| Reposted by San Lorenzo Express |
MINUTES
SAN LORENZO VILLAGE HOMES ASSOCIATION
MEETING NO. 1129
August 17, 2006
The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, August 17, 2006.
1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Ledesma called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
1.2 SALUTE TO THE FLAG -- President Ledesma led the Board and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
1.3 ROLL CALL -- Directors Patrick Ledesma, Wulf Biescke, Jim Sherman, Peggy Sheridan and Pat Pebelier were present.
2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING -- Director Biescke moved to approve the notes taken at Work Session Number 1128 and Board minutes from the meeting Number 1127. Director Pebelier seconds the motion. The Work Session notes and the Board minutes are approved unanimously.
3.0 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES
3.1 Alameda County Sheriffs Dept. -- Deputy Ortiz gave statistics for the past month:
Statistics for Alameda County Sheriff's Office July 2006 (Streets where crime occurred were not provided by the deputy)
Change from
Crime Number last month Affected Streets
Stolen vehicles 10 +4
Attempted Stolen Vehicles 0 0
Recovered Stolen Vehicles 8 +2
Residential Burglary 5 -2
Commercial Burglary 5 -4
Auto Burglary 5 +2
Grand Theft 8 +4
Vandalism/graffiti 0 -3
Robbery n/a n/a
Deputy Ortiz stated that this would be his last meeting, he is being transferred to another department. Deputy Litsky would be taking over in his place. He stated that National Night Out was a huge success and he thanked all who participated. He also noted that the sheriffs department had been successful in apprehending the individuals who were supplying the strawberry vendors, and these vendors seem to have vacated the area for now.
Ortiz stated that county hired another person to help tag abandoned cars in the street. Soon they will have two (2) technicians for all unincorporated west county.
Resident Keith Barros asked Ortiz to look into signs being placed on telephone poles throughout San Lorenzo. They are being put up by a Real Estate Investor whose number is 1-877-715-3659. He also reported graffiti on the back of Dollar Tree and Party City.
Resident Kathie Ready asked that the sheriff's department include streets where the crimes are being committed so that residents get an idea which areas are being hit with each crime. She also asked if there was a gang task force in place. She has seen very suspicious persons hanging out at one residence on Via Chiquita for several weeks.
Ortiz noted that there is a gang suppression unit that was started last month, he asked that anyone who suspects gang activity, make that clear to the Sheriff's department when they call. Presently the task force is trying to identify and locate any known gang members who are in the area.
3.2 CHP -- The CHP reported the following statistics for July 2006:
CHP Statistics for July 2006
Total for
Infraction San Lorenzo Unincorp. area
Collisions 16 151
Tickets 307 1,978
Parking Tickets 40 392
Storage/Impounds 2 119
Stolen Recoveries 1 12
Traffic Complaints 1 --
Parking Complaints* 1 3
DUI Arrests -- --
*Note that these have been redirected to the Sheriff's office.
Resident Steve Daly requested that the CHP patrol Via Alamitos in the 16000 block as there are multiple cars being parked up on the sidewalk. The officer note that after hours residents can call 707-551-4100 and their complaint will be dispatched to the appropriate officer.
Director Bieschke asked the CHP to look into a tar trailer that has been parked in front of 16151 Via Arriba that is unregistered.
3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- No report. The Administrator noted that the staff at Supervisor Lai Bitker's office had been out on vacation.
3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report -- See Attachment A, Zoning report for July 2006.
3.5 Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda -- Resident Dorothy Partridge was concerned about the status of the Bockman Shopping Center. It was reported that the demolition would begin within the next week.
Resident Rick Truax reported that the San Lorenzo School District has two (2) personnel openings and the School Board needs new Board members.
4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT
4.1 Approval of July 2006 Expenditures and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator noted that the variances would be discussed next month when the yearly audit is complete. Director Sherman made a motion to approve the July 2006 financials, including payroll, Director Sheridan seconded the motion passes unanimously.
5.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS
There have been no liens released since the last board meeting.
July 2006 Violation Report
Number Violation # of Letters 1/19 Inoperable Vehicles in driveway 11 2/22 Recreational veh/trailer in driveway 12 6 Lack of General Maintenance 16 10 Lawn Height 59 11 Dead Trees 0 12 Overgrown Vegetation 0 13 Holiday Lights 5 14 No signs 0 15 Building Exterior 3 16 Dirt Accumulation 3 17 Attractive Nuisances 5 18 Lean/miss fence 0 20/7 Unpaved parking 71 21 Working on vehicles 1 23 Dogs/Cats more than 2 0 24 Barking dogs 0 25 Prohibited animals 0 26 Excess noise 0 27 No Home Business 2 28/99 Other/ comments 11 99 Multiple violations 13 Total 148
6.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES
6.1 Hearings
a) Revisit the following:
1) 16130 Via Segundo -- Signs/Business from home. Write owner one last time and/or have Administrator contact her regarding the sign in the window.
2) 17541 Via Anacapa -- Trailer stored in driveway. Trailer has been removed, closing file.
3) 16078 Via Pinale -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Status - yard clean, close file.
4) 16006 Via Pinale -- Trailer stored in front driveway. Status of removal: trailer removed, close.
5) 670 Via Mirabel -- Recheck front yard debris/maintenance. Status: debris at side of residence, owner to submit plans for fence within 30 days or remove all items from side yard.
6) 640 Via Mirabel -- Front yard driveway/parking on lawn. Status: Plans submitted for widening driveway, all work done, closing.
7) 16130 Via Alamitos -- Front yard maintenance. Plans submitted for cement/landscaping; Owner has been asked to submit plans, will continue for 30 days.
8) 15857 Via Arroyo -- Revisit front yard maintenance. Lawn still dead; Attorney referral.
9) 966 Via Manzanas -- Plans submitted? Front yard maintenance. Owner is submitting plans and has agreed to maintain front yard; revisit in 60 days.
10) 17020 Via Perdido -- Front yard maintenance. Review: Refer to county and revisit again in 30 days.
11) 17324 Via Alamitos -- Boat in driveway. Boat gone, closing.
12) 16173 Via Lupine -- Review the status of debris/front yard maintenance. County is still working at this residence; keep open, review again in 60 days.
13) 17002 Hesperian -- Front yard status/review. New lawn planted, closing.
(b) Regular Scheduled Hearings:
1. 18091 Via Segundo -- Lawn dead, machinery and trailer on lawn. Attorney Referral.
2. 16129 Via Paro -- Lawn dead and dying/stored vehicles in driveway .Giving 30 days to green lawn and remove vehicle and referring to county.
3. 16150 Via Arriba -- PAINT NEEDED! Asked owner 4 months ago to repaint; Refer to attorney.
4. 16145 Via Alamitos -- Lawn very tall. History of tall lawn. Attorney referral.
5. 15817 Via Arroyo -- Debris on lawn and in driveway, front yard maintenance needed.
Violations cleared, closing.
6. 702 Via Aires -- Chronic parking on lawn. Violation cleared, but continue to monitor due
to chronic problem.
7. 590 Hacienda -- Chronic debris and front yard maintenance issue. Violations cleared, asking owner to keep side yard area clean and free of debris.
8. 171 Paseo Grande -- Exterior paint for shutters removed months ago/debris on porch for months! Attorney Referral.
9. 17238 via Chiquita -- EXTERIOR paint and borded up window. Owner given 30 days to clear
all violations.
10. 1844 Bockman -- Debris/lack of front yard maintenance. Still some debris in the driveway,
Administrator to attempt to make contact with owner.
11. 1597 Via Escondido -- No lawn for 6 months. Owner has agreed to submit plans and will landscape within 60 days.
12. 944 Via Bregani -- Chronic inop/working on cars. Tenant has agreed to cease all work on cars and has removed inoperative vehicles; keeping open to monitor.
13. 1429 Bockman -- Multiple maintenance problems in front yard. Giving owner 30 days to
clear all violations.
14. 15966 Via Descanso -- Stored Vehicle. Owner donating vehicle within 45 days.
15. 16108 Via Primero -- Trailer in driveway. Violation cleared, closing.
16. 632 Grant Ave -- Tall/dry lawn. Owner has agreed to water and remove van now in driveway; recheck in 30 days.
17. 16073 Paseo del Campo -- Stored vehicle/dry lawn/fence still in need of repair. Owner has corrected violations, closing.
18. 16102 Via Arriba -- Dead, dry tall lawn. Lawn now green, but tall, revisit in 60 days.
19. 795 Bockman -- Tall lawn. Asking owner to continue to mow; monitoring.
20. 1466 Via Buena Vista -- Inop/stored vehicle for months. Owner given 45 days to register.
21. 17362 Via Annette -- Front yard landscaping needed. Violation cleared, closing.
22. 1726 Via Redondo -- Trailer stored in driveway. Owner has agreed to remove within 10 days; referred to county.
23. 16159 Via Milos -- Boat in driveway and debris. Attorney referral.
24. 2149 Bockman Rd -- Lawn dying with high weeds. Owner has agreed to green within 30 days.
25. 944 Via Bregani -- Debris at front of residence for months. All debris cleared, closing.
26. 15577 Lorenzo Ave -- Stored car for months. Revisiting.
Attorney Referral:
a) 16168 Paseo Del Campo -- Holiday lights and paint. Owner took down lights and is
doing an addition, then will paint.
b) 17055 Pasetiempo -- Dead lawn. Attorney referral.
c) 17216 Via Alamitos -- Dead lawn. Attorney referral.
d) 17270 Via Alamitos -- Dead lawn. A little greener; recheck in 30 days.
e) 17499 Via Estrella -- Dead lawn. Owner has agreed to green within 30 days.
f) 17208 Via La Jolla -- Graffiti on fence for months. Violation cleared, closed.
g) 17202 Via Del Rey -- Graffiti on fence for months. Violation cleared, closed.
h) 1569 Bandoni -- Dead lawn. Owner planting new sod in 45 days.
i) 1743 Via Mesa -- Dead lawn. Attorney referral.
j) 15800 Via Seco -- Dead tall lawn. Attorney referral.
k) 16179 Via Alamitos -- Lawn tall and dry. Looks greener; revisit in 30 days.
l) 17019 Via Margarita -- Holiday lights still up. Violation cleared, closing.
6.2 Variances
1) 17100 Via Media -- Exterior color. Asking owner to repaint garage door white and to approve.
2) 17463 Via Annette -- Shed variance. Board needs more information.
3) 16070 Via Nueve -- Extension of back yard fence. Need more information
7.0 ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
7.1 Informational Items - The Administrator stated that she is trying to get school zone signs for the area of Paseo Grande and Via Alamitos adjacent to the Redwood Christian School, but has been playing phone tag with the county regarding this. The Administrator asked that President Ledesma give an update on the East Bay Groundwater project. Director Ledesma stated that last week the community was given the opportunity to visit the site where the project will be done. The main focus was on the US Geographical Survey which will be overseeing the project. San Lorenzo's main concern was with the subsidence of the ground. The Geological survey has an instrument to measure the temperature of the ground and will be monitoring the project for quite a while to ensure that the subsidence does not occur as well as monitor the project as a whole for potential problems. Director Ledesma noted that the project will be done within 2 years.
Director Sherman asked why there was drilling being done at Bay School. Neither Director Ledesma or resident representative John Partridge were aware of this activity or why it was being done. Director Ledesma said he would check with EBMUD and suggested that they may need to monitor different water levels to see how they are each reacting to the project. He thanked Mr. Partridge for his representation for the Board on this project.
The Administrator noted that in the next Newsletter the Association would be sending out a complete draft of the by-laws with the new changes to all homeowners and that we will vote on final acceptance of the 2 readings.
7.2 Update of Civic Partners and Oro Loma
The Administrator reported that she is trying to get the stickers for the garbage cans in Friday's area. The office has had computer problems, but she should be able to get these out soon.
President Ledesma reported that the meeting with Civic Partners, the county and Albertsons went very well. Representatives from Albertsons noted that they were very interested in building a larger new store in the old Mervyns Square area. Albertsons had asked for three (3) weeks to look over the new plan and come back to discuss it with the group. The three weeks should be up within the next few days. Director Ledesma noted that when Albertsons agrees to be an anchor tenant in the Mervyns site, the Association Board will be working be pushing the redevelopment agency to secure a second tenant for the old Albertsons site.
He said that the redevelopment agency has agreed to release monies to demolish the buildings once a tenant is secured for the Mervyns site and Bohannon signs the DDA for Civic Partners to move on the project. Resident Kathie Ready stated that she is uneasy about the DDA wording for the current Albertsons site and stressed that the Board consider getting it changed to reflect retaining retail business in that area, and not just residential. She is concerned that the DDA would be re-written instead of amended to reflect this, which would in turn prolong the process once again.
8.0 OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 Summary of August 4, 2006 Work Session - President Ledesma
President Ledesma reported that this work session dealt with the enormous amount of drive-bys that need to be done prior to the Board Hearings. They discussed ways to streamline the process so that the hearing meetings would run smoother and be easier for the board.
In the meantime, the Board will be holding a 2nd work session each month. The purpose of these work sessions will be for general discussion of items. No motions will be made and a summary of the discussion will be reported at each Board Meeting.
The Board discussed ways in which it could improve the communication with the community as well as with the county to facilitate information. The Board discussed having a barbeque prior to the Board meeting where residents could meet the Board outside of a meeting. They also discussed ways to highlight residents in the community and the community in the Village Association.
Director Bieschke stated that he thought the extra meeting was very helpful and the board was able to discuss and debate substantive issues.
8.2 Election of Vice President -- Director Sherman makes a motion to elect Wulf Bieschke as Vice President, Director Pebelier seconds, it carries unanimously.
8.3 Motion to authorize the President, Vice President , Treasurer and Administrator for bank card signatures -- Director Sherman makes a motion to authorize the President, Vice President ,Treasurer and Administrator to be the authorized persons to sign on the Association bank cards. Director Sheridan seconds, the motion carries unanimously.
9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Kathie Ready was concerned about the condition of the Green House Market. Although it is not in "San Lorenzo", it is on our border and reflects on our community and will eventually "trickle" into our own borders. She noted that the parking lot is a mess and very dirty. There is urine on the sidewalks the outside of the stores are filthy and she has seen suspicious activity in the parking lot that look like drug activity. She suggested that a letter be written to the mayor and City Council of San Leandro regarding the community's concerns.
Director Sheridan noted that the Walgreens shopping center should also be included in the complaint. Director Ledesma noted that Supervisor Lai-Bitkers office needs to be informed so they can follow up with the city.
The Administrator suggested that the Board find out which city council members jurisdiction the Green House Shopping Center is and report it to that individual to take care of. President Ledesma agreed that the Board should follow up with the appropriate council member.
10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Report on the Economic Development Meeting -- No report.
10.2 Library Committee -- Director Pebelier reported that the meeting was held a month ago and they discussed alternate funding sources since the bond did not go through. The Committee discussed rearranging the Library, cleaning the inside and making it look better by giving it a new coat of paint on the inside walls. The committee discussed ways to fund the cleaning and painting. The committee is also working with the school libraries in the area discussion how to develop/improve the existing library in San Lorenzo.
Resident Kathie Ready asked whether the Redevelopment Committee has been approached about funding. Pebelier noted that this is in the plans. They will be discussing it at the next meeting which will deal with a cost analysis/estimate for improvements on the current library. It was noted that a letter needs to go to LAFCO to urge it to continue a CSA for the next five years in support of the library.
10.3 Blue Ribbon Steering Committee - Wulf Bieschke -- Director Bieschke reported that the committee had a presentation by the City Manager of West Hollywood and by an Oakland Consultant for their study. He noted that the West Hollywood study seemed to be successful due to a large amount of community participation, he was unsure how this type of program would fair in the unincorporated area of West County. Bieschke stated that he was impressed with the amount of county participation and communication that this committee has brought forth, but is still concerned about the direction of the committee. He noted the next meeting will be on September 14, 2006 in the Eden Conference meeting room.
11.0 COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- Director Ledesma noted that Senior Services needs volunteers to spend time with seniors. He also encouraged neighbors to talk to each other and get them to come to the Association Board meetings.
12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Ledesma adjourned the meeting at 9:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator , Kathie Ready, Resident