Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

January 2003 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: January 8, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703
Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Patrick Keilch and Ofc. Rob Rittenhouse
AANA Officers: Charles Daniels (Vice-Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), and Lori Lott (Secretary)
9 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:16. Roll Call of AANA officers.
2. Introductions of those attending the meeting.
3. Reading of the minutes: Minutes read by Lori Lott. Motion to accept passed unanimously .
4. Financial Report: Presented by Fredia Smith Balance Carried Over = $ 351.26
Current Balance = $ 350.26

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: Ofc. Rob Rittenhouse reported a) Most crimes were burglaries and stolen cars. b) A citizen was robbed when walking from the BART station (very poor lighting at this location). Ofc. R. made suggestions on how to avoid being a victim, and offered to arrange a personal safety presentation if we're interested. c) He was asked about the high profile sex offender in Berkeley and for specific information re: Megan's Law. d) There is no new information on the missing Modesto woman, COB police are working with Modesto investigators. e) The last homicide of the year (in 1500 block of Alcatraz) was a domestic violence case. f) He heard complaints about recent annoying loud "whistling muffler" cars. He reported that the BPD will be pulling over cars with "loud stereos" (and whistling vehicles will probably be included). Ofc. R. will email Lori further information re: b, c, and f above.

6. City of Berkeley Update: A) Patrick Keilch (Deputy Director of Public Works) was present to discuss PW issues in general, and specifically Alcatraz Ave's sewer system. He handed out flyers on Sewer Laterals (addressing the importance of property owners keeping the "upper" laterals [owner's responsibility: up to the clean-out at the curb] cleared out. "Rooter out" frequently, and consider using chemicals that kill/inhibit roots). Neighbor questions/comments included: a) several complaints about repeated back-ups at specific locations (he noted addresses, contact information, and will look into these). b) schedule for sewer line replacement: (he stated that the main sewer lines and "lower" laterals [City's responsibility] were replaced in the 70s or 80s [he will double check on this], so replacement isn't scheduled for MANY years. He also reported that the video assessment (of 75 addresses) found severe roots, but no breaks or separations in the pipes.) c) Roots of City trees adjacent to clean-outs are causing the problem. One property owner stated that replacement of private pipes may be City's responsibility if City tree roots caused damage. Few people want to get rid of our trees, but something must be done. d) A neighbor reported that when City replaced sidewalks on King St, many roots underneath, but worker said it wasn't his job (Patrick said that City often contracts out, and those workers only do what their told. Public Works is trying to be more "multi-faceted" and will look into that address). e) How often are storm drains cleaned? (Only 2 people for City during dry season, but more frequent during winter. He was given specific intersections to check [Alcatraz & Ellis, Idaho, Baker]: Reminded us to dispose of leaves properly!) Public Works Customer Service #: 644-6620 B. Michael Caplan was unable to attend, but sent apologies via Ofc. R. and Patrick.

7. 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Association Update: Residents reported that the neighborhood is starting to get noisy again (especially in the past 2 weeks). A known drug dealer has recently been released from jail, and already appears to be "back in business".

8. New/ Ongoing Business: a) Fredia reported that all members except 2 voted not to pursue the Block Grant this year. b) Members who are also members of Community Action Team (CAT) reported that the data input /analysis for South Berkeley survey is complete and a community forum will be scheduled in the near future (February). Several members attended a meeting on media advocacy (how to get messages across to the media without letting them take control of the discourse. c) The City of Berkeley will be giving out free bike helmets to children. Contact person is Denisha Delane, and Lori will invite her to attend the next meeting to give us information about the program. d) A brief mention was made about getting ready to make plans for the next block party.

9. Next Meeting is scheduled for February 12, 7:00 p.m. at the Over 60 Health Center.
10. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m