Meeting Minutes - December 9, 2003

In Attendance

Board Members

Tom Clifton (CCA),Trisha Wells (SJSU), Ken Podgorsek (CCA), Judy Conner (at large), Nancy Hickey (at large) , Beth Shafran-Mukai (at large), Angela Harper (SJSU), Lisa Jensen (at large), David Dudek (SUN), Walker Kellogg (East Campus)

Guests

Cindy Chavez (Councilmember District 3), Sue Eakins (District 3), Steve Roemer (PRNS), Thomas Johnston (PRNS).

Board Members Absent

David Guitierez (income property)

Meeting Called to order at 6:15 PM
Minutes

Minutes for November and October were accepted as amended.

Neighborhood Improvement Grant Contract and Fiscal Sponsor:

Ken Podgorsek presented the status of the grant program and said the schedule had been revised. The application presentation to the city council had been postponed to January 13, 2004. The timeline goals had been shifted to begin outreach March 9, 2004 with a application deadline of April 13, 2004.

UNC Treasurers report

Ken Podgosek presented the UNC treasurers report.

O'Donnell's Gardens:

Councilmember Cindy Chavez and Steve Roemer (PRNS) presented an overview on the current status of the park. Kent Gordon England has indicated significant modifications to the existing master plan, which would drive construction start date to approximately 3/15/2005.

Councilmember Chavez presented 3 options for completion of the park

England, begin 3/15/2005, complete 11/2005. Preliminary cost estimate $650,000 with substantial additions in donations of labor and amendments. Would require community meeting for review of new master plan, new construction documents.

Existing master plan, begin 4/19/2004, complete 12/2004, cost $700,000. No amendments to plan.

Existing master plan with additional funding and community efforts, begin 7/21/2004, complete 2/2005. With community involvement would add amenities such as upgrade gazebo, additional pollinator friendly plantings, upgraded children's water feature, appropriate art.

Discussion included concerns of potential loss of funding, inclusion of amenities, appreciation for Kent's efforts and potential for Kent to work on an alternative project in the neighborhood. Following discussion a straw poll was taken in which support was expressed for option 3 and a sub-committee was formed to advise on the amenities to be included. The sub-committee is composed of Lisa Jensen, Walker Kellogg, Judy Conner, Massoud Shahidi, Sandra Soellner, Norman Finnance, Veronica Garza and Maria Carbara.

SNI PAC update - Beth Shafran-Mukai

Ongoing money issues and uncertainty in the face of state budget crisis. PAC to share concerns with SJ Council regarding Putting Families Back to Work initiative.

San Jose Medical Center - Nancy Hickey

Tech Advisory Board committee approved at SJMCC meeting. Tech committee to strategize future efforts

Oral Communications

Tom Clifton- UNSCC accepted UNC application for general membership

David Dudek - Jennifer Vasquez, David Dudek and Lindsey Fonick successfully wrote and submitted CDBG application for street lighting.

David Dudek- SJSU has housing along North Fourth and Eighth/Reed which could benefit from addition of green materials in parking strip. Perhaps an alternative to the existing cyclone fencing around parking garage.

Lisa Jensen- SJSU construction issues have remained an issue since construction began. Trucks are staging and routing in unapproved areas and are detrimental to the existing neighborhoods. Comment from Trisha Wells (SJSU) perhaps a SJPD officer to issue tickets may assist in enforcement.