1. Call to Order: 7:01 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Napier, Soter, Louyse, Johnson, Mims, Gasteier, DeMonte, Owen, Hopper, Carroll, Wilson, Vigderson, Kerr, Arslanian,

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the February meeting were not available for approval.

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

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
John Hisserich, speaking for our 43rd District Assemblyman, Paul Krekorian announced various programs including one for identity theft and one for women’s self defense workshop at May 8 in the Los Feliz library and other locations.  After attending the Saturday traffic committee meeting, the Assemblyman is evaluating relocating or increasing the visibility of the sign in the Park that indicates you can exit at Western; many miss this sign and wind up at the Los Feliz adding to congestion at that intersection.  There was a discussion about a new ramp in addition to a better signage.  Vigerson raised the issue of SB1818, which John said was so complex, that Jackie Goldberg sat out the vote on it. He believes the likelihood of amending it seems remote, but he is not aware of the city’s lobbying at the state level on this bill. DeMonte and Owen questioned state awareness of the difficulties this bill has spawned.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. Treasurer’s Report:
Joel Friedman reported that we have paid out some $48,000 of the $50,000 annual budget and have additional commitments over this amount. We have approximately $102,000 balance, with another $8,000 committed

7. Minagar Traffic Study and the Environmental Impact Report on the Expansion of the Autry National Center:
Public comments:
         Dr. Clyde Williams, a El Sereno resident, (friend of the Southwest Coalition, cited deficiencies in original Autry  study, and requested that the Minagar study be included in the GGPNC response);
         Faith Raiguel (CEO of Autry) presented a package presented to the PZHP Committee, showing the Museum is redesigned to present itself as more of a green space park rather than a parking lot, its EIR traffic study conformed with all applicable standards and has responded to the Minagar report; the.  The Autry does not believe it is a significant contributor to the traffic but understands that traffic in Los Feliz is a big issue. Working with the zoo on traffic, particularly as the Zoo is having a major Easter event. A great day at the Autry sees 400 visitors; but at the zoo, it is 11,000 visitors. The Autry is looking to extend the lease-right now in the middle of a 50 year lease. Selected Brenda Levin, a local architect to redo the museum. They are on the perimeter and are restoring the perimeter of the Park. While they have been questioned about its commitment to the Southwest Museum, the Autry has invested over 6 million in preserving the SW collection which would have left the city in the absence of this support.
         Richard Spicer.  David Attaway of the Dept of Recreation and Parks said they would like to move ahead around the end of April.  Normally it certifies the EIR, and then the lease amendment goes to Rec and Parks Commission, and then it goes to the City Council. Public comments will be part of the public response to the Minagar Study, and they can be on the websites.  The President of Rec & Parks Commission may have a conflict, so the issue might go to another Board of Referred Powers, made of several council members.   Renee Weitzer from CD4 is committed to forming a task force to address the issues.  From Richard’s personal involvement in the Transportation Committee, he would support the motion to support the Autry Proposal which he thinks is a distinctive advancement and the Autry has demonstrated its ability to advance their collection. Part of the answer to the traffic study is to get people together.  The Autry EIR consultant did respond to the Minagar study but did not suggest a new study.  The Autry EIR used the standards of the industry and even increased the number of intersections studied.  He does not feel that additional intersections are required by the Autry. 
         Nicole Possert from the SW Coalition, comprised of some 60 groups, reported that there was a 72 hour notice requirement for comments to the final EIR. She supports the findings of the Minagar report and does not want the city just to respond to the findings, but require that it rerun the study to see if there is an impact from the Autry. She does not agree that the SW collection has been saved and says the collection has been removed from its neighborhood; there is only a memo, not a guarantee that the collection will stay open, but did commend the money invested to save the collection.
         Barbara Ferris spoke in support of Autry as a wonderful representation of the West; though there are divisions with the Southwest coalition, this was an internal problem. The Autry has been responsible and collaborative and urges that we work with them and not be obstructionist.  Glad it is going forward in a positive manner.
         Frank Masi feels that Nicole Possert’s presentation misrepresents the facts and that the collections were not all moved from her neighborhood and there are still exhibits there.

Board discussion
         Owen noted that the comments were general in nature and did not address the issue at hand which is the traffic study.
         Soter noted that the Autry proposal was not agendized and that if it were; there would be lots of others with very different comments. She asked that the Press that was present take note.
         Kerr gave the traffic committee report that was attended by about 35 with competing traffic reports.  The committee also visited the troubled intersections from the 5 Offramp, Zoo drive and Los Feliz where backups occur. The Minagar report has statistics that appear closer to reality than the Autry traffic report done by F & Peers.  There is also a third traffic study of the same intersection done by the Department of Transportation done in June 2007.  She is not taking a stand as to which study is the best.

        Kerr moved to request that CD4 convene a meeting of government bodies, including Parks, Cal Trans and other entities pertinent to transportation, to formulate plans to address the transportation issues at the intersections at issue.  Carroll seconded the motion.
        Soter said the proposal is premature because it has not gone to her PROS committee which has a wealth of knowledge. The Griffith Park Master Plan Working Group has just drafted an entire chapter on traffic in the Park and the master plan deals with and addresses the traffic issues. She is concerned that convening a task force that might not be as thoughtful as the PROS product and might be negative.
Mims suggested Soter move to defer the motion, or speak in opposition.

Soter moved to defer the motion; Louyse seconds.
         Gasteier was at the Transportation Committee meeting; we are not here to approve the Autry. If the Autry is going forward, they ought to be part of the traffic solution. While he likes the working group idea, he thinks it should be deferred and to get PROS input. 
         Gasteier took gavel. Mims spoke in support of the motion to defer consideration because it is an important procedural item, and there has been a lot of work done by PROS and we need to bring all the stakeholders together. Feels the PROS committee can shed some light.
         Betty Wong pointed out that there cannot be two motions on the floor. Gasteier said the second motion was procedural to the first motion
         Carroll said why defer the idea of having a traffic group convened which is a good idea; stands on its own.  Asks for a vote on whether to proceed.
         Johnson suggested that PROS sit on the traffic committee.
         Louyse and Soter said that PROS may have different values, as for instance whether to encourage or discourage more traffic in the Park; the Master Plan has lots of solutions. Leaders of Park committee need to have input and the motion should be put over a month.
         Kerr noted that this is the first she has heard of a traffic section of the Master Plan. She suggested that the two committees get together.
         Arslanian spoke in support of the motion and getting a traffic group together.  The Park Master Plan has been in the work for four years.  Now we have a concrete plan and should proceed instead of trying to stop everything.
         Soter is open to the committee.
 
There was no strong opposition to deferring Kerr’s motion for a month to allow PROS to have input.  Motion adopted by consensus.

8. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr discussed the proposal for MTA bus indent.  Monies went to support a crushed wall on Franklin, so this is not an issue at present.

9. LADWP Rate Increase:
Greg Bartz, Neighborhood Council Liaison, and Greg Black, Manager of Rate and Contracts, Department of Power and Water, defended the DWP’s proposed rate increases. DWP is proposing a 2.9% increase in power rate in May 2008, plus another 2.9% effective July 1, 2008 plus another 2.7% effective July 1, 2009 for a total revenue increase of $116 million.  In addition, DWP is proposing a 3.1% increase effective July 1, 2008 and another 3.1 percent effective July 1, 2008, with a total increase of $47 million increase for power.  The alleged purpose of the increases is to provide for capital improvements so they can reduce replacement cycles to a more acceptable timeframe. The DWP is also pushing for conservation which can offset the increases. This should result in an average increase of $9 per month for the average consumer who uses 500 kwh. The average use for single family home in Los Feliz is 550 kwh and the average bill is $120 every two months.  The typical water customer will see an increase of $1.95 per month which could be offset by conservation. There would be no increases for low income customers. There is an oversight committee to insure that the “metrics are observed” and are overlooking DWP expenditures.

Board Comment:
        Owen: asked what doing to cut costs- Black said there was a consultant that looked at cutting costs who recommended that we get rid of specialized contracts with customers and have automatic read meters.  DWP had about 90,000 customers without demand meters.  Why can’t you just have the gas meter readers work with the power and water meter readers?  Black said that there is a need to deal with the unions on this issue. The new commission had yesterday’s meeting at the DWP budget and wants to cut the fat but they don’t know how much fat. Owen asked how much was spent on public relations given that customers have no choices. Black said that the DWP has done lots of trimming and once had 11,000 employees but not only 8,000 employees.  Still areas where could improve.
         Mims asked about other cost savings – if that was done- what would the amount be.  Johnson also asked what percentage of the increases would go to capital improvements. Black responded that about 30 percent is going to amortize the bonds to do the capital work, while 70 percent goes to overhead and management costs. DWP spends about a billion a year in capital improvements, but is spending a bit more with these increases.
         Soter asked about possible expense reductions and Wilson asked whether DWP lays fiber for others than itself (it doesn’t). 
         Hopper questioned why they waited so long and asked for a huge increase of 8.5% in 14 months, whether doing solar and why not underground. Response: DWP management did not have the will to ask for increases. To have underground installations, the Council needs to declare it and everyone on the block needs to agree. It’s very expensive. The DWP rate structure is flat and thus is a disincentive to conserve or change support for the renewable program.
         Johnson asked what portion of revenues goes to profits and who receives them; response:  7 percent goes to the city; rest stays in the company.

Public Comment:
         Mark Stong spoke on behalf of apartment owners as the dwellers are not individualized metered and so they do not have an incentive to save. .
 (        Did  not get name) (sat by the window- Charlie knows him)spoke about having conservation hurting revenue; but the DWP collects a minimum even if conservation results in drastically reduced demand..
         George Chin of the DWP also lived in the neighborhood and promised to take care of it.

        Carroll moved to have the GGPNC to show the support of the proposed rate increases of the DWP. Vigerson seconded it.
         Owen opposed it and suggested we stay with the other councils and not allow the DWP to be a source of city income.
         Johnson felt the increases were too much and not sufficiently allocated to capital improvements.
        Gasteier said it’s not inappropriate; DWP graft is a drop in the bucket.
         Arslanian said that the oversight committee is doing a great job.  Has 35 years of bills and this is a big increase.

There was strong opposition to the motion and no consensus to adopt.

10. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. 2267 Chislehurst.  Committee Chair Ken Owen moved that the GGPNC not oppose a variance for an 8 foot wall and pergola in the front yard of the house at 2267 Chiselhurst. All the neighbors have signed except for two neighbors and they have worked with them.  Hooper seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. Ye Rustic Inn, 1831 Hillhurst.  Owen moved to oppose any expansion of its rights under the conditional use permit. Seconded by Wilson.  Motion approved by consensus.  Request for a variance to expand onto the patio subject to possible reconsideration if current conditions are corrected and provision made to ensure adequate parking and offensive behavior is stopped.   The meeting on this property was well attended with great neighborhood opposition to an expansion. There is limited parking, and the problem is increased by the opening of Chi Dynasty next door.
        c. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way. 
Owen moved that the GGPNC advise the Department of Recreation and Parks as follows: (1)The department should take no action on an EIR or any other matter relating to the proposed expansion of the Autry national Center in Griffith Park until a date no earlier than 60 days following the delivery of the document to be acted upon to GGPNC so that GGPNC so that GGPNC may have adequate time to consider its advice to the department with respect thereto as contemplated by the City Charter; and 2) the department consider and address all matters raised by the Minagar Report commenting on the transportation section of the Autry draft EIR.  Carroll seconded it. 

Discussion:
        Owen: A draft EIR was submitted and we commented on it in October; Rec and Parks plans to make recommendations on the final EIR in April. The final EIR will come on the website and we only have 72 hours to respond though it is several volumes. Owen said the he asked for items they were never received during the first go around, as for example, a flora and fauna analysis. Owen wants the Park and Rec to defer action for 60 days from receipt of the final EIR so we can review. 
         Faith Raiguel said every month that this delays the construction, it costs money they don’t have.  Sixty days is too much but she recognizes that 72 hours is not a reasonable time.  Richard has contacted them for the EIR but that this needs to be obtained from Rec and Park.
         Mims: typically the staff will not release the EIR report until it goes to the commissioners which is why there is a 72 hour provision.
         Gasteier asks if it can be done quicker. But this impacts three committees; Soter, Kerr and Owen each said they need 60 days to review and did not think a shorter deadline was realistic given the volume of the document and the fact we do not know how much it might depart from the draft, and that it will not be redlined.

There was no consensus so a vote was taken with twelve in favor, two against and one abstention.   The motion passed.

Owen moved that the department should provide GGPNC promptly with any and all analyses of the propriety of extending the term of the lease with the Autry and the value of the benefits to the City from the original lease and any extension of its terms.” Seconded by Wilson.  Given the lack of consensus, a vote was taken with twelve in favor and two opposing.  The motion passed.
         Faith Raiguel does not object to the motion which is a motion for information. Concerned that there is a suggestion that she refused to give an amendment to the lease. There are no amendments yet and they are just talking about a boundary adjustment that does not change the amount of land under lease. There are lots of dollar leases to encourage museums. The absence of rent allows more increase in rent.

Because public comment was not allowed, the vote was reheld with the same result.

        d. S.B.1818:
Owen moved that the GGPNC should send a letter to each City council member to lobby them to amend the bill to delete automatic height bonuses and any bonuses where additional units are not available.  A letter was distributed with the language. The motion was seconded by Carroll and adopted by consensus. 

11. Public Comment (taken in middle of PROS report).
 Nicole Smith who met with the PZHP Committee to talk about 1717 New Normandie.  The building is built to the property lines so no access to the side or rear yards is available and made offer for $75 per month per parking space to neighbor but got no response.  Have a hearing officer on April 4 and wanted to know if we could intercede and mediate. It’s a 30 unit apartment with no parking.   Owen and Arslanian offered to contact Oscar Arslanian and Israel Stephanian to mediate.

12. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved to dedicate the upcoming LA River cleanup to honor LeVal Lund and his dedication to the cause.  Seconded by DeMonte; the motion was unanimously adopted.
        b. Soter discussed that under the Griffith Park Master Plan they were urged to look for more recreational area, and have focused on the  Central Service Yard, which is on park land and is now covered with temporary buildings and junk from other parks and General Services.
        c. Soter discussed Cahuenga Peak.  138 acres near the iconic Hollywood Sign, purchased for $1.68 million, and today they are asking $12 million. The City had it appraised out at $5 million. The owner is advertising it for $22 million.  CD4 has $4 million and is looking to get the rest.  Mims noted that they owners may not have perfected their rights to the five lots and this could impair the market value.
        d. Soter noted that nonnative trees are being planted in the park by ambitious souls. . Soter to see if RAP is doing anything about this.

13. Education Committee:
        a. Move that a letter be written to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) regarding MTS Route 175 for Marshall High School.
        b. Move that a letter be written to Mr. Brewer and LAPD regarding increasing one more police officer at Marshall High and for area.
        c. Look at Marshall Community Mural Project student submissions for ceramic mural to be placed where M is now painted.

14. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Nyla Arslanian noted that Kerry Slattery is the new chair for the Beautification Committee of the Los Feliz Village BID and wants to redo the garbage cans along the business areas.
        b. Arslanian moved that GGPNC support the Independent Shakespeare Company with direct expenditures in the amount of $2,500 and that they acknowledge GGPNC in their newspaper advertising.  Seconded by Gastier..
         David Melville of the Independent Shakespeare Company said that it will cost some $15,000 to put in a stage.  Friedman noted an opportunity for the GGPNC to be a sponsor for $2,500 for some 15,000 brochures and posters.  Many commented on the widespread support for the company.  Owen moved a friendly amendment to increase the amount to $5,000, which was accepted by Arslanian.  Adopted by consensus.

15. Outreach Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Rosemary DeMonte moved approval of the Executive Committee recommendation that GGPNC take out ads in the Los Feliz Ledger to promote the GGPNC election for approximately $3,200. Napier seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. DeMonte noted that the Los Feliz Village Street Fair is June 8 will arrange for a booth for GGPNC.

16. Other Committee Reports:
None.

17. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.

18. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

19. Adjournment:
At 11:29 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by

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

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the January 2008 Board meeting were approved with amendments by consensus.

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

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Jullian Harris-Calvin, Field Deputy for Council District 4, announced that Councilmember LaBonge is interested in possible joint funding with GGPNC for a traffic light at Vermont and Finley.  She asked the Council for five things we’d like to ask Councilmember LaBonge.  The Council responded with: Alleviation parking problems in the area; Restriction of development to the ability of the infrastructure (particularly traffic capacity) to support it; Keeping school yards open on weekends to compensate for the lack of recreational park space; Support of the Urban Forest Initiative; Information about the Cahuenga Peak purchase.

Betty Wong-Oyama, DONE Project Coordinator, handed out the recently approved-by-DONE amended GGPNC bylaws; Reminded the Boardmembers about the Mayor’s Budget Day on Saturday Feb 23; Asked Boardmembers to complete the Mayor’s Budget Survey by Saturday Feb 23.

Michael Cortey, the new Coordinator for the Hollywood/Central Region CRA, introduced himself and provided a brief overview of projects under consideration in the Region including the Hollywood Freeway Park.

John Hisserich, Field Deputy for Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, announced that he was available for input directed to the Assemblymember.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
Senior Lead Officer Gina Chovan announced that crime statistics in the area are down from one year ago.  She reviewed recent crimes in the area and an increase in graffiti.

6. Office of the City Clerk, Neighborhood Council Election Unit:
Stella Yun, Election Coordinator, gave an overview of the DONE-required changes to NC election procedures and decisions that GGPNC would need to make.  Isaias Cantu, Election Coordinator, announced that a regional meeting to review election procedure details would be held March 26.

7. Executive Commitee:
        a. Vice President Philip Gasteier announced that, following the NC’s outreach efforts seeking people interested in the position, the Executive Committee recommended the appointment of Reverend Dan Hooper to the GGPNC Board as representative to the religious community.  Gasteier so moved; Rademaekers seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. Gasteier moved that Rosemary DeMonte represent GGPNC at the regional meeting on new NC election procedures and that DeMonte be empowered to recommend GGPNC preferred election day as Saturday with Tuesday or Wednesday (in that order) as alternate days.  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.

8. Parks River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter reported an on-going and escalating problem with lewd behavior in the areas of the Mineral Wells picnic area of Griffith Park.  Gasteier moved that Soter draft a letter for subsequent Board to the Dept of Recreation & Parks General Manager Jon Mukri and appropriate City officials to: ask that the problem be recognized; to recommend several proposed solutions; and asked them to take action to address the problem.  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.
        b. Soter announced and discussed the up-coming annual LA River clean-up day.  Soter moved to expend $5000 for food, beverages, advertising, promotion and T-shirts in support of GGPNC activities supporting the event.  Seconded by Louyse; adopted by consensus.
        c. Soter moved to expend up to $5000 to support post-fire invasive plant removal in Griffith Park.  Seconded by Napier; adopted by consensus.
        d. Soter moved to expend $800 for the purchase of a GGPNC-branded free-standing sign holder to be installed at the Crystal Springs ranger station in Griffith Park.  Seconded by Napier; adopted by consensus.
        e. Soter withdrew the agendized motion to expend funds for reprinting and distribution of the Waterwise Griffith Park Recovery newsletter.

9. Education Committee:
        a. Katherine Pilkinton, Principal of the Los Feliz Elementary School Committee reported on maintenance needs at the school that would not be met by LAUSD or the City.  Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved to expend $6000 for installation of irrigation for the planted areas at Los Feliz Elementary School.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Dorothy Lee, art teacher at John Marshall High School reported on the need to replace the standing press in the art room at the school.  Napier moved to expend $3000 for replacement of the standing press at JMHS.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.

10. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding the application by Yai's on Vermont, 1627 Vermont, for a conditional use permit to serve beer and wine, Committee Chair Ken Owen moved the Committee recommendation to not oppose the application if hours of service are limited to 11 p.m. except for a maximum of nine days per year.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding application by Kazoku Sushi, 5259 Hollywood, for a conditional use permit to serve beer and wine, Owen moved the Committee recommendation to not oppose the application if hours of service are limited to 11 p.m. and on-site and/or off-site valet parking provided with no valet parking on streets.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        c. Owen moved the Committee recommendation that the Board go on record by way of the meeting minutes to say that GGPNC supports the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District's efforts to maximize use of current off-street parking in village to relieve street parking.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.
        d. Regarding the request for a variance to allow the existing over-height fences at 2413 Hyperion on Hyperion and Tracy Terrace and the existing retaining walls, Owen moved the Committee recommendation to oppose the variance for the over-height fences and that support for the variance for retaining wall be conditional on the on removal of razor wire from property.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.

11. Other Committee Reports:
Public Safety Committee Joe Cisneros reminded Boardmembers about the Public Safety Committee meeting on Saturday February 23.

12. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.

13. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

14. Adjournment:
At 9:10 pm, Bruce Carroll moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.
 

1. Call to Order: 9:11 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Napier, Soter, Getz, Hooper, Carroll, Cisneros, Johnson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

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

3. Education Committee:
As urgent follow-up:
        a. As follow-up to the January Public Comments request by John Welch of John Marshall High School, Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved to approve $3000 in direct expenditures to support the John Marshall High School Academic Decathlon team travel to Sacramento in March for a scheduled competitive event.  Seconded by DeMonte; adopted by consensus.
        b. As follow-up to January Board approval to expend $2500 for the purchase of microphones to support student musical at John Marshall High School, Kevin Moran reported that the microphones could not be delivered prior to the Feb 22 & 23 performances.  Napier moved to eliminate last month’s action to approve purchase of microphones and to approve up to $2500 to cover the rental of microphones to support the musical.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.

4. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

5. Adjournment:
At 9:30 pm, Philip Gasteier moved to adjourn; seconded by Napier; approved by consensus.

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

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the December 2007 Board meeting were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
        John Welsh, athletic coach from John Marshall High School, spoke about the JMHS Academic Decathlon and the need for funds to cover expenses related to sending students to the event in Sacramento in March.  Mr. Welch was asked to work with Dr. Sarah Napier to determine an appropriate expense item and amount.
        Faith Raiguel, COO of the Autry National Center, announced the ANC Open House on February 10 from 10am-5pm.
        Ann MacKeen, Secretary for the Barnsdall Neighborhood Association, announced that Officer Sam Salazaar will be retiring soon and a celebratory event will be planned.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Betty Wong-Oyama announced that all GGPNC Boardmembers had passed the required ethics exam; reminded Boardmembers about the Jan 23 NC Board Training at the community center in Glassell Park; provided an information handout on Proposition S.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. PACE Business Development Center:
Representative did not attend. 

7. Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Joel Friedman reported that the City would take back $25,000 from the GGPNC account if that amount were not spent by June 30.

8. Rules & Elections Committee:
City requirement that NCs change their bylaws to conform to one of the following options:  a.) City-managed elections commencing June 2008 with shortening of Boardmember terms accordingly; b.) One more self-managed election Nov 2008 with City-managed elections commencing June 2010; c.) City-managed elections commencing 2010 with no interim self-managed election and Boardmember terms extended accordingly.  In December the Rules & Elections Committee recommended option “a” and presented a draft of updates to the GGPNC bylaws that would enact this.
Committee Chair Philip Gasteier moved that GGPNC elect the option to have the City Clerk conduct the elections of district representatives in June 2008 and that the Board adopt the bylaws amendments to accomplish that.  Seconded by Friedman.  Adopted by consensus.

9. Officer Elections: (taken out of order)
Council President Mims called for nominations.  Carroll nominated all current officers to their current positions.  Seconded by Johnson.  Kerr moved to close nominations; seconded by Arslanian; adopted by consensus.  Carroll moved to declare a “white ballot”, i.e. one with no contested positions; Vigderson seconded.  Per the white ballot, all current officers were re-elected by unanimous vote.

10. Education Committee:
            a. Shiela Lehrer-Graiwer, Executive Director of Barnsdall Arts/FOJAC presented a proposal to provide a series of free family weekend art workshops at the train ride and ponies in Griffith Park.  The workshops would emphasize respect for the environment and "green multicultural” projects and will begin this spring.  Napier moved that GGPNC make $5500 in direct expenditures to support the event.  Seconded by Johnson.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Marshall "M" community project to do tile work designed by Marshall students and will need $10,000 to match community beautification grant for 2008.  Move to approve $10,000 to help fund Marshall "M" Community Project.  Napier rescinded the motions since the grant hasn’t been written.
        c. Kevin Moran, teacher and musical director at Marshall High School presented an overview of a student musical scheduled for Feb 22 and 23 and asked for funds to cover the purchase of microphones for the event and for future use.  Napier moved that GGPNC purchase the microphones at a cost not to exceed $2500.  Seconded by Arslanian.  Adopted by consensus.
        d. Dana Mink from Thomas Starr King Middle School asked for funds to re-sod the quad at the school.  This expense will not be met by LAUSD.  Napier moved that GGPNC expend up to $12,000 for resodding the school’s quad.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus. 

11. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Ken Owen presented the committee recommendation regarding the application for a Conditional Use Permit for expanded operation of restaurant at 2128 Hillhurst (formerly La Belle Epoque, now Little Dom's).  Owen moved that GGPNC adopt the recommendation.  Seconded by DeMonte.  No consensus.  Owen moved that the Council vote to vote on the issue; seconded by Arslanian; adopted by a majority vote.  After discussion, Owen moved to amend the motion so as to drop items 3 and 4 from the recommendation. Seconded by Demonte; approved by majority vote.  Vigderson moved to amend the recommendation by changing item 1 to allowing for weekday hours until 12 midnight, and to change item 8 to state that the sale of alcohol not exceed 60% of revenue.  Seconded by Napier.  Motion carried by majority vote.
        b. On the issue of a proposed enlargement of a house at 2665 Aberdeen, Owen moved that GGPNC approve the position taken by the PZHP in its email to Mr. Albert Landini on January 14, 2008 which informed the Zoning Administrator that the committee had some concerns about the project and as had insufficient input from the owner to consider the issue.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.
        c. On the issue of the renewal of a Conditional Use Permit for Akbar (4356 Sunset Blvd), Owen moved that the board advise the zoning administrator that it has no objection to the renewal of the conditional use permit issued to this site in 2002 so long as the conditions imposed in that conditional use permit be continued and so long as the zoning administrator is convinced the conditions are both still sufficient given changed conditions (expansion of The Kitchen and Malo Restaurant) and the condition regarding frequency of live shows and dancing is being met.  Seconded by Vigderson.  Adopted by consensus.
        d. Owen reported that the Autry National Center Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be completed by Jan 16.  Faith Raiguel, Executive Director of the ANC reported that GGPNC will be able to obtain the recommendation from RAP after it has been submitted to them.
        e. Owen moved that GGPNC make $2300 in direct expenditures to fund the designation of historic/cultural monuments in the GGPNC area.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.

12. Parks River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved that GGPNC make $10,800 in direct expenditures to underwrite the cost of creating and fabrication Fire Recover signage and brochures on the recovery process, signs to be placed at affected trailheads in Griffith Park and to be used to post other information when no longer needed to promote fire recovery.  Seconded by Louyse.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Soter presented a proposal to reprint a brochure on fire recovery with the GGPNC logo on it and a possible mass mailing to educate people about fire recovery in Griffith Park.  Soter will provide specific costs next month.

13. Other Committee Reports:
None.
14. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.
15. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.
16. Adjournment:
At 11:30 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus

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 tha