PPCC Library Integration Test

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**MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8th 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, Jennifer Malaret, Barbara Kohn, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, George Wolfberg, Amy Kalp, Richard Wulliger, Geoff Shelden, Gil Dembo, Chris Spitz and Aurelia Friedman.
Voting Alternates: Steve Cron, John Glasgow, Clifford Nelson and Cathy Russell.
Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Flo Elfant, Kurt Toppel, Quentin Fleming and Jamie Schloss. Start of Business Meeting 1\. Reading of Community Council's Mission. Haldis Toppel read the Mission Statement. 2\. Call to Order and Introduction of the Board and Audience. Janet Turner called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Introduction of the Board and audience. 3\. Certification of Quorum. The Chair certified that a quorum was present at 7:05 pm. 4\. Adoption of Minutes. Stuart Muller moved and Gil Dembo seconded the minutes for
August 14, 2011. The minutes were adopted unanimously. The next meeting is
September 22, 2011. 5\. Consideration of Agenda. The Chair considered the agenda. 6\. Treasurer's Report. Ted Mackie reported the financial status as of
September 7, 2011. The total account balances equal $20,575.29, which consist of USB Checking $1,252.10, SmithBarney account $18,134.57 and Post Office account $1,188.
62. Janet Turner expressed on behalf of the Council that we are hopeful that the people who receive the bi-annual newsletter will make donations to help cover the costs of sending the newsletters. The PPCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all payments are tax deductible. Membership contributions can be made by mail or made through PayPal via our website pp90272.org. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
7.
1. Announcements from the Chair.
7.
1.
1. PPCC Bi-Annual Newsletter. Janet Turner thanked Christy Dennis for her hard work on the newsletter that is being delivered to the community this week. A special thank you was given to Haldis Toppel and Cathy Russell for correcting the address lists because that was a monumental undertaking.
7.
1.
2. Area One Alternate Needed. PPCC is looking for a second alternate for Area One. The position is open to the public and will be advertised for fifteen (15) days.
7.
1.
3. Bus Bench Contract. Janet Turner reported her understanding that the City will now go back to the vendor (Martin) with amendments to the contract as voted by the City Council. We are optimistic that the PRIDE benches will stay in place and City benches will not replace them. Also the permits for future benches will be protected. In addition City benches with advertising should not be placed immediately adjacent to our PRIDE benches. George Wolfberg commended Janet Turner for her attention and diligence to this issue.
7.
2. Announcements from Governmental Representatives.
7.
2.
1. Mayor's Office - Joe Hari. (1) The Westside Regional Alliance of Councils will be sponsoring a Town Meeting with the Mayor Villaraigosa to discuss the City's priorities for the next two years. A survey will be taken. Surveys have already been completed in other parts of the City and the Mayor will be speaking from 7 pm to 8:15 pm. Attendance by 300 persons is hoped for from the diverse communities throughout Los Angeles. The meeting will be held on Monday,
September 12, 2011, 6:30 pm at the Felicia Mahood Senior Citizen Center Auditorium, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Parking is free and complimentary light refreshments will be provided. (2) Joe has been meeting with local neighborhood councils and community council groups and would like to meet with our outreach person if PPCC has one. He is appreciating the regional differences and common threads between groups. Joe is working on having a group meeting to discuss regional issues on the Westside such as homelessness, at risk youth. (3) Joe is hoping to connect resources throughout the region to take advantage of personal relationships and the ability of neighborhoods to take care of each other. Gil Dembo complimented Joe Hari on his attendance and interest in our meetings.
7.
2.
2. Councilman Rosendahl's office. Norman Kulla reported for Joaquin Macias who is ill. (1) The Bus Bench (Martin) contract is on the Department of Public Works' Supplemental Agenda for
September 9, 2011, (2) on the homeless issue, CD-11's point person is happy to meet with PPCC's new subcommittee (contact Joaquin), (3) soil in Potrero Canyon will be moved and stacked for the next few weeks.
There has been a 13-week delay due to the 340-foot portion of the sewer that had not been reinforced.
Also, contract negotiations with a managing consultant for build out of the passive park are in the final stages, (4) relative to the Potrero traffic signal, CalTrans requirements could have killed the project but last Friday CD-11 worked through these problems. A signal will be installed and synchronized with other signals and the structure details are acceptable, (5) Dick Wulliger asked about Asilomar repairs above the mobile home park.
Norm responded that there was a meeting between responsible agencies and CD-11 is waiting for a report that will likely entail the short-term solution of road repair; long-term stabilization of the hillside will require a geotechnical study. A perfect fix could cost up to $60 million; a short-term fix might cost $2-3 million.
Norman is trying to find a source of funding for $1-$2 million that could facilitate a short term fix and an acceptable situation with on-going maintenance, (6) George Wolfberg asked about the City of Santa Monica's new parking restriction against overnight parking for large vehicles and an expectation that this may affect Venice and the Palisades.
Norman indicated this was something that was being worked on, (7) Gil Dembo asked about the Santa Monica Blue Busses with digital advertising and if we can prohibit those busses traveling through the Palisades.
Norman said that he had discussed the issue with Assemblywoman Brownley and encouraged the PPCC to keep fighting and working with the City of Santa Monica.
Janet raised the issue about a court case involving a CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) lawsuit.
The City Attorney stated that the lawsuit would have to be approved by the LA City Council, and (8) George Wolfberg and Stuart Muller want CD-11 to support efforts relative to PCH (from the McClure Tunnel to Point Mugu) becoming designated as a state scenic highway.
Norm welcomed emails from the PPCC to start the discussion.
7.
2.
3. Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore. Officer Moore reported (1) an increase in crime in the Entrada/Channel area. More resources have been committed and the crimes seem to have been committed by the transient homeless population and not the resident homeless in the Palisades. (2) Amy Kalp reported that
September 7, 2011 was another problematic night with motorcycles on Sunset. Amy has been talking with the City Attorney about how to prosecute these riders. It was noted that only one LAPD car was seen by local residents on
September 7, 2011. Officer Moore stated that he has no control over what West Traffic does and that he will follow-up to see if we could get consistent coverage for the next few weeks. Marguerite Perkins Mautner related that she was in Brentwood driving in her automobile at approximately 9 PM and surrounded by up to eight motorcycle riders who interrupted the flow of traffic and revved their motors to an unacceptable noise level. Amy Kalp is examining noise abatement, no cruise zones, illegal equipment, etc. and is hopeful that this effort will work with the City Attorney and increased/regular LAPD patrol.
7.
3. Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.
7.
3.
1. California Incline reconstruction EIR/EA. George Wolfberg reported that there will be an EIR workshop on October 12 at 5:00 PM in the Santa Monica Public Library Community Room and the last date for comment is
October 28, 2011. George offered to send a link to materials if anyone is interested. Janet Turner reported that Richard Bloom, the Mayor of Santa Monica, announced that the work on the California Incline bridge project would be expedited with a 24/7 work schedule with the support of surrounding neighbors.
7.
3.
2. Jennifer Malaret. Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board is holding a meeting on Monday
October 3, 2011 in the small gym at 7 PM. The Park Advisory Board members and the Department of Recreation and Parks are seeking input from the community on what long-term improvement plans they would like to see at the recreation center. Funding for additional permanent improvements would be funded by the City, allocated Proposition K monies (sports fields, irrigation and asphalt repair) or private donations & fundraising efforts. This is the second PP-PAB meeting of this kind.
7.
3.
3. Flo Elfant reported on a major power outage ranging from north of San Clemente, south through San Diego and into Mexico. The source of the outage was in Yuma, Arizona. Flo stressed to the Palisades community that this was yet another example of why we need to be prepared in the event of an emergency. 8\. Reports from Committees \-- None. 9\. Old Business \-- None. 10\. New Business.
10.
1. LA Bureau of Sanitation ("SAN") - "Fixing the Infrastructure." Lisa Mowery, Chief Financial Officer, Bureau of Sanitation and Daniel Hackney, Special Projects Manager for the Executive Division. A Power-Point presentation was made regarding the state of our infrastructure, the gap between the work that needs to be funded and existing resources available to fund SAN's plan to address the needs. (1) Background: The SAN operates 24/7, 365 days a year. SAN conveys and treats more than 350 million gallons of wastewater and produces 79 million gallons of recycled water every day. SAN cleans and monitors the conditions of the sewers. SAN has four water reclamation and wastewater treatment plants. LA has 6,700 miles of sewers and 50 current projects underway.
Sewage spills are down 80% since 2000 because SAN has been spending a lot of money on sewers.
It used to be two spills per day in the City and SAN now only receives reports of two spills per week. SAN's current budget only funds replacement every 168 years and sewers have a useful life of 80 years (treatment plants have an average useful life of 30-40 years).
The average homeowner spends 2% of the home's value on annual upkeep and SAN believes that they need the equivalent.
Sewer service charges have been held the same for 14 out of the last 20 years.
Factoring in inflation, LA residents are paying 4% less than 1992.
Cuts have been made in personnel, systems have been automated, debt has been restructured (though they are still highly leveraged) and through these measures the SAN's obligations have been met up until now but further measures would affect services. (2) Proposal: to increase costs $28 per year incrementally for each of the next 10 years. LA's sewer service charges are in the middle when looking at national rates and we pay far less than San Francisco and other Westcoast cities.
We need to take care of our wastewater systems to maintain our quality of life in California. (3) Process: This proposal is in sub-committee at City Council and is then expected to go through City Council where notice to ratepayers would be authorized. 45 days later there would be a public hearing at City Council (maybe December, 2011). SAN is meeting with community groups so that they understand the long-term plan and are not surprised by constantly changing/increasing rates. QUESTIONS: (1) Kurt Toppel asked about insurance on SAN's facility in the event of an earthquake.
Lisa responded that the City is self-insured and SAN gets reimbursed from FEMA. (2) Jack Allen asked if the $28 was cumulative; it was confirmed that there is a $28 increase in the first year, another $28 in the second year, etc.
The percentage increases are 4 1/2% to 6 1/2% per year for each household.
Jack asked why there was not a reserve fund established (traditional municipal accounting).
Lisa said in 1987 rates were frozen for 11 years; that did not allow for a reserve fund to be established and in fact the SAN has been borrowing just to take care of the agency's immediate needs. (3) Janet Turner expressed that her sewer fee was large already.
Lisa said that the benefit is that the residential fee is not a flat fee (it is based on consumption) so people have the opportunity to lower their fees by conservation.
Fees fluctuate based on water supply and irrigation.
Installation of sub-meters can be helpful because you then pay only for water going into the home.
The fees do need to be increased because the revenue being received now simply does not cover costs.
User fees are the largest source of funds (approximately 83%).
Federal grant money for wastewater is effectively non-existent (those monies are for storm water) (4) Jamie Schloss asked about the SAN's debt.
There is $2.7 billion in principal outstanding now and some principal is being paid down every year; however, when there have been no rate adjustments more money has been borrowed.
In the next 10 years, they are hoping for a net reduction of $200 million.
10.
2. Malibu Village Homeowner's Association. Jean Rosenfeld, MVHOA Vice President; Molly Pinero, on-site manager of the adjacent apartment complex that allegedly caused the sewage spill (no comment); Steve Rodstein, Property Manager of the above apartment complex with North Oaks Real Estate (declined comment). Recent Sewer Spill in the mobile home park and on Pacific Coast Highway. Jean reported on a sewer spill that took place in the Palisades two weeks ago. Jean found out that you can pay increased rates and it makes no difference if you have a bad neighbor(s). She has been dealing with the storm water division and not the SAN because the sewage was not coming out of the sewers but rather the storm water drains. The SAN cleaned up the spill on
August 16, 2011 and another spill took place
August 18, 2011. The City did not report the spill because they did not physically observe the spills. Contaminated sludge was found in open drains and inspected by the County Health Inspector. Jean's group met with the new owner of one of these adjacent projects. However, mitigation has not been done and the system crosses 200 feet of private property down to Pacific Coast Highway. In order to compel action, the County Health Inspector has to report it to a third agency and the County is not doing that. DISCUSSION: (1) Lisa said that SAN is trying to set up a revolving loan program for private owners needing to repair their lateral sewers or hook up their septic systems to the sewer system. (2) Jack Allen asked about legal requirements for cesspools; Lisa responded that this is not a requirement for residential property owners. (3) Gil Dembo suggested that the affected HOA's should be taking legal action.
10.
3.
Business Improvement District ("BID").
Motion (Susan Carroll, Former President PP Chamber of Commerce, Sandy Eddy).
Susan Carroll reported that local Palisadian merchants have had one meeting recently talk about forming a BID. A BID is a geographically defined area within the City of LA where programs and services are paid for by an assessment system imposed on BID members.
There are 38 BIDs in LA now and several others being worked on.
The list of activities in existing BIDs include: street cleaning, sidewalk maintenance, landscaping, security, lighting, promotion, tree trimming, and holiday decorations.
Susan said that the advantage of a BID is that every business and every landlord must participate.
How to determine the activities and expenditures are done by majority vote of BID members.
Susan would expect the exploratory process for this idea to take a minimum of one year and likely up to two years. A consultant would likely be hired because forming a BID is a legal process that initiates with the City Clerk.
Sandy Eddy stated that the first step is to get CD-11 involved and to do that support from community groups like the PPCC must be shown (via letters).
Discussion: (1) Gil Dembo supports the motion because it will enhance the physical characteristics of the Palisades. BIDs are in Westchester, the Valley and many other areas where it has been extremely beneficial. (2) Steve Cron asked about the few landlords in our village who do not lease their properties and if they can block the BID process.
The answer to that is not known. (3) Haldis Toppel asked if the entire village would be included or if there would be flexibility in the boundaries.
Susan Carroll said that there is flexibility.
Part of the reason that the process takes so long is because the BID area must be defined. (4) Susan explained that the BID is enforced because the money is taken by the property assessment system and escrowed for what the BID votes to use it for. (5) Barbara Kohn thinks 90272 is too large of an area and is in favor of supporting the village and centralized businesses. (6) Stuart asked that the community residents be involved.
Gil Dembo sponsored the Motion of support and Marguerite Mautner Perkins seconded.
The motion passed unanimously with one abstention.
See full motion below.
10.
4. Proposed Citywide Sign Ordinance, LUC Motion. Jennifer Malaret narrated the proposed motion and key points of the supplemental report attachment prepared by, and voted unanimously to approve, by the LUC. Jennifer Malaret moved and Chris Spitz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. See full motion below. 11\. General Public Comment.
11.
1. Quentin reported that he has been researching the City and AEG. Quentin believes that the consultant's report is flawed because it states (in sum) that additional monies are not possible due to low IRR. However, Quentin's studies and published evidence shows that additional net benefits are not created from entertainment. Quentin has estimated that they are leaving $2.6 billion in cash flows on the table during the first 30 years of the deal. Quentin has asked for a response from the City, but none has yet been received.
11.
2. Jamie Schloss said the bill to streamline environmental review for AEG passed the state senate yesterday. Jamie's personal opinion is that when comparing this stadium deal to other stadium deals through out the United States (and other LA City deals), this AEG deal was actually not that bad. 12\. Adjournment. Janet Turner adjourned the meeting at 9:04 pm. **ATTACHMENT** **MOTIONS**
**PASSED SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 [ITEMS 10.3-10.4]:** **ITEM 10.3 -- BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ("BID")** PPCC supports the business community's efforts to explore the feasibility of establishing a business improvement district in Pacific Palisades. **ITEM 10.4 -- LUC MOTION.
PROPOSED
CITYWIDE SIGN ORDINANCE: OFF-SITE SIGNS (INCLUDING DIGITAL DISPLAYS), "INTERIOR" SIGNS, AND DONOR SIGNS NOT IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY.** Proposed changes to the Citywide Sign Ordinance would amend the Los Angeles Municipal Code ("LAMC") to enact new criteria for sign districts, deviations from sign regulations, administrative civil penalties, technical corrections, and other measures to control the visual environment (i.e., the "Ordinance").
The City Planning Commission ("CPC") passed a prior version of the Ordinance after three public hearings and many hours of public comment and debate just two years ago (the "2009 Sign Ordinance").
The CPC, community activists and business interests all lauded the 2009 Sign Ordinance as a win-win for all.
We would like to bring to your attention that the current Ordinance contains a number of proposed changes that have a detrimental effect on the intent of the 2009 Sign Ordinance.
While PPPC supports the efforts of the CPC and City Attorney to further clarify regulations for off-site signage, PPCC opposes the Ordinance as presently drafted based on the following: Comprehensive sign programs should not allow for off-site signage even when not visible from the public rights of way and adjacent property.
Because these programs are allowed on any commercial property, public or private, the Ordinance improperly opens the door to commercial advertising in city parks and recreational facilities.
Potentially negative impacts on LAUSD school campuses are unclear.
Electronic signs should not be allowed by the current Ordinance as on-site signs anywhere in the city.
They should be restricted to sign districts, which is the basis upon which the 2009 Sign Ordinance passed the CPC.
All new digital displays must have greater regulations to address spillover effects, traffic safety, energy use, aggregate impacts, placement, and number of digital signs (the Ordinance only considers message duration and brightness. "Interior" signs should not be exempt from regulation in specific plan and non-specific plan areas provided that they are not visible from public rights of way and adjacent property.
Signs covering windows should not be allowed (even with fire department certification that they don?ft present a safety hazard) because signage adhered to windows can degrade the view to the outside and seriously affect the quality of life of tenants of offices and apartments.
Signs recognizing donors should not be allowed "by-right" without restrictions on size, location, text, etc.
This would allow signs carrying corporate logos anywhere, including city parks and other public property.
The Ordinance should not allow adjustments, i.e., where a zoning administrator may approve a 20% deviation from sign area, height, location, projection, clearance and some time limits without a public hearing and appeals process.
Signage in the public right of way should be regulated by this Ordinance instead of being exempted.
Certainly, digital off-site advertising should not be allowed in the public rights of way throughout the City of Los Angeles.
Finally, PPCC demands that off-site signs and digital displays adhere to its Specific Plan as well as all Specific and Community Plans throughout the City of Los Angeles.
Communities worked on these plans with the CPC in good faith to assure that signage remains consistent with the low-intensity character of certain neighborhoods (i.e., single family residences, multiple residential structures, commercial uses, community oriented uses, significant open space, and parkland).
The PPCC would like assurances that these Plans will be protected.

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**MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 22nd 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, Jennifer Malaret, Richard Cohen, Barbara Kohn, Paul Glasgall, Jim Rea, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Steve Boyers, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, George Wolfberg, Amy Kalp, Janet Anderson, Gil Dembo, Aurelia Friedman.
Voting Alternates: Dick Wulliger.
Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Kurt Toppel, Norma Spak, John Glasgow, Ernie Meadows, Quentin Fleming, Barbara Mainacci. Start of Business Meeting 1\. Reading of Community Council's Mission. Marguerite Perkins Mautner read the Mission Statement. 2\. Call to Order and Introduction of the Board and Audience. Janet Turner called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Introduction of the Board and audience. 3\. [Certification of Quorum.] The Chair certified that a quorum was present. 4\. Adoption of Minutes. George Wolfberg moved and Steve Boyers seconded the minutes for
September 8, 2011. The minutes were adopted unanimously. The next meeting is
October 6, 2011. 5\. Consideration of Agenda. The Chair considered the agenda. 6\. Treasurer's Report. Ted Mackie reported the financial status as of
September 11, 2011. The total account balances equal $22,583.09, which consist of USB Checking $3,259.90, SmithBarney account $18,134.57, and Post Office account $1,188.
62. There was a brief discussion about area homes and businesses who have not received the newsletter. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
7.
1. Announcements from the Chair.
7.
1.
1. Janet Turner announced a number of upcoming events: (
a) PPCC will have a booth at Palisades High School for their football season kick off, 9/23/11, 2:00 - 9:00 pm, (
b) the Neighborhood Council Congress will be held Saturday, 9/24/11 at City Hall, (
c) there will be a Stadium Committee presentation by AEG on their EIR 9/26/11, 8:30 AM at City Hall, Room 1010, (
d) the California Incline Draft EIR seminar will be held at 5 pm on 10/10/12 at the Santa Monica library, and (
e) Councilmember Koretz is hosting a LAPD West LA Community Police Advisory Board Committee (C-PAB) meeting Tuesday, 10/27/11, 6:30 ?| 8:30 pm at the West Los Angeles Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Avenue, Room 200.
7.
1.
2. Janet Turner thanked three organizational representatives whose terms on the PPCC have ended: Janet Anderson, AYSO, Trish Bowe, Palisades Women's Club, and Amy Kalp, Friends of the Library. Janet Turner announced that Amy Kalp will remain on the Board as an Advisor to the Chair.
7.
2. Announcements from Governmental Representatives.
7.
2.
1.
Councilman Rosendahl's office - Joaquin Macias. (1) Potrero Canyon - the City met with the subcontractor, Caltrans, regarding the signal and things are moving forward with the original design as modified. CD-11 may be hosting a tour in several weeks when the access road is cut. (2) Asilomar - there is no progress since the last meeting.
The Bureau of Street Services is looking at several options for repair and is generating the numbers for a temporary fix in the meantime.
The temporary fix will be for the road and not the actual slide area. CD-11 also continues to await a response from the Department of Recreation and Parks relative to grading of the dirt and storm drain issues.
Dick Wulliger stressed the importance of this matter given the safety threat to the mobile home park below. (3) Rights of Way Painting - Stuart Muller asked about painting on local sidewalks and streets.
Stuart Muller reported that cement platforms and bollards have gone up near Palisades High School and the community did not receive notice of this.
Joaquin Macias said that this may be related to the City's program to tie in street signals; he will follow-up on the details of this infrastructure and what is going to be seen above ground.
George Wolfberg stated that the painted street numbers are for drainage direction and are temporary; the bollards may be related to the DWP and in prior cases their representative (Victoria Cross) has given details and the bollards were subsequently removed. A manager of two apartment complexes on Sunset said that driveways and streets have been "tagged" by the DWP; no notification was given and the workers told her that it had to do with the DWP's installation of signals.
Rich Wilkin said to call "Dig Alert" when digging is observed.
Quaid Hayes said he was having lunch with Ron Nichols, the head of the DWP, and would be happy to deliver a letter from the council if desired. (4) El Oro Joaquin reported that MKPOA's request regarding the street falling in has been sent to the Department of Street Services.
7.
2.
2. LAPD Sr.
Lead Officer Michael Moore did not attend and Officer Chris Ragsdale spoke on Officer Moore's behalf.
Amy Kalp reported that (1) crime is up in our area with the armed robbery last week in the Village.
Other merchants would like to see more enforcement, and additional foot patrols have been requested from Captain Nathan. (2) Amy Kalp attended the WLA Traffic Committee meeting where the motorcycle issue was discussed again along with the two recent fatality accidents in our area.
Officer Ragsdale said that the patrol was in the community last night (09/21/11) and did not find motorcycle violations despite the loud noise reported by residents, Marguerite Perkins Mautner (Riviera) and Molly, the manager of two apartment buildings on Sunset where renters are threatening to move out due to the noise (Sunset near the Self Realization Shrine).
Officer Ragsdale assured them that there is consistent LAPD traffic patrol.
Jack Allen suggested state legislation to amend the Vehicle code regarding noise to give the LAPD the tools to stop the motorcycle problem.
Gil Dembo suggested that noise regulations take into account aggregate noise levels or otherwise restrict the number of grouped riders to five or less without a permit.
Janet Turner stated that Amy Kalp and the council are continuing to work on the problem with CD-11, the City Attorney and others. (3) Officer Ragsdale reported that a felony arrest was made on Sunset on 09/22/11 for a robbery.
7.
3. Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.
7.
3.
1. Department of Recreation and Parks. (
a) Jennifer Malaret announced that Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board (PP-PAB) is holding a meeting on Monday
October 3, 2011 in the small gym at 7 PM. The Park Advisory Board members and the Department of Recreation and Parks are seeking input from the community on what long-term improvement plans they would like to see at the recreation center. Funding for additional permanent improvements could come from the City, allocated Proposition K monies (sports fields, irrigation and asphalt repair) or private donations & fundraising efforts. Also, the last regularly scheduled PP-PAB is
October 26, 2011 at 7 PM in the small gym. (
b) Erich Haas from the Department of Recreation and Parks was in attendance to promote the "Pacific Palisades 1st Annual Community Halloween Festival" at the Recreation Center which will be Saturday,
October 29, 2011 from 4 PM to 8 PM. There will be a haunted house, pumpkin patch, arts and crafts tables, carnival games, bounce houses, costume contests, disc jockey, food court and more. Erich stressed that volunteers from the community, businesses, schools, and organizational groups are needed to help make the event a success. Donations to the event are tax deductible: contact sbmcinerey@yahoo.com. (
c) Barbara Kohn announced that she has been re-appointed as the Proposition K representative for our area.
7.
3.
2. Historical Society. Dick Wulliger announced that on Monday, 10/10/11, 7:00 pm, at the Aldersgate Lodge, there is a presentation on the Indian Tribes in the Palisades and other areas around our community. Dr. Chester King, an Indian tribe archeologist, will be presenting.
7.
3.
3. PPCC Organizational Representatives. Haldis Toppel reported that each year on October 1st, the representation of the PPCC's organizations rotate. A tentative list has been formed, will be reported on at future council meetings, and may include an educational representative from area schools.
7.
4.
4. Homeless Committee. Janet Turner asked for contact information that anyone has for churches or other area organizations that do outreach to the homeless community. We have twenty identified chronically homeless persons living permanently in the Palisades. 8\. Reports from Committees.
8.
1. Redistricting Update. Marguerite Perkins Mautner reported that, at the state level, a lawsuit has been filed by Republicans in Sacramento trying to void what the redistricting commission has presented. Relative to the County of Los Angeles, Molina and Thomas oppose the redistricting while the other three supervisors approve the proposed plan. Molina and Thomas are looking for a second Latino district and that is the motivation for wanting to break up the district encompassing the Palisades. Rather than being in a coastal district, the Palisades would be drawn into areas towards the east. Since four votes are required to make a decision, there seems to be a stalemate. Janet Turner reported that there is a hearing 9/27/11 in the downtown Supervisor's building and Zev Yaraslovsky has asked for attendance from the Board and community.
8.
2. YMCA Committee Update.
Richard Cohen reported a significant improvement in the appearance of the property now that the summer camp is cleared, presumably in preparation for the Pumpkin Patch.
The banners are down and the YMCA has committed to keep banners off the property in the future; however, the chain link fence is permitted seasonally under the Coastal Commission permit and should be a temporary improvement pursuant to the permitted conditions.
As Richard reported previously, the YMCA has a property improvement plan.
Questions have been raised about the plan and shared with the YMCA.
Support for this plan may be premature because: (1) the fence must be open, rustic and matching to near by Santa Monica Recreation Facility (SMRF) fences.
The proposed fence does not appear to meet this requirement.
The coastal permit only approves "seasonal" fencing, not a permanent fence and the Coastal Act supercedes the City's regulations. (2) there is an open space covenant on the property, so it is not clear that a permanent fence is consistent with that.
Further, no fence can be built without approval from the CD-11 office and it has been suggested that CD-11 will not approve a non-complying fence.
Discussion: YMCA representative Carol Pfannkuche stated that the YMCA feels strongly that the proposed plan is simple and essential.
The plan has four key components: native plants, open and rustic fence, identifying signage and a path from the crosswalk into the park.
The YMCA wants the improvements done as soon as possible and invited any member of the public to come view the plan.
The YMCA believes the proposed improvements comply with the agreements that they made when they bought the property.
Jack Allen said that this property is an important community resource and that some fencing would be good to prevent the homeless and damage to the embankment.
Stuart Muller expressed his expectation that the YMCA would improve the property such that the Temescal Canyon Drive corridors match; Rich Wilkins said that was unlikely because grass is not a native plant.
Rich clarified that the redwood fence would not be solid and the path would be covered with decomposed granite and not dirt as the Post had reported.
Barbara Kohn said Richard's update was outstanding relative to many years of controversy over this property, the coastal permit specifically states when fencing is permitted, the requirements are not vague and that the YMCA is fully aware of the actual and intended conditions that govern the property.
8.
3. CSB Committee AB 607, Santa Monica Digital Bus Advertising. Janet Turner reported the bill is still on the Governor's desk. Janet spoke to Zev Yaraslovsky's office that was willing to contact the governor's office on behalf of the PPCC. [8.4.] Administrative Code Enforcement (ACE). George Wolfberg reported that the ordinance was issued in June 2011 and was not placed on the City Council's agenda immediately as expected. The matter will now be heard 09/26/
11. Janet Turner suggested contacting John Gregory, CD-11, to find out why the ordinance was sent back. Haldis stated that discussions included the possible punitive nature of the fines. [8.5.] Westside Regional Alliance of Council (WRAC) Update. Jennifer Malaret reported that the Mayor's Budget Advocates meeting date is
October 29, 2011 and that they will be assigning a representative from the Mayor's office to the Citywide Sign Ordinance (to be discussed later in accordance with the motion on tonight's agenda).
Six transportation motions were considered and voted upon - most noteworthy are two County of Los Angeles developments that are expected to greatly impact traffic in the City of Los Angeles.
These projects, in Marina del Rey and in Santa Monica, will be on the agenda at future Board meeting(s). [8.6.] Beautiful Palisades Committee.
Harry Sondheim reported that he remains in contact with Palisades Charter High School regarding a banner at the corner of El Medio and Sunset.
The Self Realization Fellowship has removed signs not related to their own activities and will not have signs from other organizations on the fence in the future.
Kehliat Israel moved its sign away from Sunset.
Harry was very pleased to report that the Lutheran Church has voluntarily agreed to change how it displays signage on Sunset (modifying it's banner poles and moving the Oktoberfest banner to El Medio).
John Glasgow reported that the blue banners at Sunset and Marquez West have been removed.
Gil Dembo asked about the sandwich signs on area sidewalks away from their businesses.
Stuart Muller reported that he is working with the Department of Street Services to have them moved out of the public rights of way.
Richard Cohen stated that any sign in the public rights of way or light pole is "trash" and can be removed by any citizen.
Janet Turner reported that she is working with Stuart Muller and Barbara Kohn to get the Design Review Board to a PPCC meeting. 9\.
Old Business. [9.1.] CCFO update, Jennifer Malaret. (1) the final draft of the Community Care Facilities Ordinance ("CCFO") has been filed by the City Attorney with the City Clerk.
The only significant change is the addition of a prohibition against Parolee/Probationer homes in low-density residential areas (they will be allowed in R3 and above pursuant to a conditional use permit). (2) PPCC, as part of a super-majority of WRAC councils fought for many changes that have not been incorporated into the final draft.
Those changes which are not included are: limits on concentration, distance limits from "sensitive uses", public hearings for "public benefit" applications, an affirmative statement that no legal non-conforming uses are created by the ordinance, public notice and input following an operator's non-compliance with public benefit requirements and inclusion of a private attorney general's provision. (3) We do not know if the final draft by the City Attorney will be considered next and again by PLUM or the full City Council.
Bill Rosendahl had previously offered an amendment requiring the LADBS, City Attorney's Office and Planning to report to Council with proposed enforcement guidelines for review before the new ordinance is enacted.
This report has not yet been released. 10\.
New Business.
10.
1. Citywide Sign Ordinance, Part
2. CIS motion, LUC recommended, Jennifer Malaret. See the complete Motion in Support of the Community Impact Statement below. Report: Jennifer Malaret reported that a meeting with Planning and many stakeholder groups was held on
September 15, 2011 due to citywide concern and opposition with the proposed citywide sign ordinance. Alan Bell, Deputy Director of Planning, reported that another revision to the ordinance will be released on
October 4, 2011 which will allow two weeks for public comment prior to the next PLUM Hearing date on
October 14, 2011.
Most notably, the allowance for donor signs has been removed and Ken Fong of the City Attorney's office clarified for Planning that it was possible to exclude city parks from the provisions in the ordinance allowing Comprehensive Sign Programs.
While these are very positive steps, we remain concerned about the installation of off-site signs, including digital signs, in the parks given that Barry Sanders (head of Recreation and Parks and the LA Parks Foundation) continues to argue that the City Charter gives sole control to the Board of Recreation and Parks to control parkland and that parks are exempt from city zoning regulations.
The City Attorney disagrees, however the conflicting views are evident.
Exemption of our parks and removing the allowance for installations (including by right installations) of donor signs from the next ordinance expected October 4th is the good news.
The end result of the Planning meeting was that our communities remain "sitting ducks" for digital on-site signs that are not regulated by this ordinance.
Digital signs in the rights of way are not regulated by this ordinance.
Bare minimum regulations on digital signage are contained in this ordinance and are proposed to be enacted before the results of a completed federal study on related traffic impacts have been released to the public.
Unlike the 2 sign districts grandfathered into the original 2009 citywide sign ordinance, 14 grandfathered sign districts are included in this ordinance (photographs of these districts were circulated).
Finally, there are the issues of environmental impacts.
There was a Negative Declaration and supplemental report after CPC changes in early 2009.
Because there have been additional changes to the proposed ordinance and there are still changes being made, Planning will prepare a revised environmental analysis likely before this ordinance goes for review before the full City Council.
Planning is still waiting for guidance from the City Attorney's office and, thus, environmental impacts of this ordinance remain a huge unknown at this time.
For these and other reasons, the LUC agreed along with many other NC's and CC's to sponsor a motion in support of the attached Community Impact Statement (or "CIS").
Most relevant to the Palisades (and different from the motion we voted for on
September 8, 2011) is that this CIS proposes a two-year moratorium (or Interim Control Ordinance) to ban the installation of any digital sign (off-site or on-site).
Two years is the maximum allowed under government codes and the ICO would control building permits, so even if sign districts got LADBS approvals they could not pull the permits to put up signs until the City of LA has had (hopefully) sufficient time to review the federal traffic study and evaluate energy use, measurement of light, spill over, sign trading and provisions for community beautification. PPCC, along with all of the stakeholder groups, have pushed for a representative from the Mayor's office to be designated and dedicated to this proposed ordinance.
Discussion: Richard Cohen stated that the billboard industry is a very large contributor to local politics and it is telling that the Mayor has not yet taken a position.
Janet Turner expressed the importance to join together with other groups to be effective.
Jack Allen said that these sign districts do impact Palisadians who drive in these districts.
Motion: Jennifer Malaret sponsored the motion and Richard Cohen seconded.
The motion passed unanimously. 11\.
General Public Comment.
11.
1. Jay Handal, PPCC's Budget Advocate, encouraged the public to come to the Neighborhood Congress on
September 24, 2011 where the budget will be discussed. LAPD will be reporting on how the budget affects their operations (morning seminar). There are many good seminars. Budget Advocates Day will be on
October 29, 2011 at City Hall and the PPCC will be asked to appoint two representatives to provide input into next year's Mayoral budget. Any member of the public is welcome to attend and provide input.\\\ 12\. Adjournment. Janet Turner adjourned the meeting at 9:02 PM.
**ATTACHMENT:****ITEM 10.1 -- DRAFT MOTION - CITYWIDE SIGN ORDINANCE, COUNCIL FILE 08-2020** \- the Pacific Palisades Community Council ("PPCC") opposes adoption of the revised citywide sign ordinance now pending before the City Council PLUM Committee.
Further, the PPCC supports the efforts of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils ("WRAC") and other stakeholder groups who have voted to file Community Impact Statements in substantial form and content as set forth below.
Community Impact Statement The _______________ opposes adoption of the revised citywide sign ordinance now pending before the City Council Planning and Land Use Management committee because it would allow a proliferation of commercial advertising on both private and public property without a significant reduction in existing billboard and signage blight, and would allow new electronic signage without addressing energy use, light pollution, traffic safety, and other issues that could negatively effect communities throughout the city.
We also call for a 2-year moratorium on new digital displays until those issues are thoroughly studied and regulations developed to address them. BACKGROUND The City Planning Commission (CPC) approved this ordinance on
March 26, 2009, after three public hearings that included extensive testimony from representatives of neighborhood councils, community groups, business and development interests, and the sign industry. Unfortunately, proposed changes to the ordinance first made public on
July 22, 2011 by the City Planning Department seriously weaken the ability of the city to protect its citizens from the negative impacts of outdoor advertising. SIGN DISTRICTS: The CPC retained the sign district provision allowing off-site and other prohibited sign types in sign districts, but greatly limited the potential for negative impact on communities by allowing districts only in high-intensity commercial areas zoned regional commercial or regional center.
The CPC also approved a provision that allowed property owners to erect these kinds of signs only after acquiring and removing existing billboards in the surrounding community at a more than one-to-one square footage ratio.
The CPC voted to "grandfather" only two pending applications for sign districts under the current city sign ordinance.
The revised ordinance now before the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) committee seriously undermines the CPC's intent by proposing to grandfather a dozen pending sign district applications and proposals for special signage in specific plan areas.
This could result in hundreds of thousands of square feet of new off-site signage in the city without a single billboard being taken down.
The CPC rightly decided that removal of billboards that blight commercial streets in many neighborhoods provides a tangible, quantifiable community benefit as well as ensures that there won't be a net proliferation of new billboards and off-site signage in the city.
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PROGRAMS: The CPC included this provision to allow special signage rules for large properties like shopping centers and college campuses, but the provision didn't allow any off-site or electronic signage generally prohibited by the ordinance. The revised ordinance would allow those generally prohibited sign types if they aren't visible from the public-right-of-way and don't exceed 10 per cent of the total signage on the property. These comprehensive sign programs would be allowed on any commercial property, either public or private, which opens the door to commercial advertising in city parks and recreational facilities.
ELECTRONIC SIGNAGE: The CPC prohibited electronic signage outside sign districts, but the revised ordinance would allow them as on-site, or business signs anywhere in the city.
The only regulations proposed are a minimum eight-second-message duration and a daylight and nighttime brightness limit.
These regulations fail to address serious issues of energy use, traffic safety, light trespass on residential properties, change in community character, and potential for privacy invasion.
At a minimum, a moratorium should be placed on the installation of any new electronic signs and conversion of existing signs until regulations are in place that protects residents, motorists, communities and others from adverse effects. OTHER Donor Signs: Signs recognizing donors would be allowed by right, without restrictions on size, location, text.
This would allow signs carrying corporate logos anywhere, including city parks and other public property.
These should not be allowed without strict regulations on size, text, and placement.
Right of Private Action: The provision allowing property owners within 500 ft. of an illegal sign to file suit if the city failed to enforce citations was removed from the CPC-approved ordinance, but should be reinstated.
Signs in the Public Right of Way: The ordinance exempts signage in the public right-of-way from any regulations.
This signage should be made subject to applicable regulations of the ordinance.
Sign Adjustment: The ordinance would allow a zoning administrator to approve a 20% deviation from sign area and height, location, projection and clearance, and time limits on temporary signs, and would allow variances for adjustments beyond 20%.
These are far from "minor" adjustments and should not be allowed without a public hearing and appeal process.
Signs Covering Windows: The CPC-approved ordinance prohibited any signs covering windows, but the revised ordinance would allow them if the fire department certified that they didn't present a safety hazard.
This fails to account for the fact that signage adhered to windows can degrade the view to the outside, and seriously affect the quality of life of tenants of offices and apartments. DOT hazard review: The revised ordinance removes the provision requiring any signs within 500 ft. of a freeway to undergo a DOT hazard review.
This should be restored.

_________________________

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**MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 13th 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Ted Mackie, Jennifer Malaret, Richard Cohen, Barbara Kohn, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, George Wolfberg, Dick Wulliger, Chris Spitz.
Voting Alternates: Cathy Russell, June Payne, Carol Pfannkuche, Joe Almaraz.
Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Kurt Toppel, Tim Huber, James Schloss. Start of Business Meeting 1\. Reading of Community Council's Mission. Jennifer Malaret read the Mission Statement. 2\. Call to Order and Introduction of the Board and Audience. Janet Turner called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Introduction of the Board and audience. 3\. Certification of Quorum. The Chair certified that a quorum was present at 7:07 pm. 4\. Adoption of Minutes. Stuart Muller moved and Marguerite Perkins Mautner seconded the minutes for
September 22, 2011. The minutes were adopted with one abstention. The next meeting is
October 27, 2011. 5\. Consideration of Agenda. The Chair considered the agenda. 6\. Treasurer's Report. Ted Mackie reported the financial status as of
August 11, 2011. The total account balances equal $23,715.09, which consist of USB Checking $4,391.90, SmithBarney account $18,134.57 and Post Office account $1,188.
62. There continues to be a shortfall in costs to produce and mail the newsletter of $-540.
92. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
7.
1. Announcements from the Chair.
7.
1.
1. Welcome to New Organization Representatives. Haldis Toppel announced and welcomed the new organizational representatives. Florence Cotton, Bob Locker (PPRA, Alternates); Joe Almaraz (Lion's Club); Susan Orenstein (TCA); Eric Dugdale and Richard Wulliger (Historical Society); June Payne (Palisades Beautiful); Nicole Howard (Chamber of Commerce); Katherine Ruddy (Junior Women's Club). Each new member received a nametag and was directed to take a look at a copy of the PPCC's bylaws which are on our website. Janet Tuner asked that each new organization representative join a PPCC committee, stressing that is important to have the voice of the organization heard.
7.
1.
2.
Instructions to Board Members.
Janet Turner instructed Members on the following: (1) Bringing a Topic to the Board: ask if this is something that pertains to all of the Palisades, or is this really just an argument between two neighbors (then we rarely get involved unless it is a community wide safety issue, a government agency not doing it's job properly, etc.).
Then, give the Chair advance notice per the bylaws; write a motion about your issue.
Third, coordinate with the Chair placement on the agenda and presentation time/materials.
If the motion passes the Board vote, then the person who brings the issue must write the first draft of the letter that goes to the Chair to send to government parties or other relevant persons. (2) Area Representatives: the Area Reps are the first line of defense for any problem in their respective area, so the Chair will be sending those issues out.
An area representative should research the issue, speak to neighbors, find out if there really is a problem, whether it should be handled in the area, by PPCC or the City, etc. and inform the Chair accordingly. (3) Board Meeting Sign-Ins: please sign in on the board sign in sheet.
The audience was invited to sign in also.
7.
1.
3. Dick Wulliger. Janet Turner announced that the Executive Committee had unanimously approved Dick Wulliger's nomination to the Executive Committee as its Organizational Representative member.
7.
1.
4. Guidelines for Community Service Award. Janet Turner announced that the deadline for nominations is Saturday
10.
30.
11. Janet Turner thanked Ted Mackie, Stuart Muller, Jack Allen and Steve Boyers who will comprise this year's committee. [See attachment.]
7.
1.
5. Thanks to Townsend Bell for the Projector. Janet Turner expressed the Council's gratitude.
7.
1.
6. Farmers Market Outreach. Janet Turner reported that this has been a rewarding experience. Residents of Via north of Sunset came together with a petition about speeding and took it to CD-11 and Janet put them in touch with Amy Kalp who raised the issue at the West Los Angeles traffic meeting. The council is hopeful for additional patrol and perhaps putting together a citizen's group to start radar; Paul Glasgall will assist in this effort.
7.
2.
Announcements from Governmental Representatives. [7.2.1.] Councilman Rosendahl's office - Joaquin Macias.
Joaquin reported that (1) Potrero Canyon Tour: seven members of the community advisory group toured with CD-11 and the contractor. (2) Pali Triathlon.
Joaquin drove the course with David Card and the Department of Transportation to work on the temporary sign issue and get some of the potholes on the course fixed. (3) DWP Letter sent by the Council regarding markings - no response has been received yet.
Stuart Muller asked again about the Verizon Fios markings. (4) Administrative Citation Enforcement ("ACE").
Councilmember Rosendahl is wanting the final product to be the best possible and CD-11 is pleased the ordinance is coming back because enforcement is needed. (5) Wednesday motorcycle noise, Jennifer Malaret reported that the noise was terrible last night.
George Wolfberg suggested that ATSAC could help with this. (6) Car sales on the Alphabet Streets, DMV did investigate but could not determine if cars were being sold out of a residence, however a property owner was spoken to about not having a dealer's license or being the owner of the vehicle. (7) Asilomar - a resident asked about the pipes on the street and water leaks on the street.
Joaquin reported that they were DWP pipes.
Cost estimates are still being worked on; however in the mean time K-rails may be put up with additional stop signs for traffic control. (8) Joaquin presented a certificate of thanks to the Junior Women's Club for their support in helping to install bike racks in town. (8) ATSAC / Paving - complaints were made about re-paving being made at sub-grade levels.
Joaquin said to send him addresses with the location.
Marguerite said that the poor paving in the Riviera were due to the slurry coat that was put on for maintenance reasons.
Joe Almaraz asked why Toyopa was repaved which arguably didn’t need it while Akron remains a mess.
Joaquin detailed that there are three types of re-paving: complete reconstruction, intermediate and slurry.
If your street needs total re-paving then it is likely you will have to wait but PPCC has been successful in getting results. [7.2.2.] Sr.
Lead Officer Michael Moore was not present tonight.
7.
3. Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.
7.
3.
1. Historical Society's Annual LA History Bazaar sponsored by USC will be held in the Doheny Library at USC next Saturday,
October 22, 2011 from 9 am to 5 pm. Dick Wulliger detailed the event which will have over 80 exhibitors, events, memorabilia, etc. and invited all to attend.
7.
3.
2. Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board. Jennifer Malaret announced that the final Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board meeting of the calendar year would take place on Wednesday
October 26, 2011 in the small gym at 7 PM. The Park Advisory Board members and the Department of Recreation and Parks will be discussing input from the community on what long term improvement plans they would like to see at the recreation center and recent concerns at the park involving.
7.
3.
3. Marguerite Perkins Mautner announced the holiday party on Thursday,
December 8, 2011 in the Temescal Canyon community room. Marguerite asked for volunteer support from the Board. A sign-up sheet for food and refreshment items in support of the party will be passed around at the next Board meeting.
7.
3.
4. Barbara Kohn announced that Prop. K meetings are open to anyone. There will be a tour of park facilities next Tuesday,
October 18, 2011. There will be competitive bidding next year. Approximately $4 million will be allocated for the next five-year period. Anyone interested or with questions can contact Barbara Kohn. 8\. Reports from Committees.
8.
1. Committee of Three Chairs. Richard Cohen reported that Carol Bruch had been recommended as the Area 1, second alternate and that Tim Huber was recommended as Area 5, first alternate. George Wolfberg moved for approval and Richard Cohen seconded the appointments. The motion passed unanimously.
8.
2. CPAB Update, Haldis Toppel. Haldis reported that Councilman Koretz was the keynote speaker and that CD-5 has problems very similar to CD-
11. The most important topic was the federally-ordered release of state prisoners to relieve overcrowding pushing them down to the county. Over 10,000 non-violent prisoners will be released unsupervised starting in January, 2012 to relieve their projected over-crowding [Note: this is what is really happening, not what she said which was incorrect. LAPD does not have a jail, only holding tanks. Sentenced prisoners are in county or state lockups] and LAPD is concerned with a possible future increase in crime. Second, the annual police EXPO focused on disaster preparedness this year. Be prepared and give yourself three weeks of emergency supplies and three days of total nonresponse from emergency services. Check necessary medications in your home as you may not be able to get to a pharmacy.
8.
3. Land Use Committee Updates. Jennifer Malaret provided an update on the sign ordinance. Where the next PLUM Hearing is scheduled for 10.18.11 and a large coalition of neighborhood stakeholders continue to be concerned about the impacts of the ordinance, particularly because off-site signs will be permitted in public parks and recreation centers. Jennifer also reported that we are hopeful that once the City Attorney returns next week, the Community Care Facilities Ordinance will move forward and be placed on the City Council's agenda in the near-term. Chris Spitz reported that the LUC committee is working on the California Incline project, traffic, the new cell phone tower installation on Sunset, and many other issues. Chris reminded the Board that the LUC generally meets on the first Thursday of the month from noon until 2:30 p.m. and anyone is welcome to attend.
8.
4. Administrative Citation Enforcement ("ACE") Updates. George and Haldis attended the recent hearing at City Hall. The draft ordinance was sent back to the City Attorney for 30 days for review and revision. George Wolfberg is not confident that the ordinance will be heard before full council soon. Councilmember Rosendahl is reluctant to support ACE because he is concerned with hedges and fences and illegal conversions of garages or other parts of homes which currently provide living space for many residents. Apartment owners have also petitioned against the ordinance before the Budget Committee for fear that they could not afford the fines. 9\. Old Business \-- None. 10\. New Business.
10.
1. EIR for County Projects.
Recommended by LUC and West Side Regional Alliance of Councils ("WRAC").
Motion below.
Guest: John Reed, a member of the VNC LUPC.
John has been involved in the WRAC's Land Use Committee and is a well-known local architect, the principal of the Reed Architectural Group.
Background: the motion is in the material and it is about the need for environmental assessment reports on county projects.
Janet Turner read the motion, stating that this language was based on the recommendation of WRAC as slightly modified by the PPCC's LUC.
Presentation: John Reed explained that if you will have seventeen projects going on over a three to five year period, should these projects be reviewed as a single project or as cumulative effects of what an adjacent municipality is doing relative to impacts on the City of Los Angeles.
John feels that the Marina project really is a regional project due to its proximity to LAX and the tremendous traffic impact on West Los Angeles.
The county did do an EIR but based it only on three to four projects and several intersections without looking at the overall picture.
Discussion: Barbara Kohn explained that we shouldn’t look at the projects piecemeal.
The common thread is that the projects are all on county owned and mostly leased land.
Another is traffic impact across the region.
Richard asked about what the standard is for real estate developments being considered as a group.
John said this is all county land located geographically in Marina del Rey.
Stuart Muller pointed out that the county announced they were going to redevelop an entire area in a re-development area so all of the projects are a nexus of one large development.
There is no additional school district planned and Stuart wondered who paid for that.
Jack Allen said if you do one project, then the cumulative affects on all other projects should be considered.
What the county is doing is improper in Jack Allen's opinion.
Janet Tuner pointed out that the LUC was concerned about County land in our area which could be developed and in that case we would want cumulative impacts considered.
Dick Wulliger recalled that the planning commission meeting discussions about Playa Vista on what the affect would be on the county and Marina del Rey along with what changes would be made in Marina del Rey by the county.
Playa Vista was treated as one large project with cumulative impacts.
Chris Spitz sponsored the motion and Barbara Kohn seconded.
The motion passed unanimously. [See attachment.]
10.
2.
Retaining Walls, Jack Allen (motion attached).
Background: Janet Turner said that the city is looking for community input on aesthetics.
Jack explained that the city adopted the Baseline Hillside Ordinance which affects what can be graded on a hillside but did not adopt new retaining wall regulations because the city felt it needed more time.
What is hillside and what is not?
It used to be that all of the Palisades was hillside, but the BHO took out areas that are less than a 15% grade.
Jack's personal opinion is that 80% of the property in the Palisades have retaining walls or need retaining walls.
There are high retaining walls in the flat areas and Jack is concerned that the ordinance must apply to these walls too because existing laws do not allow retaining walls to be built above 3 1/2 feet in front yard set backs.
Also the BHO only applies to new construction and additions, not remodeling.
Presentation: Jack Allen distributed a new motion.
Jack urged that a retaining wall is a retaining wall no matter where it is.
Jack wants an ordinance adopted that applies to all retaining walls.
This would allow flexibility in the flat lands to get walls where they need to get walls.
Note that existing walls are grandfathered unless there is new construction or an addition.
Concerns: we don't want large walls that cut away the hillsides.
Jack feels that the BHO reduces development so significantly that these concerns are not as significant due to the BHO.
The present ordinance requires landscaping to completely cover retaining walls and this is another reason that the aesthetics are really not that important.
The existing ordinance only allows one retaining wall but it will allow a second wall if separated by three feet.
Our code should define "natural grade" like other cities and people should be allowed to build walls up to the natural grade.
Jack recommends two walls in every set back so you can step up the yard, particularly if one wall was decorative.
Discussion: the board discussed each of the recommended motion points.
The board felt that all retaining walls should be regulated.
Discussion was held about whether the regulations should be the same in the flats and the hillsides, does the motion advocate higher walls than the current laws, what about multiple retaining walls to create buildable lots, the requirements to bring improved property up to current codes, how the recommended height limits on retaining walls work or not with allowed fence, and hedge and other wall heights (particularly in the front yard).
Haldis Toppel presented the need to keep the current ordinance that controls the height of fences and walls unchanged when considering retaining walls that hold fill.
She stressed that retaining walls over a certain height require safety fences to be placed on top of the walls and such fences must be considered when measuring height.
Haldis suggested to include the following recommendation: "No new retaining wall shall be constructed including a required safety fence on top of the wall that will extend higher above natural grade than is allowed by the applicable zoning codes and regulations that govern walls, hedges and fences and the traffic visibility triangle.
The measurement shall be from grade prior to any excavation or fill that is held back by the retaining wall." Action: Janet would like to send the motion back to committee, George and Stuart must participate in the revisions and Haldis was appointed to the committee.
The Planning Department did let Janet know the time for written comment from the PPCC can be extended.
Harry Sondheim moved to table the issue and Haldis Toppel seconded.
The motion to table was unanimously approved. 11\.
General Public Comment.
11.
1. The Rotary Club needs volunteers for the Triathlon on
October 23, 2011, 6 am at Palisades High School. 12\.
Adjournment.
Janet Turner adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM. **ATTACHMENTS [ITEMS 10.1, 10.2, 7.1.4]** **ITEM 10.1 -- DRAFT MOTION - EIR FOR COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. RECOMMENDED BY THE PPCC'S LUC and WRAC** In regard to all proposed major development projects in Los Angeles County [including a recent proposal for 17 new major development projects on LA County land in Marina del Rey], PPCC supports the need for a comprehensive EIR that considers regional impacts on the City of Los Angeles and takes into account cumulative impact of all such major development projects. [MOTION PASSED.] **ITEM 10.2 -- DRAFT MOTION by Jack Allen, Hillside Retaining Wall Comments** Upon motion by ______________, seconded by_______________ the Council approved the following Motion: PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL MOTION SUBMITTING COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED HILLSIDE RETAINING WALL ORDINANCE Most properties in the Pacific Palisades have or require retaining walls and therefore, any regulations regarding the building of retaining walls in the Pacific Palisades is of concern to the Pacific Palisades Community Council ("PPCC").
The City recently adopted the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the Los Angeles Department of City Planning proposes to amend the Hillside Retaining Wall regulations to conform with the ordinance and is requesting comments and recommendations regarding the regulations.
Therefore, having reviewed the existing Hillside Retaining Wall regulations and the Baseline Hillside Ordinance, it is moved that the PPCC submit the following recommendations and comments for consideration by the Planning Department in drafting the amendments to the regulations.