| Reposted by San Lorenzo Express |
MINUTES
SAN LORENZO VILLAGE HOMES ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MEETING NO. 1192A
Feb. 21, 2009
The annual meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, February 21, 2008.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER - President Bieschke raps the gavel at 7:22 pm and makes an announcement relative to the establishment of an annual meeting quorum.
2.0 Notice of Quorum for Annual Meeting -- President Bieschke noted that a quorum (10% of the membership) was not present-no business could be conducted due to this.
3.0 Annual President's Report - President Bieschke -- President Bieschke gave the President's report for the past year. See Attachment A.
4.0 Adjourn to Regular Meeting -- The Annual meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer
1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, February 19, 2009. President Wulf Bieschke called the meeting to order at 7:34 pm.
1.2 SALUTE TO THE FLAG -- President Bieschke led the Board and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
1.3 ROLL CALL -- Directors Wulf Bieschke, and Mel Medeiros, Pat Pebelier, Kathy Martins and Margaret Wright were all present.
2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Director Wright makes a motion to approve board meeting #1195, regular meeting of January 15, 2009 and work session 1191 on February 3, 2009, Director Medeiros seconds. The motion carries unanimously.
3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES
3.1 CHP -- Officer Eric Roz was present for Officer Tuazon and reported the following statistics:
CHP Statistics for January 2009
Total for
Infraction San Lorenzo Unincorp. area
Collisions 12 112
Tickets 69 990
Parking Tickets NA NA
Storage/Impounds 3 70
Reported Stolen 1 11
Stolen Recoveries 0 5
Traffic Complaints NA NA
Parking Complaints NA NA
DUI Arrests NA NA
3.2 SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Deputy Liskey reported on the crime statistics for the month. He reported that his department caught some graffiti "taggers" in the area. He encouraged residents to call in any graffiti. The only way to catch the people who do the graffiti is for residents to respond immediately.
Liskey stated that his department is also involved in a prostitution sting on the internet. His department is conducting these types of stings every 2 to 3 months and usually arrests 20 to 30 people each time. The sheriffs' office is also working with the Manor Bar owner in San Lorenzo to help with recent problems that have arisen. There was a stabbing at the bar several weeks ago. The Castro Village is also having similar problems of crime etc.; it is not just indicative to the San Lorenzo area.
Liskey left handouts for the upcoming Sheriffs' Academy and a check list for home security for residents. He invited everyone to participate in the Academy.
Liskey noted that in April the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will be coming to the Homes Association to meet regarding the issue of the medical marijuana clinics. They will meet at the regular scheduled unincorporated meeting on April 22, 2009 in the San Lorenzo Community Hall.
Liskey said that his department is trying to look into setting up a special graffiti hotline or dispatch. They have looked at programs used by both the City of San Jose as well as the City of Santa Rosa. Both of these programs have been very successful. The main problem for implementing this hotline would be with the cost of administrating it.
Director Medeiros announced that the Sheriffs meet in the San Lorenzo Community Hall the second Monday of every month from 4 to 5:30 pm to discuss local issues and concerns, he encouraged residents to attend.
President Bieschke asked about the methamphetamine lab that was found in a house on Via Rancho. How long is it going to be red tagged? Liskey did not know, but stated that he would report back on this issue. Association staff member, Kathleen Harrigan, said that she had spoke with the homeowner who was expecting to clean up the house and move back in no later than the end of March 2009 (it was previously a rental).
3.3 Supervisor Lai-Bitker -- The Administrator stated that the Supervisor was here earlier for the "Meet and Greet" and that she had another engagement so could not stay for the meeting. The Administrator announced that there is an Unincorporated Meeting every fourth Wednesday of the month wherein residents can come and discuss local issues with Supervisor Lai Bitker and/or Supervisor Miley. She invited more residents to participate.
3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- The Administrator introduced Tona Henninger and Lora Hogan from Alameda County Zoning. Henninger introduced Lora Hogan as San Lorenzo's new Zoning Officer; Bruce Babcock is now handling another area. Hogan went over the past month's report for zoning in the San Lorenzo area.
Resident Michael Ratto wanted clarification about the duties of the Alameda County Zoning. They can patrol the area and enforce violations the same as the Association? Henninger stated that yes, the county can do much of what the Association does, however, there are some things it does not enforce that the Association can, and vice a versa. The Administrator noted that often the county can impose monetary fines quicker than the Association. However, there are many instances when the Association handles a violation under its CC&Rs (Codes, Covenants and Restrictions), that is not enforceable through Alameda County's NPO, (Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance).
Henninger said the county is proposing stronger changes to its NPO that will help with consistent re-inspections, and stronger, harsher fines.
3.5 Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda -- None.
4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT
4.1 Approval of January 2009 Expenditures -- Director Martins makes a motion to approve the expenditures for January 2009, Director Wright seconds, the motion passes unanimously.
5.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
5.1 EALI Governance Report -- The Administrator said that San Lorenzo has been working closely with the county on this report for the unincorporated area. They have suggested that the Planning Commission's membership of seven (7) have at least four (4) of those members from the unincorporated areas.
Furthermore, in order to provide for greater transparency with regard to Board of Supervisors decision making process when the Board of Supervisors rules against a decision made by the Planning Commission, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council, the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association, or the two Boards of Zoning Adjustments, the reasons for that decision to overturn should be documented and made available to the various groups who have an interest in the matter. That documentation should include a list of findings or criteria the Board of Supervisors used to make its decision and that list of findings and/or criteria should explain why the Board of Supervisors came to the decision it did and it should become part of the permanent record. Post decision on the web. When requested by the community, we recommend that the Board discuss their decision at an unincorporated and/or Municipal Advisory Council meeting.
Also, since the San Lorenzo Village Board is an elected body of representatives of nearly 6,000 homes, the Village Board should be the "official representatives" of the San Lorenzo community. The Association Board should be the official body representing our citizens and should have the same rights and responsibilities as the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council.
Finally, the Administrator said the entire unincorporated area needs to work better with the county and see that it follows through with things promised and that it reviews things properly that are denied or overturned. It has been recommended by the Association Board to form a Unincorporated Area Council which would include three members from CV MAC, three members from the Eden Area (San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland) and one member from East County. We need stronger control over what our land use and policy decisions are. Each of the EALI meetings is open to the public and she encouraged residents to attend and participate in some of the major decisions being made for our area.
5.2 Other Informational Items -- Director Martins said that the amount of time each board member puts in for the Association board far exceeds what she expected. She outlined the number of meetings that the board attends on a monthly basis. They each are voluntary members on the Association board and do not get a stipend or salary for their services. She encouraged residents to participate more and join the board in its attendance of these various meetings.
Martins stated that she appreciated all the residents who came to the "Meet and Greet" and stayed for the meetings afterwards.
6.0 OTHER BUSINESS (MOTIONS MAY BE REQUIRED)
6.1 Receive member petition and set meeting date for discussion of ways to improve and strengthen the Homeowner's Association -- Director Martins announced that on April 7, 2008 the Board will hold a special evening meeting with a mediator to discuss ways to improve and strengthen the Association. The board scheduled the meeting on this date in order to announce it to the membership via the Association newsletter so that all members had a chance to participate as well as the fact that an entire meeting would be dedicated to this issue.
Martins stated that they are talking with the League of Women Voters about a recommendation for a mediator; however, if anyone has comments or suggestions, they would be willing to hear them.
Resident Michael Ratto said that if you hold a special meeting it has to be stated in depth as to what it will be about. His petition deals with repealing the by-laws. The reason he took it out of the court jurisdiction, was so the membership could speak about it and vote in a public venue. He cited sections in his petition as to why the meeting's agenda should be specifically about his request to repeal the by-laws and asked that the board honor his petition and his request. He stated that the area does not need the Association, contending that the county already does what the Association does. Repealing the by-laws and dissolving the Association could save each resident from paying Association fees.
Director Martins stated that no one is a lawyer on the board and so she cannot interpret the law. The Association's attorney did respond to their original petition in court and outline why Mr. Ratto's request was a contradiction to what the law allows.
Resident Keith Barros stated that it is ridiculous to quibble over $8.33 per month for all that the Association does. He spoke about the Association's accomplishments both past and present and asked residents to visit Cherryland or Ashland as examples. The neighborhoods in these areas have no active Association and are not well-kept. Barros said that he thought a vote of 100% of the membership was needed to dissolve the Association and questioned why this issue is being re-hashed, when the petition has already been deemed illegal in court.
Resident Kathie Ready noted that county zoning is not always pro-active in its enforcement of the area. She said that it is often the Homes Association staff that actively refers cases to the county for enforcement.
Resident Brenda Carr thanked the board for setting up the meeting in April. The by-laws should be looked at and reviewed. She hopes that this issue will not become a personal one for anyone. She will be present at the meeting and said she thought the board was taking the first step in handling this issue well and reaching out to its membership.
6.2 Marijuana Ordinance -- President Bieschke stated that he is a member on the Ordinance Review Committee and he is very concerned with the issue of Marijuana Clinics. All clinics in our immediate unincorporated area have been closed pending review of this ordinance. There were a lot of problems related to these establishments including, how each was run administratively not to mention those who were patronizing them. Bieschke stated that it is a historic event that the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is hosting a meeting in our area. This issue could impact our entire community. He encouraged all residents to make an effort to attend. The meeting will be held on April 22, 2009 in the San Lorenzo Community Hall.
The Administrator noted that the Association will be publishing this meeting in its next newsletter and sending it out to the membership. She also encouraged residents to leave their email for her so that she can keep them updated on all meetings related to our community.
Resident Brenda Carr volunteered to go to door with this meetings information.
6.3 Report from Executive Committee (7:10 pm) on SLVHA vs. Ratto lawsuit -- Director Martins reported that the Board agreed unanimously in closed session to all the fees and costs submitted with the case Ratto vs. SLVHA.
7.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Redevelopment Committee - Chamber Proposal -- The Administrator stated that this proposal came out of Supervisor Nate Miley's office. It would take several hundreds of thousands of dollars out of our area and give it to Castro Valley for its chamber. There has been no public input and it is due to go before the Board of Supervisors. The San Lorenzo Redevelopment Committee voted to approve this on principal, having nothing in writing. Wulf Bieschke and Kathie Ready who are both members of this committee voted no on the issue, however it passed.
Resident Kathie Ready noted that this is one reason why we need the Association. If it was up to Alameda County, our redevelopment money could be put anywhere, regardless of what was originally promised. Ready noted that we as homeowners have put the money into redevelopment, and should be able to spend it in our own community, accordingly.
Resident Keith Barros stated that he realizes the chamber would be re-named the "Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber, however he is very suspicious of what is being done.
The Administrator said that she has reviewed the agreement/proposal and has made some suggestions on things that should be incorporated into the proposal. She has discussed these issues with Ready and Bieschke and will be re-writing her recommendations. She is hopeful that most, if not all her suggestions will be incorporated into the proposal.
7.2 Community Engagement Committee -- Director Wright stated that the main concern of this meeting is to bring residents together to participate in their community and take pride in it. The Committee met in February and is considering some of the following new ideas:
Director Martins added that they also want to get a weekly brief to go out to the community via the Farmers Markets that will begin in May 2009.
7.3 EBMUD REPORT -- Director Medeiros reported the Bayside Groundwater Project is building a plant and has dug a well over 500 feet deep which they plan on pumping water into and using as an aquifer. It wants to pump million of gallons of water into this aquifer. It will then hold the water and mix it with other water which the residents of San Lorenzo would be drinking. This project is called the "aqua storage and recovery project". Director Medeiros noted that he used to drink this "type" of water when he lived in Hayward and it was very poor quality. He noted that they would de-chlorinate the water going into the aquifer, and then re-chlorinate it when it is pumped out. He is very concerned about what they are proposing and will report back on the issue.
7.4 HARD Committee Report -- Director Medeiros reported that the last meeting was his "first" as an actual seated committee member.
The Committee is dealing with the budget pitfalls and coming up with a five-year master plan. They will have to make cut backs everywhere. They have talked about cleaning up the duck park and how they might get funds to enlarge the skate park at Mervyn Morris.
Medeiros noted that he contacted the Manager at the San Lorenzo Lucky Supermarket, Mitch Stuber, who is also a San Lorenzo Resident. Stuber agreed to donate the lettuce and vegetables that are taken from the shelf to the animals at Kennedy Park to help curb some of the district's costs. He said that he would continue looking for ways to curb costs for the HARD district.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER PAT PEBELIER
The Board presented outgoing Director, Patricia Pebelier, a resolution of recognition and accommodation for her nine (9) years of service.
The Administrator noted that Director Pebelier was an asset to the Association and the board, she will be missed. Her dedication, volunteer time and energy were exemplary.
8.0 Public Comment -- Kathie Ready stated that the Board was recently recognized for all its hard work for the community by the PTSA. When you give time you give one of the most precious things you have. She acknowledged the work that Director Pat Pebelier has done for the community as an Association Board member. Ready noted that we should all be giving back to our community. Director Pebelier has set an outstanding example for this community.
9.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Director Medeiros said that a steering committee has been developed from Supervisor Lai-Bitker's Community Resilience Survey. The first meeting for this steering committee is on Saturday March 26, 2009 at the Arroyo High School Cafeteria. He invited residents who are interested to attend. They are trying to tie the school kids with the community, via a newspaper. Medeiros has already spoken with the journalism department at Arroyo High and he has had a lot of positive feedback.
Director Wright thanked all the residents who came out for the "Meet and Greet" prior to the meeting.
Director Bieschke thanked Tona Henninger for attending and everyone who stayed for the end of the meeting.
Each Director acknowledged outgoing Director Pebelier for all of her participation and her outstanding work as an Association Board member.
10.0 LIENS AND VIOLATION REPORT -- There have been no liens released since the December 2008 board meeting.
January 2009 Violation Report
Number Violation No. of Letters 1/19 Inoperable Vehicles in driveway 5 2/22 Recreational veh/trailer in driveway 9 6 Lack of General Maintenance 3 10 Lawn Height 5 11 Dead Trees 0 12 Overgrown Vegetation 0 13 Holiday Lights 0 14 No signs 0 15 Building Exterior 3 16 Dirt Accumulation 0 17 Attractive Nuisances 0 18 Lean/miss fence 0 20/7 Unpaved parking 3 21 Working on vehicles 0 23 Dogs/Cats more than 2 0 24 Barking dogs 5 25 Prohibited animals 1 26 Excessive noise 0 27 No Home Business 0 28/99 Other/ comments 7 30 Multiple violations 8 31 Plans needed 0 Total 49
11.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCES
598 GRANT AVENUE - Other-comments. All vehicles removed, boat removed, lawn tall. Fine and recheck in 30 days.
15869 PASEO LARGAVISTA - Building Maintenance. All items removed except some boxes; asking them to remove ALL boxes from driveway by 3/5/09 or will fine.
16061 VIA PINALE - Multiple Violations. Fine and recheck in 30 days.
16103 VIA ARRIBA - Other-comments. All violations cleared, close.
16082 VIA ALAMITOS - Multiple Violations. Car must have current registration or proof thereof by 3/20/09 or we will fine; yard has been corrected.
15816 VIA ALAMITOS - Other-comments. Already sent to collections; continuing to pursue and monitor.
15835 VIA RIVERA - Yard Maintenance. All violations cleared, close.
859 BOCKMAN ROAD - Yard Maintenance. All violations cleared, close.
17268 VIA CHIQUITA - Yard Maintenance. Violations need to be cleared by 3/10/09, will recheck and visit within 30 days from that date.
17401 VIA LA JOLLA - Multiple Violations. All violations cleared, close.
17329 VIA JULIA - Inop/Stored Vehicle. All violations cleared, close.
1742 KELLER AVENUE - Inop/Stored Vehicle. Fine and recheck in 30 days; if vehicle not removed by 3/10/09 refine pending collections.
17438 VIA FRANCES - Yard Maintenance. Close, all violations cleared.
17464 VIA ANNETTE - Multiple Violations. Violations cleared, close.
823 VIA POUDRE - Inop/Stored Vehicle. Fine and revisit.
1844 BOCKMAN ROAD - Multiple Violations. Fine and revisit in 30 days.
1778 VIA NATAL - General Maintenance of Property. Fine $200 and start proceedings to prepare to send to collections.
1757 VIA ESCONDIDO - Yard Maintenance. Violation cleared, but lawn dry; send watering tips to owner.
1566 VIA AMIGOS - Recreational Vehicle in front or side yard area. Owner removing.
1677 VIA LACQUA - Inop/Stored Vehicle. All violations cleared, close.
1838 VIA RANCHO - Trailer 36 hrs+. Fine and revisit in 30 days.
Variances
16111 Via Harriet - Fancier's permit for more than 2 (two) dogs. Approved.
17130 Via Margarita Ct. - Fancier's permit for more than 2 (two) dogs. Approved.
15889 Via Del Sol - Variance for garage/workshop. Owner withdrew plans and will resubmit at a future date.
15812 Via Eduardo - Application for side yard property line fence. Revisit. Denied as submitted.
11.0 ADJOURNMENT -- Director Bieschke adjourned the meeting at 9:53 pm.
RESPECTFULLY Submitted,
Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, Resident