Public Safety & Transportation Meeting - Approved
November 17, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Secretary: Clara Woll

Roll was taken.  Council Committee Members present: Varoujan Deirmenjian, Diana Dixon-Davis (arrived 7:20), Jan Eddy-Languein, Scott Munson, Richard Nadel, Linda Ross, and Lucie Volotsky.  There were no Council Members absent.  Stakeholder Members present: Helen Davis, and Clara Woll.  Michele DeGaetano was absent due to illness.  A quorum was present.

Item 2: No stakeholder comments.

Item 3: The minutes for October 20, 2009 as were approved as written.

Item 4: Richard will draft letter requesting that the City quickly repaint streets that have been slurry sealed. The letter will be placed on the committee's next agenda.

Scott suggested combining the discussion of Items 5 & 6 (expenditure motions).  He explained that PS&T has been interested in getting a radar speed sign on De Soto Avenue near Rinaldi Street for several years, but had not had enough funds to put it in the budget.  The signs currently cost $15,000.  Councilman Smith's office has recently agreed to contribute a third of the cost (up to $5,000).  Lloyd Chapman (former committee secretary) has secured a tentative agreement with Sierra Canyon School in which they would also contribute a third (up to $5,000), with CNC contributing the final third (up to $5,000).  Scott's question was how to fund CNC's portion.  Richard suggested that Enhancements might be willing to contribute.  He also noted that since there is a horse crossing at that intersection the Equestrian Committee may also be willing to contribute.  Scott proposed that half the CNC cost ($2,500) come from PS&T and the remainder come from other CNC committees.  Scott noted that Lucie had gone to Devonshire Division Station and met with Chatsworth's Senior Lead Officer about replacement of worn items and other improvements for the children's safe room.  In addition, Helen had reviewed the list with Captain Kane.  Scott asked Lucie and Helen if they think that $1,750 would be sufficient to provide for these needed improvements.  While they have not yet had the opportunity to do a cost out, they thought they could work within that allowance.  Richard added that if additional items were needed they could make a presentation to the Enhancements Committee.

Due to the freeze on CNC funds and the delay in getting the elliptical trainer, Michele had not yet discussed priorities with the Fire Department.  Scott proposed reducing the $3,000 each originally budgeted by PS&T for Police and Fire by $1,250 to $1,750 each.  This would provide $2,500 from PS&T toward CNC's portion of the radar sign cost.  Scott moves: that CNC provide up to $5,000 of the $15,000 total cost of a radar speed sign to be installed on southbound De Soto Avenue north of Rinaldi Street.  The Public Safety & Transportation Committee will provide $2,500 out of its budget (50% of CNC's portion) if the remaining $2,500 can be provided from other CNC committee budgets.  The 12th District (Councilman Smith) will contribute one-third of the total cost up to $5,000 and Sierra Canyon Schools will contribute one-third of the total cost up to $5,000.  Richard seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 

There was general agreement that the motions in Item 5 would be tabled until further information is gathered on costs.  In addition, the amount for Police and Fire priorities will be reduced to $1,750 each. 

Item 7: Clara provided a chart to explain CERT level 1, 2 and 3 class requirements and costs.  Lucie advised the committee that she has completed the Level 3 course and gave more information about the program.  Scott raised concerns about how it would be determined whose training would be paid for and if DONE would allow the costs.  It was agreed that there is not sufficient funding to pay for Level 3 classes this fiscal year.  The Committee will focus its attention on sponsoring a Level 1 class and on making the community aware of the availability of CERT classes at all levels.

Item 8: The committee reviewed the draft letter requesting that a study be conducted on the pedestrian/equestrian crossing at Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Santa Susana Pass Road. Scott suggested a few wording changes and Ronnie requested that the proposed improvements include the suggestion of a diagonal crossing.  It was agreed that the letter, with Scott and Ronnie's changes, would be placed on the next CNC agenda.

Item 9: The "Open Action Item" list was reviewed as follows:
--Richard will provide a draft letter requesting that streets be repainted after slurry coating.
--A draft letter on improvements to the pedestrian/equestrian crossing at Topanga Canyon and Santa Susana Pass Road will be placed on the CNC December agenda.
--Helen and Lucie will work on getting costs for items needed by LAPD Devonshire Division for their children's safe room.
--Michele will discuss with LAFD their needs for Chatsworth.
--Diana will develop and print safety calendars.
--The letter to the City Attorney inquiring about the process followed when developers do not complete public improvements was signed and sent out.
--The CPR and First Aid classes are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the Chatsworth Four Square Church on Canoga Avenue.  The CPR will be from 9:00 to noon and the First Aid from 12:30 to 3:00.
 --The letter to DOT requesting that a 25 MPH "Children's Playground Zone" be established in front of Mason Park on Mason Avenue was approved by CNC at the October meeting.  The letter was sent out.
--The "School Zone" letter for De Soto Avenue was approved by CNC at the September 2nd meeting.  No response has been received from DOT as of the meeting date. [NOTE: DOT called two days after the Committee meeting to say the work order had been issued Nov. 4 and would take about four weeks to complete.]
--The Neighborhood Watch booklets arrived and CNC stickers were put on them.  Helen will provide them to new start-up groups.
--Michele completed the purchase package for the elliptical trainer for Fire Station 96 and delivered it to Allen last month.  Purchase was delayed due to the freeze on CNC funds.
--The letter regarding the "No Rubbish" and "No Off-road Vehicles" signs for Brown's Canyon Road was finalized, signed by Scott and mailed out.
--The speed limit sign on Mason north of the radar sign will not be put up until the City Council approves the speed limit ordinance.  DOT repaired the radar sign.
--DOT is working on getting on a right turn arrow at Mason and Rinaldi as requested in our letter.
--Lucie will work on getting a cost-out for establishing Emergency Preparedness groups in Chatsworth.
--The letter approved by CNC on 9-2-09 requesting "No Unhitched Trailers" signs for Mason and Lassen was sent to Councilman Smith's office.  Judi told Scott that there are plenty of the signs available.

Committee member comments:
--Clara mentioned that there is a proposal that makes sidewalk repair the homeowners' responsibility.  Scott suggests putting a letter requesting information about this on the Committee's next meeting agenda.  Scott may also bring it up at the Valley Alliance.

Item 10: Scott adjourned the meeting at 8:35 PM.

Submitted by Clara Woll, Secretary