Meeting Minutes - January 14, 2003

Meeting called to order at 6:32 p.m.
In Attendance

UNC Board Members

Lisa Jensen (SUN), Ken Podgorsek (CCA), David Dudek (SUN), David Gutierrez (income property), Beth Shafran-Mukai (at large), Nancy Hickey (At large), Angela Harper (SJSU), Sharon Willey (SJSU)

Guests

Laura Lam (District 3), Anh Nguyen (PRNS), Jennifer Vasquez, Greg Peacock (Code Enforcement), Sandy Perry, Mandy Woods

UNC Board Members Absent

Tom Clifton (CCA), Elizabeth Lynch (at large), Judy Conner (at large).

Minutes

Two changes were requested for the minutes from November and December. Angela Harper requested that “frat” be changed to fraternity under Announcements in the Nov minutes, and Sharon Willey noted that “Pugliese” is the last name of the SJSU presenter referred to as Beth under Old Business on Nov 12. David Dudek motioned that we accept the changes for the November and December minutes which was seconded by Angela Harper and approved with a voice vote. Beth Shafran-Mukai requested to see minutes in advance of the meeting in order to review them.

New Business

Scott Myers-Lipton with INVST (International and National Volunteer Service Training Program) presented to the group. INVST is a one year leadership program for college students interested in service. Students usually go to El Salvador which requires fundraising so March 15th will be the 2nd annual San Jose Serve-a-thon. The time will be 9 a.m. to 12 n. Last year INVST raised $3000. Scott asked for help in identifying resources and projects. Community organizations can also use the Serve-a-thon as a fundraising opportunity where the organization keeps 75% of the funds raised while INVST receives 25%. Suggestions included planting in parking strips, by SJSU Child Care Center and trash pick ups. Call Scott at 924-5761 or email him at smlipton@sjsu.edu with any additional suggestions.

Brainstorming: Focus for 2003 - The UNC has approximately $100K in unallocated monies from interest which must be used in beautification projects and could be plantings as the funds are not just for house projects. We’ve already allocated $250K in neighborhood grants so this is another $100K in unallocated funds. Lisa reminded the group that $50K needs to remain identified for the park. A suggestion was made to come up with a granting system including an easy approval process. One suggestion was to provide perimeter plantings or irrigation at Lowell as well as improve lighting. The 13th St NAC discussed a grant directed at youth of the community who participate in sports league teams and can’t afford the equipment. The 13th St NAC asked if UNC would be willing to work on it. The group decided to postpone brainstorming to the March meeting so we would have sufficient time to consider the options. David Gutierrez also requested that we review the Top 10 list periodically in order to share progress to date.

Reports

Nancy Hickey presented an update on the San Jose Medical Center. A brochure was developed for the December 4 forum. Nancy is working with William O’Connell to revise the brochure. Please let Nancy know of any groups willing to donate money for printing. The brochure will be presented in two weeks to the 13th St NAC on March 13th. The coalition meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.

Beth Shafran-Mukai presented an update on SNI PAC. The last meeting was December 11th. A motion was passed to send a resolution to the city to support the hospital and zoning. There was an update by the housing program regarding grants as well as an update on eminent domain. The meeting also included a discussion about how to get information out as well as how to work with the planning department. The next PAC meeting is January 22 at the church on North 5th St. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. Beth will send out minutes electronically.

Announcements:

Greg Peacock: Our SNI Code Enforcement Officer introduced himself to the group to make sure we knew he’s available to hear any concerns. He can be reached by email at greg.peacock@ci.sj.ca.us.

Sandy Perry spoke about the march for healthcare on MLK Day in January.

Ken Podgorsek shared that the next UNC meeting will be a joint meeting with the Civic Plaza PAC and 13th Street NAC at the First United Methodist on North 5th Street at 5:30 p.m. There will be two items on the agenda - issues regarding off site parking garage and brainstorming redevelopment opportunities available inside the civic plaza redevelopment area. A recommendation is being made to City Council that the Redevelopment Agency and board consult with the 13th St NAC and UNC as advisory after the Civic Plaza PAC sunsets to provide citizen oversight.

Beth Shafran-Mukai noted that anything we can do to support the Horace-Mann neighborhood would be appreciated, particularly with the displacement of homes and businesses in the area as well as an increase in crime. This association is trying to rebuild/recreate their neighborhood.

Anh Nguyen asked the group to complete a survey regarding youth services.

Angela Harper announced that the Inter-Fraternity Council and Panhellenic Council would be hosting a president’s/council retreat on Mon & Tuesday. She asked that any topics of concern be shared with her. Lisa Jensen asked Angela to thank the members for their good work.

Sharon Willey invited everyone to the SJSU Festival of the Bricks on January 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 9th/San Carlos.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.