{"id":7251,"date":"2019-12-30T16:34:31","date_gmt":"2019-12-30T16:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/?page_id=7251"},"modified":"2020-06-29T12:39:12","modified_gmt":"2020-06-29T12:39:12","slug":"ppcc-minutes-2020-23-01","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/ppcc-minutes-2020-23-01\/","title":{"rendered":"PPCC Minutes – 2020 \/ 01 \/ 23"},"content":{"rendered":"

Return to Index of 2020 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

MINUTES FROM JANUARY 23rd 2020<\/h5>\n

Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0<\/strong>David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Barbara Marinacci, Alan Goldsmith, Rick McGeagh, Jan Ostendorf, Cathi Ruddy<\/p>\n

Voting Alternates:<\/strong>\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg, Fay Vahdani, David Peterson<\/p>\n

Non-voting Advisors and Alternates: \u00a0<\/strong>Mary Mueller, Zennon Ulyate-Crow, Miriam Schulman<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 \u00a0 Certification of Quorum. \u00a0<\/strong>In the absence of a Chair, Vice-Chair David Card called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and certified that a quorum was present.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Reading of Community Council\u2019s Mission. <\/strong>\u00a0Richard Cohen read the Mission Statement.<\/p>\n

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

4.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Approval of Minutes & Upcoming Meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a01) Approval of Minutes \u2013\u00a0<\/em>the minutes of 1\/09\/20 were deemed approved as corrected. \u00a02) Upcoming Meetings<\/em>\u2013 February 13, 2020:\u00a0 Briefing on proposed Gladstones Redevelopment project.\u00a0 February 27, 2020:\u00a0 Guest Speaker \u2013 LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin.\u00a0 March 12, 2020:\u00a0 LADWP presentation on the Palisades\u2019 power needs. \u00a0March 26, 2020: \u00a0Guest Speaker \u2013 LA City Controller Ron Galperin (postponed from 1\/23\/20).<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Consideration of Agenda.\u00a0 <\/strong>The agenda was considered.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 \u00a0 Treasurer\u2019s Report<\/strong>. \u00a0The Treasurer Richard Cohen reported that the Council\u2019s bank balance is $41,723. There were no significant transactions since his last report. He also gave a quick recap of the Awards party: our revenue was $8,300 and we had expenses of about $6,230, for a positive net of $2,070.\u00a0 Of that amount about $1,700 was due to contributions, mostly increments added to ticket purchases. Food, room rental, awards costs and beverage costs were the primary expenditures.\u00a0The Treasurer extended congratulations to all involved.<\/p>\n

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

7.1. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Marge Gold (resident)<\/u>.\u00a0 From March 6-16, the Village Green will again be \u201cYarn Bombed\u201d in honor of Woman\u2019s History Month by Michelle Villemaire.<\/p>\n

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

8.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>From the Chair<\/u>\u00a0(Presiding Officer).<\/p>\n

8.1.<\/em>1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Resignation of Chair; presiding officer nomination & board approval of replacement (Bylaws, Art. VII.4.E). Thank you to outgoing Chair Emeritus. <\/em><\/p>\n

The Vice-Chair announced that our esteemed Chair George Wolfberg has resigned as Chair and read from his resignation letter of January 14, 2020, which concluded with the following: <\/strong>\u201cI find great comfort in knowing that our historic Community Council is in such good hands.”\u00a0 See attachment below for the full text of the letter. <\/em>
\n<\/strong>
\nThe Vice-Chair described his 10 years of positive experience working with George. He praised George for his service to the community and explained that as a result of his resignation, George has now become Chair Emeritus.\u00a0 The Vice-Chair also thanked outgoing Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar for her service. He then \u201chanded the gavel\u201d to the Treasurer to preside over the nomination and approval of a replacement PPCC Chair.<\/p>\n

The Treasurer read aloud from the Bylaws provision that governs the replacement of the Chair (cited above).\u00a0 He noted that he has known and worked with George since 2002.\u00a0He described their extensive experience together and working relationship, and he praised George for his mentorship, exemplary leadership and service to the community.\u00a0 The Treasurer then nominated Vice-Chair David Card for the Chair position, explaining that George recruited David as Vice-Chair and had the utmost confidence in him.\u00a0 David has been serving admirably as Presiding Officer in the Chair\u2019s absence since August 2019 and is willing to continue to serve as Chair for the next few months (until the Officers\u2019 election in June 2020) and is also open to serving as Chair if he is nominated and elected during the Officers\u2019 election. The Treasurer called for a vote of the board to approve David Card as PPCC Chair.\u00a0 RESULT:\u00a0Unanimous board approval.<\/p>\n

The new Chair David Card then resumed presiding over the meeting.<\/p>\n

8.1.2.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0PP Park Advisory Board 1\/15\/20 meeting update. \u00a0<\/em>The Chair attended the meeting and reported that there was a presentation by the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) project engineer for Potrero Canyon Park, Pedro Garcia.\u00a0 He also noted that he went on a tour of the park this morning as a Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee (PCCAC) member, with a few other members and BOE representatives, to see the progress of the park. \u00a0He reported that the shape has been formed and there is more to be done.\u00a0The rough grading stage is almost completed and the landscaping phase is going out to bid soon.\u00a0 This will be a passive park with a hiking trail.\u00a0 There won\u2019t be picnic tables but there will be an open field southwest of the baseball fields, and entrances by the tennis courts and the opening at the south end of the park above PCH; there will likely be another entrance on Friends St. There will be fencing around the rim (which may be only 4 ft. high) and the entrance gates will be \u201cTrilogy\u201d gates to be locked at night (opened at dawn and closed at dusk every day).\u00a0 He noted that it is impossible to keep out all who may try to enter the park at various points around the rim and that some people will try to hop over or cut open any fencing in place. The next phase of the project will be to build a pedestrian bridge across PCH from the beach parking lot to the park entrance at the south end.\u00a0 There were questions at the Park Advisory Board (PAB) meeting about how park trash would be handled. \u00a0The trash may be taken to receptacles placed in the current staging area adjacent to PCH, below the south end of the park, subject to Caltrans approval.<\/p>\n

Rick McGeagh<\/u>\u00a0(PPBA; also a PAB member) stated that the bridge construction would allow park visitors to park along PCH.\u00a0 He noted that the Recreation Center is only gaining 31 parking spaces and the PAB has expressed its support for the bridge.\u00a0 One problem is that the bridge is estimated to cost at least $10 million and will require permits.\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>\u00a0noted that the bridge was the PCCAC\u2019s number one priority in order to provide for a safe crossing across PCH. \u00a0David Peterson<\/u>(Area 6 1st Alternate): Are there estimates on the traffic expected at the passive park?\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 He is not aware of any estimates, but the original Coastal permit required 11 parking spaces and may have been amended.\u00a0 Parking spaces will be on the left side of the turnaround at the Recreation Center entrance.\u00a0 Sue Kohl<\/u>\u00a0(Area 5 Representative):\u00a0 Is there a way for the plans to be made available to anyone who wants to see plans? \u00a0The Chair<\/u>: \u00a0He will suggest to Pedro Garcia that once drawings are completed Mr. Garcia should consider placing them in the library.\u00a0 However, he cautioned that the plans will include many pages of architectural drawings.\u00a0 Comments have been made on the drawings by some PCCAC members.\u00a0 The Chair hasn\u2019t seen all of the drawings.\u00a0 BOE is usually reluctant to release documents publicly until they are final and have gone out to bid.\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg<\/u>(Area 8 1st Alternate): Will there be security cameras at the entrance gates?\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>: \u00a0BOE has been asked about this and have reported that the Natural History Museum has a pilot program that positions cameras in open space areas to track wildlife; it is possible this may be utilized in Potrero Canyon. Barbara Marinacci<\/u>\u00a0(Garden Club) commented that the park should be landscaped with all native vegetation.\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 The landscape plan recommended by PCCAC, which he developed, calls for all native vegetation.\u00a0 The Secretary Chris Spitz<\/u>:\u00a0 As a resident of Friends St., she noted that people often use wire-cutters or other means to open the chain link fence in place now and she requested that the Chair notify BOE of this problem in connection with the new proposed fencing.\u00a0 Steve Cron<\/u>(Area 2 Representative):\u00a0 Will there be new bathrooms in the park?\u00a0 The Chair<\/u>:\u00a0 Only at the tennis court entrance.<\/p>\n

8.1.3.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Fire Safety — Planned Evacuation Drill & Fire Suppression classes (updates & information). <\/em>\u00a0An LAFD evacuation drill is being planned for the Highlands and upper Marquez, similar to the Mandeville Canyon evacuation drill last year.\u00a0 This will occur in May (specific date to be determined).\u00a0 The drill is being organized by Deputy Chief Armando Hogan.\u00a0 Lisa Cahill of CD11 has asked us to form a small volunteer team to give advice and possibly help on the day of the event.\u00a0 The volunteer team will consist of David Card, Cathi Ruddy, Miriam Schulman, Haldis Toppel, K.C. Soll, Steve Cron and Joanna Spak (who has requested that LAFD consider holding an evacuation drill for the Castellammare areas as well). \u00a0K.C. Soll is also offering to arrange for a Fire Suppression course for the Palisades and we are awaiting details.<\/p>\n

8.1.4.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Status of PPRA Primary Representative and Area 4 2nd Alternate seats. <\/em>PPRA has appointed Jan Ostendorf as its new primary representative, replacing Bill Klein who was unable to continue serving.\u00a0 As a result, we now have an opening for the Area 4 2nd Alternate position (formerly held by Jan). We will be initiating the process to fill that vacant seat in due course.<\/p>\n

8.1.5.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>PPCC Position Letter re Ban on Sales of Flavored Tobacco (Vaping): <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Flavored-Tobacco-Letter.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.1.6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Arnie Wishnick Sign Installation Ceremony 1\/16\/20 update. <\/em>\u00a0This ceremonial event was well-attended and there was a huge turnout to honor Arnie.\u00a0There are now two signs on Antioch saying \u201cArnie Wishnick Way,\u201d one at each end of the block.<\/p>\n

8.1.7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>SMCCA Aircraft Noise Update:
\n<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Aircraft-Noise-Update-from-SMCCA.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8.1.8.\u00a0 \u00a0 Mitchell Schwartz.\u00a0 <\/em>Palisadian Mitchell Schwartz is a starting Tackle on the Kansas City Chiefs and will be playing in the Super Bowl this year.\u00a0 Best wishes to him!<\/p>\n

8.2.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>From Officers<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.2.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Chris Spitz (Secretary).
\na) SB 50<\/u>:
\n<\/em>Joint PPCC\/BCC letter:\u00a0https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/PPCC-BCC-SB50-Letter.pdf
\n<\/a>PPCC (Vice-Chair\/Secretary) letter:
\nhttps:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Card-Spitz-SB50-Letter2.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

The Secretary announced that SB 50 is now being considered by the Senate Rules Committee, and is expected to go to a floor vote soon.\u00a0 PPCC has written another letter to the Rules Committee, explaining our position in greater detail and urging amendment of the bill to provide a clear exemption from mandated up-zoning for parcels in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, without exception.\u00a0 See: <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wpcontent\/uploads\/2020\/01\/LetterSenaterRulesSB50R.pdf<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Another message has also been sent to the California Fire Chiefs and the LA County Fire Department.\u00a0 See:\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Message-to-Fire-Chiefs.pdf<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The Secretary explained that PPCC and BCC have been writing and speaking extensively with elected officials and fire professionals about this issue.\u00a0 BCC\u2019s Chair Michelle Bisnoff even traveled to Sacramento yesterday and spoke with the legislative directors for all members of the Rules Committee.\u00a0 The Secretary thanked BCC\u2019s Chair for her efforts.\u00a0 There are complicated issues involving the meaning of the bill\u2019s confusing language about the fire hazard exception which the Secretary briefly explained.\u00a0 She stressed that we are continuing to insist on a clear exemption for our VHFHSZ areas (all of the Palisades), without exemption. Meanwhile we are still awaiting the results of a review being conducted by the California Fire Chiefs, LA Country Fire and the firefighters union, but we anticipate that the bill will pass in the Senate and then go to the Assembly before the January 31 deadline.\u00a0At this point Assemblymember Bloom\u2019s position on the bill is unknown. We will continue to monitor and reach out to him and other key Assemblymembers as necessary.\u00a0 The Secretary stated that she would welcome assistance from Board members in this endeavor and she asked anyone interested to contact her.<\/p>\n

b) \u00a0WRAC Leadership 1\/15\/20 meeting update<\/u>: \u00a0No action was taken by leadership at the last meeting. A representative of the Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment (the agency that oversees neighborhood councils\/NCs) provided information about restrictions on the conduct of NCs, including the use of funds and resources, speech and taking positions on ballot measures.\u00a0 It was emphasized again that NCs are not permitted to speak with or lobby non-City officials regarding their positions on issues. The Secretary noted that the type of engagement by PPCC and BCC with state officials relative to SB 50, as just described, would not be permitted if PPCC were to become certified with the City.<\/p>\n

c) \u00a0Legislation update<\/u>: \u00a0The Secretary had no additional updates.<\/p>\n

8.3.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>From At-Large and Area Representatives<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.3.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Andrew Wolfberg (Area 8 1st Alternate).\u00a0 The Genesis Open Golf Tournament at the Riviera Country Club will take place from February 10-16.\u00a0 Attendees are asked not to use the Capri entrance; all attendees will be directed to the Longworth Entrance. \u00a0Ride-sharing drop-offs will be at Revere Middle School.\u00a0 Check the Genesis Open website for more information.<\/p>\n

8.3.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Steve Cron (Area 2 Representative). He participated in the Homeless Count on Wednesday night for the first time. He estimates that 60-70 people attended.\u00a0 He learned a lot, made friends and encourages everyone to volunteer next year.<\/p>\n

8.3.3. \u00a0 \u00a0Alan Goldsmith (At-large Representative).\u00a0 He asked if there was a date set for the evacuation drill and he offered to join the volunteer team. The Chair reiterated that the drill will occur in May but no specific date has been set at this time.\u00a0 The Chair also explained that the volunteer team is now in place and will be more effective if kept at a small number; Alan can be an \u201calternate\u201d member of the team.<\/p>\n

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

8.4.1. \u00a0 \u00a0Cathi Ruddy (PP Woman\u2019s Club). \u00a0Upcoming PPWC fundraising events:\u00a0 1) the annual Fashion Show, Tuesday March 10, 11am-2pm; tickets are $40 and available at the Club.\u00a0 2) the annual Rummage Sale, Saturday, March 28, 9am-3pm; please consider donating good quality items for the sale (drop-off with Club Director Roberta Donahue at the Clubhouse; check with Roberta for drop-off times).<\/p>\n

8.4.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Fay Vahdani (Chamber of Commerce Alternate). The Chamber\u2019s annual Installation Dinner will take place on January 30 from 6-9pm at the Woman\u2019s Club. Honorary Mayors. Billy & Janice Crystal will help install Sarah Knauer as Chair and the other new officers and board members. A BBQ dinner and entertainment will be included.\u00a0 Tickets are $75, available at the Chamber website.<\/p>\n

8.5. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From Government Offices \/ Representatives<\/u>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

8.6. \u00a0 \u00a0From PPCC Advisors<\/u>.<\/p>\n

8.6.1. \u00a0 \u00a0In the absence of Transportation Advisor Patti Post, the Secretary reported on the status of the Marvin Braude Beach Trail Improvement Project.\u00a0 Ms. Post recently received an email message from Yggy Ruiz, Project Manager with the LA County Dept. of Public Works, who explained that the Coastal Commission is attempting to place the matter on the February agenda so that a Coastal permit may be issued.\u00a0 He also stated that the project is still on schedule to begin construction later this year.\u00a0The Treasurer provided further details about the project\u2019s status.<\/p>\n

8.6.2. \u00a0 \u00a0Zennon Ulyate-Crow (Youth Advisor).\u00a0 Pali High recently had a College Orientation Night, which was a big success.\u00a0 Tomorrow there will be a \u201cSuper Smash Bros\u201d (video game) tournament at the Recreation Center, hosted by the Youth Council at the Recreation Center.<\/p>\n

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

9.1.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Palisades Forestry Committee (PFC)<\/u>. \u00a0The Chair reported that the PFC has been meeting regularly and working on the Hartzell St. pilot project as well as evaluating a list developed by the Forestry Division of 150 trees as appropriate street trees.\u00a0 PFC members are looking at the pros and cons of each listed tree in light of various factors (size, shade cover, watering needs, roots, etc.).\u00a0 The Committee\u2019s work is ongoing.<\/p>\n

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

10.1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>PPCC Operations: Beginning a board discussion\/possible formation of committees<\/u>.<\/p>\n

a) Awards event: \u00a0What is the desired format going forward?\u00a0 Should the awards guidelines be revised and\/or do we wish to continue sponsoring awards?
\nb)\u00a0Finances\/fundraising: \u00a0How do we plan to cover PPCC annual expenses?
\nc) Beyond the Minutes: \u00a0Admin. duties that the Secretary alone has been handling \u2013 is there a feasible alternative?
\nd)\u00a0Website, email and social media platforms: \u00a0Do we need to update?
\ne) Other outreach: \u00a0Should PPCC hold additional community events or conduct\u00a0additional outreach?
\nf)\u00a0Suggestions from community members\/audience.<\/p>\n

Discussion only<\/u><\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Topic (a):\u00a0 Awards Event<\/u>. The Chair initially asked whether everyone wanted to continue the Awards event. There was extended discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various venues, including the Woman\u2019s Club, Gladstones and the Temescal Canyon Gateway Park Dining Hall. \u00a0Suggestions and comments on this topic included the following:\u00a0 Sue Pascoe<\/u>(resident):\u00a0 PPCC should designate a service club member of the Council each year to be in charge of the event. Sue Kohl<\/u>:\u00a0 We should keep the tradition although it is a lot of work; it would be difficult to get all the organizational members to agree to put on the event.\u00a0 We should charge a little more and perhaps hire a party planner.\u00a0 Steve Cron<\/u>: \u00a0The event was sold out early on last year; he believes people will buy tickets at a higher price.\u00a0 The Secretary<\/u>: The attendance is usually tied to who the Awardees are and whether there are many interested people who want to celebrate with the Awardees.\u00a0She noted that the Boy Scouts purchased three entire tables last year because Mike Lanning was an Awardee. She also related that several community members over the years have complained because they feel the ticket price is too high.\u00a0 We set the price lower this year because the venue was not as expensive as Gladstones but we probably could have charged more and people would have still bought tickets. Putting on the event was a huge amount of work and she is unwilling to do this again.\u00a0 She also noted the work that Sue Kohl has been doing with getting flowers and table decorations for several years, as well as the work put in by the Committee Chair Mary Mueller and other Committee members. One difficulty in planning for the event: Because of the Awards timeline, we don\u2019t know until November who the Awardees will be or if there will even be any Awardees. The Treasurer<\/u>: \u00a0He agreed that the event at the Woman\u2019s Club was lovely and he noted that many attendees remarked positively on the warmth of the Clubhouse venue vs. the Gladstones venue. However, the event production at the Woman\u2019s Club required an enormous commitment of volunteer effort, especially because, unlike Gladstones, the food, drink, partyware, linens, tableware, chafing dishes and the like all had to be brought in and set up; and due to cost we couldn\u2019t hire a caterer who could have supplied all of that plus servers and people to clean up.\u00a0 In addition, every year we give around 20 complimentary tickets to elected officials and first responders, which PPCC underwrites.\u00a0 We also used to do a tribute book, which generated more revenues for PPCC (example:\u00a0Caruso took out an expensive ad several times on the back cover).\u00a0 If we had a volunteer to go out and solicit ads and produce the book, that would be a significant fundraiser for PPCC and could help underwrite event costs. \u00a0Andrew Wolfberg<\/u>:\u00a0 PPCC might suggest that attendees be given the option of paying for one of the \u201ccomps\u201d (police officer, firefighter or government rep) to attend.\u00a0Mary Mueller<\/u>(At-large 1st Alternate; 2019 Awards Event Chair):\u00a0 If we could begin event planning earlier in the year, perhaps in August, we could begin soliciting ads for a tribute book and working on other event details. \u00a0A straw vote of members was then held on whether or not PPCC should continue to hold the Awards event party, as we have been doing.\u00a0RESULT: almost unanimous in favor of continuing to hold a party for the Awards event.\u00a0 Alan Goldsmith<\/u>(the sole member who indicated opposition) explained that he thinks that people are excluded from participating due to inability to purchase tickets; he suggested \u201cexpanding and democratizing\u201d the awards event, making it free of charge and perhaps holding it in connection with 4th of July festivities. \u00a0There were no comments by others in favor of this suggestion.<\/p>\n

Topic (b):\u00a0 Fundraising\/finances<\/u>.\u00a0 The Treasurer explained<\/u>:\u00a0 Our annual expenses vary; they sometimes run about $2-3,000, at other times they are $4-5,000.\u00a0 Every other year have Area and At-large Representative elections.\u00a0 There were costs for developing the voting interface in the first year of electronic voting. \u00a0It\u2019s hard to say what exact number is needed to keep the Council running each year.\u00a0 Much of the expense is tied to the Awards event.\u00a0He estimates that as a general rule, we need about $3,000 every year to sustain operations.\u00a0 We have a \u201cDonate\u201d page on the website which suggests $25 in \u201cdues\u201d from community members.\u00a0 We used to send out mailers suggesting this amount.\u00a0 The Treasurer\u2019s employer last year donated $2,000 to PPCC in a matching grant program.\u00a0 He suggests other Board members might inquire whether their employers had such a program. Rick Mills<\/u>(Area 4 Representative): \u00a0There is an ongoing problem with residents who don\u2019t know about PPCC.\u00a0 He suggests sending an email reminder that everyone donate $25.\u00a0 The Secretary<\/u>was asked how many people are on our group email list. Answer: around 2,000.\u00a0 Miriam Schulman<\/u>:\u00a0 Everyone should forward the email to at least 5 friends and the email message should include a blurb with what we do.\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg<\/u>: Real estate agents could give information to new homeowners about PPCC.\u00a0Cathi Ruddy<\/u>\u00a0(Woman\u2019s Club; PPCC Public Safety Liaison): \u00a0Residents should be encouraged to host MYN programs which could include information about PPCC.\u00a0 Christine Card<\/u>\u00a0(resident):\u00a0 Each Area Rep should let their constituents know about PPCC. \u00a0Zennon Ulyate-Crow<\/u>: We need something like banners put up publicly to demonstrate PPCC\u2019s presence in the community.\u00a0 We should set up booths in public places where members could answer questions and provide information about PPCC. \u00a0The Secretary<\/u>\u00a0noted that during her tenure as Chair she had instituted a PPCC table at the Farmers Market but there were very few volunteers and she ended up doing most of the work.\u00a0 David Peterson<\/u>:\u00a0 Information about PPCC should be sent out to HOAS and other local organizations.\u00a0 Christine Card<\/u>:\u00a0 PPCC should add another board position:\u00a0 Communications Director.<\/p>\n

Topic (c): \u00a0Beyond the Minutes<\/u>. \u00a0The Secretary<\/u>\u00a0noted that she had distributed a summary of the administrative tasks she has been doing for many years (most of which are not required under the bylaws).\u00a0 See:\u00a0 <\/em>https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/C.SpitzTasks-1-09-20.pdf<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

She explained that she will not always be on the PPCC Board; she cannot continue to do everything she\u2019s been doing and she asked for help, especially with some of the discrete tasks such as preparing all the member table cards.\u00a0 No one specifically volunteered to help with any of these tasks during the meeting.\u00a0 However, there were several suggestions for other approaches to administration from the Board and audience members.\u00a0 Miriam Schulman<\/u>\u00a0(Fire Safety Advisor): \u00a0Her HOA has hired an administrative aide at a cost of $35 an hour or around $300 month; she might be available to PPCC. Joanna Spak<\/u>\u00a0(Area 1 Representative):\u00a0 Suggested that members split up some of these duties.\u00a0 Audience member<\/u>\u00a0(resident):\u00a0 Suggested engaging youth to take on some of the tasks as part of their community service. Zennon Ulyate-Crow<\/u>: He believes many young people would volunteer; the Recreation Center Youth Council recently received 130 applications for 30 volunteer spots on that council.\u00a0 The Treasurer<\/u>:\u00a0 Many of the tasks that the Secretary handles are complex and require experience, training and a longer-term commitment than most youth are able to give.\u00a0 He also noted that since we aren\u2019t taking in many donations from the public, unless we have a large fundraiser the expense of hiring an outside administrator would have to come from the PPCC\u2019s reserve funds, which we must preserve as much as possible to ensure that the Council continues its good work in perpetuity. The Secretary<\/u>: \u00a0Several of the tasks require administrative access to the website and email accounts; it would be best if only a small number of reliable persons were assigned to these types of tasks. \u00a0She also explained that PPCC used to do postal mailings to Palisades addresses, with hard-copy newsletters and requests for donations, but hasn\u2019t done this for the past several years since the mailing expenses exceeded donation receipts.\u00a0 Rick McGeagh<\/u>: \u00a0We should hire someone accountable for administrative tasks; this issue is related to fundraising. \u00a0He related that many residents are not familiar with PPCC, and he suggested that PPCC send out an email to the public with a dedicated subject line, describing PPCC generally and also specifically requesting donations. The Secretary<\/u>\u00a0indicated that she would try to do so when she is able to take the time to create such an email. \u00a0Area Representatives could then forward the email to their constituents\/mailing lists.\u00a0 Sue Kohl and Steve Cron<\/u>\u00a0both indicated they would do so and would add a personal message encouraging residents to donate to PPCC and sign up for emails.\u00a0 Richard Wulliger<\/u>\u00a0(Historical Society):\u00a0 The Chair should appoint someone on the Board to handle administrative tasks.\u00a0 The Secretary<\/u>\u00a0pointed out that everyone is a volunteer and the Chair can\u2019t force members to volunteer for this position or take on any tasks.<\/p>\n

Topic (d):\u00a0 Website, etc<\/u>.\u00a0 Due to time constraints the board was unable to expand discussion of this topic, except as noted above.<\/p>\n

Topic (e): \u00a0Other outreach<\/u>.\u00a0 See remarks noted above during discussion of other topics.<\/p>\n

Topic (f):\u00a0 \u00a0Suggestions from community members\/audience<\/u>. See remarks noted above during discussion of other topics.<\/p>\n

The Chair thanked everyone for their suggestions and noted that we will continue the discussion as time allows at a later date.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0 \u00a0 New Business\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 None.<\/p>\n

12. \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Adjournment.\u00a0 <\/strong>The Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:45pm.<\/p>\n

____________________________________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\n

ATTACHMENT \u2013 Item 8.1.1:\u00a0 Resignation Letter from Chair George Wolfberg.<\/strong><\/p>\n

January 14, 2020<\/p>\n

Mr. David Card, Vice Chair
\nPacific Palisades Community Council
\nVia email DavidCard22@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Re<\/strong>: PPCC Chairmanship<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear David,<\/p>\n

I thank you and the entire PPCC for all of the love and support, as I have been focused almost entirely on challenges to my physical health since August, 2019. I was so honored by how I was received at the annual awards dinner and was thrilled to have been able to attend with my family and see all of your friendly faces.<\/p>\n

Having said that, I am no longer able to serve, nor currently anticipate resuming duties, as your Chairperson. Please consider this a formal resignation and to be effective immediately. I find great comfort in knowing that our historic Community Council is in such good hands.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n

George Wolfberg
\nChair
\nPacific Palisades Community Council<\/p>\n

Return to Index of 2020 Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Return to Index of 2020 Minutes MINUTES FROM JANUARY 23rd 2020 Voting Members in Attendance: \u00a0David Card, Richard Cohen, Chris Spitz, Joanna Spak, Sue Kohl, Steve Cron, Haldis Toppel, Rick Mills, Brenda Theveny, Dick Wulliger, Barbara Marinacci, Alan Goldsmith, Rick McGeagh, Jan Ostendorf, Cathi Ruddy Voting Alternates:\u00a0 Andrew Wolfberg, Fay Vahdani, David Peterson Non-voting Advisors […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-page-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7251","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7251"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7251\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pacpalicc.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}