Belmont Shore Residents Association
MINUTES
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
October 9, 2014
The meeting was called to order by President Terence Endersen at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Vice President Max Alavi, Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, Secretary Jeff Miller, David "Coach" Newell, Treasurer Robert O'Connor, and Sara Schumacher. Forty-five additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
The agenda for this meeting was approved and the minutes of the September 11 meeting were approved.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Gurley-Vilander announced the In-N-Out Burger "Cover to Cover" reading program: children from age 4 through 12 can register to receive a free burger for every 5 books read. She also noted the completion of the library remodel, which included new carpeting and paint, new tables and chairs, and a computer work station.
In Public Comment, one person advocated better signage to promote the availability of parking in the Shore, and another urged members to attend the City Council meeting on October 21 to voice concern about the potential loss of parking and green space if the Belmont Pool is rebuilt the way the city is proposing.
Third District Council Representative Suzie Price spoke about her first 100 days in office: she led the effort to add $350,000 to the Police budget to address residential burglaries and she has begun a Community Watch program. She spoke about plans for the Belmont Pool, calling it a "jewel of the city". She said the planned rebuild will be "what's best for the city as a whole". She said the $99 million cost is dictated by its location, and said it will be a "world-class facility". Price explained her position regarding the proposed new "smart meters" on Second Street, which will accept credit cards in addition to coins: she supports them, but wants it implemented with no rate increase. She noted the SEADIP process is underway, and will be a three year process. She spoke about the new Belmont Shore parking study to be conducted by a consultant, saying it will be an objective study, with outreach to residents. The study should be underway before the end of the year. She announced an "anti-bullying" workshop scheduled for 9 am on October 26 at CSULB. Price then responded to questions and comments from the audience; topics included concerns about the lack of enforcement of dog beach violations and concerns about the Belmont Pool: traffic, parking impact, cost and funding. Price acknowledged that improving the Belmont Pier will have to wait at least three years, as the Pool construction will use up Tidelands Funds for several years.
Matt Peterson, co-owner of Legends and board member of the BSBA, announced the upcoming Sidewalk Art event and the Christmas Parade.
Eric Forsberg, the resident representative on the Parking Commission, reported the commission's recommendation to support the city's plan to install "smart meters" with no in-ground sensors, no fee increase on Second Street, and a transaction fee for credit card use. They also recommended increasing the fee in the lots to 50 cents per hour to match the fee on Second Street. He also noted the landscaping committee is researching options for the Second Street median. In response to a question about signs appearing in the median, Forsberg said it is probably a code violation to place signs there.
Secretary Miller reported an increase in membership over the last two months, now over 260. He thanked the Election Committee for their assistance running the September election. The election cost less than $50, entirely for copying expenses. Miller reported the City Council action at their Tuesday meeting to approve funds for the construction of the pedestrian path on the beach to supplement the existing path, which will become a separate bicycle path. The new pedestrian path will be built on the inland side, as BSRA recommended two years ago.
President Endersen announced plans to send a questionnaire to members to obtain opinions and suggestions for initiatives for the Executive Board for the new fiscal year. He noted that the board intends to select some specific actions that can be accomplished during the year, so feedback from the membership will be important.
Treasurer O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $2,502.
Executive Board Member Dean announced the implementation of the new BSRA web site, which now has a "Contact Us" page for member feedback. The site also has the capability to conduct surveys and polls.
Executive Board Member Newell explained the recent offer of a donation of $1,100 to BSRA from Simmzy's Restaurant. The donation was offered as a response to complaints from nearby residents that Simmzy's contractors have repeatedly caused a noise disturbance by cleaning rooftop equipment during unauthorized hours, most recently at 4 am. A motion was approved unanimously to accept the donation.
Secretary Miller reported the recent community meeting at the pier to address the concerns about increasing numbers of homeless and transient persons in the neighborhood. The meeting included reports from the City's Homeless Services and LBPD. The City Prosecutor is also involved. These agencies are working together to address this growing problem.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Submitted by:
Jeff Miller, Secretary
MINUTES
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
October 9, 2014
The meeting was called to order by President Terence Endersen at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Vice President Max Alavi, Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Dick Gaylord, Secretary Jeff Miller, David "Coach" Newell, Treasurer Robert O'Connor, and Sara Schumacher. Forty-five additional BSRA members and visitors were present.
The agenda for this meeting was approved and the minutes of the September 11 meeting were approved.
Bay Shore Librarian Debi Gurley-Vilander announced the In-N-Out Burger "Cover to Cover" reading program: children from age 4 through 12 can register to receive a free burger for every 5 books read. She also noted the completion of the library remodel, which included new carpeting and paint, new tables and chairs, and a computer work station.
In Public Comment, one person advocated better signage to promote the availability of parking in the Shore, and another urged members to attend the City Council meeting on October 21 to voice concern about the potential loss of parking and green space if the Belmont Pool is rebuilt the way the city is proposing.
Third District Council Representative Suzie Price spoke about her first 100 days in office: she led the effort to add $350,000 to the Police budget to address residential burglaries and she has begun a Community Watch program. She spoke about plans for the Belmont Pool, calling it a "jewel of the city". She said the planned rebuild will be "what's best for the city as a whole". She said the $99 million cost is dictated by its location, and said it will be a "world-class facility". Price explained her position regarding the proposed new "smart meters" on Second Street, which will accept credit cards in addition to coins: she supports them, but wants it implemented with no rate increase. She noted the SEADIP process is underway, and will be a three year process. She spoke about the new Belmont Shore parking study to be conducted by a consultant, saying it will be an objective study, with outreach to residents. The study should be underway before the end of the year. She announced an "anti-bullying" workshop scheduled for 9 am on October 26 at CSULB. Price then responded to questions and comments from the audience; topics included concerns about the lack of enforcement of dog beach violations and concerns about the Belmont Pool: traffic, parking impact, cost and funding. Price acknowledged that improving the Belmont Pier will have to wait at least three years, as the Pool construction will use up Tidelands Funds for several years.
Matt Peterson, co-owner of Legends and board member of the BSBA, announced the upcoming Sidewalk Art event and the Christmas Parade.
Eric Forsberg, the resident representative on the Parking Commission, reported the commission's recommendation to support the city's plan to install "smart meters" with no in-ground sensors, no fee increase on Second Street, and a transaction fee for credit card use. They also recommended increasing the fee in the lots to 50 cents per hour to match the fee on Second Street. He also noted the landscaping committee is researching options for the Second Street median. In response to a question about signs appearing in the median, Forsberg said it is probably a code violation to place signs there.
Secretary Miller reported an increase in membership over the last two months, now over 260. He thanked the Election Committee for their assistance running the September election. The election cost less than $50, entirely for copying expenses. Miller reported the City Council action at their Tuesday meeting to approve funds for the construction of the pedestrian path on the beach to supplement the existing path, which will become a separate bicycle path. The new pedestrian path will be built on the inland side, as BSRA recommended two years ago.
President Endersen announced plans to send a questionnaire to members to obtain opinions and suggestions for initiatives for the Executive Board for the new fiscal year. He noted that the board intends to select some specific actions that can be accomplished during the year, so feedback from the membership will be important.
Treasurer O'Connor reported the bank account balance is now $2,502.
Executive Board Member Dean announced the implementation of the new BSRA web site, which now has a "Contact Us" page for member feedback. The site also has the capability to conduct surveys and polls.
Executive Board Member Newell explained the recent offer of a donation of $1,100 to BSRA from Simmzy's Restaurant. The donation was offered as a response to complaints from nearby residents that Simmzy's contractors have repeatedly caused a noise disturbance by cleaning rooftop equipment during unauthorized hours, most recently at 4 am. A motion was approved unanimously to accept the donation.
Secretary Miller reported the recent community meeting at the pier to address the concerns about increasing numbers of homeless and transient persons in the neighborhood. The meeting included reports from the City's Homeless Services and LBPD. The City Prosecutor is also involved. These agencies are working together to address this growing problem.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Submitted by:
Jeff Miller, Secretary