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Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council
Governing Board Meeting Minutes
August 14, 2006, 6:30 p.m. - Peck Park

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by President Diana Nave.

Roll Call of Board Members: The following board members were present: Andrea Adleman, Daniel Dixon, Bonnie Easley, Joe Gatlin, John Greenwood, Janet Gunter, Chuck Hanchett, Jody James, John Mavar, Diana Nave, Philip Nicolay, Ray Patricio, John Stammreich and Sanni Wehbe. Capt George Thomas and Barbara Schach were excused. President Diana Nave made an announcement that board member Hoshang Pavri had submitted a letter of resignation.

1. SWEARING IN OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS: Janet Gunter and Joe Gatlin were sworn in.

2. MINUTES OF JULY MEETING. The minutes from the July 10, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.

3. REPORT FROM LAPD. Officer Joe Buscano commented that the department is looking forward to the end of summer as crime increases during this time. Auto thefts and personal property theft is still prevalent in the area and the LAPD suggests that citizens keep all valuables out of site to discourage auto break-ins. The Harbor Division is currently holding the LAPD Citizens Police Academy at the Harbor Pistol Range on Wednesday nights at 6pm. Landlords are encouraged to attend to learn about keeping their properties safe. 1-800-ASK LAPD is the number to report things in your neighborhood.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

A. TREES/POTHOLES/SPEED BUMPS. Steve Taylor, Maria Rodriguez and Neal Bert, all property owners on the 1000 block of W. Sepulveda Street asked for assistance from the neighborhood council in getting the palm trees trimmed (they commented that the falling palm branches and palm dates are a hazard and have only been trimmed once in the past 10 years). There was also concern about pot holes and speeding cars. Board Member John Mavar explained the procedure for requesting speed bumps and Pres. Diana suggested the residents call the 311 city phone number to get assistance. They were also referred to Ana Bosic of the Councilwoman’s office who was present at the meeting.

B. NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. Pete Burmeister talked about properties in his neighborhood that are an eyesore and a fire hazard. He was also referred to the Councilwoman’s representative.

C. YWCA SURVEY. Marisa Katnich, Board member of the local YWCA handed out a “Needs Assessment Survey” requesting input from the community on what programs they might like to see available to them at the YWCA.

D. SOBER LIVING FACILITY: Evelyn Packer, Maria Marquez, Andrew Gonzalez and Tina Marquez are residents on the 1200 block of North Cabrillo. They all voiced their concerns about the safety of children in their neighborhood and potential increase in crimes if the sober living facility being proposed by a new property owner is allowed. They want to make the NC aware of this proposed home and were interested in learning about the restrictions, rules etc. for such a home. Comments came from Board Members Dan Dixon, Janet Gunter, John Greenwood, John Stammreich and Pat Nave. Rob Simpson of Betty Karnette’s Office gave a comment that their office has been looking into this issue. The residents were given an opportunity to talk with Janet Gunter who has been involved in this type of issue for 10 years and was able to answer their questions. Basically state law protects the right to such homes and does not have any standards for their operation. About the only recourse for residents is to be very vigilant in reporting any code violations.

5. JCC HOMES UPDATE: At a recent hearing before the City Planning Commission, the zone change was approved for all of the property except the portion that fronts on Gaffey. The Commission supported the Planning Staff’s recommendation that they be required to provide a mix of multi-family units and commercial space facing Gaffey (as opposed to strictly single family homes). JCC Homes plans to appeal this decision to the City Council. A NWSPNC Planning and Land Use Special Meeting regarding JCC Homes Traffic Mitigation Plans, will be held on August 23 at San Pedro City Hall, Room 452, 6pm.

6. REPORT FROM BETTY KARNETTE’S OFFICE. Rob Simpson gave a follow up on the issue of the 110 freeway off ramp at Channel Street. He and Betty Karnette met with Cal Trans and they are looking into improving the off ramp. Rob also commented that their office will look into future legislation with regard to the sober living facility issue.

7. PORT COMMITTEE. Phil Nicolay talked about Clean Air Action Plan of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to reduce emissions in the Harbor. Port has asked for comments from the community. The Port committee recommended 20 comments.

A motion was passed by unanimous vote to approve the cover letter and comments attached hereto on the Port’s Air Quality Plan addition of references to using low sulfur fuel and to reducing greenhouse gases.

 

Phil also stated that the application for Prop O for funds to cleaning up Peck Park Stream is at a crucial phase in deliberations and recommended that steps be taken to raise the visibility of the project with both the council office and Prop O oversight committee.

8. PLANNING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE – Dan Dixon

A. Target Stores: We have received their traffic study and submitted it to our traffic consultant for review along with the traffic study from JCC Homes. With regard to graffiti on the old DiCarlo building, the graffiti was removed by the property owner but has appeared again despite a 24 hour security guard on site.

B. Motion Re: Curbs and Gutters. After discussion a vote was taken, changes were made and the motion below was passed unanimously.

Motion Relating to Curbs and Gutters Whereas, the section of North Gaffey St. between Channel St. and Westmont Ave. is at the beginning of an important development cycle, and Whereas, among those developments are projects proposed by Target Corp., at the DiCarlo Bakery site and by JCC Homes, at the Kinder Morgan site, and Whereas, the lack of curbs, gutters and sidewalks presents an unattractive appearance for this major entrance corridor into our community, and Whereas, the Neighborhood Council is working with the Port of Los Angeles, which has committed $5 million (which cannot be used for curbs and gutters) to beautify the portion of their property parallel to Gaffey, and Whereas, the Neighborhood Council is eagerly working with all involved entities to improve the infrastructure and physical appearance of North Gaffey St., Therefore, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council requests that Councilwoman Hahn’s office work with Target, JCC Homes, Chevron, the Port, and the Public Works Dept. to provide curbs gutters and sidewalks on the east side of Gaffey St., from the north end of the private storage yard near Gatun St., to the Westmont/Gaffey intersection.

C. Motion Re: North Gaffey St. Improvement. The following motion was passed by unanimous vote:

Motion Relating to North Gaffey St. Improvement The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council moves to engage MDA Johnson/Favaro of Culver City to continue to completion the creation of the Northwest Council’s vision for the future of the North Gaffey St. Corridor, from Channel St. on the south to Westmont Dr. on the north. The amount allotted is not to exceed $10,000.00. The scope of the work is the second half of the project originally contracted by the Council in 2005, budgeted at $20,000.00. The original contract lapsed in April, 2006. The firm completed what was agreed as the first half of the work, and was paid one half of the contract amount. This “new” contract will permit the firm to complete the design package originally envisioned by the Northwest Council, and will provide a coherent layout of a development and enhancement package for North Gaffey St. which the council can use to carry forward its advisory functions with the Council Office and all relevant city agencies.

D. Motion Re: Engaging a Landscape Consultant. After discussion, the following motion was passed by unanimous vote:

Motion Relating to Engaging a Landscape Consultant Whereas, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council is developing a plan for the beautification of North Gaffey Street, and Whereas, private commercial and residential developments are moving forward in the North Gaffey corridor, and Whereas, the Council believes thoughtful landscaping and other physical enhancements are integral to positive future development of North Gaffey and other San Pedro roadways, and Whereas, individual members of the Council are not expert in public landscape design, Therefore, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council agrees to allot a budget not to exceed $2,500.00 for fiscal year 2006-2007 to engage a landscape architect or other professional to consult the Council regarding the efficacy, function, and value to the community of landscape plans by private developers.

E. Motion Re: General Land Use and Planning. After discussion, the following motion was passed by 13 yes votes, 0 no votes. (Joe Gatlin abstained)

Motion Relating to General Land Use and Planning The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council moves to increase the dollar amount of the agreement with Mr. Mott Smith of Civic Enterprise Associates to provide consulting services, upon request, on current and future land use and planning issues. The amount allotted is to be increased by $1, 000.00 not to exceed $3,500.00. Current projects include but are not limited to Ponte Vista, North Gaffey improvement, Target, LAUSD High School #14, and issues related to the Port of Los Angeles as they impact Northwest San Pedro. Mr. Smith’s expertise will assist the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council in educating itself on land use and planning issues, and will assist the Council in its deliberations.

F. Ponte Vista. John Greenwood reported that the Councilwoman’s Ponte Vista Taskforce had its first meeting. At the meeting, the task force selected a facilitator. Bob Bisno had copies of the draft specific plan available for distributions but the Planning Dept representative would not allow them to be distributed since the Department has not yet had an opportunity to review and comment on it. The committee will meet Sept 14 and Sept 21 at 6:00 pm. All meetings are open.

G. CRA Draft Motion – Andrea Adleman introduced the Motion. Doug Epperhart commented that Coastal SPNC and Central SPNC have both passed this motion. This would give all San Pedro area neighborhood councils a voice in issues that are not necessarily in the NW area. Vote was taken and the following motion was passed by unanimous vote.

CRA MOTION Whereas, community advisory committees provide input on planning and land use matters to the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency; and Whereas, these committees’ actions can greatly influence the lives of stakeholders and the future of an area; and Whereas, neighborhood councils are also charged with advising city government and monitoring the performance of its agencies with regard to their impact on stakeholders; and Whereas, cooperation amongst these entities and desire to not duplicate effort and unnecessarily burden individuals appearing before these bodies; Therefore be it resolved, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council requests that the Council be provided at least one seat on the Pacific Corridor CRA Community Advisory Committee. Furthermore, the NWSPNC requests that the Los Angeles City Council amend the ordinance governing CRA community advisory committees to require that neighborhood councils within whose boundaries a specific CRA community advisory committee lies be provided at least one appointment to that committee.

H. Community Plan Update Process. Dan Dixon talked about the changes and opportunity for community input. The process will take 18-24 months and includes both traffic and land use components.

9. ISSUES COMMITTEE – John Mavar talked about the efforts to get basic cleanup in our Northwest San Pedro Area. John thanked the Councilwoman’s office for their assistance and also More San Pedro for their recent article. The Day Labor Site must be moved from Harbor Regional Park. One of the areas under consideration is the Park and Ride Lot off Channel under the Harbor Freeway, next to the skate park. The Issues committee will follow this issue. The speed bumps are finally scheduled to be installed on Enrose.

10. MOTION RE: LACK OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL INPUT INTO HOUSING BOND AND CITY COUNCIL ETHICS AND TERM LIMITS BALLOT PROPOSITIONS. John Greenwood explained the Motion. Three issues were recently discussed by the City Council without Neighborhood Council input. He stressed that we need to remind the council that we are here. The following motion was presented and passed unanimously.

MOTION RE: LACK OF NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL INPUT INTO HOUSING BOND AND CITY COUNCIL ETHICS AND TERM LIMITS BALLOT PROPOSITIONS WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Neighborhood Councils is to provide input to the Mayor and City Council on important matters before them; and WHEREAS, Charter Section 907, “Early Warning System” requires procedures for receiving input from Neighborhood Councils prior to decisions by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the rate increases proposed by the Department of Water & Power were delayed and restructured because Neighborhood Councils were not consulted; and WHEREAS, the City Council and Mayor have approved Proposition R on the November ballot related to term limits and ethics; and WHEREAS, the City Council and Mayor have approved a housing bond; and WHEREAS, the Mayor has proposed and the City Council has endorsed a measure that would radically change the governance of Los Angeles City Schools; and WHEREAS, each of these matters were approved without allowing or receiving comment from Neighborhood Councils as required by Charter Section 907; and WHEREAS, neither the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners nor the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment has taken any action on behalf of the Neighborhood Councils to enforce Section 907; NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council reminds the City Council to calendar time for comment and recommendations on all important matters before they are voted on; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Neighborhood Councils be asked to take actions to enforce the rights of the Neighborhood Councils with respect to Charter Section 907; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the actions of the City council regarding school governance , housing bonds, and term limits and ethics be rescinded and the Council notify Neighborhood Councils of the proposed actions and allow time for the Neighborhood Councils to provide input on those important matters.

 

11. MOTION RE: DESIRED QUALITIES FOR NEW DONE GENERAL MANAGER. A Motion was passed unanimously approving NWSPNC’s proposed response to the desired qualities for a new DONE General Manager. (See NWSPNC’s response below)

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the qualities we would like to see in the next General Manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. The qualities of the General Manager of DONE are very important to our Neighborhood Council. The next General Manager should be someone with a strong community organizing background who has a passion for grassroots democracy. How the GM views his/her role is of utmost importance. The General Manager sets the tone for the relationship and facilitates the process of Councils fulfilling their Charter mandated roles. Many of us were attracted to the Neighborhood Councils because of the flexibility with which they were set up. Neighborhood Councils were encouraged to devise bylaws that fit the uniqueness of the community served. This philosophy has changed and it seems DONE management is intent upon bringing every community into conformity with one centralized idea. We hope the new GM will have the qualities below: • Possesses a strong vision of the role of neighborhood councils in community building, • Understands and supports a bottom up philosophy of DONE management in their interaction with the neighborhood councils • Will be assertive on behalf of Neighborhood Councils in dealing with other City Departments. • Has a strong understanding of both the Neighborhood Council system and how the City of Los Angeles functions including prior NC Council experience. • Is a creative thinker who understands that each neighborhood council is unique; therefore one size does not fit all. • Has consensus building abilities • Understands how to provide the ongoing education needed by Neighborhood Councils as new stakeholders become involved. • Innovative in implementation of public policy and management of a public department.

12. COPSS COMMITTEE. The following Motion from the COPSS Committee was passed unanimously by the Board.

The NWSPNC requests that the City Council require the inclusion of evacuation and emergency planning as a component of the EIR for all development requiring an EIR and that the evacuation/emergency plan component be approved by all first responder agencies currently responsible for emergency evacuation planning.

13. CITY ATTORNEY LIAISON. Pat Nave talked about “Record Retention” requirements, commenting that all board members should be judicious in their communications which could become public record.

14. FIREWORKS REDUCTION TASK FORCE. John Stammreich announced that the next meeting will be held at Java Café, 6pm, Tues, Aug. 29 and will include a discussion about the proposed forum. 1-800-ASK LAPD is the number to report things in your neighborhood.

15. TREASURER’S REPORT.

A Motion was made to delete John Greenwood and add Dan Dixon as signatory to the NWSPNC checking account. Motion passed unanimously.

16. NEWSLETTER. Andrea has agreed to be the newsletter editor. Next issue scheduled for October. Deadline will be September 15th to turn in all pertinent articles.

17. PRESIDENT’S REPORT.
A. By Laws and Elections Procedures Committee. Diana Nave appointed John Greenwood to chair this committee and Bonnie Easley, George Thompson, Pat Nave and Sanni Wehbe as committee members. Other committee appointments will be made at the September meeting following the planning retreat.
B. Planning Retreat scheduled for Saturday, September 9th, 8:30 am - 3:30pm, Marina Hotel facilitated by Gina Airey.
C. Website. We still have problem with gaining access to the website from the previous webmaster. We will continue to work towards getting it changed to allow access for our new webmaster. Currently we can only post agendas and make changes to the home page.
D. Scholarship committee. Thanks to John Greenwood, two $500 scholarships have become available from Conoco Phillips and Bay Cities National Bank. Bonnie Easley volunteered to serve on the committee. Barbara Schach and Irene Almeida were also suggested as possible members.
E. Correspondence. We received a thank you letter from the Cabrillo Beach boosters.
F. Next meeting will be September 11, 2006.

18. Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm

Respectfully submitted,

Kristina Smith
Administrative Assistant, NWSPNC