The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, May 15, 2003.

1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Kathie Ready called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

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, Enrique Barboza and Peggy Sheridan were present.

2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Director Sherman moved to approve the minutes from the April 17, 2003, meetings Numbers 1079. Director seconds the motion. The minutes are approved unanimously.

3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

3.1 Alameda County Sheriff's Dept. -- Deputy Kevin Lewis gave statistics for the past month:

April 2003 - Alameda County Sheriff's Office

                                      Change from 
Crime                         Number  last month     Affected Street                              

Stolen vehicles                 6        +2          Via Mesa, Grant/Paseo Largavista, Paseo Grande,
                                                     Via Alamitos (2), Via Melina
Attempted Stolen Vehicle        3        +1          Via La Paloma, Via Manzanas, Via Melina
Recovered Stolen Vehicles       2        -2          Hesperian, Via Bregani
Residential Burglary            4        +1          Bandoni, Via Conejo, Via Manzanas, Via Walter
Commercial Burglary             2        +1          Hesperian (2)
Attempted Burglary              8        -3          Bockman (2), Hesperian (2), Grant, Via Esmond,
                                                     Via Harriet, Via Lucas
Grand Theft                     5        -1          Hesperian, Bockman, Via Buena Vista, Via Magdelena,
                                                     Via San Juan
Graffiti                        2        -1          Hesperian (2)
Robbery                         1        +1          Hesperian

Lewis stated that his department is doing a sweep on those street vendors who are selling items without licenses. They are also encouraging them to apply for a business license, which are fairly inexpensive. Director Ready questioned how encouraging these street vendors to get licenses would benefit San Lorenzo who has seen an increase in street vendors in the last few months. Lewis stated that most of the vendors that have been seen recently selling on the streets of San Lorenzo are not U.S. citizens and therefore could not acquire a business license.

Director Sheridan noted that after this past Spring Break from schools there seemed to be an increase in graffiti tagging. She asked what was being done about this. Lewis stated that they did notice an increase and have been trying to increase patrols and get property owners to take care of the problem quickly.

3.2 CHP -- Officer Greg Schmeck reported the following statistics April 2003:

Infraction          San Lorenzo    Total Unincorp. area

Collisions              19                 115
Tickets                214                 855
Parking Tickets         62                 181
Storage/Impounds         7                  89
Recoveries               0                   4
Total Warnings for Hayward Area CHP       1091

3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- Staff member, Kevin Dowling, reported that the HARD (Hayward Recreational District) recently approved the Mervyn Morris Skateboard Park. Construction should start in July 2003. He also stated that County staff from the redevelopment agency is looking at ways to purchase the theater from its current owner. The agency has received a lot of calls regarding the theater and the county has already authorized $25,000 for the Lorenzo Theater.

Dowling said that County Public Works has been working with the residents around Arroyo High School. about the parking problems created by the students who park in that area. Kathleen Harrigan, Association staff member, stated that there have been several residents from Via Verde who are now experiencing problems due to the parking signs on Via Enrico and Lorenzo Ave. She stated that she had forwarded them to County Traffic Engineer, Bob Preston.

Dowling also reported that there would be an oversight committee which would be monitoring the EBMUD ground water project. San Lorenzo resident John Partridge has already been nominated by Supervisor Lai-Bitker to be a member of this committee. They would need another member nominated by the Association Board to be a member on this board as well.

3.4 Public Comment -- Items not on the Agenda -- Resident Mary Reynolds stated that she is very concerned with the way in which the trees in San Lorenzo are being trimmed and cut down even with the new county tree ordinance. She questioned what was going to happen to the resident who cut his tree on Via Segundo this past weekend. Director Ready stated that county tree staff had said that the owner will get a fine of $500 and will have to plant a new tree within 90 days. Reynolds stated that these residents who remove a good sycamore tree should be forced to plant another sycamore. She suggested that a letter go out to all San Lorenzo residents regarding what the rules are regarding trimming and taking down trees in San Lorenzo Village. She was also concerned about residents getting the wrong information with respect to where they get a permit. Residents should be aware that the Turner Ct. office in Hayward, not the Public Works building on Elmhurst in Hayward is the place to acquire these permits.

Director Ready stated that Supervisor Lai-Bitker's office has secured $25,000 from PGE to fix the trees that were cut improperly during their last tree trimming project.

The Administrator stated that the Association will put out information in its next newsletter about trimming the trees and the new tree ordinance.

Resident Harry Gin asked what kind of conditional use permit was used to approve the Flower Kiosk in the Channel Shopping Center he stated that now they have a make shift tent attached to the Kiosk made out of 2 by 4 plywood. He asked the Association to look into this. Dowling stated that Supervisor Lai-Bitker's office would look into this.

Gin also inquired about fences that he has seen being put up throughout San Lorenzo. Specifically fences he has seen on Corte Angelo and Corte Yolanda. He wanted to know if these fences were approved or not, and asked how easy it is to get these types of fences approved. The Administrator stated that it is often difficult to pick up new fences being built right at the time of their construction, however if we do find them or someone calls in and there has been no approval, the office hand delivers and/or forwards a letter asking them to stop building and submit plans.

Director Ready stated that the Board would look into these two (2) fences and make sure they have been approved.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Approval of April 2003 Expenditures and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator stated that there have been no significant variances since the last Board meeting. Director Sherman moved to approved the April 2003 expenditures including payroll, with a second from Director Sheridan. The motion was approved unanimously.

5.0 LIEN AND VIOLATION REPORT - The Administrator reported that there have been 36 liens released since the last April 2003 Board meeting.

         April  2003 Violation Report

Number  Violation                         # of Letters

1/19   Inoperable Vehicles in driveway              16
2/22   Recreational veh/trailer in driveway          9
6      Lack of Gen Maintenance                      16
10     Lawn Height                                  27
11     Dead Trees                                    0
12     Overgrown Vegetation                          2
13     Holiday Lights                                9
15     Building Exterior                            10
16     Dirt Accumulation                             4
17     Attractive Nuisances                          2
18     Lean/miss fence                               2
20/7   Unpaved parking                               5
21     Working on vehicles                           2
23     Dogs/Cats more than                         2,0
24     Barking dogs                                  2
25     Prohibited animals                            1
26     Excess noise                                  2
27     No Home Business                              0
28/99  Other/ comments                               1
Total                                              110

6.1 Proposed service station/car wash/market at Washington & Grant --

Mr. Fung presented his new plans to the Homes Association Board. (See Attachment A). There would only be one entrance on Washington Avenue. This was due to a series of safety issues which were pointed out by residents and county staff. Mr. Fung also stated that they would not be selling any alcohol due to the fact that the market/gas station/car wash is across the street from Arroyo High School and around the corner from Grant Elementary. The restaurant that they are proposing inside the market would be a donut shop or sandwich shop. He has spoken with Dunkin Donuts and Togo's Sandwich Shop. He could only get the Vallero Gas franchise to support a restaurant with a gas facility. Fung noted that the car wash would be fully automated. They would offer a free car wash with a gas fill-up for the first three (3) months of operation.

It was inquired as to how many employees would be working at the facility. Mr. Fung stated that there would be sixteen (16) employees. Director Ready questioned where the employees would be parking. Mr. Fung stated that the employees would be encouraged to park around the market and not necessarily in the same lot of the gas station.

Director Pebelier was concerned about the turn into the facility from Washington Ave with respect to not only the regular traffic but also with the delivery trucks. Mr. Fung stated that the delivery trucks would not be able to deliver during commute hours but would be limited to only certain hours. A resident objected to another gas station being approved in San Lorenzo. Director Ready noted that this plot has had many development proposals and in the meantime it has been high with litter and weeds. She stated that this plan is the best that has come before the Board within the past five (5) years. Another resident pointed out that there is an oil changer and a car wash across the street. It was pointed out that car wash is a "hands-on" car wash and the new one is a full service car wash.

Resident Howard Beckman stated that it appears on the plans that there would be an 8 ft wall between the Church, the Apartments and the new facility. He suggested that there should be 3 foot berms up against these fences with landscaping on top. He did not think that 2 feet of landscaping was acceptable. Mr. Fung stated that he would do whatever the community wants with respect to the landscaping. Director Ready said that it is important that the community understand what the landscaping will look like prior to the plans being submitted and approved.

The Administrator asked that Mr. Fung submit the landscape designs prior to submitting the entire plans to the county for approval. Mr. Fung agreed to do this.

A resident questioned when the mechanical work would be done. Fung stated that the carwash would run from 8 am to 7 pm and the light mechanical work (no engine or transmission work-lube and oil mostly) would run from 8 am to 8 pm.

Director Sherman makes a motion to approve the plans submitted by Mr. Fung with the consideration noted by the traffic engineer (see original attachment referenced above). Director Barboza seconds the motion is approved unanimously.

6.2 Variances approved/disapproved at the work session -- Director Ready reported on the following variances in tonight's work session: (1) 7393 Via Magdalena -- Application for approval of a 6 ft chain link fence that was already installed. Denied. Will forward this file onto attorney.

(2) 15924 Via Granada -- Application for approval for a 6 ft redwood fence with another foot of lattice for a total of 7 foot fence in backyard. The owner had some compelling reasons for wanting the fence. There were no objections from the board and most of her neighbors did not care. The board has no jurisdiction in approving the height of this fence had no objections so would forward a letter to owner noting no objections and referring her to Alameda county.

(3) 583 Via Mirabel -- Application for a second-story addition. Approved and no neighbor objections.

(4) 144 Via Palos -- Application for a 6 ft redwood fence with 1 ft of lattice to make the back yard fence height 7 feet. Board had no objections, did not approve or disapprove, would refer applicant to the county. Neighbors also had no objections to it.

Resident Howard Beckman noted that the county does set the limits on height and just because a neighbor approves or disapproves the height of a fence is not good enough reason for the county to approve or disapprove a fence. He stated that the Association may set a precedent, by neither objecting or approving a 7 foot fence. The Administrator stated that the Homes Association has never had the authority to approve anything over 6 ft in height. She said that her understanding is that any 6 ft fence with 1 ft of lattice is okay with the county due to the fact that they do not consider the lattice a permanent attachment.

7.0 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

7.1 Informational items -- The Administrator announced that there will be a public hearing for street lighting on June 17th. This occurs every year and as in the past there will be no increase in the street lighting fees. She asked if the Board had any comments or objections on this. There were none. The Administrator also stated that as reported by Dowling previously, there would be an oversight committee to review the EBMUD ground water project. John Partridge was already recommended as a member by Supervisor Lai Bitker and the Association needed to nominate someone else. The Administrator suggested that resident and BCDC member Jack Mac Kinnon be nominated as a member with herself as an alternate.

Director Sherman makes a motion to appoint Jack MacKinnon as a representative for San Lorenzo Homes Association to the EBMUD Groundwater Project Oversight Committee, with the Administrator Nancy Van Huffel as an alternate. Director Barboza seconds, the motion carries unanimously.

The Administrator also announced that there would be a concert library-fund-raiser this Sunday at 4 pm; she urged residents to attend.

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Library Proposal for new building Linda Woods -- Librarian Linda Woods reported that the county is looking at a new building for the San Lorenzo Library. This ties in with a grant that the San Lorenzo Library Commission applied for which would secure funds for renovating the library. Woods stated they will be presenting some designs for the renovation tonight to get input from the Association. They will also be discussing these designs with Bohannon who owns some of the property the Library wants to use for its new facility. On June 3, 2003 they will be having a community meeting showing the preferred designs for the Library to solicit community input. Then by December of 2003 they hope to have formal approval for the plan.

Woods introduced a representative from the architectural firm, Nowell and Tam, which was hired to prepare the preliminary plans. She noted that some members of the Board have already mentioned their concerns about the Tot Lot losing space and wanted other board members as well as residents in attendance to give their input. Joe Monteaadora presented the plans to the Association board and residents in attendance. The plan would build as far back to its existing property as possible and move out towards Hesperian Blvd where Lamps Plus and other Bohannon property is now located. They are looking at residents entering at both Hesperian and Paseo Grande and are planning for below grade parking. The Library would also include a large community room for meetings. Woods pointed out that these plans incorporate a nine-thousand foot expansion of the existing library, so that some of this expansion would be taking up part of the tot-lot/playground area. They could also go up with a two story expansion which would not take up as much land but would be more expensive to the county.

Director Sheridan asked if a two story expansion would affect the tot lot, or take up any of its land. Woods stated that a two-story expansion would not affect the tot lot. She also pointed out that any expansion would not take place for several years, possibly in 2020 or later. All alternative parking would have to be considered as well. If a second story is to be considered it would change many of the features of the project and thus affect the current design. Director Sheridan asked if the design can be changed after it is submitted.

Woods stated that the basic plan must be followed however the design starts from a conceptual one, to a schematic one and then finally to a more concrete design. Woods stated that the original design can be altered somewhat however to do an accurate budget for the project you need to have a fairly accurate view of what the design will be.

Director Pebelier asked Woods how much more money is involved to have underground versus above ground parking. Woods said it is a bit more money to have underground parking, but she did not have a specific amount as to how much more.

Director Ready said that it does not seem to be good business to take property that has not been given to the county or the library. She said that when Civic Partners proposal comes to fruition the only open space that the Association has in the area will be its grounds and the tot lot. She also pointed out that if the library was 2 stories high it would fit in with the surrounding designs proposed by Civic Partners. Woods stated that the front of the library as currently designed does have a high front facade that would match the surrounding buildings. They did not request a two-story design due to the higher cost of building a two-story facility.

Resident Harry Gin asked if issues related to traffic were considered with this design. He noted that Paseo Grande is a problem during morning and afternoon traffic. Woods stated that there would be two entrances once on Paseo Grande and one on Hesperian Blvd. This would help alleviate some of the gridlock of having only one entrance. She noted that the library would be utilizing some of the Homes Association parking spaces as it does now, with additional underground parking.

Resident Howard Beckman noted that one of the reasons the Library prefers this San Lorenzo site for its facility is that it only pays $1.00 per year for the land. This benefits the county and he does not see why the library cannot spend additional funds to have a two-story facility with adequate parking to accommodate the expansion.

Another resident questioned if a meeting was being set up with Bohannon about their property and the library's plan. Woods stated that her staff has been talking with County Redevelopment staff who is going to set up a meeting with Bohannon about its property. She stated that the lease with the Homes Association is a 50 year lease that will not expire for quite some time. However, it may need to be renegotiated once the designs are approved.

Director Sherman made a motion to accept the current agreement with the library. Director Barboza seconds.

Director Ready noted that current designs would take more land than the Homes Association originally agreed to. Part of the Tot Lot would be taken for the expansion.

Director Sherman withdrew his motion, Director Barboza withdrew his second of Sherman's motion.

Director Sherman makes a motion to stay with what the Homes Association originally agreed to offer the library for a land lease -- all the land they have now plus land they own out towards Hesperian -- and no more than this. Director Barboza seconds, the motion is unanimously approved.

Woods thanked the Board for its vote. She will be coming back to the Homes Association with a different proposal, they will try and "tweak" the designs out towards Hesperian.

Director Ready wanted to make sure that the library understands that the Board does not want this new expansion to affect the Homes Association Property entrance.

8.2 KIPP Academy -- The Academy's Director Jason Singer presented his plan for an alternative "charter" school for San Lorenzo. The school would rent out part of the old Barrett school and would be free to a limited number of students. (See Attachment B).

Director Sherman questioned whether Special Education students would be able to apply to the school. Singer stated that they have tried to work with the district but the district has not been willing to work with them. He stated that their other option is to work independently with an agreement or to partner with another Special Education Program.

9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- None.

10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

10.1 Airport Committees -- Representative Ernest Delligatti reported on Hayward Airport noise complaints. There are a significant number of complaints coming from two (2) separate households on an ongoing basis. Based on his conversation with the Hayward Airport Manager he made a recommendation to the Board that a household be limited to 30 complaints per year. The reason for this recommendation is that with each complaint, several staff persons from the Airport are needed to investigate the complaint and respond to the complainant. One individual makes call after call on a daily basis. This wastes tax payers money as well as Airport resources that could be used for more other purposes.

Sherman stated that he called over a year ago about the noise during take-off and was told that "it was within the noise limits". He was not happy with the response that he got. Delligatti said that he recently went out on a orientation drive at the Hayward Airport. He asked at that time that the airport check its noise monitors and it was found that they were off. They did correct them at that time and if residents think the noise monitors are off again, they should contact Delligatti and he will bring it to the airport's attention.

Director Ready was concerned with limiting the number of calls for individuals. She stated that what if there is a major problem that is not being addressed and the excessive calls are needed. Delligatti stated that with respect to the two households who have had the multiple complaints, the airport has had to hire four (4) new employees just in the last year. There have been 1400 calls in the last calendar year from these two (2) residences, that is roughly four (4) complaints per day. This he thinks is excessive.

The consensus of the Board was to agree to limiting Hayward Airport noise complaints to no more than thirty (30) per fiscal year per residence.

Delligatti noted that complaints in excess of thirty (30) from one residence would not be completely ignored, but rather given low priority.

10.2 Library Committee -- No report most was covered under item 8.1 "the Library Proposal".

11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- The board thanked all who attended.

12.0 ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer

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