• April 9, 2009 - Notes
• March 12, 2009 - Notes
• February 12, 2009 - Notes
• January 8, 2009 - Notes
• Prior Meetings - December 11, 2008 back to January 11, 2007
• Prior Meetings - December 14, 2006 back to January 13, 2005
• Prior Meetings - November 11, 2004 back to June 13, 2002
• Prior Meetings - May 9, 2002 back to April 12, 2001
• Prior Meetings - March 8, 2001 back to November 9, 2000
• Prior meetings - October 12, 20000 back to January 13, 2000

4-9-2009 NRBBA Notes

Attendees: Clark, Kathy, April, Matt, Pat A, Pat M, Erin, John P, Aaron (City), Don, Vivian, Cynthia*, Sheila, Rob (City), Mitch, Rob S*, Nelson (Planning Commission), Paul; Ian, Steve, Fred*, (Yours truly). Clark presiding. * New

Handouts: (Kathy) Meeting Agenda & prior meeting's Minutes, SpringFest Discount Coupon, (Don) Treasurer's report - Statement of Cash Flow, (City) Article 6 Sign Regulations, RBFD Disaster Preparedness for Small Business, (Ernie) Veterans Memorial Task Force brochure, (Erin) "It takes a village to raise a foster child" flyer (April 21 7:00-8:45pm at Main Library).

Don (Treasurer's report): Handout. Last month NRBBA activated as non-profit organization (501c6); no past fees or taxes due.

Rob: (Was out of country last month) South Bay Aquatic bids soon; Expo Cleaners painting, glazing, signage; Clark Adams paperwork (work scope); HPP, ER moving along; DPL new client.

Ian: (With shaved head from fund-raiser) Next month Business Watch. Busy. RB crime stats low compared to last 10 years (despite recent national news).

Clark: Kathy: Handout. SpringFest Chili Cookoff canceled due to Health Dept logistics and only one application so far. Food vendors: Capt Kidds, Italian Ice, ... Stage pretty much booked. Classic Cars (via Pat A). Water Booth still needs volunteers, especially Sunday. Prospect banner up. Ernie: Beer Garden staffing via Rotary ...

John P, Aaron, Nelson: Handout. Sign Ordinance for Planning Commission re sandwich signs (versus sign twirlers) -- not allowed but complaints: small business places, signs removed, business complains. Is there another way? Planning Commission will vote in May. Discussion of business objectives, issues, setbacks behind parking lots, grass area versus sidewalk. John P: Possible specific district solution due to consistency of situation in that area. Ernie: (Legacy) issues have been blight, taste (style), proliferation. Paul: Well, empty retail space IS blight. Clark: Those of us on Artesia and Aviation take action to talk with neighboring businesses. Ernie: Possible questionnaire? Paul: Real example photos of what in past told not to do? Planning Commission meets 3rd Thursday of month.

Steve: "Cleaning up" Post Office on Artesia: facade, interior. "South Bay South" refers to south end of Galleria parcel: cinema, bowling alley. Aaron: "Replacement project." Expo Design buyers -- new tenant. Steve (Council): Fee increase for trash collection to fund steam cleaning on boulevards and remove trash in parks; put to ballot by 3-2 vote. $400K grant for new bus benches and shelters. Ruxton units started to sell [the 27-unit townhome development or the 192-unit senior condo development?]. "Smart-tesia" or "Art-tesia" in City's Strategic Plan, ala Riviera art group. Idea NRBBA business club: visit all businesses and receive some benefit. Shell Station issue with MTA right turn lane. Working for equity for project $ around City, north and south. There's a vacancy on Planning Commission -- would be good to get someone in District 4. Props 1A-1F re State and City funds sharing. "State broken." Don: Connection with Measure R (sales tax 1% increase)? Matt: Does not rescind, just not extend.

Matt: Proposed trash increase: "218 vote" then back to Council. Consolidated Waste contractual versus cleaning service. What falls under Prop 218.

John P: Successful Economic Summit conference -- DVD available, books -- contact RBCC. RBCC Installation in June -- Mike Morales will be new chair. Web 2.0 Forum.

Sheila: Woman's Club RBFD fund-raiser May 16 (last year's video).

Erin: Handout. Demolition of old library within 30 days. (Aaron: Recycling requirement for debris.) Reorganizing volunteer program -- long or short term, as well as community service students (>= 14 years old).

3-12-2009 NRBBA Notes

Attendees: April, Don, Clark, Kathy, Pat M, Mitch, Sheila, Chantel & Frank, Erin, Vivian; Jawad, George & ___ (Classic Plumbing), John P, Michael, Paul, Mike P, Cecilia, Mansour, Pat A; Ian, (Yours truly). Clark presiding.

Handouts: (Kathy) Meeting Agenda & prior meeting's Minutes, (Don) Treasurer's report - Statement of Cash Flow, (Paul) Paulo Italy's Favorite Coffee: Gourmet Premium coffee where you least expect it!

Don (Treasurer's report): State acknowledged NRBBA as non-profit organization.

Clark: Comments on State of the City breakfast. John P: Challenges ahead. Clark: Kathy & Clark attended Tuesday's Council meeting to promote SpringFest and Holiday Lights concerns re median electrical. SpringFest picking up booths, need sponsors. Kathy: Council chili? Chili Cookoff Grand Prize 4-day cruise & trophies; just bring pot of chili -- to enter [but fill out application form and tell Kathy ASAP]; need volunteers for water booth (3-hour shift) for Saturday & Sunday. Saturday Battle of the Bands; Sunday Kathy's Critters, Children's Stage, Jump Kids Fitness.

Pat A: Tuesday's Council meeting City Manager update -- forecast 2010 maybe $4.5M down, planning (based on past cycles) hopefully ready (reserves, ...). Stimulus funds to repave Inglewood Ave ... National League of Cities meeting in Washington: Councilmember Diels, City Manager, ... UUT passed with ~75%.

John P: Economic Development Council -- March 19 Economic Summit overview.

Ian: Business Watch program input -- contact him in next 2 weeks: "corridors" (Artesia, PCH, Aviation, ...) perceptions & economic development, e.g., along Artesia. Ideas: cash management on site -- basic procedures in place of business; employee valuables storage; height stickers on door; counterfeit bills; underage alcohol. [Best Practices checklist?] PD chili for SpringFest.

Erin: North Branch Lib closed, books packed by volunteers. Demo date? Book Drop at Perry Park -- date?

John P (for Rotary): Casino Night.

Sheila: Help with promoting SpringFest at other organizations' meetings.

Mitch: July 18 @ Performing Arts Center "Aloha Falsetto" concert.

Paul: Coffee Club card -- for all menu items plus EZ Lube 40% Off, Pep Boys tire rotation & safety check, ...

Vivian: Bank promotions -- FREE checking account with 3.23% interest.

2-12-2009 NRBBA Notes

Attendees: Kathy, Mitch, Sheila, Pat M, Rob, Don, Chantel & Frank, Mike, Paul, Ernie, Clark, Pat A, Matt, Vivian; Bill, Joe; Steve, (Yours truly). Clark presiding.

Handouts: (Don) Treasurer's report - Statement of Cash Flow November 1 to December 31, 2008. (Sheila) Woman's Club fundraiser Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 2 p.m. $20 "Courage of the Creative Spirit: Carrie Hart's One-Woman Show." (Steve) FREE Lamp Exchange February 21 & 22 8:30 am - 1 pm at South Bay Galleria. (City Manager) Measure A - Keeping Pace with Technology.

Don (Treasurer's report): Cash flow statement handed out. NRBBA "corp" but State playing catch-up re non-profit status.

PRESENTATION: City Manager Bill Workman: On March 3 ballot, Measure A updates language for existing 4.75% Utility Users Tax (UUT) from 1969's to today's (and future) technology re "telecomm" use. He said that the Measure creates a "level playing field" for all devices [such as?] and is "revenue neutral" (as yet and ~$2.6M involved currently). It is NOT an Internet tax. Some other cities passed similar measure. See the Chamber's Web site for a video interview with Bill (Candidates Forum venue). PD Chief (Joe) talked about funds and local programs and State holding back more; so, fairness issue; here to help inform/educate re the Measure. Pat A: "Maintain what we already have" and level the playing field, e.g., re Vonage [VOIP]. Pat M: "Skype?" Steve said that only phone service (over something other than traditional hard-wired local line connection) involved. [But you really need to carefully read the (rather long) text of Measure A itself in the Sample Ballot for definitions and intent, as the City and Council cannot legally speak further.]

Joe: He supports the Business Watch program, and will do presentation. Kathy: Springfest chili cook-off possible inter-city or inter-departmental competition?

Rob: CR 2008-2009 glazing & anti-G Redmond's Lock & Key; Clark Adams plaster, ADA bathrooms, glazing; SB Aquatics signage, glazing; Expo Cleaners signage, paint. HP/MA a disabled vet in conjunction with LB VA wheelchair lift saved Rob's program $. (Steve: The vet's story started with a parking ticket -- resident couldn't park close enough to home.) DPL kitchen remodels; due to 2nd mortgage on house, declined a couple of applications.

Clark: State of City breakfast -- see flyer. NRBBA seats already paid for -- let Kathy know. Kathy: SpringFest sponsor banners behind stage -- forms available. Sheila: Woman's Club fundraiser Fire Department spaghetti dinner coming after SpringFest. Clark: Other SpringFest items/requirements being coordinated with City. Kathy: Coordinate info packet with schools re "Battle of the Bands."

Steve: South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) February 27 general assembly (free) at Carson Community Center. Conference on economics. Steve handed out Sunpark Model SP13W-27 compact fluorscent lamps (CFL) to anyone interested. He noted that CFLs contain mercury (as noted on the package for www.lamprecycle.org); so, they are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of as such. Ernie: (regarding hazardous waste) Possible used battery (D, C, AA, AAA) collection? -- so not thrown in regular trash.

Pat A: "Friends of Freeth" last Monday raised > $20K. [See Easy Reader February 5, 2009 page 7 and February 12, 2009 page 16.]

Steve: Concept for "Art on Artesia" re Art Commission agenda. He commented on issue of temporary business signs (such as 'A' frames) and some banners. Ernie commented on history of the sign ordinance -- 30 days within a 12-month period permit ... past clutter. Mike said that there's a problem with the language.

Kathy (for Marna): Economic Summit event coming [see Chamber's site]. Rotary Casino Night.

Paul (Coffee shop in the Shell gas station): Offered to supply coffee for NRBBA meetings.

District 4 news and information bulletin from Redondo Beach Councilmember Steven Diels [via email 2/15/2009]

• Library Book Drop – Great news that we are building a new library.  Note that North Redondo Beach residents can return books to new the book drop at Perry Park during the construction period.
• ADA Shyster lawyer is preying on local Artesia establishments.  The American with Disabilities Act is being abused by an attorney who is extorting legal fees from local businesses under California ADA rules. At least one business is fighting back.  Others have succumbed.
• Put the Art in Artesia – the new Public Arts Commission will be forming soon.  I am emphasizing "Putting the Art in Artesia."
• Broken Windows – applications to replace graffiti etched windows on Artesia Blvd are being taken now.  New graffiti resistant windows are being funded through our commercial rehab program with Federal CDBG matching funds grants.
• The bus benches on Artesia will receive additional cleaning by Social Vocational Services after we expressed our complaints that their maintenance has been below our expectations.

1-8-2009 NRBBA Notes

Attendees: Sadhna, April, Jawad, Don, Erin, Kathy, Jim, Rob, Sheila, Chantel, Frank, Pat M., Ernie; Steve, Pat A., Bob (Backstreet Lounge), (Yours truly). Don presiding.

Handouts: Library: "Library Construction Ahead: Library services at the old North Branch Library will end on January 31, 2009" and "The Last Roundup" farewell to the old North Branch Library (building) -- a free event on Saturday January 31, 2009 at 2:00pm -- see www.redondo.org/cals/library.asp or www.redondo.org/civica/inc/displayblobpdf2.asp?BlobID=17653

Don (Treasurer's report): Nothing to report.

Rob: Relatively quiet due to holidays. Small loan (4% simple interest up to $100K) for heater that went out; new unit in ~3 weeks; ~2 other loans ..., in South Redondo Beach ... HP on target. ER hanging in, stretching funds. CR: Clark's moving forward, Expo Cleaners & South Bay Aquatics in bid, Redmond's getting contracts; so existing projects tap out CR funding. [Rob briefed everyone on City's HUD programs -- see City Programs of Interest or the City's Community Development Block Grant  (CDBG) description.]

Steve: Re new North Branch Lib, some controversy because no interim facility (during construction of new building). Bike Path crossing signal will be sync'd. Steve on South Bay Cities Council of Governments -- bike path lighting & Harbor Patrol facility remodel -- projects advocated. Re SRB & NRB business corridors -- windows etchings in NRB. Can check improvements via Google's Street View, which shows ~2 years ago. [Other remarks on SBCCoG agenda & initiatives re recovery and regional cooperation for "Shovel Ready Projects."]

Pat A.: (Re Obama's speech that morning & possible City projects) Fire, Lifeguard, Harbor Patrol. NRB Transit Center Prop R possible funding. NRBBA ideas?

Ernie: Remarks on new signage -- flyer shared. Also see these 12/16/2008 videos: Pier Signage Celebration & Ribbon Cutting and PCH-Catalina Gateway Celebration and Ribbon Cutting.

Erin: Flyer re North Branch Lib status -- handed out. Sheila: To reduce driving miles, perhaps still a drop-off box (for book returns). Erin: Not sure how often emptied (re labor). Pat A.: Role of volunteers?

Kathy: SpringFest posters & flyers will be distributed in March. (Preliminary versions available here.) Chili cook-off ideas. Don: [Description of venue.] Ernie: Possible Rotary involvement -- need letter from NRBBA. Jim: Rotary Casino Night March 21 at Performing Arts Center.

April: Chamber luncheons, mixers, and SuperBowl 10K on February 2.

Don: Feb 17 State of City breakfast -- for seat, contact Kathy. Next NRBBA meeting there will be a UUT presentation re March ballot. January 15 Candidates Forum at City Hall Council Chambers. (Chamber of Commerce will have video replay available on the RBCC site later.)