1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Getz, Soter, Owen Arslanian, Vigderson, Wilson, Johnson, Mims, Kerr, DeMonte, Rademaekers, Friedman, Louyse, Napier.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the November 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
        Paul Hisserich, representing CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, announced that the Assemblymember would be holding an open house from 4-7 pm on Thu Dec 20 at the Washington Mutual building in Glendale on Brand Blvd.
        Jullian Harris-Calvin, representing Councilmember Tom LaBonge, announced and explained that Silver Lake Reservoir will be drained due to excessive levels of bromate, draining to begin in January.  A Preferred Parking District will be implemented on Riverside Drive between Fletcher and Los Feliz Blvd to prevent overnight parking.
        Betty Wong-Oyama announced that the submitted GGPNC bylaw revisions had been given final approval by DONE.  A training for NC board members will be held on Jan 23 6-9:30 p.m. on the Brown Act and NC funding.  On Sat Dec 15 a memorial service was held for DONE Executive Director Carol Baker Thorpe.  City Council has approved the recommendation by the Neighborhood Council Review Commission that NC elections should be held by the City Clerk in June of even numbered years.  GGPNC has the option of moving elections up to June 2008 with City Clerk management, or to wait until 2010 and have our election in Nov 2008 as would otherwise be the case.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None. 

6. Executive Committee: Charley Mims (15 min.)
        a. DeMonte moved to delay election of officers to January.  Seconded by Kerr, adopted by consensus.
        b. Mims announced that DONE took back $29,000 of GGPNC money because it hadn’t been spent in the two years prior to June 30 and recommended that GGPNC spend more on outreach.
        c. After discussion, it was agreed to agendize the issue of how and when to handle the next GGPNC election for the January board meeting.  Since it will require another bylaws revision, the Rules & Elections Committee will draft an update that can be amended per the board’s decision.

7. Parks, River & Open Space Committee:
Committee Chair Bernadette Soter reported on the success of the pilot walking program for the LADWP Holiday Light Festival.  Soter moved that a letter to be sent by the Board to the DWP/DWP Commission thanking them for helping to set up the pilot program.  Seconded by Napier.  Adopted by consensus.

8. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding the EIR for the expansion of the Autry National Center, Committee Chair Owen moved the Committee recommendation that, “GGPNC contribute up to $7000 toward a study and analysis of the transportation section of the draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed expansion of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park by Menager & Associates.”  Seconded by Soter.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding the city’s policy of approving billboards and enforcing billboard rules, Owen moved the Committee recommendation that, “GGPNC express its position that the City rigorously enforce the regulations for billboards and promptly and aggressively take action against billboards improperly erected or modified, and that through its president file a Community Impact Statement regarding billboard-related issues consistent with the foregoing.

9. Outreach Committee:  Rosemary DeMonte, Chair (10 min.)
Motion to expend up to $1000.00 toward a gesture or gift of appreciation to LAFD for their courageous work this year deferred until January meeting pending obtaining specifics on gesture/gift.

10. Other Committee Reports:
None.
11. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.
12. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.
13. Adjournment:
At 9:05 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Getz, Soter, Louyse, Owen, Johnson, Vigderson, Cisneros, Wilson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the October 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Rosemary DeMonte, VP of Outreach, announced that the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District Holiday Festival would be on Sat Dec 1.
Cheryl Johnson announced that the Barnsdall Art Park Art Mart would be on Sun Dec 16.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Daryl Ford from the Dept of Recreation and Parks announced the RAP Needs Assessment Project which needs public input to for the development of a city-wide master plan for parks.  A meeting will be held at Friendship Auditorium on Nov 28 at 6:30pm.  Mims asked Bernadette Soter and Jacqueline Kerr to follow the issue.

Neighborhood Prosecutor Donna Wong announced Property Owner & Manager Training on Nov 28 at 4 pm at Glassell Park Community Center.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
SLO Gina Chovan reported that there had been eleven burglaries in the last thirty days in Franklin Hills and Silver Lake, and reported on LAPD actions to capture the burglars. 

6. Kaiser Permanente: 
Mark Costa, Executive Director, and Gail Koretz, Government and Community Relations Manager, of Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center presented on overview of the hospital replacement program on the Sunset Blvd campus.  Construction of the new facility should be complete in Jan 2008, and the old hospital will be demolished in 2009.  Costa reported that the Kaiser community benefit program provided $300,000 annually to local charities.  Local charitable organizations should contact Gail Koretz.  The board discussed the potential for Kaiser to share parking space for community needs, an issue to be followed up.

7. LADWP Proposed Rate Increase:
Charley Mims reported that he’d discussed with the Executive Committee the possibility of re-opening discussion with the board.  There was not a consensus by the committee that this needed to happen.  No action.

8. February City Ballot Measure Regarding City Telephone/Communications Surtax:
Charley Mims reported that he planned to line up a speaker from the city to speak on this issue.

9. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr presented and moved for approval of draft letter to Mayor Villaraigosa requesting improvements to the Dept. of Transportation accident reporting system.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Mims moved a friendly amendment to the motion that the GGPNC president work with Kerr to wordsmith and clarify certain points in the letter.  Kerr accepted the amendment.  Motion adopted by consensus.

10. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding Council File No. 05-1345, the proposed city ordinance to create affordable housing as required by CA Senate Bill 1818, Committee Chair Owen moved the following statement be submitted as a Community Impact Statement to be attached to the Council File No. 05-1345:
“Implementation of SB1818 should increase affordable housing without adversely affecting neighborhoods. Height bonuses are highly intrusive and can have negative affect on a community. Projects replacing existing low income rentals with fewer affordable units should be prohibited as contrary to the purpose of 8B1818. Therefore, the ordinance should: (1) Remove height as a bonus, (2) Deny bonuses to any projects that don't produce more affordable housing units than exist (or existed before demolition) on a lot and any projects that don't increase density above that allowed by right; (3) Require a public hearing on whether a project qualifies for any bonuses.”
Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

        b. Regarding a zoning variance request by the owner of 4759 Bryn Mawr to construct retaining wall 45 feet tall (nine feet higher than permitted maximum of 36 feet, Owen moved that the board oppose the variance request for the requested height in excess of 36 feet.  Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

11. Parks, River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Regarding Quimby fees, Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved the committee recommendation “that the Recreation and Parks Department develop a mechanism providing for neighborhood input regarding the placement of new parks and the selection of their attendant features, and for quarterly reports to the Los Angeles City Council on the status of Quimby fees and Quimby-funded projects.”  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding the recent weekend extension of the Los Feliz Dash Line into Vermont Canyon in Griffith Park, Soter moved the committee recommendation “that the Los Feliz Dash Line's operation to and from the Observatory be extended to popular weekdays as well.”  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.

12. Rules & ElectionsCommittee:
        a. Committee Chair Philip Gasteier presented move for acceptance of procedures and a timeline for selecting a Designated Board Member as representative of the religious community.  Seconded by Kerr.  Kerr offered a friendly amendment to postpone all dates by one month with Executive Committee recommendation and board decision on February 19, 2008. The amendment was accepted.  Motion passed by consensus.
        b. Gasteier announced that DONE was reviewing the GGPNC bylaw amendments and expects approval soon.

13. Adjournment:
At 10 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.
 

1. Call to Order: 7:15 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Carroll, Napier, Soter, Getz, Owen, Johnson, Cisneros, Vigderson, Wilson, Arslanian, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the September 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Chris Apostal resident stakeholder who lives on Talmadge Street, reported a home burglary incident where LAPD response time was four hours.  Apostal asked GGPNC to question the allocation of police resources.  It was recommended that Apostal work with Joe Cisneros, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, to develop a position statement on the issue.

Barbara Ferris thanked the board for GGPNC support of “Out of the Ashes”, the recent benefit concert for the Griffith Park Recovery Fund.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Betty Wong Oyama, Project Coordinator for DONE, reminded Boardmembers about the Oct 27 Congress of Neighborhood Councils.  Oyama indicated that it was possible for GGPNC to make a donation to the event that wasn’t made in the form a specific expenditure.
Mary Rodriguez, Education Deputy for Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced that the City Council Education & Neighborhoods Committee would be meeting at 6:30 pm on Oct 24.
John Hesserich, representative for CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, 43rd District, reported that with the autumn reconvening of the CA Assembly, the Assemblymember is looking for issue suggestions.
Eric Sanjurjo and Ryan Haas from Hollywood United Neighborhood Council appeared in response to the recent GGPNC agenda item and response to the issue with splitting Fire Station #82.  They asked that in the future GGPNC consult HUNC when cross-NC issues such as this arise.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
SLO Gina Chovan announced that property crime was up; warned stakeholders about the “Zip-Tie Bandit” who was robbing pharmacies; the “Fast Food Bandit”; warned stakeholders, especially elderly, not to admit people into their homes who claimed to be from a utility company if they hadn’t already been notified by the utility that someone would visit.  Regarding item #3 above, Chris Apostal’s comments, Chovan stated the reason for delayed response is limited LAPD resources.

6. CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian: 
The Assemblymember presented a summary of issues being addressed in the CA Assembly including: looking for ways to encourage the entertainment industry to keep its production activities in Los Angeles; developing ways to maintain water sustainability in Southern California.

7. TreePeople:
Lacey Von Deak, Community Engagement Manager for TreePeople announced the Greening Workshop on Nov 4 and provided details.  Reported on TreePeople involvement in Griffith Park Recovery efforts including plans to plant 100 trees in the vicinity of the merry-go-round.  www.treepeople.org
 
8. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
Committee Chair Bernadette Soter announced:
        a. the first-ever Park Rangers-sponsored Book Signing Event at the Griffith Park Ranger Station on Oct 20 for the book is “The Santa Monica Mountains – Range on the Edge”
        b. An Oct 29 meeting about the Festival of Lights with LADWP at the GP Ranger Station, and that a pilot Walking Nights program for the festival would be conducted Nov 21-25.

9. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Committee Chair Nyla Arslanian moved that, per Betty Wong Oyama’s request above, that GGPNC donate $1000 to the Congress of Neighborhood Councils event.  Treasurer Joel Friedman will first confirm with DONE that this action is not in violation of DONE regulations or the Brown Act.  Seconded by Kerr.  Adopted by consensus.

10. Education Committee:
Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved that GGPNC make $300 in direct expenditures to support the project at Thomas Starr King Middle School to stop erosion on embankments around the school.  Seconded by Kerr.  Adopted by consensus.

11. Rules & Election Committee:
Chair Philip Gasteier, after the required but unsuccessful attempts to communicate with board appointee John Paul Ramirez, that the board expel Ramirez for failure to attend any meetings since his appointment.  Seconded by Carroll.  Adopted by consensus.

12. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Ken Owen reported that today Wolfgang Puck Catering withdrew its application for a zoning variance to serve liquor at catered events held at the Griffith Observatory.  This action cancels the scheduled Nov 13 meeting on the issue with the Central Area Planning Commission.
        b. The Board discussed the Draft EIR for the proposed expansion of the Autry National Center with attendees John Gray, Executive Director of the ANC, and Brenda Levin, architect for the project present.  After a lengthy discussion Committee Chair Ken Owen moved: “Resolved, that the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report relating to the proposed expansion of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park as set forth in the report of the Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee.”  Motion was seconded by Soter, but there was no consensus.  Owen moved that the Council should vote on whether or not to vote.  Soter seconded, and adopted by consensus.  The  resolution was adopted by a majority vote with one dissenting vote.

13. Other Committee Reports:
None

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

1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by Vice President Philip Gasteier.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Carroll, Napier, Owen, Getz, Louyse, Cisneros, Werndorf, Johnson, Soter, Wilson, Kerr, Arslanian, DeMonte, Gasteier, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the August 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Raymond Yu announced the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown Sept 29.

Arthur Rubenstein, conductor, thanked the Board for expenditures in support of the Griffith Park Recovery Fund Benefit Concert (Oct 14), and asked the Board to promote the event as much as possible.

Tamara Nelson from LA Dept of Disability distributed and asked the Board to complete an AIDS awareness survey.


4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Julia Calvin Harris, Field Deputy for Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced Tom’s Autumn Equinox Mt. Hollywood Hike on Sept 23.  She also announced that the reservation system and shuttle bus service to the Griffith Observatory will end on Nov 2.

Dennis Lytton, Field Deputy for Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced that the Griffith Park Adult Community Center would open in November, most likely.  He announced the Half-Marathon on Dec 2.

John Hesserich, representative for CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, 43rd District, reported that with the autumn reconvening of the CA Assembly, the Assemblymember is looking for issue suggestions.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
The SLO was not present.

6. Division of Fire Station 82 into Two Separate Locations: 
K C Schmidt, of the Eastwood Coalition presented a report about the above issue stating that Fire Station 82 is outside GGPNC boundaries but serves the GGPNC area.
Motion by Kerr: Because FS82 serves a significant part of the GGPNC area, we are deeply concerned about proper location for the fire station, and we ask you to defer action on designation of the second site until all processes required by law have been strictly followed.  Second by Carroll.  Adopted by consensus.


7. Opposition Presentation on Southwest Museum Relocation to Autry Center, Griffith Park:
Nicole Possert of the Southwest Coalition, Mark Kenyon of the Mount Washington Homeowners Alliance.  In the context of the recently published EIR for the Autry National Center expansion plans, the presenters reiterated about the plan by the Autry National Center to reduce the amount of exhibit space at the Southwest Museum.  The EIR was only given a  45-day public comment period.
Motion by Owen: GGPNC requests that the LA Dept. of Recreation and Parks extend the public comment period of the EIR to 90 days.  Seconded by Soter.  Adopted by consensus.

8. Glassell Park Neighborhood Council Community Diversity Forum:
Bernadette Soter reported having attended the GPNC council meeting where that NC was inviting participation by other NCs.  Soter also reported that the due to late engagement of GGPNC, planning for the forum was effectively complete and so did not recommend GGPNC participation.  No action.

9. LADWP Proposed Rate Increase (Item 11 taken out of order): 
Jack Humphreville of the LADWP Oversight Committee (OSC) and the Greater Wilshire NC presented the OSC recommendation that NCs not support the proposed LADWP rate increase at this time.
a.) Motion by DeMonte: GGPNC urges that the 120 day NC review period should be deemed to begin upon the date of the first Huron presentation, August 18, 2007, in order that neighborhood councils have adequate time to determine whether or not to recommend any water and power base rate increases, reliability or deferred maintenance adjustments, surcharges or pass through increases, consistent with the intention of the 120 day review period.  Motion seconded and carried by majority vote.
b.) Motion by Owen: The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council supports the concept of an independent rate-payer advocate to monitor revenues, expenditures and all aspects of the LADWP's operations and to advise the ratepayers. Motion seconded and adopted by consensus.

10. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
a. Regarding application for a Conditional User Permit by Chi Dynasty to establish a restaurant at 1813 Hillhurst, Committee Chair Owen moved that GGPNC support the CUP with the following conditions with the following conditions: Closing time of 11pm weekdays and 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday; That we have the assurance from the owner to honor parking restrictions that limit parking to customers of the shopping center.
b. Architect Ricardo Accorsi presented plans (for the owner) for Desert Rose, a restaurant at 1700 Hillhurst Ave.  Motion by Owen that GGPNC will oppose the CUP unless…????  Motion carried by a majority vote.
c. Regarding application to expand the car wash at 1660 Vermont Ave by demolishing rental units and relocating an alley, Owen moved that GGPNC advise the Planning Department to oppose moving the alley behind 1660 Vermont Ave with the loss of five low income living units. Motion seconded and adopted by consensus.

11. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Regarding the installation of two Thai angel statues in Thai Town, Committee Chair Nyla Arslanian moved that GGPNC commends the Neighborhood Improvement Committee in its resolution of community relations on bringing the community together and supports the installation of two Thai angel statues near Winona and Hollywood Blvd.  Seconded and adopted by consensus.

12. Rules & Elections Committee:
a. Committee Chair Philip Gasteier moved that the revised GGPNC bylaws, which were previously circulated and approved at the July 17 Board meeting, be given final Board approval, and that Gasteier and Mims be authorized to submit them to DONE for approval.  Seconded and adopted by consensus.
b. Gasteier asked Board members to submit suggestions for the criteria or procedures for selection and appointment of appointed candidates, and nominees for the position of representative for the religious community.
c. The Board discussed a reported NC boundary dispute around Griffith Park and concluded that this appeared to be a misunderstanding.  No action.

13. Other Committee Reports:
None.

14. Announcements:
a. Rademaekers reported that on Sept 10 at a meeting of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners he had accepted on behalf of GGPNC a Certificate of Appreciation honoring our fifth anniversary of certification.
b. Arslanian encouraged participation in the up-coming Neighborhood Council Congress
c. Cisneros announced that the Public Safety Committee would meet on the first and last Saturday of October pending confirmation of a meeting place.
d. DeMonte reminded Board members about the Taste of Los Feliz Sept 30.

15. Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
 

1. Call to Order: 7:15 p.m. by Vice President Philip Gasteier.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Napier, Owen, Carroll, Cisneros, Johnson, Kerr, Wilson, Gasteier, Rademaekers, Arslanian.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the July 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Residential stakeholder Lynn Kuemmel reported recurring accidents on Franklin between Mariposa and Alexandria and asked about the possibility of installing a traffic signal at Franklin and Alexandria.  Transportation Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr said she was aware of the issues.  Kuemmel was asked to further discuss the issue with Kerr and with Dennis Lytton, Field Deputy for CD4.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Dennis Lytton, Field Deputy for Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced that the traffic signal at Hyperion and Monon had been installed; the Griffith Park Adult Community Center opening would be delayed until October or November; Councilmember LaBonge would be sponsoring a community clean-up on Sept 8.

John Hesserich, representative for CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, 43rd District, reported that the Assemblymember was pursuing FEMA funds for Griffith Park fire restoration and conservation efforts; the state budget had finally been passed; that the Assemblymember is aware of local concern for multiple low income housing units being lost in the development of new housing that included the minimum required low income units.

Josh Englander, representative for CA Assemblymember Mike Feuer, 42nd District, introduced himself to the Board; reported passage of the state budget; discussed the state public transit budget.

Betty Wong Oyama, DONE Project Coordinator for GGPNC, announced that she will continue as the Project Coordinator for GGPNC; announced the Mayor’s Budget Day, October 13; announced the Congress of Neighborhood Councils, October 27 at the LA Convention Center.

Dennis Lytton and Julia Harris Calvin, representatives for City Councilmember Tom LaBonge reported: progress on facility development of the Griffith Park Adult Recreation Center; and progress on the reconstruction of a City-owned wall at Normandie and Franklin.  They announced that Calvin will be the CD4 Field Deputy for Griffith Park specifically and Lytton will be Field Deputy for the rest of the Los Feliz/Silver Lake community.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
The SLO was not present.  Boardmember Cheryl Johnson reported a rash of stolen automobile side mirrors in Los Feliz.

6. New America Foundation, Political Reform Program: Instant Runoff Voting:
Gautam Dutta, Deputy Director, presented an overview of this organization’s effort to encourage Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) in the City of LA, which would eliminate a separate, additional election in when, in a race between three or more candidates, no candidate received a clear majority of votes.  Dutta reported that LA City Council had authorized a study of IRV, which is due by mid-December.  Consideration for GGPNC support was referred to the Executive Committee.

7. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Overview:
Tom Berne, Chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Emergency Communications Task Force, provided an overview of CERT training and its purpose, and announced that CERT Training Level 1 classes will be held at the Dream Center in Echo Park on Wednesday nights from Oct 24 through Dec 5.  GGPNC stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

8. Rules & Elections Committee: 
Motion to request final Board approval of proposed revisions and amendments to GGPNC bylaws was deferred until the September Board meeting, since bylaw changes require approval of a two-thirds majority and only a simple majority of board members was present at this meeting.

9. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Discussion and action on the proposed installation of Thai angel statues at Normandie and Hollywood Blvd was tabled until September pending a scheduled community meeting on the topic on Wed August 29.

10. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
-    Stakeholder John Mozzer spoke about the problem of the demolition of rental units as a result of new condominium
    development.  He was referred to PZHP Chair Ken Owen.
a. Report regarding committee pending and future actions.  No action.

11. Outreach Committee:
Barbara Ferris of Symphony in the Glen requested funds to assist with advertising costs for a concert in October to benefit the Griffith Park Fire Recovery Fund of the LA Dept of Recreation & Parks.  DeMonte moved that up to $2500 in direct expenditures be made to support the event with the discretion of an ad hoc committee consisting of Rosemary DeMonte, Nyla Arslanian and Cheryl Johnson to identify appropriate expenditures that would also server as outreach for GGPNC.  Seconded by Arslanian and adopted by consensus.

12. Education Committee:
Report and motion of support on Marshall High School track and field modernization project.  Deferred.

13. Other Committee Reports:
Transportation Committee:  Report by Chair Jacqueline Kerr.

14. Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 10:0 p.m.

1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Owen, Johnson, Louyse, Carroll, Getz, Cisneros, Vigderson, Werndorf, Wilson, Arslanian, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the April, May and June 2007 Board meetings were approved by consensus..

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Residential stakeholder Dino Hermann and his wife reported on-going efforts to obtain relief from the noise of the shuttle buses to the Griffith Observatory, and that according to the Dept of Recreation & Parks, the need for continued use of the buses will be evaluated in November.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
John Hesserich, representative for CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian acknowledged GGPNC and other NC’s concerns about the impact of CA SB1218, which provides developer bonuses and creates additional residential density.

Dennis Lytton and Jullian Harris-Calvin, representatives for City Councilmember Tom LaBonge reported: progress on facility development of the Griffith Park Adult Recreation Center; and progress on the reconstruction of a City-owned wall on Franklin West of Normandie.  They announced that Harris-Calvin will be the CD4 Field Deputy for Griffith Park specifically and Lytton will be Field Deputy for the rest of the Los Feliz/Silver Lake community.

Betty Wong Oyama, Project Coordinator with DONE reported that she may be replaced by a new Project Coordinator.  Oyama also reported: the formation of a working group to promote the City’s 50/50 sidewalk repair program in which NC’s set the criteria for homeowners to split the cost of sidewalk repairs between the NC and the homeowner; BONC will conduct two Neighborhood Council self-assessment meetings in August; the next Congress of Neighborhood Councils will be Oct. 27; DONE encourages Neighborhood Councils to promote the Mayor’s Million Tree Program.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. Political Reform Program at the New America Foundation – Instant Runoff Voting:
Representative did not appear.

7. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
            a. Regarding 4517 Franklin Avenue: Committee Chair Owen moved that the Board grant authority to the committee to (1) request the City to carefully consider all factors to make certain that the structure is not larger or higher than absolutely permitted by right and particularly to consider limiting the height allowed by SNAP to be 15 feet above the lowest adjoining improvement without regard to the designation of the area in which it is located and to require a front yard based on the average set back on the south side of Franklin or the existing improvement as there are no other properties which face Franklin on the north side and (2) [amendment by Mims] that the developer put up the cash amount for future widening of the street including the cost of moving the utilities.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.
            b. Regarding the determination letter received in the matter of the application for a variance to serve liquor at the Griffith Observatory and the rules adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Recreation and Parks in anticipation of such a variance, committee Chair Owen moved that the Board authorize the filing of a letter in support of the appeal to be filed by the Los Feliz Improvement Association and by any other appealing party.  Seconded by Friedman.  Adopted by consensus.
            c. Regarding 1915 Normandie: Committee Chair Owen moved that the Board reaffirm its opposition to the reduction in the lot size and authorize the filing of support for any appeal that might be taken from any grant of an adjustment or variance to allow any reduction in the lot at 1915 Normandie.  Seconded by Johnson.  Adopted by consensus.
            d. Regarding an appeal filed by GGPNC stakeholder Mr. Lichtig on behalf of the residents of New Hampshire north of Los Feliz Blvd to appeal the City’s determination to allow an additional above-ground facility to be constructed by AT&T: Committee Chair Owen moved that the Board write a letter in support of the appeal.  The motion was adopted by majority vote.

8. Outreach Committee:
Committee Chair DeMonte moved to recommend to the approval of a proposal to make $1000 in direct expenditures to support the annual Taste of Los Feliz event with the stipulation that Council be provided a financial accounting for the expenditures at the conclusion of the event.  Seconded by Arslanian.  Adopted by consensus.

9. Rules & Elections Committee:
Committee Chair Gasteier moved that the Board preliminarily accept the recommendations for bylaws revisions recommended by the Rules & Elections Committee with the additional minor revisions by the Executive Committee.  Seconded by Friedman.  Adopted by consensus.  Final approval of the bylaws revisions come before the board at the August Board meeting.

10. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee:
Carroll moved the Committee recommendation regarding fire season safety to recommend:
        1. An increase in budgeted Park Ranger staffing as soon as possible to:
                a) Provide an over all increase in regional park patrol coverage and
                b) Create a Senior Lead Ranger program to be initially staffed by three (3) Sr. Lead Rangers to facilitate community involvement.
        2. An increase in budget dollars allocated to the Park Ranger Division for the acquisition of the vehicles and equipment needed to properly equip and dispatch the above personnel.
        3. Fast-track the Reserve Park Ranger Program to provide immediate increased coverage.
        4. A public notification campaign to educate the public on the current restrictions on smoking and open flames in Los Angeles City parks.
Seconded by Friedman.  Adopted by consensus.

11. Other Committee Reports:
Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Chair Arslanian reported on the Tree Planting Program[?].  Also on the recent placement of a large ornamental Angel in a Thai art style that was installed counter to the recommendation of the Board in 2005.  Arslanian will follow-up on the latter issue with Councilmember Garcetti, CD13.

12. Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
 

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Kerr, Napier, Soter, Louyse, Getz, Owen, Carroll, Wilson, Vigderson, Arslanian, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers, Cisneros.

2. Approval of Minutes:  Approval of minutes from the April and May 2007 were deferred until next month.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Stakeholder Raymond Yu announced the up-coming Americanism Parade in Pacific Palisades on July 4.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
John Hesserich, representative for Assemblymember Paul Krekorian reported that the Assemblymember is working with the City to obtain costs on recovery efforts for the Griffith Park Fire in May.

Dennis Lytton, representative for Councilmember Tom LaBonge introduced himself as replacement for Patty Malone.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
LAPD SLO Al Polehonki reported recent crimes in the neighborhood including a burglary at Robek’s on Hillhurst.  He announced that National Night Out will be August 7.  He reported that recent graffiti at Marshall High School is being investigated as a hate crime due to its racist content.

6. City of Angeles Half Marathon:
Kamal Oudrhiri from Grove of Hope presented plans for the December 2007 City of Angels Half Marathon and asked the Board for its support.  Carroll so moved, seconded by Soter, adopted by consensus.

7. Smoke Free Parks Coalition: 
Carey January and Monty Messex of the Smoke Free Parks Coalition along with PROS Committee Chair Bernadette Soter presented an overview of the Coalition’s efforts to move a proposed ordinance to ban smoking in all City parks through City Council and asked for a GGPNC endorsement.  Mims pointed out that the proposed ordinance may conflict with an existing ordinance and asked Soter to have the PROS Committee review the two ordinances and bring a motion back to the Board.
Carroll stated the current GGPNC position on the issue covers the issue and moved to reaffirm that position.  There was no second.  Motion was not adopted.

8. Treasurer’s Report:
Mims presented the GGPNC 2006/2007 expense report and the proposed 2007/2008 budget along with the Executive Committee’s correction of the budget rollover amount of $98,275.  Gasteier moved to accept, Carroll seconded.  Motion adopted by consensus.

9. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Nyla Arslanian, Chair, presented Julie Rasmussen from the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation who presented an overview of the planned Barnsdall Art Market and requested GGPNC support by way of providing $5000 to cover expenses which would be matched by the LA Dept of Cultural Affairs.  Arslanian moved that GGPNC join with the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation in cooperation with the Dept of Cultural Affairs to produce the Barnsdall Art Market by making $5000 in direct expenditures to produce the event. Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.
 
10. Education Committee:
        c. (taken out of order):  Mary Rodriguez, Chair of the LFIA Education Committee, presented an overview of LFIA assessed needs for and efforts to promote the building of a span school (grades 6-12) to support this area of Los Angeles.  Napier moved that GGPNC support construction of the proposed span school to relieve over-crowding at King Middle School and Marshall High School.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.
        a. Napier moved that GGPNC spend $1000 to purchase a one-year membership to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to provide customized educational programs for the Griffith Park Adult Community Club.  Seconded by Rademaekers.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Napier moved that GGPNC make $5000 in direct expenditures as matching funds to support the Hollywood Arts Council summer after-school arts workshops at Los Feliz Elementary School.  Seconded by Rademaekers.  Adopted by consensus.

11. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee:
        a. Bernadette Soter, Chair, presented a report on the Autry National Center Expansion EIR Meeting.  The cut-off date for comments is June 28.  Soter was concerned that the scope of the EIR was too narrow and did not make it clear enough that the ANC is located in Griffith Park.  Mims asked meeting attendee Evelyn Davis, Communications Director for the ANC, to communicate this to appropriate ANC staff.  Soter will draft the same request for documentation purposes and will send after Mims’ approval.
        b. Soter reported on Griffith Park Fire Recovery Plan and Council Motions.  No action.
        c. Soter reported on the Griffith Park Natural History Survey.  No action.

12. Ad Hoc Committee on the Greater Griffith Park Adult Community Center:
Committee member Rademaekers presented two committee-recommended motions.  Gasteier made a friendly amendment that the two motions be combined.  Rademaekers declined.
        a. Rademaekers moved that the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council welcome the Griffith Park Adult Community Center and the Griffith Park Senior Club and support them as appropriate to the benefit of the senior population of our community.  Seconded by Kerr.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Rademaekers proposed the following resolution: Resolved that on-going planning for the Griffith Park Adult Community Center and all other facilities within Griffith Park shall be with the full and open participation and approval of the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council and will be governed by the provisions of the Griffith Park Master Plan as developed by the Griffith Park Draft Master Plan Working Group.  Seconded by Kerr.  Adopted by consensus.

13. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee
        a. Kenneth Owen, Chair, reported that the committee has completed an inventory of all billboards in GGPNC’s area and plans to work with the Department of Building and Safety to determine which, if any, of  these billboards have been constructed or improved without permit and therefore subject to removal.  No action.
        b. Regarding the development of rules or guidelines for catered events at the Observatory, Owen reported that the Board of Commissioners of Recreation & Parks would consider the following day proposed guidelines that did not include many of the GGPNC recommendations.

14. Other Committee Reports:
None.

15. Comments and Announcements by Board Members:
None

16. Other Committee Comment on Non-Agenda items:
None.

17. Adjourn:
Meeting was Adjourned by presiding Chairman Philip Gasteier at 10:15 pm.

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Gasteier, DeMonte, Kerr, Owen, Werndorf, Wilson, Arslanian, Vigderson, Soter, Louyse, Napier, Carroll, Cisneros, Getz, Friedman, and Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  Minutes from the April 2007 board meeting were not available for approval.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Richard Spicer reported on positive progress with the development of the MOU being developed between City Planning and neighborhood councils.  He also announced a meeting [Date?] for area stakeholders, LAPD officers and Marshall High School representatives at Marshall High School to discuss on the shootings of March 8th on Leary St. and various tagging activity in the vicinity.

4. Announcements:
a. May 21 (Mon) 5:30-7:30pm – DONE Meet and Greet for new General Manager
b. May 23 (Wed) 6:00pm – Council District 4/Dept of Rec & Parks Community Meeting.

5. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Councilmember Tom LaBonge addressed the meeting with details about the Griffith Park fire of May 8th-12th.   He recommended that GGPNC form an Ad Hoc Committee to provide input to the post-fire assessment process.  He stated he had requested the City’s CAO office to make a budgetary assessment of the fire damage on Griffith Park. 

Vicki Israel, Recreation and Parks Superintendent for Griffith Park, explained that Park staff are still assessing the damage and clearing loose/dangerous trees.  She advised that the Animal Regulation Dept. had warned all patrons to not feed the Park animals as they’ve taken the precautions to feed and give them water.

Michael Shull, the Planning Commission Superintendent for Griffith Park’s recovery stated that the focus is to use the next 6 months to prepare for the rainy season. There are no plans to reseed the park at this time.

The Board and the public voiced comments, opinions and recommendations.

Councilman LaBonge introduced Albert Torres, Chief of the Griffith Park Rangers, who thanked the community for their support.

6. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
LAPD SLO Gina Chovan gave a brief report on crime in the neighborhood. She reported on the string of 10 crimes committed on businesses on Hillhurst since April 21st, and warned residents that all crimes were being committed by breaking into back entries and/or knocking through back walls to enter. Officer Chovan asked that she be advised of the whereabouts of a mentally ill woman loitering on New Hampshire St.  Prompted by a question about the recent gang shootings, Officer Chovan elaborated that they have not been able to find the culprits for this particular shooting, but that it is another case illustrating the surge in Armenian gang activity in the area.

7. Agenda item #10 – Parks, Recreation & Open Space: 
To maintain continuity with the reports on the Griffith Park fire, President Charley Mims moved to deal with the closely related issues in agenda item #10 next, and consensus was established on the Board so to move.  Bernadette Soter, Chair of the PROS Committee, introduced the issues listed under agenda item #10.

        a. Bernadette Soter moved to send letters of thanks and appreciation to the LAFD, LAPD, DOT, OPS, and Rec. & Parks Rangers for preserving and maintaining our community’s safety and security during and after the fire. Second by Sarah Napier; adopted by consensus.
       
        b. Resolved: In response to the fire of May 8/9, 2007 in Griffith Park, and for the health and safety of the Park, its users and neighbors, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council recommends that the City prohibit open fires in both public and privately-owned grills in Griffith Park. Motion by Bernadette Soter; second by Sarah Napier; adopted by consensus.   
   
        c. Resolved: In response to the fire of May 8/9, 2007 in Griffith Park, and for the health and safety of the Park, its users and neighbors, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council recommends that the draft ordinance banning curb-to-curb smoking in most municipal parks be amended to include language specifically banning smoking in all areas of Griffith Park, not exempting its golf courses and rental facilities. Furthermore, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council recommends that there be no designated smoking areas in Griffith Park for visitors, employees or film crews. Motion by Bernadette Soter; seconded by Sarah Napier; adopted by consensus.

        d. & e. Combined resolutions: The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council supports the creation of a $50 million special fund to stabilize and restore the 850 acres damaged by the May 8/9, 2007 fire in Griffith Park and recommends that the monies be earmarked as a Dedicated Funds to be controlled and disbursed under the following conditions.
                    1. That the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (LADRP) perform a comprehensive assessment of the ecological damage resulting from the fire and submit for approval to the Mayor and City Council a restoration plan that includes specific goals, benchmarks for achieving them, a line-item budget and a projected timeline.
                    2. That the plan be developed in consultation with credentialed environmental professionals dedicated to this purpose who are expert in the restoration of fire blighted natural areas such as Griffith Park; that expenditures from the emergency fund be restricted to natural restoration as treated in the plan, and that they be dispensed under the direction of the LADRP General Manager in consultation with credentialed professionals and staff.
                    3. That the LADRP report on the progress of the recovery plan to Commission, the Mayor and City Council at three-month intervals presenting benchmark achievements, a review of monies spent; monies contracted, and projected expenses that will affect the remainder of the funds.
                    4. That the restoration plan govern all activity in the Park and that the City require that all efforts, volunteer or private, conform to its specific goals, benchmarks and timelines.
                    5. That no emergency funds be spent on new construction unless directly related to fire safety, rescue and emergency planning as set forth in the restoration plan and recommended by City agencies and staff dealing with these specific issues: LADRP, LAFD and the Dept. of Animal Services.
                    6. That the restoration plan recommend annual funding be allocated in the City’s budget for the permanent, scheduled maintenance of Griffith Park to provide for the enlightened management of its chaparral areas and other natural ecosystems.
                    7. That all funds dedicated to the Griffith Park restoration be audited by the Office of the City Controller on an annual basis, until such funds have been depleted.
                    8. That tree and plant restoration, to the extent feasible, be limited to native species.

        f. Resolution regarding the new Griffith Park Adult Recreation Center (attached) introduced by Bernadette Soter to support resolution; seconded by Sarah Napier. 
    Discussion: Soter summarized that the resolution did not oppose the Adult Recreation Center, but merely sought for the GGPNC to have input in the realization of the Center.  Gasteier suggested an amendment clarifying the resolution, board members commented on the complexity and tone of the resolution.  Mims called for a consensus on the Resolution as it stood with the Gasteier amendments.  Three members of the Board objected. Motion was not passed.   Based on the lack of consensus, President Mims introduced a motion to create an Ad Hoc Committee including Soter, Rademaekers, Carroll and Napier to redraft the language of the Resolution and present it again to the Board. Motion seconded by Rademaekers Consensus was determined by President Charley Mims. Motion passed.

8. Treasurer’s Report:
None.

9. Return to Agenda Item # 8 – Education Committee:
Motion introduced by Sarah Napier, Chair of Education Committee, to approve the purchase of a tent for Thomas Starr Middle School for $250.00, seconded by Philip Gasteier. Consensus was determined by President Charley Mims. Motion passed.

10. Agenda Item #  11 – Neighborhood Improvement Committee
Nyla Arslanian, Chair of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee, read agenda items for consideration.
a. Move to write a letter to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) to express support for an application recently submitted to the CCHE for Hollyhock House restoration.  President Mims halted the motion, noting that the issue had been covered in the prior Board meeting.
        b. Arslanian explained that the drainage problem on Sunset Blvd., above the mural site, had been repaired.
        c. Arslanian introduced motion to cover $1,500 in funding for a mural to be created by King Junior High School in the Myra Street underpass. Motion seconded by Bruce Carroll. Consensus was determined by President Charley Mims. Motion passed.
    Items d. & e. were introduced but full discussion was postponed to a later meeting.
        d. Update on the proposed “Barnsdall Art Market.” Discussion of details for possible GGPNC participation and funding
         e. Research and findings regarding more attractive trash cans for the Vermont Triangle and possible GGPNC funding.

11. Agenda Item #12 - Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Ken Owen, Chair of the PZHP Committee, introduced a motion to oppose a conditional use permit to increase seating and lengthen hours of operation for Home Restaurant at 1758-1760 Hillhurst Ave. Motion seconded by Bruce Carroll.
Public Comment: Ten residential and commercial stakeholders spoke to support opposition to the CUP.  Comments included: family being very impacted by the lack of parking and the excess late night noise from restaurant; current parking spaces and working hours allotted to the business are not respected, and CUP would make it worse.
Board Discussion: Werndorf spoke in support of the motion. Board members comments included: question of how a liquor license was secured for the business without sufficient parking; parking enforcement is needed; overall business behavior is suspicious.  Consensus on the motion was determined by President Charley Mims. Motion passed.

        b. Ken Owen reported on a request for an extension of a wall and an over-height wall extension at 2580 Glendower.  No action requested.
        c. Item was postponed till after addressing item d. for expediency.
        d. Ken Owen introduced item and motion to oppose a conditional use permit for Zen Sushi, 2609 Hyperion, if hearing is not continued by applicant to allow consideration by GGPNC. Motion seconded by Kurt Rademaekers. Ken Owen added that the business has a number of issues to address prior to being approved for a conditional use permit.  Consensus on the motion was determined by President Charley Mims. Motion passed.

        e. Return to Item 12 c – Recommendation for Griffith Observatory for further action regarding pending zone variance request. PROS Committee response to the guidelines supplied by Rec. & Parks regarding non-alcoholic events.
Ken Owen introduced motion to support PZHP recommendation for Griffith Observatory that “requests the board to authorize (1) communication with the Associate Zoning Administrator that GGPNC opposes the variance unless absolutely conditioned as set forth in the latest form of guidelines proposed by GGPNC and (2) communication with the Board of Commissioners of Recreation and Parks asking (a) for a special meeting of the board to consider this issue (or alternatively to waive its limit of 15 minutes per topic) and (b) the adoption of the GGPNC proposed guidelines as the guidelines of the Commission.”  Motion seconded by Kurt Rademaekers.

Public Comment: Tom Ford, President of the Vermont Neighborhood Association, expressed concern with items in the Rec. and Parks guidelines. He highlighted opposition to the point that gave the Rec. & Parks General Manager powers to extend at will the hours of operation for the Observatory. He noted disapproval to the point that allowed for a too early of a loading time for trucks at 6:00am. He also requested further consideration of guidelines for Observatory parking and bus/shuttle usage.
       
Board Discussion: Soter handed out a copy of the Rec. & Parks Guidelines regarding non-alcoholic events in Griffith Park, edited with the PROS Committee response. Several questions for clarification of the handout were raised by Board members and a lengthy discussion ensued over the PROS Committee’s amendments to the Rec. & Parks guidelines.

Philip Gasteier was ceded temporary Chairmanship of the meeting by Charley Mims.

Bernadette Soter moved for meshing both documents. Motion seconded by Sarah Napier. Philip Gasteier determined that there was no consensus. Motion did not pass.

Philip Gasteier moved to take a vote on the original motion and consensus was determined. Philip Gasteier called for a vote in support of the original motion: 12 in Favor, 3 Against, 0 Abstaining. Motion passed.
   
        f. Proposed map of historic sites. Discussion of details for possible GGPNC participation and funding.
Philip Gasteier and Charley Mims recommended postponing the item to allow further elaboration by the PZHP Committee.

12. Other Committee Reports:
None.

13. Comments and Announcements by Board Members:
None

14. Other Committee Comment on Non-Agenda items:
None.

15. Adjourn:
Meeting was Adjourned by presiding Chairman Philip Gasteier at 10:56 pm.
 

1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Vigderson, Owen, Soter, Napier, Louyse, Arslanian, Werndorf, Wilson, Kerr, Johnson, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims and Rademaekers. Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  Minutes from the March 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.

3. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Patricia Malone, Field Deputy for Tom LaBonge, Council District 4, reported that CD4 had helped facilitate the recent heavily attended Traffic Committee meeting.  She made clear to stakeholders that the Council District does not administer parking restrictions such as implementation of a Preferred Parking District (PPD).  She reported that in correspondence about the proposed PPD around the Normandie-Edgemont-Franklin-Hollywood area the Council office had received 137 comments against and 27 comments for the proposal.  The Council office is looking at other ideas with DOT.

Malone reported that the CRA proposal for a parking structure on Vermont was still alive contrary to any report otherwise.

Malone announced that on May 23 at 6pm there will be a public forum at Friendship Auditorium to discuss the opening of the new Griffith Park Adult Recreation Center.

SLO Gina Chovan presented recent crime statistics.  Number of aggravates assaults down.  All forms of crime down 13%.  For complaints about illegal on-street car sales, please contact DMV Inspector Paul Goodman at 310.391.0258.

4. Item 7c – PROS Committee – Observatory Access Update:  Taken out of order
Bernadette Soter reported receiving a phone call from Rec & Parks GM Jon Mukri who was also concerned about the noise level of the shuttle busses to the observatory and was looking for a way to phase them out.  He will have statistics on current visitor lever for a to-be-scheduled public meeting on the issue in May.

5. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Stakeholder Ami Dini reported a problem with transient people living in RVs and U-Hauls and parking illegally long term on Berendo between Franklin and Hollywood.  Mims referred her to the Transportation Committee, and asked Chair Jacqueline Kerr to review the pertinent laws and to discuss with LA Homeless Housing Authority.

6. Transportation Committee:
Chair Jacqueline Kerr reported that 250+ people attended the Committee meeting on April 10 to discuss the proposed Preferred Parking District (PPD) in the area of Edgemont, Normandie, Franklin and Hollywood.  Of those attending that meeting 75% opposed and 25% supported the PPD.  Twelve stakeholders attending this Board meeting spoke, all opposing the PPD.  Jacqueline Kerr moved that: “GGPNC adopt a general policy against PPDs including temporary PPDs, and that no further actions be initiated absent approval of the GGPNC Board, and that is does not apply to previously approved PPDs.”  Rosemary DeMonte seconded.  The motion was adopted by consensus with Ken Owen abstaining.

7. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee: 
        a. Resolved that the GGPNC board request the City Attorney to provide to our neighborhood council in writing the legal bases for allowing the present system of permitting AT&T or similar utilities the right to use City property for above-ground facilities to allow the expansion of their commercial services.  Moved by Kenneth Owen, seconded by Rosemary DeMonte, adopted by consensus.

        b. Resolved that the board advise the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners that it adopt rules for the rental operation of the Observatory which incorporate the guidelines presented to the meeting.  The motion was made by Kenneth Owen and seconded by Rosemary DeMonte; however, it did not receive a consensus. 

Tom Wilson moved for a vote to vote on the motion, which was seconded by Philip Gasteier and was approved.  A vote to support the motion failed.  Tom Wilson moved to oppose the variance to serve alcohol at the Griffith Observatory, seconded by Sarah Napier.  No consensus. 

Mr. Wilson moved for a vote to vote on the motion, which was seconded by Mr. Rademaekers and adopted by consensus.  The motion failed with a vote of 7 in favor and 7 opposed. 

Mr. Rademaekers moved to reconsider the original motion by vote, seconded by DeMonte.  The motion and therefore the above resolution was approved and adopted by a majority vote.

c. Resolution to request the City Council to authorize appeals by neighborhood councils of actions or refusals to act by the Planning Department or other departments of the City moved by Ken Owen, seconded by Jacqueline Kerr, adopted by consensus.

8. Tabled Remaining Agenda Items Due to Late Hour
The following agenda items were tabled at 11 pm:
     Outreach Committee report and expense request
     Education Committee expense request
     Neighborhood Improvement Committee request for letter of support for community project

9. Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 pm

1. Call to Order: 7:30 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Kerr, Napier, Getz, Owen, Soter, Louyse, Cisneros, Carroll, Werndorf, Vigderson, Wilson, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  Minutes for February 2007 were approved with specified corrections.

3. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Nyla Arslanian shared renderings of the future Vermont Triangle.  The next committee meeting will be March 28, 2007.  Arslanian stated that the committee is in support of removing the 3 non-conforming trees on Los Feliz Blvd.  Arslanian introduced a guest speaker from Thai Town who requested the Council’s support of the Thai New Years Festival on April 1, 2007 a guest.  Nyla Arslanian moved to support the Thai New Years Festival by allocating $500.00.  The GGPNC will have a table for outreach at the festival and the GGPNC logo will be added to the flyer.  Jacqueline Kerr Seconded.  Motion passed by consensus.

4. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements:
Ann Mackeen brought up the issue of permit parking on Edgemont, questioning what the Transportation Committee is going to do.  Jacqueline Kerr stated the permit parking will affect six streets and has to find out which streets are affected.  She will email everyone when she finds out.

5. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Patricia Malone, Field Deputy for CD4, stated there was a meeting with Urban Forestry regarding tree trimming and stated that the number to call for further information is 311.  Regarding the Puck Catering request for a zoning variance to serve liquor at the Griffith Observatory, Malone stated that the Council Office is not going to give a written response at this time and the councilman would like to hear the discussion on March 29, 2007.

6. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
No officer was present.

7. GGPNC Expense Reimbursement Policy and Procedures:
Joel Friedman stated that every NC-related expense requires an Expenditure Request Form.  There is a second document, a Demand Warrant, which also must be filled out for City of Los Angeles checks.  Invoices are required.  Friedman will email documentation to the Board. 

8. Southwest Museum of the American Indian:
John Gray, CEO, Autry National Center, spoke and made a PowerPoint presentation on the Autry National Center’s plans for the Southwest Museum.  Plans have not yet been drawn up for the new museum yet but ANC has hired a team of architects.  He went into extensive background detail about the museum and stated that the Native American community is most concerned with conserving the collected and making the appropriate items available to the public.  The collection from the Arroyo campus will be moved to Griffith Park and then reconstruction of the Arroyo campus will begin.  All items will be moved over with the exception of things used for classes.  The EIR should be completed in a year.  Then the project should be completed in 2 additional years

9. Outreach Committee:
Rosemary DeMonte moved that she would represent GGPNC at the annual NUSA Convention in Baton Rouge and requests fees and expenses.  She would like to bring an additional Board member, which will require a written request to DONE to approve attendance by a non-Executive Committee member. Charley Mims seconded.  Motion was passed by consensus. 
Rosemary DeMonte also requested designs for t-shirts and ideas for an activity to draw people to the booth for the street fair.  Also made a request for volunteers to help out at the booth.


10. Dept of Water & Power MOU with Neighborhood Councils 
The updated MOU relates to timely notification of decisions that LADWP may make that would impact the community and lengthens the advance time of notice to be given.  Rosemary DeMonte moved to approve the new MOU.  Philip Gasteier seconded.  Motion was passed by consensus. 

11. Wildlife Study Expense Request 
George Grace spoke about a project to catalog and study wildlife in Griffith Park which will be sponsored by the Franklin Hills Residents Association.  A website will be started up to keep track scientific data about the wildlife in Griffith Park all in one place.  The cost for the upstart of this website is not in excess of $3000.

Philip Gasteier moved that the NC contribute $3000 to Franklin Hills Resident Association Wildlife Fund Committee for execution of the wildlife study, which will prioritize the needs for wildlife preservation in Griffith Park, and for the start-up costs of the website which will provide the research information to the public and which will include a credit to GGPNC.  A friendly amendment added that George Grace be appointed GGPNC liaison to the project.  Rademaekers seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted by consensus.

12. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee: 

        a. Re: Request by Puck for zoning variance to serve alcohol at the Griffith Observatory
Resolved that the GGPNC advise the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners that (1) any guideline, rule, regulation or the like proposed by the staff of the Department of Recreation and Parks relating to Griffith Park or Barnsdall be published in draft form for comment by the GGPNC and the public at large and that the staff be instructed to report to the Board of Commissioners on all comments received and the manner in which each comment has been addressed and (2) it recommend to the City Council amendments to the Operating Concession Agreement number 248 dated September 6, 2006, with Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events LLC relating to the Observatory to incorporate the requirements of the guidelines established by the Department of Recreation and Parks pursuant to the foregoing public comment procedure.
        b. Re: AT&T Installation Above-ground Facilities in the area.
Resolved that the GGPNC request Councilmember LaBonge to commence the process of preparing an ordinance amending Ordinance 175014 relating to above-ground facilities,
             i. To provide for public notice or at least notice to the affected Neighborhood Council (HPOZ, Cultural Heritage Commission etc, depending on the area affected by the requested exemption) of any application for a hardship waiver and provide for a hearing before the Board of Public Works or a qualified hearing officer.
             ii. To enlarge the area that requires the placing of such facilities underground to areas which are being considered for HPOZ or cultural landmark designation. Alternatively, it could be provided that the above ground facility must be removed once an area is designated an HPOZ or cultural landmark
             iii. To provide that "along" a scenic highway includes not simply the highway but the parkway along the highway and all streets and property (public or private) which are normally visible from the Scenic Highway.
             iv. To deny the right to install new above ground facilities by any entity which is in non-compliance with any provision of Ordinance 175014, including failure to comply with the anti-graffiti provisions for existing above ground facilities.
        c. Re: Replacement of non-conforming trees on Los Feliz Blvd with deodars.
Resolved that the GGPNC take all necessary or appropriate action to support the application of the owner of the property at 4956 Los Feliz Boulevard to remove two jacarandas and one pine and to replace the same with two deodars, including filings with the Board of Public Works and paying up to $1,000 for the replacement of such trees with two deodars in cooperation with the Los Feliz Improvement Association 

13. Other Committee Reports:
None.

14. Comments and Announcements by Board Members:
Tal Vigderson brought up that the city will begin charging for use of tennis courts and will research it. 

Mark Werndorf brought up his concerns about the permit parking around Edgemont with the amount of churches in the area. He will not be able to attend the Transportation Committee meeting. 

15. Other Committee Comment on Non-Agenda items:
None.

16. Adjourn:
Move to adjourn meeting made by Charley Mims and seconded by Kurt Rademaekers.  By consensus meeting was adjourned at 10:08 pm.

1. Call to Order: 7:30 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Johnson, Kerr, Owen, Soter, Napier, Louyse, Cisneros, Wilson, Vigderson, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers, Arslanian, Getz, and Carroll. 

2. Approval of Minutes:  Minutes were approved by consensus for November 2006, December 2006 and January 2007.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements: Vikki Israel, City of L.A. Parks and Recreation, stated presence for Agenda Item number 10.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Patricia Malone, CD4 Field Deputy, will email upcoming events and their dates to be posted to website.  Announced Griffith Park Observatory has had 330 thousand visitors since reopening. 

Betty Oyama, from Neighborhood Empowerment, spoke and announced upcoming meetings and workshops.  She identified that NC can hire an accountant if needed and recommended that 25 percent of NC budget go to outreach.  She announced that effective April 1st, original receipts must be submitted and copies will no longer be accepted. 

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
No officer was present.

6. Southwest Museum:  Heinrich Keifer, President Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council representing Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition spoke and introduced Nicole Possert who made a PowerPoint presentation about the Autry National Center’s plans to expand the ANC’s Griffith Park facility in order to relocate the Southwest Museum from its current location in Mount Washington.  The presentation delivered a history of the Southwest Museum, the merger between the Autry National Center and Southwest Museum, the proposed changes in current museum.  Ms. Possert also presented an alternate expansion to the Southwest Museum. 

The question of how the NC could help was asked.  Ms. Possert asked that the NC speak with Councilman LaBonge and request that ANC CEO John Grey be asked to speak to NC on the issue.  It was pointed out that Mr. Gray was already scheduled to do so at the March 20 Board meeting. 

Mr. Keifer noted that original contract for the museum merger stated that both museum sites would be maintained and this is not happening.  He also stated that he would send NC bullet point list highlighting presentation and issues.

7. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:  Agenda Item 10a taken out of order.  Ken Owen, Chair of PZHP Committee.
Zoning Variance Request by Wolfgang Puck for the Observatory to Allow the Serving of Alcoholic Beverages. 
(Owen moved/Wilson seconded) moved for discussion on topic.  Discussion was very lengthy.  Bill Matthews, representing Wolfgang Puck offered to answer any questions.  He spoke about how the conditions proposed by NC were too restrictive.  Council asked for clarification of wants by Wolfgang Puck and stressed the concern to keep the observatory an educational facility.  RJ Comber, representative for Wolfgang Puck stressed that this request if strictly for an alcohol variance.  Council stressed concern of restricting public access throughout facility during a catered event.  Discussion of placing a sunset limit on variance and removing limiting conditions took place.  Ken Owen stated to have variance expire on its third anniversary.  He also added to have paragraph added to request to include allocation of monies from catered events. 

Motion to vote on recommendation to oppose the variance passed by consensus (Johnson moved/Owen Seconded).  Owen will draft letter to Zoning Administration, which recommends the following conditions for granting the variance.
    a. Alcohol shall not be served except in connection with a catered event, i.e., no alcoholic beverage will be sold or served at the Observatory café or from a food cart or otherwise to the general public and will be served only in connection with a private party.
    b. Alcohol shall not be served at any catered event that is not exclusively for a group whose principal function is astronomical, scientific or educational.
     c. Alcohol shall not be served at any catered event more frequently than three times per month and no more frequently than 26 times during any 12 month period.
    d. Alcohol shall not be served at any event not ending by ten p.m.
    e. Alcohol shall not be served at any event having more than 1,000 persons (including serving and other staff) in attendance in the aggregate.
    f. Alcohol shall not be served at any event which involves the use (for the catered event or for set up for such event) of any portion of the Observatory or its grounds at any time when the Observatory is normally open to the public except only those portions of the Observatory which are not open to the public in the usual course of its operation.
    g. Any variance shall expire on the third anniversary of its issuance, and shall not be extended or renewed except after a fully noticed hearing.
    h. None of the foregoing conditions shall diminish any authority the Department of Recreation and Parks has under any agreement with any concessionaire to limit further the sale of alcoholic beverages.

8. Budget Review for 2006/2007:
Charley Mims presented the budget recommendation from the Executive Committee for the remainder of the 2006/2007 fiscal year.  Detail attached.  The budget recommendation was approved by consensus (Mims moved/Kerr seconded).  [See Attachment.]

9. DWP Festival of Lights Update: Board members who attended recent public meeting on the topic.
This issue has to do with a proposal to change the annual DWP Festival of Lights from a motorist event to a pedestrian event in response to stated City commitments to counter global warming and pollution.  Attendees of the meeting reported ambivalent reception of ideas on the part of the meeting organizers.  Suggestions made by council of working with Councilmember LaBonge on the issue and further questioning for DWP and to pursue a coordinated response to the issue.

10. Parks and Recreation and Open Space Committee:  Bernadette Soter
Identified Los Angeles Annual River Clean-Up date as May 12, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The PROS Committee will form an ad hoc committee to shape a policy for special events at the Observatory.

11. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:  Ken Owen
b. Lot Line Adjustment between 5121 Franklin and 1915 Normandie.  PZHP Committee recommends that Council oppose this action.  Motion and second to approve committee recommendation.  Motion passed.  Owen will draft letter to City Planning Department.

12. Education Committee:  Sarah Napier
Expense request covered in approved budget per item #8 above.

13. Other Committee Reports:
None.

14. Comments and Announcements by Board Members:
None

15. Other Committee Comment on Non-Agenda items:
    a. Charley Mims reiterated GGPNC policy that committee chairs or their designees are responsible for drafting committee-originated correspondence.  Outgoing correspondence must be approved by GGPNC President.  All correspondence must be forwarded to Secretary for filing.
    b. Option to participate in Neighborhood Council Internet Video-On-Demand pilot project.  Council disapproved the action by consensus

16. Adjourn:
Move to adjourn meeting (Rademaekers/Carroll).  By consensus meeting was adjourned at 11:00.

1. Call to Order; 7:12 p.m. by President Charlie Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present: Carroll, Kerr, Owen, Wilson, Soter, Louyse, Napier, Cisneros, Getz, Werndorf, Johnson, Vidgerson, Arslanian, Friedman, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, and Rademaekers.  John Paul Ramirez was absent.

2. Approval of Minutes from December 2006 Board Meeting
Ken Owen requested that approval of December minutes be postponed until February pending correction updates.

3. Treasurer’s Report:  Joel Friedman requested committee chairs to submit budgets to him for the remainder of the fiscal year.

4. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements: Rex Link, stakeholder, stated he has a room available for board meetings with a capacity of up to fifty persons.

5. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:

City Councilmember Tom LaBonge spoke to the board about his priorities for the year:
   Preparedness: Using the expression, “shift happens” from a famous geological expert, he reminded the board that an earthquake could happen again and urged the GGPNC to form strong ties with their local fire department, get the community involved in CERT trainings, and be proactive.
  Use the public libraries: He gave the local public library an “A+” for the resources they provide and said it is a good example of City funding at work. 
  Keep the City clean: The City will launch its “Keep America Beautiful” campaign on March 3, 2007. Keeping L.A. free of trash and debris is one of his main concerns. 

Patricia Malone, CD4 Field Deputy, thanked the Board for observing precautions with the recent red flag days. She stated that these are absolutely necessary as a safety measure in light of last Friday’s fire at Griffith Park which quickly escalated to five acres.  She also spoke about the Mayor’s Million Tree Initiative asking the board and stakeholders to report areas that are devoid of trees.

Board questions to Councilmember LaBonge: Cheryl Johnson asked if rusty pipes in Griffith Park could be removed.  The Councilman said removal could pose a threat to the stability of the hillsides they are on.
Bruce Carroll asked whether citrus trees were available for free with the Million Tree Initiative. The Councilman said it was a good suggestion.
Jacqueline Kerr asked for his thoughts on the City Council measure that was passed making motorists liable when an accident occurs with a bicycle. The Councilman noted the City is trying to advocate bike riding but he’s also noticed bicyclists riding in lanes for cars. He did not have an answer. 
Joe Cisneros asked where he stood on development and his relationships with developers. The Councilman stated that any contributions he receives go through the City’s Ethics committee and that all campaign contributions are public record and can be viewed on line at ethics.lacity.org.

On the question of Adler Realty’s developments, he referred to his efforts to designate the Brown Derby a city historical monument. He urged the Board to give him any input and continue to have the PZHP Committee keep tabs on this in the future as in the past.  He predicted that every available lot will be looked at for development. He sees development as being important on transit corridors. He will refer any development proposals to the PZHP Committee. Jacqueline Kerr asked about sunset clause on Brown Derby. LaBonge said the designation is good for halting any development for one year but developers can come back after a year. He called Los Feliz a very hot area where people want to make their dreams come true.

Donna Wong, Neighborhood Prosecutor from the City Attorney Office reported that the old Sunset Pacific Motel at Sunset and Bates has been approved for renovation through the zoning variance process. The City Attorney’s office has received calls on graffiti on the vacant building. However, some of the paintings are actually approved as guerilla art by Dana Hollister the co-owner.  Donna mentioned that the over-height wall at 5042 Los Feliz Blvd was taken down. She urged the Board to let her know if there are any future issues with over-height walls.

6. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
Senior Lead Officer Gina Chovan said that the Los Feliz area is ranked the: # 3 lowest crime rate for the City of L.A. Recent crime. There has been a rash of street robberies in Los Feliz by a potentially a Hispanic male, around age 25, robbing people at gunpoint in broad daylight. There have been four or five robberies that occurred between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.  If approached by this armed person, do not fight or resist. The area where the robberies have occurred is Melbourne, Russell, and Vermont. She also suggested that any valuable or personal items not be carried around. There is also another crime under investigation where an individual approaches people at their cars and offers to clean their windows, then pulls them from their car and carjacks them. There have been several of these incidents occurring in the early morning hours in the Los Feliz area.   Finally, she invited the Board to attend the Jan. 21 memorial monument dedication in Atwater Village for the victims of the train wreck. The monument is being dedicated by the Atwater Village NC and will be placed at the intersection of Los Feliz and Seneca at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
  
7. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation: Agenda Item 11 c taken out of order.  AT&T proposal for installation of above ground facilities: Board discussion with Kevin Tamaki, AT&T, Director of External Affairs.  Mr. Tamaki responded to numerous questions and concerns about the 17 proposed 4’ wide x 4’ tall x 2’ deep telephone utility installations, which would be installed near the existing units in the area. The new system would provide video capabilities and an expanded range of entertainment and faster DSL services through IP technology to customers in the area, in addition to their phone service. Mr. Tamaki said the system could not be installed underground. AT&T is doing the upgrade to compete with Time Warner. He advised the Board that other communications companies could also request permits to do installations.

(Kerr/Soter) moved that the board support the PZHP Committee’s recommendation to oppose the installations by AT&T in the Los Feliz area as follows:

The committee requests the Board advise the appropriate City agencies including the Board of Public Works and the City Council members representing the area that: (1) because our area is being evaluated for designation in whole in part as an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone and such areas benefit from the requirement of placing such facilities below grade that those proposed facilities in our area be required to be placed below grade absent a showing of hardship and, (2) the Graffiti Mitigation and cabinet identification provisions of ordinance 175014 be incorporated into a new ordinance applicable to existing above ground facilities.”      The motion carried.

Charlie Mims suggested they bring this to Councilpersons LaBonge and Garcetti. Philip Gasteier asked that the Committee follow up on this and let the board know if anything further comes up.

8. Million Trees LA: Sharyn Romano, Hollywood Beautification Team, gave a presentation on the Million Trees LA project.  http://www.hbteam.org asking the GGPNC to partner with them and to provide leadership in implementing the planting of the Mayor’s goal for one million trees in L.A. She stated that the trees will help improve the business climate, will help stem the tide of global warming, and is the simplest, most efficient thing they can do to enrich the community and help the environment. The tree groups cannot do this on their own; they need the help of the communities to work with them on outreach. What is needed are people who are committed to taking care of the trees. The street department will decide what kind of trees can be planted on any given street. She stated that business districts that have trees do more business because they are psychologically compelling. Charlie Mims referred the request to the Neighborhood Beautification and Education Committees.

9. Outreach Committee:  Chair Rosemary DeMonte said she is looking for a location for their outreach meeting. The facility behind Friendship Auditorium is a possibility. She asked each Committee chair for input on what they need to do so a budget can be put together for the year. Tom created a template for working with the Ledger on advertising. 

10. Executive Committee: 
        a. GGPNC Guidelines for assembly of Board agenda. (Mims/Gasteier) moved to accept the recommendation of the executive committee. Philip created a format on getting items on the agenda to help meetings run smoothly. (Attachment Item 10a).  The motion carried.
        b. Proposed City Council Resolution to request state legislature to assign the presumption of fault to motor vehicle drivers in collisions with bicycles: In reference to "Council file #07-0002-S7- (Reyes - Rosendahl) with the concurrence of the Mayor, the City of Los Angeles hereby include in its 2007-08 State Legislative Program sponsorship and support of legislation that would amend the California Vehicle Code to assign responsibility of any collision between vehicles and bicyclists to the motorist," the GGPNC proposed the following Community Impact Statement:

(Gasteier/DeMonte) moved to accept the proposed Executive Committee’s CIS with Mims adding a friendly amendment that he and Gasteier reduce it to under 100 words. The motion carried. 

[Final CIS: The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council opposes the Resolution introduced December 20, 2006 supporting California Vehicle Code amendment to assign responsibility of any collision between vehicles and bicyclists to the motorist.  A binding presumption of responsibility is neither proper nor fair and would not improve safety of bicyclists, pedestrians or motor vehicle operators and passengers.  The GGPNC supports the rights and safety of responsible motorists and bicyclists, and as an alternative, proposes additional education measures to promote motorist awareness and respect for bicyclists as well as responsible operation by both motorists and bicyclists.]

11.  Planning/Zoning Historic Preservation Committee: 
        a. (Kerr/Wilson) moved that the Board accept the committee’s recommendation to oppose a zoning variance request for 1759 New Hampshire Ave. where the owner has proposed to build an over-height, three-story, 8 unit condominium complex of 40’, higher than SNAP restrictions allow. The motion carried.
Board discussion:  At the December committee meeting, Ken Owen said the applicant, Victor Adjamian, redesigned his parking area increasing the parking from 15 to 18 and reduced the height from 41’ to 40.’
  Jon Olivan, property owner at 1751 N New Hampshire Ave., said the proposal would dwarf his one story bungalow, one of an historic row of original homes built in 1921. He said it would also jeopardize his view and take away from the original character of the street. A board member asked what type of housing previously stood on the now vacant lot that is seeking the variance. The rep for the developer said it was a one story high five-unit apartment building..
  James Pasque, owner of a bungalow at 1757 N New Hampshire Ave., also opposed the development.
  Howard Robinson, land use consultant representing owner Victor Adjamian (who requested the variance), said Adjamian lives in the neighborhood and has owned the property for 18 years. He said Adjamian tried to design a building consistent with what zoning and SNAP allowed. He said that code allows for a 30’ high building but he feels the current design is prettier.
  A public hearing will be held at a future date to request the zoning variance to the Specific Plan.  

        b. 1901 Edgemont/1900 Kenmore. Request by stakeholder to support construction of over-height fence.  The committee requests that the Board advise the owner as proposed in its recommendation of December that any fence over the height of 42 inches in the required front yard requires a variance and that GGPNC has a policy of opposing such variances.
(Wilson/Carroll) moved to approve the recommendation.  Mark Werndorf opined that with so many existing over-height wall, fences and hedges this amounts to selective enforcement of the ordinance.  After Board discussion consensus was not reached.  It was moved to vote on the position.  Vote to vote approved by 17 yeas, 1 nay.  Vote support the Committee recommendation to oppose building of the over-height fence or a zoning variance to do so approved 17 yeas, 1 nay.

12. DONE Project Coordinator: Betty Wong Oyama, Project Coordinator
●  Presented the following reminders to the Board
       - Board members must complete Conflict of Interest Training.
       - Encouraged Board members to attend up-coming Board orientation on Jan 17. 
       - Congress of Neighborhood Councils on April 21 at the Bonaventure Hotel
       - Neighborhood Council Focus Group in preparation for the April 21 Congress of NCs
●  Regarding GGPNC December resolution regarding NC training recommendations, Ms. Oyama asked that a letter with the resolution be sent to the City Attorney office and cc: to her at DONE.

13. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr introduced the following three motions and asked Ricardo Gomez to speak as the complaining constituent:
        a. The GGPNC requests that Street Services send a representative to meet with the Transportation Committee to report on why the resurfacing on Bates and Clayton Avenues failed so soon.  Discussion and action as appropriate.
        b. The GGPNC requests that the City Controller audit the Bates Avenue resurfacing project.  Discussion and action as appropriate.
        c. The GGPNC requests that the Fourth Council District Office initiate the process to place the Bureau of Contract Administration in charge of inspecting all street repairs performed by any utility without limitation, including the DWP, so that the appropriate repair standards are enforced.  Discussion and action as appropriate.
It was decided that the Committee would ask Council District Office 4 to help them obtain information as to why City Contract Administration is not overseeing or auditing the quality of street repairs and formulate a course of action.

14. Other Committee Reports: Discussion and actions as appropriate
Parks, Recreation & Open Space:  Bernadette Soter reminded Board members about the up-coming special PROS Annual meeting on Mon. Jan 29.

15. Comments by Board members
None

16. Other Committee Comment on Non-Agenda items
None

17. Adjourn
Move to adjourn meeting (Rademaekers/Carroll).  By consensus meeting was adjourned at 11:06.