Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

May 2001 Minutes

Meeting minutes

Minutes of Meeting: May 9, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703


Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Thomas Myers, Ronnie Turner, Carl Magruder and Officer Lewis
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer) and Lori Lott (Secretary).
Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:15. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting

3. Reading of the minutes by Lori Lott. Motion to adopt the minutes passed unanimously.

4. City of Berkeley Update:
Ronnie Turner: Adeline Street Update: After August 15, we'll know if the plan for senior housing next to the police substation will go through. If so, 3000 sq. ft. will be available for use by community (e.g. neighborhood youth programs). No update on the burnt out property at 1616 Alcatraz.

Police Update: Officer Lewis was in attendance. He isn't our beat officer, so doesn't know the specifics of our area. He reported a reduction in street level crime at Adeline and near Alcatraz (police are doing constant "buy busts").

Several neighbors reported that suspicious activity is steadily increasing at California and Alcatraz. Also reports of people sitting and drinking in public at Ellis and Alcatraz. Keep calling in! Officer Lewis will pass these reports along.

A neighbor complained about weekend noise at house on California near Alcatraz. He has called in complaints a number of times, but it is an on-going problem. Officer Lewis said the neighbor can file a complaint, but it's much better to try to work out a compromise with the residents. It would be helpful to know Berkeley Municipal Codes on the subject before meeting with the people. If a compromise can't be worked out, we can ask Thomas Myers (Neighborhood Liaison) to step in.

In a related matter, neighbors asked what can be done about very loud stereos in cars. Call in a noise complaint (use regular police line: 981-5900) with license plate number, description of car and driver.

Thomas Myers introduced Thelma Ferguson, Elsie Bell and Gloria Ashford: members of the South Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation. The SBNDC owns Lawrence Station and Rosewood Apartments, and they have their hands full managing these housing developments. The SBNDC helped with the flags on Adeline, works with first time home buyers, are involved in community outreach, and will be assisting us financially with the Block Party. Thomas suggests that the AANA and SBNDC establish connections that will be mutually beneficial. The SBNDC meets the 2nd Monday of every month, 7:00 pm at 1767 Alcatraz.

The SBNDC also announced a seminar "Learn to Start Your Own Business", to be held Thursday, July 26th from 6 -10 pm at South Berkeley Senior Center.


Carl Magruder from the Ecology Center was present to pass out information on reuse and recycling, and to announce the Cash For Trash Contest. Weekly prize is $250, and if it isn't awarded, it goes into the following week: The award is currently $2500!

5. Financial Report:
Fredia Smith reported that our business license is inactive, but functioning well as is. However, we need to set up by-laws for our organization.
Balance Carried Over = $196.73
Expenditures = $ 17.47
Current Balance = $196.73

6. Other Business:
A. Block Party Update: Plans for the Block Party are proceeding. Block party committee members provided a summary. The next Block Party Meeting was scheduled for Monday, May 14, 7-8 pm at 1633 Alcatraz (Ron and Ladelles's house). All were invited to attend.

B. Website Update: Ken Huie provided a brief overview of our website. Check it out at www.neighborhoodlink.com.. (Access our page by entering our zip code under "Find Your Neighborhood".)

C. Future concerns to address in our neighborhood. Due to the length of this meeting, a motion was made to table this until next meeting. Passed unanimously.

7. Next Meeting is scheduled for June 13 at 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

8. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.