The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, January 16, 2003.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Kathie Ready called the meeting to order at 7:36 pm.

1.2 SALUTE TO THE FLAG -- President Ready led the Board and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

1.3 ROLL CALL -- Directors Kathie Ready, Jim Sherman, Pat Pebelier, Peggy Sheridan and Enrique Barboza were present.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 Approval of the minutes of Meeting No. 1073, Thursday, December 19th, 2002- Director Sherman made a motion to approve the minutes, Director Pebelier seconds the motion and it carries unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 Sheriff's Dept. -- Technician Jones reported the crime statistics for the last month. (See attachment A.) She also reported that Deputy Lewis has made contact with the man who is allegedly conducting illegal activity at the Washington Ave apartments. This man is aware that the sheriff's department is watching him and sheriff's patrols have increased at the apartments.

Jones stated that she has continued meeting with the neighborhood watch group for Via Nube. She reported that upcoming events include a child awareness program. They will be talking to first grade classes in the San Lorenzo Schools teaching safety and 911 contact. There will also be a Community Policing meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2003 at Bay School on Megan's law. Deputy Jim Jukich will be presenting information on this subject.

A resident questioned if grand thefts and other burglaries have increased recently in San Lorenzo. Jones stated that the main crime increase is for stolen vehicles for San Lorenzo. Director Ready asked Jones to include in the monthly statistics whether a specific crime is increasing in our area. Resident Roberta Furger stated that she had seen crime maps that are hung up at the Cop Shop which show where crimes have been committed and asked if Jones could bring these to future Homes Association Meetings.

3.2 CHP -- Officer Joslin the following statistics:

CHP Statistics for Jan-December 2002

Type of Infraction         San Lorenzo  Total Unincorp. County
Collisions                    234              1359
Tickets                      1743              7058
Parking Tickets               761              2340
Storage/Impounds              151              1020
Stolen Recoveries              15               106
Parking Complaints            124               627
Total Warnings for CHP                        19699

Two residents asked if the CHP could look into a couple of problems. One was a truck that had been parked on Wortherly for several months and had been tagged and still not moved, the other was a boat that has been parked in the street on Via Del Rey for several weeks, unmoved. Joslin stated that his department would look into both of these issues.

3.3 Supervisor Lai-Bitker -- Staff member Kevin Dowling reported that the raised intersection for Via Carmen and Buena Vista will be done by next week. He also stated that Supervisor Lai Bitker will be asking for representation from the San Lorenzo Homes Association on the newly formed Fireworks Committee. The first meeting will be February 26th at 5:30 pm, prior to the Unincorporated meeting. Dowling stated there will only be a few meetings for this committee, they are hoping to discuss ways to educate the public and possibly get information out to the schools to educate parents and students about firework safety.

Dowling announced that there will be a tour of Hayward's redevelopment area at 4 p.m. on Wednesday February 5th, prior to the scheduled redevelopment meeting. He reported that he had went out to review the new bus stop on Bockman and Via Arriba and had discussed its location with Bob Preston. He said that the location was picked due to the corner having adequate space for cars to pass . He noted that it appeared to be the best location for a bus stop for the new route. A resident announced that it took him 30 minutes to travel down Bockman during the schools dismissal with the new bus route.

8.1 Nelson/Nygaard Consultants re: Lewelling Blvd - Engineer Design (Time Agenda Item) -- Representatives from the Nelson/Nygaard Consultants spoke about the Engineer Design for Lewelling Blvd. And handed out information on its recent preliminary study regarding traffic flow in the project area. They stated that the study has been funded by Measure B and was initiated a few months ago. These funds would provide 10 million dollars for the design and the construction and could be completed within a five (5) year period. They will soon have an initial report on the project and will develop some road designs for Lewelling Blvd. The consultants stated that they had come to the Board meeting to hear what the public would like to see for the area as far as road and sidewalk improvements for Lewelling. They displayed some preliminary designs showing Lewelling with two lanes of traffic, a sidewalk and a bike lane. They noted that if the public was interested in four lanes on Lewelling, adjoining property would have to be taken to accommodate the space needed to implement that design.

It was questioned as to how Lewelling had been identified for Measure B funds. The Administrator noted that there have been promises to improve traffic on Lewelling for years and the residents of the area have asked for improvements for years. Resident Dorothy Partridge questioned what the scope of the project was. The consultants stated that scope of the project was Lewelling Blvd from Hesperian Blvd to Mission. The first phase would be Lewelling from Hesperian to Meekland, the second from Meekland to Mission. The Measure B funding will only cover phase one of this project.

Some of residents concerns were that the preservation of safety for the roadway be a priority, making Lewelling be a "friendly" street to cross. It was noted that by widening the street and creating four lanes the street would be less safe and it would make it even more difficult for pedestrians to travel across the street. It could also then be used as a "reliever" roadway to 238 traffic that was backed up.. Residents stated that traffic travels very fast down Lewelling. Pedestrian cross walks need to be marked very clearly and highly visible. This is both for the automobile driver as well as the pedestrian's safety. The speed limit on Lewelling was also noted as a problem. It was posted at 25 mph in the past but now is posted at 30 mph in some places. It was also noted that the area where Lewelling starts to narrow to two lanes is in the worst possible place, in front of San Lorenzo High School.

Board members and residents stressed the need for landscaping in the medians and on the sidewalks. Trees that would canopy the street would help to beautify the area and any vegetation that was put on Lewelling should have a plan for maintenance and watering.

It was questioned as to whether residents and businesses in the area have been participating in this process.

The consultants stated that they would be meeting with the Homes Associations and businesses in the area They have been speaking with community activist Doris Marciel who has been very involved with the process.

Director Sherman questioned how the LAVMA project on Lewelling will be coordinated with this project. The consultants stated that both projects could work along with each other. The LAVMA project would have bore pits every so many feet which would not cause problems with the construction of this project. The Administrator stated that she was not aware that LAVMA would be using bore pits for its construction on Lewelling.

Director Sherman asked when the roadway in front of the High School would be done. The consultants stated that they would schedule construction of that area in the summer when school was not in session.

The Administrator questioned whether Measure B money was in jeopardy due to the state's budget crisis. The consultants stated that Measure B money is not threatened by the state budget shortfall, however the project could be threatened by the amount of time it takes to implement if other projects start before the Lewelling project and use those funds that are available.

Resident Howard Beckman stated that if the project needs to purchase property due to widening the street, it should also have plans for the remnant properties that are left.

Director Ready stated that she would like the new design to help the area look more unified and incorporate the hometown feel that many residents have voiced that they want for the San Lorenzo.

3.5 PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of December 2002 Expenditures (including payroll) -- Director Sherman makes a motion and Director Pebelier seconds the November expenditures (including payroll), the motion carries unanimously.

4.2 Discussion of Significant Variances -- The Administrator reported there have been no significant variances and seven (7) liens released since the last board meeting.

December 2002 Violation Report

Number   Violation                            # of Letters
1/19     Inoperable Vehicles in driveway          9
2/22     Recreational veh/trailer in driveway    12
6        Lack of Gen Maintenance                  3
10       Lawn Height                              2
11       Dead Trees                               0
12       Overgrown Vegetation                     0
13       Holiday Lights                           0
15       Building Exterior                        5
16       Dirt Accumulation                        3
17       Attractive Nuisances                     4
18       Lean/miss fence                          1
20/7     Unpaved parking                          2
21       Working on vehicles                      2
23       Dogs/Cats more than                     2,0
24       Barking dogs                             1
25       Prohibited animals                       0
26       Excess noise                             0
27       No Home Business                         0
28/99    Other comments                           2
Total                                            46

6.1 Washington & Grant Ave Proposal -- The Administrator said that the county Traffic report revealed many problems with the developer's proposal for a mini-mart/gas station at this location. She had a conversation with the owner and had told him that until these problems were worked out to the traffic engineer's satisfaction, the Board would not support the proposal. This item has been continued by the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) until these traffic concerns are addressed.

7.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

The Administrator reported that a Skateboard Park that has been proposed for San Lorenzo at the Mervin Morris park at Grant and Nielson Avenues. This would be a temporary skateboard park for beginning skateboarders and would cost approximately $50,000. There were a number of issues and questions which were brought up at the initial meeting. The Administrator stated that HARD would be giving a presentation at the next meeting at Supervisor Lai Bitker's office. San Lorenzo resident Nancy Shelvy had voiced her objections to this project along with surrounding neighbors of the park. This item will be discussed further at the February Board meeting after HARD had given its presentation and more information is known about the project.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Nelson/Nygaard Consultants re: Lewelling Blvd. -- See earlier report.

8.2 Letter of Support for public trash cans (John Partridge) -- Partridge reported that the Redevelopment Agency wanted to implement public trash cans on E. 14th to help with the litter problem along that street. He stated that Supervisor Miley's office and Oro Loma have been discussing this for quite some time. There are a few issues that need to be dealt with. The first is how the garbage pick up/maintenance of these cans will be funded. Partridge stated that as of last week the Oro Loma Board reviewed this item and is committed to carrying this project forward. They had stated that they will negotiate with the garbage company as to maintenance, ownership and overflow trash. It has been discussed that rate payers could pay for this service with an increase of approximately 5 to 20 cents per bill, however there have been no studies to verify just how much it would cost for this service and its ongoing maintenance. Oro Loma is exploring other ways of permanent funding for this project but have not secured any as of yet.

Partridge asked whether the Board would support this project in San Lorenzo on Hesperian Blvd and Lewelling. The Administrator noted that this project will start in the Ashland area and will not begin in San Lorenzo unless Oro Loma is clear that the residents are receptive to this project for our area.

Director Ready noted that the biggest problem with this new service is that people will dump their own excess garbage into these cans. Director Sherman stated that he is against the idea for San Lorenzo. He said that it is still unclear how this project would be funded and how much it would ultimately cost. Director Sheridan stated that she is against the project as well noting that she has never seen public garbage cans that improved an area, but rather they seem to attract more trash and blight to an area. Director Pebelier stated that she has mixed feelings on the project. Although she thinks it would help with pedestrian and roadway trash, she has seen people at the Albertsons Shopping Center diving into the trash cans there and dumping trash into those cans. Director Barboza asked whether or not the business owners could pay for the trash cans and maintain them since they would be benefitting from this extra service.

The Administrator stated that in light of the recent economy she did not think it would be fair to charge the businesses for this service. Many of these businesses are struggling to stay open. She stated that although there is not a clear cost estimate for this service, it would benefit San Lorenzo along Hesperian Blvd. Trash would be thrown in the cans instead of the street. She stated that in Berkeley they have solved the problem of people dumping all sorts of trash in their public cans by having a locking cap on each of the cans which prevent major household items from being put into these receptacles.

Resident Keith Barros stated that he did not think these trash cans would prevent people from littering on the street, but rather would create more trash in the area.

Kevin Dowling suggested that staff from redevelopment come to the next board meeting to discuss the implementation of these cans. He said that if San Lorenzo decided to have these cans in its area, the cost to the public (if the fees were chosen to be publically funded) would be cheaper for all the area versus just one area.

Resident Roberta Furger stated that if Hesperian Blvd is to be "pedestrian friendly" it would be beneficial to have trash cans along this street. It was questioned as to how many cans would be on E. 14th and how far down this street they would be. Dowling stated that there would be 50 cans on E 14th between Bay Fair Mall and Lewelling and there would be garbage service to these cans three (3) times weekly.

Director Sherman said that it is still unclear as to who and how often these cans would be maintained. He also pointed out that it is still unclear as to who would accept liability for these cans if they are involved in any accidents or injuries. The consensus of the Board was to reject the implementation of public garbage cans in the San Lorenzo area until Oro Loma had a clear plan for cost, maintenance, liability and clean-up.

8.3 Process for review of Civic Center's Proposal -- (See attachment B) The Administrator read the memo for the new proposal and noted that it would be published in the upcoming newsletter for all residents to review. She asked for comments on the memo.

The process for comments was discussed. The Administrator noted that the Governor's budget has talked about taking away some redevelopment funds that have not been identified and that it is important that the community review this new project in a timely fashion. It was pointed out that it would premature to have a series of town hall meetings prior to the EIR and an initial review of this new plan. It was discussed that having public informational sessions would be good with residents that are interested in contributing beneficial and informed ideas to the process. It was suggested that a series of meetings be held with residents who apply to be in these "focus" groups and that these meetings be held in the evening and afternoon to accommodate a variety of schedules.

The Administrator stated that she would add an application to the memo in the Association's next newsletter asking interested homeowners to apply for the focus groups. These applications would be due no later than 2/10/03. After receiving all applicants, meetings would be scheduled to review the new plan based on the number of interested residents. Applications would be taken via mail, fax, drop off, or e-mail and residents with questions would be directed to the Administrator at the Homes Association Office.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Airport Committees -- The Administrator reported that the Board's representative to the Airport Committee has not been getting the Oakland Airport Noise Forum Minutes and he missed a meeting due to this however the committee now has the correct information and he should be getting all the agendas and minutes. The Administrator stated that the FAA Tower Supervisor has refused to meet with San Lorenzo residents and aide to Supervisor Lai-Bitker, Kevin Dowling, regarding the noise at the Hayward airport. This committee will meet again to draft a letter to the manager of the airport.

10.2 Library Committee -- Director Sheridan reported that committee talked about the location of the San Lorenzo Library and voted in favor of applying for a Grant for 2004 to help with relocation or renovations of the library.

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- The Board of Directors thanked all who were in attendance.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Ready adjourned the meeting at 10:15 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, Board President