The annual meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held on Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. in the Community Center Auditorium. There being no quorum present, President Ready adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, February 20, 2003.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Kathie Ready called the meeting to order at 7:31 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. 1075, Thursday, January 2003 -- It was noted that the Board was approving the meeting for 1074 not 1073 as the agenda misprinted. Director Sherman makes a motion to approve the minutes, Director Barboza seconds. The motion carries unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Freda Jones reported the following crime statistics in San Lorenzo for January-February 2003:

                                     Change from
Crime                         #      last month      Affected Streets

Stolen Vehicles               2         -1           Hathaway, Via Acalanes
Recovered Stolen Vehicle      2         None         Via Catherine/Via Amigos, Via Walters/Via Amigo
Residential Burglary          4         +2           Hacienda, Hathaway, Via Coralla, Washington Ave
Commercial Burglary           0         -1           n/a
Attempted Burglary            5         +1           Lorenzo Ave(2), Via Alamitos, Via Cordoba, Via Coralla
Grand Theft                   3         -1           Via Acalanes, Via Manzanas, Via Harriet
Graffiti                      2         +2           Paseo Grande, Lorenzo Ave.

Jones reported that a new neighborhood watch group has been started on Bandoni Ave and last months Cop Meeting about Megan's law was moderately attended. She stated that on March 10th they will be having a "tip-a-cop" fundraiser at the Olive Garden in Hayward for the Special Olympics. The next community policing meeting at Bay school would be held on Thursday March 13th, The topic for the meeting would be on terrorism/disaster preparedness.

3.2 CHP -- Officer Rob Tuazon reported the following statistics for January:

Type of Infraction             San Lorenzo      Total Unincorp. County

Collisions                             15                 119
Tickets                               182                1004
Parking Tickets                        16                 178
Storage/Impounds                       17                 123
Stolen Recoveries                       0                  11
Parking Complaints                    n/a                 n/a

Total Warnings for CHP  for Unincorp. and Hayward area = 1963

Tuazon reported that this is the month that the CHP's neighborhood traffic grant went into affect. This is why the total number of tickets for the unincorporated area was over 1000. He also said that they have a lot of new cadets who are starting with their office and should complete their training in the next few weeks. He said his officers have been increasing patrols on Via Carmen and Via Buena Vista with respect to speeding and transients in the area.

Director Sheridan asked whether the a-frame signs are legal when placed in the road median for business advertisement. Tuazon stated that because the medians are not technically the "actual roadway", they are not obstructing traffic or pedestrian use and therefore are not illegal according to their codes.

Resident Jim Spears asked that the CHP tag a black vehicle parked in the street for over 1 week which has expired tags. He stated that it is a 2 door vehicle on the corner of Via Primero and Via Rodriquez. a resident asked if something could be done about a resident who rides his motorcycle in the area of Via Alamitos and Via Nube and has a very loud engine. Tuazon stated that bikes cannot be modified to make noise over 90 decibels, he will direct patrols to that area to see if he can catch this motorist.

8.1 Hesperian Blvd. Improvement Study -- Callendar Associates (Timed Agenda Item 7:45 P.M.) -- Landscape architect Amanda Myer reported on the progress/process of the project. She stated that the project was developed to improve pedestrian, bicycle, automobile and public transportation. It was also developed to help distinguish the entrance to the San Lorenzo area along Hesperian Blvd. Myer said that a series of public meetings had been coordinated with the Homes Association and were held to illicit public input into the process. She presented drawings which showed improvements to both the north and south gateway entrances to Hesperian Blvd. She also presented drawings of what a typical street scape image would look like on Hesperian with the proposed improvements. Myer stated that they are currently in the process of developing an action plan to implement these changes. Once completed, the action plan will be reviewed by the county, and will be presented to the San Lorenzo Association Board and its membership at the Board meeting in March. Comments from county, homes association board members and the public will be gathered at these presentations.

3.3 Supervisor Lai-Bitker -- Staff member Kevin Dowling reported from Lai Bitker's office. He stated that in answer to Sheridan's early question to the CHP about A-frame signs, he too has noted an increase along Hesperian and Bockman. He said that county zoning could look into this issue through its neighborhood preservation ordinance and would contact them to investigate.

Dowling reported that there will be a community beautification campaign sponsored by Supervisor Miley. There will be a meeting on April 12, 2003 at the Ashland Community center to implement this campaign. Dowling urged residents to identify areas in San Lorenzo they think need to be cleaned up. He asked residents to contact his office or the Homes Association office with their input on what areas need to be addressed.

Dowling stated that Supervisor Lai-Bitker was concerned with the way in which the Tree Preservation Ordinance was being implemented, and that it has taken so much time to get up and running. Dowling stated that county staff Lupe Serrano who is in charge of the ordinance will be meeting with all the Supervisor Aides in the next few weeks to discuss the progress of this ordinance.

Director Ready stated that she and the Administrator will be meeting with Serrano and Public Works director Donald La Belle to discuss the ordinance and its implementation. She stated that the board had some concerns about the Public Works department issuing permits to homeowners to cut down their trees without the county tree staff or the Tree Advisory Committee being involved. The Administrator asked that Supervisor Lai Bitker support the idea of no more approval of tree removal permits by the Public Works Department until the tree committee meets again to discuss this issue. Dowling stated that he did not think this was unreasonable and would ask the Supervisor to support this idea.

8.2 Skate Board Park Preservation -- Motion to support/reject (timed agenda item, 8 p.m.)

Hayward Area Recreational District (HARD),Park Superintendent, Eric Willyerd gave a brief history of the proposal for a skate facility for the San Lorenzo Community. He asked the audience for input prior to discussing the options and possibilities for a skate park in the area.

The following residents spoke in favor of a skate park: Cameron Roussel, Joel Lester, Connor Roussel, Shawn Cunha, Raymond Wynn, Eric Labor, Joshua Sear, Tina Roussel, Ray Rivera, Lisa Gudjohnsen and Dorothy Partridge.

The reasons for these residents support were the following: The youth in San Lorenzo have very little that is available to them in this community. There are skate boarders throughout the community who currently skate on private and public property where they are not supposed to be. This detroys the property and is unsafe for the skateboarder as well as residents who travel in these areas. A skate board park would help some of the businesses in the surrounding area. This type of park will bring kids outdoors and give them some activity to do, keeping them out of trouble. It is time that we as members of this community step up to the challenge and create something for the kids in the community. We should trust that those kids who use the park will help to make sure it is maintained and used well.

Phyllis Parson who lives near the park on Via Faisan stated that she is concerned with parking in the area. She stated that there are currently only 10 parking spaces in the lot, if a skateboard park is built the parking lot may not be large enough and the parking would overflow in to the neighborhoods in the area. She also was concerned as to who would patrol the children using the park, making sure they wear helmets and protective gear. Parson noted that the park would not just draw young children to the area but would also have 17 to 18 year olds using the park she was concerned with graffiti and vandalism and also noted the location of the park is near Grant Avenue which is a thoroughfare for trucks going to and from companies at the end of Grant.

Nancy Shelvy, a near-by resident stated that she is in favor of building a skateboard park in San Lorenzo, but does not think that the Mervyn Morris Park site is an appropriated site. She stated that she feels this way for many of the reasons that Parson's already spoke about. In addition she knows that there is a gang member who lives in the area, and this new park will give the gang a place to congregate. She is concerned for the safety of all the neighbors who live in the area.

Resident Betty Moose asked that the board consider if this is the best place for a skate board park, she stated that she is supportive of the idea but wants the board to take a close look at the propose location and review other options as well.

Eric Willyerd, Superintendent of HARD gave his presentation. He stated that skate boarding has increased over 50% in the past 3 years, and that 40% of municipalities in California are looking to create/contruct skate parks. The sport of skateboarding has become more mainstream and now is considered a legitimate sport. The fact that skateboarding is considered a sport, allows parks to be constructed specifically for skateboarders without fear of lawsuits. Willyerd stated that the average skateboarder is 8 to 18 years of age. He stated that skateboarders who use public or private property to skate often destroy the property and showed pictures indicating damage done by skateboarders.

Willyerd stated that new technology of "above ground skateboard parks" has allowed for smaller less expensive parks to be created throughout his district, without going through major construction. He said that his staff has seen that youth take care of a skateboard park, as is the case with their newest park in Hayward, because they know if the park gets "tagged" it will be closed down until the graffiti is taken care of.

Willyerd described the proposal for a park at the Mervyn Morris facility as follows: It would be an above ground skateboard park which would allow both bikes and skateboards. It would be located where the playground area currently sits and would be approximately 4150 square feet in size. HARD would replace the old playground with a new structure several feet away near where the current bathrooms are located. Willyerd presented the design to the audience and reported that the total cost for the project would be $146,000, which would include the cost for the skatepark as well as the playground.

Willyerd stated that HARD had looked at other locations for the park including, Del Rey Park, Maconaghy Park, and San Lorenzo Park. Del Rey park has a very narrow entry, is isolated and there are residential homes within close proximity to the park, therefore it was not considered a good site. San Lorenzo Community Park was also not considered as a viable site due to the fact that all entrances are close to residences, there is no visibility from the street of the park and it is not easily accessible by public transit.

Mccanaghy Park was considered, however HARD would have to convert one of the tennis courts in order to build the skateboard park. Residential homes are again very near the area, some which overlook it. The tennis courts are heavily used and many residents would be against removing a court for the park.

When HARD looked at the Mervyn Morris Park site, the homes in the area were further away a fewer in number, the parking lot has never been fully used with the current park and it has easy access by bus. The park's playground has been in need of renovation for some time and this would give HARD the opportunity to upgrade this playground. There were some concerns about the distance from Grant Avenue, however the playground is currently in the proposed location for the park and is an adequate distance for safety concerns.

It was questioned as to whether there would be a fence around the new skateboard park. Willyerd stated that they do not have a fence as part of the proposal, the area is not lit therefore it is assumed that it will not be used at night. If there is a consensus from the public that a fence is needed, HARD will consider constructing one. It was asked what type of surfacing would be used-cement or asphalt. Willyerd stated that the proposal is for asphalt, but he could include a bid for concrete. The asphalt does have rubber in it and is somewhat easier on the skateboarder, but does not last as long as the concrete.

Safety was questioned and how the park would be patrolled and maintained. Willyerd stated that as far as safety gear of the skateboarders, they do have rangers who patrol the area and will site the children if they do not have the appropriate gear. They currently due maintenance on the park 3 to 4 days per week due to the fact that park is not heavily used. The service would increase if a new park was developed due to the increase in use of the area. Willyerd stated that the increase in use will help deter any gang or criminal activity in the park because it no longer be will be a quiet place where illegal activity is not noticed.

Director Ready asked that a fence be constructed around the skatepark that would include a gate that would be locked at night. She is concerned about theft or vandalism to the new facility and this would protect the new equipment and help with trespassing.

Director Sherman stated that he has concerns about the project but stated that we need something for the youth in our community. He agreed with Ready that a fence would be good for the park.

Director Barboza stated that he is in favor of the park at Mervyn Morris and would like to see some type of fencing included in the project.

Director Sheridan was encouraged by the increase in maintenance that would occur with the increase of use to the park. She stated that Mervyn Morris Park has been a problem in the past with drug and other criminal activity and she noted that by constructing the park it would benefit the youth as well as the community.

Willyerd noted that the park would accommodate 15 to 20 skaters safely and that the equipment is very heavy and could not be moved without the assistance of heavy construction equipment. Director Pebelier asked how late the park would be open. Willyerd stated that in the winter it would be open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, in the summer from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Resident Lisa Gudjohnsen noted that her neighborhood had problems with Del Rey Park and transients, drug use and other problems and they formed a neighborhood watch group to patrol the park and night. This stopped the problems in the park and has benefitted the whole community. She suggested that if problems occur in the park, that the neighborhood band together and use similar tactics.

Resident Tina Roussel discouraged any fencing around the park stating that it would punish the kids who are using the park. She asked the board to make the best choice for the community as well as the youth.

Director Ready stated that the Board is very aware that a park of this nature may create problems, however, this is not a permanent structure and could be taken out if it does not work. We have a lot of younger people moving into our community with young children, we need to make them feel welcome. We need to have activities for youth in our community.

Director Sherman makes a motion to support a mini skateboard park at the Mervyn Morris Park. Pat Pebelier makes a friendly amendment to the motion: To support the mini skateboard park at Mervyn Morris Park and furthermore as part of this motion to instruct that the Administrator work with the Youth Collaborative and HARD in assisting them to raise funds for this project. There are no objections to the friendly amendment, Director Sheridan seconds the motion and friendly amendment. The motion carries unanimously.

3.4 Youth Advisory Commission -- No report, the commission has sunset.

3.5 Public Comment -- None.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of February 2003 Expenditures (including payroll) -- Director Barboza makes a motion Director Pebelier seconds the Feb 2003 expenditures (including payroll), the motion carries unanimously.

4.2 Discussion of Significant Variances -- The Administrator reported there have been no significant variances since the last Board meeting.

5.0 LIEN AND VIOLATION REPORT -- The Administrator reported that there have been 7 liens released since the last board meeting.

Yearly Statistics for 2002

Number    Violation                                 # of Letters

1/19      Inoperable Vehicles in driveway               191
2/22      Recreational veh/trailer in driveway          101
6         Lack of Gen Maintenance                        20
10        Lawn Height                                   104
11        Dead Trees                                      2
12        Overgrown Vegetation                           16
13        Holiday Lights                                 80
15        Building Exterior                              50
16        Dirt Accumulation                              70
17        Attractive Nuisances                           36
18        Lean/miss fence                                13
20/7      Unpaved parking                                51
21        Working on vehicles                             9
23        Dogs/Cats more than 2                           2
24        Barking dogs                                   20
25        Prohibited animals                              7
26        Excess noise                                    4
27        No Home Business                                4
28/99     Other comments                                 35

Total                                                   815

6.0 BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (BCDC) REPORT -- The Administrator stated that there was no report. She reported that she did hear from the county about the status of the property at Washington and Grant Avenues and that this item had been continued on the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) calendar for 1 month. Director Ready noted that it was still on the agenda she recently received. The Administrator stated that she would look into this by contacting the county.

7.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

7.1 Focus Group Status -- The Administrator stated that thirty (30) people had applied for the focus groups. There will be two (2) meetings, one will be a day time meeting, the other will be held at night. She stated that the Board had initially wanted these meeting to be held the first part of March, however the EIR would not be ready until March 10th so it was decided to postpone the meetings until after that time so that the group and the Association Board can review the EIR. The meetings will be held sometime at the end of March after the EIR has been released.

7.2 EBMUD Groundwater Project -- Met with new EBMUD representative Doug Kinney good meeting a productive meeting don't expect the finals to come out for EIR until April or May once it comes out he will present it to the HOA board and does not expect to take back to his board until some time in the fall.

7.3 Metropolitan Transportation Committee (MTC) Advisory Committee -- The Administrator announced that the committee is looking for members and is open to any resident who is interested. She stated that the Homes Association office will have applications for anyone interested or residents can go on-line at wwwmtc.ca.gov The MTC Board will be selecting members from the applications submitted.

The Administrator also announce that on March 21, 2003 at 12 pm the League of Women Voters will be hosting a luncheon. The topic for the luncheon is the Patriot Act. Various politicians and community activists have been invited and all residents are encouraged to come. A fee of $15.00 for lunch is asked to all those interested in attending. There is no charge if you do not wish to eat.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Hesperian Improvement Study -- Callendar Associates (set agenda item 7:45 P.M.)*

8.2 Skate Board Park Preservation -- Motion to support/reject (set agenda item 8 P.M.)**

8.3 Appointment to Fireworks Committee -- The Administrator announced that Board member Kathie Ready had volunteered to be part of the Fireworks Committee which meets prior to the monthly Unincorporated County Meeting. The Administrator would also be part of this committee, since both she and Ready already attend the Unincorporated meetings. There were no objections from the Board.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Airport Committees -- No report.

10.2 Library Committee -- Resolution to support new library in San Lorenzo area -- Director Sheridan asked the board to consider support of the Resolution 2003-1, about the San Lorenzo Library and read the document to the audience -- see attachment (1A).

Betty Moose asked whether this resolution would be presented to the Library Advisory Committee. Director Sheridan stated that it would be presented.

Resident Howard Beckman stated that the library committee was charged with a general mandate to find a suitable location for the library. He noted that the library is not a "San Lorenzo Library", but an "Eden Area" library. He noted that the library is split on the proposed resolution to keep the library where it is. He said that the resolution points out that 46% of the cardholders are from San Lorenzo, however the library serves a population of 70 thousand. The other 54% are from outside San Lorenzo. The current site does not allow for expansion. Beckman said that we should be planning for a library that will serve our needs in 30 to 50 years from now not just 5 years from now. Beckman asked why the San Lorenzo site was a good site for the library when a large portion of its users are from the Eden area. He also asked why San Lorenzo is trying to rush to get funding when it took several years and a lot of planning for Castro Valley to secure funds for its library.

Resident Dorothy Partridge, who is a library committee member stated that Beckman is right, it took Castro Valley several years to get funding. San Lorenzo is under a very tight time schedule to get funding through this current grant opportunity. It must prove that the community has identified a permanent site for the library and that the site is owned and can be utilized for the funding. Partridge stated that there was not enough time to research other areas to meet the grant deadline. It would be irresponsible of the community if it did not seek these state funds for the San Lorenzo Library. Partridge noted that the Library Committee did vote on this item and approved the idea of the library remaining where it currently is.

Beckman stated that even those individuals who supported the grant application did not think it would be realistic for San Lorenzo to secure the funds. He noted that several other libraries are vying for the funds and it is unlikely that San Lorenzo will be chosen against Castro Valley and other libraries which have been asking for assistance for quite some time.

The Administrator stated that if the library needs more space it can go up as well as out to increase in size. She noted that the current librarian is against the idea of going to a two story building, however this is still possible at its current location in the future. The Administrator said that she was not optimistic about San Lorenzo acquiring this grant funding, however the community deserves the right to go after these funds for it's library. Land is also very expensive and there is not a lot of money/funding available at the present time. The Homes Association could donate the land to the library, which would help save a lot of money. The community should have started looking at the library years ago, however, now that there is a grant available, it should be trying to pursue funds from it.

Dowling noted that a new bond process is on the table for 2004 for library funding which would grandfather those applicants in who applied for the current bond.

Moose asked the Board to forward the resolution to Linda Wood, the County Librarian, as well as the San Lorenzo librarian and give the reasons why the board is supporting this resolution.

Director Sheridan stated that as a board member she believes she has a responsibility to keep the library in San Lorenzo for the residents of this area. She stated that by applying for grant funds for the library and securing the sight for the library, the community is making solid steps toward funding the library for future growth and development. She stated that as a board member she will fight to keep the library here in San Lorenzo permanently.

Director Ready agreed that the board has a responsibility to the community. She noted that Castro Valley is also an unincorporated community and it has its own library.

Beckman stated that apart from the issue of the library remaining in San Lorenzo while servicing the entire Eden area, is the fact that the unincorporated community as a whole is underserviced in many ways. The only way that we are going to get problems and issues tackled is if we unite all unincorporated areas. When we are divided as communities we get defeated by the county and get less than other areas.

Dorothy Partridge agreed with Beckman that the areas in Ashland and Cherryland are under-served.

Director Sheridan made a motion to support the resolution, Pebelier seconded. The roll call vote was as follows:

Director Ready -- Aye
Director Sherman -- Aye
Director Pebelier -- Aye
Director Barboza -- Aye
Director Sheridan -- Aye

The motion carries unanimously

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- None.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Ready adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

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

1.0 CALL TO ORDER -- The Administrator Nancy Van Huffel called the meeting to order at 9:54 PM.

2.0 REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD -- The Administrator announced that motions would now be entertained to elect a President.

2.1 Election of President -- Director Sherman nominated Director Ready as Board President, Director Sheridan seconds the motion, the motion passes unanimously.

2.2 Gavel Turned Over to New President -- President Ready asks for nominations for Vice President.

2.3 Election of Vice President -- Director Pebelier nominates Director Sherman for Vice President, Director Barboza seconds the motion. The motion carries unanimously.

2.4 Election of Secretary-Treasurer -- Director Sheridan nominates Director Pebelier as Secretary/Treasurer, Director Sherman seconds the motion. The motion carries unanimously.

3.0 OTHER BUSINESS AS DIRECTED BY THE PRESIDENT

3.1 Remarks from Board Members -- Director Ready thanked all who attended the meeting .

3.2 Appointment to Committees -- The Administrator announced that the appointments will be announced at the next Board meeting in March.

4.0 ADJOURNMENT -- With no further business remaining, President Ready adjourned the meeting at 9:59 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer