matt Levy is putting a meeting together with the architect and traffic consultant and they will study the triangle and look at traffic flow and the bus stop. After we get a report from this meeting as to what is or is not possible we will meet again in January. There is a possible project of giving help to the Los Feliz stairs.

16.  PUBLIC COMMENT
Soter:  I would like to be on the mailing list since I run a committee.  Carroll:  I don’t have a separate list of all stakeholders and the board list is just that.  Kerr:  I would ask that stakeholders like Soter and Ken be added.  Kaplan:  This is a big issue, we should discuss it another time. 

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Clarke, PDQ Careers Temp

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2004
BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING MINUTES
Los Feliz Community Police Center
1965 N. Hillhurst, Los Angeles, CA 90027

1.    CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Nora Mosqueda, Interim President called the meeting to order at 7:15  p.m.
Present:  Nora Mosqueda, Jacqueline Kerr, Ron Weinstein, Joe Cisneros, Philip Gasteier, Merlyn Hernandez, Nyla Arslanian, Richard Spicer, Molly Rysman, Rose Marin, Lisa Sergi, Shana Murphy, James Balesh, Jon Kaplan, Rosemary DeMonte, Charley Mims, Bruce Carroll.
Absent: Kerry Hunnewell, Cheryl Johnson.
CITY REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:  Councilmember Tom LaBonge, CD 4;  Rory Fitzpatrick, Chief Field Deputy, CD 4;  Jeanne Chang, Legislative Deputy, CD 4.
Each new board member and returning board member introduced themselves and the area/committee they represent.

2.    COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 REPORT
a) Councilmember Tom LaBonge: Congratulations to the new board members and to the returning members, thank you for your past service.  Matthew Levy will be your new deputy for this area; Jeanne Chang has been promoted to Legislative Deputy.  The Governor is looking at a proposal to base the city’s gas tax on vehicle mileage.  I want the gas tax to stay as it is because it goes to our transit system, infrastructure, road repair, etc.  The use of subways should be back on the table for discussion. 

b) We need a senior center in this area to serve Silver Lake and Los Feliz.  At the City Council meeting on November 9 I put a motion before the City regarding the “feasibility of using the Griffith Park Observatory construction trailers for a senior facility to be located on Riverside Drive across from the Friendship Auditorium.”  The motion was adopted with an amendment to my suggested name for the Senior Center.  May will be the 75th Anniversary of the Observatory and its grand re-opening.  There was discussion to put Measure A (1/2 cents sales tax to add more police) back on the ballot in March.  Some people in this area voted for it and some against.  If we don’t have the tax Countywide, people will go to other areas, like Glendale to shop.

c) On the ranger issue, I believe we must have rangers assigned to our parks and assigned to a dedicated park.  The zoo is nearing renovation and Ruby the elephant is back in town, looking beautiful?  If we took a piece out of the last golf hole near the zoo it could be used as a reserve for large animals, like Ruby and giraffes, hippos, etc, so they would have a place to roam.  We are addressing some of the traffic concerns near the Greek Theatre.  We are doing a Master Plan for Griffith Park and there will soon be a community meeting that the NCs should be involved in. We want active recreation in the parks, like baseball, or soccer. We are nearing the completion of a new multi purpose field near Los Feliz with artificial turf.  There are no lights at John Marshall High and we don’t need them because no night games, but we should put a football field northwest of the zoo.   I am on the River Committee and we are coming up with a Master Plan to revitalize that area.

d) On the police issue, I am going to propose that we create a Northwest division, which would break the NE division into 2, some time in the future.  A smaller division provides better service.    On Thursday Nov. 18 we are hosting a Community Congress on Neighborhood Beautification and Community Art at Barnsdall, from 6:30 to 8:30.  This is Councilmember Garcetti’s district and he and his constituents have been invited.  Next Tuesday night is the start of DWP’s light show in Griffith Park.  An Arts Reports has just been released and here are two copies for this council (given to Nyla). 

SWEARING IN OF 2005 BOARD
After Councilmember LaBonge swore in all the board members, Nora thanked all of the past board members.   Councilmember LaBonge said that he would like to recognize outgoing board members with a certificate from his office.  Charley will send the list to the Councilmember. 

3.    PUBLIC COMMENT
a) Jim McQuiston (stakeholder)  Councilmember Janice Hahn said that the NCs are coming up for review in 2005 and the City Council has received less than 10 community impact statements from all the NCs combined; she was very disappointed.  Jacqueline:  This NC has generated about 4 or 5 statements alone.  Councilmember LaBonge:  You may have them, but you have to get them to the City Clerk.  My deputy Jeanne Chang will look into this and get back to you.

b) Ms. Ziggy Kruse: Rep for Hollywood Studio District NC:  We are having our first annual mixed holiday party on 12/5 at 3 p.m. at the Louis B. Mayer Building.  We will celebrate Kwanzaa, Chanukah and Christmas.  We are asking Councilmember LaBonge for his support as well as the NCs with money, volunteers and decorations.  We spoke to Hollywood United NC and they are supporting us.  There will be a toy drive by the Fire Department. 

c) Dora Herrera:  Pres. Los Feliz Business Improvement District:  We want to push for a news rack ordinance that would call for color uniformity.  Rosemary on your board has been working on this with me for some time.  The community wants one color, the green that the LA Times uses; it creates less of a visual blight.  Does anyone else want to go to the meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m?  Richard: Is this a final decision?  Rosemary:  Yes, it came out last July.  Shana:  Do you mean throughout the whole city?  Rosemary:  Anywhere there is a streetscape plan it applies.  Councilmember LaBonge:  There have been long discussions and it may end up in court because publishers operate under the first amendment right.

d) Ms. Yodhira DeLeon. Autry National Center:  On October 24 the chamber orchestra under Brian Metcalf debuted; this is the orchestra that you supported with a donation.  There is a January concert and you will be kept informed about it.  We have a new building coming up and we are choosing an architect from the finalists.
Stakeholders introduced themselves and the local organization they represented.

4.    COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks Report.  Bernadette: There could be designated park rangers for larger regional parks only under RAP and we have Councilmember LaBonge to thank for the compromise.  The Parks committee is asking this Council to approve Councilmember LaBonge’s MOTION and join Echo Park and other councils that are putting out an impact statement.
MOTION by Charley that we create a Park Ranger community impact statement in support of the MOTION, by Councilmembers LaBonge, Hahn and Greuel.  [MOTION (excerpt): Therefore move that the Department of Recreation and Parks in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and the Department of General services report back…..a deployment and staffing plan that will result in dedicated deployment of Park rangers at the City’s larger, regional, parks….  SECOND:  Jacqueline

Discussion
Jacqueline:  How many rangers have gone into service?  Charley:  Are you talking about people or position in this MOTION?  Councilmember LaBonge:  I want one ranger to be responsible for an area.  Jon:  This MOTION is very general, it should have more detail.  But I do support it.  Charley:  We could act on the MOTION and if it conflicts with the Brown Act we can agendize it.  Joe:  There are people at the park early in morning all the time, I am wondering if you have thought of getting those people to be the eyes and ears of the park.  Councilmember LaBonge: Yes, I’ve already seen them do that as concerned citizens, but what I am looking at is a ranger at a fixed post who will begin caring about his/her area.  If this NC would tell me what you want and not get bogged down with talk, then perhaps I can help.  Jon:  The bureaucracy of the city gets us bogged down; we do our part, and then they come back to us with more to do or modifications.
VOTE:  Consensus – MOTION passes.

5.    NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
Richard:  New members will get a briefing regarding the City’s guidelines and requirements.  We invited Melvis Canas, DONE Project Coordinator to speak tonight, but he said he would put together a package of City Ordinances, the Brown Act and other items and deliver them at the December meeting.  Also on the website is information.

6.    NOMINATIONS FOR  OPEN NC OFFICER POSITIONS
Nominations recorded from 11/8 meeting: 
PRESIDENT:  Charley Mims
VP ADMIN:  Kerry Hunnewell
VP OUTREACH & COMMMUNICATIONS:  Nora Mosqueda
TREASURER:  Lisa Sergi
SECRETARY:  None
Additional nominations from the floor were as follows:
SECRETARY:    Cheryl (nominated by Jon)  Cheryl was absent
        Jacqueline (self nominated)
VP OF ADMIN:  Jon (nominated by Nora)  Jon accepted
 VP of COMM & Outreach: Rosemary (self nominated)  would co-chair with Nora if Nora elected
TREASURER:  Bruce (nominated by Jacqueline)  Bruce declined, then accepted, then said he would formally decline again at the next meeting.
PRESIDENT:  Joe (self-nominated)
MOTION by Jon that nominations be closed.
SECOND: Jacqueline
VOTE:  Consensus-motion passes

7.    BYLAWS REVISIONS
Bruce:  We need a rewrite of the bylaws because the election and designated members show that we have some pitfalls in the process.  Nora:  This item will be on the December or January agenda once we have a new VP. Phil:  I think there should be a committee dedicated to just this.
MOTION by Richard that this item be referred to the Rules Committee. 
Charley:  Can we defer this until after December when we have a new committee installed?
MOTION by Bruce that we request the Rules & Election Committee to make a total review of the bylaws and amend where necessary and to report back to the full board within 4 months. 
SECOND:  Jacqueline
VOTE:  Consensus –motion passes
Charley:  Add that the committee make recommendations back to the board with proposed recommendations for amending the bylaws. 

Jim McQuiston: Someone should call BONC and withdraw the bylaw revisions that are on the table now.

8.    TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
James:  [Submitted his written report and highlighted some of the items as follows:]   (1) The repaving that was done on Franklin came from Federal funds; it was not part of our repaving list. (2)  Councilmember LaBonge wants our committee to come back to him as a group on these transportation issues.  He wants answers by the end of the year.  Charley:  I agree with LaBonge that the ban for no more transit should be taken off the books.  I agree with the increased use of light rail. Maybe we could modify our stand to say we support removing the ban. Ron:  Perhaps James’ committee could draft a motion and bring it back to us at the December meeting.  Phil:  We need to focus on what was said and what we will do. The items are clear but I am not sure what will happen after we get the input to the Councilmember; that is I don’t know what his timetable is.  Charley:  How about if we agree in principal and the chair drafts an impact statement, send it to all of us by e-mail for final adoption at the December 21 meeting. 

Nyla:  On item #3, parking meter hours extended to 10 p.m. maybe not include the part about the other area. [Open discussion on night life of each area, how it would impact parking and parking limitation in other cities.] Richard: Would you and Charley consider adding the DASH service to it?  James:  I will complete an impact statement for the next meeting.  Jim  McQuiston: I am glad you are putting this off until next time.  HUNC took up all three of these items, traffic enforcement, parking meters and transit expansion and opposed them. They said that you can’t read the times on the meters, they are too dim.  Another problem is about the budget.  This money that the fees bring in is supposed to be reserved for parking structures, but the City wants to use it to help balance the budget.  This money is not going to come back to the community.  They will borrow these parking fees indefinitely. 

9.    PROS COMMITTEE
Bernadette:  [Gave information on the equestrian area in Atwater Rancho]  Can we send a support letter to Councilmember LaBonge about Atwater Rancho wanting to preserve their equestrian area?
MOTION by Charley that the PROS Committee prepare a community impact statement and we will circulate it at the next board meeting. SECOND: Richard VOTE: Consensus –motion passes

10.    PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE
a) Variances
Ron:  We are going to visit the Zoning Department to review two applicants who filed for variances.  Our committee has given Ken and myself authority to use our discretion because these hearings are Dec 2 and Dec.6. I want to confirm with this board that we have authority to appear at these hearings and oppose or support at our discretion.  Has this committee ever discussed over-in-height fences/walls before? Rosemary:  We did with an incident in the Franklin Hills area; we did not oppose it we took a “no position” because it didn’t change much of the terrain. Charley: We don’t generally oppose them, but there are exceptions. [He gave some examples]  Ron:  The wall is 8 feet and is already up; the owner did it knowing that the Los Feliz Improvement Association opposed it.  They will be at the hearing.  Bruce:  I think over-in-height walls are terrible for the community.
MOTION by Bruce that we oppose this one and after a review of each case oppose over height walls unless there is good reason not to; this would also apply to high hedges.
SECOND:  Charley
Ken Owen: stakeholder I am co-chair of the zoning committee for the Los Feliz Improvement Association.  The police say they are a security risk; the owners could face a home invasion because the police can’t see any lights.  Making a unified show at the meeting will make a different; perhaps we can work together.  Jim McQuiston:  The Melrose Hills group measures fences.  The Planning Department has a rule they will not notify people anymore.  The only way to be kept in the loop is to oppose them.  I suggest you give the planning committee approval to look into this. 

Ron:  The other property for a variance exceeded the height limit by 5 feet; it is on a sloped area and doesn’t stand out too much. 
Amendment to motion by Bruce that we authorize Ron and Ken to work with these issues and resolve as good judgment dictates. SECOND:  James VOTE:  Consensus – motion passes

b) IZ Task Force
Ron:  There is an Inclusionary Zoning task force being formed and the Chamber of Commerce is spearheading it.  They will focus on all solutions to housing.  Do you want us to continue to participate in this task force?  Kurt Rademaekers, Molly and I attended their Friday meeting.  The next one is Dec. 16.

MOTION by Charley that Ron, Molly and Kurt be our officially designated members on the IZ Task Force formed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
SECOND:  Richard VOTE: Consensus motion passes

c) Hollywood Plan
Ron:  Richard has invited Molly to discuss the Hollywood Plan. We want all member councils to attend and anyone else, on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.  Richard:  The transportation rep will be there as well.
Charley:  Someone from LAUSD is looking for 18 acres to build a links school – a middle/high school.  They want to do a presentation.  If Ron agrees, perhaps his committee may be a good place for them to start with a presentation.  Ron:  Ok
Ron: Tuesday we will meet with David Keim of Building & Safety to discuss some issues.  Also Jacqueline made a presentation on the triangle at Vermont.  The committee decided to issue a statement [he read it]

11.    NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT
Jacqueline:  The Vermont, Hollywood, Prospect triangle is a CRA project. They came up with a large budget of $800,000 to revamp it. The idea is to make it more comfortable for bus riders. They also want to paint ethnic symbols into the triangle.  Joe:  It is a bad idea to define turf this way. It is better to tie it into the Observatory or what we in Hollywood are about. 
MOTION by Jacqueline recommending that the council empower the chair of the Zoning Committee to send a letter about the motion that was carried by the Planning & Zoning to CRA, stating our opposition to this plan
SECOND:  Bruce
Richard: I thought we already approved something.
MOTION by Charley that the Planning & Zoning Committee put together an impact statement.
SECOND: James
Jacqueline:    It has to be a letter, it is not going before the Council. [MOTION changed to say “letter”]
VOTE:  Consensus – motion passes
Nyla:  This should be looked at like a crime issue; it is about inclusion of all people.  It seems that to have something of good design will reach out to all people.

12.    NEWSLETTER
Rosemary:  It was supposed to go out before the election, but I also had to do things for the election. Is there someone who will volunteer to finish the newsletter?  [Nyla volunteered]. Richard:  We have a template of the layout to make it easy. It will go out to the entire neighborhood.  Rosemary:  This will go to about 10,000 people and will also be inserted in the City Beat. I will e-mail the board what I have so far. 

13.    NEXT MEETING
Nora: The next meeting is December 21.  There will also be a party. If we can plan to start at 6:30 for the party and open at 7 p.m.; we will put the board orientation up front.  If that is not good the second choice for a date is December 14.  Bruce will send out an e-mail asking people which date is better.  Also on the agenda will be the Mayor’s Budget Review.  I posted for tonight’s meeting and the bank took it down.
Jacqueline: What about a Government Affairs committee to study motions that come from the City Council and then prepare community impact statements? 

Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Joyce Clarke, PDQ Careers Temp

A quorum having finally arrived at 8:34pm, VP for Administration Stan Thompson as interim president calls the meeting to order. Thompson then resigns his position as VP Administration and interim president leaving VP of Outreach and Communications Nora Mosqueda as the highest ranking officer. VP Mosqueda defers to Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell to preside because he’s “more up to date” on the matters on the agenda.

Hunnewell explains the prime reason for the meeting is to appoint the designated members of the GGPNC board within the 30 day time frame specified in the by-laws. Because Secretary Andrew Westall is no longer a board member, having chosen not to seek re-election, Hunnewell reports that Bruce Carroll has agreed to be interim secretary.

#1 Hunnewell and Mosqueda report on the actions of the special meeting of the Executive Committee on 11/3/04 regarding the process for nominations of officers. The committee recommends nominations take place at the 11/16 regular board meeting with elections held at the December 21, 2004, board meeting. Charley Mims suggests that nominations be opened at this, 11/8/04, meeting and be held open through the 11/16 Board Meeting to allow newly elected and designated members time to decide if they want to run.

#2 Mims, chair of the ad hoc Committee on the Appointment of Designated Members of the Board, presents the committee’s report and reads the names of its nine recommendations: Jonathon Kaplan–religious, Rosemary DeMonte-business, Nora Mosqueda–business, Richard Spicer–education, Philip Gasteier, Nyla Arslanian–culture & Non-profit, Rose Marin–education & non profit, Merlyn Hernandez, Lisa Sergi–recreation.  Mims notes that all have committed to serve their two year terms.

#3 Mims moves the appointment of the nine nominees and there is a chorus of seconds, followed by consensus approval that the nine nominees named above become Designated Members of the GGPNC Board.

#4 Hunnewell calls for discussion on the report regarding the nomination and election of officers. Jonathon Kaplan moves to adopt the Mims plan (see item #1). Mims seconds, Hunnewell declares consensus.

#5 Hunnewell nominates Carroll as interim secretary to serve until December officer elections so that in the event there is need for an Executive Committee meeting before the formal election of officers there will be the required quorum of 3 members. Carroll accepts and Mims moves, 2nd by Kaplan to appoint Carroll…approved by consensus.

Acting on item # 4 Four nominations were made and seconded during the meeting:
Mims nominated newly designated member Lisa Sergi  for Treasurer
Kaplan nominated Mims for President
Mims nominated Hunnewell for VP Administration
Hunnewell nominated Mosqueda for VP of Outreach & Communication
Aditionally Jacqueline Kerr nominated DeMonte for VP Outreach & Communication…she declined.
There were no nominations made for the office of Secretary

Hunnewell then reminded board members that nominations remain open for further additions at the 11/16/04 meeting. Richard Spicer asked if the outsourced minute taking service would be at the  11/16 and 12/21 meetings…it will be arranged.

Public Comment…Jose Sigala, president of Friends of the LA River and government relations person for the LILA School introduced himself. He thanked GGPNC for past efforts in LA River cleanup. Wants to ask for more support at future meeting, says “You guys have done a tremendous job” Congratulates all board members, saying  “I know it’s a big commitment.”

Kaplan moves for adjournment and it is agreed by consensus at 8:52pm.

Prepared by:
Bruce Carroll, Interim Secretary


1.    CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Stan Thompson, Interim President call the meeting to order at 7:15  p.m.

Present:  Stan Thompson, Interim Pres, Kerry Hunnewell, Treasurer; Andrew Westall, Secretary; Kara Knack, Shana Murphy, Cheryl Johnson, Ron Weinstein, Joe Cisneros, James Balesh, Charley Mims, Bruce Carroll, Rosemary DeMonte, Scott Crawford, Jonathan Kaplan, Jacqueline Kerr, and Molly Rysman

Absent: Bernadette Soter Joe Zefran. Nora Mosqueda

CITY REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:  Melvin Canas, DONE Project Coordinator; Rory Fitzpatrick, Dir. Of Field Operations, CD 14 City Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

2.    PUBLIC COMMENT
Ann MacKeen announced a meeting on Oct. 21 of the Barnsdall Neighborhood Association.

Kristen Sabo gave an update on the Park Rangers consolidation. There have been meetings held for public comment, but the neighborhood councils are not involved in the process of this plan.  The Mayor received a series of letters from this board, but Kristen wants the board to write another letter reiterating their stand.  Oct 27 is a meeting at Friendship Auditorium.

Kirk Rademaekers, Chair of Ad hoc committee on Inclusionary Zoning.  The Hollywood Chamber is putting together a task force of local businesses and Neighborhood Councils to look at updating the Hollywood Community Plan; a draft should be available in December. The intent is to include IZ into the plan.  If anyone is interested send an e-mail to Ron.

3.    COUNCIL DISTRICT 14 – REPORT
Rory Fitzpatrick:   (a)  There will be a meeting on Oct 27 on the consolidation effort of the Park Rangers; all Neighborhood Councils have been invited.  (b)  There has been an increase in graffiti and now is a high priority on the Councilmember’s list.  Will meet with Captions of the Northeast area on this.  (c)  There was illegal selling of cars along Los Feliz.  LAPD spearheaded a sting operation along with DMV and identified two individuals, one a gypsy ring doing the selling; the “for sale” signs have diminished.

4.    LAPD CRIME REPORT
Gina Chovan, Sr. Lead Officer: (a) We did do a sting on the Los Feliz car sales that was very successful including a day spent undercover, advising legitimate registered owners not to sell on the street just because they saw the gypsies doing it.  (b)  There will be a Town Hall meeting on November 4 at Occidental College to meet and greet the local Police Command Staff. (c) Robberies and car break-ins are up.  We have been handing out these flyers telling people not to leave valuables visible.  Please take a flyer and pass out to your friends and neighbors.  (d) There has been an increase in follow home robberies of the elderly during the day.  They knock the person down and rob them.  Here is a sketch of the suspect, please take some flyers and alert your neighbors.  (e) Elderly distraction burglaries are on the rise.  Two or three persons will say they are from a utility company to check your water, gas, etc and while one person is checking the other suspects are robbing you.  Please take these flyers as well.  (f)  I will soon set up a training day with the detectives and everyone is invited. 

Rory:  The Councilmember’s office has been receiving complaints about graffiti and we will bring it to your captain’s attention, have you received any calls?  Officer Chovan:  No we have not.  Joe:  Are the various crimes on the website?  Mark Marisol (stakeholder)  If you go to the City website and click on teamwork LA, they are putting basic crime stats in there.  Joe:  I am looking for what’s on the crime blotter.  Officer Chovan: I don’t think so, but I can look into it.  Stakeholder:  Are the follow home robberies in a car or walking?  Officer Chovan: One of the victims was unloading her car.  So think about changing your route home, looking in your rear view mirror when going into your automatic garage.

5.    CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION RESULTS
Stan:  We had 179 residents register and cast ballots.  In Jerry Kvasnicka’s final report on behalf of the League of Women Voters,  he said that the election committee consisted of 2 people; this is incorrect, there were more, but I had the most contact with him.

MOTION by Charley that the election results be approved as presented and the new board members be seated.
SECOND:  Cheryl

New Board members are: Ronald Weinstein, District A; Cheryl Lee Johnson (re-elected)  District A;  Jacqueline Kerr (re-elected) and  Kerry Hunnewell  District B;  Joe Paul Cisneros and Shana Murphy, District C; Molly Rysman and James Balesh, District D; Bruce Carroll  and Charley Mims (re-elected) District E.

Jacqueline:  Bernadette, chair of the PROS committee and Andrew our secretary were not re-elected; what do we do?  Andrew:  I will be happy to be secretary until someone is elected, even though I am not a board member. 

Charley:  Any objection to the motion?

VOTE:  full consensus

Stan: Because our bylaws do not specify for seating, we came to an agreement that upon the results being accepted by DONE the winners become new board members.  The bylaws are silent as to when they become an effective voting body. [Stan asked for introductions around the room of all board members]

6.    COMMITTEE REPORTS
PROS.  Kara: We are working on Ferndale, consolidation of Park Rangers and Griffith Park.  Officer Chovan will be at our PROS December meeting.  Three letters were sent asking that the City not proceed without community input on the Park Ranger issue.   Mark Marisol (stakeholder and Supv of Parks): In response to the Park Rangers consolidation this plan has been in the works for more than a year and has been going through the budget process since last April.  [Mark clarified the consolidation plan and what it would look like and what the responsibilities of workers would be.] Both unions are trying to figure out how to get armed response in the park, since we are not getting it from the police.  So by creating an armed unit the park will be covered.  This discussion is still taking place; the City Council vote today was to address the fact that there is a need for rangers in regional parks.  Management wants support from neighborhood councils to go along with the consolidation.  Rangers will keep many of their responsibilities; it is the security function that is at issue. Charley:  So will there be fewer rangers?  Mark:  There will be an unfreeze that will allow for hiring.  The department will retain 19 rangers and 7 senior rangers if there is a consolidation. Charley: Will the people who are consolidated come back as security?  Mark:  If we go to General Services and they give us their officers we are already transferring some of that money over to them.  We will still get security services.  There is a meeting next Wednesday and you are all invited.  Scott: Firestone is a regional park, why isn’t it on the list?  Mark:  Councilman Ludlow wanted it to go back for more detail, there are other parks that are regional and don’t come under this.  We currently do expanded programs in these parks we have identified, so it has to do with the ability to do outreach programs on a regular basis that rangers are already doing.  Cheryl:  Can you update us on the traffic expected at the Observatory.  Mark:  There are a few things that are going on with that.  But we are working on it with DOT and other departments and should hear perhaps next summer about a combination of openings.

7.    NEW S.A.F.E.(Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Elctronics) CENTER PROGRAM
Fernando Gonzalez, Recycling Program Manager, City of LA Bureau of Sanitation and Heidi Harmon, Project Engineer.
Fernando: [brought samples of solvents.  He handed out a Powerpoint Presentation and discussed recycling of common household materials and how some can be used as energy saving fuel.  Talked about proper disposal and potential risks to families, pets and the environment. ] There are 3 S.A.F.E. Collection Centers around L.A.:  UCLA, Gaffey Street, Hyperion, and in East San Fernando Valley. There is a facility Glendale-Los Angeles in the pre-design stage and we are inviting the NCs for their input before the design is final.  Stan:  How will you go about educating the public about the facility?  Fernando:  Our plan is in its early stages.  Rosemary:  If a can is empty, does it still need to be recycled?  Fernando:  There is always something left in a can and we have a method for recycling that.  Molly.  There is a site in Elysian Valley and the biggest issue is signage, people trying to find it.  Fernando: This one has the most participation.  I will send copies of a fact sheet to all of you but about 60% of what we collect is paint.  For the Glendale facility our hours will be 9-3 on Saturday and Sunday and one day during the week.  Molly:  Any materials destroyed at the site?  Fernando: No.  Kara:  When will it be finished?  Fernando:  Design should be done by next Spring, then it will be built. Scott: Will there be mulch at this site?  Fernando:  I don’t think we will.  Kerry:  Why not suggest to all the NCs that they put your information link on their page.  Fernando: That’s a good idea.  Joe: Do you do presentations in the schools?  Fernando: Yes we partner with other kinds of environmental programs and go with them.

8.    QUORUM
Andrew:  In September I sent a letter to the City Attorney about what constitutes a quorum. He sent me back a response on October 7, saying that meetings can be held but no action can be taken.  Melvin Canas, DONE:  There was a meeting today to review your question to amend the bylaws for a floating quorum, which is 2/3 of whatever the number of board members are present. Other NCs have also asked this.  They have been working on this in the City Council and also DONE, but the department will not support a floating quorum nor the City Attorney.  They will propose language that allows NCs that are missing enough board members to have a quorum to instead hold a special meeting to appoint new board members. If you want to withdraw your request for a floating quorum, we suggest adding this language to your bylaws: 
Vacancy Clause:  “If the Board is unable to establish a quorum due to the number of vacancies then at a regularly noticed meeting the existing board members may fill the vacant seats until a quorum is established.  oN action may be taken until a quorum is established and unless the items have been agendized in compliance with the Brown Act.”  

Melvin: Or instead of a floating quorum you can change your quorum to 10.  Kerry:  Our minimum is 10 so it doesn’t apply and doesn’t satisfy objections you brought up.  Melvin:  The Board and City Attorney will not approve floating quorums.  Cheryl: If someone leaves the meeting early can we still have it, even though we are not making decisions?  Melvin:  If someone leaves the meeting early and you lose the quorum, the meeting is adjourned.  At this point it is being reviewed by the City Attorney.  Andrew:  So our bylaws request has been declined, ours says a quorum never goes below 10.  Our quorum cannot fall below a majority.  We are in line with what the City wants. I suggest support before it goes to (Board of Neighborhood Commissioners) BONC.  Melvin:  It goes to BONC for a vote on October 26.  [Further discussion on floater quorums]  Molly:  Can you get a clear response from them on why they won’t accept it?  Melvin:  Do you want to bring it down to 10 or adopt the language in my letter?  Kerry: What is the next step?  Stan: We go to the BONC meeting.

9.    MAYOR’S BUDGET DAY REPORT
Cheryl Johnson: Nora Mosqueda attended the Budget Day meeting.  We had only 100 surveys and 2 board members turned theirs in.  Nora was elected the regional rep of the Neighborhood Councils to discuss problems with the Mayor.  We chose parking as our priority even though it was not on the survey.  At the next meeting Nora will insist that the form be rewritten, that it be given to us early and that we have the Mayor’s commitment to take action. 

10.    OUTREACH AD HOC COMMITTEE
Stan: The outreach committee met and identified 22 people, then sent out an e-mail to everyone asking if they are interested in running.  We discussed going out and seeking more candidates. The committee feels we should stick with the 22 candidates.  We talked about what do we do to elect them other than the board electing them.  The consensus was to form an ad hoc committee to talk to the candidates.  They would be interviewed and recommendations made to the board.  Rosemary:  We should come up with a fair way to interview people.  Charley: I agree and it should also be flexible; a set of standard questions and a committee to do the interviewing.  Jacqueline:  The last time I did most of the phoning and asking them why they wanted to be on the board and how much time could they devote.  Cheryl:  Do we adopt the outreach committee’s recommendation to stay with 22 candidates or seek more?  Charley: I say stick with it.  We said that people could apply up to the day of the election, so we can’t do anything now.  Kerry:  I say we stay with the 22 and not go though any more formal efforts.  Scott:  Do the candidates have to fulfill the criteria?  Cheryl:  Yes.  Charley:  If we adopt the report it cuts it off.  Cheryl:  No it also includes anyone on the board who wants to run.   Stan:  You also wanted to know how to do the interview process.  We don’t have time for the adhoc committee to go back and do it. 

MOTION by Charley, I move that we appoint a committee to develop a standard set of questions and pose that set of questions to applicants, then come back to the board on November 8 with recommendations which would include summaries of all the candidates. The committee would call the candidates in to meet as a whole, rather than phoning them.

SECOND:  Bruce

Jonathon:  I am in favor of the committee, but I don’t know if we need to give the committee that much direction.  Cheryl:  Some people were calling and not everyone knew this was being done.  Charley:  We have a short time period and to organize an ad hoc committee and call candidates by November 8 is not enough time.   Charley: Take out the last sentence, “The committee would call the candidates in to meet as a whole, rather than phoning them.”  Kerry:  Why not appoint a committee and leave it to them to do the best way for all.  I suggest we don’t need a motion, just appoint a committee.

AMENDED MOTION by Charley, that we appoint a committee to develop a standard set of questions and pose that set of questions to applicants and come back to the board on November 8 with recommendations, which would include summaries of all the candidates. 

VOTE:  Consensus – motion passes.

Ad Hoc Committee members:  Scott, Charley, Jacqueline, Kerry, James and Joe. They will elect their own chairperson. [later in agenda Cheryl is added]

11.    CRA HOLLYWOOD/WESTERN PROJECT:
Kerry: To bring you up to date on the project from last month’s meeting, it will be split into 2 parts; one to develop housing and one for commercial.  Agreements from developers will be back this month and will include a community review until the design is finalized.  Ron:  Administratively, can you meet with the PZHP committee to go over the project?  Kerry: Yes, in person or in writing?  Ron:  Are we going to keep LFIA and other neighborhood groups involved and informed of what’s going on?  Kerry: A LFIA rep was here tonight and will be attending the CRA meetings personally.

12.    COMMITTEE REPORTS

a) TRANSPORTATION: James:  Our next meeting is Oct. 25 at the Citibank building discussing what happened with street pavement recommendations, streetscape for Los Feliz, and other items.  Ron:  Do you plan to attend Councilmember LaBonge’s breakfast on this issue at the Hollywood City Hall?  James:  I am going to try.

b) NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT:  Jacqueline: Our plan to develop the Vermont triangle is more elaborate than what Kipp Rudd (Sr. Engineer on project for CRA) wants.  He said that maybe he should just give us a kiosk and a few plants.  He has been unresponsive to my phone calls.  I turned it over to Jeanne Chang (CD 14, Field Deputy) And Pat from the architectural landscaping firm.  Jeanne will have a traffic study done and see if the triangle can be reconfigured. [Jacqueline talked about the ethnic naming of each section that might lead to a gang warfare; the landscaping issue; the influence of the Barrio Planner and what they wanted to do.]  My next meeting is Friday Oct. 29 at Figaro’s

c) PZHP REPORT: Ron: (Planning Zoning & Historical Preservation Committee).  We have met twice once on IZ to complete the position statement that was approved by this board.  Kurt Rademackeus did a great job on this.  After approval he distributed it to as many offices as possible, and working with Andrew we sent it to other NCs and City staff.  In the second meeting we discussed the failure of Building & Safety to enforce its own laws.  We have contacted  the chief of B&S and we will go down there if we have to.  Scott:  Give us some examples.  Ron:  Over height walls; a residence got a permit to do some work but in the middle it was stopped for 2 years.  He wants to see issues like that looked into.


13.    TREASURER’S REPORT
Kerry: You will see in the hand out that we have unspent, and uncommitted $12,383.  This does not include election invoices. There is approximately $5,700 left on the card; $6,200 in demand warrants and about $366 in our checking account.  We will have to do a budget re-allocation for a $3,000 project.  We have over $20,000 in committed but unspent funds: newsletter costs, etc.  We received funding for 5 quarters and we have 2 additional quarters to go.   I am asking Bruce to post financial reports every quarter on the website and people can download them to view them.  Our bylaws say we must set fees for requests for information and we don’t have them.  I think we have to be low enough but also high enough to discourage people form asking.  Bruce:  Up to 10 cents a page.  Kerry:  People should pay an initial administration fee for hard copy and for an electronic copy, half that fee.  Charley:  The minutes and bylaws are on the website, then if we put the finances on the website, what are we charging them for?  Kerry:  If a person wanted every single receipt expended over the last 18 months and the bylaws say we have to produce that, we will charge them because we don’t want frivolous requests.  Charley:  Bring it up in the executive meeting and come back to us.  Kerry: Technically we are not supposed to have a checking account. They used to pay our checking account fee, but as of today DONE is disallowing payment of our fees; maybe we can use our street fair funds to pay them.  Bruce:  why not change it to a non-fee bank like Washington Mutual?  Kerry:  I will send out our policy and procedures to new members.  I will also distribute them again to everyone and ask that they be adopted.  James:  We talked about an account at Extra Copy is there any information on that?  Kerry:  We can only write checks out of petty cash up to $100.  DONE has a new rule, you have to submit a copy of what was copied.

14.    BOARD COMMENT
Joe:  I am a precinct inspector and am now on the board, is there a conflict of interest?  Rosemary: No because NCs have been asked to be at polling places.  Kara:  I want to thank everyone for my 2 years here.  I will still be a part of the Griffith Observation and will be happy to give a report at any time.  On Dec. 2 there will be the opening of Hollyhock Howe, and in February/March a major opening for the city.  James:  Are the new revised bylaws on the website?  Bruce:  Not all of them have been approved yet?  Stan:  You can get them after Oct. 26th when everything is current.  Charley:  Please add Cheryl to the ad hoc committee, even though she will be out of town.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

1.    CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mary Rodriguez, President call the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Present:  Mary Rodriguez, Pres., Nora Mosqueda, Outreach VP; Kerry Hunnewell, Treasurer; Andrew Westall, Secretary; James Balesh, Bernadette Soter, Bruce Carroll, Rosemary DeMonte, Jacqueline Kerr, Kara Knack, Charley Mims, Stan Thompson, AdministrativeVP, and Cheryl Johnson.

Absent:  Jonathon Kaplan, Excused Absence: Scott Crawford
Resigned:  Joe Zefran

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:  Melvin Canas, DONE Project Coordinator, Jeanne Chang, CD 14, Field Deputy for Councilmember Tom LaBonge; Michelle Fleenor, Central Area Director, Mayor’s Office of Operations; Leila Sanbar Bell, Interim District Director, Office of Assembly Majority Leader Dario Frommer, 43rd Assembly District.

2.    APPROVAL OF JULY 20 MINUTES
Corrections:  none
MOTION by Andrew to approve minutes as written
SECOND by Kerry
VOTE: consensus


3.    PUBLIC COMMENT

Juliet Kiperman, LFIA Zoning Committee:  A 350 unit development is going up on the corner of Hollywood and Western that will impact the community and no one was notified. Members of this Neighborhood Council are on the committee that will meet tomorrow to select a developer from the 4 proposed and there has been no community outreach.  Mary:  We cannot have a discussion on this, but we will when we agendize it.  Kerry:  I offered to put it on the agenda and you said no. Mary:  I don’t remember, but we will put it on the meeting agenda for September.

4.    Gina Chovan, new Sr. Lead Officer for Los Feliz/Atwater.  She introduced herself, gave out her contact phone number and asked that she be called with any concerns.  She did not have a crime report, but will be back.  Her goals are to work on the Los Feliz traffic and illegal cells.  Mary invited her to remain at the meeting as long as she could and informed that James Balesh will become chair of the transportation committee and will contact her.

5.    CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
All of these items have been discussed in different committees and we will try to pass all of these items at one time.  Consensus was for the following:
3a - Creating a new transportation committee, James Balesh, Chairperson
3b - Ron Weinstein, Chairperson of the Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee
3c - Moved to 5a, Transportation committee Rosalia Rd parking
PROS committee handled separately, moved to 9b


6.    INCLUSIONARY ZONING
Mary thanked Kurt Rademaker and his entire committee for all their work.
KURT: We passed two motions, which stated our position in a Proposed Community Impact Statement.  [Kurt read the position addressed to the GGPNC Board]
Two main positions were that we oppose IZ ordinance as written and opposed mandatory IZ. Also to a certain extent it overrides certain Specific Plans.  The Impact Statement will be attached to the motion when it goes before City Council and they have to read the statement before voting upon it, which should be at the end of this month or beginning of Sept.  I want to continue writing a full position statement for the GGPNC.

MOTION by Kerry to approve the Community Impact Statement and file it with the City Council and other appropriate parties. SECOND:  Andrew
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT by Charley to simplify the final paragraph, second sentence as follows:  “We oppose the mandatory inclusionary zoning because of its one-size fits all approach to addressing this issue throughout the city, etc….”

Discussion
Stan, Jeff Gardner (stakeholder), Jim McQuiston (stakeholder) and Richard Spicer (stakeholder) spoke in agreement with Charley’s suggested change.  Richard further suggested that the letter also be sent to the Mayor, Councilpersons in the GGPNC and the Joint Housing Committee. And also work to find a solution.

VOTE:  consensus on sending the Community Impact Statement to all parties mentioned.

KURT:  Is there anyone else willing to continue on this with me?  [Charley and Bernadette volunteered.]

7.    ROSALIA ROAD PARKING – TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
James:  [Gave some background on the issue, that residents on Rosalia Road have started an application process for permit parking because of the visitors to the Vista Theater.  More than 21 persons, including the Vista Theater owner, Lance attended a meeting.  The Asian Community opened their lot for $3.00 but no one was parking there.]
The committee passed a motion to recommend to the board that we approve the application put before DOT.  Another committee motion was approved to look for alternative parking for the clientele for the businesses in the area.  Residents and Vista were very willing to work together and this committee is also committed to helping them.

MOTION by James that the board supports this recommendation so we can support the residents in that area.
SECOND:

Discussion
Rosemary: I talked to Lance today and he understands that this will snowball into other streets that will want permit parking.  He wants a guarantee that it will stay on one street.  He said he wants to talk some more.  He feels the City should be in this discussion and that their zoning is partly at fault.  Jeanne Chang:  This is going to be a temporary permit situation for 12 months then it will be reviewed.  We met with DOT and we discussed the consequences of how it will impact other streets.  I don’t think it is beneficial to get other streets involved.  We will try it out for a total of 12 months and see if it spreads or what happens.  Karen Schwartzman (stakeholder).  I live on Rosalia.  There are multi-family residents on the block that are being impacted.  Vista Theater is doing a great job in showing first run movies and we are patrons.  However it increases the traffic on the block, there is no lighting on the block and parking far away can be dangerous.  Parking on weekends anytime is difficult because of the moviegoers.  We agree to work with Vista to find solutions. Ken Owen (stakeholder) About 75 people have petitioned DOT for a permit.  Lance did talk about 20 spaces at Vons, although he never made any representation that he did anything to get parking at the Asian Pacific Care Center on Hillhurst.  The Asians put up a sign, but people preferred free street parking.  This council should support the residents’ petition to DOT.  Richard Spicer (stakeholder): I am a member of the committee; the key thing was to help Vista seek alternative parking.  Do that in conjunction with the permit because it takes care of a long-term problem. 

Further discussion by the board touched on the following issues and concerns:  businesses will have client parking problems if more streets get permit parking; parking was the number one item on last year’s survey; get City Council involved; the Vista should post a sign saying there is parking at Pacific Asian Center; suggest that the transportation committee come up with parameters regarding handling future preferential parking; suggest the theater and the Asian center do validated parking- for example raise the ticket price by $1.50 and charge $1.50 parking with validation; people at a nearby church had opened lot but a governmental authority shut it down saying it jeopardized their nonprofit status and now sits empty.
Rosemary:  I want to ask that we demand that the City Council’s office and any other entity help, because the Councilman is the one with the power.

James asked that his motion be amended to look into alternative parking as well. 
MOTION CONSENSUS: All in favor.  Motion carries

8.    ELECTION UPDATE
Stan:  DONE is asking for further changes in the election procedures as follows:
Change commitment that materials will be sent to all addresses as possible.
Change the time of distribution of election materials
Clarify when candidates will receive election materials.
Omit reference to DONE, have it say that NC will do “Walking Man”.  They will pay for it, but will not do distribution.
Change language from mutual 3rd party to Election Administrator, although the mutual 3rd party is their language.
The biggest change is the elimination of absentee ballots, which is not possible now because of our reduced timeline.

Mary:  We were requiring the absentee ballot voters to get the ballots back to us in 4 days, DONE requires at least 10 days to return the ballots, because our new timeline is now much later than anticipated we cannot provide the absentee ballots for this election.  So no absentee ballots this time around.

Discussion on DONE’s reviewing of the procedures, how it has adversely affected timing and absentee ballot accommodation and having the election procedures completed in time for the 9/30 election.

Mary: We have to vote on this tonight.  We need to have revised election procedures tonight and a signed board resolution, which I will pass around now.  This has to be taken to DONE tomorrow and approved immediately in order for us to have the elections on time.

MOTION by Charley that we approve the procedures as described and read by Stan Thompson.
SECOND:  Kerry
VOTE:  Unanimous – motion carries.

9.    CITY REPRESENTATIVE
Michelle Fleenor of the Mayor’s office introduced herself.  She is the field rep for the Mayor.  She used to work with Jeanne in Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s office.  She is here to assist the NC in any way she can.  She has requested that the Bureau of Street Services do an infrastructure street survey of what has already been done in the area – tree trimming, street sweeping, etc.  She will have one done for the NC, which takes about 4 to 6 weeks.  James asked for 30 copies to be given to him for distribution.

10.    ELECTION UPDATE – OUTREACH & TIMELINE
Nora:  Each person has an election packet with flyers and information that should be distributed to friends and neighbors.  In it is a green sheet, which is the application for GGPNC district representative candidates. All items must be handed out by the next meeting and each person will give a written report of where you placed them, problems, etc.  Mary: We gave 10 posters to every board member to hand out to various businesses, schools, churches etc., and Rosemary wants you to sign up to give them out to the businesses.  There are also 4 banners to be hung: one at John Marshall High School and Mother of Good Counsel our polling places, Los Feliz Elementary School on Hollywood Blvd. & Vermont Ave. and/or someplace on the western end of our boundaries.  Rosemary: Change the deadline date on all materials to read Sept. 16 (not Sept. 3). Andrew:  I will place on the western end.  The committee reached a consensus.

11.    i FIVE, Inc. DATABASE
Kerry: iFive was asked to hire outside data entry people because their rate would be cheaper.  They should be finished by the end of the week – will keep everyone posted.  Andrew suggested getting the names of the Rosalia Road permit applicants and stakeholder Richard Spicer said he had only a few, the rest have been submitted, but he does have sign up sheets he can provide.

12.    MAYOR’S BUDGET DAY/SURVEY
Mary:  Also in the election packet is 10 surveys.  The Mayor wants 200 returned to his office noting the top priority issues in the neighborhood.  Deadline is Sept. 30.  Two representatives from each NC will be responsible for turning in the surveys and also attending the Oct. 9 meeting at City Hall where all the NCs from that group elect 2 people to work with the Mayor on this.  Nora and Cheryl volunteered to go to the Oct. 9 meeting.  Andrew:  I can tally them in a few days if everyone will return completed ones to me by Sept. 8th, at the Outreach Committee meeting. I also have extra copies. I added parking and room for the persons name and address to our survey.

Discussion on Survey:
Cheryl suggested leaving some with businesses and picking them up like Daily Donuts; Bernadette said she would take 25. Mary reported that no NCs had input in creating the survey that parking was not listed, and they are due back on the same day as our elections Sept.30th, so we will just do the best that we can under the circumstances but the priority is the elections.  Rosemary will have a table on August 28/29 with election and survey information on it (TBA).  Jim McQuiston (stakeholder) is stapling the survey to election info together, going door-to-door and returning to pick up completed forms.  Cheryl said the survey wording is complex and may yield inconsistent responses, and Kara suggested using the ‘other’ line to write in the park rangers’ transfer.

Opting out of the Survey
Cheryl:  Do we have to do this survey?  Can we say it won’t elicit meaningful information because we didn’t have input in creating it?  Jim McQuiston (stakeholder), It is a charter requirement.  Charley: This is a document to get NCs to buy into the Mayor’s priorities.  According to the charter we are supposed to have input, but this is channeling input.  I agree with Cheryl, but if we take a stand to develop our budget priorities, we could be frozen out of the Mayor’s process. We could go along with this and tweak it the best we can.  Kerry: The charter doesn’t say we have to use this vehicle to do it. They use this as a tool to say we omitted the rangers on the survey, so it must not be important to the NCs.  Cheryl could write a letter to them, saying why we are not going to participate in the process this way

MOTION by Kerry that we not participate in this process in this way because I do think that this is somewhat of a scam and I don’t think it is going to have any influence on the Mayor’s budget and I think it is an inappropriate way to spend our time.
SECOND:  Bruce

Discussion
Cheryl suggested distributing survey from last year.  Bernadette notes this survey asks the same question a few different ways.  Nora suggested personalizing the Mayor’s form, but to use it like all the other NCs because it provides consistency. James said the Mayor is using the NCs as a pawn.  Jacqueline and Cheryl noted that parks and green space and a comment space were not on this year’s survey.  Richard Spicer (stakeholder) suggested filling out the Mayor’s survey then attaching the NC’s own survey sheet.

Mary:  Any consensus on motion not to do the survey this year? 
Response:  No
VOTE:  4 in favor to not use the Mayor’s survey

MOTION by Kerry that we not fulfill the Charter mandate to input into the Mayor’s budget using this vehicle, but we look at using an alternative vehicle that is more appropriate to our neighborhood and more amenable to soliciting those ideas that are germane to us.
SECOND:  Bruce
VOTE:  6 in favor.  6 opposed. 1 abstain- Andrew.

Charley:  Charter says an abstain vote is counted as a “yes” vote, so the motion passes. The Charter trumps the Robert’s Rules of Order.  Mary:  This doesn’t seem fair.  Andrew:  if I had to vote, I would vote yes.
[There was discussion about what the bylaws say, Robert’s and the Charter in terms of voting,]
Jim McQuiston:  If you don’t use the Mayor’s vehicle, it will not count.   Melvin (DONE) explained the Mayor’s position and the NC’s responsibility.

REVOTE:  to not use the Mayor’s survey form. 
VOTE:  5 in favor.  8 opposed. 
Motion fails – the Mayor’s survey will be used.


13.    BUDGET REPORT
Kerry explained that money encumbered in May is not yet paid out and was still in the demand warrant account, so the next quarter funding was being held up. Finally money has been released into petty cash to help fund the election.  Will begin processing demand warrants in the next week or so.  There is about $12,500 in unencumbered funds available.  Jacqueline:  We relinquished our $3,000 mural project money back when we didn’t have all our paperwork.  Now that we have it, will the money be there?  Kerry:  We have to resubmit it back to DONE.

14.    TRANSPORATATION REPORT
Speedbumps
James: Richard Spicer will discuss the motion our committee would like the board to approve.  We approved a set of speed bumps and stop signs on 3 streets Holly Knoll Drive, Lyric Ave. and Monon Street.  About 60% of the residents support this. 

Richard showed a design of the three streets and explained what was proposed.

MOTION: by James to support DOT to do a study and determine the feasibility on the speed bumps and stop signs
SECOND:  Charley

Discussion
Richard addressed the following questions:  He lives on the street and feels it is dangerous because students and parents near the school speed and there are blind corners.  Although Bruce expressed he was against speed bumps, and felt it more of a law enforcement issue, Richard responded that the DOT study opens the possibility of getting something done on these streets, even if it’s not speed bumps.

VOTE:  7 in favor.  1 opposed-Bruce.  Motion carries.

Dash
James: Jeanne Chang has asked us to have a liaison to study the DASH because it is not getting enough rider-ship.  They will contact a consultant the City hired to study a better use of the DASH in this area.  [There followed a discussion on the DASH, the route it travels, and a line that was suspended but will reopen following construction at the Observatory.]  If anyone has any ideas on the DASH for the consultant they can e-mail Ken Owen.

15.    PROS COMMITTEE
Bernadette: The ranger situation is ongoing. We spoke at the August 11 Parks Commission meeting and a letter was sent to the Mayor, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, General Manager of Recreation and Parks John Muckri, and Commission President Mike Roos.  John Muckri said they had proceeded with haste and that they would convene a taskforce and get public input.  I volunteered to be on the taskforce.  Charley:  They will only take the park rangers who want to be peace officers, and the other rangers will remain doing their jobs.  So they can still put some of that money into continued park ranger service.
 Kara: The PROS committee also mentioned that other large parks need rangers because they provide specialized response services that the police are not used to handling.  Bernadette: We also sent a letter in support of keeping the two wildlife officers and it was voted to keep them on a part time basis and try to re-fund them back to full time in January.

PROS Ad Hoc Committee
Bernadette:  PROS wants to form an ad hoc PROS committee comprised of Griffith Park, Hollywood United and Atwater Village Neighborhood Councils.  We deal with a lot of park organizations and a lot of agencies so we could share resources, opinions and the workload.  We want this formalized as DONE supports joint committees of neighboring councils that share large resources such as Griffith Park.  Kara: To date we have been acting autonomously, but we should come together and work with Parks and Rec. as a committee on a number of issues that affect all of us. 

MOTION by Andrew that the GGPNC appoint a task force to propose that the PROS Committee be a joint committee of GGPNC and adjacent Neighborhood Councils.
SECOND: ?
No consensus

Discussion
Jeff Gardner (on Atwater Village NC and PROS Committee):  PROS Committee is doing a great job with the different councils as one committee, and it is working effectively.  Mary:  Has Atwater voted on this yet?  Jeff:  No. But I wanted to have help first. I like the PROS Committee because they talk about the real issues and I don’t have to look for volunteers.  There are no conflicts because the meetings are inclusive.  Charley:  I oppose the motion because the committee is working and it is inclusive. We changed our bylaws to make it clear to say other NCs and stakeholders could join.  In trying to create a new entity you will wind up with a lot of organizational and turf problems if you limit it to 3 NCs and stakeholders for an ad hoc committee. It also freezes out other organizations like the Sierra Club. Cheryl and Kerry echoed Charley on the bylaws and equal rights for all who attend the meetings; Jacqueline felt it unnecessary to change management around and Nora said that PROS is only asking to have a task force to study the feasibility. Mary felt it was two different issues: boundaries and a task force. She did not find the boundaries amendment that was taken up with HUNC in the bylaws; thus it will be taken up with in the Executive Committee but to date it is not an official bylaw change. She agreed with Nora. Rosemary asked if Bernadette and Kara leave the committee who will chair PROS.  They want to find an equitable way that boundaries don’t enter in. The 3 neighborhood councils would chair instead of one committee doing it now. 

VOTE:  5 in favor of task force study.  8 opposed.  Motion fails.

MOTION by Bernadette to set up a task force to find a chairperson
Jacqueline:  It is the responsibility of the NC to find a chairperson.

16.    NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
Jacqueline:  no report.

17.    OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Nora:  There are two issues; the Silver Lake Film Festival wants help to sponsor their event for $1,000. And the other is about postage. Kerry:  We cannot give a gift of public funds. A representative of the festival told me there is no opportunity for outreach.

MOTION by Kerry that we wish them the best with the festival but it is not an appropriate use of our outreach funds.
SECOND:  Bruce

18.    PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kara:  Would like to have put on the agenda the stakeholder who spoke first Juliet Kiperman, LFIA Zoning Committee regarding the 350-unit development going up on the corner of Hollywood and Western.  I object to the letter and feel that we should not be represented in the meeting tomorrow by the board member whose name is on the letter.
[Open discussion about how this issue came about, whose jurisdiction it is, since it is not in Griffith Park NC’s district.  Who went to the public meeting, explanation by Rosemary who attended the first meeting, and Kerry who was asked to sit on the advisory council for input, how CRA is involved, and that members of this board should not give the implication of NC representation by sitting on an advisory panel without board approval.  It was requested that an extension be asked so it can be further looked into by GGPNC.]

Jim McQuiston: A Middle School will be opening in 2010.  School has 809 seats and will be located where the mud-wrestling place on Western off Hollywood freeway was.  They will take students mostly from LeConte Middle School and a few from Thomas Starr King Middle School.  LAUSD will use any excess money to refurbish Marshall High School. 

Mary:  I have a confirmed report on my street of a person in poor health due to West Nile disease.  Andrew:  I recommend holding a Town Hall meeting to inform the public.  Any suggestions on holding it the same day of the election or afterwards?  Ok, then possibly it will be held after elections.

Kerry:  I did attempt to have the Hollywood/Western Development Project put on the agenda at the Executive Meeting but my request was not approved.  Our only involvement to date was to ensure that councils were consulted on the project.  We have not taken any kind of position, just there for input.

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Clarke, PDQ Careers Temp

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Mary Rodriguez, President call the meeting to order at 7:20p.m.

Present: Mary Rodriguez, Pres., Nora Mosqueda, Outreach VP; Kerry Hunnewell, Treasurer; James Balesh, Bernadette Soter, Bruce Carroll, Rosemary DeMonte, Jacqueline Kerr, Kara Knack, Charley Mims

Absent: Scott Crawford, Cheryl Johnson, Jonathon Kaplan, Stan Thompson, Andrew Westall, Joe Zefran

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Beatrice Hsu, CD 13, Melvin Canas, DONE Project Coordinator, Damian Carroll, Rep.of Senator Jack Scott’s Office

2. APPROVAL OF JUNE 15 MINUTES – Not Available

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

Ron Weinstein: introduced himself and submitted a statement for position of Chair for the Planning, Zoning, Transportation & Historic Preservation Committee. He has a background in commercial real estate, and served on the Beverlywood Homeowners Association and chair of the Legal Committee of the Los Angeles Conservancy. He and James Balesh have spoken briefly about the possibility of forming a Transportation subcommittee with James as Chair.

Damian Carroll field rep for State Senator Jack Scott introduced himself and offered to "help navigate…government red tape."

Jim McQuiston said NC’s are "over supervised" and there are proposals to fix the system. President Rodriguez to contact McQuiston for more details.

Bob Diaz, the new Greek Theatre representative introduced himself. He’s a former LAPD officer who even patrolled the Los Feliz area and has worked with the Nederlander Organization for 23 years.

4) Nyla Arslanian spoke about the work of the Hollywood Arts Council which she heads. She explained her "very deep roots in this area" The HAC is a membership organization which started the Discover Hollywood magazine but no longer owns it. She said they do maintain a calendar of events, online and in Discover Hollywood magazine. They also have a yearly children’s arts festival that is commercial free, and free to the public. On August 21 there will be a Jazz pilgrimage at the old Pilgrimage Theatre to help raise money for children’s arts programs for the 6 Hollywood area schools we assist. (Los Feliz, Grant, Vine, Alexandria, Selma and one more school.) There is an arts organization roundtable where there is sharing of information among the arts community. Nora: Do you seek funds from the Entertainment Industry Foundation? Nyla: Yes, they gave us funds for our project SOAR. I am looking forward to being involved with the Council’s cultural committee.

5. INCLUSIONARY ZONING UPDATE

Mary: We touched on this item the last two meeting. Beatrice Hsu, CD 13 gave us a detailed overview of what is being proposed in this ordinance. In the last month there have been meetings all over the city to help educate us. Beatrice is here tonight to answer questions. Kurt Rademaeker worked on the Silver Lake statement in response to the IZ ordinance, and it was excellent. It is possible we could adopt it to our needs with a few changes. Everyone has a copy and hopefully you all attended some of the meetings. Let’s take a straw vote; how many board members are thinking that IZ is a good idea and want to move to approve it. Kara: Let’s look at it based on if people have made up their minds, and who is for it and who is against.

VOTE: Made up minds: 4

VOTE: Read the Silver Lake Position paper: majority

VOTE: Believe we could adopt their statement with changes: 5

6. Charley Mims: Is there anyone in LA that does not favor it? Richard Spicer (stakeholder): Here is an article from Zone News on this issue. This ordinance has been around for about 20 years and if it is done right it could provide for low and moderate-income residents. This was presented as a factual piece for the basis of the ordinance. Regarding Silver Lake’s position paper, it applies to the Hillside area, but they do address some areas that our Council is concerned about like density, open space, etc., but some of the language would have to be modified. The City is still having meetings and is waiting for the 90 days to be up before moving on it. Also, Housing and Planning is asking for some documents.

1. Data collection

Beatrice Hsu: I would actually be surprised if there is a vote on it before September (90 days is up in August). They want to collect all the data before the City Council votes. We are getting a wide variety of comments and Councilmembers want to see the range of all of it before they move on anything. Kurt: I understand that the IZ task force is already looking at comments from the community so come August will there already be a revised version or the outline we have here? Beatrice: It is not clear-cut; there would not be a revised proposal until after the 90 days because of the comment gathering process now. There is a city task force and a more formal community task force working on this.

2. Opposition

Kerry: We have not heard the other side of the issue at this point. There was a woman from some Councilmember’s office who gave the opposing position. We have only heard one side. Beatrice: I am not aware of any councilmember in opposition to this ordinance.

3. Ad Hoc Committee formed

Mary: The board will have to decide what we want to do. Do we want to form an ad hoc committee to bring back a motion to the full board next month? Joe Zefran was appointed to run the ad hoc, but he left town for a month. Who wants to be on it? [Volunteers: Jacqueline Kerr, Kurt Rademaeker, Kerry Hunnewell, Meaghan Young, Ron Weinstein, Richard Spicer, and Jeff Gardner. Kurt accepted the position of chairperson] Kerry: This meeting has to be posted at our regular places according to the Brown Act, because voting members are on the committee. Jacqueline volunteered to post agenda.

4. Viewpoints

Kerry: The question is will it work? Secondly is it fair? Is this the right way to go about it? Third, is the "Law of unintended consequences" which occurs because IZ overrides parking codes, Specific Plans, less open space, and other requirements and someone is going to have to pay for this through taxes. But this will be paid for through violation of these codes in favor of the developer. Jacqueline: What is the quality of the buildings they are going to construct? Charley: Affordable housing is a great idea, but we don’t know how it will be achieved in the Hillside area, which is R-1; we want more details. If it is linked to transit corridors, does it maintain density? There are also problems in buying and selling the units and other things.

5. Selling and Parking

Mary: How will the resale process work? Beatrice: You can sell your unit based on area income, not market value. In Montgomery County who has IZ they say if you sell your home in the first 10 years you can’t sell it for market value. The homeowner and the City split the difference if sold after 10 years, and the City’s share gets reinvested into the IZ development – it is a win-win. As for parking, there is not much of a deviation from current policy. Affordable units would have 1 space per unit – which is current policy. The deviation is a reduction in guest parking spots. Standard policy now is 2-1/2 spaces. If the housing is within a ¼ mile of mass transit, then there will not be any guest parking. There will be more work on this before it is adopted into code.

6. Next Steps by City

Beatrice: The next step will be a vote on the policy framework. After that vote the City Attorney’s office will draft language. The final ordinance will come from another Council vote. The community would be heard from again. The ordinance comes back to a public hearing at the committee level, then another one at the community level. Jim McQuiston (stakeholder): This is a very complex issue. When you say put people near transit corridors you are saying put them where we are not. This is a racially divided city and the HPOZ will be used to maintain that. We don’t want to perpetuate that in LA.

7. PARK RANGERS REPORT

Committee Chair - Bernadette Soter: I have distributed a report from our June 14 meeting (Parks, River & Open Space Committee) regarding the status of the Park Rangers, who will become part of security; this is an effort by the City manage budget cuts. We requested and received 5 months of Ranger reports. It goes into great detail on their activities throughout their shift. We did an analysis that the rangers provide very important and crucial functions, and that we realized it is a vocation, not a security job. [She told of the 2 fires last week in the park that the Rangers handled efficiently and responsibly, taking people to safety]. We planned to go to the Commission meeting on 6/14 because they put out a list eliminating 46 positions and 145 jobs from Recreation and Parks, but they did not have a quorum. We also sent a letter to major leaders in the city so we could remain in the loop on this, but we never heard back. Some of the other NCs and associations also sent a letter. Kara: [She spoke on some of the critical responsibilities they have and the services they provide]. The rangers who move over to Security under General Services will get a pay increase because it’s a higher paying position, but we want to encourage the city to see what the rangers do and retain them. Also the security force is re-active they wait for a crime to occur then react but the ranger is trained to be pro-active, prevention is the key. Bernadette: we are going to re-send the letter as a reminder and plan to attend the second committee meeting that Councilmember Tom LaBonge chairs and begin a lobbying process to retain the rangers as their own group and not dilute them like the plan proposes. If anyone wants to help us you are welcome. Charley: I recommend you attach that list of tasks and responsibilities that are unique to a Park Ranger. What you really want to do is keep the services they provide that are unique to them. Make a separate issue of not having security, because that is a "done deal." Support the rangers who want to carry guns and be transferred to security. The others want to do the job they have been doing. We want to keep the pressure on as to what we want to have happen as more money comes into the City in the near future. Kerry: Do you feel that the City has ignored you? There are some agencies who respect NCs and some who do not. Also I would suggest the letter be stronger if you don’t think they respect the NCs. Bernadette: I do to a certain extent. There may be something else at work that I don’t understand. Usually our Council reps are responsive to us but they have said that this is a done deal. All the information we uncovered ourselves and we received no meeting notification, but I don’t think Recs and Parks is ignoring us. Kara: The problem is the way in which this new position is delineated; it is different from the way we expect Park Rangers to work. We have to stay on the City about this. Jim McQuiston (stakeholder): This item was taken up at the budget hearings and you could have attended. The idea was to get rid of the supervisors not the line people, the Park Rangers. An effort was made to keep them. Even if we closed all the parks the City would still have a major yearly budget hole. Mary: Bernadette, you will send this letter and attachments? Charley: We need to follow up with some meetings, phone calls and send it to more people; I will help you.

8. LAPD SENIOR LEAD OFFICERS/CRIME UPDATE

Al Polehonki, Sr. Lead Officer for Silver Lake & Franklin Hills

Sam Salazar, Sr. Lead Officer for East Hollywood & Franklin Hills

Red Falconer, Sr. Lead Officer for Glassell Park (formerly Los Feliz)

Sam: (1) The department has received a number of the club anti-car theft devices for $10 each. We are targeting the Toyota and Honda cars owners, alerting them via this flyer to protect their car. For a $10 donation, which we will reinvest in more clubs, they can get one from us. (2) We have free gun locks at the station that will fit every gun. (3) Many residents are calling us about the mini pocket rocket bikes that are plaguing the neighborhood. We have collected 13 so far. They are totally illegal; they cannot be ridden on the sidewalk or street, just on private property. We impound them and the owner can get them back the next day if they have a driver’s license or they are held for 30 days for a release price of around $583, higher than the cost of the bike. You cannot register them at the DMV. Retailers can sell them legally but they are illegal on the street. In the valley they are starting to race them by adding enhancements that get them up to 55 + miles per hour. Red: We are picking up a lot of falsely tagged cars. They are cutting current registration tags off of people’s license plates. So check your car daily, and scrape down all the old stickers before adhering the new one. Sam: We caught 4 suspects who have been breaking into cars. Since we apprehended them in the area, break-ins have dropped to almost nothing. Richard: There is an enforcement program in some schools? Al: At Marshall High School because of things that come up we have plain-clothes officers monitoring for truancy, theft, etc. and we are making some arrests, but not taking them to jail; they do community service. Activity has dropped considerably around Marshall, we are making headway. Rosemary: What year are the Hondas? Al: Mid 1998. The majority are being recovered; they are usually taken for joy rides.

9. ELECTION

Mary: The election is September 30 and October 2, I sent all of you the timeline. Some items have to be sent to DONE along with our bylaws and then we wait about 2 weeks for approval. Melvin Canas our DONE rep is here. He says once we hand in everything we will get a new election representative from DONE to assist us. Melvin: The City Attorney approved your bylaw amendment regarding the Town Hall Meeting and we will send you a letter. Mary: The League of Women Voters accepted becoming our 3^rd party neutral and the Human Relations Commission the final arbitrator. We never submitted the bylaw changes for the quorum and the supermajority; but luckily Melvin has said these recent bylaw submissions will not hold us up since they do not pertain to our election. Melvin: Regarding the bylaw amendment on the Town Hall Meeting, we want the board to approve another amendment on how you describe your elections. The City Attorney was not comfortable with your calling it a town hall meeting because the Brown Act comes into play. Other stakeholders may raise the question of whether or it is a meeting or an election. Also elections should be taken out of the meetings section of the by laws, now under Article 10, section B; put them under Article 9, with the selection of the Board or put it in the section on the election of district reps or create a separate section. The City Attorney has approved it for now, but moving forward you must revisit it.

1. Boundaries

Mary: Regarding the map of our boundaries, after the Laguna Senior Apartment issue there has been some confusion over exactly what are our boundaries. Councilmember Garcetti’s office was sure we were in charge of the Barnsdall Shopping Center, because the map is unclear and the wording in our bylaws did not state Barnsdall Park as a shared resource. So we went back to the tape recordings of our certification hearing for verification of our boundaries and we added "Sunset Blvd.", which was mistakenly left out of the bylaws and the words "including Barnsdall Park", which brings better clarity to the issue.

2. Timeline Items-Summary

[There was further discussion on some of the timeline items: (1) Kerry said that I five has the names, address, etc for the website and will begin populating the database fields, but it will not be done by the 7/31 deadline. (2) Rosemary showed a draft of the poster, saying there will be 4 banners in the neighborhood. (3) Nora wanted to know at what point she would have to authorize expenses and Kerry said the account has not been refunded yet but he will work with Nora. (4) Mary showed a mock up of the application form, reminder to vote postcard, ballot and absentee ballot. There will be a voter’s guide with bios of candidates, rather than have display posterboards like last year. Also the City requires a binder with DONE information including City Charter, election procedures, bylaws and strategic plan, for public review. (5) Mary is asking each ggpnc district reps. and selected reps. for a contact list of all the businesses, churches, park, and schools, in their area. Right now we don’t have business contacts for Districts B, D or E. Also want reps to go out to the businesses, churches, schools and speak. (6) Charley said the City seal needs to be on the election materials and Melvin said to e-mail Greg Nelson for it. (7) Bernadette opened up discussion on the idea of change from districts representatives to candidates at large. If it is not tied to residency or a business you can be a candidate in any area and the top 10 voters win rather than the top 2 from each district. (8) Mary responded that the group would take this up again later in the Rules & Election Committee. It was to late to address the issue for this election. (9) Jim McQuiston informed us that the County Assessor’s office will provide a CD with property owners’ name, address, etc. for the walking man to distribute election materials to our area.

10. BFI & SUNSHINE CANYON LANDFILL tabled until a future meeting.

11. TRANSPORTATION REPORT

James Balesh: Councilmember Tom LaBonge came to us for a list of repaving and traffic/transportation sites. Our committee had to focus on 2 miles of street paving projects and after a lot of work by our committee you have a copy of the letter dated July 2 to the Councilmember. It includes the committee’s criteria for choosing certain streets, the list of streets, streets already on the Councilmember’s list and the ones we added. These areas should be repaved within a reasonable time period hopefully within this fiscal year. We didn’t focus on traffic because that is a huge issue and deserves its own subcommittee. The City Council wants us to come up with 5 priority projects, suggesting that it be small projects that can be done. We will continue this at our next meeting. Our committee thanks Denise Hanisee and Ken Owen for their tremendous work on this project. Meghan Young (stakeholder): will traffic include parking? James: I think it does, we will discuss it at our meeting on August 11.Leval Lund (stakeholder): When they do resurfacing they need to reset manholes and sometimes they forget, so can you please add that to your list.

12. BUDGET REPORT

Kerry Hunnewell: I submitted paperwork three weeks ago but we have not received our next quarter funding from the City yet; we have $600 in the treasury. Kevin ___________ of DONE raised some new policies that we are trying to sort out, I don’t know where they are coming from and why they keep changing. I e-mailed all of you policy and procedures so if you can look at them, I’d like them approved or commented on at the next meeting. Jacqueline: At the meeting with City Controller Laura Chick, did she say anything would be in writing? Kerry: Yes. Treasurers met last August and again a few months ago with Councilmember LaBonge’s office and asked them to have something to us in writing. Claudia said she would have something in December. Mims asks Melvin Canas "Has DONE got specific rules in writing?" re budget matters. Canas replied "no" but explained they have "guidelines."

13. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Jacqueline Kerr – Neighborhood Improvement: We have formed a new sub-committee which is to review and work with all of the community groups to decide what improvement will be made at the Triangle at Vermont Ave., Hollywood Blvd., and Prospect Ave., decisions like what goes in the center a fountain or a clock etc.; Cheryl Johnson is the chair.

14. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT

Melvin Canas DONE: When you get a public records request, contact me immediately so that I can respond to it in the amount of time required. We don’t want the NCs working alone and come against any legal ramifications. The City Attorney will work with you after you send it to us. The Public Records Act is State law. E-mails do fall within the scope of this law, according to them. There is one attorney who is writing a statement about this act in relation to NC’s because of the NC’s concerns. It may come by the end of this week. The Records Act also applies to Neighborhood Councils. DONE has no jurisdiction over it, we must abide by it as well. Charley: The last paragraph on the Public Records Act information sheet covers our concern, which states in part: "In addition the NCs may assert an objection under Government Code Section 6255 on the grounds that the public interest served by not making the record public clearly outweighs the public interest serviced by disclosure." The public interest clearly outweighs the fact that this does not benefit the public. Kerry: I spoke with someone in the City Attorney’s office about this including Mar Vista’s charge that they had to release their list to a marketer – a spammer. The big issue is the outreach e-mail list; when someone asks for the personal information you have on your constituents. Mary: Bruce has put together a position statement could you please share that with us?

Bruce: MOTION that the GGPNC urges you to take all necessary measures to protect the privacy right of Neighborhood Council stakeholders. It is essential to the success of Neighborhood Councils that they be able to quickly and efficiently reach as many stakeholders as possible via e-mail. Because of the exponential explosion of spam, failure by the City to aggressively defend its citizen’s rights to hear from Neighborhood Councils (without unleashing an unwanted torrent of sex solicitations) would seriously threaten the viability and reliability of Neighborhood Councils to effectively represent stakeholders. We must be able to reassure stakeholders that information we hold will be used for the purpose intended and not publicly provided to purveyors of spam.

SECOND: Rosemary

VOTE: by consensus – motion carries.

Jim: The Charter says any stakeholder has the right to have this information. That’s probably why the City Attorney recognizes it as a problem. Melvin – DONE The City Attorney does recognize it as an important issue. Many NCs should come together or go to Sacramento and lobby for changes. But until then we need to follow what the state law says and I advise you to contact us first.

15. PUBLIC COMMENT

Meghan Young (stakeholder): I may want to participate more regularly, but I recommend you look at what you say because the meeting has been 3 hours. With the time allotments on the sheet it would be good to ask for a motion to extend. Bernadette: This is the first time we did timekeeping and I will send to everyone how long we spent on each item. It would be good to keep board comments to 2 minutes.

Melvin – DONE: You should have received an e-mail that the City wants NCs to share how/what projects they are spending their money on. Also the Mayor’s Budget Day will be at City Hall on July 31 and he is asking all NCs to select 3 representatives to attend. I also passed out new sessions on the Empowerment Academy; I urge all of you to attend.

Meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Joyce Clarke, PDQ Personnel Temp

1.Call to Order at 7:11pm by Interim President Stan Thompson.
 
A quorum was present with Board Members Johnson, Kerr, Thompson, Mosqueda, Carroll, Crawford, Soter, Westall, Mims, Rodriguez, DeMonte, Kaplan, Hunnewell, and Zefran in attendance.

    Approval of the minutes for the April 20th and May 18th Board Meeting was tabled.

2. Public Comment on non-agenda items within board jurisdiction- Melvin Canas, DONE’s new liaison to the GGPNC, introduced himself.

3. Preferential Parking Proposal on Oxford, Hobart, and Serrano- Tabled Temporarily.

4. Public Safety Update- Senior Lead Officer- Tabled unless one of the Senior Lead Officers is in attendance.

5. LaBonge Motion on Bulky Item Pickup- Tabled until a representative from the Council Member’s office is in attendance

6. Replacement Officer Elections for President, Treasurer, and Others As Needed- Board Member Bernadette Soter nominated Mary Rodriguez for the position of President. The nomination was seconded by Board Member Jacqueline Kerr. Interim President Stan Thompson found there was consensus on the election of Mary Rodriguez as President. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that he would fill out the remainder of his term as Treasurer.

7. City of Los Angeles Inclusionary Zoning Proposal- Beatrice (Bea) Hsu, Senior Legislative Deputy to Council Member Eric Garcetti, provided information on upcoming informational meetings and the Council Member’s perspective of the project. Upcoming meetings include the Central Area Planning Commission on July 7th, the East LA Planning Commission on July 14th, the South Valley Planning Commission on July 21st, and a meeting to be held by the East LA Neighborhood Councils on June 23rd. All of the Planning Commission meetings will be at 4:30pm.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked which Planning Commission we were in. Ms. Hsu stated that the GGPNC is in the Central Area Planning Commission jurisdiction.
    Board Member Cheryl Johnson asked if the GGPNC could publish the meeting date and materials on the Council’s website. Ms. Hsu stated that would be fine
    Ms. Hsu also provided the Council Member’s perspective on the City’s Inclusionary Zoning Proposal. Hsu stated that the proposal requires developers of housing to set aside some housing for low and moderated incomes, and provide more mixed income housing. Incentives would be provided to developers to provide housing, utilizing changes in the zoning code through this proposal. Hsu further stated that this proposal was a tool to solve the City’s affordable housing crisis. There is a growing gap between the cost of housing and how much people make in the City, and the current County median housing price is $394,000. Hsu also stated that 62.5 percent of the City’s households make less than $50,000/year, and 25 percent make less that $25,000/year.
    Board Member Joe Zefran stated that there will be a KPCC community forum for all Neighborhood Councils on the issue within a week of the GGPNC’s next Board meeting. Zefran further stated that the forum to be held the day before had been cancelled due to conflicting schedules on the part of Council Members which KPCC wanted to have present at the forum.
    Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell asked Ms. Hsu if other cities had adopted a similar proposal. Ms. Hsu stated that San Diego had adopted a similar proposal, as well as some smaller cities in the State.
    Board Member Charley Mims stated that incentives and changes in variances were the same thing, and asked Ms. Hsu how the proposal would affect areas currently zoned R-1 (single family residential). Ms. Hsu stated that the proposal does not affect R-1 areas, unless there is a complete zoning change and would go through the current City process.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that he appreciated Ms. Hsu’s overview, but the devil was in the details. Hunnewell further stated that everyone in the room recognized the need for affordable housing in the City, and the question is whether this is the proper vehicle to provide affordable housing. Hunnewell also stated that other cities have had provisions for off-site units and payments in lieu of providing housing to make inclusionary zoning more flexible. Hunnewell also stated rhetorically if this was the proper way to pay for it, and that an inclusionary zoning strategy tended to drive out middle class housing. Hunnewell also asked if the proposal had any of those provisions.
    Ms. Hsu stated the City’s proposal indeed had some similar provisions, although not very extensive, due to the goal of infilling current housing areas. Hsu further stated that homebuyers would not be bearing the brunt of the cost of this proposal, and the market really set the top tier of housing costs in the City. This proposal would provide housing underneath that cost, and a cost to the City and the developer.
    Secretary Andrew Westall stated that Board Members had received all of these materials at the prior Board meeting, and was disappointed at the Board for not being a little more informed and willing to take a position on the issue. Secretary Westall also stated that he supported the City’s Inclusionary Zoning proposal and would like to see action taken by the Board soon.
    Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that the devil was indeed in the details, and echoed the sentiments of Board Member Mims on the issue.  Kaplan further stated that we had a housing crisis and it needs to be fixed, and was looking forward to gathering more information on the issue.
    Interim President Stan Thompson found that there was consensus to table the issue until the next Board meeting, where some action might be taken upon further study.
   
3. Preferential Parking Proposal on Oxford, Hobart, and Serrano- Brian Gallagher, transportation engineer for the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT), provided the Board with an explanation of preferential parking and the Preferential Parking District #91 proposal. The process including signature gathering by residents in the area, analysis of parking intrusion in the area, and a 30 day public comment period, before the Department of Transportation makes a recommendation to the City Council. Gallagher further stated that the signature gathering in favor of the district requirement had been met, and there was a significant parking intrusion problem in the area
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked where someone should send public comments. Mr. Gallagher stated that comments should be sent to LADOT, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 320, 91401, Fax #818-374-4676, bgallagher@dot.lacity.org.
    Board Member Mims asked what the cost of the parking permits was. Mr. Gallagher stated that the parking permits cost have not been raised recently, and that each household receives 3 annual permits at $15/year, a possible two visitor permits per household at $10/four months, and a possible 1-day guest permit for $1. Residents who want permits must got to a DOT permit sales center to receive permits.
    Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that he was absolutely opposed to the preferential parking district, and was a resident in the area in question. Hunnewell further stated that he spoke with most of the residents on his street, and only two seemed to be in favor of such a proposal. Hunnewell also stated that the District would not solve the overall problem of parking which affects the entire GGPNC area.
    Interim President Stan Thompson asked how the parking intrusion problem is documented. Mr. Gallagher stated when an area is experiencing a problem, the Department tries to identify when the problem in the greatest. In this case, they canvassed the area late at night, between 2 and 4 am.
    Board Member Cheryl Johnson asked how the Department determines who is eligible. Mr. Gallagher stated that only residents in the District would be eligible, and just because someone had a permit, does not mean that an available space will be there for them.
    Board Member James Balesh asked how many people signed the petition. Mr. Gallagher stated that more than 67 percent of the residents in the area signed the petition.
    Secretary Andrew Westall stated that, like Treasurer Hunnewell, did not support the preferential parking district, and is fundamentally opposed to the concept. Westall also stated that it seems the methodology for the parking intrusion analysis is flawed, and that the City should consider towing cars that violate signs and City code enforcement ordinances, similar to the City of San Francisco. Westall further stated that the parking issue was one that inflicted the entire area, and a much broader planning tool should be used to solve the problem.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that there had should an analysis of parking on Franklin between Oxford and Wawona. Kerr further stated that if parking was set up diagonally on this portion of Frankin, more spaces could be created for residents south of Franklin.
    Mr. Gallagher stated that the Department looked at doing this two years ago, and after a study was done, realized that only 3 new spaces could be created between Normandie and Western. Board Member Kerr stated that she found the study hard to believe.
    Board Member Bruce Carroll stated that one of the requirements is that people parking in front of residences are an intrusion. Carroll further stated that people parking in the area from 2 to 4 in the morning are residents, and there are no adjacent businesses generating that kind of traffic.
    Board Member Rosemary DeMonte stated that people should send in their comments if they are opposed to the parking district.
    Interim President Stan Thompson opened up the floor to public comment.
    August Vargas asked what the hours of the district would be. Mr. Gallagher stated that the proposed restrictions would be from 2am to 6am nightly. Mr. Vargas stated that the hours should start earlier.
    John Phillips stated if petitions needed to be circulated and given to the Department of Transportation, then he would be happy to do so. Phillips also stated that it seemed to be a snob thing on the part of the residents, and that things would not change when the issue is parking in the entire neighborhood.
    Kelly Dietz stated that her concern was safety of female residents who lived south of Franklin. Dietz stated that she often came home late at night, and would like to be able to find parking close to her building. Dietz further stated that it sounded like an issue of greed, and that other parking ideas should be found instead of infringing on the homeowners space.
    Roger Kuhns stated that the neighborhood needed a 24-hour patrol service and that safety should be addressed outside of the parking issue. Kuhns further stated problems with garbage and other  unsavory issues in the neighborhood and asked that the Council Member’s office address these issues.
    Bayard Crawley stated that he lived on Serrano, south of Franklin, and it seemed ridiculous to him to have to get up at 1:45am to move his car. Crawley further stated that if homeowners are unable to get out of their cars, they should ask their curbs around their driveways to be painted red. Crawley also stated that he would be able to get 30 times as many signatures against the district as the residents for it. Crawley stated he felt it was an issue of greed and putting a wedge between two communities that are co-habitating next to each other.
    Karen de la Carriere stated that she pays $750/mo in property tax for her property, and was instantly appalled that residents would have to get permits and pay for them. De la Carriere also stated that 85 percent of the people at the public hearing were opposed to the parking district. Del la Carriere further stated that the petition gatherer sold it to residents on the fact that property values would increase in the neighborhood  and that the petition was signed on a bogus pretext. De la Carriere also felt that the survey done was also bogus.
    Paul Garnica stated that this issue was very divisive for the neighborhood . Garnica also stated that some of the issues homeowners brought up in the first meeting, e.g. blocking trash trucks, emergency vehicles, etc., and that he noticed a couple days later that one of the homeowners was in fact blocking the trash trucks.
    William Evans stated that he signed the petition and had moved to the neighborhood 4 ½ years ago with his partner and mother. Evans also stated that he has relationships with many of the older residents on Hobart, and is currently indifferent to the district. Evans further stated that he has seen some instances of conflict between people parking cars and homeowners and asked people to be more cordial to the residents in the neighborhood.
    Steven King stated that he lived on Hobart and is partially disabled. King further stated that he had lost his parking space in the building he lives in when they remodeled, and would have no idea where he could park close by without the adjacent areas. Mr. Gallagher stated that  the City could place a blue curb in front of his building if there is no disabled parking close by.
    Chris Hall stated that he works late and his last resort is always Hobart. Hall also stated that there was lots of complaints about garbage and illegal parking on Kingsley.
    Terry Carr stated that she had lived in the neighborhood for over ten years, and that there has been a large increase in people since the movie Swingers came out. Carr also stated that others have stated most of the issues already, and felt that they were getting a mixed message from the Department of Transportation. Mr. Gallagher stated that whatever comments the public had should be given to the Department of Transportation.
    Janet Leigh stated that she has lived on Hobart for three years, and has dealt with people blocking her driveway and vandalism in the neighborhood. Leigh stated that she typically leaves the house at 7am, and has to check her driveway at 5:30am to make sure no one is blocking it. Leigh also stated that she feels for the people who do not have enough parking.
    Lara Park stated that her number one concern was the safety issue. Park also stated that she often comes home late and has been yelled at and followed. Park stated that she needs to have access to parking closer to her building.
    Ron Ostrow stated that he is a manager of a building on Franklin.  Ostrow also stated that he disagreed with the study distributed at the public meeting, and felt the paramount concern was garbage and sexual activity. Ostrow further stated that it would be hard to find somewhere else to park, and that his building doesn’t have enough parking as it is. Ostrow further stated that many of the out of state license plates are students at AFI who live in the neighborhood and have not re-registered their cars. Ostrow stated that even if the parking district was extended south of Franklin, there would still be a parking problem and that tenants would have to pay more to live in the building.
    Joy Moore stated that she did not make it to the last meeting, and was not planning on coming, but there was no parking on her street, so she decided to come by. Moore further stated that one of the buildings on her street sold the parking to someone else, which will only exacerbate the parking problem. Moore also stated that angled parking is possible on Kingsley, similar to many adjacent streets west of Western. Moore stated that she felt towing wouldn’t help the problem, and that the residents north of Franklin need to deal with the fact that they chose to live in the City, not in a suburban neighborhood.
    Greg Phelan stated that he has lived on Franklin and Hobart for five years. Phelan also stated that the street belongs to everyone, and that he pays rent and still has parking problems.
    Nicole Gordon stated that she was a single woman and has lived on Franklin for five years. Gordon further stated that she typically comes home at 2am due to her job, and safety is a paramount concern.
    Jane Israyelyan stated that her question had been answered.
    Dave Powers stated that he was opposed to the parking district, but that the neighborhood did have a parking problem. Powers further stated that  he was opposed to the trash problem and illegal parking and the City should address these issues.
    Treasurer Hunnewell made a motion that the GGPNC oppose Preferential Parking District #91, write a community impact statement, and draft a letter to Council Member La Bonge and the Department of Transportation. Board Member Mims seconded the motion.
    Board Member Rodriguez stated that there should be another motion that the City should find ways to better deal with the code enforcement problems in the area.
    Board Member Carroll asked that a friendly amendment be accepted to send a copy of the letter to Brian Gallagher.
    Board Member Kerr stated that the affects of prostitution being targeted on Sunset Blvd. west of Normandie might be causing some of the illegal sexual activity to relocate to the neighborhood.
    Board Member Johnson stated that she was troubled by the concept that if you owned property, then you also owned the street and was fundamentally opposed to the idea of a preferential parking district.
    Interim President Thompson stated that he opposed the district.
    Board Member Mims stated that if the problem is occurring between 2am and 4am, and only 15 percent of the cars belong to residents, then where is the problem coming from. Mr. Gallagher stated that he had the information at the public hearing, but did not have it available this evening.
    Board Member DeMonte stated that parking was the number one issue for the GGPNC, based on survey results, and that the neighborhood should find a better solution.
    Board Member Knack stated that the motion was too broad.
    Board Member Soter stated that there seemed to be consensus on the issue.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that he felt that the depth of the petition was not reflective of the opinions of the homeowners.
    Interim President Stan Thompson found that there was consensus on the motion.

5. LaBonge Motion on Bulky Item Pickup- Rory Fitzpatrick, District Director for Council Member Tom LaBonge, stated the bulky item pickup proposal and referred the Board to the items in the agenda. Fitzpatrick further stated that this is an ongoing issue in the neighborhood and worth dealing with. Fitzpatrick also stated that there is some discussion of a waiver of the fee ith those of low income who  qualify for the DWP lifeline.
Board Member Scott Crawford stated that he was a landlord in the City, and under rent control was only able to increase rents by 3-5 percent. Crawford further stated that with DWP utilities increasing 11 percent, insurance doubling over the last year, and earthquake abatement up 40, property taxes, rehabilitation costs, and trash contracted out for a 5-unit complex, that renters should contribute to some of the costs of the program.
Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that the costs should be passed along after rent control.
Stakeholder Ron Ostrow stated that as manager of a building, landlords have a tough time, and that the idea sounds like an equitable solution. Ostrow further stated that apartments are not allowed to participate in the City’s recycling program, and should be part of that program.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the Bulky Item Program receives 1500 calls a day and is unable to deal with the current demand for the program, and needs to find funding to handle problem.
Secretary Andrew Westall stated that he had experience living in two different areas of the GGPNC. Living on New Hampshire, between Franklin and Hollywood, bulky item was a huge problem in multi-unit complexes, particularly on the wall behind the Post Office. Most of the problem came from renters who dumped furniture and other refuse when moving out, and suggested that the renters pay for 50 percent or more of the program.
Board Member Rosemary DeMonte stated that everyone should pay for the program.
Board Member Bernadette Soter stated that we should move on to other agenda items.
Board Member Charley Mims made the motion that the GGPNC support s the LaBonge Motion on Bulky Item Pickup and that renters should pay up to 100 percent of the program.
Board Member Kaplan stated that he was in favor of the motion as amended.
Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked what the cost was for the program. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated thath the cost was $1-2 per unit.
Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell asked if the motion could be amended so that renters paid all of the program.
Board Member Mims stated that the amendment was considered friendly and that renters should pay 100% of the program.
Board Member Cheryl Johnson rhetorically stated that wouldn’t the renters just dump more. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that renters would feel they have a right to call the City to get the Bulky Items picked up.
Board Member James Balesh stated that the Department of Public Works would be obliged to distribute brochures on the program as stated in LaBonge’s motion.
Interim President Thompson found that there was consensus on the motion.

8. Sunshine Canyon Landfill Contract Extension- Greg Loughane, Regional Manager for Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) the operator of Sunshine Canyon, stated that all single family residential trash for the City of Los Angeles goes to Sunshine Canyon, and is approximately 3,600 tons a day. Loughane further stated that BFI offered a 10-year proposal to the City and  that if the City rejects the proposal that BFI will market the excess capacity to other cities. Loughane further stated that the landfill will operate with or without the City Council’s contract.
    Dario Gomez, representative of the Mayor’s office, stated that the City will respond appropriately to BFI’s letter. Mr. Gomez further stated that the City believes they have lived up to the original contract, and that residential waste from the City is scheduled to be taken to Sunshine Canyon until June 30, 2006. Mr. Gomez further stated that the Mayor has long said that the City should be landfill-free, and look at more ways to recycle. Gomez also stated that the Mayor was putting together a pilot project to implement multi-unit recycling for 100,000 units by 2012. Gomez stated that there were alternatives to the landfill, and a large recycling facility in the Harbor Area. Gomez said that the Mayor is looking at all the information, and asking vendors to submit ideas, and that the Mayor’s primary concern was the health and safety of Los Angeles.
    Jim Alger, member of the Northridge West Neighborhood Council, stated that this has been a long, ongoing struggle for the residents of Granada Hills. Alger further stated that if the City does not renew the contract, BFI has threatened to raise rates 50 percent, and created a city-wide issue by statements made in their letter.
    Kim Thompson, member of the Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council, stated that residents, along with the North Valley Coalition, have been fighting expansion of the landfill for 7 to 8 years. Thompson further stated that she is asking for the support of the GGPNC and other Neighborhood Councils.
    Board Member Bruce Carroll asked if the City did not sign the contract extension, what would happen to the landfill. Carroll also asked what percentage of trash is from the City of Los Angeles,
    Dave Edwards, manager of Sunshine Canyon, stated that the landfill is permitted by the State and would continue to be used, and that Sunshine Canyon takes in 12-15,000 tons of trash a day, and 3,600 tons come from the Bureau of Sanitation. Edwards further stated that BFI is always interested in alternatives, but there will always be residential waste. Edwards also stated that BFI was one of the vendors working with Mayor on alternatives.
    Board Member Carroll asked if the City accepts the date of June 30, 2005 as the final date to negotiate with BFI. Mr. Gomez stated that he doesn’t agree with that. Mr. Gomez also stated that the City has a valid contract, and that the City needs to find the best deal it can.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that she was troubled with Sunshine Canyon, and wonders what the alternative would be and what was meant by taking the trash to another residential area.
    Mr. Loughane stated that the City put out an RFP for alternatives in September of last year, and the only bidders were El Sobrante, Simi Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale, and Sunshine Canyon. Loughane further stated that BFI does have rail haul facilities in other states, including Western Arizona, but rail haul would cost more, including the building of infrastructure, and $60-65/ton.
    Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell asked if BFI was trying to pay for some of their expenses. Mr. Edwards stated that the contract is already in place through June, 2006. Hunnewell further asked if Neighborhood Councils supported the Mayor to close the landfill.
    Ms. Thomspon stated that the City of Los Angeles is BFI’s biggest contract. Mr. Gomez stated that she was correct.
    Board Member Charley Mims stated that the media reports on the letter and BFI were not very flattering, including the possible increase in fees, and asked if BFI was making a threat with their letter.
    Mr. Loughane stated that BFI is following a strategy of contracting out the facility for future use.
    Secretary Andrew Westall stated that he has been familiar with this issue for four years, serving previously as a Field Representative for Speaker of the Assembly Robert M. Hertzberg. Westall stated that he was initially in favor of the landfill based on studies and information that he read, and wrote a letter for the Speaker in favor of the issue. Westall also stated that he has completely changed his mind on the issue, based on talking with the residents of Granada Hills, looking at increases in cancer rates, proximity to the City’s water supply, issues of cancer, and sick trees/dogs/cats. Westall made a motion that the “GGPNC oppose the Sunshine Canyon Landfill contract extension and support the efforts of the Mayor to find alternatives to landfills in the City.
    Board Member Joe Zefran seconded the motion.
    Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that he did not have enough information to  support the motion.
    Board Member Kara Knack asked what the motion was.
    Ms. Thompson stated that eight Neighborhood Councils have signed the motion.
    Board Member Knack stated that the GGPNC should not get involved in contract negotiations.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that this was a really complicated issue, and it should be decided on a cost/benefit basis.
    Board Member Mims stated that he approved of the motion in concept if more information was made available.
    Secretary Westall made a motion to Table his motion until next month’s meeting.
    Interim President Stan Thompson found that there was consensus to table the issue.

9. City of Los Angeles “Big Box Superstore” Zoning Proposal- Tabled.

10. Elections Update- Interim President Stan Thompson described the Elections procedures before the Board, and how they have changed from the previous election. Secretary Andrew Westall made a motion that the Board adopt the Election Procedures with the amendments submitted by Bruce Carroll. Board Member Scott Crawford seconded the motion.
Board Member Bernadette Soter asked where the Bylaw Amendment was. Interim President Thompson pointed it out to Soter in the documents handed out.
Board Member James Balesh asked if the date of the elections could be changed. Secretary Westall stated that the Board had set the dates at the last meeting.
Board Member Charley Mims asked how the second bullet point had changed. Interim President Stan Thompson stated that  it is different than the first time.
Board Member DeMonte asked if the procedures had been submitted to the Board yet, and when DONE needed them. Interim President Thompson that the procedures could be submitted to DONE 65 days prior to the election, but that the GGPNC should be involved in outreach before then.
Board Member Jonathon Kaplan asked if there is any reason why anymore time needs to be spent on this issue.
Stakeholder Richard Spicer stated that he would like to speak. Spicer stated that the procedures and outreach plan should be adopted in order to meet the numerous deadlines and dates outlined in each document. Spicer further stated that the Board should not wait until next month.
Board Member Mims asked if the Board adopted the procedures tonight, would the GGPNC be able to amend them later.
Melvin Canas, DONE liaison, stated that DONE needed the procedures from the GGPNC so that they could revise it as needed.
Board Member DeMonte asked if the differences between last time and these elections procedures can be highlighted.
Interim President Thompson stated that a question and answer period had been added, candidates would get a 3 minute presentation, and that a voter guide would be provided to stakeholders, and DONE would not get involved in providing volunteers for the elections.
Interim President Thompson found that there was consensus on the motion.
Secretary Westall made a motion to adopt the Bylaw Amendments to allow for elections on the last week of September. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Hunnewell.
Mr. Canas stated that the Bylaw Amendment was needed to be consistent with the timetable of elections.
Interim President Thompson found that there was consensus on the Bylaw Amendment, which met the Supermajority requirement.

11. Committee Reports- Tabled.

12.Board Me Treasurer's Report- mber Charley Mims motioned for approval of the Treasurer’s recommendation for adoption of the Budget for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2003-2004, and made a separate motion for approval of the Treasurer’s recommendation for adoption of the Budget for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. The motions were seconded by Vice President Nora Mosqueda. Board Member Mims asked if anyone strongly objected to the motions, and without objection, Interim President Stan Thompson found that there was consensus on the motions.
    Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that there was approximately $1,000 dollars in checking and GGPNC is still waiting for a money transfer from the City to pay for current obligations. Hunnewell further stated that DONE recently announced that all neighborhood councils needed to realign their fiscal years with that of the City, namely July 1st-June 30th, and that all fund encumbrances needed to be sent into DONE by tomorrow. Hunnewell stated that as of yesterday, however, DONE said that the money would roll over into the next fiscal yearso neighborhood councils would not have to encumber their funds by tomoorrow. Hunnewell also stated that we still have to realign our fiscal year to July 1st, that’s why there are two fiscal years that have been approved, one (FY 2004) that is one quarter long, and the other (FY 2994/2005) that is a full four quarters.
    Treasurer Hunnewell commented on his remaining Treasurer for the rest of his term, and asked all Board Members and Committees to be more responsive in terms of reimbursements, namely that he would make only one email/phone request asking for documentation and it was up to members of the GGPNC to follow up in order to receive funds.  Hunnewell also stated that members of the GGPNC should refrain from spending money without proper approval and paperwork before encumbering expenses, due to the difficulty of being reimbursed after the fact from the City. Hunnewell further stated that anything that cost over $100 dollars, you must be pre-approved before spending the money, or reimbursements will not be paid. GGPNC only receives $500 dollars a month in petty cash, and its very hard to pay reimbursements through petty cash.
    Board Member Charley Mims asked how much was available in petty cash. Hunnewell stated $500 dollars a month, and that GGPNC does not have the ability to pay large sums of cash out of our checking account. Hunnewell also stated that its important to get expenditures pre-approved, because sometimes there is money and no budget for it, and sometimes there’s budget but no money. Hunnewell further stated that the GGPNC, like every neighborhood council, is audited by DONE every quarter and proper documentation is required for successful  reimbursement. Hunnewell also stated that GGPNC’s finances are probably a little more scrutinized by DONE because we are usually one of the first neighborhood councils to do anything, and are testing the waters, so we need to do things right.
    Hunnewell stated that If documents are not properly filled out, then the documents will be returned to the originator until they are handled correctly. Hunnewell further stated that if members needed help, he would be willing to help them and they should call him, but asked that members not submit information on the wrong forms without proper receipts and information two month late and then complain why things aren’t being reimbursed.
    Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that he appreciated the information from the Treasurer and its was the first time he had heard this. Hunnewell stated that perhaps many of these procedures had been put into place prior to Kaplan’s appointment to the Board.
    Hunnewell further stated that right now the GGPNC does not really have any money for the current quarter/fiscal year. Due to changes in the fiscal year, we need to apply for funding for current one quarter fiscal year (through June 30), and reimbursements for anything during that period including expenditures related to the Los Feliz Street Fair need to be documented and provided to the Treasurer by June 30th or they will not be paid until the next quarter/fiscal year that starts in July. Board Member Mims asked that the Treasurer email Board Member Cheryl Johnson who incurred much of the expense for the Fair and had already left for the evening. Hunnewell stated that he had already emailed Johnson and would do so again, and appreciated Board Member Mims advice. Hunnewell also stated that Secretary Andrew Westall needed to provide the minutes as soon as possible to DONE, or DONE would not approve either fiscal year and the GGPNC would not get its funding unless they had documentation from the Board of approval. Secretary Westall stated that he would turn around the minutes tomorrow. Board Member Mims stated that the Secretary should just provide the Treasurer with a letter stating that the Board had approved the budgets for the fiscal year. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that would be fine.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked that the Treasurer put together an instructional packet with a check request reform, as well as the approval matrix for outlay of expenditures based on increasing amounts. Treasurer Hunewell stated that an instructional packet had been made available a year ago last February and would be happy to email it to anyone who wants one.
    Treasurer Hunewell further stated that the Request and Approval of Expenditures Form is the form that everyone should use most of the time. Hunnewell also stated that even if the expenditures had not been spent yet, you need to fill out one of the forms ahead of time to get the necessary approval and signatures to allow for the outlay of funds. Hunnewell stated that if you can’t get the signature right away, you should call the individual who needs to approve the expenditure and get their approval, and then state it in the appropriate place on the form.
    Board Member Rosemary DeMonte stated that on the form you have to provide where from the Budget the funds must come from. Hunnewell stated that this was true, and that there has to be a line item in the budget to provide the expenditure. Hunnewell further stated that the spaces for Budget before and Budget after do not have to be filled out by the submitter.
    Stakeholder Richard Spicer stated that the Board should make a motion that the minutes be expedited to DONE to show Board approval of Budget actions and a  Letter from the Treasurer or President stating that the Budget has been approved by the Board. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that he would make that motion, with the caveat that the Letter come from the Secretary or President. Board Member Mims stated that the letter should come from the Secretary. Board Member Crawford seconded the motion. Interim President Stan Thompson found that there was consensus on the motion.
   
13. Board Member comment on non-agenda items within board jurisdiction- Board Member Scott Crawford stated that his personal schedule was changing over the next couple months, and would not be available for the July, October, or November Board meetings.
    Board Member James Balesh made an announcement concerning the Ad Hoc Committee on Street Paving and Repair, and that meetings would be held on June 23rd and June 30th at the Los Feliz Community Police Center at 7pm to talk about street repair priorities in the GGPNC jurisdiction.
    Interim President Stan Thompson stated that he was leaving as Chair of the PZTHP Committee and that someone else would have to take over the position. Thompson further stated that Ron Weinstein, a GGPNC stakeholder, was interested in the position.

14. Adjournment at 10:50pm.

1.Call to Order at 7:14pm by Vice President Stan Thompson.
 
A quorum was present- with Board Members Johnson, Kerr, Heron, Thompson, Mosqueda, Carroll, Crawford, Soter, Westall, Sims, Rodriguez, DeMonte, Kaplan, and Zefran in attendance.

Approval of the minutes for the Feb. 17th Board Meeting was tabled.
 
2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:  No Public Comment.

3. Public Safety Update: Tabled.

4. Laguna Senior Complex: PZTHP Committee Chair Stan Thompson gave a description and update of the project. The applicant filed for a number of variances for the project in 2003. The public hearing was waived by the Office of the City Zoning Administrator. Board Member Mary Rodriguez filed an appeal, and the Appeal Hearing has been set for April 14th. Materials to be submitted to the Central Area Planning Commission must be filed by April 4th. An Ad hoc Committee was formed by the PZTHP Committee to develop an analysis of the project and proposed variances.  As of the meeting, the Chair had not gotten back to other members of the Adhoc Committee. One of the main issues includes the height limit, with a five-story building on Myra Avenue, showing two-stories on Sunset Boulevard.
    Board Member Rodriguez followed up on Thompson’s comments as well. Rodriquez also made a motion to oppose the Laguna Senior Complex project as it is proposed today. Board Member Bruce Carroll seconded the motion. Rodriguez also stated that Council Member Garcetti’s office was not providing much additional information, and that there was some difficulty mobilizing nearby residents, many of whom only speak Spanish.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr expressed comments related to the way the project has been approved and the previous presentation by the developers to the Board. Kerr further stated that the project would deteriorate the historical aspects of the neighborhood in question, which is currently dominated by small craftsman bungalows. Kerr stated that many young couples were moving into  the neighborhood, and that it is beginning to turn around.
    Board Member Joe Zefran asked what was the cost of renting a unit in the building. Vice President Thompson stated that some units were available for 60 percent less than market value, and that other units were available for 40 percent less than market value.
    Board Member Charley Mims provide comments related to the subterranean parking issue, and the cost, or economics, of the project. Mims further stated the current situation relating to Section 8 housing in the City, including the freeze, and how this will affect affordable housing in the future in Los Angeles, and the national level. Mims also felt that the size of the bedrooms was also a central issue.
    Board Member Kerr stated the bedrooms are approximately 8 feet by 10 feet.
    Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that the project lacked transparency, and related back to the only time the developers attended the GGPNC meeting at the beginning stages.
    Vice President Nora Mosqueda agreed with most of what had been said, and stated that the parking situation was a central issue for her.
    Vice President Thompson stated that the developers have assured that the parking allowances are adequate.
    Board Member Mims asked if Council Member Garcetti had a position on the issue.
    Vice President Thompson stated that Council Member Garcetti had not taken a position. With that, Vice President Thompson opened up the agenda item to public comment.
    Elizabeth Sharkov, a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council and head of the Planning Committee, stated that the developers gave a presentation to the Committee days before the variances were approved by the Zoning Administrator. Sharkov further stated that they were briefly allowed to look at the plans and the presentation was very brief as well. Sharkov also stated that the site seemed very difficult to develop, and this project had become very controversial, particularly with how to deal with the 20 foot drop off from Sunset Boulevard to Myra Avenue. Sharkov stated that their were mixed feelings on the part of the residents of Silver Lake. She also stated that her opinion was that the project would turn into an eyesore, and that the variances were too many, but that the developers were not financially justified to do less.
    Sharkov also said that there was a meeting on Tues, March 30th at  Council Member Garcetti’s office in Silverlake. Lastly, Sharkov stated that the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council had not taken a position.
    Mary Francis Smith-Reynolds, a member of the GGPNC Planning Committee, objected to the process of the Zoning Administrator, who had waived the hearing. Smith-Reynolds was disturbed by the lack of asthetics in the project, with no landscaping and the building set right on the street sidewalk. Smith-Reynolds further stated concerns with respect to the quality of life for residents in the building, and the nieghborhood, as well as traffic and parking concerns, and the lack of safety for residents.
    Board Member Kerr stated that the money is being provided by the City, the County, and the State, with $1.1 million being provided by developers as the balance on the project.
    Board Member Mims stated that there were no guarantees built in for the type of tenants to reside in the building. Mims further stated that there was a set aside for AIDS/HIV Positive residents. Mims also stated that the whole process and role of Neighborhood Councils had been disrespected , and that the waiver of a public hearing was outrageous. He felt the developers failed to engage the Neighborhood Council, and that our point of view had not been taken seriously.
    Board Member Zefran asked if there was any history with the developer. Board Member Kerr stated that this was their first project in Los Angeles. Zefran further asked if the variances are not approved, what happens if the project dies … do the developers redo it. Vice President Thompson stated that it depends entirely on the developer. Board Member Rodriguez stated the project can still be done.
    Vice President Thomspon made further comments on the process, and the need to address this with the Office of the Zoning Administrator. Board Member Johnson stated that LFIA has gone through these same issues with the Zoning Administrator in the past as well.
The motion, stating “The GGPNC opposes the Laguna Senior Complex project as it is currently proposed today, and supports the appeal filed by Mary Rodriguez” passed 12-1, with Board Member Crawford opposed. The Board further directed President Bryant to speak on behalf on GGPNC, and a community impact statement to be drawn up by Board Member Rodriguez and Vice President Thompson.

5. 2004-2005 GGPNC Budget: Tabled until Treasurer Hunnewell arrives.

6. Mt. Hollywood Hike (March 20th): Board Member Cheryl Johnson gave a description if the hike led by Council Member La Bonge and co-sponsored by the GGPNC. GGPNC will be providing beverages, and Council Member La Bonge will bring the sunset. The Observatory Orchestra will also play at the event. Johnson stated that the GGPNC will provide soda, paper goods, and cake. Johnson further stated that the event in an impromptu potluck. Board Member Bruce Carroll agreed to put out an email invitation to the community. Johnson also stated that she will put up signs tomorrow, and the event begins at 4 pm.

7. FOLAR River Cleanup Event (May 1st):  Board Member Bernadette Soter stated the time and place of the event, as well as the co-chairs in attendance, LeVal Lund and Jeff Gardner. Soter also stated that Board Member Rosemary DeMonte had gotten rubber duckies for all the attendees.
    LeVal Lund stated that their was strong enthusiasm in the community for the cleanup. Lund further stated that it was the goal of the committee to not just have people come and clean up the river, but also to take ownership of the river.
    Board Member DeMonte stated that in the past at times, the bags of trash do not get picked up and are left for weeks.
    Board Member Soter stated that FOLAR plans on having an all participant celebration at Hansen Dam at 2pm the same day. Soter also stated that she needed some people to do event day staffing as well.

8. Los Feliz Street Fair Sponsorship (June): Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that herself, along with Board Members Jonathon Kaplan and Scott Crawford met with the Los Feliz Business Improvement District (BID) to upgrade the image of the Street Fair. Johnson stated that Barnsdall Park was already booked that day, and that it would not be part of the Street Fair.
    Board Member Crawford stated the possibility of a juried Art Show, as well as giving money as part of the co-sponsorship, and having GGPNC provide volunteers for the day.
    Board Member Crawford made a motion that “GGPNC would co-sponsor the Los Feliz Street Fair to take place on Sunday June 6th, run by the Los Feliz BID”. Board Member Mims seconded the motion. Board Member Crawford further stated that they would be looking at the poster for the event for the first time tomorrow, and was looking into getting 80 to 100 artists to participate.
    Vice President Thompson asked if the Cultural Committee has been involved.
    Board Member Christine Heron stated that she was interested in heading up the committee, but that she had not spoken with President Yvette Bryant about it yet.
    The motion passed 11-2, with Vice Presidents Thompson and Mosqueda opposed.

9. Barnsdall Park Open House Sponsorship (Sept): Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that the Open House was originally planned to be combined with the Street Fair. Johnson further stated that Board Members Jonathon Kaplan and Scott Crawford had been instrumental in helping to plan this, but at this time, it makes more sense to combine the Open House with the Silver Lake Film Festival in the late summer/early fall. Johnson stated that she will provide an updated report at the appropriate time.

10. GGPNC Committee Reports: Board Member Bernadette Soter, Chair of the PROS Committee, began the discussion. Soter stated that the Urban Forestry Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks is being cut from the City Budget. Soter further stated that the PROS Committee had forwarded a letter to the Mayor about the issue, asking the division to stay in place to trim and nuture trees, instead of moving to a Department with clears trees for power lines.
    Board Member Charley Mims asked if we should also be doing a Community Impact Statement.
    Secretary Andrew Westall stated that we should do a Community Impact Statement, and asked if the Division’s cut was still in the new budget.
    Board Member Mims stated that the Budget will not be officially released until April 20th.
    Board Member Cheryl Johnson asked Mims if this was part of the elimination of other departments.
    Board Member Mims stated that he only knew what had been printed in the newspaper and various comments made by the Mayor.
    Vice President Nora Mosqueda stated that she would need more info to make any decision on the issue. Mosqueda further stated that many companies consolidate for budget purposes. Mosqueda further asked if there were different departments for trimming trees between Rec and Parks and the neighborhoods, and whether the departments had different functions.
    Board Member Soter related the differences between the current Division and the Department is was going to be consolidated into.
    Board Member Mosqueda stated that saving money seems to be the prime issue.
    Board Member Soter stated that it would be much more expensive to reforest Griffith Park.
    Board Member Mims stated the Department of Rec and Parks just didn’t do Parks, but they also do landscaping among other functions. Mims further stated that Street Services does streets and medians, and that the expert positions should stay with Parks.
    Board Member Soter stated that the letter just addresses Griffith Park in particular.
    Board Member Kerry Hunnewell arrived.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that the by eliminating some of these departments, things would not be the same. Kerr further stated that while the merged departments/divisions have the qualifications to do the job, but that the parks will not have the projects finished in the same manner as they do now.
    Board Member Mary Rodriguez stated that there would be a meeting at the California African-American Musuem will be at 8am tomorrow to talk about the Department of Cultural Affairs.
    Board Member Scott Crawford motioned that “GGPNC approve the letter as written and distributed by the PROS Committee”. Board Member Cherly Johnson seconded the motion. Vice President Thompson found that there was consensus on the letter.
    Board Member Mary Rodriguez, Chair of the Education Committee, stated that the Committee had finished its Strategic Plan and Budget for the year, and these documents had been forwarded to the Executive Committee. Board Member Rodriguez also thanked Richard Spicer for his help in the endeavor.
    Vice President Stan Thompson, Chair of the Rules and Elections Committee, stated that he was currently discussing the new rules and regulations with regard to DONE, and to get the procedures accepted and in place by the end of the month if the election was to take place in July. Board Member Thompson further stated that the Board should consider postponing the Election so that it was executed properly. The Board was in consensus that this issue should be sent to the Rules and Elections Committee to be decided at their next meeting and brought back to the Board.
    Vice President Nora Mosqueda, Chair of the Outreach Committee, stated that Marshall High School would be having its 75th Anniversary next year and thought that GGPNC would like to be involved. The Event is co-chaired by Council Member Tom LaBonge and LAUSD Board Member David Tokofsky. Mosqueda further stated that she will keep the Board updated on the planning.
    Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that the LAPD was able to deal with the reoccuring homeless situation with regard to the Vermont Triangle. Kerr wanted to that the Senior Lead Officers (SLO) on their help with the Vermont Triangle.

11. Filing Board Vacancy (District E):  Vice President Thompson stated that there were no applications in front of the Board at this time.

12. Treasurer’s Report and 5. 2004-2005 GGPNC Budget: With the consensus of the Board, these items were combined.
    Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell passed out ledgers to the Board and explained their intricacies. Hunnewell stated that the bottom line was GGPNC was asking for $12,500 in funding for the the fourth quarter, as well as $10, 823.79 that was not funded from the third quarter. Hunnewell further stated that the transaction ledger is what is proposed to be funded under our first year $50,000 annual allottment including the FOLAR Event, the Spring Hike Event among others.  Hunnewell also stated it would take DONE three to six weeks to fund, if approved. Hunnewell further stated that there would be approximately $700 left to fund petty expenses until we secured funding for the first quarter of our second fiscal year, starting April 1, 2004. Lastly, Hunnewell stated that the proposed expenditure of $8,700 for printing the Newsletter needed Board approval.
    Board Member Rodriguez commented that the money for the Education Committee budget she had submitted in February was not listed in the ledger.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that it was not included because that was money she had requested for the second fiscal year, and the ledger only covered the period up to the end of the first fiscal year (March 31).
    Board Member Charley Mims motioned for “the GGPNC to approve of all funding for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2004”. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Hunnewell.
    Board Member Bernadette Soter asked what would happen if DONE does not approve the funding.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that we have been very successful in receiving our funding, and that top officials at DONE will be approving these reallocations personally. Hunnewell further states that the Board  can expect to make the assumption that we will be approved.
    Vice President Stan Thompson asked if they would cherry pick what to approve.
    Board Member Charley Mims stated that it was none of their business. Mims further stated that they would either approve or not approve the budget.
    Board Member Soter asked what the time frame for distribution of funds was.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated he could not predict DONE's timetable.
    Tom Soong, staff member for DONE, stated that he will get back to the Treasurer with the funding time frame.     The Board approved the motion by consensus.
    Secretary Andrew Westall motioned for “GGPNC to approve $8700 for funding of the Newsletter”. The motion was seconded by Rosemary DeMonte. The Board approved the motion by consensus.
Treasurer Hunnewell presented the 2004-2005 Budget to the GGPNC Board of Directors, giving explanations of how it differed from last year. Treasurer Hunnewell stated his concerns with regard to Committee Chairs not providing budgets and strategic plans to the Executive Committee in a timely manner. Due to the lack of direct input from a number of the Committee Chairs, Hunnewell stated the new budget is another top-down budget and reflects the Board’s priorities as best as could be developed.
    Vice President Nora Mosqueda proposed that we should approve the budget. Treasurer Hunnewell made a motion that “The GGPNC adopt the budget proposal as the 2004-2005 Budget”. The motion was seconded by Mosqueda.
    Secretary Andrew Westall expressed his concerns about the budget process, and the need to adjust the budget to reflect Board priorities.
    Treasurer Hunnewell stated that the budget could be adjusted in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board once the information from the Committees was made available to the Executive Committee, and that we should adopt the budget as proposed.
    Secretary Westall disagreed with Hunnewell, and stated that he would be voting against the budget.
    The GGPNC 2004-2005 Budget was adopted , with Board Member Rodriguez and Secretary Westall opposed.

13. Board Member comment on non-agenda items within board jurisdiction: Board Member Charley Mims stated that the printed materials on the City Budget would be made available on April 20th.
Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that the Board should put together an Adhoc Committee on the City Budget. Johnson further stated the current status of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Board Member Mary Rodriguez stated the Outreach Committee should keep in contact with people involved in the Laguna Senior Complex issue.
Board Member Scott Crawford expressed his extreme disappointment in his fellow Board Members as it related to their decision on the Laguna Senior Complex issue.
Vice President Thompson stated that he was still looking for someone to take over the Chair of the PZTHP Committee.

14. Adjournment at 10:00 p.m.

1.Call to Order at 7:07pm by President Bryant.
 
A quorum was present- with Board Members Soter, Carroll, Balesh, Knack, Kaplan, Rodriguez, Kerr, DeMonte, Johnson, Hunnewell, Bryant, Westall, and Thompson.
 
3. Museum of the American West (Formerly the Autry Museum) Presentation by CEO John Gray: John Gray gave his presentation to the GGPNC Board. CEO Gray gave a detailed description of the Museum of the American West, and a new institute that would explore the history of the American West. CEO Gray stated that there would be two museums, on for myths and history at the current Autry location, and
one for indigenous people from the Southwest Museum, which was merging with Autry to form this new museum. CEO Gray explained that this museum is the preminent history museum of the American West, and that Southwest museum, perhaps, has the greatest Native American collection in the United States, including 6,000 Spanish colonial objects. Gray stated that the Southwest Museum would remain in Mt.
Washington for 5 or 6 years, until the additions to the current Autry were made. The Museum is currently hiring an architect for the 50,000 sq. ft. addition (currently has 150,000 sq. ft.), and that the Southwest Museum would get 100,000 sq. ft. of space. CEO Gray further stated that the Museum needed to raise $150 million to get it done, and reminded the Board that everyone in the room should be a member
of the Museum. Board Member Mary Rodriguez stated that she was happy to see the Museum would be staying in the neighborhood, and also was glad that the merge was going well.CEO Gray stated that the RFP with Southwest took some negotiations, and that the Southwest Museum desperately needed
financial support for some time. Board Member Rodriguez asked if there were discussions with
Southwest and its current site. CEO Gray stated that the Museum was working on a master plan
with the Mt. Washington community and that the Southwest Museum was now a national landmark. CEO Gray also stated that they want to save the site, but its uses have to be broader to attract public interest.
Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked if there were any plans to expand the library.
CEO Gray stated that the Museum wants a larger library in the Griffith Park facility. Gray stated that Southwest has over 150,000 photographs, and 1,300 wax cylinders of Native American songs,
discussions,  as well as Spanish/Mexican folk songs. Board Member Kerr asked about the museum opening in Washington, D.C. for American Indians. CEO Gray stated that the Museum had signed a formal MOU with the National Museum. Gray also stated that the National Museum has done a great job to provide information in the voice of the native peoples, and would like to take some of what they are doing and learn from it. The Board thanked CEO Gray and the Museum of the American
West for their presentation.

5. Public Safety Report- Senior Lead Officers: Board Member Mary Rodriguez stated her, and the Board's, intention to providing a time in the monthly meetings when the Senior Lead Officers (SLO) could
talk about what's going on in the community. Rodriguez introduced Al Polehonki, Sam Salazar, and Robert "Red" Falconer. The SLOs spoke about the Griffith Park, Atwater Village, and Los Feliz areas. They stated problems related to car break ins at Rowena and Auburn. They also stated that there had been six car break in s on Wood Terrace alone, perhaps related to transients in the area. There had also been
a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) on Franklin between New Hampshire and Normandie. The SLOs further explained Operation Red Zone, initiated by Chief Bratton, which incorporates all available officers to
saturate a one square mile area, and deal with all nuisances and parole violators. The last Operation Red Zone in an adjacent area netted 17 arrests and 44 tickets. The SLOs stated that this strategy
has an immediate impact on an area. Board Member Cheryl Johnson asked if there is anything that
could be done about cars for sale on Los Feliz Blvd. SLO Falconer stated that it was not illegal for people to sell cars on Los Feliz, and if the vehicle was illegally parked, then the LAPD could do something about it. Falconer further stated that if  its was an established business, it was also possible for the LAPD to
do something. Board Member Johnson stated that it was prevalent on Los Feliz Blvd between Griffith Park and Vermont, as well as along Franklin. Johnson also mentioned the problem of parking on Los Feliz
before 7pm.Board Member Bruce Carroll mentioned the Wood Terrace problem and three break ins in one nights. Carroll also stated problems with break ins in cars in the Los Feliz Estates neighborhood, 6 to his knowledge. Vice President Nora Mosqueda asked about the situation in which 2 kids from Marshall High School had been killed over the weekend. Rory Fitzpatrick, deputy for Council Member Tom LaBonge,  provided an explanation of the murders, stating they did not occur in
the local area, but in Jefferson Park. Board Member Rosemary DeMonte asked what the LAPD was doing about the reoccuring homeless problem near the businesses on Vermont Avenue.
SLO Falconer stated that the LAPD was working on the problem to the best of its abiltiy, and would be reviewing the situation. Fitzpatrick stated that anyone who was interested in donated funds to offset burial costs for the children should make the checks out to John Marshall High School and deliver them to the Principal. SLO Salazar stated that there were not many robberies in the area over the last year, and that most of the break ins had been one by transients. Salazar further spoke about the massage parlor
operation above Tang's Donuts, and that the LAPD had broken up this particular prostitution ring.
The Board thanked the SLOs for their presentation.

4. DWP Proposed Fee Increase: Martin "Marty" Adams, representative of the Department of Water and Power (DWP) gave a presentation highlighting the needs of the proposed fee increase. Adams apologized
to the Neighborhood Council for not coming six months earlier, and stated that DWP should have talked with the Neighborhood Councils before proceeding to the DWP Commission and the City Council. Adams
stated that the last rate increase was in 1992, and that the rates are based on a commodities rate, and there is no base rate. Adams also stated that DWP is living on a very small amount of bond monies,
and has been selling water to pay for some projects. Adams further stated that DWP plans on taking some of the reservoirs out of service to meet water quality standards. Adams also stated that DWP wanted to
focus on areas where there is more concern. Adams continued by stating that is was a good time for a rate
increase. Adams felt that the current sewer charges were a classic example of too little, too late. Adams said that the current budget situation led to the current need, and that the increases would include a water quality surcharge, and a security surcharge. DWP also plans to reinstated the pumping surcharge, which helps to pay for the electricity side of DWP. The surcharges would be 35 cents per billing unit of water, or around $2.35 per household, or approximately $28.20  per year. Adams stated that in order to continue with the capital projects to improve water quality, DWP needed an adequate revenue source. If no adequate revenue was found, then DWP's bond rating would drop, costing the Department 6 to 10 million dollars a year in interest costs.

Adams also stated that securing a water system is an almost impossible tasks. DWP has to absolutely do what it can to make things safe. Adams stated that although the water is the best ever in terms
of quality, it will gradually not meet federal standards. Adams further stated DWP has worked for the last 12 years with adequate water quality in its reservoirs, and has been able to bring its costs down. Adams also stated that the issues in the audit that had been completed had been addressed, and that there was a copy of it on the DWP website. Adams also spoke to the transfer of city funds from the Department to the City, $77 million in the last year, $25 million from water. Adams stated that the traditional transfer of funds had been ongoing since 1951 to help augment the City's budget. Adams also provided examples of other City's water rates increasing over the next ten years, including San Diego wanting 35 percent over the next 5 years, Pasadena increasing by 37 to 55 percent, and San Francisco's water rates increasing 183 percent by 2015. Secretary Andrew Westall asked how much of the rate increase is going to capital projects as opposed to operating expenses. Adams stated that on the water quality side, most of the
increase was for capital projects, and some for operating expenses. On the security side, almost all is for operating expenses.

Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell made a motion that "the GGPNC, at this time, opposes the rate increase, and will reconsider when DWP makes a more concerted and transparent case to the Neighborhood Councils." Vice President Mosqueda seconds the motion. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan stated that he agreed with Hunnewell on the issues of transparency, and that the DWP needed to clean up its image in this respect. Board Member Bruce Carroll stated that it had been a long time since DWP had a rate increase, and its was probably due. Carroll also stated that the DWP needed to make a  better case as well. Secretary Andrew Westall stated understanding the need for the increase, due to it being 12 years, and the inherent infrastructure and security needs. Westall also stated that DWP needed to work on its public relations as well. Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that the community need to
pay for its services, and that we needed to pay for our fair share of  water quality needs.
Board Member Bernadette Soter stated that the DWP was one of the jewels of the City, and at $4 a month in increases, residents could afford the increase. Board Member Nora Mosqueda stated that there was not enough information to make a sound decision. Board Member Rosemary DeMonte asked if it was possible to delay the rate increase for a period of time. Martin Adams stated that Council Member Cardenas has asked the same question, and that DWP needed the increase to avoid the bond
rating issue. Jeff Gardner asked what would be the result of no increase. Adams stated that the first issue was the bond rating. Then DWP would look at cost cutting measures, including water conservation
and reclamation projects. Adams stated DWP would have to cut anything that didn't deal with water delivery and security issues. Board Member Joe Zefran provided an analogy to McDonald's, and asked if there was a way to have the business community pay the surchage. Adams stated that it would be very difficult to separate out the billing of businesses and residential. DWP would have a hard time
implementing such a system. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that the increase was probably justified, but that the real issue was transparency and financial disclosure on the part of DWP. Hunnewell stated that what he has seen so far is no transparency, as well as misrepresentation of Neighborhood Councils in the press. Hunnewell further stated that Neighborhood Councils had to get the point across to DWP and other Departments. Board Member Johnson Calls the Question. The Board found that there was consensus on Calling the Question.
The motion passed with an 8 to 6 vote, with Board Members Johnson,
Carroll, Bryant, Kerr, Soter and Westall opposed.

2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: Susan Stark, local stakeholder, spoke about the installation of a Cobra street light in her neighborhood that does not fit the aesthetics or lighting of  their street. Stark further stated that DWP put in the light as an upgrade, and that LFIA, Council Member LaBonge's office, and Street Lighting did not know about it.

6. Filling Board Vacancies: Stakeholder Joe Zefran had applied for the position of Board Member from District C. Mr. Zefran spoke about his interest in the Board and community interests in general, including development and zoning issues. Mr Zefran also spoke about his love for the local community and how he came to be a Los Feliz resident. Board Member Cheryl Johnson motioned to approve the appointment of Joe Zefran to fill the District C vacancy. The motion was seconded by President Yvette Bryant. The Board found there was consensus on the appointment.

7. Committee Chair Vacancies and Committee Support Actions: President Yvette Bryant stated that the Committee strategic plans and budgets are due to the Executive Committee's March meeting. Bryant further stated that the GGPNC Budget is due to DONE on April 1st. Vice President Nora Mosqueda stated that she had a template Committee Chairs could use for the Budget. President Bryant stated that  its up to the Committees to decide what they need. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked if anyone had ideas for next year's budget. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that the strategic plan should be used to narrow a Committee's focus. Hunnewell further stated that its much easier to do a budget with measurable
results/effects. President Bryant requested that all Committee Chairs get the strategic plan and budgets done by March 3rd. Bryant further stated that th Executive Committee talked about the open Committee Chairs, and the issue of Vice President Stan Thompson overseeing two very busy committees.

Board Member Cheryl Johnson stated that she was happy to have the Spring Equinox hike co-sponsored by GGPNC, and that stakeholders had called over 150 people personally to attend the event. Johnson stated that the event was a wonderful way to meet others in the community. Johnson also stated that the Observatory Orchestra will possibly be playing at the event, which is on Sat. March 20th at 4pm. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell motion that "the GGPNC approve expenses necessary to co-sponsor the quarterly equinox and solstice." Board Member Kaplan seconded the motion. The Board found that there was consensus on the issue. Board Member Jacqeline Kerr state that Council Member La Bonge was also doing another hike on Sun. Feb. 22nd at 3pm for George Harrison Day.

8. LA River Cleanup Event Update and Budget Request: Board Member Bernadette Soter stated that sixteen people had attended the last Cleanup Committee meeting, including representatives of the Atwater
Village Neighborhood Council and HUNC. At the Committee meeting, the General Manager of FOLAR gave an update of the cleanup planning, including various contributions. Soter further stated that Board
Member Mary Rodriguez had already done some outreach in the schools, and that Vice President Nora Mosqueda is working with ABC to provide volunteers. Soter also asked that a description of what the
Neighborhood Council is be provided to Vice President Mosqueda in order to get volunteer activity approved by ABC.Board Member Soter also stated the budget for publicity was $1500, and that a poster was being developed that was 11 inches by 17 inches. Soter stated that Board Member Rosemary DeMonte was already talking to the Los Feliz Business Improvement District (BID) about putting the posters up in businesses, as well as community bulletin boards and websites. Soter also stated that the Museum of the American West will be putting up a banner on their website. Soter stated that Cap n' Cork will be providing beverages , and that Jeff Gardner of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council will be working with Krispy Kreme to provide donuts.
Secretary Andrew Westall motion that "GGPNC provide a $1500 budget for the FOLAR River Cleanup." Board Member Cheryl Johnson seconded the motion. The Board found that there was consensun on the motion.

9. Public Safety: Tabled.

10. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated the GGPNC had been approved for funding for the 3rd Quarter, and that GGPNC does need to spend the money.
Board Member Jacqueline Kerr asked if all expenditures had been met for Outreach and outstanding expenses. Treasurer Hunnewell stated that all requests for funding and reimbursements had been paid.
President Yvette Bryant asked that all requests for funding be made to the Executive Committee as they decide how to reallocate the funds.

11. Reports from GGPNC Committees: Board Member Mary Rodriguez, Chair of the Education Committee, stated that there was a meeting next week. Rodriguez asked how to be reimbursed for funds used in meeting. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that we have money for the quarter and that Rodriguez should send requests for reimbursement to him. Any monies not appropriated yet might also be tapped. Treasurer Hunnewell also asked that Secretary Andrew Westall send requests for funding of the Newsletter and Banners, as well as email to him the wording of the DWP motion. Secretary Westall agreed.
Vice President Thompson, Chair of the PZTHP Committee, stated  the committee's comments on a draft letter, if approved, to be sent to Council Member Garcetti with regard to the Office of the Zoning
Administrator and appeal of the variance approval and hearing waiver for the Laguna Senior Complex. Board Member Cheryl Johnson motioned that the "GGPNC approve the letter written by the PZTHP Committee." Motion seconded by Secretary Westall. Board Member Jonathon Kaplan asked if we could agendize the Laguna Senior Complex issue next month. Board Member Bernadette Soter stated that this was not the first time the Zoning Administrator had done this. Vice President Thompson stated that the PZTHP Committee had not taken a position on whether the project was good or bad. Thompson further stated that the Committee did not have time to take a position. President Yvette Bryant asked when the PZTHP Committee meets again. Vice President Thompson stated that the Committee will meet again on March 10th.Thompson further stated that the first thing the Board needed to do was to get the Zoning Administrator to stop waiving hearings. Board Member Mary Rodriguez stated she thought it was a good
idea the entire Board hears the issue next month. Rodriguez further stated that she felt the Board needed to know what has been going on. Treasurer Kerry Hunnewell stated that the Board should give the developers a chance to be heard. Hunnewell further stated that the Board should send the letter about waiving the hearing. President Yvette Bryant asked that Vice President Thompson draft the letter. Board Member Kaplan stated that he would help with the letter. Board Member Jacqueline Kerr stated that the Board should talk with LaBonge and Garcetti about the issue. The Board found that there was consensus on the motion.

12. Comments from GGPNC officers and Board members on Non-Agenda
Items: No comments were made.

13. Adjournment at 10:17pm.

Those in attendance were Kerr, Crawford, Carroll, Hunnewell, Bryant, Johnson, De Mont, Thomson, Balesh, and Soter.  Mims came at 7:12 creating a quorum.  Those board members not in attendance were Rodriquez, Kaplan, Westall, Knack and Mosqueda.
 
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:10; Cheryl Johnson agreed to take the minutes.

2. Public comments were taken from the following:

  Rose Pintozzi representing the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4950 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, discussed the church’s programs including neighborhood meetings to establish stronger ties in the neighborhood and to identify neighborhood needs and needy.  Bryant offered to connect her with Kaplan, our religion liaison. In addition, Rose discussed a tenant at 4440-44 Prospect that had been  displaced by a new owner, but she was unsure of the arrangements made.   Mims suggested she call 311.  Rory Fitzpatrick suggested she call LaBonge’s office at 213 485 3337 and to ask for Daniel. The tenants are living in a van.

Evelyn Davis, marketing manager for the Autry Museum, which is changing its name to the Museum of the Southwest, is planning to do building renovations.  The Autry will be making a presentation at the meeting next month.

Naima Hazeltine said she has lived in the neighborhood for seven years, and was injured on the job when she first came.  She discussed her fight with workman’s comp and disappointment with her counsel. Bryant indicated the GGPNC does not have jurisdiction in this kind of problem. Since state disability is seeking refunds from her, Johnson suggests she should go to Public Counsel.   
 
2. As to the minutes, Kerry wants the reference to “deviant purposes” attributed to him in number 10 changed to “purposes in pursuit with an agenda inconsistent with our mission”.  In section 5, last sentence, the reference to board member should be members in plural and should have identified  Mims and Balesh. Hunnewell moved and Kerr seconded the approval of the minutes; they were approved as amended.

4. Feature report. The executive committee agreed to change the name of the Beautification Committee to Neighborhood Improvement committee per Bryant. Kerr discussed the mission of this committee and some of the specific projects.  The post office wall on New Hampshire is a dumping ground, and with  PO personnel and Amy Schulenburg, the committee is discussing possible plantings there. Johnson has launched an adopt a block on Hollywood Boulevard, and is trying to identify pocket parks. The Myra Street underpass area is a possible site for a mural to enhance the environment. The Mariposa Island at the intersection of Mariposa and Alexandria, that was vetted through the committee with the long acronymn, is an area of traffic and safety problems. Neighbors want a garden island, and are in the process of organizing themselves. The triangle at Hollywood and Vermont needs attention, and is the possible site of a landmark monument; some local restaurant owners are interested in funding a fountain there.  Johnson is in charge. The Hoover Street mural is being worked on with the help of Mary Francis. Kerr said that Jeanne Chang has been instrumental and Kerr recommends that she get a raise of $10,000 per year.

5. Park Rangers. Soter reported that at the PROS committee recommended that the rangers remain a separate unit reporting to Dept of Rec, as our first line of defense in the park, and proposed that GGPNC sign a letter to that effect.   With about 10 members representing a number of different institutions,  the committee drafted the letter, although it did not take up the issue of the rangers being armed.  It did however discuss the requirement that rangers have college degrees as an impediment to recruitment.  Fitzpatrick reported that LaBonge likes rangers. Kerr wanted this issue tabled to hear from the rank and file rangers as to whether they wanted to be part of the new security committee, or to remain a separate unit reporting to the Department of Rec.   Bryant said that HUNC has endorsed the letter. Carroll noted we have heard from the rangers union on this point but Kerr wanted to hear from the rank and file.  Fitzpatrick questioned whether the letter was asking whether the rangers stay within Park and Rec and be “interpretative”, regardless of whether they are armed and involved in law enforcement.
 LaBonge’s position is that he wants the rangers to be interpretative and that if we want armed people, they should be part of a group that has management with expertise in arms.  Soter said the letter simply asks to keep the rangers as a unit that reports to the Department of Rec; Soter feels the issue of whether they are armed is a separate issue. Fitzpatrick thought the letter does not give enough direction; Hunnewell thought it was a good idea to have some law enforcement people trained to address law enforcement problems the park.  Mims recounted Mollinedo’s position that the college degrees were required as the rangers are to be interpretative; and that personnel involved in law enforcement need not have a college degree.  Soter moved and Crawford seconded approval of the letter. Public comments from Naima Hazelton who reported lewd conduct and unpleasant activities in the park.  She was encouraged to call 311.  Fitzpatrick reported that it is the policy of the LAPD that they not go off the trails in the park to make lewd conduct arrests. Soter reported that rangers can be counted on to respond to problems, and though they do not have arms, are more effective as they at least show up, unlike the police. Hunnewell thought the letter lacked clarity, and DeMont questioned whether we were requested to deal with the arms issue. Kerr believed that the letter did not address the police force issue.   Mims moved to amend the letter to strike the second sentence in the second paragraph, and was seconded by Hunnewell, so that we leave open the option of a discrete unit that is armed.  Hunnewell would also amend the first sentence in the third paragraph from “fully staffed to “appropriately staffed.  Six voted for and five against amending the motion.  The motion as amended was adopted unanimously.  It was further suggested that Bryant approach HUNC, with a two week deadline, to see if HUNC would jointly issue the letter; if not, it is to go out on the GGPNC letterhead. 

6. Filling the board vacancies. Christine (Christy) Herron who lives on Vermont and Finley is interested in running for District C and offered her enthusiasm and dedication.   Mims moved to appoint her, and Johnson seconded the motion.   She was unanimously appointed.  Johnson indicated that Michael of Vermont’s restaurant was also interested in running for District C.

7. DeMonte reported on quotations to print and distribute some 22,000 issues of a GGPNC newsletter.  Mailing would cost $3,000 whereas printing would cost between $2,600 to $4,700, so the total cost of a single version of the newsletter would be $5,600 to $7,740.

7. Executive Committee Report. Kerr and Rodriquez are on the public safety committee though they have no chair. According to Kerr, prostitutes on Sunset were directing pimps and johns to the Alexandria. Working with the police, she got sodium lights and trimmed the trees. She believes the prostitutes have moved out of that area and have now moved over to an alley near the Fatburger.  Bryant reported on the Executive Committee’s mission to keep the Strategic Report recommendations and benchmark viable. As to community impact statements, the Executive Committee will seek out more opportunities for the statements.  Spicer and Hunnewell will do something to give some guidance and design templates for something. Kerr is now  the assistant treasurer, but she will not do figures.  We need new chairs for the Business, City Services, Cultural Affairs, and Public Safety committees.  The Business Committee may be more of a liaison position, and DeMont offered to be the liaison. Communication and Outreach needs more support. Crawford, former head of the  Cultural Affairs committee said he spent seven months  writing to area institutions and got no response, to which the representative of the Autry took exception.  Johnson will seek new members. Education is meeting with Rodriguez.  The PTROZ committee is being done by Thomson, but needs a new leader as he is tied up with the Communications committee.  Soter agrees to continue as the interim chair of the PROS until a new chair is officially appointed. Johnson suggested that the committees be collapsed, to better marshal our limited resources.  Crawford was informed that we approved the letter on domestic partnerships at the last meeting.  Spicer reported on outsourcing some of our outreach objectives,  so that we do not lose funding, like getting new mailing addresses.

10. Treasurer's report Hunnewell reported that the council’s office gave us money which we donated to install a security camera on the Hyperion Bridge project.  A check is on the way to the Orchestra Symphony.  At the end of the third quarter, we have some $23,000 and anticipate another $12,500 funding request for the fourth quarter. We will have unspent monies of some $35,000 which we will lose if we do not spend it within ten weeks.  We will be doing outsourcing for infrastructure for the outreach committee, including newsletter, database, and branding initiatives.  Last year the budget was performed top down and this year, we would like each of the committee chairs to submit budget requests.  Hunnewell will send out timelines.  Hunnewell moved that we open an account at Bank of America; the motion was unanimously approved.  The Board also unanimously authorized the treasurer to open the account.

11. Bryant moved that we officially take a break for the next holiday season and forgo a December meeting this coming year.  Soter seconded it. Mims amended the motion to apply to December meetings of the committees as well.    Johnson opposed the motion as a premature abdication of the council’s responsibilities, particularly if important issues come up in December.  Hunnewell suggested that it be tabled. Eight voted for it and four opposed it.

  
 12. Board Comments Johnson mentions Spring Event that she and Kaplan are in the process of planning…then she departs. (and Carroll takes notes to adjournment.)

8. Soter explains planned flashy GGPNC booklet would likely be a "budget buster" and would have to go beyond BID and other existing handouts about area the area. She suggests insert in handout newspapers City Beat and LA Alternative Press. The costs for placing an 8.5"x11" size insert into City Beat is $38 per 1000 and can be done for selected zip code. Alternative Press cost $1800 for their full 60,000 circulation. Those don’t include cost of printing and preparation. Stakeholder Evelyn Davis of the Autry says that they would be willing help defray some of cost with an ad. Soter added to ad hoc committee working on outreach publication which will come back with more complete figures.
Carroll mentioned high return rate of mailed "C" and "E" applications…about 1,500 bad addresses so far…could be up to about 25% of those mailed to folks as far away as Maj. John Dyste (USAF ret.) who’s lived in Thailand for the last 30 years, but enjoyed hearing from his old neighborhood.

13. Adjourned at 9:34pm