NORTHRIDGE EAST NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

Monthly Meeting Minutes August 17, 2005 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Members present:

Kelly Lord, Tom Baker Steve Patel, Scott Hayman, Lucille R. Meehan, Don Dwiggins, Judi Levin, Judy Nutter, Alice McClain, Jim Gardner, Caroline Moore, Chuck Bunnell

Members absent:

Joe Woong Nam, Judy Nutter, Alice McClain

Agenda Topics

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M.
2. Approval of minutes
3. Council Member and Treasurer Steve Patel spoke to the proposed budget for Northridge East Neighborhood Council for 2005. The council has no major projects pending. Most funds are to go for outreach including signage ("A Frame" signs), also stationary and business cards.

   The proposed Northridge East Neighborhood Council budget was presented. A motion was made to accept the budget by Scott Hayman. Seconded by Carol Moore. Motion passed.

4. There was discussion on websites for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council.
5. Steve Patel reported on the meeting with City Councilman Greg Smith:

   There is a new task force citing signage (ie garage sale, etc.) After two days it must be removed or a citation could result.

   The Council has the opportunity to adopt a street. We would become responsible for a certain amount of street maintenance, and would have a sign posted announcing our adoption of the street.

   Stoney Point is to be a city park.

6. There were comments concerning the presence of large trucks at Tuba and Genesta by several persons in attendance. A Service Request Form from Councilman Smith's office was filled out and turned in. There is a 5,600 lb limit for vehicles parked.
7. Council Member Judie Levin Sanchez made several comments:

   Judie attended a hearing regarding a development on Superior. There is a question of building aesthetics.

   Two empty lots on Halstad between Zelzah and White Oak are to be used for private homes.

   The Vincennes project will go forward as approved by the planning commission.

   The Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils will meet at a forum November 10th at the Airtel Hotel.

8. A stakeholder voiced concern about the possibility of Van Nuys Airport expansion.
9. Council Member Lucille Meehan voiced concern about street repair.
10. A stakeholder asked about the status of the proposed Walmart project on Nordhoff. Council Member Judie Levin answered that Councilman Smith will call for a complete environmental impact survey.
11. Michael Tou, Field Representative of Congressman Brad Sherman reported on the use of the $13,000,000.00 transportation funds voted by Congress. It will go for street resurfacing over 4-5 years, intersection repair, street lights, a bike path along the Los Angeles River, and improvements on the Orange Line.

    Mr. Tou also spoke to the improvements on the 405, the cost of a car pool lane on the 405, and seeking Federal funds for PALS (Police Athletic League Supporters) in Northridge.

12. Mr. John Bwarie, Deputy District Director for the Office of Councilman Greg Smith, introduced himself and spoke of the responsibility of a homeowner whose property is adjacent to a streets with a sidewalk for the maintenance of the strip on the street side, even if there is a privacy wall between the property and the sidewalk.

    Regarding street repair Mr. Bwarie reported that streets were selected for repair but that many utilities had to be contacted to avoid conflicts in repair schedules.

    Streets are graded from 1 to 8,1 being perfect to 8 being a "failed"street.

13. Mr. Bill Robertson, Director of Street Services Los Angeles, gave an update on the Los Angeles road system. The vast road system has been neglected. Only a small part of the repairs can be made. The new Mayor has seen to it that more money is spent on repairs. Mr. Robertson suggested that the Northridge East Neighborhood Council, when it decides which roads it wishes to be repaired, concentrate on residential streets.

    A question was asked as to who is responsible for the new streets for expansion of CSUN; Mr. Robertson answered that the funding will come in the permit process.

    Mr. Bwarie commented that there is special funding for major streets (transportation corridors that carry busses.) Busses are exempt from Bridge Laws that regulate weight on roads.

    A stakeholder asked about tree trimming and sidewalk repair; Mr. Robertson explained that 90% of damage to sidewalks is due to tree roots, but that trees bring extra value to a neighborhood. To trim roots, only 25% of the root mass can be trimmed and only every 5-7 years. Mr. Robertson also commented that trees are replaced for free.

    A question was asked about street lighting; Mr. Robertson replied that street lighting is a concern of the Bureau of Street Maintenance and is financed by assessment.

    A question was asked about stop signs; Mr. Robertson replied that they are regulated by the Department of Transportation.

    Council Member Don Dwiggins asked about the new street repair machinery that was described in Mr. Robertson's presentation to NENC last fall. Mr. Robertson replied that it costs $400,000.00 a mile to replace a street. Of the money for streets 80% goes to keeping streets from going bad, and 20% goes to repairing bad streets. He reported that the new machine that replaces and repairs roads has saved over $2 million in the last year. This savings, thanks to our new Mayor, is going back into road repair, rather than being placed into the city's General Fund.

    A question was asked about Mayall Street from Louise to Balboa; how long would it take to repair the sidewalk. Mr. Robertson replied that three crews are required to complete the job, but that the entire job should not take too long.

14. Our speakers were thanked, and the next meeting was scheduled for 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 19, 2005, again at Andasol Elementary.
15. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 P.M.