ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

from 2004 forward are posted on this website

OLYMPUS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 20, 2007

Directors Present: Fred Smith, Mel Remba, Stephen Schonfield, Sandra Lipschultz

Debbie Cheng, Joe Custer, George Dalinger

Directors Absent: Crystal Santos, Joe Cilic, Steven Archer

Alternates Present: Wm. French

Alternates Absent: Dotun Ogunyemi, Jack Kalaydjian

Committee Chairs Present: Sumona Rosner

Guests:

Pat Shanley, Scott LaRue, Dan Curry, LAFD

Stacy Marble, Field Deputy, Tom LaBonge City Council Member 4^th District

Renee Weitzer, Chief of Staff, Tom LaBonge City Council Member 4th District

Police officers Joe Taylor and Steve Reyes, represented the LAPD---Traffic and Patrol

Nancy Lauer, Commander LAPD West Traffic Division

Sgt. Tina Rigali, Manager of Bel Air Patrol

1. Ballots were given to eligible MOPOA members (dues paid 7/1/06-7/1/07). Of 278 member properties and counted after the meeting. [(42) 15%, are required to be present for an election.] Owners of 63 properties were present. A simple majority is required to elect officers and to amend the Bylaws (32).

60 ballots were submitted to elect the Board. The proposed slate which was elected unanimously, and in addition, a new alternate was elected: Fahimeh Takesh.

32 ballots were submitted to amend the By-Laws, and they all voted yes on items 3.01 through 5.07a. However, only 12 voted yes on 5.07b. The other 20 did not vote for that amendment at all.

2. Vice President Mel Remba called the Annual MOPOA General Meeting to order at 7:40pm at the Mulholland Tennis Club, welcomed the audience and opened the meeting by introducing the 2006-07 Board Members who were in attendance.

Vice President Remba called for community assistance as eleven board members cannot do everything, and volunteers are always welcome.

3. The LAFD representatives (Pat Shanley LAFD, Scott LaRue, Ass’t to Batallion Chief, Dan Curry, North Hollywood station) gave a very serious and detailed presentation on our risk, in the canyon, with the heat and humidity we’ve had. We were told that in all of 4000 square miles of Los Angeles County, the Laurel Canyon area was the driest and most combustible. A film of the Oakland Fire was shown, and we were warned that in only 16 minutes 800 homes were consumed. 20 people died in that fire, and they were all in their cars trying to drive out. Traffic down winding roads filled with fire equipment going the other way made escape for those who delayed leaving their homes almost impossible. If we do delay leaving until its too late, we should try to find shelter in our house, in a room without windows, low to the ground, and maybe even in our pool. Using garden hoses to wet down houses is ineffectual and robs the fire department of the water pressure they need. {There are pumps operated by generators that can use pool water---but should we really stay and risk our lives?)

The LAFD stressed to Mt. Olympus, that when we first learn of a fire in the area we need to prepare to evacuate, and to do so immediately when we are told to leave. Plans on what to take and who to take, and how to contact family members who are not at home, must be made in advance---there is only time for fast action, not thinking when the warnings come.

The LAFD also warned that our Juniper trees were like gas cans waiting to explode. They recommend our removing them from our property. Our Cypress trees and Ecualyptus are also highly inflammatory.

4. Police Officer Taylor explained that there are only 2 motorcycle patrolmen in the area from Mulholland south to Melrose, and from Western, west to Laurel Canyon. They rarely get up into the less congested hills area. Officer Taylor and Commander Lauer answered many questions about how we can mitigate the traffic problems in our area. They are willing to conduct a Speed Gun class so that 10-12 MOPOA residents can be deployed to try and pinpoint the hooligans at crucial times. They could not definitively recommend the Solar Power speed measuring machines (the so called Smart Trailer), because while some will slow down when they see how fast they are traveling, there are just as many who are likely to speed up to see how fast they can go. But if we can provide documentation of these offenders (pictures, sworn statements with license plate and car and occupant description) and present this to Will rivera in the City Attorney’s office, perhaps something can be done.

A name and phone list of those interested in taking the class was passed around. 15 residents signed the list.

5. Mel Remba, John Pogue [Chair, Area 9 HWWNC), Oren Feldman and Renee Weitzer explained the so called Greenleaf Project, and explained that there was a 9/28/07 deadline to submit letters/emails to Tom Glick in the City Planning Office, stressing what the developers should provide in their Environmental Impact Report. This is actually an attempted rebirth of a 10+ year project begun by Yehud Arev, which would require a cut through from Mt. Olympus Drive to Woodstock (a road we have been promised will never be built) or a turn around sufficient to handle fire trucks, which would overhang Laurel Canyon. Our MOPOA officers and those of HHWNC will keep us apprised of this project as it moves through the application process. Ms. Weitzer says Councilman LaBonge and his office are well aware of the problems and are committed to keeping it from growing from its current 5 to the 17 houses requested.

6. Bel Air Patrol representatives (Steve Kushner manager, Tina Rigali former interim manager) did explain one interesting problem: If they are called by a member-home, because there is a disturbance in the home of a neighbor, and the police don’t seem to be responding quickly enough to handle the issue----but the house where the disturbance is taking place is not a member home, the Patrol is not allowed to enter the premises. So unless the noise and chaos has moved down to the public street, there is nothing the Patrol can do. This fact should be spelled out in the next Olympress (as well as change of administration at Bel Air). They also said that they see a garage door open (of subscriber) but it is past 10 pm, they are not allowed to knock to remind resident to close it.

7. Dissatisfaction with cars from Woodland and Little Laurel Canyon, and possibly even the Sunset Strip, parking on lower Mt. Olympus Drive was voiced by several residents. Parking restrictions require a high percentage of signatures from residents on the streets. Single streets are rarely tagged----usually several blocks are marked, and that is unlikely to garner resident approval. The MOPOA Traffic Committee will look into this problem.

8. MOPOA Website and the Olympress will soon post/publish a reminder to the area of the hours of construction (7 am - 9 pm weekdays, 8 am - 6 pm Saturdays, No construction on Sunday. However, if the work is being done by the property owner there are no “unapproved” hours..

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Lipschultz

Acting MOPOA Secretary

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MT. OLYMPUS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 28, 2006

Directors Present Directors Absent

Fred Smith, President Joe Cilic

Steve Archer Joe Custer

Frank Baker

Debbie Cheng

Sandra Lipschultz

Mel Remba

Crystal Santos

Steve Schonfield

Sharon Wong

President Fred Smith called the Annual MOPOA General Meeting to order at 7:40pm at the Mulholland Tennis Club.

President Smith welcomed the audience and opened the meeting by introducing the 2005-06 Board Members who were in attendance.

Guests:

Tom LaBonge, City Councilmember

Stacy Marble, Field Deputy

Joseph Mariani, LAPD Patrol Captain

Ralph Sanchez, LAPD Sr. Lead Officer

Bret Miller, BelAir Patrol

Orin Feldman, HHWNC (Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council)

Agenda:

Traffic/police issues

LA City Services

Mandatory Patrol Service

MOPOA neighborhood news

2006-07 Board Member Election

MOPOA’s past issues and this year’s expectations:

- traffic

- continuing work on mandatory patrol subscribership

- web info bulletins/publications re: beautification, party houses, noise disturbances

- policies and/or guidelines on tree obstruction, residential use as businesses

President Smith called for community assistance as eleven board members cannot do everything,

and volunteers are always welcome.

Councilmember, Tom LaBonge updated and addressed issues relevant to MOPOA:

- Continual work on a disaster preparedness plan with the fire department.

The City has no real master plan in place, and we may experience, at any moment, a natural

disaster in the metropolitan LA area.

- Traffic and transportation are a continual issue. The City needs a long-range plan. Initiative to seek

reversal of the “red line” extension ban is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, there will always be traffic “hot spots.”

- Need tougher rules to deal with houses rented for commercial use.

- With the help from Congressman Howard Berman reconstruction of Woodstock is still progressing and, hopefully,

it will be completed soon.

- DWP needs a new power system with infrastructure maintenance, however, the needed resources has to be re-directed to them.

- Speed bumps are installed by DOT through a petition process.

- “No Smoking” signs need to be posted strategically through hillside/canyon roads and byways.

- Continually requesting police presence on hillside after 3pm.

- Lower Nichols will be repaved later this fiscal year.

- A question from the floor by Ms. S. Granato regarding why/how the City has issued a business license to a home in

Mt. Olympus as a rehab house? “Beaumonde” is operating as a “renewal program” and charges 20-25K/week

for their services. The neighboring residents are expressing their concerns. LaBonge indicated that his office would investigate this matter. Fred recommended Ms. Granato to attend and bring this issue to the next Board meeting.

MOPOA was invited to the rededication of the newly refurbished and expanded Griffith Park Observatory on Wednesday, October 18, 2006.

Captain Joseph Mariani stated that crime is down, and it is the lowest in 29 years: an 8% reduction in homicide, robbery and aggravated assault. Late night speeding is a continual problem as most of the offenders are neighborhood juveniles. Officer Sanchez has and will continue issuing ticket citations, impounding cars, and suspending driver’s licenses. LAPD will continue to monitor and patrol our area; police presence on the hill is utmost critical.

Orin Feldman of HHWNC gave a brief synopsis of the work by the Council and how they are the “eyes and ears” of the City. Orin urged homeowners to volunteer as a stakeholder and get involved.

President Smith summarized the following business items:

- The Beautification Committee is working with the property owners to upgrade the Jupiter and Willow Glen monument.

- The Architectural Committee has received 60+ applications last year for construction of one form or another; our hillside is very busy.

- An enforceable policy/guideline will be set in reference to the placement of antennas on a residence. Taking in consideration that the equipment does not impede reception or cost prohibitive.

- Exterior home maintenance guideline needs to be implemented.

Filming Issues: The LA Film office has a yet to be approved petition to film on location at 2175 Hercules with overnight action filming. Homeowners are encouraged to call Nathan Stein at 818/634-5650 to oppose this and stipulate “no night time shooting.”

BOARD ELECTION: Ballots were handed out to homeowners. All current Board members were re-elected along with Steffi Gaines as Alternate Director.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Wong

MOPOA Secretary

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MT. OLYMPUS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 22, 2005

Directors Present Directors Absent

Fred Smith, President Debbie Cheng

John Harold Joe Custer

Jack Kalaydjian

Sandra Lipschultz

Mel Remba

Steve Schonfield

Sharon Wong

The Annual MOPOA General Meeting was called to order by President Fred Smith at 7:35pm at the Mulholland Tennis Club. President Smith opened the meeting with a warm welcome and introduced the 2004-2005 Board Members who were in attendance.

Special announcement made by Nicole French on establishing and sign-up of the “Mt. Olympus Play Group” for children of all ages.

Agenda

Traffic: LAPD West Traffic, Jeromy Duncan

Mandatory Patrol Service: Bel-Air Patrol, Sgt. Gus Blacio

LA City Services: Councilman, Tom LaBonge and Council Deputy, Eric Sanjurjo

2005-06 Board Member Election

Traffic/Speeding: Mel Remba introduced the two branches of the LAPD that serve Mt. Olympus: West Traffic, Captain David Boca and Sgt. Jerry Siel (who were not present); and, the Hollywood Division (non-traffic), Officer Ralph Sanchez.

Sgt. Jeromy Duncan representing West Traffic gave a brief presentation as to the services his Division provide to our community, e.g., stop-sign violation, speed compliance, juvenile speeders, and DUI’s, to name a few. He indicated that although the force is not up on the “hill” after 3pm, but has continually worked on getting more enforcement in the evenings. He indicated that a re-evaluation of the radar on Electra/Hercules/Apollo is urgently needed.

Officer Ralph Sanchez’s force do cruise our neighborhood, but still need the community to be their “eyes and ears.” Speed is a continual problem and the Division is well aware of the situation.

Below are various grievance, social disturbance, various traffic related complaints raised from the floor :

· a need of enforcement at night, especially between 8-11pm. Perhaps a “bike unit” may curtail some of the continual problems.

· a critical issue is the “young adult groups” have been seen loitering/egging/tagging on various locations (e.g., Electra Court, Hercules, Achilles, Oceanus) between late evenings and early morning hours.

Mel reiterated that the above problems have plague Mt. Olympus for many years. We need police service and/or deployment of such services.

Fred introduced Eric Sanjurjo, Field Duty to Councilman Tom LaBonge to addressed some of our area issues that have been resolved and/or still pending. Eric indicated that DOT needs to re-evaluate/analyze the “five” worst intersections in Mt. Olympus for a long term solution. Perhaps closing little Laurel Canyon may alleviate some problems. A piece of good news is that the repaving of Nichols Canyon, Willow Glen and Woodstock has began.

Gating Mt. Olympus was discussed. However, Eric reminded the audience that such solution may not be probable due to the fact that the community will have to be responsible for ALL City and public services. And, according to Fred, the CC&Rs mandate a 100% homeowner’s compliance. Another important item raised was perhaps having humps/bumps installed to slow speeders. Eric’s response was that this is a DOT issue, as DOT has to abide to street grade restrictions.

Councilman Tom LaBonge presented the City’s long-range preparedness plan to include traffic, transit, fire, earthquake, the issue of public safety and the upgrade of DWP’s outdated system. We need a bond passed to provide infrastructure services to our City, i.e., street cleaning and/or improvement.

HHWNC: Mel Remba introduced our neighboring HHWNC representative, Orin Feldman, who announced that there is an election of our Area #8 in October. Orin indicated that our “stakeholder” is up for nomination and for those who wish to run should attend the meeting. The date and location will be posted on the HHWNC website.

Mandatory Patrol Service: Fred Smith reported that Bel-Air Patrol has improved with its dedicated 24/7 patrol on Mt. Olympus. However, still needed are volunteers from each street to talk to non-subscribers.

Sgt. Gus Blacio gave a BelAir Patrol service update: 1) continuing the 24/7 patrol; 2) on-site shift change; 3) GPS in patrol car.

Old/New Business

Treasurer’s Report: Ogden Page reported on behalf of Debbie Cheng (newly elected Treasurer who was not present), that MOPOA closed fiscal year 2005 and is in excellent financial health. Ogden will continue to prepare MOPOA’s monthly and annual financial statements and annual tax returns, but will not be involved with MOPOA’s routine operation.

Entryway/Beautification: Steve Schonfield reported for Joe Custer (not present) that MOPOA has to have City approval to replant/maintain Laurel Canyon/Mt. Olympus center median. Xmas lights will be installed earlier than previous year at a reduced cost. The Nichols entrance will be redesigned; however, the Committee needs additional volunteers.

Architectural: Mel Remba reported that 47 application approvals were given last year and continues to be very active.

Board Election: Sandra Lipschultz handed out ballots to homeowners in attendance with two new nominations from the floor. MOPOA’s 2005-06 Board Members elected for a 2-year term are as follows:

Fred Smith

Mel Remba

Debbie Cheng

Steve Archer

Frank Baker

Joseph Cilic

The following Board Members have a 1-year term remaining:

Joe Custer

Sandra Lipschultz

Steve Schonfield

Sharon Wong

The October 11^th Board meeting is scheduled to be held at Steve Schonfield’s home. Agenda to include the election of the 2005-06 Officers by the Board, the various Committee Chair assignments, implementing the continuation of Bel-Air patrol subscribership, and selection of Alternate Directors.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40pm.

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Annual General Membership Meeting

September 23, 2004

Directors Present Directors Absent

Fred Smith, President Debbie Cheng

Joe Custer

John Harold

Jack Kalaydjian

Sandra Lipschultz

Ogden Page

Mel Remba

Steve Schonfield

Jim Whalen

Sharon Wong

Alternate Directors Present Alternate Directors Absent

Dotun Ogunyemi Tom Kingsley

Hovig Manouchekian

Committee Personnel Present

Phyllis Present

Sumona Rosner

The Annual General Meeting was called to order by President Fred Smith at 7:45pm at the Mulholland Tennis Club. President Smith opened the meeting with a welcoming statement that “we are here because we are concerned about Mt. Olympus.” After the introduction of the 2003-04 Board Members, President Smith briefly addressed the topics and speakers for the evening:

Traffic/speeding: LAPD West Traffic, Sgt. Siel and Capt. Boca;

Mandatory Patrol Service: BelAir Patrol, Bill Tidmarsh and Officer Tim Leehy; and,

LA City Services: Council District 4 Deputy Eric Sanjurjo.

Traffic/Speeding: Jim Whalen reported that the Hill has a continual traffic/speed problem, “we have to discipline ourselves and our kids to slow down - there is no need for speed on the Hill.” Jim proposed calling for the community’s input and help because the Board (eleven members) cannot do the work for 300-400 families, “we simply cannot do it alone, it has to be a community effort”.

Sgt. Jerry Siel of West Traffic Division noted that he is well aware of the Hill’s speed related issues and is continually addressing the problem with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to resolve them. Sgt. Siel also indicated that the police are routinely being visible and citing traffic offenders; however, traffic enforcement cannot always be available at peak hours when most of the infractions occur. A question came from the audience as to whether one can make a “citizen’s arrest.” Sgt. Siel responded, “no”. He recommended an alternative that is, creating a “community speed watchers group” who would use a radar gun to clock speeders and who would take down license numbers and a description of the car for his department. He suggested a group, say eight, can go through a 3-hour training course to perform this job. Sumona has the sign-up list of prospective volunteers.

Captain Boca, new to Mt. Olympus, readdressed the various traffic related complaints/issues from the floor and reiterated that, due to the extremely stretched resources throughout the City, it has become crucial to identify the source of the problem in order for his department to cost effectively deploy manpower. He recommended doing an informational matrix to analyze the problem if it should become a high priority issue. This matrix should include information of what and where the problem is, frequency and time of occurrence. Once the problem is identified, his department can trade-off certain extended peak (pm) hours to have a presence in the Hill to cite the violator(s). Captain Boca assured MOPOA that he will get whatever limited resources that he can and, with our help, put a dent in it, but certainly to get the message out.

HHWNC: Mel Remba reported the importance of our membership as Area 8 in the HHWNC which was chartered two years ago with a budget, officers, and directors. Our representative is Ken Jones of Laurelmont who is well aware of our area issues. Mel emphasized the importance of backing Ken’s efforts without us appearing as a dominant force. HHWNC have been instrumental in addressing issues surrounding our neighboring areas, e.g., night clubs and restaurants on Sunset and Laurel Canyon, inclusionary zoning and, the most recently, the redoing of the Mulholland and Laurel Canyon intersection with lane changes and the south left-turn arrow (to be installed next week) on Laurel Canyon. Basically, the HHWNC has the eyes and ears of the City. Their meeting schedule will be posted on the web site should anyone wish to attend.

Mandatory Patrol Service: Fred Smith reported that over the course of last year a review of the CC&Rs was done in great detail. MOPOA is a voluntary homeowners association and, as such, has very little power over the things that mandatory associations have. On the other hand, we are the declarant under the CC&Rs which gives us a lot of power. We took a review of all the CC&Rs to see how we could address certain problems of the community with legal enforcement, e.g., tree restrictions. We had several law suits recently in which the homeowners have been successful. We also indicated in the Olympress that we would join in a plaintiff in a law suit against another person whose trees have caused a restricted view. Under the CC&Rs this has become a powerful tool.

The review of the CC&Rs has provided MOPOA the primary course of action to enforce mandatory patrol. Information has appeared in three Olympress publications notifying homeowners of the impending mandatory patrol. Notices will be sent shortly requesting homeowners to provide information on their patrol service. A second request will then be sent, again requesting sign up information, and warning of a letter from legal counsel. After that, a warning letter of proposed legal action, over signature of Counsel, will be sent out to all non-joiners. If the non-joiners still have not complied by January 1, 2005, then they can expect immediate legal action against them.

BelAir Patrol: Phyllis Present reported that out of 405 homes only 185 are patrol subscribers. BelAir has already instituted the dedicated 24/7 patrol service which began September 15, 2004 will exist for the next two months to build-up subscribership. Once full mandatory service is in force, the patrol rate will be negotiated accordingly. William Tidmarsh, Team Manager, and Officer Tim Leehy were introduced and reiterated that all of BelAir’s position on providing basic services will remain the same. One new service which will soon be added is the NEXTEL access in patrol cars.

City Services: Field Deputy Eric Sanjurjo, liaison from Councilman Tom LaBonge’s office, shared some major issues that his office is working on with MOPOA and DOT. Key issues are as follows:

Traffic - work began on September 9^th on the left turn signal at the intersection of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland, and is expected to be completed by November 3^rd.

Speeding - working closely with DOT to put in traffic calming measures to slow down speeding in the Hills. Plan to roll out a “slow down Mt. Olympus” campaign along with better enforcement of speeding violations.

Beautification - a plan to start a beautification project on the southeast corner of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland.

Public Safety - continued to monitor Mt. Olympus area to provide more police service (the November’s proposed sales tax increase should help).

Old/New Business

Treasurer’s Report: Ogden Page reported that MOPOA is in good financial state. We shall continue our same responsible management this coming year.

Entry way/Beautification: Joe Custer and his Committee were applauded for their work on the main entryway. The next big task is to redesign the Nichols Canyon entrance, then the hillside monuments. The monuments are our community’s aesthetics, and we must work with the homeowners to achieve this goal.

Architectural: Mel Remba reported that was a great amount of construction going on our hillside and that there were forty-two construction/remodeling applications last year.

Board Election: Sumona handed out ballots to homeowners in attendance. The result will be posted in the next Olympress.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.