{"id":5515,"date":"2018-10-27T00:44:22","date_gmt":"2018-10-27T00:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=5515"},"modified":"2019-01-12T14:58:54","modified_gmt":"2019-01-12T14:58:54","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2018-11-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2018-11-08\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2018 \/ 11 \/ 08"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to Index of 2018 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 8th 2018<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance:\u00a0 <\/strong>George Wolfberg, Richard Cohen (acting Secretary), Maryam Zar, Sue Kohl, Rick Mills, David Kaplan, Joanna Spak, Steve Cron, Reza Akef, Haldis Toppel, Brenda Theveny, Bill Bruns, Duke Ostendorf, Richard Blumenberg, Ellie Jenkins, Steve Boyers<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates: \u00a0<\/strong>Barbara Kohn, Eric Dugdale, Mary Mueller, Cathi Ruddy<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Howard Robinson, Steve Lantz,David Peterson, \u00a0Barbara Marinacci, Jan Ostendorf, Patti Post, Rob Weber<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>The Chair George Wolfberg called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and certified that a quorum was present.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0 Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. \u00a0<\/strong>Patti Post read the Council\u2019s Mission.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 \u00a0 Introduction of the Board and Audience.\u00a0 <\/strong>The board and audience were introduced.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0 \u00a0 Approval of Minutes & Upcoming Meetings. \u00a0<\/strong>1) Approval of Minutes \u2013 <\/em>The minutes of 10\/25\/18 were deemed approved as corrected. \u00a02) Upcoming Meetings \u2013 <\/em>December 13, 2018:\u00a0 Holiday Dinner Meeting and Awards Gala.\u00a0 January 10, 2019 and January 24, 2019: \u00a0topics to be announced.<\/p>\n

5. \u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair announced that the agenda was as distributed with the exception that item 11.1 will be heard earlier as the presenters from LA County Public Works have a long commute.<\/p>\n

6. \u00a0 \u00a0Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. The Treasurer Richard Cohen reported that PPCC\u2019s bank balance is $31,681.58 and there were no significant transactions since the last report.<\/p>\n

7. \u00a0 \u00a0General Public Comment<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Marge Gold (resident)<\/span>. \u00a0The Village Green holiday tree will be lit at a mystery time; guess the time and win a prize from Vintage Market.<\/p>\n

7.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Jay Handal (Co-Chair, NC Budget Advocates and WLA-Sawtelle Neighborhood Council board member<\/span>). \u00a0Jay reported on the City Budget oversight process.\u00a0 He explained that City expenditures have exceeded the budget by about $100 million and this will lead to spending cuts later in the year.\u00a0 Much money is wasted, in Jay\u2019s view.\u00a0 There will be an online survey for the public to provide feedback on spending priorities.\u00a0 The Chair lamented that DONE prohibited him from becoming a Budget Advocate a few years ago.<\/p>\n

8. \u00a0 \u00a0Reports, Announcements and Concerns.<\/strong><\/p>\n

8.1. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From the Chair George Wolfberg<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.1.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Thanks to Richard Cohen for stepping up to take the minutes.\u00a0 News of Chris\u2019 mother is not well.<\/p>\n

8.1.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Thanks to the Awards Selection Committee, which will report later tonight.\u00a0 The Committee did great work.<\/p>\n

8.1.3. \u00a0 \u00a0It looks like two large pine trees may have to be removed to re-landscape Station 69. \u00a0The trees appear to be healthy.\u00a0 Further comments from Lisa Cahill (CD11) below.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.1.4. \u00a0 \u00a0There will be a Veterans Town Hall on November 11 at Los Angeles National Cemetery in West L.A.<\/p>\n

8.1.5. \u00a0 \u00a0The Chair presented a plaque to thank Gil Dembo for his years of service to the PPCC.<\/p>\n

8.2. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From Officers\u00a0<\/u>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.3. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From At-large and Area Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Steve Boyers (Area 7 Representative) thanked Assemblymember Bloom\u2019s office for their help in dealing with the DMV.<\/p>\n

8.3.2. \u00a0 \u00a0David Peterson (Area 6 Alternate) reported that Steve Balmer of the LA Clippers has granted money for the Recreation Center gym floors refurbishing.\u00a0 The floors look great and the work is being done in both gyms. Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) noted that the Clippers logo has been painted on each redone floor.\u00a0 David asked that PPCC send a thank you to the Clippers.<\/p>\n

8.4. \u00a0 \u00a0From Organizational Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Bill Bruns (Friends of Library) announced that the Friends will have a Holiday parking lot book sale this Saturday from 8:30am-1:30pm.<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Cathi Ruddy (Woman\u2019s Club) encouraged everyone to attend the PPWC Home Tour this Sunday.<\/p>\n

8.4.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Eric Dugdale (Historical Society) announced that December 6 is the Historical Society\u2019s holiday party at Aldersgate.\u00a0 Randy Young will be telling the story of what it was like to grow up in the Palisades.\u00a0 6pm for socializing, 7pm for program and dinner.\u00a0 Open to all with fee for dinner.<\/p>\n

8.4.4. \u00a0 \u00a0Brenda Theveny (TCA) reported that Sunday hikes are starting. \u00a0The first one is the Venice Canals on December 9; check the TCA website,\u00a0www.temcanyon.org<\/a>. TCA\u2019s annual meeting will be on December 3 at the Temescal Canyon dining hall. Joe Edmiston of \u00a0SMMC will be speaking.\u00a0 Liberty Canyon overpass plans also will be presented.<\/p>\n

8.5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From Government Offices\/Representative<\/u>s.<\/p>\n

8.5.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Lisa Cahill, Palisades Field Deputy, Councilmember Mike Bonin.<\/p>\n

Lisa reported on urban forestry matters:\u00a0 She announced that there are three motions at the Council.\u00a0 One motion would eliminate forgiveness for removal of trees.\u00a0 The second motion would switch the required removal replacement ratio to 4 to 1 if protected (2 to 1 if not protected), plus there would be an ecological value to be assigned and charged to developers.\u00a0 The third motion would create a Director of Urban Forestry in charge of all issues for better coordination.<\/p>\n

Lisa also reported on matters specific to the Palisades:\u00a0 She has checked out the Station 69 tree situation and she will make sure that the trees are properly handled. The deadline for Potrero Canyon encroachment removals is the end of this month.\u00a0 More than one-half of encroachments have already been removed.\u00a0 The grading phase has begun.\u00a0 Questions about drainage are being addressed.\u00a0 Regarding the Alphabet Streets restricted parking district:\u00a0Lisa hopes that the signs will go in by the beginning of December.<\/p>\n

8.5.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Officer Ryan Basaker (LAPD West Traffic Division).<\/p>\n

Officer Basaker reported that collisions and injuries are down YTD.\u00a0 Motorcycles are being handled by the special problems group.\u00a0 Sgt. Tameo is the new head of this group (33087@lapd.online<\/a>), which deals with motorcycles, racing, etc. \u00a0Scooters are a problem in W.L.A. and Westwood.\u00a0 LAPD is doing some enforcement against scooters, especially riding on the sidewalk or without helmets. Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman\u2019s Club Representative) noted that there is illegal theft of electricity by persons doing unauthorized charging of scooters from outside outlets at the PPWC clubhouse.\u00a0 Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) inquired about accident numbers at Chautauqua and Sunset.\u00a0 Eric Bruins of CD11 stated that installation of a protected left turn signal is a very high priority and funding is being sought by the Council office.\u00a0Sue Kohl (Area 5 Representative) asked whether speed surveys have been done. Eric Bruins (CD11 Transportation Deputy):\u00a0Sunset is done; the Palisades Drive survey has been completed and does not support the existing speed limit so the Council needs to decide whether to increase the Palisades Drive speed limit, likely by 5 mph, to allow radar enforcement.\u00a0 A website, www.gohumansocal.org<\/a>, has information on regulations and scooter safety.<\/p>\n

8.6. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From PPCC Advisors<\/u>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

9. \u00a0 \u00a0Reports from Committees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

9.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Awards Selection Committee<\/u>\u00a0(Sue Kohl, Chair; Richard Blumenberg, Bill Bruns, Daphne Gronich, Chris Spitz).\u00a0 Sue reported that the Selection Committee is pleased to announce the 2018 Awards Honorees:\u00a0 Co-Citizens of the Year:\u00a0 Jimmy Dunne and Bob Harter; Golden Sparkplugs:\u00a0 John Steadman and Dede Vlietstra; Pride of the Pallisades:\u00a0Arnie Wishnick.\u00a0 Sue read information about each of the Honorees\u2019 accomplishments.\u00a0 See attached Awards Honorees Information.\u00a0 <\/em>Sue advised that the Honorees are all thrilled and proud to be selected for these Awards and have thanked the PPCC for recognizing them with these honors. The website detailing the work of Dunne and Harter is www.veteransgardens.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Awards Event Committee<\/u>\u00a0(Peter F. Culhane, Chair). \u00a0In Peter\u2019s absence, Richard Cohen (Treasurer and Committee member) reported that the Event Committee is hard at work planning for the Gala, which will take place on December 13 at Gladstones.\u00a0 The event host will again be Sam Lagana, who did such a great job at our 2017 Gala.\u00a0The event will begin with a reception and cocktails at 6:30pm, and then dinner and awards presentations beginning at 7pm. There will also be silent and live auctions with unique items up for bid.\u00a0Coming soon: invitations and information about how to RSVP and to submit tribute ads for the program book.\u00a0 It will be a festive and fun evening and we hope to see everyone there to celebrate with our Honorees and the Palisades community.<\/p>\n

9.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Village Project Community Liaison Committee<\/u>\u00a0(VPCLC; David Kaplan and Sue Kohl, Co-Chairs) \u2013 None.<\/p>\n

10. \u00a0 \u00a0Old Business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

10.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Motion Regarding <\/u>Marquette St. Residential Project<\/u> (motion made and seconded on 10\/25; postponed to 11\/8 board meeting pursuant to Bylaws Art. X.2.B).<\/p>\n

The Chair read a letter from Rick Lemmo (Chamber of Commerce Representative) to the board explaining why he had missed the meeting tonight and the background on his request for postponement of the motion at the last meeting.\u00a0 See attached Rick Lemmo letter of November 8, 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chair also reported that after the last board meeting the Executive Committee wrote a letter to the City requesting a 30-day extension of time to comment.\u00a0 The City declined the request for an extension of time. \u00a0See attached EC Letter of October 26, 2018.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cosimo Pizzulli (the developer) was present and requested to speak for a few minutes. \u00a0The Chair permitted him to do so.\u00a0 Mr. Pizzulli stated that he was out of town at our last meeting and wants to set the record straight.\u00a0 He explained that there are eight lots existing on the property.\u00a0 All proposed houses are smaller than Code limits.\u00a0 The setbacks are larger than Code in the front and sides.\u00a0 The rear yards also exceed minimum size.\u00a0 New street improvements will include sidewalks, curbs and parkways.\u00a0 Mr. Pizzulli will fund a new sewer line.\u00a0 He added that he had received many letters of support from neighbors.\u00a0 There will be a new emergency vehicle turn-around at the end of lot #1. He received Civic League approval.\u00a0 The MND process was completed with responses.<\/p>\n

Following Mr. Pizzulli\u2019s remarks, board members had numerous questions and made comments regarding several aspects of the project, including the sewer line, the extent of claimed support from neighbors, street repaving, disruption during construction, export of dirt, assumption of the risk regarding retaining walls, extent of required grading bond and lot line adjustments.\u00a0 Mr. Pizzulli provided responses.<\/p>\n

After the Q&A with Mr. Pizzulli, the board considered the motion that had been postponed from the last meeting.\u00a0 Before voting commenced on the motion, Rick Mills (Area 4 Representative) moved to amend paragraph 2 of the motion by replacing the original language with the following new paragraph:<\/p>\n

2) The PPCC notes that neighbors have questioned the use of sequential lot line adjustments for this development. We ask that the City consider the neighbors’ concerns about the appropriateness of the use of multiple lot line adjustments for the development of eight homes on three Assessor’s parcels, including a parcel which appears to have an existing Coastal Commission deed restriction related to future development.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Second:\u00a0 Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative).\u00a0 Vote on the Mills motion to amend paragraph 2:\u00a0 Passed.<\/p>\n

Maryam Zar (Chair Emeritus) then proposed to add to paragraph #1 a request that the developer address the sewer needs of the neighbors.\u00a0 Howard Robinson (Area Three Alternate) explained that each house will have a sump pump to take the sewage from each house up to the street and tie into the city sewer line.\u00a0 The sewage plan is not public until the approved plans are done.<\/p>\n

Reza Akef (Area Eight Representative) next moved to amend paragraph #1 of the motion by replacing the original language with the following new sentence:<\/p>\n

PPCC requests that the developer provide all plans to the neighbors and to the community including sewer and sewer ejector plans.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Second:\u00a0 Maryam Zar.\u00a0Vote on the Akef motion to amend paragraph #1:\u00a0 Passed.<\/p>\n

Rick Mills then moved to retain the original language of paragraph #1 and to add the new sentence proposed by Akef, instead of replacing paragraph #1 with the new sentence. Second:\u00a0 Brenda Theveny.\u00a0 Vote on the Mills motion:\u00a0 Passed.<\/p>\n

There were no amendments to Paragraph #3 of the original motion.<\/p>\n

The question was called on the amended motion as follows:<\/p>\n