Meeting Date: 01/13/05 06:30 PM
Meeting Type: Regular
Location: HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM
2100 N. HIGHLAND AVENUE
Hollywood, CA 90028
(Location across from Hollywood Bowl. Park free available.
Enter parking lot at Odin or at Highland and Camrose.)
Details: HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 13, 2004 6:30 PM
HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM
2100 N. HIGHLAND AVENUE
Hollywood, CA 90028
(Location across from Hollywood Bowl. Park free available.
Enter parking lot at Odin or at Highland and Camrose.)
FOOD AND SOFT DRINKS FOR MEMBERS WILL BE SERVED AT 6:00PM
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 Agenda items will be heard only 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 3 minutes per speaker unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board. Agenda is posted for public review: Gardner Street Elementary School, Valley View Elementary School, Yucca Community Center, on bulletin boards at the top and bottom of Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles Library: Will and Ariel Durant Branch and electronically on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council website WWW.HHWNC.org. 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) 485-1588 or e-mail to [email protected].
1. Call to order and roll call.
2. Secretary – Review and approve prior minutes (vote).
3. Treasurer – Review and approve treasurer’s report and any budget issues (vote).
4. President – Update
5. Vice President – Update
6. MOTION: HHWNC supports placing measure on the May 05 LA City ballot to increase sales tax in the City of Los Angeles 1/2% to fund additional police officers in the City of Los Angeles. Discussion and vote (10 minutes)
7. City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation presentation about the proposed sewer service charges rate increase resulting from the City’s recent landmark settlement to end a six-year clean water lawsuit filed against the City by the EPA, et. al. The presenter will be Reina Pereira, Sanitary Engineer, with the Wastewater Engineering Services Division, and she will be accompanied by Robin Jackson of the Bureau’s Financial Management Division. (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (30 minutes)
8. Discussion of proposed residential project at 6735 Yucca Street. (Possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
9. Community Relations, Outreach and Networking Committee proposed to create a calendar of social gatherings that include parties, mixers, strategic alliances, workshops with guest speakers, workshops with non profits and charities and create a speakers bureau. (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
10. Community Relations, Outreach and Networking Committee proposed to amend the bylaws to include a roll call vote on all budgetary and / or discussion items of controversy. (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
11. Community Relations, Outreach and Networking Committee proposed that there be a revitalization of the web site to make it more user friendly, and that it have numerous information links provided for new members to become easily briefed and familiarized with the HHWNC. (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
12. Community Relations, Outreach and Networking Committee proposed that PowerPoints be created to aid in the successful transitioning of new board members and stakeholders. (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
13. Community Relations, Outreach and Networking Committee proposed that Calendar of Events be approved for the years 2004-2005: 1. Hollywood Stroll / Vince Vitale; 2. Theater, Film & Music Field Trips / Theresa Larkin; 3. Hollywood Blenders (Networking and Mixers) / Theresa Larkin; 4. Neighborhood Speaking Events to Groups and Organizations / Peter D’Alessio; 5. Farmer’s Market Outreach / Lynne Hendel; 6. 12th Night Party / Committee; 7. Regular Posting of HHWNC Calendar of Events at Hollywood/Highland, John Anson Ford Theatre and The Hollywood Bowl. / Erik Lords & Mary Prange (Discussion, possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
14. Discussion of old Duran Library site purchased by LA City Dept. of Sanitation. (5 minutes)
15. Discussion of a Theater Night proposed by Culture resources, entertainment and public events committee. (10 minutes) (Possible vote)
16. Discussion of benefits of a 501(c)(3) foundation. (10 minutes) (Possible motion and vote)
17. Update on beautification project being proposed at intersection of Laurel Canyon, Mulholland, and Woodrow Wilson. (5 minutes)
18. General Comments – Comments from board members on non-agenda items.
19. Public Comments – Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.
20. Adjournment (9PM or earlier).
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.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Hollywood Heritage Museum
2100 N. Highland Ave
Hollywood, CA 90028
Approved GENERAL BOARD MEETING
January 13, 2004
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Dan Bernstein, President called the board meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Present: Dan Bernstein, President; Ossie Cohen, Vice President; Jennifer Alwood, Secretary; John Connolly, Parliamentarian; Charles Alvare, Paul Woolsey, Kenneth Jones, Orrin Feldman, Jeffrey Rouze, Robert Gonzales, Claire Guy, Theresa Larkin, Anthony Deckoff, Paul Ramsey, and Conrad Schoeffter and Frank DeFoe.
Absent: Anastasia Mann, Wilson Bell, Steve Kifer, and Michele Miyakawa.
Excused Absences: Bob Cook, Treasurer; Vince Vitale and Jon Hartmann
2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES
MOTION by Jennifer that the minutes be approved as written
SECOND: Robert
VOTE: Consensus
3. TREASURER’S REPORT
Bob Cooke, treasurer is out of town so report tabled.
4. PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Dan: [item numbers here, correspond to numbers in the packet]Item 4a: Community Relations-Outreach Committee approved a motion “that press releases be sent out for every activity on the HHWNC Calendar of Community Events and other important related activities.” John C: If there is a way to determine what is appropriate for a news release I can arrange to have that done via my staff. I don’t want to determine what will be a news release. Dan: Since this came from Theresa’s committee she will assist you.
Item 4b: Conrad suggested an ad hoc committee to stay on top of the Hollywood Community Plan that is being review at this time. [Conrad, Paul Ramsey. John Connolly and Frank volunteered.] You will not have to go through the Brown Act to meet. Conrad, if you will chair it please. The audience is also welcome to join the committee.
Item 4c: DONE sent us a letter regarding election preparation procedures for our June election. Bob chairs our Election ad hoc committee and it is open to anyone who wants to help. There are some discussions going on in the city that in order to be certified you have to have a certain number of people vote in the election. Our process may have to change; we may need a balloting place to cast votes on a weekday and weekend. Also we may have to break up the terms of the board so that you get elected each year. Area committee reps would serve two years. The issues committee reps are elected each year in June and then even/odd years with officers elected every year. This is for consideration only and these will have to be by-laws changes.
Item 4d: DONE has sent me 3 city parking passes for going downtown to conduct official business. If you need to use one let me know.
(e) For area chairs there are 200 trees are available for planting, see me if you want some.
(f) I will send out an e-mail status report on the Hollywood bungalow project. (g) The website work has been completed and is ready for Beta testing. Jen and I will begin Beta testing tomorrow then will let you know how it works. When they did this they gave us a quote but didn’t realize they had to do some re-design work. We will discuss their extra 12 hours work in the executive committee meeting. John C: Are there additional features on the website that will make it more user-friendly? Dan: We started out with no access for the public. Now if a committee chair wants to send to his members he can do that. They built an override for non-e-mail users. (h) Ossie is not here yet, but the kiosks have been delivered. When they will be ready to be installed is based on the weather.
5. POLICE TAX MEASURE
Dan: On your agenda is the following motion:
MOTION: The HHWNC supports placing a measure on the May 2005 LA City ballot to increase sales tax in the City of Los Angeles.5% to fund additional police officers in the City of Los Angeles.
SECOND: John Connolly
Discussion:
Paul R: Police performance is down; there is a large debt to service and we have lost a lot of business to other cities/states; I am opposed to this motion. Anthony: I am in favor of it because the police are understaffed if you look at other major cities. Whether a sales tax will accomplish it however is up for grabs. Ken: I am not opposed to it, but where is the information that there is a guarantee that they will hire more police with the money? Paul W: Do we have a representative in this room from the police department or fire department to answer how much in revenue will be raised and what they will buy with that revenue? [none] John C: This is following a ballot measure that failed. There is a low lever of police presence because of the low numbers. There is an increased level of professionalism now with Chief Bratton. I am conflicted on this issue. I don’t know if we should ask for a presentation from the Council office since they are in favor of it.
Charles: The sales tax increases have risen steadily, does anyone know when and why they were raised? Dan: L.A. County gets 1% of our sales tax and 7-1/2% goes to the State. Orrin: Sales taxes are aggressive and a poor excuse for balancing the operating budget on the backs of poor lower income citizen who pay disproportionate amounts of tax. To say you will fund the police is an emotional appeal. This is not a good idea. Dan: The No. Hollywood division has 4 patrol cars so there is a need for police. At the election, the City voted in favor of the tax but in the County it failed, so the tax failed on the ballot. Stakeholder: There is a joint safety meeting on January 18, look on the City’s website. Robert: Anything that comes into L.A. the police agree to do. They allow things to go through without the infrastructure to keep pace with accomplishing it. Ken: Maybe a councilman should come and speak to the group; I still don’t know that there is a plan in place to implement it if this passes. Dan: The City Council voted to seek the opinions on the NCs before voting on it. So I put into the agenda a motion to say we are in favor of it.
MOTION by Orrin repeating the above motion.
SECOND: Anthony
VOTE: 3 in favor; 8 against; 3 abstained – motion fails.
6. BUREAU OF SANITATION PRESENTATION
a) Sam Alavi, Civil Engineer and Robin Jackson of the Bureau’s Financial Mgmt Division. [Distributed PowerPoint presentation] Sam went over the handout highlighting what the Sanitation Bureau does, the sewer improvements to be made and their challenges and how they intend to resolve them. The Bureau is asking for a sewer increase of about $1.75 each year, reaching about $30 a month by the end of a five-year period. New rates begin March 2005. Earlier this year the City of L.A. reached a lawsuit settlement agreement with the Santa Monica Baykeepers who sued following the El Nino rainy season of 1998. The settlement terms were a combination of financial penalties and sewer improvements. A list was distributed of public meeting being held during January throughout the city on the recent settlement and rate increase. Written public comment can be submitted to the City Clerk by February 1 and the City Council will hold a public hearing on February 2 at 10 a.m.
b) Frank: I am reading the benefits of the sewer replacement and repairs, but we had to spend so much money on the lawsuit to get this. Sam: That is a good point, but the biggest challenge was upgrading Hyperion. It would be great to repair everything, but that’s billions of dollars. So the City is focusing on wastewater and treatment. Compared to the penalty of the lawsuit this is not much. Paul W: Will all of this involve improvement for water run off for hillside areas, too? Sam: This relates only to sewers, run off is a totally different system.
c) Ken: Is the sewer charge for every gallon that goes in and out of your home? Sam: The water bill has 2 parts; one for water one for sewer. We try to get a measurement of what goes down the sewer in a business and in a home. Ken: This is a meter measurement and the meter is not free; the consumer pays for the install and the reading; the individual property owner will be hit hard. Robin (Sanitation): DWP is our billing agent. The sewer charge is not in gallons but in cubic feet. There is a meter for every payee; it does not measure rain run off. Claire: This is only a meter reading that goes out. You guestimate how much is being used and how much goes into the sewer. Sam: The majority of houses have one meter for water coming in. There is an option to get a sub-meter for water going out. We know how much water we get at the plant and based on models we can estimate what a person uses. Claire: So you have no standard measuring device. You said you would tell us the sites that will be improved, which ones in our area and if they will have anything to do with our particular sewage problems in area 7. Sam: I don’t have that information with me; I will get back to you on the sites.
d) Dan: We have in area 7 a vacant library building that was purchased by the Bureau of Sanitation to be used to take the odor out of the sewer and process it at that site. Can you explain the odor extraction process? Sam: Yes, there are different ways to do this. Claire: Are treatment plants under or above ground? Sam: They are above ground. Ken: Is there something a homeowner can have installed in their home? Robin: You can purchase a sub-meter from DWP for about $300, and then you would have a plumber come out and see if it is feasible for your place. Orrin: A sanitation representative came to Anthony’s meeting explaining that they are not sure if the odor scrubber needs to be above or below ground.
7. DEVELOPMENT AT 6735 YUCCA STREET
Paul Woolsey, Area 3 chair, gave some background on the project along with information in the board packet. John Lee of Afriat consulting and Metro Modern builders is asking for approval of two variances: to raise the height of the building from 60′ to 65′ in order to conceal rooftop equipment and to raise the height of the front security barrier from 3.5′ to 6.5′. This is to be 54 units with 175 parking spaces. It is a former commercial site.
MOTION [in packet] Area 3 is recommending that the board approve the project including support for the two variances requested.
SECOND: Paul Ramsey
Discussion:
John C: It would be beneficial to increase the owner occupied housing in this community. This will add to population density in the neighborhood. If the area committee is satisfied then few objections can be raised here. Anthony: Any designs to show us. Gabriel Talbert, developer: We brought illustrations on the fencing because the community reminded us of the potential for graffiti and vandalism. We came up with new designs and suggestions for the fencing. This is not a barrier circling the building it is about a 28-foot edge fence that leads into an actual interior. John Lee, Consultant: The design is in keeping with the neighborhood but we will get you the plans – they were shown at the area 3 meeting.
Frank: Someone made a comment about wrought iron, which is high maintenance; but something that would provide security and a barrier, maybe with vegetation. How did you handle the low-income housing issue? Gabriel: The Councilmember and CRA said not to have the usual wrought iron fencing because they provide a view onto the balconies. These are condos. They are also larger units ranging from 1500 to 2200 sq. ft.- starting in the high $300,000 and low $400,000. Some are 47 units with 2 bedrooms and 7 units with 3 bedrooms. Some 2 bedrooms have a mezzanine that can be used as another bedroom. The amenities include a pool, community room/gym and sports lounge. Parking is 2-1/2 spaces per unit: two for tenants and 1 for a guest. This is a 5 story building; built by right. We expect to complete work in the next 1-1/2 years.
VOTE: Unanimous – motion passes
8. VICE PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Ossie: I will be meeting with the Elizabeth Peterson Group about a project in Hollywood that involves a free shuttle trolley around Hollywood. It is being financed by local businesses, and the idea is supported by the police, the Chamber, DOT, Universal and NBC. They will be restaurant and bar patrons being shuttled around Hollywood, from 8 p.m to 4:30 a.m. People will park in designated lots and then board the trolleys. The route will loop around Gower to LaBrea and Hollywood to Sunset. The shuttle is free.
Ken: Security issues were to be addressed because of concerns about gangs. Paul W: Elizabeth Peterson will present the plan in our area 3 meeting next month, February 8 at the Yucca Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Claire: Is it only for people attending the clubs? Ossie: I don’t know if it is restricted. Clarie, I will work with you on this. Conrad: There should be signage about parking. Dan: They want people to park at Arc Light. Claire: Elizabeth said they were refurbishing the old red cars from Angels Flight and putting wheels on them.
9. COMMUNITY RELATIONS-OUTREACH COMMITTEE
[See items 9-13 in packet] Theresa explained her committee’s proposals, starting with Item 9. She said that Terry Migliaccio of the CIM Group for Hollywood & Highland wants to host a mixer for NC’s outreach. She wants board approval to move forward.
John C: This seems like excellent committee work, but none of these items need a motion unless it requires an action or money; you don’t need a motion for ideas. Dan: A lot of organizations are doing mixers, like the Chamber, etc. We are an agency of the City, so if we form alliances with businesses it has to be with all of them, not just some. There are some things that we can and can’t do. These ideas need to be tailored to what a NC is. I suggest you contact either the City Attorney’s office or DONE and ask which of these events can we do. Theresa: I have talked to Greg Nelson and Olivia. I want to find out how to get the word out and get our events on the electronic bulletin boards. I want Board approval and will filter things through Dan. Can we go ahead with the party and bring a budget before the board? Dan: Without the treasurer present, I don’t know what we have set aside for outreach. [Open discussion on outreach options, alcoholic beverages, possible cost, type of evening – formal or informal and reason for having mixers.]
Dan: Prioritize what your group wants to do on a timeline and present it at our executive meeting. If it needs money, it will come to the board for final vote. Ramona Kimmell, stakeholder: You talk about various events, and you can’t get information out to people to come to the board meetings. Why can’t there be an e-mail sent out about the meetings each month? Dan: I use 2 email lists; the board list and then an e-mail to everyone who has given us their address, and that’s about 1,000 people. Anthony: I don’t know if that website system is working. Dan: Tomorrow I will send out a message by BOD list and see if you get it. The webmaster re-designed it to work. Ossie: I don’t think we approved for the webmaster to constantly update the website.
Dan: On item 10 the Community Relations committee wants to change the by-laws to include a roll call vote, why? Theresa: Our committee felt there should be a roll call vote on certain items. John C: Any member can request a roll call vote as a motion comes up. Orrin: The original dispute was whether or not the budget should rest with the executive board. Theresa: I withdraw the motion.
10. DURRANT LIBRARY SITE
Anthony: The building has been vacant since the new library opened. Then the Bureau of Sanitation purchased it for a sewer scrubbing facility. They have Councilmember LaBonge’s approval. The Bureau said the design would be low impact and aesthetically appealing; however there would be a consistent hum from the fans. We will keep a close eye on this design process and keep the board informed. Claire: A few months ago Dan asked me to work with LaBonge’s point person on this. The Bureau said there is a man with a private nonprofit who wants to preserve it and create a stage and make it available to the community and the Gardner Street school. Anthony: There was some discussion that Sanitation would preserve the building and build on the parking lot. Dan: Sanitation has already purchased the building. Claire: I understand that Sanitation may still consider the preservation. I suggest we leave it open and allow me to finish the work I began. Dan: Both of you should be working together since the project is in Anthony’s area and you are the chair of infrastructure.
11. THEATRE NIGHT
Ramona Kimmell – stakeholder, committee member: In the absence of Wilson, I am making the report. He set the last week in February or the first week in March, either Saturday or Sunday for the theatre night. We called the West Coast Ensemble Group and they have a list of all the plays and the theatres who are doing something those weekends. He asked what the preference of the board was, drama or comedy. Ossie: Preferably something family oriented. John: The last week in February is the Oscars. Ramona: West Coast is rehearsing the Ballad of Floyd Collins; it is not a happy musical but kids can see it. I know they would want a reception. Do you prefer Saturday night or Sunday matinee? Dan: when you plan this event, the Outreach Committee will help.
501c3 Foundation
Tabled.
12. BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
Orrin: The neighborhood did not like the idea of signs calling attention to the neighborhood and Councilmember LaBonge was ok with it. This is for the project at the intersection of Laurel Canyon, Mulholland and Woodrow Wilson.
Area 8 has had its share of mudslides and crumbing roads with all of the rain. The City departments have been very responsive tour NC requests and to individual calls. Councilmember LaBonge has come through our area as well as his field deputies. The Councilmember wants to create a commission to re-establish the rules for the hillside. I volunteered to work on it. Dan: Orrin received a lot of calls from people because of his outreach and so did I. Orrin has done more in his area by helping people and getting to know his community. We need to start redlining some of curbs to provide easier emergency vehicle access. Ken: Since the Mayor has declared a state of emergency there may be some Federal funds, and this is an opportunity to get some of it. Dan: We need to get our Assemblyman Paul Koretz to come [board agreement].
Thanks to Robert for providing this room at the museum for us.
13. GENERAL COMMENTS
John C: The Hollywood Museum is sponsoring a black history event February 7 throughout the month. Paul W: Area 3 this year voted to support a CUP for a business on Hollywood Blvd although zoning rejected it on the grounds of having no parking and being incapable of fulfilling the other conditions. They have appealed.
NEXT MEETING IS IN MARCH.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted-
Joyce Clarke, PDQ Careers Temp