| Reposted by San Lorenzo Express |
MINUTES
SAN LORENZO VILLAGE HOMES ASSOCIATION
MEETING NO. 1135
November 16, 2006
The regular meeting of the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Board of Directors was held Thursday, November 16, 2006.
1.1 CALL TO ORDER -- President Ledesma called the meeting to order at 7:44 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, Peggy Sheridan and Pat Pebelier were present, Jim Sherman was absent.
2.O MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Director Bieschke moved to approve the notes taken at Work Session Number 1134 and the Board minutes as amended from the meeting Number 1133. 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 Liskey stated that there were no statistics due to some computer changes in their department. He will provide these at a later date. [Numbers included below from later report]
Change from
Crime Number last month Affected Streets
Stolen vehicles 11
Attempted Stolen Vehicles 0
Recovered Stolen Vehicles 10
Residential Burglary 7
Commercial Burglary 7
Auto Burglary 16
Grand Theft 4
Vandalism/graffiti 1
Robbery 2
Liskey stated that the sheriffs had emergency training for earthquake preparedness. They are trying to educate residents about what to do during a disaster. He encouraged everyone to be prepared noting that in a major crisis many residents would have to wait between 24 to 36 hours before they got help of any kind.
Liskey said that the holiday crime suppression will begin the day after Thanksgiving. The Sheriffs' Department will have an extra 10 deputies on the street to help suppress crime and increase enforcement during the holiday season.
Alcohol ordinance - His department has received $135K from this ordinance and they are in training various vendors on how to prevent selling to minors.
3.2 CHP -- The CHP reported the following statistics for October 2006:
CHP Statistics for October 2006
Total for
Infraction San Lorenzo Unincorp. area
Collisions
Tickets
Parking Tickets
Storage/Impounds
Stolen Recoveries
Traffic Complaints
Parking Complaints*
DUI Arrests -- --
*Note that these have been redirected to the Sheriff's office.
3.3 Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker -- Kevin Dowling reported that he went to San Lorenzo Historian Doris Marciel's book signing. There will be another such event on December 12, 2006 at the San Lorenzo Library. The book is very interesting and all about the history of San Lorenzo.
Supervisor Lai Bitker will be hosting a meeting between the Sheriff, CHP and BART officials at the Bayfair shopping Center on Saturday, December 9, 2006 to discuss safety and transportation issues.
Resident Keith Barros stated that the deflectors that were discussed with the school district and public works for the Lewelling project have been dropped but he thanked Dowling for his participation in the issue. Dowling noted that the county is still trying to push for textured cross walks in front of the San Lorenzo High School. Dowling stated that the lighted cross walks were discussed but were considered too expensive.
3.4 Zoning Enforcement Report - See Attachment A.
3.5 Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda -- None.
4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT
4.1 Approval of October 2006 Expenditures and discussion of significant variances -- The Administrator stated that there were no significant variances. Director Sheridan makes a motion to approve the October 2006 expenditures, Director Pebelier seconds, the motion carries unanimously.
5.0 LIENS AND VIOLATIONS REPORTS
There have been 8 liens released since the last board meeting.
October 2006 Violation Report
Number Violation # of Letters 1/19 Inoperable Vehicles in driveway 15 2/22 Recreational veh/trailer in driveway 2 6 Lack of General Maintenance 9 10 Lawn Height 20 11 Dead Trees 0 12 Overgrown Vegetation 0 13 Holiday Lights 1 14 No signs 0 15 Building Exterior 4 16 Dirt Accumulation 3 17 Attractive Nuisances 2 18 Lean/miss fence 0 20/7 Unpaved parking 6 21 Working on vehicles 1 23 Dogs/Cats more than 2 0 24 Barking dogs 1 25 Prohibited animals 0 26 Excess noise 3 27 No Home Business 1 28/99 Other/ comments 13 99 Multiple violations 15 Total 106
6.0 HEARINGS AND VARIANCE ISSUES
1) 16084 Via Segundo -- Lack of General Maintenance. Owner is now maintaining lawn, closing.
2) 16142 Via Descanso -- No lawn. Owner called to re-sod within 60 days; Revisit in 60 days.
3) 16053 Via Segundo -- Lawn dead and tall, debris in driveway. Debris has been removed but lawn is now dug up. To revisit in 30 days, refer to county for debris.
4) 614 Paseo Del Rio -- Boat in driveway. Gone, closing.
5) 15970 Via Del Sol -- Lack of General Maintenance, Debris in driveway, lawn/cans. Monitor and revisit in 60 days.
6) 15941 Via Del Sol -- Dirt Accumulation, items all over front yard. All items removed, closing.
7) 15880 Via Alamitos -- Owner paved entire front yard. Refer to county, fine and revisit in 30 days.
8) 15824 Via Alamitos -- Debris in front driveway and inoperative/stored vehicle. Refer to county, fine and revisit in 30 days.
9) 687 Via Aires -- Debris in front yard/driveway. Monitor and refer to attorney if not resolved within 30 days.
10) 1140 Via Los Trancos -- Lawn tall/dry, debris stored in front yard. Debris cleared but will contact owner with respect to condition of front yard and revisit in 30 to 60 days.
11) 1076 Via Honda -- Lack of Lawn maintenance. Owner to plant new sod by Spring 2007; will monitor and review in 2007.
12) 17499 Via Estrella -- Revisit, ongoing lack of front yard maintenance. Owner contacted and is going to seek out help via county programs to improve front yard. Revisit in 60 days.
13) 90 Paseo Grande -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Owner and tenants called and would work on front yard; will review in 30 days.
14) 17165 Via Toledo -- Lack of front yard maintenance. Writing to owner asking for specific yard improvements and will review in 60 days.
15) 17268 Via Chiquita -- Revisit, ongoing maintenance of lawn and fence. Writing to owner to ask that they come into compliance, giving them specifics, will review in 60 days.
16) 1601 Via Helena -- Lack of Lawn Maintenance and inops/stored vehicles. Some of the vehicles have been removed. One vehicle still out of compliance; asking owner to remove and review in 30 days.
17) 17287 Via Carmen -- Boat in driveway/stored vehicle with debris around it. Refer to county, fine and recheck in 30 days.
18) 17243 Via Annette -- Trailer in driveway with debris and stored vehicle/unpaved area. Refer to county, fine and recheck in 30 days.
19) 1734 Via Redondo -- Building nonapproved structure in back yard. Continued for 30 days.
20) 1717 Bockman -- Debris/trailer/stored vehicle in front yard/driveway. Most of the items removed; review in 30 days.
21) 1725 Bockman -- Paint needed/lawn maintenance/inop stored in driveway. All violations cleared, closing.
22) 1749 Bockman -- Boat stored at residence. Boat gone, closing.
23) 16137 Via Del Robles -- Working on vehicles. Owner contacted tenants; has promised to cease the work of vehicles. Leave open for 30 days.
24) 1631 Via Lacqua -- Structure being built in backyard? Additional unit? Check on status of county referral and review in 30 days.
25) 1897 Via Natal -- Lawn maintenance. Owner has promised to bring lawn into compliance; Recheck in 60 days.
26) 963 Via Bregani -- Debris/lawn maintenance/inops in driveway. Fine, refer to county and review in 30 days.
27) 944 Via Bregani -- Ongoing vehicle work and dismantling in driveway. Fine, refer to county, and review in 30 days.
28) 16184 Channel -- Review front yard maintenance. Front yard in compliance but stored vehicle in driveway; need to write to owner and pursue this violation.
Variances
1. 15804 VIA RIVERA -- CONVERSION OF DETACHED GARAGE. Owner withdrew original plans. Will submit bathroom add on in the near future.
2. 2182 Via Barrett -- Property line step fences off the leading edge of the house. Administrator to do a site visit and speak with owner.
3. 17030 Via Anacapa -- Corner property wanting a front yard fence around it to protect from vandalism/people driving over his lawn. Write and ask owner to submit specific plans. Concerns with fence already present in side yard at this residence (corner lot).
4. 17641 Via Rincon -- Revisit the paint job. Approved as repainted.
5. 1661 Via Lacqua -- 12 ft peak on 10 ft shed in backyard. Working with owner to bring shed into compliance; will revisit in 60 days - 90 days (weather permitting).
Director Pebelier made a motion to approve the Hearings and Variances, Director Bieschke seconded the motion carries unanimously.
7.0 ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
7.1 Informational Items -- The Administrator stated that there were no informational items except those to follow.
7.2 Oro Loma garbage can stickers -- The Administrator said that she had developed some wording and President Ledesma and staff member Kathleen Harrigan had met with some Oro Loma and Waste Management staff earlier this week. They wanted to change the wording to state that the cart must be placed within 6 feet of the curb off the street and off the sidewalk.
Director Ledesma stated that he had suggested that both the Association and Oro Loma's phone number be placed on the stickers for residents who have questions. Oro Loma adamantly refused to due this. They also refused to pay any part of these stickers.
The Administrator noted that she called COSTCO to see how much these stickers would cost but they cannot do the job. She has called the Association's printer and they have not gotten back to her yet.
The Administrator stated that the Association would be sending out these stickers soon with a letter outlining why they are necessary for garbage and street sweeping in Friday's area.
7.3 Tree Lighting Cermony -- The Administrator stated that the tree lighting event will be held at December 7, 2006 at 6 pm and everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment will be included.
8.0 OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 Update of Civic Partners Meeting-President Ledesma -- President Ledesma reported that things are not looking favorable for the plan that the Board thought was agreed upon by Civic Partners. The county has taken a position that if Civic Partners does not have an agreement in place by this November, they would be looking at other areas to put their time and money. Civic Partners representative, Mike Herraro, let the Board know that Albertsons is still in the plan and he would not verify rumors that Albertsons was being sold to another Supermarket chain.
Ledesma said that the Board had talked with Herraro about implementing "Plan B" which would include starting building in the Mervyns area, and leaving Albertsons where it is. Civic Partners is not making any commitment at this time. Ledesma stated that he has his doubts that Civic Partners can close the deal. It was discussed whether Bohannon had been contacted about the progress and Civic Partners. The Administrator noted that Civic Partners contract is up in December and Bohannon had indicated that he may be looking for a new developer. The Administrator noted that any redevelopment money would stay in San Lorenzo, regardless if the Civic Partners development does not go through.
Director Sheridan stated that as a resident and as a community it is time that we move on from Civic Partners and we acquire a new developer who is willing to go through with a plan.
8.2 Summary of November 2, 2006 Work session -- Director Sheridan noted that they had many items on the agenda for this meeting, but these were tabled to deal with the Civic Partner proposal in the Village Square. Future agendas will be dealing with consolidating policies into one document and outreach to the community.
8.3 Presentation of Village Square Apartments -- Tom Clements presented a new rendition of his plans for Apartments behind the Heidi House. This was in response to a letter the Board had forwarded to him after his last presentation before it. (See attachment B). Clements discussed the historical preservation of the Heidi House and how he would be upgrading the existing pump house and the whole west side square of the property. The windmill would also be refurbished and the water tower would be kept in tact. He noted that the historical preservation study would begin when he submits his final plan to the county.
The Administrator asked why the historical preservation plan could not be started now, prior to submitting his final plans to the county. Clements stated that he is concerned with time and money for the study. He would like to see the Planning Board be in favor of his plan, prior to investing in a study. It would cost about $10,000.00 to do the historical preservation study. The Administrator asked if there was a way to get a preliminary assessment of what could be kept or torn down on the property prior to investing in a full scale study. Clements stated that his understanding is those in the profession of doing historical studies like to do them in their entirety; this is how they make their living.
Clements presenting the following new plans which he said addressed issues of parking, density, traffic, open space and height:
There were still concerns from residents, the board and members, from the Historical Society about the following issues:
8.4 Approval of Voting and Election Policy -- The Administrator noted that there was a new State law that passed on July 1, 2006, that dictates how an Association runs an election. This includes having a double envelope for the ballots. All the instructions for these ballots would be printed in the next newsletter. Residents must sign the outside of the ballot envelope to be counted. Only one resident signature per household is required. (See Attachment).
In work session, the Board suggested that League of Women Voter past president, Suzanne Barba, be appointed as the election inspector to oversee the counting of the ballots.
Director Bieschke made a motion to approve the voting procedure and naming Suzanne Barba as election inspector, Sheridan seconded. The motion carries unanimously.
8.5 Certification of Candidates for the Board of Directors Election -- The Administrator announced that there are four candidates that will be running for two seats on the board. None of the incumbents are running. Ballots will be counted by Tuesday, February 5, 2007 and a special meeting must be held to do this. The Association will be asking for volunteers to help with the ballot counting and the meeting will be open to the public. None of the volunteers can be related to the candidates.
A candidate debate will be held prior to the Board meeting on December 21, 2007 at 7 p.m. All residents are invited to attend.
Director Sheridan made a motion to certify all candidates, Director Bieschke seconded. The motion carries unanimously.
Director Ledesma stated that he did not run for his seat again because he is looking at moving across the bay, where he and his wife work. He said that it is important that anyone who becomes a board member, come to the position with an open mind and an open ear.
8.6 Approval of foreclosure policy for FY 07 -- The Administrator stated that the Foreclosure policy is exactly the same as last year and will be published in the upcoming newsletter. Director Pebelier makes a motion to approve the Foreclosure Policy for 2007, Director Bieschke seconds, the motion carries unanimously.
9.0 PUBLIC COMMENT -- Director Bieschke asked that the staff write a thank you letter to the Navy for their participation in community projects during Fleet Week. 10.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Report on the Redevelopment Committee -- Director Pebelier reported that everything was tabled at the last meeting and the Civic Partners update was reviewed as already reported previously by Ledesma. The next meeting will follow the tree lighting ceremony on December 7, 2006.
10.2 Blue Ribbon Steering Committee -- Director Bieschke reported that the group came up with a community vision for livability. At the last meeting they came up with a time line to explore how this vision would work with our surrounding communities. They plan to recruit a team of county staff personnel to review the demographics and the assets of the surrounding communities in our area. Then to hire a consultant to analyze plans for the various communities and finally to get the community engaged in the process. Bieschke stated that if anyone is interested to contact him and he will get them in touch with the personnel coordinating participants.
Resident Kathie Ready noted that on November 21, 2006, the county is going over the General Plan in review and she asked that residents attend. They are looking at reviewing and potentially changing some wording that could have an impact on our community.
11. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS -- The Board thanked all those who attended the meeting.
12.0 ADJOURNMENT -- President Ledesma adjourned the meeting at 10:39 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pat Pebelier
Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded & Transcribed By: Kathleen Harrigan, Sr. Admin. Assistant
Reviewed By: Nancy Van Huffel, Administrator, Kathie Ready, past president