Belmont Shore Residents Association
MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
August 13, 2015
The meeting was called to order by President Terence Endersen at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Aileen Colon and Julie Dean, as well as Vice President Max Alavi and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. 22 additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Vilander announced there have been 527 signups for the Summer Reading Program, including children, teens and adults. Long Beach Public Library plans to increase the number of library branches with Sunday hours to a total of three because the Bay Shore branch Sunday Program has gone so well.
The agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the July 9th meeting were approved.
Field Deputy for Third District Councilwoman Price, Kristina Duggan reported:
· She and Paul Van Dyk, of Long Beach Traffic Engineering, have been working together. A couple of weeks ago, they went to Claremont and Pomona with a speed reader gun and conducted radar tests. These tests revealed that drivers on Pomona see the green light at 2nd Street and “gun it in order to make the light”. Paul has a number of ideas on how to deal with this issue; one idea is to install shields on the stoplights and pedestrian countdown numbers that will filter these lights and numbers so that drivers cannot see lights are green and the numbers are counting down. Traffic Engineering is also considering adding a signal at Claremont.
· The LB Public Works Department’s Ocean Blvd Resurfacing Project (installation of 88 ADA ramps at the corners; redoing some curbs; putting in a bike lane between parked cars and traffic lanes; adjusting car traffic lanes, which will not be made smaller) is moving forward and will occur this fall. Biologists are reviewing the plans and habitat, but plans are that it will happen in September/October.
· The upcoming Ocean Blvd Traffic Study is pulling together stakeholders to meet on August 29th from 10am-12pm at the 3rd District field office at 340 Nieto. This study will address traffic calming, parking, beach access, crosswalks, pedestrian safety, the peninsula and stop signs on Ocean Blvd. They have received many complaints that LaVerne and Glendora need crosswalks and will evaluate the situation. The scope runs from Belmont Shore Pier to the end of the Peninsula.
· Kristina was asked about the new Belmont Shore group called Friends of Belmont Shore; the resident wanted to know if FoBS was trying to compete with the BSRA. Kristina explained that FoBS is another group that is also trying to implement progress and change, just like existing associations: Belmont Shore Residents Association, Peninsula Beach Preservation Group, Belmont Heights Community Association and Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association. She said it will simply be another voice for the community, businesses and residents and will include Belmont Park. President Endersen advised that the BSRA’s mission is to represent and educate residents on happenings and issues affecting the Belmont Shore residential community. The FoBS group will include other neighborhoods and non-residents, like business and commercial property owners.
· City Council voted No (9 to 0) on the Roe Parking Structure feasibility study, as that is what the residents wanted, so the two-story parking structure project is now dead. Dede Rossi spoke up and agreed that it was also what the businesses wanted. Kristina thanked the Parking Commission for their work on the matter.
LBPD East Division Commander Liz Griffin provided the following information:
· A lot of the local crimes are opportunistic, although we’re doing a better job on this, as a community, by locking car, home, garage and patio doors and windows. Most incidents that occurred last month were during the day when residents were not at home. There is no pattern or repeat thieves, per security camera tapes. The most important issue in our community is violent crime, with burglaries as the 2nd most important issue.
· July 2nd at St Joseph & Ocean there was a love triangle assault where the victim was hit by a car. On July 4th at 2nd & Covina an assault and battery between neighbors and two transients occurred; six white males punched and stole the phone from another white male, however no arrests were made because perpetrators were gone when police arrived.
· At 127 Argonne, a detached garage burglary occurred where the doors were unlocked; CDs, papers, a bike and golf shoes were stolen. An attached garage burglary occurred at on Covina); the garage door was pried open and a bike and vacuum were taken. At 60 Granada, two roommates left their windows open due to the heat and the offender reached inside the kitchen window and snatched a laptop. An attached garage on Ximeno was pried open and a green beach cruiser was stolen (although a mountain bike was not taken). At 168 ½ St Joseph the front door and screen door were closed but unlocked; the thief entered and the security alarm went off, but they were able to nab a laptop.
· LBPD is aware that bike thefts are still occurring but they haven’t been able to catch all of the offenders, so will probably conduct more stings. Please report descriptions of thieves and provide any photos or video, as there have not been many stolen bike reports filed.
· A resident asked about noise pollution on 2nd Street and Ocean, specifically motorcycle noise. Commander Griffin advised checks will occur, as part of the Labor Day weekend police program, from Alamitos to PCH.
· A resident asked if it is legal to shoot someone who enters your house. The commander pointed out that a resident is only allowed to shoot at someone who enters their house if their life is in danger.
· Commander Griffin explained there is one more person to be evicted at the problem house at 111 Roycroft; this should occur by the end of August. It is a civil action and the City Attorney is still working on the issue. There has been far less activity, as 2 of the 3 parties are already evicted and gone. LBPD has received far fewer calls recently.
· There have been thefts on boats in Naples over the last few days; two men in dark clothing are riding kayaks and stealing boat engines.
· Residents complained to the Commander that there is a group of transients who convene daily in the LaVerne beach parking lot. She explained that they cannot sleep on the beach overnight. The new police jeep has been on the beach, giving citations.
Dede Rossi from the Belmont Shore Business Association discussed the following:
· Stroll & Savor will be August 19 & 20 and September 16 & 17 from 530-9pm.
· Sunday, September 13th is the 26th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show from 9am-3pm. East 2nd Street from Livingston to Bay Shore and intersecting side streets from Quincy to Claremont will be closed to traffic from 5am to 5pm or until 2nd Street is cleared to open. Bay Shore will be open to traffic all day.
· Saint and Second will open Monday, August 17th.
· 12 additional Big Belly trash cans have been ordered; the old cement cans will be moved to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.
· Dede is working to have the cigarette urns removed and replaced with something that will hide the cigarette butts.
· The 2nd St Median Committee has had a meeting; they are currently stalled due to issues with some of the trees. The plan is to keep water resistant plants in the median and consider hardscape options. The existing Ficus trees will likely be a problem, as the roots are awful.
· Snow Monster, known for build-your-own ice cream sandwiches made with macarons or cookies, has taken over the space where Sway was and is scheduled to open soon.
Andrew Quinn, Long Beach Capital Projects Coordinator, Storm Water Division discussed a city plan to improve ocean water quality over the next year by solving the problem of standing water near storm drain outlets:
· This project means our beaches will be a lot cleaner and toxic waste (oil, brake dust, fertilizers, bacteria, bird debris) will be minimized.
· Construction is scheduled to start in December and end June 2016, although they still need to go out to bid. The majority of the costs will be covered by a grant; they are moving very quickly because there is a very short amount of time available to get the grant. The grant will cover 3 of the 5 outlets: Redondo & Ocean, 9th Place & Ocean, Seaside & Golden (near the Aquarium; this water goes into Estuary). The team hopes to get another grant to cover the last 2 outlets.
· This project will result in less pollution and bacteria in our ocean water.
· This is similar to the Colorado Lagoon solution, although that is a netting system; it’s a good system but the Vortex system (to be used in this project) will also collect sediment and water is diverted. It will cut down on odors, pests and mosquitos. The concrete runoffs will still be needed when it rains, to avoid flooding and they are the best way to “contain” water.
· The CDS Unit (Vortex system) will cover filtering, pump, storing water (low flow diversion) CDS is very effective and efficient at filtering.
· When it’s not raining, all the water goes through the city sewer system instead of to our beaches. When it rains, the first flow will pass thru the sewer system then the water will be diverted to the storm drain system that flows to the beach.
· Trash will be collected by maintenance and will be disposed of.
Eric Forsberg, the Parking Commission resident representative discussed the following:
· Many residents came to the special Parking Commission meeting on the Roe Restaurant/Parking Structure issue; they made a big impact and that is now behind us.
· Councilmember Price is very interested in seeing the Belmont Shore Parking Study happen, which would be funded by the Belmont Shore Parking Commission if approved by City Council. The Parking Commission is trying to understand the scope and evaluate the cost (one bid came in at approximately $183,000.00) and bid comparisons. The Parking Commission wants to ensure there is no duplication of effort with other projects.
· The 2nd Street Median Committee: work on landscape design, make 2nd Street pop, add some type of classy sign, deal with the challenge of the Ficus trees (a few years ago there was a fight to keep the Ficus trees; some have very aggressive roots that damage plumbing).
· Ocean Blvd Traffic Study is a separate study that will address calming traffic, etc.
· Ocean Blvd Resurfacing Project: installation of 88 ADA ramps at the corners; redoing some curbs; putting in a bike lane between parked cars and traffic lanes; adjusting car traffic lanes, which will not be made smaller.
President’s Report:
· President Endersen announced that BSRA Executive Board Member David "Coach" Newell resigned. President Endersen thanked Coach for his work on the Board.
· Friends of Belmont Shore is a new organization of individuals comprising residents of Belmont Shore and other areas, as well as business and commercial property owners. The BSRA bylaws state the BSRA is a unified voice for public action with the city on behalf of the residents. The BSRA, BSBA and Parking Commission will not go away. Hopefully we can all work together.
· The BSRA has been, and plans to continue to be, a strong voice for the residents.
· A resident spoke up to say that they don’t want the FoBS to dilute the voices of the existing groups.
Treasurer’s Report:
Robert O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $2,536. The BSRA has had an influx of membership renewals, with over 60 recent renewals.
Public Comment:
· The 2nd Street Post Office locations have a transient/security issue. The USPS PO Box location is closing because fewer people are using those boxes so they’re moving everything over to the main USPS location.
· Resident stated: 1) He was crossing Ocean at LaVerne and almost got hit in the crosswalk. 2) The transients are still camping on the beach and he’s not sure why it’s not better enforced. 3) No one is enforcing the “no parking” on the launch ramps; there are vehicles parked there for hours or all day and more than sundries are being sold at the Claremont ramp. 4) Dogs are on the beach in non-Dog Beach areas, but no citations are given. 5) These issues are all important to the residents.
· Resident stated: She was walking her dog on the walking path and got a warning that it is not allowed.
· Resident stated: Copacabana Soccer Association took over the entire beach for two days with multiple events and were very loud. They are planning for this again next year but say it will be over two weekends, rather than just one. There was so much trash that by Sunday night it was completely disgusting. Can we invite the city special events coordinator to an upcoming BSRA meeting? We need to find out why these permits are being issued, what the city is doing to control the events, what jurisdiction is okaying these behaviors, who can be called on weekends to address issues/excessive noise/trash overflow, why is there no enforcement of existing regulations, etc.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Submitted by:
Julie Dean, Executive Board
MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
August 13, 2015
The meeting was called to order by President Terence Endersen at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Aileen Colon and Julie Dean, as well as Vice President Max Alavi and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. 22 additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Vilander announced there have been 527 signups for the Summer Reading Program, including children, teens and adults. Long Beach Public Library plans to increase the number of library branches with Sunday hours to a total of three because the Bay Shore branch Sunday Program has gone so well.
The agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the July 9th meeting were approved.
Field Deputy for Third District Councilwoman Price, Kristina Duggan reported:
· She and Paul Van Dyk, of Long Beach Traffic Engineering, have been working together. A couple of weeks ago, they went to Claremont and Pomona with a speed reader gun and conducted radar tests. These tests revealed that drivers on Pomona see the green light at 2nd Street and “gun it in order to make the light”. Paul has a number of ideas on how to deal with this issue; one idea is to install shields on the stoplights and pedestrian countdown numbers that will filter these lights and numbers so that drivers cannot see lights are green and the numbers are counting down. Traffic Engineering is also considering adding a signal at Claremont.
· The LB Public Works Department’s Ocean Blvd Resurfacing Project (installation of 88 ADA ramps at the corners; redoing some curbs; putting in a bike lane between parked cars and traffic lanes; adjusting car traffic lanes, which will not be made smaller) is moving forward and will occur this fall. Biologists are reviewing the plans and habitat, but plans are that it will happen in September/October.
· The upcoming Ocean Blvd Traffic Study is pulling together stakeholders to meet on August 29th from 10am-12pm at the 3rd District field office at 340 Nieto. This study will address traffic calming, parking, beach access, crosswalks, pedestrian safety, the peninsula and stop signs on Ocean Blvd. They have received many complaints that LaVerne and Glendora need crosswalks and will evaluate the situation. The scope runs from Belmont Shore Pier to the end of the Peninsula.
· Kristina was asked about the new Belmont Shore group called Friends of Belmont Shore; the resident wanted to know if FoBS was trying to compete with the BSRA. Kristina explained that FoBS is another group that is also trying to implement progress and change, just like existing associations: Belmont Shore Residents Association, Peninsula Beach Preservation Group, Belmont Heights Community Association and Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association. She said it will simply be another voice for the community, businesses and residents and will include Belmont Park. President Endersen advised that the BSRA’s mission is to represent and educate residents on happenings and issues affecting the Belmont Shore residential community. The FoBS group will include other neighborhoods and non-residents, like business and commercial property owners.
· City Council voted No (9 to 0) on the Roe Parking Structure feasibility study, as that is what the residents wanted, so the two-story parking structure project is now dead. Dede Rossi spoke up and agreed that it was also what the businesses wanted. Kristina thanked the Parking Commission for their work on the matter.
LBPD East Division Commander Liz Griffin provided the following information:
· A lot of the local crimes are opportunistic, although we’re doing a better job on this, as a community, by locking car, home, garage and patio doors and windows. Most incidents that occurred last month were during the day when residents were not at home. There is no pattern or repeat thieves, per security camera tapes. The most important issue in our community is violent crime, with burglaries as the 2nd most important issue.
· July 2nd at St Joseph & Ocean there was a love triangle assault where the victim was hit by a car. On July 4th at 2nd & Covina an assault and battery between neighbors and two transients occurred; six white males punched and stole the phone from another white male, however no arrests were made because perpetrators were gone when police arrived.
· At 127 Argonne, a detached garage burglary occurred where the doors were unlocked; CDs, papers, a bike and golf shoes were stolen. An attached garage burglary occurred at on Covina); the garage door was pried open and a bike and vacuum were taken. At 60 Granada, two roommates left their windows open due to the heat and the offender reached inside the kitchen window and snatched a laptop. An attached garage on Ximeno was pried open and a green beach cruiser was stolen (although a mountain bike was not taken). At 168 ½ St Joseph the front door and screen door were closed but unlocked; the thief entered and the security alarm went off, but they were able to nab a laptop.
· LBPD is aware that bike thefts are still occurring but they haven’t been able to catch all of the offenders, so will probably conduct more stings. Please report descriptions of thieves and provide any photos or video, as there have not been many stolen bike reports filed.
· A resident asked about noise pollution on 2nd Street and Ocean, specifically motorcycle noise. Commander Griffin advised checks will occur, as part of the Labor Day weekend police program, from Alamitos to PCH.
· A resident asked if it is legal to shoot someone who enters your house. The commander pointed out that a resident is only allowed to shoot at someone who enters their house if their life is in danger.
· Commander Griffin explained there is one more person to be evicted at the problem house at 111 Roycroft; this should occur by the end of August. It is a civil action and the City Attorney is still working on the issue. There has been far less activity, as 2 of the 3 parties are already evicted and gone. LBPD has received far fewer calls recently.
· There have been thefts on boats in Naples over the last few days; two men in dark clothing are riding kayaks and stealing boat engines.
· Residents complained to the Commander that there is a group of transients who convene daily in the LaVerne beach parking lot. She explained that they cannot sleep on the beach overnight. The new police jeep has been on the beach, giving citations.
Dede Rossi from the Belmont Shore Business Association discussed the following:
· Stroll & Savor will be August 19 & 20 and September 16 & 17 from 530-9pm.
· Sunday, September 13th is the 26th Annual Belmont Shore Car Show from 9am-3pm. East 2nd Street from Livingston to Bay Shore and intersecting side streets from Quincy to Claremont will be closed to traffic from 5am to 5pm or until 2nd Street is cleared to open. Bay Shore will be open to traffic all day.
· Saint and Second will open Monday, August 17th.
· 12 additional Big Belly trash cans have been ordered; the old cement cans will be moved to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.
· Dede is working to have the cigarette urns removed and replaced with something that will hide the cigarette butts.
· The 2nd St Median Committee has had a meeting; they are currently stalled due to issues with some of the trees. The plan is to keep water resistant plants in the median and consider hardscape options. The existing Ficus trees will likely be a problem, as the roots are awful.
· Snow Monster, known for build-your-own ice cream sandwiches made with macarons or cookies, has taken over the space where Sway was and is scheduled to open soon.
Andrew Quinn, Long Beach Capital Projects Coordinator, Storm Water Division discussed a city plan to improve ocean water quality over the next year by solving the problem of standing water near storm drain outlets:
· This project means our beaches will be a lot cleaner and toxic waste (oil, brake dust, fertilizers, bacteria, bird debris) will be minimized.
· Construction is scheduled to start in December and end June 2016, although they still need to go out to bid. The majority of the costs will be covered by a grant; they are moving very quickly because there is a very short amount of time available to get the grant. The grant will cover 3 of the 5 outlets: Redondo & Ocean, 9th Place & Ocean, Seaside & Golden (near the Aquarium; this water goes into Estuary). The team hopes to get another grant to cover the last 2 outlets.
· This project will result in less pollution and bacteria in our ocean water.
· This is similar to the Colorado Lagoon solution, although that is a netting system; it’s a good system but the Vortex system (to be used in this project) will also collect sediment and water is diverted. It will cut down on odors, pests and mosquitos. The concrete runoffs will still be needed when it rains, to avoid flooding and they are the best way to “contain” water.
· The CDS Unit (Vortex system) will cover filtering, pump, storing water (low flow diversion) CDS is very effective and efficient at filtering.
· When it’s not raining, all the water goes through the city sewer system instead of to our beaches. When it rains, the first flow will pass thru the sewer system then the water will be diverted to the storm drain system that flows to the beach.
· Trash will be collected by maintenance and will be disposed of.
Eric Forsberg, the Parking Commission resident representative discussed the following:
· Many residents came to the special Parking Commission meeting on the Roe Restaurant/Parking Structure issue; they made a big impact and that is now behind us.
· Councilmember Price is very interested in seeing the Belmont Shore Parking Study happen, which would be funded by the Belmont Shore Parking Commission if approved by City Council. The Parking Commission is trying to understand the scope and evaluate the cost (one bid came in at approximately $183,000.00) and bid comparisons. The Parking Commission wants to ensure there is no duplication of effort with other projects.
· The 2nd Street Median Committee: work on landscape design, make 2nd Street pop, add some type of classy sign, deal with the challenge of the Ficus trees (a few years ago there was a fight to keep the Ficus trees; some have very aggressive roots that damage plumbing).
· Ocean Blvd Traffic Study is a separate study that will address calming traffic, etc.
· Ocean Blvd Resurfacing Project: installation of 88 ADA ramps at the corners; redoing some curbs; putting in a bike lane between parked cars and traffic lanes; adjusting car traffic lanes, which will not be made smaller.
President’s Report:
· President Endersen announced that BSRA Executive Board Member David "Coach" Newell resigned. President Endersen thanked Coach for his work on the Board.
· Friends of Belmont Shore is a new organization of individuals comprising residents of Belmont Shore and other areas, as well as business and commercial property owners. The BSRA bylaws state the BSRA is a unified voice for public action with the city on behalf of the residents. The BSRA, BSBA and Parking Commission will not go away. Hopefully we can all work together.
· The BSRA has been, and plans to continue to be, a strong voice for the residents.
· A resident spoke up to say that they don’t want the FoBS to dilute the voices of the existing groups.
Treasurer’s Report:
Robert O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $2,536. The BSRA has had an influx of membership renewals, with over 60 recent renewals.
Public Comment:
· The 2nd Street Post Office locations have a transient/security issue. The USPS PO Box location is closing because fewer people are using those boxes so they’re moving everything over to the main USPS location.
· Resident stated: 1) He was crossing Ocean at LaVerne and almost got hit in the crosswalk. 2) The transients are still camping on the beach and he’s not sure why it’s not better enforced. 3) No one is enforcing the “no parking” on the launch ramps; there are vehicles parked there for hours or all day and more than sundries are being sold at the Claremont ramp. 4) Dogs are on the beach in non-Dog Beach areas, but no citations are given. 5) These issues are all important to the residents.
· Resident stated: She was walking her dog on the walking path and got a warning that it is not allowed.
· Resident stated: Copacabana Soccer Association took over the entire beach for two days with multiple events and were very loud. They are planning for this again next year but say it will be over two weekends, rather than just one. There was so much trash that by Sunday night it was completely disgusting. Can we invite the city special events coordinator to an upcoming BSRA meeting? We need to find out why these permits are being issued, what the city is doing to control the events, what jurisdiction is okaying these behaviors, who can be called on weekends to address issues/excessive noise/trash overflow, why is there no enforcement of existing regulations, etc.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Submitted by:
Julie Dean, Executive Board