WHWCNC REGULAR BOARD MEETING 3/12/25

WOODLAND HILLS WARNER CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

 

        Regular Full Board Meeting

           City of Los Angeles Fire Station # 84, in the Community Room

 

200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

Email: NCsupport@lacity.org Website: www.empowerla.org

 

   21050 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA, 91367

                             March 12, 2025

6:30 p.m.- 09:00 p.m.

IN PERSON BOARD MEETING

Si requiere servicios de traducción, favor de avisar al Concejo Vecinal 3 días de trabajo (72 horas) antes del evento. Por favor contacte Karen DiBiase, Secretaria, al 818-639-9444 o por correo electrónico www.whcouncil.org para avisar al Concejo Vecinal.

 

*PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS – The public may address the Board on any agenda item before the Board takes an action on an item. Comments from the public on agenda items will be heard only when the respective item is being considered. Public comment is limited to (1) minute per speaker unless adjusted by the President. Public comment can only be made one time and will be heard at the beginning of an agenda item.

 

*PUBLIC INPUT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Comments from the public on other matters not appearing on the agenda that are within the Board’s jurisdiction will be heard during the General Public Comment period. Please note that under the Brown Act, the Board is prevented from acting on a matter that you bring to its attention during the General Public Comment period; however, the issue raised by a member of the public may become the subject of a future Board meeting.

 

 

Board Members:

Area 1 – Karen DiBiase, Geoffrey Hobson, Rochelle / Shelly Schwartz, Reina Cerros- McCaughey

Area 2 – Julian Tu, Masha Dowell, Elie El Habr

Area 3 – Tracey Rosen, Dean Mathew, Harout Z. Aristakessian, Jayce Baron

Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss

Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers

Area 6 –William Barnett, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby

Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher,  Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Juliet Schwartz

At-Large – August Steurer, Vacant Seat for Alternate
Youth Member – Vacant seat

 

AGENDA

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

 

Public Announcements:

Office of Councilmember Bob Blumenfield – if available                                                                                     (2 minute each)

Office of Local and State Officials – if available                                                                                     (2 minute each)

Other Local Agencies – if available                                                                                     (2 minute each)

 

General Public Comment, by the Public, on Non-Agenda Items:

General Public Comment is limited to one (1) minute per speaker and 10 minutes total due to length of agenda.

 

1. Organization, Operation, Policies, & Procedures & Reports:

All comment is limited to 1 minute per speaker, unless adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board. There will be ONE opportunity to speak only. Time limits set for each agenda item may be adjusted by the presiding officer of the Board. Time limits may vary so the public is encouraged to join the meeting several minutes PRIOR to a specific agenda item being discussed.

 

1. Approval of the Minutes:
2. 1. Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting – December 11, 2024 (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Roll Call Vote

 

 

2. Approval of Minutes: Special Board Meeting- January 27, 2025 (estimated time 5 minutes)

Roll Call Vote

 

 

3. Approval of Minutes: Board Meeting – February 12, 2025 (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Roll Call Vote

 

4. Approval of the Minutes: from Joint Board/ Budget Committee Meeting- February 27, 2025

(estimated time 5 minutes)

 

See posted support documents                                                                      Roll Call Vote

 

1. Officer Reports (estimated time 5 minutes)

President – Dena Weiss 

Vice President – Tracey Rosen

Treasurer – Heath Kline

Secretary -Karen DiBiase 

Parliamentarian – Don Patterson

 

2. Area Reports- for this month this will be after the Items for Discussion and Possible Action.                                                                                                                                                 2. Items for Discussion and Possible Action:

Item No. 1

Heath Kline, Treasurer

(25-022) Approval of MER for February 2025

 

For discussion and possible action                                                                      (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion for the Board to approve the February 2025 Monthly Expense Report (MER).

 

See posted WHWCNC Feb 25 MER 20250228Red (64 pages) included in supporting documents under separate tab.                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                         Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. 2

Heath Kline, Treasurer

(25-023) Motion to Adopt the Budget Committee’s Recommended Budget Reallocation to support all pending expenditures brought before the Budget Committee.

 

For discussion and possible action                                                                      (estimated time 5 minutes)

WHEREAS: the WHWCNC Budget Committee met on February 27, 2025, to review:

1. The Treasurer’s report of our FY24-25 Annual Funding allocation of $36,555.64;
2. Year-to-date spending paid by the City Clerk ($20,053.35);
3. Pending board-approved spending awaiting required documentation that, upon receipt, the Treasurer can submit to the City Clerk ($5,750) for payment;
4. Required Operations expenditures for the remaining four months of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 ($2,196.75);

This review identified $8,555.54 in unspent funds available for allocation during the remainder of FY24-25 and/or rollover to the next fiscal year.

WHEREAS: the Budget Committee subsequently reviewed:

1. February continued board agendized spending motions that will appear on the March agenda ($2,200);
2. NC Subcommittees passed spending motions that will appear on the board’s March or subsequent agendas ($4,000);
3. Net additional new spending items requested by committees ($1,342.09), inclusive of the $5,255 in the Office/Operations budget category line-item detail that Governance identified as not spendable before year-end that could be returned to available-to-spend funds;
4. The Budget Committee’s desire to maintain the Election expenditures budget allocation ($1,000);

These reviews determined that $13.45 would remain available in the Outreach budget category for the balance of the fiscal year or rollover to FY25-26 if the full board approved all these items for the amount requested.

WHEREAS: the Budget Committee unanimously determined that sufficient unspent funds exist to allocate to each new pending expenditure in its proper budget category, and directed the Treasurer to prepare a revised budget allocation for full board approval that:

1. Distributes the $8,555.54 in available funds across City Clerk-defined budget categories; and
2. Allocates funds to specific line items within the Office/Operational Expense Category; and
3. Ensures necessary funding is available for all pending expenditure items reviewed in their proper budget category, subject to full board approval.

THEREFORE: the Treasurer moves that the full board approve a new balanced budget allocation that:

1. Decreases Office/Operational Budget Category line items by $3,655 (to $8,290);
2. Increases the Outreach Budget Category by $1,665 (to $20,265.64);
3. Maintains the Election Budget Category at $1,000; and
4. Increases the Neighborhood Purposes Grant (NPG) Budget Category by $2,000 (to $7,000).

The Treasurer will file this revised budget allocation with the City Clerk as required under Neighborhood Council funding policies.

Roll Call Vote by Committee

10 YES: Budget – Heath Kline, Arts & Culture – Masha Dowell, Community Services – Joyce Fletcher, Education & Youth – Reina Cerros McCaughey, Environmental & Beautification – Karen DiBiase, Governance – Dena Weiss, Public Safety & Transportation – Shelly Schwartz, WHIP August Steurer, Ad Hoc-Virtual Meeting Tech – Dean Mathews.

0 NO, 3 Absent: PLUM, Government Relations, Homeless & Social Justice, 2 Ineligible: Ad Hoc-Standing Rules, Ad Hoc-Holiday Decorations

See WHWCNC Budget Com Review 20250227 (2 pages – click to enlarge) in supporting documents                                                                                           

Roll Call Vote

Item No. 3

Dean Mathew, Chair of Hybrid Ad hoc Committee

(25-024) (previously 25-021) Funding for Hybrid Meeting Equipment

                  

         For discussion and possible action                                                        (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion for the Board to approve funding up to $1,600 from the 2024-2025 Budget/Office-Operational for the purchase of audio/video and computer equipment plus necessary accessory products to allow the Board and Committees to operate SB411/AB2449 compliant Hybrid Meetings where members and the public attend in-person and virtual. Anticipated vendors: Amazon.com, and Best Buy, who can deliver products quickly and/or at the best price.

The Hybrid Ad Hoc Committee accepted the recommendations of the Hybrid Meeting ad hoc committee in support of creating an optimal environment for conducting efficient hybrid meetings. The ad hoc committee proposes purchasing the minimal essential equipment, including NexiGo Meeting 360 Ultra, a TBD Microsoft Windows computer, tripods, carrying cases, accessories, and cables. This equipment will enable the council to utilize the community room at the fire station, which already has the necessary audio-visual equipment to complement the proposed purchases. This does not include additional equipment needed for large meeting locations that do not have the capabilities of the Fire Station community room.

 

     Vote at Ad Hoc Committee YES: 3 – NO: 0

 

See Supporting Document. Description of proposed Hybrid Meeting Equipment.

Roll Call Vote

      Item No. 4

      Tracey Rosen, Chair of Outreach Committee

(25-025 ) Motion to approve $1,750 to table at the Valley Cultural Foundation’s 2025 Summer Concerts at Warner Park

                  

The Outreach Committee motions to approve $1,750 to table at the Valley Cultural Foundation’s 2025 Summer Concerts at Warner Park.  The Valley Cultural Foundation has agreed to reduce the budget for the WHWCNC to table at the 2025 Summer Concerts at Warner Park.  We are not required to table at every concert and the Outreach Committee will notify the Valley Cultural Foundation as to which concerts we will participate at based on NC volunteer availability, weather, and anticipated stakeholder attendance.  Note that parking passes will not be provided by the Valley Cultural Foundation this year.

Kate Kennedy, seconded

YES: 3 – Tracey Rosen, Harout Aristakessian, Kate Kennedy

NO: 0

RECUSED: Joyce Fletcher

     See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

 

 

 

 

 

Item No. (5)

Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee

(25-026) (previously 25-018) Funding for Non-Profit, Mini Therapy Horses 

 

For discussion and possible action                                                 (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion to provide $600 in funding from the WHWCNC 2024/2025 NPG Funds and/or emergency funding to support  the non-profit Mini Therapy Horses for the care and feeding for a mini therapy horse for (1) one year.

 

In return the WHWCNC will receive a personalized digital certificate, a digital fact sheet, and periodic updates about the mini.  These items can be displayed on our NC website and in our NC newsletter. The minimum annual funding is $600/year to support a mini therapy horse.

 

Mini Therapy Horses was founded in 2008 by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel and is a recognized leader in equine assisted activities (EAA) and equine assisted therapy (EAT) with miniature horses.

Mini Therapy Horses conducts regular visits at Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Ronald McDonald House in both Pasadena and Los Angeles, the Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center,

UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, the Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Hospital and L.A. Family Housing, amongst others. Whether comforting children bedside after surgery as they come out of anesthesia or visiting with a veteran who just wants to sit quietly and share space with one of our horses, the MTH team is there to bring a sense of calm, comfort and happiness.

 

As members of the LA Mayor’s Crisis Response Team, the highly trained teams offer resources and support to survivors of  traumatic incidents city-wide. These little horse heroes have responded to tragedies like the mass shootings in San Bernardino, Las Vegas and Thousand Oaks and also served as first-responders during the Woolsey Fire.

 

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 4         No 0      Abstain 0

 

See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

Item No. (6)

Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee

(25-027) CIS for Council File: 25-0065 – State Fireworks laws or Regulations / Fireworks Related Fires / Illegal Fireworks

 

            For discussion and possible action                                                              (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

The Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council supports the City of LA to find ways to reduce public safety risks associated with the purchase, use and sale of illegal fireworks and also advocates for stronger penalties than listed in the motion made by the City. Illegal fireworks are regularly seen and heard in Woodand Hills. Fires caused by fireworks are a threat to Woodland Hills as we have a very wooded and hilly terrain. We request immediate and very strong action to be taken to improve the safety of our residents.

Below are the motion recommendations made by the City for City Council discussion and possible action:

o Increased penalties for the possession or use of illegal fireworks.

o Introduce graduated fines or harsher consequences for repeat offenders.

o Allow for civil fines against property owners where illegal fireworks are found to be used, sold, or stored.

o Stronger enforcement of California state restrictions on the sale, possession, and use of fireworks.

o Advocate for increased penalties under state law, such as felony charges for large-scale possession or sale.

o Mandate collaboration with county, state, and federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, for investigations and interdictions of illegal fireworks imports to combat illicit fireworks smuggling or trafficking

 

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 4         No 0      Abstain 0

 

Roll Call Vote

Item No. (7)

Joyce Fletcher, Chair of Community Services Committee

(25-028 ) Funding Request -Asian and Pacific Islander Cultural Festival

 

           For discussion and possible action                                                               (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

Motion for the board to approve up to $100 from the (General Outreach Line Item) in the 2024/2025 Budget for booth decorations and outreach handouts specific to the theme of the event for the 4th Annual Valley Asian & Pacific Islander Cultural Festival taking place on May 10^th, 2025, at Pierce College. The intent is to showcase our NC booth, therefore bringing more stakeholders to our booth to engage with the board members and the WHWCNC.

The two items requested can be purchased from Amazon.

 

Community Services Committee Vote: Yes 4         No 0      Abstain 0

 

See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

Item No. (8)

Masha Dowell, Chair of Arts and Culture Committee

(25-029 ) Funding Request -NPG for MPTF for art supplies

 

           For discussion and possible action                                                               (estimated time 5 minutes)

 

The Arts and Culture Committee is requesting approval of an NPG for the Motion Picture Television Fund in an amount up to $400 to support art supplies for their resident-led fine arts program. The program serves senior residents in our community, providing important creative and social engagement opportunities.

The committee met quorum and voted as follows:

YES (4): Co-Chairperson Masha Dowell, Juliet Schwarz, Reina Cerros McCaughey, Steve Sommers
ABSENT (2): Co-Chairperson Harout Aristakessian, Jayce Baron

See Supporting Document.

Roll Call Vote

Item No. (9)

Karen DiBiase, Chair of Environmental and Beautification Committee

(25-030 ) Funding Request – Funding request to approve $2,000 to support the Community Benefit Foundation._

 

For discussion and possible action                                                                (estimated time 10 minutes)

 

Motion to approve an NPG for $2,000 to support the Community Benefit Foundation.  This organization supports and participates at exhibit  booths at every CBF event, as well as weekly cleanup throughout the

entire West San Fernando Valley.  At least one Saturday a month is devoted to a beautification project in Woodland Hills.  Funds to be used provide and maintain tools and supplies as needed for these SBF

events.

Unanimous approval by the Environmental Committee vote on 2-11-25:

Yes:  4,  No:  0,  Abstain:  0,  Absent:  1.

 

Supporting Document Will Be Provided if Available.

 

Roll Call Vote

 

Item No. (10) Dena Weiss (President)

(23-031) Officer Elections for Interim President and Vice President Positions:

 

           For discussion and possible action                                                               (estimated time 30 minutes)

 

Due to the fact that the next officer election is due to take place in July when both the current President and Vice President will be absent, an election is held to appoint interim Officers until the full new Board votes for the new Officer in July. This will allow President Weiss and Vice President Rosen, who will remain on the Board, to guide and train new Officers for a more seamless transition.

Voting is governed by the WHWCNC Bylaws:

 

BYLAWS: ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS

Section 1:

The Officers of the Board (“the Officers”) shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a Parliamentarian. These Officers shall be elected by the Board as provided below, and all must be elected members of the Board. An appointed member of the board can be elected as an Officer should no elected member choose to be nominated for a specific Officer position or no elected member is elected by a majority vote of the board for a specific Officer position. The Youth member and Alternate members cannot serve as an Officer of the Board.

 

Per the Bylaws, see below the list of Elected voting board members who are eligible to be nominated for an Officer position. Appointed members, alternate members and alternate members who were elected as an  alternate then later appointed to a voting board seat, are not eligible to be elected to an Officer position but are listed for reference.

 

At-Large

None.

 Area 1

Karen DiBiase (current Secretary), Geoffrey Hobson and Shelly Schwartz.

Reina Cerros-McCaughey (alternate).

Area 2

None.

 Area 3

Tracey Rosen. (stepping down as Vice President).

 Area 4

Martin Lipkin and Dena Weiss (stepping down as President).

 Area 5

Julie Waltrip.

 Area 6

Heath Kline (current Treasurer).

Area 7

Joyce Fletcher.

 

Should no elected Board member agree to be nominated or elected for a particular position, the presiding Officer will request approval from the Board to allow an appointed Board member to be nominated and elected to hold the Officer position for that particular seat. Per the Bylaws, alternates cannot be elected to be an Officer, but are listed for reference.

 

              List of Appointed Board members by Area:

At Large

August Steurer.

Area 1

None.

Area 2

Julian Tu, Masha Dowell (moved from alternate to business rep), Elie El Haber (moved from alternate to CBO rep)

Area 3

Dean Matthew, Harout Aristakessian, Jayce Baron (alternate).

Area 4

Don Patterson (current Parliamentarian).

Area 5

Steve Sommers (moved from alternate to business rep).

Area 6

Megan Jacoby (moved from alternate to business rep).

Area 7

Kate Kennedy, Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Juliet Schwartz (alternate).

 

Nominations and voting.

Roll Call Vote

 

 

Item No. 11

Heath Kline, Treasurer

(25-32) Motion to Inform the City Clerk of Change of Officers and to Submit an Updated Financial Officers Letter of Acknowledgement & Agreement

 

For discussion and possible action                                                                  (estimated time 5 minutes)

WHEREAS: With the change of NC President and Vice President, we must:

1. Inform the City Clerk of these changes;
2. Authorize our newly elected President to become a financial officer assuming the positions of 2nd Signor and 2nd Cardholder;
3. Authorize our newly elected Vice President to become a financial officer assuming the position of Alternate Signor;
4. Ensure both officers complete the Financial Officers Letter of Acknowledgement & Agreement; and
5. Ensure both officers complete the required NC Funding Program training with the City Clerk.

THEREFORE: The WHWCNC Board appoints:

_____________________, our new board President, to the role of Financial Officer assuming the positions of 2nd Signor and 2nd Cardholder; and

_____________________, our new board Vice President, to the role of Financial Officer assuming the position of Alternate Signor.

These roles will become effective when the required documentation is submitted to the City Clerk by the Treasurer and the necessary training has been completed by the appointees.

See WHWCNC City Clerk Financial Officers Agreement (4-pages) in support docs.                                                                                                                                      

Roll Call Vote

 

Area Reports (it is requested that each area designate one representative to report each month).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (estimated time 10 minutes)

Area 1 – Karen DiBiase, Geoffrey Hobson, Rochelle / Shelly Schwartz, Reina Cerros- McCaughey

Area 2 – Julian Tu, Masha Dowell, Elie El Habr

Area 3 – Tracey Rosen, Dean Mathew, Harout Z. Aristakessian, Jayce Baron

Area 4 – Don Patterson, Martin Lipkin, Dena Weiss

Area 5 – Julie Waltrip, Steve Sommers

Area 6 –William Barnett, Heath Kline, Megan Jacoby

Area 7 – Kate Kennedy, Lillian / Joyce Fletcher,  Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Juliet Schwartz

August Steurer

     Committee Reports,                                                                                 (estimated time 10 minutes)

Budget Committee – Heath Kline, Chair                                                                                                                  Arts and Culture Committee – Masha Dowell and Harout Aristakessian, Co-Chairs

Community Services Committee – Joyce Fletcher, Chair
Community Outreach Committee –Tracey Rosen, Chair

Education and Youth Committee – Julie Waltrip, Chair
Environmental & Beautification Committee – Karen DiBiase, Chair
Governance Committee – Dena Weiss, Chair

Government Relations Committee- Reina Cerros McCaughey, Chair

Homeless and Social  Justice Advocacy Committee –Jayce Baron, Chair

Public Safety and Transportation –Julie Waltrip, Rosaleen O’Sullivan, Co- Chairs
PLUM Committee – Don Patterson and Marty Lipkin, Co-Chairs

WHIP Committee – August Steurer and Heath Kline, Co-Chairs

Ad Hoc Committee for Standing Rules- August Steurer and Heath Kline, Co-Chairs

Ad Hoc Committee for technology use at Virtual Meetings- Dean Matthew Chair                                 Ad Hoc Holiday Decorations Committee – Joyce Fletcher & Masha Dowell, Co-Chairs

 

Adjournment of Meeting

The next Regular Board meeting will be held virtually on April 9, 2025.  Please visit the calendar page at whcouncil.org for the complete details and to confirm the date and time.

Meeting dates for the 2025-2026 year: Full Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Check the NC website calendar for a complete list of committee and board meetings. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Check the NC calendar for updated meeting schedules.

 

*THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT – As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate based on disability and, upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services may be provided upon request. To ensure the availability of services, please make your request at least 3 business days (72 hours) before the meeting by contacting the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment by calling (213) 978-1551 or email: NCsupport@lacity.org.

Mar 12, 2025

*PUBLIC ACCESS OF RECORDS – In compliance with Government Code section 54957.5, non- exempt writings that are distributed to a majority or all of the board in advance of a meeting may be viewed at our website: www.whcouncil.org or at the scheduled meeting. In addition, if you would like a copy of any record, if available, related to an item on the agenda, please contact the President and / or Dena Weiss, at email address d.weiss@whcouncil.org.

 

*PUBLIC POSTING OF AGENDAS – agendas are posted for public review as follows:

• whcouncil.org and go to the website Calendar page and click on the date – Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Check the calendar for any change of meeting date and/or time.
• You can also receive our agendas via email by subscribing to A. City’s Early Notification System at https://www.lacity.org/subscriptions

 

A copy of this agenda is also physically posted in the plexiglass case fixed to the front door of the Fire station 84  located at   21050 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA, 91367

• .

• *RECONSIDERATION AND GRIEVANCE PROCESS – For information on the WHWCNC process for board action reconsideration, stakeholder grievance policy, or any other procedural matters related to this Council, please consult the WHWCNC The Bylaws are available at our website at www.whcouncil.org.
• SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCIÓN – Si requiere servicios de traducción, favor de avisar al Concejo Vecinal 3 días de trabajo (72 horas) antes del evento. Por favor contacte a Dena Weiss al weiss@whcouncil.org o por correo electrónico avisar al Concejo Vecinal.

Notice to Paid Representatives – If you are compensated to monitor, attend, or speak at this meeting, City law may require you to register as a lobbyist and report your activity. See Los Angeles Municipal Code §§ 48.01 et seq. More information is available at ethics.lacity.org/lobbying. For assistance, please contact the Ethics Commission at {213) 978- 1960