Meeting Date: 04/16/09 06:30 PM
Meeting Type: Regular
Location: Women’s Club of Hollywood, 1749 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Details:
HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
April 16, 2009
6:30pm
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Directions: South of Franklin and North of Hollywood Blvd. – West side of the street. Accessibility: Building is accessible to the handicapped. Entrance at rear door. Parking: Free Parking is available in the adjacent 5th Christian Science Church parking lot located on 7107 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046. Entrance to parking lot is on La Brea Avenue.
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.
AGENDA
1. Call to order by President (Anastasia Mann)
2. Roll call by Secretary (Bruce Gorelick)
3. Minutes – Review and approve prior January 29, 2009 minutes (see attachment) (Vote)
(5 minutes)
4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann (20 minutes)
a.) Public Official Reports
i.) CD4 – Stacy Marble
ii.) CD5 – Sonia Kwon
iii.) CD 13 – Helen Leung
iv). Other
b.) Executive Committee Meeting Update
c.) NC Ethics Training – Reminder (see attachment)
5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman (5 minutes)
6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer (10 minutes)
a) Update, preparations and discussion for next Fiscal Year’s budget and budget priorities.
7. HHWNC Bylaws Draft presentation and discussion of revisions by Orrin Feldman
8. Universal Studio Development Projects Ad Hoc Committee by Wayne Johansson
a.) Committee Update
b.) METRO Studio@Lankershim development project (Possible Motion and Vote) (see attachment)
9. Dispute Resolution Program presentation by Eva Fisher, Administrative Coordinator, Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney. A community based program providing mediation, conciliation and facilitation services to stakeholders in English and Spanish. The services provided are Free.
10. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power by Greg Bartz
a.) Update
11. Mulholland Bridge Beautification Project by Michael Meyer
a) The Board is requested to approve the concept of paying to help beautify the Mulholland Bridge over the 101 freeway, with an order of magnitude cost estimate of $10,000 to be refined later, and authorizes Michael Meyer to approach the City and Caltrans to discuss and gain approval for such a beautification effort. (Possible motion and vote.)
12. Committee Reports (20 minutes)
a.) AREA COMMITTEES
i.) Area 7 (Cheryl Holland)
aa.) The Board is requested to endorse the Cyclists’ Bill of Rights. (see attachment) (Possible Motion and Vote)
ii.) Area 3 (Paul Woolsey)
aa.) The Area 3 Committee asks the Board to purchase $3,500 worth of uniforms and equipment for a Youth Soccer League at Yucca Center. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
bb.) The Area 3 Committee asks the Board to Purchase $1,000 worth of signage advertising for the Hollywood Farmer’s Market on Ivar and Selma Avenues for the light post banners. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
cc.) The Area 3 Committee asks the Board to take a position opposing changes to the Hillside Ordinances involving changes to the amount of square footage in a given property footprint which can be used in home construction. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
iii.) Other Area Committees
aa.) Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)
b.) ISSUE COMMITTEES
i.) Emergency Services, Police & Fire (Valorie Keegan)
aa.) The Board is requested to approve up to $500.00 for the Neighborhood Watch – Safety Summit for the stakeholders of HHWNC. The date of this event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2009. 7 – 9 PM. The approved monies are to be used for Fliers, Copies – Printed Materials, Location Fee, Refreshments and other possible Event related expenses, including projector rental & internet access card. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
bb.) The Board is requested to approve up to $2,000 toward the purchase of Neighborhood Watch Signs, Sign Installation on existing street posts, including sale tax for HHWNC Areas and Neighborhoods that are or become an LAPD Neighborhood Watch.
1.) All Neighborhood Watch Group sign applications and sign locations will be LAPD and LA-DOT approved prior to ordering and purchasing Neighborhood Watch signs.
2.) Neighborhood Watch Signs will be limited to a maximum of two (2) signs per Neighborhood Watch Group.
3.) Each NW group will be responsible for filling out and submitting their groups sign application.
4.) All HHWNC Neighborhood Watch Signs must and will be ordered and purchased by a City of Los Angeles approved sign and installation company.
5.) These signs will be available to HHWNC Neighborhood Watch Groups "first come – first serve".
(Possible Motion and Vote.)
ii.) Traffic, Public Transportation and Parking (Wayne C. Johansson)
aa.) Committee Update
iii.) Youth Development, Education & Recreational Resources (Deana Ruggieri) and Cultural Resources, Entertainment, Public Events & Networking (Barbara Witkin)
aa.) Presentation by Nyla Arslanian. The Board is requested to approve a $5,000 grant to the Hollywood Arts Council. Proposed allocation of funds as follows:
1.) $3,000 sponsorship to help underwrite expenses for the 24th Annual Children’s Festival of The Arts to be held August 9th at Paramount Pictures an event that draws stakeholders from HHWNC
2.) $2,000 for Project S.O.A.R. After School Art Workshops at two HHWNC schools–Valley View and Gardner that will serve approximately 100 children in each school. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
iv.) Other Issue Committees
aa.) Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)
13. 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.
14. Old Business
15. New Business
16. Adjournment
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.
UNAPPROVED BOARD MEETING MINUTES
April 16, 2009
Women’s Club of Hollywood
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
1. Call to order by President Anastasia Mann, HHWNC president, at 6:48 p.m.
2. Roll call: Anastasia Mann, Orrin Feldman, Michael P. Meyer, Wayne Johansson, Thor Lee,
Paul Ramsey, Valorie Keegan, Barbara Witkin, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Patricia G, Weber, Paul Woolsey, Andy Ulloa, Jarone Johnson Jr., PJ Pesce, Cheryl Holland, Donovan Ryan, and John Pogue.
3. Minutes – (Woolsey/Ramsey) moved to approve the January 29, 2009 board meeting
minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously.
4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann
a.) Public Official Reports
i.) CD 13: Anastasia read a report from CD 13’s Helen Leung who was unable to make it to the meeting. The Department of Transportation has completed posting 600 new traffic signs in Hollywood with new parking meter times and new time allowances for valet parking services. The new time frames will reduce valet services’ parking times. She talked about the website, Navigate Hollywood, which noted that there were more special events in April that required street closures than in any previous years. Anastasia noted that this website sends info on street closures, parking and traffic to one’s cell phone or email. The L.A. Taxi Program has been extended to 2013. This program allows taxi drivers to pick up passengers in Red Zones. The board also discussed the pending street dedication of the first pedestrian alley in Hollywood. It is between Hollywood & Selma and east of Cahuenga.
ii.) CD4 – Councilmember LaBonge and Stacy Marble gave a presentation on traffic issues including repaving Sunset Blvd., parking, speeding, enforcement of speeders, the new parking meter requirements in Hollywood and its affect on the restaurants, handicapped parking, and parking challenges with using MTA. How Fountain Avenue’s safety and traffic flow might be improved also was discussed.
b.) Executive Committee Meeting Update: No report.
c.) NC Ethics Training –Five board members have completed the online Ethics training required by DONE.
5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman – No report.
6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer
a). Michael gave an update on the budget noting available funds of $106,000 with $1,300 available in Petty Cash fund. He stated that the budget year actually started with $153,000 as of July 1, 2008. With the fiscal year about to end June 30, he asked input by the board on any allocations, noting that NCs can now give grants to 501(c) (3) corporations.
Westside Extension of the subway project: Michael spoke about two alternatives being considered by METRO in their proposed stretch through Hollywood: One would be to bring the subway straight out Wilshire while the other would include a connection at Hollywood/ Highland. He recommends the second proposal – with the stop in Hollywood and asked the board to submit their preference for this option at upcoming public meetings or online at: www.metro.net/westside.
7. HHWNC Bylaws Draft, Orrin Feldman stated that HHWNC needs to incorporate some changes to the bylaws. A draft was circulated. He pointed out that one proposed change would be to reduce the number of Issues Committees from nine down to three. These would be: Traffic; EMS; and Outreach, Cultural Affairs/Events. Also, he proposed adding a PLUM Committee. The board would then use more ad hoc committees, instead of standing committees. The proposed bylaws also would provide for new at-large members on the board. Orrin also noted that the bylaws need to spell out grievance procedures and board member removal procedures.
Gracie Liu, from DONE, added that HHWNC would need to approve the Election changeover to the City Clerk. She recommended HHWNC keep intact the 23 board members for the present.
The board discussed DONE’s policies, procedures and timeframes regarding bylaws changes.
8. Universal Studio Development Projects Ad Hoc Committee by Wayne Johansson
a.) Committee Update: Michael Meyer told the board that he had received a ruling from the City Attorney that he has a ‘personal financial interest’ in this project due to his participating on the Communities United for Smart Growth, which is working to help influence the shape of the project. He then recused himself from the discussion. Jennifer also recused herself from this discussion due to her employment with NBC Universal.
Anastasia disclosed to the board her discussions with DONE and the City Attorney’s office the problem with perception of conflict of interest in that the neighborhood council’s mission is to better the community where we all live or work – using real estate as an example. As non-paid volunteers, many neighborhood councils have expressed frustration with this quandary.
Wayne then explained the differences between the two projects being undertaken. Since his Ad Hoc Committee has not received any new information, they did not hold a board meeting.
b.) METRO Studio@Lankershim development project. (Johansson/Ramsey) moved draft motion 8b (see attached). During discussion, several board members had issues with the language. Ultimately, Orrin made a friendly amendment to the language on lines #59 – 61: “encourages Metro developer, the primary tenant, and all our stakeholders to work toward a smaller and less intrusive development project for the MTA site, which maximizes the public and transportation benefit for all our communities while minimizing the obvious detrimental aspects of the project including the impact on Campo de Cahuenga.”
And on line #63, “recognizes, and encourages local government…”
The motion carried 11-0-2 (with two recusals).
9. Dispute Resolution Program Eva Fisher, Administrative Coordinator for the Office of the L.A. City Attorney, asked the board to help promote their free services to stakeholders including mediation for landlord/tenant disputes and other civil cases. They provide services in mediation, conciliation and facilitation in English and Spanish. HHWNC will put a link to them on the website.
10. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Greg Bartz gave an update on different e services now available on DWP’s website, such as a project locator that lets the public see where their crews are working. In May they will hold their budget hearings. He invited the board to attend. They are also holding a Water Workshop to talk to the public about issues with the current water shortage and how it may affect homeowners. He stated that DWP has lost 55 wells in the San Fernando Basin due to contamination and those well contributed 13% of the overall water needs for L.A. residents. They want the public to help with this by voluntarily taking measures to conserve. We are looking at a 15% water reduction allocation. He identified DWP’s 5 major initiatives as storm water capture, water conservation, water recycling, groundwater cleanup and increasing groundwater storage. They are now employing clean up technologies to recharge groundwater storage areas and also trying to capture water before it goes into the groundwater supply. He then answered questions by board members.
Orrin took over the meeting from Anastasia at this point taking it to completion.
11. Mulholland Bridge Beautification Project: Michael Meyer spoke to the board about approving ‘in concept’ efforts to help beautify the Mulholland Bridge over the 101 freeway, with an order of magnitude cost estimate of $10,000 to be refined later. His motion would authorize HHWNC to appoint Michael to approach the City and Caltrans to discuss and gain approval for such a beautification effort. The motion was not voted on but Michael will contact CalTrans to speak with them about this project as well as efforts to revitalize the Pilgrimage Bridge.
12. Committee Reports
a.) AREA COMMITTEES
i.) Area 7 (Holland/Meyer) moved that HHWNC endorse the Cyclists’ Bill of Rights. (see attachment). Cheryl noted that the City of L.A. and several NCs have endorsed this motion, which is symbolic in nature. It would help establish the value of riding bicycles and possibly help with the future establishment of biking facilities. The board discussed the pros and cons of this motion. Some felt it encouraged biking arrogance, and others questioned how this motion might affect motorists. Cheryl withdrew her motion to consider language changes.
ii.) Area 3 (Paul Woolsey)
aa.) (Woolsey/Ramsey) moved that Area 3 Committee ask the Board to purchase $3,500 worth of uniforms and equipment for a Youth Soccer League at Yucca Center. He tabled this motion after it was noted that the representative for the organization named did not show up either at the committee or board meetings.
bb.) (Woolsey/______) The Area 3 Committee asks the Board to purchase $1,000 worth of signage advertising for the Hollywood Farmer’s Market on Ivar and Selma Avenues for the light post banners. It was noted that this is outside of the HHWNC area. Several board members did not feel this was a good project for HHWNC to contribute its budget monies to. The motion failed 6-5-0. (Matthew Bachler represented the Farmer’s Market).
cc.) (Woolsey/Ramsey) moved that the Area 3 Committee asks the Board to take a position opposing changes to the Hillside Ordinances involving changes to the amount of square footage in a given property footprint which can be used in home construction.
Paul Ramsey reported that he attended City Planning meeting on this ordinance but found the ordinance very unclear and complex, especially in regards to its effect on older, historic communities. Paul suggested in his motion that City Planning further study the architectural affect of this proposed ordinance on numerous hillside neighborhoods and also study the economic affects of this ordinance, as he believes it would stop most future hillside construction. Orrin suggested that Paul table this motion since it was not given proper posting times to alert the public to this discussion. The motion was tabled until the next meeting.
b.) ISSUE COMMITTEES
i.) Emergency Services, Police & Fire
aa.) (Keegan/Johansson) moved that HHWNC approve up to $500.00 for the Neighborhood Watch – Safety Summit for the stakeholders of HHWNC scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2009. 7 – 9 PM. The approved monies are to be used for Fliers, Copies – Printed Materials, Location Fee, Refreshments and other possible Event related expenses, including projector rental & internet access card. The vote carried unanimously.
bb.) (Keegan/Holland) moved that HHWNC approve up to $2,000 toward the purchase of Neighborhood Watch Signs, Sign Installation on existing street posts, including sales tax for HHWNC Areas and Neighborhoods that are or become an LAPD Neighborhood Watch.
1.) All Neighborhood Watch Group sign applications and sign locations will be LAPD and LA-DOT approved prior to ordering and purchasing Neighborhood Watch signs.
2.) Neighborhood Watch Signs will be limited to a maximum of two (2) signs per Neighborhood Watch Group.
3.) Each NW group’s will be responsible for filling out and submitting their groups sign application.
4.) All HHWNC Neighborhood Watch Signs must and will be ordered and purchased by a City of Los Angeles approved sign and installation company.
5.) These signs will be available to HHWNC Neighborhood Watch Groups "first come – first serve basis."
The motion carried unanimously.
13. Meeting Adjourned: 9:41 p.m.
Minutes by Pat Kramer, Apple One