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Belmont Shore Residents Association MINUTES EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING February 9, 2012 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, Marvin Jones, Secretary Jeff Miller, and Treasurer Robert O'Connor. Vice President Terence Endersen and Executive Board members John Forstrom and Robert Stropky were absent. Thirty-nine additional BSRA members and visitors were present. The agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the January 12 meeting were approved. Librarian Debi Gurley-Vilander announced a talk by author Lisa See at the Main Library February 11 at 1:30 pm. She also announced the "Long Beach Reads One Book" selection this year is "Zorro", by Isabel Allende; the kickoff event will be March 22 at 7 pm at the Main Library. The Literary Women's Festival is also scheduled for March. LBPD East Division Commander Michael Beckman reviewed the details of some of the crimes in Belmont Shore in January, as reported on crimereports.com, the publicly-available web site which receives crime data from the LBPD. He described the three assaults reported in January, as well as some of the burglaries and auto thefts. Beckman announced a motorcycle noise enforcement campaign will be conducted on Second Street in the summer, in response to the numbers of noise violations and complaints. He noted the increase in property crimes observed since the return to Long Beach of some of the state prison parolees. He reported the recent East Division "community gathering" was well-attended, with over one hundred residents attending. In response to a question about police staffing, he stated that at least ten patrol vehicles are always on duty in the East Division. This month's guest speaker, Third District Councilman Gary DeLong, began by announcing tidelands funding for rebuilding the Leeway Sailing Center and the dock, LED lighting for Second Street, parking lot improvements, and rehabilitation of the Belmont Pool. He listed several possibilities for additional funding to reduce the impact of reductions in police funding. DeLong then addressed the scheduled topic: neighborhood problems caused by late-night patrons at various Second Street bars and restaurants. He asserted the problems are mostly after midnight and his goal is to end alcohol service at midnight. Derek Burnham, LB Zoning Administrator, explained the details of the zoning regulations which allow any retail location to be converted to a restaurant; two current examples are Tavern on 2 (which is expanding into the adjacent space, formerly a jewelry store, but is not yet approved) and a new restaurant planned in the former location of O My Sole, which has already been approved. Discussion followed, which showed the frustration of many residents with expansion of alcohol service and the problems being seen: increased parking problems due to extended hours and additional employees and patrons as well as rowdiness, drunkenness, littering, and worse. In New Business, Alexis Raben, owner of Quinn's Irish Pub and Grill on Nieto Ave. north of Second Street, explained her request for permission to sell alcohol until midnight; their current limit is 9 pm. She described their operation and clientele, and emphasized the local nature of their ownership and their customers and the good reputation they have developed since opening last year. She asked for the support of BSRA in expanding their sales hours. More than half of the audience expressed approval. Joy Starr announced the upcoming BSBA "Chocolate Festival and Spring Sweets" event, scheduled for March 24. Julie Maleki from Third District Councilman Gary Delong's office reported the median construction on Broadway Blvd. is behind schedule. She announced a Green Belt meeting scheduled for 6 pm on March 7 at Rogers School. Eric Forsberg, Parking Commission member, announced the LB Transit bus pass program will begin this summer. The program will provide for free rides for Second Street employees, which is expected to free up parking for business customers. He also noted a new contract for parking lot maintenance, planned art work for traffic control boxes, and planned replacement of dead and damaged sidewalk trees. Secretary Jeff Miller explained a request by Robert Stropky for funding for copying fliers for the BSRA's tree planting initiative. A motion was approved to purchase prepaid copy cards from Mailboxes Etc. for this and for future BSRA copying needs, not to exceed $110. Matt Peterson from Legends offered to supply volunteers with lunch on the day of the planting. Helpers are still needed to plant the trees; contact BSRA at mail@shoreresidents.org to volunteer. Treasurer Robert O'Connor reported the checking account balance of $3,212. Bill Sheehan reported these Beach Committee items: new entry signage is in place at the Dog Beach, as well as "no dogs" signage in prohibited areas and "paw print" markings on the pavement to direct drivers to the parking area. The next meeting is scheduled for 4 pm Thursday, March 15 at the Third Council District Nieto Avenue office. Secretary Miller read an announcement reminding cell phone users that their numbers will soon be released to telemarketers; to prevent unsolicited calls you must register your cell phone number with the "do not call" hotline at 888.382.1222. The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm. Submitted by: Jeff Miller, Secretary
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