Board of Directors Meeting 10/10/06 06:00 PM

Meeting Date: 10/10/06 06:00 PM

Meeting Type: Regular

Location: Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 North La Brea Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046

Details: Election Information Meeting
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 6:00 PM

Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
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.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order By Election Committee Chair
2. Presentation on Election Procedures, Schedule
3. Questions & Answers
4. Adjournment

Board Meeting to immediately follow.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
October 10, 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 213-485-1360 or e-mail to [email protected].

AGENDA

1. Call to order by President

2. Roll call by Secretary

3. Minutes – Review and approve prior August 29, 2006 minutes (Please see attached) (Vote) (5 minutes)

4. President’s Report (10 minutes)
a) Welcome & Intro of City Officials (Comments)
b) Report on Mayor’s Budget Day – by President Mann
c) Report on City Controller’s NC Liaison Committee – by President Mann
d) DONE – Funding Affidavit Resolution – VOTE (Resolution Doc attached)
e) Ethics Training – Reminder – Conflict of Interest concerns – Representation of NC vs. Personal – Review of rules by President Mann

f) Area 6 Chair Nominees introduction. (Motion and vote)

NOTE: Both candidates submitted letters to the president on September 1, 2006

Richard Solomon: Rick Solomon currently serves as the President of the Bedford Falls Company, where he functions as producing partner of Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz. During his tenure, the company has produced and released such films as Shakespeare In Love, The Siege, Dangerous Beauty. Solomon served as an Executive Producer on the hugely successful film, The Last Samurai, and the Academy Award winning Traffic while serving as Producer on the very successful New Line Cinema release I Am Sam starring Sean Penn (nominated for Best Actor)- Michelle Pfeiffer, and Dakota Fanning. He also served as Creative Consultant on the Emmy Award winning television series, “Once and Again” on ABC.

Prior to joining Bedford Falls, Solomon served as President of Richard Donner and Lauren Shuler’s Warner Brothers-based production company for twelve years. While at Donner-Shuler , he co-produced such films as Radio Flyer, Free Willy, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, Assassins, Conspiracy Theory, and developed many others such as the critically acclaimed, Dave, Maverick, Any Given Sunday, as well as working on the Lethal Weapon series.

Solomon started his career as an agent at ICM in New York.

He graduated from Cornell University with a BA in American History/America Literature.

STATEMENT: My wife and I have lived in Nichols Canyon for over 12 years and I am, accordingly, greatly familiar with all the wonderful benefits that Nichols, and Area Six as a whole, have to offer. The beauty of the hills, the great trails for hiking, biking, running, dog walking, the beauty of Runyon, proximity to the city and the emerging restaurant and club scene, all contribute to making our area one of the most desirable places to live in town.

I am also acutely aware of many of the issues that Area 6 has to contend with. Issues of noise and traffic, quality of streets (especially in Nichols)- issues of security, fire safety (after personally having to clean out my possessions and evacuate the house last August in the Nichols Canyon fire)- lack of adequate street lighting in the canyon, development of the Runyon Canyon ridge across from upper Astral Drive, crime, and of course, the parking and many assorted issues of Runyon and the areas above and below. Many of these issues have been personal causes of mine for the last 12 years and I worked with Ellen Sondheim (former Chairperson) on trying to get more police protection for the area, as well as better street lighting as a means for improved safety.

As a longtime resident of the community, and one who is committed to remain in the area (after having done a major renovation on our house and planning another)- it is both personally and “civically” important to follow through on some of these problematic issues and see that they are changed, prevented and rethought, so as to improve the quality of life. It would be my intention to hold REGULAR area meetings (something that has not happened since Ellen resigned)- and is integral to understanding the issues of the community. I pledge to raise those issues to the board, and fight for them to be dealt with as the important causes they are. I have unofficially been canvassing many of my neighbors for the last twelve years, and know many of their concerns already. I truly believe that my unofficial work has already laid the seeds for a productive tenure. I am quite certain that I can at least dramatically increase the attendance at community meetings, and make people feel like they have a greater voice in their own lives and community. It is my mandate that people in Area Six feel safer and more secure in their own homes, protect the value of their property, and enjoy the beauty of the area by getting the various city organizations to do their part, and not neglect the community, as has unfortunately, happened in the past.

I promise that the advocacy that I will bring to Area Six will be noticeably stronger, more forceful, and have a much higher profile in the community than anyone has given us in a long time.

Regards-
Richard Solomon

David Ambroz

Settling down in the area to attend UCLA School of Law in 2002, I recently became a home owner on Laurel Ave earlier this year. During law school I worked with home owners/renters to advance their interests in negotiations with various developments; from downtown to Maywood to Santa Monica. I was a public interest law and policy fellow at UCLA School Law, and focused my legal education on advocating for the public interest. I currently work extensively with neighborhood councils throughout Los Angeles on projects that are proposed for their areas. As a homeowner and business owner in the area, I hope to bring the same advocacy to make sure that our area continues to maintain its charm and desirability, while at the same time bridging the gap to work with the onslaught of development.

I’m a native New Yorker, and have worked extensively on issues pertaining to foster care and juvenile delinquency after my own emancipation from the foster care system at 17. I’m fluent in Spanish, and active in numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout the greater Hollywood Community.

I have worked with LA City College on the community Bond Oversight Committee to ensure that the great institution of higher education uses the money not only to its best advantage, but also in a way that reflects the intentions of those that voted for the measures A & AA.

Regards-
David Ambroz, Esq.
Managing Director
EPG, Inc.

g) Intro and presentation: Deana Ruggieri re: Growth Foundation After-School Program
h) Report on Mayor’s Tree Planting Program: Sharyn Romano- HBT

5. Vice President’s Report (5 minutes)
a) Update on LANCC Meeting

6. Treasurer’s Report (5 minutes)

7. Committee Reports (20 minutes)
a.) AREA COMMITTEES

i.) Area 3 Committee:
aa) “On September 12th, 2006, at the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood
Council Area 3 committee meeting, an agenized discussion took place with EMS Police & Fire committee chair/Area 3 stakeholder, Rena Dheming, and Area 3 committee chair, Paul Woolsey, regarding disturbing -the-peace and nuisance activities from illegally-operating hotdog vendors operating until 3am, outside of local nightclubs/restaurants, especially on Las Palmas Avenue off of Hollywood Blvd.- within Area 3, in the local neighborhood. After discussion with committee members on the issue, and reports of prior LAPD activity regarding confiscation of illegal vendor carts, and public safety health risks, a motion was made, and seconded, to support the following MOTION:
“Area 3 committee requests that the City Council Districts 4 and13, and/or the City of Los Angeles, post signs on public parking lots and off of sidewalks where illegally-operating vendors frequently operate, stating that disturbing-the-peace activities are prohibited and that no street food vending is allowed without a proper permit–and that violators will be subject to fines and/or confiscation of their carts, stating applicable misdemeanor codes.”Motion passed unanimously in support of motion. Area 3 and EMS Police & Fire committees ask HHWNC to vote in support of this motion. (Vote) (10 minutes)

bb) MOTION to support the “self-imposed conditions” and “Agreement” related to the Day After. (Vote)

cc) MOTION to support the L.A.P.D. letter reciting the final set of conditions approved by King-King. (Vote)

b.) ISSUE COMMITTEES
i) Traffic, Public Transportation and Parking
aa) Presentation of proposed 2nd portal for Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland Station as discussed at joint committee meeting with MTA’s Roger Moliere. (5 minutes)

bb) Chair Dennis Lytton announces his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, effective September 30, 2006. (1 minute)

ii.) Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee:
aa.) Presentation of ‘Specialized Assistance Program (Voluntary) Adults (age 62 and over) and disabled persons evicted from their rental apartment due to condo conversions, demolition or redevelopment
MOTION: The Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee unanimously passed the following motion and presents to the Board for approval:
a) Recognize that older adults (age 62 and over) and disabled persons evicted from their rental apartment due to condo conversions, demolition or redevelopment need specialized assistance beyond what is currently required by law;
b) Support additional assistance tailored for each senior or disabled person following a bio-psycho-social assessment performed by a trained expert at a current cost of $300 per person; to be paid by the developer/applicant.
c) Adopt an assessment rating similar to the CA State Multipurpose Senior
Services Program (MSSP)- covering six categories with additional points for high risk factors and age;
d) Support a range of case management assistance; number of hours and
maximum cost is being evaluated.
e) Support additional relocation assistance; amount being evaluated.
f) Recognize the local Multipurpose Senior Center, designated by the City of
Los Angeles to serve the affected area, as the best agency to provide this service through a trained case manager.
g) Develop HHWNC Voluntary Guidelines
h) Continue exploring a closer relationship with the two multipurpose senior
centers serving HHWNC area to promote the quality of life, independence, and
safety of older adults in our community.
(Motion and Vote) (5 minutes)

bb.)1714-1736 McCadden Place 1727-1729 Las Palmas Project DS Ventures (bounded by Yucca, McCadden, Las Palmas, and Hollywood Blvd. frontage buildings, “Yucca/McCadden”) 218 total units (made up of one, two, and three bedroom units) 22 of the units are affordable units. Including 209 fully public parking spaces among a total of 620+ planned subterranean parking spaces.
Requested: (1) A zone change from C4-2D to C4-2; and (2) A by-right parking adjustment for affordable housing units and project’s close proximity to mass transit station and transportation corridor.
The Design Review Board has reviewed and made substantive changes at three meetings since April 2006. The HHWNC Housing, Traffic and Area 3 committees have reviewed during 4 meetings and approved.
(Motion and Vote) (5 minutes)

iii) EMS Police & Fire Committee:
Update and reports from HHWNC Emergency Services, Police & Fire Issue committee chair, Rena Dheming, regarding current LAFD CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training program, RED FLAG/NO PARKING program status for the Hollywood Hills area and other LAFD and LAPD updates including upcoming community events. Also, brief comments on local public safety issues and on prior EMS committee motions.

8. Elections Procedures: Approval of Revised Election Procedures (Motion and vote) (5 minutes) (please see attachment)

9. Public Comment

10. Other Business

11. 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.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
APPROVED BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 10, 2006, 6:30 PM
Hollywood Women’s Club
1749 North La Brea Ave.- Hollywood, CA 90046

1. Call to order by President: 6:32 p.m.

2. Roll call: 14 Board Members Present: Anne Marie Lardeau, Michael Myers, Paul Ramsey, Joan Luchs, Paul Woolsey, Dennis Lytton, Claire Guy, Teresa Larkin, Rena Dheming, Ken Jones, John Pogue, Orrin Feldman, Anastasia Mann, Thor Lee.

3. Minutes: (Woolsey/Myers) moved to accept minutes of the Board Meeting of
August 29, 2006, as corrected: On p. 3 of 6 regarding Area 5: “Motion was to request that Area Committees could represent themselves and the board at other advisory boards and agencies.” The motion passed unanimously.

4. President’s Report
– HHWNC President Anastasia Mann welcomed and introduced City Officials.
– It was noted that Board Member Dennis Lytton was present for quorum purposes only.
– Rory Fitzpatrick, chief of operations for CD 4 announced: The Runyon Canyon Parking lot is the subject of a lawsuit by a new group: New Friends of Runyon Canyon. The lawsuit asks for a full EIR. Rory reported on the opening of the Griffith Park Observatory this Friday, Oct. 18th and Saturday, Oct. 19th. He mentioned that he is referring local improvement requests to the Traffic Committee.

– Amber Meshachk, HHWNC’s new DONE coordinator, introduced herself, and said she looks forward to working with the Board on any initiatives on which it is interested.

– Janice Barquist, candidate for L.A. County Superior Court, introduced herself. She is campaigning countywide for the seat. She is an attorney with nine year’s experience as a Judge Pro Tem. She referred the Board to her website for more information: www.barquistforjudge.com.

– MAYOR’s BUDGET DAY – Anastasia reported on the Mayor’s Budget Day and requested that the Board fill out the Mayor’s Budget Survey. Amber suggested HHWNC consider pooling their resources with other Hollywood NCs to address any issues on the budget – perhaps scheduling a joint public hearing for get input from stakeholders.

– NC AUDIT – Anastasia reported that City Controller Laura Chick’s office is auditing DONE through the Neighborhood Council Liaison Committee. The purpose is to review problems with funding and other issues that many NCs have experienced. She said it gave her confidence that the Controller’s office has taken a serious interest in this.

– DONE – Funding Affidavit Resolution: Anastasia explained that, as a result of Bob Cook, the former treasurer, not having submitted some audit reports to DONE, the Board must now sign and submit an affidavit to DONE regarding some prior year’s expenses. (Lee/Jones) moved to sign the affidavit. The motion carried unanimously

– Ethics Training- Conflict of Interest concerns: Anastasia reminded the Board that board members need to be cognizant of their role in representing the HHWNC on official business, as opposed to their personal business. She reviewed the rules and suggested that each Board Member complete DONE’s ethics training. Michael Myers asked when the next Ethics training is being conducted. Amber said she would check into it and get back to the Board.

– Resignation: Board Member Dennis Lytton announced his resignation from the Board of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, effective September 30, 2006. He is taking a position as Housing and Transportation Deputy with CD 4 and this poses a potential conflict of interest with his role on the Board.

– Area 6 Chair Nomination: Two candidates were listed on the agenda however, only one was present at the meeting: Richard Solomon gave a presentation to the Board detailing reasons why he would like to represent Area 6 and is qualified to do so. After Rich’s presentation, a motion was presented by Anastasia Mann. The motion passed: 9-1-0 to appoint Richard Solomon to the Board.

– Deana Ruggieri of Growth Foundation After-School Program gave a report on her program that helps girls with emotional issues. She asked the Board for financial support. Anastasia suggested she come back to the Board when she has a funding request pertaining to sponsorship of a specific event.

– Tree Planting Program: Anastasia encouraged everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to add greenery to the community.

5. Vice President’s Report:
a) Orrin Feldman reported on the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council’s Congress-
which met on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006. The meeting’s highlight was discussion about a “No Confidence” motion pertaining to DONE Interim General Manager Lisa Sarno. Orrin said that while HHWNC has had a good relationship with Sarno, other NCs don’t share a good relationship with her, their council members or the Mayor’s Office. In the midst of considering the motion, the Congress decided not to go forward with the vote. However, they discussed an incident in the Southern Region where a co-chair had been suspended from entering CD 8’s constituent service center for a 3-month period with a possible threat of arrest if he entered the service center during the 3-month period. DONE’s GM has supported this suspension and written up the co-chair. This has disturbed many of the NCs. After the City Council met this morning, Feldman said that Sarno was reappointed by the City Council.

6. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Gary Nestra was absent so there was no official report.
In his absence, Anastasia reported that the Board has submitted paperwork to DONE for the last two quarters.

7. Committee Reports
a.) Area 3 Committee:
aa) Paul Woolsey reported his Committee’s recent vote stating:
“On September 12th, 2006, at the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council Area 3 committee meeting, an agendized discussion took place with EMS Police & Fire committee chair/Area 3 stakeholder Rena Dheming and Area 3 committee chair Paul Woolsey regarding disturbing -the-peace and nuisance activities from illegally-operating hotdog vendors operating until 3am, outside of local nightclubs/restaurants, especially on Las Palmas Avenue off of Hollywood Blvd.- within Area 3, in the local neighborhood. After discussion with committee members on the issue, and reports of prior LAPD activity regarding confiscation of illegal vendor carts, and public safety health risks, a motion was made, and seconded, to support the following motion:

(Woolsey/Dheming) moved that “Area 3 Committee requests that the City Council Districts 4 and13, and/or the City of Los Angeles, post signs on public parking lots and off of sidewalks where illegally-operating vendors frequently operate, stating that disturbing-the-peace activities are prohibited and that no street food vending is allowed without a proper permit–and that violators will be subject to fines and/or confiscation of their carts, stating applicable misdemeanor codes.” (Committee Vote: The motion passed unanimously. Area 3 and EMS Police & Fire committees ask HHWNC to vote in support of this motion).
The motion passed: 11-1-0.

bb) MOTION to support the “self-imposed conditions” and “Agreement” related to the Day
After Nightclub. (Woolsey/Luchs) moved to take up an item that was tabled last month to support a plan approval related to the Day After nightclub. The motion passed: 5-0-6

cc) MOTION to support the L.A.P.D. letter reciting the final set of conditions approved by King-King nightclub on Hollywood Blvd. Tabled.

b.) ISSUE COMMITTEES:
i) Traffic, Public Transportation and Parking
aa) Presentation of proposed 2nd portal for Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland Station as discussed at joint committee meeting with MTA’s Roger Moliere. Tabled

ii.) Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee: Anne Marie Lardeau presented the following information:
aa.) Presentation of ‘Specialized Assistance Program (Voluntary) Adults (age 62 and over) and disabled persons evicted from their rental apartment due to condo conversions, demolition or redevelopment.

(Lardeau/Ramsey) moved, “That the Housing, Social and Human Services, Religious and Charitable Organizations, Planning and Support Committee unanimously passed the following motion and presents to the Board for approval:

a) Recognize that older adults (age 62 and over) and disabled persons evicted from their rental apartment due to condo conversions, demolition or redevelopment need specialized assistance beyond what is currently required by law;

b) Support additional assistance tailored for each senior or disabled person following a bio-psycho-social assessment performed by a trained expert at a current cost of $300 per person; to be paid by the developer/applicant.

c) Adopt an assessment rating similar to the CA State Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)- covering six categories with additional points for high risk factors and age;

d) Support a range of case management assistance; number of hours and maximum cost is being evaluated.
e) Support additional relocation assistance; amount being evaluated.

f) Recognize the local Multipurpose Senior Center, designated by the City of Los Angeles to serve the affected area, as the best agency to provide this service through a trained case manager.

g) Develop HHWNC Voluntary Guidelines

h) Continue exploring a closer relationship with the two multipurpose senior centers serving HHWNC area to promote the quality of life, independence, and safety of older adults in our community.

The motion carried: 8-3-1.

(Woolsey/Lee) moved that the HHWNC approve:
(1) A zone change from C4-2D to C4-2; and-
(2) A by-right parking adjustment for affordable housing units and project’s close
proximity to mass transit station and transportation corridor. The Design Review Board has reviewed and made substantive changes at three meetings since April 2006. The HHWNC Housing, Traffic and Area 3 committees have reviewed during 4 meetings and approved.

This item generated a great deal of discussion with two board members, Joan Luchs and Rena Dheming, stating that the committee had not approved the removal of “Condition D” at the Joint Meeting. Woolsey and Ramsey disagreed, saying the D condition removal was part of the project approval, as stated. The issue over the wording of the motion was questioned by Anastasia, who asked whether there was a way to restate the motion without referencing the “D” condition. When no amendment was made, the vote was taken on the original motion. The motion carried: 5-3-4

Correspondence: Teresa Larkin read correspondence received by the Board including invitations to two events.

iii) EMS Police & Fire Committee:
Police & Fire Issue committee chair Rena Dheming gave an updated report on Emergency Services including the availability of a LAFD CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training program. She announced that she and Ken Jones received their CERT training recently and are now certified. For more information on the trainings go to: www.cert-la.com.

Rena said there have been no RED FLAG days in the Hollywood area. She stated that there will be a Public Safety Summit Sponsored by Council District 13, Councilmember Eric Garcetti’s District, on October 28 with special guests including LAPD Chief William Bratton and their new LAPD Smart Cars. Email Rena for more information. She also has received a request to put an item on the next Board agenda regarding interference from cell phone sites.

8. Elections Procedures: Approval of Revised Election Procedures. This item was covered during the initial informational meeting held from 6 – 6:30 p.m. on this date.

9. Public Comment:
Dottie, from the Hollywood Women’s Club asked about a traffic issue. She also asked the Board to support the Women’s Club in getting non-profit status and historical status.

10. Other Business: Announcements and comments by Board Members.

October 10th Board Meeting was adjourned: 8:52 p.m.

Minutes prepared by Pat Kramer, Apple One, October 11, 2006