Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

February 2003 Minutes

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

Minutes of Meeting: February 12, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Over 60 Health Center: 3260 Sacramento St. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley: Patrick Keilch
AANA Officers: Ron Casimere (Chair) and Lori Lott (Secretary)
3 Alcatraz Avenue Neighbors/Visitors

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: Motion to pass on reading minutes passed unanimously . Copies were distributed.

4. Financial Report: Ron read a letter from Fredia Smith in which whe requested a leave of absence. She reported that she is enrolled in classes on Wednesday nights, and will therefore be unable to attend the AANA meetings until June. Motion was made to accept Fredia's request for a leave of absence, which passed unanimously.

5. City of Berkeley Police Update: No one was present from the Police Dept.

6. City of Berkeley Update: A) Patrick Keilch (Deputy Director of Public Works) was present to follow-up on Public Works and sewer points raised at our last meeting. He had checked on specific cases mentioned a the last meeting, and reported that the main sewer lines and "lower" laterals [City's responsibility] were routed out twice within the past year (last time early in December 2002). He also confirmed that the mains were replaced in the 70s or 80s, so replacement isn't scheduled for MANY years. The pipes are technically OK, but can be problematic in the "flat-lands". Important to keep things as clear as possible. Often, problems occur in homes and apartments where people flush things they shouldn’t'! (e.g. diapers, paper towels!!) Problems with trees should be reported to the Parks Dept. Patrick reminded us that if we have problems with sewer backups, storm drains, call the 24 hour line: 644-6620. B) Michael Caplan was not in attendance (this meeting was held on a COB holiday, so Neighborhood Service Liaisons had the day off) but he sent Lori an email regarding Traffic Calming Issue, and the possibility of scheduling a Wednesday meeting between South Berkeley neighborhood groups and Peter Hillier. Motion was made to devote one of our regular meeting nights to such a meeting passed unanimously. Lori will email Michael suggesting March 12 or April 9 as possible meeting dates.

7. 62nd / 63rd Street Neighborhood Association Update: No one was present from the 62nd / 63rd Street group.

8. New/ Ongoing Business: A) Neighborhood Cleanup: Committee head Anida was unable to attend this meeting, but she emailed Lori information to present at the meeting. She has been in contact with Michael Caplan. The City will provide dumpster, gloves, some hand tools, and help us to design posters and flyers. We need to define the area to be cleaned, select several dates, and be willing to distribute marketing materials. Members in attendence defined the area as the area between Alcatraz (1300 - 1600 blocks) and the area bordered by Alcatraz / King/ 62nd / 63rd/ and California Streets. Possible dates selected were: April 5, 12, or 19. First priority = April 12, second choice = April 5. Lori will email this information to Anida.
B) Block Party: Ron spoke to Darnella, and she will again serve as entertainment coordinator. Possible Block Party dates were discussed. Saturday, May 17th was selected for the date IF it is NOT Malcolm X weekend. Otherwise, May 10th will be selected for the Block Party. C) Crime Information: A neighbor reported that a drug dealer has set up operation at the bus stop shelter at Alcatraz and Adeline. A description was provided, and Lori will email this information to Ofc. Rittenhouse.

9. Next Meeting is scheduled for March 12, 7:00 p.m. at the Over 60 Health Center.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m