PPCC Library Integration Test

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**MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 27th 2011**

Voting Members in Attendance: Janet Turner, Haldis Toppel, Jennifer Malaret, Paul Glasgall, Jim Rea, Harry Sondheim, Jack Allen, Stuart Muller, Steve Boyers, Marguerite Perkins Mautner, George Wolfberg, Joyce Brunelle, Barbara Marinacci, Geoff Shelden, Carol Pfannkuche, Gil Dembo, Chris Spitz, Aurelia Friedman.
Voting Alternates: N/A.
Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: Kurt Toppel, Amy Kalp, John Glasgow, Timothy Huber, Cathy Russell, Ernie Meadows, June Payne. 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 7:00 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. Steve Boyers moved and George Wolfberg seconded the minutes for
October 13, 2011. The minutes were adopted unanimously. The next meeting is
November 10, 2011. 5\. Consideration of Agenda. The Chair considered the agenda. 6\. Treasurer's Report. Ted Mackie was absent. Jennifer Malaret reported the financial status as of
October 21, 2011. The total account balances equal $24,001.86, which consist of USB Checking $4,678.67, Smith Barney account $18,134.57 and Post Office account $1,188.
62. The September newsletter cost the PPCC $6,271.43 and total contributions thus far are $6,071.28; the PPCC remains $200.15 short of breakeven. The library rent has been paid. 7\. Reports, Announcements and Concerns.
7.
1. Announcements from the Chair.
7.
1.
1. Santa Monica Blue Bus Digital Ad Demonstration. Janet Turner reported that she went to the digital display presentation for the billboards that are going to be on Santa Monica's Blue Buses. Representatives from Santa Monica assured the attendees at the demonstration that the brightness of the display will be reduced in the evening during actual operations. During the demonstration, the ads changed every six to seven seconds. Santa Monica representatives stated that, in reality, the ads will change every 10 to 30 seconds. Santa Monica remains very willing to work with the PPCC when the program is implemented (as approved by the State of California) in the Palisades should problems occur. The pilot project is authorized to run for five years and is expected to begin in January 2012.
7.
1.
2. Response Received from the LADWP About Graffiti. Janet Turner reported that the Board received a letter in response to our inquiry regarding markings in the Palisades area. The DWP's letter stated that the bollards are related to a project underway at Palisades Charter High School, that street markings will be removed and efforts to beautify will be undertaken by the DWP. Stuart Muller expressed concern about the time that will be needed to remove the graffiti; Stuart will continue to monitor the DWP's removal efforts.
7.
1.
3. Mobile Billboard Advertising. Janet Turner announced that mobile billboard advertising has now been banned in the City of Los Angeles. George Wolfberg clarified that the ban pertains to billboards that are attached to trailers and often parked on the street.
7.
1.
4. Street Furniture Update. Janet Turner reported that the PPCC received a list of city benches with commercial advertisements that will be placed in the Palisades. Gil Dembo expressed concern that unauthorized benches are being placed in the Palisades and his personal opinion that the existing contract required the Palisades to be consulted before the installation of any new benches. The Chair agreed to follow-up with Gil Dembo and to provide Gil with the list of new bench locations that the PPCC has received.
7.
1.
5. State Redistricting. Janet Turner reported that the courts rejected legal challenges recently filed; thus, the existing districts and maps remain as drawn.
7.
2. Announcements from Governmental Representatives.
7.
2.
1.
Councilman Rosendahl's office - Norman Kulla. (I) California Incline EIR comments are due tomorrow and Norm commended George Wolfberg who had written a "great letter" on behalf of the PPCC.
Norm reported that CD-11 has drafted a letter to be submitted tomorrow.
Points of opposition to be included from CD-11 will be Santa Monica (1) did not include Santa Monica Canyon in its study and proposed no mitigation, (2) has to make improvements at the Lincoln juncture and (3) has to re-open Appian Way which was closed for Santa Monica's own municipal considerations.
Discussion: Santa Monica's City Traffic Engineer, Sam Morrissey was in attendance to speak to the Board.
Mr.
Morrissey stated that (1) Santa Monica's EIR called for a Traffic Management Plan ("TMP") so Santa Monica has to work with CalTrans to manage the project.
Santa Monica has worked hard on mitigation efforts including traffic cameras along Ocean Avenue and up to San Vincente.
They can modify signal operations “on the fly.” Santa Monica is pushing to make their TMP far more comprehensive, versatile and changeable, (2) the EIR is local and does not address Santa Monica Canyon, the 101, the 405, etc.
The TMP will divert traffic out and away.
Relative to Moomat Ahiko Way, they are working on those streets to accommodate more traffic.
The crosswalk has been moved to allow more turning capabilities.
Santa Monica's story is versatility, and (3) is not going to open Apian Way because the smaller surrounding streets cannot handle increased traffic; they are going to focus on existing streets, signals and traffic controls.
Marguerite Perkins Mautner asked if the incline closure is estimated to take place over eighteen (18) months have they thought of operating 24/
7. It was explained that this is for the civil engineering division to decide and not Mr. Morrissey's Traffic Division. George Wolfberg stated that the Palisades community wants to participate in the TMP to help with the solution rather than have Santa Monica's plan imposed on us. Mr. Morrissey agreed to take that message back. Marilyn Wexler from the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association said it is a big issue for those along 7th Street if Santa Monica does not want to involve residents of those areas. Mr. Morrissey assured that the TMP is very specific about moving traffic away from Santa Monica Canyon. George Wolfberg said that we would recommend modifying some Santa Monica streets to one-way streets to encourage northbound traffic towards the I-10 Ramp. Mr. Morrissey responded that (
a) changing streets to one-way is very complicated, (
b) at the same time, the Expo light rail project that will affect 7th Street, (
c) Santa Monica has a "Be Excited, Be Aware" campaign and website that allows people to register and get alerts, and (
d) additional information is also available at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street. Gil Dembo asked about the light rail project route. Mr. Morrissey said that it will divert at 17th Street onto public streets. (II) Sunset Creations Project. Norm stated that Whitney's report from LADBS’s grading person said that the project will have the proper affidavits and will make sure that the property owners are aware of their responsibilities for site maintenance. Norm stated that the project as approved will have the factor of safety that is required by code, the project will be stabilized and there is nothing remedial. Norm reported that Dana Prevost will revise the language and affidavits, including revisions relative to Paragraph 2 (which contained a mistake).
7.
2.
2. LAFD.
Captain Mike Ketaily reported that at Sunset and Brooktree there was a single family dwelling fire (confined to one room), the home was vacant and no one was hurt.
Today, LAFD elected to staff Station 69 with four people due to the low humidity and winds.
There was a brush fire along Pacific Coast Highway where Potrero Canyon is being graded.
Station 69 was dispatched to Chautauqua and PCH, and located along the homes on Friends Street. A few County camp crews came in to help dig out the fire and those efforts were completed this afternoon. LF 69, E469, E23, E19, E63, LF37, E62, HOA, HOB, BC9, BC4 and E67 all responded.
Discussion: Stuart Muller expressed that the Palisades is comprised of many dangerous situations and the Department of Recreation and Parks should be clearing more of its brush.
The LAFD agreed that the canyon is of large concern because of the off-shore winds that blow up through the canyon.
Captain Ketaily reported that the start of the fire was the construction crew down below using a torch to cut a pipe.
Chris Spitz said that she sent an email to CD-11 demanding that the contractor have fire extinguishers and water trucks on site when this activity was taking place.
Stuart Muller asked to extend the area of concern to the entire Via Mesa Bluffs area.
Haldis Toppel asked about requiring contractors to have communication devices; LAFD confirmed that the construction crew did have mobile phones during the tine of this particular incident.
Paul Glasgall asked if the contractor, CalEx, would be fined or asked to pay for the LAFD response.
Captain Ketaily did not know the answer.
7.
2.
3. Sr. Lead Officer Michael Moore. Officer Moore, LAPD, was on vacation.
7.
3. Announcements from Board Members and Advisors.
7.
3.
1. Police Issues Update. Amy Kalp reported that theft is up. Burglaries along the Sunset corridor have increased and the incidents are more frequently occurring on stretches of Sunset closer to the Palisades. There were residential burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Marquez Knolls, and El Medio bluffs areas. Bicycle thefts are up including those stored in garages and secured with locks; please register the serial number of your bicycle to help with recovery. Amy stated that a big problem with our area is that residents don’t report any and all incidents; with more reports we get a more accurate gage to reflect our actual crime rates. Amy also reported that traffic check points will be out with more patrols. Motorcycle activity is starting later and the LAPD has been trying to talk with the bikers about the communities concerns re this activity. Finally, Amy passed out a flyer and invited the board and Palisades community to attend the West Los Angeles LAPD's Halloween Haunted House event on 10/28/11 and 10/29/
11.
7.
3.
2. CPAB Update. Haldis Toppel reported that theft is up everywhere, not just the Palisades. Haldis stated that the Palisades has been getting response from Captain Nathan in terms of increased deployment to our area. The LAPD is asking all citizens to contact LAPD immediately to report suspicious activity.
7.
3.
3. Rustic Canyon Park. Steve Boyers reported that an off-leash dog attacked him and then when he demanded that the dog be leashed, an angry park patron wielding a tennis racket attempted to hit him. Amy Kalp reported that there was also a woman and her dog who were both attacked by a off-leash Akita in that same park. Steve Boyers reported that he too was attacked in a separate incident, and as a result enforcement of leash laws is expected to be taking place in the Palisades over the next month. 8\. Reports from Committees.
8.
1. Holiday Pot Luck. Marguerite Perkins Mautner reported that Cathy Russell and Norma Spak have agreed to assist with making phone calls. The Board's annual holiday party will be on
December 8, 2011 starting at 6 PM in the evening in Temescal Canyon. All Board members were encouraged to RSVP and commit to contribute something for the pot luck dinner.
8.
2.
Climate Control Impact Study Seminar.
Steve Boyers reported that he attended a meeting of the Senate Select Committee chaired by Senator Pavley to address permanent adaptations to climate change.
The causes were not argued and scientists on the panel reported reputable data on climate change.
The prognosis is actually quite grim.
For example, if we stopped driving all of our cars and made no further emissions, it wouldn’t matter at all in the world.
Sea levels are rising and Marina del Rey will be impacted.
Every coastal mile will be impacted.
Population is increasing with intense focus in inland areas and that creates political stresses on the system as well.
The state is investigating technological changes and hopes to have an educational program put into place.
Efficiencies for water and being looked at, along with other limitless suggestions.
The Committee is trying to educate us on what changes we can make in response to the climate changes that are taking place.
The questions will be what our political will and financial resources can accomplish.
Steve Boyers asked that the report be circulated and that the PPCC form a committee to interface with the state and other cities to make suggestions in the process (with the goal that the coastal area of the Palisades will be protected in terms of property values and quality of life issues).
Janet Turner appointed a committee with Steve Boyers as the Chair. 9\.
Old Business.
9.
1. Sidewalk Repair. Jack Allen reported that he attended the Public Works Department of Finance Committee regarding the repair of sidewalks. The City's proposal is to make changes to the municipal code whereby property owners will become responsible and liable for sidewalk repairs. The primary issue that has been debated was an exception relative to trees and the City's proposal to make homeowner's liable for damage caused by the City's trees. Jack asked the Committee for a delay in time; however, the City Council indicated that they were not amenable to changing the exception for homeowner liability. Jack reported that the City Council is very interested in finding funds to repair sidewalks. The meeting was covered by Channel 7 and attended by various neighborhood groups. Janet Turner reminded the Board that we passed a motion several years ago and spearheaded the effort of the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils to let the City Council know that the PPCC is concerned about the sidewalk liability issue. 10\. New Business.
10.
1.
Santa Monica Incline. LUC Recommended Motion / Letter Below.
George Wolfberg.
Presentation: In conjunction with the discussion articulated in Section 7.2.1(1) above, George Wolfberg read the letter to the Board.
Janet Turner stressed the last paragraph of the letter relative to the isolation of Pacific Palisades particularly when emergency response is needed.
Relative to the parking lot cones, Sam Morrissey said that Santa Monica has been talking about that with Caltrans because it is not an easy problem and there are not a lot of great options out there due to the high volume of cars in the lot and the friction of how the McClure Tunnel and its signage have been designed.
Santa Monica has also taken up its own program to improve signage and will continue to work with Caltrans to deal with ingress and egress to the parking lot. A motion to approve was made by George Wolfberg and seconded by Stuart Muller.
Discussion: Jack Allen said that the traffic impacts must be addressed in the TMP now, before the project is approved and that is why they have to be in the EIR now.
Jack suggested that the signal on PCH at the Annenberg should be de-activated.
George thought that traffic would still flow fairly well until the Pier; Jack stated that this stop light currently causes a back up of traffic into the Palisades.
Janet Turner stated that she was willing to have that added to the letter (that change is reflected herein).
The Motion was amended to include the change as Jack suggested.
Vote: The Motion passed unanimously.
10.
2. 17030 Sunset Boulevard. Jack Allen Motion to File an Appeal to the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission to Appeal the LA City Zoning Administrator's Decisions to (1) not require that a focused environmental impact report (EIR) be prepared regarding a proposed apartment and (2) approve a coastal permit. PPCC Presentation: Janet Turner reminded the Board that PPCC voted to ask the City to have the developer provide a limited EIR and we never received it . Jack Allen claimed that he relied on the developer's promise to provide the PPCC with an EIR and did not go study the geological reports. Jack said that the developer reneged on his promise. Instead, the developer gave the PPCC an Environmental Assessment that was not as detailed as an EIR. Second, Janet Turner said she was made aware that a private geological study was done that characterized the developer's geology reports as always choosing the least dangerous alternative to address in the report and not the most dangerous; thus questions have been raised about how thorough the developer's geological reports are. Third, Janet stated that neighbors are refusing (at this time) to provide the necessary easement(
s) for the developer to have a sewer line for this project.
Finally, there was language contained in an affidavit/letter issued by Dana Prevost (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, Grading) that Janet Turner stated that because of the Board's previous vote, Members should feel comfortable supporting two parties who intended to appeal the Coastal Permit that the City has issued for the project.
The question presented tonight is whether or not the PPCC should file its own appeal.
Coaloa / Sunset Creations Response: Mr.
Coaloa reminded the PPCC that the project is a by-right development, meaning that no variances or favors are being requested.
There will be plenty more public hearings.
Mr.
Coaloa expressed his opinion that it is not within the mandate/purpose of the PPCC to make judgments about the development without appropriate backing from legal experts and geologists.
The building footprint is 40% smaller than is allowed under the building code and the project will have far more green space than required.
The project will provide the community with affordable housing and community beautification.
The developer would like PPCC to assist them and Malibu Village with fixing the sewer problem.
They would request a future motion from the PPCC to require adjacent property owners to remediate or remove their septic tanks.
Mr.
Coaloa provided a handout that responded to Jack Allen's motion, and referred to the letter that he handed out to the Board.
On the EIR issue, Mr.
Coaloa stated that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determined that a Mitigated Negative Declaration was required not an EIR.
However, in response to community concerns, Mr.
Coaloa presented a focused EIR (Note: It was a focused EIA) on 4/7/11 to the Land Use Committee and invited Mr.
Allen to review his geology reports.
Mr.
Coaloa presented the focused EIR (Note: It was a focused EIA) at a public municipal hearing.
Several people had analyzed the report and clearance was given.
Earl Ellis, legal counsel for the developer, stated that there are misunderstandings being put forth in Mr.
Allen's motion.
Mr.
Ellis stated that the developer's report was not called an EIR because those are reports prepared by cities and are a different way of looking at data that already exists.
The EIR (EIA) examines the same documents that the city has already analyzed and that are reflected in the MND.
The EIR (EIA) provides no 'fresh look' by a soils engineer or anyone else - it is a verbal recommendation, the city is not required to prepare one, and won't do one unless it is ordered to do so by court order.
Mr.
Hassan, the Engineer for the project, then spoke regarding the project and referenced "hazard zone" in Dana Prevost's letter and handed out a "hazard zone" map.
Mr.
Hassan stated that every house in the Palisades is in a "hazard zone" there is a 50% chance that property owners are living on a zone with the same seismic landslide designation that this project has.
Mr.
Hassan said that he has not seen the report from the Edgewater Tower's geologist - the last they have received was dated 2001.
Mr.
Hassan is more than happy to look at any updated report from the Edgewater Towers.
Mr.
Hassan stated that he has done more than seven years of studies and looked at studies performed by others on the site; Dana Prevost and other engineers have paid attention to every detail, boreholes, test pits, trenches, etc.
Discussion About the Motion for PPCC to File a Coastal Permit Appeal: Harry Sondheim asked specifically what promise was made to the Board regarding an EIR and for a 'yes or no' answer whether that promise was broken.
Mr.
Coaloa responded that he cannot produce an EIR, did not promise one, was not opposed to an EIR at the City's hearing and said that he has worked very hard to try to accommodate the community.
Mr.
Coaloa stated that the document is not a legal EIR but is an Environmental Assessment reports that is the closest thing he can do as an individual.
Harry Sondheim observed that Norm Kulla couldn't tell the Board tonight exactly how the letter will be changed (Mr.
Hassan said that Norm wouldn't know because he is not a geotechnical engineer).
Relative to the Motion, Harry said that the two other groups who are appealing can raise what issues/problems they are interested in and the PPCC can support them relative to the concerns we have already stated on the public record.
Jennifer Malaret questioned the procedural aspects of the Motion: why PPCC needed to be an appellant, the fact that the Motion did not include a discussion of what procedurally was going on (i.e., exhaustion, alleged Coastal Act violations, facts needed to support the filing of an appeal).
Jennifer also stated that she objected to Paragraph 7 that alleged as true factual circumstances relative to the Edgewood Towers yet Edgewood Towers has not appeared before the PPCC or submitted a letter to the Board.
Jennifer reminded the Board that PPCC has not taken a position for or against the project - in part because other people/groups in the community such as Malibu Village HOA supported the project the last time the merits of the entire project were presented to the Board.
Janet Turner stated that she was very comfortable supporting the appeals of others and is not comfortable with opening the door to PPCC becoming an appellant in Coastal Permit appeals as a general matter.
Steve Boyers said that, historically following his tenure as PPCC Chair, PPCC has been more inclined to support or oppose a certain project without boring into the details and filing an appeal because that would require the PPCC to become a responsible party and to adjudicate the facts ourselves.
Amy Greenwood spoke from the audience to say that she is considering but not confirming that she is filing an appeal to the project's Coastal Permit.
Amy Greenwood asked the PPCC if it had confirmation of the second group appealing; Janet Turner stated that the council does not.
Amy Greenwood asked about the 2009 letter where Paragraph 2 has now deemed to be a mistake; the problem Amy saw is that the final date to appeal is 11.3.11 and we don't know upon what date the new letter will be received.
Earl Ellis reported Tovar's comments at the hearing that included statements that there was no inadequacy of soils work and no amount of work would flush out more.
Harry Sondheim asked why we should appeal if the two other groups are going to appeal.
Jack Allen responded that we will all be paying if there is a landslide.
Vote: Marguerite Perkins Mautner called for the motion and Gil Dembo seconded.
Jack Allen voted in favor; 13 opposed; Jim Rea, Barbara Marinacci, Chris Spitz, Stuart Muller and Haldis Toppel abstained.
Harry Sondheim asked to go on record that, if there is an appeal on the EIR issue, PPCC will support that appeal.
Harry Sondheim called the motion and Jim Rea seconded.
The Motion passed unanimously.
10.
3. Retaining Walls, Part 2 of
3. Haldis Toppel & LUC - please look at the handout that was given. Questions and comments are welcome to be directed to Haldis before the next board meeting. 11\. General Public Comment \-- None. 12\. Adjournment. Janet Turner adjourned the meeting at 9:00 PM. **ATTACHMENTS**
**
MOTIONS PRESENTED:** **ITEM 10.1 -- Santa Monica Incline. LUC Recommended Motion / Letter - George Wolfberg (APPROVED)** City of Santa Monica, Public Works Department Civil Engineering Division 1437 4th Street, Suite 300 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Re California Incline Bridge Replacement Project Re-circulated Draft EIR/EA The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has been the voice of the Palisades community for over 38 years.
The Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Blvd. are literally our lifelines.
Anything which hinders traffic flow on these arteries is of great concern because we are an isolated community and all too often must depend on far-flung resources to respond to major traffic accidents as well as fires and other emergencies.
We know from experience that disruptions on PCH often bring Sunset Blvd. through the Palisades to a complete stand-still.
With this in mind, we have reviewed the reference EIR/EA and found it worrisome. A primary concern is the Traffic Management Plan (TMP).
Table 4-1 refers to the "Traffic Management Plan found in Chapter 2, Section 2.1.7." The "TMP" is both detailed and vague, leaving many facets to be worked out in the future and no signage to deter discretionary commuter traffic from areas such as Camarillo and Thousand Oaks.
This "Z" traffic now uses cross-mountain roads to travel to PCH from Highway 101.
During the recent closure of one lane of PCH near Temescal Canyon Road, signage in these distant locales greatly reduced coastal traffic.
We expect no less for the Incline project.
These signs should be installed in the weeks leading up to construction as the first day will set the tone for the duration.
The TMP boundary obviously is too small.
It fails to include the area along PCH from Entrada Drive to Sunset Blvd. as well as Sunset to Allenford.
Traffic counts have been ignored or are out-of date.
We request that the TMP be updated to include this expanded area which undoubtedly will be severely impacted by the Incline closure. TMP should seriously consider turning 7th Street from Wilshire to the I-10 on-ramp into a one-way street to provide a useful alternative to motorists who need to access the westbound Coast Highway.
The revised TMP should be vetted with the community, including PPCC, prior to approval of the EIR/EA.
We believe the Moomat Ahiko improvements will be helpful but inadequate to handle diverted Incline traffic.
We strongly recommend that Appian Way be opened from the Pier to Pico Blvd. for the duration of the project.
This suggestion, made by several people in 2007, has not been treated seriously in the reference draft.
In addition, the "coned-off" exit from the 1550 Parking Lot must be closed temporarily and relocated to reduce traffic turbulence around the McClure Tunnel.
The traffic signal at PCH and Annenberg already causes a back up of traffic on PCH.
We would like to recommend that this signal be deactivated during constructions period. A key step in reducing the impact on the greater community would be for Incline reconstruction to proceed 24/7 to assure the most rapid completion of this project.
While the EIR mentions this as an option, we urge that Santa Monica adopt this expedited policy to assure the public that work will be expedited.
In furtherance of this time saving goal, we urge Santa Monica to provide substantial early completion incentive bonuses to contractors and, to the extent possible, use pre-cast materials.
Finally, we recommend that Santa Monica partner with the City of Los Angeles to develop rapid response teams to deal with traffic snarls and other emergencies near the boundaries of the two cities.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the reference Draft EIR/EA. **ITEM 10.2 -- 17030 Sunset Boulevard** **\- Jack Allen Motion to File an Appeal to the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission to Appeal the LA City Zoning Administrator's Decisions to (1) not require that a focused environmental impact report be prepared regarding a proposed apartment and (2) approve a coastal permit. (FAILED TO PASS)** Appeal to West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Upon motion by ______________, seconded by_______________ the Council approved the following Motion: MOTION OF PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL TO APPEAL DECISION OF LOS ANGELES CITY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TO NOT REQUIRE THAT A FOCUSED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT BE PREPARED REGARDING A PROPOSED APARTMENT BUILDING LOCATED AT 17300 SUNSET BLVD. AND TO APPROVE A COASTAL PERMIT.