MINUTES FOR JULY 26, 2001
Board Members Present (including Alternates and
Advisors)
Harry Sondheim (Chair), Barry Kurtz, Jack Allen (Advisor), Ted
Mackie, William Snyder, Lisa Maki, Isabel Kayser, Marguerite Perkins
Mautner, Ryan McGranahan, Kurt Toppel, Tipi Weiner, Frank Wilson
(Chair Emeritus), Paul Glasgall (Advisor), Arthur Mortell, Lorraine
Oshins, Larry Jacobs, Stuart Muller, George Wolfberg, Barbara Kohn,
Larry Niles, Richard Blumenberg
Introduction of Board and Audience
Chairman Harry Sondheim called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
with the reading of the Purpose of the PPCC as stated in its Bylaws.
Members of the Board and Audience introduced themselves.
Adoption of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of June 28, 2001 were adopted without
change.
The Chair also announced that the postmistress, Liz Stempson has
given authorization for the PPCC to post its minutes and agenda at the
post office and the PPCC thanks her for her cooperation and
assistance. She is in the process of getting a bulletin board for this
purpose.
Some residents responded to the Newsletter’s request for
expressions of interest in PPCC issues. Larry Jacobs had summarized
the requests and distributed them to Area Representatives who were
reminded by the Chair to keep these residents informed in advance of
the discussion of these issues at PPCC Board meetings
Announcements and Concerns
3.1 Treasurer’s Report: Harry Sondheim reported in lieu of Patti
Post’s absence that as of July 26, 2001, there is $10,471.19 in the
PPCC checking account and $4,744.16 in the savings account. The Chair
noted that we should not get too excited about the higher balance in
the checking account as the Board has not yet been billed for the cost
of printing of the newsletter. The response rate to the newsletter is
much higher than in years past. Barbara Kohn asked that the Board
remember to cost printers prior to the printing of the next newsletter
to which the Chair responded that this is what will be done.
3.2 Update of YMCA acquisition of property in Temescal Canyon:
Harry Sondheim reported that the Board will not send a representative
to further meetings concerning the acquisition of the property. He
advised the councilwoman’s office to notify him if and when the
parties reach a tentative agreement. The executive committee
determined that it was not necessary to have a Board member present at
the meetings held to negotiate a settlement of the ongoing property
dispute because the Board is not a party to this dispute. It will
become important to obtain community input into the issue when an
agreement is imminent. This issue will be placed upon the agenda if
and when a tentative agreement amongst the parties is reached.
3.3 Update on 17633 Castellammare: Jack Allen reported that this
property presents a Geological hazard as confirmed by Mr. Michaels,
the geologist hired by surrounding property owners. The city abandoned
the maintenance of Castellammare without notice to the property owners
and took the streets out of public use, although the city is still
required to perform minor repairs to the road. The City cannot use
State funds to repave the street.
3.4 Update on City’s General Framework Plan: Jack Allen reported
that the Plum Committee recommended the adoption of a statement of
overriding considerations. Jack believes this presents problems for
the City due to internal inconsistencies in the plan. He hopes that
the council will take a second look at the statement and opined that
the matter will likely end up in court. Our councilwoman tried to take
the position that there be some sort of finding of infrastructure to
support new development. This position was rejected.
3.5 Youth Representative: Harry Sondheim reported that the Chris
Martin sent a letter to the Council resigning his position as the
Board’s Youth representative. Chris is leaving the State to attend
college. The current Youth alternate, Ryan McGranahan, was welcomed as
the new Youth representative.
3.6 Extension of Bike Path: The Chair, pursuant to prior Board
approval, wrote letters to supervisors Yaroslavsky, Burke, and Knabe,
indicating the Board’s support of the project. George Wolfberg
reported that he attended the MTA hearing on this issue. There was a
900 million-dollar call for projects by the MTA but only a small
portion is allocated to the construction and/or repair of bikeways.
Yaroslavsky did not make a motion to approve the extension of the bike
path although he tried to get the general manager to agree to put
funds together by the year 2003 on an interim basis.
3.7 Public Information Officer: Harry Sondheim reported that Board
member Maurizio Vecchione has accepted this position to develop
outreach and create greater awareness of the Board’s activities and
community involvement.
3.8 Banners at Palisades High School: Larry Jacobs, representative
of Area 4 which includes the High School, contacted council woman
Miscikowski’s office and found that the city has no authority over
the placement of banners at the High School. He then learned from Vice
Principal Charlotte Atlas that the banners were placed on the
fence without authorization and that, on learning of our inquiry, she
had instructed the parties that had put up the banners to remove them
by that noon. The only banner remaining by mid-afternoon was one
directly related to summer activities at the High School. Our thanks
to Ms. Atlas for her prompt and effective action.
3.9 Date of Second Meeting in September: Harry Sondheim reported
that the Board’s September 27, 2001 meeting will be moved to October
4, 2001 because September 27, 2001 is a Jewish holiday and the only
persons authorized by the by-laws to preside at Board meetings will
not be available on that date either because of the holiday or for
other personal reasons. The only meeting in September will be held on
September 13, 2001. There will also be meetings on October 11th and
October 25th.
3.10 Flood Plain Management Plan: Harry Sondheim reported that this
plan has been released for public comment. If anyone is interested in
the plan they should contact Stuart Muller. The plan may be reviewed
on the Internet at www.eng.lacity.org./projects/fmp/index.html.
New Business
4.1 Further consideration of the application of the Calvary
Christian church to establish a sports field.
Some of the Background: On June 24, 1999, the PPCC Board approved
this proposal in concept since it would promote more recreational
space for use not only by the Church, but also the community.
Thereafter the City negotiated a Shared Use Agreement which provided
for limited public use of the playing field during specified times and
dates. When the matter came before the Coastal Commission, the staff
of the Commission recommended that the fields by made available for
public use until 9 p.m. after school hours or after church services
and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Both the original Shared Use
Agreement and the staff recommendations are opposed by PPRA. This
opposition is based in part (a) on the fact that the sports field
would encroach past the “urban limit line” established by the
original permit for the area on which the field would be placed, (b)
on the fact that public land would be granted to a private
organization and (c) on the contention that, while the Staff’s
proposal “is a nominal improvement, but unlikely to make an
effective difference.” On the other hand, the Sea Ridge Homeowners
Association, “agreed in principle to the limited use and
conditions” set forth in the approval plans dated January 28, 2000
from the City of Los Angeles, Office of Zoning Administration,” but
opposes the “California Coastal Commission’s Staff Report that the
proposed sports field be opened as a public park.”
DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUE AT THE 7/26/01 BOARD MEETING:
Jim Wadsworth of the Church stated that he had been working on the
project for the past four years and that he had obtained approval from
the neighbors and various homeowners’ associations, including Sea
Ridge, to proceed with the development of the sports field. The field
is planned to encompass approximately 32,000 square feet. One of the
main issues is the fact that 45 percent of this land is City property.
The City has agreed to lease the land to the Church for 25 years. The
Church has agreed to limit the use of the field to after school use,
all week. On Friday’s, the Church will allow AYSO and the YMCA to
use the field. In the summer, the YMCA will use the field for a camp.
The Cub Scouts will also be allowed to use the field on two Saturdays
per year and there will be limited Saturday and Sunday use by the
school. Mr. Wadsworth stated that the construction of the field would
pull kids out of the Palisades Park facilities and keep more children
on campus after school which will result in less traffic in the area.
Mr. Wadsworth has attended four public hearings concerning the shared
use agreement with the city. The Church needs Coastal Commission
approval to proceed with the project. The problem with the Coastal
Commission is that the staff of the Commission recommends “turning
it into a public park” by opening the use to more organizations and
requiring additional parking and restroom facilities. The Church is
not happy with the Coastal Commission staff report because the Church
made a promise to the neighbors concerning the limited use of the
sports field that the Church would not break. Therefore, if Coastal
requires the “open” use of the sports field, the Church will not
build it. Mr. Wadsworth requested that the Board re-affirm its prior
approval of the sports field concept, as set forth in the Board’s
June 24, 1999 minutes which were re-distributed to the Board for its
review.
The June 24, 1999 minutes state in pertinent part that: “The
Calvary Church, represented by Jim Wadsworth, homeowner and member of
the church, presented a well prepared outline with maps of their plans
for additional playing field space. Mr. Wadsworth answered, in
response to Board member questions, matters concerning parking and
also use by the city of the playing fields being developed…A Motion
was made that the Council approve the plan in concept and applaud any
efforts to promote more availability of recreation space but in
particular this effort made by Calvary Church. The motion passed
unanimously.” (See, Board Minutes of 6/24/99, section 4.1).
Mr. Wadsworth also distributed the June 8, 2001 letter to the
Coastal Commission by councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, stating her
support of the project. A copy of this letter is attached to the
minutes. Also attached to the minutes are the Shared Use Agreement
between the City and the Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, Inc.,
the Coastal Commission Staff Report and the June 8, 2001 letter by
Ellen Oppenheim, General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department
of Recreation and Parks to the Coastal Commission which supports the
project and opposes the Coastal Commission Staff Report.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
Barbara Kohn raised the issue of the “urban limit line”. She
stated that the proposal violates the 1981 agreement entered into by
WATT INDUSTRIES and PPRA. The subject property was eventually
purchased by the City and the Church and they are the successors and
bound by the terms of the agreement. The core issue is what uses of
the City owned property (that which falls beyond the limit line) are
permissible. It is important to note that the Council was not aware of
the limit line issue when it extended its approval of the concept of
the sports field, nor was the Sea Ridge Board. Mr. Wadsworth did not
become aware of the “limit line” issue until about one year ago.
The PPRA and WATT INDUSTRIES agreement defines what uses are available
but the paragraph is subject to interpretation. Some Board members
opined that the Church’s proposal violates the agreement while
others, including the councilwoman’s office, believe that the
agreement would permit the proposed use, however not the open use as
recommended by the Coastal Commission staff. Mr. Wadsworth agreed that
the Church is bound by the terms of the agreement. Ted Mackie noted
that he was concerned that the Church did not raise the issue of the
limit line when it made its June 1999 presentation to the Board.
Others supported the sports field because it would increase the
current usable field and recreation space in the community.
PPRA POSITION:
Bob Locker stated that PPRA was opposed to the Church’s current
proposal on the grounds that Barbara Kohn mentioned. He stated that
there are also issues of the separation of church and state, and
whether a publicly leased facility can discriminate as to which groups
are allowed to use it
Mr. Wadsworth stated that PPRA attorney John Murdoch indicated that
he saw no problem with the fields and Mr. Locker said that he can’t
imagine Mr. Murdoch making such a statement at all and at least not
without first consulting with PPRA.
TRAFFIC ISSUES:
Barry Kurtz and Paul Glasgall, chair of the traffic committee,
brought up the ongoing and presently unresolved traffic problems
caused by the Church and school. The Chair stated that this issue
would have to be placed on a future agenda as the public had to be
notified prior to any discussion and vote.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Those present to discuss the sports field did not appear to favor
it. However, Barbara Kohn noted that she had received one letter of
support for the field. A letter from Barbara Manaugh opposing the
project was read, in part. There were also letters opposing the
project from Paul and Evelyn Nankivell, Susan Ornstean and Patrick
Robinson. Lawrence Stewart of the Miramar Homeowners’ Association
stated that his organization was opposed to the project. The Nankivell
family expressed concerns over issues of geological stability,
destruction of the natural habitat and animals, appropriation of
public lands for private use and concerns with liability issues. The
above persons also stated that they were not notified of the proposed
project until quite recently. Nancy Hope and Laura Snyder,
representatives from the Sea Ridge Condominiums’ Association were
present. They noted that the Association had supported the fields as
per the Church’s limited agreement but they were not aware of the
limit line issue when the Association was asked for their support.
MOTIONS:
After much discussion, three motions were made and voted upon:
Kurt Toppel moved that the Board re-affirm its support of the
proposal as set forth in the Board’s 6/24/99 minutes, oppose the
Coastal Commission Staff recommendation concerning the hours and times
of usage of the sports field, subject to the legal resolution of the
urban limit line issue. The Motion did not carry with 9 in favor and 8
opposed.
Ted Mackie moved that the Board oppose the Coastal Commission Staff
recommendation.
The Motion passed with 12 votes in favor and 5 opposed.
Lisa Maki moved that the Board withdraw its support of the proposal
as set forth in the Board’s 6/24/99 minutes. The Motion did not
carry with 8 in favor, 5 opposed and 4 abstaining from the vote.
Based on the above, the Chair stated that he would write a letter
to the Coastal Commission stating that the Board opposes the Staff
recommendation of the Coastal Commission and that the Board neither
supports nor opposes the Church’s proposed development of the
playing fields at the Calvary Church.
4.2 Shall the PPCC seek to become a Neighborhood Council pursuant
to the City’s Plan for Neighborhood Councils?
This issue will be discussed at the next meeting. The Board lacked
time to discuss it after a lengthy discussion of issue the proposed
Calvary Church sports field.
Old Business
5.1 Community Thanks For Trimming The Ivy Around The Mural on
Temescal Canyon Road: Ted Mackie reported that he asked Johnson Tree
company to provide the Temescal Canyon Association with a quote
to conduct trimming around this mural because the Association’s
members can no longer physically perform the work. Johnson Tree
company did the trimming free of charge. The Board thanked Johnson
Tree Company for performing this valuable service to the community and
the Chair noted that he hoped that others would be encouraged by this
act of community service and kindness.
5.2 Revision of Minutes Page on Website & When Should the
Council Post Minutes on the Website? Ted Mackie reported that he
revised the Council’s Website so that the public can index the
Board’s past minutes using key search terms and by means of the
Microsoft browser and the keys “Ctrl-F”. A Motion was made that
the minutes be posted on the Website prior to the Board’s vote to
approve the minutes, as long as they are reviewed by the Chair and Ted
Mackie. The Motion was seconded and was unanimously passed.
5.3 Update on 222 Coperto: Jack Allen
Jack Allen reported that our geological report on 222 Coperto was
considered by the City. The City sided with the views of its own
geologist which will permit the contractor to complete the project.
Mr. Allen met with the property owner and his attorney and came up
with a settlement proposal concerning the Board’s pending appeal
before the Coastal Commission. The proposal is that the Board would
withdraw its opposition to the plan if:
-The developer would reimburse the Board for the $1,700.00 paid to
Geologist Mr. Michaels;
-The property owner would agree to conduct annual maintenance of
the property; and
-The property owner would install a drainage system on the top of
the property.
A Motion was made and seconded by Richard Blumenberg that the Board
accept the property owners settlement proposal and withdraw its
opposition to the project. The Motion failed with 10 votes in favor, 4
opposed and 3 abstentions. Jack Allen noted that he would not
argue the appeal before the Coastal Commission and Frank Wilson agreed
to appear in his place.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. The next meeting will be at
Mort’s Oak Room on Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Secretary Lisa Maki
