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Issues Committee Report for March, 2005

MOU with DWP

Representatives of a number of Neighborhood Councils met with the Department of Water and Power (DWP) and developed a Memorandum of Understanding. Although we were invited to participate in this process no one from our Council chose to do so. The Neighborhood Council/DWP MOU provides for:

• Early notification and input on matters such as changes in delivery of services, rate increases, short and long term planning, and significant improvement projects;
• DWP regional liaisons to work directly with NCs
• Participation in the DWP budget process, including budget training workshops
• Education and training regarding the organization and operation of DWP
• The ability to monitor the delivery services to our neighborhood
• Annual meetings in each of the 7 Neighborhood Council areas where stakeholders can bring matters of concern directly to the attention of the DWP management.

The MOU would be a two-year document, subject to review at the end of that time. All Neighborhood Councils are being given the opportunity to sign it. An committee will be established to provide oversight to the implementation of the MOU.

Motion: That the NWSPNC support the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Neighborhood Councils and the LA Department of Water and Power and authorize the President, John Greenwood, to sign such an agreement provided it is basically as outlined herein.

Quimby Fees

Kathleen Chan, Recreation and Parks, discussed the Quimby Fees. The Quimby Fees were established by state legislation to provide funds for recreation and parks in conjunction with new residential development. The guidelines have been further established by the City’s enacting ordinance. The amount of the fee is established by the Planning Department and is adjusted every year. The fee is approximately $1200 for a single family dwelling and can go up to $5400/unit in an R5 development. Developers may also provide offsets, such as donating land for parks, in leiu of paying a fee. The City has a similar fee for apartment buildings which is set at about $200/unit. This fee goes into the sites and facilities fund administered by the CAO.

The City of Los Angeles Ordinance requires that Quimby fees be spent within 1.5 miles of where they are generated. They can be spent only for capital improvement projects or land acquisition. Each year at the end of August or early September, a list is generated showing the amount of funds available for each Park facility. Priorities for expenditures are generated by the Department of Recreation and Parks Planning & Construction Division in consultation with the Recreation and Maintenance field staff. The Council Office is also consulted. The Board of Recreation and Parks has the final say, not the City Council.

Peck Park has $23,974 this year which has been earmarked for the following improvements: water service improvements (backflow), upgrade restrooms, and asphalt parking lot and driveway improvements including paving. Peck is the only Park in our Council area that currently has Quimby funds.

N. Gaffey Planning

A Request for Qualifications was released to secure potential consultants for N. Gaffey. The RFQ was sent to 20 potential respondents and posted on the City of Los Angeles Web Site. Responses are due today. Assuming we receive responses, we will review them and contact those that seem appropriate and invite them to participate in a selection interview. The next step will be the establishment of a N. Gaffey Project Committee to work with the consultants.

Peck Park

Final presentation of Peck Park Master Plan will be made at our meeting on March 14. Hopefully the plan will be presented to the Board of Recreation and Parks when they meet in San Pedro on April 20. The meeting will be held at 5:30 pm at the Aquarium. This concludes the work of the consultants. The Trails and Stream Restoration Grants are still pending. Discussions have begun with the Port regarding the possibility of Port funds for water quality related stream improvements.

The Department of Rec & Parks obtained a bid on using goats for vegetation clearance that was higher than the cost of using traditional methods. They are now in the process of soliciting additional bids and will report back to us at our April meeting.

The security camera for Peck Park has been purchased and is awaiting installation.

A Peck Park Clean Up Day has been scheduled for May 21. Margaret Moilov is the chair of this event.

Averill Park

The Averill Park residents have continued to meet with the Council Office regarding problems at the park including traffic and crime. DOT has initiated several traffic improvement measures and there has been increased attention from both LAPD and the Park Rangers. Reports to Park Rangers can be made by calling 311 or 323-913-7390 or 1-800-ASK-LAPD or 911 (for crimes in process).
Recreation and Parks is considering increasing the event fee to include funding for a park ranger during the event. A bigger problem however is the number of unpermitted events which occur. There is a need for increased enforcement of the permit process. Recreation and Parks will be posting signs containing relevant ordinances including the requirement that permits must be obtained for all vending, events, and commercial photos. Stepped up parking enforcement is also being requested. Area residents are considering the possibility of funding a private security patrol and may at some point in the future approach the Neighborhood Council for a portion of the funding. The residents will meet again on April 13 at 6:30 pm at Bognanovich Park.

Navy Land Auction (Western Avenue)

The 42 acre parcel sold for $88 million ($2.4 million per acre). The Council office expects to find out the name of the successful bidder this week and will convene a meeting with them as soon as possible.

Council Workplan

Attached is the list of the issues that the Council is tracking along with a brief status and tentative follow-up dates.

Next Meeting

Next Issues Committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm Wednesday March 23 at the San Pedro City Hall, 4th floor. Agenda items will include status of Building and Safety Code Enforcement, N. Gaffey, and proposed MOU with Cultural Affairs.