MEETING MINUTES

May 8, 2008

 The meeting was called to order by President Mike Ruehle at 6:00 pm. The members of the Executive Board present were: John Forstrom, Merodie Gentile, Marvin Jones, Jim Lazarus, Secretary Jeff Miller, President Mike Ruehle, and Heidi Van Horn. Executive Board members Heather Altman, Ron Banner, Amber Lee, and Laura Spence, were absent. Twenty-six additional BSRA members and visitors were present.

 Mike Ruehle reported the results of the recent survey of residents regarding the city's proposal to place large rectangular trash bins on the beach. Respondents were evenly divided between approval and disapproval of the proposal. There were several strong opinions expressed against the containers. Concern was expressed about the unsightliness of advertising on the beach. Ruehle has been unable to contact the vendor to get additional details about the proposal; there are many unanswered questions.

 LBPD Lieutenant Ken Rosenthal reported some additional information about questions from last month's meeting: The musical performances by a band operating from the back of a truck parked on Second Street have been discontinued since the operator was cited for performing illegally. The two individuals involved in a knife fight on Second Street are both in custody. Investigation of a question of patrons using the rear door of Legends has determined the door may be used only by employees; patrons are not allowed to use the rear door. Rosenthal heard complaints about jaywalkers and skateboarders on the sidewalks. In answer to a question about the right turn lane from westbound Second Street onto The Toledo, he said that work will begin soon to improve this intersection.

 Jeff Benedict, manager of the city's Bureau of Environmental Health, spoke about his department's responsibilities, which include restaurant inspections, water quality, and noise. He concentrated on noise complaints, and advised phoning the department's complaint line, 570.4126, and the police to register complaints. Benedict discussed meeting with a noise consultant for Cabo Cantina and described noise mitigation measures they are planning, which include "sound blankets" and sound insulation on the patio and installing a soundproof door to the alley. He recommended they employ security staff to reduce noise from patrons. Other questions addressed concerned noise from construction, gardeners, and refuse collection vehicles. There were also questions about restaurant inspections and grading.

Julie Maleki from Councilman DeLong's office announced initiatives regarding water quality improvement in Alamitos Bay and improvements to the 605/22 freeway ramp. Responding to questions, Maleki stated that she did not know the status of the city's proposed beach development project.

 Jeanette Gavin, the BSRA representative on the Parking Commission, declined to speak; Bill Lorbeer, the chairman of the commission, spoke instead. He reported the Commission's plan to extend their authority to Bay Shore Avenue and replace the one hour parking spaces at the library with meters and a plan to install "Quiet Zone" signs on side streets facing Second Street. Lorbeer then spent twenty minutes disputing statements made by Mike Ruehle in his newsletter. The items he mentioned included trash bins for recyclables, the recent alley improvement bond election, the gateway sign project, and motorcycle parking spaces. He asked Ruehle to repeat his survey regarding motorcycle parking, but Mike pointed out he had already asked Jeanette Gavin for assistance with the survey and was turned down. Several board members and audience members asked Lorbeer to stop speaking. He then abruptly departed the meeting, without listening to questions or discussion.

 Sara Pillet, Director of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, announced a fundraiser on June 22, which will be a winemaker dinner at the Museum of Latin American Art.

Mike Ruehle reported a warning given at the recent Coffee with the Commander meeting concerning thefts of automobile catalytic converters. He also reported the recent city meeting at Lowell School to discuss the proposed zoning changes for Belmont Shore: five of the measures were well-supported and will be pursued by the city.

 The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 Submitted by:

Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary