VIEWS MIXED OVER SUCCESS OF COUNCILS.

Byline: RICK COCA Staff Writer

VAN NUYS -- Dozens of community members gathered Tuesday to address a blue-ribbon panel put together to improve the operation of neighborhood councils, which have come under criticism for being too ineffective.

Neighborhood council leaders from across the San Fernando Valley aired concerns that the local bodies lacked authority over building and planning issues, did not have sufficient support from the city, and were stymied by internal grievances.

``Neighborhood councils are wasting time with squabbles and infighting instead of trying to make them better,'' said Cile Borman, president of the Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council.

Still, others said the seven-year experiment in citizen democracy was progressing as it should.

``When provided nurture and support, the neighborhood council can develop and grow out of infancy and adolescence and become a strong, healthy, well adjusted and vital contributor to a better Los Angeles,'' said Cliff Jacobs, Van Nuys Neighborhood Council.

The 29-member blue-ribbon review commission is required by City Charter and was established in 1999 after voters approved the formation of the councils.

Since their formation, the councils have been praised by some council members and constituents and virtually ignored as unnecessary and ineffective by others.

Eighty-six neighborhood councils exist today with an annual budget of $50,000 a year for each council, totaling $4.3 million. The councils are overseen by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, which some neighborhood council members complain overburdens them with bureaucratic requirements.

rick.coca(at)dailynews.com

[phone]