Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

September 2000 Meeting

Minutes of Meeting: September 13, 2000

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association
Minutes of Meeting: September 13, 2000, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Lee Hightower, Ronnie Turner, Jeff Knowles
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), Lori Lott (Secretary)

1. Meeting called to order at 7:18. 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:
a. Lee Hightower reported that we are unable to use the Berkeley Safe Neighborhood Committee for our tax ID number, but he is looking into getting the AANA a DBA license. Under this plan, if we document disbursements in the meeting minutes, and raise less than $650 per year, we wouldn't have to file tax returns. If this option doesn't work out, he will look into other options.
b. Ronnie Turner informed us that the Traffic Calming Workshop for our area is Sept. 18, 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the South Berkeley Senior Center. He also reported that $1.5 million dollars has been allocated for pedestrian lighting on Adeline, (62nd to Russell). The project will take about 4 months and should be completed by late winter or early spring.

5. Traffic Update: Traffic Calming Alternate "B" at Alcatraz Ave. and King St.
Jeff Knowles presented a diagram of an alternate plan for traffic calming at Alcatraz and King St. Opened the floor to discussion.
Several concerns were raised by residents and addressed by Jeff:
A. How can paint slow down drivers? The narrowing of the lanes and hatched lines along the curb will make drivers feel that they are driving faster than they are. Also, restricted parking will improve sight distance, and make it easier to see pedestrians in the crosswalk.
B. How long will the intersection be monitored? This design is experimental (i.e. hasn't been tried in Berkeley). There will be before and after traffic studies. He expects an immediate effect, but will monitor it over time to ensure that it has a lasting effect. A radar study will be done 2 months after the change. The process will take 6 months.
C. . If it doesn't work, will it be changed back? Yes. Initially, the lines will be painted (which lasts about 6 months). If the plan works, the paint will be replaced with longer-lasting thermoplastic. If it doesn't work, the street will return to its former state (i.e. parking restored).
The Transportation Commission has already approved this plan. If we agree, Jeff will contact the Alcatraz neighbors whose parking will be affected.
A motion was made to approve the traffic design with the above mentioned time line (pending contacts with property owners). 11 in favor, 1 opposed. Motion carried.
There was also further discussion of other ways of minimizing traffic on Alcatraz. Jeff Knowles assured us that his office will be looking into traffic patterns to try to determine where people are going and to devise better plans to get them there.

6. Financial Report: Fredia Smith
Balance on hand: $202.73 (but since we don't have our bank account established yet, checks for AANA dues have not yet been cashed).

7. New Business:
A. Councilmember Margaret Breland is running for re-election. The AANA is endorsing Margaret, because of her long-standing involvement in our group and her interest and assistance in improving our neighborhood. Information on Margaret's previous work, plan for the future, and campaign was disseminated, and a sign-up sheet for volunteers to help with the campaign was passed around. Copies are still available.
B. Two residents were present to complain about water being pumped out of the basement of the Over 60 Center. This water picks up oil, dirt and fallen leaves, causing a stinking, rotting mess in front of their homes (1300 and 1400 blocks of Alcatraz). Ronnie Turner stated that he wasn't aware of the problem, and would look into it.
C. There were also some complaints about the street sweeper not having been to parts of the street in 3 months, but this may be due to parked cars on the street.
D. The flyer for our meeting will be modified to state that the meeting will start at 7:00 pm sharp (and the doors downstairs will be locked at 7:20).

8. Next Meeting is scheduled for October 11 at 7:00 pm at the Over 60 Health Center.

9. Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm.