Meeting Date: 07/22/08 06:30 PM
Meeting Type: Regular
Location: Women’s Club of Hollywood
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: Parking is available in a free off-street parking lot behind the building.
Details: HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
July 22, 2008
6:30pm
Women’s Club of Hollywood
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Agenda, Unapproved Minutes, James Mitchell
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].
In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting may be obtained at the meeting and also viewed at our Office located at 1755 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028, Executive Offices. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda please contact Peggy Sun at 323.856.1214.
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 May 27, 2008 minutes (Please see attached) (Vote) (5 minutes)
4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann (20 minutes)
a.) Public Official Reports
i.) CD4
ii.) CD5
iii). Other
b.) Executive Committee Meeting Update
c.) Summer Block Party at H&H. Recap
d.) HHWNC Open Area Chair Election Vote (see attachments)
i.) Area 6 Chair Position is Open
aa.) James Mitchell
bb.) PJ Pesce
cc.) Richard L. Barrow
5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman (5 minutes)
a.) Update of By Law Ad Hoc Committee
b.) NBC-Universal Working Group Update Report on upcoming Town Hall event, formation of a
501(c) 4 organization and the extent of our involvement as a neighborhood council
6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer (5 minutes)
7. NBC Universal Vision Ad Hoc Committee (Wayne C Johansson)
a.) Committee Update Summary of July 14, 2008 Meeting with Thomas Properties Group, Inc Universal Metro Project
-Traffic Mitigation for each Phase must be completed prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for the respective Phase. Summary of Traffic Mitigation:
1. 34 intersection improvements (timing, turn signal arrows, turn lanes, etc.)
2. Funding of transit bus line from I405 along Ventura Blvd to project.
3. US101 on/off ramps (Phase II)
-Thomas Properties Group, Inc. will fund $35 million in traffic mitigation with appropriate jurisdiction overseeing construction management
-Phase I, "Site A" high rise 2nd conceptual option that allows additional open space around and "frames" Campo de Cahuenga historical site.
-Phase II, "Site C" may be one of two proposals:
4. Option 1: 24 Story Office Building (18 story office & 6 story parking garage 357 ft tall)
5. Option 2: 34 Story Hotel / Condo (approximately 100 ft taller than Option 1)
-Phase I parking ratios (parking stalls to square footage) increased
-Anticipated Construction Timelines
6. Phase I 2009 to 2012
7. Phase II 2012 to 2015
-Draft EIR anticipated to be released in early August. Thomas Properties Group, Inc. would like a 45-day comment period
b.) The HHWNC Board is requested to approve a sum not to exceed $800.00 to be appropriated to purchase copies of the screen check draft EIR for the Universal Metro project from the City of Los Angeles Records Department. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
c.) The HHWNC Board is requested to hold at least one joint committee meeting within 30 days of the release of Universal Metro Project Draft EIR for community review and discussion of the project draft EIR. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
d.) The HHWNC Ad Hoc feels the City’s standard review period of 30 days for draft EIRs is too brief to provide adequate comment for a project of such scope and significance as the Universal Metro Project. The HHWNC Ad Hoc requests the HHWNC Board asks Council Member Tom LaBonge to request an extension of the review period to a minimum of 90 days. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
8. Committee Reports (20 minutes)
a.) ISSUE COMMITTEES
i.) Emergency Services, Police & Fire (Valorie Keegan)
aa.) Committee Update Report and Announcements.
ii.) Other Issue Committees
aa.) Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)
b.) AREA COMMITTEES
i.) Area 3 (Paul Woolsey)
aa.) The Board is requested to recommend to Council Offices of Districts 4 and 13 that steps be taken to improve and increase the parking supply in the Hollywood Business District possibly including construction of structures such as the one currently used on Cherokee Avenue and that developers be encouraged to provide as much parking for their projects as reasonably possible to code and that no developer willing and able to do so be discouraged from providing parking beyond code requirements. (Possible Motion and Vote.)
ii.) Other Area Committees
aa.) Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)
9. 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.
10. Old Business
11. New Business
12. 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.
Agenda, Unapproved Minutes, James Mitchell
HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING MINUTES: July 22, 2008
Women’s Club of Hollywood
1749 North La Brea Avenue, L.A.- CA 90046
1. Call to order by HHWNC President Anastasia Mann at 6:45.
2. Roll Call by Secretary Bruce Gorelick: Anastasia Mann, Orrin Feldman, Bruce Gorelick, Michael Meyer, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Wayne Johansson, Deanna Ruggieri, Valorie Keegan, Paul Ramsey, Wendy Kneedler – Senior, Barbara Witkin, Terry Migliaccio, Jarone Johnson, Daniel Savage, Patricia Weber, Paul Woolsey, Andy Ulloa, Cheryl Holland, Donovan Ryan, John Pogue. Thor Lee and Paul Ramsey arrived later. Absent: Claire Guy. Quorum established.
3. Approval of Minutes for May 27, 2008: (Feldman/Kneedler-Senior) The motion carried.
4. President’s Report: Anastasia announced that the election would take place after the CD
Reports. Candidates running for Area 6 Chair named: James Mitchell, PJ Pesce and Richard Barrow. Another candidate, Maria withdrew her candidacy.
CD4: Sharon Shapiro, representing Stacy Marble, gave the report. She brought copies of Tom LaBonge’s motion for the creation of a walkway on Cahuenga Pass. There is a 2.5-mile bike ride sponsored by CD4 every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. The routes will change each week through the end of August. Board member/Treasurer, Michael Meyer inquired about writing on the streets. Sharon said the markings indicate locations for sewage line repairs and repiping. Orrin added to her report saying there was a class action lawsuit that was settled previously that allows for sewage line improvements all the way to the beach.
CD5: No report
CD13: (Later in the meeting)
– Executive Committee Meeting update: No report.
– Summer Block Party at Hollywood & Highland: (Covered in Outreach report).
– HHWNC received the Presidents USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Service Award for 2007. Anastasia told the board that those who served in 2007 would receive certificates and pins for their service. These were distributed during the meeting.
– Ranger Peter Steur of the LA Park Ranger Association stated that the Park Ranger’s Association budget was restored by the City Council and thanked the Board for their support.
5. HHWNC Open Area Chair election vote (Nichols Canyon/Wattles/Runyon Canyon): Candidates James Mitchell and PJ Pesce gave their candidate statements, while Anastasia read Richard Barrow’s statement in his absence. Ballots were then distributed for voting.
Additional news from the president: Anastasia announced Area 6 news: There will be a meeting held at City Hall on Runyon Canyon parking on Wed.- July 30th at 1:15 p.m. to consider a CA Environmental Quality Act appeal. The City Council will also consider this appeal on Tues. Aug 12 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber room at City Hall. Comments can be submitted in writing.
6. Treasurer’s Report, Michael Meyer: Gave a report on the status of the budget July 1st, 2008: $153,500. Monies designated for various expenses amounts to $41,459 with $112,000 in the treasury that is not committed. He has received six deductions from Apple One that go back to previous minute takers. He is going to challenge these. He suggested listing the donations HHWNC has made for the community on the HHWNC website. Michael has received acknowledgement from DONE of their budget for 2008/2009. He asked board members to submit resolutions that the board passed when they submit their invoices to him.
CD13, Helen Leung (Eric Garcetti’s office): She gave an update on efforts to resolve traffic congestion in Hollywood, efforts to fundraise to renovate and restore the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the tragic pedestrian accident where a speeding drunk driver killed two children. The Chamber of Commerce is administering a memorial fund.
Anastasia congratulated Norma Vega, in her absence, and the Mayor on the Mayor’s Community Day and talked about the volunteer work that took place.
Anastasia announced election result: PJ Pesce is the new Area 6 chairperson and board member of HHWNC. Mr. Pesce was asked to join the Board by sitting at the Board table. James Mitchell was thanked for his participation and the Board expressed that he would stay involved.
7. ISSUES COMMITTEES:
Emergency Services, Police & Fire: Valorie Keegan announced plans for an emergency preparedness evacuation drill on Sat. Sept 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hollywood area. The City will be shutting down Nichols Canyon for this emergency mock drill. The effort is being orchestrated by a combined force of LA Fire, LAPD, DOT, Red Cross, Emergency Management Dept.- FEMA, Animal Services and the Mayor’s office.
Orrin pointed out reasons why this evacuation will be helpful – to find out how to help those who don’t have cars, who have pets, or handicapped individuals.
Outreach Report: Terry Migliaccio, Summer Block Party at Hollywood & Highland Party drew approximately 900 participants from which HHWNC gained 265 more stakeholders. The Board thanked Terry and CIM Group with an ovation for hosting this event.
Bylaws Committee, Orrin Feldman: Orrin explained that HHWNC needs to change its bylaws to reflect the City Clerk’s running of the next election in 2010. The board had the option to hold an independent election before that time but voted not to do so. The bylaws committee is also looking at the number of existing Issue Committees, some of which don’t meet regularly. His idea is to keep a couple of the active Issues Committees: Outreach, Traffic and Transportation, and EMS. Right now, they are exploring what to do with the other Issue Committees. Another idea they are exploring is to have a floating Parliamentarian to give more board members experience in this area. He suggested that the board could move on a transitional rule for filing vacancies that may come up before the next election and to allow for filling at large positions. The bylaws committee will prepare a draft motion for the next board meeting with the input they receive.
DONE Rep. Amber: Since she arrived after the election, Anastasia updated Amber on the results – which 75 stakeholders voted for the new Area 6 Chair. Amber then gave her report: There will be a DONE orientation on July 23, 2008 for new board members and another in August. On July 30, DONE will share two input processes with neighborhood councils. They have a new community leadership training program at their facility named for the late GM Manager Carol Baker-Tharp. They will hold another event for the Congress of Neighborhood Councils on July 30th. She reminded the new board members to fill out order for their new business cards.
– Question from a new stakeholder who is involved with animal rescues.
8. NBC Universal HHWNC Ad Hoc Committee/Metro Site: Anastasia explained that the Working Group is made up of community members and groups that are impacted by this project. The Ad Hoc Committee represents the HHWNC. Orrin added that NBC Universal decided to go forward with their new Master Plan two years ago. The project involves remodeling almost 400 acres of back lot studio and the site on Lankershim by the MTA station. He noted that there has been concern by the community that they have input on the redevelopment process. The Ad Hoc Committee has gathered facts and listened to presentations throughout this process. Now, they are waiting for NBC Universal’s environmental impact report on the MTA site and maybe the 390 acres across the street.
Orrin said that the Working Group and the Ad Hoc Committee are interested in doing a Town Hall meeting to provide more information on this to the community.
Krista Michaels of the Working Group Executive Committee said they are forming a 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 non profit organization to respond to the legal issues involved which require hiring and paying for experts on technical legal issues. They have recently hired as legal counsel Carlyle Hall of Akin Gump and Jan Chatten-Brown of Chatten-Brown & Carsten, a public interest law firm. They have also hired Joel Falter of KOA Corporation as traffic consultant. The DEIR (Draft Environmental Impact Report) will be released around August 14-15, which will address some issues, while others will be covered in a later version. The release date may change, but Jon Foreman, City Planner who is in charge of both the Metro Studio DEIR/EIR and NBC Universals Vision Plan DEIR/EIR, will advise if the schedule for releases changes.
Wayne Johansson: Wayne clarified that the discussion tonight referred specifically to the Studio Metro Site, not the NBC Universal Vision Project. He explained Phase 1 (studio complex, office tower and parking garage) and Phase 2 (office tower or hotel condo project) of the Studio Metro project. The Draft EIR for the Studio Metro project will come out in August.
(Johansson/Meyers) moved the following:
b.) The HHWNC Board is requested to approve a sum not to exceed $800.00 to be appropriated to purchase copies of the screen check draft EIR for the Studio Metro project from the City of Los Angeles Records Department.
(Feldman/Keegan) voted to amend the motion ‘not to exceed $500.00’ for the above.
The motion carried: 18-1-1. The amended motion carried: 20-0-1. Board member/Parliamentarian Jennifer Fitzgerald – an employee of NBC Universal – recused herself from the discussion and the vote.
c.) "The HHWNC Board is requested to hold at least one joint committee meeting within 30 days of the release of Universal Metro Project Draft EIR for community review and discussion of the project draft EIR." (Johansson/Savage) moved to amend the motion from ‘Universal Metro’ project to ‘Studio Metro Project.’
Anastasia suggested that a motion was not needed to take this action. Johansson withdrew the motion.
d) "The HHWNC Ad Hoc feels the City’s standard review period of 30 days for draft EIRs is too brief to provide adequate comment for a project of such scope and significance as the Universal Metro Project. The HHWNC Ad Hoc requests the HHWNC Board asks Council Member Tom LaBonge to request an extension of the review period to a minimum of 90 days." (Johansson/ Ruggieri) moved to amend the motion from ‘Universal Metro Project’ to ‘Studio Metro Project.’
The motion carried: 20-0-1.
9. Committee Reports:
b.) AREA 3 COMMITTEE:
(Woolsey/Ramsey) moved, "The Board is requested to recommend to Council Offices of Districts 4 and 13 that steps be taken to improve and increase the parking supply in the Hollywood Business District possibly including construction of structures such as the one currently used on Cherokee Avenue and that developers be encouraged to provide as much parking for their projects as reasonably possible to code and that no developer willing and able to do so be discouraged from providing parking beyond code requirements." Motion was seconded and discussed.
(Witkin/Keegan) amended the language to, "…that any developer who is willing and able to do so be encouraged to provide parking beyond Code requirements."
The motion carries: 19-1-0.
Paul noted that several different parking lots have been closed and that parking in Hollywood is becoming a major problem as more developments come in.
Other Area Committees
Valorie noted that HHWNC will participate in National Night Out at the Firehouse Museum.
Anastasia distributed the volunteer certificates to the board and reported that she has a letter from the White House and the Freedom Corp. to the board.
10. Public Comments – Ann Bray, stakeholder, asked to be put on a future agenda relating to
video projection of art.
11. Old Business – None.
12. New Business – None.
13. Meeting Adjourned: 8:54 p.m.
Minutes by Pat Kramer, Apple One.