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LANCC Minutes

LANC Congress
December 1, 2007
L. A. DWP Building
111 N. Hope Street, Los Angeles

MINUTES

1. Meeting was called to order at 10:12 PM by Chair, Len Schaffer.

2. The minutes were unanimously as corrected.

3. Public Comment: Notice was given of planning classes and the December meeting. Dan Wiseman paid tribute to Carol Baker Tharp and suggested that the Empowerment Academy be changed to the Carol Baker Tharp Academy. The Dept. of Parks and Recreation is doing a needs assessment and his holding hearings on area needs in all 15 council districts from December through February.

4. Committee Reports: None given.

5. DONE staff report on North Hills West NC: DONE had recommended several steps for the NC to take to bring them back into compliance with DONE rules and regulations, then, in an about face, changed their minds and rescinded the order. When an election complaint was filed, DONE neglected to notify NHW NC. Nor were copies of the complaints sent to the NC. NHW was not invited to the BONC hearings. Ken Draper stated that the complaints were filed over one year ago and that NHW was aware of them even if they were not notified by DONE. NHW revised their bylaws to cover the lack of plans on election issues and complaints. There was no grievance process in the plan. The real issues were never addressed. DONE should be invited to answer questions regarding process.

6. Ellen Sandt from the CAO office spoke regarding Proposition S. They have no information as to how much tax the proposition will raise. Revenue is growing at about one percent per year. If this is not passed, the tax will remain on the books and the city will fight it in court, and city departments will be cut. Consolidating departments could save $5 million. We can have fewer services done well, or have many services done poorly. The proposition, as written, allows the city to amend the tax at any time.

7. Frank Martinez, City Clerk, discussed his office handling the NC elections. The NCRC recommended that this be done. DONE would do outreach and the City Clerk will honor each NC’s special election needs. Elections would be bi-annual, regional, and spread over three mnths. NC bylaws would have to be changed to accommodate the change. They would start in spring of 2008 with approximately 1/3 of the NCs. Elections are opportunities to do outreach. There would be space for write-ins on the ballots. Elections could be held on weekends, however, the elections done by the City Clerk are mandated by the city council.

8. The LA NC Congress charter should be revised and, perhaps, cut down. Should it be open to all NCs? LA NC Congress as it is is not working. Perhaps just getting dynamic speakers would turn the trick. NC delegates should be taking information back to their NCs, but don’t appear to be doing so.

9. & 10. Not discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 P.M.