The meeting was called to order at 6:38 pm by President Diana Nave.

Roll Call of Board Members: The following board members were present: Andrea Adleman, Daniel Dixon, John Greenwood, Chuck Hanchett, Jody James, Diana Nave, Ray Patricio, Capt. George Thompson, Hoshang Pavri, Barbara Schach, John Stammreich and Sanni Wehbe. The following members were absent: Bonnie Easley (excused), John Mavar (excused), Philip Nicolay (excused) and Joe Gatlin (unexcused).

SPECIAL ELECTION

1. A special election was held to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of board member, Allie Tolliver. Candidate Statements were heard from Bill Upchurch, Lori Ann Moilov, and Janet Gunter (write in candidate). A 10 minute recess was then called by President Diana Nave in order to allow for voting. The results of the election showed that Janet Gunter was elected to fill the vacancy on the board.

BOARD AND COMMUNITY MEETING

2. SWEARING IN OF NEW BOARD: Councilwoman Janice Hahn gave brief remarks about the neighborhood council. She spoke about the Prop 50 grant and how we are getting 2 million dollars for Peck Park Canyon. Councilwoman Hahn then swore in the board members that had been elected in June: Sanni Wehbe, Barbara Schach, Cpt. George Thompson, John Greenwood, Diana Nave, Andrea Adleman, John Stammreich, and Chuck Hanchett. The Councilwoman also gave a quick update on Amerigas, stating that the City is now considering two options: 1) the possibility of re-zoning the property or 2) acquiring it by eminent domain. It may cost the city money but is an important issue. She also talked about Ponte Vista, stating that the city is going to create a specific plan. She has appointed a task force to work on this and all meetings will be public in conformance with the Brown Act. One city planner will be designated for this 62 acre parcel. And she gave update on the ball fields.

3. PRESENTATION RE: PORT SECURITY AND EVACUATION PLANNING UPDATE by George Cummings, Director of Homeland Security at the Harbor Department. They are working on the security of the cargo and the port itself. Radiation detection units are being installed for rail and truck cargo. They are also doing research into the future of cargo screening, as well as designing major cameras and an information system and using Federal grants to fund this project. All the agencies (such as Fire, police, etc.) are meeting and working together on evacuation planning, security threats etc. Each agency has their responsibility to respond in the event of an evacuation. They will be holding a practice evacuation exercise later this year. Capt. Joan McNamara, Captain of LA Harbor Division talked about her role in the evacuation plan of neighborhoods. Stakeholders had an opportunity to ask questions. Captain McNamara stated that in the event of an emergency the community will be notified using a variety of methods including radio, TV, automated phone calls, and loud speaker announcements from LAPD cars and Air Ships. Catalina Express and other ships will be available to assist in emergency response.

4. ELECTION OF NWSPNC OFFICERS FOR 2006-2007. Gabriela Quintana, liaison for DONE, described the duties of each office and then accepted nominations. Diana Nave was nominated by Dan Dixon and elected as President with 11 votes. John Greenwood nominated Dan Dixon as Vice President and was elected to that office with 10 votes. Andrea Adleman nominated Chuck Hanchett for the position of Secretary and he was elected by 11 votes. Diana Nave nominated Sanni Wehbe to continue as treasurer and he was elected by 11 votes.

5. MINUTES OF JUNE MEETING. The minutes from the June 12, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.

6. LAPD. Capt. Joan McNamara gave an update on the Fireworks problem on 4th of July and also on the graffiti issues. Significant arrests were made for fireworks, however there are not enough officers to make a dent on the Fourth itself. The graffiti car has made over 200 arrests and the officers are following up with the parents.

7. INTRODUCTION OF NEW PORT LIAISON. Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director for the Harbor Department has appointed Tony Gioiello as the Port’s Liaison to the NWSPNC. He was introduced and gave a few remarks.

8. COUNCIL OFFICE REPORT. Ana Bosic, community advocate for Janice Hahn introduced Gordon Teuber , Economic Development Director, and Frank Hong, Planning Director.

9. BETTY KARNETTE’S OFFICE, Rob Simpson gave an update the recent state budget that was passed: 1.4 billion dollars will be repaid to Transportation (Prop 42 funds) and previous education funds that were cut have been restored. In response to our letter, Assembly Member Betty Karnette will be discussing with Cal Trans ways of improving the Channel Street off Ramp. ASSEMBLY BILLS. Both AB 2237 (Port Security against Terrorist Threats) and AB2274 (Emergency Preparedness), supported by NWSPNC, passed unanimously in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and will now be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

10. PORT COMMITTEE: Jody James gave an overview of the Instructions to the PCAC representative and read a document entitled, “Informational Language to Accompany Motion Regarding Overriding Considerations.” The following motion was presented:

The NWSPNC instructs our PCAC representative to vote yes on the following motion: The Air Quality Subcommittee recommends that the Board of Harbor Commissioners approve only those EIRs that mitigate any significant air quality impacts to a level of insignificance.

The motion was then amended after discussion as follows:

The NWSPNC instructs our PCAC representative to request an amendment to add the following language at the end of the motion: “…and any discretionary project should result in a reduction of overall pollution for that activity.” In the event that the amendment fails, NWSPNC instructs our representative to vote yes on the original motion. (Motion passed)

Motion Re: Representative to PCAC Subcommittee

A motion was made to select Pat Nave as a new representative to the PCAC Subcommittee. Motion passed unanimously. Letter will be send to the Board of Harbor Commissioners. Phil Nicolay will continue as the Alternate.

Motion Relating to Noise Impact

Whereas, the results of the noise survey performed by the Port of Los Angeles show that the West Basin Area of the Port of Los Angeles generates the most noise impacts to the community. And, whereas a portion of this noise is a result of train operations and impacts the quality of life in the neighborhoods adjacent to the West Basin rail tracks. Therefore, to mitigate noise impacts from rail traffic, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council recommends that the Board of Harbor Commissioners place a priority on the rail and goods movement improvement project within the West Basin. And, further recommends that until the West Basin goods movement and rail improvement project is completed, the Port of Los Angeles via the City of Los Angeles restrict the hours of train operations within the West Basin area from 7AM to 10PM. (Motion approved unanimously)

Motion Relating to Lighting

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council recommends to PCAC that PCAC recommend to the Board of Harbor Commissioners that a process of updating the area lighting at the Yang Ming Terminal be implemented. The updating of the area lights can start as soon as the necessary studies and scopes of work have been completed by Port staff. The lighting improvement project could entail retrofitting and replacing individual light fixtures and elements and possibly changing methods of operation. Considerations for the lighting improvements will be safety, security, energy efficiency and reduction in light impacts to the community. (Motion approved unanimously)

Port has released their Air Quality Improvement Plan and it is available online at www.portofla.gov. They will be presenting the plan for public comment at Peck Park on July 25th.

11. PECK PARK CANYON TASK FORCE. Steve Koletty reported that we have been asked to co-sponsor a Youth and Environmental Fair involving 70+ high school youth from the area. The event would take place on August 16th, 2006 at Peck Park.

A Motion was made to have the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council co-sponsor the fair. (Motion was passed unanimously.)

12. PLANNING AND LAND USE.
A. Community Survey - President Diana Nave distributed a summary of the comments received as a result of our community survey. The comments were summarized under the headings of Ponte Vista, the High School, and Other Issues. She stated that copies would be sent to both Councilwoman Hahn and LAUSD Board Member Mike Lansing.

B. Comments regarding the Initial Study for the proposed High School – Dan Dixon summarized the proposed comments on the initial study for the new high school.

The following motion was made and seconded with the understanding that the scoping comments were being approved in concept and that minor modifications would be made consistent with the discussion:

Motion Pertaining to Scoping Comments for LAUSD Site Study
South Area High School 14

Whereas, the Los Angeles Unified School District has identified up to 24 acres of property along Western Ave. in San Pedro (commonly known as the Bisno Development or PonteVista property), as its preferred site for a new 2,025 student four year high school, and

Whereas, the property in question falls entirely within the boundaries of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, and

Whereas, serious concern and outright objection has been expressed by members of the community about the need for, practicality and location of a new “full service” high school in the identified area,

Therefore, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council asks LAUSD and its consultants to formally address the itemized concerns raised in the attached Scoping Comments and letter. (Motion passed unanimously by NWSPNC on July 10, 2006)

C. Target - Dan Dixon gave an update on the Target Project. They have submitted their package including their traffic study to the city. They have also updated their architectural improvements. A 5,000 sq ft retail opportunity is being added.

D. Motion Re: Mott Smith tabled to next meeting.

E. JCC Homes - John Greenwood reported on a meeting he facilitated regarding traffic mitigation measures which produced several ideas. The one of greatest agreement was to eliminate the proposed road through Highlands Park and instead have a double cul-de-sac on the east and west end of Gatun. The Zoning Change and General Plan Amendment will be considered by the Planning Commission for Thursday July 13.

F. Community Plan Update – will be discussed at a joint NC meeting on July 26 at 6:30 pm.

13. Public Comment:

A. Local resident Pete Burmeister, commented on the proposed road thru Highlands Park and a petition he is circulating.
B. Richard Gould from JCC Homes made comments on Gatun.

14. President’s Report. President Diana talked about the Board Retreat. Tentatively set for August 5th.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm

Respectfully submitted,

Kristina Smith
Administrative Assistant
NWSPNC