Meeting Minutes - September 9, 2003

In Attendance

Board Members

Tom Clifton (CCA), Sharon Willey (SJSU), Ken Podgorsek (CCA), Judy Conner (at large), Nancy Hickey (at large) , Beth Shafran-Mukai (at large), Angela Harper (SJSU), Lisa Jensen (at large).

Guests

Anh Nguyen (PRNS), Thomas Johnston (PRNS), Greg Peacock (Code Enforcement), Walker Kellog, Laura Lam, Candy Russell, Sergeant Pete Aguliar (SJPD), Gene ??? (VTA), Officer Lyn ???

Board Members Absent

David Dudek (SUN), David Guitierez (income property)

Minutes

Sharon Willey moved that the July Minutes be approved as written. Beth Shafran-Mukai seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Police Update

Sergeant Aguliar reported that there have been burglaries targeting elderly. While there haven't been any in Central district. Two people are in custody. If you see suspicious activity call the police. Ken Podgorsek pointed out the problems with parties in the neighborhood on 12th St. and in the Walgreens parking lot on 17th St. Sergeant Aguliar's phone number is 277-4272. The Traffic enforcement number is 277 4341.

Foster Parents Presentation

Representatives from the Santa Clara County Foster Care program presented information about the program. There are 2000 children in need of emergency or long term foster care in Santa Clara County. The goal of the Foster Care program is to reunite children with their parents and provide a safe loving environment for children.

Naming the Park Update

Representatives from SUN are meeting with Cindy on Friday to discuss the parks name. There are several new options for names, the previous names are out of the running.

Update on top 10 items

1). The park is fully funded by RDA. RDA is working with Kent England to get the park completed.

2). Construction of the Alleys has started. A drain line has been installed. The construction should be completed in a month.

3). Coyote Creek Trail runs from Watson Park to Kelly Park, it is moving forward. The trail task force has held one meeting and will meet again next month.

4). Couplet Conversion for 10th and 11th Sts. is scheduled for 2005-2006.

5). Pedestrian Corridor Improvements at 6th and Reed Sts. David Dudek was hoping to have medians added to the project, but there is no money for it. The project is still on track for bulb outs installed next year.

6). Permit Parking More blocks are getting permit parking. Lisa will work with the fraternities and sororities to help them get permits

7). Facade improvements, Ken Podgorsek reported that can't be the lead on this so is looking for a replacement. Judy Connor offered to help.

8). Install Historic style street lights. We are thinking about applying for a CDBG grant for more street lights.

9). Create Historic Districts, this project is moving forward with getting structures added to the historic inventory.

10). Community Clean-ups, we need a liaison for this project. The city is looking at city-wide annual clean ups, but it doesn't look like it is cost effective.

VTA Downtown Corridor Update

Representatives from the VTA reported that there is one more community meeting before starting the environmental impact report on the project. VTA is proposing stations at the Civic Center, 11th Street (in front of Vallero Gas Station), and in front of Walgreens. The location of replacement parking is still being decided, but it will not be on the side streets. The board questioned the need for the 11th street station. The location was picked because of the desire to have stations every five blocks. The board was also concerned about station maintenance. Lisa Jensen made a motion that the UNC tell VTA that stations must be maintained. Nancy Hickey seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote.

New Grant program

Ken Podgorsek reported that we are setting up an new grant program to deal with money that was left over from last grant program. The UNC is planning to use the United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County as a fiscal agent for the new granting program. There will be about $100K to $140K available for the new program.

Sugars Update

Ken Podgorsek reported that there was no update on Sugars.

Request for Fiscal Sponsorship for Family Giving Tree.

Tom Clifton moved that the UNC provide fiscal sponsorship for the Family Giving Tree, with the UNC treasurer being involved with all correspondence on this. Beth Shafran-Mukai seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

TK Noodle update

David Dudek reported that the developer has made substantial improvements. The UNC has written a letter on the project, Lisa Jensen will submit the letter for the board for review.

Treasurers Report

Beth Shafran-Mukai provided the Category Balances report for Sharon Willey.

SNI/PAC Update

Beth Shafran-Mukai reported that the budget for SNI is set for the next year. The PAC will be doing out reach to NACs to re-prioritize items. The PAC is also working with Planning Department on outreach to make sure that neighborhoods get early input on proposals.

SJMC Update

The City and County are beginning to look at parameters for the study of impacts of a closing the hospitals. The Head of Valley Med Center wants the parameters picked in such a way that the study shows that only a clinic is needed downtown. Cindy Chavez has said that she will not support restricting the zoning to a Hospital.

Announcements

Lisa Jensen will not be running for UNC President again. She would like the board to consider recruiting new members.

Lisa Jensen reported that Thereasa Guitierez' daughter passed away last month. The UNC expressed its condolences.

Anh Nguyen is being moved from the UNC to Evergreen. Tom Johnston is our new coordinator. Lisa Jensen stated her concerns to PRNS that we have had 4 coordinators in the past few years. UNC would like to develop a process to make sure that these changes don't happen again. Art (Tom's Supervisor) apologized for the lack of communication between PRNS and UNC on this.

Motion to Adjourn by David Dudek, Second by Beth Shafran-Mukai. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM