VNC Board Meeting Agenda
Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 7:00 PM
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
Swearing in of Kristopher Valentine
2. Approval of the Agenda
3. Approval of any outstanding minutes submitted by the Secretary
October 20, 2009 Board Meeting Minutes
(see http://venicenc.org/files/091020VNCBoardMinutesFinal.doc)
[Committee Reports are provided in written form when available]
4. Consent Calendar
A Motion to Amend Standing Rule 10 – Meetings: Code of Ethics
Ira Koslow (310-392-0868; ira.koslow@venicenc.org) on behalf of Rules & Elections Committee: Request approval of amendment of SR10 as follows:
Any Board member who has not received a certificate of completion for the mandated ethics training within a year 55 days of taking office, whether by appointment or election, will be prohibited from voting on any land use issues or financial expenditures of any city funds effective November 17, 2009.
5. Treasurers Report accept report as presented See Exhibit A
A Proposed Presentation and Modification of 2009-2010 VNC Budget See Exhibit B Hugh Harrison (310-487-2533; chezhaha@aol.com) on behalf of Budget Committee: Budget Committee has approved modification of the 2009-2010 to allocate funds for the costs of outreach for the April 2010 Board election not included in the original budget.
B Grand Canal/Ballona Lagoon Restoration Project See Exhibit C Hugh Harrison (310-487-2533; chezhaha@aol.com) on behalf of Budget Committee: The Environment Committee has requested and the Budget Committee has approved the financial capacity to fund $300 towards a trash receptacle for the Grand Canal as a Board Community project.
C Funding Allocated for LAPD Toy Drive Hugh Harrison (310-487-2533; chezhaha@aol.com) on behalf of Budget Committee: Stewart Oscars has requested and the Budget Committee has approved the financial capacity to fund $1000 towards the annual LAPD Toy Drive as a Board Community project.
6. Scheduled Announcements (no more than 1 minute per report unless otherwise stated)
A 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)
• LADWP Representative: Jeffrey Childers (213-367-8693; Jeffrey.childers@ladwp.com)
• LADWP/MOU: VNC Representatives DeDe Audet
B Linda Lucks (VicePresident@Venicenc.org)
Feed the Beach: On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, Venetians are invited to participate in the 3rd Annual “Feed the Beach Event” from Noon-2 p.m. on Westminster Avenue (between OFW & Pacific). Sponsored by the VNC and others, you are invited to bring cooked food from 11 a.m. on to: The Fruit Gallery, 1 Westminster Avenue). Servers are invited to bring food and/or serve the 1000 people expected.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway: Vera Davis McClendon Center for Youth and Families on November 21, The Vera Davis McClendon Center for Youth and Families, 610 California Avenue (at Electric) is giving away Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds of families in our community (there is a wait list), The VNC provided $300 towards purchasing some of the needed turkeys and Venetians are invited to bring additional uncooked turkeys to the center on 11.21 and to assist with the distribution. Contact: VNC NHC member Eddie Nuno (310-305-1865; eddie.nuno@lacity.org ).
St. Joseph Center Adopt-A-Family (http://www.stjosephctr.org/familly_center.html): The St. Joseph Center invites Venice stakeholders to Adopt-A-Family. Every holiday season St. Joseph Center coordinates a large effort to align the generosity of our donors with the needs of the families we serve. By “adopting” a family, individuals ensure that parents receive a little extra help and that children have gifts to open. St. Joseph Center Address: St Joseph Center, 204 Hampton Drive, Venice, California 90291-8633, 310-396-6468
C Community Improvement Projects Report
Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): Report and announcement of upcoming CIP events.
D Update on PlancheckLA
Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@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
A Close nominations and hear statements from candidates for vacant Community Officer position
Mike Newhouse (president@venicenc.org): Call for nominations & close of nominations. Each candidate will have 3 minutes to:
a. introduce him/herself – a general statement including qualifications and why s/he is interested in serving on the Board.
b. answer the following two questions.
1. A community officer is required to attend the monthly Board meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, occasional Town Hall meetings, an annual Board retreat and active participation on at least one committee (http://venicenc.org/Committees). Board members are also asked to volunteer occasionally to staff the VNC table at the Friday Farmer’s Market and First Fridays on Abbott Kinney Blvd., and to be the conduit for information on VNC activities with neighbors and friends in Venice. With this in mind, what committee would you envision working on, and why? If your interest is in forming a new committee, please describe what you envision.
2. The Venice Specific Plan has been the blueprint for land development since 2000. The VNC is asked to consider variance requests and other modifications to the VSP. Keeping in mind that this is one of the more controversial issues in Venice, please tell us your insights and thoughts about the VSP (http://venicenc.org/files/VenCoastal.pdf) and how it should be enforced (strictly, loosely, etc).
B From LUPC
I LUPC motion regarding 5 – 7 Dudley Street, ZA 2009-2087 CUB See Exhibit D
Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): Challis Macpherson, on behalf of LUPC, regarding 5 – 7 Dudley Street, requests that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC Staff Report & recommends that the Board of Officers recommend approval of the request for a Conditional Use Permit-Beverage (CUB) for beer and wine only in 7 Dudley (already have CUB for 5 Dudley) for on-site sales with the conditions that the combined (5 & 7 Dudley) operation comply with the parking restrictions of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan (VCZSP) as per site plan A1; and considering that applicant pledges to make a best effort to keep the trash area clean and odor free. Motion passed unanimously.
II LUPC motion regarding 619 S OCEAN FRONT WALK, ZA-2009-2274-CEX See Exhibit E
Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): Challis Macpherson, on behalf of LUPC, regarding
619 S OCEAN FRONT WALK, requests that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC Staff Report & recommends that the Board of Officers <>. Motion passed <>. Removed from September 15, 2009 Board Consent Calendar by LL
III LUPC motion regarding 1415 S LINCOLN BLVD, DIR-2009-2398-CDO See Exhibit F
Challis Macpherson (Chair-LUPC@VeniceNC.org): Challis Macpherson, on behalf of LUPC, regarding 1415 S LINCOLN BLVD , requests that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC Staff Report & recommends that the Board of Officers <>. Motion passed <>. Removed from September 15, 2009 Board Consent Calendar by LL
C Moratorium on all off site alcohol sales [For Discussion Only]
Linda Lucks (VicePresident@Venicenc.org): The Neighborhood Committee unanimously recommended that the board approve the following motion. “I move that the VNC establish a moratorium on all off site alcohol sales for one year while or until such time as the VNC enacts a policy to regulate the licensing of Venice off site alcohol outlets.”
D Motion to approve the 13.1 Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon
Brennan Lindner (310-821-7898; brennan.lindner@venicenc.org): Request that the Board approve the event, 13.1 Los Angeles Half Marathon, on January 10, 2010, produced by ACE Ride & USA Road Sports & Entertainment Group.
E Approval of the 2010 NC Election Procedures See Exhibit G
Ira Koslow (310-392-0868; ira.koslow@venicenc.org)
F Motion to Rescind & Replace 8A from 10/20/09 Agenda (23 min: 3 min for maker, 1 min each for 20 speakers)
Joe Murphy (310-305-1444; joedmurphy@ca.rr.com): Request Board rescind motion 8A as adopted at the October 20, 2009 board meeting and replace it with the following: [JM/SO: Placed on agenda 4-3-1. For – Joe Murphy, Stewart Oscars, Ira Koslow, Hugh Harrison. Against – Linda Lucks, Karen Wolfe, Kristopher Valentine. Abstain – Mike Newhouse]
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
We appreciate your commitment to help us address the plight of homeless people and the frustrations of Venice residents with overnight live-in parking in their neighborhoods. To further these goals, we ask that you amend your Council Motion 08-3125 so that it reads:
I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Council request that the City Attorney, in collaboration with the Chief Legislative Analyst: (i) draft an ordinance, modeled after the Santa Barbara and Eugene initiatives, to allow councilmembers to designate discrete and distinct off-street areas of their council districts where homeless people would be allowed to park and sleep overnight; and (ii) explore funding opportunities that would allow such specially designated off-street areas to be matched with staffing, security, and social services, modeled on the Santa Barbara and Eugene initiatives.
We suggest that you consider two recent VNC motions (see enclosure) in the design and implementation of this motion.
It is clear that most Venetians have sympathy for homeless people and for the frustrations of residents caused by the presence of live-in vehicles parking in their neighborhoods. We believe that your further commitment to the following two recommendations would create a much broader and much more workable Venice Community consensus:
1. It has been suggested that LA City Ordinance 117876, limiting parking of oversize vehicles on certain streets, be used in place of overnight parking districts to control the parking of live-in vehicles on the streets of Venice. While we support the use of LA City Ordinance 117876 as a solution, the ordinance, as currently worded, has some deficiencies that can be easily rectified, including the following:
The sentence that currently reads:
No person shall stop, stand or park, when authorized signs are in place giving notice of the restriction, any oversize vehicle, defined as a motor vehicle in excess of 22 feet in length and over 84 inches in height, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
should be modified to read:
No person shall stop, stand or park, when authorized signs are in place giving notice of the restriction, any oversize vehicle, defined as a motor vehicle in excess of 22 feet in length or over 84 inches in height, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
2. That, with the help of a VNC Ad Hoc Site Selection Committee or its equivalent, you designate, as soon as possible but not later than two months from the date of this letter, specific off-street sites as temporary locations where homeless people in vehicles can park until such time, not to exceed two years from the date of this letter, as Council Motion 08-3125 results in an appropriate City Ordinance that is fully implemented in Venice, at which time said temporary locations will be phased out. This would address the legitimate fears of homeless individuals who would otherwise experience severe displacement traumas.
We believe this letter echoes the legitimate concerns and desires of a broad majority of the Venice Community – in part since it recognizes the mutually reinforcing impact of focusing efforts on these problems simultaneously within a specific timeframe.
Your commitment to join us in pursuing these goals simultaneously – without linking one to prior implementation of the other except as provided in recommendation 2 above – would help us build a more collaborative Venice Community.
We are open to consideration of suggestions on how to better achieve the above goals we share.
Sincerely,
VNC President
Cc:
Enclosure
Homelessness – Report & Recommendation to Support St. Joseph’s Center’s Service Registry
The VNC Ad Hoc Homelessness & Vehicular Occupation Committee presents a report & recommendations regarding St. Joseph’s Center’s proposal to create a service registry of the homeless population of Venice. The proposed service registry would be modeled on the successful service registries used in Downtown Los Angeles & also in Santa Monica that have assisted homeless service providers in identifying the most vulnerable of the homeless population & successfully providing them with housing & services. Further, the Committee will ask for the VNC Board to take certain actions, including forwarding letters of support to government officials & agencies, to support the proposal, and to sponsor and publicize the program.
[Adopted Unanimously 3/17/09]
Motion to Create Pilot Vehicle-to-Housing Transition Program
Request that the VNC recommend that the City of Los Angeles establish a program, funded by the City, County and possibly private charitable sources, and operated by a non-profit social service provider, to provide sites and services to assist vehicle dwellers, on a voluntary basis, find affordable housing.
The VNC suggests that most successful programs are flexible in their approaches to homeless individuals and that the initial program be a “Pilot” program. This suggests that the program specifics be determined by any contract the City of Los Angeles concludes with the non-profit social service provider selected to operate the program. The contract should be sensitive and protective of both residents’ and homeless individuals’ needs. It is further suggested that the City of Los Angeles and its contractor explore the ideas contained in the VNC Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness and Vehicular Occupation’s Final Report in the section on the Pilot Vehicle-to-Housing Transition Program (http://venicenc.org/files/090508Homelessness_Committee_Final_Report-1.do…).
[Adopted Unanimously 9/15/09]
G Motion Regarding Parking Protection (13 min: 3 min for maker, 1 min each for 10 speakers)
Stewart Oscars (stewart.oscars@gmail.com)
Recognizing that RV/Vehicle Dweller Programs already in operation in Eugene, OR and Santa Barbara, CA, are being used as templates/references for discussions and decisions in both Venice and the City Council of Los Angeles, and
Recognizing that a balanced approach is needed to guarantee residents’ rights to safety and comfort along with providing services to vehicle dwellers to help them improve their lives, and
Recognizing that both Santa Barbara and Eugene provide services to help willing vehicle dwellers to work on improving their lives and regaining permanent housing and that both Santa Barbara and Eugene have city ordinances regulating vehicle parking on city streets instituted for the public safety [examples are: Eugene Ord. 4.815 and Santa Barbara (SB) Ord. 15.16.080 ban living in vehicles on their city’s streets; SB Ord. 14.44.200 allows no RV parking west of Hwy 101 from 12 midnight-6am and no RV parking in the city from 2am-6am; SB Ord. 10.44.205 sets 500 foot parking distances for RVs from schools, parks, care facilities, and other places], and
Recognizing that the coupling of these ideas together in Eugene and Santa Barbara has led to systems that both vehicle dwellers and residents are using to establish common ground,
I move that the Venice Neighborhood Council send a letter to Los Angeles City Councilmembers, the Mayor, and other appropriate City Agencies stating that any ordinances and plans of operations that may be established by the LA City Council to help provide services that will aid vehicle dwellers to improve their living situations incorporate the same parking protections afforded residents of Eugene and Santa Barbara.
Eugene, OR, and Santa Barbara, CA, ordinances are found at:
http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt?space=CommunityPage&cached=tru…
http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Government/Ordinances/Municode/
H Motion to Begin Board Discussion of 2009 VNC Retreat Topics [5 min discussion & 30 min at 12/7 AdCom]
Joe Murphy (310-305-1444; secretary@venicenc.org): I move that the Board begin discussion of topics for a 2009 Board Retreat, for which I submit the following suggestions:
1. Consider creating a Hot Button Issue procedure that enhances the probability of generating a viable political consensus, perhaps one such as the following:
• Board determines whether an issue is a Hot Button Issue and approves a scope of work, prepared by AdCom, broad enough to deal with all aspects of the issue.
• A 13-member Ad Hoc Hot Button Issue Committee is formed as follows:
o AdCom considers & recommends Board approval of Co-Chairs from 2 key interest groups.
o Co-Chairs: (i) select 3 members each; and (ii) 3 members jointly (failure ? no committee).
o President appoints 2 community members.
o Committee is directed to involve key gov’t & non-gov’t agencies and to explore all options in preparing a draft report & recommendations.
o Draft report & recommendations is considered at Special Board Meeting.
o Committee considers Board & public comments, revises draft report & recommendations as it deems appropriate, prepares & submits final report & recommendations to Board.
• This procedure to apply to all Hot Button Issues and to supersede all other VNC efforts that do not conform with the above.
2. How to improve Standing & Ad Hoc Committees, perhaps including the following topics to encourage:
• Broadening interests in selecting members.
• Adherence to SR13.
• Preparation and posting of adequate agendas and minutes.
• Referral of Hot Button Issues to AdCom/Board (avoid duplication if suggestion 1 adopted).
3. Clarification of VNC (ie, board adopted) policies, perhaps including the following topics:
• How to determine what constitutes and what does not constitute an official VNC policy.
• How to record and publicize VNC policies. .
9. New Business
A Medical Marijuana (45 min: 1 min each for 45 speakers) See Exhibit G
WHEREAS California voters approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes by initiative and the State of California has codified laws allowing “collectives” to grow and distribute marijuana to users who need it for medical purposes, but has not created a legal structure for implementing such collectives on a local level, AND
WHEREAS the City of Los Angeles has no effective ordinances currently in place for the purpose of regulating marijuana for medical use as approved by California voters, AND
WHEREAS the Venice Neighborhood Council held a Town Hall on November 5, 2009 to receive input from stakeholders in the Venice community about the regulation of medical marijuana in Los Angeles, AND
WHEREAS the following proposals were suggested (see Appendix 1 for contemporaneous notes of Town Hall testimony):
1. Over 100 Venice stakeholders expressed their overwhelming support for the legalization of marijuana in a poll of Town Hall attendees. At the same time, they recognized that the current legal use of marijuana is for treatment of certain medical conditions as recommended by a physician.
2. Venice stakeholders support limiting the proximity of medical marijuana dispensaries to schools. It was further suggested that the Los Angeles City Council use Municipal Code Section 12.70©. (passed in 1983; see appendix 2) as a model for regulating the sighting of dispensaries. This section of the code prohibits adult businesses (e.g., strip clubs, massage parlors, adult bookstores, etc.) from locating within 500 feet of religious institutions, residential property, schools and parks, and from being located within 1,000 feet of another adult business.
3. Medical marijuana dispensaries should be entitled to share their costs with members of their collectives. Several stakeholders stated that market forces would determine their long term existence.
4. Venice stakeholders support certification / regulation of marijuana farmers.
5. Venice stakeholders support taxing marijuana, but the tax burden should not fall on sick people.
6. Venice stakeholders would like quality standards and a system of grading marijuana.
7. Medical marijuana dispensary owners and operators would welcome more specific regulation from the City.
8. Venice stakeholders do not support the overly-burdensome regulations proposed by the City Attorney in the ordinance that was recently submitted to the City Council (Council file No. 08-0923-link-See Appendix 3).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Venice Neighborhood Council recommends that the City Council of Los Angeles take the foregoing points into account when crafting new regulations for medical marijuana use and dispensing in Los Angeles, AND
BE IT FURTHER RESOVED, that the Venice Neighborhood Council submit a Community Impact Statement to Council File 08-0923 that states
“The Venice Neighborhood Council approves of the City’s efforts to regulate the siting and operations of medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles but disagrees with the overly-burdensome approach of the City Attorney’s Office in its 10/22/2009 suggestions. While we understand the urgency of this matter, we further suggest that the City Council collect additional testimony and suggestions from Neighborhood Councils before agreeing to any ordinance regulating medical marijuana.”
B Request VNC Recommend BONC Certification of Neighborhood Council in Westwood
Margaret C. Jacob (310-794-4432; mjacob@history.ucla.edu): A group of people are forming a new Neighborhood Council in Westwood and would like to be on the agenda to ask the VNC Board to support for their. Part of the process for Certification is that applicants need to show support from other Councils in their area. This group’s bylaws have been approved by DONE and they should be appearing before BONC in December.
C Motion to Begin Board Discussion of Recruiting New Board Members for Upcoming Election
Ivan Spiegel (310-821-9556; ivan13147@verizon.net): I would like the Board to have a 10-15 minute discussion on how they are going to attempt to recruit new Board members for the upcoming election that reflect the diversity of Venice neighborhoods. Diversification is mandated by the City’s Neighborhood Council Plan and should be the responsibility of the entire Board.
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 for October 2009
Current Yr Budget by Acct % of Bdgt Amt spent
Current
Month Amt Spent in
Current Fiscal Year Amt Available to Spend % Budget Remain
Annual Allocation $45,000.00
Rollover $20,537.94
Sub Total-Unallocated Budget $65,537.94
Neighborhood Comm. Projects 09-10 20,000.00
Total 85,537.94
100 Operations Budget
Office Supplies $2,100.00 $21.94 $153.19 $1,946.81 92.7%
Copies $1,000.00 $158.08 $841.92 84.2%
Office Equipment $1,834.00 $1,834.00 100.0%
Staffing/Apple One $700.00 $26.07 $166.32 $533.68 76.2%
Telephone Expense $800.00 $33.51 $132.52 $667.48 83.4%
Storage $1,854.00 $152.00 $608.00 $1,246.00 67.2%
Bank Charges $150.00 $12.50 $37.50 $112.50 75.0%
Board Retreat $850.00 $850.00 100.0%
General Operations $800.00 $403.95 $396.05 49.5%
sub Total Operations $10,088.00 11.8% $246.02 $1,659.56 $8,428.44 83.5%
200 Outreach
Copies / Printing $1,000.00 $162.98 $837.02 83.7%
Facilities For Public $2,000.00 $180.00 $720.00 $1,280.00 64.0%
Refreshments $1,000.00 $34.52 $84.00 $916.00 91.6%
Web Site & e-mail $1,150.00 $39.95 $129.95 $1,020.05 88.7%
Advertising & Promotions $500.00 $500.00 100.0%
Newsletter Prodution $1,800.00 $400.00 $400.00 $1,400.00 77.8%
Newsletter Printing $9,000.00 $9,000.00 100.0%
Newsletter Delivery $5,100.00 $5,100.00 100.0%
Outreach Events $0.00 $0.00 0.0%
General Outreach $2,100.00 $54.86 $2,045.14 97.4%
sub Total Outreach $23,650.00 27.6% $654.47 $1,551.79 $22,098.21 93.4%
300 Community Improvement
Venice Community BBQ $5,000.00 $3,908.77 $1,091.23 21.8%
Neighborhood Commun Proj 2009-10 $20,000.00 $3,156.53 $5,642.64 $14,357.36 71.8%
General Community Projects 2009-10 $5,600.00 $594.60 $594.60 $5,005.40 89.4%
Neighborhood Commun Proj 2010-11 $21,200.00 $21,200.00 100.0%
sub Total Community Improvement $51,800.00 60.6% $3,751.13 $10,146.01 $41,653.99 80.4%
Total $85,538.00 $4,651.62 $13,357.36 $72,180.64 84.4%
Current Yr Budget by Acct % of Bdgt
Amt spent
Current
Month Amt Spent in
Current Fiscal Year Amt Available to Spend % Budget Remain
Neighborhood Community Projects 2009-2010
Friends of Coeur d’Alene Garden $1,996.00 10% $999.98 $999.98 $996.02 50%
Master in the Chapel-Concerts $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
Westminster School-Benches $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
FranceFagin-Photography Program $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
Inside Out Arts-Courtyard $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 $0.00 0%
Abbot Kinney District-Festival $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
Oakwood Rec Center-Halloween $2,000.00 10% $1,156.55 $1,156.55 $843.45 42%
SPARC-Building Beautification $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
Alex Stowell-Metal at Muscle Beach $2,000.00 10% $2,000.00 100%
Mother Olivia Faire-Tutoring $405.00 2% $405.00 100%
Congregation Mishkon Tephiklo-Sing Along $1,599.00 8% $1,000.00 $1,486.11 $112.89 7%
Total $20,000.00 $3,156.53 $5,642.64 $14,357.36 72%
General Community Improvement 2009-2010
Total Available $5,600.00 $5,600.00 100%
H1N1 $300.00 $294.60 $294.60 $5.40
Feed The Beach $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 $0.00
President’s Row $300.00 $300.00
Vera Davis Turkeys $300.00 $300.00
Total Allocated $1,200.00
Total To be Allocated $4,400.00
Total Spent $594.60 $594.60 $5,005.40 89%
Exhibit B – Modification of 2009-2010 VNC Budget
Venice Neighborhood Council 2009-10 Budget – Amended November 17, 2009 Available to Budget Approved May 2009 Change New Allocation Annual Allocation 45,000.00 45,000.00 Rollover 20,537.94 20,537.94 Total 65,537.94 65,537.94 100 Operations Budget Office Supplies 2,100.00 -500 1,600.00 Copies 1,000.00 1,000.00 Office Equipment 1,834.00 -1000 834.00 Staffing/Apple One 700.00 700.00 Telephone Expense 800.00 800.00 Storage Rental 1,854.00 1,854.00 Bank Charges 150.00 150.00 Board Retreat 850.00 850.00 General Operations 800.00 800.00 sub Total Operations 10,088.00 -1500 8,588.00 200 Outreach Copies / Printing 1,000.00 -300 700.00 Facilities For Public 2,000.00 2,000.00 Refreshments 1,000.00 1,000.00 Web Site & e-mail 1,150.00 1,150.00 Advertising & Promotions 500.00 500.00 Newsletter Production 1,800.00 1,800.00 Newsletter Printing 9,000.00 9,000.00 Newsletter Delivery 5,100.00 5,100.00 Election 0.00 2,300.00 General Outreach 2,100.00 -500 1,600.00 sub Total Outreach 23,650.00 1500 25,150.00 300 Community Improvement Venice Community BBQ 5,000.00 5,000.00 Neighborhood Community Projects 21,200.00 21,200.00 General Community Projects 5,600.00 5,600.00 sub Total Community Improvement 31,800.00 31,800.00 Total Expenditures 65,538.00 65,538.00Exhibit C – Grand Canal/Ballona Lagoon Restoration Project
PLEDGE OF CONTRIBUTION SHEET PAGE 10.__
Use this form to document donations of cash, discounts, materials, services, and volunteer labor.
PROJECT NAME Beautification of the Grand Canal / Ballona Lagoon DATE 10/19/2009
ORGANIZATION The Ballona Institute
NAME OF DONOR ENTITY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE of the VENICE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
CONTACT PERSON
KRISTOPHER VALENTINE
ADDRESS PO Box 550, Venice, CA 90294
PHONE (310) 570-2199
DESCRIPTION OF PLEDGE
The Environmental Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council voted unanimously to donate $300 for the purchase of trash receptacles as part of the beautification of the Grand Canal.
TOTAL VALUE OF PLEDGE
$300
BY SIGNING BELOW, I declare in good faith that I will contribute the in-kind donation toward the project. I declare that the value of the pledge is based on fair market value.
I understand that this organization is seeking funding through the City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification in which the grant award must be matched dollar-for-dollar with donations of cash, discounts, materials, services, and/or volunteer labor. I understand that the project will begin after February 18, 2010.
10/19/2009
SIGNATURE DATE
Exhibit D – LUPC Staff Report Re: 5 – 7 Dudley Street
Venice Neighborhood
Council
Post Office Box 550
Venice, CALIFORNIA 90294
310-606-2015.
Land Use and Planning Committee Report to VNC Board of Officers
//2009
Case Number: ZA-2009-2087-CUB
Address of Project: 321 S Ocean Front walk/5,7Dudley,
Venice, CA 90291
SYNOPSIS OF PROJECT:
This is an application for a conditional use permit for a 720 sq ft expansion of an existing 944 sq ft restaurant for continued sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption. The code section from which relief is requested is 12.21.W1). Piccolo is an existing restaurant located at 5 Dudley. They are taking over the space at 7 Dudley to expand.
Size of Parcel: 6,679.3 sq ft
Size of Project: 1,776 sq ft
Parking: To be in accordance with the parking requirements of the VCZSP.
Venice Subarea: West Venice
Zone: C1-1
Permit Ap. Date: May 19th 2009
Date of Planning Report: n/a
Date of End of Appeal Period: n/a
Planning Report Prepared by: TBA
Applicant: Vittorio Viotti. VCF, Inc.
Address: 5 Dudley Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Property Owner: Northwestern Engineering Company
314 Founders Park Drive, P.O. 2624
Rapid City, South Dakota, 57709
Representative: Brett Engstrom
Contact Information: Tel 626-683-9777
Date heard by LUPC: September 9th 2009
Zoning Administration Date: TBA
WLA Area Planning TBA
Commission Dates:
LUPC MOTION: LUPC.
Regarding 5 – 7 Dudley Street, ZA 2009-2087 CUB, LUPC requests that the VNC Board of Officers accept the LUPC Staff Report, and recommends that the VNC Board of Officers recommends approval of the request for a Conditional Use Permit-Beverage (CUB) for beer and wine only in 7 Dudley (already have CUB for 5 Dudley) for on-site sales with the conditions that the combined (5 & 7 Dudley) operation comply with the parking restrictions of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan (VCZSP) as per site plan A1; and considering that applicant pledges to make a best effort to keep the trash area clean and odor free. Motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORT
Project Description: This is an expansion with existing liquor license privilages extended to the expanded area. There is no change in operating hours or liquor license privileges (beyond allowing for sale and consumption in expanded area). Currently the street has one convenience store, one hotel and Il Piccolo Cipriani (applicant). This would not create a NEW license, merely extend the amount of square footage of where the existing license can be used.
Applicant described the project as: Il Piccolo Cipriani (“Applicant”) requests a Conditional Use Permit approval to allow the continued sale of beer and wine in a newly expanded restaurant located at 5 Dudley Ave., Venice, CA. The full-service restaurant is currently permitted to sell beer and wine for on-site consumption per Conditional Use Permit ZA 97-0720 (CUB), and is requesting the ability to continue this beer and wine service in the newly expanded area. The current restaurant is approximately 993 sq.ft., with a seat count of 18. The newly expanded restaurant will total approximately 1,664 sq.ft., with an overall seat count of 40. Current hours of operation and alcohol service are 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday. Proposed hours of operation and alcohol service for the newly expanded restaurant will remain the same.
Section of Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan and/or the Los Angeles Municipal Code governing this particular site and application: Venice Community Plan
Summary of Arguments Against this Project/Issue: The one issue that could be seen as a negative is parking. The commercial building in which the applicant resides does not offer parking and additional seats will bring additional cars. However, because of their “grandfathered” status they are not obligated to provide any more parking.
Summary of Arguments For this Project/Issue: This is a successful restaurant that has been a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Many of the clientele are local residents that walk or bike to the restaurant. Increasing the size will allow them to service more neighborhood residents thereby decreasing outbound traffic. Additionally, Piccolo is good for the Dudley Ave as this was, and is a place with a large homeless population. The more people that are out and about in this area, the safer it feels.
Summary of Public Comment: Public opinion expressed at the neighborhood meeting August 24 on site as in favor of the expansion and in favor of outdoor seating/dining if possible.
Authors of Report: Matthew Geller
Date: August 28th 2009
Draft of LUPC Recommended Letter from VNC Board of Officers to Council District 11 and selected others.
Draft of Community Impact Statement
Approximate Hours Spent on this Project by LUPC Staff: 1.5
Exhibit E – LUPC Staff Report Re: 619 S OCEAN FRONT WALK
Venice Neighborhood
Council
Post Office Box 550
Venice, CALIFORNIA 90294
310-606-2015.
Land Use and Planning Committee Report to VNC Board of Officers
//2009
Case Number: ZA-2009-2274-CEX
Address of Project: 619 S OCEAN FRONT WALK
Entitlement Applications Received 2009-7-19 to 2009-8-1
ZA-2009-2274-CEX* 619 S OCEAN FRONT WALK 90291 WALL SIGN CEX-COASTAL EXEMPTION De Minimis Form Letter VARTAN YAPUDZHYAN (818)502-0520
- Removed from Consent Calendar by LL & postponed to Oct 12 AdCom
619 Ocean Front Walk is the new Thornton Lofts development. This is a “wall sign” as stated on the CNC listing.
Exhibit F – LUPC Staff Report Re: 1415 S LINCOLN BLVD
Venice Neighborhood
Council
Post Office Box 550
Venice, CALIFORNIA 90294
310-606-2015.
Land Use and Planning Committee Report to VNC Board of Officers
//2009
Case Number: DIR-2009-2398-CDO
Address of Project: 1415 S LINCOLN BLVD
Entitlement Applications Received 2009-7-19 to 2009-8-1
DIR-2009-2398-CDO* 1415 S LINCOLN BLVD 90291 2 ILLUMINATED PANELS ON (E) POLE SIGN CABINET WITH POLE CLADDING; 2 ILLUMINATED WALL SIGNS; 1 INFORMATION SIGN CDO-COMMUNITY DESIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT De Minimis Form Letter STEVE THERRIAULT (SIGN TECH) (619)398-1620
- Removed from Consent Calendar by LL & postponed to Oct 12 AdCom
1415 Lincoln is the Chase Bank, they are on-site signs. The 1415 Lincoln sign must comply with the Lincoln Blvd. CDO as noted on the CNC listing excerpt below. The planning department will make that determination.
Exhibit G – Venice Neighborhood Council Town Hall on Medical Marijuana
APPENDIX 1
Contemporaneous Notes of Comments Made
at
Venice Neighborhood Council Town Hall on Medical Marijuana
11/05/2009
Topic: Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Venice, California
Mike Newhouse, VNC President:
Discussing tonight a proposed ordinance on Medical Marijuana dispensaries
Your input will be forwarded to the City Council
This issue will be discussed by the Venice Neighborhood Council on November 15, 2009; your input will be welcomed
Arturo Piña, Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s office:
Tax the dispensaries, regulate them, plan
Jane Usher, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office:
Los Angeles has 800-1000 medical marijuana dispensaries in operation; San Francisco has 22 (one additional pending approval)
[Questions asked of Town Hall Attendees:]
p((. • Limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries?
• What process should be used to locate a dispensary? Conditional Use Permit, registration, etc?
• What operating conditions: limited hours, bookkeeping, distance from schools?
15,000 liquor stores in Los Angeles regulated by CUP
For-profit sale of marijuana: state model authorizes a cooperative effort
Straw Poll conducted by Newhouse: Legalize Marijuana in California? – the overwhelming majority is in favor of legalization
Comments from Stakeholders:
Recommend rejection of the current 4th draft, and review 2008 recommendation, cited cases people vs. Urziceanu, and people vs. Mensch
What pharmaceutical company does not make a profit? Dispensaries should remain mom&pop operations, technology for testing, decriminalize marijuana, regulation and control is necessary, respect marijuana farmers.
Regulation should have occurred already; support for Councilman Rosendahl’s suggestions.
Safe access to medication in California, TRO against City Attorney and District Attorney being filed next week, lack of communication from City Attorney’s Office.
What should the ordinance look like? How many medical marijuana dispensaries in Venice? How far should they be apart? How far should dispensaries from schools, etc?
Let market forces determine distance.
Ordinance 1270, which regulates porn shops: must be 500 feet away from religious facilities, schools and parks, and from other similar businesses
Deregulation of laws against marijuana.
Recovery of costs to produce marijuana
Market forces will determine long-term existence of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Blue laws imposed by the City of Los Angeles when Venice was annexed; exclude Venice from any ordinance. Patients are the primary market for medical marijuana and should be the focus of any decision being made.
An agricultural product is being sold that should fall under jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture. Smaller producers should not be regulated.
End black market. Certify farmers.
Cooperative/collective is unrealistic. West Hollywood standard: 1000 foot distance, no signage, let market forces prevail.
Performance specifications should prevail.
Marijuana is not life-threatening, and should not be compared with substances that are.
Venice’s reputation for tolerance should be upheld.
What effect do Medical Marijuana Dispensaries have on the community?
A system of checks and balances has been requested by the dispensaries themselves.
No limit on the number of dispensaries. Let business owners decide appropriate distance.
Grading system on product?
Prescribing physicians should determine dosage.
Should a physician be present at a dispensary?
No limit on numbers; market forces should prevail. Dispensaries should be located at a distance from schools. Product should be graded. GLACA (Greater Los Angeles Caregivers) have standards/guidelines in place.
Observance of the law is a necessity. Marijuana should be legalized; 1000 foot perimeter should be observed. An existing Land Use/Planning mechanism should be used to facilitate discussion of changes.
Ban on use of edibles/concentrates should be relaxed. Alternative dosage forms should be allowed. Dietary Health and Education Act.
No limit on distance from schools.
Legalize marijuana. Market forces should determine location. Porn shop distance can be used as a model.
A more appropriate use of City resources is to prosecute violent crime. Tax revenue generation is a desired goal for California.
Legalize marijuana. Careful consideration is needed. Tax revenue generation is a desired goal.
Basic 1000 foot rule, allow market forces to prevail.
Grading products is a good thing. Appropriate education of children regarding marijuana use should be a goal.
Weedtracker.com, grading system already exists. ID system is inappropriate. Taxing sick people is inappropriate.
Is the requirement that medical marijuana is cultivated on-site to be upheld by the City Attorney’s office?
One dispensary provides detailed information to its clients. City officials should tour legal dispensaries.
Growing and holding marijuana stock on premises is dangerous and unsafe.
Current state law defines circumstances under which the City Attorney and Planning operate. It will be necessary to change the laws.
Violation of laws regarding marijuana use has resulted in three-strike imprisonment.
Medical Cannabis Safety Council is a resource that should be consulted; any regulation should be patient-based and community-based.
Spectrography can provide grading solution;
On-site cultivation of marijuana is unrealistic. Regulation of growers should be done. On-site consumption should be allowed.
Limit of dispensary hours was questioned. Limit on amount of product allowed on-site was questioned.
LAPD recommendations were driving force behind restrictions proposed.
What will happen to existing dispensaries if distance limitations are imposed?
Crime should be the focus of grass-roots political action, not businesses that are operating legally.
Regulation and taxation of dispensaries are okay.
Farmers market model will work well.
Grading of product is possible. Medical marijuana is banned from hospitals.
Self regulation should be done during the moratorium period.
Regulation of dispensaries will not allow free market forces to prevail. Allow a dollar transaction tax to be imposed.
Tax dollars are better spent on crime.
Americans for Safe Access, Law Enforcement Officers website should be consulted. Dosage limits are determine by physiological factors. Secret shopper mechanism should be put into place as well as City-certified kitchens.
1000 feet is unrealistic limit; 250 is better.
Successful, effective cultivation of marijuana is difficult; it should be done professionally.
APPENDIX 2
See attached agenda for this APPENDIX 2 which does not display here.
Exhibit H – 2010 NC Election Procedures
This 28 page document, 2010 Neighborhood Council Election Procedures, is posted on the web as a supporting document on the Board Meeting webpage at http://venicenc.org/node/1247.
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