BHNC - 2016, Swearing In & Election of Officers

General Board Meeting, Boyle Heights City Hall (Community Room), 6pm
Audio [2:00:54] - last ~30 minutes not recorded.
Agenda: July 22, 2016

"June 22, 2016

Dear [name],

On behalf of the California State Assembly and the residents of the53rd Assembly District, I would like to congratulate you on your election as Community Representative of Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council!

Your service and leadership in the Boyle Heights community will provide a solid foundation from which to build upon in your position and role.  Your Professional experiences, and proven track record, makes you uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity.

Thank you for your dedicated service and please accept my best wishes in all of you endeavors. I look forward to working with you to serve the residents of the 53rd Assembly District.

Please know that you can call e anytime for assistance with any issue small or large.  My staff and  are happy to help!

Again, congratulations on your election to the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council!

Sincerely,

Miguel Santiago

Assembly Member, 53rd District

Majority Whip"


These were the letter and pin handed out at the swearing in ceremony during the regular General Board Meeting of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council to the newly elected Board. 

Former board members and new chat before the meeting.

The elected began walking in just prior to the meeting's start time (fulfilling quorum), with the majority having arrived by the 6:05 start of the meeting.  Giving time to the Government presenters a moment to speak as the remaining members (with the exception of one), trickling in by 6:25.  


PRESENT (18): Marisol Sanchez, Carlos Montes, Beatriz Zaragoya (6:10), Lizzette Perez, Jared Hamil(6:08), Sol Marquez (6:08), Claudia Hernandez, Vera del Pozo,, Jason James Gallegos, Hector Huezo (6:18), Daisy Chavez, Alessandro Negrete, Mynor Godoy, Fanny Ortiz, Maria Isabel Ocampo, Kimberly Abrazo, Margarita Amador, Ofelia Carrillo (6:25)

ABSENT (1): Joe Diaz

Jose Huizar leads the pledge in the "Oath of office."

Having begun with roll call, the meeting proceeded with the "Oath of Office." Council member Jose Huizar presided over the reading of the Oath, calling each of the elected by name to stand as a group to recite it. Followed by group pictures. From here the meeting began to deviate from the scheduled agenda. A representative from Miguel Santiago's office was given priority to speak before the Elections of Officers. Followed by an announcement of Movie Nights in Boyle Heights on July 30^th, and August 13^th (where free backpacks will be given to the first 500 kids). Then left.

Mynor Godoy, Beatriz Zaragoza, Vera del Pozo

From here the Board took nominees for President. Mynor Godoy and Carlos Montes were both nominated and Beatriz Zaragoza nominated herself. After brief comment from the former President, and the Nominees. The rest of the Board was given a chance to voice their opinions, then the voice was taken. Mynor won the popular vote with 10 votes (Carlos received 7, and Beatriz 1).

Jared Hamil, Sol Mar, Maria O'Campo

Voting for Vice President met with an impasse. Having gone two rounds, and what was headed into a heated debate. Stuck at 9 votes a piece, the tie breaking member vote absent to decide. The Item was tabled for later in the meeting.

For Secretary, 
Three were nominated (Lizette Perez, Ofelia, and Daisy). Ofelia and Daisy both declined the nominations, and Lizette was voted in unanimously.

For Treasurer,

Fanny (nominated) was faced with what became a "no confidence vote." Though it was voiced that the budgetary issues were in nature the responsibility of the whole [whole] Board. The focus was on Fanny. Though the first round was overwhelmingly against Fanny. One the Second round Beatriz Zaragoza, owner of a StateFarm franchise on First St, was nominated and elected with [ ] vote. It was felt that having run a business, that she would be more familiar with finances.

Mynor Godoy, Alessandro Negerete, Daisy Chavez

For Outreach,

There was no conflict. Those nominated were seen by the board as prime candidates. Praises were given to both for their accomplishments within the neighborhood. Specifically within the LGBTQ community. When the tally was taken, Claudia Hernandez and Alessandro Negerete received respectively,  [ need tally number ] votes . Making Alessandro the new Outreach Chair, with his first event this Saturday @ Hollenbeck Park for the Fourth of July celebration from [3pm]-10pm.

PLUC,

The meeting was once again divided and ultimately item tabled during the Planning and Land Use selection. The selection process was hampered by an argument stemming from a time limit. Though a vote between Jason Gallegos and Hector Huezo (9-9) went through 1 round. It was made aware that the Council had until 8:30 at the Boyle Heights City Hall location. Which quickly took over the rest of the meeting. Arguments quickly arose regarding "how to proceed."

 
[Angry voices] were lofted as old frustrations set out over the location and willingness to "go until midnight." The public that had remained to this point in the meeting voiced that they were willing to remain. As did members of the Board. Two votes were taken, one to hold a special meeting (failed), and one to table the vote until the next board meeting at the end of July.

The Board adjourned without selecting the VP or PLUC chair. Opting of instead of having a special meeting to resolve these items, out of fear of lack of transparency/involvement with the community, justifications of integrity and respect for the time of the community and Board members.

The meeting was both a hit and miss for the new Council. Having made some agreements, and stuck on these two others. It means that new Land Use issues that concern the community will most likely be unheard by the council [until selection]. While standing Items from the previous Board may be addressed at July's meeting.

Regardless of the lack of selecting these two primary positions, and other officer positions, the new Board can still begin representing their community at large. Outreach, Area reps, the secretary, President and Treasurer can begin their works. And the reset of the unassigned Board by inquiring, attending other councils, meetings, talk to members of the community, and their own individual projects.

Our involvement doesn't stop, because we "got stuck." All members have sworn to this Oath:

"Neighborhood Council Board Member Oath

I pledge to represent my neighborhood with dignity, integrity, and pride.

I will encourage other points of view, even when they differ from my own.

I will respect, value, and consider everyone's opinion.

I will find the good in my neighborhood, and praise it and promote it.

To my neighbors, and to neighborhoods throughout the City of Los Angeles,

I pledge to do this to the best of my ability."

Back Row: Claudia Hernandez, Jason Gallegos, Mynor Godoy, Alessandro Negerete, Hector Huezo, Jared Hamil, Marisol Sanchez      Middle: Vera del Pozo     Front Row: Ofelia Carrillo, Carlos Montes, Lizzette Perez, Kimberly Abrazo, Daisy Chavez, Beatriz Zaragoza, Sol Mar, Fanny Ortiz     Off-Camera: Margarita Amador