EMPOWERMENT CONGRESS WEST AREA NEIGHBORHOOD

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes

TOWN H ALL MEETING

December 7, 2013
Crenshaw United Methodist * 3740 Don Felipe Drive * Los Angeles, CA 90008
Present

Name
David Winston, Chair
Denise Stansell, Co-Chair
Yvonne Ellett, Rec Secretary
Madeleine Renee-Walters,
Treasurer
Danielle Lafayette,
Corresponding Secretary
Mary Jones-Darks (Area 1)
Wilson Washensky (Area 1)

Excused

Unexcused

Name

Present

Excused

Unexcused

X
X
X
X

Wendell Conn (Area 2)

Carl Morgan (Area 2)
Lark Galloway-Gilliam (Area 3)
Jackie Ryan (Area 3)

X
X
X
X

Misty Wilks (At Large)

Nick Hill (At Large)
Jason Lombard (At Large)
Johnnie Raines (At Large)

X
X
X
X

Call to Ord er & R oll C all : The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by David Winston, Chair. A quorum was present. David
read the rules of the meeting. The Board introduced himself or herself.

Seni or Lea d Officer Re por ts
No SLO was in attendance.

Public C o mm ent s
Irma Munoz thanked the Board for the breakfast. She announced the Baldwin Hills Dam Disaster Commemoration would be
featured on the KTLA news, Friday before the event on Saturday, December 14 from 12N to 4 pm.
Marquis Olison remarked about the breakfast before explaining Next Door, a new social service. EmpowerLA and the City of Los
Angeles are partnering with Next Door, with LAPD & LAFD as the first departments to begin doing social media blasts. The network
is hyper-local, like a private online neighborhood where only the residents have access. Google maps for all Neighborhood Councils
will be ready by Monday, December 9.
Romerol announced the Department of Parks & Recreations survey. She also asked everyone to complete the LAFD survey.
Most calls are for health emergencies, not for fire. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/S/LAFD
Kimani Black (CD10) complained about the breakfasts lack of grits but, otherwise, praised the CJs Caf fare.
- He announced the Free turkey giveaway to CD10s Seniors on 12/21 and gave out the office number: 323 733 8233.
- He asked everyone to take the Dept. of Parks & Recs survey because Our parks are our country clubs.
- The Leimert median hadnt been groomed because the contract with Tru-Green had lapsed. Stakeholders must call 3-1-1 for these
issues, then forward the complaints reference number to Wessons office.
- Funding came thru for the Arlington Avenue apartments.
- The West Blvd. condo conversion Dept. of Planning hearing will be on Wednesday, 12/11.
- Kimani will call D.O.T. to ask for traffic dots at the King Blvd/Leimert Ave triangle.
- He gave a thorough run-down of the LAPD/FBI clean-up that took place. The teams cleaned up 50-60 alleys on one day. This was
an FBI pilot program that came from the Baldwin Village arrests in 2012 that left a vacuum in the community. LAPD does clean-ups
all the time, as well as CD10. There were 150 law enforcement officers doing really dirty work alongside community volunteers.

Public La nd U se a nd Be au tifica tio n C arl, C hair
Item :
The City Council will vote on the motion to give the Canary Island pines along King, Crenshaw and Leimert Blvds
historical designation. A stakeholder asked if the motion includes the Degnan pines. Carl said yes. We can now
prepare an application that the State can piggyback on. Council File 12-0844
Mavericks Flat is up for sale. The notice was made after the applicaiton for modifications.
The December PLUB meeting date is tentative, pending the holiday.

Discu ssio n
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Item :

Outre ach Co m mitt ee Yvo nne, O utre ach Co m mit t ee Ch air

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Yvonne asked for volunteers for the Baldwin Hills Dam Disaster 50th Anniversary Commemoration. Danielle,
Wilson, Ayndrea and Ivy from the Baldwin Village Garden volunteered. Both Madeleine and Darlene had already
said yes via email.
The Board still needs to decide on Agenda posting locations.

Item :
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Mayor s 2 0 14 B udge t Da nielle, Bu dge t Ad voc ate

Danielle is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and Co-Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
There are 6 Advocates representing South L.A.
The next Budget Advocate Meeting is on December 16 at Community Health Councils, 3731 Stocker Street.

Item :

Safe ty Co m mit tee - Jo hnni e

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Anyone interested in Emergency Planning or joining the Committee should contact Johnnie.
The FBI Community Clean-up was covered by the media. Johnnie reiterated how special it was having all of the
law enforcement personell doing really heavy cleaning.

Item :
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Sou th L os Ange le s Alli ance of Neig hb orho od Co un cils ( SLA AN C) - Lar k

The next meeting is Thursday, 12/13. There will be a discussion regarding the LAFD strategic plan.

Item :

En deav our Ad H oc Co m mitt ee - Joh nnie

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There is a tree planting list of addresses. The Science center will maintain neighborhood trees for 3 years, then
residents will have to maintain them. Johnnie, Romerol and Lark will canvass residents. There will be a one page
homeowner agreement that can be posted on the website.
South L.A. received two seats on Recode::LA from the Science Center agreement.

Item :

Fina nce Co m mit tee Lar k, C hair

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The Finance Committee will be agendad for the Board Meeting.

Madeleine asked that there be regularly scheduled meetings so she can relate how DONE needs funding
completed. It was mentioned to do this via a Board Retreat.
Johnnie said to take as needed off of the Agenda and have the meeting prior to every Board Meeting.
David stressed that Madeleine needs complete and accurate applications and funding requests. Lark added the
Committee can set deadlines and simplify the application.

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Me eting Mi nu te s Ap pro val

The minutes to 10/21/13, 11/2/13 and 11/18/13 were reviewed and corrections were sent online.
Denise added a correction for 11/18 her absence was excused.
All minutes approved with corrections.

Note : The Board began voting on the Board of Neighborhood Council (BONC) Resolutions, but in order to keep the stakeholders
interest in the unfinished Agenda, the voting was paused until the end of the meeting. Jackie could not stay any later.

Fab ulo us For u m Present ati on Ja son Lo mb ard, Th e Lom bard Circle
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The Madison Square Garden Group spent $75 million to renovate the Forum and turn it into a world class
venue.
A redevelopment grant for $18 million helped fund the project.
The target is for 35% local hire. The Forums Job Fair drew 10,000 applicants on the first day and 6,000 on the
second.
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 Contracts will be given to large-scale vendors with specific Arena experience. Subcontracts may be minority-
owned, but the small vendor businesses havent been explored yet.
Black-owned firms were sought for construction. Inglewoods goal was 15%, with 30% achieved.
The Venue will host a Sunday farmers market. There will be pocket parks with exercise markers. The parking
lot has a one mile radius.
60 concerts are scheduled in 2014. Red paint was used to receive Historic Designation.
The interior was renovated to host sporting events like tennis and boxing, as well as award shows. Special
attention was given to the acoustics.
Seating was taken to 17,500 for a full house, with 8,000 for a half house.

Item :

Me eting Exte nsi on

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Madeleine motioned to extend the meeting for 30 minutes. Misty seconded.

VOTE: 12 (Unanimous) (Jason and Jackie were excused.)

Item :

Planni ng Dep art men t: Cre nshaw Str eet sc ape Pla n Laki sha Hull

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The team consisted of Lakisha, Patricia Thurber, and their intern, Dillon.
A two year grant was received from Metro in June 2012. The team passed out a time-line which showed their
presentation was part of the third stage. The final stage will begin in January, to be complete by June 2014.
The 4-mile stretch of Crenshaw includes very distinct neighborhoods, which the Dept. wants to keep.
Pedestrian accommodations will include: refuge areas for safety, continental crosswalks, mid-block crosswalks,
and intersection bulb-outs.
There isnt a recommendation to reduce auto traffic. The Park Mesa segment allows full traffic lanes in
addition to bike lanes.
The Endeavour Task Force had several suggestions: an Arbor Master Plan, consistent tree well grates for
continuity. There is a question to how the final plan will conform to the Mayors Great Streets program.
- The Streetscape working group admitted misunderstanding the Science Center Agreement. Species of trees are
being sought via public comment.
- Tree intentions include shade and seasonal interest.
- The Streetscape plan wants to memorialize all the other current plans, not reinvent the wheel.
Suggested partnerships for completion and maintenance:
- the Leimert/Crenshaw Business Improvement District (BID), where items used can be a little more expensive
- coordination with City departments on what is already being planned and is in work, as well as available grant
money
- Public Works will have to be in agreement of final plan, since the Dept. will be the main one responsible for
upkeep
- working with the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) to ensure public art reflects the culture, preferable
community-driven art pieces
Damien Goodmon of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition stated the City is listening to the Planning Departments
perceptions. There are already several portions that are pedestrian-friendly, for instance. More planning has to
be done in regards to the Crenshaw/LAX stations.

Item :

1% Ar t Deve lop me nt Fee Ayn drea Wil son

Discu ssio n
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She had a meeting with Public Works Mike Davis regarding the Great Streets initiative. This is a great
method of following the initiatives feeling.
The City can do a protective coating on top of community murals
Street Services and Sanitation can be incorporated
She cleared up the confusion regarding the need for an Arts Ad Hoc Committee to move art projects forward.
Its not necessary as long as there is a point person on the Board who can write letters or provide backing when
she speaks with developers.
David will assign a point person on the Board for a letter or bring information back to the Board. There will be
additional discussion on the topic at a Monday Board Meeting.

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Item :

Empo wer men t C ongre ss W est El ecti on Loc ati on Nick Hill
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Other NCs have great turnout for their elections because they are tied-into community events like BBQs or
carnivals.
It seems odd to learn about the candidates right before a stakeholder votes.
Elections should follow the adage, Put your pole where the fish are.
Requires approval of the Board to move the elections from Jim Gilliam to Baldwin Hills Crenshaws Farmers
Market or the mall, itself
The NC with the biggest increase of turnout
Lark motioned to move the 2014 Elections from Jim Gilliam Park to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. Carl seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (12)

Item :

Baldwi n Villag e C ond o C onv ersi on - Carl

Discu ssio n
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This is the first condo conversion in a very long time, which could be a catalyst for losing affordable housing.
Could destabilize rent control in Baldwin Village, especially with increased property values.
Additional parking spaces have been obtained
The Board hadnt been notified prior to the current week, not giving the Board an opportunity to comment
inside of a 60 day comment period. There will be a hearing for the conversion at the Dept. of Zoning on December
11 @ 10:30 am. City Hall, room 1020. Kevin Golden may be contacted at (213) 978-1396.
Current tenants are being given $16,000 for relocation expenses, with the option of using the funds against the
condo purchase price.
4026 South West Blvd, LA 90008
Yvonne questioned whether the conversion will affect the areas pending HPOZ or if there will suddenly be a
building-frenzy for condos, which is something we dont want.
Romerol suggested that there may be more stabilization in the area with home-ownership.
Carl will email the letter to all Board members for review.
Madeleine motioned to extend the meeting until 12:30 pm. Yvonne seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (12)

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Lark motioned to submit a letter of approval with the request that the developer set aside 10% for affordable
housing, with the first chance of purchase given to current tenants. Carl seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (12)

Sta keh old ers w ere inv ite d to re m ain d uring t he v o te for the B oard of Nei ghb orh ood Co m mi ssi on ers
resol uti on s.

8 Mot ion s U nder Co nsi dera tio n of the B oard of Ne ighbor ho od Co mm issi oner s
Item 1:
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Item 2a :

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Elec tion s: The Department of Neighborhood Empowerment is to be permanently placed in

charge of administering elections.
Co m men ts/Rec o mm end ati on : as established in the city chapter, the neighborhood councils are an integral
part of the citys civic process. Therefore the city must adequately fund the elections and the cost of the elections
should not be borne by the individual neighborhood councils.
Board Acti on : Support/Yes
Trai ning a nd Le ader shi p Dev elop me nt : Neighborhood Council board members be required to complete
Ethics, Financial Policy, Sexual Harassment and ADA Compliance training and that the Department offerclasses
including but not limited to leadership, City government basics, parliamentary procedures, land use and candidate
training.
Co m men ts/Rec o mm end ati on : Mandatory training should be limited to the Ethics and Funding Training.
Stakeholders serve in a voluntary capacity with many devoting in excess of 20 hours per week fulfilling the various
duties and activities of membership. The current on-line mandatory training program takes several hours and
many members struggle to complete the training in a timely manner due to other demands. We therefore
recommend the Sexual Harassment, ADA Compliance and other proposed trainings be optional and made
available both on line and/or offered at the regional level. In addition the department should create a board
manual containing the basic information on the other related topics and the ethics and funding training be
conducted within the council regular meeting or offered frequently at a regional level.
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Board Acti on : Oppose/No

Item 2b :

Motio n: There be a citywide standard period of time from date of seating not to exceed 90 days that a Board
member will have to pass the required training and that this be enforced by the NC bylaws, which shall prohibit
voting on any matter coming before the NC board. Inability of any board member(s) to vote for failure to timely
complete training will not affect quorum.
Co m men ts/Rec o mm end ati on : as established in the city chapter, the neighborhood councils are an integral
part of the citys civic process. Therefore the city must adequately fund the elections and the cost of the elections
should not be borne by the individual neighborhood councils.
Board Acti on : Support/Yes

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Item 3:

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Item 6:

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Item 7:

Earl y No tific atio n S yste m : An Early Notification System be established by each city department commission
and the city council and its committees to provide Neighborhood Council with a minimum of 60 days notice of an
y proposed action. For any proposed ballot measures or ordinance Neighborhood Council must receive at least 60
days notice.
Co m men ts/Rec o mm end ati on : The NC system was established to strengthen civic engagement and
stakeholder input into public policy. Unlike the City Council and city agencies the frequency of NC meetings
often prevents their ability to respond to major policies being considered by the city council given the lack of
adequate notice and short timeline. Providing this notice will allow NCs to obtain stakeholder input and respond in
a more effective manner.
Board Acti on : Support/Yes
Initia tio n of Co uncil File s: Neighborhood Councils should have the right to open Council Files. No
Neighborhood Council Board member shall be required to file a financial disclosure from for a NC to open a
council file. There shall be no limit on the number of Council Files that a NC may open each year.
Co m men t/R eco m men dati on : While the ECWANDC supports the policy allowing NCs to open a council file
members of the board and public expressed concern that there be no conflict of interest reporting requirement.
We therefore recommend the City Attorney develop an abbreviated version of the financial disclosure system
requirement to reduce the burden on NCs will ensuring that the NC board members are free of any potential
financial conflict of interest.
Board Acti on : Oppose/No

Review o f Deliver y of Cit y Ser vice s: The BONC with the aid and advice of citywide NCs will adopt policies
establishing best practices for monitoring the delivery of City Services.

Reco mm end ati on s/ C om me nt s: While the NC understands the need for greater accountability, stakeholders
and members of the board expressed concern that the centralization of any of the NC roles and responsibilities
would impede our ability to address local concerns in the manner and fashion appropriate to the issue and
community. The city should develop a set of metrics for every department delineated by region that are publically
reported and set the expectation that all departments respond to NC request include attending meetings, in a
reasonable period of time.
Board Acti on : Oppose/No
Co m muni ty I mp act St ate me nt s: City agendas should once again include the full test of the brief CIS from
each NC submitting one with links to any background materials that were provided as support. Any time a CIS is
removed from a subsequent agenda, the City Clerk will send a notice to the NC.
Reco mm end ati on /C om me nt : It is important that the positions of the NCs submitting CIS be readily visible via
included on the actual printed agenda at the time the city council or committee takes action to increase the
likelihood the information will receive full consideration.
Board Acti on : Support/Yes
Neighb orh oo d C ouncil s Pre se nti ng at P ublic Me eti ngs: Official NC or NC Alliance representatives
addressing the City Council, its committees, commissions and boards be granted 5 minutes of presentation time
ECWANDC Meeting Minutes | Page 5

separate from general public comment .. and should be called before comment before general public comment.
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None.

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Board Acti on : Support/Yes

Item 8a :

Motio n: Unexpended NC funds should be kept in the NC system, received and administered by the Department
of Neighborhood Empowerment

Co m men t/R eco m men dati on : Support for this proposal is predicated upon the expectation that the funds will
be used for the direct benefit of the NCs by providing additional resources to continue to build the capacity of the
individual NC as the needs are identified.
Board Acti on : Support/Yes see comment

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Item 8b :

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Motio n: NCs should be allowed to provide funds to City departments provided that the equipment benefits
stakeholders, that in addition to the initial requestor there is documentation of the need from a higher level of the
department and that the transfer is accompanied by an MOU, agreement or a form similar to a neighborhood
purposes grant.

Co m men t/R eco m men dati on : Stakeholders expressed concern that the use of funds for expenses that should
be provided through the city budget and a deviation from the role of the NCs per the charter. Such support should
demonstrate a strategy for greater civic participation.
Board Acti on : S upp ort / Ye s

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Motio n: Overriding principles should be that in the absence of conflicts of interest, the DONE should be
empowered to seek and receive funds appropriate to their mission and support their operation
Co m men t/R eco m men dati on : Receipt of such funds should not diminish the citys commitment and
maintenance of effort for the DONE or NCs.

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Board Acti on : Support/Yes see comment

Item 8c :

Me eting Ad jo urned at 12:36 pm

Minutes as Approved by Board at __3___/____1___/__14__ Meeting

Signature:
Yvonne Ellett .
ECWANDC Recording Secretary

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