General Meeting Agenda (VNNC)
Van Nuys Neighborhood Council December 10th, 2014 (Wednesday 6:30 – 10:00pm) Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center 6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Council Chambers, Van Nuys, CA 91401

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America
  2. Roll Call (Quorum Call)
  3. Comments from the Chair (President) of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council
  4. Public Comment (On matters within the VNNC Board’s Jurisdiction.) *Speaker Cards: 2 minutes, 1 Public Comment Time. (This includes speaker cards on any and all agenda items — a limit of 10 minutes for the entire meeting per Stakeholders and Councilmembers alike)
  5. Secretary’s Report — Approve October & November Minutes (2 separate votes)
  6. Treasurer’s Report — Jeanette Hopp and/or Howard Benjamin (Second Signatory) — Approve Treasurer’s Report
  7. Committee Chairperson’s Reports, Budget Advocate’s Report, Elected Officials’ Reports & Election Chair’s Report.
  8. New Business
    • a. Speech and Presentation by Los Angeles Zoo Director John R. Lewis. Mr. Lewis is
      participating in the ongoing “Speaker Series” hosted by the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council (VNNC). (Background: To serve the community, the Los Angeles Zoo will create an environment for recreation and discovery; inspire an appreciation of wildlife through exhibitry and education; ensure the highest level of animal welfare; and support programs that preserve biodiversity and conserve natural habitat.) (20 minutes)
    • b. The VNNC to consider submitting a Community Impact Statement (CIS) on the proposed use of the property at 14926 Kittridge Ave. in Van Nuys, CA. The VNNC is aware of the concerns that the neighbors have, and would like to work with all parties involved to come to a mutual understanding to mitigate this issue.
    • c. Officially elect the 5 representatives authorized by the VNNC to submit Community Impact Statements (CIS). (An individual or a committee may draft a CIS and the Board approves the document and position. This is then uploaded to the City Clerk’s portal by authorized members. The selection of these authorized persons is confirmed by an official Board vote and submitted either in a Letter of Resolution or by Approved Board Minutes stating the selection of up to five (5) people. Submission of the names must also include both the phone number and the email address for each person. This information must be on file with DONE’s Field office.)
    • d. Brainstorm and begin the planning of the “Natalie Wood Botanical Garden” at the Government Center in Van Nuys. This garden will be the first one of its kind in the Valley, and will aim to have as many different species of trees as possible in one specified designated government area. The “Natalie Wood Botanical Garden” will be a continuing work in progress and living garden for the enjoyment of arborists and the general public alike. During each tree planting ceremony, a community clean up will be planned immediately afterwards to spread the word about the VNNC, and clean up our neighborhoods. The VNNC to possibly consider doing one tree planting and community clean up a month, and continue the newly established tradition for years and years to come. The VNNC to seek out staff at the Huntington Library, who currently maintains several gardens in Pasadena. (George Thomas)
    • e. Update and request for action on the parking situation on Cedros Street. The VNNC has been addressing an ongoing problem with the residents and the businesses in the area, and has reached out to Councilman Tom LaBonge and his field staff to assist the council in resolving the situation.
    • f. The VNNC to start the process of re-naming the Van Nuys Orange Line Station after Marilyn Monroe. The VNNC will specifically address the government process of re-naming the station, and will assign tasks to Councilmembers to make this happen.
    • g. 7337-7347 Hazeltine Ave. Request a Letter of Support for the Change Of Zoning from 9T) R3-1, R1-1, R3-1 and [Q] RD1.5-1 To a RD1.5 zone. It was submitted to the PLUM Committee meetings in coordination with Katherine Square Neighborhood Association and Paul Krekorian’s Office with changes in the amount of units and other items relevant to the project. Case no.: VTT72877 (Regina Minor) Supporting documents: Arch Drawings TTM-14008-36X48-8-20-14
    • h. 15600 Vanowen Street. Zone Variance. Legalization of an existing Recreation room converted to a new dwelling unit. Case no: ZA-2014-2762-ZV (Joseph Pazcoguin- Plan and Permit Inc.) Asking a letter of support for the conversion to send to city planning.
    • i. The VNNC to begin planning three “Community Conversations with Coffee” for January. The VNNC is and will continue to participate in the ongoing LIBRARIES TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES initiative. With the help of Kelly Tyler, the head Librarian at the Van Nuys Public Library, we will address the pressing issues facing Van Nuys and the mid valley.
    • j. Update on missing VNNC property with final analysis on what we should do. For example, contact the City Attorney, contact LAPD, contact DONE, etc.
    • k. The VNNC to host a “Meet and Greet” from 6:30pm – 7:00pm with a holiday mixer and toy drive to accompany the “Meet and Greet.”
  9. Old Business a. Consideration and possible vote on filling vacant seats on the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council. The VNNC will entertain any and all membership applications submitted for vacant seats. — ACTION ITEM
  10. Announcements
  11. Adjournment