VNC Board of Officers Meeting Agenda
Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291
BOARD MEETINGS: The Venice Neighborhood Council holds its regular meetings on the third Tuesday of the month and may also call any additional required special meetings in accordance with its Bylaws and the Brown Act. All are welcome to attend.
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POSTING: The agenda and non-exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board members in advance of regular and special meetings may be viewed at Groundworks Coffee (671 Rose Ave Venice, CA 90291), Abbots Habit (1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291), the Venice Library (501 South Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291), Oakwood Recreation Center (767 California St. Venice, CA 90291), the VNC website (http://www.venicenc.org), or at the scheduled meeting. For a copy of any record related to an item on the agenda, please contact the VNC secretary at secretary@venicenc.org.
PUBLIC COMMENT: The public is requested to fill out a “Speaker Card” to address the Board on any Old or New Business item on the agenda and the Treasurer’s Report. Comments from the public on these agenda items will be heard only when that item is being considered. Comments from the public on other agenda matters or on matters not appearing on the agenda but within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction will be heard during the Public Comment period. Public comment is limited to two (2) minutes per speaker, unless modified by the presiding officer of the Board.
DISABILITY POLICY: The Venice Neighborhood Council complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and does not discriminate on the basis of any disability. Upon request, the Venice Neighborhood Council will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Approval of outstanding minutes submitted by Secretary
January 19, 2010 Board Meeting Minutes
(see http://venicenc.org/files/100119VNCBoardMinutes.doc)
[Committee Reports are provided in written form when available]
4. Consent Calendar [None]
5. Treasurers Report – Hugh Harrison (310-487-2533; chezhaha@aol.com), Treasurer [Accept report as presented]
A Treasurer’s Report
1. Attached is the expenditure report for January 2010. See Exhibit A
2. The Los Angeles City Council, Budget Committee voted to recommend that the budget for Neighborhood Councils be cut in half to $22,500 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year and to eliminate all current and future roll-over spending. When brought to the full Council, the motion was deferred for one month as the entire City budget situation is reviewed.
3. Effective March 1, 2010, neighborhood councils will no longer be able to utilize petty cash. This means that all reimbursements for Board member costs will have to be submitted to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment [DONE] for processing through the City.
4. DONE has limited the use of the City purchase card to very minimal payments for on-going, recurring expenses. We are still negotiating with DONE on this point, but this will require many of our vendors to submit invoices to be processed through the City.
5. DONE has yet to complete its audit of the neighborhood councils and as a result is limiting them to their current year $45,000 grant even if there were roll-over funds from previous years.
B Report on Budget Crisis as it affects Venice
C From Budget Committee: The Budget Committee moves that the Venice Neighborhood Council adopt the following recommendations to be transmitted to the Los Angeles City Council, the Los Angeles City Budget committee, Councilman Rosendahl and Mayor Villaraigosa:
1. In reference to the funding of Neighborhood Councils, we endorse the following principles:
a. No budget cut for the 2010-2011 fiscal year should exceed 10% from the current year funding of $45,000.
b. That programmatic funding allocated by Neighborhood Councils be allowed to roll-over into the next fiscal year to ensure the completion of the programs.
2. In reference to the overall budget, we endorse the following principles:
a. The City should undertake a full pension plan review taking into account the Budget/LA Committee’s recommendations, and to implement specific steps to reduce future pension costs.
b. The City hire an independent legal counsel proficient in Chapter 9 filings to explore and advise on the contractual, fiscal, and short/long term effects of such a filing, and share that information with the neighborhood council system in a timely manner.
c. Review and analyze the amount of payroll reduction vs. layoffs to preserve essential services, not lower employee morale, and avoid unnecessary layoffs in these troubling economic times.
d. Do a full department by department review and consolidate where duplicate services exist.
e. Instruct the CAO to do a 5 year balanced budget plan.
3. In reference to the current City services provided to the Venice community, we endorse the principle that the following should not be cut or reduced from their current level of funding:
a. LAPD
b. LAFD
c. Street Maintenance
d. Sanitation services
e. Rec and Parks
4. In reference to the sale of surplus property, we endorse the proposal that all proceeds from such sales should be dedicated to one time funding of local projects and the funds not devolve to the General Fund.
5. In reference to the funding of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE), we endorse the principle of no additional cuts over those previous implemented prior to February 1, 2010.
6. Scheduled Announcements (no more than 1 minute per report unless otherwise stated)
A Commendations & Announcements Mike Newhouse (president@venicenc.org)
• Deanna Stevenson – for many years of dedication to furthering the goals of the Neighborhood Councils
• Liz Wright – for gaining approval for VNC stakeholders to work on VNC polls and to vote
• Election to confirm or replace Board selection of Andre Bollinger to fill vacant Community Officer position
B Governmental Reports
• DONE: Deanna Stevenson (Deanna.Stevenson@lacity.org)
• LAPD: Officer Peggy Thusing, Senior Lead Officer (310-622-3968; 25120@lapd.lacity.org)
• State Assemblyperson Ted Lieu: Jennifer Zivkovic, Field Representative (310-615-3515; Jennifer.zivkovic@asm.ca.gov)
• Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: Jennifer Badger, West Area Representatives (310-479-3823; jennifer.badger@lacity.org)
• City Councilperson Bill Rosendahl: Arturo Piña, Field Deputy (310-568-8772; arturo.pina@lacity.org)
• PlancheckLA: Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org)
• LADWP/MOU: VNC Representatives DeDe Audet
C Community Improvement Projects Report
Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): Report and announcement of upcoming CIP events.
D Community Improvement Project Applications See Exhibit B Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net) on behalf of neighborhood committee: The applications for the 2010-2011 Community Improvement Project funding will be ready at the Board meeting and are posted on the web at http://venicenc.org/files/CIP_App_2010.pdf.
E Online Mayor’s Budget Survey http://labudgetchallenge.lacity.org/budgetchallenge/sim/budget_master.ht…
Linda Lucks (310-821-7922; Vicepresident@Venicenc.org): By taking the online interactive survey, your voice will be heard by the Mayor and will affect the hard choices to be made.
F VNC Green Film Series – Part 1 – Fuel 2/28/2010
Kristopher Valentine (310-570-2199; kristopher.valentine@venicenc.org) on behalf of the Environmental Committee: Sunday, February 28, 2010; 7:00pm – 10:00pm @ The Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Avenue. The Venice Green Film Series is a three part Sunday series on February 28th, March 21st, and April 25th. The event is sponsored by the Venice Neighborhood Council and the Electric Lodge. This series is free and open to the public. Part one of the Venice Green Film Series will be showing is Fuel.
G Report on VNC Election
Marc Saltzberg (310-305-9660; outreach@VeniceNC.org)
7. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda
[15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person – no board member announcements permitted]
8. Old Business [None]
9. New Business
A Letter to Venice businesses in support of “Bin Your Butts” See Exhibit C
Kristopher Valentine (805-341-4577; kristopher.valentine@venicenc.org) on behalf of the Environmental Committee: We would like the board to review and approve the letter so that it can go out to local businesses. The letter asks for local businesses to support the “Bin Your Butts” campaign by purchasing and maintaining cigarette butt receptacles. If they do so the VNC will recognize them in the upcoming newsletter. Members of the Environmental Committee will hand deliver the letter. We request Board approval to use previously approved funds for the “Bin Your Butts” flyers to print 300 copies of the letter.
B LUPC Motions Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org) on behalf of LUPC
1. 523 Rose Avenue, DIR 2009-2711 SPP MEL: Challis Macpherson, Chair of LUPC, moves that VNC Board of Officers accept LUPC staff report and recommendation to support applicant’s appeal to waive Mello Act requirement to replace SFD. NOTE: This applicant’s appeal has already been granted by the WLA APC January 20, 2010, and is non-appealable any further. See Exhibit D
2. 4029 Lincoln Blvd, Wharo’s Korean BBQ, ZA 2009-2865: Challis Macpherson, Chair of LUPC, moves that VNC Board of Officers accept LUPC Staff Report and recommend renewal of existing CUB for continued on-site sale of beer and wine in conjunction with 1,850 sf, 48-seat restaurant. LUPC voted unanimously to recommend approval. See Exhibit E
3. Council File 09-2855 – ICO prohibiting off-site digital signage
The Venice Neighborhood Council urges adoption of the motion by Councilman Paul Koretz to extend the current city-wide prohibition on off-site digital signage to on-site digital signage in Council District 5. The VNC further urges extending this prohibition as an Interim Control Ordinance to all council districts pending a thorough study of the environmental effects of such digital signage, including but not limited to traffic safety, light pollution and energy use.
4. Re: Council File 10-0085 – Strengthen city’s planning and zoning code enforcement
The Venice Neighborhood Council urges adoption of the motion by Councilman Paul Koretz to strengthen the city’s planning and zoning code enforcement by establishing administrative fines and penalties severe enough to deter future code violations and to provide ongoing support of code enforcement independent of taxpayer funding.
10. Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda
[15 min, no more than 2 minutes per person – no board member announcements permitted]
11. Adjourn (approx 10:00PM)
Exhibit A – Treasurers Report
2009-10 Expenditures to Budget
January 2010
(see attached document below for a readable version)
Exhibit B – CIP Application Information
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING
Apply now for up to $2000!
Deadline: March 1, 2010
For the past two years the Venice Neighborhood Council has developed an innovative way to allocate Community Improvement Funds: on the basis of competitive applications from stakeholders. The results have been spectacular:
The VNC distributed $60,000, supporting 30 projects with funding ranging from $500 to almost $5000. The VNC funded projects ranged from school gardens to educational opportunities, from rock concerts to choral music, from theatre and photography workshops for children to a senior citizens dance.
This year the VNC will distribute another $20,000 using the same competitive application process. Venice stakeholders will be eligible to receive up to $2,000 to fund projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the Venice community.
All Venice stakeholders may apply
IMPORTANT DATES
March 1, 2009 Deadline for submitting applications
April 2009 Neighborhood Committee ranks submitted proposals
May 2009 Neighborhood Committee makes funding recommendations to the Venice Neighborhood Council
June 2009 Venice Neighborhood Council Board makes final decision on funding projects
Applications are available at the Venice Public Library, Venice Farmer’s market or can be downloaded from the VNC web site (http://venicenc.org/files/CIP_App_2010.pdf). For additional information contact Ivan Spiegel at parliamentarian@VeniceNC.org.
Exhibit C – “Bin Your Butts” Letter
February 16, 2010
Dear fellow Venetian,
Let’s make a significant impact to our environment in Venice!
The Venice Neighborhood Council is committed to improving every aspect of our environment. One such problem in Venice is the littering of cigarette butts. It is by far the biggest pollutant on our streets and beaches. This affects the ecosystem, marine wildlife, and the aesthetic of our community.
To address this problem we have launched the “Bin Your Butts” campaign, which aims at getting cigarette butts off our streets and beaches and into proper receptacles. Last fall we distributed 40 temporary cigarette receptacles for use at the Abbot Kinney Festival and First Fridays. The impact was substantial but it was only temporary.
We ask that you support “Bin Your Butts” by purchasing a cigarette butt receptacle for your business. This commitment means that your business will purchase one or more receptacles that would be owned and maintained by your business. Your commitment to cleaning up Venice will be recognized by the VNC in our next newsletter as well on the sites Venice Paparazzi (http://www.venicepaparazzi.com) and Yo! Venice! (http://www.venicepaparazzi.com).
To purchase a receptacle please go to sites like http://ecolad.com or http://www.trashcansandmore.com. Prices range from $100 to $300.
If you have any questions please contact Kristopher Valentine at kristopher.valentine@venicenc.org or (310) 570-2199. To have your business recognized in our upcoming newsletter please contact us before March 1st.
Sincerely,
Your Venice Neighborhood Council
Exhibit D – 523 Rose LUPC Staff Report
Venice NeighborhoodCouncil
PO Box 550, Venice CA 90294 /www.VeniceNC.org
Email: info@VeniceNC.org, /Phone or Fax: 310.606.2015
LAND USE AND PLANNING COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT
For Venice Neighborhood Council Board of Officers meeting
January 19, 2010
DRAFT STAFF REPORT
Case Number: DIR 2009-2711 SPP MEL
Address of Project: 523 Rose Avenue., Venice, California, 90291
SYNOPSIS:
Applicant, Oscar Hermosillo, requesting conversion of existing 1,454 sf of SFD in to new 1,230 restaurant, retail & accessory office. Applicant requesting that VNC/LUPC support appeal by applicant asking that the requirement to replace SFD be waived.
LUPC MOTION: Challis Macpherson, Chair of LUPC, 2010-1-13: That LUPC support Mr. Hermosillo’s appeal of application for 523 Rose as presented subject to 34 community conditions as appended to this motion. (NOTE: Conditions at bottom of this document.) Motion made by Kelly Li, seconded by Jim Murez and passed unanimously.
Size of Parcel: 3,139.2 sf (according to ZIMAS)
Size of Project: 2,950 sf floor area (according to permit application)
3,200.00 sf (according to ZIMAS)
Assessed Land Value: $650,250.00 (according to ZIMAS)
Last Owner Change: 11/08/07
Project Description: See Synopsis above
Venice Subarea: North Venice
Zone: C4-1
Date of Planning Report: TBA
Date of End of Appeal Period: TBA
City Planning Report
Prepared by: TBA
LUPC Staff Report Prepared By: John Reed
Applicant: Oscar Hermosillo
Address: 523 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA
Representative: Oscar Hermosillo
Date(s) heard by LUPC: December 9, 2009
January 13, 2101
Applicant’s Neighborhood Mtg. Applicant submitting letters from neighbors (over 50)
supportingapplication instead of having a meeting.
WLA Area Planning January 20, 2010
Commission Dates:
LUPC MOTION 12/9/09 – To postpone until January 13, 2009.
LUPC MOTION 2010-1-13: That LUPC support Mr. Hermosillo’s appeal of application for 523 Rose as presented subject to 34 community conditions as appended to this motion. (NOTE: Conditions at bottom of this document.) Motion made by Kelly Li, seconded by Jim Murez and passed unanimously.
ARGUMENTS FOR THIS PROJECT:
Mr. Hermosillo is firmly established in the community as a resident abutting Rose Avenue and proprietor of another business (529 Rose) with a reputation for commitment and care for our town. This new business will hire local people, pay taxes and provide a high level of service and recreation.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST THIS PROJECT:
SYNOPSIS OF PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. Over 50 letters of support provided en lieu of physical appearance.
FINDINGS:
VNC/LUPC RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1) No branded alcohol advertisements shall be visible from the outside of the premises.
2) There shall be no coin-operated games, video machines, pool tables or similar game activities maintained upon the premises at any time.
3) Any future operator or owner for this site must file a new Plan Approval Application to allow the City of Los Angeles to review the mode and character of the usage.
4) The authorized use shall be conducted at all times with due regard for the character of the surrounding district, and the right is reserved to the Zoning Administrator to impose additional corrective Conditions, if, in the Administrator s opinion, such Conditions are proven necessary for the protection of persons in the neighborhood or occupants of adjacent property.
5) The applicant shall train staff to provide Designated Driver resources, when appropriate, for restaurant patrons, such as taxicabs, referral services (e.g., www.designateddriver.com ).
6) In addition to the business name or entity, the name of the individual Applicant(s) shall appear on the alcohol license and any related permits.
7) Any graffiti painted or marked upon the premises or on any adjacent area under the control of the Applicant shall be removed or painted over within 24 hours of being applied, and the paint shall match the original color.
8) The Applicant shall be responsible for maintaining free of litter, the area and adjacent to the premises over which they have control.
9) Noise generated on-site shall not exceed the decibel levels stated in the Citywide Noise Ordinance.
10) The use and development of the property shall be in substantial conformance with the floor plan submitted.
11) No tobacco sales allowed on the premises.
12) The Applicant shall adhere to Best Management Practices as they pertain to the location.
13) To encourage a walk-friendly environment, the applicant will install bicycle racks.
14) Exterior lighting on the building shall be maintained and provide sufficient illumination of the immediate environment so as to render objects or persons clearly visible. Said lighting shall be directed in such a manner so as not to illuminate any nearby residence.
15) The Applicant shall regularly police the area under their control in an effort to prevent loitering.
16) The entitlement will run with the applicant, not the property.
17) Trash receptacles used will be designed to contain odors per Best Management Practices.
18) Cleanup and all trash removal will be performed in such a manner as to prevent debris from entering the storm drain system, and will not interfere in any way with surrounding uses.
19) No exterior work-related activity will occur either before opening or over one hour after closing.
20) Offsite advertising signage will be prohibited.
21) Trash pickup will occur between the hours of 8am and 6pm on weekdays as necessary.
22) Loading and unloading hours will be arranged to avoid conflict with surrounding uses, and will in no case occur after 4pm.
23) The storage/changing room will be clearly marked as such on plans submitted to the City, and will not be used as service area.
24) The applicant will appear before LUPC twelve months after opening.
25) Upon change or termination of any lease regarding satisfaction of the Conditions of Approval, the applicant will notify the Department of Planning and the Venice Neighborhood Council, and will comply within thirty days.
26) Upon change of ownership, the new owner must appear before the City within 30 days of the close of escrow, with a plan approval application to renew the conditions and demonstrate that the required parking can be provided.
27) The applicant must obtain approval for all outside signage, or must remove nonconforming signage.
28) All bottles will be recycled upon removal from the premises.
29) A laminated copy of these Conditions shall be posted in a conspicuous place.
30) Applicant shall provide four (4) parking spaces.
31) Applicant shall provide a parking attendant.
32) Applicant shall comply with LAMC 64.70.
33) Hours of operation are 11:30 am to 11:00 pm on weekdays, 11:30 am to 12:00 (midnight) Friday and Saturday.
34) Patio will not be used at this time.
35) Loading area shall be kept clear.
Exhibit E – 4029 Lincoln LUPC Staff Report
Venice Neighborhood
Council
Post Office Box 550
Land Use and Planning Committee
November 18, 2009
STAFF REPORT
Submitted to VNC Board of Officers
February 16, 2010
Case Number: ZA 2009-2865 CUB renewal
Address of Project: 4029 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, California 90292
SYNOPSIS:
This is a renewal of an existing CUB to permit the continuation of the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption.
Size of Parcel: Part of total parcel totaling 14,579.7 square feet
Size of Project: 1,850 square foot, 48-seat restaurant
Venice Subarea: Oxford Triangle
Applicant: Wharo’s Korean BBQ
Representative: Lanny Kusaka/Margaret Taylor of TMG Solutions
Contact Information: 310.337.7290, lanny@tmgsolutions.net
Date before by LUPC: January 13, 201-
Date to be reviewed by
VNC: February 16, 2010
Date heard by
Hearing Officer: February 11, 2010,
ZA Hearing Officer Sue Chang
WLA Area Planning
Commission Dates: TBA
REPORT
Project Description by Applicant as stated on Permit Application:
Renewal of existing CUB, permit the continuation of sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption.
Summary of Arguments Against this Project/Issue: There was no opposition to this application
Summary of Arguments For this Project/Issue: A CUB renewal for a restaurant without any LAPD or ABC interest.
FINAL LUPC MOTION FOR RECOMMENDATION TO VNC BOARD OF OFFICERS ON FEBRUARY 16, 2010:
LUPC motion made by Matt Geller, seconded by Robert Aronson, unanimously approved to recommend approval of renewal of CUB for Wharo’s Korean BBQ by Venice Board of Officers as presented with condition that applicant shall comply with Los Angeles Public Works Basic Management Practices as applies to restaurants.
Submitted by LUPC
January 13, 2010.
Location(s)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2010 VNC Board Agenda | 2.25 MB |
| Expenditures to Date.2009-2010 - January | 43.5 KB |
| Community Improvement Project Flyer | 125 KB |
| 'Bin Your Butts' Letter | 1.39 MB |
| 2010-1-13 LUPC Staff Report on 523 Rose | 579.5 KB |
| 2010-2-16 LUPC Staff Report on 4029 Lincoln | 93.5 KB |
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