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Belmont Shore Residents Association MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING January 13, 2011 The meeting was called to order by President Aileen Colon at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Elizabeth Borsting, Julie Dean, Marvin Jones, Secretary Jeff Miller, and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. Vice President Terence Endersen and Executive Board members John Forstrom, Adam Hattan, Jim Lazarus and Heidi Van Horn were absent. Twenty-two additional BSRA members and visitors were present. The meeting agenda and the minutes of the December 9 meeting were approved. LBPD Commander Lisa Lopez reported several police issues: the current status of the "cat burglar" investigation in Belmont Shore, an arrest today on Ocean Blvd. in a home entry incident, cases of impersonations of utility workers to gain home entry, some anti-police graffiti, and an illegal entertainment citation at Evo Lounge (Evo’s Entertainment Permit was recently revoked by the City Council). She encouraged the public to report any additional incidents or problems at Evo Lounge. Lopez noted most of the recent crimes in the Shore have been garage and auto burglaries and bicycle thefts. She also provided specifications for video surveillance equipment to be used in public rights of way and business private parking areas so that they will be usable by the police. Courtney Aguirre, Transportation Programs Planner for the Long Beach Department of Public Works, spoke about the City's Bicycle Master Plan. She described several pilot projects, including the Second St. "Sharrows" and the Vista Blvd. Bikeway. She announced a Bicycle Workshop Saturday, January 22 at Lowell School at 1 pm. Dede Rossi, Executive Director of the BSBA, announced the Chocolate Festival to be held on February 5 and that Corona Ave. south of Second St. will be closed from Second St. to the alley. Julie Maleki from Third District Councilman Gary Delong's office reported these items: the survey of residents near Quinn's Irish Pub indicated substantial opposition to extending their hours beyond 10 pm so the Councilman will not support their request, the Second and PCH environmental impact report will be available February 21, the Seventh St. exit ramp from the 405 freeway will be closed for one year beginning in February, reports of debris from Second St. bars can be given to Julie by phone at 570.8756 or via email at julie.maleki@longbeach.gov. Maleki responded to questions from the audience about inappropriate advertising fliers from Ripples, alcohol advertising on fliers from Panama Joes, and illegal portable business signage on Second St. She noted the signs should be reported to LB Code Enforcement at 570.2633. Maleki announced a tree planting event on January 17 and the Third District Neighborhood Association meeting on January 20. Secretary Miller reported the receipt of eleven additional membership renewals since last month. Treasurer Robert O'Connor reported the checking account balance is $3,993. Secretary Miller reported the recent meeting with President Colon, Miller, and the owners of Quinn's Irish Pub, who are seeking approval from the city to extend their hours of operation from 10 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Councilman DeLong has indicated he will not support the request due to opposition from nearby residents. Comments received by BSRA from residents indicate opposition, with several reasons given: close proximity to residences, past problems with excessive noise and drinking outside the bar, and the excessive number of alcohol licenses in the Shore. A motion to oppose the extension of hours was approved with five votes yes, one vote no. President Colon reported the presentation by Bill Lorbeer of the proposed "gateway" and advertising signs over Second Street at Claremont Ave. on the East and Prospect Ave. on the West at last night's meeting of the Belmont Heights Community Association. She noted the questions, concerns, and opposition to the signs, including the points that the sign proposed for Claremont Ave. may conflict with traffic signals and that many people felt the survey claiming support for the signs was flawed and more public opinion should be sought. The signs are expected to be discussed at next week's Parking Commission meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm. Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary
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