Belmont Shore Residents Association
MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
June 11, 2015
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Max Alavi at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, Secretary Jeff Miller, David "Coach" Newell, and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. President Terence Endersen was absent and excused. Thirty-two additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
The agenda for this meeting was approved and the minutes of the May 14 meeting were approved.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Vilander announced the summer reading program, which begins with a day of special activities on June 20.
LBPD East Division Commander Liz Griffin reported a city-wide increase in property crimes and street robberies and advised people to maintain awareness of their surroundings when walking. She warned us to lock vehicles and remove objects from sight to thwart auto burglaries. She also provided details of some of the incidents in the May Crime Report, including several assaults, a robbery, and instances of breaking and entering. Commander Griffin announced the identification of a suspect in a recent series of indecent exposure cases; there is a warrant for his arrest. Other items discussed: home security cameras, tickets issued for skateboarding on the sidewalk, the new Jeep vehicle patrolling the beach, and the campaign to apprehend the persons who are purchasing stolen bicycles.
Commander Paul LeBaron, head of the Detectives Division, was introduced as the evening's guest speaker. He spoke about the activities and responsibilities of the division, which includes the offices of Vice, Investigations, and the Special Victims Unit. He gave examples of their work leading to convictions and the successful use of DNA evidence. The Commander noted that follow-up contact with citizens is dependent on time available. Lastly, he explained some of the efforts being made in dealing with juvenile criminals. Commander LeBaron said his division needs more detectives, and he is concerned about the number of detectives and officers retiring from the force. Asked about the "Pavers for Police" program, he explained that the new East Division substation will have a flagpole plaza paved with commemorative bricks. Purchase of a brick will benefit the LB Police Foundation. Secretary Miller proposed purchasing a 8" x 8" brick to state "BELMONT SHORE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION"; a motion was approved for the purchase at a cost of $250.
Matt Peterson, owner of Legends and BSBA Secretary, recognized the LBPD walking patrol officers for their good work on Second Street. He announced the next Stroll and Savor event will be Wednesday and Thursday next week, which will include a "farm party and petting zoo" at Second Street and Park Avenue on Wednesday from 6 until 8 pm. He issued an invitation to the next BSBA meeting at noon on June 30 at Legends.
Kristina Duggan, Third Council District Field Representative, asked for volunteers to participate in the Community Watch program and to attend the National Night Out on August 4. She noted that several forms of social media are being used to communicate with residents, in addition to Suzie's web site. She solicited volunteers to assist Suzie in representing the Third District at various events. Ms. Duggan introduced Elsa Ramos, Multi Service Center Coordinator, who spoke about the services and activities of the Homeless Division. She said they are working toward the goal of ending homelessness among military veterans by Veterans Day. She distributed copies of a Pocket Guide Resource Directory and urged us to use them in encounters with panhandlers and refrain from giving money to them. Ms. Ramos noted a need for "Section 8" housing properties for veterans. Next, Paul Van Dyk from the Traffic Division spoke about the traffic study soon to begin on Ocean Boulevard. He would like to speak at our next meeting and hold a workshop to discuss plans for Ocean Boulevard; some of the ideas mentioned were: diagonal parking, speed reduction, and prohibiting left turns.
Questioned about the status of the former Roe Restaurant property, Ms. Duggan said the issue has been given to the Parking Commission to consider. (The city has proposed purchase of the property for conversion to a parking structure.) Eric Forsberg, the resident representative to the commission, said he thinks it is premature to consider this because the level of interest and support has not been determined. He said he will ask the chairman in writing to delay any action to study or pursue the purchase. Additional discussion and comments included: lack of information and confusion about the process and schedule, concern that the purchase is proceeding too quickly, lack of support among both residents and businesses, lack of any comparable operation to compare (the example given to study is a private apartment building), and the observation that there was almost total opposition to the plan at Suzie's community meeting. At each comment, Ms. Duggan urged direct communication via email to Suzie. (Suzie uses the email address "[email protected]"). Asked about the Councilwoman's specific outreach to residents on Claremont Avenue, Ms. Duggan declined to provide any information.
Eric Forsberg, the resident representative to the Parking Commission, reported plans to purchase additional Big Belly refuse containers. He reiterated that he will ask for postponement of any discussion or action to purchase the Roe property and stated his opinion that a parking structure there would lead to additional structures throughout Belmont Shore.
Secretary Miller announced his resignation, explaining that his ongoing travel is causing him to miss too many meetings and to be unavailable too often to perform the tasks of the job adequately. He said he has been Secretary since July 2000 and thanked everyone for their support all those years. His resignation will take effect on June 25.
Treasurer O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $3,447. A motion was approved to pay these expenses: $196 for the annual fee for our PO Box, and $14.39 to reimburse President Endersen for photocopying costs.
In Public Participation, David Newell gave his opinion that the city's purchase of the Roe property should be considered, because of the blighted condition of the property. He said "something is better than nothing" there. Dick Gaylord countered that he has talked with various residents and businessmen and cannot find anyone who supports it. There were these additional comments from others on this issue: there should be an architectural review requirement, BSRA should conduct community outreach instead of relying on individual emails to Suzie, any further action should be delayed until after completion of the Belmont Shore parking study, a BSRA committee could address this issue, a similar structure in Hermosa Beach causes numerous problems, and a petition should be employed to express opposition.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Secretary
MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
June 11, 2015
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Max Alavi at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, Secretary Jeff Miller, David "Coach" Newell, and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. President Terence Endersen was absent and excused. Thirty-two additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
The agenda for this meeting was approved and the minutes of the May 14 meeting were approved.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Vilander announced the summer reading program, which begins with a day of special activities on June 20.
LBPD East Division Commander Liz Griffin reported a city-wide increase in property crimes and street robberies and advised people to maintain awareness of their surroundings when walking. She warned us to lock vehicles and remove objects from sight to thwart auto burglaries. She also provided details of some of the incidents in the May Crime Report, including several assaults, a robbery, and instances of breaking and entering. Commander Griffin announced the identification of a suspect in a recent series of indecent exposure cases; there is a warrant for his arrest. Other items discussed: home security cameras, tickets issued for skateboarding on the sidewalk, the new Jeep vehicle patrolling the beach, and the campaign to apprehend the persons who are purchasing stolen bicycles.
Commander Paul LeBaron, head of the Detectives Division, was introduced as the evening's guest speaker. He spoke about the activities and responsibilities of the division, which includes the offices of Vice, Investigations, and the Special Victims Unit. He gave examples of their work leading to convictions and the successful use of DNA evidence. The Commander noted that follow-up contact with citizens is dependent on time available. Lastly, he explained some of the efforts being made in dealing with juvenile criminals. Commander LeBaron said his division needs more detectives, and he is concerned about the number of detectives and officers retiring from the force. Asked about the "Pavers for Police" program, he explained that the new East Division substation will have a flagpole plaza paved with commemorative bricks. Purchase of a brick will benefit the LB Police Foundation. Secretary Miller proposed purchasing a 8" x 8" brick to state "BELMONT SHORE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION"; a motion was approved for the purchase at a cost of $250.
Matt Peterson, owner of Legends and BSBA Secretary, recognized the LBPD walking patrol officers for their good work on Second Street. He announced the next Stroll and Savor event will be Wednesday and Thursday next week, which will include a "farm party and petting zoo" at Second Street and Park Avenue on Wednesday from 6 until 8 pm. He issued an invitation to the next BSBA meeting at noon on June 30 at Legends.
Kristina Duggan, Third Council District Field Representative, asked for volunteers to participate in the Community Watch program and to attend the National Night Out on August 4. She noted that several forms of social media are being used to communicate with residents, in addition to Suzie's web site. She solicited volunteers to assist Suzie in representing the Third District at various events. Ms. Duggan introduced Elsa Ramos, Multi Service Center Coordinator, who spoke about the services and activities of the Homeless Division. She said they are working toward the goal of ending homelessness among military veterans by Veterans Day. She distributed copies of a Pocket Guide Resource Directory and urged us to use them in encounters with panhandlers and refrain from giving money to them. Ms. Ramos noted a need for "Section 8" housing properties for veterans. Next, Paul Van Dyk from the Traffic Division spoke about the traffic study soon to begin on Ocean Boulevard. He would like to speak at our next meeting and hold a workshop to discuss plans for Ocean Boulevard; some of the ideas mentioned were: diagonal parking, speed reduction, and prohibiting left turns.
Questioned about the status of the former Roe Restaurant property, Ms. Duggan said the issue has been given to the Parking Commission to consider. (The city has proposed purchase of the property for conversion to a parking structure.) Eric Forsberg, the resident representative to the commission, said he thinks it is premature to consider this because the level of interest and support has not been determined. He said he will ask the chairman in writing to delay any action to study or pursue the purchase. Additional discussion and comments included: lack of information and confusion about the process and schedule, concern that the purchase is proceeding too quickly, lack of support among both residents and businesses, lack of any comparable operation to compare (the example given to study is a private apartment building), and the observation that there was almost total opposition to the plan at Suzie's community meeting. At each comment, Ms. Duggan urged direct communication via email to Suzie. (Suzie uses the email address "[email protected]"). Asked about the Councilwoman's specific outreach to residents on Claremont Avenue, Ms. Duggan declined to provide any information.
Eric Forsberg, the resident representative to the Parking Commission, reported plans to purchase additional Big Belly refuse containers. He reiterated that he will ask for postponement of any discussion or action to purchase the Roe property and stated his opinion that a parking structure there would lead to additional structures throughout Belmont Shore.
Secretary Miller announced his resignation, explaining that his ongoing travel is causing him to miss too many meetings and to be unavailable too often to perform the tasks of the job adequately. He said he has been Secretary since July 2000 and thanked everyone for their support all those years. His resignation will take effect on June 25.
Treasurer O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $3,447. A motion was approved to pay these expenses: $196 for the annual fee for our PO Box, and $14.39 to reimburse President Endersen for photocopying costs.
In Public Participation, David Newell gave his opinion that the city's purchase of the Roe property should be considered, because of the blighted condition of the property. He said "something is better than nothing" there. Dick Gaylord countered that he has talked with various residents and businessmen and cannot find anyone who supports it. There were these additional comments from others on this issue: there should be an architectural review requirement, BSRA should conduct community outreach instead of relying on individual emails to Suzie, any further action should be delayed until after completion of the Belmont Shore parking study, a BSRA committee could address this issue, a similar structure in Hermosa Beach causes numerous problems, and a petition should be employed to express opposition.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Secretary