1.1 CALL TO ORDER - The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, June 17, 2010. President Kathy Martins called the meeting to order at 7:41 pm.

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

1.3 ROLL CALL – Directors Kathy Martins, Mel Medeiros, Margaret Wright, Brenda Carr and Art Wydler were present.

2.0 MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING

2.1 Approval of Minutes of Meeting #1223 on May 20 and work session #1224 on June 8 – Director Carr asked if the notes from the "Public Comment" and the notes from "Board Comments" had been included in the May 2010 minutes. The Administrator stated that they would not be included.

Director Carr made a motion to approve the Minutes of Wright made a 2nd board meeting No. 1223 on May 20 and work session #1224 on June 8.

Director Wright asked that the July Agenda include an item to amend the minutes from April 15th.

3.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

3.1 Community Engagement Committee -- President Martins stated that the committee did not meet in June. The committee is currently working on the Library 100th anniversary which will be held at the Homes Association grounds on October 2, 2010. They are also working on the next meet and greet for the next board meeting on July 15, 2010. President Martins apologized for the last Village Voice which had some clipart that was inadvertently offensive to Grissoms Mortuary. This clipart will be taken out prior to it being posted on the Association’s website, or handed out to any more residents.

3.2 EALI Governance Committee -- President Martins stated there was no meeting, no report was given.

3.3 HARD (Hayward Area Recreational District) Advisory Committee -- Director Wydler reported that HARD’S budget has been reduced due to the economy. It will continue to work on the things that it has already begun or is currently doing. The Ashland community will continue to get improvements that it has approved for its parks. Castro Valley Park and Weeks Park in Hayward will continue to be improved. The committee selected new directors. Betty Moose has been elected as the president of the committee. Wydler stated that the church property at Via Toledo and Hacienda is in escrow with HARD. They are thinking about building a pocket park in San Lorenzo at the site, without bathroom facilities, but it is only conceptual at this point. There will be more information to follow and Wydler will report back as he gets more details. Residents voiced concerns over not having bathrooms at the site and how close the land is to a residential area. Some residents thought that a park without adequate facilities would create more problems for the neighborhood. President Martins stated that purchasing another park would not be prudent, given the fact that HARD appears to struggling to maintain the parks they already own in San Lorenzo. Martins reported that the tan bark in Mervyn Morris Park is so low under some of the structures it is dangerous for children who play at that site. She suggested that HARD take a look at this park. Resident Doris Marciel asked whether HARD realized that part of the church property on Via Toledo and Hacienda houses the first alameda county library building. Director Wydler did not know whether HARD was aware of this. Marciel stated that she would be directing a letter to the committee to address this. Director Carr asked that Marciel send a copy to the Association so that they can monitor the status of this situation.

3.4 Library Advisory Committee -- Director Wright stated that the committee discussed what the charge of the committee should be. They also discussed the proposed changes/additions to the Library as supported by redevelopment funds. The Redevelopment agency has promised 7 to 10 million in funds to help with the expansion of the San Lorenzo library. The library would need to purchase more land for parking and the expansion and the committee is looking at other avenues of funding to help support this. Director Wright noted that the next Library Advisory meeting is Thursday, June 24, 2010. They are trying to get more people will be doing outreach to get more representatives on this committee from all the surrounding areas.

3.5 Library 100th Anniversary Committee -- Director Wright reported that the committee met yesterday and San Lorenzo resident, Betty Moose, is the chair. Ms. Moose wants this event to be very special and spectacular. However, Wright noted that they will need more support from the community and the “Friends of the Library” in particular. The committee needs help coordinating all the events. They are currently talking about having the celebration from 11 am to 5 pm. Political dignitaries will be invited as well as local residents. They are planning music, food and entertainment, but need a commitment of volunteers to do this. They will need adults and youth to help run the event. Director Wright stated that they will be discussing this in depth with Moose at their next meeting. President Martins stated that county library staff will not be helping with this celebration, because they have not been authorized to do this by the head librarian and their union.

The library will be open during the event and those who are scheduled to work will be at their desks. No overtime or extra time will be allotted to help with the event. The committee is concerned that without their help,this event will be difficult to bring to fruition in the way they originally envisioned. 3.6 Redevelopment- No meeting was held, there was no report.

3.7 Unincorporated Committee -- Director Wright reported that the committee was updated about the Census as well as the county budget. Like all other counties they are struggling to keep services. The Climate action plan was also discussed and they are putting it on hold until they can get all the stakeholders involved.

3.8 Youth Advisory -- Director Medeiros noted that the FYI group has decided to not host a Casino Night at the Homes Association. They have another event that they are involved in for fund raising. They will also be expanding to Arroyo this coming school year.

4.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES

4.1 CHP -- Officer Casey Price was present and reported the following statistics:

                                             Total for
Infraction               San Lorenzo      Unincorp. area

Collisions                    16                  117
Tickets                      174                2,364
Storage/Impounds               6                   89
Stolen Recoveries              1                    8
Reported Stolen                0                    6

4.2 SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT -- Deputy April Luckett Deputy brought the statistics in for Sgt. Schuyler who was unable to attend as he was called to another assignment. Luckett noted that National Night Out will be held on August 3, 2010 in Castro Valley this year. They decided to move it from St. John’s Church in San Lorenzo because they wanted to bring out more youth. They will have a large bounce house and other activities. President Martins reminded Luckett that Earth Day was held at the Mervyn Morris Park with a Jump House and other activities. The board was concerned that this event was taken out of San Lorenzo and St. John’s which had previously hosted the event for over 20 years.

Deputy Luckett reported that in May 2010 they were involved in a warrant sweep operation where they serve as many outstanding warrants upon individuals as they can; a minor tobacco decoy; an alcohol decoy and a “shoulder tap” operation.

On May 25, 2010 they helped Supervisor Alice Lai Bitker with the public safety event at the San Lorenzo Park on Via Buena Vista. A new solar light was installed at one entrance to the park on Via Carmen and Via Carreta in honor of the young man who was killed at that site.

Deputy Luckett stated that another group of Citizen’s Academy participants graduated this past month and the Cop Shop Flea Market in June raised over $3,000. They plan to hold another flea market in July. The Sheriffs Department will participate in the Association’s next “Meet and Greet” before the July board meeting. They will be discussing neighborhood watch groups at that event.

4.3 Supervisor Lai- Bitker -– Staff member Gene Calderon said that the county budget will be discussed next week and hopefully a budget will be passed. His office did not know the impact of the proposed cuts. They have heard from a lot of residents concerned about the possible closure of the Fairmont Animal Shelter.

Calderon said that discount tickets for the County Fair will be available from his office next week. The signs for neighborhood watch have already come in to the San Lorenzo Office.

Calderon reported that county counsel had been looking at litigation with KIPP school, however, after further review, they decided litigation would not be the best way to proceed. KIPP school is hosting another community meeting this Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7PM at their San Lorenzo site. The San Lorenzo School District has already approved the schools plans to expand.

The Administrator said that the Association Board , the San Lorenzo Unified School Board and KIPP should have a joint meeting in the Association Hall in the very near future. President Martins asked Calderon to help coordinate this so that the information can be put on the Association web site and the community could be informed.

4.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- A copy of the report was left by the county for those in attendance.

4.5 Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda

5.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

5.1 Approval of May 2010 Expenditures -- Director Wright makes a motion to approve the expenditures for May 2010. Director Medeiros seconds, the motion passes unanimously.

6.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

7.0 OTHER BUSINESS (MOTIONS MAY BE REQUIRED)

7.1 County Day Spas - Staff member Gene Calderon reported that Lai Bitker’s office is a proponent of holistic medicine as well as enhancing the economic development in the San Lorenzo area. However, her office understands that both of the massage/holistic medicine businesses that have opened on Hesperian adjacent to her office are in violation of the Specific Plan.

The facility that is located three doors from Lai Bitker’s San Lorenzo office is looking at becoming a “day spa” so that it will be in compliance with the Specific Plan. The other location at 15109 Hesperian, is looking at relocation. Calderon noted that the Lorenzo Manor Shopping Center is one of these locations, due to the fact that this area is not covered under the Specific Plan. Calderon noted that both facilities have been running their businesses without any infractions or illegal activity. The sheriffs' department has not identified either business as running prostitution or any other illicit business from their respective sites.

Resident Keith Barros asked if the sheriffs' department or Lai Bitker’s office has checked out similar facilities in other areas owned by the same people. Calderon noted that one of the facilities has another such business in Castro Valley that has had no problems. President Martins reminded Calderon that prostitution was not the only concern at these facilities, human trafficking was also a concern. She stated that several months back the sheriffs were called to one of the facilities early in the morning due to a woman being locked inside of it. Martins said that the county needs to redefine what constitutes a “day spa" a massage parlour and or holistic healing/medicine establishement.

Resident Keith Barros said that while he understands the importance of holistic medicine, he is upset that the business opened without a permit.

It was also discussed how establishments such as “Hot Tropics” in San Lorenzo stay open without a conditional use permit. Bill Lambert, Asst. Director of Economic Development of Alameda County, stated that some of these businesses have been opened for so long, the permit process is hard to retroactively enforce. The county is continuing to work with Lai Bitker’s office regarding the conditional use permits for these new and existing establishments in the area.

7.2 Alameda County Crematorium Ordinance -- Bill Lambert, Asst. Economic Development Director of Alameda County, gave the history of the Crematorim Ordinance for Alameda County. He reported that several months back Grissoms Mortuary in San Lorenzo had applied to have a crematorium in its facility and due to a clause in this ordinance, it was unable to move forward. Lambert stated that this crematorium could benefit the economic development for the area. The clause in the ordinance was found after Bay Area Air Quality (BAQUA)had reviewed the proposal and given it a green light. It analyzed potential emissions and every indicator stated that the threshold was very low for the area and would impose no air quality problems for business or residences. Lambert stated that the ordinance has not been reviewed since the 1950's when it was originally written. County staff is first reviewing the ordinance and by the end of the next two to three weeks they will have a series of meetings with public input. They also intend to do a lot of outreach about the ordinance so that they can get as many people involved as possible.

Director Wright asked the owner if she was planning to sell the business once the crematorium is approved. The owner stated that she is vested in the community, has children in the schools and has lived in San Lorenzo for over 20 years and does not intend to move. She stated that the type of crematorium they intend to install at the site is used in Marin and very environmentally safe for the community and residents around the business.

Resident Doris Marciel was very concerned about the funeral homes application. She stated that the facility is no more than 350 feet from a residential area and has three (3) schools in its vicinity as well as restaurants and other businesses. BAQUA had approved the crematorium despite these facts. Marciel was concerned about the fact that there was no report on the toxic content that would remain in the containers used for cremation. She was also concerned that there was no environmental or CEQUA review. There are already excessive pollutants in this area including Highway 238, the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Lewelling Blvd., which will soon be a four lane thoroughfare.

Lambert noted that the first process is to review and revise the ordinance, after which it needs to be approved by county and the Board of Supervisors. It is not until this process is complete that the owner of Grissoms will be able to start the process of submitting her proposal. An environmental and CEQUA review will be required at that time.

Resident Kathy Bosley had brought some information concerning the installation of a crematorium in a primarily residential area. She stated that Green Action provided some of the information that she brought. Their contact information is 703 Market Street in San Francisco and the phone number is 415-284-6800. Bosley stated that her understanding was that realtors must disclose whether a crematorium is in the area when selling homes. This could impact the real estate market in the area.

It was asked as to whether there would be a written maintenance plan for the crematorium. The owner stated that the purchase agreement requires that they "buy" into a maintenance plan prior to purchase, this affects the product quality. The agreement with the manufacturer is a daily process, however they will be inspected at least once a year to make sure they are in compliance with their maintenance agreement.

Lambert encouraged residents to watch for the ordinance review in their area, and to contact him at billlambert@acgov.org should they want more information about this ordinance or the upcoming community meetings.

7.3 Alameda County Batting Cage Ordinance -- The Administrator handed out a two (2) page draft ordinance related to batting cages in alameda county. The new proposal would allow batting cages with certain conditions in residential areas. First there could be no commercial operations allowed whether for profit or not. Any existing batting cages would be grandfathered in. If anyone is interested in the specific wording of this ordinance the Administrator suggested that they attend the next Unincorporated meeting the last Wednesday in June at the Homes Association hall.

7.4 Amendment to Association Resolution 2010-2 Regarding minutes -- In the last paragraph strike out “starting with the meeting on 2/18/10, the minutes will not reflect any comments under the two agenda items titled Public comment and Board comments.” with starting with the meeting on July 15th, Agenda item 6.0, Comments from Board Members, will be changed from Comments to Board Reports.

This item will permit oral reports from Board members activities that relate to Homeowner Association and Community Business and will be summarized briefly in the minutes. Public comments will be recorded as follows: During public comment, questions or comments by owners in addressing the business of the Association will be noted and summarized in the minutes. Director Wydler made a motion to approve the amendment, Director Wright seconded.

Discussion:

Resident Keith Barros stated that he was concerned that the wording of the resolution would be exclusionary. He noted that it is not necessary for people to "point fingers" at one another, however, residents and board members should be able to have the right to their opinion about issues.

A resident asked who decides what gets put into the minutes. The Administrator noted that staff transcribes the minutes which are then reviewed by Board Sec/Treas. Margaret Wright and the Administrator. Another resident suggested that everything should be kept in the minutes so that they reflect an exact replica of the meeting. The Administrator noted that the Association minutes are not meant to be an "exact" replica, and that the board is not required by any law to make them appear in this fashion.

Director Carr suggested that the board look at the proposed amendment and its wording prior to voting on it. She said that the Board meeting minutes are an important part of our community. They are an important part of the board's recorded communication on events and issues to the entire San Lorenzo community. They are also an important record of how residents feel on issues related to the Association and the San Lorenzo community.

The Motion was voted upon as follows: Ayes: Wright, Wydler
Noes: Carr, Martins, Medeiros
Abstain:

President Martins asked the board to a recommend to the Administrator that the item be put on the July 8, 2010 Work Session for review and a final vote.

The board directed the Administrator to put the item on the July 8, 2010 Work Session for review and a final vote.

8.0 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

8.1 Other Informational items -- The Administrator thanked resident Brin Williams for making an extension cord for the timer and the baby computer that are used at the Board meetings that was safer to use for staff. She also noted that the Association is back to sweeping the streets with a loaner sweeper. The new sweeper was damaged when it was taken off the delivery truck but should be delivered within the month. The Administrator thanked former board member and resident Richard Ogg for locating a buyer for the old sweeper which the Association sold for $2500.

9.0 LIENS AND VIOLATION REPORT -- The Administrator reported that there were no liens released since last month’s board meeting; The CC&R violation letters were as follows:

May 2010 Violation Report

Number  Violation                              No. of Letters

1/19    Inoperable Vehicles in driveway               17
2/22    Recreational veh/trailer in driveway          10
6       Lack of General Maintenance                   27
10      Lawn Height                                  108
13      Holiday Lights                                 9
14      No signs                                       0
15      Building Exterior                              4                         
18      Lean/miss fence                                0
20/7    Unpaved parking                                5
21      Working on vehicles                            0
23      Dogs/Cats more than 2                          0
24      Barking dogs                                   0
25      Prohibited animals                             0
26      Excessive noise                                0
27      No Home Business                               0
28/99   Other/ comments                                7
30      Multiple violations                           26
31      Plans needed                                   2

Total                                                215

10.0 HEARINGS AND VIOLATIONS REPORT

10.1 Hearing Dispositions

1. 16145 Via Descanso - Yard Maintenance-Doing Business out of home/signs. Revisit in 30 days and ask owner to have sign and plants removed by then.
2. 17335 Via Rincon - Yard Maintenance. Violation cleared, owner contacted office and is continuing to work on yard/bushes.
3. 16188 Hesperian - Yard Maintenance. Owner contacted office, lawn mowed, but if overgrown again will fine and continue with collections process.
4. 15867 Hesperian - Yard Maintenance. Violations cleared, closing-asking owner to produce registration for questionable car in driveway.
5. 15885 Hesperian - Yard Maintenance. Violations cleared, closing.
6. 15968 Via Paro - Multiple violations - debris in Front/lawn tall. Violations ongoing, fining.
7. 15874 Via Paro - Multiple violations - Holiday lights/couch on porch. Couch removed, but holiday lights still up, fining.
8. 15884 Paseo del Campo - Holiday Lights. Violations cleared, closing.
9. 16084 Paseo Largavista - Yard Maintenance. Violations cleared, closing.
10. 16153 Via Alamitos - Yard Maintenance. Violations cleared, closing.
11. 15880 Via Alamitos - Yard Maintenance. Violations ongoing, fining.
12. 256 Via Mirlo - Yard Maintenance. Violation cleared, closing.
13. 17069 Via Media - Yard Maintenance. Violation still exists, fine.
14. 1183 Via Esperanza-Prohibited animals-pigeons-Review status in 30 days.
15. 90 Paseo Grande - Yard Maintenance. Close mowed lawn, but will fine if they violate again within 6 months.
16. 17268 Via Chiquita - Yard Maintenance. Violation cleared, closing.
17. 17384 Via Chiquita - Trailer - Revisit. Violation cleared, closing.
18. 18351 Via Arriba - Multiple Violations. Owner came in and has 30 days to correct all violations or will fine.
19. 1824 Via Toyon - Lack of Maintenance - front yard and back. Front has been mowed, check status of enforcement with County NPO on back yard.
20. 16065 Via Walter - Multiple Violations - Holiday lights and lawn. Yard mowed but lights still up-fine $100.
21. 2170 Corte Hornitos - Holiday lights. All lights in violation taken down, closing.
22. 15735 Via Sorrento - Multiple Violations - Inop/Stored vehicle and debris. All violations still exist-fining.
23. 1497 Via Manzanas - Yard maintenance. Lawn mowed, but dry, sending "watering tips".

Fine Review

1. 16147 Via Segundo - Inoperative Vehicle - $500 fine. Reviewing property within the next 30/60/90 days, asking owner to remove the vehicle or will proceed with fines.
2. 672 Paseo Del Rio - Yard Maintenance - $200 fine. Review property for next six (6) months and if no violation will remove fines.
3. 16173 Via Lupine - Multiple Violations - Fine $200. Owner to remove dirt and all other violations in front yard within 30 days and will revoke fines.
4. 17032 Via Pasatiempo - $500 fine. New owner who purchased property could not remove tenants. Will be moving in now, waiving fines if no further violations in the next six (6) months .

10.2 Variances approved/disapproved at work session

1. 393 Hacienda - Front yard fence to separate property line. Board approved 3 ft fence with minimum 10 ft set back from street.
2. 15556 Lorenzo Ave - Paint color of house - REVISIT. Sending letter addressing specifics in CCR's that say paint was in violation without first getting approval to change from "original" color.

Medeiros makes a motion to approve the hearing and variance dispositions, Carr seconds, The motion passes unanimously.

11.0 PUBLIC COMMENT

12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Martins adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY Submitted,

Margaret Wright Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan,
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, Resident