BOARD MEETING MINUTES

 Attending Board Members: 

Fran Reichenbach
Nina Van Tasssell
Diana Knoll
George Abrahams
Tina Roman
Byrd Holland

Board Members absent:

Ed Hayek
Missy Kelly
J.P. O'Connor 

The meeting was called to order by President Fran Reichenbach at 7:40 p.m.  The Board introduced themselves as did those present. 

Housekeeping business:  approval of Nov 7^th and March 6^th minutes.  Correction on Nov. 7^th minutes, second page, sign up with no hyphen and counsel changed to council.  There was a motion made and the Board approved those minutes.   There was no correction for the March minutes.  There was a motion made and the Board approved the March minutes. 

Diana Knoll gave a treasury report stating that the balance in the budget is $2,011.97.   Fran Reichenbach made a motion for the BCNA to continue its page quarterly in The Beachwood Voice for the low cost of $300 per issue.   The motion was unanimously passed.  

The next item for discussion is the 101 freeway expansion.  It is announced that a meeting regarding this subject will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood on 1760 North Gower on May 5^th, Monday, from 6:00 to 8:30.  People can come at any point to get an overview and are encouraged to attend.  Discussion ensues.    

The next item for discussion is Hollywoodland street lighting.  Street lights are scheduled to be changed to high pressure, sodium, pink lights.  If we do nothing, we will get these hideous lights.  They are unsafe according to George Abrahams because it is difficult to see into deep shadows with that type of light.   One example given was when two women in dark clothing were hit by car at night because of the dark on dark syndrome.  There are alternatives, for example, that are just as efficient called sulphur with argon gas energized like a microwave oven.  Handouts were passed around on this subject and further discussion ensued.  Another important point made in the discussion was the existence of the new federal law enforcing the changes.  That means all this is coming and we can’t escape it.  George Abrahams asks his motion to be approved and put on the table.  Tina Roman seconded George’s motion.  The motion was read as follows:  

            Whereas,

(1)    Within the next 5 years all parts of Los Angeles are scheduled to have their street lights converted to high pressure sodium (HPS), one of several modern high-efficiency lighting technologies;

(2)    There exist other modern high-efficiency lighting technologies available that are an alternative to HPS;

(3)    Sulfur lamp technology is one such alternative which emits a continuous spectrum that is closer to the spectrum of the sun than any other lighting technology available;

(4)    The concrete light posts along with their white round globes are an integral part of the history and character of Beachwood Canyon;

Therefore, be it resolved that the BCNA requests that

(1)     The Bureau of Street Lighting research the possibility of using a modern high-efficiency lighting technology other than HPS including sulfur lamp technology;

(2)     In the eventuality that no lighting technology other than HPS is feasible that an assessment district be created in Hollywoodland to retain the existing incandescent lighting;

(3)     The original white round globes that existed in Hollywoodland when the historic concrete light posts were installed be restored to usage;

(4)     In the interim the several HPS lights that are currently installed in various locations in Hollywoodland be restored in incandescent lighting. 

Fran Reichenbach calls for the motion on the table after discussion.  All Board members approve the motion.  Diana Knoll will write a letter to the City to go along with the motion.  A motion for Diana to contact Cultural Affairs regarding having the lighting posts nominated and declared historic posts was made by George Abrahams and Diana made the second. The motion carried.     

SLO Bill Sollie was not present. Fran Reichenbach gave the crime report of a guy breaking into cars in the hills.  Also, there was a follow-home armed robbery on Glen Green.  Community discussion ensued.  It was pointed out that it was a dark street.  Fran will get the City to cut a tree that is obscuring the light.  There was further discussion about the group home and the need to have the police look at that group home. 

Gangbangers are hanging around the group home at 2471 Beachwood Drive run by L.A. Youth Network.  There has been a Neighborhood watch created around that area because the kids there and their visitors are hassling others on the street and in the community.  The situation bodes potential problems for our area.  There was further discussion on social services versus private services, the young wards living there breaking the rules and bringing kids from other areas and destroying property.  

The Franklin-Hollywood Hills community report was handed out.  All are invited to a neighborhood meeting regarding the needle-exchange program.  The meeting will be April 29, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Q-Topia, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard. 

There was further discussion regarding the moving of Fire station 82.   Fran Reichenbach and Katherine Etzel went to a fire bond administrative  oversight committee meeting. They asked for the issue to be placed on their next agenda on May 15^th, 2003 at 1PM downtown. Now, all activity regarding this issue is being done in secret.  Fran read the following motion for consideration:  

Whereas moving Fire Station 82 east almost to Western would add to an already lengthy response time to the narrow hillside and canyon residents, we therefore move that the City expand the current Fire Station 82 on Bronson to allow for one additional class 2 or 3 fire truck or other small first response vehicle to respond exclusively to narrow streets in the hills above Franklin Avenue.  The BCNA will not tolerate further increase in response time for fire or emergency medical calls to this canyon. 

Bryd Holland moves the motion and Nina Van Tassell seconded it.   Further discussion ensues.  Bryd Holland made a motion regarding the moving of Fire Station 82 as it relates to Prop. F. and how we should go on the record.  After further discussion, Bryd’s friendly amendment failed to get support and the original motion was approved.  

Regarding the membership outreach report, Diana Knoll asked for volunteers to make calls because some people haven’t renewed their membership.  Further discussion ensues.  Send checks to Diana Knoll, 2225 North Beachwood Drive, No. 101.  Make checks out to BCNA. 

Public comments:  What’s the story on the construction?  The City is replacing water mains.  George Abrahams asked them after replacing the pipes to resurface the concrete on Beachwood. 

The next item is a discussion regarding the cell phone tower.  It is not on Durand, but the antennae was put on a utility pole on Belden.  It’s a done deal. 

The next meeting is May 29^th here at the coffee shop.