Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

November 2002 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: November 13, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703
Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Rick Mattessich, Charles O’Neil, Patricia Duncan-Hall
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair), Fredia Smith (Treasurer), Andrea Cesar (Communications Coordinator), and Lori Lott (Secretary)
13 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

1. Meeting called to order at 7:10. Roll Call of AANA officers.

2. Introductions of those attending the meeting.

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

4. Financial Report: Presented by Fredia Smith. Balance Carried Over = $ 328.26
Current Balance (checking and savings) = $ 352.26
As a non-profit agency, the AANA may qualify for money out of the economic services fund (for operating expenses, block party, possible beautification activities, etc). Applications for the Block Grant Fund will come out on Nov. 15, and a workshop is scheduled for Dec. 4. Fredia will chair a block grant development committee, and asked for volunteers. She also reminded us that if we haven’t paid our dues for the year, she is still accepting checks.

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: No one was in attendance from the police department.

6. City of Berkeley Update: 1. Michael Caplan was unable to attend, but sent an email regarding: a. Traffic Calming: Peter Hillier has reviewed the plans designed by the former Traffic manager, and the design will NOT work. However, a new traffic-consulting firm has been hired, and he will be assigning this location for them to come up with a safe workable solution. The timing on this should be about 2 months. b. City Clean-ups: About 50 community volunteers worked along with City staff to clean-up along Sacramento St. He thanked the AANA participants. The City wants to replicate this effort in the future. It was proposed that the AANA participate in such an effort to cleanup from 1300 –1700 blocks of Alcatraz, south to the Oakland border. Anida Weyl volunteered to head a committee to work on this, and Lori will provide her with contact information for Michael Caplan. 2. Rick Mattessich and Charles O’Neil from Berkeley Housing Authority were present to provide an update on the City-owned problem property in the 1500 block of Alcatraz they discussed at the last meeting. Work has started, the vacant unit has been rehabbed and 160 tenant applicants are being screened. Further work depends on the state funding, but they are applying for block funds to carry out immediate changes. Neighbors discussed plans (and problems associated with) powered gate fences, sensor light installation, and ways to generate "pride" in the tenants, so they will clean up trash, keep an eye out for problems, etc. 3. Patricia Duncan-Hall was present from Councilmember Breland’s office to hear our issues, but had no specific messages from the councilmember’s office.

7. 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Association Update: Members from the group discussed a program they are working on to identify and contact problem property owners. So far, they have sent letters to 14, and received feedback from only 2 (one favorable, one negative). They gave the time and location of this meeting. The streets have been somewhat quieter, but neighbors still report a problem with teenagers hanging out and dealing at a specific apartment on King Street (location identified at previous meetings). The churches in the area don’t seem to want to get involved in reducing this activity.

8. New Business: 1. We have a vacant Vice Chair position, so nominations were taken. Charles Daniels was elected. (11 for, 0 against, 1 abstention). Ron will contact Councilmember Breland to have her come to do the swearing in ceremony. 2. Andrea heard (through the grapevine) that the City would be tearing up sections of Alcatraz to replace sewer pipes.

9. Next Meeting (a holiday potluck) is scheduled for December 11, 7:00 p.m. at the Over 60 Health Center.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.