Minutes of General Meeting
June 21, 2005
 
The meeting, held in the City of Concord’s Permit Center Conference Room, was called to order by Chair Phil Schafer at 7:00PM. Copies of the agenda were distributed.

Chair Schafer introduced the committee members present and their responsibilities. Present were: Ken Weiss-Treasurer (arrived later), Jerry Curtis-Area 1 rep, Nancy Bolcerek-Area 2 rep, Michael Bryant-Area 3 rep, and Ricki Schafer substituting for Francie Ough-Price-Secretary (absent). Also absent were: Holly Belknap-Vice Chair, Bill Cecil-Area 5 rep, Bruce McManus-Area 4 rep.

Chair Schafer introduced the guest speakers for the meeting. Cathy Turney, an active real estate agent in the Dana Estates area for many years, was invited to speak on “Property Value Enhancement” for your home. Lieutenant Mike Wells from the Concord Police Department attends each meeting with an update to the crime statistics of Dana Estates. 		 
 
  1. Reading of Minutes
    An overview of the March 2005 meeting was given by Chair Schafer. Copies of the minutes from the March general meeting were distributed.
  2. Treasurer’s Report
    Ken Weiss was not available for the meeting.
  3. Property Value Enhancement presentation
    Cathy Turney has lived in the Dana Estates area for 19 years. Mrs. Turney expressed her feelings about the spirit of Dana Estates, the esthetics of our neighborhood, the individual ride of ownership and the concern surrounding the closure of the Naval Weapons Station. Dana Estates has approximately 20% of the homes still owned by the original owners with most homeowners taking great pride in their homes. However, some homes do show neglect. As a concerned neighbor, you can contact the landlord if the home is a rental, or Neighborhood Preservation in extreme cases. Mrs. Turney stated that the four following property enhancements would return the value relative to the cost:
    • Replace windows and doors
    • Kitchen remodel, with new cabinets, new counters, new vinyl flooring and painting, new appliances
    • Central air and new ducts
    • Curb appeal with updated landscaping
    Cathy Turney summed up by saying “Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other.”
  4. National Night Out
    National Night Out (NNO) plans were given by Nancy Bolcerek. NNO is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2 from 7pm to 9pm at Dana Plaza. NNO is a crime/drug prevention awareness event to disburse information to neighborhoods throughout the United States.

    Included this year will be: the “Jumpy House” for the kids, ice cream provided by Loards, the Tamsen Donner Band (with the approval of Dana Plaza to split the cost 50/50), the Concord Police with volunteers to hand out information about crime and to answer questions, and all the merchants of Dana Plaza will be open. Nancy is preparing a card to be used for “stamping” by several of the merchants of Dana Plaza. One card will be drawn each half hour (winner needs to be present) for prizes that will be donated by the Dana Plaza merchants. Last year there were approximately 225 attending, with our expectation for more this year.
  5. Crime Update
    Lieutenant Mike Wells introduced the new system for tracking neighborhood crime. The web-site is: www.concordfirst.com

    Vehicle vandalism and vehicle burglary continue to be the most prevalent crimes in Dana Estates. Three key telephone numbers in order of emergency: 911 for a life or death situation which requires immediate action, 671-3333 for an emergency but not life or death threatening, and 671-3377 which is the valley field office for long term problems or situations that need police intervention.
  6. Traffic Monitoring
    Chair Schafer discussed a Traffic Monitoring device that may become available for use in Dana Estates. Still in the developing stage.
  7. Dana Estates Web Page
    Michael Bryant gave an update of the Dana Estates website: www.danaestates.org The website is still in the embryo stage but growing. The NNO information will be posted as the final plans are formulated. Michael will also have a link to the Concord Police Dept. crime information and their website.
  8. Dumpster Days
    Jerry Curtis confirmed the “Dumpster Days” for Dana Estates. The north side is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th with 10 dumpsters and the south side for Saturday, September 24th with 8 dumpsters. A sign up sheet was circulated for volunteers to monitor the dumpsters. In addition, there will be a backhoe in the area to pick up heavy items and chippers will compost tree and shrub trimmings. The upcoming newsletter will list items that are not acceptable to put in the dumpsters. Any bicycles should be given to the fire department, as they will fix them and distribute them to needy children.

    Also, Jerry asked for any volunteers to help distribute the newsletters. A great way to get some exercise and see your neighborhood!
  9. Naval Weapons Station development plans
    Jim Forsberg, Director of Planning & Economic Development and Philip Woods, Principal Planner (one or both) will be invited to speak at the next general meeting. The City of Concord web site: www.ci.concord.ca.us is a quick link to NWS planning.

    As residents of Dana Estates, we need to input our concerns early to the planning board. The potential impact of the 13,000 homes and 33,000 people will impact our traffic patterns and the existing schools in Dana Estates. Open space has been allocated at 50% of the area. The definitive vision is expected by the end of September.
 
  Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ricki Schafer
(Substituting for Secretary Francie Ough-Price who was absent)