Murdock Neighborhood Association General Meeting

February 28, 2007 at Lynbrook High School Library

The meeting was called to order by President Larry Murchan at 7:00pm

Should I leave the question marks in place& I need to meet more of our neighbors.
Q: n A:.

Welcome / Announcements

• [1] Larry: welcome and thank you to those attending (7:00p) [End of 1]
• [2] Tonight’s Agenda
  • [2.1] Guest Speaker: Pete Constant – District 1 Council [End of 2.1]
  • [2.2] Guest Speaker: Bill Halloway – PG&E Energy Efficiency Rep [End of 2.2]
  • [2.3] Guest Speaker: Todd Capurso – Department of Parks & Recreation Rep. [End of 2.3]
  • [2.4] 2007 Goals and Committee Structure [End of 2.4]
  • [2.5] Open Forum [End of 2.5]
  [End of 2]

Pete Constant and Paul Higgins -- District 1 Representatives (7:05p - 7:30p)

• [1] Purpose of today’s visit is for introduction and to inform the neighborhood of current city activity [End of 1]
• [2] Introduce new staff members Charles Jones and Paul Higgins, the office still retains same chief of staff and other staff members [End of 2]
• [3] New Budget Process
  • [3.1] Mayor Chuck Reed’s philosophy, which is also reflected by Pete, places more emphasis on budget input at the neighborhood level [End of 3.1]
  • [3.2] Old budget process - receive community input in April after initial drafting [End of 3.2]
  • [3.3] New budget process - starts in January with public phone survey and weekend summit including community leaders to find out what should be funded and what services should be provided. Both methods yielded similar interests and concerns [End of 3.3]
  • [3.4] Another priority meeting was scheduled early on in the budget process for Mayor, Councilmembers, Department Heads, Deputies, Head Assistants to determine what the most important services were. They found this set of interests mirrored those from the neighborhoods. [End of 3.4]
  • [3.5] The new budget process is a great tool for the city because they know what is expected and what is needed [End of 3.5]
  [End of 3]
• [4] Pete Constant will now be offering Public Office Hours
  • [4.1] Cypress Senior Center
    1st Friday of the Month (Starting March 2nd 2007)
    11:30a - 1:30p
    403 S. Cypress Avenue, San Jose [End of 4.1]
  • [4.2] West San Jose Community Center
    1st Wednesday of the Month (Starting April 4th 2007)
    7:00p – 8:30p
    3707 Williams Road, San Jose [End of 4.2]
  [End of 4]
• [5] Neighborhood Associations are encouraged to unite in order to build of each other’s experiences and broaden our communication network
  • [5.1] District 1 Neighborhood Association representatives are encouraged to attend the District 1 Neighborhood Meeting
    • [5.1.1] Moreland West Middle School
      Saturday April 7th @ 9:30a [End of 5.1.1]
    [End of 5.1]
  • [5.2] The goal of this meeting is to determine the steps to create a Neighborhood Association “Startup Box” which will include all information and resources necessary to start your own Neighborhood Association. [End of 5.2]
  • [5.3] The city is also offering free website hosting for organization interested in establishing a web presence [End of 5.3]
  • [5.4] Council has proposed the creation of a neighborhood council to facilitate neighborhood and city communications [End of 5.4]
  [End of 5]
• [6] Community breakfast for the State of the City will be held on March 7th @ 7:45am. Tickets are currently sold out but you may contact the council office to get on the waiting list. [End of 6]
• [7] District 1 Motto Contest Deadline is on March 2nd. Entry forms should be submitted to the district office and the top 3 will be chosen and open to public election. Winning submission will receive a personalized tour of city hall from Pete Constant plus lunch. [End of 7]
• [8] 211 service line is now available! Operators will give information about basic services offered in Santa Clara County 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 links to hundreds of community services, such as food and shelter, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, job training, etc. The service is provided by United Way Silicon Valley and is free and confidential in over 140 languages [End of 8]
• [9] Open forum
  • [9.1] Comment: Unsatisfied experience with 311. Was accosted by dubious looking person, called 311 and tried to explain incident, not only was operator not interested but they seemed annoyed.
    • [9.1.1] This behavior is inappropriate, the next phone call should be to Pete’s office [End of 9.1.1]
    • [9.1.2] When in doubt of whether to call 911 or 311, call 911 so they may assess the situation [End of 9.1.2]
    [End of 9.1]
  • [9.2] Q: How are cell phone 911 calls dispatched?
    • [9.2.1] Whichever cell tower picks up the call determines the jurisdiction of the office you will be connected to. For example, driving on 280 you may be in CHP jurisdiction but the cell tower is in SJ so the SJPD will handle the call [End of 9.2.1]
    • [9.2.2] Everyone should program the San Jose emergency hard-line into their cell phone in case they ever need immediate response from San Jose Police Department
      • [9.2.2.1] 408-277-8911 [End of 9.2.2.1]
      [End of 9.2.2]
    [End of 9.2]
  • [9.3] Q: Will 311 be made available to cell phone users?
    • [9.3.1] Future status is unclear, Pete will get non-emergency number to MNA [End of 9.3.1]
    [End of 9.3]
  • [9.4] Addressing recent increase in San Jose West violence, we should remember the recent homicide shootings in December and January were gang related. Additionally, we should look at a longer period of time (i.e. 1-2 years) to accurately determine if this is a trend. [End of 9.4]
  • [9.5] Q: What is the current status of Mayor Chuck Reed’s Sunshine Policy?
    • [9.5.1] A Sunshine Task Force has been established [End of 9.5.1]
    • [9.5.2] A majority of the initial Reed Reforms have already been enacted, some have been directed to the task force, and the remaining are currently under debate [End of 9.5.2]
    • [9.5.3] To learn more about these reforms you may check San Jose City’s Mayor website or the Clerk County Office [End of 9.5.3]
    [End of 9.5]
  • [9.6] Q: How are dumpster days scheduled?
    • [9.6.1] There are two types of sponsorship, city and local [End of 9.6.1]
    • [9.6.2] City sponsored Dumpster Days usually cycle every 2-3 years [End of 9.6.2]
    • [9.6.3] Currently in the scheduling phase and will coordinate with MNA to make sure events don’t overlap [End of 9.6.3]
    [End of 9.6]
  [End of 9]

Bill Halloway – PG&E Energy Efficiency Representative (7:30p – 8:05p)

• [1] Larry introduced Bill and what he will be talking about, mentioned Bill is not authorized to speak on power outages
  • [1.1] Outage questions are better left for a power grid engineer which may be available to speak at our next meeting [End of 1.1]
  [End of 1]
• [2] Smart meters will eventually replace standard meters. They are wireless and connect to local monitoring stations for readings and local outage detection
  • [2.1] When in doubt always call PG&E to make sure outage is reported [End of 2.1]
  [End of 2]
• [3] Q: Is there evidence of long lasting low voltage that is followed by an outage?
  • [3.1] Could not comment [End of 3.1]
  [End of 3]
• [4] Free services from PG&E (purple flyer passed out during the meeting)
  • [4.1] California Alternate Rates for Energy
    1-866-743-2273
    www.pge.com/care [End of 4.1]
  • [4.2] Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help
    1-800-933-9677
    www.pge.com/reach [End of 4.2]
  • [4.3] Medical Baseline, Third-Party Notification, Balanced Payment Plan, Automatic Payment Service, Family Electric Rate Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Program
    1-800-743-5000
    www.pge.com/bpp, www.pge.com/aps, www.pge.com/fera [End of 4.3]
  [End of 4]
• [5] We are in Climate Zone 4 which makes us eligible for rebates
  • [5.1] Q: Does PG&E offer rebates for alternative energy?
    • [5.1.1] No, E7 rate for solar panel roof if you are not home during the day between the hours of 12p-6p. Whatever we don’t use off the solar panels can be sold back at 32 cents per KWH, 9 cents outside of given hours [End of 5.1.1]
    • [5.1.2] If you plan on re-roofing check out the “Cool Roof Rebate Program” [End of 5.1.2]
    [End of 5.1]
  • [5.2] Energy star products offer rebates off your appliances (please see energy star rebate hand out) [End of 5.2]
  • [5.3] Additional rebates offered to those that have had their HVAC ducts sealed
    • [5.3.1] Standard ducts leak 20-50% of the heated air [End of 5.3.1]
    • [5.3.2] It costs about $350 to get them sealed with a no leak spray [End of 5.3.2]
    • [5.3.3] Duct work after September ’06 is eligible for rebate, call 1-800-933-5555 for more info [End of 5.3.3]
    • [5.3.4] Q: Is there time limit to apply for a rebate after your ducts have been sealed?
      • [5.3.4.1] As long as the work was done after September ’06 you are eligible [End of 5.3.4.1]
      [End of 5.3.4]
    • [5.3.5] You are allowed to replace the entire system minus the vent boots and still qualify for the rebate, once you do a 100% replacement you fall under new California Energy Code [End of 5.3.5]
    [End of 5.3]
  [End of 5]
• [6] There are many ways to save money on your energy bill
  • [6.1] Since most of us are fixed with an E1 rate, the price of each KWH goes up with how much energy we use. This means any energy savings will shave off the most expensive part of your bill first [End of 6.1]
  • [6.2] Note your slide rule handout that gives the unit price in common terms for some of our household appliances
    • [6.2.1] Average rates are 0.1516/KWH for electricity and 1.24/Therm for gas [End of 6.2.1]
    • [6.2.2] Can calculate the cost savings of gas versus electric appliances [End of 6.2.2]
    [End of 6.2]
  • [6.3] Comment: Front load washers don’t save on water usage and sometimes require repeat washing [End of 6.3]
  • [6.4] There are huge savings on energy star gas furnaces
    • [6.4.1] Comment: you need to have top of line furnace to see savings, especially in our areas because of the climate
      • [6.4.1.1] You can still see about 23% savings with a high efficiency unit, but the savings do vary with furnace usage [End of 6.4.1.1]
      [End of 6.4.1]
    [End of 6.4]
  • [6.5] Insulation upgrades provide some savings but after an R-11 rating (which is about 3.5 inches of fiberglass) you will see diminishing returns with the higher ratings [End of 6.5]
  • [6.6] Gas water heaters cost 1/3 of electric heaters [End of 6.6]
  • [6.7] Keep in mind energy efficient light bulbs only affect 5-10% of your energy bill but they do last longer [End of 6.7]
  • [6.8] Also be sure to monitor ‘vampire loads’ such as clocks, modems, etc. [End of 6.8]
  [End of 6]
• [7] California is at about 50% of the national energy consumption average [End of 7]
• [8] Open Forum
  • [8.1] Q: Are gas shortages currently an issue?
    • [8.1.1] No, there is currently no gas shortage, in fact rates are fairly low and have been sagging over the last two months [End of 8.1.1]
    [End of 8.1]
  • [8.2] Q: Do CFL bulbs have mercury in them
    • [8.2.1] Yes, but only in very tiny amounts. They should be disposed of as a hazardous material [End of 8.2.1]
    • [8.2.2] The biggest concern is the phosphorous coating on the inside that irritates the skin, always use gloves when handling broken bulbs [End of 8.2.2]
    [End of 8.2]
  • [8.3] Q: What is the cost comparison for a space heater vs. the furnace in a particular room?
    • [8.3.1] You can use the slide wheel to determine specific costs, but generally if you are heating a small space the space heater works best but a larger room is better heated by the furnace [End of 8.3.1]
    [End of 8.3]
  • [8.4] Q: Is there a rebate on double pane windows?
    • [8.4.1] No, but there is a sticker on the newer energy star windows that gives the window’s efficiency rating. The smaller the number the more efficient the window. [End of 8.4.1]
    • [8.4.2] You can also install them for noise reduction, leaking, etc. [End of 8.4.2]
    [End of 8.4]
  • [8.5] Q: Is there a recommended furnace temperature setting?
    • [8.5.1] We typically recommend 68 if you can bare it, but most people set theirs at 70 [End of 8.5.1]
    • [8.5.2] You save 2% on your bill for every degree you decrease (until you reach 68) [End of 8.5.2]
    [End of 8.5]
  • [8.6] Q: Will the 800 number answer questions regarding when to leave your furnace on or off?
    • [8.6.1] Yes, they can even access your account and look at usage trends over the last 13 months [End of 8.6.1]
    [End of 8.6]
  • [8.7] Q: What are the costs on a gas fireplace vs. a gas furnace?
    • [8.7.1] This can also be calculated on the energy slide wheel, gas fireplace $0.44/hour and the gas furnace costs $1.31/hour [End of 8.7.1]
    [End of 8.7]
  [End of 8]

Todd Capurso - San Jose Parks Department Representative (8:05p – 8:35p)

• [1] Turf issue at Murdock park
  • [1.1] Volleyball players have damaged the grass by playing in the same spot over and over [End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] When the city re-turfs an athletic field they put up perimeter fences to allow the grass some recuperation, however this does not look like one of those projects [End of 1.2]
  • [1.3] There is a possibility for turf renovation on some patches, the best time for this would be in the spring or fall [End of 1.3]
  • [1.4] After the new seeds have been dropped, then orange snow fences would be placed around the patches for about 6 weeks to allow the seeds enough time to germinate [End of 1.4]
  • [1.5] After the temporary fences are removed, the patches would be sprayed with a mild weed killer to remove any weeds that sprouted in the 6 week period
    • [1.5.1] Q: Would this be a pre or post-emergent killer?
      • [1.5.1.1] Post emergent herbicide, this is a product that destroys weeds that have already sprouted, it is not a preventative treatment [End of 1.5.1.1]
      [End of 1.5.1]
    [End of 1.5]
  • [1.6] Q: Is there anything we can do if the group persists after treatment?
    • [1.6.1] There really isn’t any enforcement for neighborhood parks, the most we can do is set up some barricades with an advisory [End of 1.6.1]
    [End of 1.6]
  • [1.7] Q: Has there been considerations to put in a permanent volleyball court?
    • [1.7.1] That would be a bigger project and require capital funds, that solution would be reserved for a long term plan [End of 1.7.1]
    • [1.7.2] Also, it is relatively inexpensive for the city to re-turf patches [End of 1.7.2]
    [End of 1.7]
  • [1.8] Q: Are there other turf areas that people can be advised to?
    • [1.8.1] If there are then it can be part of the barricade solution advising others where they may play without destroying the grass [End of 1.8.1]
    [End of 1.8]
  • [1.9] Q: Is there a recuperation period that we can use to suggest an alternating schedule for the team?
    • [1.9.1] The recuperation period depends on the wetness of the ground and the nature of the activity, there is no real accurate approximation [End of 1.9.1]
    [End of 1.9]
  • [1.10] Q: What kind of grass is used?
    • [1.10.1] The standard grass is a 50/50 mixture of Rye and Blue [End of 1.10.1]
    [End of 1.10]
  • [1.11] Q: What about fescue grass?
    • [1.11.1] It is more of a clump grass and doesn’t spread correctly, could be used as part of a mix [End of 1.11.1]
    [End of 1.11]
  • [1.12] Q: What does the sign say on the barricade
    • [1.12.1] It deters concentrated recreational activity in the area and suggests finding a new area [End of 1.12.1]
    [End of 1.12]
  • [1.13] Q: Is there pest control spray on the turf or by the playground?
    • [1.13.1] There is very little insect spray but 90% are herbicide and notices are temporarily posted. The spray is harmless and they are conforming to all city standards [End of 1.13.1]
    [End of 1.13]
  [End of 1]
• [2] Trail maintenance
  • [2.1] The trail lies on Santa Clara Water District property but it is considered a San Jose City trail [End of 2.1]
  • [2.2] There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows trail to include landscaped areas that fall outside of the 2 foot trail boundary [End of 2.2]
  • [2.3] Native plants are being introduced but they don’t always take to the new environment [End of 2.3]
  • [2.4] The baskets are intended to keep existing creek plants away from the newer, more delicate plantings [End of 2.4]
  • [2.5] Q: Is Santa Clara County responsible for the sound wall?
    • [2.5.1] Yes, but we offered to paint over graffiti on the trail side of the wall [End of 2.5.1]
    [End of 2.5]
  • [2.6] Q: Trail sprinkler systems were running for 5 days, who do we call in such a situation?
    • [2.6.1] Mike Will’s office can be reached at 408-277-2734, Dave Arroyo is our community center district representative [End of 2.6.1]
    • [2.6.2] Copper wire was stolen out of the valve boxes and that has also contributed to watering problems in the past [End of 2.6.2]
    [End of 2.6]
  • [2.7] Q: When will the dead plants be replaced?
    • [2.7.1] After the baskets are pulled off, there will be a re-evaluation of which plants need to be replaced. March/April is a good time for replanting [End of 2.7.1]
    [End of 2.7]
  • [2.8] Todd Capurso can be reached at 408-793-5563 for any further questions, also there is more contact info on the city park website [End of 2.8]
  [End of 2]

2007 Goals and Committee Structure (8:35p – 8:45p)

• [1] Larry introduced the new subcommittees and gave a brief description of each one incorporating the topics suggested in the last general meeting
  • [1.1] Service – Neighborhood ‘Makeover’ Assistance, Leveraged Buying Power [End of 1.1]
  • [1.2] Safety – Neighborhood Watch, Traffic, Emergency Preparedness [End of 1.2]
  • [1.3] Spaces – Tulip Trees, Murdock Park, Saratoga Creek trail [End of 1.3]
  • [1.4] Social – Summer Picnics, Youth Involvement [End of 1.4]
  [End of 1]
• [2] We could also begin institutionalizing the welcoming of our new neighbors so they can get a good idea of what our neighborhood is about [End of 2]
• [3] Reminder: It’s time to renew your membership for 2007 [End of 3]
• [4] Larry met with Leslie Maynes, principal of Murdock-Portal, regarding school traffic
  • [4.1] Currently there is only 1 parent volunteer that is trying to help the problem [End of 4.1]
  • [4.2] Leslie is trying to get more parents involved so we can share some of the work [End of 4.2]
  [End of 4]
• [5] Neighborhood Watch Drive, there are many benefits to having one including added safety and increased communication [End of 5]
• [6] Chappie – we are a large group, we can leverage our buying power for services such as landscaping, security systems, tree treatments, etc.
  • [6.1] Doris – Sidewalk repair could be another service to consider [End of 6.1]
  [End of 6]
• [7] There are currently volunteer opportunities within our flyer distribution network, it doesn’t take much to help and it’s a great way to exercise! [End of 7]

Open Forum (8:45p –9:05p)

• [1] Comment: MNA should come together for a neighborhood garage sale in the spring and advertise it at the De Anza Flea Market. If you are interested in participating please email the board at mna-board@googlegroups.com. [End of 1]
• [2] Comment: If you are interested in evaluating the efficiency of your heating and cooling system there is a flyer available on the counter for services [End of 2]
• [3] Tulip Tree Update
  • [3.1] Please plant a tree if you have the space, this makes it easier for future tulip tree removal efforts [End of 3.1]
  • [3.2] Applications are available for FREE trees from Our City Forest. There will be another planting effort in April please contact Doris Livezey for more info. [End of 3.2]
  • [3.3] Remember, pruning a tree without a permit is against the law. Please check if your tree trimmer has a license. [End of 3.3]
  • [3.4] Tulip Tree Injection Project brief
    • [3.4.1] The list for city sponsored treatment is already full for this year [End of 3.4.1]
    • [3.4.2] Last year was unsuccessful because the experiment was conducted too late in the year [End of 3.4.2]
    • [3.4.3] If you would like to pay to have your tree treated, contact Chappie for a group rate discount [End of 3.4.3]
    • [3.4.4] If the city has power washed your sidewalk recently, it is likely your tree has been injected [End of 3.4.4]
    • [3.4.5] ? – How did the project begin?
      • [3.4.5.1] The tree project was initiated by MNA members [End of 3.4.5.1]
      [End of 3.4.5]
    [End of 3.4]
  • [3.5] Judy – is there a plan for a graduated kill?
    • [3.5.1] Ralph asked for a list of the worst trees in the neighborhood, if you think your tree might qualify for city removal, please contact one of the board members [End of 3.5.1]
    • [3.5.2] Comment: There should be objective judgment for deciding which trees are the worst trees [End of 3.5.2]
    [End of 3.5]
  • [3.6] There is a Moratorium in effect to see how the trees respond to this year’s treatment [End of 3.6]
  • [3.7] For clarification, a permitted tree trimmer may prune your tree but YOU must own a permit to have it removed [End of 3.7]
  [End of 3]

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05p