Meeting Date: 11/28/12 06:30 PM

Meeting Type: Regular

Location: Woman’s Club of Hollywood-1749 N. La Brea, LA 90046

Details:

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HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING AGENDA

November 28, 2012 – 6:30 pm

Woman's Club of Hollywood
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Directions:  South of Franklin and North of Hollywood Blvd. – Accessibility:  Building is accessible through entrance at rear door.  Parking:  Free Parking is available behind the Woman’s Club on the upper level of the parking lot.

The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any item of the agenda prior to the Board taking action on an item.  Comments from the public on non-agenda and agenda items will be heard during the Public Comment Period and, within the discretion of the presiding officer of the Board, when the respective item is being considered. Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the Agenda that is within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period.  Public comment is limited to 2 minutes per speaker unless waived by the presiding officer of the Board.  Agenda is posted for public review: on bulletin boards at the top and bottom of Runyon Canyon Park, and electronically on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council website ww.hhwnc.org and on the Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment (www.lacityneighborhoods.com).  As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request.  To ensure availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) prior to the meeting you wish to attend by contacting the Neighborhood Council Project Coordinator at 213-485-1360 or e-mail to [email protected].

ALL ITEMS LISTED ON THIS AGENDA ARE SUBJECT TO:

POSSIBLE ACTION, INCLUDING A BOARD MOTION AND VOTING ON THE MOTION.

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

1. Call to order by President, Anastasia Mann

2. Roll call by Secretary, Kathy Bañuelos

3. Minutes – Review and approve Board minutes from October 24, 2012 meeting (Vote)
    (5 minutes)

4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann (20 minutes
    a. Public Official Reports
        i.) LAFD 
        ii.) LAPD-Capt. Beatrice Girmala
        iii.) CD13 – Angela Motta, Field Deputy, Office of Council President Eric Garcetti
        iv.) CD4 –Sharon Shapiro, Field Deputy, Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge
        v.) Mayor’s Office – Fabiola Vilchez, Central Area Director – Budget Survey
        vi.) 42nd District– Nicole Carcel, Office of Assemblyman Mike Feuer

    b. Presentation by Ray Verches, Principal, Verches & Associates regarding the
        Southern California Gas Company's Advanced Meter Project
    c. MTA proposal to rename the Universal City Red Line Station as the
        Universal/Studio City Station.  MOTION AND VOTE.
          i.) Presentation by Lisa Sarkin, Vice President, Studio City Neighborhood Council
          ii.) Presentation by Wilbur Babb, Metro representative
     d. Community business
     e. Decide next meeting date – January 16?

5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman (10 minutes)

6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer (10 minutes
     a. 
Approve Monthly Treasurer’s Report.  MOTION AND VOTE.
     b. Update on HHWNC signage (Ad Hoc Committee)
     c. Request to support the Hollywood Central Park with purchase of an ad in the
         January 10 annual benefit tribute book ($650).  The ad with the HHWNC logo will
         say, “The Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council applauds the efforts of
         Friends of the Hollywood Central Park in advancing plans for open space,
         recreation and healthy living in Hollywood.”

7. Secretary’s Report by Kathy Banuelos (5 minutes)

8. Parliamentarian’s Report by Robert Mott (5 minutes)

9. Committee Reports (40 minutes)

   a. ISSUE COMMITTEES 
 

  i. PLUM Committee Report – Recommendations from Nov. 5th Meeting (Robin Moreno)

   a. 2018 Highland Blvd/HLand Hotel – The PLUM Committee recommends that
       HHWNC not support the current proposal. The PLUM Committee recommends
       that the hotel's exterior be redesigned with a Mediterranean style. The
       committee's concerns also include the driveway width and ingress/egress for
       traffic at the hotel; the racked/lift parking's operation 24/7 with
       possibly adverse effects from noise and lights on the adjacent apartment and
       hotel buildings; and the proposed height and outdoor deck of the owner's unit on
       the top floor.  
MOTION AND VOTE.

   b. 2111 Cahuenga Blvd/motel – the PLUM Committee recommends that HHWNC
       not support the current proposal. The PLUM Committee recommends that the
       motel's exterior be redesigned with a Mediterranean style, and that more on-site
       employee parking be provided. 
MOTION AND VOTE.

    c. 1841 Highland Blvd/Indigo Hotel – the PLUM Committee recommends that
        HHWNC support the proposed project. 
 MOTION AND VOTE.

ii. Outreach Committee Report (Nicole Carcel)/(Michael Meyer)
     Approval of Neighborhood Purposes Grant application:  HHWNC approves the
     Neighborhood Purposes Grant application of Communities United for Smart
     Growth in the amount of $500 to help with outreach expenses and to co-sponsor
     the  January 24, 2013 Los Angeles City Mayoral Forum, to be held at Forest Lawn
     within HHWNC’s boundaries.  The co-host of the forum is the League of Women
     Voters.  Co-sponsorship includes HHWNC logo on all outreach materials and a
     table at the event promoting HHWNC membership to attendees. 
MOTION AND
     VOTE.
   

iii. Other Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional

b. AREA COMMITTEES 

        i.  Reports by Committee Chairs in attendance (Optional)

10.  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.

11.  Old Business

12.  New Business

13.  Adjournment

Download Agenda PDF

HOLLYWOOD HILLS WEST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
 
November 28, 2012
 
Woman’s Club of Hollywood 
1749 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
 
(DRAFT)
 
 
1. Call to order by President, Anastasia Mann by 6:40 p.m.
 
2. Roll call by Secretary, Kathy Bañuelos: Anastasia Mann, Kathy Bañuelos, Michael Meyer, Robert Mott, Jim Geoghan, Joshua Kopel, Mary Prange, Jeffrey Papes, Dietrich Nelson, Alwyn Kushner, Nicole Carcel, Rick Cullen, Patricia Weber, Joyce Dyrector, Jerone Johnson Jr., Paul Darrigo, Robin Moreno, and Barbara Witkin. A quorum was established. Arriving late were board members Jerry Garcia; Robin Moreno and Clive Whitcher. Jarone Johnson left early. Absent: Orrin Feldman, Vincent Laresca and Maria Sussman
 
3. Minutes – (Meyer/Witkin) moved approval of the minutes from the board meeting of October 24, 2012. The motion carried with 2 abstentions.
 
4. President’s Report by Anastasia Mann
a. Public Official Reports
i.) 42nd District– Nicole Carcel, Office of Assemblyman Mike Feuer announced the closing of the Assembly member’s office due to his being termed out of office.
 
ii.) CD4 –Anastasia reported that Roy Fitzpatrick, former chief deputy to Councilmember LaBonge, passed away. The board observed a moment of silence.
 
b. Southern California Gas Presentation: Ray Verches, Principal, Verches & Associates, was joined by Daisy Sanchez in giving a presentation on Southern California Gas Company's Advanced Meter Project. The utility will have field techs installing a grey box on each property to digitally transmit gas usage back to the company. This will eliminate the need for meter readers. Notification will take place 60-90 days before installation. For more information on this project, residents can visit: www.socalgas.com.
 
c. MTA proposal to rename the Universal City Red Line station as Universal/Studio City Station. Michael explained that HHWNC’s boundary includes this station.
 
i.) Presentation by Wilbur Babb, Metro’s Community Relations Manager: Metro staff has recommended that the MTA Board approve the name change. The estimated cost could be approximately $150,000-$500,000 phased-in over two to three years, which would come out of the Metro budget. The potential timeframe for the MTA Board vote on this matter would be late January or February. 

ii.) Presentation by Barry Johnson and Rita Villa, co-chairs of Studio City Neighborhood Council: The Studio City Neighborhood Council has voted in favor of the name change and is proposing that the change be phased-in gradually so as to not incur additional costs. (Meyer/Papes) moved that HHWNC support the name change to Universal/Studio City Station and that HHWNC is opposed to an accelerated schedule, wanting it to be implemented over time as maps are upgraded so there is minimal cost to Metro for this change. The motion carried: 14-3-1. 
 
d. Community business: Anastasia asked the new board if they needed training and whether they had questions about any of their responsibilities. She reviewed training and meeting requirements. She reviewed accessing the website, stakeholder list, posting the agenda, the budget for individual meetings, bylaws and standing rules and the Brown Act as it governs meetings. 
 
e. Next board meeting date set for Wednesday, January 16, 2013.
 
5. Vice President’s Report by Orrin Feldman: None.
 
6. Treasurer’s Report by Michael Meyer asked the board to respond to a survey about options for buying food for future board meetings.
 
a. Monthly Treasurer’s Report: Michael reviewed expenses for the previous month suggesting a potential increase for the website budget. He also suggested posting on the website an historic expenditure report going back to 2005. Board members can follow a link from the website for more info. (Witkin/Darrigo) moved to accept the Monthly Treasurer’s Report. Anastasia made a friendly amendment, “That HHWNC reallocate $2,000 from the Neighborhood Purposes Grant to be added to website maintenance enhancement. The motion was approved as amended. The board then approved the entire motion.
 
b. Update on HHWNC signage (Ad Hoc Committee): Michael reported that the signage language and format has not yet been selected. 
 
c. Tribute Book ad for Hollywood Central Park. (Meyer/Prange) moved, “The Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council applauds the efforts of Friends of the Hollywood Central Park in advancing plans for open space, recreation and healthy living in Hollywood and agrees to purchase an ad for $650.00 for their annual Tribute Book on January 10 with the HHWNC logo.” Michael stated that the park would be 44 acres of park space created above the 101 freeway from Santa Monica Blvd. to Bronson. After a suggestion from Kathy, Michael amended his motion for the HHWNC to allocate $500.00 for the ad. The motion carried: 11-5-2. 
 
7. Secretary’s Report: Kathy Bañuelos asked that board members who come in late check in with her. If a board member knows they are coming late, she asked that they let her know in advance.
 
8. Parliamentarian’s Report by Robert Mott: No report.
 
9. Committee Reports 
 
a. ISSUE COMMITTEES 
 
i. PLUM Committee Report – Robin Moreno gave the PLUM report on behalf of Orrin Feldman with recommendations from their Nov. 5th meeting including the following: 
 
• 2018 Highland Blvd/HLand Hotel – (Moreno/Mann moved, “The PLUM Committee recommends that HHWNC not support this proposal and that the hotel's exterior be redesigned with a Mediterranean style.” The committee's concerns also include the driveway width and ingress/egress for traffic at the hotel; the racked/lift parking's operation 24/7 with possibly adverse effects from noise and lights on the adjacent apartment and hotel buildings; and the proposed height and outdoor deck of the owner's unit on the top floor. Issues include noise from parties being given. The motion to support the PLUM Committee’s recommendation carried: 14-0-2. 
 
• 2111 Cahuenga Blvd/Motel – (Moreno/Kopel) moved, “The PLUM Committee recommends that HHWNC not support the current proposal. The PLUM Committee recommends that the motel's exterior be redesigned with a Mediterranean style and that more onsite employee parking be provided.” Robin stated that there are only 31 parking spaces for 38 rooms. The motion carried: 13-0-3.
 
• 1841 Highland Blvd/Indigo Hotel –(Moreno/Kopel) moved the PLUM Committee recommendation that HHWNC support the proposed project. The project’s rep, Ira Handleman, spoke about the project’s specifications. John Lee, representing the Methodist church adjacent to the proposed hotel property, said they did not support the project based on an earthquake study that shows fault lines potentially connect to the property. Mark Stephenson of Hollywood United Methodist Church also spoke and stated that the Church is not currently in support of the project. 
 
Nicole invited stakeholders to attend the PLUM Committee when they are interested in a certain project, in order to avoid rehashing issues that were already previously discussed. Michael Meyer, chair of Outpost Homeowners Association, said there would be traffic impacts from this development despite their traffic study that said otherwise. (Meyer) suggested a friendly amendment to the motion, “That, as a condition of approval, the developer continue to work with the adjacent neighborhood associations and that they commit to some sort of traffic mitigation at Outpost.” His amendment was accepted. The amended motion carried: 13-3-1. 
 
Anastasia suggested that Ira come back to the board with updates after the public hearing. He said they are committed to doing whatever they need to do.
 
Paul Darrigo disagreed with the parliamentary procedure utilized for the motion and vote on this item.
 
ii. Outreach Committee Report: Nicole reported that the League of Women Voters and Communities United for Smart Growth approached the Board to co-sponsor a Mayoral Forum. (Michael Meyer recused himself from this item). (Carcel/Bañuelos) moved, “That HHWNC approve the Neighborhood Purposes Grant application of Communities United for Smart Growth in the amount of $500 to help with outreach expenses and to co-sponsor the January 24, 2013 Los Angeles City Mayoral Forum to be held at Forest Lawn within HHWNC’s boundaries.” The co-host of the forum is the League of Women Voters. Co-sponsorship includes HHWNC logo on all outreach materials and a table at the event promoting HHWNC membership to attendees. The motion carried unanimously. 
 
Nicole also discussed the NC Outreach Newsletter and asked for contributions from the Board. 
 
10. Public Comments: 
 
• Lisa Cahan Davis, a stakeholder in Studio City NC, requested that the Board review plans to create a sidewalk for pedestrians to walk to area attractions on either side of the Cahuenga Pass. As Outreach Chair for the Studio City NC, she invited the board to a Luminaria Festival on Dec. 2, 2012 and asked to coordinate future projects with HHWNC’s Outreach.

• Stacey Kenyon expressed concerns with the street closures for the Hollywood Christmas Parade and the impact of local residents. She recommended that the Board work to find a way to minimize street closures and the disruption to community as a result of the parade. 

• Paul Darrigo spoke about RACO (Reserve Animal Control Officers). Last year’s trained officers were released back into service to investigate animal calls. There is a 40% euthanasia rate currently for the City of L.A. New candidates are now sought for RACO training.
 
11. Old Business: Ethics training needs to be completed by board members before the next meeting date.
 
12. New Business: None.
 
13. Adjournment at 9:20 p.m.
 
-Minutes by Pat Kramer, Apple One-

Download Draft BOD Minutes PDF

 
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