MEETING MINUTES
August 22, 2002 

Board Members in attendance: 

Fran Reichenbach
Nina Van Tassell
Missy Kelly
George Abrahams
Diana Knoll
Byrd Holland
Tina Roman
Ed Hayek 

President Fran Reichenbach called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.  Fran introduced the Board with commentary as follows:  Nina is the bulky item coordinator.  Call her if you have bulky items to be picked up at 464-7117.  Tina is the recording secretary and into preserving the environmental aspects of the community.  She along with Byrd is into parking congestion, red curbs, potholes, governmental affairs, and r-1 zoning preservation.  George is into graffiti; he reports it daily.  He also is into beautification of the community and is responsible for removing ugly paper signs affixed to various telephone poles and walls throughout the community. 

In addition to community members in attendance, present were Rory Fitzpatrick and our new Area Deputy Michelle Fleenor, (818)755-7630, e-mail at mfleenor, both from Councilman Tom LaBonge’s office; and Captain Downey and Mike Shea, senior lead officer, of the Hollywood area; and the President of the Hollywoodland Neighborhood Association. 

George Abrahams moved to approve the minutes.  Missy Kelly seconded the motion.  The treasurer, Diana Knoll, reported a balance in the treasury of $2,657.66. 

Diana Knoll reiterated the Association’s goal of improving the quality of life in the canyon for all of us and asked for help in preserving the charm, uniqueness, and historical values.  On that note she introduced a plan to enroll more members in the Association and membership forms were handed out. 

Byrd Holland emphasized that we are not a political group and take no position as an association on the topic of secession. 

Fran Reichenbach announced she was so happy to see so many people there in spite of the negligence of the U.S. Postal Service in losing 600 meeting announcement cards that were mailed at the Wilcox Station. 

Issues discussed: 

The proposed 21-unit condominium complex proposed for Beachwood Drive was discussed.  There was a meeting downtown and the outcome is a six-week moratorium on a decision.  There was discussion on further plans to block that complex.  One interesting comment from Rory Fitzpatrick is that we should organize to pressure the City to downzone this area.  He suggested we meet with Tom Labonge’s Planning Deputy, Rene Weitzer, on this issue.  

Captain Downey talked about the concept of neighborhood councils and neighborhood involvement and the Community Police Advisory Board and the joint cooperation between the police and community in solving community problems that lead to criminal activity.  Captain Downey also discussed how to build crime resistance within a community.   The number to call about graffiti and homeless outreach is (213) 485-4310.  Officer Shea reported on a hot prowl suspect, but announced in our area the crimes are mainly auto burglaries and some residential burglaries.  

The proposed Sprint antennae on Durand were discussed and what plans could be taken to block it.  

There was discussion about the replacement of the lampposts and the desire to keep the historical lampposts and to replace the broken ones with historical lampposts from other areas in the City. 

The update on the resurfacing of Beachwood Drive is that Bureau of Street Services is trying to find a method of resurfacing the concrete streets.  Many are not in great shape and it must be cost-effective for the City.  A commission is to have a meeting to report on their findings.  The Bureau is still looking for a solution. 

Bryd Holland reported on his fight with the strip businesses on Franklin Avenue as it relates to valet parking and dangerous traffic conditions.  Parking enforcement was ordered to enforce all passenger zone violations and commercial zone violations