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Belmont Shore Residents Association MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING August 11, 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, Vice President Terence Endersen, Marvin Jones, Secretary Jeff Miller, and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. Executive Board members Julie Dean, John Forstrom, Adam Hattan, Jim Lazarus, and Heidi Van Horn were absent. Twenty-five additional BSRA members and visitors were present. Librarian Debi Gurley announced the successful completion of the summer reading programs at the Bay Shore Library. The agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the July 14 meeting were approved. LBPD East Division Commander Lisa Lopez discussed several current law enforcement-related topics related to Belmont Shore: the arrest of a cat burglar suspect, alerts regarding recent activity in several different scams, and a warning against jumping from the bridges in Naples. Members of the audience complained about bicycles on Second Street sidewalks; she responded, "It is a priority for us." Lopez described a recent assault charge resulting from an intoxicated bar patron late at night causing a disturbance at a residence. Bicycle thefts were noted; the importance of having serial numbers on file was stressed. Lopez described a fight at Dogz Bar, which caused a response by eight police units. Norm Turley, owner of Dogz, responded, "they were out-of-towners." He said he has instituted a dress code policy, which includes "no LA Bad Boy look." He explained the use of an "ID Scanner" he has implemented, and responded to questions from the audience about his security measures. Lopez noted residential burglaries and auto burglaries as continuing problems. Mention of a bicycle theft led to discussion of the continuing problem with scavengers in the alleys. Calls to the police were urged whenever scavengers are seen. Allan Crawford, Bicycle Coordinator for the city, spoke about the need for bicyclists to exercise courtesy as well as obey the traffic laws. Audience members expressed frustration that enforcement is lacking - bicyclists on the sidewalks do not respond to pleas for courtesy. In the past, police ticketing of violators has been the only thing that works. President Colon announced these BSBA items: the monthly meeting is Tuesday, August 30, at noon at Legends (upstairs) and the car show is September 11. Julie Maleki from Third District Councilman Gary Delong's office reported the status of these items: The Claremont Ave. traffic study is complete and will be discussed at a meeting September 7 at 6 pm at the Councilman's field office. There will be a city budget meeting, sponsored by Councilman DeLong, August 25 at 6 pm at Lowell School, with City Manager Pat West and John Gross, Director of Financial Management. The Second Street taxi line is now in operation in front of Chase Bank. Sidewalk repairs will begin next week. Kurt Borsting expressed concerns about the Second Street bars marketing campaigns which promote overconsumption of alcohol and the difficulty of obtaining assistance from the city, because business license enforcement is not proactive, but "complaint-driven". Parking Commission representative Eric Forsberg reported these items: there will be no meeting this month, additional "Quiet Zone" signs were approved, and a new commissioner, Samuel Lippke, has been appointed. He is a photographer with offices in the Colonna building at Park Ave. and Second St. President Colon reported the planned removal of an unused handicap parking space in front of a residence, the expansion of the medical marijuana business Belmont Shore Natural Care, and the noise disturbance caused by a helicopter advertising business. Secretary Miller reported the receipt of 48 membership renewals. Treasurer O'Connor reported the insurance premium has increased to $1,686; a motion was approved unanimously to pay the invoice. Max Alavi reported the status of the BSRA Facebook page and described the process for posting items on the site. Secretary Miller announced the plans for the election next month, and asked for additional nominees. Chrisjeon Clemmer volunteered to serve as a Member at Large. The candidates for the board are: President Kurt Borsting Vice President Terence Endersen Secretary Jeff Miller Treasurer Robert O'Connor Members at Large Max Alavi Chrisjeon Clemmer Aileen Colon Julie Dean John Forstrom Marvin Jones Robert Stropky Each of the candidates spoke about their candidacy. A motion was approved unanimously to nominate this slate of candidates. Kurt Borsting asked Julie Maleki to investigate the possibility of liability coverage options with city assistance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm. Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary
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