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NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES - April 14, 2005

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:46 PM by President John Greenwood.

2. Roll Call of Board Members:  The following board members were present:  John Greenwood, Diana Nave, Andrea Adleman, Guillermo Villagran, Philip Nicolay, Bill Upchurch, Esther Espinoza-Ek, Carlos Garcia, Jody James, Margaret Moilov, Ray Patricio, Patricia Polcuch, Capt. George Thompson, John Vladovich and Chris Wickers.  Marisa Trutanich and Sanni Wehbe were absent.

3. Report from Council woman’s office.  Caroline Brady Sinco, representative from Janice Hahn’s office, commented that she was available for any questions from the community.

4. LAPD report.  Officer Steve Muirhead commented on the ATV Program stating that the vehicles are now being outfitted to make them official police vehicles.  Using the ATV’s, the LAPD has already made approximately 20 arrests in about 11 hours of deployment.  Officer Muirhead feels that the ATV’s are extremely effective. 

5. Pilot Program for Peck Park Brush Clearance.  Juan Benitez Sr., the Park Maintenance Supervisor for Wilmington, San Pedro and Harbor City Parks reported on the pilot program of using a live goat herd for brush clearance at Peck Park.  Four parts of the park go out for bid each year for brush clearance.  This area would need 100-200 goats with a cost of around $900 per acre.  The area is approximately 11 Acres which would cost approximately $12,000.  This is approximately the same cost as traditional brush clearance.  They are going to use the area known as the Old Hernandez Ranch for the pilot program.  The goats are expected to be here in the month of June and will be handled by Nancy and Billy’s Vegetation Management out of Oregon.  

6. Minutes from March meeting.  The minutes were unanimously approved.

7. Public comment: 

1. Rena Park Neighborhood Council Representative.  He is putting together a list of concerns and wants to get them to our council.  There were no additional public comments.

8. Committee Reports

1. Elections Committee.  Some changes were made to the Election Procedures to bring them into compliance with the bylaws.  These include striking reference to age 14 ; removing the provision related to home bound individuals; methods of voting are to be in person, no proxy and no absentee ballots. The changes were delivered to D.O.N.E. and everything appears to be on track.  They need to know the FDM before they can approve our procedures.  A motion was made to approve the procedure changes as outlined in the handout.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

2. Port Committee.  Phil Nicolay talked about the motions before the council and explained the EIR process.  The floor was opened to comments from the community.  Sal Zambrano from the Port made a comment to clarify the fifth paragraph of the resolution.  Pat Nave also made comments about the collaborative process and supported the resolution as is.  The Resolution is as follows: 

Philip Nicolay then presented a second resolution entitled the Project Objectives Resolution.  He talked extensively about the 6 items.  A motion was made by Bill Upchurch, seconded by Margaret Moilov to approve the Project Objectives Resolution.  Sal Zambrano commented that the clear goal here is to move ahead with the EIR process.  He didn’t feel a need to pass this motion at this time.  Margaret attended the EIR workshop last month.  She applauded the Port for having this available.  The neighborhood council presidents have been meeting to have a common goal.  Sergio Correa from the Councilwoman’s office talked about the fact that the commitment of their office is there to develop the process.  He also didn’t feel the second motion was necessary.  Margaret withdrew the Second on the motion.  Bill Upchurch withdrew the original motion.  Carlos made a motion to accept the resolution.   Jody James seconded the motion with corrections. 

John Greenwood proposed an Amendment and then a vote was taken.  The Resolution was passed unanimously with the amendment.  Only Esther Espinoza-Ek abstained.   See Resolution on next page:

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Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council - Bridge to Breakwater San Pedro Waterfront and Promenade Master Development Plan

PROJECT OBJECTIVES RESOLUTION

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council (NWSPNC) has approved of the overall goal and framework of the proposed Bridge to Breakwater San Pedro Waterfront and Promenade Master Plan with comments.  As part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process the project objective needs to be defined so the specific project elements can be evaluated against these objectives.  The NWSPNC has provided the Port of Los Angeles with specific comments concerning project elements, board resolution dated March 14, 2005.  The proposed project is to redevelop approximately 416 acres and a 7-mile stretch of waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles to produce a vibrant water plan, develop a continuous grand boulevard and waterfront promenade, enhance San Pedro’s unique history in new design, establish distinct waterfront district while keeping what works now, provide a variety of transportation options, and enhance key linkages to downtown.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NWSPNC commends the Port staff for working with the neighborhood councils to incorporate the following items which we support including as a part of Project Objectives for the Bridge to Breakwater Master Plan project: 

1.      Create a network of open spaces along the waterfront linked by the Promenade to enhance and encourage public access (both physically and visually) to the coastal waterfront, provide clear access to the waterfront from regional and local transportation facilities; and improve transportation within the vicinity of the Port.

2.      Provide a variety of transportation options and encourage the use of public transit (both land and water) within the project area; improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including the development of the promenade as a part of the California Coastal Trail.

3.      Apply the Port’s “green” policy so that the project area is developed in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, the use of the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building rating system throughout the project area.

4.      Apply the Mayor’s and the Board of Harbor Commissioners’ “No Net Increase” policy for air pollution and traffic congestion in the development of the project.

5.      The plan preserves and enhances the S.P. Slip, maintaining its commercial fishing use, and preserves or enhances natural systems that are already within the Port complex (i.e., beaches, salt marsh, wetlands, shallow and deep water habitat, bluffs).

6.      The proposed Plan enhances the value of existing deep-water berth at the Outer Harbor and Main Channel to include an Outer Harbor park with limited commercial amenities and occasional use as a deep water berth for cruise ships.

NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL RESOLUTION

RE:  CONTRACT WITH MDA JOHNSON FAVARO

WHEREAS the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council (NWSPNC) is desirous of creating a conceptual land use and traffic plan for N. Gaffey between the 110/47 off/on ramp and the AmeriGas Facility; and

WHEREAS sufficient funds are available for this purpose in the “community projects” category in our FY 04-05 budget; and

WHEREAS four teams submitted their qualifications and participated in an oral interview;

WHEREAS MDA Johnson Favaro received the highest score from the interview panel and was their unanimous first choice; and

WHEREAS the NWSPNC is establishing a North Gaffey Steering committee to provide oversight to the consultant;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NWSPNC authorizes the General Manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to enter into a contract with MDA Johnson Favaro in an amount not to exceed $19,999 for the time period April 18, 2005 through April 17, 2006 to complete the work outlined in Attachment A.

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3. Issues Committee.  Diana Nave gave her report and provided a handout for the “Preliminary Project Approach and Outline Workplan:  The North Gaffey Street Pilot Study.”  She then presented a Resolution regarding a Contract with MDA Johnson Favaro (an Architecture and Urban Design Co.).  Diana Nave made a Motion and Chris Wickers seconded the motion.  Margaret Moilov asked to add a friendly amendment to the Resolution which was accepted.   The resolution passed unanimously as written below:

Chris Wickers agreed to serve on a Steering Committee to do the Negotiation of the contract details.

MOU with DWP.  Soledad Garcia with the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council suggested that a representative from the neighborhood council to be on an oversight committee.  Esther Espinosa Ek agreed to serve.  It was commented that the DWP has done a good job helping everyone to understand the process.  The Council can remove our approval with thirty days notice.

Cultural Affairs Proposed MOU.  Wednesday April 27th 6pm at Croatian Cultural Center there is a joint meeting of the neighborhood councils to discuss the MOU.  A copy of the draft MOU has been posted on our website at www.nwsanpedro.org.

Building and Safety Code Enforcement.  Ongoing code enforcement problems can be reported to the Council Office or directed to David at dxjones@ladbs.lacity.org.

Next Issues Committee meeting.  Wednesday April 27 at the San Pedro City Hall, 4th Floor. 

4. Budget and Finance.  Bill Upchurch gave a report.  The committee has established some general and overall policies and guidelines.  There are restrictions and rules created by D. O. N. E. that keep changing.  Margaret talked about the Peck Park Cleanup and costs involved.  Pres. John Greenwood who is on the Budget and Finance committee went over specific action on funding proposals:  Peck Park cleanup, up to $200; Peck Park Fencing up to $10,000 at Dunn Canyon.  In order to avoid becoming a Foundation to support community events (which is not the purpose of the neighborhood councils), the Finance Committee decided not to donate money to Cabrillo Beach and for the San Pedro Homeowners United Request.  Patricia talked about the curtain for Bandini Theatre and how the neighborhood council can assist.  A Motion was made by Esther and seconded by Guillermo to accept the above donations.   Approved unanimously.

5. Education Committee.  Patricia Polcuch reported that the $500 service awards will be presented at the next meeting.   A motion was made by Margaret Moilov to approve Marcelo Dolce and Casey Muldoon as recipients of the service awards.  John Greenwood seconded the motion which was then passed unanimously.

6. Outreach Committee.  Guillermo talked about the Spring edition of newsletter which is in the mail.  He asked that board members continue submitting articles and pictures for the newsletter which he commented goes out to 10,000 residential and commercial addresses.  Needs any articles before the May 10th deadline. 

7. Peck Park.  Margaret talked about cleanup.  Esther and Margaret met with Park Director and walked entire park.  Setting up clean up stations.  They need Station captains.  There are 7 locations they need overseen.  Certificates of Appreciation will be given to those Community members who participate.  Push to engage youth in the area.  May 21st 8:30 to noon is the cleanup event.  Many groups are already set up to attend.   

8. Peck Park Committee.   Diana gave an update.  Final plan will be sent in in May.  Issues Committee member Dan Dixon was introduced by Diana. 

9. Transportation Committee.  John Vladovich attended the meeting and gave an update.  A lot of concerns were brought up at that meeting.  Tues 29th is next meeting 6:30pm at Peck Park.  LADOT rep did attend last meeting.  Enrose committee is requesting speed bumps. 

9.      Western Avenue Task Force. Hasn’t met because they are waiting for the Rancho PV people to be appointed.  That will happen in the next couple of weeks and then there will be a joint meeting.  Meeting will include Rancho PV and City of LA, plus City’s Dot and Caltrans on the task force.

10.  Teamwork L.A. Update – Jody James gave a report.  She was asked about the $100,000 being offered for street and sidewalk maintenance which NC’s may be able to direct.  Money came from Gas Tax.  They are doing our end of the city first.  If we have any suggestions, they would like them quick.  They provided a booklet with information.  We have input as to what streets we feel need attention.

11.  President’s Report.  Pres. John Greenwood appointed John Mavar to the Issues Committee.  In addition, Chris Wickers was appointed to the North Gaffey Steering Committee with committee members John Mavar, Jim Cross and Chuck Hart.

A motion was made to support the effort to allow Neighborhood Councils to originate policy recommendations to the city council.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

12. Next Meeting, May 10, 6:30 pm.

13. Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm.