Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association

MINUTES - November 4, 2003

Recorded by: Marilyn Wexler

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
Introductions:
Guests included Kevin Keller from Cindi Misokowski’s office and Linda Renaud from the Palisades Post.
Minutes October 14.
The minutes from September 9, 2003 were approved with the following corrections.
“-Other business. The needed repairs for the stairs at Amalfi were discussed. It was reported that they have subsequently been repaired.”
Treasurer’s report
Marilyn reported that recent membership dues have been deposited, and she has reviewed what treasurer’s records there were. She noted that there doesn't appear to be a formal ledger of expense vs. revenue, and that we should set one up.
Babs Lebowsky was nominated and unanimously elected to be Treasurer. The inconvenience of banking at the Xerox Credit Union in El Segundo was discussed. Babs Lebowsky indicated that she preferred to bank in the Pacific Palisades. It was agreed unanimously that she and George will transfer the credit union assets to a new account to be opened at US Bank in the Palisades to handle future banking needs.
Proposed sale and future use of Canyon Service Station Property.
Frank Langen reported on the proposed sale of the Canyon Service Station Property. It is zoned R-1, with a conditional use variance for the operation of the gas station. The current owner, Marquez family, wish to sell, and Brian Clark would like to continue to operate the gas station. Frank reviewed options for purchasing the property as a community and for requesting Landmark status for the station.
A committee was appointed to look into options for the property including nominating the station for landmark status. Members include Mike Deasy (chair), Brian Clark, Leslie Hope, Frank Langen, Marilyn Wexler and Asta Young.
Alternatives for planning residential development in Santa Monica Canyon, overlay zones. Briefing by Kevin Keller, new City Planning Deputy to Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski.
Kevin Keller presented a thorough overview of different pathways to take. These included; overlay zones, cultural landmarks, and a specific plan for the area to include a review process through the design review board.
The board was enthused to hear about the planning process to create "Community Overlay Districts". The City of LA has so far created only commercial districts. Something such as this could be introduced in the City Council by Cindy Miscikowski.
A committee was appointed to address this idea. Members include Jill Soffer (chair), Barbara Archibald, Mike Deasy, Joan Graves, Frank Langen, Greer Macready, Alejandro Ortiz, and Marilyn Wexler
It was requested that an article be written on this subject, for the January newsletter.
201 Entrada.
George presented artists renderings of the revised plan, which complies with height requirements. A discussion ensued and George was asked to inform Administrator Green that this Board has no issues with the new design, but does have concerns about the possible use of the property for commercial purposes.
Old Business.
>Prop. K Project. There was no new update.
>Newsletter status. The newsletter has gone out.
>Neighborhood Traffic Study Implementation. There was no new update.
>Membership. There are 292 paid members.
Walt Turowski. Betty Bradshaw made a motion which was passed, to contribute at least $100 to Heal the Bay in honor of Walt.
December meeting. There will be No meeting in December. This will allow time for the committees to meet.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.