Stakeholder Meeting Minutes – August 2012

STAKEHOLDER MEETING MINUTES 
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012 
Port of Los Angeles High School, 250 W. 5th Street, San Pedro, CA

1. Call to Order and Roll Call. President Linda Alexander called the meeting to order at 6:35pm. The following Board members were in attendance: Marcey Abrons, Linda Alexander, James P. Allen, Frank Anderson, Pat Carroll, Sue Castillo, Harvey Contreras, Mark Contreras, April Jappert, Leslie Jones, Kali Merideth, Carrie Scoville (arrived at 7:01pm), Andrew Silber, Ron Tanimura, Phill Trigas and Allyson Vought. The following board member was excused: Annette McDonald. Approximately 20 stakeholders in attendance.

2. President’s Report

a. Appointments:

i. Appoint Representative to ACE (Arts, Culture & Entertainment) District: The representative appointed at the July meeting withdrew as Representative of the ACE District. Pat Carroll was nominated and elected as the new representative with 11 yes votes, 0 no votes.
ii. Appoint Liaison to PBID (San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District): Allyson Vought and Andrew Silber were nominated. Andrew Silber received 8 votes and Allyson Vought received 3 votes. Andrew Silber was elected as the PBID Liaison.
iii. Appoint Representative to Community Police Advisory Board: Leslie Jones was nominated and elected unanimously as the Representative to the Community Police Advisory Board.
iv. The creation of an Ad Hoc Committee for the Point Fermin Lighthouse was approved by the Board with Frank Anderson and Allyson Vought appointed as committee members.
v. A Letter from the Councilman was received requesting that Central have a representative on the White Point Landslide Committee. Mark Contreras was appointed as Central’s representative to that committee.
vi. A strategic planning date for the Central San Pedro NC Board was discussed and the following date was chosen: Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10am-3pm.

3. CD 15 List of Issues:

a. Update: Andrew Silber. Copies of the list were provided in the agenda packet.
b. Motion to approve letter to CD 15 regarding signage designation of San Pedro’s Cultural Arts District: James Allen spoke on the issue. Andrew Silber suggested changing “Mr. Joe Buscaino” to “The Honorable Joe Buscaino”. James Allen commented that this is a city designated district and therefore the city should be consistent and provide the signage for San Pedro as it does for other designated areas of the city. He mentioned that there was a consensus from the ACE Board on this issue. The motion by James Allen to approve the letter as corrected was seconded by Andrew Silber and passed unanimously by the Central SPNC Board.
c. Update from CD 15’s Economic Development and Planning Director Alison Becker: Becker is a certified City Planner and her area of emphasis is facilitating for major developments and supporting the Policy Director in the areas of job creation and quality of life. They support local business and keep an eye on various community plan updates. They also work on finding ways to fill the gap created by the disbanding of the Community Redevelopment Agency. Updates were provided on active projects in the area.
d. Motion to change CD15 ad hoc committee to standing committee: Motion from Committee to change the status of the CD 15 ad hoc committee to a standing committee was approved unanimously by the Board.

4. Presentation of Rancho LPG 12 minute DVD: Motion by Andrew Silber to delay showing the DVD until a future meeting, seconded by Pat Carroll. After a short discussion, the motion was withdrawn and the 12 minute video created by San Pedro Homeowners United was presented. After the presentation, Dan Kelly, representing Plains All American/Rancho LPG gave a rebuttal stating that the contents of the video were not presented accurately. Chuck Hart from San Pedro Homeowners United responded to Dan Kelly’s rebuttal.

5. LAPD Presentation by Sgt. Catherine Plows. The following items were discussed:

a. Medical Marijuana Clinics. The City Council will be selecting a date for the closing of all the facilities. At that time, if the facilities are not in compliance, they will be shut down.
b. There are for 230 sworn officers for Harbor Division (detectives and patrol officers).
c. Gang Injunctions update: 1 in San Pedro (Rancho San Pedro); 2 in Wilmington against two specific gangs; 1 in Harbor City.
d. There are six (6) City Attorney Neighborhood Prosecutors for the entire city.
e. Provided a handout with crime statistics for the entire City of LA.
f. Contact information for Sgt. Plows: 310-726-7920 26926@lapd.lacity.org or Julie 31838@lapd.lacity.org
g. Truancy Issue: Juvenile Court and the School District have decided that you need a minimum of 5 tickets before any action is taken. They now have a program during the day for rehabilitation.
h. Harbor Division is no longer supporting Project Street Legal.
i. Harbor Division is getting six more officers assigned to their division.

6. Port Committee:

a. Committee recommendations on comments to be submitted on Port of LA Master Plan. Frank Anderson stated that participation in this committee meeting was outstanding. The Committee recommends that the list (a copy was provided in the agenda packet) will be submitted as Central SP’s comments which are due on August 24, 2012. Carrie Scoville attended the Port meeting tonight and informed them that Central SPNC will be submitting comments. The Board approved sending the comments as presented by a vote of 14 yes, 0 no.

7. Reports from Council Office. John Larson reported:

a. Skateboard Ordinance. The new ordinance should take effect the second week of September enabling LAPD to cite reckless skateboarders.
b. Parking Motion was signed by the Mayor. They have already started to remove meters. Those that remain will be upgraded and able to accept credit cards. Adjusted rates will happen in 30-60 days.
c. Navy Days update: Two vessels will be in the Port this year for Navy Days (Aug 15-19).
d. A Veterans Day event is in the process of being finalized and will include a musical performance, workshops for Veterans, etc.
e. Tourism: An estimated 30,000 people have already come to visit Crafted at the Port of LA and the USS Iowa.
f. Ports O’Call: Developers are getting excited about what will be possible at Ports O’Call.

8. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items:

a. Judy Gordon with Rainbow Services: On behalf of their board she thanked the Central SPNC Board for their assistance last year which helped provide the necessary materials for their classes.
b. Jeffrey Leech. Commented on the Medical Marijuana Ban and provided a letter explaining the negative impacts of closing the dispensaries. He would like the Central SPNC Board to consider supporting this letter. The issue was referred to the CD15 Committee.
c. Carolyn & Ashley Grayson, Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council: Announced an Emergency Preparedness Fair on October 20, 2012 at Peck Park. They are requesting volunteers from all the San Pedro NC’s to assist with the event. This item was referred to the Outreach Committee.
d. Lanny Nelms: Gave updates on the creation of the Harbor Service Center by the LAUSD which includes Harbor Occupational Center. Smog Certification Classes will be opened at the John and Muriel Olguin Annex. The pool at the Annex is not yet open. There is also a proposal to re-open the Gaffey Street (Hey Rookie) Pool. Lanny also announced the San Pedro Christmas Parade scheduled for December 2nd.
e. Noel Weiss: Commented on the need for moving forward on protecting the community against the dangers of the Rancho LPG facility. Also commented on a “Specific Plan” for the community and the possibility of a Track and Field League for youth in the Harbor Area. He asked the Board to consider putting an item on the agenda for next month related to creating an ad hoc committee for the Rancho LPG tanks issue.

9. Motion to Support Westchester Town Center Neighborhood Council Re: Health Regulation Changes for Food Trucks: There was a recommendation from Allyson Vought not to support this Motion. It was explained that the only rule the new Health Regulation changes is rest room access and Westchester does not want that rule changed. No action was taken by the Board on this issue.

10. Land Use Planning Committee Report. (Sue Castillo)

a. A written report was provided in the agenda packet. (Phill Trigas recused himself and left the room during the discussion of future development proposals).
b. There was a short discussion on the proposed Gas Station at 311 N. Gaffey and on issues of illegal activity at 837 Pacific. Central SPNC would like to see improvements to the signage. An action item will be placed on next month’s agenda for board approval of the Committee’s recommendations on these two properties.
c. Motion Re: Letter of support for Off the Vine Wine’s application for new permit for expanded area: Michael Koth from Off the Vine Wine shop gave an update on their proposed upgrading. They are applying for renewal of their CUP for wine and beer; and adding a washing area to the current project. After discussion, the motion brought forth by the Land Use Planning Committee to send a letter of support for Off the Vine Wine’s application for new permit for the expanded area to the Planning Department was passed unanimously by the Board.
d. Motion Re: Keep LA Beautiful Grant: Wording of motion: “Central SPNC to authorize the submittal of a grant application to the City of Los Angeles for the “Keep Los Angeles Beautiful” grant opportunity for the installation of a parklet on the west side of Centre Street between 6th & 7th Streets. Furthermore, the Central SPNC shall set aside up to $4,000 as the matching funds needed to receive the grant.” After a short discussion, the motion was set aside and referred to the Finance Committee to review funding options prior to Board approval.
e. Motion to approve change in Committee name from Land Use Planning Committee name to Land Use Planning & Public Works Committee. Approved unanimously by the Board.

11. Finance Committee:

a. Approval of monthly expenses: The following purchase card items from July were presented for approval: Smart & Final $23.49; Office Depot $23.15; total of $46.64. Approved by the Board with a vote of 14 yes, 0 no.
b. Update on DONE’s Election costs.
c. Motion to assign two signatories for the Purchase Card: The Board approved Mark Contreras and Annette McDonald as the two signatories for the Purchase Card with a vote of 14 yes, 0 no.

12. Outreach Committee Report. Marcey Abrons reported:

a. At the last meeting the committee discussed the website and Facebook.
b. Harvey Contreras gave an update on the Harvest Night Out Event.
c. Next meeting will be held August 27, 2012, 7pm, location to be announced.

13. PCAC (Port Community Advisory Committee): No action items. No meeting in August.

14. HANC (Harbor Alliance of Neighborhood Councils): Allyson Vought reported:

a. Written notes from the meeting were provided. Allyson gave highlights from those notes.
b. Update on Neighborhood Prosecutor Issue: Allyson has presented the letter to the HANC asking for their support in opening up a Council file. It will be on the next HANC agenda.
c. Next HANC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 5th.
d. Forum on budget issues is being proposed by HANC.

15. ACE District (Arts, Culture, and Entertainment) Report: Linda Alexander reported that the RFP is going out for marking the ACE District. The ACE Board appears to be in favor of expanding the ACE District.

16. Approval of Minutes of July 10, 2012 Board and Stakeholder Meeting: James Allen moved to approve the Minutes of the July 10, 2012 Board and Stakeholder Meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Kali Merideth and approved unanimously by the Board.

17. Adjournment: The Meeting was adjourned at 9:58pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristina Smith, NC Administrative Assistant

ATTACHMENT:

Committee recommendations on comments to be submitted on Port of LA Master Plan.

With regard to the Port of Los Angeles Master Plan update:
a) The Port of Los Angeles has prepared a Notice of Preparation and Initial Study (NOP/IS) for the Port of Los Angeles Master Plan Update, which serves as a long-range plan to establish policies and guidelines for future development within the coastal zone boundary of the Port of Los Angeles. The NOP/IS is to inform agencies and the public that the Port of Los Angeles will be preparing a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the project. A public scoping meeting to receive comments will be held on August 14, 2012 at 6 p.m. at Banning’s Landing Community Center. The 30-day public comment review period ends on August 24, 2012.
The notice of preparation of a program environmental impact report for the port of Los Angeles master plan update is available here: http://www.portoflosangeles.org/planning/pmp/PMP_NOP_IS_07-2012.pdf
The amended Port of Los Angeles Master Plan (June 2002) is available here:
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/planning/masterplan.asp
b) Recommendations for Adoption by the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council:
i) As the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council is vitally and ardently interested in the outcome of the Port of Los Angeles master plan update, it would urgently request that steps and strategy to arrive at the finished document be accurately and promptly communicated by the Port of Los Angeles to the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council, on each and every occasion when that communication is appropriate.
A. We ask that Port of Los Angeles master plan update meetings including, but not limited to, scoping meetings, public outreach meetings and community workshops be notified to all Central SP NC board members and Central SP NC Port Relations Committee members in a timely manner by email.
B. We ask that vital meetings relevant to the development of this update be not held between 6p.m. and 10p.m. on evening of the second Tuesday of any month.
C. We ask that PCAC committee members are all notified of meetings, scoping meetings, public outreach meetings and community workshops. (Although three of the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council Port Relations Committee members [Anderson, Vought, Alexander] attended a Port of Los Angeles Port Master Plan Update Public Workshop on Thursday July 19, 2012 at the Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington, – none of these three received email notice nor a postcard advising of August 14th public scoping meeting).
ii) The following list of relevant items we, (the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council), feel to be vital for inclusion in future planning for the Port of Los Angeles, and we ask that the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council adopt these items as its own, as we feel that they all need to be included in the Port of Los Angeles Master Plan update, on behalf of our stakeholders:
A. Emphasis must be placed on developing and enhancing those sections of waterfront which are designed for use by visitors and local residents, (e.g. Crafted, USS Iowa, Kaiser Point cruise terminal) e.g., parking issues, marketing, infrastructure, landscaping, mass public transit.
B. The San Pedro Waterfront needs to be developed as a ‘seamless interface’ with downtown San Pedro in accordance with the vision described by the Urban Land Institute, SMWM studies, consultant Keith Gurney, the City of L.A. Community Redevelopment Agency, And others.
The ULI Study (2002) is available here:
http://www.chulavistaca.gov/City_Services/Development_Services/RedevHousing/Projects/documen
ts/SanPedroReport.pdf
see also http://sanpedrocity.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/AGENDAPACKETMAR2012.pdf
and http://sanpedrocity.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/buscainoletterCRAwithattachments.pdf and
(from the Port of Los Angeles):
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/EIR/SPWaterfront/FEIR/1_Introduction.pdf
CRA intentions are here: http://www.crala.net/internetsite/Projects/Pacific_Corridors/upload/Pacific%20Corridor%20Five%20Year-2.pdf . Further analysis
of need for seamless interface is here: http://fourstory.org/features/story/a-vision-for-san-pedro/
C. The Red Car or other Port of Los Angeles light rail needs to connect with the Los Angeles Metro passenger rail system which serves downtown Los Angeles and the proximity of Los Angeles International Airport.
D. A water taxi or other means of public water transportation needs to be developed to connect the Port of Los Angeles with other waterfront destinations such as Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Alamitos Beach.
E. The Red Car project must be developed to interconnect broader areas of San Pedro town and its suburbs.
F. Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council would like to see more diversity in the Port of Los Angeles’s economic development plan. Revenues should be diversified beyond relying too heavily on container traffic at the expense of developing other revenuable plans; this will require the Port of Los Angeles to expand the diversity of its economic activities.
G. Truck traffic on city streets must be ameliorated and its impact reduced as a public safety need, an aesthetic need and an environmental need. Alternatives must be found to this problem, (e.g. a dedicated on/off ramp at Westmont and the 110 Freeway).
H. The general public must have more access to the water, (not just to viewing the water from the waterfront), but access to the ocean or to channels. (E.g. beaches, coastal berms, boat launches).
I. The Port must reduce the heat island effect on its land through increased and improved landscaping and alternative surface materials along with other means that the Port identifies and implements.
J. The California Coastal trail needs to be further established and improved throughout Port of Los Angeles property.
K. The impact of night time operations on adjacent communities needs to be abated and reduced, including the impacts of light and noise pollution at night.
L. A bicycle lane system needs to be established between Long Beach and Downtown San Pedro, across Terminal Island.
M. Historical sites, buildings and facilities need to be protected and preserved,
N. Dedicated space must be found for the relocation of hazardous materials including the facilities owned or operated in San Pedro by Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. or PAA Natural Gas Storage, L.P., or by PNGS GP LLC
O. Nature Preserves and Marine Habitats should be encouraged, developed, expanded and maintained.
P. Landscaping should be instigated and carried out all along Ocean Boulevard, wherever it is within Port of Los Angeles boundaries.
Q. More Port of Los Angeles land must be dedicated to capture and generate electrical power, thereby reducing dependence on the Los Angeles’ grid: A renewable energy-based system must be developed to facilitate the large-scale transmission and storage of solar and wind power.
R. Interface between Port of Los Angeles properties and the adjacent community(ies) should be beautified and landscaped including the undergrounding of utility cables and lines.
S. The Port of Los Angeles must develop a plan which guarantees that continued personal recreational use of the Outer Harbor is not hindered, reduced or curtailed.
T. Industrial land use should be concentrated on Terminal Island, and not on community-adjacent land (e.g. the west bank of the main channel).
U. Rail cargo should access and egress the Port of Los Angeles via grade separations to minimize impact on local traffic, improve quality of life for harbor area residents, and reduce danger to road users.
V. The percentage of all cargo moved by rail, (including empty containers), entering and leaving the Port of Los Angeles should be increased, and the percentage needing the use of streets and freeways should be decreased.
W. Quiet zones need to be established for all railway/railroad activities adjacent to residential communities.
X. Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council would like to know the Port’s long-term plans for Knoll Hill.

Minutes in PDF HERE