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Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council

Community Meeting Minutes

May 10th, 2004, 6:30 P.M. Peck Park

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by President John Greenwood.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the President welcomed the community in attendance.

1.	Roll call of board members.  All board members were present:  Shannon Day, Esther Espinoza-Ek, Carlos Garcia, John Greenwood, Shari Hill, Jody James, Margaret Moilov, Diana Nave, Phillip Nicolay, Michael Nizetich, Ray Patricio, David Rivera, Emily Roche, George Thompson, Guillermo Villigran, William Upchurch and Marisa Trutanich.
2.	Minutes of April 12, 2004 meeting.  The April 12, 2004 minutes were approved as written.
3.	Public Comment - DiCarlo Bakery. The bakery closed last Friday and the property is up for sale.  Even though this is private property, City Councilwoman Janice Hahn is interested in knowing the desires of the community and what the community would like on the property. The city can grant benefits to someone who is willing to keep the ball field where it is. The City Councilwoman’s office reports that they may lean in the direction of what the community wants.    Elise Swanson, Director of Community Development for Council District 15, was present to provide information.  She commented that Councilwoman Hahn wants to keep the field and is working with Interstate Bakeries regarding donating the property.  So far there are15 interested parties who want to purchase for the purpose of developing the property either for housing, light manufacturing or light commercial.  All developers have expressed a commitment to the ball field.  She stated that the bakery understands the community’s concerns.  The property is valued at $1 million plus an acre, $10 million for the parcel.  They are talking to developers daily. When asked who determines the value of the property, Elise answered that a residential developer will pay the highest price and keeping the ball fields would amount to a $3 million donation.  Since the ball fields have been there over 40 years, Janice Hahn feels she should be able to save the fields.  There will be public hearings in the future to give the community a chance to voice their opinion when more definite decisions have been made.  An Eastview Little League representative made additional comments.  Elise also commented that the city attorneys are researching the matter regarding a corporation making a donation of the ball park to the community. The discussion continued until the President asked for a vote because Janice Hahn had wanted to get an idea of the preferences of the community.  John Greenwood serves as President of the Citizen’s Oversight Committee of Proposition Q and stated that the City has not paid anywhere near the amount discussed for a site, and that changing sites at this point would risk bringing the bond issue to a close on time and within budget.  He and others also worried about having a jail in a residential community if the Police station was relocated. Another resident asked if any group had made a proposal for a movie theatre.  Elise stated that so far there was no such proposal.  There was a recommendation from a board member that there be a community meeting with parents etc. to have them create a recommendation.  Elise stated that we can’t get specific at this time because not enough is known yet, it will be based on who purchases it.  If the community is ready for a meeting, she would arrange to have Janice Hahn attend. George Thompson talked about his discussions with residents and everyone was concerned about ball fields.  They liked the ideas of residential but got mostly “nos” regarding industrial.   John Greenwood asked for a vote from the audience on preferences. The results of the straw vote were:  Manufacturing—no votes; Big Box—no votes; small commercial development—8-9 votes; Housing—25+ votes; office complex—10+ votes;  Police Station--8 votes.  Several people were opposed to restaurants, especially considering we are trying to re-develop downtown.  There was a comment from a neighborhood resident with regards to the fumes being emitted from Kinder Morgan.  Six public nuisance complaints have been filed.  There will be a Public Hearing on May 25th to Petition an Order of Abatement against Kinder Morgan.    A motion was made for the Neighborhood Council to support the AQMD’s notice of abatement.  Discussion came after that.  Keep the Eastview fields and build additional fields if Kinder Morgan property became available.  Residents want more fields for our children.  The motion was then carried with all present in favor. Elise stated that the Councilwoman will continue to keep everyone updated along with the Neighborhood Council.  We will also post it on the web site.
4.	Election Committee Report– Mike Nizetich The Council is having board elections on June 14th.  Flyers are available.  It was commented that we would love the community to get involved.  Ray Patricio handed out flyers to everyone interested.  There are 10 seats up for election. Mike proposed two amendments to the bylaws: First.  Bylaw Amendment. Proposed a motion to change the by-laws, specifically the last sentence in the paragraph “There are no term limits.”  To be changed to:  “No Board Member will be allowed to serve more than 4 consecutive terms.:  A discussion began and Bill Upchurch mentioned that half the board was elected for only one year on the first go around.  It was then recommended that the verbiage be changed to 8 consecutive years instead of 4 consecutive terms.  The question was raised as to whether or not this item could be voted at this meeting.  Mark Lewis said the committee has already been empowered to do this.  These are simple technical adjustments for what has already been approved.  The motion was then seconded and there was a unanimous vote to approve the by-laws amendment on term limits. Second.  An amendment regarding Election procedures, specifically Section H “Results of Ballot Count “C” Results Protest.  As follows.  “If the decision on the protest is not satisfactory to the protestor, a grievance may be filed that night.  An arbitration committee shall be formed by the Board to review grievance and make a decision as soon as possible but no later than the next regular monthly Board meeting.  This decision will be final.  If the decision affects the outcome of any of the election results, the candidates will be notified immediately. There was additional discussion.  Margaret Moilov felt the amendment was too general.  But other board members said it would be difficult to be more specific.  There was a motion to accept as read.  But then there was a motion to change it to be an odd number in case of a split vote.  The motion passed changing the amendment to read a three member arbitration committee.  All board members were in favor.
5.	Carlita Mead of Q-Star Technology was added to the agenda. They manufacture, market and sell the flash cam.  It is a vandalism deterrent system that can be operated remotely.  She gave a demonstration.  When the unit detects motion it takes a series of photographs and sends out a loud warning message.   She says it is very intimidating for illegal dumping, vacant buildings etc.  Multiple purposes.  Very sturdy, and vandalism and weather proof.  Usually mounted 16 ft high.  Can be programmed for any message. Carlita was asked if there was any way of alerting the police station when the unit went off.  Carlita said no.  The unit can be programmed in other languages.  The company has an evaluation period, and they start with a test unit.  The capacity is 36 photographs.  A maintenance program available.  Battery lasts for 16 rolls of film.  Operation Clean sweep in Los Angeles has 125 units.  There is also a solar panel adapter.  They have statistics from other cities.  They have referrals.  For more info refer to Website:  www.Qstartech.com
6.	Outreach Committee. Guillermo Villagran reported that the brochure is now completed.  By next week there will be the first distribution of the election flyer.  Those interested in running for office can fill out the election form.
7.	Issues Committee. Diana Nave reported on the following issues: A.      Verizon’s Proposed Antenna at 727 Capitol Dr.  There will be a public hearing on May 13 at 9:30am.  A representative of Verizon was present at the board meeting to answer questions and provide information.  Color flyers with photographs were distributed.  John Greenwood asked if anyone had any strong objections.  One resident who was present adamantly opposed as she lives within 500 feet of the proposed antenna.  Sergio from Janice Hahn’s office gave information regarding Federal Laws etc.  The board’s decision can only relate to how the antenna will look, etc.  We cannot discuss the dangers at this time.  There was additional discussion relating to the location of the antenna and approximately three residents at the meeting who opposition gave their opinions.  John Greenwood suggested that any one opposed attend the public hearing.  A motion was made to object to the antenna but there was no second. B.      Storm Drains at Capitol and Statler Drive.  New 6 foot fencing will be installed in mid June at both sites to cover exposed storm drain off Capitol.  A letter was sent to the Councilwoman and she thanked us for the work on this. C.      Amerigas.  We need a public forum to get more information.  John Greenwood will attend the BOHC meeting on Wed to speak on this issue.  On May 17th, the Coastal Neighborhood Council is having the Amerigas person at their meeting. D.      Peck Park master plan.  Ray has been working on a fundraiser to be held on Sunday, June 13th.  It will be a concert and car show.  11am – 5pm. There will be tours of canyon.  Ray went over what has already been done.  The Councilwoman’s office is involved.  Also a great outreach opportunity.  Several board members agreed to assist. E.      CERT Training.  If additional people don’t sign up, it will be cancelled.  This is a 7 week class held on Thursdays from 6-9pm at San Pedro City Hall.  There was a short discussion on how to get the community involved. Also, there was an announcement:  that on Wednesday, May 12 at the Sheraton there is a Traffic related workshop.
8.	Port Committee update. EEK/Gafcon Waterfront Plan – Phil Nikolay talked about this project.  They are in the process of working through items to come up with a formal plan to submit.  Diane Nave referred to item #4 on the Resolution dated March 11, 2004.  (Evaluate the ability to extend the Red Car to Northwest San Pedro utilizing the existing rail right away along North Gaffey).  She stated that she thinks this item will be a problem and suggested that we add the language but delete #4.  A Motion was made to change the clause.  There were no oppositions to the motion and it was passed.  The overall goal of the resolution is to keep the process moving. There was a discussion of the China Shipping settlement.  New process is coming up.  We want North Gaffey area to be included in all plans.  John Greenwood said people need to say yes to the concept to show their support and stop picking on everything.  WE NEED TO HAVE THE APPROVED MOTION STATED IN THE MINUTES.
9.	Budget and Finance Committee - Bill Upchurch talked about the Treasurer’s Report. Total funds are $3,535.12.  $50,000 available in 12 month period.  Bill is working to replenish the funds.  Year end will be June 30th.    He is told that we should have the audit completed in the next week or so.  DONE will go through audit and call Bill downtown.  Items approved must match the items in the Council’s approved budget.  Bill also talked about pending check requests.  We have to wait for the replenishing process before we can address expenditures.  Bill commented that the process is a “real bear.”  He has to create reports to submit to DONE.  Only gets the quarterly $12,500 when this process is completed.  The $10,000 for master plan is being handled by a different process and should be forthcoming before the end of the year. Additional ideas for spending.  Bill asked John if he would like to have a Budget Committee meeting.    Diane talked about the $5,000 for Beacon House.  Coastal has worked out a plan that might allow us to allocate money to spend this year instead of waiting until it is spent.  June 14th is the deadline to submit any budget expenditures for this year.  Shari was concerned that since her term is over and she is not going to be going for another term can she still complete her Peck Park project.  Bill said yes.   Shari requested a more comprehensive report of the funds, showing how much we have spent all year and how much of our $50,000 remains.  Grand Vision.  Jodi Van Meter asked for funds for Warner Grand Seats.  A letter is being sent requesting $5,000.
10.	President’s Report – John Greenwood attended a meeting with the Mayor where he announced the new city budget.  They put out a special section of the budget related to neighborhood council priorities which John shared with the board. John then referred to a communication he received from Lisa Matulich from LAPD Community Relations.   On Tues June 4, 6-9pm there is an academy related to Policing, etc.  Contact John Greenwood for more information.  Ray Patricio asked if we can be a sponsor.  He made a motion to sponsor the event.  Motion seconded and carried unanimously.
11.	Date of Next Meeting: Annual meeting/election, June 14, Peck Park.  12 noon – voting for candidates begins.  6:30 p.m. – candidate presentations. Regular meeting after election. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.