REGULAR MEETING OF THE WESTSIDE CITIES SUMMIT/COG

MEETING NOTES

PRESENT

Beverly Hills:  Council Member Linda J. Briskman.  Staff: Rod Wood, Katie Lichtig, Maria Rychlicki, and Aaron Kunz.

Culver City:  Mayor Gary Silbiger, Council Member Carol Gross.  Staff: Jerry Fulwood, Bill LaPointe, Shelly Wolfberg

Santa Monica:  Mayor Robert Holbrook, Council Member Richard Bloom, Council Member Kevin McKeown, Council Member Pam O’Connor.  Staff: Gordon Anderson, Kate Vernez, and Ed Edelman.

West Hollywood:  Mayor John Heilman, Councilmember Abbe Land, and Council Member Jeffrey Prang.  Staff:  Christof Schroeder, Dennis Woods and David Wilson.

Los Angeles:  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council Member Bill Rosendahl and Councilmember Jan Perry.  Staff:  Norman Kulla (District 11), Michael Karsch (LA LAO), John Brady (Mayor Villaraigosa's Office).

Other Attendees:  Jody Hall Esser, facilitator, Lisa Pinto, (Rep. Waxman), Laurie Newman (Sen. Kuehl), Flora Gil Krisiloff and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (Supervisor Yaroslavsky), Jody Litvak (Metro), Patrician Price (SCAQMD), Eloisa Klementich (League of CA Cities), Jason Weiner (Westside Economic Collaborative), Rhoda Meister (St. Joseph’s Center), Judy Okun and Andrea Simpson (Westside Chronicle).

1.    CALL TO ORDER, WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 

The meeting was called to order at 12:40 p.m. by Jody Hall Esser, Facilitator.

LA City Councilman Bill Rosendahl welcomed everyone to the City of Los Angeles. 

Councilmember Rosendahl introduced Councilwoman Jan Perry who also provided a welcome to the City; she introduced Patrician Price from South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and encouraged the COG to work together on AQMD-related issues.      

Self-introductions initiated by the Facilitator.     

Facilitator advised members that the Westside Chronicle staff in attendance planned to take a picture during the meeting and asked the elected officers gather for a picture at the conclusion of the meeting.

2.    DISTRIBUTION OF MARCH 16, 2006 MEETING NOTES

Facilitator called for any additions or corrections to the meeting notes.  As none were provided, the meeting notes were approved by consensus.

1.     3.  COG DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS, BY-LAWS AMENDMENT AND LOGISTICS

     (A)   Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary

Facilitator called for nominations for Board Chair: West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman nominated Santa Monica Councilmember Richard Bloom; no other nominations were submitted.  Councilmember Bloom , by acclamation, was approved as the first Chair of WCCOG.

Chairman Bloom called for nominations for the position of Vice Chair.  The Chair nominated West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman.  John Heilman nominated Beverly Hills Councilwoman Linda Briskman.  The Chair withdrew his nomination.  No other nominations were provided.  By acclamation, Councilwoman Briskman succeed as the first Vice Chair of the WCCOG.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Secretary.  West Hollywood Councilmember Abbe Land nominated Mayor John Heilman.  No other nominations were provided.  Mayor Heilman, by acclamation, succeed as the first Secretary of the WCCOG.  

B)   Designation of Treasurer and other officers

Facilitator noted that the WCCOG JPA and By-laws provide that the Treasurer of the COG shall be the Treasurer of the City of the elected Chair of the Board.  Chair Bloom noted that the Treasurer would therefore be Mr. Steve Stark.

(C)   Presentation of suggested language for necessary amendments to By-laws relating to the City Managers/City Staff Recommendation meetings, a staff meeting of city managers, and conformance with JPA related to officers.

Facilitator explained the purpose of the proposed amendments and that the JPA and By-laws prescribe that there must be at least a 30-day delay between presentation of proposed amendments and action on same.  Therefore, the amendment should be received and filed at this time and carried forward to the July 20, 2006 COG meeting for action.  Approved by consensus to receive and file the proposed By-laws amendment; unanimously passed.   

(D)   Cities participation in COG City Managers/City Staff Recommendation meetings and designation of that group to recruit Executive Director

Letters from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, designating City Managers/City Staff representatives, formerly the referred to as the “TAC” were presented for Receive and File.  Facilitator noted that letters from Culver City and Los Angeles regarding staff representation/alternate representation would be forthcoming.  Also that the JPA prescribed that the alternate Councilmember from the City of LA should also be designated in writing and presented at/by the next meeting.

(Out of Order from late in the meeting)  Chair called for a motion to direct the City Manager/City Staff representatives to recruit for an Executive Director.  Motion offered unanimously passed.

(E)   Additional Responsibilities Contained in the JPA and By-Laws

Facilitator noted that the JPA and/or By-laws impose two additional responsibilities: 1) the Board must adopt a policy governing control and investment of COG funds; and 2) that persons having access to property of the COG must be bonded in an amount prescribed by the Board and at the expense of the Board.  Facilitator suggested and the members unanimously agreed to refer this item to the City Managers/City Staff group for recommendations.

(F)   Approval of COG budget and assessment of fees

Facilitator noted that notice that the WCCOG budget and dues assessment would be considered on this date was, as prescribed by the JPA and By-laws, established at the March WCCOG meeting.  She also advised it was her understanding the proposed budget and dues assessment of $15,000 per City had been developed by the City Managers/City Staff and discussed with individual City councils and included in their budget deliberations accordingly.  Facilitator noted a motion to approve the budget and annual dues for the 2006-07 WCCOG fiscal year was in order.  Approved by consensus.

4.    NEW BUSINESS 2005 WORK PROGRAM / PRESENTATIONS

(A)   Report and Recommendations from the COG Homeless Committee on advocacy regarding regional homeless solutions/Initiatives; Los Angeles County Plan; Los Angeles City Council Homeless Committee Actions; inter-agency coordination/continued advocacy of proposal for therapeutic housing for homeless veterans on the West Los Angeles VA campus; the Bring LA Home Plan to End Homelessness next steps.

Chair Bloom commented on the support campaign undertaken with Chambers of Commerce on the Westside and the interfaith community.  Efforts will be focused on supporting long term therapeutic housing for veterans on the West LA campus and building an education campaign for coordination with local police departments and service providers.  Siting issues and lessons learned will be a focus of the next Homeless Committee meeting set for June 15.

Chair introduced Edmund D. Edelman, Special Representative on Homeless Initiatives. Mr. Edelman reported that the County recently adopted a $120M budget to address homelessness; $100M for housing and $20M for on-going costs.  On June 1 an all day housing/homelessness information program will be held: morning session to address Prop 63 and the afternoon session will be on housing.  Mr. Edelman noted the City of Los Angeles has appointed a “Homeless Czarina” Torie Osborn and LA County will name a Homelessness Coordinator soon.  He also noted LAHSA is looking for a new executive director--that he is on the search committee, that he is pleased, having been one of those responsible for the original organization formation, to see it into the next phase.  He hopes to see LAHSA expanded to bring in additional cities.

Chair introduced Flora Gil Krisiloff of Supervisor Yaroslavsky’s Office.  Ms. Krisiloff noted the energy level at County is phenomenal; all departments coordinating and communicating.  The new Director will be in the County CAO’s office.  Two new demonstration programs: one in West Hollywood where the City of West Hollywood will develop the housing and the County will provide wrap-around services; and the second a project proposed for the Skid Row area.  Others interested in developing demonstration projects in collaboration with the County were encouraged to contact her. 

Councilman Rosendahl commented on the synergy, energy, collaboration and partnership that exists at present.  He spoke about a recent meeting with Victor Geminiani, Executive Director, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, to coordinate legal aid to aggressively transfer homeless individuals from general relief to SSI, and encourages others to meet with Mr. Geminiani.  He also commented that the Prop 63 formula is seriously flawed - Los Angeles County not getting its fair share, and we must deal with this.  

(B)   Update on Westside Transit Issues including Efforts to Modify/influence Funding for Exposition Light Rail, Above Grade Separation at Washington/National; the Westside Subway Extension; Metro's Long Range Transportation Plan; State Transportation Infrastructure Bond Issues; and follow-up from May 5 Transportation Symposium 2 Action Plan.

West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman reported on the success of the 2^nd Annual Transportation Symposium.  Mayor Heilman recommended that the City Managers work on the recommendations and report back to the Governing Board. meeting.

(C)  Intergovernmental Relations – League of California Cities Briefing on State Fiscal/Legislative Issues.  Discussion of homeland security collaboration.  Discussion of State unfunded mandates and local control.  Direction to oppose the real property exchange of the West Los Angeles U.S. Army Reserve Center and advocate for preparation of a master plan. 

Chair introduced Eloisa Klementich, League of California Cities.  Ms. Klementich briefed the members on the status of SB 1800, AB 2922, the Transportation/Infrastructure Bond, the Anderson Initiative and the Telecommunications Bill.

City Manager Rod  Wood, City of Beverly Hills, suggested adoption of a policy statement including three core principles that could guide WCCOG positions on future legislative/administrative mandates where funding is not also provided for implementation/reimbursement.  Councilman McKeown moved, Councilmember Gross seconded a motion to oppose unfunded mandates.  Councilman Rosendahl asked if this motion related to AB 2501; McKeown responded it was a motion of principle, unrelated to any specific legislation.  Chair Bloom added that the legislation Councilman Rosendahl mentioned related to a Santa Monica issue.  Mr. Wood noted that the League position regarding Prop 1A is that it prohibits unfunded mandates and that the issue of concern goes beyond the legislature enacting requirements without funding to off-set local responsibilities, rather, the “new” issue is regulatory bodies of the state also imposing responsibilities on local jurisdictions without compensating funds to offset necessary related expenditures.  Mr. Wood elaborated that state imposition of new responsibilities/requirements is not the issue, but rather, it’s the state not also allocating funding to pay for the cost of the mandate.  The motion was passed 4/1-Rosendahl.  Additionally, the Chair, at the request of Vice Chair Briskman, and without dissent of the members referred language for this motion and related principles, to the City Manager/City Staff representatives to be brought back at the next meeting.

Ms. Krisiloff reported on the 10-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Wilshire at the VA, slated for an on-line auction June 12.  She noted the Board of Supervisors has adopted a Motion opposing the sale as the site was a part of the original deed to the VA and though passed from the VA to Air Force to the Department of Defense, if to be declared surplus, should be returned to the VA.  The proposed auction violates NEPA.  It was clarified that all Federal properties along Wilshire are in unincorporated County territory.  These properties being: 1) Federal Building at Wilshire and Veteran where GSA proposes a new 1M square foot FBI office building; 2) The 300 acre VA site; and 3) US Army Reserves facility.

The Chair introduced Lisa Pinto, (District Director, Congressman Henry Waxman).  Ms. Pinto explained proposed re-use/development of these three sites must be dealt with separately -- they are under separate Federal authorities and a single/combined approach will not work.  Her office has begun discussions directly with the FBI regarding their real needs; the FBI has advised that the GSA is not representing their interests.

Ms. Krisiloff noted she has prepared a template opposition letter at the request of constituents and will forward copies to city staff.  Moved by Council Member Land, seconded by Chair Bloom to oppose the sale of the 10-acre VA property.  Motion passed 4/0.

(D)   Land Use Planning: General Plan Update Coordination

At the suggestion of the Chair, this item was held over to a future agenda.

5.    RECEIVE & FILE, DIRECTION RE: CORRESPONDENCE   

Facilitator noted only one additional item presented for Receive and File to her knowledge; the Santa Monica Mirror online article written by Santa Monica Councilmember McKeown.  Seeing no objection, the Chair announced the document to be unanimously approved for Receive and File.

6.    ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chair Bloom recognized City of Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa who addressed the COG members, staff and guests.  The Mayor stated his support for additional funding for the region.  He emphasized the importance of the region working together and spoke of his interest in homeless issues and education.  The Mayor stated he was very pleased Los Angeles was a part of the WCCOG with Councilman Rosendahl as the delegate and Councilman Jack Weiss the alternate.

(A)   MTA Southwest Cities Corridor and Westside Central Service Sector Report

City of Santa Monica Councilwoman and MTA Southwest Cities Corridor representative O’Connor, advised that the Metro Board 2007 budget was adopted today but there would be additional work to come over the next month.  The budget included funding for municipal operators, light rail line funding, anticipated the Long Range Transit Plan update and a Division 7 sound wall continuation (along Hughes Ave. in the Culver City area).  She noted the item to come back on the sound wall did not threaten the wall’s construction, but rather policy matters relating to project overruns in general.

Councilwoman Gross, Westside Central Service Sector Representative thanked Councilwoman O’Connor for assisting in resolving a conflict between members elected terms of office and appointed terms to the Service Sector.  She mentioned a workshop planned for June 14 regarding the Metro Connections project; and changes to bus line schedules along Wilshire to Santa Monica and Commerce as well as on the 220 Line.

(B)   Los Angeles City Council Member Jan Perry update on South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) matters

Chair announced this item was covered by Councilwoman Perry’s comments at the beginning of the meeting.

(C)   Save the Date: Creating Livable Boulevards on the Westside

When: Friday, September 8, 2006 (tentative)
Where: The Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood

Chair announced this save the date, program and location.

(D)   Other Announcements

None were forthcoming.

7.  DISCUSSION REGARDING CALENDARING OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

(A)   Items for future agendas  

1.  Adoption of By-laws amendment (presented, received and filed at the 5/25 COG meeting).

2.  Adoption of the policy governing control and investment of COG funds as required by JPA Section 15 and referred to the City Managers/City Staff representatives on 5/25 for drafting.

3.   Approve the type/amount of bond to be carried by person(s) having access to property of the COG as required by By-Laws Article IV D. and referred to the City Managers/City Staff representatives on 5/25 for recommendation.

4.  Brown Act requirements relating to more than two Councilmembers attending WCCOG meetings –Vice Chair Briskman offered the services of BH City Attorney to advise, in order to encourage maximum allowable attendance while adhering to any/all Brown Act requirements.  (Briskman)

5.  Land Use Planning: General Plan Update Coordination. (Item 4.D carried over from 5/35 WCCOG meeting.)

6.  Report back from the City Manager/City Staff representatives regarding specific language regarding the WCCOG position regarding opposing unfunded mandates.  (Briskman)

7.  Formulation of WCCOG official position RE Prop 63. (Rosendahl)

8.  Infrastructure Bond Issue – Information only. 

(B)    Confirmation of dates and locations.

Facilitator noted the next meeting is scheduled for July 20 in Culver City at Sony Pictures Plaza.  Subsequent meetings are scheduled for September 21 in Santa Monica, location to be determined; and November 16 in Beverly Hills, location to be determined.

8.  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

(A)    Members of the public may address the Westside Summit Cities/COG on any subject on or off the agenda by raising a hand, being recognized by the chair or meeting facilitator and shall confine comments three minutes per speaker.

Chair asked if there were any members of the public wishing to address the WCCOG.  No one responded.

9.  ADJOURNMENT to July 20, 2006 meeting, Sony Pictures Plaza, 10000 Washington BOULEVARD, Culver City.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM