Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council

Governing Board Meeting Minutes

May 14, 2007, 6:30 p.m. - Peck Park

 

  1. The meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm by Vice President Dan Dixon.

 

  1. Roll Call of Board Members:  The following board members were present:  Andrea Adleman, Dan Dixon, Bonnie Easley, Joe Gatlin, John Greenwood, Janet Gunter, Jody James, Ray Patricio, Barbara Schach, John Stammreich, Sanni Wehbe, Mary Hamlin, and Pete Burmeister.  Diana Nave, Capt. George Thompson, John Mavar and Philip Nicolary were excused. 

 

  1. Independent Election Administrator.  Stephen Box gave a presentation.  He explained the need for the IEA’s who work with the neighborhood council elections to keep the election running smooth and within the guidelines.  Tonight was the candidate information session for candidates wishing to run in the June 2007 election.  Our filing period is under way.  We would like to see qualified, passionate stakeholders to sign up as candidates for the board.  Write-ins can sign up as late as the day of the election but they will not have an opportunity to get statements printed in newsletter or on the website.  Mr. Box gave stakeholders an opportunity  to ask questions and fill out candidate forms with his assistance.

 

  1. Approval of minutes.  Minutes from the April 9th meeting were approved as submitted.

 

  1. Presentation from LAUSD regarding plans for new campuses in the San Pedro area.  Mr. Rod Hamilton, Regional Development Manager for LAUSD gave the presentation.  He explained that Narbonne and San Pedro have in excess of 3500 students and new schools are needed to relieve the overcrowding.  Mr. Hamilton talked about a 2500 seat high school being divided into 2.  810 seats at Ponte Vista, the rest on Fort MacArthur property (1215).  The School Board will hear the recommendations on May 22nd.  The public can attend and if they want to speak they have to contact the board secretary 213-241-7000 to be placed on the list as a speaker.  (Limited to 7 speakers per agenda item). Then they will go ahead with the feasibility study with EIR’s etc.   The amount of land needed is 6-8 acres for the 810 seat school.  It will include a gym and minor outdoor athletic space but nothing major.  The plan is to place the school at the Northwest corner of old Navy housing site.  After the presentation the following questions were asked:

 

    1. Joe Gatlin.  Is there any thought about changing grades 9-12 back to 10-12. Also asked why we are building a school in San Pedro to relieve the Narbonne overcrowding.  Mr. Hamilton explained the social and educational aspects of the decision to change it years ago.  No room in middle schools.  Bottom line you need more seats. 
    2. Barbara Schach asked where the amounts of 810 seats and 1250 seats came from.  Mr. Hamilton explained that it is based on demographics.
    3. John Stammreich commented that he liked the idea of the smaller schools, especially because of the possible problems of mixing Narbonne and San Pedro students.  John asked the possibility of using the Dana property to enlarge San Pedro and Mr. Hamilton explained that they do not desire such a large amount of high schools concentrated in one area because it creates more problems.
    4. Pete Burmeister asked about students being bussed in.  Mr. Hamilton said not to his knowledge.  Pete also commented on the traffic problems and Mr. Hamilton explained that the traffic situation will be addressed in the EIR process.
    5. Ray Patricio asked about the Harbor College possibility.  Mr. Hamilton explained that Harbor College currently has a program using high school students.  But the colleges don’t want too many high school students there.  There are also transit problems with this idea. 
    6. Jody James wanted to know how many students from our area are currently going to Narbonne.  Mr. Hamilton could not answer without those statistics.
    7. John Greenwood asked if they have re-looked at properties in other areas now that the school is being separated into two smaller schools and therefore needing only 8-9 acres.  Mr. Hamilton explained that there is always a possibility to change if a new possible area comes up.
    8. Dan Dixon:  Please provide adequate parking for students and staff at the Navy housing site. 
    9. Mark Magestic asked if LAUSD knows the exact number of students generated by Ponte Vista?  They responded to Ponte Vista’s DEIR.
    10. Ray Regalado thinks we will continue to have problems in our high schools if staff at the high school is not properly trained to handle diverse populations of students.  Mr. Hamilton agreed that we need to anticipate the problems and educate the staff.  He commented that smaller, well built schools that are not overcrowded are part of the solution.

 

  1. LAPD report.  The representative from LAPD had to leave.  Dan Dixon commented that the LAPD are using the ATVs and they are having a good effect on reducing crime and vandalism.    John Stammreich commented on the websites that the LAPD has come up with to give you information on your neighborhood.  Cards were available.

 

  1. Council Office report.  Gordon Teuber talked about new issues regarding Air Force Housing leasing to subcontractors.  Also commented that the Harbor Commission on Thursday is having 2 meetings:  1)Waterfront Project.  Westways Terminal has been bought out from their lease.  Paves way for more well thought out development throughout the waterfront.   2)  Homeland security budget has been increased.  3) JC homes is doing everything by the book to clean up the site.  4)  Other items that the council office is working on are:  Ponte Vista traffic issues. Also, the building of a Sports complex to accommodate Eastview LL and other groups.  Port of Los Angeles took back Knoll Hill.  (Jody  James asked about Amerigas and Gordon said the city will not be able to afford to purchase the site for little league.  Janet Gunter asked about insurance policy for Amerigas.  5) Dog Park.  Port’s plan was to create an urban forest at base of Knoll Hill.  They are negotiating for the restaurant property at bottom of hill.  Port realizes that they need an environmental buffer between China Shipping and community.  (Joe Gatlin asked about the dog park and will the site be permanent but Gordon said the Port will not make long commitments.)  6)  Pete Burmeister asked for community assistance in reporting illegal fireworks.  The police responded to his call and confiscated a neighbor’s illegal fireworks.  7) Cleanup from Capitol Drive.  Gordon would like to know if we can donate $300 if necessary to get the job finished.

 

  1. Public Comment on Dog Park: 

 

    1. Jack Mendez.  Vice President of Peninsula Dog Parks.  Would like support to stay at current site where they have been for 6 years.  Also supports ball fields at 22nd Street.
    2. Kimberly Foley.  President of Peninsular Dog Park.  Disturbed about “closed door” meetings.  Does not feel that Knoll Hill is suitable for baseball fields. They want community support to keep the dog parks at Knoll Hill.
    3. Gordon Teuber explained to Jack and Kimberly that the dog park was a “temporary use” for 6 years. 
    4. Jody James wants to know where the Quimby funds go.  Is there a process where we could put the funds to use for recreational property purchase.  (Gordon responded that he will check into the Quimby use). 

 

  1. Public Comment on Cell Phone Tower Policy (non Agenda item).  Janet Gunter made comments on a possible policy to guide us in being responsible in regards to cell tower placement.
    1. Mr. Radovich made a comment that Silver Lake Neighborhood Council did a lot of research before adopting their policy that we should look at.   He feels their guidelines are such that the community could live with them.  Urges our neighborhood council to adopt such a policy.  PUT ON AGENDA FOR NEXT MONTH.

 

  1. New Business:
    1. Chuck Hart commented on Mary Star’s access to power on their site.   The DWP will be putting new service lines in the area which will also accommodate Ponte Vista.  He feels that in the long run underground would be better.  Wants to know why the neighborhood council was left out of the decision making of this process.  PUT ON AGENDA FOR NEXT MONTH.

 

  1. Rosa Arcadia from the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.  Announced a Public Hearing Notice on May 24th.  Also commented on the Congress of Neighborhood event that recently took place, 1000 people attended.  Congress debriefing/planning session will be next.  May 23, 6:30 (check website to get info). 

 

  1. Elections Committee:  David Rivera reviewed dates.  Final deadline for candidates on printed ballot is May 26.  Candidate forum will on June 19th, Tuesday, 6:30 Peck Park.  Election flyer will be distributed by June 18th. 

 

  1. Port Committee.  Phil out of town but gave Dan a letter for us to consider as a motion.  The following Motion was made by John Greenwood and seconded by Jody James.    

 

Text Box: Whereas, a few months ago, the representatives of ConocoPhillips attended our Council meeting and provided details describing the Project as the “best available control technology” (BACT), along with its potential benefits and impacts. We understand that implementation of the project will not result in accrual of emissions credits to ConocoPhillips or expansion of refining capacity at the Wilmington Plant. Based on the data provided at this meeting and a review of the draft Environmental Impact Report we believe that approval of the project by the South Coast Air Quality Management District is warranted. Therefore. The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council supports ConocoPhillips’ effort to install the Wet Gas Scrubber system to reduce PM10 and NOx emissions from the Wilmington Refinery, which is adjacent to our community. Motion passed unanimously 5/14/07 by the NWSPNC.
MOTION RE: BASEBALL FIELDS AT THE SANITATION FACILITY: 

    1. Secretary Mary Hamlin called on Dan Dixon who presented the Motion below regarding a possible new Recreation Facility.  
    2. John Stammreich moved that the motion be accepted and Pete Burmeister seconded the motion. 
    3. Ray Patricio made a comment on the fact that this is a polluted area and why don’t we utilize 22nd street area. 
    4. Jody James agreed and is sad that there isn’t a better solution. 
    5. Janet Gunter made a comment that we are not in a healthy community and we are in a difficult spot because we are trying to support something that we don’t feel good about based on the pollution issue.  J
    6. ohn Stammreich talked about his experience in the booth at the Art on the Waterfront Event and heard so many comments from Eastview supporters.  But realizes that if we want it to stay in San Pedro there really isn’t any other choice. 
    7. Pete Burmeister hopes there will be a lot of trees on the property to make it nice and green. 
    8. Ray Patricio says there are places that the kids can play but Eastview is a private league and that is part of the problem.  Dan Dixon reminded Ray and others that the motion does not refer to any specific league and this is intended as a public place.
    9. Public comment from Anthony Pirozzi.  Talked about the difficulties in getting coaches and about the misunderstandings that people have because they don’t know all the facts.   Realizes that the sanitation yard may not be the perfect place, but the facility is very much needed. 
    10. Michael Stumpf is in support of setting land aside for youth activities and scooping it up while we can. 
    11. Chuck Hart is trying to get an air quality testing site set up on the hill.
    12. Irene Almeida wonders if there is any extra acreage at Friendship Park?    
    13. After this discussion the following motion was passed:

 

Text Box: MOTION RE: BASEBALL FIELDS AT THE SANITATION FACILITY: Whereas, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council is on record as supporting the construction of public youth baseball fields at the mulching yard of the Los Angeles Department of Sanitation facility on North Gaffey St., and Whereas, the NWSPNC is supportive of using the east side of Gaffey St. as a green/recreational buffer between the Port of Los Angeles and the residential neighborhoods west of N. Gaffey St., and Whereas, it is acknowledged that development in San Pedro has cost many recreational playing fields throughout the community in the past two decades, Therefore, the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council urges the 15th District Council Office, the other San Pedro Neighborhood Councils, and the community at large to support and work toward the development of a public youth athletic and recreation center at the existing Sanitation Yard at Gatun St. on North Gaffey, and to identify this effort as a goal of the community until such a facility comes to fruition. The recreation facilities and playing fields may include, but not be limited to: the existing Field of Dreams, new youth baseball fields, basketball, tennis and handball courts, a swim facility, and additional open space for other field sports. Vote: Janet Gunter abstained, Ray Patricio voted no, all other board members in attendance voted yes. Motion passed on May 14, 2007.

 

 

  1.   Target:  wants to connect with the Port to improve the area on the East side of North Gaffey.

 

  1.  Ponte Vista.  John Greenwood suggested that the board and the public read the NWSPNC newsletter for an update on Ponte Vista.

 

  1.  Comment from John Stammreich:  John urged the community to consider running for office in the upcoming NWSPNC election.  He also commented on new magnets that have been created as a marketing tool for the NWSPNC.  They were available at the meeting.

 

  1.   Education committee.  Nothing to report.

 

  1.   Treasurer’s report.  We will be asking for input for the budget.  Nothing more to report.

 

  1.   Acting President’s Report.   Dan Dixon commented on how dismayed he was about recent negative emails.  He doesn’t see any constructive purpose in it.   

 

  1.   Next meeting, June 11, 2007.

 

  1.   Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm

                         

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kristina Smith

Administrative Assistant

NWSPNC