Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council

Governing Board Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)

January 8, 2007, 6:30 p.m. - Peck Park

(Subject to approval by the Board at the Feb. 12, 2007 Community Meeting)

 

1.      The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Diana Nave.

 

2.      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, John Mavar, Diana Nave, Philip Nicolay, Ray Patricio, Barbara Schach, John Stammreich, Sanni Wehbe, Mary Hamlin, and Pete Burmeister.  Capt. George Thompson was excused.

 

3.      Calendar Changes and Additions:  President Diana announced changes occurring after the printing of the Calendar of Events. 

 

4.      Approval of Minutes.  The minutes from the December 11, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.

 

5.      Presentation:  Tom Gibson of the Dept of Recreation and Parks gave a short presentation on the San Pedro Welcome Park and showed diagrams of the concept.  Ground breaking is scheduled for sometime in February and they expect completion this Summer 2007.  There were several comments including an update from Gordon Teuber from the Councilwoman’s office.

 

6.      LAPD Report.  Irmina Dumaplin commented that some cars are still being broken into on Western and cautioned the community to keep valuables out of sight.  The ATV’s will be out next week.  Purse snatchers creating problems in December have been caught.

 

7.      Proposed cell tower at St. Peters Episcopal Church:  There have been two public meetings to date and there are some residents who oppose the cell tower project and some who support it.  The NC has been asked to come back with recommendations.  John Mavar proposed a motion recommending to the Zoning Administration that there be an extension of the comment period.  The motion was seconded.  Public comments were then heard from George Radovich, Resident, Dave Andrade of St. Peter’s and Nicole Colaruotolo, also a resident.  Also, several comments were heard from the Board.  The motion was passed unanimously.  January 24th 6pm, the Issues Committee will be the next meeting.

 

MOTION:

Cingular Wireless proposed Cell Tower at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 1648 9th St.  Background:  The Issues Committee held 2 public meetings regarding the propose cell tower on the property of the St. Peters Episcopal Church, which were attended by both the proponents and opponents of the proposed project.  The applicant made some adjustments to their proposal, which dealt with some of the issues.  However, several issues still remain unresolved.  Additional time may be helpful to review these issues.

 

Therefore, be it resolved that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council requests that Cingular ask the Zoning Administrator for an extension of the comment period to at least February 14, 2007, during which time Cingular should:

 

·        Explore other locations on the property that will not change the aesthetics of the bell tower.

·        Provide comprehensive lists of other sites that have been or should be considered for the project.

·        Explore cell tower sites at locations in commercial areas and 9th St. and Western Ave.

 

·        Provide detailed information on all materials to be used for the equipment room, which would include the air ventilation fans on the roof.

 

·        Provide copies of the revised site plan and application for the project to NWSPNC and neighbors to review.

 

If the comment period is not extended and/or the above issues are not addressed, the NWSPNC will oppose the project.

Passed unanimously by the NWSPNC Board on January 8,  2007.

 

8.        Public Comment: 

    1. Mark Wells talked about the January 18 open forum for Ponte vista Project.  Supporters get a free dinner but he is giving people who oppose the project free R-1 Buttons to wear to January 18 meeting.  His website for comments is www.pontevista.blogspot.com.

 

    1. Neal Kleiner, running for School board asked for support.

 

    1. John Stammreich gave a brief Communications/Outreach committee report.

 

    1. Tree People:  Katura Reynolds announced an upcoming Sat Jan 27th free community greening workshop focusing on how to get more trees in your neighborhood.  Flyers were handed out.

 

9.      Port Committee: 

    1. PCAC motion to support Wilmington waterfront development plan.  Phil moved that we support the PCAC Motion to go forward with the EIR. Joe Gatlin seconded the motion.  Ken Melendez, Chair Wilmington Waterfront Development Subcommittee (WWDS), gave a public comment showing various plans.  Jody James proposed an amendment to Phil’s motion to design a highway enclosure on the port side of the burm to protect public health. The amendment failed.  Original motion was passed (Janet and Jody abstained, all other members present voted yes).

 

    1. PCAC Membership changes.  The Port of Los Angeles is considering changes to the membership of PCAC.  (Geraldine Knatz gave her comments in a document on Dec. 7 commenting on the role of PCAC and possible membership changes.

 

    1. San Pedro Waterfront Notice of Preparation/Notice of Intent.  Phil talked about discussion items.  Comment period ends Feb. 28th.

 

10.  NCRC (Neighorhood Council Review Commission):  Break into groups to discuss four issues. 1) How well is the NC representing you and your needs?  2) Do NC’s have the right roles and powers? 3) How well is City Government Organized to help NCs?  4) How can the system be improved.  The four groups met in the corners of the auditorium to discuss each of the four items.  The comments will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. 

 

11. By-Laws Committee:  John Greenwood presented the minor changes to the by-laws and recommended that we approve the by-laws as amended.  Passed unanimously.

 

12.  Planning and Land Use Committee:  January 30th Comments are due on the Ponte Vista EIR.  We also have until January 24th to comment on Target.  Dan presented two motions:

 

    1. MOTION:  Re:  Northern Boundary of San Pedro

 

Whereas, the traditionally accepted northern boundary of San Pedro is Palos Verdes Drive North, which is a major geographical dividing line for the community, and

Whereas, the area of San Pedro which includes the Navy Fuel Depot and former Naval housing property tract is included in the Wilmington/Harbor City Community Plan section of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, rather than the San Pedro Community Plan, and

Whereas, the inclusion of this area in the San Pedro plan would make sense both geographically and in terms of the impacts of new developments and existing institutions of the San Pedro community, and

Whereas, the area is within the boundaries of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council and children moving into this area through new development will attend Taper Ave. School, and

Whereas, the City Planning Department is in the process of updating the community plan, therefore: 

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council requests the City Planning Department to adjust the boundary between the San Pedro Community Plan and the Wilmington/Harbor City Community Plan, which would extend the San Pedro Plan area north to Palos Verdes Dr. North, between Western Ave. and Gaffey St.

 

Motion passed unanimously by NWSPNC on January 8, 2007.

 


    1. MOTION RE: APPOINTMENTS TO THE CRA PACIFIC CORRIDOR COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

 

“We nominate Jane Solomon and Irene Almeida to be appointed to the CRA pacific Corridor Community Advisory Committee.  The person chosen will represent the Neighborhood Council on the Advisory Committee, and will report to the NC’s Land Use and Planning Committee on a regular basis.” 

Motion passed unanimously by NWSPNC on January 8, 2007.

 

13. Motion Re: Support of Harbor Gateway South Neighborhood Council:  John Stammreich presented the following motion: 

MOTION:  “We commend the Harbor Gateway South NC’s quick action in regard to the tragic shooting of Cheryl Green and extend our support to the Harbor Gateway South NC for its continued activities to bring its diverse community together in light of this tragic death.  We extend our thoughts and prayers to her family during this trying time, and hope civic leaders throughout Los Angeles can now see how important the issue of gang violence truly is.” (Motion passed unanimously by the NWSPNC on January 8, 2007).

 

14. Report from Council Office.  Gordon Teuber talked about the structure next to Granny’s donuts.  They are rebuilding the store.  Permit was pulled two years ago. Also commented that the Target store in Torrance does not sell liquor.  The Sepulveda Blvd/Figueroa St. Target Store is closing down to rebuild a bigger store with underground parking. Gordon also commented on a meeting tomorrow in downtown Los Angeles regarding the Proposed Relocation of Amerigas.

 

15. Treasurer’s Report.  Sanni provided a written report.

 

16. Motion Re: Candidate Forum:  John Greenwood presented the following Motion

 

Motion:  The NWSPNC shall co-sponsor a 7th District School Board candidate forum with other community groups or neighborhood councils and to encumber up to $250 for refreshments or publicity.  (Motion passed unanimously by the NWSPNC on January 8, 2007).

 

17. Newsletter.  Andrea Adleman commented on the deadlines for the newsletter and urged community members to participate by submitting articles of interest.

 

18. Presidents Report:

 

    1. Appointments:  Gabriel Rivas has been appointed as our designee for DWP Oversight Committee.
    2. Election Committee:  Committee members are needed.  They do not have to be a board member.  Interested parties should contact President Diana.
    3. DASH Meeting, Diana will attend tomorrow.
    4. Left turn signal has been installed at Harbor Blvd Northbound at Channel.  New striping on Channel still allows for 2 left turn lanes onto Harbor Blvd.
    5. ATSAC for mitigating traffic.  Tour of ATSAC system is this Thursday morning downtown at 10am. 
    6. Cell Tower for Westmont at Taper will be an upcoming issue.
    7. Used Car Lot on North Gaffey has been investigated with Council Office, it is in compliance with zoning.  Not much we can do about it.
    8. Survey for board members to submit to 912 Commission need to be completed.

 

 

19. Comment.  Dan Dixon reminded us that we need to always be vigilant when it comes to our children.  Listen to them.  This comment was in light of the tragic shooting of Cheryl Green.

 

20. Next meeting, January 22, 2007, 6:30pm primarily dealing with Target and Ponte Vista.

 

21. Meeting adjourned at 8:59pm

                              

Respectfully submitted,

Kristina Smith, Administrative Assistant NWSPNC