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Belmont Shore Residents Association MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING May 14, 2009 The meeting was called to order by President Mike Ruehle at 6:00 pm. The members of the Executive Board present were: Tim Clark, Aileen Colon, Vice President Terence Endersen, John Forstrom, Larry Jordan, Marvin Jones, Jim Lazarus, Secretary Jeff Miller, President Mike Ruehle and Treasurer Christopher Van Horn. Executive Board member Charles Folks was absent and excused. Seventeen additional BSRA members and visitors were present. Librarian Natalie Beam of the Bay Shore Library explained the impending layoffs and furloughs caused by the city's budget problems. She asked for volunteers to assist with library tasks, particularly with providing computer assistance to patrons. Ms. Beam also reported the recent fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Bay Shore Library and showed slides detailing the library's history. Secretary Jeff Miller reported the following correspondence received: A note from Barret Randel, the new operator and part owner of the Cabo Cantina property, which he will open soon as "Barry's Beach Shack" instead. He pledges to be responsive to neighbors' concerns and to be a good neighbor. From the city Development Services: notice of the application from Second & PCH to replace the Seaport Marina Hotel with a development of retail, restaurant, hotel and condominium projects. From the city Development Services: notice of the Environmental Impact Report for the Alamitos Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project (aka Marina Rebuild Project), and two new membership applications. Treasurer Christopher Van Horn reported the association checking account currently has a balance of $4,275.60. Account activity since last month was a check for $15 to Media Temple for domain name registration and deposits of $80 of membership dues and donations. LBPD Officer Shaun Hunt described the recent disturbance in the parking lot behind Legends, based on police records. The incident, which was recorded by a nearby resident, occurred early in the morning after 2 am on April 18 (Saturday night/Sunday morning). Several minutes of loud and profane conversation by inebriated people was heard and observed on the video. Police reports state officers responded within eight minutes after a call for service; the incident was "cleared" by the police five minutes later because they said they found no disturbance. Officer Hunt claimed a second call for service stated a gun was involved; he said he "assumed" the reference to a gun was bogus and was made "to get a faster response". Officer Hunt described the installation of a roll-up door at Acapulco Inn as a "good idea" because it "improves visibility of the premises from the street". When questioned about the lack of police presence when disturbances occur late at night by bar patrons, Officer Hunt responded, "They are bars; that's what happens". Officer Hunt was asked to convey the request for more late-night policing to his commander and he responded, "You're not going to get it". When it was suggested that maybe his schedule could be changed to provide police coverage later at night, he replied "I have already adjusted my hours." (His shift ends at 1 am; the bars close at 2 am and many problems occur after that time.) In response to a comment that bar owners should provide adequate security, Officer Hunt said, "You can't change Second Street." He added that only one police officer is assigned to the late-night shift for the entire area of Beat Ten, a large area which includes Belmont Shore. The discussion ended with considerable frustration expressed about the increasing number of disturbances from bars and the lack of police or security to prevent them. No representative from Councilman DeLong's office was present. Mike Ruehle reported from Julie Maleki's email that street repair work will begin soon on Second Street. The next Third District meeting is scheduled for May 21 at 11:45 at La Strada restaurant. No representative from the Parking Commission was present. Jeff Miller noted the attempt by Kurt Schneiter and Bill Lorbeer to remove the bus stop adjacent to the Bay Shore Library and expressed a desire to support the retention of bus stops. A motion by Jeff Miller, seconded by Marvin Jones, to communicate this position of support to the city was approved unanimously. Nancy Buchanan, BSBA representative, explained the street repair work is scheduled for all day May 21 and all evening May 26 and 27. The next Stroll and Savor event will be May 20 and 21, and there will be a blood drive May 24. Bud Johnson, Professional Engineer, spoke about his plan to improve the surface water quality in the bay. His talk was accompanied by a slide presentation. The water quality would be greatly improved by a slight reconfiguration of the existing breakwater: he said an opening cut in the east section would provide better water circulation with no negative effects. Mike Ruehle announced that next month's meeting will be only one hour in length, because the library will not be available beyond 7 pm. Mike Ruehle announced a public meeting by the city to discuss a planned valet parking operation in the F&M Bank parking lot adjacent to Bono's restaurant and two Second Street parking spaces. The meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 6 pm. Because this conflicts with the City Council meeting, he hopes to have it rescheduled to a time when Councilman DeLong can attend to hear public comments. A decision to implement the plan would be made at a future Parking Commission meeting. Marvin Jones noted that a valet parking operation at Michael's restaurant in Naples has resulted in numerous complaints from nearby residents about the disruptions and disturbances it has caused. Jeff Miller reported on the status of plans for a meeting to amend the Association bylaws as proposed by the Bylaws Committee. It may be necessary to purchase additional insurance, depending on the meeting location. A motion by Jeff Miller, seconded by Terry Endersen, was approved unanimously to procure additional insurance if needed, at a cost not to exceed $800. It is hoped this cost can be avoided by finding a different meeting location. Mike Ruehle noted the opportunity for the public to comment about the Second & PCH development plans, during the process of the Environmental Impact Report preparation. Roy Hanson announced the upcoming CPR training class to be conducted May 30 at Long Beach City College. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm. Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary
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