Meeting Date: 05/25/06 06:30 PM
Meeting Type: Regular
Location: Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 North La Brea Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046
Details: HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
MAY 25, 2006 6:30 PM
Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 North La Brea Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046
Free parking in back of building; Disabled entrance at back door closest to parking area next to disabled parking spot.
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) 485-1588 or e-mail to [email protected].
1. Call to order by President Mann and roll call by Secretary Fitzgerald
2. Minutes – Review and approve prior March 21, 2006 minutes (please see attachment) (Vote) (5 minutes).
3. Area 6 Chair: Nominate, discuss and vote for vacant Area 6 Chair position. (Vote) (5 minutes)
a) See attached candidate letter
4. President’s Report:
a.) Update: Neighborhood Council Stakeholder/Outreach Event/Hollywood & Highland party on Thursday, June 22. (Budget attached) (Possible motion and vote) (5 minutes).
b) Grievance filings- Procedure questions. (2 minutes)
c.) Website – email issues – (2 minutes)
4. Public Comments – Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to 2 minutes per speaker. Comments on agenda items will be taken at presentation of the item. Maximum limit: 2 minutes per speaker.
5. Treasurer’s Report (Possible motion and vote) (5 minutes).
a.) Update: Revised report from DONE regarding expenditures up through the end of 2005. (attached)
6. Area and Issue Committee Reports (60 minutes)
a.) Environment, Beautification, Preservation and Aesthetics Committee
i.) Update on progress of illegal newsrack issue (5 minutes)
ii.) Brief presentation by Jean Barrett regarding Coalition to Preserve Open Reservoirs (CPOR) (please see attachment) (5 minutes)
iii.) MOTION: That HHWNC vote in favor of the following:
aa.) To support and endorse the continuation of the long-standing working relationship between CPOR and LADWP for the betterment of the Hollywood communities.
bb.) Authorize an appointed HHWNC Board representative to work with CPOR and LADWP to finalize the Common MOU and the Hollywood MOU as they exist as of April, 2006.
cc.) Ask the HHWNC Board representative and CPOR representatives to report back to the Board not less frequently than semi-annually until such time as they present final drafts of the Common MOU and the Hollywood MOU for the consideration of the HHWNC Board. The appropriate approvals of the respective homeowner associations shall first be obtained.
dd.) Affirm support for the continuation of the mediation process that will enable the CPOR representatives and LADWP to complete the two agreements.
(Vote) (5 minutes)
b.) Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee:
i.) Report on co-operation from the council offices to change the timing for HHWNC to integrate with the Council Office Design Review Committee (DRC)- Zoning Administrator, Tract Map and other hearings. Case: DS Ventures Yucca/McCadden received their Tract Map approval in March before HHWNC and DRC approvals, and ongoing processing. (Possible motion and vote) (3 minutes)
c.) EMS Committee:
i.) On May 16th, 2006 the HHWNC Emergency Services, Police and Fire Issue Committee voted to support a motion requesting the following:
MOTION: The HHWNC recommend that hillside residents support and cooperate with the Los Angeles Fire Dept’s requested cooperation in implementing the Fire Dept’s requirements on Red Flag no parking days as a means to help prevent and mitigate brush fires from causing damage to lives and property. (Vote) (5 minutes).
d.) Area 5 Committee:
i) Review of Response from DWP to correspondence re Outpost Dive (attached) (2 minutes)
e.) Area 7 Committee:
i.) MOTION: That HHWNC recommend to the City that the commercial zoning on Sunset Blvd, between Stanley and Fairfax, change from current zoning of C1-1VL to C1-1XL. This zoning change is proposed for this portion of Sunset [Stanley west to Fairfax] in order to make it more compatible with the zoning on Sunset from Fairfax west to Crescent Heights and from Stanley east to La Brea. Additionally, this zoning change is commercial/neighborhood-friendly and is suitable for protecting the immediately adjacent historic neighborhoods of Spaulding Square and Sunset Square. (Vote) (5 minutes)
ii.) MOTION: That HHWNC recommend to City that they reinstate residential streets in Area 7 currently containing 50% or more single family homes and which is currently zoned R D1.5 or R3 to a single family zone. (Vote) (5 minutes)
iii.) MOTION: That HHWNC designate funds from HHWNC budget to be used for two modern style [gooseneck] street lights for the 1600 block of N. Vista Avenue. (Vote) (5 minutes)
iv.) Madrone Development: Presentation by Phil Simmons, Laing Urban, on status of mixed -use condominium project, located on La Brea Ave. just south of Hollywood Blvd. (10 minutes maximum)
f.) Youth Development, Education and Recreational Resources:
i.) CosmiKids Discovery Tour 2006: Presentation by Judy Julin, CEO (please see attached press release) (5 minutes)
ii.) DOT Tour: Update
g.) Area 1 Committee:
On May 15, 2006, a joint committee meeting was held between the Area 1, the Environment, Beautification, and Aesthetics Committee, the Housing and Human Services, Business Development, Planning and Support Committee, and the Traffic, Public Transportation and Parking Committee. Following a community survey, a detailed agenda was prepared to address residents concerns on proposed development at NBC Universal, Oakwood, Barham property, Cahuenga Peak, Parcel A, and Barham Boulevard. A comprehensive set of motions was passed to reflect the concerns and recommendations of Area 1 residents:
i.) NBC Universal Expansion Project (Possible motion & vote) (10 minutes): Following a discussion of the proposed NBC-Universal Expansion Project, the committees did not have sufficient information at this time to take a position on the overall project. However, the committees voted to support the following recommendations as a minimum threshold, requesting they be taken into consideration in the proposed design of the project:
aa.) The project should plan to accommodate the anticipated major traffic increase by building a road to take traffic from Forest Lawn, through the project, to the 101 Freeway, with both North and South access to the Freeway.
Measures should be taken to shield the adjoining Manor community (especially Blair Drive) from negative visual and sound impacts created by this new road. The road should be built as far as possible from the existing residential community.
bb.) Barham Boulevard should be beautified through landscaping, streetscape, widening improvements, sidewalks, and the possibility of planted medians.
cc.) A significant landscape buffer should be created between the Manor community and the new proposed development.
dd.) The new development should be subject to a height restriction to prevent blocking existing views from the Manor community. Residents object to the construction of high-rise buildings.
ee.) Effective noise mitigation measures should be implemented to shield adjacent communities from ongoing production, entertainment, parking, trash trucks, traffic and construction noise.
ff.) The 11 foot chain-link fence with barbed wire separating the Manor from NBC/Universal Studios should be removed and replaced by a more discreet and esthetically pleasing fence set back downhill from Blair Drive.
gg.) NBC Universal should conduct an in-depth study of development impact on wildlife and determine if the proposed landscape buffer offers sufficient protection.
hh.) No public roads and traffic should connect the new development with the Manor community since narrow Manor streets and congested Barham Boulevard cannot accommodate the additional load. For safety reasons, Manor residents strongly object to City Walk visitors having any access to adjacent residential communities.
jj.) The design of new development should be esthetically compatible with the Manor and the Knolls communities.
ii.) Parcel A (Possible motion & vote) (5 minutes): The Committees discussed the future of the Parcel A property next to Lake Hollywood and passed the following MOTION: The portion of Parcel A not needed by LADWP should be divided into two sections. One section shall be maintained as passive open space and wildlife corridor. The other section should be transferred to the Los Angeles Fire Department for the construction of a Fire Department facility.
iii.) Upzoning of Barham Blvd. In the Hollywood Community Plan Update (Possible motion & vote) (5 minutes): The committees voted to oppose the proposed upzoning of Barham in the Hollywood Community Plan Update.
8. Election Ad Hoc Committee:
a.) Update on draft Election Procedures for October 2006 by Michael Meyer (attached) (Possible motion and vote) (10 minutes)
b.) MOTION: That HHWNC approve the Draft Election Procedures, as drafted by the Election Committee, and authorize the Committee to submit them to DONE for review and comment. Further authorize the Election Committee to revise and finalize the Draft Election Procedures, if necessary, based on comments received from DONE, without returning to the full HHWNC Board, in order to meet the election schedule which requires the procedures to be approved by DONE by July 23, 2006 in order to hold an October 21, 2006 election. (Vote) (5 minutes)
9. Community Impact Statement Ad Hoc Committee:
a.) DRAFT Community Impact Statement (CIS):
“The Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council objects to many of the Planning Department’s recommended zoning changes to the Hollywood Community Plan. Some of the recommendations as to where to put more density seem incompatible with the neighborhood(s). There are other recommendations which should be coupled with transportation mitigation through a City commitment to devote significant public resources to maintaining roads in good repair, improving traffic flow on arterial streets, providing more parking and expanding public transit options. Unless the City plans to improve how we move about Hollywood, increased density’s impact will be more residents and visitors with increased congestion.”
(Possible motion and vote) (5 minutes)
10. NC’s 912 Commission:
MOTION: That HHWNC support an appointment of the President as the delegate to the Central Region’s Neighborhood Council’s Caucus, and to authorize the President to have full discretion to vote on behalf of HHWNC with regard to the selection of the region’s nominees to the Mayor for his selection(s) to the 912 commission. (Please see attachment) (Vote) (5 minutes)
11. Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) Event:
MOTION by Executive Committee: That HHWNC approve $1,000 to be spent for outreach at the HBT event, which would include 2 tickets and one table top Outreach are for HHWNC. (Vote) (5 minutes)
12. Board Member Comments: old business/non-agenda items (1 minute per member)
13. Adjournment (8 p.m. 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 Board Meeting
Unapproved Minutes
May 25th, 2006
Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 N. LaBrea Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046
1. Call to Order by President Anastasia Mann (6:37 p.m.). Roll Call by Secretary Jennifer Fitzgerald: 20 Board Members present: Anastasia Mann, Orrin Feldman, Ellen Sondheim, Gary Nestra, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Paul Ramsey, Joan Luchs, Paul Woolsey, Michael Meyer, Cheryl Holland, Ken Jones, John Pogue, Thor Lee, Rena Dheming, Anne Marie Lardeau, Frank DeFoe, Claire Guy, Dennis Lytton, Jarone Johnson and Steve Howard. Quorum established. (Absent were: Conrad Schoeffter, Jim Meinel, and Theresa Larkin.)
2. Minutes approved for March 21st, 2006: Claire Guy moved to approve the March 21, 2006 minutes as amended at this meeting. (Frank DeFoe seconded). Motion passed unanimously. (please see amended minutes attachment).
3. Nomination of Steve Howard as Area 6 Chair: Frank DeFoe moved to nominate Steve Howard as Area 6 Chair (Paul Ramsey seconded). Motion passed unanimously.
4. CD4 Report: Rory Fitzpatrick, Chief Field Deputy to CD 4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge, reported on the “party house” motion underway with the Planning Department, which will focus on public safety. He also reviewed a City motion to pay for 37 park rangers. A fulltime ranger has been assigned to Runyan Canyon, Park Ranger Patrick Joyce. Rory would be glad to bring/invite Ranger Joyce to an upcoming HHWNC meeting.
5. President’s Report:
o President Mann asked everyone to complete the Community Feedback Survey regarding sanitation.
o Reviewed plans for the June 22nd Neighborhood Council Stakeholder Outreach Event to be held at Hollywood & Highland: “Splash Bash – Stakeholder Extravaganza.” This party will be put on in conjunction with HHWNC, Central Hollywood NC, Hollywood United NC and the Hollywood & Highland retail complex. Of the $60,000 budget, $17,500 will be provided by the HHWNC. Dennis Lytton moved to approve $2,500 in supplemental funds to cover other possible unknown expenses, not limited to photography, videography expenses, outreach materials, etc. (Frank DeFoe seconded). The motion passed unanimously.
o Grievance fillings: Frank DeFoe asked a procedural question on this issue. President Mann reviewed DONE’s recommendation.
o Website: President Mann suggested the HHWNC website be made more user-friendly for stakeholders.
o Business Cards: She asked the Board to help with getting business cards made. Cheryl Holland and Michael Meyer volunteered to be on the Business Card ad hoc committee. Michael will also serve on the Website ad hoc committee.
6. Public Comments: The Board reviewed.
7. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Gary Nestra reviewed the revised report from DONE regarding expenditures through the end of 2005. President Mann reviewed that each NC’s treasurer is supposed to submit an audit report. However, with the exit of the previous HHWNC treasurer no audit report was submitted. The remaining rollover funds are $102,000. On July 1, HHWNC will receive an additional $50,000 in allocated funding.
8. Committee Reports:
a. Environment, Beautification, Preservation and Aesthetics Committee
1. Anne Marie Lardeau said she had productive meeting regarding the illegal news rack issues.
2. Jean Barrett of the Coalition to Preserve Open Reservoirs gave a presentation on her recent meeting with the Dept. of Water and Power regarding Lake Hollywood, which DWP had proposed covering. She asked the Board to support their mediation process with DWP and to appoint a Board liaison to her group. Motion: Paul Ramsey moved (seconded by Frank DeFoe) to appoint Anne Marie Lardeau as the HHNNC Board liaison for the Coalition. The motion was approved unanimously.
3. Motions: The Environment, Beautification, Preservation and Aesthetics Committee moved that the following four motions be passed. (Orrin Feldman seconded). All four motions were unanimously approved:
a. “That the HHWNC vote in favor of supporting and endorsing the continuation of the long-standing working relationship between CPOR and LADWP for the betterment of Hollywood communities.
b. “Authorize an appointed HHWNC Board representative to work with CPOR and LAWDWP to finalize the Common MOU and the Hollywood MOU as they exist as of April 2006. Amendment approved to appoint Anne Marie Lardeau as the HHWNC representative.
c. “Ask the HHWNC Board rep and CPOR reps to report back to the Board not less frequently than semi annually until such time as they present final drafts of the Common MOU and the Hollywood MOU for the consideration of the HHWNC Board. The appropriate approvals of the respective homeowner associations shall first be obtained.
d. “Affirm support for the continuation of the mediation process that will enable the CPOR reps and the LADWP to complete the two agreements.”
b. Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee: Frank DeFoe gave a report.
c. EMS Committee:
1. Rena Dheming reported on Red Flag No Parking Day (www.lafd.org, “Red Flag”)- an ordinance created by the L.A. Fire Department to prohibit parking in posted neighborhoods when sustained winds are at 25 mph and humidity is up to 15%- for the purpose of fire fighting efforts and residents’ safety. A presentation was made by Fire Chief Stormes. Rena presented the motion (seconded by Paul Woolsey)- “That the HHWNC recommend that the hillside residents support and cooperate with the L.A. Fire Department’s requested cooperation in implementing the Fire Dept. requirements on Red Flag no parking days as a means to help prevent and mitigate brush fires from causing damage to lives and property.” A discussion ensured regarding the role of area chairs in educating stakeholders and receiving direct input from them. The Board voted in favor of the motion with a vote of: 7 for, 5 opposed, and 6 abstentions.
d. Area 7 Committee:
1. Motion: Cheryl Holland moved (seconded by Claire Guy)- “That HHWNC recommends to the City that the commercial zooming on Sunset Blvd. between Stanley and Fairfax change from current zoning of C1-1VL to C1-1XL. This zoning change is proposed for this portion of Sunset (Stanley west to Fairfax) in order to make it more compatible with the zoning on Sunset from Fairfax west to Crescent Heights and from Stanley east to LaBrea. Additionally, this zoning change is commercial/neighborhood – friendly, is suitable for protecting the immediately adjacent historic neighborhoods of Spaulding Square and Sunset Square and for creating a consistent height corridor.” The motion passed unanimously.
2. Motion was withdrawn: “That HHWNC recommend to the City that they reinstate residential streets in Area 7 currently containing 50% or more single family homes and which is currently zoned R D1.5 or R3 to a single family zone.”
3. Motion tabled: Cheryl Holland moved (seconded by Claire Guy) “That HHWNC designate funds from HHWNC budget to be used for two modern style (gooseneck) street lights for the 1600 block of N. Vista Avenue.” Cheryl said she would return to the Board with pricing on different styles of streetlights.
4. Phil Simmons of Madrone Development updated the Board on plans for 1633 N. La Brea (south of Hollywood Blvd.). The complex will have retail and 180 residential units with 465 parking spaces on a two-acre site. Excavation will start in the next 2 – 3 weeks.
e. (Return to previous agenda item). Area 5 Committee
Michael Meyer reviewed the response from DWP to correspondence about the Outpost Drive Water Line Replacement.
9. Erik Sanjurjo, Field Deputy from CD4.
Eric reported on the transportation bond for street resurfacing for mountain roads and provided updates on the recent Highland/Franklin Task Force meeting. Work is scheduled to start June 15th and continue through November. Other improvements will include left turn signs on Highland at: Sunset Blvd.- Santa Monica Blvd.- and Hollywood Blvd. He invited the Board to attend an upcoming meeting June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Mt. Hollywood Observatory.
f. Youth Development: Hollywood & Highland:
1. Jarone Johnson introduced Judy Julin of CosmiKids Discovery Tour 2006, a business in Hollywood & Highland. Judy gave a presentation on her company and their educational mission.
2. Jarone reported on the DOT tour. He told the Board he wants to send a follow up letter on problem areas and will take pictures of traffic problems prior to the next Board meeting.
g. Area 1 Committee:
1. Motion: Paul Ramsey reported on actions resulting from a joint committee meeting held on May 15, 2006 between several affiliations of the Board.
Following a discussion of the proposed NBC-Universal Expansion Project, the committees did not have sufficient information at this time to take a position on the overall project. However, the committees voted to support the following recommendations as a minimum threshold, requesting they be taken into consideration in the proposed design of the project:
(aa) The project should plan to accommodate the anticipated major traffic increase by building a road to take traffic from Forest Lawn, through the project, to the 101 Freeway, with both North and South access to the Freeway.
Measures should be taken to shield the adjoining Manor community (especially Blair Drive) from negative visual and sound impacts created by this new road. The road should be built as far as possible from the existing residential community.
(bb) Barham Boulevard should be beautified through landscaping, streetscape, widening improvements, sidewalks, and the possibility of planted medians.
(cc) A significant landscape buffer should be created between the Manor community and the new proposed development.
(dd) The new development should be subject to a height restriction to avoid blocking existing views from the Manor community. Residents object to the construction of high-rise buildings.
(ee) Effective noise mitigation measures should be implemented to shield adjacent communities from ongoing production, entertainment, parking, trash trucks, traffic and construction noise.
(ff) The 11 foot chain-link fence with barbed wire separating the Manor from NBC/Universal Studios should be removed and replaced by a more discreet and esthetically pleasing fence set back downhill from Blair Drive.
(gg) NBC/Universal should conduct an in-depth study of development impact on wildlife and determine if the proposed landscape buffer offers sufficient protection.
(hh) No public roads and traffic should connect the new development with the Manor community since narrow Manor streets and congested Barham Boulevard cannot accommodate the additional load. For safety reasons, Manor residents strongly object to City Walk visitors having any access to adjacent residential communities.
(jj) The design of new development should be esthetically compatible with the Manor and the Knolls communities.
Motion: Paul moved that the HHWNC approve a motion on the NBC Expansion Project, as amended. (Joan Luchs seconded). The Board approved the motion with a vote of 18 for, 1 abstention.
2. Motion: Parcel A: Paul Ramsey moved (seconded by Rena Dheming) that, “The portion of Parcel A, not needed by LAPWP, should be divided into two sections. One section shall be maintained as passive open space and wildlife corridor. [The other section should be transferred to the Los Angeles Fire Department for the construction of a Fire Department facility]” Joan Luchs proposed deleting the bracketed sentence. Orrin Feldman seconded her amendment. The amendment passed with a vote of: 9 for, 8 opposed, 2 abstentions. The amended motion was then approved with a vote of: 15 for, 4 opposed, 2 abstentions.
3. Motion: Upzoning of Barham Blvd. in the Hollywood Community Plan Update. Paul Ramsey moved (seconded by Joan Luchs) that “The committees voted to oppose the proposed upzoning of Barham in the Hollywood Community Plan Update.” The Board approved this motion with a vote of: 15 for, 0 opposed, 4 abstentions.
10. Election Ad Hoc Committee
Michael Meyer reported on the first draft of Election Procedures, due to DONE by June 3rd with the second draft due July 13th. Michael moved for approval of the draft of election procedures to DONE. (Paul Ramsey seconded). During discussion, the Board amended the draft to include:
a. Voting in Spanish and Russian languages in addition to English
b. Self affirmation to authenticate voters
c. Email voting
d. Expanding the voting to two days: a weekday and a weekend day on paper ballots.
Michael then moved to accept the amended draft of Election Procedures (John Pogue seconded). The motion passed unanimously.
11. Community Impact Statement Ad Hoc Committee: Draft CIS
Motion: Dennis Lytton moved (Joan Luchs seconded) that “The Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council objects to many of the Planning Department’s recommended zoning changes to the Hollywood Community Plan. Some of the recommendations as to where to put more density seem incompatible with our neighborhood(s). There are other recommendations which should be coupled with transportation mitigation through a City commitment to devote significant public resources to maintaining roads in good repair, improving traffic flow on arterial streets, providing more parking and expanding public transit options. Unless the City plans to improve how we move about Hollywood, increased density’s impact will be more residents and visitors with increased congestion.”
The motion passed unanimously.
12. 912 commission. Orrin Feldman moved to nominate HHWNC President Anastasia Mann as the representative to the City’s 912 Commission with Orrin Feldman as the back up. The motion passed unanimously.
13. Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) Event:
Motion: The Executive Committee moved (Jennifer Fitzgerald seconded) “That the HHWNC approve $1,000 to be spent for outreach at the HBT event which would include 2 tickets and one table top rep from HHWNC.”
Jennifer Fitzgerald volunteered to attend the June 13th event at Paramount Pictures with Steve Howard. The motion passed unanimously.
14. Board Comments:
Jennifer Fitzgerald introduced Pat Kramer, minutes – taker from Apple One.
15. Motion to Adjourn: Ken Jones made the motion (seconded by Joan Luchs). Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
– Minutes prepared by Pat Kramer, Apple One –