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Belmont Shore Residents Association MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING April 9, 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, Vice President Terence Endersen, Charles Folks, Larry Jordan, Marvin Jones, Jim Lazarus, Secretary Jeff Miller, and President Mike Ruehle. Executive Board members Aileen Colon, John Forstrom, and Treasurer Christopher Van Horn were absent and excused. Twenty-nine additional BSRA members and visitors were present. Youth Services Librarian Catrina Hanna of the Bay Shore Library explained a proposal by Councilwoman Schipske to enact a parcel tax to raise funds for the library and announced the upcoming fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Bay Shore Library. Secretary Jeff Miller reported the following correspondence received: one new membership application and a donation of $50. A motion was approved unanimously to pay the invoice of $15 from mediatemple, which was received recently. This is an annual charge for registration of our domain name. Our checking account currently has a balance of $4,210.60. Account activity since last month was a check for a $300 donation to the Bay Shore Library and deposits of $40 of membership dues. LBPD Lt. Rosenthal responded to various policing issues and questions which were raised, including trash pickers, auto burglaries, and bicycle violations. Julie Maleki of Councilmember DeLong's office announced pending street repair work, a community meeting regarding the rebuilding of the Leeway Sailing Center, an informational meeting about the Seventh Street freeway ramp construction, and repair work to the handball courts at Ocean Blvd. and 39th Place. President Mike Ruehle discussed the recent installation of parking meters and spaces for motorcycles on several cross streets in the Shore, including LaVerne Ave. and Roycroft Ave. This plan was last discussed by the Parking Commission in May 2008 and was never approved by a vote of the commission. At that time, residents expressed concerns and a later BSRA survey of residents indicated clear opposition to motorcycle parking on side streets. There is a rumor of the planned removal of the bus stop in front of the library. Also discussed was the plan to implement valet parking adjacent to Bono's restaurant. There was discussion of the many absences and lack of representation by Jeanette Gavin, who is supposed to represents residents on the Parking Commission. A motion by Larry Jordan to request the Mayor to replace Jeanette was approved with seven aye votes and one abstention. Nancy Buchanan, BSBA representative, announced the schedule of several future BSBA events. Secretary Jeff Miller discussed plans to amend the Association bylaws as proposed by the Bylaws Committee. The proposed changes are in response to concerns expressed by members following the last two annual Executive Board elections, to improve the rules and procedures that caused some of the confusion and complaints. The proposed changes are in four categories: 1. Membership boundaries The Geographical Definition will be clarified: Residences on both sides of the boundary streets are within the BSRA membership boundaries. 2. Executive Board eligibility The eligibility requirements for the Executive Board will be changed: 1. Second Street commercial property owners are not allowed on the Executive Board. 2. Second Street business owners or managers are not allowed on the Executive Board. 3. Election Procedures These changes will be made to clarify the Executive Board election process: 1. nominees must be declared one month in advance of the election 2. votes will be allowed for nominees ONLY: no write-in candidates 3. election will be conducted by an Election Committee 4. Executive Board takes office the month following the election 4. Voting Procedures Language regarding vote counting will be standardized, in these paragraphs: 3.1.G, 3.1.O, 6.5, 6.6, 8, 10.1 A motion by Jeff Miller was approved unanimously to schedule a General Membership meeting to amend the bylaws, authorize expenditures not to exceed $600, and authorize the Bylaws Committee to complete the details of the meeting, agenda, and procedures. City of Long Beach Traffic Programs Officer Sumire Gant and volunteer Allan Crawford explained planned improvements to several areas in Long Beach to promote and facilitate bicycling, including signage and bicycle lane designations. Video slides were shown illustrating details of the plans, made possible by grants of $10 million, dedicated to bicycle-specific projects. Details may be found on the web site "bikelongbeach.org". Secretary Jeff Miller discussed inaccuracies in the recent article in the Grunion Gazette about the BSRA-BSBA Committee. Activity by the committee is currently on hold, because of lack of any response by the BSBA to these requests from the BSRA: 1. Request to share newsletters, agendas, minutes, and bylaws with BSRA 2. Request to include BSRA on the BSBA meeting agenda to give status report 3. Request to work together on "Shop Local" campaign 4. Request to discuss improvements to Christmas Parade seating problems Joel Colbert, moderator at the BSRA-BSBA Committee meetings, spoke to give his views of the committee. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Recording Secretary
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