VNC Board of Officers Meeting

Board of Officers Meeting Agenda
Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

A Swearing in of new board members

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Approval of any outstanding minutes submitted by the Secretary

June 17, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes
(see http://venicenc.org/files/080617VNCBoardMinutes.doc)

Committee Reports are provided in written form when available

4. Scheduled Announcements (no more than 1 minute per report unless otherwise stated)

A DONE, LAPD, and other Governmental Reports

LA City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee: (10 to 30 minutes)

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee, will talk to the Venice Neighborhood Council at its monthly Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 15th. The Councilwoman will discuss development of the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan, a process that will yield a plan covering transportation projects and priorities over the next 20 years for Los Angeles. Councilwoman Greuel has said about the plan: “We are never going to solve our transportation crisis with a piecemeal solution. During the last 20 years, the City’s transportation leadership has failed Angelenos by focusing on short term political gains rather than long term investments. In order to create the kind of transportation system we need – we must have a comprehensive citywide vision and invest in long term planning.” Los Angeles was identified as the city with the most traffic congestion in the United States in a recent report from INRIX (see: http://scorecard.inrix.com/scorecard). According to the report, gridlock faces Westside drivers and commuters throughout the LA basin on a daily basis, contributing to average delays of 45 percent. According to another study, traffic delays commuters an “extra 72 hours a year and annually wastes 57 gallons of fuel per traveler” (see http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/ from the Texas Traffic Institute). [Placed on agenda]

B Grant Francis/Laura Ferre (310-216-9365; gfhandyturner2@earthlink.net; laura.ferre@verizon.net): Grant is on the VHS alumni board and is working with Laura Ferre on a project to restore the statue of Myrna Loy in front of the school. Laura and Grant wish to make the VNC aware of these efforts and to ask for your support both financially, and spiritually. For now this is simply an announcement. [Placed on agenda]

C Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): Announcement of upcoming Community Improvement Projects/Events: Custom Bike Expo; Venice BBQ; Pacific Resident Theatre/Library program. [Placed on agenda]

D Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): A special folder entitled Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan at www.veniceneighborhoodcouncil.com/meetings is now available for focused comments on our specific plan. After three months, the comments will be collated and presented to LUPC and the public. [Placed on agenda]

5. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda (15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person) no board announcements

6. Old Business

A From Stakeholder

I Michael (Micky) Schuman (310-571-0500 & 310-625-4681; musicmusicnext@aol.com & micky@thresholdsound.com) on behalf of Venice Beach Concert Series: Requesting a letter of endorsement and support for the Venice Beach Concert Series. [Placed on agenda]

B From Budget & Finance

I Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): Reallocation or extension of funds for Venice Annualle. The funding period for this event has expired. [Placed on agenda]

II Ed Ferrer (310-822-5599; edward-ferrer@att.net): Consideration and approval of VNC Budget for 2008-09. [Placed on agenda]

C From President

I Opposition to Automated Public Toilets: Motion in opposition to Automated Public Toilets (“APTs”) on Ocean Front Walk due to health & safety concerns, and instead to approve community improvement funding, not to exceed $5000 towards hiring a not for profit organization to maintain & keep open existing restroom facilities on Ocean Front Walk beyond their current hours. Motion to also send a letter to Councilman Rosendahl asking him to provide at least $10,000 in double matching funds towards these ends. [Kept on agenda]

D From Outreach

I Marc Saltzberg (310-305-9660; outreach@VeniceNC.org): The Outreach Committee recommends the following policy [standing rule] regarding advertising/endorsement of third party groups:

The Venice Neighborhood Council will publicize only VNC, City of Los Angeles, & VNC
sponsored events where sponsorship is determined by the VNC Administrative Committee. [Referred to REC and placed on agenda for board discussion]

7. Treasurers Report accept report as presented

A Election of Treasurer: effective after completion of DONE training & receipt of VNC credit card. [Placed on agenda]

Hugh Harrison, 2808 Grayson Avenue, Venice California
Lived at this location for 32 years; 34 years in Venice
Work: Administrative Law Judge for Unemployment Insurance Appeals, Board-25 years
Volunteer Activities: Member of Board of Directors of PS #1 Elementary School – 1999 – Member of Board of Directors of St. Barnabas Senior Center – 1988 – Treasurer-City Council member Ruth Galanter 1987-1991

I am concerned about the increasing growth in Venice.

8. New Business

A From LUPC

I Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LUPC LUPC recommends that the VNC Board of Officers approve project located at 303-305 Venice Way (Case # 2006-8708 CDP SPPA SPP MEL, AA 206-8619 PMLA (parcel map division) as presented with proof that total size of the two lots is in excess of 4500 square feet, with 5’ side yards and that the 3rd unit be affordable.

LAMC Section 12.22.C.16 verified to state that ½ alley can be used to compute total parcel square footage.

Applicant, Maury Ruano, owner-resident, requests a CDP to allow the demolition of an existing owner-occupied duplex, which is located on 2 lots, parcel map to create 3 lots out of current 2 lots and construction of 3 single family dwellings (1 on each lot) pursuant to the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance. Since the subject property consists of 2 lots (Lots #33 & #34), one lot allows two units and the second lot can contain the third proposed unit per Section 10.F.2.a of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan. Therefore, the sum of the individual proposed lots does not exceed the whole of the property prior to the approval of the proposed 3-lot subdivision. The applicant failed to mention at the public hearing that the subject property consists of two lots and not one, and the decision maker did not realize that fact from the application.

The overall square footage for density purposes is 4,588 sq. ft., including the sq. ft. to the alley centerline, which is allowed for density calculation purposes per LAMC Section 12.22.C.16. which reads “Lot Area – Includes One-Half Alley. In computing the number of dwelling units allowed by the minimum lot area per dwelling unit requirements of this article on a lot abutting upon one or more alleys, one-half the width of such alley or alleys may be assumed to be a portion of the lot. (Added by Ord. No. 121,925, Eff. 6/4/62.)” The subject property abuts a 20-ft wide alley. The Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.22.C.13 states, “If a lot resulting from the acquisition of all or a portion of a parcel for public use does not comply with the area requirements of the zone in which it is located, or if a legally existing nonconforming lot is further reduced in size because of such acquisition, said lot may be utilized and a building permit shall be issued for any purpose permitted in the zone, so long as the lot is not smaller in size or width than one-half (1/2) of the minimum area or width required for the zone. (Amended by Ord. No. 150,362, Eff. 1/13/78.)” Two publicized neighborhood meetings were held at the site regarding this project. Documents on line at LUPC section of VNC web site. [Placed on agenda]

B NC/LADWP MOU Oversight Committee

I Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): Request Board approval of 2008-2009 PLATFORM

The DWP Oversight Committee, OSC, representing 75 Neighborhood Councils who are certified signatories of the Agreement with LADWP, believes the following objectives can be achieved on behalf of the stakeholders.

Respect and implement the five-year Memorandum of Understanding mutually agreed upon by the City of Los Angeles, acting by and through the Department of Water and Power, and authorized Neighborhood Councils, dated March 5, 2007.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED BELOW ARE BASED ON OSC RESEARCH AND STUDY:

No Water and Power rate increases should be considered by DWP until an independent auditor’s assessment has been presented to the NCs. The template process established by the City Council on October 26, 2005 (CFN 05-0548) shall be used.

The DWP needs to implement the cost saving recommendations provided by Huron (BWG) over the past eight years. DWP needs to show that it is running an efficient operation. Audit reporting and surveys must look at the total picture as in the Industrial, Economic and Administrative five year survey, rather than the limited scope provided by past revenue requirement studies.

The OSC recognizes DWP’s 10 years of infrastructure neglect and service reliability. OSC supports a DWP’s minimum five year plan to remediate the infrastructure as part of the required 10 year Capital Improvement Plan. OSC supports the City Council and the DWP Oversight Committees to ensure that the 07-08 base rate increase monies are directly applied to upgrade the infrastructure.

The OSC recommends that the City Council not allow multi-year rate increases, but control or cap cost adjustment pass-through charges, particularly with respect to “run away green” energy source projects.

The OSC recommends that DWP General Fund transfer should be based on true excess of operation funds, as with corporate stock dividends. The transfer should not be used as a method to compensate for LA City shortages. DWP bonds should not be used, directly or indirectly, to enable transfers to the City’s General Fund. The OSC does not recommend money, labor or product transfers to the Mayor, City Councilmembers or to City Departments’ for non-core utility projects.

The OSC recommends that the City Council’s independent DWP Oversight Committee be implemented immediately.

The OSC members should be eligible to participate on the DWP Board of Commissioners’ Committees as well as Citizens’ Oversight Committees. The OSC should be notified when the two committees meet and when the selection of the membership has been made.

THE OSC RECOMMENDS THAT DWP IMPLEMENT A DEPARTMENT-WIDE WORKFORCE PLANNING SYSTEM, AS ELABORATED BY INDEPENDENT CONSULTING STUDIES TO REDUCE PAYING EXCESSIVE WAGES AND SALARIES.

Labor Costs: DWP salaries are 15%-40% above comparable classification in City departments and in other public and private utilities nationwide.

Overtime: In each of the past two years, the overtime has been approximately 19% of base labor costs. Huron recommends reducing these costs to 10%.

Union Negotiations: OSC recommends that DWP negotiate vigorously on behalf of the ratepayers to keep wages within the surrounding utility norms.

THE OSC RECOMMENDS HIRING AN INDEPENDENT RATE PAYERS’ ADVOCATE, AT CITY EXPENSE, TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND COUNCIL IN FURTHERANCE OF THE AIMS OF THE INTRA-CITY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CERTIFIED NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS AND LOS ANGELES DEPARTMANT OF WATER AND POWER.

An independent advocate could provide continuity and institutional memory for the City and Neighborhood Councils. [Placed on agenda]

C From Neighborhood Committee

I Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): Allocation of $450 to “Project 19”:

The Board voted to allocate $39,545.50 for Community Improvement Projects (the Neighborhood Committee felt that the remaining $450 from the original $40,000 would not be enough to complete the next project). At the June Board meeting one of the applicants “returned” $350. This rolls down to the next project. If combined with the unallocated $450 there would be enough for “Project 19 – Crysalis” to do something. The line item is already in the Budget (doesn’t need Budget Committee approval) but needs a vote of the Board. [Placed on agenda]

II Linda Lucks (310-450-2554; Lindalucks@aol.com): Gary Schaffel lives in the grand canal VSP area and wishes an appointment to the Neighborhood Committee. The 2nd part of the agenda item is to transfer Nic Hippisley Coxe to formally represent NORO in this Committee. [Placed on agenda]

D From Rules & Elections Committee [Placed on agenda]

Key: [deleted] & added

I REC recommends (3-0-0) that Board clarify time frame for posting of minutes by adopting, & scheduling an election for stakeholder approval of, the below amendment to Article VI B 3 – Secretary – of the Bylaws:

Responsible for producing accurate minutes of Stakeholder, Board of Officers and Administrative Committee meetings and for submitting the minutes for public posting no later than seven (7) days after the meeting at which they are approved [but not more than 45 days after the meeting at which the minutes were taken].

[NB:Material in brackets was omitted through oversight and added to conform to board intent.]

II REC recommends (3-0-0) that Board confirm current practice regarding amendment of Bylaws by adopting, & scheduling an election for stakeholder approval of, the below amendment to Article IX A 1 – Amendment by Board of Officers – of the Bylaws:

Requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the full Board of Officers …

III REC recommends (3-0-0) that Board increase LUPC from 9 to 13 members by adopting, & scheduling an election for stakeholder approval of, the below amendment to paragraph 2 of Article VII F of the Bylaws:

The Land Use and Planning Committee (LUPC) shall consist of [nine (9)] thirteen (13) Stakeholders including the elected Chair. No Board Officer may serve as a LUPC member with the exception of the Land Use and Planning Committee chair. [; EXCEPT that, for the term ending October 2007, the LUPC shall include two (2) additional members who are Board Officers as nominated by the Board of Officers. Eight (8)] Twelve (12) LUPC members shall be elected by the Board of Officers from a list of candidates who have formally communicated to the Board their desire to serve on the Land Use and Planning Committee. The Board shall, within thirty (30) days after beginning their term, hold a Board of Officers meeting for the election of LUPC members; EXCEPT that, for the term ending October 2009, the four (4) vacant positions shall be elected within thirty (30) days after the date that this amendment becomes effective. The [eight (8)] twelve (12) candidates with the highest vote totals shall be elected.

IV REC recommends (3-0-0) that Board enable the Neighborhood Committee to perform its mission by adopting, & scheduling an election for stakeholder approval of, the below amendment to Article VII B – Neighborhood Committee – of the Bylaws:

The Neighborhood Committee shall be considered established for all purposes upon election of seven (7) of the nine (9) neighborhood candidates. Other neighborhoods and/or Stakeholders representing other neighborhoods or neighborhood interests may then be added at the discretion of the Neighborhood Committee. The committee shall promote greater awareness of available City resources and services and act as a conduit between the Board and Venice neighborhoods, assisting in community outreach and bringing neighborhood issues to the attention of the Board.

V Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org), on behalf of Budget Committee, recommends that Board adopt, & schedule an election for stakeholder approval of, the amendment of Article VII D to change the name as follows:

[Budget, Finance and Fundraising Committee] Budget and Finance Committee.

9. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda (15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person)

10. Adjourn (approx 10:00PM)

Location(s)

See map: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps

Attachment	Size
080715VNC08-09Budget.xls	301 KB
080715VNCBoardAgenda.doc	115 KB
080715VNCBoardMinutes.doc	115.5 KB