Meeting Date: 02/18/04 06:00 PM

Meeting Type: Regular

Location: Gardner Street School
7450 Hawthorn Ave

Details: HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA
FEBRUARY 18, 2004 6:30 PM
GARDNER STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
7450 Hawthorne Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

FOOD AND SOFT DRINKS FOR MEMBER WILL BE SERVED AT 6:00PM

The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any item of the agenda prior to the Board taking action on an item. Comments from the public on Agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the Agenda that is within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per speaker unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board. Agenda is posted for public review: Gardner Street Elementary School, Valley View Elementary School, Yucca Community Center, on bulletin boards at the top and bottom of Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles Library: Will and Ariel Durant Branch and electronically on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council website WWW.HHWNC.org. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator at (323) 224-2317 or e-mail to [email protected].

1. Call to order and roll call.

2. Secretary – Review and approve prior minutes (vote).

3. Treasurer – Review and approve treasurer’s report (vote).

4. President – Update

5. Vice President – Update

6. Review and adjust existing budget (vote)

Motions from January 14, 2004 meeting:
MOTION by Ossie to repair the copy machine he owns, so it could be used as a resource for the board. It was seconded and tabled.

MOTION by Jena to purchase new dog waste containers for Runyon Canyon Park; it was tabled.

7. Review and create budget for next fiscal year (vote)

8. Runyon Canyon continued items – Motions table December 18th (Discussion and possible votes)

I. Recommendation to LA City Recreation and Parks to acquire Hanley House and land at 3003 Runyon Canyon Park (Parcel I.N. 153B181 264 & 347) and to use home as living quarters for Runyon Canyon Park ranger/caretaker. Existing owner has stated he wishes to exchange this property for like property in a more accessible location.

II. Support budget survey area concerns:
a) Trails need to be improved, the road stabilized, dog usage diffused and regulated for safety and public health issue and the water table and former streams/springs examined for possible restoration leading to restoration of the wildlife in the Park.
b) West Ridge trail needs to be rerouted or a public right of way secured over the present trail route. The trail network might eventually be expanded to include Wattles, Curson and Nichols Canyon for spreading impact for hikers. Consideration should be given to using natural barriers as boundaries.
c) The EPA runoff standards should be tested and improvements made to meet healthy standards concurrent with, or before, PAB proposals. Environmental lawsuits are a consideration.
d) Signs should be posted and maintained in park citing risks and regulations of park use especially regarding off-leash users.

III. Support Area 6 Runyon Canyon meeting motions amended to proposal:
Motion for the irrigation at healthy standard, demonstrated by water tests in Runyon Park and surrounding areas, to include reports on any health issues. Request status on the former Consent Decree of 1996 costs and work done reporting the prior irrigation conditions and what has occurred by the Consent Decree’s mitigation through to present Runyon’s Park allocation for irrigation and restorative plant life. Request to broaden health issue concerns to ensure plant restoration and include public entities involvement. Pursue all avenues available for funding resources, starting regrowth, and how to get public entities, such as DWP involved in irrigation.

IV. Support Infrastructure Committee concerns amended to proposal:
a) Add Stormwater recycling porous pavement for new constructions of trails and, if and when approved, parking lot. Request Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) department of DWP to assess hillsides for stormwater techniques to supplant irrigation. Confirm catch basin environmental analysis tests before recycling irrigable water and treatment of water to meet healthy standards. Request more activity with community involvement within IRP for 10-year inclusion plan.
b) Include measures in recycling to properly dispose of dog waste in designated secure containers for an approved compost/biosolids program
c) Coordinated by DWP Sanitation, IRP and City Department of Recreation and Parks. Request plan for containers to be emptied and replaced from Runyon Canyon Park on a regular schedule reasonably similar to other public entity trash and tree trimming removal programs.

9. Motion to oppose zone variance application (ZA 2003-7908) for 3149 Oakshire Drive presented by Area 2 Chair Richard MacMinn. If granted, variance would allow a 4 employee business to operate in residential zone. Zoning Officer requested to delay decision of his February 13, 2004 hearing until HHWNC board votes. (vote)

10. Motion to support preferential permit parking by Area 3 Chair Paul Woolsey (Vote)

11. Presentation on LA City Newsrack Ordinance by Kerry Morrison, Executive Director, Hollywood Entertainment District POA. (Possible motion and vote)

12. Motion to support Hampton Inn variance application denied by zoning officer February 5, 2004 by Business Chair Jeff Rouze (Vote)

13. Discussion of DWP proposed rate increase.

14. Discussion of Propositions on March 2 ballot

15. Emergency certification and vote

16. Review Empowerment Academy courses

17. General Comments – Comments from board members on non-agenda items.

18. Public Comments – Comments from the public on non-agenda items within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

19. Adjournment (9PM or earlier).

PROCESS FOR RECONSIDERATION: The Board may reconsider and amend its action on items listed on the agenda if that reconsideration takes place immediately following the original action or at the next regular meeting. The Board, on either of these two days, shall: (1) Make a Motion for Reconsideration and, if approved, (2) hear the matter and Take an Action. If the motion to reconsider an action is to be scheduled at the next meeting following the original action, then two items shall be placed on the agenda for that meeting: (1) A Motion for Reconsideration on the described matter and (2) a Proposed Action should the motion to reconsider be approved. A motion for reconsideration can only be made by a Board member who has previously voted on the prevailing side of the original action taken. If a motion for reconsideration is not made on the date the action was taken, then a Board member on the prevailing side of the action must submit a memorandum to the Secretary identifying the matter to be reconsidered and a brief description of the reason(s) for requesting reconsideration at the next regular meeting. The aforesaid shall all be in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 2004 BOARD MEETING
Gardner Street Elementary School
7450 Hawthorne Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Dan Bernstein, President, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
He displayed a sample hat with Hollywood Hills NC on it to be worn during events or anywhere the group is assembled. Cost for each hat, approximately $6.00.

Present: Dan Bernstein, President; Darren Gold, Vice President, Cindy Gardner, Treasurer, Patricia Price, Jeffrey Rouze, Paul Ramsey, Jena Summer, Ossie Cohen, Conrad Schoeffter, Paul Woolsey, Anthony Deckoff, Richard MacMinn, Mel Remba, Kevin Winston, Orrin Feldman, Ellen Sondheim, Bob Cook, Anastasia Mann.

Absent: Darryl Self, John Connolly, Scott Meyer and Brian Lubocki.

Anastasia: Area 5. Next meeting will be announced on the website, looking for a location.
Bob: Issue Committee 5, Beautification. Next meeting in about 3 weeks.
Orrin: Area 9. Next meeting at the Mulholland Tennis Club in a few weeks.
Kevin: Issue Committee 8 Public Transportation. Next meeting announced on website
Mel: Area 8
Richard: Area 2, Next meeting March 16 at Valley View Elementary
Cindy, Treasurer
Darren, Vice President
Paul Woolsey: Area 3. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month in Yucca Park
Conrad: Area 4. No meeting scheduled yet.
Ossie: Issue Committee 3, Entertainment. Meeting scheduled within the next 30 days.
Jena: Issue Committee 7, Infrastructure. Third Tuesday of the month at St.Thomas Parrish Hall.
Paul Ramsey: Area 1. Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of the month
Jeff: Issue Committee 1, Business Dev. Meetings every 2nd Monday
Patricia: Issue Committee 6, Housing. Meets Tuesdays at the Henry Fonda Theatre

2. MINUTES
In the absence of the secretary, the board reviewed the minutes of January 2004, motion to approve by Darren, seconded by Conrad and approved with one correction, the spelling of Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s last name on page 5.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT
Cindy distributed and summarized the budget (April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004)- explaining that the funding cycle ends March 31, 2004. However, since DONE is changing their funding cycle to July 1 to June 30 the Neighborhood Council has until June 30 to spend their remaining budget, which is $36,612.52. Her understanding is that monies budgeted before June 30 can be carried over into the new fiscal year; however money not spent by June 30 will revert back to DONE, and a new allocation will be given to the Neighborhood Council July 1.

MOTION by Paul to accept the budget, was seconded by Darren, and unanimously passed by the board.

4. PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Controller Laura Chick is requesting the NC send a liaison to her meetings. Bob volunteered. Also Darren has represented the council at Hollywood Closure Committee meetings of Councilmember Eric Garcetti, and someone else is needed while Darren travels. Kevin volunteered.

MOTION by Paul to accept the two board members as committee liaisons, seconded by Ossie and unanimously approved by the board.

5. VICE PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Darren said the website has been upgraded, and agendas can be viewed more easily. Also some board members’ pictures are missing, that will be taken care of shortly. The traffic report survey done by the Coro Fellows is completed. They will meet on Friday and discuss how best to present their findings to the public. It must still be reviewed by Councilmember Garcetti’s office.

6. EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY
MOTION by Ossie to allow Christine from DONE to speak on Item #16 out of agenda order. Seconded by Joe, no discussion; 10 were in favor and 6 opposed.

Christine informed everyone of DONE’s Empowerment Academy, which offers free classes for Council members and stakeholders. She distributed brochures and said that on February 24 an election class will be held.

7. TABLED MOTIONS FROM JAN 14, 2004 MEETING

a) Copy Machine: Ossie made a motion to repair a copy machine he owns so it could be used as a resource for the board. Currently, the EIDC makes all copies for board meetings for free, but this situation may be short term.

Discussion: No speaker cards. Board members asked the following questions: capacity of machine, brand and where would it reside? Cost of repair, cost of new machine and how would members get access? Can we table this and look at the whole infrastructure of board’s needs?

Ossie responded that cost of repair would be about $250, is a 5-year-old Canon floor model and is in his home; anyone would have access to it. No one knew how much a new machine would cost, but Dan said as of yet there is no need for an office since most people work from home, but the Council could rent space if they wanted to. Cindy suggested that an account be set up at Kinkos for everyone.

MOTION and seconded to repair Ossie’s machine.
VOTE: 2 in favor, remaining opposed. Motion fails.

b) Dog waste containers: Motion by Jena to purchase new dog waste containers for Runyon Canyon Park.
Discussion: None from stakeholders. Jena passed out catalogs. Her committee recommended that the board establish an Ad Hoc committee to purchase and install 3 containers, then report back to the board on how effective they have been. The containers are $348.00 each and a company will have to be hired to periodically remove the waste.

Questions from the board: Where will the containers be located since the park already has two, how are bags replenished, and who will be responsible for maintenance? Will more receptacles draw more dog owners, do you have a complete plan drawn up for the board to review, and if containers are already in the park, have you talked to the people maintaining those? By purchasing and installing these containers are we doing the work of the City, and has Park and Rec given the Council permission? Shouldn’t they be purchased before the funds expire?

Jena responded that containers would go at two other entrances and one more site inside. Will try to work with Parks and Rec after the board purchases, installs and monitors containers. Then will see if we want to continue this service. Darren added that the City does have a funding short fall and is in need of funding. He suggested a friendly amendment to establish an Ad Hoc committee to do more research before purchasing containers. Bob volunteered to go 3 days a week and replace the bags.

MOTION by Jena to buy 3 units total cost of $1,500 – with friendly amendment by Bob to include supplies and the units to be delivered to Bob Cook’s residence until installed in the community. Motion seconded.
VOTE: 7 in favor, 8 opposed, motion fails

8. BUDGET
The Proposed Spending for Budget Ending March 31, 2004 budget was reviewed and voted on by item:

Item #1 Hollywood Gateway.
This project was started over four years ago by Merle Singer and the Yucca Corridor Coalition; in excess of $80,000 has already been spent. Councilmember Tom LaBonge is asking the Neighborhood Council to help her complete this project, which has a short fall of $500.

MOTION by Dan, that $1,000 be allocated in the budget towards the project as a reimbursement, once the project is complete; seconded by Ossie.

Discussion: Is this a nonprofit group or individuals? This board’s contribution should be contingent upon neighboring NC contributing a like amount. A stumbling block in the plan has been the fountain.

Dan responded that the group consists of apartment owners who will do the improvements, however the city owns the property; the fountain has been deleted from the current plans, and the money will be made available to the people who are building to city specifications. Jeff and Paul Woolsey were asked to represent the board on this project.

VOTE: 10 in favor, motion passes.

Item #2 Design and Landscaping of corner at Laurel/Mulholland/Woodrow
Presented by Orrin and Mel; Orrin gave details that the City tore up this SE corner as part of a re-design, graded it but did no do any landscaping. They want to do low maintenance landscaping and maybe add a “Welcome to Hollywood Hills” sign. Mel added that it is a major gateway to Hollywood Hills and the landscaping is a safety, health and beautification issue. It could be put in a reimbursement allocation with board approval.

Discussion: Who will do the planting, what will the sign say, should there be a caution sign since this is a semi-3 way intersection, should a committee be formed to study the entire intersection?
Orrin responded that the people in the neighborhood have agreed to do the planting, and a proposed sign might say “Welcome to our Neighborhood, the Hollywood Hills Neighborhood Council, please drive safely.” Last year, the 3rd District wanted a sign on the NE corner to say Welcome to Studio City, so we would want to cooperate with them on signage so that each corner doesn’t wind up with competing signs. .

MOTION by Dan that $1,000 be allocated in the budget for beautification planting and watering on the SE corner and allow them to come back for more money for signage, was seconded by Ossie.
VOTE: 16 in favor, 1 opposed

Item #3 Wattles Farm & Garden
Ellen had 3 meetings at Wattles Garden and there was no mechanism in place to invoice them for rental, so Ellen’s Area 3 committee wants to make a contribution of signage, valued at $450.00. She wants approval to make it part of the budget. Cindy point out that they funds are currently budgeted and all Ellen needs to do is to request the vouchers.

Item #4 Kid Oscars Program
Ossie presented this, requesting $1,000 for the project to bring more attention to kids education and tie into the new library, museums, etc in the area. He is working with Valley View School to start a program to help promote education and creativity. Ossie wants a budget to work with over and above his $150 per meeting allotment. At the suggestion of Darren he will bring back to the board his full Kids Oscar program.

Dan explained that each committee has a small budget, but if they want to do a major event then the outreach budget is used; all the board draws from the outreach, not just the outreach committee chairperson.

MOTION by Anthony that the Kids Oscars Program be tabled until next meeting when Ossie can present, seconded by Jena.

Item #5 Brochures
Dan showed the 4-color brochure saying he has 2 cost quotes for 10,000 copies, but with excess funds in the treasury, they could do a run of 50,000 copies. The brochure does not have individual names on it so it remains timely and current. A mass mailing would be done in May with the brochure and a letter: one side about the election, the other side a nomination form.

MOTION by Dan to run 50,000 copies of the brochure was seconded by Anthony.
VOTE: unanimously passed.

Item #6 Barco Products Dog Waste Containers
This item was voted on earlier in the meeting.

The Annual Budget for April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005 was discussed. Cindy said it will only exist until June 30, 2004, and there is about $30,000 left to be spent. Will operate on this budget until June 30, but the new budget will look very similar to this in line items. The executive committee proposed this budget before being notified by DONE of fiscal year changes. The 6 items just voted on will be funded out of this budget.

Discussion: Richard suggested that the $20,000 for outreach events and mailings be reduced to $15,000 and put $5,000 into community projects. Dan said that the cost reflects using a professional mailer, because mailings through DONE have arrived at stakeholder homes too late. He suggested the brochure be mailed privately and the mass mailing given to DONE early enough for them to handle. After further discussion suggesting e-mail or postcards or hand delivery to stakeholders, it was decided to apportion the $20,000 as follows:
$10,000 for Outreach Events including mailings
$5,000 for community projects
$5,000 into Contingency, added to the $1,250 allocated equals $6,250. Members can request/spend up to $1,500 on an item.

Bob asked the likelihood of spending $5,000 on Kiosks, and Cindy said she would e-mail the board pictures of the kiosks. They are 3-sided locked boards.

MOTION by Cindy to accept the budget as amended was seconded by Darren and unanimously approved by all.

9. Public Comment
Cutter Garcia (stakeholder) said he has lived in the area for 7 years and had not heard of the Neighborhood Council. With the elections coming up he hopes they will do a vigorous job of contacting the community.

Dan agreed they have not done a good job at getting the word out and Anastasia offered that maybe outreach could be done by hiring a PR firm on a project price between now and the election. Dan said if she wanted to pursue a firm that would be fine.

10. Zone Variance
Richard explained that an architect who works out of his home was requesting a variance to have employees. The motion has already been taken off the Zoning agenda by the architect’s counsel, but may be put back on. Richard’s area 2 committee voted 13 against and 3 in favor of the variance. A formal vote by the board is required to either approve or oppose the zoning change. Dan added that the City Council’s office is against it. A letter dated February 5 to the Office of Zoning Administration from HHWNC was passed to each board member.

MOTION by Dan to oppose the zoning request, was seconded by Darren. Unanimously passed to deny request.

11. Runyon Canyon
The following items were tabled motions from the December 18th meeting.

Item #1 – Hanley House purchase/exchange
Existing owner wants to exchange this property for like property in a more accessible location.
Following committees opposed: Bob Cook, Committee 5 Beautification; Orrin Feldman Area 9; Mel Remba Area 8 and Paul Woolsey, Area 3.

MOTION by Dan to recommend to the City to consider exchanging this property for some other city owned property; no money to be exchanged. Motion seconded by Paul and passed unanimously.

Item #2 – Support Budget survey area concerns
a) Trails. Jena wants a vote on redesigning the trail to make it public property so that it is no longer necessary to cross private property to continue on the trails. Support will allow a letter to be sent to Tom LaBonge.

Following a discussion it was agreed to strike out “dog usage diffused and regulated for safety and public health issue” from the recommendation, leaving trail infrastructure improvements and water table examined, etc.

MOTION made and seconded to strike out “dog usage diffused and regulated for safety and public health issue” as amended above.
VOTE: Passed unanimously.

b) West Ridge trail. Ellen asked that the motion be tabled again, because her area may want to discuss the traffic impact.

MOTION made and seconded to table item #b. Motion seconded.
VOTE: 7 in favor, 7 opposed. Tie broken by Dan, opposed. Motion fails.

MOTION to recommend that the City and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority create a trial from the western ridge of Runyon Canyon to the eastern ridge of Nichols Canyon half way down the slope below Solar Drive.

VOTE: Passed by majority.

c) The Runoff . Jena explained that MTA complied with the Consent Decree of 1996, but the information has been updated. She wants assurance that the Consent Decree has been followed.

MOTION by Dan to request Councilmember Tom LaBonge to provide the NC with information about whether or not the MTA is in compliance with the 1996 Consent Decree, Friends of Runyon Canyon Park and MTA; Page 10, Paragraph C – 5a. Seconded by Bob
VOTE: Majority in favor, 4 abstained. Motion passes.

d) Signs posted
Darren offered a friendly amendment that “off leash user” text be deleted. Bob explained that this wording is in there because Animal Control informed that they would not go into off-leash dog areas and that anyone who did was assuming personal health risk.

MOTION made and seconded to approve as written.
VOTE: 9 in favor, 5 opposed. Motion passes

Item #3 – Support Runyon Canyon meeting Motions. This item has already been resolved.

Item #4 – Support Infrastructure Committee
a) Storm water recycling: Jena asked the Board to petition Tom LaBonge to investigate the storm water overflowing at Hollywood and LaBrea. Following a discussion it was agreed to have a speaker at a council meeting to discuss this item.

MOTION made and seconded to table Items 4 a-c.
VOTE: majority in favor.

12. Preferential Permit Parking
Paul explained the need for preferential parking permits for the residents of area 3, who are close to businesses, saying that the Dept. of Transportation will accept a letter of support from the Council.

MOTION by Paul that the board support the application for preferential parking in the area between Franklin Ave, Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood Blvd, and Highland Ave. Motion seconded.
Vote: 9 in favor, 4 opposed.

13. L.A. City News rack Ordinance
Dan informed that today the council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance that has most of the provisions desired by CLEAN, including uniform color, uniform dimensions, 4 in a row with other limitations that should significantly reduce the number of news racks in the community. It goes to City Council next. Councilmember Tom LaBonge voted in favor of the CLEAN Coalition.

He showed a copy of the Coro Fellows Council District 13’s street closure study that the council contributed $1,000 towards. Funds were also raised from Disney, Councilmember Garcetti’s office, Wax Museum and others. There will be a meeting with Councilmember LaBonge at 10 a.m. at the Firehouse, to which you are all invited to attend.

14. HAMPTON INN
Their variance application was denied by the Zoning Administration on February 5, 2004 but business chair Jeff Rouze still wants a board vote on a motion to support the project, since the owner will be appealing.
Discussion centered on the fact that Hampton Inn has a branded look and height, and to grant a variance now will open future developers to follow with taller buildings; the Hampton Inn is a well managed franchise, the board cannot vote on it while it is going through legal channels so should be tabled, and concern that developers will begin to build box structures along Sunset.

MOTION by Jeff that the board support Hampton Inn’s request for a variance. Motion seconded.
VOTE: 7 in favor, 3 opposed.

15. DWP Rate Hike
Dan brought up that everyone should have gotten some e-mails about the DWP 18% rate increase. He had a video to show, but the lateness of the hour precludes it.

16. Propositions on March 2 Ballot
Everyone is to get the word out on the ballot issues and vote.

17. Committee Meetings
Dan advised that committees are not providing their chair with to be brought back to the board. That the committee need to consider all items and should a committee not wishes to take a position, they need to instruct their chair to vote his/her opinion or the position of a particular committee. Therefore there will be a 2-month hiatus of board meetings so that everyone will have time to work with their committees. The next meeting will be in May or late April. Chairs are requested to monitor all committee agenda and minutes on the website.

18. Emergency Certification
Ossie informed everyone that the fire department is offering a free 7-week course, which will start in late March or early April. Following a discussion, it was decided that any members who wanted to take advantage would volunteer to do so.

19. Board Comment- Non Agenda Items
Paul Ramsey said that new guideline from the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan – design and Preservation Guidelines prohibit historical preservation, and this should be looked into. Dan suggested he draft a proposal, get the support of several committees and bring it before the board at the next meeting.

20. Public Comment
Cutter Garcia, stakeholder asked about getting preferential parking for his street Vista to LaBrea. He was told by DOT that another group or person has already filed, but DOT doesn’t know who it is. Dan told him to follow the rules for preferential parking, Ossie said if he posted flyers in the building for people to come to a council meeting they could sign a petition and vote for preferential parking.

Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Joyce Clarke, PDQ Temp Personnel