The meeting began with Ron Tomcek, Election Chairperson, informing us that there were 3 board seats left to fill at this meeting. Since there were only 3 people running for the 3 seats, Doug Beckham made a motion to elect by acclamation. Jo-Ann Carini 2nd. Motion passed unanimously. Everyone thanked Ron for the thorough and outstanding job he did on the March and April elections.
During the 2 minute public testimony period Board member Doug Beckham stated on May 18 that a new group called "Every 15 Minutes" will be acknowledged by Kearny High in regard to the careless & irresponsible people who drink and drive. This organization thanked the LVPC for our March meeting's donation of $135 which was collected by passing the community jar. Doug also said that on May 4 at 3:00 p.m. there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the LV Teen Center at the rear of the LV Boys & Girls Club. County Supervisor Ron Roberts (one of LV's favorite sons) donated $300,000 of District 5 funds towards the Teen Center and the Center's Board of Directors has to raise $300,000. Also, LV resident Mark Polinsky, who came to represent the condos located above Fashion Valley Center, addressed the LVPC with great concern regarding 170 apartments planned for the mountain on Friars Road at Ulric Street. His people claim that there already is an abundance of congestion at this corner and that the city needs to seriously address this project & the ramifications it will cause to present property owners in this area. Lastly, Ed Farley, Parade Director, invited the community to attend & participate in the April 29 Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade.
Joe Ross, LV council aide from Barbara Warden's office spoke about the vacant old gas station at Comstock Street & LV Road (the longtime neighborhood eyesore). Joe said that Barbara is trying to "kick the sale thru within the next month." Mr. Will Griffith of the city's Real Estate Assets Office says the property is hopefully getting ready to go into escrow. Joe Ross says that a portion of the escrow "instructions" have already been approved. Unless all hazardous waste has been removed to the satisfaction of those concerned city folk, the sale will not occur. (What a bummer!) N O T E: On 5-16-00 Board member Jo-Ann Carini spoke to Will Griffith who said that he intends to go before city council no later than 6-20-00 to ask for minor additional funds in order to close transaction of Comstock property. The city hopes, if everything proceeds well, to take ownership in August. Will Griffith will update Jo-Ann for June meeting.
Marilyn Mirrasoul, LV council aide from Valerie Stallings' office announced that on May 12, 2:00 p.m., ground breaking for the new County Animal Shelter on Gaines Street in lower LV will occur. Undergrounding the Shelter's utility lines is trying to be worked out. Also, the 2 round-abouts project planned by the city for the Napa / Morena area is in the planning stages and is coming along nicely. The round-about scheduled for Napa & LV Road will take 30 feet away from frontage of the Trolley Station's planned residential / commercial project. Also of interest, McDonald's Restaurant has contacted MTDB & asked to be included in this 25,000 square feet commercial center. Marilyn said that nothing definite has been decided concerning this shopping center's choice of stores. Further, Valerie sent a letter to the city manager giving her approval concerning the 4-way stop signs on Colusa & Gaines Streets.
Finally, Marilyn submitted to the city council 2 new amendments to the LVPC by-laws suggested by Ron Tomcek pertaining to when board members take their new seats after each year's March & April election. Council approval is expected. Marilyn will update. Valerie will be guest speaker at the LVCA's monthly meeting on May 18. Also, concerning the city property on LV Road near Mesa College Drive which is leased to & houses the LV Vietnamese Center - Pacific Bell wants to buy this building. The Center isn't sure if they want to release this site. More to come.
Pam Gray of USD said she recently mailed out info on what's going on at USD. Residents don't seem to be receiving info. She will see to it that in the future we will be notified of what's going on at USD. Construction has begun on Joan Kroc Institute. USD commencement is May 27-28. Remodeling of 2 USD buildings at the Mission Federal Credit Union site near LV Road & Mildred Street is almost finished.
Board member Gail Cole said MTDB spoke at April North Bay Revitalization meeting. MTDB was unaware of the Napa Street trolley-parking nightmare (HELLO?) concerning the Silver Terrace residential & Napa Street merchants combined parking problem. A parking structure that was to be built in Old Town will now be a 4-story site for Cal Trans (GOOD-BYE!!).
Board member Don Ballantyne spoke to the city about the JPI Ulric Street project of 170 apartments. The city has most of their reports submitted concerning this project. Don should have assessment letter for us by May meeting. Most of the requirements have been met by the developer who wants to appear before the LVPC soon. LV Planner Tony Kempton says this project is consistent with newer 1998 LV Community Plan. Also, Tony said that NEW board members will need & have to attend a mandatory community orientation workshop in June.
Doug Beckham spoke on inter-community relations. He spoke on the injunction against the gang members and praised the police for their hard work in making this happen. Also, Doug said the red curbing of the corners at LV Road & Glidden Street occurred so cross traffic can see. Board member Ed Cramer tried to make a report about the Housing and Urban Development's helpful hints but HUD's report was unclear. Ed will pursue clearer info and report in May. Jo-Ann Carini made her periodic "positive" report on LV's Landscape Maintenance District (LMD). LV is greening, blooming, & flowering beautifully, thank you! Also, Jo-Ann spoke on the new LVPC Orchid Award. In the near future we will honor St. Francis Apartments, Friar's Village Condo Complex, & a pink 6-plex apartment house at Eastman & Fulton Streets. When Chesterton Military Housing & Mark Twain School have completed their landscaping, they also will be honored. Gail Cole's treasury report showed $77.21 in the bank & passing of the bottle brought an additional $19.03. The March minutes were not available & were tabled for May meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. There were 39 people present.
Prepared and respectfully submitted by Jo-Ann Carini.