Lakeshore/Lake Park BID Minutes for April, 2007

Call to Order & Minutes Approval

The meeting was called to order at 1:10 PM. Present were Barry, Steve, Beebee (security guard), Jim Ratliff, Claudia, Luly, Pamela, Janet (East Bay Computer), Carol, Joanne, and Pamela. The minutes were tentatively approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Steve reports that we are somewhat ahead in our budget, and that everything’s on track for this year.

Pamela asked if the BID could consider paying our security guard to be on duty 8 hours a day. The merchants have been meeting and are very concerned about security and safety issues. They think perhaps the guard should come earlier in the day, possibly 10 to 6. Steve said that it would be expensive and add about $6000 per year.

Jim suggested that the guard needs to be more visible by wearing a large embroidered “SECURITY” LOGO. It was decided that it should be Lakeshore specific and say “Lakeshore District Security”. John Fabela at Fabmation can embroider it for us. Barry suggested he wear a beret. Many board members think he should wear a lighter color uniform. Beebee said that he will be provided a white uniform for the summer.

Steve then proposed that the BID authorize the extension of one hour a day to 8 hours for a 3 month period since the merchants have asked for it. It was seconded and approved by the board for a trial period starting May 1st. We will alert the community to the new hours. The merchants will be holding their next meeting on April 29th at 5 PM.

Security Update

Pamela said that she and Hoang Banh, our NSC, visited merchants with Police Tech, Eddie Simlin, offering free merchant security surveys. Many merchants made appointments for the surveys. They were able to visit only 1/3 of the merchants over a period of 2 hours but will return. Eddie can also offer merchant safety trainings to the group.

Steve remarked that the Juice Deli which was broken into one night cost $3000 to have the window replaced. Janet reported that the boy in the wheelchair came into her store and hassled them to give him various items. Pamela said that Hoang and Officer Kim are aware of his aggressive panhandling and truancy and Officer Kim has warned him. The merchants are considering putting window signs up encouraging shoppers not to give to panhandlers.

Carol said that many merchants are not aware that our guard has a beeper and how to use it to call him to come quickly. We will send out a new flyer informing them. Joanne said that the police are concerned that now robbers know they are easy targets and that they must change their way of doing things.

It was suggested that crime be one of the topics for the Annual Meeting in June. We have scheduled that for June 25th. Pamela will talk to the church and Mezze.

Construction Problems

Pamela reports that this week construction was going on in the intersection with Trestle Glen and Lakeshore while Starbucks was given permission to block parking spots one lane over, and they have expanded beyond their permitted space. Merchants are upset with the lack of parking (since the new TJ’s site is also under construction with much of the parking gone) and the blocking of their stores. Joanne says that the City will fine Starbucks for exceeding their permits. We need a way for all city construction which eliminates parking or changes traffic patterns to be flagged to the council office and the BID.

Sansome-Pacific is adding space for another pocket park on the other side of the parking lot entrance. We still don’t know who will share the space with TJ’s but we know that Walgreen’s has the first right of refusal. We would prefer to relocate the Longs than put it out of business.

Ken Betts is looking for a tenant for his former Baskin-Robbins. If a food use wants to go in at this point, zoning could be a problem as he has lost the grandfathered permission for that use. It is an R-60 district.

The Indian curry restaurant will open in 10 days. Dr. Fong has bought 3270 Lakeshore.

Planning for the next annual meeting (June 25th) must begin. Pamela asked for suggestions on speakers.

Barry and Steve want to see the new directory board up as soon as possible. Please ask John what the hold-up is.

The next BID meeting is on May 15th at 1 PM.