Board of Directors Meeting 03/20/13 06:30 PM

Meeting Date: 03/20/13 06:30 PM

Meeting Type: Regular

Location: Bonhams & Butterfield, 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90046

Details:

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

BOARD MEETING AGENDA

March 20, 2013 – 6:30 pm

NEW LOCATION:

Bonhams & Butterfields

7601 West Sunset Boulevard (map)

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Directions: East of N. Fairfax Ave and West of N. La Brea Ave of Hollywood Blvd. 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 ww.hhwnc.org and on the Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment (www.lacityneighborhoods.com). 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

2. Roll call by Secretary Kathy Bañuelos

3. Minutes – Review and approve Board minutes from February 20, 2013 meeting (MOTION AND VOTE) (5 minutes)

4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann (20 minutes)

a. Public Official Reports

i.) 43rd Assembly District, Representative from the Office of Assemblyman Mike Gatto

ii.) 50th Assembly District, Representative from the Office of Assemblyman Richard Bloom

iii.) Mayor’s Office – Fabiola Vilchez, Central Area Director – Budget Survey

iv.) CD4 –Sharon Shapiro, Field Deputy, Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge

v.) CD13 – Angela Motta, Field Deputy, Office of Council President Eric Garcetti

vi.) LAPD

vii.) LAFD

viii.) Board Vacancy for Area 5 Committee Chair

• Jeff Zarrinnam, David Markland, and Carmen Azinian, candidates for Area 5 Committee Chair, will address the Board.

ix.) Proposed Budget cuts for Neighborhood Council Budgets and Elections

• Background: Due to the failure of Proposition A, the City is considering new budget cuts, including cutting the Neighborhood Council elections during the next fiscal year unless the Neighborhood Councils fund the elections themselves with cuts to their yearly allocations. This would amount to an almost 20% budget cut to cover the election expenses as currently proposed. Other potential options are to move the elections to the fall of 2014 with partial cuts to the Neighborhood Council yearly allocation or moving them to spring of 2015 with no cuts to the yearly allocation. The Mayor's Office has requested input from the Neighborhood Councils on this ASAP since they have to finish their budget numbers by the end of the month.

• MOTION AND VOTE:

Whereas the City is asking the neighborhood councils to postpone their elections due to budget cuts; and

Whereas the city is asking each neighborhood council to pay for their next elections, approx.$ 7300.00 per council; and

Whereas the city continues to violate Charter section 911 by cutting neighborhood council funds, sweeping annual excess funds, and failing to fund neighborhood councils in a secure account one year in advance;

Therefore, the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council moves:

That the City issues NO DELAYS in the 2014 neighborhood council elections;

That the City fully fund the neighborhood council 2014 elections;

That the City restores the $50,000 Neighborhood Councils annual budgets;

That the City cease and desist from any further sweeping of neighborhood council funds, in violation of charter section 911;

That the Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council, file an immediate letter of complaint against the City for its violations of Charter Section 911.

b. Community business

c. Confirm next meeting date: April 17th.

5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman (10 minutes)

a. PLUM Committee Report (Jeff Papes and Robin Moreno)

i. CUP application for Jane’s House (6541 Hollywood Blvd.) for Jane's House

• Background: David Jarrett reported that the Planning Dept. should be ready to schedule a hearing date on the CUP application regarding Jane's House for some time in April after he submits a revised application for the environmental clearance in order to reflect the prior conditions applicable to the historical property. The committee discussed 1727 Houston Hospitality's application for the Type 47 CUP, including confirming that the Houston brothers still wished to propose hours of operation from 11 am to 2 am daily for selling a full line of alcoholic beverages at Jane's House.

• MOTION AND VOTE: To approve the PLUM committee’s recommendation to support 1727 Houston Hospitality's application. While the committee remains concerned about (i) potential noise emanating from the rear portion of Jane's House, and (ii) access for emergency vehicles, the committee believes those issues can be worked out by the applicants with the Planning Department. The Planning Department's case no. is ZA 2012-2991-CUB.

6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer (10 minutes)

a. Approve Monthly Treasurer’s Report. MOTION AND VOTE.

7. Secretary’s Report by Kathy Bañuelos (5 minutes)

8. Parliamentarian’s Report by Robert Mott (5 minutes)

9. Committee Reports (40 minutes)

a. ISSUE COMMITTEES

i. Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)

b. AREA COMMITTEES

i. Area 5 (Michael Meyer) –

• Refurbishment contribution for Dorothy J and Benjamin B Smith Park on Franklin Avenue.

Background information: The City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department (RAP) owns the approximately half acre park on Franklin Avenue at Sycamore Drive; the Dorothy J and Benjamin B Smith Park. The park basically consists of a grassy area with some benches. RAP is about to construct an attractive fence around the park that will secure it in the evenings. The Outpost Homeowners Association wants to work with RAP and others in the Hollywood community to activate this underutilized park. Outdoor exercise equipment has been installed in numerous parks in Los Angeles and can be directly purchased from one of the City’s vendors for installation by RAP in the park. It costs approximately $3,000 per piece of equipment. Adding outdoor exercise equipment can be done relatively easily and would serve many residents of Hollywood. The addition of a playground for children may also be pursued, but that is a more costly endeavor on the order of magnitude of $100,000-200,000 and requires more elaborate construction with foundations to make it safe for kids to play. RAP will assist us with the park design and landscape issues. The Outpost HOA Board has approved a contribution of $5,000 toward the exercise equipment. HHWNC’s contribution toward the purchase of the outdoor exercise equipment will allow the installation of a full range of exercise machines and will be the first step in turning this park into a community asset.

b. Presentation by Representatives from the City Parks & Recreation Department.

c. MOTION AND VOTE: The Outpost Homeowners Association, AKA: Area 5 Committee submits the following motion: “HHWNC Board approves the expenditure of up to $15,000 to purchase outdoor fitness equipment for the Dorothy J and Benjamin B Smith Park on Franklin Avenue.”

• Verizon Cell Tower on Mulholland

a. Background Information: In 2012, tourists spent $16.4 Billion in Los Angeles County, generating $2 Billion in state and local taxes and supporting 230,000 direct jobs. And what is the number one site that most of these tourists come to see? The Hollywood Sign! So why would the City of Los Angeles issue a permit to Verizon Wireless to install a 50’ tall cell phone tower on Mulholland Drive adjacent to the Jerry Daniel Scenic Overlook (formerly known as the Hollywood Bowl Overlook) directly in the line of site of tourists viewing the Hollywood Sign. The pole has been installed on the view side of Mulholland destroying the view of the sign and the city below. Local homeowners are demanding that Verizon relocate the cell tower to the other side of the street, against the hill, rather than on the view side of the street where hundreds of tourists visit daily to gaze out over the city. What kind of an impression will it give to future tourists when they come to look at the Hollywood Sign and see a cell tower in the view? City and state officials have been contacted and point fingers at one another. The Mulholland Design Review Board says it is the federal government that is in charge (Federal Communications Commission). None of this finger pointing is addressing the issue of a private enterprise destroying a public asset that attracts tourists and their revenue to Los Angeles. Action needs to be taken soon to relocate the pole before the equipment is installed and it forever mars this view.

b. MOTION AND VOTE: HHWNC demands that the City of Los Angeles revoke the permit (No. 2011001664) from Verizon Wireless for the installation of a cell phone tower on Mulholland Drive near the Jerry Daniel Scenic Overlook (formerly known as the Hollywood Bowl Overlook) as it destroys the iconic view of the Hollywood Sign. If permitted at all, it must be relocated to the hillside of Mulholland Drive and not the view side of the street.

• Parking on Mulholland Drive:

a. MOTION AND VOTE: HHWNC requests that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation assign additional parking enforcement resources to the Mulholland Corridor to better control the illegal and unsafe parking that happens near Runyon Canyon Park and near the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. Many people do not park outside the white edge stripe on the roadway and park partially in the travel lanes on Mulholland making it passable by only one car at a time. The parking at the Mulholland Overlook also results in people, including children, running across Mulholland right at a blind curve in the road. Illegal parking activity creates a safety hazard and could impede emergency access to the hillside areas of HHWNC. The additional revenue associated with the hundreds of tickets that could be issued, particularly on sunny weekend days, should more than compensate for the cost of the parking enforcement efforts.

ii. Area 9 (Maria Sussman) – Areas 8 and 9 Boundaries:

• Background: The boundary lines separating areas 8 and 9 were drawn when the Neighborhood Councils were first established. Unfortunately the boundaries do not reflect the realities of terrain and social proximity and as a result, the community of Willow Glen was split in half. Discussion as to whether the boundary line should be moved so that the entire Willow Glen community is included within the Area 9 boundary. (Possible MOTION AND VOTE.)

iii. Reports by other Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)

10. 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.

11. Old Business

12. New Business

13. Adjournment

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
March 20, 2013

Bonhams & Butterfields

7601 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046

1.      Meeting called to order by President, Anastasia Mann at 6:40 p.m.

2.      Roll call by Secretary Kathy Bañuelos: Quorum established: Anastasia Mann, Kathy Bañuelos, Michael Meyer, Jim Geoghan, Mary Prange Jeffrey Papes, Rick Cullen, Patricia Weber, Robin Moreno, Joyce Dyrector, Paul Darrigo, Barbara Witkin, and Clive Whitcher. Late: Dietrich Nelson, Maria Sussman, and Jerry Garcia. Absent: Orrin Feldman, Robert Mott, Joshua Kopel, Nicole Carcel, Vincent Laresca, Alwyn Hight Kushner

3.      Minutes – The board approved the minutes for the February 20, 2013 board meeting.

4.      President’s Report by Anastasia Mann
i.)                  50th Assembly District, Josh Kirby from the Office of Assemblyman Richard Bloom’s office gave an update on actions and issues.
ii.)                CD4 –Sharon Shapiro, Field Deputy, Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge stated that the Lake Hollywood reservoir will open in April.
iii.)              Anastasia announced a new reality show will be filming a pilot and are looking for unsightly homes to include in this series.
iv.)              April 17^th is the date for the next board meeting.

Board Vacancy for Area 5 Committee Chair. Candidate Jeff Zarrinnam, a resident of Area 5, announced his interest in serving on the HHWNC board. Jeff serves on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as well in other service positions. Carmen Azinian, resident of Outpost, gave a brief presentation as well. She informed the Board that she has served on that area’s Neighborhood Watch and other service committees. A vote to fill the board seat will take place at the April board meeting.

Proposed Budget cuts for Neighborhood Council Budgets and Elections: (Anastasia/Witkin) moved, “Whereas the City is asking the neighborhood councils to postpone their elections due to budget cuts; and, Whereas the city is asking each neighborhood council to pay for their next elections, approximately
$7300.00 per council; and Whereas the city continues to violate Charter section 911 by cutting neighborhood council funds, sweeping annual excess funds, and failing to fund neighborhood councils in a secure account one year in advance,

Therefore, the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council moves: That the City issues NO DELAYS in the 2014 neighborhood council elections; That the City fully fund the neighborhood council 2014 elections; That the City restores the $50,000 Neighborhood Councils annual budgets; That the City cease and desist from any further sweeping of neighborhood council funds, in violation of charter section 911;That the Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council, file an immediate letter of complaint against the City for its violations of Charter Section 911.” The motion carried 12-0-2.

5.      AREA COMMITTEES
a.      Area 5 (Michael Meyer) addressed the issue of the new Verizon Cell Tower, installed in February 2012 on Mulholland: (Meyer/Prange) moved, “HHWNC demands that the City of Los Angeles revoke the permit (No. 2011001664) from Verizon Wireless for the installation of a cell phone tower on Mulholland Drive near the Jerry Daniel Scenic Overlook (formerly known as the Hollywood Bowl Overlook) as it destroys the iconic view of the Hollywood Sign. If permitted at all, it must be relocated to the hillside of Mulholland Drive and not the view side of the street.” The motion carried unanimously.

Anastasia gave a brief history of the board’s relationship with Verizon and noted that the Mulholland Design Review Committee had voted against Verizon’s cell tower request for this pole. Councilmember LaBonge has requested that Verizon relocate the pole. HHWNC boardmembers Anastasia, Michael and Barbara will attend a meeting with Councilmember LaBonge, reps for Verizon and other City entities to resolve this matter.

b.      Refurbishment contribution for Dorothy J and Benjamin B Smith Park on Franklin Avenue. (Meyer/Papes) moved, “The HHWNC Board reaffirms its February 20, 2013 commitment to provide $15,000 for the purchase of outdoor exercise equipment to be installed at the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department’s Dorothy J and Benjamin B Smith Park, to be combined with the $5,000 committed by the Outpost Homeowners Association. These funds may be used to purchase the equipment directly from one of the City of Los Angeles’ approved vendors or may be transferred to an escrow account at the LA Parks Foundation for their purchase of the equipment.”

Michael stated that the Outpost HOA Board approved a contribution of $5,000 for the exercise equipment. HHWNC’s contribution toward the purchase of the outdoor exercise equipment will allow the installation of a full range of exercise machines and will be the first step in turning this park into a community asset. Thomas Gibson, a representative from City Recreation and Parks (RAP) Department, presented diagrams illustrating how the park will potentially be improved with landscaping and fencing.

6.      Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman: (Orrin was absent) Jeff Papes gave the PLUM Committee Report stating that the Houston Brothers are renovating the historical landmark, Jane’s House, at 6541 Hollywood Blvd. (Papes/Witkin) moved that, “HHWNC approve the PLUM committee’s recommendation to support 1727 Houston Hospitality's application. While the committee remains concerned about (i) potential noise emanating from the rear portion of Jane's House, and (ii) access for emergency vehicles, the committee believes those issues can be worked out by the applicants with the Planning Department. The Planning Department's case no. is ZA 2012-2991-CUB.” The motion carried: 10-2-2. Jeff said the hearing on the CUP application should be scheduled in April. Proposed hours of operation for Jane’s House will be from 11 am – 2 am daily with a full line of alcoholic beverages served.

7.      Treasurer’s Report, Michael Meyer distributed a spreadsheet of expenses. He noted there was $13,300 left in the budget after the previous allocation for fitness equipment. May 15^th is the last date to submit NC demand warrants for invoices. (Meyer/ Bañuelos) moved to approve the Monthly Expenditure Report. The motion carried unanimously. Michael talked about new treasury regulations and paperwork for DONE. (Witkin/Garcia) moved to accept the reviewed and validated purchase card monthly statement of $551.06. The motion carried.

8.      Secretary’s Report by Kathy Bañuelos No report.

9.      Parliamentarian’s Report by Robert Mott No report.

10. Area/Issues Committee Reports:
·     Outpost/Area 5 – Parking on Mulholland Drive:

(Meyer/Sussman) moved that, “HHWNC requests that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation assign additional parking enforcement resources to the Mulholland Corridor to better control the illegal and unsafe parking that happens near Runyon Canyon Park and near the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. Many people do not park on the shoulder side of the white lines of the roadway and park partially in the travel lanes on Mulholland making it passable by only one car at a time. The parking at the Mulholland Overlook also results in people, including children, running across Mulholland right at a blind curve in the road. Illegal parking activity creates a safety hazard and could impede emergency access to the hillside areas of HHWNC. The additional revenue associated with the hundreds of tickets that could be issued, particularly on sunny weekend days, should more than compensate for the cost of the parking enforcement efforts.”

(Meyer) amended his motion to say, “HHWNC request that the Department of Transportation and LAPD assign additional parking and traffic enforcement resources and to urge the Dept. of Transportation and LAPD to expedite and improve the striping and signage to make tickets more enforceable and hold up in court.” The motion carried unanimously. Susan Mullins from Upper Nichols Cyn Neighborhood Association spoke about the need for enforcement.

·     Area 9 (Maria Sussman) – Areas 8 and 9 Boundaries:

(Whitcher/Darrigo) to hold a Special Meeting to vote on a change to the boundaries to Areas 8 and 9. Marie explained that Area 9 requests that HHWNC moved the boundary line so that the entire Willow Glen area is included in one Area. Joann Leonard, a stakeholder, spoke about the issue. Anastasia recommended a Special Meeting to vote on a Bylaw amendment for this item. The motion carried unanimously. The Special Meeting will be scheduled for May 15 at 6 p.m. – prior to the full board meeting.

(Witkin/Moreno) requested a change in the bylaws regarding the composition of the PLUM committee so that that the chairs of Area committees can vote on proposed projects in their respective areas. During the discussion, the Board concluded that Bylaw Article 7 states that PLUM composition is addressed by the Standing Rules. No motion was necessary to change the bylaws was necessary.   The Board decided to take up a change in the standing rules at the next meeting.

·     Outreach Report: Barbara thanked Jeff and Nicole for helping with the L.A. Marathon.   Anastasia requested that board members report any unsafe street conditions to DOT for the granting of funds for street repairs.

·     Infrastructure Report: Mary Prange stated that the Durant Library is a great place for meetings.

·     Public Comment: Stakeholder Saundra Rideaux-Jackson spoke about safety issues with Fuller Project, a new development. Irene Shin, a representative for candidate John Choi, introduced herself. Anastasia Mann conveyed that John Choi has not yet come to speak to the Board despite several invitations.

·        New Business: Joyce Dyrector brought up a proposal to extend drinking hours at locations that serve alcohol and asked if HHWNC could take a position on the bill. The matter will be placed on the agenda for the next Board’s meeting.

11. Adjournment: 8:43 p.m.

Minutes by Pat Kramer, Apple One-