Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting

MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE Van Tour 3:00 p.m. (Meet behind City Hall) Potluck Dinner 6:00 p.m. Follow-up Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2013 7:00 PM CASANOVA OAK KNOLL PARK CENTER, 735 RAMONA AVENUE MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA NIP Representatives & Aguajito Oaks NIP Rep Morgan Alternates Present: Aguajito Oaks NIP Alt Foss Alta Mesa NIP Rep Heuer Casanova-Oak Knoll NIP Rep Ruccello Casanova Oak-Knoll NIP Alt Brassfield Casanova Oak-Knoll NIP Alt Carlsen Deer Flats NIP Rep Pollacci Del Monte Beach NIP Rep Fields Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande NIP Rep Alley Fisherman Flats NIP Rep Smith Monterey Vista NIP Rep Jannasch Monterey Vista NIP Alt Simons New Monterey NIP Rep Dwight New Monterey NIP Alt Garden Oak Grove NIP Alt Green Old Town NIP Rep Harrison Old Town NIP Alt Ricketson Skyline Ridge NIP Rep Conway Villa Del Monte NIP Rep Mucha Staff Members Present: NIP Staff Coordinator Reeves, Recording Secretary Allen, Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo CALL TO ORDER NIP Staff Coordinator Reeves called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Thirteen neighborhoods were represented, with Skyline Forest not represented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 28, 2013 Richard Ruccello made a motion to approve the March 28, 2013 minutes as submitted. Hans Jannasch seconded the motion. The motion was approved by thirteen Representatives, with Skyline Forest absent. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments for items not on the agenda. Joanne Garden, New Monterey NIP Alternate, reminded everyone that the NIP was designed to help and  Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 support the neighborhoods and was the sole purpose of why the program was created. Tim McFadden, Old Town resident and member of CERT, said he was here on behalf of CERT to answer any questions the Committee may have about CW-11 CERT Container Solar Radio System. Ms. Fields asked how long the radios would last, and Mr. McFadden responded that they would last for decades and the only reason they needed to be replaced was to meet Federal mandates to switch to narrow band radio. He also explained that the radios need power to charge and operate and that the solar panels for all CERT boxes could be installed for what it would cost to hook up one box to PG&E. Lee Whitney, Glenwood resident and CERT member, thanked the Committee for the projects in her neighborhood that were approved last year and have been completed. She spoke in support of CW-11 and stressed how important communication is in the event of a disaster situation. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 2. Purpose of Follow-up Meeting Mr. Reeves said the purpose of the meeting was to review the projects for Aguajito Oaks through New Monterey and for the Committee to receive public comments on those projects. NIP INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 3. NIP Spokesperson Reports Spokesperson Heuer reported that he attended the Mayor’s meeting on April 8 and briefed the Mayor and Chairs of the status of this year’s NIP, and advised the group that work is progressing on the backlog of NIP projects. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 4. Van Tour Follow-up to Discuss Specific Projects in Aguajito Oaks – New Monterey Neighborhoods and Take Public Input Mr. Reeves listed the projects reviewed on the van tour. The Representatives reviewed their projects and received public comments for each neighborhood after the review of the projects from that neighborhood was completed. Aguajito Oaks through Casanova Oak Knoll projects were reviewed with no public comments. DMB-1 Roberts Replant – Ms. Fields advised that if DMB-11 was approved, this project would not be necessary. Mr. Reeves questioned that DMB-11 was only for the Roberts Avenue entrance, not for the section of Roberts Avenue proposed for replanting. DMB-11 Roberts Entrance Improvements – Per the discussion for DMB-1, Mr. Reeves said the estimate is only for the entrance improvements, and asked that Ms. Fields confirm if the project is for both the entry and exit sections of Roberts Avenue prior to the next meeting, so staff can adjust the estimate and project title. Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 2 Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments for Del Monte Beach projects. Mike Brassfield, Casanova Oak Knoll Alternate, spoke to DMB-6 DMB Boardwalk Repair/Sand Mitigation and asked what happens to the sand that blows up onto the streets. Mr. Marcuzzo advised that the sand is put back, but Ms. Fields said it does not get to the beach area, and much of the sand drifts up through the neighborhood and is not recovered. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments for this neighborhood. After review of Del Monte Grove Laguna Grande projects, Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments. Mike Brassfield questioned if the Monterey Regional Parks should pay for part of DMG-2 Laguna Grande Park Soccer Field Artificial Turf and Ms. Alley advised that the original estimate for the project is for $300,000 with $200,000 coming from other sources. Gary Carlson, Casanova Oak Knoll NIP Alternate, said that soccer playing was not allowed on this field for years, and that it was the adults playing on the field that were destroying it, not the kids. He also asked that the Committee consider DMG-3 English Ave 200/300 Blk Concept Design Plan because it is a dangerous street. Joanne Garden asked if geese avoid the artificial turf, and Mr. Marcuzzo said they stay around the edges. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments for this neighborhood. FF-2 FF Traffic Calming Plan – Hank Smith explained the importance of the project and said it was the neighborhood’s #1 priority. Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments for Fisherman Flats projects. Gary Carlson spoke in support of FF-2, but cautioned that it could take many years to implement. Joanne Garden questioned the safety of wood chips for the tot lots. Mr. Marcuzzo assured the Committee that the material used is high tech and does not splinter. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments for this neighborhood. MV-1 Pacific (Soledad to Via Esperanza) Install Curb/Gutter No Sidewalk – Mr. Jannasch said all six affected residents support the project, but the proponent does not want parking on the west side of the street. MV-2 MV Underground Utilities – Mr. Jannasch said the project would be pulled so the residents could complete the legal processes. MV-4 Munras Sidewalk Connection – Mr. Jannasch said the applicant’s phone number is no longer in service and he has not been able to contact him. MV-6 Via Gayuba Sidewalk Ph 2 – Mr. Jannasch said all the affected residents support the project except for two. He also reminded the Committee that this was one of Councilmember Haffa’s priorities. Mr. Jannasch stated that his neighborhood priorities would be as follows: Priority #1 MV-11 Priority #2 MV-1 Priority #3 MV-5 Priority #4 MV-7 Priority #5 MV-6 Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments for Monterey Vista projects. Barbara Moore, submitter of MV-11 Soledad Drainage Improvement, said the flooding is getting Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 3 Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 progressively worse. She said that the project meets the January 15, 2013 Council direction to the NIP Committee to consider storm drain projects as a priority. She also provided a copy of a petition supporting the project. Carol Jones, Monterey Vista resident, spoke in support of MV-11. She said she noticed the flood signs on Soledad, and observed that vehicles veer into the oncoming traffic to avoid the flooded areas. Mary Ann Leffel, Monterey Vista resident, also spoke in support of MV-11. She said that it is a school route with a lot of traffic and dangerous in the morning, and that many drivers are not familiar with the problems along this section of road and the need to slow down. She said potholes are forming from the water and are causing damage to vehicles. Francine Stewart, Monte Vista School Elementary Principal, spoke in support of MV-9 Monte Vista Playground Equipment, and said that the playground idea was initially prompted by parents. Nicole Fry, parent and Monte Vista PTA member, said the one small play area is not enough to meet the needs of the 160 children using the playground at one time. She said she applied for a grant twice, but was turned down, and then pursued fundraising for the additional play equipment. The Committee discussed the play equipment for Monte Vista that was funded by NIP but installed at Colton Elementary when Monte Vista was closed and asked that the cost be reduced for this project. Charles Martin, submitter of MV-8 Pacific St Bank Stabilization, spoke in support of his project and said the scope for the previously approved project for a wall along Pacific was significantly modified from his original request. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments for this neighborhood. Ms. Dwight asked to receive public comments for the New Monterey projects, but continue review of the New Monterey projects to the April 18, 2013 meeting, and the Committee concurred. Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments for New Monterey projects. Andy Cardinalli, of Belden Street, spoke in support of NM-1 Belden 300 Widening, and said the project is needed to facilitate emergency vehicles, keep traffic flowing safely, and correct the non- compliant driveways. He said sidewalks are dangerous for pedestrians and need to be replaced. Catherine and Greg Dexter, of Belden Street, spoke in opposition of the project. Mr. Dexter said he was concerned for the additional loss to the length of their driveway, and Mrs. Dexter said she did not want to lose the character of the street and was concerned about additional parking causing visibility problems for residents exiting their driveways. She said she was also concerned about the potential increase in traffic and noise if the street is widened. Sal Saia, of Belden Street, said he was undecided about NM-1, but supported NM-2 Drake Belden Open Space. He said the trees run wild and the weeds are a fire danger in the summer. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments for this neighborhood. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Richard Ruccello (Casanova Oak Knoll) had no comment. Rick Heuer (Alta Mesa) had no comment. Hank Smith (Fisherman Flats) had no comment. Jayme Fields (Del Monte Beach) had no comment. Mark Pollacci (Deer Flats) had no comment. Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 4 Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Hans Jannasch (Monterey Vista) had no comment. Sharon Dwight (New Monterey) said the van tour was very informative and thanked the Committee for all the wonderful food for the potluck. Olivia Morgan (Aguajito Oaks) had no comment. April Harrison (Old Town) had no comment. Mary Conway (Skyline Ridge) had no comment. Maxwell Green (Oak Grove) thanked everyone for the food, and staff for their hard work. Merrily Alley (Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande) had no comment. Harry Mucha (Villa Del Monte) thanked everyone for the food and staff for their hard work. NEXT MEETING Mr. Reeves said he would email answers for the follow up items from the last meeting. He said the second follow up meeting for public comments is scheduled for April 18, 2013, in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m. and will cover New Monterey through Citywide projects. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Reeves adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Allen Tom Reeves Recording Secretary NIP Staff Coordinator Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2013 5