1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL/QUORUM CHECK
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm; a quorum was not present.  BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Joe Cisneros, James Balesh, Philip Gasteier, Shana Bonstin, Bruce Carroll, Cheryl Johnson, Joel Friedman, Rosemary DeMonte, Molly Rysman, Ron Weinstein, Nyla Arslanian, Rose Marin, Richard Spicer, Merlyn Hernandez. GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:  Rory Fitzpatrick, Chief Field Deputy, Council District #4, Matthew Levy, Field Deputy for Los Feliz and Silverlake. Christine Jerian, DONE Project Coordinator.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT
John Larner, Head of Lycee International de Los Angeles and the LILA Los Feliz campus located on Russell Avenue, introduced himself to the Board and spoke on behalf of LILA.  Mr. Larner invited any  interested parties to contact him at the Los Feliz campus. 
Christine Jerian, DONE Project Coordinator, introduced herself to the Board as the new GGPNeighborhood Councils Project Coordinator.

Ryan Bell, Senior Pastor of the Hollywood 7th Day Adventist Church, introduced himself to attendees.  Mr. Bell noted his motive in attending the meeting today was to advise the Council of two robberies in the past 8 days that have occurred in the apartment complex in which Mr. Bell and his family live.  Mr. Bell’s wife and two small children were eyewitnesses to one of the robberies.  Mr. Bell remarked that he and his neighbors in the apartment complex are very concerned about public safety.  Charlie Mims thanked Mr. Bell for bringing this information to the Council’s attention, and noted Mr. Bell’s concerns and willingness to assist would be referred to the Public Safety Committee.

Jim McQuiston, EHCA, discussed the selection of a group that will analyze the management of the Neighborhood Councils, the various Boards, DONE and ordinances that govern the Neighborhood Councils.  Mr. McQuiston stated that a 45 day deadline was set on September 28, 2005 for input from the various Neighborhood Councils, and noted that his appearance at today’s meeting was to ensure that the GGPNC Board was aware of the deadline.

Raymond Yu mentioned the Metro Orange Line between North Hollywood to Woodland Hills.  Mr. Yu gave a great deal of detail about the Metro Orange line.  Mr. Yu noted that trial rides would take place between the North Hollywood and the Woodland Hills Station, on October 29th and 30th between 8am and midnight.

Rory Fitzpatrick discussed the third public meeting featuring mitigation plans for the Griffith Park Observatory, which took place on Monday, October 17, 2005.  Mr. Fitzpatrick noted that Matthew Levy, Area Deputy, will be replaced shortly by Patricia Malone; Mr. Fitzpatrick mentioned Ms. Malone’s qualifications and contact information; Mr. Fitzpatrick also listed Mr. Levy’s contributions in his capacity as a Field Deputy.

Matthew Levy provided an update on the major projects in the GGPNC area currently on the table at his departure:  architectural renderings are almost ready for public review of the proposed Vermont Avenue parking structure and the Postal Service facility to be located at Vermont and Melbourne.  Mr. Levy noted that the multi-level parking structure will be kept to a level close to the brick building near the proposed development.  Mr. Levy also discussed an upcoming change of policy with reference to approval of preferential parking district.  Mr. Levy also discussed bulky item pickup efforts in the area, as well as the installation of a traffic signal at the 5 Freeway off-ramp and Riverside Drive; the Vermont Triangle project, and efforts to reduce vermin infestation in the area; and plans to seek beautification  grant funds.  Mr. Levy stated that the Headworks project, intended to produce additional potable drinking water for LA, is a project that will not falter despite his absence. 

Charley Mims thanked Mr. Levy for his efforts and reminded Mr. Levy that he is welcome to return at any point, especially for pro bono work.  Cheryl Johnson asked Mr. Levy about Griffith Park Observatory handicapped access efforts; Mr. Levy stated that the Observatory was judged to have adequate accessibility.  Rosemary DeMonte asked for details of plans for determining a preferential parking district; Mr. Levy and Mr. Fitzpatrick both provided insight into the process.  Mr. Fitzpatrick noted that input from the Neighborhood Councils was welcomed.

Richard Spicer asked Mr. Levy about an update on the schedule of work being done at the junction of  I-5 and Riverside Drive.  Mr. Levy provided background information on how the process is coordinated between CALTRANS and DOT.

Charley Mims introduced Commissioner Yolanda Fuentes, Neighborhood Liaison for the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works.  Commissioner Fuentes outlined responsibilities performed by various DPW agencies (Sanitation, Street Services, Street Lighting, Contract Administration, Bureau of Engineering).  Ms. Fuentes is lead Commissioner for Proposition K.  Ms. Fuentes reminded attendees of Operation Pothole and asked for assistance in identifying streets where potholes have occurred.   Ms. Fuentes noted that she welcomed input from the Neighborhood Councils, volunteered her assistance in coordinating efforts to contact City of Los Angeles departments, and introduced David Mace, coordinator for outreach with reference to Neighborhood Councils.  Charley Mims noted Commissioner Fuentes’ efforts and dedication, and welcomed David Mace.

3. COMMENTS/REPORTS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND STAFF
4. SENIOR LEAD OFFICER
No reports noted.

5. HOLLYWOOD-WESTERN REDEVELOPMENT
Samir Srvastava, representative of ABS (the developer for the south side of  the “Hollywood Passage” project) discussed the project as well as his background and qualifications for the proposed development.  The project is still in very preliminary stages, and Mr. Srvastava reminded attendees of a planned sheret of Neighborhood Councils with the project developers.  Mr. Srvastava noted that he was at one time a resident of the community, and that his experience in the neighborhood influenced his decision to request a variance to allow for excess parking.  Molly Rysman stated the “green” roofs were a point of concern and noted an upcoming report to be released.  Mr. Srvastava reiterated that affordable housing was an issue that was a driving force in the planned project.  Shana Bonstin asked about St. Andrews being blocked off; Bruce Carroll reiterated Ms. Bonstin’s concern.  Mr. Srvastava  discussed rationales and emphasized that the project is still in the preliminary stages.  Richard Spicer asked about timing of CRA inspections, how long the affordable housing will be affordable, and parking.  Mr. Srvastava’s estimate referred to late 2009 to 2010 for the project’s completion.  Mr. Srvastava noted that he expected to be able to keep the affordable housing rates for 55 years, and noted provisions for subterranean parking.  Mr. Srvastava discussed his plans to have the space occupied by arts groups (theater arts in particular), in answer to Nyla Arslanian’s question.  Raymond Yu, a stakeholder, asked about a traffic signal at Hollywood at St. Andrews Place and security provisions for the proposed library.  Mr. Srvastava discussed plans for traffic signals and assured the stakeholder that that his suggestions would be taken into account.

6. MAYOR’S BUDGET DAY AND BUDGET PROCESS
This item was postponed until later in the meeting.

7. PROPOSAL TO CREATE A CHARTER FOR A CITYWIDE CONGRESS OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS
At Kerry Hunnewell’s request, due to his unplanned absence from today’s meeting, this item will be carried over until the next meeting.  Bruce Carroll reminded Board members that information on this issue was included in the handouts for today’s meeting.

8. PLANNING/ZONING HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Ron Weinstein noted a change in the proposed budget for the Nov. 10th public forum, because additional stakeholders (20,150 addresses as opposed to 10,000) were identified; an additional amount was approved at a recent Executive Committee Meeting.  Ken Owen, chairman of the 4500 Los Feliz subcommittee, detailed planning efforts with respect to the November meeting.  Mr. Owen listed those officials who will appear, noted that all invited participants have accepted, and discussed preliminary plans.  Plans for outreach efforts in conjunction with the meeting, and efforts at promoting
GGPNC Board minutes 10/18/05  page 3

GGPNC are were discussed.  It was agreed that a flier about GGPNC’s core functions (that offers the opportunity to sign in) given to attendees would be a worthwhile outreach effort and could augment the GGPNC stakeholder lists.  Molly Rysman asked about translation services.  Ken Owen mentioned that there were no funds set aside for that purpose.  Ms. Rysman suggested contacting Council District 4 to request assistance in providing translation services.  Charley Mims detailed the presentation planned by the developer.  Further discussion ranged from plans for follow-up meeting to additional advertising efforts.  Ken Owen relayed a request made by the Silverlake Neighborhood Council that provision be made for written comments.  Philip Gasteier, while acknowledging that the planned 300 person attendee level may not be reached, asked about overflow provisions.  Suggestions were made to provide for that contingency, including a suggestion to refer interested parties to the web site.  Rosemary DeMonte, Molly Rysman, Cheryl Johnson, and Rose Marin will staff the Outreach table planned.  Provisions were made for crowd control, as well.

9. PARKS, RIVERS & OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
Bernadette Soter, following up Donna Dougherty’s September GGPNC presentation concerning handicapped accessibility at the Griffith Park Observatory, discussed the rationale behind the objections voiced as well as justification for proposed development.  Ms. Soter noted the City of Los Angeles position is that technically the rehab work is in compliance with code, and that the motivating intent was to preserve the “historic fabric” of the building.  After further discussion, Charley Mims suggested asking that Sammy Wong, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, and Donna Doherty, as well as people with expertise on this issue, be invited to attend the next PROS committee meeting.  Jim McQuiston provided a different perspective, and indicated his belief that Tom LaBonge would not entertain any further discussion on the issue.

Ms. Soter summarized efforts made and issues discussed at the most recent Griffith Park Master Plan Working Group meeting (October 11th); Ms. Soter mentioned the reassignment of the two Griffith Park manager and the creation of a Griffith Park Superintendent position that will have oversight of four entities that don’t have obvious connections to each other.  Ms. Soter reiterated concern expressed about the viability of the Working Group, as a result of the personnel change and redefinition of Griffith Park as a region.  Philip Gasteier asked who had decision-making capacity in this instance, and suggested that a meaningful reorganization of management of Griffith Park should include prior notification to Neighborhood Councils.  Ms. Soter reiterated her concern about the Working Group’s function and purpose in the light of the recent “sudden” change.

Ms. Soter discussed the length of time it has taken to obtain financial information on Griffith Park, which she has not yet seen despite framing the request following proper procedure.  Charley Mims provided his insight on how decisions are made for revenue and expenditure for various Recreation and Parks entities.  Ms. Soter asked that Board Members to attend the upcoming PROS committee meeting.

10. TREASURER’S REPORT
Joel Friedman detailed his efforts to obtain expected budgets from committee members and reminded attendees that their input was necessary.

11. OFFICER VACANCY
Charley Mims asked for a Board Member to step up to fill the Secretary vacancy.  In response to a question from Rosemary DeMonte, Bruce Carroll detailed the Secretary’s responsibilities.  Richard Spicer suggested delegating responsibilities to a contractor; Bruce Carroll added his insight to Mr. Spicer’s suggestion.  This item was deferred for further discussion at the next meeting.

12. NEIGHBORING NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS IN FORMATION
Charley Mims called for a motion to support the HSNC in the formation of a new Neighborhood Council.
 
Bruce Carroll moved to support the Hollywood Studio Neighborhood Council, seconded by Philip Gasteier.  There being no Board Member objection, a consensus was declared.
13. HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE LUNCHEON
Rosemary DeMonte provided details, including who plans to attend, and when and where the luncheon will take place; James Balesh cannot attend; Merlyn Hernandez asked for details.  Discussion resulted; Merlyn will attend.

ITEM #1 REVISITED
A quorum being present, Bruce Carroll moved to approve the Minutes for two meetings, with two minor changes; . Approved by consensus.

ITEM #6 REVISITED

Charley Mims discussed the Mayor’s Budget Day, and called for discussion of the points raised by Mayor Villaraigosa.  Mr. Mims mentioned in particular funds set aside for education and suggested an emphasis on educational expenditures.  Mr. Mims called for identification of priorities by individual Board Members.  Mr. Mims identified a possible solution for street resurfacing—a bond issue.  Philip Gasteier suggested enhancing bus service, for instance, rather than street resurfacing.  Bruce Carroll suggested incentives to encourage people to work in the community in which they live.

Jim McQuiston reminded Board Members that the intent was to gain Board Members’ personal perspectives; Mr. McQuiston also discussed possible Brown Act violation, and advised that the Board Members think carefully about the suggestions to be made.

Mr. Mims asked that Board Members return the questionnaires to him by next week. 

Discussion continued on the issues.  It was agreed that Board Members would advise Mr. Mims of issues mentioned in the questionnaires.
14. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
None noted.

15. COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Joe Cisneros noted that 10 high school seniors would be available to assist at the November 10, 2005 meeting.

16. OTHER COMMITTEE COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None noted.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.