1. The meeting was called to order at 6:41pm by President Diana Nave.

2. Roll Call of Board Members: The following board members were present: John Greenwood, Diana Nave, Andrea Adleman, Bonnie Easley, John Mavar, Philip Nicolay, Esther Espinoza-Ek, Jody James, Allie Tolliver, Ray Patricio, Patricia Polcuch, Cpt. George Thompson, John Vladovich, Sanni Wehbe and Chris Wickers. Dan Dixon was excused.

3. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 10, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.

4. Public Comment:

A. Roberta Jones Booker, LAUSD Rep Community Outreach organizer local district 8. Gave info on a Community Meeting Regarding South Region High School #14 which will be held on May 20, 2006, from 10am-12noon, at the San Pedro High School Auditorium. Purpose of the meeting is to introduce the Project Architect, provide an overview of the proposed school facilities, review LAUSD design principles and collect community input on school design.

B. Hal Puffer, a citizen in the community talked about DWP Power Problem on 8th Street where the power pole is broken due to termite damage. Pres. Diana asked the Council Woman’s Rep, Dolores, to check into the issue.

C. Kathy Beauregard, thanked the NWSPNC for the donation to the Mayor’s Day of Service that was held this weekend.

D. Sgt. Jim Marchese, National Guard Recruiter for Harbor Area, invited everyone to the Welcome Home Ceremony on Sat. May 20th, 10:15am. Also asked the board for assistance in purchase of sod. He was informed that the previously allocated beautification funds could be used for this purpose.

E. June Saleman, San Pedro Transit Advocate commended the Council on the idea of a transit center in San Pedro.

5. Reports from Public Officials

A. Council Office: 1) Dolores Canazales commented on Bisno Development’s Specific Plan for Ponte Vista which is being developed. The Councilwoman is putting together a task force (up to 15 members) who will work with a planner, funded by Bisno. In this process they will establish the number of units, architectural elements, traffic, etc. for the Ponte Vista proposed development. 2) Regarding the ball fields, they are in discussion with the Sanitation Dept. 3) Regarding Amerigas – At trade and commerce meeting this Wednesday, the Council office will be recommending all parties to continue searching for a place to relocate the butane tanks. Also looking at zoning changes, eminent domain possibilities. Because they are a private company they can not be forced out.

B. LAPD: No Report.

C. Betty Karnette’s office: Rob Simpson, gave update on the three bills that were discussed later in the meeting.

6. COPSS. Lonna Calhoun explained the purpose of COPSS (Committee on Port Safety and Security) which was created by the neighborhood councils. They meet every fourth Tuesday of the month. Their first attempt was to research evacuation procedures and found that there was no sufficient plan. They are working with the Area Maritime Security Committee which is the working committee for all emergency response organizations and is chaired by the U.S. Coast Guard. The committee meetings are regularly attended by the Homeland Security Dept, LAPD, Port Police, LAFD, Coast Guard and reps from the Neighborhood Councils along with our elected officials. COPSS needs community stakeholder involvement. For more info visit their website at www.sanpedrocity.org (go to COPSS). At their last meeting they hit another goal and that was to have all of the first responders and elected officials at their meeting. Next meeting is on May 23, 6pm, 100 W. 5th St, San Pedro, CA 90731. Lonna asked for more Neighborhood Council participation. Pres. Diana thanked Jody James for her work organizing the CERT Training.

7. Port Committee.
A. Assembly Bill 2346. An Amendment to the California Infrastructure Financing District Law. Jenny from the Councilwoman’s office gave background information on this amendment which would allow the Port to create an Infrastructure Financing District as a mechanism to pay for waterfront improvements and other activities such as seismic and life-safety improvements; hazardous material remediation; landmark rehabilitation; structural work on piers; seawalls, and wharves; and storm water management facilities, other utility infrastructure, or public access improvements. The following motion was passed:

WHEREAS, the California State Legislature is considering Assembly Bill 2346, introduced by Assembly Member Oropeza, an amendment to existing California law, to provide for the creation of an infrastructure financing district within the Los Angeles harbor District under certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, as proposed Assembly Bill 2346 will allow the city of Los Angeles Harbor District to capture property increment revenue to finance needed public infrastructure and non-revenue producing costs such as waterfront infrastructure, environmental remediation, seismic retrofits, and restoration, preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings within the Los Angeles Harbor District.
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council supports the passage to Assembly Bill 2346 by the California Legislature and adoption by the Governor. (Adopted May 8, 2006)

B. Assembly Bill 2237 – Homeland Security, State of California Ports and Harbors. The following Motion for the NWSPNC to support the passage of this bill was passed unanimously:

WHEREAS, the California State Legislature is considering Assembly Bill 2237, introduced by Assembly Member Betty Karnette, to evaluate the policies, projects and funding at California ports and harbors on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 2237 will require an annual report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on the expenditures of federal homeland security and bioterrorism funds. This report will identify how the previous year’s expenditures and coordinated activities at the state and local levels met the overall strategic goals for the state; and
WHEREAS, as proposed, AB 2237 will provide information to identify sources of funding and areas in greater need of funding by directing the California Office of Homeland Security to annually assess what policies, projects and funding are necessary to protect our ports from terrorist attack, and coordination programs to focus on future fiscal years can be made.
NOW THEREFORE it is resolved that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council supports the passage of Assembly Bill 2237 by the California Legislature and adoption by the Governor. (Adopted May 8, 2006)

C. Assembly Bill 2274 – California Emergency Services Act. The following Motion for the NWSPNC to support the passage of this bill was passed with changes requested by John Greenwood. (1 no vote; 13 yes votes)

WHEREAS, the California State Legislature is considering Assembly Bill 2274, introduced by Assembly Member Betty Karnette, to provide for the integration of harbor agencies emergency plans with application local, regional and state emergency response plans; and
WHEREAS, currently local, regional and state emergency plans are not well coordinated as to response, need, and funding requirements. Gaps and redundancies do exist in local emergency response without proper coordination; and
WHEREAS as proposed, AB 2274 will provide for the coordination of local, regional and state emergency plans with Port and Harbor agencies emergency plans.
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council supports the passage of Assembly Bill 2274 by the California Legislature and adoption by the Governor. (Adopted may 8, 2006)

D. Port Committee Report was given by Phil Nicolay. For details refer to the “Port Committee Report to Full Board.” Next Port Committee Meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2006 at the San Pedro YMCA, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

8. Elections Committee. Allie Tolliver invited stakeholders to an informational meeting for people interested in becoming a neighborhood council board member. Applications must be submitted by May 12, but write in candidates can submit their applications on the date of the election. Deadline for candidate statements to be published in the newsletter is May 14th. Candidate’s meeting is May 16, Room 452, San Pedro City Hall. The election is June 12, from 1pm to 8pm at Peck Park.

9. Planning and Land Use Committee.

A. Some people have raised an objection to the proposals for JCC Homes to put a road through the Highlands park. JCC Homes came up with an alternate proposal. It will be discussed on May 31st at the Planning and Land Use Committee meeting. . July 13th is the hearing for JCC Homes in downtown Los Angeles. Chuck Hart gave comment about JCC Homes sticking to their commitment of upgrading the park. Bonnie Christianson was at the meeting and many residents wanted to get rid of the basketball court and Bonnie suggested replacing it with in a tennis court. Discussions are continuing.

B. President Diana Nave reported on the responses to the NWSPNC’s Development Questionnaire.

C. Planning Forum – John Greenwood gave a report on the Planning Forum that was co-sponsored by our NC.. The speakers included representatives from the Dept of Transportation, MTA, City Planning, and Jon Perica former Zoning Administrator. It was well attended by members of the community. One of the significant things we learned was that the San Pedro Community Plan will be updated starting in a couple of months.

10. Peck Park. Steve Koletty gave an update on projects relating to Peck Park.

1). Dumping barriers have been ordered but they are waiting for materials to arrive before they can schedule installation. Expect it in the next 2-3 weeks. Approximately 220 feet of barriers are involved.

2) CCC (Calif. Conservation Corps) Cleanup: we have one more day left.

3) Steve has talked to LANI about applying for a new Grant. Regarding the Trails Grant, $120,000 iwill be coming to the City Dept of Recreation and Parks. The proposal for $1.3 million Prop 50 funds made it through the first round of reviews. Regarding Prop O funds (application for 3.1 million): we are among the top 14 projects being considered. President Diana thanked Steve Koletty for all his hard work on these projects.

11. Issues, Traffic and Transportation Committee. John Mavar gave a report. 34 trees have planted on Capitol between Amelia and Barrywood,

12. Budget Committee. Sanni Wehbe gave his report. We are working on a budget for next year and Sanni needs any suggestions by the next meeting.

13. Outreach. Newsletter: Deadline is May 15th because we want to get all the election information out to the community. John Stammreich’s article about Fireworks Committee will be in the newsletter.

14. Public Comment: Community member, Gabriel Rivas, commented on Mayor Villaraigosa’s desire for more police officers and increasing trash fees to pay for them. As a resident he is for more police officers but not in favor of increased trash fees. John Greenwood also gave comment regarding this issue.

15. President’s Report: President Diana Nave reported on the following:

A. Hearing about the cable television franchises. Peck Park, May 25th, 6:30pm.
B. www.lausd.net/survey to provide input regarding new superintendent
C. LANI workshops.
D. DWP rate increase public meeting.

16. Other Comments

A. Esther reported that Port of LA Charter High School located on 5th Street is taking applications for next year, 9th graders. To apply go to www.polahs.net

B. Jody James brought information about increased cancer risk from the port in our community.

C. Board member Chris Wickers is moving out of state and was recognized for his work. Today was his last meeting.

17. Next Meeting June 12, 2006 6:30pm. This will be a busy meeting because of elections.

18. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristina Smith
Administrative Assistant
NWSPNC