1. Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Soter, Louyse, Carroll, Owen, Kerr, Cisneros, Vigderson, Wilson, Hooper, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the July 2008 Board meetings as revised were approved by consensus.

3. Seating of Newly Elected Boardmembers:
The newly elected Boardmembers were seated and sworn in.  The new Boardmembers are Mark Mauceri, Tomas O’Grady, Amy Ferguson, Laura Howe, Alex DeOcampo.  Re-elected Boardmembers are Bernadette Soter, Kathryn Louyse, Philip Gasteier, Bruce Carroll. 

A new quorum was declared.  Boardmembers present:  Soter, Louyse, Carroll, Owen, Kerr, Vigderson, Hooper, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers, Mauceri, Ferguson, Howe, DeOcampo.

Outgoing Boardmember and President Charley Mims turned the meeting over to VP of Administration Philip Gasteier.  Mims was honored for his contributions to the GGPNC and presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from GGPNC and the Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

4. Election of Officers:
Nominees for Vice President of Administration:  Laura Howe and Bruce Carroll.  Carroll was elected by consensus.
Nominee for Vice President of Outreach: (Incumbent) Rosemary DeMonte.  DeMonte was elected by consensus.
Nominees for Secretary:  Laura Howe and Kurt Rademaekers.  Rademaekers was elected by consensus.
Nominee for Treasurer:  Tomas O’Grady.  O’Grady was elected by consensus.
Nominee for President:  Philip Gasteier.  Gasteier was elected by consensus.
Vice President of Governmental Affairs:  A discussion was held about the responsibilities of this position, which has never been filled.  Soter moved that no one be elected to this position at this meeting, that a review of the position be conducted by the Rules & Elections Committee, and that an item by placed on the November Board agenda for a recommendation on clarification of this position, its future, and election at that time if appropriate.  Seconded by Owen; adopted by consensus.

5. Comments on Non-Agenda Items:
Raymond Yu announced details of several current and up-coming events including the Beijing Olympics, the City of Los Angeles 227th Birthday, and the Los Angeles Triathalon.
Maura Godinez discussed her concerns about traffic on Los Feliz Blvd and was referred to the Traffic Committee.
Rex Link announced that the LA Breakfast Club space at the Ranger House near Friendship Auditorium is available for GGPNC committee meetings.  Requests for the space can be directed to Rex.
Armen Makasian expressed concerns that the Center for Inquiry at the Steve Allen Theatre on Hollywood Blvd was reapplying for a license to server alchohol.  He was referred to the Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee.

6. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Councilmember Tom LaBonge announced that Mary Rodriguez had accepted a full time position in his office as Education Deputy.  He discussed the need for public fire awareness in Griffith Park given the recent arson-related fires in the park.  He announced that he is working with LAPD regarding the need for a police station to serve the western sections of the Northeast Division.

Betty Wong-Oyama, DONE Project Manager, encouraged attendance of the Board Training class for Boardmembers who had not yet taken it.  She announced a separate Funding Training and encouraged Boardmembers to attend.  She will forward forms to the Secretary to collect new Boardmember information for DONE files and for business cards.

7. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
Reporting for SLO Gina Chovan, Bruce Carroll reported an upswing in the rate of daytime property crimes, usually made by entering houses with unlocked backdoors or windows.  It is believed that two African-American men in a maroon sedan were involved.

8. Rules & Election Committee and Outreach Committee:
Outreach Committee Chair Rosemary DeMonte moved the joint committee recommendation that for the purposes of filling the current and future vacant Board positions, a candidate forum be held as a part of a regular Board meeting if there are less than 10 applicants or at a special meeting some time before the Board meeting if there are 10 or more applicants;
that the timeline for filling the two current open Board positions be as follows:
Week ending August 22, 2008        Post in posting places and email notice to general list.
October 7, 2008                Deadline for applications to be received at PO Box.
October 10, 2008            Circulation of applications to Board.
By October 21, 2008    If there are more than 10 applications, there will be a special Board meeting for candidate presentations.
October 21, 2008            Board selection;
for approval of the form of notice and two application forms for open Board positions: District B Representative and At Large Appointed Board Member;
that $500 be approved for outreach and advertising costs.  Seconded by Carroll; adopted by consensus.

9. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
        a. Chair Bernadette Soter reported on the recent hearing by the LA Historic-Cultural Monuments & Cultural Heritage Commission on the application to designate Griffith Park as an Historic Cultural Landmark.  The Commission’s decision is pending.
        b. Soter reported that members of the PROS Committee planned to attend a meeting of Greek Theatre Advisory Committee and hoped to have a progress report next month on the issue of the Greek Theatre season extension and the issue of the Greek Theatre monopolizing public parking spaces.
        d. Griffith Park Light Festival Update – Soter reported that an update meeting with the Dept of Rec & Parks would be held on Aug 21 at City Hall, Rm 1010 at 10am.
        e. Soter reported that the final draft of the review of the Griffith Park Master Plan as produced by the GP Master Plan Working Group would be handed out with final approval expected at the group's meeting on Sept 22.
        c. Autry Museum Expansion:
Ken Owen gave a summary of the Autry National Center Expansion plans and PZHP/PROS concerns about zoning variance requests and conditional use permits, and about the lease of the property with the City.  Attendees Faith Raiguel, out-going CFO for the ANC, and Luke Swetland, the CFO, presented comments and perspectives, as did ANC attorney Bill Delvac, Nicole Possert and other stakeholders.
Mark Mauceri moved that PROS/PZHP submit their comments to the appropriate City agency by the August 29 deadline.  Seconded by Kerr.  Soter and Owen stated that the PROS/PZHP recommendations on the issue were not complete.  There was not a consensus on the motion.
Soter moved that GGPNC ask the hearing officer to hold the issue open because GGPNC has not had time for a complete review of the issues and formulation of its position.  Seconded by Rademaekers; adopted by consensus.

10. Religious Community
        a. Rev. Dan Hooper reported on his outreach activities to 17 organizations and entities and survey of issues and concerns, which included: need for better information about city services; need for early warning about street closures; need for assistance with handling graffiti; complaint about non-responsiveness of LAPD; concern regarding Steve Allen Theatre on Hollywood Blvd re-submitting application for conditional use permit to serve alcohol; need to network more regarding services being offered by different organizations within the area and populations served.
        b. Rev. Hooper moved that GGPNC make up to $2500 in direct expenditures to support the newly revived Los Feliz Art Walk (losfelizartwalk.org) as a project in spirituality and the arts involving the Barnsdall Municipal Art Gallery, various studios, galleries and churches.  Seconded by Alex De Ocampo.  Dr. Roberta Morris spoke in support of this motion with board discussion.  Adopted by consensus.

11. Culture & Events Committee:
Rosemary DeMonte moved that GGPNC make up to $1500 in direct expenditures to support “East of Eden”, an exhibition that will focus on contributions of Los Angeles galleries, the cultures from which they draw inspiration and the Eastside of LA as an important source for contemporary art.  Seconded by Rademaekers.  Exhibition organizer Zara Zeitountsian spoke in support of the motion with board discussion.  No consensus.  DeMonte moved that the Board vote on the motion.  Seconded by De Ocampo; move to vote adopted by consensus.  With a Board vote, the motion failed.

12. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
Committee Chair Ken Owen moved that GGPNC adopt the Committee recommendation to support the historic cultural designation of the Moreton Bay fig trees on Vermont Avenue north of Los Feliz to entry to Griffith Park.  Seconded by DeMonte; adopted by consensus.

13. City Services Committee:
Mark Mauceri listed the projects identified by the newly formed committee.  They include: removal of gas-powered leaf-blowers; identifying curbs that need handicap ramp cuts; Hoover steps clean-up; street resurfacing.

14. Other Committee Reports:
None.

15. Other Comments and Announcements by Board Members
Soter suggested that there be a review of purpose or cross-purpose of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and the Culture & Events Committee.
Gasteier suggested a need to have an Operations Budget Review Committee to monitor the distribution of expenditures.
Mauceri made comments about his candidacy and election.

16. Adjournment:
At 10:30 pm, DeMonte moved to adjourn; seconded by Soter; adopted by consensus.

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Louyse, Soter, Owen, Carroll, Cisneros, Wilson, Hooper, Vigderson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the April and June 2008 Board meetings were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Jullian Harris-Calvin, Field Deputy for Councilmember Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced the acquisition of funding to acquire two parcels of land near the LA River and to convert them into public park land—the creation of Sunnynook River Park and the expansion of North Atwater Park.

John Hisserich, representing CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, reported on the Assemblymember’s efforts to resolve the issue of delay development of a state budget for fiscal 2008-2009.

Betty Wong-Oyama, DONE Project Manager, reported on a series of NC-related meetings in July including: City Clerk and DONE review of recent election procedures; NC Outreach meeting; Board Orientation; Planning meeting for the next NC Congress for which GGPNC needs to designate two representatives.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
SLO  did not attend.

6. GGPNC Website Proposals:
Rademaekers moved the Executive Committee recommendation that an ad hoc Executive Committee subcommittee be formed consisting of Bruce Carroll, Kurt Rademaekers and Kathryn Louyse to develop and complete a mutually acceptable contract with Moore Business Results not to exceed $4000 for site design and system setup, and to negotiate additional maintenance costs at a cost lower than $4500.  Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

7. Seating of New Board Members:
Philip Gasteier explained that if the City Clerk certified the recent election results by July 19 the new board will be seated at the August Board meeting.  Otherwise they will likely be seated at the September Board meeting.  According to the GGPNC bylaws, the term of the current Designated Boardmembers will then be 12 months from the date the new Board is seated.  New officers will be elected at the time the new Board is seated.

Boardmembers-elect were introduced: Tomas O’Grady, Alex DeOcampo, Laura Howe, Amy Ferguson, and Mark Mauceri.

8. Open Designated Board Member Position and Declined Boardmember-Elect:
It was announced that Designated Boardmember Cheryl Johnson has resigned and that Boardmember-Elect Wendy Michaels has declined to take office.  DONE Project Manager Betty Wong-Oyama stated that both positions need to be treated as vacancies and the positions filled according to GGPNC bylaws Boardmember Designee procedures. 

The Outreach Committee will address outreach procedures for these positions at its next meeting.
 
9. Outreach Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Rosemary DeMonte moved to the Executive Committee recommendation that GGPNC expend up to $5000 in outreach funds to promote and encourage support of the Historic-Cultural Monument application for Griffith Park and that an ad hoc committee consisting of Bernadette Soter, Ken Owen and Charley Mims be formed to determine an outreach plan.  Seconded by Vigderson; adopted by consensus.
        b. DeMonte discussed the trials and tribulations of the recent GGPNC election as conducted by the City Clerk’s office for the first time.  DeMonte collected Boardmember and stakeholder comments to bring to the up-coming City Clerk/DONE Election Review meeting.

10. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr moved that the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council address a letter to the Office of Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Council District 4, requesting that they use their authority to have the Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation conduct an in-depth traffic study of the entire Hyperion corridor, from Rowena Avenue to the north to Sunset Blvd to the south, using whatever funding, discretionary or otherwise, may be available for this project.  Seconded by DeMonte; adopted by consensus. 

11. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
        a. L.A. Historic Cultural Landmark Designation for Griffith Park – Committee Chair Bernadette Soter reported that the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and the Hillside Federation are supporting the Historic Cultural Landmark Designation application.  The intended request for printing and distribution costs for outreach is included in the $5000 approved in item 9a above.
        b. Greek Theatre Season Extension and Operational Impacts on Park - Soter reported that the Greek Theatre Advisory Committee met on July 10th to review GGPNC resolution of June 17th, 2008 and formed a sub-committee to address the concerns.  GTAC meets the first Thursday of each month.
        c. Griffith Park Light Festival Update – DeMonte reported that DWP will hold another follow-up meeting this month.
        d. North Atwater Park Expansion – Soter reported, as had Jullian Harris-Calvin that funds had be obtained for this project.

12. Other Committee Reports:
Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation – Committee Chair Ken Owen reported he has been advised that the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Autry National Center expansion would be released the week of July 21.

13. Other Comments and Announcements by Board Members
Joe Cisneros reported that a reality TV show is being filmed at an Ambrose street residence that may be creating problems in that neighborhood.

14. Adjournment:
At 9:30 pm, Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by Louyse; approved by consensus

1. Call to Order: 7:02 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Napier, Soter, Louyse, Owen, Carroll, Vigderson, Wilson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers, Hooper, and Arslanian.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the May 2008 Board meeting were approved with revisions by consensus.  Minutes for the April 2008 Board meeting were not available.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Preferential Parking District issue:  Mims reported meeting with Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Dana Cremin.  LaBonge told Cremin that he cannot support the PPD because she does not have public support, and that she needs to go to the neighborhood council to get it.  Mims reiterated the GGPNC position on PPDs is that we’re generally against them unless there’s a problem that a PPD will clearly resolve.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
        a. John Hisserich, representing Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, reported on the Assemblymember’s office activities including an initiative to work with the City on graffiti removal on trucks by requiring truck owners to remove the graffiti within a specified time period.
        b. Betty Wong-Oyama, DONE Project Coordinator, asked Boardmembers to complete the NC self-assessment by June 30.  Reserve the date: Wed July 23 for DONE Board Orientation Workshop.  The 90-day public comment period for the BONC proposed changes in the NC funding program began on June 16.  The Brown Act has been updated to specify that materials distributed to an NC board for a board meeting within 72 hours prior to a board meeting must be made available to the public at the time of distribution, at a public location identified in the agenda.  This rule does not apply to materials distributed to the board at the board meeting itself.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. GGPNC Budget Fiscal 2008-2009:
Treasurer Joel Friedman moved the Executive Committee recommendation GGPNC approve the budget for fiscal 2008-2009 that was presented to the board in May.  Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

7. GGPNC Elections:
        a. Committee Chair Rosemary DeMonte moved that GGPNC expend $1000 toward DONE election advertising.  Seconded by Rademaekers.  Consensus not obtained.  Motion failed.
        b. DeMonte reported on progress toward the GGPNC elections and asked for input about how to conduct the candidate Q&A session.

8. Education Committee:
On the “Big Blue M” mural contest for John Marshall High School, Committee Chair Sara Napier reported that two entries had received equal numbers of votes.  One would reportedly cost less to maintain.  Napier will obtain and report the difference in maintenance costs for input to a Board recommendation on one of the two designs.

9. Historic-Cultural Monument Status Proposal for Griffith Park:
Bernadette Soter made the following motion:  
“Be it resolved that the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council expresses its support for the designation of Griffith Park as a City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument.”  Seconded by Owen.  George Grace spoke in favor of the proposal.  The motion was adopted by consensus.

10. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
        a. Greek Theatre Season Extension:  Committee Chair Soter presented a letter to the Dept of Recreation and Parks that expressed concerns about extension of the Greek Theatre Season, extension of the concert end time to 11 pm, appropriation of Griffith Park public parking during day time hours, and which asked for a meeting between RAP officials and selected PROS members.  Seconded by Napier; adopted by consensus.
        b. LADWP Light Festival in Griffith Park – Soter reported that LADWP plans to have 13 walking nights and 26 driving nights.  The Committee would like to see 50/50 walking/driving.
        c. National Park Service/National Geographic BioBlitz in Griffith Park: Soter reported that this event had occurred on May 30-31.  1,400 LAUSD students and community members combed the Santa Monica Mountains, including Griffith Park to observe and record as many plant and animal species as possible in 24 hours.
        d. Griffith Park Wildlife Management Plan – Soter moved that GGPNC send a letter of support and congratulations to the Dept of Rec & Parks for its support of the Griffith Park Wildlife Management Plan prepared by Cooper Ecological Consulting to institute goals and best practices for managing Griffith Park's natural ecosystems.  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.
        e. Soter reported that there will be no PROS Committee meeting in July.

11. Other Committee Reports:
None.

12. Other Comments and Announcements by Board Members
Kurt Rademaekers reported that he’d obtained a proposal from Moore Business Results to redesign and re-implement the GGPNC website.  Joel Friedman will be obtaining an additional proposal.  Both proposals will be forwarded to the Board, the Executive Committee will review the proposals and will make a recommendation to the Board in July.

13. Other Comments on Non-Agenda Items
None.

14. Adjournment:
At 9:15 pm, Gasteier moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.

In Attendance: Kathryn Louyse, Joel Friedman, Rosemary DeMonte, Sarah Napier, Bernadette  Soter, Bruce Carroll, Jacqueline Kerr, Cheryl Johnson, Ken Owen, Nyla Arslanian, Charley Mims, Philip Gasteier, Joe Cisneros, and Dan Hooper.

1. Call to order. Quorum declared at 7:05.

2. Approval of Minutes, deferred

Public Comment on Supplemental Agenda Item No. 3.

Ron Ostrow who manages a building on Franklin is opposed to the PPD. He has appeared twice on this same subject. Permits are too expensive for his long term residents and solve none of the problems caused by the lack of parking. He left some signatures he had gathered on this subject. 

Peter McDonald talked about the consternation caused by Dana Cremin’s repeated airing of the PPD issue and the neighborhood dissension this has created.  He felt that the issue had been previously vetted and shelved and it was unfair to allow it to be re-raised. He felt the LaBonge office may believe that there is support on the GGPNC for the PPD. He also questioned why the GGPNC was not more involved. He left reports about how this PPD was being measured as well as letters to CD4 on this topic.

Dennis Chew, representing LFIA, has used only temporary PPD when there has been a neighborhood intrusion. The only permanent/temporary one is used for the Greek Theatre.  PPDs are anti-neighborhood and the LFIA would oppose.

Mims was invited to a meeting at LaBonge’s office and noted that GGPNC had opposes PPDs in general.  Johnson questioned why we keep revisiting this same PPD issues in  the same area; Mims and Gasteier thought there was some educational value to the neighborhood to revisit the topic. 

SupplementalAgenda
1. Nomination that Griffith Park be declared an historical-cultural monument was referred to joint committee meeting of the PROS and zoning committees.

2. Graffiti abatement.  Officer Colenzo needs paint for graffiti remediation.  It was moved by Mims and seconded by Gasteier to provide $1,000 for that purpose.  Adopted.

3. Public Comment on Non Agenda Items- None

4. Reports from Public Officials and City Staff
Greg Bartz, DWP Neighborhood Council Liason discussed proposed rates keyed to the relative temperatures of the area.  Some discussion as to whether our area is zone 1 or 2.  Hotter zones are allowed a bit more consumption until the rates jump.  Lots of information on the rates were distributed.  Soter indicated that the DWP has not responded to calls about the Light Show and will write a letter requesting a meeting.

John Hisserich of Assemblymember Krerkorian’s Office reported that Cal Trans will revisit the signage at Crystal Spring and Zoo drive and even considering widening the Zoo drive exit to relieve congestion.  He met with CD4, and CalTrans on this issue. Bernadette raised questions about traffic interfering with runners and horses. Cal Trans will come back with some recommendations.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer.  SLO not present.

6. Treasurers Report.  Friedman gave treasurers report; looks like we are $47,000 over but we have $52,000 left to spend this year; in June, we will get another $50,000.  We can carryover two years of unspent monies.
 
7. Neighborhood Council Elections. Stella Yun offered assistance in filing candidate applications and packages.  Anyone who wants to run must file the application by this Thursday.

8. HUNC Boundary changes.   After several mediations between HUNC and GGPNC, we reached an agreement which our board adopted and HUNC repudiated.  HUNC has a new President, Susan Swan, who wants to revisit the issue and has filed a motion with DONE to augment its boundaries.  Gasteier moved that we support the HUNC border application to DONE to cover the area of Ferndell and Western Canyon; this area to be administered jointly with GGPNC.  Friedman seconded.   Motion approved unanimously.

9. Parks Rivers & Open Space Committee

Soter organized protests for the proposed cuts for park rangers at City Hall, and the cuts were rescinded; Soter moves and Gasteier seconds that we approve the following Community Impact Statement opposing the proposed budget cut for Rec and Parks cutting 50% of the Park Ranger positions.  Kris Sabo reported this is a citywide issue and others had approved similar CISs.
"Oppose Council File 08-0600, the proposed budget for Recreation and Parks cutting 50% of the Park Rangers positions including the Chief Park Ranger. 
Park Rangers are on the front line of public safety in our parks, responding to more than 26,000 calls for service in 2007 alone.  Services they provide in  Griffith Park and other large regional parks include public safety, firefighting, search and rescue, community policing, wildlife, and educational. These are critical factors in assuring public safety, therefore sufficient Park Ranger funding should be included as Core Services in the City budget."
Motion adopted by consensus.

Soter also reported the GGPNC got a city proclamation for its contribution for fire recovery.   LA River cleanup was well attended and commemorated LeVal Lund who has been a neighborhood activist for decades. 

Arslanian raised concern on the Griffith Park Advisor article on the Autry which could be read to suggest that the Autry expansion was responsible for the destruction of a major historical landmark.   Johnson also expressed concern that the article appeared to be authored by the President and express views of the Board. Others thought the article just attempted to raise questions and that the newsletter was intended to express just the views of the PROS committee.  Mims said that the executive committee will consider the policy about communications that come from the Board.

10. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee
4955 Los Feliz. Owen moved and Johnson seconded that the GGPNC oppose the request for a zoning adjustment to allow continued use of a garage as a recreation room and for a recording studio. Adopted by consensus.

11. Education Committee
        a. Napier asked for support of $3,000 for the LILA safety plan to place some security camera system that will cost some $30,000. Board members wanted the motion modified to require public benefit from the particular cameras.  Discussed the fact that the school was private, but it was noted, we support private non profits and that we have supported all of the public schools. Gasteier asked that the motion be tabled pending further information about the public use of the cameras.

        b. Napier moved the following resolution:
”Whereas, the City's Library system is critical to the education of our citizens, particularly the young, and has served the City well at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers;
”Whereas, the City has legitimately been seeking to reduce expenses in order to balance its budget;
”Whereas, it has been proposed to assess a charge against users of the library, specifically as a charge for summoning a book from one branch to another
”Whereas, the present system of having books circulated among branches as the need arises has been a brilliant solution to the problem of providing books to the citizens of the City at a very much reduced cost from the traditional method of providing large branch libraries, each stocked with books likely to be needed by the local residents;
”Whereas, the Library system should be managed to encourage rather than discourage the reading of books particularly by those of its citizens who can least afford the costs proposed;
”Whereas, the Library system is an investment in the future of the City;
”Now, therefore, be it resolved that Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council advises both the Mayor and the Board of ”Library Commissioners that the City ought not to impose any costs (other than fines) on the use of the Library; and
”Furthermore, the President of the neighborhood council is authorized to file any and all appropriate community impact statements consistent with this resolution."
Johnson seconded.  The motion adopted by consensus.
 
12. Other committee reports.
Nyla reported on the ground breaking at the Vermont Triangle on May 9.
She has an upcoming joint meeting that will discuss the problem with regulations lumping together murals and signage.

Gasteier said that members wanted DONE surveys to be completed.

DeMonte talked about the Street Fair on June 8; wanted people to sign up.

Everyone moved to adjourn.  Passed unanimously. 8:58. 

1. Call to Order: 7:01 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Napier, Soter, Louyse, Johnson, Mims, Gasteier, DeMonte, Owen, Hopper, Carroll, Wilson, Vigderson, Kerr, Arslanian,

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the February meeting were not available for approval.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
John Hisserich, speaking for our 43rd District Assemblyman, Paul Krekorian announced various programs including one for identity theft and one for women’s self defense workshop at May 8 in the Los Feliz library and other locations.  After attending the Saturday traffic committee meeting, the Assemblyman is evaluating relocating or increasing the visibility of the sign in the Park that indicates you can exit at Western; many miss this sign and wind up at the Los Feliz adding to congestion at that intersection.  There was a discussion about a new ramp in addition to a better signage.  Vigerson raised the issue of SB1818, which John said was so complex, that Jackie Goldberg sat out the vote on it. He believes the likelihood of amending it seems remote, but he is not aware of the city’s lobbying at the state level on this bill. DeMonte and Owen questioned state awareness of the difficulties this bill has spawned.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. Treasurer’s Report:
Joel Friedman reported that we have paid out some $48,000 of the $50,000 annual budget and have additional commitments over this amount. We have approximately $102,000 balance, with another $8,000 committed

7. Minagar Traffic Study and the Environmental Impact Report on the Expansion of the Autry National Center:
Public comments:
         Dr. Clyde Williams, a El Sereno resident, (friend of the Southwest Coalition, cited deficiencies in original Autry  study, and requested that the Minagar study be included in the GGPNC response);
         Faith Raiguel (CEO of Autry) presented a package presented to the PZHP Committee, showing the Museum is redesigned to present itself as more of a green space park rather than a parking lot, its EIR traffic study conformed with all applicable standards and has responded to the Minagar report; the.  The Autry does not believe it is a significant contributor to the traffic but understands that traffic in Los Feliz is a big issue. Working with the zoo on traffic, particularly as the Zoo is having a major Easter event. A great day at the Autry sees 400 visitors; but at the zoo, it is 11,000 visitors. The Autry is looking to extend the lease-right now in the middle of a 50 year lease. Selected Brenda Levin, a local architect to redo the museum. They are on the perimeter and are restoring the perimeter of the Park. While they have been questioned about its commitment to the Southwest Museum, the Autry has invested over 6 million in preserving the SW collection which would have left the city in the absence of this support.
         Richard Spicer.  David Attaway of the Dept of Recreation and Parks said they would like to move ahead around the end of April.  Normally it certifies the EIR, and then the lease amendment goes to Rec and Parks Commission, and then it goes to the City Council. Public comments will be part of the public response to the Minagar Study, and they can be on the websites.  The President of Rec & Parks Commission may have a conflict, so the issue might go to another Board of Referred Powers, made of several council members.   Renee Weitzer from CD4 is committed to forming a task force to address the issues.  From Richard’s personal involvement in the Transportation Committee, he would support the motion to support the Autry Proposal which he thinks is a distinctive advancement and the Autry has demonstrated its ability to advance their collection. Part of the answer to the traffic study is to get people together.  The Autry EIR consultant did respond to the Minagar study but did not suggest a new study.  The Autry EIR used the standards of the industry and even increased the number of intersections studied.  He does not feel that additional intersections are required by the Autry. 
         Nicole Possert from the SW Coalition, comprised of some 60 groups, reported that there was a 72 hour notice requirement for comments to the final EIR. She supports the findings of the Minagar report and does not want the city just to respond to the findings, but require that it rerun the study to see if there is an impact from the Autry. She does not agree that the SW collection has been saved and says the collection has been removed from its neighborhood; there is only a memo, not a guarantee that the collection will stay open, but did commend the money invested to save the collection.
         Barbara Ferris spoke in support of Autry as a wonderful representation of the West; though there are divisions with the Southwest coalition, this was an internal problem. The Autry has been responsible and collaborative and urges that we work with them and not be obstructionist.  Glad it is going forward in a positive manner.
         Frank Masi feels that Nicole Possert’s presentation misrepresents the facts and that the collections were not all moved from her neighborhood and there are still exhibits there.

Board discussion
         Owen noted that the comments were general in nature and did not address the issue at hand which is the traffic study.
         Soter noted that the Autry proposal was not agendized and that if it were; there would be lots of others with very different comments. She asked that the Press that was present take note.
         Kerr gave the traffic committee report that was attended by about 35 with competing traffic reports.  The committee also visited the troubled intersections from the 5 Offramp, Zoo drive and Los Feliz where backups occur. The Minagar report has statistics that appear closer to reality than the Autry traffic report done by F & Peers.  There is also a third traffic study of the same intersection done by the Department of Transportation done in June 2007.  She is not taking a stand as to which study is the best.

        Kerr moved to request that CD4 convene a meeting of government bodies, including Parks, Cal Trans and other entities pertinent to transportation, to formulate plans to address the transportation issues at the intersections at issue.  Carroll seconded the motion.
        Soter said the proposal is premature because it has not gone to her PROS committee which has a wealth of knowledge. The Griffith Park Master Plan Working Group has just drafted an entire chapter on traffic in the Park and the master plan deals with and addresses the traffic issues. She is concerned that convening a task force that might not be as thoughtful as the PROS product and might be negative.
Mims suggested Soter move to defer the motion, or speak in opposition.

Soter moved to defer the motion; Louyse seconds.
         Gasteier was at the Transportation Committee meeting; we are not here to approve the Autry. If the Autry is going forward, they ought to be part of the traffic solution. While he likes the working group idea, he thinks it should be deferred and to get PROS input. 
         Gasteier took gavel. Mims spoke in support of the motion to defer consideration because it is an important procedural item, and there has been a lot of work done by PROS and we need to bring all the stakeholders together. Feels the PROS committee can shed some light.
         Betty Wong pointed out that there cannot be two motions on the floor. Gasteier said the second motion was procedural to the first motion
         Carroll said why defer the idea of having a traffic group convened which is a good idea; stands on its own.  Asks for a vote on whether to proceed.
         Johnson suggested that PROS sit on the traffic committee.
         Louyse and Soter said that PROS may have different values, as for instance whether to encourage or discourage more traffic in the Park; the Master Plan has lots of solutions. Leaders of Park committee need to have input and the motion should be put over a month.
         Kerr noted that this is the first she has heard of a traffic section of the Master Plan. She suggested that the two committees get together.
         Arslanian spoke in support of the motion and getting a traffic group together.  The Park Master Plan has been in the work for four years.  Now we have a concrete plan and should proceed instead of trying to stop everything.
         Soter is open to the committee.
 
There was no strong opposition to deferring Kerr’s motion for a month to allow PROS to have input.  Motion adopted by consensus.

8. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr discussed the proposal for MTA bus indent.  Monies went to support a crushed wall on Franklin, so this is not an issue at present.

9. LADWP Rate Increase:
Greg Bartz, Neighborhood Council Liaison, and Greg Black, Manager of Rate and Contracts, Department of Power and Water, defended the DWP’s proposed rate increases. DWP is proposing a 2.9% increase in power rate in May 2008, plus another 2.9% effective July 1, 2008 plus another 2.7% effective July 1, 2009 for a total revenue increase of $116 million.  In addition, DWP is proposing a 3.1% increase effective July 1, 2008 and another 3.1 percent effective July 1, 2008, with a total increase of $47 million increase for power.  The alleged purpose of the increases is to provide for capital improvements so they can reduce replacement cycles to a more acceptable timeframe. The DWP is also pushing for conservation which can offset the increases. This should result in an average increase of $9 per month for the average consumer who uses 500 kwh. The average use for single family home in Los Feliz is 550 kwh and the average bill is $120 every two months.  The typical water customer will see an increase of $1.95 per month which could be offset by conservation. There would be no increases for low income customers. There is an oversight committee to insure that the “metrics are observed” and are overlooking DWP expenditures.

Board Comment:
        Owen: asked what doing to cut costs- Black said there was a consultant that looked at cutting costs who recommended that we get rid of specialized contracts with customers and have automatic read meters.  DWP had about 90,000 customers without demand meters.  Why can’t you just have the gas meter readers work with the power and water meter readers?  Black said that there is a need to deal with the unions on this issue. The new commission had yesterday’s meeting at the DWP budget and wants to cut the fat but they don’t know how much fat. Owen asked how much was spent on public relations given that customers have no choices. Black said that the DWP has done lots of trimming and once had 11,000 employees but not only 8,000 employees.  Still areas where could improve.
         Mims asked about other cost savings – if that was done- what would the amount be.  Johnson also asked what percentage of the increases would go to capital improvements. Black responded that about 30 percent is going to amortize the bonds to do the capital work, while 70 percent goes to overhead and management costs. DWP spends about a billion a year in capital improvements, but is spending a bit more with these increases.
         Soter asked about possible expense reductions and Wilson asked whether DWP lays fiber for others than itself (it doesn’t). 
         Hopper questioned why they waited so long and asked for a huge increase of 8.5% in 14 months, whether doing solar and why not underground. Response: DWP management did not have the will to ask for increases. To have underground installations, the Council needs to declare it and everyone on the block needs to agree. It’s very expensive. The DWP rate structure is flat and thus is a disincentive to conserve or change support for the renewable program.
         Johnson asked what portion of revenues goes to profits and who receives them; response:  7 percent goes to the city; rest stays in the company.

Public Comment:
         Mark Stong spoke on behalf of apartment owners as the dwellers are not individualized metered and so they do not have an incentive to save. .
 (        Did  not get name) (sat by the window- Charlie knows him)spoke about having conservation hurting revenue; but the DWP collects a minimum even if conservation results in drastically reduced demand..
         George Chin of the DWP also lived in the neighborhood and promised to take care of it.

        Carroll moved to have the GGPNC to show the support of the proposed rate increases of the DWP. Vigerson seconded it.
         Owen opposed it and suggested we stay with the other councils and not allow the DWP to be a source of city income.
         Johnson felt the increases were too much and not sufficiently allocated to capital improvements.
        Gasteier said it’s not inappropriate; DWP graft is a drop in the bucket.
         Arslanian said that the oversight committee is doing a great job.  Has 35 years of bills and this is a big increase.

There was strong opposition to the motion and no consensus to adopt.

10. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. 2267 Chislehurst.  Committee Chair Ken Owen moved that the GGPNC not oppose a variance for an 8 foot wall and pergola in the front yard of the house at 2267 Chiselhurst. All the neighbors have signed except for two neighbors and they have worked with them.  Hooper seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. Ye Rustic Inn, 1831 Hillhurst.  Owen moved to oppose any expansion of its rights under the conditional use permit. Seconded by Wilson.  Motion approved by consensus.  Request for a variance to expand onto the patio subject to possible reconsideration if current conditions are corrected and provision made to ensure adequate parking and offensive behavior is stopped.   The meeting on this property was well attended with great neighborhood opposition to an expansion. There is limited parking, and the problem is increased by the opening of Chi Dynasty next door.
        c. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way. 
Owen moved that the GGPNC advise the Department of Recreation and Parks as follows: (1)The department should take no action on an EIR or any other matter relating to the proposed expansion of the Autry national Center in Griffith Park until a date no earlier than 60 days following the delivery of the document to be acted upon to GGPNC so that GGPNC so that GGPNC may have adequate time to consider its advice to the department with respect thereto as contemplated by the City Charter; and 2) the department consider and address all matters raised by the Minagar Report commenting on the transportation section of the Autry draft EIR.  Carroll seconded it. 

Discussion:
        Owen: A draft EIR was submitted and we commented on it in October; Rec and Parks plans to make recommendations on the final EIR in April. The final EIR will come on the website and we only have 72 hours to respond though it is several volumes. Owen said the he asked for items they were never received during the first go around, as for example, a flora and fauna analysis. Owen wants the Park and Rec to defer action for 60 days from receipt of the final EIR so we can review. 
         Faith Raiguel said every month that this delays the construction, it costs money they don’t have.  Sixty days is too much but she recognizes that 72 hours is not a reasonable time.  Richard has contacted them for the EIR but that this needs to be obtained from Rec and Park.
         Mims: typically the staff will not release the EIR report until it goes to the commissioners which is why there is a 72 hour provision.
         Gasteier asks if it can be done quicker. But this impacts three committees; Soter, Kerr and Owen each said they need 60 days to review and did not think a shorter deadline was realistic given the volume of the document and the fact we do not know how much it might depart from the draft, and that it will not be redlined.

There was no consensus so a vote was taken with twelve in favor, two against and one abstention.   The motion passed.

Owen moved that the department should provide GGPNC promptly with any and all analyses of the propriety of extending the term of the lease with the Autry and the value of the benefits to the City from the original lease and any extension of its terms.” Seconded by Wilson.  Given the lack of consensus, a vote was taken with twelve in favor and two opposing.  The motion passed.
         Faith Raiguel does not object to the motion which is a motion for information. Concerned that there is a suggestion that she refused to give an amendment to the lease. There are no amendments yet and they are just talking about a boundary adjustment that does not change the amount of land under lease. There are lots of dollar leases to encourage museums. The absence of rent allows more increase in rent.

Because public comment was not allowed, the vote was reheld with the same result.

        d. S.B.1818:
Owen moved that the GGPNC should send a letter to each City council member to lobby them to amend the bill to delete automatic height bonuses and any bonuses where additional units are not available.  A letter was distributed with the language. The motion was seconded by Carroll and adopted by consensus. 

11. Public Comment (taken in middle of PROS report).
 Nicole Smith who met with the PZHP Committee to talk about 1717 New Normandie.  The building is built to the property lines so no access to the side or rear yards is available and made offer for $75 per month per parking space to neighbor but got no response.  Have a hearing officer on April 4 and wanted to know if we could intercede and mediate. It’s a 30 unit apartment with no parking.   Owen and Arslanian offered to contact Oscar Arslanian and Israel Stephanian to mediate.

12. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved to dedicate the upcoming LA River cleanup to honor LeVal Lund and his dedication to the cause.  Seconded by DeMonte; the motion was unanimously adopted.
        b. Soter discussed that under the Griffith Park Master Plan they were urged to look for more recreational area, and have focused on the  Central Service Yard, which is on park land and is now covered with temporary buildings and junk from other parks and General Services.
        c. Soter discussed Cahuenga Peak.  138 acres near the iconic Hollywood Sign, purchased for $1.68 million, and today they are asking $12 million. The City had it appraised out at $5 million. The owner is advertising it for $22 million.  CD4 has $4 million and is looking to get the rest.  Mims noted that they owners may not have perfected their rights to the five lots and this could impair the market value.
        d. Soter noted that nonnative trees are being planted in the park by ambitious souls. . Soter to see if RAP is doing anything about this.

13. Education Committee:
        a. Move that a letter be written to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) regarding MTS Route 175 for Marshall High School.
        b. Move that a letter be written to Mr. Brewer and LAPD regarding increasing one more police officer at Marshall High and for area.
        c. Look at Marshall Community Mural Project student submissions for ceramic mural to be placed where M is now painted.

14. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Nyla Arslanian noted that Kerry Slattery is the new chair for the Beautification Committee of the Los Feliz Village BID and wants to redo the garbage cans along the business areas.
        b. Arslanian moved that GGPNC support the Independent Shakespeare Company with direct expenditures in the amount of $2,500 and that they acknowledge GGPNC in their newspaper advertising.  Seconded by Gastier..
         David Melville of the Independent Shakespeare Company said that it will cost some $15,000 to put in a stage.  Friedman noted an opportunity for the GGPNC to be a sponsor for $2,500 for some 15,000 brochures and posters.  Many commented on the widespread support for the company.  Owen moved a friendly amendment to increase the amount to $5,000, which was accepted by Arslanian.  Adopted by consensus.

15. Outreach Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Rosemary DeMonte moved approval of the Executive Committee recommendation that GGPNC take out ads in the Los Feliz Ledger to promote the GGPNC election for approximately $3,200. Napier seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. DeMonte noted that the Los Feliz Village Street Fair is June 8 will arrange for a booth for GGPNC.

16. Other Committee Reports:
None.

17. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.

18. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

19. Adjournment:
At 11:29 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Napier, Soter, Getz, Louyse, Carroll, Cisneros, Owen, Johnson, Wilson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the January 2008 Board meeting were approved with amendments by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Jullian Harris-Calvin, Field Deputy for Council District 4, announced that Councilmember LaBonge is interested in possible joint funding with GGPNC for a traffic light at Vermont and Finley.  She asked the Council for five things we’d like to ask Councilmember LaBonge.  The Council responded with: Alleviation parking problems in the area; Restriction of development to the ability of the infrastructure (particularly traffic capacity) to support it; Keeping school yards open on weekends to compensate for the lack of recreational park space; Support of the Urban Forest Initiative; Information about the Cahuenga Peak purchase.

Betty Wong-Oyama, DONE Project Coordinator, handed out the recently approved-by-DONE amended GGPNC bylaws; Reminded the Boardmembers about the Mayor’s Budget Day on Saturday Feb 23; Asked Boardmembers to complete the Mayor’s Budget Survey by Saturday Feb 23.

Michael Cortey, the new Coordinator for the Hollywood/Central Region CRA, introduced himself and provided a brief overview of projects under consideration in the Region including the Hollywood Freeway Park.

John Hisserich, Field Deputy for Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, announced that he was available for input directed to the Assemblymember.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
Senior Lead Officer Gina Chovan announced that crime statistics in the area are down from one year ago.  She reviewed recent crimes in the area and an increase in graffiti.

6. Office of the City Clerk, Neighborhood Council Election Unit:
Stella Yun, Election Coordinator, gave an overview of the DONE-required changes to NC election procedures and decisions that GGPNC would need to make.  Isaias Cantu, Election Coordinator, announced that a regional meeting to review election procedure details would be held March 26.

7. Executive Commitee:
        a. Vice President Philip Gasteier announced that, following the NC’s outreach efforts seeking people interested in the position, the Executive Committee recommended the appointment of Reverend Dan Hooper to the GGPNC Board as representative to the religious community.  Gasteier so moved; Rademaekers seconded; adopted by consensus.
        b. Gasteier moved that Rosemary DeMonte represent GGPNC at the regional meeting on new NC election procedures and that DeMonte be empowered to recommend GGPNC preferred election day as Saturday with Tuesday or Wednesday (in that order) as alternate days.  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.

8. Parks River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter reported an on-going and escalating problem with lewd behavior in the areas of the Mineral Wells picnic area of Griffith Park.  Gasteier moved that Soter draft a letter for subsequent Board to the Dept of Recreation & Parks General Manager Jon Mukri and appropriate City officials to: ask that the problem be recognized; to recommend several proposed solutions; and asked them to take action to address the problem.  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.
        b. Soter announced and discussed the up-coming annual LA River clean-up day.  Soter moved to expend $5000 for food, beverages, advertising, promotion and T-shirts in support of GGPNC activities supporting the event.  Seconded by Louyse; adopted by consensus.
        c. Soter moved to expend up to $5000 to support post-fire invasive plant removal in Griffith Park.  Seconded by Napier; adopted by consensus.
        d. Soter moved to expend $800 for the purchase of a GGPNC-branded free-standing sign holder to be installed at the Crystal Springs ranger station in Griffith Park.  Seconded by Napier; adopted by consensus.
        e. Soter withdrew the agendized motion to expend funds for reprinting and distribution of the Waterwise Griffith Park Recovery newsletter.

9. Education Committee:
        a. Katherine Pilkinton, Principal of the Los Feliz Elementary School Committee reported on maintenance needs at the school that would not be met by LAUSD or the City.  Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved to expend $6000 for installation of irrigation for the planted areas at Los Feliz Elementary School.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Dorothy Lee, art teacher at John Marshall High School reported on the need to replace the standing press in the art room at the school.  Napier moved to expend $3000 for replacement of the standing press at JMHS.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.

10. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding the application by Yai's on Vermont, 1627 Vermont, for a conditional use permit to serve beer and wine, Committee Chair Ken Owen moved the Committee recommendation to not oppose the application if hours of service are limited to 11 p.m. except for a maximum of nine days per year.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding application by Kazoku Sushi, 5259 Hollywood, for a conditional use permit to serve beer and wine, Owen moved the Committee recommendation to not oppose the application if hours of service are limited to 11 p.m. and on-site and/or off-site valet parking provided with no valet parking on streets.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        c. Owen moved the Committee recommendation that the Board go on record by way of the meeting minutes to say that GGPNC supports the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District's efforts to maximize use of current off-street parking in village to relieve street parking.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.
        d. Regarding the request for a variance to allow the existing over-height fences at 2413 Hyperion on Hyperion and Tracy Terrace and the existing retaining walls, Owen moved the Committee recommendation to oppose the variance for the over-height fences and that support for the variance for retaining wall be conditional on the on removal of razor wire from property.  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.

11. Other Committee Reports:
Public Safety Committee Joe Cisneros reminded Boardmembers about the Public Safety Committee meeting on Saturday February 23.

12. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.

13. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

14. Adjournment:
At 9:10 pm, Bruce Carroll moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.
 

1. Call to Order: 9:11 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Napier, Soter, Getz, Hooper, Carroll, Cisneros, Johnson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

3. Education Committee:
As urgent follow-up:
        a. As follow-up to the January Public Comments request by John Welch of John Marshall High School, Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved to approve $3000 in direct expenditures to support the John Marshall High School Academic Decathlon team travel to Sacramento in March for a scheduled competitive event.  Seconded by DeMonte; adopted by consensus.
        b. As follow-up to January Board approval to expend $2500 for the purchase of microphones to support student musical at John Marshall High School, Kevin Moran reported that the microphones could not be delivered prior to the Feb 22 & 23 performances.  Napier moved to eliminate last month’s action to approve purchase of microphones and to approve up to $2500 to cover the rental of microphones to support the musical.  Seconded by Johnson; adopted by consensus.

4. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.

5. Adjournment:
At 9:30 pm, Philip Gasteier moved to adjourn; seconded by Napier; approved by consensus.

1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Napier, Soter, Getz, Carroll, Louyse, Johnson, Wilson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers, Arslanian, Vigderson, Owen.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the December 2007 Board meeting were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
        John Welsh, athletic coach from John Marshall High School, spoke about the JMHS Academic Decathlon and the need for funds to cover expenses related to sending students to the event in Sacramento in March.  Mr. Welch was asked to work with Dr. Sarah Napier to determine an appropriate expense item and amount.
        Faith Raiguel, COO of the Autry National Center, announced the ANC Open House on February 10 from 10am-5pm.
        Ann MacKeen, Secretary for the Barnsdall Neighborhood Association, announced that Officer Sam Salazaar will be retiring soon and a celebratory event will be planned.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Betty Wong-Oyama announced that all GGPNC Boardmembers had passed the required ethics exam; reminded Boardmembers about the Jan 23 NC Board Training at the community center in Glassell Park; provided an information handout on Proposition S.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None.

6. PACE Business Development Center:
Representative did not attend. 

7. Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Joel Friedman reported that the City would take back $25,000 from the GGPNC account if that amount were not spent by June 30.

8. Rules & Elections Committee:
City requirement that NCs change their bylaws to conform to one of the following options:  a.) City-managed elections commencing June 2008 with shortening of Boardmember terms accordingly; b.) One more self-managed election Nov 2008 with City-managed elections commencing June 2010; c.) City-managed elections commencing 2010 with no interim self-managed election and Boardmember terms extended accordingly.  In December the Rules & Elections Committee recommended option “a” and presented a draft of updates to the GGPNC bylaws that would enact this.
Committee Chair Philip Gasteier moved that GGPNC elect the option to have the City Clerk conduct the elections of district representatives in June 2008 and that the Board adopt the bylaws amendments to accomplish that.  Seconded by Friedman.  Adopted by consensus.

9. Officer Elections: (taken out of order)
Council President Mims called for nominations.  Carroll nominated all current officers to their current positions.  Seconded by Johnson.  Kerr moved to close nominations; seconded by Arslanian; adopted by consensus.  Carroll moved to declare a “white ballot”, i.e. one with no contested positions; Vigderson seconded.  Per the white ballot, all current officers were re-elected by unanimous vote.

10. Education Committee:
            a. Shiela Lehrer-Graiwer, Executive Director of Barnsdall Arts/FOJAC presented a proposal to provide a series of free family weekend art workshops at the train ride and ponies in Griffith Park.  The workshops would emphasize respect for the environment and "green multicultural” projects and will begin this spring.  Napier moved that GGPNC make $5500 in direct expenditures to support the event.  Seconded by Johnson.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Marshall "M" community project to do tile work designed by Marshall students and will need $10,000 to match community beautification grant for 2008.  Move to approve $10,000 to help fund Marshall "M" Community Project.  Napier rescinded the motions since the grant hasn’t been written.
        c. Kevin Moran, teacher and musical director at Marshall High School presented an overview of a student musical scheduled for Feb 22 and 23 and asked for funds to cover the purchase of microphones for the event and for future use.  Napier moved that GGPNC purchase the microphones at a cost not to exceed $2500.  Seconded by Arslanian.  Adopted by consensus.
        d. Dana Mink from Thomas Starr King Middle School asked for funds to re-sod the quad at the school.  This expense will not be met by LAUSD.  Napier moved that GGPNC expend up to $12,000 for resodding the school’s quad.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus. 

11. Planning, Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Ken Owen presented the committee recommendation regarding the application for a Conditional Use Permit for expanded operation of restaurant at 2128 Hillhurst (formerly La Belle Epoque, now Little Dom's).  Owen moved that GGPNC adopt the recommendation.  Seconded by DeMonte.  No consensus.  Owen moved that the Council vote to vote on the issue; seconded by Arslanian; adopted by a majority vote.  After discussion, Owen moved to amend the motion so as to drop items 3 and 4 from the recommendation. Seconded by Demonte; approved by majority vote.  Vigderson moved to amend the recommendation by changing item 1 to allowing for weekday hours until 12 midnight, and to change item 8 to state that the sale of alcohol not exceed 60% of revenue.  Seconded by Napier.  Motion carried by majority vote.
        b. On the issue of a proposed enlargement of a house at 2665 Aberdeen, Owen moved that GGPNC approve the position taken by the PZHP in its email to Mr. Albert Landini on January 14, 2008 which informed the Zoning Administrator that the committee had some concerns about the project and as had insufficient input from the owner to consider the issue.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.
        c. On the issue of the renewal of a Conditional Use Permit for Akbar (4356 Sunset Blvd), Owen moved that the board advise the zoning administrator that it has no objection to the renewal of the conditional use permit issued to this site in 2002 so long as the conditions imposed in that conditional use permit be continued and so long as the zoning administrator is convinced the conditions are both still sufficient given changed conditions (expansion of The Kitchen and Malo Restaurant) and the condition regarding frequency of live shows and dancing is being met.  Seconded by Vigderson.  Adopted by consensus.
        d. Owen reported that the Autry National Center Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be completed by Jan 16.  Faith Raiguel, Executive Director of the ANC reported that GGPNC will be able to obtain the recommendation from RAP after it has been submitted to them.
        e. Owen moved that GGPNC make $2300 in direct expenditures to fund the designation of historic/cultural monuments in the GGPNC area.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Adopted by consensus.

12. Parks River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved that GGPNC make $10,800 in direct expenditures to underwrite the cost of creating and fabrication Fire Recover signage and brochures on the recovery process, signs to be placed at affected trailheads in Griffith Park and to be used to post other information when no longer needed to promote fire recovery.  Seconded by Louyse.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Soter presented a proposal to reprint a brochure on fire recovery with the GGPNC logo on it and a possible mass mailing to educate people about fire recovery in Griffith Park.  Soter will provide specific costs next month.

13. Other Committee Reports:
None.
14. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.
15. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.
16. Adjournment:
At 11:30 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus

1. Call to Order: 7:10 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Getz, Soter, Owen Arslanian, Vigderson, Wilson, Johnson, Mims, Kerr, DeMonte, Rademaekers, Friedman, Louyse, Napier.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the November 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
None.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
        Paul Hisserich, representing CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, announced that the Assemblymember would be holding an open house from 4-7 pm on Thu Dec 20 at the Washington Mutual building in Glendale on Brand Blvd.
        Jullian Harris-Calvin, representing Councilmember Tom LaBonge, announced and explained that Silver Lake Reservoir will be drained due to excessive levels of bromate, draining to begin in January.  A Preferred Parking District will be implemented on Riverside Drive between Fletcher and Los Feliz Blvd to prevent overnight parking.
        Betty Wong-Oyama announced that the submitted GGPNC bylaw revisions had been given final approval by DONE.  A training for NC board members will be held on Jan 23 6-9:30 p.m. on the Brown Act and NC funding.  On Sat Dec 15 a memorial service was held for DONE Executive Director Carol Baker Thorpe.  City Council has approved the recommendation by the Neighborhood Council Review Commission that NC elections should be held by the City Clerk in June of even numbered years.  GGPNC has the option of moving elections up to June 2008 with City Clerk management, or to wait until 2010 and have our election in Nov 2008 as would otherwise be the case.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
None. 

6. Executive Committee: Charley Mims (15 min.)
        a. DeMonte moved to delay election of officers to January.  Seconded by Kerr, adopted by consensus.
        b. Mims announced that DONE took back $29,000 of GGPNC money because it hadn’t been spent in the two years prior to June 30 and recommended that GGPNC spend more on outreach.
        c. After discussion, it was agreed to agendize the issue of how and when to handle the next GGPNC election for the January board meeting.  Since it will require another bylaws revision, the Rules & Elections Committee will draft an update that can be amended per the board’s decision.

7. Parks, River & Open Space Committee:
Committee Chair Bernadette Soter reported on the success of the pilot walking program for the LADWP Holiday Light Festival.  Soter moved that a letter to be sent by the Board to the DWP/DWP Commission thanking them for helping to set up the pilot program.  Seconded by Napier.  Adopted by consensus.

8. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding the EIR for the expansion of the Autry National Center, Committee Chair Owen moved the Committee recommendation that, “GGPNC contribute up to $7000 toward a study and analysis of the transportation section of the draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed expansion of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park by Menager & Associates.”  Seconded by Soter.  Adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding the city’s policy of approving billboards and enforcing billboard rules, Owen moved the Committee recommendation that, “GGPNC express its position that the City rigorously enforce the regulations for billboards and promptly and aggressively take action against billboards improperly erected or modified, and that through its president file a Community Impact Statement regarding billboard-related issues consistent with the foregoing.

9. Outreach Committee:  Rosemary DeMonte, Chair (10 min.)
Motion to expend up to $1000.00 toward a gesture or gift of appreciation to LAFD for their courageous work this year deferred until January meeting pending obtaining specifics on gesture/gift.

10. Other Committee Reports:
None.
11. Comments and Announcement by Board Members
None.
12. Other Board Comment on Non-Agenda items
None.
13. Adjournment:
At 9:05 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.

1. Call to Order: 7:05 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Getz, Soter, Louyse, Owen, Johnson, Vigderson, Cisneros, Wilson, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the October 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Rosemary DeMonte, VP of Outreach, announced that the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District Holiday Festival would be on Sat Dec 1.
Cheryl Johnson announced that the Barnsdall Art Park Art Mart would be on Sun Dec 16.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Daryl Ford from the Dept of Recreation and Parks announced the RAP Needs Assessment Project which needs public input to for the development of a city-wide master plan for parks.  A meeting will be held at Friendship Auditorium on Nov 28 at 6:30pm.  Mims asked Bernadette Soter and Jacqueline Kerr to follow the issue.

Neighborhood Prosecutor Donna Wong announced Property Owner & Manager Training on Nov 28 at 4 pm at Glassell Park Community Center.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
SLO Gina Chovan reported that there had been eleven burglaries in the last thirty days in Franklin Hills and Silver Lake, and reported on LAPD actions to capture the burglars. 

6. Kaiser Permanente: 
Mark Costa, Executive Director, and Gail Koretz, Government and Community Relations Manager, of Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center presented on overview of the hospital replacement program on the Sunset Blvd campus.  Construction of the new facility should be complete in Jan 2008, and the old hospital will be demolished in 2009.  Costa reported that the Kaiser community benefit program provided $300,000 annually to local charities.  Local charitable organizations should contact Gail Koretz.  The board discussed the potential for Kaiser to share parking space for community needs, an issue to be followed up.

7. LADWP Proposed Rate Increase:
Charley Mims reported that he’d discussed with the Executive Committee the possibility of re-opening discussion with the board.  There was not a consensus by the committee that this needed to happen.  No action.

8. February City Ballot Measure Regarding City Telephone/Communications Surtax:
Charley Mims reported that he planned to line up a speaker from the city to speak on this issue.

9. Transportation Committee:
Committee Chair Jacqueline Kerr presented and moved for approval of draft letter to Mayor Villaraigosa requesting improvements to the Dept. of Transportation accident reporting system.  Seconded by DeMonte.  Mims moved a friendly amendment to the motion that the GGPNC president work with Kerr to wordsmith and clarify certain points in the letter.  Kerr accepted the amendment.  Motion adopted by consensus.

10. Planning Zoning & Historic Preservation Committee:
        a. Regarding Council File No. 05-1345, the proposed city ordinance to create affordable housing as required by CA Senate Bill 1818, Committee Chair Owen moved the following statement be submitted as a Community Impact Statement to be attached to the Council File No. 05-1345:
“Implementation of SB1818 should increase affordable housing without adversely affecting neighborhoods. Height bonuses are highly intrusive and can have negative affect on a community. Projects replacing existing low income rentals with fewer affordable units should be prohibited as contrary to the purpose of 8B1818. Therefore, the ordinance should: (1) Remove height as a bonus, (2) Deny bonuses to any projects that don't produce more affordable housing units than exist (or existed before demolition) on a lot and any projects that don't increase density above that allowed by right; (3) Require a public hearing on whether a project qualifies for any bonuses.”
Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

        b. Regarding a zoning variance request by the owner of 4759 Bryn Mawr to construct retaining wall 45 feet tall (nine feet higher than permitted maximum of 36 feet, Owen moved that the board oppose the variance request for the requested height in excess of 36 feet.  Seconded by Gasteier; adopted by consensus.

11. Parks, River & Open Space Committee:
        a. Regarding Quimby fees, Committee Chair Bernadette Soter moved the committee recommendation “that the Recreation and Parks Department develop a mechanism providing for neighborhood input regarding the placement of new parks and the selection of their attendant features, and for quarterly reports to the Los Angeles City Council on the status of Quimby fees and Quimby-funded projects.”  Seconded by Wilson; adopted by consensus.
        b. Regarding the recent weekend extension of the Los Feliz Dash Line into Vermont Canyon in Griffith Park, Soter moved the committee recommendation “that the Los Feliz Dash Line's operation to and from the Observatory be extended to popular weekdays as well.”  Seconded by Kerr; adopted by consensus.

12. Rules & ElectionsCommittee:
        a. Committee Chair Philip Gasteier presented move for acceptance of procedures and a timeline for selecting a Designated Board Member as representative of the religious community.  Seconded by Kerr.  Kerr offered a friendly amendment to postpone all dates by one month with Executive Committee recommendation and board decision on February 19, 2008. The amendment was accepted.  Motion passed by consensus.
        b. Gasteier announced that DONE was reviewing the GGPNC bylaw amendments and expects approval soon.

13. Adjournment:
At 10 pm, Jacqueline Kerr moved to adjourn; seconded by DeMonte; approved by consensus.
 

1. Call to Order: 7:15 p.m. by President Charley Mims.  A quorum was declared.  Board members present:  Friedman, Carroll, Napier, Soter, Getz, Owen, Johnson, Cisneros, Vigderson, Wilson, Arslanian, Kerr, DeMonte, Gasteier, Mims, Rademaekers.

2. Approval of Minutes:  The minutes of the September 2007 Board meeting, with revisions, were approved by consensus.

3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items; Public Announcements
Chris Apostal resident stakeholder who lives on Talmadge Street, reported a home burglary incident where LAPD response time was four hours.  Apostal asked GGPNC to question the allocation of police resources.  It was recommended that Apostal work with Joe Cisneros, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, to develop a position statement on the issue.

Barbara Ferris thanked the board for GGPNC support of “Out of the Ashes”, the recent benefit concert for the Griffith Park Recovery Fund.

4. Reports from Public Officials and Staff:
Betty Wong Oyama, Project Coordinator for DONE, reminded Boardmembers about the Oct 27 Congress of Neighborhood Councils.  Oyama indicated that it was possible for GGPNC to make a donation to the event that wasn’t made in the form a specific expenditure.
Mary Rodriguez, Education Deputy for Tom LaBonge, CD4, announced that the City Council Education & Neighborhoods Committee would be meeting at 6:30 pm on Oct 24.
John Hesserich, representative for CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, 43rd District, reported that with the autumn reconvening of the CA Assembly, the Assemblymember is looking for issue suggestions.
Eric Sanjurjo and Ryan Haas from Hollywood United Neighborhood Council appeared in response to the recent GGPNC agenda item and response to the issue with splitting Fire Station #82.  They asked that in the future GGPNC consult HUNC when cross-NC issues such as this arise.

5. Northeast Division Senior Lead Officer Report:
SLO Gina Chovan announced that property crime was up; warned stakeholders about the “Zip-Tie Bandit” who was robbing pharmacies; the “Fast Food Bandit”; warned stakeholders, especially elderly, not to admit people into their homes who claimed to be from a utility company if they hadn’t already been notified by the utility that someone would visit.  Regarding item #3 above, Chris Apostal’s comments, Chovan stated the reason for delayed response is limited LAPD resources.

6. CA Assemblymember Paul Krekorian: 
The Assemblymember presented a summary of issues being addressed in the CA Assembly including: looking for ways to encourage the entertainment industry to keep its production activities in Los Angeles; developing ways to maintain water sustainability in Southern California.

7. TreePeople:
Lacey Von Deak, Community Engagement Manager for TreePeople announced the Greening Workshop on Nov 4 and provided details.  Reported on TreePeople involvement in Griffith Park Recovery efforts including plans to plant 100 trees in the vicinity of the merry-go-round.  www.treepeople.org
 
8. Parks, River & Open Space (PROS) Committee:
Committee Chair Bernadette Soter announced:
        a. the first-ever Park Rangers-sponsored Book Signing Event at the Griffith Park Ranger Station on Oct 20 for the book is “The Santa Monica Mountains – Range on the Edge”
        b. An Oct 29 meeting about the Festival of Lights with LADWP at the GP Ranger Station, and that a pilot Walking Nights program for the festival would be conducted Nov 21-25.

9. Neighborhood Improvement Committee:
Committee Chair Nyla Arslanian moved that, per Betty Wong Oyama’s request above, that GGPNC donate $1000 to the Congress of Neighborhood Councils event.  Treasurer Joel Friedman will first confirm with DONE that this action is not in violation of DONE regulations or the Brown Act.  Seconded by Kerr.  Adopted by consensus.

10. Education Committee:
Committee Chair Sarah Napier moved that GGPNC make $300 in direct expenditures to support the proj