ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (ASNC)
MINUTES
MONDAY, 27-JULY-2009 á 07:00PM TO
09:30PM
MONTECITO HEIGHTS SENIOR CENTER
4545 Homer Street, Los Angeles,
California 90031
Supporting documentation for this meeting can be found at:
http://www.asnc.us/2009-archives/07-July/_0709archives.htm
I. CALL TO ORDER. (Scott Folsom, presiding)
Meeting called to order at 1930.
II.
ROLL CALL. (Tina Zabala)
Present: Michael Blatt; Joseph
Clifford; Mike French; Scott Folsom, Robert Hawkes,
Mark Legassie, Tom Marble, Yuwen
Peng; Robert Rakauskas; Joseph
Riser, Jerry Schneider, Hank Shaeffer; Joanna
Silva; David Talbert; Ann Walnum, Tina Zabala.
Excused: Pablo Lopez, Glenda Lubelsky,
Paula Sirola, David Talbert.
Quorum was
established.
III.
COMMENTS BY THE
PRESIDENT. (Scott Folsom)
IV.
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES OF MAY-2009 AND JUNE-2009 MEETINGS. (Tina Zabala)
APPROVAL OF THE 01-JUNE-2009 MINUTES
(Actual changes made directly on electronic copy of the minutes):
Motion
to approve as amended.
Motion
passed.
FINAL version of the 01-JUNE-2009 MINUTES to be posted in
ASNC online.
APPROVAL OF THE 22-JUNE-2009 MINUTES
(Actual changes made directly on electronic copy of the minutes):
Motion to approve
as amended.
Motion passed.
FINAL version of the 22-JUNE-2009 MINUTES to be posted in
ASNC online.
V. COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
1. CD-1 (??? (213 485-0763)) New CD-1 Field Rep starts Thursday
to alternate with Suzanne Jimenez. Announcements: (1) National Night Out is
04-AUGUST-2009 from 06:00PM to 08:00PM at Cypress Park Recreation Center, 2630
Pepper Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90065. (2) L.A. River
Revitalization Update and Project Design Workshop: Two duplicate meetings on
28-JULY-2009; one at 01:00PM through 03:00PM and another at 05:30PM through 07:30PM
at the L.A. River Center and Gardens, 570 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles, California
90065, contact Carol Armstrong (213 485-5762) carol.armstrong@lacityorg
or Larry Hsu (213 485-4562) lawrence.hsu@lacity.org
or Lupe Vela (213 485-2997) lupe.m.vela@lacity.org. (3) FREE Summer Concert
series at MacArthur Park (schedules at the ASNC information table). (4) FREE
90-minute Community Beautification Grant workshops schedules at the ASNC
information table); application deadline for 2009-2010
Grant is 20-OCTOBER-2009. Application online www.CBGrant.org.
2. CD-14 (Jim Omahen,
Jim.Omahen@lacity.org
(323 254-5295) - None present
3. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Mike
Fong, mike.fong@lacity.org (213
978-0600). Announcements: (1) Hollenbeck Police Station grand opening: 19-SEPTEMBER-2009
at 10:00AM. (2) MayorÕs Budget Day, 10-OCTOBER-2009, each NC lets MayorÕs office
know their budget for FY 2010-2011. (3) CommunityÕs concern re furloughs
on library hours: libraries are currently open right now.
+ Additional presentation on the 2010 US CENSUS (Tony Zapeda, (213-978-0301)) (10 minute limit) (Passed
handouts.) Current population for City of Los Angeles is 76,000; costing City $206-M
in lost revenue for federal grants. Strategy is to: (1) Develop
accountability – we are with the Central East Region. (2) Develop a
communications team for a big media campaign to launch NOVEMBER-2009.
(3) Leverage current MayorÕs office about being creative in incorporating
census. (4) Ask that ASNC send a representative to be part of the census committee
as well as a sub-committee specific to census specific to this area.
SCOTT FOLSOM – Working with other cities in sharing best
practices?
ZEPEDA - Working with US Federal Bureau for best practices but LA is
unique. What happens in CD-1 does not happen in CD-13.
JUDY MARSH - Outreach to schools?
ZEPEDA - We are trying to do much more than that by implementing this
into the curriculum. Los Angeles has a large illiteracy rate and we are
developing a campaign against that by bringing in parents and young people who
are proactive. Monica GarciaÕs office is the lead on this.
4. OTHER ÒELECTEDSÓ – none
present.
5. DONE/BONC (Representative Gracie Lu, Senior
Project Leader done@lacity.org,
(213 485-1360). Announcements: (1) Congratulations on successful CERT
Triage event. (2) DONE eBlast has up-to-date
information on NCs. Allows NCs to update their bios. Invitation to join this eBlast went out three (3) months
ago. Sending another round end of this week. If you think that your email address
that we have may be bad, if you are not getting any emails from DONE, please
give me a call at (213) 847-5026 or grayce.liu@lacity.org.
(3) We had training last week on board liability/board safety. Lots of
positive feedback. Two (2) more training opportunities: one in AUGUST-2009, one
in SEPTEMBER-2009. This training helps make better board members. (4) Discussed
how minutes should reflect board resolution for funding requests.
ROBERT HAWKES – Do draft minutes have to be posted online?
LIU – Unless Standing Rules states so otherwise not necessary.
LIU – We have two (2) furlough days a month, 2nd and 4th
Fridays of the month. We are trying to work smarter and finding a better way to
service NCs.
MARK LEGASSIE – When is the next training on becoming a better
board member?
LIU – 15-AUGUST-2009 in the West Harbor
Area.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT. Comments from stakeholders, the public
and the Board on
non-agenda items within the BoardÕs jurisdiction (limited to two minutes per
speaker/ sign speaker card before meeting.)
1. JUDY MARSH – (1) Pet
Adoption Fair 08-AUGUST-2009 from 10:00AM to 03:00PM, Lacy Street North Central
Animal Center. (2) California Herpetological Association www.calherps.org meets every 1st
Saturday of each month at 10:00AM at Audubon Center at Debs Park, 4700 N.
Griffin Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90031. There will be a presentation on
how to recognize venomous and non-venomous snakes and promoting responsible
reptile ownership.
2. ANN WALNUM – DebÕs Park
Advisory meeting, 23-JULY-2009, 07:00PM to 08:00PM, Ramona Hall tomorrow.
3. TOM WILLIAMS - (1) City Council of Glendale
considering State Route 710 Expansion Project – being persuaded to oppose
route through Glendale. (2) Board of Public Works approved MOU for saving two
(2) Ficus trees on Avenue 56. Good example of couple of
people hammering Street Services to get them to protect the trees. (3) New
pre-mulch center in Mission supposedly belonging to Bureau of Street
Services/Sanitation. ItÕs there but donÕt know when it will open.
4. FRANK PASCHALL speaks on opposing
the 710 Freeway Expansion Project through our neighborhoods. Urge folks to
sign. Asks ASNC to support resolution to oppose 710 Freeway through ASNC area.
SCOTT FOLSOM – This will require a vote from the Board at the next
meeting.
ANN WALNUM – The fact that it was briefly discussed at the Local
Issues meeting, did they take a vote or simply signed the petition?
REPLY – Petition signing.
JOSEPH RISER – In keeping with Standing Rules, invite someone from
councilmanÕs office.
HANK SHAEFFER – There is no other side to invite. Nobody from CalTrans to speak in favor.
There is tremendous amount of community concern. This is just politics. If the
community is concerned, we can make an effort to speak.
VII.
TREASURERÕS
REPORT. (Mark S. Legassie)
Handouts passed out – check link
TreasurerÕs
report accepted.
VIII.
ACTION ITEMS. New Business.
Funding Requests.
1. WEBSITE MAINTENANCE. Motion to allow a Volunteer (Mark Legassie)
to maintain and re-design the ASNC website, free of charge, for the period
01-SEPT-2009 through 3-JUNE-2010. The re-design will attempt to attract more
stakeholders and potential stakeholders to visit the site, improving ASNC's
outreach efforts. Included in the update will be new attractive backgrounds,
interactive calendar,
blog, archives, committee info, photo gallery where users can
submit pics, emergency preparedness information, city
information, etc. During FY10 time, bids will be solicited from outside vendors
to take over the maintenance of the site after it has been re-designed (no
later than 30-JUNE-2010). The approximate $3700 saved in website maintenance
costs will be transferred to Community Projects. (Mark Legassie)
(Tabled from last meeting.)
MARK LEGASSIE – Opportunity to redo our website. Make
it more interactive, user friendly, act as an outreach tool and make it best
website in the City. DonÕt want to be web master. Whoever else is interested,
come up with maintenance plan. Hire somebody. I just want the website redesigned
to incorporate cultural heritage of our communities.
SCOTT FOLSOM – I will get with you, Mark, in the next
two weeks. Anyone else interested in joining the committee?
LetÕs discuss with webmasters.
MARK LEGASSIE – Make it a
collaboration with them.
JOSEPH RISER – Good
opportunity for us to appoint someone and save money. More time to get right people to maintain it.
MARK LEGASSIE – Reword title from WEBSITE MAINTENANCE
to WEBSITE REDESIGN.
HANK SHAEFFER – In addition to redesigning the
website, you (Mark) will maintain for a period of time.
MARK LEGASSIE – Just for posting agenda items but
committee decides that. I just want it redesigned and am
offering my services free of charge.
JOSEPH RISER – Maintenance is minimal.
MARK LEGASSIE – Take a little over an hour a month to
do.
JUDY MARSH – Maintenance becomes very routine.
Motion
(M.LEGASSIE/J.RISER) to authorize Mark Legassie to
maintain and redesign the ASNC website FREE of charge from SEPTEMBER-2009 through
30-june-2010 during which time the services of the current webmaster would no
longer be required and bids for services after 30-JUNE-2010 would be solicited
in keeping with the boardÕs previous action of 01-JUNE-2009 in the
establishment of an ad hoc committee/task force.
SCOTT FOLSOM – Starting date of 01-SEPTEMBER-2009?
JOSEPH RISER – ThatÕs a lot of time for transition to
Mark Legassie.
HANK SHAEFFER
– Amends motion say: Terminate existing webmaster
as of 01-SEPTEMBER-2009 and authorize Mark Leghassie
to redesign and maintain website.
JOSEPH RISER withdraws his motion.
Motion passed; 9
ayes, 2 oppose.
2. ABATEMENT. Mount Washington Local Issues Committee recommends allocation of
funding up to $300 for abatement of Tree of Heaven along Cleland Avenue
opposite Bicentennial Park. Approved at the Mount Washington Local Issues
Committee meeting on 20-JULY- 2009. (Jerry Schneider for Mount Washington Local
Issues) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 1448)
JERRY SCNEIGER – It was brought up in our Local Issues meeting above
vacant lots, one lot being Tree of Heaven, inside of the curve and causing
traffic. It became apparent to make a motion for an abatement
some temporary slashing down. City owns first 2-1/2 to 3 feet of this
unimproved portion maybe half is on private property.
SCOTT FOLSOM – The liability of going inside property is my
concern.
JERRY SCHNEIDER – Property owners will be contacted by the City.
MARK LEGASSIE – We are not supposed to fund issues on private
property.
JERRY SCHNEIDER – Roots growing on portion of public land. CanÕt
eradicate problem without taking whole root mess.
MICHAEL BLATT – Maintenance on this site has been an ongoing issue. I
feel that a long term solution of getting the owners
of the property to maintain property need be addressed.
JERRY SCHNEIDER – We have agreed to continue focusing on this on our
agenda.
ROBERT HAWKES abstains due to ignorance on the project.
Motion passed; 7
ayes; 1 abstension.
3. REPLACEMENT. Moved that the ASNC should provide funding up to $100 to replace the stolen
dog waste bag dispenser in the portion of Hermon Park
along the northbound 110 Freeway.
(Background:
In APRIL-2006, at the request of the Board's Community Non-Profits at-large
representative, and for environmental purposes, the Hermon
Local Issues Committee requested ASNC funds be used to purchase four (4) dog
waste bag dispensers for locations in Hermon Dog Park
and in the larger Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco. In recent weeks, one of the four plastic dispensers
was stolen, leaving no waste bags available in a large portion of the park.)
(Joseph Riser for Hermon Local Issues) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 2232)
JUDY MARSH – What can be done to secure it so it wonÕt be stolen again.
JOSEPH RISER – We are not responsible [ask JOSEPH RISER to complete this]
Motion passed.
4. PROMOTIONAL ITEMS.
JOSEPH RISER asks that the
following be tabled to next meeting.
(a) Request for
funding of up to $500 from "stakeholder communications" funds
budgeted by the ASNC to purchase 200 reusable cloth grocery bags imprinted with
the City logo and ASNC spelled out with Website address and contact phone
number. (Mark Legassie will provide samples) (Joseph
Riser) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 2256)
(b) Request for
funding of up to $300 from "stakeholder communications" funds
budgeted by the ASNC to purchase ASNC-imprinted LED keychain lights for use as
giveaways at outreach events, etc. (Joseph Riser) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 2256)
IX.
ACTION ITEMS. New Business. Non-Finance Related.
1. THE WAY WE RUN BOARD MEETINGS: ESTABLISHING GROUND RULES and
BOARDSMANSHIP.
(Joseph Riser) (Tabled from last meeting) (Withdrawn
by Joseph Riser)
Please see Appendix 1, which the chair proposes as a
discussion item.
The previous discussion:
Examine the way
we run Board meetings and can do a better job; allowing people to weigh in
appropriately, but not in an unruly manner. The Board has to have time for its
own discussions just as City Council and other commission does. Consideration
of separating "public comment" time on each agenda item from board
discussion to avoid interruptions;
AND
2. REVIEW DISTINCT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD OFFICERS. This was suggested as an
agenda item so we can discuss and evaluate the current assignments of board
officers responsibilities and how they have been equitably divvied up under the
Bylaws -- most specifically as it relates to the evolution of the duties of the
Secretary over the last year to include preparing agendas -- a duty the Bylaws
assign only to the President -- and how this may be over-burdending
one board officer. Also, that this kind of realignment of duties outside the
Bylaws should be board approved -- as occurred formally in January with the
reassignment of the supervision of the Website maintenance vendor. (Joseph
Riser) (Tabled from last meeting.) (Withdrawn
by Joseph Riser)
3. NEW ASNC LOGO. Discussion to determine if there is general interest among the board
members in changing the ASNC's current logo, in use since approx. JANUARY-2007,
and -- if so -- whether the work of coordinating that process, at no cost to
the neighborhood council, should be referred to Communications & Outreach,
or possibly some other ASNC committee. (Background: The artist who designed the
recent "Make a Difference" art for ASNC outreach efforts has
volunteered to re-design the ASNC logo free of charge.) (Joseph Riser) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 2304)
TOM MARBLE – Totally disagrees; thinks itÕs a great
logo. Hates color though. This should definitely not be thrown out; not
redesigned, just get another color.
MARK LEGASSIE – Can you read Neighborhood Council on
the logo?
JOSEPH RISER – The purpose of bringing this forward is
Mary brought forward a proposed logo. DonÕt like current logo. Thinks itÕs garbage. IÕve heard other people on the board say itÕs
a lousy logo. Wants to refer to Communications Committee or vote as a board.
TOM MARBLE – Suggests to keep it but
have an associated logo for smaller print. It has a lot of character. I just
donÕt like the color.
HANK SHAEFFER – Two thinks: itÕs a logo and an
identifier. The words ÒNeighborhood CouncilÓ are way too small; isnÕt visible
at all. It could probably be reworked to work better than now.
JOSEPH RISER – [Talking about the train ads] Most of
the calls weÕve got were from people from Pasadena because all they see is
Arroyo Seco and they consider themselves the Arroyo Seco. Vote on whether to redo this or not. Open to all ASNC
committees to redesign the logo.
TOM MARBLE – I would definite;ly want to be informed of Communication meetings.
SCOTT FOLSOM – It has been established that this logo
has some shortcomings; referred to the Communications committee.
JUDY MARSH – Asks that it be rendered in Vector
graphics.
TOM MARBLE – They probably did it in Illustrator but
then saved as a .gif or .jpeg.
Referred to
committee.
4. BOARD ABSENCES. Under Bylaws Article IV (Board of Representatives and Officers), Item
6c, determine how many current elected representatives have had four unexcused
absences, advise those members, and consider declaring their seat(s) vacant, if
applicable. Then, under ASNC Standing Rules, begin the processes outlined for
filling those vacancies including, if necessary, the holding of a special
election by the board at the earliest possible future meeting. (Joseph Riser) (recÕd 21-JULY-2009 2326)
TINA ZABALA to send to SCOTT FOLSOM updated Attendance Sheet
and SCOTT FOLSOM will send to everybody.
JOSEPH RISER – Board has to show that the seat is
vacant or removed. We have not discussed this enough. Just a
courtesy to contact them.
ANN WALNUM – I feel that four (4) unexcused absences is generous. Legitimate excuses can be made. I really like
this obligatory language. [Referring to Art. IV.6.c.]
X.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS.
1. Local Issues.
(a)
Hermon (Joseph Riser) –
Major item discussed is supermarket. Submitted to Board petitions to obtain a
better quality supermarket. Mark Legassie has copies
of petition if anyone wants to sign it. Petition is also online.
(b)
Montecito Heights (Tom Marble) – (1) Montecito
Heights will be having its 100th year anniversary next year. Stay
tuned for plans for a 100th year celebration. (2) Latona, through its new principal, is again applying for matching
funds.
MARK LEGASSIE – Fill out an online application form.
(c)
Mount Washington (Jerry Schneider) – Last meeting was
our pizza at the park meeting. It was very well attended. Mark did a CERT
presentation as well as discussed putting together a neighborhood watch.
Attendance by CityÕs Rec & Parks maintenance
staff. Working on issues at Bicentennial Park. Big issue is the 710 Freeway
expansion plan.
(d)
Sycamore Grove (Michael Blatt) –
nothing to report.
2. Communications and Outreach
(Joseph Riser) – No meeting for August but will have a
in conjunction with Local issues meeting on 10-SEPTEMBER-2009.
3. Budget and Finance (Mark Legassie) – nothing to report.
4. Environment (Jerry Schneider)
– nothing to report
5. Community Garden (Jerry
Schneider for Paula Sirola) – Several
activities in relation to community gardens and collaborating with other NCs.
6. Public Safety (Mark Legassie)
SCOTT FOLSOM - Gold award for great public
safety event. [Referring to recently held CERT drill.]
MARK LEGASSIE - Drill was great. 11 new registered ASNC stakeholders.
Mount Washington now has a neighborhood watch team and 2 people have
volunteered to organize a Mount Washington CERT team.
XI.
REPORTS FROM
LIAISONS. (10 minutes)
1. LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS
COALITION (Ann Walnum) – Concentrating on
transportation issue.
2. MW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MULTIPURPOSE ROOM (Ann Walnum) – My recital
went very well. We had the same issue with the lights as we had during our
meetings. Seem to be a great mystery why they go out a certain time.
3. FRIENDS OF SOUTHWEST (Ann Walnum) – I think most of you are aware that 30-JUNE-2009
there was meeting of the Board of Referred Powers. Certain building conditions were
allowed. Effect on Southwest Museum became apparent concern. CM Huizar spoke at end that a binding agreement must be made
by Autry to service Southwest Museum. Time was deferred to four (4) weeks for a
report to be due. Autry has requested to extend the time.
4. DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL WELFARE (Lezle Stein) – nothing to report.
5. DWP (Jerry Schneider for
Peter Parrish) – I have not attended the meetings. The MOU committee is
looking very diligently at the increases of water and electric. DWP is going
through appropriate process. I havenÕt heard many people complain about their rates
yet. Email from DWP this evening indicating that the water conservation for JUNE-2009
is very close to 15% target.
XII. NEW BUSINESS (Committee referrals and/or future Board
agenda items). (10 minutes)
1. Comments from the Board on
subject matters within its jurisdiction, and suggestions for future agenda
items.
JOSEPH RISER – Brought a box of t-shirts which
were given out to stakeholders; some Board members still donÕt have one. They
are available in all sizes. Come get one.
2. Future meeting dates and
locations (Scott Folsom)
Next meeting date: 24-AUGUST-2009 at 07:00PM, Montecito
Heights Senior Center, 4545 Homer Street, Los Angeles, California 90031.
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
meetings at Monterey Adult Day Health Care Center.
XIII.
ADJOURNMENT.
Meeting adjourned at 2128.