Meeting Date: 10/21/15 06:00 PM

Meeting Type: Regular

Location: Will & Ariel Durant Library 7140 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90046

Details:

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
October 21, 2015
6:00 pm

Will & Ariel Durant Library

7140 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
 

 
Directions:  1 Block West of N. La Brea Ave.  Building is accessible and free parking is available behind the building. 
 
The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any item of the agenda prior to the Board taking action on an item.  Comments from the public on non-agenda and agenda items will be heard during the Public Comment Period and, within the discretion of the presiding officer of the Board, when the respective item is being considered. Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the Agenda that is within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period.  Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board.  Agenda is posted for public review: on bulletin boards at the top and bottom of Runyon Canyon Park, and electronically on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council website www.hhwnc.org and on the Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment
(www.lacityneighborhoods.com).
 
In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting, may be viewed at our website by clicking on the following link: , www.hhwnc.org, or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the Board Secretary at [email protected].
 
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request.  To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator at 213-485-1360 or e-mail to [email protected].
 
 
ALL ITEMS LISTED ON THIS AGENDA ARE SUBJECT TO:
POSSIBLE ACTION, INCLUDING A BOARD MOTION AND
VOTING ON THE MOTION.
 
PROCESS FOR RECONSIDERATION:  The Board may reconsider and amend its action on items listed on the agenda if that reconsideration takes place immediately following the original action or at the next regular meeting. The Board, on either of these two days, shall: (1) Make a Motion for Reconsideration and, if approved, (2) hear the matter and Take an Action.  If the motion to reconsider an action is to be scheduled at the next meeting following the original action, then two items shall be placed on the agenda for that meeting: (1) A Motion for Reconsideration on the described matter and (2) a Proposed Action should the motion to reconsider be approved.  A motion for reconsideration can only be made by a Board member who has previously voted on the prevailing side of the original action taken. If a motion for reconsideration is not made on the date the action was taken, then a Board member on the prevailing side of the action must submit a memorandum to the Secretary identifying the matter to be reconsidered and a brief description of the reason(s) for requesting reconsideration at the next regular meeting. The aforesaid shall all be in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
 

AGENDA

 

  1. Call to order by President, Anastasia Mann

 

  1. Roll call by Parliamentarian Malena Patel

 

  1. Minutes – Review and approve Board minutes from September 16, 2015 meeting and correction to minutes for July 15, 2015 meeting.

 

  1. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann (15 minutes)

 

  1. Public Official Reports

    1. CD13 – Dan Halden, Office of Councilman Mitch O’Farrell
    2. CD4 –Field Deputy, Catherine Landers, Office of Councilmember David Ryu
    3. Mayor’s Office, Central Area NC Rep, Yoome Ha
    4. 43rd Assembly District, Rep. from the Office of Assemblyman Mike Gatto
    5. 46th Assembly District, Angie Aramayo, Office of Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian
    6. 50th Assembly District, Office of Assemblyman Richard Bloom
    7. 3rd Supervisorial District, Rachel Zaiden, Office of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
    8. LAPD
    9. LAFD

 

  1. Outreach Chair:  Robin Moreno’s resignation submitted and accepted (regretfully) on October 7th.   Vote to fill vacancy will be on our November 18th Meeting.  Currently one candidate:  Sheila Irani.  Introduce candidates present.

 

  1. Website Ad-Hoc Committee Report (JoAnn Koplin) – review of proposal from Bitsift Networks for HHWNC website design and development.  POSSIBLE MOTION AND VOTE.

 

  1. Community Business

    1. Request from HUNC for the HHWNC to support three separate speakers’ forums featuring civic leaders.   Presenter:  Sheila Irani from HUNC.  POSSIBLE MOTION AND VOTE re financial contribution.

 

  1. Possible motion and vote to support the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council’s resolution re Greek Theatre operation.

 

  1. Report re Anastasia Mann’s meeting with Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian

 

  1. Appointment to Councilman David Ryu’s Discretionary Funds Task Force

 

  1. Confirm next meeting date:  November 18

 

  1. Vice-President’s Report (Cyd Zeigler) (5 minutes)

    1. PLUM Committee:

      1. 8150 Sunset Blvd MOTION AND VOTE:  The Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council submits this comment on the DEIR of the proposed project at 8150 Sunset Blvd.

 
The stakeholders of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council have voiced many concerns, compliments and comments about the large-scale development proposed at 8150 Sunset Blvd. We would like to draw the attention of the Planning Dept. to several issues that have been voiced as paramount to the neighborhood.
 
-The height of the building continues to be of utmost concern to stakeholders. Particularly cited is how the height of Alternative 9 – taller than the original proposal and over 230 feet at its peak – does not match the character of the neighborhood. While we appreciate the thought and care Mr. Gehry's office has put into the new design, we would like to see a Gehry-designed alternative that reflects a lower maximum project height.
 
– Stakeholders continue to voice doubt about the traffic study that shows a nearly net-zero in daily trip increases with Alternative 9. We request a second independent traffic-impact study.
 
– With the move in Los Angeles toward services like Uber and Lyft, we would like to see a plan to incorporate drop-off zones for these services that do not require vehicles to go into the parking structure as we believe these drivers will drop off their passengers on the street.
 
– We would like to see plans for the bus stop being moved to the current taxi zone fully explored.
 
– Traffic flow in two locations – on Havenhurst and around the current traffic island at Crescent Heights & Sunset – has been raised as key points for neighborhood feedback. We would like to see neighborhood input maximized in these two areas via a neighborhood working group.
 
We look forward to continuing to work with the applicant toward a development that works for both them and our stakeholders.
 

  1. Treasurer’s Report (Michael Meyer) (10 minutes)

    1. Approve Monthly Expenditures report
    2. Approve funding Expense forms

 

  1. Parliamentarian’s Report (Malena Patel) (5 minutes)

 

  1. Committee Reports

 

  1. Area 9 (Orrin Feldman)

    1. Report on LAFD's hillside streets tree trimming/cutting program's problems

 

  1. Area 7 (Barbara Witkin)

    1. Trader Joe's located 8000 Sunset Blvd. CUP renewal.  Case number: ZA-2007-5840-CUB (David Weissglass Representative).   The Area 7 Committee  met on October 7, 2015 and voted to support the CUP renewal with alcohol sales to match store hours, no sale of any alcoholic beverages individually under 24 ounces (20 Ayes and 1 No).  Trader Joe's is requesting a slight change in the hours of alcohol sales.  The current hours for alcohol are 9am to 9pm daily and they are requesting that the sale of alcohol be the same as the store hours, which are 8am to 10pm.  POSSIBLE MOTION AND VOTE.

 

  1. CVS 8000 Sunset Blvd. Case number: ZA-2015-2106-CUB-ZV (Ira Handelman Representative and Susan Taylor-CVS).   The Area 7 Committee met on October 7, 2015 and voted to welcome CVS, but not the sale of alcoholic beverages (18 Ayes, 6 Noes).   

 
Area 7 requests discussion and a possible amendment to previous Area 7 motion to permit the sale of alcohol during the new amended hours.  The new hours for the sale of alcohol will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.  CVS met with LAPD and Code Compliance Unit.  Operating hours of the store including the pharmacy and sale of alcohol were agreed to be 7am to 12am daily.  There will be no exterior digital signage or digital display.   Signage will be the red box letter CVS identifying signage.  POSSIBLE MOTION AND VOTE.
 
 

  1. Pace Joint 7860-7862 Sunset Blvd. Case number: ZA-2015–1542-CUB Patrick (Panzarello Representative and Sandy Gendel Owner).  Area 7 met on October 7th, 2015 and there is stakeholder opposition to this proposed operation.

 
The Area 7 Committee approved the following motion: Hours of operation from 8am to 11pm. Outdoor patio to close at 10pm with not more than 8-10 seats on the patio. No sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.  (18 Ayes, 7 Noes).  
 
Pace Joint, a new proposed restaurant-market and deli with delivery is requesting two conditional use permits for alcohol sale. 1.) Type 41 license for beer and wine for the restaurant and 2.) Type 20, off-site sales for the Market and Deli. The owner requesting to expand an existing 1,400 square foot restaurant by 850 square feet to include a market and deli and new outdoor patio. 13 seats indoor and 37 seats on the outdoor patio.  The owner is requesting the hours of operation to be 24 hours for restaurant, market, deli and delivery with beer and wine being sold between the hours of 6am to 2am daily. There is no on-site parking for this location and it is directly next to residential use. POSSIBLE MOTION AND VOTE.
 

  1. Area 3 (Brian Dyer)

    1. Motion:  That the Board of HHWNC grant Yucca Community Center $152.00 for an inflatable jumper to be provided for 250+ children and parents attending the Yucca Community Center’s “Spooktacular” to be held October 30, 2015.
    2. Motion:  That the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council approve funding in the amount of $300.00 for replenishing the supply of Dog Poop Bags for use in Area 3.

 

  1. Youth Development  (Annie Gagen)

    1. Motion:  The HHWNC Youth Committee requests that HHWNC Board of Directors approve Enrich LA's funding request for their Garden Ranger Program for Valley View Elementary School and Gardner Elementary School, in the amount of $1,000 for each school, a total of $2,000 for both schools, the allocation to be in the form of a Neighborhood Purpose Grant.

 
Enrich LA's Garden Ranger Program, is an educational program consisting of weekly, interdisciplinary garden-based lessons, that correspond to the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS)  and provide participants with hands-on opportunities to learn about nutrition, science, and environmental stewardship, a program that is a benefit  to the students and to the school community.  By year's end, hundreds of students at both Valley View Elementary and Gardner Elementary will have engaged in the Garden Ranger Program.  Enrich LA's goal is to reach all students at Gardner and Valley View Elementary Schools.  Garden Rangers and garden educators at the school sites will also provide maintenance of the gardens throughout the academic school year and during the summer months, to ensure that the gardens thrive.
 

  1. Infrastructure (Casey Maddren)

    1. Review of HHWNC Position Paper: Density, and HHWNC Position Paper: Scale, with possible vote on adoption.  Currents drafts of both papers can be viewed at: http://www.hhwnc.org/node/3932.

 

  1. Public Comments – Comments from the public on agenda items and non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to 2 minutes per speaker.

 

  1. Old Business

 

  1. New Business

 

  1. Adjournment
HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DRAFT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 21, 2015
Will & Ariel Durant Library
7140 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046
 
  1. Call to order by HHWNC President, Anastasia Mann at 6:00 p.m.

 

  1. Roll call by Parliamentarian Malena Patel: Anastasia Mann, Michael Meyer, Malena Patel, Jim Geoghan, Annie Gagen, Casey Maddren, JoAnn Koplin, Sunta Izzicupo, Daniel Savage, Patricia Weber, Brian Dyer, Joyce Dyrector, Carmen Libaridian, Grant Wallensky, Barbara Witkin, & Orrin Feldman.  Quorum reached with 16 members.

 

  1. Approved of Minutes:

(Meyer/Patel) moved to accept the minutes as revised from the July 2015 HHWNC board meeting. The motion carried.
(Maddren/Feldman) moved to accept the board meeting minutes as revised from the September 16, 2015 HHWNC board meeting. The motion carried.
 

  1. President’s Report: Anastasia Mann gave some brief announcements.

    1. Public Official Reports

      1. CD13 – A report by Dan Halden, Field Deputy for Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, included an announcement that the Hollywood/Highland scramble crosswalks will be active on November 15th, a new traffic signal at Sunset/Las Palmas, a hearing scheduled to decide the fate of the Cashmere Club (a club with multiple use violations), a cleanup, a community hike, and a request for input about Smith Park’s new hours.
      2. CD4 – Adam Miller, Neighborhood Advocate, asked for reports on neighborhood blight.
      3. 46th Assembly: Anastasia met with Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian who offered to help on several items of interest to the community. 

 

  1. Outreach Chair Resignation: Robin Moreno has resigned as of October 7th. Sheila Irani is the sole candidate for this seat. Sheila spoke about her qualifications which include serving as Outreach Chair for Hollywood United NC. A vote to fill this seat will take place at the November board meeting.

 

  1. Website Ad-Hoc Committee Update: JoAnn Koplin presented a motion to approve Bitsift Networks as the new website design/development firm for HHWNC. (Koplin/Witkin) moved “That HHWNC allocate $5,000 for Bitsift Networks to design and develop HHWNC’s website.”  There was discussion of an additional $300 per month maintenance fee for 4 hours of support and questions about whether this would be enough to fix existing problems with the website.  There was also some discussion as to whether the new vendor would address email issues.  This item was tabled to November to explore this further.

 

  1. Community Business: 

Councilman David Ryu has invited Anastasia to be on the Discretionary Funds Task Force for CD4; she has accepted this post.
 
Anastasia talked about the Barham ramp closure, several months earlier than predicted, and issues of safety this has created. She stated that neither she nor Michael (or Daniel) knew of or approved this in any way.
 
Anastasia review HHWNC’s opposition to changing its border with HUNC as it related to the three DWP lots.
 
(Maddren/ Dyrector) moved to issue a letter of support to Los Feliz NC on their motion regarding the operation of the Greek Theater. The motion carried 11 – 2.
 
The next board meeting will be held on Nov. 18th.
 
Speaker’s Forum: Sheila Irani of HUNC presented a request that HHWNC support a three part Speaker Forum to be attended by civic leaders. (Witkin/Gagen) moved that HHWNC support the Speaker Forums. The motion carried unanimously.
 
The first in the series is scheduled for Oct. 26 at Hollywood Presbyterian (Franklin/Gower), the second will be on infrastructure and is scheduled for January 27th, 2016; a third has yet to be scheduled. The board will decide on financial support for the Speakers Forum at the November meeting.
 

  1. Vice-President’s Report: Anastasia read a report from Cyd Zeigler who is keeping a spreadsheet on the status of various land use projects on the PLUM page on the HHWNC website.

 
(Maddren/Gagen) moved “The HHWNC submits this comment on the DEIR of the proposed project at 8150 Sunset Blvd. The stakeholders of HHWNC have voiced many concerns , compliments and comments about the large-scale development  proposed at 8150 Sunset Blvd.  We would like to draw the attention of the Planning Dept. to several issues that have been voiced as paramount to the neighborhood.
 
The height of the building continues to be of utmost concern to stakeholders. Particularly cited is how the height of Alternative 9, taller than the original proposal and over 230’ at its peak – does not match the character of the neighborhood. While we appreciate the thoughts and care Mr. Gehry’s office has put into the new design, we would like to see a Gehry designed alternative that reflects a lower maximum project height.
 
Stakeholders continue to voice doubt about the traffic study that shows a nearly net zero in daily trip increases with Alternative 9. We request a second independent traffic-impact study.
 
With the move in Los Angeles toward services like Uber and Lyft, we would like to see a plan to incorporate drop off zones for those services that do not require vehicles to go into the parking structure as we believe these drivers will drop off their passengers on the street.
 
We would like to see plans for the bus stop being moved to the current taxi zone fully explored.
 
Traffic flow in two locations – on Havenhurst and around the current traffic island at Crescent Heights and Sunset – has been raised as key points for neighborhood feedback. We would like to see neighborhood impact maximized in these two areas via a neighborhood working group.
 
We look forward to continuing to work with the applicant toward a development that works for both them and our stakeholders.”
 
Public comments on this item:

  • Daniel Collins said he liked the green aspect of the project and the change to the retail portion.

 

  • Valorie Keegan said this project was not fully discussed at the meeting and advised that this should not be voted on.

 

  • Paula Perry wanted to know if there is any provision for affordable housing at this development. She was told it was 11%.

 

  • Gabe Kramer of Townscape Partners, who was representing the project, offered to answer questions and address issues that anyone had.

 

  • Charles Cha is a bus rider and talked about issues related to that dangerous intersection. His concern is with crosswalks and making that intersection safe.

 

  • Harlan Allen said he likes the new project but is concerned about the height of the bank.

 

  • Michael suggested the letter be re-drafted to address more explicitly environmental issues and asked when is the deadline for comments to be submitted.  The Board agreed to conduct a special meeting to refine the comment letter in advance of the due date.

 
 
 
(Witkin/Maddren) moved that HHWNC hold a Special Meeting to draft a DEIR comment letter for 8150 Sunset Blvd. The motion carried unanimously. Casey said he would pull comments from the minutes of the PLUM committee meeting and incorporate these into a DEIR comment letter for that Special Meeting.
 

  1. Treasurer’s Report:

Michael Meyer detailed the $707 in expenses of the previous month which leaves $42,000 in the fiscal year budget. (Meyer/Feldman) moved to accept the Treasurer’s monthly expense report. The motion carried.
 
Meyer moved to add two funding requests be submitted to DONE: $500 for the website and $132.00 for a reimbursement for Area 3 refreshments. The motion carried.
 

  1. Parliamentarian’s Report: None.

 

  1. Secretary’s Report: None.

 

  1. Committee Reports:

    1. Area 9: Orrin Feldman reported that LAFD had been operating an unannounced "curb to canopy" tree pruning/cutting program in the hillside areas, but not giving residents notice of the program or that their trees would be cut.  None of the required permits were obtained to cut any of the many protected oak, walnut and sycamore trees, which were cut. Orrin and others, including CD4, met with the City Fire Marshall, to urge that sufficient advance notice be provided to our residents, and that the proper permits be obtained.

 

  1. Area 7: Barbara Witkin:

7860-7862 Sunset, Case #: ZA-2015-1542-CUB Patrick: Pace Joint, Panzarello Restaurant is a new restaurant, market and deli requesting two conditional use permits for alcohol. They also looking to expand restaurant and to allow 24 hour use for operations.
 
(Witkin/Feldman) moved, “HHWNC recommends to the Planning Department that the Department deny the application for Pace Joint and the entitlements of two liquor licenses and extended hours of operation. There is no parking provided for the customers. This will affect the immediate residential neighborhood in a very negative manner. The tract for this section of Hollywood is oversaturated with liquor licenses per Hollywood Vice and the Police Department.
 

  • Danny Danziger of Bristol Farms, which is located next to the proposed restaurant, said area businesses are concerned about parking and they will vigorously protect their parking lots.
  • Stephen Steelman, a stakeholder who lives behind the proposed restaurant, said the back of the building is illegal and there are many issues with this property.
  • Bruce Remick said he has collected 41 letters of protest from neighbors against this request.
  • Richard Paddor, chairperson of an area HPOC, stated that their responsibility trumps the commercial use of this business. It would be a nuisance and a hazard if this was permitted.
  • Varlorie Keegan reviewed objections to this request.

 

  • Patrick Panzarello invited the public to the planning hearing. He reviewed what they are asking for and assured the board that no one would be hanging around on the patio after closing the patio at 11:30 p.m. He said the main focus of their request is the CUB.
  • Rob McConnell, a resident, seconded the objections of the other neighbors regarding this business.
  • Mary Michaels said she was in shock that there was an application for this license at this intersection with parking a serious issue.

 
The motion carried unanimously.
 
CVS – 8000 Sunset Blvd. Case #ZA-2015-2016-CUB-ZV. (Witkin/Feldman) moved that “HHWNC approve and amend CVS’ store hours 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. with alcohol sales hours 10 am – 11 p.m. daily. No exterior digital signage or display.”
Margaret Taylor, applicant’s representative, confirmed that CVS would change their hours in good faith.
 
The motion carried unanimously.
 
Trader Joes, 8000 Sunset Blvd, CUP renewal, was not addressed as TJ’s had not gotten back to Barbara on this item. Area 7 had voted to support the renewal with alcohol sales to match store hours.
 

  1. Area 3 – Brian Dyer:

(Dyer/Gagan) moved, “The Board of HHWNC grant Yucca Community Center $152.00 for an inflatable jumper to be provided for 250+ children and parents attending the Yucca Community Center event, “Spooktacular” on Oct. 30, 2015.” The motion carried unanimously.
 
(Dyer/Wallensky) moved, “That HHWNC approve funding in the amount of $300 for replenishing the supply of dog poop containers for use in Area 3.” The motion carried unanimously.
 

  1. Youth Development – Annie Gagen

 
(Gagen/Wallensky) moved, “The HHWNC Youth Committee requests that HHWNC Board of Directors approve Enrich LA's funding request for their Garden Ranger Program for Valley View Elementary School and Gardner Elementary School, in the amount of $1,000 for each school, a total of $2,000 for both schools, the allocation to be in the form of a Neighborhood Purpose Grant.  
The motion carried unanimously.
 

  1. Infrastructure – Casey Maddren. Due to time constraints, this item was moved to next month when a meeting can be scheduled to discuss HHWNC’s Position Page on density.

 

  1. Public Comments – Kristina Chambers of Nederlander invited the board to their Halloween program at the Greek Theater.  

 

  1. Old Business – None.

 

  1. New Business – None.

 

  1. Adjournment at 7:57 p.m.

 Minutes by Pat Kramer, Apple One

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