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NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES

October 11, 2004

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:45 PM by President John Greenwood

2. Roll Call of Board Members:  The following board members were present John Greenwood, Andrea Adelman, Guillermo Villagran, Marisa Trutanich, Philip Nicolay, William Upchurch, Esther Espinoza-Ek, Carlos Garcia, Jody James, Ray Patricio, Patricia Polcuch, Capt. George Thompson, John Vladovic, Sanni Wehbe, and Chris Wickers.  Excused:  Diana Nave and Margaret Moilov.

3. Minutes of September 13, 2004 meeting.  The minutes were approved as read.

4. President’s Report:  Results of Survey.  We were requested by the Mayor to survey stakeholders and we received 158 replies.  President Greenwood provided a report showing the results of the survey, specifically the order of importance of issues according to the stakeholders.  No questions were asked by the audience. 

5. Proposal to consolidate city safety and security functions into one Office of Public Safety.  Two speakers from the city were added to the agenda: Tony Royster, Assistant General Manager and Alvin Blane, General Manager of the Department of General Services for the City of Los Angeles.  Park rangers and officers were also present to show their support for the consolidation to improve security in parks, libraries and all community areas in the city.  They asked for the support of the Neighborhood Council on this proposal which will improve security.  Chief of Security, Gary Newton, also provided some details stating that a year ago the mayor and the unions wanted them to look at security in community areas such as the LA Zoo, Convention Center, Library Dept., Dept of Recreation and Parks, etc. and consolidate them into the Office of Public Safety.  It will provide a dedicated patrol force to handle library, parks and city buildings within the city.  Right now only one park ranger is assigned to the Harbor Area.  The proposal would help create a substantial increase in enforcement by adding park rangers.  There was a question posed by Ray Patricio as to whether they are going to arm the park rangers.  The response was that only peace officers will be armed and they will be wearing a different uniform.  Ray made a motion to support the proposal and send a letter to Janice Hahn asking for her support.  President Greenwood stated that any vote on this proposal would have to take place at the next board meeting since it was not on the agenda. 

6. Senior Lead Officer Steve Muirhead addressed the issue of Peck Park Canyon problems.   They are talking about getting ATV’s to patrol the canyon effectively. 

7. Resolution on Inclusionary Zoning – Issues Committee.  Carlos Garcia spoke on this topic and stated that experts were invited to the meetings.  He stated that we cannot support either position because of a lack of specificity of plans with various questions and issues as listed on the Issues Subcommittee Report.  Guillermo Villagran commented that both sides have not presented a solution and therefore he is in favor of the Position Paper as Written and suggests we adopt it.  There was a motion that we pass the first two paragraphs as a resolution.  All members present were in favor of the motion and the motion was passed.

8. Support of Measure A.  Bill Upchurch reported that the City of LA would receive 168 million for all law enforcement agencies in county.  The increase for the Harbor Division would be 60-100 new police officers.  A motion was made and seconded to support Measure A which would mean an increase in the county sales tax by ½%.  Jody commented that this is hotly contested.  Bill said it will generate 168 million dollars a year for Los Angeles Police Dept.   He feels it is a good value and that there is no other way for us to get an increase in police offers at this level.  Guillermo Villagran voted “No”, and Chris Wickers abstained.  All other board members voted in favor of the motion and it was passed.

9. Measure 1A.  Report by Andrea Adelman.  This Measure is strongly supported by Mayor Hahn, Chambers of Commerce, and Community groups and prevents Sacramento from taking our money.  A motion was made and seconded to support Proposition 1A.  After discussion there was a vote on the motion.  Jody James Abstained, all other board members present voted in favor and the motion was passed.

10. Issues Committee.  Chris Wickers gave a report regarding promoting a master plan for the area.  With regard to the old DiCarlo property on Gaffey, Chris talked about a Matching Funds Program, where the Dept of Public Works will match funds for volunteer time.  The objective is to get community organizations involved in their community.  It was stated that the Taper Avenue school lunch area is located next to a mural that was done with lead based paint.  Our grant would be to support the restoration of the mural by paying for paint and graffiti coating.  A motion was made that the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council budget up to $1,000 in matching funds in support of restoration of the mural at Taper Avenue.  The motion seconded and after brief discussion the motion was passed unanimously.

11. Landscaping Plan of Capitol Storm Drain Project.  It was reported by Shannon Day that ground cover and shrubbery have been picked out and is being donated by Home Depot.

12. Outreach Committee.  Report by Guillermo Villagran.  Guillermo requested an article be written so stakeholders know what we have been doing.  Needs articles for newsletter to be put out mid November.  Needs contributions from committees.

13. Transportation Committee.  Report by Marisa Trutanich.  Identified few priority areas.  Western Avenue from PV Drive to 25th Street, Gaffey Street from the freeway to 25th and Pacific Avenue.  The Mayor unveiled a traffic plan and Marisa would like to send a letter to the Mayor asking to keep us informed.  They are currently working on reflective posts on stop signs which is a pilot program to see if the neighborhood likes them.  Guillermo talked about the bus layovers, change will take place Oct 24th.

14. Education Committee.  Report by Patricia Polcuch.  A letter was sent out to elementary schools, regarding after school programs, obstacles, goals etc.  Also working on a parent partnership program teaching parents about leadership and teaching children about the government process. 

15. Port Committee.  Report by Philip Nicolay.  Philip talked about ongoing beautification projects that are now visible.  We heard from Frank O’Brien, a representative from PCAC.  He talked about two key dates. The first is Oct. 22 at 12 noon when the Steering Committee meets.   There is no neighborhood council representation at those meetings but they would like the councils to attend.  Critical decisions are coming up.  Carlos suggests that we have a formal seat at the meeting and not just be an attendee.  Philip was appointed as that rep.  The other date is November 23 for discussion on the final mitigation measures.  Marisa talked about Part B of the proposal.  She wants someone from the Neighborhood council at the meeting 4:30pm on Oct. 13th,  Wednesday  John Greenwood commented on a DWP meeting that he attended. Phil then talked about the Air Quality committee and their upcoming studies.  .Shannon spoke on Light Committee as it relates to the Port.  She also thanked our Port Committee and specifically Phil Nicolay for his great work.  The last topic was traffic.  Oct 14, Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel, a workshop will be held on Interchange improvements to get trucks up the 110.  6:30 pm.  Also, the Red Car design studies, relating to extension to Cabrillo Beach and Wilmington.  Phil’s ultimate vision to have the red line go to the green line and ultimately to LAX. 

16. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Budget.  Report by Bill Upchurch.  He discussed some issues with Dunn Funding and talked about Holdover Funds.  Otherwise, everything is fine.

17.  Comments.  Patricia Polcuch talked about a meeting related to the Mayor’s Neighborhood Budget Process and how similar it is to our Survey. 

18. John Greenwood, President’s comment.  Pres. Greenwood talked about Janice Hahn’s campaign kick off meeting where he heard from the builders relating to Kinder Morgan.  They were interested in input from the community. He also commented on AmeriGas.  John also attended a meeting related to issues on impact of port development.  (Public Policy Institute of California) 

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.