MEETING MINUTES

November 10, 2011

The meeting was called to order by President Kurt Borsting at 6:00 pm. The other members of the Executive Board present were: Max Alavi, Chrisjeon Clemmer, Aileen Colon, Julie Dean, Vice President Terence Endersen, Secretary Jeff Miller, Treasurer Robert O'Connor, and Robert Stropky. Executive Board members John Forstrom and Marvin Jones were absent. Forty-five additional BSRA members and visitors were present.

Librarian Debi Vilander announced the Christmas donation baskets have been set up in the library for local charities Foodfinders and Salvation Army (suggested donations include clothing, canned goods, tooth brushes, etc.). Also the Long Beach Public Library now offers newly acquired e-book capability. Check the library Website www.lbpl.org or ask at the Bay Shore Library reference desk.

The agenda for this meeting was approved. The minutes of the October 13 meeting were approved, with this correction: In her report, LBPD Lieutenant Griffin stated that officers have been redeployed to Second Street late at night because of ongoing problems with the bars there.

President Kurt Borsting introduced the new LBPD East Division Commander, Michael Beckman. Beckman described his background and ties to Long Beach. He warned of expected criminal activity which might be caused by the release or parole of some prisoners, because of the return of state prisoners to local jurisdiction. He noted that residential burglaries have increased 40 percent in September, many of them committed by juveniles. Auto burglaries are also increasing. He reported that a raid of the Second Street marijuana store, Belmont Shore Natural Care, was conducted recently by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Beckman spoke about the competing interests of the bars versus the residents and acknowledged the problems resulting from the bars: late-night noise, fights, public urination, etc. He and LBPD vice officers and ABC staff met recently with Second Street bar owners to discuss problems, and he is positioning extra officers on Second Street at night and instructing them to be "visible, mobile, and proactive".

Two recent incidents of vandalism were reported to the commander, which led to an explanation of the police response times to calls.

President Borsting introduced the invited speakers, David Malmuth, Second+PCH developer, and Heather Altman, Environmental Specialist. Malmuth briefly described the proposed development, acknowledging the negative traffic impacts which would result, but asserting that the benefits would be worth the problems. Altman explained her opposition to the project and stated the city's process to consider it for approval is flawed because it ignores the precedent-setting violation of the zoning for the area. Altman said the project as it stands is unlikely to be approved by the Coastal Commission or the Courts. The speakers' statements were followed by a lengthy series of questions from the audience, as well as comments of support and opposition. Opponents cited objections to the bad precedent, increased traffic, the project mass and height, and insufficient parking. A straw poll of the audience indicated a split between the two positions.

Dede Rossi, BSBS Executive Director, described plans for the Christmas Parade on December 3. Check the BSBA Website, www.belmontshore.org, for street closing times, event rules, etc.

Secretary Jeff Miller noted the requirement to file the "Statement of Information" with the California Secretary of State with a $20 fee, and plans to mail membership renewal notices to members in arrears, anticipating a cost less than $50. A motion was approved for these expenses.

Julie Maleki from Third District Councilman Gary Delong's office reported current items of interest.

Vice President Terence Endersen reported issues from the recent Parking Commission meeting, including a discussion of "Quiet Zone" signs on additional streets in the block adjacent to Second Street.

Treasurer O'Connor reported the bank balance of $3,190.

Robert Stropky reported the work being done to plant additional trees in the public strip between the street and sidewalks on Glendora, Granada, and Park Avenues.

Vice President Endersen reported plans to extend and improve signage at the Dog Beach.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Submitted by:

Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary